Increase In Epithelial Thickness Research Articles

Изменение корнеального эпителия при коррекции миопии методами SMILE и FemtoLASIK

Purpose. To conduct a comparative analysis of the thickness and topographic distribution of the corneal epithelium at various stages of the postoperative period in patients with moderate myopia after refractive surgery performed by SMILE and FemtoLASIK methods. Material and methods. A total amount of 152 patients with moderate myopia were examined. Depending on the type of refractive surgery, two comparison groups were formed: group 1 – 68 patients with moderate myopia operated by the SMILE method; group 2 – 84 patients with moderate myopia operated by FemtoLASIK. Examinations were performed before surgery and in the postoperative period 1, 5 days, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery. Results. The total epithelial thickness index after SMILE surgery changed in general by the year from 52.41±8.45 to 55.21±9.01 (p>0.05). After FemtoLASIK surgery, there was a gradual increase in epithelial thickness from the first day to a year, without a clear tendency to stabilization, from 51.77±10.09 to 57.30±9.5 (p<0.001). The difference between the comparison groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). The topographic difference of the maximum indices of epithelial hypertrophy in different types of surgery was also noted. Conclusion.SMILE technology is accompanied by asymmetric hypertrophy of the epithelium in the temporal and lower temporal zones which is completed by the 3rd month of the postoperative period. Unlike FemtoLASIK is characterized by almost one and a half times excess of the thickness of the corneal epithelium and the absence of significant stabilization even 12 months after surgery, which indicates ongoing corneal remodeling and incomplete process of postoperative healing. Key words: myopia, SMILE, FemtoLASIK, epithelial hypertrophy, femtosecond laser

The effect of zinc complex of N-isopropenylimidazole on the morphological characteristics of gum tissues in experimental endodontic-periodontal lesions in rats

Introduction: Combined inflammatory and destructive processes affecting the dental pulp and tissues of the periodontal complex are among the most problem diseases of the dental system. Current therapy with use of available pharmacological agents does not always allow achieving the expected positive result. In addition, often the lack of information about morphological processes in the tissues of the dental system, in particular the gums, with endodontic-periodontal lesion (EPL) limits the ability of dentists to carry out targeted pharmacotherapy with both traditional and, in particular, new medications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics of gum tissues in a therapeutic context of N-isopropenylimidazole zinc complex derivative in experimental endodontic-periodontal lesion in rats. Materials and Methods: A simulation of EPL in rats was performed in two ways: simultaneous induction of acute periodontitis and parodontitis by pulp extraction and natural infection of the pulp cavity, as well as by ligation of the necks of lower incisors. The research protocols included 5 groups of animals: 1st – intact group (control-1); 2nd – animals with simulated EPL (control-2); 3rd – animals with simulated EPL and treated with Metrogyl Denta® gel (M-D); 4th – animals with simulated EPL and treated with N–isopropenylimidazole zinc complex derivative gel under the laboratory code Pilim-1; and 5th – animals with simulated EPL and treated with the combination of M-D + Pilim-1. The gum of the lower incisors was taken for morphological studies. Slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Computer morphometry was performed using the ImageJ software. Results and Discussion: The substances M-D, Pilim-1 and, especially, the combination of M-D+Pilim-1 (against the background of chlorhexidine bigluconate used as oral rinse) for 14 days in rats with simulated EPL cause a significant improvement of the morphological structure of the gum with minimal residual dystrophy and sclerosis. The combination M-D + Pilim-1 led to a 1.3-time increase in epithelial thickness, and a 1.5-time decrease in acanthosis depth in comparison with M-D, while the number of capillaries and their diameter had no significant differences. Compared with Pilim-1, the epithelial thickness increased 1.5 times, and the acanthosis depth and the number of capillaries decreased 1.6 and 1.4 times, respectively, whereas the diameter of the capillaries did not change significantly. The pronounced protective effect of the combination M-D + Pilim-1 on the morphological structure of the gingival mucosa of rats with simulated EPL may be associated with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, regenerating, angioprotective and antioxidant properties of both M-D and Pilim-1 separately, and, possibly to a greater extent, of the combination M-D + Pilim-1. Conclusion: The substances M-D, Pilim-1 and, especially, the combination M-D + Pilim-1 (against the background of chlorhexidine bigluconate used as oral rinse) for 14 days in rats with simulated EPL have a protective effect on the epithelial structure and the connective tissue of the proper mucous plate, manifested in active normalization of pathological changes and significant restoration of their organotypic structure.

Long-term clinical and histological safety and efficacy of the CO2 laser for treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: an original study

Objective This study aimed to evaluate histological modifications of the vaginal mucosa after repeated microablative fractional CO2 laser treatments. As secondary objectives we evaluated the clinical effects associated with repeated microablative fractional CO2 laser treatments using validated questionnaires. Methods A prospective intervention study was performed in the Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Urogynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute with 15 postmenopausal women complaining of genitourinary syndrome of menopause symptoms. The cohort of patients was submitted to at least two previous laser treatment cycles in the past years. The Vaginal Health Index (VHI), visual analog scale (VAS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ-UI) and 5-point Likert scale were used. Moreover, histological examinations were carried out on all samples. Results At 4 weeks after the last treatment, the VHI score and all FSFI items were significantly increased compared with baseline. We observed a statistically significant decrease in both frequency and severity for all urinary symptoms after the follow-up. We observed a statistically significant increase in the number of epithelial cell layers with a consequent increase in epithelial thickness, in the number of glycogen-filled cells and in the number of papillae after the laser treatment. No signs of fibrosis were observed as neovascularization was observed in each woman. Conclusions This is the first study demonstrating the histological persistency of efficacy in repeated annually laser treatment cycles, with tissue changes always leading to regenerative results without any sign of fibrosis. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04868812 (release date: 27 April 2021).

Spinal Cord Injury Causes Marked Tissue Rearrangement in the Urethra-Experimental Study in the Rat.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in the time-dependent development of urinary impairment due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and detrusor-sphincter-dyssynergia (DSD). This is known to be accompanied by massive changes in the bladder wall. It is presently less clear if the urethra wall also undergoes remodelling. To investigate this issue, female rats were submitted to complete spinal transection at the T8/T9 level and left to recover for 1 week and 4 weeks. To confirm the presence of SCI-induced NDO, bladder function was assessed by cystometry under urethane anesthesia before euthanasia. Spinal intact animals were used as controls. Urethras were collected and processed for further analysis. Following thoracic SCI, time-dependent changes in the urethra wall were observed. Histological assessment revealed marked urethral epithelium reorganization in response to SCI, as evidenced by an increase in epithelial thickness. At the muscular layer, SCI resulted in strong atrophy of the smooth muscle present in the urethral sphincter. Innervation was also affected, as evidenced by a pronounced decrease in the expression of markers of general innervation, particularly those present in sensory and sympathetic nerve fibres. The present data show an evident impact of SCI on the urethra, with significant histological rearrangement, accompanied by sensory and sympathetic denervation. It is likely that these changes will affect urethral function and contribute to SCI-induced urinary dysfunction, and they deserve further investigation.

In-process monitoring of a tissue-engineered oral mucosa fabricated on a micropatterned collagen scaffold: use of optical coherence tomography for quality control

BackgroundWe previously reported a novel technique for fabricating dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ)-like micropatterned collagen scaffolds to manufacture an ex vivo produced oral mucosa equivalent (EVPOME) for clinical translation; however, more biomimetic micropatterns are required to promote oral keratinocyte-based tissue engineering/regenerative medicine. In addition, in-process monitoring for quality control of tissue-engineered products is key to successful clinical outcomes. However, evaluating three-dimensional tissue-engineered constructs such as EVPOME is challenging. This study aimed to update our technique to fabricate a more biomimetic DEJ structure of oral mucosa and to investigate the efficacy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in combination with deep learning for non-invasive EVPOME monitoring. MethodsA picosecond laser-textured microstructure mimicking DEJ on stainless steel was used as a negative mould to fabricate the micropatterned collagen scaffold. During EVPOME manufacturing, OCT was applied twice to monitor the EVPOME and evaluate its epithelial thickness. FindingsOur moulding system resulted in successful micropattern replication on the curved collagen scaffold. OCT imaging visualised the epithelial layer and the underlying micropatterned scaffold in EVPOME, enabling to non-invasively detect specific defects not found before the histological examination. Additionally, a gradual increase in epithelial thickness was observed over time. ConclusionThese findings demonstrate the feasibility of using a stainless-steel negative mould to create a more biomimetic micropattern on collagen scaffolds and the potential of OCT imaging for quality control in oral keratinocyte-based tissue engineering/regenerative medicine.

Corneal Findings Associated to Belantamab-Mafodotin (Belamaf) Use in a Series of Patients Examined Longitudinally by Means of Advanced Corneal Imaging.

Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) is a novel antibody–drug conjugate developed for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Although the drug has demonstrated a good efficacy, corneal adverse events have been reported. In this prospective study, consecutive patients with RRMM who received belamaf infusions were included. The standard ophthalmological visit was implemented with anterior segment (AS)-optical coherence tomography (OCT) and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). Five patients (three males, two females; mean age 66 ± 6.0 years) with MMRR and unremarkable ocular findings at baseline who received belamaf infusion were included. After a median time of 28 days from the first infusion, four of them developed corneal alterations with transient vision reduction to a variable extent. In particular, corneal deposits of microcyst-like epithelial changes (MECs) were detected centrally in one patient and peripherally in three patients. AS-OCT scans showed a bilateral heterogeneous increase in signal intensity, together with hyper-reflective lesions confined within the epithelium in all cases, except for one case in which they also involved the stroma. Corneal maps showed a transient increase in epithelial thickness in the first phase that was followed by a diffuse decrease in the subsequent phase. IVCM scans showed MECs as hyper-reflective opacities located at the level of corneal epithelium, largely intracellular. Multimodal corneal imaging may implement the current clinical scale, helping us to detect corneal abnormalities in patients under belamaf therapy. This workup provides useful data for monitoring over time corneal findings and for optimizing systemic therapy.

Exploring the Potential Effects and Mechanisms of Asarum sieboldii Radix Essential Oil for Treatment of Asthma.

Asthma, a common chronic pulmonary disorder characterized by airway remodeling, hyperresponsiveness and obstruction, can be aggravated by repeated exposure to particulate matter (PM). The potential effect and mechanisms of Asarum sieboldii Radix essential oil (AEO) against asthma were explored based on network pharmacology. AEO was pre-treated using a nebulizer for 3 weeks and the mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and PM10 with the co-treatment of AEO for 4 weeks. In addition, A549 lung epithelial cells were sensitized with PM10 to investigate the underlying mechanisms of AEO regarding the lung-fibrosis-related mediators. The target genes of methyl eugenol, a main compound of AEO, were highly matched by 48% with the gene set of asthma. AEO markedly inhibited the increase in epithelial thickness through the accumulation of goblet cells in the airways. Collagen deposition in the lung tissues of OVA+PM10-challenged asthmatic mice was significantly decreased by AEO. AEO also inhibited the influx of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, as well as the increases in serum IgE and IgG2a and cytokines in the lung tissues. Furthermore, AEO regulated the expressions of fibrotic mediators, especially POSTN and TGF-β. In conclusion, we expect that AEO can be one of the effective alternative therapeutics to relieve asthma.

Postmenopausal Vaginal Microbiome and Microbiota.

The ovulatory cycle has a significant influence on the microbial composition, according to the action of estrogen and progesterone on the stratified squamous epithelium, due to an increase in epithelial thickness, glycogen deposition, and influence on local immunology. The 16S rRNA gene amplification and pyrosequencing study demonstrated that healthy women have community state types (CST), classified as; type “L,” with a predominance of Lactobacillus crispatus, type II, with a predominance of Lactobacillus gasseri, type III, where Lactobacillus iners predominates, and type V with a predominance of Lactobacillus jensenii. Type IV does not identify lactobacilli but a heterogeneous population of bacteria. There seems to be a relationship between increased vaginal bacterial diversity and poverty of lactobacilli with the complaining of vaginal dryness. With menopause, there appears to be a reduction in lactobacilli associated with higher serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and lower estrogen levels. The evaluation of Gram-stained vaginal smears in postmenopause women must take into account the clinical-laboratory correlation. We should observe two meanly possibilities, atrophy with few bacterial morphotypes, without inflammatory, infiltrate (atrophy without inflammation), and atrophy with evident inflammatory infiltrate (atrophy with inflammation or atrophic vaginitis). The relationship between the microbiome and postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms seems to be related to the bacterial vaginal population. However, more robust studies are needed to confirm this impression.

The Effect of Alpinia Galanga Extract to Seminiferous Tubular Epithelial Thickness and Seminiferous Tubular Diameter of Male Mice Induced to Lead Acetate

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of Alpinia galanga extract for seminiferous tubular epithelial thickness, and seminiferous tubular diameter of mice induced to lead acetate. This study was experimental, 25 male mice (Mus musculus) strain Balb/C with average arround 30 gram were divided into 5 groups in a completely randomized design with different treatments for 24 days. The negative control group C (-) was given CMC-NA, the positive control group C(+) was given CMC-NA + lead acetate, groups P1, P2, and P3 were given galangal extract 200, 400, and 800 mg/kgBB + CMC-NA + lead acetate. Mice were sacrificed at a predetermined time and then histopathological preparations of testicular organs were made for epithelial thickness and seminiferous tubule diameter. Data analysis used ANOVA test and continued with LSD test. The result of the research galangal extract administration showed an increase in epithelial thickness and diameter significantly by the three treatment groups against the control (+) (p<0.05). group P2 which given galangal extract 200 mg/kgBw/day is the most effective to prevent epithelial thickness (59.83 ± 0.48; p<0.05) and diameter of seminiferous tubules (180.89 ± 0.85; p<0.05) because the result not significantly different from the control group (-) where epithelial thickness (59.64 ± 1.83; p<0.05) and seminiferous tubule diameter (180.71 ± 1.37; p<0.05) were given CMC- NA 0.2 ml/day. It can be concluded that giving galangal extract to male mice exposed to lead acetate was proven to maintain thick epithelium and seminiferous tubule diameter.

Innovative Treatment Using Salmon Skin Extract as Topical Application for Traumatic Oral Ulcer Healing: Animal Models

Salmon skin extract contains high proline and hydroxyproline, and has been suggested as a potential topical agent for traumatic oral ulcer healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of salmon skin extract as traumatic oral ulcer healing. A total of 32 Wistar rats (200 g to 250 g) were distributed into four groups. Group 1 served as the control group (no treatment), Group 2 was topically treated with salmon skin extract agent 4%, Group 3 was topically treated with salmon skin extract agent 5%, and Group 4 was topically treated with salmon skin extract agent 6%. Traumatic ulcers at lip mucosa were performed in all rats and 0.1 ml salmon skin extract was applied on the ulcer twice daily for seven days. The animals were euthanised on the last day of treatment. Biopsy specimens were taken from the lip mucosa in all rats for epithelial thickness evaluation and the study for number of fibroblasts by histological analysis. Significant increase in epithelial thickness and the number of fibroblasts (p > 0.05) was observed in salmon skin extract treatment groups as compared to the control group. Salmon skin extract 6% treatment group had the highest epithelial thickness and the number of fibroblasts amongst the study groups. Salmon skin extract promises an innovative topical application treatment for traumatic oral ulcer healing. Salmon skin extract 6% was the most effective concentration for traumatic oral ulcer healing.

Beneficial Effect of Arabica Coffee Fruit Skin (Coffea Arabica) on Epithelial Thickness after Tooth Extraction

Background: In Indonesia, tooth extraction is the most common practice in dentistry. A successful indicator of tooth extraction is a perfect healing process. One of the parameters of a perfect healing process is epithelial formation. Based on previous research, arabica coffee fruit skin has proven potential to accelerate the wound healing process. The compounds in the arabica coffee fruit skin are mostly composed of flavonoids, tannins, and chlorogenic acid. Purpose: This research is proposed to understand the beneficial effect of arabica coffee fruit skin (Coffea arabica) towards the increase of epithelial thickness in post tooth extraction socket. Material and Method: The type of this research was laboratory experimental in vivo with post-test only control group design using 24 Wistar rats as a sample. The sample was separated into two groups, control and intervention groups with 12 Wistar rats each. Treatment in both groups was given during 3, 5, and 7 days. Afterward, tissue processing undergoes with buccolingual cutting and HE coloring. Measurements are carried out with the ImageRaster software in the thickest and thinnest part of the epithelium that covers the tooth socket. Result: Epithelial thickness after tooth extraction increased significantly (p<0.05) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Arabica coffee fruit skin has the beneficial effect of increasing the epithelial thickness after tooth extraction.

Alterations in gills and intestine of Danio rerio after exposure to acaricide yoksorrun-5EC (hexythiazox): histopathologic and morphometric evaluation

In this study, histopathological and morphological changes in gill and intestinal tissue of zebra fish exposed to acaricide yoksorrun were aimed to determine. Yoksorrun was applied to the experimental groups as 0.01 mL/L, 0.02 mL/L, and 0.03 mL/L. Histopathological findings which showed a parallel increase with the amount of exposure in the gill were determined. In the gills, disruption of lamellae shape, shortening and breakage of primary and secondary lamellae, edema, fusion, and separation in the secondary lamellae epithelium, hyperplasia were observed. In the intestine tissue of some groups, advanced necrosis at the tip of the villi and deterioration of the overall integrity of the villi in these regions, epithelial hyperplasia, increasing in eosinophilic cells in the submucosa, and dissolution in muscle fibers of tunica muscularis were observed. In the morphometric analysis of the gills, a significant decrease in gas exchange (PAGE) percentages (p < 0.0001) was observed in the experiment group compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, a significant decrease in the interlamellar distance and secondary lamellar length measurements of the gills and a significant increase in the secondary lamellar width measurement were observed. In basal epithelial thickness measurement, the result was insignificant between the groups. According to the results of the morphometric analysis of the intestine, a significant decrease in musculus externa was observed only in the group 2. In total wall thickness, there was a significant thinning (p < 0.0001) in all experimental groups. There was a significant shortening of the villi length (p < 0.0001) and a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in the villus width only in the group 2 and group 3. A significant increase in epithelial thickness after application was observed (p < 0.0001) in all groups compared to the control group. Based on the findings, it was decided that the living in the aquatic ecosystem would be adversely affected by this acaricide if exposed.

The ewe as an animal model of vaginal atrophy and vaginal Er:YAG laser application.

In sheep of reproductive age, we aimed to document decrease in epithelial thickness, glycogen amount, and other vaginal changes after castration and the effect of Er:YAG laser as used clinically. On day 0, 16 sheep underwent ovariectomy. They were randomized to sham or three vaginal Er:YAG laser applications at monthly intervals. Primary outcome was vaginal epithelial thickness (d60, d71, d73, d77, and d160). Secondary outcomes included indicators of atrophy (vaginal health index = VHI), pH, cytology, morphology at the above time points, microcirculation focal depth (FD; d70 and d160), and at sacrifice (d160) vaginal dimensions and active and passive biomechanical testing. Menopausal changes between 60 and 160 days after ovariectomy included a progressive decrease in epithelial thickness, in VHI, FD, glycogen, elastin content and vasculature, and an increase in pH and collagen content. In lasered animals, the first day a few white macroscopic foci were visible and an increase in pH was measured. Both disappeared within 3 days. Seven days after laser the epithelial thickness increased. At sacrifice (d160), there were no differences between sham and laser group in vaginal dimensions, morphometry, mitotic and apoptotic activity, active contractility, vaginal compliance, except for a lower blood vessel density in the lamina propria of the midvagina in the laser group. In reproductive sheep, ovariectomy induces vaginal atrophy evidenced in different outcome measurements. Vaginal Er:YAG laser induced visual impact, a short-term increase in epithelial thickness yet no long-term changes compared to sham therapy in menopausal controls.

Vaginal Er:YAG laser application in the menopausal ewe model: a randomised estrogen and sham-controlled trial.

To describe effects of non-ablative erbium-doped:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Er:YAG) laser on vaginal atrophy induced by iatrogenic menopause in the ewe. Animal experimental, randomised, sham and estrogen-treatment controlled study with blinding for primary outcome. KU Leuven, Belgium. Twenty-four ewes. Menopause was surgically induced, after which the ewes were randomised to three groups receiving vaginal Er:YAG laser application three times, with a 1-month interval; three sham manipulations with a 1-month interval; or estrogen replacement and sham manipulations. At given intervals, ewes were clinically examined and vaginal wall biopsies were taken. Vaginal compliance was determined by passive biomechanical testing from explants taken at autopsy. Vaginal epithelial thickness (primary), composition of the lamina propria (collagen, elastin, glycogen and vessel content), vaginal compliance, clinical signs. Animals exposed to Er:YAG laser application and sham manipulation, but not to estrogens, displayed a significant and comparable increase in vaginal epithelial thickness between baseline and 7days after the third application (69% and 67%, respectively, both P<0.0008). In laser-treated ewes, temporary vaginal discharge and limited thermal injury were observed. Estrogen-substituted ewes displayed a more prominent increase in epithelial thickness (202%; P<0.0001) and higher vaginal compliance (P<0.05). None of the interventions induced changes in the lamina propria. Vaginal Er:YAG laser has comparable effect to sham manipulation in menopausal ewes. Vaginal Er:YAG laser has comparable effect to sham manipulation in menopausal ewes #LASER #GSM #RCT.

Effects of non-ablative Er:YAG laser on the skin and the vaginal wall: systematic review of the clinical and experimental literature.

Er:YAG laser is frequently used in dermatology and gynecology. Clinical studies document high satisfaction rates; however, hard data on the effects at the structural and molecular levels are limited. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize current knowledge about the objective effects of non-ablative Er:YAG laser on the skin and vaginal wall. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and the Web of Science. Studies investigating objectively measured effects of non-ablative Er:YAG laser on the skin or vaginal wall were included. Studies of any design were included. Owing to the lack of methodological uniformity, no meta-analysis could be performed and therefore results are presented as a narrative review. We identified in vitro or ex vivo studies on human cells or tissues, studies in rats, and clinical studies. Most studies were on the skin (n = 11); the rest were on the vagina (n = 4). The quality of studies is limited and the settings of the laser were very diverse. Although the methods used were not comparable, there were demonstrable effects in all studies. Immediately after application the increase in superficial temperature, partial preservation of epithelium and subepithelial extracellular matrix coagulation were documented. Later, an increase in epithelial thickness, inflammatory response, fibroblast proliferation, an increase in the amount of collagen, and vascularization were described. Er:YAG laser energy may induce changes in the deeper skin or vaginal wall, without causing unwanted epithelial ablation. Laser energy initiates a process of cell activation, production of extracellular matrix, and tissue remodeling.

Modulatory Role of Melatonin on the Structure of Hard Palatal Mucosa of Aged Rats

Introduction: Aging greatly diminishes the ability of oral tissues to withstand various types of functional insults, and reduces cell regeneration. Hence, anti-oxidation is mandatory to preserve oral tissues especially while aging. Melatonin is an anti-oxidant with established potential in hindering age-related changes. Aim: to evaluate the extent of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of melatonin on aged hard palatal tissues of rats. Materials & Methods: twenty-one Albino rats 200-250 gms each, were used in this study. They were equally divided into 3 groups; Control Young Gp: 6 months of age, Control Senile Gp:18 months of age, and Melatonin Gp: 18 months of age. After 8 weeks, rats were sacrificed by high dose of anesthesia. The hard-palatal mucosae of all rats were separated and processed for histologic examination by H&E, Masson Trichrome stain, and immuno-histochemical staining by Anti-PCNA, then examined by light microscopy. Results: the control senile Gp showed statistically significant increase in vacuolated epithelial cells and area percentage of mature collagen fibers, as well as statistically significant reduction in PCNA-positive cells and apparent reduction of epithelial thickness. On the other hand, the melatonin Gp displayed statistically significant increase in PCNA-positive cells, area percentage of immature collagen fibers, while significant decrease in No. of vacuolated epithelial cells and apparent increase of epithelial thickness. Discussion: Aging resulted in deteriorated regeneration, enhanced apoptosis, with reduced cellularity and vascularity. On the other hand, melatonin greatly improved cellular proliferation, reduced apoptosis, enhanced CT tissue regeneration and collagen production. As well as reduction in inflammatory cells.

The Effect of Tomato Juice in Increasing Ki-67 Expression and Epithelial Thickness on The Vaginal Wall of Menopausal Rats

BACKGROUND: Dyspareunia and pain due to the decrease of vaginal wall thickness usually happen in menopausal women. The reduction of estrogen levels cause the decreasing of cell proliferation and the thinning of vaginal wall epithelium. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a source of phytoestrogens, which produce estrogenic effects. This study aims to assess the effect of tomato juice on Ki-67 expression and epithelial thickness of the vaginal wall in menopausal rats.METHODS: This was an experimental study using Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-four female rats, aged 4 months and weighing 150-200 grams, were divided into 4 groups. Each group consisted of 6 rats. Negative control (NC) group was group of rats with sham procedure and performed by distilled water for 28 days. Positive control (PC) group was group of bilateral ovariectomized rats and performed by distilled water for 28 days. The first treatment (T1) group was group of bilateral ovariectomized rats, given tomato juice at dose of 11g/200g body weight (BW)/day. The second treatment (T2) group was group of bilateral ovariectomized rats, given tomato juice at dose of 15g/200g BW/day. Data analysis was done with Anova, multiple comparisons and regression test.RESULTS: The group with lowest Ki-67 expression was PC group (2.52±0.60). The expression of Ki-67 in treatment groups (T1 and T2) was higher than PC group, but lower than NC group. There was no significant difference between groups (p=0.771). The lowest epithelial thickness was found in PC group (21.19±3.96) and the highest was found in the treatment groups (38.73±12.43). There was positive correlation between tomato juice and epithelial thickness (p=0.647).CONCLUSION: Tomato juice increases Ki-67 expression and epithelial thickness on the vaginal wall of menopausal rats. The increase of epithelial thickness follows the administration dose, but Ki-67 expression does not exceed in the control rats. Tomato juice increases the cell proliferation of vaginal wall on menopausal rats, however the increase is still within normal limits.KEYWORDS: epithelial thickness, Ki-67, menopause, tomato juice

SIMULATION ASSESSMENT OF THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF VITAMIN C AND E AGAINST CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE IN RATS TONGUE MUCOSA: HISTOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY

Objectives: Oral mucositis was found to be one of the most common side effects of cyclophosphamide use. The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin C or E as a treatment for the induced cyclophosphamide tongue mucositis.Materials and Methods: Eighty rats were randomly divided into two equal groups: The control group was intraperitoneally injected by physiological saline and were grouped randomly into four equal subgroups: Distilled water, corn oil, vitamin C (12 mg/kg/day), and vitamin E (40mg/kg/day) treatment groups. For induction of mucositis to the study group, a single dose of cyclophosphamide (300 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to each animal, and the animals were also grouped randomly in to four subgroups in the same manner as in the control group. Five of the animals in each group were sacrificed at day four and the other five at day eight and the tongue was dissected for histological and immunohistochemical analysis.Results: In comparison with the cyclophosphamide/water treated group, vitamin C caused a non-significant increase in epithelial thickness, non-significant decrease in damage score and caspase-3 immune expression at day four (p>0.05), but a significant increase in Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) immune expression at day four and eight was seen (p<0.05). While vitamin E cause a significant increase in epithelial thickness, a significant decrease in damage score and caspase-3 immune expression at day four, and a significant increase in PCNA immune expression at day four and eight (p<0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin E is better than vitamin C in decreasing the severity of tongue mucositis induced by cyclophosphamide in rats.

Longitudinal and Regional Non-uniform Remodeling of Corneal Epithelium After Topography-Guided FS-LASIK.

To observe the epithelial remodeling over a 9-mm diameter cornea induced by topography-guided femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for myopia correction using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Forty-three eyes of 22 patients who underwent topography-guided FS-LASIK for myopic correction were included. The "Pachymetrywide" scan pattern was used to generate the epithelial thickness map using SD-OCT preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Epithelial thickness was compared and analyzed by section and zone. Compared to the preoperative values, the change in the average epithelial thickness in the central, paracentral, and mid-peripheral zones was 2.09, 4.53, and -0.87 µm at 1 month; 3.00, 4.61, and -0.97 µm at 3 months; and 3.28, 4.55, and -0.81 µm at 6 months postoperatively, respectively. From 1 to 3 months postoperatively, the central epithelial thickness changed significantly (P = .021), whereas the epithelial thickness in the paracentral (P = .973) and mid-peripheral (P = .996) zones stabilized. No significant epithelial thickness change was observed in the zones between 3 and 6 months postoperatively (all P > .05). The epithelial thickness in the paracentral inferotemporal section increased by 12.7% at 6 months after surgery. The central epithelial hyperplasia showed no correlation with the change in postoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent (P = .313). After topography-guided FS-LASIK, the 9-mm diameter epithelial thickness showed a longitudinal and regional non-uniform redistribution. Central epithelial remodeling stabilized more slowly. The greatest increase in epithelial thickness was observed in the paracentral inferotemporal section. This epithelial remodeling did not cause refractive regression. [J Refract Surg. 2019;35(2):88-95.].

Comparison of Corneal Epithelial Remodeling Over 2 Years in LASIK Versus SMILE: A Contralateral Eye Study.

To evaluate 3-dimensional epithelial remodeling in patients undergoing myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) versus small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). In a prospective randomized contralateral eye study of LASIK versus SMILE procedures, 21 consecutive patients (42 eyes) were evaluated with corneal epithelial mapping by anterior segment optical coherence tomography for up to 2 years. In the LASIK group, central epithelial thickness increased from 52.38 ± 2.57 μm to 57.00 ± 4.23 μm and remained almost stable at this level for up to 24 months. In the SMILE eyes, it increased from 52.52 ± 3.01 μm to 57.15 ± 4.57 μm and also remained stable for up to 24 months. Both techniques created the same level of epithelial thickness increase and variation, with a significantly higher mid-peripheral epithelial thickness increase. The differences between the preoperative and postoperative changes were found statistically significant, but not different between the 2 techniques at any given time studied. Both LASIK and SMILE resulted in significant epithelial thickening. This response seemed to be surprisingly quite similar between the 2 different techniques. This study suggests that epithelial remodeling may correlate with relative curvature changes resulting after both techniques, rather than the obvious difference of subepithelial corneal denervation changes.