Inflammatory Changes Research Articles

IgG4-related Breast Disease: Review of the Literature.

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a rare illness with inflammatory and fibrotic changes in affected organs such as pancreas, thyroid, salivary or lacrimal glands, and retroperitoneal space; rarely other organs may be involved. IgG4-related breast disease (IgG4-BD) is very rare and generally presents as a lump or mastitis. IgG4-BD as a presenting feature of IgG4-RD is extremely rare. Hence, this paper reviews the known (n=48) IgG-BD cases reported in the literature to date. The majority of cases were diagnosed on routine mammography or during assessment for other clinically significant features. The absence of a lump border, and especially the absence of calcifications on ultrasonography, mammography, or computed tomography, is typical for IgG4-BD. Characteristic IgG4-BD pathological findings were dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with stromal fibrosis, and more than 10% IgG4+ plasma cells/high-power field (HPF); the mean percentage of IgG4+/IgG+ plasma cells was 54.2%, and only one-third of the patients had all "classical" signs of IgG4-BD including storiform fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis. Most of the cases had a benign course and responded to surgical excision with or without steroid therapy.

Brain inflammaging in the pathogenesis of late-life depression.

Late-life depression (LLD) is a prevalent mental disorder among older adults. Previous studies revealed that many pathologic factors are associated with the onset and development of LLD. However, the precise mechanisms that cause LLD remain elusive. Aging induces chronic inflammatory changes mediated by alterations of immune responses. The chronic systemic inflammation termed "inflammaging" is linked to the etiology of aging-related disorders. Aged microglia induce senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and transition to M1-phenotype, cause neuroinflammation, and diminish neuroprotective effects. In addition, there is an age-dependent loss of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. As the BBB breakdown can lead to invasion of immune cells into brain parenchyma, peripheral immunosenescence may cause microglial activation and neuroinflammation. Therefore, it is suggested that these mechanisms related to brain inflammaging may be involved in the pathogenesis of LLD. In this review, we described the role of brain inflammaging in LLD. Pharmacologic approaches to prevent brain inflammaging appears to be a promising strategy for treating LLD.

Treating Chronic Tendinopathy: Physical Therapy, Surgery and Other Form of Therapy

Introduction: The term "tendinopathy" refers to pathological changes in tendons. The previously used term "tendonitis" does not fully capture the nature of the condition, as inflammatory changes, when present, are secondary to degenerative damage. Tendinopathies are quite common in the general population. Aim: The aim of this review is to characterize various types of tendinopathies, with a focus on both conservative and surgical treatment methods, in order to organize available information that may be helpful for clinicians in their practice. State of Knowledge: Chronic tendinopathies develop as a result of multiple factors. The most significant include improper exercise techniques, excessive strain, and musculoskeletal system abnormalities. Summary (Conclusions): The approach to tendinopathy treatment should vary depending on the patient's clinical condition and provoking factors. Physiotherapy plays the most important role, along with supportive methods such as analgesic pharmacotherapy and cryotherapy. Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases where conservative treatment fails.

Клиническое наблюдение ретроспективной диагностики болезни Кавасаки

This research was aimed to demonstrating to the pediatric practitioners of a wide range the clinical case of retrospective diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD) based on detection of coronary artery (CA) aneurysms and anamnestic data analysis. Mucocutaneous lymphonodular syndrome (KD) is a systemic vasculitis of childhood that was characterized in the observed clinical case by fever, inflammatory changes in the mucous membranes, skin, lymph nodes and CA damage. Features of this clinical case were as follows: 1. the diagnosis was established retrospectively 5 years later than the KD was suffered based on accidental detection of CA aneurysms, 2. the lack of adequate KD treatment had led to the formation of CA aneurysms, including a single one of a giant size, 3. despite the long-term absence of generally accepted thrombosis prophylaxis in a patient with a giant CA aneurysm, only 11 years later did a thrombus in the aneurysm formed for the first time, which had then regressed rapidly despite it is known from the bibliographical data and those of the Authors’ own that the risk for thrombosis is very high in patients with giant aneurysms. Conclusion: late KD diagnosis entails the development of the cardiovascular system complications, in particular, coronary aneurysms, which in its turn in the reported clinical case were an accidental finding during the patient’s checkup.

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis in neuroradiology - behavior and evolution of vertebral and mandibular lesions on imaging.

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare non-infectious inflammatory musculoskeletal disease where imaging plays a key diagnostic role. Vertebral and mandibular lesions are frequent manifestations, meaning their awareness is crucial for the neuroradiologist to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. Characterize vertebral and mandibular CNO lesions on imaging to assist practicing neuroradiologists in better identifying this disease. Retrospective review of all CNO patients of our pediatric center, including only patients with vertebral or mandibular lesions. All imaging exams were analyzed to record lesion characteristics. We included 13 patients (six male). The mean age of onset was 12.3years. Ten patients had only vertebral lesions, two had only mandibular lesions, and one had both. For patients with vertebral lesions, the median number of levels affected was three, 81.8% had multiple levels affected, 90.0% had dorsal spine lesions, 72.7% had platyspondyly, and 81.8% had inflammatory changes. All vertebral lesions had at least partial resolution of inflammatory findings, the mean time of lesion activity was 2.5years, and recurrence occurred in 27.3%. Three patients had sacral lesions, all with sacroiliitis. In patients with mandibular lesions, all had unilateral lesions involving the mandibular ramus, all had hyperostosis, periosteal reaction, bone edema, and soft tissue inflammation, all had partial resolution on follow-up, and one had recurrence. CNO vertebral lesions are not rare, are often multiple, predominantly affect dorsal levels, and most result in vertebral height loss. Resolution of vertebral inflammatory lesions is frequent, but so is recurrence. Sacral lesions may be present and result in sacroiliitis. The mandible may be a site of unifocal disease, typically affecting the ramus, with prominent bony changes and soft tissue inflammation.

Development of a Rapid Diagnostic Method for Sporotrichosis

Introduction: Sporotrichosis, a prevalent deep fungal infection in clinical settings, currently lacks rapid and accurate diagnostic methodologies. This study explores a novel rapid diagnosis method for sporotrichosis by combining FTA cards and nested PCR with fungal fluorescence staining. Methods: The study involved skin lesion tissues from 26 patients diagnosed with sporotrichosis (Experimental Group). The Positive Control Group consisted of fungal suspensions from clinical strains of Sporothrix, while the Negative Control Group included fungal solutions of other fungi, namely Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophyte, and Candida albicans. DNA was extracted from the slurry of skin lesions in the Experimental Group and from fungal suspensions in the Control Group using FTA cards, followed by nested PCR amplification. Subsequently, nested PCR amplification was performed. Histopathological examinations, including HE and fluorescence staining, were conducted on paraffin sections prepared from skin lesion tissues in the Experimental Group. Results: Among the 26 clinical skin lesion tissues in the Experimental Group, 8 cases showed a specific positive band upon nested PCR amplification, resulting in a positive rate of 30.8%. In the Control Group, the fungal solution of the clinical strain of Sporothrix showed a specific positive band upon nested PCR amplification, while all other fungi Negative Control Group tested negative. Histopathological examination revealed granulomatous inflammatory changes in most samples after HE staining. Fluorescence staining detected spores in 17 cases, resulting in a detection rate of 65.4% (17/26). Conclusion: The combination of FTA cards with nested PCR method proved to be simple and rapid but demonstrated a relatively low positive rate. Fungal fluorescence staining significantly improved the sensitivity of detecting sporotrichosis in histopathological examinations, thereby improving the speed and efficiency of diagnosis.

Renal Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Abnormalities During the Initial Stages of Hypertension in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Background: Hypertension is a major cause of mortality worldwide. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid volume. The relationship between the kidneys and hypertension is complex, involving factors such as the renin-angiotensin system, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This study aims to assess the levels of inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and metabolic factors in the kidneys, focusing on their potential role in early renal damage and their association with the development of hypertension. Methods: This study was designed to compare the levels of selected inflammatory markers, e.g., interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor, and serine/threonine-protein (mTOR); oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde, sulfhydryl group, and glucose (GLC); and metabolic markers among other enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), hexokinase II (HK-II), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), as well as creatinine in the kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR/NCrl, n = 12) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY/NCrl, n = 12). Both juvenile (5 weeks old) and maturing (10 weeks old) specimens were examined using spectrophotometric methods, e.g., ELISA. Results: Juvenile SHRs exhibited reduced renal levels of all studied cytokines and chemokines, with lower oxidative stress and deficits in the mTOR and HK-II levels compared to the age-matched WKYs. Maturing SHRs showed increased renal levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α, alongside elevated carbonyl stress and increased HIF-1α as opposed to their control peers. The levels of all other studied markers were normalized in these animals, except for ALT (increased), ALP, and GLC (both reduced). Conclusions: This study underscores the significant impact of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and metabolic marker changes on renal function. Juvenile SHRs display lower marker levels, indicating an immature immune response and potential subclinical kidney damage that may contribute to hypertension development. In contrast, mature SHRs exhibit chronic inflammation, oxidative dysregulation, and metabolic disturbances, suggesting cellular damage. These changes create a feedback loop that worsens kidney function and accelerates hypertension progression, highlighting the kidneys' crucial role in both initiating and exacerbating this condition.

Effects of Krill Oil and Coconut Oil on Behavioral Changes and Inflammatory Markers in Rats with Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Induced Depression Model.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of two different types of fat (krill oil [KO] and coconut oil [CO]) on obesity, behavioral tests, and some inflammatory markers when consumed with a high-fat or control diet in rats with depression. The study was conducted mainly in two phases: the induction of depression (37 days) and the dietary intervention (60 days). After the induction of depression by chronic unpredictable mild stress, dietary intervention started. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups with 10 rats in each group: (1) standard diet (SD), (2) SD + 5% KO, (3) SD + 5% medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)* (*CO to contain 5% MCT), (4) high-fat diet (HFD), (5) HFD + 5% KO, and (6) HFD + 5% MCT*. The open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), and sucrose preference test were performed at baseline, end of the depression induction, and dietary intervention to observe behavioral changes in rats. After the final behavioral test, animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses C-reactive protein (milligram per liter), cortisol (microgram per deciliter), and insulin (micro-international units per milliliter) to assess inflammatory changes in the blood. All data were analyzed under two headings: baseline, end of depression induction, end of dietary intervention, and dietary intervention groups. Body weight gain was highest in the SD+KO and lowest in the SD+MCT group (P < .05). When behavioral tests were evaluated according to dietary intervention, it was found that the SD+MCT group spent the most time in the center, the least time in the periphery, and the lowest immobilization time (P < .05). In FST, the SD+KO with the highest weight gain was the most immobile group (P < .05). The study indicates that the weight-reducing effects of MCTs resulted in positive behavioral responses, particularly in OFT and FST. Through these properties, MCTs can be used medicinally in the prevention and treatment of behavioral changes due to depression.

Impact of Long-term Fasting on Breath Volatile Sulphur Compounds, Inflammatory Markers and Saliva Microbiota Composition.

Despite substantial evidence supporting the role of resident bacterial communities in therapeutic fasting outcomes, research has primarily focused on gut microbiota, leaving changes in oral microbiota largely unexplored. The clinical significance of oral health changes during fasting is nonetheless underscored by the documented development of halitosis in fasting individuals. However, no scientific studies have comprehensively examined the interplay between salivary microbiota alterations, inflammatory changes in the gingival crevice, and the production of malodorous volatile compounds. We examined volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) in breath during fasting, cytokine levels in the gingival crevice, and oral microbiota composition of the saliva in a single-arm interventional study involving 36 subjects who fasted for 10 ± 3 days. Participants fasted according to Buchinger fasting guidelines. VSC were evaluated every morning before any food or drink intake using the OralChroma gas chromatography device. Saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected at the clinical site before fasting, at the end of fasting, and at the end of food reintroduction. Follow-up saliva samples were sent to the patients after 1 and 3 months. Saliva samples were processed and analysed by targeted sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons, whereas the expression of 6 inflammatory markers in the GCF were analysed using a multiplex fluorescent bead-based immunoassay. The quantification of volatile compounds in the breath demonstrated a statistically significant increase in dimethylsulfide levels during fasting, which corroborates the occurrence of bad breath as a common side effect of fasting. Salivary microbiota profiling showed a shift in microbial composition, including reduction in the levels of Neisseria, Gemella and Porphyromonas spp., concomitant with an increase in the levels of Megasphaera, Dialister, Prevotella, Veillonella, Bifidobacteria, Leptotrichia, Selenomonas, Alloprevotella, and Atopobium. We further demonstrated a reduction in the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 in the GCF. Dimethylsulfide concentrations in the breath increased during fasting, and this was correlated to changes in the oral microbiota. Future studies are needed to illuminate the possible impact of these changes on oral and general health status.

The collagenase-induced osteoarthritis (CIOA) model: Where mechanical damage meets inflammation

ObjectiveTo characterize inflammatory and mechanical changes in the collagenase-induced OA (CIOA) model in rats. DesignSkeletally mature, 6-month-old Wistar rats received unilateral intraarticular injections of saline, 500 U or 1000 U of collagenase on days 0 and 2 of the study. Joint tissues were harvested on either day 4 or 70 to evaluate the acute and long-term changes. Blood biomarkers, gait asymmetry and mechanical hyperalgesia were assessed repeatedly up until day 70. ResultsThe intraarticular injection of collagenase triggered an increase in cartilage degeneration and bone resorption over time, particularly for 1000 U. Similarly, mild synovitis was observed on day 70 with an increased number of synovial lining cells, increased fibrosis, and infiltration of peripheral macrophages. Mechanistically, these findings were linked to a dose-related mechanical weakening of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which caused persistent joint destabilization throughout the study. Furthermore, the collagenase injection triggered acute inflammation and swelling of the synovium on day 4 and an acute systemic inflammatory response with increased cytokine and peripheral blood immune cell levels. While mild synovitis persisted until day 70, the systemic inflammatory response returned to control levels after 8 days. Similarly, the observed acute changes in gait and mechanical hyperalgesia also returned to baseline after 21 days. ConclusionBy evaluating inflammatory and mechanical factors at different doses and timepoints, our characterization enables a more targeted study design and increases the clinical relevance of future studies involving the CIOA model.

Platelet Rich Plasma in the Management of Recurrent Lumbar Disc Surgery; A Study of Ten Cases

Low back pain (LBP) is a very common entity, now regarded as the first cause of disability worldwide. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration leads to posterior rupture annulus fibrosus (AF) with extrusion of Central Nucleus pulposus (NP) through the injured area which has little potential to repair as it has no blood supply and causes mechanical pressure and inflammatory changes in the nerve root causing LBP. Autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) contain concentrate blood that contain a natural concentration of autologous growth factors and cytokines and currently widely used in the clinical setting for tissue regeneration and repair. PRP had great potential to stimulate cell proliferation and metabolic activity of IVD effectively restoring structural change, improving matrix integrity, IVD regeneration, reducing discogenic back pain. Our Study of 10 cases, where repeat or re-exploration surgery (after primary PLID Surgery, fenestration and discectomy) was done, where removal of recurrent disc 5, release of epidural fibrosis and perineural scarring 4 and surgical debridement for discitis 1 was done. In addition, PRP was given in the disc space &amp; around the nerve root which provides lots of growth factor, cytokines which helps in disc regeneration and prevent adhesion &amp; fibrosis. These dual actions enhance symptomatic recovery of all cases. Large scale studies may be required to confirm the clinical evidence of PRP for the treatment of discogenic LBP Bang. J Neurosurgery 2024; 13(2): 70-74

Apigenin's Influence on Inflammatory and Epigenetic Responses in Rat Lungs After Radiotherapy.

The lung is a moderately radio-sensitive organ. When cells are damaged due to accidental radiation exposure or treatment, they release molecules that lead to the recruitment of immune cells, accumulating inflammatory cytokines at the site of damage. Apigenin (Api) is a natural flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the radioprotective properties of Api in the lung. Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly assigned to nine groups: control, radiation (Rad), CMC+Rad, Api10+Rad, and Api20+Rad. Api was administered with an intraperitoneal injection for 7 days, after which the rats were irradiated with 6 Gy whole-body X-ray. At 6 and 72 hours post-irradiation, the rats were euthanized, and their lung tissue was extracted. Radiation led to increased alveolar wall thickness and the infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes. Furthermore, the expression levels of inflammatory factors such as a nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells (NF-ĸB), Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), and epigenetic factors including DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) and Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) were elevated in the lung tissue following radiation. Meanwhile, the expression level of IκB-α decreased. However, administration of Api (at both 10&20 mg/kg) reversed the adverse effects of radiation. Api administration mitigated radiation-induced lung damage by reversing inflammatory and epigenetic changes.

Radiation dermatitis in the hairless mouse model mimics human radiation dermatitis

Over half of all people diagnosed with cancer receive radiation therapy. Moderate to severe radiation dermatitis occurs in most human radiation patients, causing pain, aesthetic distress, and a negative impact on tumor control. No effective prevention or treatment for radiation dermatitis exists. The lack of well-characterized, clinically relevant animal models of human radiation dermatitis contributes to the absence of strategies to mitigate radiation dermatitis. Here, we establish and characterize a hairless SKH-1 mouse model of human radiation dermatitis by correlating temporal stages of clinical and pathological skin injury. We demonstrate that a single ionizing radiation treatment of 30 Gy using 6 MeV electrons induces severe clinical grade 3 peak toxicity at 12 days, defined by marked erythema, desquamation and partial ulceration, with resolution occurring by 25 days. Histopathology reveals that radiation-induced skin injury features temporally unique inflammatory changes. Upregulation of epidermal and dermal TGF-ß1 and COX-2 protein expression occurs at peak dermatitis, with sustained epidermal TGF-ß1 expression beyond resolution. Specific histopathological variables that remain substantially high at peak toxicity and early clinical resolution, including epidermal thickening, hyperkeratosis and dermal fibroplasia/fibrosis, serve as specific measurable parameters for in vivo interventional preclinical studies that seek to mitigate radiation-induced skin injury.

Changes of the microbiome as a predictor of comorbidity in gastrostomy patients

Dysphagia as a symptom of dysfunction of the digestive system occurs in patients with various pathologies and in severe cases requires the formation of a nutrient fistula. The presence of a stoma is a source of additional pathological changes. Changes in the microbiota of gastrostomy patients is an issue that is practically not covered in the scientific literature. The purpose of the study is to determine characteristic changes in the microbiota of the oral cavity, stomach and intestines caused by nutritional stoma and their clinical significance. Materials and methods. The study included 20 children fed through a gastrostomy tube and 10 children fed by mouth. Group 1 consisted of patients with a gastrostomy installed in less than 1 year, group 2 - in periods of more than 1 year, group 3 - children without gastrostomy. All patients underwent a standard examination in a gastroenterological hospital and 16S rRNA sequencing of aspirates from 3 biotopes - mouth, stomach and intestines. An assessment of physical development and bioimpedance measurements was carried out, and a group of patients with sarcopenia was identified. Results. In all three biotopes of patients with gastrostomies, a pronounced disturbance of microbiological homeostasis was found. In the oral cavity, the number of anti-carious microorganisms is reduced and, on the contrary, the level of periodontogenic strains is increased. This fact is the cause of the occurrence of comorbid conditions and requires the appointment of local therapy with probiotic strains approved for use. Changes in the gastric microbiome after gastrostomy placement are characterized by a high degree of H. pylori contamination against the background of a decrease in anti-inflammatory protection. Determining the level of bacteria of the genera Prevotella, Parabacteroides, Porphyromonas in the stomach can become a marker of concomitant chronic inflammatory changes in the mucous membrane of the upper gastrointestinal tract, a high risk of developing peptic ulcers and its complications. The state of the gut microbiome correlates with underweight, BMI, proportion of fat mass and active cell mass. The development of sarcopenia in gastrostomy patients is one of the possible dangerous comorbid conditions, one of the diagnostic criteria of which is a decrease in the level of Phylum Fusobacteriota bacteria.

The ovarian cancer-associated microbiome contributes to the tumor's inflammatory microenvironment.

A growing body of research has established a correlation between tumors and persistent chronic inflammatory infiltration. As a primary instigator of inflammation, the majority of microbiomes naturally residing within our bodies engage in a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Nevertheless, alterations in the microbiome's composition or breaches in the normal barrier function can disrupt the internal environment's homeostasis, potentially leading to the development and progression of various diseases, including tumors. The investigation of tumor-related microbiomes has contributed to a deeper understanding of their role in tumorigenesis. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the microbiome alterations and the associated inflammatory changes in ovarian cancer. It may aid in advancing research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the ovarian cancer-associated microbiome, providing potential theoretical support for the future development of microbiome-targeted antitumor therapies and early screening through convenient methods.

LI-RADS radiation-based treatment response algorithm for HCC: what to know and how to use it.

Locoregional treatments (LRT) continue to advance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) or transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with radioactive 90 Yttrium (Y90) microspheres is currently widely accepted, and external beam and stereotactic body radiation (EBRT/SBRT) are increasingly used as LRT1-5. Assessment of treatment response after these radiation-based therapies can be challenging, given that the adjacent liver also undergoes treatment related changes, inflammatory changes occur, and there is a variable time for response to develop. In 2017, the liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) workgroup initially developed a single algorithm for the imaging assessment of treatment response encompassing all types of locoregional therapies, the LI-RADS treatment response (LR-TR) algorithm. Recognizing that response and imaging patterns differ between radiation and non-radiation based therapies, the LR-TR working group recently updated the algorithm to reflect the unique characteristics of tumor response for therapies involving radiation. This article aims to elucidate the changes in the new version of the LI-RADS TR, with a guide for algorithm utilization and illustration of expected and unexpected findings post liver directed therapies for HCC.

Biochemical perturbations associated with Salmonella gallinarum infection in laying hens:Is oxidative stress implicated?

The aim of this study was to investigate some biochemical and tissue changes associated with Salmonella gallinarum infection in laying hens (LHs), and the complicities of oxidative stress (OS). Fifty LHs were assigned to two groups of 25 LHs infected with S. gallinarum (109 cfu*mL-1 of S. gallinarum) and 25 uninfected controls. Biochemical assays and histopathology were carried out following standard procedures. There was a significant loss of body weight, drop in egg production, as well as 28% mortality in the infected group. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as serum total protein, globulin, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, uric acid, creatinine and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher, whereas serum albumin levels were significantly lower in infected LHs. There were inflammatory, degenerative and necrotic changes observed in the affected organs. Considering the significant elevation in MDA levels coupled with elevated SOD activity in the infected LHs, OS may play a significant role in the pathology of fowl typhoid and may suggest a possible treatment of infected layers with antioxidants.

Comparative Analysis of the Results of Treatment for Metacarpal Neck Fractures in Children with Antegrade and Retrograde Kirschner Wire Fixation

Introduction. Among hand injuries, the proportion of metacarpal fractures is 9.6–40.0 %. Currently, there is no single approach to the treatment of children with such injuries.The aim is to determine the optimal method of surgical treatment of metacarpal fractures in children by comparative analysis of the results of antegrade and retrograde osteosynthesis with Kirchner spokes.Materials and methods. A prospective cohort study included 186 children with closed head fractures of the II–V metacarpal bones. The main group consisted of 103 children (55.38 %) who underwent antegrade osteosynthesis; the control group consisted of 83 children (44.62 %) who had needles retrograde. Local inflammatory changes were assessed on the 3rd and 7th days after surgery. The volume of active movements in the metacarpophalangeal joints was measured after 3, 6 and 12 weeks.Results. At week 3 of follow-up, the median amplitude of movements in the metacarpophalangeal joints in patients of the main group was 18 [13; 26] degrees, in the control group — 7 [4; 9] (p &lt; 0.001); at week 6–59 [49; 72] and 35 [32; 54] (p &lt; 0.001) At week 12–89 [84; 90] and 82 [74; 86], respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Macroscopic assessment of the needle insertion area on the 3rd day after surgery showed the absence of local inflammatory changes in 92 (89.3 %) and 73 patients (88.0 %) of the main and control groups (p = 0.953); on day 7, in 100 (97.1 %) and 76 (92.5 %), respectively (p = 0.497), however, the differences were not statistically significant.Discussion. The optimal way to treat metacarpal fractures in children should be technically simple and low-traumatic. The importance of early rehabilitation for restoring the volume of movement in the joints of the hand is confirmed by many studies.Conclusion. Due to the minimization of damage to the articular surfaces and the early start of rehabilitation, the best functional results were achieved in the antegrade osteosynthesis group.

Rats Exposed to Excess Sucrose During a Critical Period Develop Inflammation and Express a Secretory Phenotype of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

Neonatal rats that receive sucrose during a critical postnatal period (CP, days 12 to 28) develop hypertension by the time they reach adulthood. Inflammation might contribute to changes during this period and could be associated with variations in the vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) phenotype. We studied changes in inflammatory pathways that could underlie the expression of the secretory phenotype in the VSMC in the thoracic aorta of rats that received sucrose during CP. We analyzed histological changes in the aorta and the expression of the COX-2, TLR4, iNOS, eNOS, MMP-2 and -9, and β- and α-actin, the quantities of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β using ELISA, and the levels of fatty acids using gas chromatography. The aortic wall presented disorganization, decellularization, and wavy elastic fibers and an increase in the lumen area. The α- and β-actin expressions were decreased, while COX-2, TLR4, TNF-α, and the activity of IL-6 were increased. Oleic acid was increased in CP in comparison to the control group. There is transient hypertension at the end of the CP that is accompanied by inflammation and a change in the phenotype of VSMC to the secretory phenotype. The inflammatory changes could act as epigenetic signals to determine the development of hypertension when animals reach adulthood.

Histomorphological scoring of murine colitis models: A practical guide for the evaluation of colitis and colitis-associated cancer

Background and aimsHistomorphology is a powerful and cost-efficient tool for evaluating inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a widespread condition with globally rising incidences, and a lot of research is done to better understand the pathogenesis of IBD and to identify potential therapeutic approaches. However, standardized and reproducible scores for the histomorphological evaluation of murine IBD models are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to develop an easy-to-use and reproducible score for standardized assessment of colitis and associated cancer models. MethodsIn this study, samples from three different colitis models with and without associated cancer formation were analyzed to develop a universal, robust, and reproducible score for the grading of murine colitis models using the following three parameters: 1. Extent of leucocyte infiltration, 2. Tissue damage, 3. Architectural disruption of the mucosa. ResultsA scoring system was established for different kinds of colitis models (genetically induced enterocolitis, genetically induced metabolic injury, and chemically induced colitis-associated cancer) and all stages of the disease, from mild inflammatory changes to severe inflammation with neoplastic changes as the extreme extent of IBD. The scoring scheme is easy to use, can easily be learned, and proves to have a high interrater reliability. ConclusionsWe propose a robust histological scoring system for the assessment of murine colitis and colitis-associated cancer models, giving more researchers access to conclusive and reliable histological assessment.