Muscle Fiber Splitting Research Articles

Biofloc supplementation improves growth performances, nutrient utilization, and histological status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) while enhancing zooplankton diversity, community, and abundance

The present work investigates the effect of biofloc supplementation, as an environmentally clean aqua-feed technique, on water quality, growth performance, feed utilization, and histological status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Moreover, indicators of zooplankton diversity, community structure, abundance, similarities, and cluster analysis were studied during the experiment. A 60-day growth experiment based on biofloc supplementation was performed to evaluate, in addition to the control group (BF0), the effects of five groups of biofloc supplementation (BF1 = 14.20, BF2 = 28.40, BF3 = 42.60, BF4 = 56.80, and BF5 = 71.0 g L−1, respectively) on Nile tilapia juveniles (initial body weight: 13.30 ± 0.01 g fish−1). During the 15 days of acclimation, the juveniles in all groups were fed twice daily on the same control diet (a commercial diet containing 28% protein). Then, the juveniles were randomly distributed to 18 tanks (each 0.5 m3 with a stocking of 40 fish/tank). The feed rate was 3% of the total fish biomass, adjusted weekly. The water quality indicators were in the ideal range recommended for Nile tilapia culture. The results found that the highest weight gain, specific growth rate and survival rate, and the lowest feed conversion ratio of fish were reported in the BF5 group. Moreover, this group achieved the highest zooplankton abundance (20,706 Ind. L−1) compared to the control group (457 Ind. L−1). The results showed that sections of the muscles in the control group (BF0) revealed fibers arranged into bundles. Comparisons between the muscles in the control group (BF0) and the bioflocs groups (BF1–BF5) showed unclear differences. However, sections of the muscle group BF1 showed increased splitting of muscle fibers and the separation of individual muscle fibers into smaller units. The liver showed multiple pathological lesions in all experimental groups (BF0–BF5). Zooplankton diversity indicators and cluster analysis data also reported a significant difference between the control group (BF0) and the biofloc groups, especially the BF5 group. The present study concluded that the addition of biofloc (71 g L−1) to culture ponds significantly improves the growth, feed utilization, and survival rates of Nile tilapia while enhancing zooplankton diversity, community, and abundance.

Six weeks of N-acetylcysteine antioxidant in drinking water decreases pathological fiber branching in MDX mouse dystrophic fast-twitch skeletal muscle.

Introduction: It has been proposed that an increased susceptivity to oxidative stress caused by the absence of the protein dystrophin from the inner surface of the sarcolemma is a trigger of skeletal muscle necrosis in the destructive dystrophin deficient muscular dystrophies. Here we use the mdx mouse model of human Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to test the hypothesis that adding the antioxidant NAC at 2% to drinking water for six weeks will treat the inflammatory phase of the dystrophic process and reduce pathological muscle fiber branching and splitting resulting in a reduction of mass in mdx fast-twitch EDL muscles. Methods: Animal weight and water intake was recorded during the six weeks when 2% NAC was added to the drinking water. Post NAC treatment animals were euthanised and the EDL muscles dissected out and placed in an organ bath where the muscle was attached to a force transducer to measure contractile properties and susceptibility to force loss from eccentric contractions. After the contractile measurements had been made the EDL muscle was blotted and weighed. In order to assess the degree of pathological fiber branching mdx EDL muscles were treated with collagenase to release single fibers. For counting and morphological analysis single EDL mdx skeletal muscle fibers were viewed under high magnification on an inverted microscope. Results: During the six-week treatment phase NAC reduced body weight gain in three- to nine-week-old mdx and littermate control mice without effecting fluid intake. NAC treatment also significantly reduced the mdx EDL muscle mass and abnormal fiber branching and splitting. Discussion: We propose chronic NAC treatment reduces the inflammatory response and degenerative cycles in the mdx dystrophic EDL muscles resulting in a reduction in the number of complexed branched fibers reported to be responsible for the dystrophic EDL muscle hypertrophy.

Biosafety, histological alterations and residue depletion of feed administered anti-parasitic drug emamectin benzoate in golden mahseer, Tor putitora (Hamilton, 1822) as a model candidate fish for sport fishery and conservation in temperate waters.

In the present experiment, the attempt has been made to study the biosafety, toxicity, residue depletion and drug tolerance of graded doses of emamectin benzoate (EB) in juveniles of golden mahseer, Tor putitora as a model candidate fish for sport fishery and conservation in temperate waters through an extended medicated feeding. The graded doses of EB viz., 1× (50μg/kg fish/day), 2 × (100μg/kg fish/day), 5 × (250μg/kg fish/day) and 10 × (500μg/kg fish/day) were administered to golden mahseer juveniles through medicated diet for 21days at water temperature of 18.6°C. The higher doses of EB did not cause any mortality during and 30days after the end of medication period, but considerable variations in feeding and behavior were observed. Severe histological alterations observed after EB-diets (5 × and 10×) were vacuolation, pyknotic nuclei, melanomacrophage centre and necrosis in liver; Bowman's capsule dilation, degenerated renal tubules in kidney; myofibril disintegration, muscle oedema, splitting of muscle fibres, migration of inflammatory cells in muscle; and abundant goblet cells, dilated lamina propria and disarrangement of mucosa in intestine tissues. The residual concentrations of EB metabolites Emamectin B1a and B1b were analyzed using muscle extracts and were found to be peaked during medication period followed by gradual depletion in post-medication period. The outcome of this study showed that the Emamectin B1a residual concentration in fish muscle in 1×, 2×, 5×, and 10× EB treatment groups were 1.41 ± 0.49, 1.2 ± 0.7, 9.7 ± 3.3, and 37.4 ± 8.2μg/kg at 30days of post-medication period, respectively, which falls under the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of 100μg/kg. The results support the biosafety of EB at recommended dose of 50μg/kg fish/day for 7days. As residue of EB is recorded falling within the MRL, no withdrawal period is recommended for golden mahseer.

Detecting Aquatic Pollution Using Histological Investigations of the Gills, Liver, Kidney, and Muscles of Oreochromis niloticus.

The present study aimed to determine the degree of changes in the histological architecture of the liver, gills, kidneys, and muscles of fish Oreochromis niloticus collected from different polluted river sites. Fish samples collected from the Faisalabad Fish Hatchery and upstream of Chakbandi drain acted as a control. Necrosis, hemorrhage, and epithelial hyperplasia were observed in the gills of fish inhabiting the river downstream of the Chakbandi drain entrance. Liver tissues were found to be affected by vacuolated cytoplasm, bile duct proliferation, melanomacrophages, and necrosis. In kidney tissues, shrinkage of the renal cortex, necrosis, and destructive renal tubules were observed. Histopathology of muscles indicates the presence of hypertrophy and swollen myofibers. In contrast, upstream specimens of fish exhibited mild tissue alterations. Histopathology of gills tissue showed vacuolization. Liver tissues indicated the presence of hypertrophy and more frequent Kupffer cells than usual. The vacuolation was also observed in kidney tissues. Muscle tissues expressed splitting of muscle fibres and degeneration in muscle bundles. However, sections of tissues collected from farmed fish have normal morphology and no anomalies. The histopathological assessment indicated various cellular, biochemical, and histological changes in response to the contamination in the vicinity of the fish.

Changes in Histological Structures of Soleus Muscle of the Male Rat in Response to Nandrolone Decanoate and Exercise

Objective: Present study was conducted to investigate the histological changes produced by ND alone and in combination with exercise on soleus muscle. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial Place and Duration: Conducted at Animal House of Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI), Lahore during the year 2010 (From 20th Jan, 2010 to 13th April, 2010) for 12 weeks Methodology: Forty male rats were divided equally by randomized control trial (RCT)i.eAI (control), AII (ND5mg/kg intramuscular twice weekly) AIII (Exercise/swimming) AIV (ND & Exercise) for 12 weeks at the animal house of PGMI, Lahore during the year 2010. Data was recorded on various microscopic parameters viz; internalization of nuclei, splitting in muscle fibers, rounded or angular muscle fibers and diameter of fibers for control and experimental groups. Results: We found significant (P≤0.025, 0.037) differences among the groups receiving ND in comparison to control and exercise. Highly significant (P≤0.001) differences were observed in animals subjected to ND and exercise in comparison to control regarding internalization of nuclei. Muscle fiber splitting was observed in group AIII and AIV (P≤0.005) in comparison with control. Significant increase in diameter of muscle fiber was observed in group AIII (P≤0.013) and AIV (P≤0.001) in comparison to control. Similarly, minimum degenerative changes were observed showing angular or rounded fibers in group AIII and AIV in comparison to control. Conclusion: The instant results suggest that significant hypertrophy was observed in animals subjected to ND and exercise. Keywords: Soleus, splitting, diameter, internalization of nuclei

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in edible tissue of crab (Scylla serrata) from an estuarine Ramsar site in Kerala, South India

Wetlands are under severe threat due to anthropogenic activities and pollutants. Many pollutants such as heavy metals may accumulate to a hazardous level. In the present study, Scylla serrata, the mud crab and associated sediments were collected from three sites of Ashtamudi lake, the Ramsar site, to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead and Zinc. Elemental analysis in the sediment sample showed that Cadmium and Chromium were found to be above USEPA and CCME limits and Copper was found to be above CCME limit on site 1. In site 2, Chromium was found to be above USEPA and CCME limits. In all the three sites, Lead and Zinc are below the permissible limit. Bioaccumulation status of heavy metals in the muscle of Scylla serrata with respect to the sites are in the order of site 1 > site 2 > site. The heavy metals Cadmium, Chromium and Lead were found to be above the permissible limit in site 1 and site 2, whereas Copper and Zinc concentrations in the muscle of crab from Ashtamudi wetland are below levels of concern for human consumption. A number of histological alterations such as splitting of muscle fibres, focal area of necrosis and muscular oedema were noticed in the samples. The result clearly indicates the fact that S. serrata undergoes intensified stress, when exposed to heavy metal contamination. Knowledge of metal concentrations in shell fish and fin fish are important both with respect to nature management and human consumption of fish.

Histological aspects of skeletal muscle fibers splitting of C57BL/6NCrl mice.

The objective of the current study is to present data on the splitting of skeletal muscle fibers in C57BL/6NCrl mice. Skeletal muscles (m. rectus femoris (m. quadriceps femoris)) from 500 (250 female and 250 male) C57BL/6NCrl mice in the 16th week of life were sampled during autopsy and afterwards standardly histologically processed. Results show spontaneous skeletal muscle fiber splitting which is followed by skeletal muscle fiber regeneration. One solitary skeletal muscle fiber is split, or is in contact with few localized splitting skeletal muscle fibers. Part of the split skeletal muscular fiber is phagocytosed, but the remaining skeletal muscular fiber splits are merged into one regenerating skeletal muscle fiber. Nuclei move from the periphery to the regenerating skeletal muscle fiber center during this process. No differences were observed between female and male mice and the morphometry results document < 1 % skeletal muscle fiber splitting. If skeletal muscular fibers splitting occurs 5 % > of all skeletal muscular fibers, it is suggested to describe and calculate this in the final histopathological report.

Effect of Vitamin D Analogue on Rosuvastatin-Induced Myopathy in Wistar Rats.

Objectives Statin-induced myopathy is one of the major causes of poor adherence and discontinuation of this medication. There are contrary results regarding association of vitamin D insufficiency with statin-induced myopathy. This study was done to determine the effect of the vitamin D3 analogue alfacalcidol on Rosuvastatin-induced myopathy in rats. Methodology. Animals were divided into six groups with 6 rats in each group. Groups I and II acted as controls, Group III and Group IV were administered Rosuvastatin 120 mg/kg/day and 160 mg/kg/day, Groups V and VI were administered alfacalcidol 0.1 μg/kg/day in addition to Rosuvastatin 120 mg/kg/day and 160 mg/kg/day, respectively. All drugs were administered orally for 15 days. Plasma creatine kinase (CK) levels were estimated on day 10 and day 15. Animals were sacrificed and muscles were sent for histopathological examination. Results On day 10, Groups V and VI showed a statistically significant increase in plasma CK levels as compared to the control (p < 0.001) and were significantly lower (p < 0.001) as compared to Groups III and IV, respectively. However, on day 15, plasma CK levels in Groups V and VI were comparable to those of control groups with a nonsignificant difference (p > 0.05). On comparing the histology, Groups V and VI showed a significant difference as compared to statin-only groups (Groups III and IV) as there were signs of regeneration, less splitting, and fragmentation of muscle fibres. Conclusion The present study shows that the vitamin D analogue alfacalcidol prevents statin-induced myopathy. The serum CK levels are comparable to the control group on day 15 of vitamin D administration.

Histopathological and histochemical effects of silver nanoparticles on the gills and muscles of African catfish (Clarias garepinus)

This study investigates the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) on gills and muscles in African catfish (Clarias garepinus). Changes in bioaccumulation, histopathological, and histochemical were used as biomarkers. The effects of AgNPs were recorded in some of these properties based on their size (20 and 40 nm) and their concentration (10 and 100 µg/L). The concentrations of silver (Ag) in gills and muscles tissues showed significant variations in all exposed groups compared to the control group. At tissue and cell levels, histopathological changes were observed. These changes include aneurism, collapse, subepithelial edema, epithelium lifting and hyperplasia of interlammellar epithelium, curling of secondary lamellae, epithelial cell necrosis, hypertrophy and proliferation of erythrocytes, bifurcation and fusion of filament, an increase in the number and size of mucous cells in the gills tissues. In addition, degeneration of muscle bundles, infiltration of inflammatory cells, focal areas of necrosis, splitting of muscle fibers, broken myofibrils, thickening of muscle bundles, dislocated striated muscles and shortening of muscle bundles in muscle tissues of fish exposed to AgNPs were exporated to evaluate the changes. Also, depletion of carbohydrates of the gill tissues and the muscle fibers with an increase in the number and size of mucous cells that condense in the secondary lamellae were observed. The 15-day recovery period improved most of the modifications in histopathological and histochemical parameters caused by AgNPs and AgNO3. In conclusion, one can assume the sensitivity of the gills and muscles of C. garepinus to AgNPs and recovery strategy is a must.

Assessment of DNA integrity through MN bioassay of erythrocytes and histopathological changes in Wallago attu and Cirrhinus mirigala in response to freshwater pollution.

The aim of this study was to determine the level of contamination and genotoxic impact through micronucleus assay and histopathology in Wallago attu and Cirrhinus mrigala procured from the polluted site of the River Chenab at industrial and sewage waste disposal. The water sample was found viciously contaminated with heavy metals i.e. Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, Pb, Hg, Zn, Sn, Cu while all other physio-chemical variables crossed the suggested limits of WHO. The heavy metals load induced histopathological alterations were correlated to environmental degradation and the productivity of this biological system. W. attu and C. mrigala harvested from contaminated sites of the river indicated higher intensity of DNA damage through micronucleus induction and nuclear abnormalities with 5.46 ± 0.17, 1.23 ± 0.08 and 4.2 ± 0.11, 0.4 ± 0.04‰ respectively. Muscle sections of W. attu and C. mrigala harvested from the polluted section of river demonstrated the necrosis, degeneration of muscle fibers, intra-fibular edema and release of the blood into the tissues due to the bursting of blocked of the blood vessels. Dermal layers showed degeneration of the collagen bundles those were found loose or collapsed in some regions. Photomicrography also revealed vacuolar degeneration in muscle tissues and atrophy of muscle bundles. Intra fibular edema and splitting of muscle fibers were also seen along with bioaccumulation of toxicants. W. attu showed maximum incidence of alterations with highest histopathological alteration index related to environmental degradation. Control fish samples showed normal muscle tissues with normal equally spaced muscle bundles and myotomes.

Neuromuscular Impairment Following Chronic Moderate-Severe Contusion in Spinal Cord Injured Rats

Muscle atrophy and neuromuscular impairment are consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI) that impede quality of life and functional recovery. PURPOSE: To examine time course changes in muscle fiber type distribution, fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA), and other histologic characteristics of muscle pathology occurring in rats in response to moderate-severe contusion SCI. METHODS: Twenty-four 4-month old male Sprague-Dawley rats received SHAM surgery or T9 laminectomy plus moderate-severe (250 kilodyne) contusion SCI by a computer-guided impactor. Body weight and Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) hindlimb locomotor rating scores were measured weekly. Animals were euthanized and soleus were harvested at 2-weeks, 1-month, 2-months, or 3-months post-surgery. Soleus fiber-type distribution, fCSA, and muscle-nerve bundle morphology were assessed by immunofluorescent staining, imaged using an epifluorescent microscope, and quantified with semi-automatic muscle analysis using segmentation of histology (SMASH). RESULTS: At 1-week post-surgery, SCI animals exhibited near-complete hindlimb paralysis (indicated by BBB scores <3), with minimal improvement in voluntary hindlimb locomotor function thereafter. Body weight, soleus mass, and median fCSA were significantly lower in SCI vs SHAM animals (p<0.01 at all timepoints). A slow-to-fast fiber-type shift was observed in SCI animals, with a progressive ~20% decrease in the number of type I fibers, ~8% increase in type IIa fibers, and ~5% increase in hybrid type I/IIa fibers at each consecutive timepoint, along with the emergence of unstained type IIx/b muscle fibers (~30% of total) at 3-months. In addition, muscle fiber splitting was present in SCI animals at 2-months, as well as reduced neurofilament staining in SCI muscle-nerve bundles. Furthermore, evidence of growth related remodeling occurred in SHAM muscles from increased centrally nucleated fibers across timepoints but not in SCI. CONCLUSION: Deterioration in motor ability accompanying SCI produced muscle atrophy and progressive impairments in muscle oxidative capacity that may have resulted from repetitive denervation-reinnervation cycles. These factors may have contributed to muscle pathology resulting in limited capacity for muscle growth and remodeling.

Muscle Fiber Splitting Is a Physiological Response to Extreme Loading in Animals.

Skeletal muscle fiber branching and splitting typically is associated with damage and regeneration and is considered pathological when observed during loading-induced hypertrophy. We hypothesize that fiber splitting is a nonpathological component of extreme loading and hypertrophy, which is primarily supported by evidence in animals, and propose that the mechanisms and consequences of fiber splitting deserve further exploration.

Myosin heavy chain mutations that cause Freeman-Sheldon syndrome lead to muscle structural and functional defects in Drosophila

Missense mutations in the MYH3 gene encoding myosin heavy chain-embryonic (MyHC-embryonic) have been reported to cause two skeletal muscle contracture syndromes, Freeman Sheldon Syndrome (FSS) and Sheldon Hall Syndrome (SHS). Two residues in MyHC-embryonic that are most frequently mutated, leading to FSS, R672 and T178, are evolutionarily conserved across myosin heavy chains in vertebrates and Drosophila. We generated transgenic Drosophila expressing myosin heavy chain (Mhc) transgenes with the FSS mutations and characterized the effect of their expression on Drosophila muscle structure and function. Our results indicate that expressing these mutant Mhc transgenes lead to structural abnormalities in the muscle, which increase in severity with age and muscle use. We find that flies expressing the FSS mutant Mhc transgenes in the muscle exhibit shortening of the inter-Z disc distance of sarcomeres, reduction in the Z-disc width, aberrant deposition of Z-disc proteins, and muscle fiber splitting. The ATPase activity of the three FSS mutant MHC proteins are reduced compared to wild type MHC, with the most severe reduction observed in the T178I mutation. Structurally, the FSS mutations occur close to the ATP binding pocket, disrupting the ATPase activity of the protein. Functionally, expression of the FSS mutant Mhc transgenes in muscle lead to significantly reduced climbing capability in adult flies. Thus, our findings indicate that the FSS contracture syndrome mutations lead to muscle structural defects and functional deficits in Drosophila, possibly mediated by the reduced ATPase activity of the mutant MHC proteins.

Needle electromyography and histopathologic correlation in myopathies.

Needle electromyography (EMG) findings help confirm myopathy and may indicate specific pathologic changes on muscle biopsy. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 218 consecutive patients referred for muscle biopsy. Presence of specific needle EMG findings was correlated with pathologic findings of inflammation, necrosis, splitting, and vacuolar changes. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of specific EMG findings for pathologic changes were calculated. Short-duration motor unit potentials (MUP) were sensitive (83%-94%) but not specific (34%-49%) for pathologic changes. Fibrillation potentials were 65%-74% sensitive and 58%-81% specific for inflammation, necrosis, splitting, or vacuolar changes. The absence of fibrillation potentials had high negative predictive value (82%-93%) for inflammation, splitting, or vacuolar changes. Fibrillation potentials and short-duration MUPs predict pathologic changes of muscle fiber necrosis, splitting, and/or vacuolar changes (as seen with inflammatory myopathies and muscular dystrophies). Absence of fibrillation potentials suggests other myopathologic changes (e.g., congenital myopathy). Muscle Nerve 59:315-320, 2019.

Impact of Total Ammonia on Growth, Physiological Status and Histological Examination of Red Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of total ammonia (TAN) on growth, survivability, some blood biochemistry and histological evaluation of the kidney, liver, skin and muscles of red tilapia fingerlings for 56 days. A total of 180 fish were held at a rate of 10 fish fiberglass-1 tank with capacity of 100 liters welled water (salinity 27.3 ppt). Treatments of 0.1, 0.9, 1.8, 2.9 and 3.5 mgL-1 of TAN were carried out in this study. Fish fed pellets containing 34.7% crude protein. The results showed that fish exposed to 3.5 mg TAN L-1 recorded the lowest final body weight and survival rate, these results inversely related with increasing TAN levels. Fish subjected to treatment of 3.5 mg TAN L-1 achieved the highest values of serum urea, uric acid and creatinine. The histological investigation of kidney, liver and skin of fish exposed to 3.5 mg TAN L-1 showed severe damages in renal tubules, large amount of hemorrhage between renal tubules, vacuolation in hepatic cytoplasm, hepatic congestion, hepatic necrosis, laceration of skin, inflammation in muscle fibers and splitting of large muscle fibers. Based on the results of the present study, it is recommended that increased levels of ammonia should be avoided and eliminating the causes in aquaculture ponds in order to obtain the highest production performance and increase survival rates and maintain fish health and vitality.

The Correlation between the Level of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Damage and Serum Soluble Fas in an Experimental Rat Model

Abstract Aim: This study was planned to research the relationship between doxorubicin cardiomyopathy and the soluble Fas (sFas) level. Materials and Methods: Two groups of rats were included in the study. The control group was given physiological saline, while the study group was given doxorubicin. The rats, whose blood samples were taken weekly, were sacrificed and their myocardial tissues were removed. The tissues were examined in terms of morphological changes and surface Fas expression, while the blood samples were examined in terms of sFas level. Results: In the study group, the sFas levels at 2nd–9th weeks were higher than those found at 1st week before administrating the drug, and the increase at 2nd–7th weeks was meaningful. In addition, sFas levels were gradually increased each week during 1st–5th weeks when compared to the values of a previous week, and the increase during the first 4 weeks was meaningful. After the 5th week, the values gradually decreased each week. The mean values of the study group at 1st–8th weeks were higher than those of the control group, and the increases at 2nd–8th weeks were meaningful. The severe forms of interfibrillar hemorrhage, vascular dilatation, myocardial necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and splitting of muscle fibers occurred with 15, 15, 17.5, 20, and 22.5 mg/kg dose of medicine, respectively. Conclusions: As the tissue injury increased, the increasing cell-surface Fas expression and sFas plasma level at the acute phase of doxorubicin-related cardiotoxicity decreased. The sFas level determined at acute phase may be helpful in predicting the existing injuries and possible late-term problems.

Biochemical and Histopathological Changes in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus at Lake of Edku

The main objective of this study is to assess some biochemical and histopathological changes in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus caught from Lake of Edku. A decrease in serum total protein, albumin, total lipids, bactericidal activity, ALT and AST were observed in El-Maadyah and Edku drain regions compared to recovery group, while the level of serum glucose and lysozyme activity were increased. The frequencies of micronucleus (MN) and nuclear abnormalities (NAs) in fish erythrocytes showed an increase of micronuclei, lobed nuclei and fragmented apoptotic nuclei while notched nuclei were decreased. Finally, the frequencies of morphologically altered erythrocytes (MAEs) of fish showed an increase in swelled cells, vacuolated cytoplasm; microcytes; echinocytes; tear-drop like; sickle cells; nuclear retraction and hemolyzed cells while fused cells were decreased. On the other hand, the main prominent hepatic lesions were parasitic granuloma, encapsulated cysts by connective tissue, fatty degeneration, congestion and necrosis. The histopathological analysis of muscle sections of both polluted sites showed edema, splitting of muscle fibers, hyalinized muscle fibers, fatty tissue, necrosis and infiltration of lymphocytes. From the above, we can conclude that the contaminated environment of fish could cause detrimental effects on fish tissues and immune system causing great economic losses for the natural resources.

X-linked myopathy with excessive autophagy: a failure of self-eating

Autophagic vacuolar myopathies (AVMs) are a group of disorders united by shared histopathological features on muscle biopsy that include the aberrant accumulation of autophagic vacuoles. The classic conditions that compose the AVMs include Pompe Disease, Danon Disease and X-linked myopathy with excessive autophagy (XMEA). Other disorders, including acquired myopathies like chloroquine toxicity, also have features of an autophagic myopathy. This review is focused on XMEA, a myopathy with onset of slowly progressive proximal weakness and elevated serum creatine kinase (2×to 20×normal) typically in the first decade of life. However, both late-adult onset and severe, sometimes lethal, neonatal cases also occur. Skeletal muscle pathology is characterized by numerous cytoplasmic autophagic vacuoles, complex muscle fiber splitting with internalization of capillaries, and complement C5b-9 deposition within vacuoles and along the sarcolemma. The autophagic vacuoles have sarcolemmal features. Mutations in the VMA21 gene at Xq28 cause XMEA by reducing the activity of lysosomal hydrolases. The VMA21 protein regulates the assembly of the V-ATPase required to acidify the lysosome. Increased lysosomal pH and poor degradation of cellular debris may secondarily induce autophagy, the net effect being accumulation of autophagolysosomes. The relationship of XMEA to other lysosomal disorders of muscle and potential therapeutic interventions for XMEA are discussed.

Myxoid degeneration of appendix wall: An entity in search of identity: Report of two cases

Myxoid degeneration of the appendix wall without accompanying acute appendicitis (AA) is rare. We report two cases of myxoid degeneration of appendix associated with appendiceal adhesions. Both the cases showed marked splitting and disruption of smooth muscle fibers of muscularis propria by abundant myxoid ground substance and dispersed degenerated hypereosinophilic myofibers with pyknotic nuclei. Scattered degenerated myocytes with vacuolated cytoplasm were also identified. Focal serosal fibrosis was observed in both cases. We reviewed other pathologic processes that involve the appendix such as fibrous obliteration, AA, and appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (AMN) and conclude that the constellations of pathologic findings described herein are unique. Nonneoplastic dissecting myxoid degeneration of the appendix muscularis propria has not been reported in the pathology literature to date. The pathologic nature of appendiceal mucinous stromal change remains unclear; however, we hypothesize that the lesion occurs as a consequence of traction related injury to the appendix.

Effect of sub-acute exposure to nickel nanoparticles on oxidative stress and histopathological changes in Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus

The aim of the present study was to assess the oxidative stress, antioxidant response and histopathological changes of nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) exposure (14 days) in Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. Ni NPs were synthesized by metal salt reduction method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD peaks at 44°, 51° and 76° were indexed to the (111), (200) and (220) Bragg’s reflections of cubic structure of Nickel, respectively. The crystallite sizes were calculated using Scherrer’s formula applied to the major intense peaks and found to be the size of 56nm. TEM images showed that the synthesized Ni NPs are spherical in shape. Biochemical analysis indicated that the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activity was significantly affected by Ni NPs treated O. mossambicus. Reduced antioxidant enzymes and the contents of antioxidants were lowered in the liver and gills of fishes treated with Ni NPs. After 14 days of exposure, a significant accumulation of Ni in the Ni NPs in experimental group was observed in the gill and skin tissues, with the highest levels found in the liver. Ni NPs exposed fish showed nuclear hypertrophy (NH), nuclear degeneration (ND), necrosis (NC) and irregular-shaped nuclei were observed in liver tissue. The hyperplasia of the gill epithelium (GE), lamellar fusion of secondary lamellae (LF), dilated marginal channel (MC), epithelial lifting (EL) and epithelial rupture were observed in gill tissue. Degeneration in muscle bundles (DM), focal area of necrosis (NC) vacuolar degeneration in muscle bundles (VD), edema between muscle bundles (ED) and splitting of muscle fibers were noticed in skin tissue. Further ecotoxicological evaluation will be made concerning the risk of Ni NPs on aquatic environment.