Polymorphonuclear Inflammatory Cells Research Articles

Gambaran Patologi Anatomi dan Histopatologi Organ Visceral Kambing Kacang (Capra aegagrus hircus) Yang Terinfeksi Sistiserkus

The demand for kacang goat (Capra aegagrus hircus)in Kupang City is very high in the local market, especially before the sacrificial festival. Although the goat population growth is high, there are several reasons that cause low productivity, namely parasitic infection.worms Taenia infect carnivores (as well as humans) as the definitive host and involve an intermediate host which will develop into a cysticercus. The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical pathology and histopathology of the visceral organs of kacang goats infected with cysticercus. This study used 6 samples of visceral organs of kacang goats consisting of 4 liver organs, 1 rumen organ and 1 colon organ from 6 kacang goats infected with cysticercus, in Pasir Panjang Village, Kupang City. Macroscopic observations, tissue fixation in 10% formalin, tissue processing and HE staining were carried out. The results of the study on liver organs infected with cysticerci showed pathological changes in the form of fibrosis, while in the rumen and colon only cysticerci were formed. Histopathological changes in the liver organs of kacang goat infected with cysticercus in the form of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, necrosis, congestion, hemorrhage, hydropic degeneration, widening of sinusoids and fibrous tissue. Meanwhile, changes that occur in the rumen and colon organs are in the form of infiltration of mild inflammatory cells.

Histomorphometric evaluation of skin wounds in rats submitted to biomodulatory therapies – research protocol

INTRODUCTION: The use of biomodulatory therapies in order to help tissue repair has been increasingly common in different areas of health. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to comparatively evaluate the effects of 660 nm laser photobiomodulation, ozone therapy, and ozonated oil on repair through histomorphometric analysis in skin wounds in rats. Forty Wistar rats will be divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each, Control Group (GC), Laser Group (LG), Ozone Gas Group (OGG), and Ozonated Oil Group (OOG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard skin wounds will be made on the back of the animals, and the different experimental groups will be treated with the biomodulatory therapies described for three consecutive days. Five and ten days after surgery, five rats from each group will be euthanized. Skin fragments, including the wound area, will be removed for histological processing and subsequent staining of histological sections with Hematoxylin-eosin and Sirius red. Micrographs of the histological sections will be obtained and ten standard images will be captured for quantitative evaluation of the variables collagen area, number of blood vessels, and epithelium thickness. The variables infiltrate of polymorphonuclear and monomorphonuclear inflammatory cells, as well as edema, will be analyzed semiquantitatively. Statistical analysis of the study variables will be performed, with a significance level of p<0.05. CONCLUSION: It is expected to verify which of the biomodulatory therapies used can favor the resolution of tissue repair, in particular, by promoting collagen biosynthesis.

Photobiomodulation Therapy Reduces the Inflammatory Process without Inhibiting Bone Deposition in Rats in an Extraction Model.

Objective: We evaluated the influence of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) application during bone healing postexodontia in rats. Methods: We divided 84 male Wistar rats into a control group (CG), which received placebo treatment without PBMT, and a test group (TG), which was treated with PBMT. After exodontia, the animals were subjected to PBMT (TG) with an AsGaAI diode laser at 810 nm, 100 mW, 2 J, and 70 J/cm2 or placebo treatment (CG) every 72 h. After 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, the animals were weighed and euthanized to remove the left hemimandibles for radiographic (alveolar filling) and histomorphometric (inflammatory polymorphonuclear cell (PMN), mononuclear cell (MN), osteoclast (OC), and blood vessels counting) analysis. Statistic approach used two-way variance analysis followed by Bonferroni post hoc (p < 0.05, GraphPad Prism 5.0). Results: There was no significant difference in body mass variation (p = 0.828) and bone neoformation (p = 0.365) between the two groups, but the TG presented lower PMN (p < 0.001), MN (p < 0.001), and OC counts (p < 0.001) and higher blood vessels count (p < 0.001) throughout the repair process. Conclusions: PBMT attenuated the inflammatory process after exodontia without interfering with bone neoformation.

ACTINOMYCOSIS IN THE MAXILLA OF A YOUNG ASYMPTOMATIC PATIENT: A CASE REPORT

A 21-year-old white man was referred for the analysis of panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography, where the presence of a hypodense lesion was observed on the left side of the maxilla, which extended from the 21 to 25 tooth region. On intraoral examination, a depression was observed in the hard palate mucosa as well as a fistula in the alveolar mucosa close to tooth 21. An incisional biopsy was performed for diagnostic purposes. The histopathologic examination revealed the presence of a microorganism colony with filamentous pattern of radiated rosette, whose central portions were basophilic and the peripheral areas were eosinophils, surrounded by polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells. Based on the morphologic features, the diagnosis of actinomycosis was established. The treatment was based on antibiotic therapy. The patient has been under follow-up for 10 months, and no lesion exacerbation was observed.

Intrastromal implantation of chicken corneal grafts into the cornea of rabbits for corneal thickening: an experimental study.

To evaluate the feasibility and effects of the intrastromal implantation of chemically modified corneal stroma obtained from chicken into the corneas of rabbits for corneal thickening. Chicken corneas were cut, debrided, treated with cross-linking and implanted in an intrastromal pouch created in the cornea of 10 white New Zealand rabbits with femtosecond laser. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography were performed immediately, 7, 30 and 90days postoperatively. Corneas were removed at 90daysand cut in two halves. One half was sent to histological analysis for the presence of necrosis, polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells, blood vessels and fibrosis, while the other half was evaluated with transmission electron microscopy to verify tissue organization and the presence of keratocytes and inflammatory cells. Corneal thicknesses were comparatively analyzed over time with Wilcoxon test (p ≤ 0.05). The chicken grafts were incorporated into the cornea of all animals over time. Mean rabbit cornea thickness increased from 338µm preoperatively to 538µm (p < 0.0077) at 90days, while mean chicken graft thickness decreased from 350 to 215µm (p < 0.0077). No clear signs of rejection attributable to the xenograft were observed in any of the implanted eyes. However, some macroscopic and histological events were observed in some of the eyes, probably due to procedural issues during implantation. The intrastromal implantation of chicken grafts was shown to be feasible and predictable to thicken the recipient rabbit cornea without apparent rejection. However, before being considered in humans, further meticulous clinical trials are required to establish the clinical utility, safety and efficacy of xenografts for the treatment of patients with advanced keratoconus.

Colonic mucosae is affected by experimental gastric restriction

BackgroundObesity‐related comorbidity is defined as a condition caused by overweight/obesity or known to contribute to the presence or severity of the condition. These comorbid conditions are expected to improve or go into remission in the presence of effective and sustained weight loss. World Health Organization reports obesity as a rising chronic condition with many devastating health consequences. Gastric reduction procedures are currently employed to treat morbid obesity and there are few reports concerning the consequent effects in large intestine.MethodsExperimental model of gastric restriction was devised using rats. The animals were submitted to surgical gastrostomy and a cylindrical loofah was inserted into the stomach. We studied 30 adult male Wistar rats divided in three groups: the stomach reduction group (R20), the sham group (SH20), which underwent the same procedure except for the loofah insertion and the control group (C20). Animals were fed and kept in separate cages. Sections of the colon were obtained and stained with hematoxylin‐eosin and analyzed for the length of the crypts, mucous cells and inflammatory cells.Goblet cells and inflammatory cells were obtained in all groups as mean, median, minimum and maximum and were compared between groups using generalized estimation equations (GEE) with normal distribution and identity link function supposing exchangeable correlation matrix between fields. Bonferroni’s multiple comparison was applied to identify differences between groups. The results are described by the mean value with respective standard deviation.ResultsThe analysis of Goblet cells count on R20 group indicated a statistically significant reduction and shallower crypts as compared to the C20. There was a significant difference regarding inflammatory cells on R20 compared to C20 and SH20. Polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells were increased in all groups when compared to lymphomononuclear cell but with no significant difference among groups.ConclusionThese findings might be a result of colonic mucosae atrophy secondary to the effects of gastric restriction in this model. The increase in neutrophil infiltrate may be related to the presence of bezoar, as well as the greater aggression to the colic epithelium due to lack of short chain fatty acids (CCFA), oxidative stress epithelial damage due to lack of CCFA.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) Leaf Ethanol Extract Reduces Inflammatory Cell Infiltration in Aspirin-Induced Gastritis Rats

Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Tulsi leaf extract has phenol, flavonoid and saponin compounds which are potential as antioxidant and increase defensive factors in the gastric. The purpose of this research was to find out the effect of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract in polymorphonuclear (PMN) inflammatory cell infiltration in gastric of aspirin-induced gastritis rat model. This study was laboratory experimental research using post-test only control group design. Randomly, 27 male rats were divided into 3 groups, the first group was not induced by aspirin and extract as negative control, the second group was induced by aspirin of 600 mg/kgBW as positive control, and the third group was induced by aspirin of 600 mg/kgBW and was given Ocimum sanctum extract at a dose of 400 mg/kgBW as treatment group. Gastric of the rats were taken on 16th day for histopathology evaluation using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Evaluation was done by calculating the PMN inflammatory cell infiltration in mucosal and submucosal layer. The results of the average number of PMN inflammatory cell in the gastric tissue of the treatment group showed a significant decrease compared to the positive and negative control groups with P-value &lt;0.05. This study proved that Ocimum sanctum leaf extract administration with the dose of 400 mg/kgBW can decrease gastritis inflammation by reducing PMN inflammatory cell in gastric of aspirin-induced gastritis rat model.

The curative effect of cannabinoid 2 receptor agonist on functional failure and disruptive inflammation caused by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion.

Ischemia and reperfusion of intestinal tissue (intestinal I/R) induce disruption of ileal contractility and chain responses of inflammatory. The aim of this study was to reveal whether therapeutic value of cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor activity in the intestinal I/R, via to the exogenous administration of CB2 agonist (AM-1241). Intestinal I/R injury were performed through 30-min ischemia and 150-min reperfusion of mesenteric artery in Wistar rats. The pre-administered doses of 0.1, 1, and 5mg/kg of CB2 agonist were studied to inhibit inflammation of intestinal I/R injury including ileum smooth muscle contractility, polymorphonuclear cell migration, oxidant/antioxidant defense system, and provocative cytokines. Pre-administration with CB2 receptor agonist ensured to consider improving the disrupted contractile responses in ileum smooth muscle along with decreased the formation of MDA that production of lipid peroxidation, reversed the depleted glutathione, inhibited the expression of TNF-α and of IL-1β in the intestinal I/R of rats. Taken together results of this research, the agonistic activity of CB2 receptor for healing of intestinal I/R injury is ensuring associated with anti-inflammatory mechanisms such as the inhibiting of migration of inflammatory polymorphonuclear cells that origin of acute and initial responses of inflammation, the inhibiting of production of provocative and pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β, the rebalancing of oxidant/antioxidant redox system disrupted in injury of reperfusion period and the supporting of physiologic defensive systems in endothelial and inducible inflammatory cells.

Parasitic pneumonia caused by Paragonimus spp. in a wild Royal Bengal Tiger, Mysuru, South India.

Parasitic pneumonia induced by genus Paragonimus involves many species, which affects both humans and animals and it is a food borne zoonotic disease. In this report, we have described the gross and histopathological findings of Paragonimus fluke infection in lungs of tiger. The postmortem examination of sub adult male wild tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) died in captivity was conducted, earlier which was rescued by Forest Department, Mysuru, Karnataka, India. External examination of carcass revealed pale oral and conjunctival mucous membranes with sunken eye balls. During necropsy, moderate congestion, consolidation and numerous transparent to dark encysted lesions were found in the parenchyma of all lobes of lungs visible grossly on pleural surface. Lungs were hemorrhagic with necrotic foci around the cysts. The incision of encysted lesions revealed the presence of flukes (2-3 in numbers) in each cyst with brownish exudate. The lung tissues with lesions were collected in 10% formalin and haematoxylin and eosin staining was done for histopathological evaluation. The flukes were identified as Paragonimus spp. based on the morphology and micrometry. The histopathological examination revealed presence of longitudinal sections of flukes in bronchial lumen (in pair) with tegument and tegumental spines surrounded by connective tissue capsule as cystic encapsulation and numerous eggs in adjacent lung parenchyma. Necrosis and moderate fibrosis of lung parenchyma with infiltration of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear inflammatory cells were observed around fluke as well as eggs. The squamous cell metaplasia of lining bronchial epithelium and atelectasis of alveoli were also prominently seen.

Involvement of B cells in the pathophysiology of β-aminopropionitrile-induced thoracic aortic dissection in mice

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a life-threatening disease that is characterized by an inflammatory response. Innate and cellular immunity has long been known to be involved in TAD, but the role of humoral immunity in the pathophysiology of TAD remains unknown. We administered the lysyl oxidase inhibitor β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN; 1 g/kg/day) in 3-week-old male C57BL/6J mice for 4 weeks to establish an animal model of TAD. Animals that died were immediately dissected. Animals that survived were sacrificed on days 7, 14, and 28 after BAPN challenge. The incidence and rupture rates of BAPN-induced TAD were 90% (9/10) and 70% (7/10), respectively, at 28 days. Victoria blue-nuclear fast red staining of aortic tissue revealed elastic lamellae destruction and the formation of a false lumen in the BAPN group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed the infiltration of both plasmacytoid mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells in TAD tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry indicated that plasma immunoglobin M (IgM) and IgG were elevated at 7, 14, and 28 days, and CD19-positive B cells infiltrated into the adventitia of aortic tissue in BAPN-treated mice. The transcriptional analysis showed an increase in the expression of B cell receptor signaling-associated genes. These results indicate that B cells and immunoglobulins might participate in the pathogenesis of TAD, suggesting that humoral immunity may be a possible therapeutic target for TAD.

Allogenic mesenchymal stem cell intravenous infusion in reparation of mild intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in New Zealand rabbits

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusion, derived from adipose tissue, on reduction of local and remote tissue damage caused by the event of experimental intestinal I/R in New Zealand breed rabbits. For obtaining, characterization, and cultivation of MSC derived from adipose tissue (MSC-Adp), 3 juvenile animals (four months old) were used. The cells were considered to be viable for therapy after the fourth passage (in vitro phase). For the in vivo stage, 24 young adult animals (six months old) were used, weighing approximately 3.5 kg, in which were randomly divided into two groups, called: IR treated with MSC (I2H/R5H MSC 3D; I2H/R5H MSC 7D); IR treated with PBS (I2H/R5H PBS 3D; I2H/R5H PBS 7D). The animals were anesthetized and submitted to pre-retro-umbilical midline celiotomy. The extramural peri-intestinal marginal artery was located and clamped (predetermined and standardized region) with the aid of a vascular clip, promoting a 2 hour blood flow interruption. After this period, blood flow was reestablished, inhalatory anesthesia was suspended, and the animals awaken. After 5 hours of reperfusion, the treatments were performed by intravenous infusion according to the experimental groups. The animals were evaluated 72 hours and seven days after the treatment as for the macroscopic appearance (color and peristaltism) of the jejunal segment, and by histological evaluation of the ischemic segment for the presence or absence of destruction of the intestinal mucosa, edema, bleeding, dilation of lymph vessels, and presence of polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells, both in the mucosa and submucosa. The observed results revealed that the groups treated with MSC-Adp obtained smaller mucosal and submucosal lesions when compared to the groups treated with PBS. Also, MSC-Adp treated groups obtained controlled inflammatory response and higher mitotic rate, outcomes related to the therapeutic potential of MSC. Infusion of stem cells attenuated the lesions caused by intestinal I/R in both MSC groups when compared to the group treated with PBS.

Evaluation of apoptotic caspase levels in estimation of the wound age

Abstract Objectives We aimed to investigate the potential use of the expression of apoptotic signaling pathway genes of rat in skin wound age estimation. Material and methods For this purpose, we formed cutting tool injuries using a scalpel in an experimental model. Then, we assessed Caspase 3, 8 and 9 mRNA levels by using quantitative real-time PCR and protein levels by using immunohistochemistry in rat skin wounds. In addition, we used TUNEL assay to detect apoptotic cells. Results We observed that Caspase 3 mRNA level significantly increased (2.1±0.4 folds) on day 3 (p&lt;0.05) and Caspase 8 mRNA level significantly increased (1.8±0.2 folds) on day 5 (p&lt;0.05). Caspase 9 mRNA level increased (1.9±0.1 folds) on day 3 and (2.5±0.4 folds) on day 5 (p&lt;0.05). The percentage values of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) and inflammatory mononuclear cells (IMCs) were observed after immunohistochemical staining by Caspase 3, 8, 9 antibodies. Our immunohistochemistry results were found to be consistent with the mRNA results observed. We reported a statistically significant increase in Caspase 3, 8 and 9-positive cells on days 3 and 5 after immunohistochemical staining as well. Conclusion Our results suggest that time-dependent features of apoptotic factors might offer a potential tool in estimating wound age.

Effect of Steamed Broccoli Juice (Brassica oleraceae L. var. italica) to the Serum Interleukin 8 Level in Colitis Murine Model

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a bowel inflammation that happens in the colon and rectum. In UC there is an increased level of inflammatory mediators, one of which is interleukin-8 (IL-8), the main chemoattractant for polymorphonuclear (PMN) inflammatory cells causing inflammation to worsen. Broccoli (Brassica oleraceae L. var. italica) contains sulforaphane which can inhibit nuclear factor kappa B (NF-ĸB), resulting in the decrease of IL-8. This study was performed to identify the effect of steamed broccoli juice to the serum interleukin-8 level in murine model of colitis.Method: This study was a true experimental laboratory study using complete randomized design. Experimental animals being used were 28 murines with Balb/c strain and were divided into 4 intervention groups. Serum IL-8 level was measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Data analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, followed by multiple comparisons Tukey honest significant difference (HSD) test (a = 0.05) and p 0.05.Results: The highest mean of IL-8 level was found in the positive control group. This study also showed highly significant difference (p 0.001) of IL-8 level between positive control group and treatment group.Conclusion: Steamed broccoli juice could decrease serum interleukin-8 level in murine model of colitis.

The Effect of Chrome-Cobalt and Acrylic Palatal Plates on Experimental Denture Stomatitis in Wistar Rat

Objective To compare effect of acrylic and chrome-cobalt on experimental oral candidiasis. Study Design 72 male Wistar rats were divided into group1 and group2 experimental groups and a control group, group 1 includes animals fitted with acrylic palatal plates, 12 of them inoculated with candida albicans, group 2 includes animals fitted with chrome-cobalt palatal plates, 12 of them inoculated with candida albicans. The control group includes animals inoculated with candida albicans on palate, and animals left without any treatment. Results Palatal candidiasis resulted in group 1, with alternating epithelial hyperplasia and atrophy, intra-epithelial polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration in connective tissue, transmission of candida from yeast into mycelium was observed. Group 2 did not exhibit palatal candidiasis; but only slight hyperorthokeratinization. Conclusions Presence of acrylic in association with Candida albicans is required for oral candidiasis, while Chrome-Cobalt Inoculated with Candida albicans caused hyperkeratosis and slight epithelial hyperplasia.

Inhibition of Sphingosine Kinase Prevents Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Preterm Birth and Suppresses Proinflammatory Responses in a Murine Model

Premature delivery occurs in 12% of all births, and accounts for nearly half of long-term neurological morbidity, and 60% to 80% of perinatal mortality. Despite advances in obstetrics and neonatology, the rate of premature delivery has increased approximately 12% since 1990. The single most common cause of spontaneous preterm birth is infection. Several lines of evidence have demonstrated the role of endothelin-1 as both a constrictor of uterine myometrial smooth muscle and a proinflammatory mediator. Endothelin-1 activates the phospholipase C pathway, leading to activation of protein kinase C and, in turn, sphingosine kinase (SphK). The inhibition of SphK has been recently shown to control the proinflammatory response associated with sepsis. We show herein, for the first time, that SphK inhibition prevents inflammation-associated preterm birth in a murine model. Rescue of pups from premature abortion with an SphK inhibitor occurs by suppression of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α, Il-1β, and Il-6 and attenuation of polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells into the placental labyrinth. Moreover, we postulate that inhibition of SphK leads to suppression of endothelin-converting enzyme-1 expression, indicating the presence of an endothelin-converting enzyme 1/endothelin 1-SphK positive feedback loop. This work introduces a novel approach for the control of infection-triggered preterm labor, a condition for which there is no effective treatment.

Role of TRPV1 channels in ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury.

ObjectivesTransient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) -positive sensory nerves are widely distributed in the kidney, suggesting that TRPV1-mediated action may participate in the regulation of renal function under pathophysiological conditions. Stimulation of TRPV1 channels protects against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). However, it is unknown whether inhibition of these channels is detrimental in AKI or not. We tested the role of TRPV1 channels in I/R-induced AKI by modulating these channels with capsaicin (TRPV1 agonist), capsazepine (TRPV1 antagonist) and using Trpv1−/− mice.Methods and ResultsAnesthetized C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 25 min of renal ischemia and 24 hrs of reperfusion. Mice were pretreated with capsaicin (0.3 mg/kg body weight) or capsazepine (50 mg/kg body weight). Capsaicin ameliorated the outcome of AKI, as measured by serum creatinine levels, tubular damage,neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) abundance and Ly-6B.2 positive polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells in injured kidneys. Neither capsazepine nor deficiency of TRPV1 did deteriorate renal function or histology after AKI. Measurements of endovanilloids in kidney tissue indicate that 20-hydroxyeicosatetraeonic acid (20-HETE) or epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are unlikely involved in the beneficial effects of capsaicin on I/R-induced AKI.ConclusionsActivation of TRPV1 channels ameliorates I/R-induced AKI, but inhibition of these channels does not affect the outcome of AKI. Our results may have clinical implications for long-term safety of renal denervation to treat resistant hypertension in man, with respect to the function of primary sensory nerves in the response of the kidney to ischemic stimuli.

Spontaneous poisoning by Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae) in cattle

The aim of this study is to report cases of spontaneous poisoning of cattle by Ricinus communis (castor beans) in Paraíba, a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. The cases were observed in 2 herds on neighboring properties in 2013. Clinical signs developed within 6-24 h and consisted of weakness, tachycardia, dyspnea, profuse watery diarrhea, dehydration, depression, instability, cramps, permanent lateral recumbency and death within 48-72 h. Of the 60 cattle at risk, 19 were affected and 14 died. Five fully recovered after the course of 12 days. Three animals were necropsied. The main gross lesions were hemopericardium, hemothorax, pulmonary edema, petechial hemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium, ecchymoses at the papillary muscles and suffusions on the intercostal muscles. Hemorrhages were also observed in the abdominal cavity, spleen and mucosa of the abomasum and small intestine. The rumen content was liquid with a large amount of castor bean seeds. There were circular, whitish and focally diffuse areas in the liver parenchyma. The main microscopic lesions consisted of multifocal coagulative myocardial necrosis with the presence of mononuclear cell infiltration and varying degrees of bleeding between cardiac muscle fibers. The abomasum and small intestine mucosae and submucosa had mild edema and mononuclear and polymorphonuclear inflammatory cell infiltration. The diagnosis of R. communis was based on the history of plant consumption, clinical signs, pathology of the disease and the presence of large amounts of castor bean seeds in the forestomachs.

West AfricanSorghum bicolorLeaf Sheaths Have Anti-Inflammatory and Immune-Modulating PropertiesIn Vitro

The impact of chronic inflammatory conditions on immune function is substantial, and the simultaneous application of anti-inflammatory and immune modulating modalities has potential for reducing inflammation-induced immune suppression. Sorghum-based foods, teas, beers, and extracts are used in traditional medicine, placing an importance on obtaining an increased understanding of the biological effects of sorghum. This study examined selected anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties in vitro of Jobelyn™, containing the polyphenol-rich leaf sheaths from a West African variant of Sorghum bicolor (SBLS). Freshly isolated primary human polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear cell subsets were used to test selected cellular functions in the absence versus presence of aqueous and ethanol extracts of SBLS. Both aqueous and nonaqueous compounds contributed to reduced reactive oxygen species formation by inflammatory PMN cells, and reduced the migration of these cells in response to the inflammatory chemoattractant leukotriene B4. Distinct effects were seen on lymphocyte and monocyte subsets in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The aqueous extract of SBLS triggered robust upregulation of the CD69 activation marker on CD3- CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells, whereas the ethanol extract of SBLS triggered similar upregulation of CD69 on CD3+ CD56+ NKT cells, CD3+ T lymphocytes, and monocytes. This was accompanied by many-fold increases in the chemokines RANTES/CCL5, Mip-1α/CCL3, and MIP-1β/CCL4. Both aqueous and nonaqueous compounds contribute to anti-inflammatory effects, combined with multiple effects on immune cell activation status. These observations may help suggest mechanisms of action that contribute to the traditional use of sorghum-based products, beverages, and extracts for immune support.

Pre-exposure to sulfur dioxide attenuates most allergic reactions upon trimellitic anhydride challenge in sensitized Brown Norway rats

Irritant-induced inflammation of the airways may aggravate respiratory allergy induced by chemical respiratory allergens. Therefore, it was studied whether airway irritation by sulfur dioxide (SO2) would enhance respiratory allergic reactions to trimellitic anhydride (TMA), using a rat model. Brown Norway (BN) rats were topically sensitized, subsequently exposed for a single time or repeatedly to 300 ppm SO2, and challenged by inhalation to a distinctly irritating or minimally irritating concentration of TMA after the (last) SO2 exposure. Repeated exposure to SO2 alone reduced breathing frequency during exposure, and caused epithelial alterations including hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia, and infiltration of polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells into nasal tissues, larynx, trachea, and bronchi/bronchioli. Histopathological changes were less prominent after 1 day of SO2 exposure. Repeated pre-exposure to SO2 reduced the number of TMA-induced apnoeas, in an SO2 exposure duration-dependent manner. This effect of SO2 on TMA-induced functional allergic reactions (apnoeas) was distinct only when the TMA challenge concentration was not too irritating itself. Repeated pre-exposure to SO2 reduced TMA-induced laryngeal ulceration, goblet-cell hyperplasia, and inflammation in the lungs in most animals, regardless of the TMA challenge concentration. The SO2-induced replacement of normal respiratory epithelium by less sensitive, squamous epithelium may offer an explanation for the, unexpected, reduced allergic manifestation. However in a few animals, SO2 appeared to facilitate TMA-induced irritation, probably due to incomplete protection. Overall, SO2 exposure of TMA-sensitized rats reduced TMA-related allergic respiratory responses in most animals.

Appendectomy to Remember

A 29‐year‐old Somali women presented with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. She had migrated as a refugee from Kenya to Minnesota 14 months before presentation. On physical examination, she had periumbilical and right lower quadrant tenderness with signs of peritoneal irritation such as rebound tenderness. Her laboratory investigations revealed leukocytosis (total white blood count 19.3 cells/μL) with a neutrophil predominance (83% neutrophils, 14% lymphocytes, and 3% eosinophils) and an elevated C‐reactive protein. She received the clinical diagnosis of appendicitis and subsequently underwent appendectomy. Pathology study of the surgical specimen is shown in Figures1–3. Figure 1 Histopathology of appendix. The mucosa is ulcerated; the lumen contains red blood cells and inflammatory cells. The submucosa is thickened and displays Schistosoma eggs in various stages of degeneration and calcification (hematoxylin and eosin stain, magnification ×40). Figure 2 Schistosoma eggs are oval, embedded in the submucosa and surrounded by mononuclear and polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells. The internal structure of the eggs reveals miracidia …