Proliferation Of Connective Tissue Research Articles

Effect of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Gel on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-Infected Second-Degree Burn Wound in Rats

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection often complicates burn wounds. Mupirocin is the antibiotic of choice for superficial MRSA infection, and its resistance is on the rise due to its frequent and widespread use. This study aimed to develop and evaluate Curcuma xanthorriza extract (CXE)- containing gel as a topical agent against MRSA-infected second-degree burn wound in rats. CXE was obtained using maceration with 96% ethanol. Xanthorrhizol level, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity were evaluated using a standardized method. In vivo, the wound’s healing and bacterial load were evaluated every three days, whereas the histopathology of the wound was examined on day 12 of treatment. One-Way ANOVA and Kruskal- Wallis test were used to analyze the data. In this study, 27.0% and 7.10% of the obtained CXE were xanthorrhizol and curcumin, respectively. Additionally, an IC50 of 64.27 ppm was shown in antioxidant activity measurement, and MIC against MRSA was 5 mg/ml. Treatment with CXE-containing gels showed a significant reduction in bacterial load and proliferation of connective tissue in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, CXE-containing gel showed a greater reduction of bacterial load and more advanced wound healing phase than mupirocin.

Bilateral auricular aneurysm with intact pericardial sac in a dog

A nine-year-old, male, Pekingese dog was presented with a history of dyspnea, lethargy, syncope, polyuria, polydipsia, and selective appetite over two years. When the clinical signs first began, a radiographic exam revealed a radiopaque mass in the cranial mediastinum. An adequate treatment was not performed and the dog was presented to the hospital with severe tachycardia, dyspnea, and tachypnea, and died during physical examination. On necropsy, the heart presented bilateral auricular aneurysms. The pericardial sac was intact, and no other defects were found within the heart. Microscopically, the cardiomyocytes were marked degenerated and proliferation of connective tissue. This is the first case report of a bilateral auricular aneurysm with intact pericardial sac in a dog.

Tekelan Leaves (Chromolaena odorata) Infusion and 10% Povidone-Iodine on Incision Wound Healing Process of Mice (Mus musculus) Infected with Staphylococcus aureus

Skin is considered to be the most prone organ to injury and infection compared to other body organs. Skin infections are most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The most commonly used synthetic drugs to overcome skin problems is Povidone-iodine. Considering the Indonesian traditional method, injuries could be cured by dripping Tekelan leaves (Chromolaena odorata) infusion on the wounded skin area. This study aimed to compare the treatment effects of Tekelan leaves (Chromolaena odorata) infusion and povidone-iodine in the wound healing process of mice skin. The subjects of this study were 25 mice (Mus musculus) which were incised and infected with Staphylococcus aureus in 5 groups, namely, P0 (without treatment), P1 (povidone-iodine 10%), P2 (Tekelan infusion 5%), P3 (Tekelan infusion 10%), and P4 (Tekelan infusion 20%). Observations were made microscopically on wound conditions based on a total assessment of the four observed parameters (epithelization, inflammation rate, connective tissue proliferation, and angiogenesis). The results showed that the total observation value in the P0 and P2 groups was lower than the other groups. The P1 group obtained the highest score. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference among the treatment groups (p < 0.05). While the Mann Whitney test indicated P1 had a significant difference with P0, P2, and P3, it had no significant difference with P4. It can be concluded that the Tekelan Leaves (Chromolaena odorata) infusion can be used as an alternative of povidone-iodine with an optimal concentration of 20%.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy in a female with x-autosome translocation

Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy is the most common hereditary neuromuscular disease, which affects all races. Its classical characteristic clinical features being progressive muscular weakness, intellectual impairment and hypertrophy of the calves with proliferation of connective tissue and progressive fibrosis in muscles. As the disease is inherited as an X-linked recessive trait, thus females not manifesting the disease and acting as carriers only, as second X chromosome prevents the manifestation of disease. We report a case of classical Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 10 year old female with no intellectual deficit and no family history of similar type of muscular dystrophy.

Pathological characteristics of colorectal adenoma with submucosal pseudoinvasion

Objective: To investigate the pathomorphological characteristics of colorectal adenoma with submucosal pseudoinvasion and to summarize the corresponding pseudoinvasion patterns. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 9 cases of colorectal adenoma were collected at 989 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force (4 cases) and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University (5 cases), from 2016 to 2019. retrospectively, and the histomorphological characteristics and immunophenotypes were analyzed, and discussed in light of the relevant literature. Results: There were 8 cases of adenoma with stalk. Tumor glands were found in the submucosa at the head end of adenoma, similar to infiltrating adenocarcinoma. The structure and cellular morphology of submucosal glands were very similar to the intramucosal tumor while the local submucosal tumor showed continuity with the intramucosal tumor. The submucosal tumors were lobule-like or nest-like with clear boundary. The outline of the gland was smooth and blunt-round, and there was loose fibromyxoid stroma around the gland, similar to the mucosa propria stroma. Some cases of the submucosal glands were cystic dilated with mucocele formation and hemosiderin deposition. One case with broad stalk-base showed an elevated adenoma with local high grade dysplasia involved in the aggregated lymphoid nodule, forming the lymphoglandular complexes, simulating invasive adenocarcinoma with associated submucosal lymphoid aggregates. Submucosal cancer tissue and intramucosal cancer tissue had continuity, and their morphology was the same. The submucosal tumor was round in the outline, smooth and blunt in the edge, and surrounded by lymphoid tissue. There was no stromal response around the gland to promote the proliferation of connective tissue, neither was there single-cell or small-cell cluster, sharp angle branch of gland, or vascular infiltration. Conclusions: There are two unique morphological patterns in colorectal adenoma with submucosal pseudoinvasion. Morphologically, the data show that one is lobular-like pattern, and the other is lymphoglandular complexes-like pattern. The main features of the two patterns are the same-morphology and continuity of submucosal tumor and intramucosal tumor. The pushed glands were surrounded by the intrinsic membrane stroma and muscularis mucosae in proper order, lacking the typical morphological characteristics of invasive adenocarcinoma.

Peritoneopericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia in a Persian Cat

Background: Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a congenital defect characterized by an anomalous communication between the abdominal cavity and pericardial sac, which can lead to displacement of the abdominal viscera into the thoracic cavity. The occurrence in felines is higher among long-haired breeds, mainly the Persian breed, possibly based onan autosomal recessive inheritance. The diagnosis of PPDH is performed by means of chest radiography with or without contrast, in association with other imaging tests such as ultrasonography and echocardiography. Our objective in this study was to report the occurrence and macroscopic changes in a case of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a Persian feline. Case: A 9-year-old male Persian cat weighing 3.4 kg was referred to the HPET-Private Veterinary Clinic, Salvador, Bahia, with an history of weight loss and chronic intermittent vomiting during the preceding 6 months, with lateral decubitus and breathing difficulties. Ultrasonography revealed findings suggestive of an infiltrative process in the stomach and duodenum, enlarged gastric lymph nodes, and some nodular images indicating slight displacement of the liver. Chest radiography revealed a cardiac silhouette with markedly enlarged dimensions associated with a dorsal deviation of the terminal trachea, and echocardiography revealed a small amount of pericardial effusion. The patient showed initial clinical improvement after blood transfusion; however, after 2 days, he exhibited significant clinical worsening and was therefore euthanized with the owner's consent. Post mortem evaluation revealed partial herniation of the liver and gallbladder into the chest cavity through a diaphragmatic hernia ring. The heart was partially surrounded by the left medial lobe of the liver, which was displaced into the pericardial sac. Herniated hepatic lobes had an irregular capsular surface with evident lobulation and tension lipidosis. In the abdominal cavity, the remainder of the liver (right lateral and medial lobes) was observed to be slightly enlarged, with an irregular surface, diffusely reddish with intense evidence of the lobular pattern and white and firm multifocal areas (fibrosis). In the duodenum, close to the pylorus, there was a nodule measuring 2.8 x 2.5 x 1.0 cm, with a whitish and ulcerated surface. When cut, it was soft and exhibited a homogeneous, whitish compact surface.Histopathological examinationshowed marked proliferation of fibrous connective tissue, which for the most part separated the lobes by septa and surrounded the portal space (fibrosis), a marked diffuse chronic inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes and plasma cells. In addition, marked bile duct hyperplasia and multifocal areas of fatty degeneration (steatosis).Discussion: The diagnosis was based on the association of clinical and pathological findings. Considering the age and clinical signs presented by the patient in this report, as well as the presence of few radiographic signs that were indicative of PPDH, the first differential diagnosis thought was pericardial neoplasia. Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in felines is always of congenital origin and may occur asymptomatically depending on the number and involvement of herniated viscera. In this case, the patient's diagnosis of peritoneopericardial hernia was a necropsy finding; the fact that in agreement with previous reports of high rates of incidental diagnoses reinforces the importance of performing necropsy for confirmation or diagnosis of unexpected pathologies. In the present case, peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in isolation may not have led to severe anemia that culminated in the patient's death. The anatomopathological findings were compatible with biliary cirrhosis and multifocal liver fibrosis, accompanied by the presence of anemia and consequent hypovolemia. Keywords: congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital abnormalities, cats. Título: Hérnia Diafragmática Peritoneopericárdica em um Felino da Raça PersaDescritores: hérnia diafragmática congênita, anomalias congênitas, felinos.

Congestive heart failure in a young cat with excessive moderator bands (false tendons) in the left ventricle

ABSTRACT: Left ventricular false tendons are fibrous or fibromuscular bands that transverse the ventricular cavity and have no attachment to the mitral valve in many species. In cats it is considered a congenital defect that is rarely related to clinical disease and death in adult cats. A 45 days-old mixed breed cat had a history of inappetence since birth. At the physical exam the patient was lethargic and presented restrictive dyspnoea. At necropsy, there were marked ascites, hydrothorax, hepatomegaly with enhanced lobular pattern (nutmeg liver), and the lungs were markedly diminished (compressive pulmonary atelectasis). The heart was enlarged due to marked dilation of the cardiac chambers. Moreover, multiple slightly whitish and irregular cord-like structures were connecting the posterior papillary muscle to the interventricular septum (excessive moderator bands /left ventricular false tendons) at the left ventricle. Microscopically, these structures were characterized by a marked proliferation of fibrous connective tissue intermixed with Purkinje cells and well-differentiated cardiomyocytes lined by a single layer of endocardium. This study described a case of excessive moderator bands (left ventricular false tendons) in a young cat associated with congestive heart failure and death.

Spontaneous Rupture of Gallbladder Hemangioma Presenting as Hemoperitoneum

ABSTRACTHemangioma of the gallbladder is rare, with less than 10 cases reported in the literature. It may represent a hamartomatous proliferation of connective tissue in the gallbladder or may be congenital in origin. Although liver hemangiomas rarely present with spontaneous rupture, it has not been documented in gallbladder hemangiomas. This report presents a case of gallbladder hemangioma that ruptured spontaneously and presented with hemoperitoneum.

Minimal Tissue Reaction after Chronic Subdural Electrode Implantation for Fully Implantable Brain-Machine Interfaces.

There is a growing interest in the use of electrocorticographic (ECoG) signals in brain–machine interfaces (BMIs). However, there is still a lack of studies involving the long-term evaluation of the tissue response related to electrode implantation. Here, we investigated biocompatibility, including chronic tissue response to subdural electrodes and a fully implantable wireless BMI device. We implanted a half-sized fully implantable device with subdural electrodes in six beagles for 6 months. Histological analysis of the surrounding tissues, including the dural membrane and cortices, was performed to evaluate the effects of chronic implantation. Our results showed no adverse events, including infectious signs, throughout the 6-month implantation period. Thick connective tissue proliferation was found in the surrounding tissues in the epidural space and subcutaneous space. Quantitative measures of subdural reactive tissues showed minimal encapsulation between the electrodes and the underlying cortex. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed no significant difference in the cell densities of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia between the implanted sites and contralateral sites. In conclusion, we established a beagle model to evaluate cortical implantable devices. We confirmed that a fully implantable wireless device and subdural electrodes could be stably maintained with sufficient biocompatibility in vivo.

Вміст циркулюючих імунних комплексів у хворих на дифузний токсичний зоб, ускладнений автоімунною офтальмопатією

Одним із важливих показників, що характеризує стан гуморальної ланки імунної системи організму, є рівень циркулюючих імунних комплексів (ЦІК). За умов надлишкового утворення, ЦІК зберігаються впродовж тривалого часу і можуть відкладатися в різних органах та судинах, де здатні ініціювати запальні процеси. Автоімунна офтальмопатія (АО) — автоімунне захворювання, яке являє собою комплексне ураження тканин орбіти, супроводжується інфільтрацією, набряком і проліферацією ретробулярної жирової клітковини, м’язів і сполучної тканини. АО може зустрічатися як самостійне захворювання, так і в сполученні з дифузним токсичним зобом (ДТЗ) або автоімунним тиреоїдитом. Припускають, що патогенетичні механізми прогресування АО можуть бути пов’язані з активацією автоімунних процесів в орбітальних тканинах на фоні високого рівня антитіл до рецепторів тиреотропного гормону (рТТГ). Метою роботи було дослідження вмісту ЦІК у хворих на ДТЗ, ускладнений АО. Матеріал і методи. Проведено визначення кількості ЦІК: у 24 хворих (19 жінок та 5 чоловіків) із ДТЗ віком від 22 до 67 років (середнє значення — (47,2±2,8) року), у 29 хворих (19 жінок та 10 чоловіків) на ДТЗ, ускладнений АО, віком від 18 до 71 року (середнє значення — (46,1±2,5) року) і в 16 донорів (контрольна група) відповідного віку та статі. Результати. У хворих на ДТЗ обох груп вміст ЦІК вірогідно вищий за відповідний показник у донорів: відповідно (92,7±6,1) ум. од./мл і (113,5±6,7) ум. од./мл проти (67,7±6,1) ум. од./мл, (р<0,05). У групі хворих на ДТЗ, ускладнений АО, кількість осіб із високими значеннями ЦІК істотно більша, ніж у групі хворих на ДТЗ. Так, високі значення ЦІК (100 ум. од./мл і більше) виявлено в 17 із 29 (58,6%) хворих на ДТЗ, ускладнений АО, тоді як у хворих на ДТЗ їх було 7 із 24 (29,2%). Висновки. Збільшення продукції ЦІК у хворих на ДТЗ, ускладнений АО, імовірно, є результатом активації гуморальної ланки імунної системи та підтвердженням автоімунного ґенезу захворювання. Високий вміст ЦІК може свідчити про розлад імунного гомеостазу, зокрема, про дисфункцію ретикуло-ендотеліальної системи, яка відповідає за їх елімінацію і виведення.

16194 A GAPO syndrome case report: Identification of novel biallenic ANTXR1 variants cause GAPO syndrome

GAPO syndrome (GS) is a very rare disorder characterized by growth retardation, pseudoanodontia, alopecia and optic atrophy. We report a 20-year-old boy, except optic atrophy combined with a new discovered mutation. The patient was noticed to have abnormal facial features at birth, but no one knew what was exactly abnormality. He was discovered getting this syndrome since 12-year-old. On examination, the patient had short feature, universal alopecia, redundant skin, cafe-au-lait macules on the scalp, osteomalacia, and pseudoanodontia. He also had a typical face for GS including high and bossing forehead, puffy eyelids, depressed nasal bridge, cranofacial dysmorphia, thick everted lower lip, low-set ears, premature aging appearance and prominent dilated scalp veins. Primary and permanent teeth were formed but fail to erupt. The development of his mental and motor functional activities was not discovered abnormalities on examination. Laboratory examination was normal. The histopathologic pattern of the scalp skin described the epidermis had an atrophic malpighian layer, the epidermal ridges did not descend in the dermis and there was a dense proliferation of connective tissue admixed with infiltration of a chronic inflammatory cell. New mutations were discovered including a novel biallenic variants of ANTXR1: c.T1149 A (protein Y383X) and c.1143_1145del (protein Y383del) located both in exon 15 by whole exome sequencing. These variants are inherited from paternal indicated the auto recessive mode of inheritance. To date, only 6 mutations in ANTXR1 have been reported in GS. This is a first case of GS due to a novel biallenic ANTXR1 variants.

Study on Prevention of Postoperative Abdominal Adhesions with PLGA Nanofiber Membrane

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofiber membrane on prevention of postoperative abdominal adhesion. Methods: PLGA nanofiber membrane was prepared by high-voltage electrospinning technique. The effectiveness of the membrane in prevention of postoperative abdominal adhesions was characterized with rat abdominal adhesion models. Results: PLGA nanofiber membrane was prepared successfully by electrospinning technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation showed that the average diameter of PLGA fibers was approximately 800 nm, and the membrane had microporous structures. Mechanical tests showed that the tensile strength of PLGA nanofiber membrane was 6.36 ± 0.39 MPa, which was significantly higher than the tensile strength of DIKANG absorbable medical film. The results of in vivo experiments showed that PLGA nanofiber membrane and DIKANG absorbable medical film could both reduce the degree of abdominal adhesions. The histological results showed that there was only a small extent of inflammatory cell infiltration in the PLGA group and the control group. The proliferation of connective tissue was reduced, and so was the degree of adhesion. Conclusion: PLGA nanofiber membrane can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative adhesions, and bodes well for future clinical applications.

Evaluation of the early term healing effects of resveratrol on corneal wounds in rats

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of resveratrol (RES) treatment on corneal wound healing. Randomly divided into 2 groups were 26-week-old male Wistar albino rats. Group 1 was the control group (C) and group 2 was the RES group. A 2–3-mm-long vertical incision was made centrally in the right cornea of each rat to the descemet membrane using loupe magnification (2.5X) and the wounds were sutured using 10/0 nylon material. In the RES group, the rats were fed 30 mg/kg/day RES via oral gavage; the C and RES groups were provided food and water ad libitum for only 11 days. The matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and antioxidant status (AOS) were measured. On day 11, the rats were euthanized and examined histologically. The score of 3 for connective tissue proliferation, in both the C and RES groups, indicated rates of 11.1% and 0.0%, respectively (P < 0.05). The score of 3 for inflammatory cell reaction, in both the C and RES groups, indicated rates of 11.1% and 0.0%, respectively (P < 0.05). The MDA results were as follows: days 0 and 11, 1.61 ± 0.316 and 2.854 ± 0.572 for the C and RES groups, respectively. The increase in group C was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The MMP-9 level was 1.115 ± 0.197 and 2.842 ± 0.368, respectively, in the 2 groups. The increase in the RES group was statistically significant (P < 0.01). According to the AOS, the intergroup difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). As a result, RES inhibited vascularization of the corneal wound and retained the transparency of the corneal tissue. It is therefore suggested that extended studies and follow-up times are needed to better evaluate the outcomes of RES on the healing corneal wounds.

Liver Cirrhosis: Modern Approach to the Problem

Liver Cirrhosis: Modern Approach to the Problem

Mast cells in the pathophysiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Golden Retriever dogs

ABSTRACT: The Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) is one of the best models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with similar genotypic and phenotypic manifestations. Progressive proliferation of connective tissue in the endomysium of the muscle fibers occurs in parallel with the clinical course of the disease in GRMD animals. Previous studies suggest a relationship between mast cells and the deposition of fibrous tissue due to the release of mediators that recruit fibroblasts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of mast cells and their relationship with muscle injury and fibrosis in GRMD dogs of different ages. Samples of muscle groups from six GRMD and four control dogs, aged 2 to 8 months, were collected and analyzed. The samples were processed and stained with HE, toluidine blue, and Azan trichrome. Our results showed that there was a significant increase in infiltration of mast cells in all muscle groups of GRMD dogs compared to the control group. The average number of mast cells, as well as the deposition of fibrous tissue, decreased with age in GRMD dogs. In the control group, all muscle types showed a significant increase in the amount of collagenous tissue. This suggests increased mast cell degranulation occurred in younger GRMD dogs, resulting in increased interstitial space and fibrous tissue in muscle, which then gradually decreased over time as the dogs aged. However, further studies are needed to clarify the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of fibrosis.

Морфологическая характеристика ампул маточных труб женщин пожилого возраста

The aim of the study is to determine the size and to identify the features of histoarchitectonics of the uterine tube ampulla of an old-aged female. Materials and methods. The ampulla of both uterine tubes was examined in 26 nulliparous and 78 giving birth elderly women using morphometric, histological, immunohistochemical, and micrometric research methods. Results. The length and outer diameter of uterine tubes at the points of transition of isthmus into the ampulla and ampulla into the infundibulum as well as in the central part of ampulla are characterized by the absence of a statistically significant difference in parameters in nulliparous and giving birth women. The histoarchitectonic features of the ampullae of the uterine tubes in nulliparous and giving birth women in old age consist in the flattening of the epithelium of the mucous membrane, which forms many closely spaced thickened folds that create an uneven narrowing of the ampulla lumen, and the proliferation of connective tissue between the bundles of muscle fibers of the muscular membrane. The presence of Ki-67 expression in single cells of less than 1%, as well as a thin layer of epithelial membrane antigen in the epithelium of the ampulla along with the complete absence of its expression in the stroma reflect normal tissue regeneration and act as an equivalent to the anatomical norm in elderly females. When comparing lumen areas of ampulla and its wall at mid-section as well as the circumference of epithelial lining, a predominance of parameters in the right uterine tube was revealed (p<0.01). Conclusion. The study showed the similar qualitative and quantitative morphological characteristics of the uterine tube ampullae both in nulliparous and giving birth females in old age.

MONOSTOTIC FIBROUS DYSPLASIA: A CLINICAL CASE REPORT

The monostotic fibrous dysplasia is a benign fibro-osseous lesion of bone development, usually asymptomatic, which affects only 1 bone and is characterized by the substitution of the normal bone by an excessive proliferation of the fibrous connective tissue. In almost all cases there are deformities that cause aesthetic and functional disorders. The diagnosis is based on clinical, radiographic, and histologic characteristics. The facial asymmetry is the main clinical change, which is radiographically observed as a radiopaque appearance with frosted glass appearance, and histologically it is verified by the excessive proliferation of bone-forming mesenchymal cells. The objective of the present study is to report a case of a monostotic fibrous dysplasia in the middle third of the face, causing facial asymmetry and treated by a conservative surgery with good aesthetic results.

Antihepatic Fibrosis Drugs in Clinical Trials.

Liver fibrosis is not an independent disease. It refers to the abnormal proliferation of connective tissues in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors. Thus far, liver fibrosis has been considered to be associated with a set of factors, such as viral infection, alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and autoimmune hepatitis, as well as genetic diseases. To date, clinical therapeutics for liver fibrosis still face challenges, as elimination of potential causes and conventional antifibrotic drugs cannot alleviate fibrosis in most patients. Recently, potential therapeutic targets of liver fibrosis, such as metabolism, inflammation, cell death and the extracellular matrix, have been explored through basic and clinical research. Therefore, it is extremely urgent to review the antihepatic fibrosis therapeutics for treatment of liver fibrosis in current clinical trials.

In vivo and in vitro assessment of host-parasite interaction between the parasitic copepod Brachiella thynni (Copepoda; Lernaeopodidae) and the farmed Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)

The Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT; Thunnus thynnus) today represents one of the economically most important species for Croatian fisheries industry. Although the most diverse and abundant parasitofauna is usually found in the largest specimens of wild ABFT, the opposite was observed in captivity where parasite populations significantly decline by the end of the farming cycle. Copepod Brachiella thynni, is a skin parasite frequently parasitizing tuna, whose population also decreases in number throughout the rearing process. In order to better understand the immunity mechanisms underlying ABFT reaction to B. thynni infection, we studied expression profiles of immunity related genes; interleukin 1β (il1β), tumour necrosis factors (tnfα1, tnfα2), complement component 4 (c4) and caspase 3 (casp3), in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) during in vitro stimulation by B. thynni protein extracts (i.e. antigens) and in infected tissues at B. thynni parasitation site. Finally, a histopathological analysis of semi-thin and ultra-thin sections of tissues surrounding B. thynii attachment site was performed to evaluate the severity of parasite-induced lesions and identify involved cell lineages. In vitro stimulation of ABFT PBLs with B. thynii antigens caused a dose-depended upregulation of selected genes, among which tnfα1 showed the highest induction by both concentrations of B. thynni protein extract. However, targeted genes were not significantly upregulated in the infected tissue. Also, no significant alterations in ultrastructure of epithelial layers surrounding B. thynii attachment site were noticed, except local tissue erosion, necrosis of squamous epithelium and proliferation of rodlet and goblet cells. Our results suggest that B. thynii has evolved strategies to successfully bypass both innate immune response and the connective-tissue proliferation processes. Therefore, the observed disappearance of this copepod by the end of the rearing process is more likely related to its limited lifespan on the host and its inability to complete the life cycle in the rearing cages, rather than host's reaction.

Interstitial lung disease and diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease and its prevalence has been steadily increasing all over the world. DM and its associated micro and macrovascular complications result in significant morbidity and mortality. The microvascular complications are usually manifested as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy and macrovascular complications generally affect the cardiovascular system. In addition to these complications, DM also affects the lungs because of its rich vascularity and abundance in connective tissue (collagen and elastin). DM has been found to cause microvascular complications and proliferation of extracellular connective tissue in the lungs, leading to decline in lung function in a restrictive pattern. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) includes a diverse group of disease conditions characterized by different degrees of inflammation and fibrosis in the pulmonary parenchyma. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the common type of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia with a high mortality rate. IPF is characterized by chronic progressive fibrosis leading to progressive respiratory failure. In this review we focus on lung as the target organ in DM and the association of DM and ILD with special emphasis on IPF.