Spleen Mass Research Articles

Chronic stress and captivity alter the cloacal microbiome of a wild songbird

There are complex interactions between an organism's microbiome and its response to stressors, often referred to as the 'gut-brain axis'; however, the ecological relevance of this axis in wild animals remains poorly understood. Here, we used a chronic mild stress protocol to induce stress in wild-caught house sparrows (Passer domesticus), and compared microbial communities among stressed animals, those recovering from stress, captive controls (unstressed) and a group not brought into captivity. We assessed changes in microbial communities and abundance of shed microbes by culturing cloacal samples on multiple media to select for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi. We complemented this with cultivation-independent 16S and ITS rRNA gene amplification and sequencing, pairing these results with host physiological and immune metrics, including body mass change, relative spleen mass and plasma corticosterone concentrations. We found significant effects of stress and captivity on the house sparrow microbiomes, with stress leading to an increased relative abundance of endotoxin-producing bacteria - a possible mechanism for the hyperinflammatory response observed in captive avians. While we found evidence that the microbiome community partially recovers after stress cessation, animals may lose key taxa, and the abundance of endotoxin-producing bacteria persists. Our results suggest an overall link between chronic stress, host immune system and the microbiome, with the loss of potentially beneficial taxa (e.g. lactic acid bacteria), and an increase in endotoxin-producing bacteria due to stress and captivity. Ultimately, consideration of the host's microbiome may be useful when evaluating the impact of stressors on individual and population health.

Genetics and Plasticity Are Responsible for Ecogeographical Patterns in a Recent Invasion.

Patterns of covariation between phenotype and environment are presumed to be reflective of local adaptation, and therefore translate to a meaningful influence on an individual’s overall fitness within that specific environment. However, these environmentally driven patterns may be the result of numerous and interacting processes, such as genetic variation, epigenetic variation, or plastic non-heritable variation. Understanding the relative importance of different environmental variables on underlying genetic patterns and resulting phenotypes is fundamental to understanding adaptation. Invasive systems are excellent models for such investigations, given their propensity for rapid evolution. This study uses reduced representation sequencing data paired with phenotypic data to examine whether important phenotypic traits in invasive starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) within Australia appear to be highly heritable (presumably genetic) or appear to vary with environmental gradients despite underlying genetics (presumably non-heritable plasticity). We also sought to determine which environmental variables, if any, play the strongest role shaping genetic and phenotypic patterns. We determined that environmental variables—particularly elevation—play an important role in shaping allelic trends in Australian starlings and may also reinforce neutral genetic patterns resulting from historic introduction regime. We examined a range of phenotypic traits that appear to be heritable (body mass and spleen mass) or negligibly heritable (e.g. beak surface area and wing length) across the starlings’ Australian range. Using SNP variants associated with each of these phenotypes, we identify key environmental variables that correlate with genetic patterns, specifically that temperature and precipitation putatively play important roles shaping phenotype in this species. Finally, we determine that overall phenotypic variation is correlated with underlying genetic variation, and that these interact positively with the level of vegetation variation within a region, suggesting that ground cover plays an important role in shaping selection and plasticity of phenotypic traits within the starlings of Australia.

Abstract P5-01-12: Physical and visual (social) isolation increases tumor aggressiveness in thermoneutral housing temperatures in murine mammary cancer models

Abstract Correct interpretation of tumor progression data , including the influence of host biology, in mouse models of breast cancer requires models and conditions that faithfully recapitulate human disease and human host status. Our previous attempts to investigate the effects of social isolation have proven inconclusive due to premature mortality in tumor-bearing animals. Those studies were completed in standard temperature (ST), which commonly is 70-72°F (21-22°C) for in vivo murine research based on laboratory animal care and use guidelines. Previous work from the Repasky lab (Kokulus, 2013) , which we have validated (Gaymon, 2020), demonstrates that ST housing results in chronic cold stress and immune suppression mediated by an increase in norepinrephrine (NE) levels, leading to increased tumor aggressiveness. Based on these findings, we investigated the effects of social isolation on BALB/cJ-4T1-luc and C57BL/6J/E0771 tumor progression and metastasis in thermoneutral housing conditions (84-85°F). Mice were first acclimatized to thermoneutral temperature and/or isolation for two weeks in cages that were unilaterally draped to provide physical and visual isolation. In BALB/cJ mice, 4T1-luc tumors were significantly larger in isolated mice compared to group-housed (GH) mice at day 18 (p<.0001). Statistically larger tumors were observed in isolated mice compared to GH mice through day 24 and final tumor masses were also significantly different (p=.004). Spleen masses were not statistically different. In C57BL/6J mice, E0771 tumors were significantly larger in isolates at Day 25 (p=.002). Final tumor masses were statistically (p=.002) different while no difference in spleen sizes were observed. Data on metastasis will be presented at the meeting. We hypothesized that social isolation may perturb immune function and next investigated the growth of 4T1-luc xenograft tumors in NSG mice. 4T1-luc/NSG tumor progression and metastasis data will also be presented at the meeting. We conclude that syngeneic breast tumor growth in immunocompetent BALB/cJ and C57BL/6J mice demonstrates that social isolation is a bona fide stress with sufficient influence to exacerbate breast cancer growth. These data are potentially clinically important due the known relationship of social support to survivorship outcomes in patients and the high-risk of depression and isolation in patients following breast cancer diagnosis. The data may provide additional insight into possible effects of COVID-19 isolation on breast cancer progression. Citation Format: Darius O Gaymon. Physical and visual (social) isolation increases tumor aggressiveness in thermoneutral housing temperatures in murine mammary cancer models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-01-12.

After A Year of Follow Up Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension Patient with Partial Spleen Embolization (PSE) Management

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is a heterogeneous group of liver disorders leading to portal hypertension. There are multiple approaches to managing portal hypertension' clinical complications to treat/prevent spontaneous hemorrhage by mitigating thrombocytopenia. Portal hypertension complications have been traditionally managed with serial endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) or with invasive open surgical procedures such as orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) or portosystemic shunting, splenectomy.6–9 There are several risks associated with splenectomies, such as hemorrhagic complications or intraoperative blood loss.5,6,14 Partial Spleen Embolization (PSE) ‎may overcome the limitations of splenectomy and provide patients with an alternative treatment. An eighteen-year-old male has a splenomegaly history since he was 12 years old and has recurring hematemesis and melena. After performing abdominal computed tomography, laboratory studies, and several endoscopies, the results indicated secondary hypersplenism due to non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. The patient had 13 endoscopies and 2 EVL in 5 years. Despite adequate treatment, the patients developed recurrent variceal bleeding and no improvement in blood function. The patient underwent PSE at Integrated Cardiovascular Center in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. It was performed through the femoral access with a PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) embolus. The procedure went successful, and there was no major complication with the patient. Twenty days after the patient had an abdominal CT scan, it showed no abscess, and the spleen volume was reduced by 20%. Long-term results over a year after the procedure are presented. PSE is a safe, effective, semi-invasive alternative to splenectomy in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension because it preserves functional spleen mass and avoids postprocedure accelerated liver disease or encephalopathy.

Пренатальная ультразвуковая оценка размеров селезенки

Objective. To examine the ultrasonic morphometric parameters of fetal spleen at 23–40 weeks’ gestation. Patients and methods. This study included 75 patients with complicated pregnancy. Morphometric measurements of spleen dimensions (length, width, and thickness) were additionally performed during a standard fetal ultrasound. The data obtained were used to calculate spleen weight and spleen mass coefficient (SMC). Results. SMC ranging from 1.5 to 4 indicates the absence of spleen enlargement, SMC greater than 4 indicates splenomegaly and less than 1.5 – microsplenia. Splenomegaly was detected in 48% of the fetuses. Conclusion. The aim of prenatal ultrasound is the earliest possible diagnosis of splenomegaly as a marker of fetal immune response to a probable inflammatory or infectious process. Key words: spleen mass coefficient, newborns, spleen, splenomegaly, ultrasound

Moderate Intensity Endurance and Resistance Exercise Attenuates Cachexia in Tumor-bearing Mice.

Cancer cachexia encompasses several deleterious physiological alterations associated with functional impairments, poor quality of life, and increased mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of chronic moderate intensity exercise training on markers of cachexia. Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to sedentary (SED) or exercise (EX) groups and EX mice were further randomly assigned to one of three exercise modalities (aerobic, resistance, combined). Cachexia was induced in SED animals inoculated with C26 cells, as evidenced by significant changes in numerous markers. All cachexia-related perturbations were significantly attenuated in EX versus SED animals. Systemic inflammation was significantly decreased in all EX groups, as evident by a normalization of spleen mass and plasma IL-6. Multiple moderate intensity exercise modalities can provide significant benefits in cachectic mice, and this may be due, at least in part, to decreased systemic inflammation.

Changes in the filtration function of the spleen after surgery following traumatic organ injuries

The incidence of splenic injuries among all closed injuries of the abdominal cavity is from 15.5 to 30.0 %, and a mortality rate is between 7 % and 26 %. The tactics in the treatment of splenic injuries is determined by the degree of traumatic injury, the patient's condition during the operation, and a concomitant pathology. Studies of tissue regeneration of the operated spleen allow identifying two main options for its regeneration, associated with the nature of blood circulation in the preserved part. Objective — to study the regeneration and filtration function of the spleen after various types of surgery for the management of traumatic spleen injuries. Materials and methods. The results of treatment of 85 patients in the period 2015 — 2020 were analyzed. To investigate the changes in the filtration function of the spleen, a study of the peripheral blood (general blood test) was performed to assess the shape of erythrocytes. In order to determine the size of the residual splenic parenchyma, its structure and regenerative processes were evaluated and sonographic examination was carried out. Results. The average increase in the size of the residual splenic tissue after subtotal resection of the organ with the formation of couplings of the parenchyma averages 40.2 ± 3.4 % one year after surgery, and in patients who underwent subtotal resection of the spleen with covering the cut plane with adhesive hemostatic plate 70 % — 49.14 ± 6.77 %. The study of changes in the filtration function of the spleen in patients, who underwent subtotal resection of the spleen, showed the appearance of target cells, acanthocytes and halocytes in the peripheral blood, but their number was insignificant and did not exceed normal (not more than 3 %). Any destroyed and pathologically altered erythrocytes were not visualized in patients, who underwent atypical resection of the spleen (mass deficit less than 30 %). Conclusions. Spleen regeneration is determined both by the nature of blood supply to the residual splenic tissue and its size, and does not depend on the nature of the pathological process. Organ‑preserving surgical interventions on the spleen allow maintaining the filtration function of the spleen.

Interaction of aging with lipoxygenase deficiency initiates hypersplenism, cardiac dysfunction, and profound leukocyte directed non-resolving inflammation.

In the process of physiological cardiac repair, splenic leukocyte-activated lipoxygenases (LOXs) are essential for the biosynthesis of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators as a segment of an active process of acute inflammation in splenocardiac manner. In contrast, young 12/15LOX-/- mice use a compensatory mechanism that amplifies epoxyeicosatrienoic acid mediators after myocardial infarction, improving cardiac repair, function, and survival. Next, we tested whether deletion of 12/15LOX impacted the genesis of chronic inflammation in progressive aging. To test the risk factor of aging, we used the inter-organ hypothesis and assessed heart and spleen leukocyte population along with the number of inflammation markers in age-related 12/15LOX-/- aging mice (2months, 6months, 13months) and compared with C57BL/6J (WT; wild type) as controls (2months). The 12/15LOX-/- aging mice showed an age-related increase in spleen mass (hypersplenism) and decreased marginal zone area. Results suggest increased interstitial fibrosis in the heart marked with the inflammatory mediator (PGD2) level in 12/15LOX-/- aging mice than WT controls. From a cellular perspective, the quantitative measurement of immune cells indicates that heart and spleen leukocytes (CD11b+ and F4/80+ population) were reduced in 12/15LOX-/- aging mice than WT controls. At the molecular level, analyses of cytokines in the heart and spleen suggest amplified IFN-γ, with reduced COX-1, COX-2, and ALOX5 expression in the absence of 12/15LOX-derived mediators in the spleen. Thus, aging of 12/15LOX-/- mice increased spleen mass and altered spleen and heart structure with activation of multiple molecular and cellular pathways contributing to age-related integrative and inter-organ inflammation.

Activation of Akt-mTORC1 signalling reverts cancer-dependent muscle wasting.

BackgroundCancer‐related muscle wasting occurs in most cancer patients. An important regulator of adult muscle mass and function is the Akt–mTORC1 pathway. While Akt–mTORC1 signalling is important for adult muscle homeostasis, it is also a major target of numerous cancer treatments. Which role Akt–mTORC1 signalling plays during cancer cachexia in muscle is currently not known. Here, we aimed to determine how activation or inactivation of the pathway affects skeletal muscle during cancer cachexia.MethodsWe used inducible, muscle‐specific Raptor ko (mTORC1) mice to determine the effect of reduced mTOR signalling during cancer cachexia. On the contrary, in order to understand if skeletal muscles maintain their anabolic capacity and if activation of Akt–mTORC1 signalling can reverse cancer cachexia, we generated mice in which we can inducibly activate Akt specifically in skeletal muscles.ResultsWe found that mTORC1 signalling is impaired during cancer cachexia, using the Lewis lung carcinoma and C26 colon cancer model, and is accompanied by a reduction in protein synthesis rates of 57% (P < 0.01). Further reduction of mTOR signalling, as seen in Raptor ko animals, leads to a 1.5‐fold increase in autophagic flux (P > 0.001), but does not further increase muscle wasting. On the other hand, activation of Akt–mTORC1 signalling in already cachectic animals completely reverses the 15–20% loss in muscle mass and force (P < 0.001). Interestingly, Akt activation only in skeletal muscle completely normalizes the transcriptional deregulation observed in cachectic muscle, despite having no effect on tumour size or spleen mass. In addition to stimulating muscle growth, it is also sufficient to prevent the increase in protein degradation normally observed in muscles from tumour‐bearing animals.ConclusionsHere, we show that activation of Akt–mTORC1 signalling is sufficient to completely revert cancer‐dependent muscle wasting. Intriguingly, these results show that skeletal muscle maintains its anabolic capacities also during cancer cachexia, possibly giving a rationale behind some of the beneficial effects observed in exercise in cancer patients.

IgG4 related disease presented as spleen mass:report of a case

脾脏IgG4相关性疾病（IgG4-related disease，IgG4-RD）极为罕见。本文报道1例以脾脏肿块为主要表现的IgG4-RD病例，并进行相关文献复习，提示脾脏可以发生IgG4-RD。推荐对于脾脏不明原因占位的术前筛查应包括血清IgG4 和相关免疫指标。针对糖尿病并发IgG4-RD的患者，艾拉莫德有潜力成为替代糖皮质激素的药物。.

Role of organic carbon and nitrogen of mineral waters in their immunomodulating effects at female rats

Background. Drinking mineral water is one of the ethnopharmacologic factors. Organic substances, despite their presence in all drinking mineral waters, are still considered to be active only in the water of Naftussya type (which, due to mineralization less than 1 g/L, are not formally mineral), whereas the physiological activity of true mineral waters (which mineralization is greater than 1-2 g/L) are associated with electrolytes and trace elements. Previously, we identified the role of organic carbon and nitrogen of mineral waters in their effects on certain metabolic and neuro-endocrine parameters. The purpose of this study is to clarify the role of organic substances of same mineral waters in their effects on immunity parameters. Material and methods. Experiment was performed on 48 healthy female Wistar rats 240-290 g divided into 5 groups. Animals of the first group for 6 days administered a single tap water through the tube at a dose of 1,5 mL/100 g of body mass. In the second group we administered the water Naftussya from the Truskavets’ layer (Galychyna, Ukraine), in the third group the water Sophiya of the Truskavets’ field. The rats of the fourth group received the native water from the Hertsa (Bucovyna, Ukraine) field, and the last group received its artificial salt analogue. The day after the completion of the drinking course in all rats immunne parameters were registered. Results. On the basis of the correlation analysis with step-by-step exclusion, 9 immune parameters (Endotheliocytes of Thymus, Spleen Mass Index, Entropy of Splenocytogram, Natural Killers, B- and 0-Lymphocytes, Rod-shaped Neutrophils, Phagocytic Index and Microbian Count of Monocytes of Blood) are included in the regressive model for organic nitrogen (R=0,818) and 6 parameters (Endotheliocytes of Thymus, Fibroblastes and Reticulocytes of Spleen, Pan-Lymphocytes, Microbian Count of Neutrophils and Phagocytic Index of Monocytes of Blood) for organic carbon (R=0,690). Together, the organic components of the chemical composition of loading fluids determine their effect on the immune parameters by 77%. Conclusion. Organic substances of mineral waters play an essential role in their effects on the immune parameters of female rats.

The Toxic Effects of Low Molecular Weight Components of Cow Colostrums: The Short-Term and Long-Term Effects

Background: Low-molecular components of colostrum (LMWCC) have a pronounced biological activity. We investigated the effect of different doses of LMWCC (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 5 g/100 g of body weight) on the behavior, dynamics of growth, acute and chronic toxicity, as well as the relative weight of the liver, spleen and kidneys of the experimental animals. Methods: We used 100 3-month male rats in the experiment. All animals were divided into 5 groups of 20 animals in each group, LMWCC was administered per os, and the control group received sterile water. Results: LMWCC revealed no pirogenic effect in a wide diapason of doses (0,01-5 g/100 g of animal mass). Immediately after the LMWCC administration the short-time decrease in the motion activity was observed. The low doses of LMWCC induced diarrhea in 10-20 % of of animals, the super-large dose – in 75% of animals. The acute toxicity of LMWCC (death of 15 % of animals) was detected only in super-large dose of LMWCC and it was accompanied by pronounced diarrhea. LMWCC influenced the mass of liver, spleen and kidney. 60 days after LMWCC administration the mass of liver was restored to control weight, but the mass of spleen and kidney was not restored. Conclusion: LMWCCdo not have chronic toxicity and can be attributed to non-toxic compounds with a possible side effect - a violation of the digestive system.

A case of primary nonleukemic myeloid sarcoma of the spleen, successfully treated by surgery and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BackgroundMyeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare disease, mostly found in conjunction with acute myelogenous leukemia or other diseases, and primary nonleukemic MS of the spleen is particularly rare.Case presentationWe report a 57-year-old male who presented with a spleen mass that was found incidentally, and was enlarged. As a result of various examinations, he was diagnosed with primary MS of the spleen with suspected involvement of the transverse colon, left kidney, pancreatic tail, and left diaphragm. He underwent a total splenectomy, partial pancreatectomy, partial colectomy, left nephrectomy, and left diaphragm partial resection. Histological examination revealed splenic primary MS. Bone marrow biopsy and immunophenotypic flow cytometry revealed no evidence of myeloid leukemia. He underwent umbilical cord blood transplantation, and he is currently living without a sign of recurrence at 10 months after surgery.ConclusionsWe experienced a very rare case of primary spleen MS that was discovered without a hematologic malignancy. Two cases of surgically resected primary splenic MS have been reported, including the present case.

Rapid and reversible modulation of blood haemoglobin content during diel cycles of hypoxia in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus)

We investigated whether fish can make dynamic haematological adjustments to support aerobic metabolism during repeated cycles of hypoxia-reoxygenation. Killifish were acclimated to normoxia, constant hypoxia (2 kPa O2), or intermittent cycles of nocturnal hypoxia (12 h of normoxia: 12 h of 2 kPa O2 hypoxia) for 28 days. Normoxia-acclimated fish were sampled in the daytime in normoxia and after exposure to a single bout of nocturnal hypoxia. Each hypoxia acclimation group were sampled at the PO2 experienced during acclimation during both the day and night. All acclimation groups had increased blood haemoglobin content and haematocrit and reduced spleen mass during nocturnal hypoxia compared to normoxic controls. Blood haemoglobin content was negatively correlated with spleen mass at both the individual and group level. Fish acclimated to intermittent hypoxia rapidly reversed these changes during diurnal reoxygenation. The concentrations of haemoglobin, ATP, and GTP within erythrocytes did not vary substantially between groups. We also measured resting O2 consumption rate (MO2) and maximum MO2 (induced by an exhaustive chase) in hypoxia in each acclimation group. Fish acclimated to intermittent hypoxia maintained higher resting MO2 than other groups in hypoxia, comparable to the resting MO2 of normoxia-acclimated controls measured in normoxia. Differences in resting MO2 in hypoxia did not result from variation in O2 transport capacity, because maximal MO2 in hypoxia always exceeded resting MO2. Therefore, reversible modulation of blood haemoglobin content along with metabolic adjustments help killifish cope with intermittent cycles of hypoxia in the estuarine environment.

Overexpression of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Dental Pulp Stem Cells Ameliorates the Severity of Psoriasis by Reducing Inflammatory Responses.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease still lacking standard treatment, and it has been demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of immunoregulation. The underlying mechanism might involve the secretion of soluble cytokines, such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of HGF-overexpressed dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) [DPSCs; HGF overexpressed DPSCs (HGF-DPSCs)] on imiquimod-induced psoriasis. DPSCs were isolated and transfected by adenovirus vector carrying HGF gene (Ad-HGF). The immunoregulatry abilities of DPSCs and HGF-DPSCs were investigated by coculture of the MSCs with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) under appropriated stimulation. The psoriatic mice were treated with saline control, DPSCs, or HGF-DPSCs. Then the mice spleens were collected and weighted. The psoriatic skin lesions were analyzed by Hematoxylin/Eosin and immunohistochemical staining for histopathological changes, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect the expression levels of CD4+ T cell-related transcription factors and cytokines. The mice blood serum was measured by MILLIPLEX analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the expression levels of inflammation cytokines. The coculture experiments showed HGF overexpression enhanced the immunoregulation abilities of DPSCs not by suppressing PBMCs' proliferation, but by downregulating T helper 1 (Th1), Th17 cells, and upregulating regulatory T (Treg) cells. In psoriatic skin lesions, the psoriasis-like erythema, scaling, and thickening were ameliorated; and the expression of cytokeratin 6 (CK6), and cytokeratin 17 (CK17) were downregulated by DPSCs and HGF-DPSCs treatment. HGF overexpression enhanced the decrease of spleen masses; enhanced the downregulation of the expression levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin (IL)-17A in the blood serums; enhanced the downregulation of T-box transcription factor 21 (T-bet), IFN-γ, retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-γt (RORγt), IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23, and upregulation of Foxp3 and IL-10 in the psoriatic skin lesions. Therefore, HGF overexpression enhanced DPSCs' treatment effect on psoriasis mainly by reducing inflammatory responses. These findings might provide new immunoregulation strategies for psoriasis treatment.

Analysis of Patients Undergoing Splenectomy for Spleen Masses

Aims: Spleen masses, which are discovered on imaging studies, usually create difficulty in diagnosis and treatment. Except for lymphomas involving the spleen, primary and secondary neoplasms are rare and discovered by chance. This study analyses a series of splenectomies in a surgical clinic to evaluate the management of incidentally diagnosed splenic masses.&#x0D; Study Design: This retrospective study included patients operated for spleen masses between 2010 and 2021. Patients with a history of lymphoproliferative disease and splenectomy performed as part of a larger resection were excluded.&#x0D; Methodology: The patients were divided into three groups, i.e. cystic, benign and malignant, based on the results of pathological examinations. The groups were compared in terms of age, gender, tumor size, and previous history of malignancy.&#x0D; Results: Splenectomy was performed in 512 patients in 11 years, 62 of whom had solid and cystic lesions detected on imaging. Thirty-five patients (56,5%) were female and the median age was 40 years (range: 18-80 years). Forty-four patients (71%) had distinct symptoms. Radiological evaluations of all the patients were made. Diagnostic biopsy could not be performed in any of the patients. The final pathological examination showed cysts in 38 patients (61,3%), benign lesions in nine patients (14,5%) and malignant lesions in 15 patients (24,2%). Out of 15 patients with malignant lesions, one patient had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, four patients had diffuse large B cell lymphoma and ten patients had metastatic tumors. There was a significant difference in age between the groups and the malignant group was older (p = 0.017). The size of the lesions also significantly differed and the malignant lesions had a significantly smaller diameter (p = 0.014). A significantly higher rate of the malignant group had a previous history of cancer (p˂0,001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Spleen neoplasms are masses that are difficult to diagnose. Most of them are asymptomatic and are found after splenectomies by coincidence. Splenectomy can be utilized as both a diagnostic and curative method. It should be kept in mind that the lesions detected in the spleen in patients with a history of malignancy can be metastatic.

SYSTEMIC AMYLOIDOSIS IN YOUNG MICE INDUCED BY HUMAN SALIVA ADMINISTRATION

The urgency of the study lies in the fact that for the first time it was proved in the experiment that intraperitoneal administration of human saliva to young mice causes the development of systemic amyloidosis, comparable to hereditary systemic amyloidosis in humans, induced by mutagenic changes in saliva lysozyme. The aim of the research: to test human saliva as an amyloidogen in a model experiment on young mice in comparison with the albumin model of amyloidosis that we developed earlier. White male mice weighing 20.0–25.0 g were divided into six groups: Intact mice (5); 30 days 1 time every other day were intraperitoneally administered to groups: 1 (5) soy cream substitute TU 9199-004-58706213-10 15 10 g/100 ml water 0.1 ml/10 g; 2 (3) saliva of a healthy person (SHP) 0.5 ml; 3 (3) SHP and Ciprofloxacin (C) 0.05 mg/10 g of weight; 4 (3) saliva of a person with chronic tonsillitis (remission, SCT); 5 (3) SCT+C. Kidney weight changed from 176.0±21 mg in intact mice (IM) to 197±43,0, 195,0±18,0, 195,0±18,0, 183,0±44,0, 153,0±25,0 mg, respectively. The number of cells per visual field of the tubular epithelium decreased by 1.3, 1.2, 1.6, 1.4, 1.4 times from the number of cells per visual field in IM 380.0±84.0 (p = 0.00), glomerular cells – by 1.4, 1.1, 1.3, 1.2, 1.2 times from the number of glomerular cells in IM 34.0±11.0 (p = 0.02), in groups 1-5, respectively. The glomerular area decreased by 2.4, 2.7, 2.3, 2.4, 3.0 times from the average glomerular area in IM (3163.7±832.7 mm2, p = 0.0000). The relative area of amyloid lesion when stained with Congo red: 18.4±8.2% (group 1), 26,7±10,6, 35,0±11,9, 45,7±13,2, 63,6±14,0% (groups 1-5). The spleen mass and length increased from 133.0±16.0 mg (IM) by 1.7, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 1.7 times and from 17.0±2.0 mm (IM) by 1.2, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.2 times, the number of cells per visual field decreased from 1318±205 (IM) by 1.7, 2.0, 3.3, 2.1, 2.0 times, groups 1-5, respectively (p &lt; 0.01). The relative area of amyloid lesion in Congo red staining: 11,4±9,4%, 28,2±16,0, 27,9±20,8, 20,9±12,2, 16,5±8,3% (groups 1-5). The liver mass changed from 1.4±0.15 g (IM) to 1,57±0,26, 1,45±0,18, 1,53±0,1, 1,71±0,3, 1,36±0,4 g, the number of cells per visual field decreased from 67.0±15.0 (IM) by 1.9, 1.4, 1.8, 2.5, 1.9 times, the area of hepatocyte nuclei – from 54.0±12.3 µm (IM) by 3.1, 3.6, 4.2, 3.1, 3.3 times (groups 1-5, respectively, p &lt; 0.01). The relative area of amyloid lesion in Congo red staining: 6,8±4,6%, 15,3±11,0, 24,5±12,8, 9,8±8,5, 12,6±2,3% (groups 1-5). Conclusions: 1) human saliva when administered intraperitoneally causes severe systemic amyloidosis in young mice with damage to the liver, kidneys and the spleen, which manifests more by cytotoxic effect than the volume of amyloid deposition; 2) human saliva contains a more active amyloidogen than albumin in combination with fillers of the soy cream substitute formulation; 2) human saliva of a person with chronic tonsillitis in remission is more amyloidogenic than the saliva of a healthy person; 3) Ciprofloxacin, administered in a therapeutic dose during the amyloid model formation, moderately increases the severity of amyloid organ damage; 4) human saliva can be used to simulate amyloidosis in an experiment on young mice; 5) the liver may contain enzymatic systems that perform the function of amyloidoclasia.

Ultrasonic characteristics of immune bodies in children with infectious mononucleosis

Diagnostic morphometric criteria for splenomegaly in children with infectious mononucleosis are established using ultrasound. The study included 29 children with infectious mononucleosis. The average age is 11.7 ± 3.5 years. A morphometric measurement of the length, width and thickness of the spleen, elastometry (EM), and lymph nodes were evaluated. The spleen mass was determined by method of O.V. Vozgoment, coefficients: the ratio of spleen mass to body mass (KMS, Km), body length (KI), body surface area (Ks). The average CCM value was 6,47 ± 2,8, the absolute value of the indicator varied from 1,9 to 14,2. According to the CCM, patients are divided into 3 groups: group A – 6 (20,7%), group B – 11 (38%), group C – 12 (41,3%). The average mass of the spleen was 332,5 ± 119.6 g, the CMS – from 7,7 to 14,2, the average value of the indicator – 8,6 ± 1,9. In group B the mass of the spleen, compared with group C is 1,2 times less. In group C the spleen mass is statistically significantly greater compared with groups A and B. In group C, spleen rigidity was increased in 42,9% of cases. The average EM value is 15,8 ± 4,8 kPa. A negative correlation between the average strength between EM and age (r = – 0,65, p = 0,01) was revealed. A direct relationship was found between the mass of the spleen and the CMS, and lymphadenopathy of various localization, often periportal lymph nodes.

Clinical implementation of PLANET\xae\xa0Dose for dosimetric assessment after [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE: comparison with Dosimetry Toolkit\xae and OLINDA/EXM\xae V1.0

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare a commercial dosimetry workstation (PLANET® Dose) and the dosimetry approach (GE Dosimetry Toolkit® and OLINDA/EXM® V1.0) currently used in our department for quantification of the absorbed dose (AD) to organs at risk after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE.MethodsAn evaluation on phantom was performed to determine the SPECT calibration factor variations over time and to compare the Time Integrated Activity Coefficients (TIACs) obtained with the two approaches. Then, dosimetry was carried out with the two tools in 21 patients with neuroendocrine tumours after the first and second injection of 7.2 ± 0.2 GBq of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE (40 dosimetry analyses with each software). SPECT/CT images were acquired at 4 h, 24 h, 72 h and 192 h post-injection and were reconstructed using the Xeleris software (General Electric). The liver, spleen and kidneys masses and TIACs were determined using Dosimetry Toolkit® (DTK) and PLANET® Dose. The ADs were calculated using OLINDA/EXM® V1.0 and the Local Deposition Method (LDM) or Dose voxel-Kernel convolution (DK) on PLANET® Dose.ResultsWith the phantom, the 3D calibration factors showed a slight variation (0.8% and 3.3%) over time, and TIACs of 225.19 h and 217.52 h were obtained with DTK and PLANET® Dose, respectively. In patients, the root mean square deviation value was 8.9% for the organ masses, 8.1% for the TIACs, and 9.1% and 7.8% for the ADs calculated with LDM and DK, respectively. The Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was 0.99 and the Bland–Altman plot analysis estimated that the AD value difference between methods ranged from − 0.75 to 0.49 Gy, from − 0.20 to 0.64 Gy, and from − 0.43 to 1.03 Gy for 95% of the 40 liver, kidneys and spleen dosimetry analyses. The dosimetry method had a minor influence on AD differences compared with the image registration and organ segmentation steps.ConclusionsThe ADs to organs at risk obtained with the new workstation PLANET® Dose are concordant with those calculated with the currently used software and in agreement with the literature. These results validate the use of PLANET® Dose in clinical routine for patient dosimetry after targeted radiotherapy with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE.

Influence of monosodium glutamate consumption by albino rats during pregnancy and lactation on their offspring

The consequences of dietary intake of significant amounts of monosodium glutamate (MSG) are the excess body weight; structural and functional disorders of the central nervous system, liver, kidneys. We have not found information about the influence of excessive using of the MSG by a woman during pregnancy and lactation on the fetus and infants. The aim of the study was the experimental evaluation of the MSG consumption consequences during pregnancy and lactation to the offspring health. Material and methods. The offspring of 3-month old pregnant female white Wistar rats, who received 1% MSG solution (200 mg per kg of body weight per day) ad libitum as the source of liquid during the pregnancy and lactation, have been studied (MSG group). The control group included offspring of pregnant female rats that received water as the source of liquid. In 25-day-old offspring histological examination and morphometry of the nucleo-nucleolar apparatus of neurons in the neocortex of the proper parietal lobe, cardiomyocytes of the subendocardial zones of the left and right ventricles have been performed. Gravimetry have been also carried out (body weight and weight of brain, heart, liver, kidney, thymus and spleen); mitotic activity of anterior corneal epithelium has been evaluated, the state of erythrocyte membranes have been analyzed by the method of acid erythrograms; behavioral tests "Open field", "The elevated plus-maze test", "Hanging on a horizontal wire" have been performed. Results. MSG consumption during pregnancy and lactation led to an increase of brain (by 19.1%) and kidneys (by 7.8%) relative masses; masses of thymus and spleen were decreased. Significant decrease of locomotor activity and increase of time of hanging in "horizontal wire test" were registered. A histological study showed an increase in the number of nucleoli in the neurons of the V layer of the neocortex of the proper parietal lobe (control - 1.56±0.09; MSG group - 1.81±0.07, р=0.03); decrease of the nucleolar parameters of cardiomyocytes; increase of mitotic activity of anterior corneal epithelium (control - 4.021±0.612‰; MSG group - 6.985±0.889‰, р=0.019). A decrease of the resistance of erythrocyte membranes to acid hemolysis was also registered. Conclusion. The results obtained indicate the effect of oral consumption of MSG food additive during pregnancy and lactation on the organism of the offspring.