Stromal Volume Research Articles

Quantitative analysis of three-dimensional choroidal changes in coronary artery disease patients with swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography

PurposeTo quantitatively analyze three-dimensional (3D) choroidal changes in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) based on a scan area of 12×12mm. Methods236 CAD patients and 78 controls were included after coronary angiography (CAG) evaluation in this prospective cross-sectional study. Choroidal and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters were compared between the two groups. Choroidal morphological characteristics were also evaluated based on ETDRS quadrants. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were generated to determine the discriminative power of choroidal and FAZ parameters. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationships between Gensini score and choroidal parameters. ResultsChoroidal thickness (CT), choroidal vascular volume/ area (CVV/a), and choroidal stromal volume/ area (CSV/a) were significantly reduced in CAD patients, while 2D vascular density decreased only in 1–6 mm, and no statistical difference in choroidal vascularity index (CVI) values was detected. The AUC values of choroidal parameters were greater in the inner-6 mm area than the outer-6 mm area, and good performance was found with a combination with FAZ parameters (AUC=0.77, P < 0.001). For morphological analysis, both groups showed the greatest values in superior quadrant and the lowest in nasal quadrant. After controlling for confounding factors, Gensini score was negatively associated with CT (β = -0.35, P = 0.003), CVV/a (β = -0.17, P = 0.004), and CSV/a (β = -0.18, P = 0.005). ConclusionThe SS-OCTA provided excellent visualization and quantification of the choroid and showed decreased choroidal thickness and volume in CAD patients, but the morphological features were unchanged. The severity of coronary artery stenosis was independently associated with choroidal changes.

Factors affecting choroidal circulation parameters in 4–14-year-old Chinese children measured by SS-OCT/OCTA

PurposeTo measure the choroidal circulatory parameters Han Chinese children aged 4–14 years from Southwest China, and to explore the relationships between these parameters and age, axial length (AL), and choroidal thickness (ChT). Methods284 eyes from 142 subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent cycloplegic refraction and IOLMaster500 examination. Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was used to measure submacular choroidal thickness, choroidal vascular volume (CVV), choroidal stromal volume (CSV), choroidal vascularity index (CVI), and CVV/CSV ratio. ResultsIn this population, the mean CVV was 2.92 ± 0.55 mm3, CSV was 4.69 ± 0.68 mm3, CVI was 38.22 ± 2.46 %, and CVV/CSV ratio was 62.11 ± 6.44 %. Multivariable regression analyses showed that both CVV and CSV were negatively correlated with AL (both P < 0.001) and positively correlated with ChT (both P < 0.001), while age showed no significant correlation with them (both P > 0.05). However, the correlations between CVI and age were not uniform rectilinear. Among participants aged ≤8 years, CVI showed no correlation with age (P > 0.05), while among those aged >8 years, it was positively correlated with age (P < 0.01). CVV/CSV ratio was positively correlated with ChT and age (both P < 0.01). ConclusionAfter the age of 8, age was positively correlated with CVI. ChT was well correlated with CVI. Longer AL and thinner ChT were associated with reduced CVV and CSV, with CVV decreasing more rapidly than CSV.

Alteration of Sublingual Gland after Exposure to 6-Mercaptopurine in Male Rat: Potential Efficacy of Propolis

Objective: Chemotherapeutic drugs not only have a therapeutic effect, but also cause serious damage to healthy organs. In this study, we investigated on the possible efficacy of propolis (PS) on the sublingual gland tissues exposed to 6-mercaptopurine (6MR) in male rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were allocated to four groups: control (KON), PS, 6MR, 6MR+PS. At 12 days of trial, sublingual glands of all rats were immediately dissected and analysed using the stereological technique and histological examination. Results: Our findings revealed a significant increase in the total volume of stroma and significant decrease in the total volume of the total volumes of mucous acini, straited ducts, interlobular ducts, and intralobular ducts in the 6MR group than the KON group (p&amp;lt;0.05). A significant decrease was also found in the mucous cell number and the serous cell number in the 6MR group than the KON group (p&amp;lt;0.05). In the 6MR+PS group, we observed that the total volume of stroma, as well as the mucous cell number and the serous cell number were increased compared to the 6MR group (p&amp;lt;0.05). Besides, the total volumes of mucous acini, straited ducts, interlobular ducts, and intralobular ducts were significantly increased in the 6MR+PS group than the 6MR group (p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion: Our results showed that 6MR treatment caused toxicity in sublingual gland tissues, as well as PS application improved such changes in sublingual glands exposed to 6MR.

COMPARISON OF CHOROIDAL VASCULATURE BETWEEN CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY WITH AND WITHOUT THICK CHOROID USING SWEPT-SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY.

To distinguish between central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) with and without thick choroid and to elucidate their characteristics of choroidal vasculature. This prospective observational study enrolled 76 eyes with treatment-naive CSC and 76 normal eyes. Mean + 2 times SD of subfoveal choroidal thickness of healthy individuals was set as the upper limit of normal choroidal thickness to divide patients with CSC into two groups: the thick-choroid and non-thick-choroid groups. Their choroid blood flow was compared using widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography. According to the discrimination value of subfoveal choroidal thickness as 326.8 µm, 76 eyes with CSC were divided into the thick-choroid (55, 72.4%) and non-thick-choroid (21, 27.6%) groups. Higher proportions of vortex vein anastomosis were found in the thick-choroid group (81.8% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001). Choroid thickness, three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index, and mean choroidal stroma volume per 1 mm2 were higher in the thick-choroid group. In multivariate analysis, younger age, higher percentages of vortex vein anastomosis, and double layer sign were the independent predictors of choroid thickening in CSC. There are discrepancies in the degree of choroidal congestion and distribution of vortex veins in the CSC with different choroidal thicknesses.

Diurnal Variation in Choroidal Parameters Among Healthy Subjects Using Wide-Field Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diurnal variation in choroidal parameters in a wide field area among healthy subjects and to identify correlations between choroidal luminal area and stromal area and various systemic factors. In this cross-sectional study, 42 eyes from 21 healthy participants (mean age = 32.4 ± 8.8 years) were examined using wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF SS-OCTA, 24 mm × 20 mm). Measurements of choroidal parameters, including choroidal volume (CV), choroidal thickness (CT), choroidal vessel volume (CVV), and choroidal stromal volume (CSV), were taken at 8:00, 12:00, 18:00, and 22:00. Systemic factors, such as blood pressure and heart rate, were concurrently monitored. Our study observed significant diurnal variations in the mean total CV, CT, CVV, and CSV, with minimum measurements around 12:00 (P < 0.001) and peak values at 22:00 (P < 0.001). Furthermore, changes in CV in specific regions were more closely associated with fluctuations in CVV than CSV in the same regions. No significant diurnal variations were found in systolic (P = 0.137) or diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.236), whereas significant variations were observed in the heart rate (P = 0.001). Our study reveals diurnal variations in choroidal parameters and their associations, emphasizing that changes in choroidal volume relate more to the luminal than the stromal area in vessel-rich regions. This enhances our understanding of choroidal-related ocular diseases. Regions with higher choroidal vasculature observed greater choroidal volume changes.

Quantitative assessment of choroidal parameters and retinal thickness in central serous chorioretinopathy using ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveIn this study, we used ultra-wide field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF SS-OCTA) to assess changes in retinal thickness (RT) and choroidal parameters in individuals who had received a diagnosis of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).MethodsThe study encompassed the evaluation of 59 eyes from 47 patients with a diagnosis of CSC, alongside 33 fellow eyes and 31 eyes from healthy individuals (controls). The parameters assessed included RT, choroidal thickness (CT), choriocapillaris density, vascular density of the large choroidal vessel layer, three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index (3D-CVI), choroidal vessel volume per unit area (mCVV/a), and choroidal stroma volume per unit area (mCSV/a).ResultsMetrics including mCVV/a, mCSV/a, 3D-CVI, CT, and RT exhibited significantly elevated values in the eyes affected by CSC compared to those of the control group across nine subfields. Moreover, a substantial number of the subfields in both CSC-affected and fellow eyes exhibited increased values for mCVV/a, mCSV/a, 3D-CVI, CT, and RT when compared with the control group. Additionally, acute and chronic CSC subfields demonstrated significantly elevated values for mCVV/a, mCSV/a, 3D-CVI, CT, and RT in comparison to healthy control eyes. Notably, specific subfields associated with complex and atypical forms of CSC revealed higher metrics compared to those of the control group.ConclusionIn conclusion, the UWF SS-OCTA proved to be a valuable tool for exploring the anatomical etiology and clinical classification and diagnosis of CSC.

Quantitative Evaluation of the Topographical Maps of Three-Dimensional Choroidal Vascularity Index in Children With Different Degrees of Myopia.

To investigate topographical maps of the three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index (3D-CVI) in children with different levels of myopia. We enrolled 274 eyes from 143 children with various severity of myopia, including emmetropia (EM), low myopia (LM), and moderate-high myopia (MHM). The choroidal vessel volume (CVV), choroidal stroma volume (CSV), and 3D-CVI in different eccentricities (fovea, parafovea, and perifovea) and quadrants (nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior) were obtained from swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) volume scans. All choroidal parameters were compared among groups, and the associated factors contributing to different 3D-CVIs were analyzed. Compared to the less myopic group, the more myopic group showed a significant decrease in CVV and CSV (MHM < LM < EM) and a significant increase in the 3D-CVI (MHM > LM > EM) in most areas (all P < 0.05). The nasal quadrant had the greatest 3D-CVI and lowest CSV and CVV, and vice versa in the temporal quadrant. The 3D-CVIs of the EM and LM groups gradually increased from the fovea to the perifovea, whereas the 3D-CVI of the MHM group first decreased and then increased. Regression analysis showed that axial length was an independent risk factor affecting foveal and parafoveal 3D-CVIs. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed that the 3D-CVI increased with spherical equivalent (SE) when the SE was less than threshold and decreased when the SE was greater than threshold (SE thresholds for foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal 3D-CVIs were -5.25 D, -5.125 D, and -2.00 D, respectively; all P < 0.05). Children with myopia exhibited decreased CSV and CVV, increased 3D-CVIs, and altered 3D-CVI eccentricity characteristics (from the fovea to the perifovea). The quadratic relationship between the 3D-CVI and SE should be explored in longitudinal investigations.

Choroidal remodeling following different anti-VEGF therapies in neovascular AMD

The purpose of this study was to investigate choroidal morphology remodeling in AMD-associated type 1 macular neovascularization using two different anti-VEGF drugs. We registered 73 treatment-naïve eyes with a diagnosis of exudative AMD and type 1 MNV. Patients received 3 monthly intravitreal aflibercept (n = 36, aflibercept group [AG]) or brolucizumab (n = 37, brolucizumab group [BG]). Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical (structural optical coherence tomography) parameters were collected at “T1 control”, before the loading phase (LP) of intravitreal injection, and at “T2 control”, 1 month after the last injection. The main outcomes measured were choroidal vascularity index (CVI), sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and central macular thickness (CMT). Our results displayed significant SFCT reduction in both groups between T1 and T2 (p < 0.05), We did not find choroidal vascularity modifications (p > 0.05) after the loading aflibercept injections. Moreover, only the BG displayed a significant choroidal remodeling (stromal choroidal area [SCA], total choroidal area [TCA] and CVI) at T2 (p < 0.05). In particular, a relevant stromal and total choroidal volume reduction was noted, accompanied by an increase in CVI. To conclude, the latter modifications of the choroidal morphology were found significant between two groups (p < 0.05). Our analysis showed a significant impact of brolucizumab on choroidal morphology in eyes affected by type 1 nAMD. This effect was found relevant when compared with aflibercept.

Racial Differences in Choroidal Vascularity Index in Healthy Patients: Novel Insights.

Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) measures the ratio of blood vessels in the choroid to the total choroidal area. We aimed to compare CVI between young Black and White patients without a history of ocular or systemic disease. We used a previously validated algorithm for shadow compensation and choroidal vessel binarization to measure CVI across the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid. Black patients had a lower CVI (ß = -0.05, P < 0.001) compared to White patients. Choroidal volume or luminal volume did not significantly differ with respect to race, whereas there was a trend for Black patients to have a greater stromal volume (ß = 3.08, P = 0.01). Black patients have a lower CVI than do White patients, likely due to a greater proportion of stromal volume. Further study of this parameter is warranted to validate the findings of this exploratory study. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:30-38.].

Histological investigation in aging male and female gerbil prostates after prenatal exposure to pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) oil and 17α-ethinylestradiol

ABSTRACT The female prostate, also known as Skene’s gland, is present in both humans and rodents. Prenatal exposure to ethinylestradiol (EE2), a synthetic estrogen found in oral contraceptives, induces pormotes neoplasic prostate lesions in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Conversely, pequi oil (Pe), extracted from the Brazilian Cerrado fruit, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, mitigates risks associated with chronic diseases related to lifestyle and aging. This study evaluates the impact of prenatal exposure to Pe (300 mg/kg) on senile gerbil offspring’s male and female prostates under normal conditions and EE2 exposure (15 μg/kg/day). Histological and morphometric analyses revealed that Pe reduced male body weight and prostate epithelial height, along with a thinner muscle layer. In females, EE2 exposure reduced prostatic weight, while Pe exposure lowered epithelial height and the relative stromal compartment volume, increasing the muscle layer. Pequi oil holds potential in mitigating alterations induced by exposure to the endocrine disruptor EE2.

#313 : The Correlation Between Ultrasound Morphological Parameters and Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Indonesian Women

Background and Aims: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Ultrasound morphological parameters of ovarian morphology, ovarian volume, follicle number, endometrial plate thickness, and doppler analysis are necessary for the diagnosis of PCOS. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between ultrasound morphological parameters and classic and nonclassic phenotypes of PCOS in Indonesian Women. Method: A single-center, observational analytic study from May 2022 until October 2022 was performed upon 50 women with PCOS at Halim Fertility Center (HFC), Indonesia. Fifty PCOS women were classified into two groups: 20 PCOS women with classic phenotype and 30 PCOS women with non-classic phenotype. Data on patient’s age, body mass index (BMI), LH level, FSH level, LH: FSH ratio, Testosterone, Free testosterone index, SHBG, HOMA-IR, Ultrasound parameters (antral follicle count, follicle size, ovarian volume, stromal volume, Stromal/total area (S/A) ratio, Pulsatility index (PI), Peak systolic velocity (PS) and follicle distribution) were assessed and compared between the two groups. Results: The antral follicle count was higher in classic phenotype of PCOS than in nonclassic phenotype and there was a significant difference between the groups (p&lt;0.05). The stromal volume and PI were higher in non-classic phenotype PCOS than in classic phenotype and there was significantly difference between the groups (p&lt;0.05). Most of the follicle distribution in the classic phenotype of PCOS was central and the follicle distribution in the non-classic phenotype was peripheral and there was significantly difference between the groups (p&lt;0.05). The number of antral follicles, stromal volume, PI, and follicle distribution were positively correlated with the PCOS phenotypes (r=0.734; r=0.594; r=0.577; r=0.196), respectively. Conclusion: Classic phenotype of PCOS in Indonesian women has high antral follicle count and central follicle distribution and nonclassic phenotype has high stromal volume, PI and peripheral follicle distribution.

Choroidal Vessel and Stromal Volumetric Analysis After Photodynamic Therapy or Focal Laser for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

To utilize volumetric analysis to quantify volumetric changes in choroidal vessels and stroma after photodynamic therapy (PDT) and focal laser photocoagulation (PC) for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). This retrospective, comparative study included 58 eyes (58 patients) with CSCR (PC, 33 eyes; PDT, 25 eyes) followed up with swept-source optical coherence tomography at 3 months after treatment. Three-dimensional (3D) choroidal vessel and stromal volumes in each area of the central 1.5-mm-diameter circle, the torus-shaped area with 6-mm-diameter circle excluding the area of the central 1.5-mm-diameter circle, and the treated area of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid centered at the fovea were analyzed using a deep learning-based method. Changes in volume at baseline and 1 and 3 months after treatment were compared. The mean patient age was 49.3 ± 10.5 years. In the central 1.5-mm-diameter circle, the mean vessel and stromal volume rates significantly decreased after the treatment in both the PDT and PC groups (P = 0.00029 and P = 0.0014, respectively), and significant differences between the PDT and PC groups of continuous variables within times were observed in both volumes (P = 0.024 and P = 0.037, respectively). In the torus-shaped area and treated area, the PDT and PC groups both showed similar decreases in vessel and stromal volume over time. In the 3D optical coherence tomography volumetric analysis, both PDT and focal PC reduced choroid vessel volume in eyes with CSCR. This new finding is useful in elucidating the pathogenesis and healing mechanisms of CSCR.

Effectiveness of selenium in maintaining morphological architecture of prostatic compartments in mongolian gerbil

Male prostate is a reproductive gland that is under steroid hormones influence, which is object of several studies related to proliferative lesions that may arise during the aging process. Selenium is a micro-nutrient that has been described as a toxic mineral if administered at high concentrations but can also be beneficial mineral exerting a protective action on various tissues used properly. This mineral can be found in some foods such as Brazil nuts, grains, cereals and some vegetables. Mongolian gerbil prostate have morphophysiological similarities between the human prostate and has been used for comparative studies. This work aims to analyze the morphology and stereology of Mongolian gerbil prostate after selenium supplementation, followed by testosterone injection. Animals were divided into 3 groups (5 per group): GC intact animals; TG testosterone injection (1 mg/kg) for 21 days; TSG, selenium administration and testosterone injection (1 mg/kg) for 21 days. After experimental phase, animals were euthanized and prostate was dissected, fixed in metacarn, embedded, and sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) for morphological and morphometric/stereological analyses. Analyzes showed that prostate epithelium of TG showed points of stratification and higher columnar cells when compared to CG and TSG. Already stereological analysis showed that the volume of epithelium in TG and TSG was higher than in CG. Besides, non-muscular volume of TG stroma showed higher than in TSG and CG. In conclusion, selenium is, in this concentration, an important factor that acts in maintenance of prostate morphology, even under the influence of exogenous testosterone.

Choroidal vessel density in major depressive disorder using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography

BackgroundPrevious studies have revealed the retinal structural impairment in major depressive disorder (MDD). The choroid is more affected by systemic changes compared to the retina and provides nutrients to the retina. It is uncertain whether the choroidal structure was damaged in MDD. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate choroidal vessel density (VD) in MDD patients using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). MethodsThis study investigated the choroidal and retinal VD of subjects with SS-OCTA. MDD was identified based on the Diagnostic and International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10). The VD was automatically calculated as the ratio of the pixel areas of the vessels divided by the total area of the regions by the device. ResultsCompared with healthy controls (HCs) (n = 45 eyes), the MDD group (n = 66 eyes) demonstrated significantly lower supranasal and temporal choroidal vessel volume (CVV), temporal choroidal vessel volume index (CVI), and supranasal and temporal choroidal stroma volume (CSV) (all p < 0.05). After adjustment for age and sex, we found that temporal CVV (β = −9.31, p = 0.040) and supranasal (β = −15.28, p = 0.034) and temporal CSV (β = −11.82, p = 0.036) were significantly associated with MDD. Both choroidal thickness and retinal VD indicators did not differ significantly between MDD patients and HCs (both p > 0.05). LimitationsConclusions about progressive changes in choroidal vascular structures during the course of MDD are limited by the our cross-sectional study. ConclusionsWe found the choroidal VD in MDD was lower compared with HCs, which suggests that decreased choroidal VD is associated with the MDD.

Quantitative analysis of choroidal alterations in thyroid eye disease using swept-source OCT

Purpose:To investigate choroidal alterations in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and compare them with age-matched healthy controls.Methods:SS-OCT scans were performed to obtain quantitative measurements of choroidal parameters. Mean choroidal thickness (MCT), choroidal vessel volume (CVV), choroidal stroma volume (CSV), choroidal vascularity index (CVI), and choroidal stroma-to-vessel volume ratio (CSVR) were calculated and compared between TED and control eyes.Results:TED eyes exhibited significantly higher MCT (276.25 ± 58.75 μmvs. 236.86 ± 45.02 μm,p&amp;lt; 0.001), CVV (21.46 ± 5.10 mm3vs. 18.14 ± 3.83 mm3,p= 0.001), and CSV (13.86 ± 2.80 mm3vs. 11.44 ± 2.17 mm3,p&amp;lt; 0.001) compared to control eyes. However, there were no significant differences in CVI (0.61 ± 0.02vs. 0.61 ± 0.03,p= 0.838) or CSVR (0.65 ± 0.05vs. 0.64 ± 0.07,p= 0.345) between the two groups.Conclusion:SS-OCT effectively differentiated TED eyes from normal eyes based on choroidal alterations. The increased MCT, CVV, and CSV in TED suggest both dilated choroidal vasculature and expanded choroidal stroma. These findings highlight the potential of SS-OCT as an adjunctive imaging tool for the assessment of TED.

Placental gene expression reveals reduced angiogenesis in primiparous mares

Primiparous mares produce smaller and lighter foals than in subsequent pregnancies. In most studies, their placenta is also smaller, more efficient and presents structural alterations, but maternal age is a confounding factor. This study aimed to characterize the effects of maternal parity using the mare's first two pregnancies or by comparing young mares with different parities over the same gestation year. The same young mares (4–6-year-old over the study) foaled for the first time in 2018 (primiparous in 2018, P18, n=10) and for the second time in 2020 (multiparous in 2020, M20, n=10). In 2020, another group of young mares foaled for the first time (primiparous in 2020, P20, n=18). All mares were inseminated with the semen of the same stallion and were fed identically over the study. To assess the effect of primiparity, M20 were compared to P18 (effect on the same mare), or P20 (effect in the same year). Placentas were recovered at foaling, measured, weighed and sampled close to the umbilical cord. Stereology was performed using MercartorPro software on HES-stained paraffin-embedded samples and analyzed using a linear model for paired samples or not and permutations with R software. Paired-end RNA-sequencing was performed (Illumina, NextSeq500) on 6 randomly chosen snap-frozen placentas/group. Differential expression was analyzed (DESeq2) using a false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05 cutoff. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was performed on differential expressed genes using PANTHER overrepresentation test with GOBP database. Placental weight and surface were reduced and the efficiency (foal weight/placental surface, in kg/m2) was increased in primiparous mares in both comparisons (p<0.05). Volume was not modified by parity between the consecutives gestations but reduced in P20 vs M20 (p<0.05). Only the volume of allantoic stroma was significantly reduced in P18 vs M20 (p<0.05), whereas hemotrophic trophoblast and microcotyledonary vessels’ volume tended to be reduced in P20 vs M20 placentas (p<0.1). In consecutive gestations, 118 genes were differentially expressed in placenta while in the same year, only 2 genes (IL4R and FFAR, interleukin-4 and free fatty acid receptors) were differentially expressed (FDR <0.05). Among the 118 genes differentially expressed between consecutive pregnancies, apelin signaling, angiogenesis and catalytic activity were overrepresented. All genes involved in these pathways were under-expressed in P18 mares. Both the apelin (normalized enrichment score, NES=-2.16, FDR <0.05) and its receptor (NES=-2.48, FDR <0.05) were less expressed in the placenta of P18 vs M20. This is also observed in intrauterine growth retardation in humans. Although placental morphology was lightly affected in both analyses, the inter-individual variability seemed to hide parity effects for transcriptomic analysis. Consecutive gestations, however, demonstrate that the smaller placental and foal size in primiparous mares seems to originate from reduced vascularization.

Acute hyperglycemia compromises the responses of choroidal vessels using swept-source optical coherence tomography during dark and light adaptations.

To clarify the effects of acute hyperglycemia on the responses of choroidal structural components and vascularity index during light modulation in healthy participants using techniques including image binarization and artificial intelligence (AI) segmentation based on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Twenty-four eyes of 24 healthy participants were imaged at different stages after ambient light, 40 min of dark adaptation, and 5 min of light adaptation in two imaging sessions: control and after receiving 75 g of oral glucose solution. The choroidal structural parameters, including luminal volume (LV), stromal volume (SV), total choroidal volume (TCV), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) within a 6 mm area were determined using a custom algorithm based on image binarization and AI segmentation of SS-OCT. These measurements were compared among the conditions after adjusting for axial length, age to identify the differences. In the dark, CVI decreased (-0.36 ± 0.09%) significantly in acute hyperglycemia compared to the control condition. During the transition to ambient light, there was an increasing trend in the choroidal parameters compared with the control experiment. However, only TCV (0.38 ± 0.17 mm3) and LV (0.27 ± 0.10 mm3) showed a significant increase at the time point of 5 min after ambient light. Analysis of choroidal structural parameters and CVI based on SS-OCT images is a potentially powerful method to objectively reflect subtle changes in neurovascular coupling between the choroid and photoreceptor during dark adaptation.

Correlation Between Placental Histomorphology and Umbilical Cord Coiling Index in Preeclampsia

BACKGROUND&#x0D; Preeclampsia is a common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and one of the leading causes of maternal health complications and death globally. Both preeclampsia and abnormal umbilical coiling have been reported to alter the structure of the placenta significantly. Cases of preeclampsia and either of the two abnormal coiling states; hypercoiling or hypocoiling, occurring in the same pregnancy have been documented. The type of abnormal coiling associated with preeclampsia varies in different populations. The extent of changes in the placenta in preeclampsia coupled with either of the two is unknown. The current study aimed at determining which of the coiling state significantly alters the structure of the placentae of mothers with preeclampsia and therefore, predisposes them to more adverse perinatal outcomes.&#x0D; &#x0D; METHODs&#x0D; An unmatched case-control study was carried out in Kenyatta National Hospital labor ward and maternity theatre. Seventy (70) placentae from mothers with diagnosis of preeclampsia (cases) and mothers without complicated pregnancy (controls) were collected. The length of the cord and the number of coils was measured to calculate the coiling index. A gross placental examination was carried out followed by biopsy and tissue processing for light microscopy. Slides were photographed and several histological features analyzed in the terminal villi. Data from this study was input into SPSS (Version 21.0) where mean values, standard deviations, and frequency tables were obtained. Appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests were used where needed. A P-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; In the current study, the mean umbilical cord coiling index (UCI) in cases and controls was 0.40 ± 0.18 and 0.22 ± 0.08 coils/cm respectively. Cases had a significantly greater UCI than controls (P = &lt; 0.001). All placentae in the case hypocoiled subdivision had infarctions and were meconium stained. The mean placental weight was 519 g and 578 g respectively in cases and controls and the difference was found to be significant (p = 0.031). In cases and controls, the gross placental volume was 542 cm3 and 638 cm3, respectively. There was a significant difference in placental volume between cases and controls, and between subdivisions (p = &lt; 0.001 and 0.028 respectively). The case hypocoiled subdivision had the highest absolute volume of villous stroma, fibrin deposition, syncytial knots and the lowest fetal capillary surface area.&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION&#x0D; Hypocoiling was associated with alteration of the structure of the placenta in preeclampsia more than it was observed in hypercoiling. Early detection of hypocoiling using ultrasound in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia may help clinicians in identification of cases that warrant close antenatal and intrapartum monitoring thus reducing adverse perinatal outcomes.&#x0D;

Anti-Programmed Cell Death-1 Antibody and Dasatinib Combination Therapy Exhibits Efficacy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Mouse Models.

In this study, we investigated the in vivo metastasis suppression effects of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibitor dasatinib, which targets cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), in combination with an anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibody. We classified clinical CRC cases as inflamed, excluded, or desert using immunohistochemical analysis and evaluated the tumor stroma. The excluded type was the most common, and cases with high-volume stroma in the primary lesions also had a high stromal volume in the liver metastatic lesions. Liver-metastasis mouse models with different stromal volumes were established and treatment-induced changes in the tumor immune microenvironment were evaluated. The anti-PD-1 antibody alone exhibited a therapeutic effect for the liver metastases with low stromal volumes but not for the liver metastases with high stromal volumes. In contrast, antitumor effects were observed with anti-PD-1 antibody/dasatinib combination therapy even in the liver metastases with high stromal volumes. Combination therapy reduced the stromal volume, promoted immune cell infiltration, induced antitumor cytotoxic T-cell responses, activated antitumor immunity, and promoted tumor regression. These results suggest that CAFs play an important role in the immune evasion of CRC and that anti-PD-1 antibody/dasatinib combination therapy has potential as a treatment option for patients with metastatic CRC for whom immunotherapy alone is ineffective.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine and metformin treatment on the stereopathological characteristics of uterus and ovary.

In this study, the stereo-pathological effect of metformin and N-acetyl cysteine is evaluated on the uterus and ovary of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) mice. 96 mature females (8-weekold, weight of 20–30 gr) BALB/c mice were classified into 6 groups including the control group (n= 16), letrozole-induced PCOS group (n=16), PCOS + metformin (n=16), PCOS+NAC (n=16) and a separate control group for NAC (n=16). Another PCOS group was maintained for a month to make sure that features remain till the end of the study. Testosterone level, vaginal cytology and stereological evaluations were assessed. Vaginal cytology in letrozole-receiving mice showed a diestrus phase continuity. Testosterone level, body weight, uterine weight, endometrial volume, myometrial volume, gland volume, stromal volume, epithelial volume, vessel volume, daughter and conglomerate glands, endometrial thickness, and myometrial thickness exhibited an increasing trend in the uterus of PCOS mice. While normal gland and vessel length decreased in the PCOS group. Ovarian volume, corticomedullary volume, primary follicles, secondary follicles, and ovarian cysts were increased in PCOS ovaries. While corpus luteum, primordial, graafian, and atretic follicles showed a decline in the PCOS group. NAC and metformin, however, managed to restore the condition to normal. Given the prevalence of PCOS and its impact on fertility, the use of noninvasive methods is of crucial significance. NAC can control and treat pathological parameters and help as a harmless drug in the treatment of women with PCOS.