Changes In Tissue Structure Research Articles

Leech extract alleviates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLeech, as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of blood circulation and blood stasis, was also widely used to cure pulmonary fibrosis in China. In clinical practice, some traditional Chinese medicine preparation such as Shui Zhi Xuan Bi Hua Xian Tang and Shui Zhi Tong Luo Capsule composed of leech, could improve the clinical symptoms and pulmonary function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the material basis of the leech in the treatment of IPF were not yet clear. Aim of the studyScreen out the components of leech that have the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects, and further explore the therapeutic mechanism of the active components. Materials and methodsIn this study, the different molecular weight components of leech extract samples were prepared using the semi-permeable membranes with different pore sizes. The therapeutic effects of the leech extract groups with molecular weight greater than 10 KDa (>10 KDa group), between 3 KDa and 10 KDa (3–10 KDa group), and less than 3 KDa (<3 KDa group) on pulmonary fibrosis were firstly investigated by cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assay (MTT), cell wound healing assay, immunofluorescence staining (IF) and Western blot (WB) assay through the TGF-β1-induced fibroblast cell model. Then bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (BML-induced PF) mouse model was constructed to investigate the pharmacological activities of the active component group of leech extract in vivo. Pathological changes of the mouse lung were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining (Masson). The hydroxyproline (HYP) content of lung tissues was quantified by HYP detection kit. The levels of extracellular matrix-related fibronectin (FN) and collagen type Ⅰ (Collagen Ⅰ), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) monomer and Smad7 protein were determined via WB method. PKM2 and Smad7 protein were further characterized by IF assays. ResultsUsing TGF-β1-induced HFL1 cell line as a PF cell model, the in vitro results demonstrated that the >10 KDa group could significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and migration, downregulated the expression level of cytoskeletal protein vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and reduced the deposition of FN and Collagen Ⅰ. In the BML-induced PF mouse model, the >10 KDa group significantly reduced the content of HYP, downregulated the expression levels of FN and Collagen Ⅰ in lung tissues, and delayed the pathological changes of lung tissue structure. The results of WB and IF assays further indicated that the >10 KDa group could up-regulate the expression level of PKM2 monomer and Smad7 protein in the cellular level, thereby delaying the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. ConclusionsOur study revealed that the >10 KDa group was the main material basis of the leech extract that inhibited pulmonary fibrosis through TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Effects of modified external ventricular drainage vs. an Ommaya reservoir in the management of hydrocephalus with intracranial infection in pediatric patients.

Hydrocephalus with intracranial infection (HII) may cause pathological changes in brain tissue structure and irreversible damage to the nervous system. However, intracranial infection is a contraindication to ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt surgery, and the prognosis is improved by early infection control and intracranial pressure reduction. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Ommaya reservoir vs. modified external ventricular drainage (M-EVD) in the management of HII in pediatric patients. This retrospective controlled study included 45 pediatric patients with HII treated with an Ommaya reservoir (n = 24) or M-EVD (n = 21) between January 2018 and December 2022. Clinical outcomes, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test results, complications, and outcomes were compared between the Ommaya reservoir and M-EVD groups. No patient died during the follow-up period. The two groups were similar regarding age, sex, admission temperature, weight, preoperative serum protein and albumin concentrations, CSF analysis (white blood cell count, glucose concentration, and protein content), and clinical symptoms (P > 0.05). Both groups had significant changes in the CSF test results postoperatively compared with preoperatively (P < 0.05). In the M-EVD group, the median days for 13 children to remove the external drainage tube and receive VP shunt was 19 days. The longest drainage tube retention time was 61 days, and there was no intracranial infection or serious complication related to the drainage tube. After the placement of the Ommaya, the median time required for CSF to return to normal was 21 days, and a total of 15 patients underwent VP shunt surgery. The Ommaya reservoir and M-EVD are safe and effective for pediatric patients with HII. Both methods reduce the intracranial pressure and alleviate the symptoms of hydrocephalus, although there are differences between the two methods.

Clinical, laboratory and morphological comparisons in cellular alteration under conditions of hypoxia

To compare structural changes in tissues with clinical and laboratory parameters and immunohistochemical determination of proteins HIF1α, HIF2α, caspase-3 during cellular alteration under conditions of hypoxia in the liver and kidneys in an experiment on pigs. Laboratory parameters related to the state of gas exchange (decrease in partial pressure of arterial blood oxygen (PaO2), arterial blood saturation, lactate level, kidney function (creatinine, urea) and liver (ALT, AST, bilirubin) in 18 animals were analyzed in comparison with the results of a morphological study. Histological examination evaluated alterative and inflammatory tissue changes of varying severity, and also determined the expression of transcription factors HIF1α and HIF2α and a marker of apoptosis - caspase-3. The ratio between laboratory parameters and structural changes was assessed individually for each animal. In the liver, a statistically significant dependence of the content of HIF2α protein in cells on the severity of dystrophic changes and serum lactate levels was revealed. A statistically significant correlation was shown between an increase in transaminase and bilirubin levels and the severity of alterative changes in liver tissue. However, there was no significant relationship between the number of caspase-3 positive cells and the severity of dystrophic changes. A statistically significant correlation was found between creatinine and urea levels and the severity of alterative changes in kidney tissues. With significant dystrophic changes, a statistically significant dependence of the expression of HIF2α and caspase-3 proteins and a very high correlation of caspase-3 - lactate indicators were revealed. A significant correlation was shown between histological changes in tissues and clinical and laboratory parameters. Severe hypoxia with lactate accumulation directly affects the integrity and function of cells, which manifests itself in structural changes. Based on the results of a comparative study, it can be concluded that the assessment of alterative changes in liver and kidney tissues is important.

Identification of microwave-related changes in tissue using an ultrasound scan

Microwave energy (ME) is used in the medical field to denature protein structures, resulting in inactivation or destruction of abnormal cells. Identifying the extent of destruction of abnormal tissue (cancer tissue or tissue with abnormal electrical activity) is essential for accomplishing successful therapy and reducing collateral damage. Our study was an ex vivo assessment of the changes on ultrasound scans (US) in chicken tissue exposed to ME. We hypothesized that any changes in tissue structures would be recognized on the reflected ultrasound waves. Ultrasound scans of tissues change with exposure to microwaves with increasing reflection of ultrasound waves. With exposure to microwaves, surface level brightness on the ultrasound scans increases statistically significantly. The findings could be used in heat related (ME and radiofrequency) procedures where clinicians would be able to actively assess lesions in real-time. Further studies are required to assess changes in tissue during active exposure to different types of energies.

МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ И УЛЬТРАСТРУКТУРНЫЕ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ ТКАНИ ПЕЧЕНИ ПРИ БИЛИАРНОЙ ОККЛЮЗИИ РАЗЛИЧНОЙ ДЛИТЕЛЬНОСТИ

An analysis of the morphological state of the liver was carried out in 160 patients with obstructive jaundice of non-tumor etiology who received treatment in the Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital and Central City Clinical Hospital. The results of liver biopsy during surgery were studied. Pronounced structural and functional changes in liver tissue were revealed, which were further aggravated due to an increase in the duration of occlusion. In cases with long-term chronic jaundice, after decompression of the bile ducts, sclerotic changes, histiolymphocytic infiltration and proliferating biliary epithelium, fibrosis and foci of hepatocyte necrosis remain in the portal tracts. Ultrastructure analysis revealed changes in the cell membrane, cytoplasmic structures, destruction of mitochondrial membranes, formation of secondary lysosomes, disruption of the integrity of the nuclear membrane and signs of karyolysis. The study of puncture and surgical biopsies for obstructive jaundice makes it possible to establish the form and severity of cholestasis and, along with other diagnostic indicators, affects disease prognosis and the tactics of surgical treatment. Taking the different timing and severity of cholestasis into account, it is necessary to use therapeutic technologies in advance that lead to an improvement in liver morphology.

Structural Changes in Human Brain Tissue in Prenatal Alcoholization at Different Periods of Intrauterine Development

Structural Changes in Human Brain Tissue in Prenatal Alcoholization at Different Periods of Intrauterine Development

Variable–Order Model of Cardiac Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a cardiac disorder marked by rapid and disorganized electrical activity, leading to atrial mechanical dysfunction. The alterations in electrophysiological properties during this arrhythmia are not solely attributed to electrical remodeling, structural changes in atrial tissue are also involved. This work aims to formulate a mathematical model for fibrillatory electrical conduction through the implementation of variable-order fractional derivatives. The adoption of such an operator is intended to represent the process of structural remodeling, which has been related to the course of atrial fibrillation. Simulations are performed using a simplified model of the ionic kinetics of the cardiac cell membrane, which allows for distinct electrophysiological properties through its parameterization. For the variable order, a fluctuating function is adopted that can be interpreted as the progression of structural remodeling when the order decreases, and the reverse process when the order increases. Fibrillatory propagation is initiated by generating reentrant conduction, also known as a rotor. We observed that, on the one hand, electrical conduction becomes chaotic as the fractional order decreases, and persists under such dynamics while the order increases. On the other hand, rotational activity persists during the fluctuation of the fractional order. Such mesoscopic outcomes depend on the sensitivity of the microscopic electrophysiological properties to the variations of the fractional order. Moreover, both propagation patterns can be associated with the known course of clinical AF. These results suggest that the fractional order model of cardiac electrophysiology may provide insight into the AF underlying mechanisms.

The Protective Effect and Mechanism of Mild Hypothermia on Lung Injury after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Pigs.

To explore the protective effect and mechanism of mild hypothermia on lung tissue damage after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in pigs. In this experiment, we electrically stimulated 16 pigs (30 ± 2 kg) for 10 min to cause ventricular fibrillation. The successfully resuscitated animals were randomly divided into two groups, a mild hypothermia group and a control group. We took arterial blood 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 h after ROSC recovery in the two groups of animals for blood gas analysis. We observed the structural changes of lung tissue under an electron microscope and calculate the wet weight/dry weight (W/D) ratio. We quantitatively analyzed the expression differences of representative inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha TNF-α)] through the ELISA test. We detected the expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 proteins in lung tissues by Western blot. After 3 h and 6 h of spontaneous circulation was restored, compared with the control group, PaO2/FiO2 decreased significantly (P < 0.05). In addition, the pathological changes, lung W/D and lung MDA of the mild hypothermia group were better than those of the control group. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the lung tissue of the mild hypothermia group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The content of Caspase-3 and Bax in the mild hypothermia group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Our experiments have shown that mild hypothermia can reduce lung tissue damage after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Impact of scutellarin on cyclophosphamide-induced testicular damage in Sprague Dawley male rats

Cyclophosphamide is one of the most invasive chemotherapeutic drugs, which is commonly used despite its adverse effects and toxicities. Scutellarin is an herbal flavonoid with multiple pharmacological activities and clinical applications. The goal of the current study was to investigate whether scutellarin protected the gonads of male rats exposed to a single dose of cyclophosphamide. In the experiment, 21 male Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into three groups (n=7/group). Control group; received normal saline for 12 days by mouth; Induction group; received normal saline for 12 days by mouth and a single dose of cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day 6; and Scutellarin group; received intragastric scutellarin (100mg/kg) for 12 days and a single dose of cyclophosphamide (100mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day 6. At the end of treatment, the samples were collected, the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was calculated, sperm parameters, serum testosterone, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were measured, and histopathological alternation was evaluated. The results showed that GSI, sperm parameters, testosterone, and GPx levels were notably declined, while the level of MDA was significantly higher in the induction group compared to the control group. Interestingly, these measures markedly improved in scutellarin treated group. Additionally, histopathological analysis revealed a substantial change in the testicular tissue structure and a decrease in Jonson’s score in the induction group, although scutellarin co-treatment considerably attenuated and even reversed these changes. In conclusion, the outcomes demonstrated that scutellarin may act as a protective agent that alleviates rats’ testicular toxicity caused by cyclophosphamide therapy. Further, the proposed process may be attributed to its potent antioxidant properties.

The structural rearrangement of testicular arteries in case of chronic ethanol intoxication

Prolonged poisoning of the body with ethanol damages almost all its organs and systems. Structural changes in testicular arteries under the influence of chronic ethanol intoxication have not been fully studied. Purpose - to analyze the morphometric parameters of the small caliber arteries of the right and left testicles of rats in case of chronic ethanol intoxication. Materials and methods. 62 laboratory sexually mature male rats was performed. The animals were divided into two groups. The Group 1 (control) included 30 rats, the Group 2 (experimental) - 32 animals. The experimental rats, which were conducted to the experiment, were injected intragastrically with a 30% ethanol solution at the rate of 2 ml per 100 g of body weight for 28 days once a day. Animals were euthanized by heart bleeding under thiopental anesthesia. Histological micro-sections were made from the left and right testicles. Morphometrically, the outer and inner diameters of the arteries, media thickness, adventitia, Vogenvoort and Kernogan indices, the height of endotheliocytes, the diameter of their nuclei, the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio in these cells, and the relative volume of damaged endotheliocytes were determined morphometrically in small-caliber arteries. Statistical processing of digital data was carried out using Excel (Microsoft, USA) and STATISTICA 6.0 (Statsoft, USA) software. Results. It was established that in case of simulated experimental conditions of chronic ethanol intoxication, the investigated morphometric parameters of the arteries of the left and right testicles changed significantly. In case of chronic intoxication with ethanol in rats, pronounced structural rearrangement of testicular vessels, mainly small arteries, characterized by thickening of the blood vessel’s wall, narrowing of vessels’ lumen, rearrangement of endothelial cells, and an increase in the relative volume of the damaged cells of intima, is established, and is dominant in the left testis. Conclusions. In case of chronic intoxication with ethanol the structural changes in testicular tissues are dominant in the left testis. Pronounced remodeling of small caliber testicular arteries causes endothelial dysfunction, deterioration of blood supply to the testicles, hypoxia, dystrophic and necrobiotic tissue changes, infiltrative and sclerotic processes, which are the pathomorphological basis of male infertility. When carrying out experiments with laboratory animals, all bioethical norms and recommendations were observed. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Transcriptome analysis reveals tissue-specific responses of Mytilus unguiculatus to Vibrio alginolyticus infection

Mytilus unguiculatus is an important economic bivalve species with wide consumption and aquaculture value. Disease is one of the primary limiting factors in mussel aquaculture, thus understanding the response of different tissues of M. unguiculatus to pathogens is crucial for disease prevention and control. In this study, we investigated the physiological and transcriptomic responses of the gills, adductor muscle, and mantle of M. unguiculatus infected with Vibrio alginolyticus. The results showed that V. alginolyticus infection caused inflammation and tissue structure changes in the gill, adductor muscle and mantle of M. unguiculatus. Meanwhile, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the three tissues increased, while the total antioxidant capacity decreased, suggesting that M. unguiculatus have an activated defense mechanism against infection-induced oxidative stress, despite a compromised total antioxidant capacity. Transcriptomic studies reveal that infected M. unguiculatus exhibits upregulation of endocytosis, lysosome activity, cellular apoptosis, and immune-related signaling pathways, indicating that M. unguiculatus responds to pathogen invasion by upregulating efferocytosis. Compared with the gill and adductor muscle, the mantle had a higher level of mytimycin, mytilin and myticin, and the three tissues also increased the expression of mytimycin to cope with the invasion of pathogens. In addition, the analysis of genes related to taste transduction pathways and muscle contraction and relaxation found that after infection with V. alginolyticus, M. unguiculatus may reduce appetite by inhibiting taste transduction in the gill, while improving muscle contraction of the adductor muscle and keeping the shell closed, to resist further invasion of pathogens and reduce the risk of pathogen transmission in the population.

Effect of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy on the acoustic environment in tissue of prostate cancer: a study of histopathological characteristics.

Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) of prostate cancer (PCa) may alter the tissue acoustic environment (AET). The structure of tissue is an important factor affecting AET. The aim is to analyze changes in tissue structures after NET in PCa, focusing on calcifications, smooth muscle cells, and blood vessels. We collected 40 patients diagnosed with PCa by pathological examination between October 2020 and December 2022. Twenty patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) after NET were designed as the test group. Twenty patients without NET were assigned to the control group. Calcifications, smooth muscle cells and blood vessels were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Van Gieson (VG)-special staining respectively. Then the amount and acreage of calcified tissue, the number of smooth muscle cells and different types of blood vessels were quantitatively analyzed. There was a subtle increase in the number (P=0.001) and the area (P<0.001) of calcification after NET. The total number of smooth muscle cells was significantly higher than that without NET (P<0.001). NET resulted in significantly fewer veins compared to those without NET (P<0.001). There was a little increase in the number of arteries after NET (P=0.001). The number of veins decreased was much greater than the number of arteries increased resulting in significantly fewer total vessels after NET (P<0.001). NET can lead to changes in calcifications, smooth muscle cells, and blood vessels within PCa tissues, which may cause alterations in AET.

Curcumin alleviates traumatic brain injury induced by gas explosion through modulating gut microbiota and suppressing the LPS/TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

Gas explosions (GE) are a prevalent and widespread cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in coal miners. However, the impact and mechanism of curcumin on GE-induced TBI in rats remain unclear. In this study, we simulated GE-induced TBI in rats and administered curcumin orally at a dose of 100mg/kg every other day for 7days to modulate the gut microbiota in TBI rats. We employed 16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS metabolomic analysis to investigate changes in the intestinal flora and its metabolic profile. Additionally, we utilized ELISA, protein assays, and immunohistochemistry to assess neuroinflammatory signaling molecules for validation. In a rat TBI model, GE resulted in weight loss, pathological abnormalities, and cortical hemorrhage. Treatment with curcumin significantly mitigated histological abnormalities and microscopic mitochondrial structural changes in brain tissue. Furthermore, curcumin treatment markedly ameliorated GE-induced brain dysfunction by reducing the levels of several neuroinflammatory signaling molecules, including neuron-specific enolase, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and cryptothermic protein 3. Notably, curcumin reshaped the gut microbiome by enhancing evenness, richness, and composition. Prevotella_9, Alloprevotella, Bacilli, Lactobacillales, Proteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria were identified as prominent members of the gut microbiota, increasing the linear discriminant analysis scores and specifically enhancing the abundance of bacteria involved in the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, such as Lachnospiraceae and Roseburia. Additionally, there were substantial alterations in serum metabolites associated with metabolic NF-κB signaling pathways in the model group. Curcumin administration reduced serum lipopolysaccharide levels and downregulated downstream Toll-like receptor (TLR)4/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, curcumin alleviated GE-induced TBI in rats by modulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Based on these protective effects, curcumin may exert its influence on the gut microbiota and the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways to ameliorate GE-induced TBI.

Effect of Peganum harmala seeds extract on the hepatic tissue structure and fetus of mice

Peganum harmala is one of the most used plants for the treatment of many diseases. Its effective compounds have pharmaceutical and medicinal properties. This study aims to determine the effect of aqueous extract of harmala plant seeds on body and liver weight, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and the histological structure of liver of mice, as well as the size of the fetuses sired by treated mice. Sixteen adult male mice were divided into two groups of eight. The first group (control) was given distilled water orally, while the second group received the aqueous extract of harmala seeds at a dose of 300 mg/kg bw for three weeks. three untreated females were housed with one treated male for mating. At the end of the treatment, six male mice of each group were weighed and killed. Liver was extracted, weighed and its enzymes were measured. Also, sections of the liver were prepared for histological examination. The results showed a decrease in the body weight of the treated mice and a significant increase in the average weight of the fetuses compared with the control group, as well as marked changes in the hepatic tissue structure. There was no impact of the extract on fetal body length, liver weight and hepatic enzymes (AST and ALT) of treated mice. Further studies should be conducted to determine a safe dose that does not affect any organ in the body, so that it can be used for the treatment of many diseases.

Effect of Peganum harmala seeds extract on the hepatic tissue structure and fetus of mice

Peganum harmala is one of the most used plants for the treatment of many diseases. Its effective compounds have pharmaceutical and medicinal properties. This study aims to determine the effect of aqueous extract of harmala plant seeds on body and liver weight, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and the histological structure of liver of mice, as well as the size of the fetuses sired by treated mice. Sixteen adult male mice were divided into two groups of eight. The first group (control) was given distilled water orally, while the second group received the aqueous extract of harmala seeds at a dose of 300 mg/kg bw for three weeks. three untreated females were housed with one treated male for mating. At the end of the treatment, six male mice of each group were weighed and killed. Liver was extracted, weighed and its enzymes were measured. Also, sections of the liver were prepared for histological examination. The results showed a decrease in the body weight of the treated mice and a significant increase in the average weight of the fetuses compared with the control group, as well as marked changes in the hepatic tissue structure. There was no impact of the extract on fetal body length, liver weight and hepatic enzymes (AST and ALT) of treated mice. Further studies should be conducted to determine a safe dose that does not affect any organ in the body, so that it can be used for the treatment of many diseases.

Cistanche deserticola improves postmenopausal osteoporosis through gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids

The decrease of bone mineral density, osteopenia, and changes in bone tissue structure in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) are related to the disturbance of the body's microbiota, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma. (Orobanchaceae, CD) is a medicinal and dietary herb widely used in China, and studies have been conducted to prove its effectiveness in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. This study aims to investigate the potential mechanism of cell-broken decoction pieces of Cistanche deserticola (CDC) in regulating gut microbiota and gut microbial metabolites to improve postmenopausal osteoporosis. The results show that CDC improved gut microbiota disorders, and promoted the production of beneficial bacteria of Firmicutes, Roseburia, and Oscillibacter that mainly produce SCFAs, and increased intestinal barrier function, thus protecting OVX mice from bone loss, which provides a reference for the clinical application of CDC in the prevention and treatment of PMO.

Milk fat globule membrane promotes brain development in piglets by enhancing the connection of white matter fiber trace

IntroductionBrain development during infancy is crucial for later health and development. Although Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) has been demonstrated to enhance brain development, further investigation is needed to determine the optimal dose.MethodsIn this study, 80 piglets aged 2 days were randomly assigned to four groups: Control group, MFGM-L (1.74 g MFGM per 100 g diet), MFGM-M (4.64 g MFGM per 100 g diet), and MFGM-H (6.09 g MFGM per 100 g diet). Daily body weight and milk intake of the piglets were recorded until 31 days postnatal. Learning and memory abilities were evaluated using the spatial T-maze test on day 15. MRI analysis was conducted to assess functional and structural changes in brain tissues. Additionally, mRNA and protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NTF-3) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were evaluated.ResultsThe results indicated that the MFGM supplemented diet significantly improved the accuracy of the piglets in the T-maze test, with the MFGM-L group exhibiting the best performance. MRI showed no volumetric differences in the gray and white matter between the groups. However, the fractional anisotropy in the left and right hippocampus of piglets in the MFGM-L group was significantly higher than in the other three groups. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between the accuracy of the T-maze test and hippocampal fractional anisotropy.DiscussionThe MFGM supplemented diet also increased the expression of BDNF in the cerebral cortex. However, the changes in BDNF were not consistent with the results of the T-maze test. In conclusion, adding 1.74 g MFGM per 100 g diet can significantly improve neonatal piglets’ learning and memory abilities, potentially by enhancing the connection of white matter fiber bundles in the brain.

Intraoperative parameters and postoperative follow-up of foam-based intraperitoneal chemotherapy (FBIC).

Background: For decades, intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) has been delivered into the abdominal cavity as a liquid solution. Recently the concept of foam as a carrier-solution for IPC was suggested. This in-vivo swine study aims to evaluate the safety, intraoperative parameters, limitations and postoperative complications of foam-based intraperitoneal chemotherapy (FBIC). Methods: Three 65-day-old swine received FBIC with doxorubicin in a laparoscopy setting. Intraoperative parameters were monitored throughout the procedure and an extensive postoperative laboratory monitoring was conducted for 7days. At day seven an autopsy was performed for further evaluation. Results: The insufflation of FBIC caused a temporary rise in blood pressure and a simultaneous drop in heart rate. Capnography detected a continuous increase in end-tital CO2 levels. A temporary drop of intraabdominal temperature was noted. Postoperative blood and serum laboratory results did not indicate any organ failure. No indication of intraperitoneal infections was noted and no structural tissue changes were visible in the autopsy. Discussion: The application of FBIC appears to be a feasible approach regarding intraoperative anesthesiology and postoperative surgical management. A lack of postoperative structural changes on the seventh day were a promising sign of safety and biocompatibility. Surgical reintervention would have been possible. To discuss a possible clinical application, further studies are required to investigate long-term safety, pharmacodynamics and the antitumoral potential of FBIC.

MORPHOFUNCTIONAL CHANGES OF CEREBRAL CORTEX CELLS UNDER PARTIAL TRACHEAL STENOSIS IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Introduction. To date, there are limited opportunities to study the effects of congenital airway pathology in the experiment. To study the damage to body tissues in case of impaired airway ventilation, the author's version of artificial narrowing of the tracheal lumen by applying ligatures was used. The study of morphofunctional reactions and structural changes in organs and tissues of the body made it possible to identify and study pathogenetic and target tissue targets in order to develop tactics for the treatment of this pathology in newborns. Objective: to investigate the peculiarities of ultrastructural changes in the cells of the sensorimotor cortex of the cerebral hemispheres of experimental immature animals after modelling partial tracheal stenosis. Materials and methods. Ligature was applied to young rats at the level of the upper third of the trachea, which limited the tracheal lumen by about 25-30%. After modelling the pathology of the upper respiratory tract, the appearance of characteristic wheezing sounds was noted, this allowed us to consider the experimental intervention as an analogue of the stridor model in newborns. On day 7 and day 21 of the experiment, after surgery and removal of the previously applied ligature, the ultrastructure of the sensorimotor cortex of young animals was studied and, on this basis, variants of pharmacological protective and therapeutic effects and acceleration of cerebral rehabilitation in experimental animals were proposed. Results. The development of neurodystrophic processes and damage to cell ultrastructures and blood-brain barrier functions were established. After removal of the ligature from the trachea and elimination of the artificial compression effect of this factor on the airways of animals, the observed dynamics of pathological ultrastructural changes remained virtually unchanged, even after repeated surgical procedures. This indicates the need for the use of pharmacological agents and medical technologies to restore cytomembranes in cells of the central nervous system of different types under the influence of chronic hypoxia. Conclusions. Partial tracheal stenosis causes damage to the nerve cells of the cerebrocortex, and the removal of the ligature on day 7 of the stenosis modelling experiment did not affect any ultrastructural changes compared to the results obtained in the group of animals with chronic tracheal stenosis. The restoration of lung ventilation and the nature of the data revealed indicate the absence of significant recovery changes in the nerve and vascular cells of the brain. They indicate the need for urgent therapeutic and rehabilitation measures to accelerate the restoration of the structure and functions of cerebrocortical cells in the posthypoxic period.

Influence of antiresorptive/antiangiogenic therapy on changes in periodontal and oral tissue structures: a histomorphometrical analysis in rats

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the influence of various antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications on morphological changes in periodontal and oral tissue structures.Materials and methodsFifty-five Wistar rats randomly received dual application (i.e., at baseline and after 12-weeks) one of the following medications: (1) amino-bisphosphonate [zoledronate (Zo)], (2) RANKL inhibitor [denosumab (De)], (3) antiangiogenic [bevacizumab (Be)], (4) Zo + Be, (5) De + Be or (6) no medication [Control (Co)]. Periodontal and oral tissue biopsies were obtained at 17 (n = 21 animals, Phase 1, (De = 3, De + Be = 3, Zo = 5, Be = 3, Zo + Be = 2, Co = 5) and 29 (n = 34 animals, (De = 8, De + Be = 6, Zo = 2, Be = 7, Zo + Be = 4, Co = 7, Phase 2) weeks after the second drug application. The following outcomes were histomorphometrically assessed: periodontal space width in the coronal (PLS-C, mm) and apical sections (PLS- A), number of empty alveolar bone lacunae in the coronal, apical sections and at the apex at respective tooth sites (EL – C, EL- A, EL- Ap), mucosal thickness at edentulous alveolar ridge areas (MT, mm), and, when present, associated areas of inflammatory cell infiltrates (ICI, mm2).ResultsComparable mean PLS-C, PLS-A, ET-A, ET-C, ET-Ap, and MT values were observed in all experimental groups after Phases 1 and 2. The presence of ICI was identified in 3 animals in the Co group (Phase 1: 1, Phase 2: 2), and 17 animals in the test groups (Phase 1: 4; Phase 2: 14). The estimated ICI surface area was significantly higher in the Zo + Be group, followed by the Zo and Be groups compared to that measured in the Co group. The time (i.e., Phases 1 and 2) was not found to be a predictor for the extent of the ICI area. In all groups, the EL-C, EL-A, and EL-Ap values were significantly higher after Phase 2 compared to those assessed after Phase 1. The MT values were significantly reduced in all groups after Phase 2 compared to those measured after Phase 1.ConclusionsThe present evaluation was not able to find any morphological effects of different antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications on periodontal and oral tissue structures. The presence of inflammatory cell infiltrates was more frequently observed in the animals administered with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications as well as combinations thereof.Clinical relevanceAdministration of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications may be capable of inducing inflammatory reactions in periodontal tissues.