Thyroid Structure Research Articles

Impact of Experimental Congenital Toxoplasmosis on the Thyroid Gland: Histopathological and Immunobiochemical Indices Assessment

PurposeThe thyroid gland is one of the most vital endocrine organs. It is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of hormones principally triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones play a significant role in the functions and the metabolism of the body. The thyroid gland could be affected by several infections, among them Toxoplasma gondii. Congenital toxoplasmosis took place when the parasite reached the developing fetus and infected any nucleated cells within it. This study assessed the effect of experimental congenital toxoplasmosis on the thyroid gland structure and function.MethodsWe used 34 Wistar rats and allocated them into two groups: normal control group (17 rats) and congenital toxoplasmosis group (17 rats). After euthanasia, the brain and the thyroid gland was assessed through histopathological examination. Thyroid functions examination was performed through measuring the serum levels of T3, thyroxine T4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Moreover, serum levels of thyroid antibodies [thyroid-peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) and anti-thyroglobulin (TG-Ab)] were examined.ResultsThe examination of thyroid tissues of the congenital toxoplasmosis group showed decreased or absent colloid secretion. About 47.1% of follicles showed degeneration with different grades. Parafollicular cells hyperplasia were observed in 23.6% of specimens. The serum concentrations of T3, T4, and TSH were significantly higher in congenital toxoplasmosis group than the control group. The congenital toxoplasmosis group had lower serum concentrations of TPO-Abs than the control group.ConclusionThese results indicated that congenital Toxoplasma infection could result in a central hyperthyroidism state with alteration of thyroid gland structure in offspring.

MORPHOGENESIS OF BRANCHIOGENIC GLANDS OF THE NECK IN THE FETAL PERIOD OF ONTOGENESIS

Branchiogenic glands play an important role in the control of calcium and iodine levels and thus have a direct impact on muscle contraction and neurotransmission. Variations in the structure and ectopic location of parathyroid and thyroid glands increase the complexity of thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Aim. To study the variants of structure and anatomical features of the parathyroid and thyroid glands at different stages of fetal development. Materials and methods. To study the anatomical variability of the branchiogenic glands of the neck in the fetal period of ontogenesis, we chose a set of classical methods of morphological research: morphometry, thin dissection under the control of a microscope, and photographic documentation. The material for the study were 48 preparations of human fetal cadavers from the 4th to the 10th month of intrauterine development. Digital parameters of organs and their correlation with neighboring organs and structures were grouped into appropriate age groups and processed by non-parametric methods of variation statistics with calculation of their arithmetic mean, its error and determination of probability of differences by Student's t-test using MS Excel and Biostatistics programs. The study was conducted in accordance with the main provisions of the Law of Ukraine ¹ 1801-XII "Fundamentals of the Legislation of Ukraine on Health Care", GCP (1996-2016), the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association for the Ethical Principles of Scientific Medical Research Involving Human Subjects (1964-2013), the Convention of the Council of Europe on Human Rights and Biomedicine (04.04.1997), Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 690 dated 23.09.2009, and therefore concluded that the proposed study should be recommended for publication. The article is a fragment of the research work of the Department of Surgery № 1 of Bukovinian State Medical University: ‘Development, substantiation and implementation of new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of some acute surgical diseases, prediction of their course and prevention of complications’, state registration number - 0121U110501: 01.2021-12.2025. Results. At the beginning of the fetal period of human ontogenesis there is an intensive development of the parathyroid glands. Variability of morphology of upper and lower parathyroid glands was found in 15 fetuses of 4-5 months of age. During this period, the following forms were observed: elongated, oval, bean-shaped, crescent-shaped. In the study of 15 fetuses at the age of 6-7 months, the following variations in the shape of the upper and lower parathyroid glands were found: oval, elongated, round, crescent, lenticular, bean-shaped. Topographically, we found the following variations in the location of the upper parathyroid glands: 1) between the upper and middle thirds of the thyroid lobes; 2) at the level of the upper third of the thyroid gland; 3) at the level of the middle third of the thyroid gland; 4) in the parenchyma of the thyroid gland; 5) above the thyroid lobes - 40% (20 cases), 36% (18 cases), 10% (5 cases), 8% (4 cases), 6% (3 cases), respectively. Conclusions. 1. The variants of the structure and topography of the thyroid gland, the upper parathyroid gland and the lower parathyroid gland, which we have identified, can be anatomical conditions for the development of both congenital pathology and variants of normal structure, which can nevertheless cause iatrogenic disorders during surgery. 2. In fetuses of 4-10 months of age, numerous variants of the structure and topography of the upper parathyroid gland and lower parathyroid gland are observed, which differ significantly from their typical structure. 3. The aplasia of the upper pineal gland detected in two human fetuses of 7 months of age is due to the peculiarities of their organogenesis and the formation of syntopia in the embryonic and prenatal periods of prenatal morphogenesis. 4. The obtained data on individual anatomical variability of the pineal glands should be taken into account by endocrinologists and ultrasonographers when performing diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Chronic toxic effects of chloroxylenol exposure on Rana chensinensis: Insights from endochondral ossfication

Chloroxylenol (para‑chloro-meta-xylenol, PCMX), is a widely used antimicrobial agent and can remain in the aquatic environment. Although toxicity studies related to PCMX on the aquatic animals like zebrafish and Brachionus koreanus have been reported, there are few reports in the ecological risk of amphibians. In this study, the toxicity of different concentration (143, 14.3, 1.43 μg/L) of PCMX treatments on the endochondral ossification and body condition of Rana chensiensis tadpoles was investigated at environmentally relevant concentrations during metamorphosis. The chronic exposure of PCMX decreased bone length and ossification of limbs, caused changes of thyroid gland structure and ossification related gene expression levels. Besides, we found that R. chensiensis developed rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, these results provided valuable evidence that the ecological risk of PCMX that will negatively affect the body condition, thyroid hormones homeostasis and skeletal development of R. chensiensis tadpoles.

Electrocardiographic, Ultrasonographic, and Echocardiographic Findings in Hypothyroidism: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Hypothyroidism, a common endocrine disorder, significantly impacts cardiovascular health and thyroid gland structure. Electrocardiography (ECG), ultrasonography (USG) of the neck, and echocardiography (2D Echo) are essential tools for evaluating these complications. Despite the well-known risks, comprehensive assessments combining these modalities are often underutilized in clinical practice. The study evaluated electrocardiographic, ultrasonographic, and echocardiographic findings in hypothyroid patients to identify prevalent abnormalities and associated risk factors. Methods: A total of 260 hypothyroid patients were included. Data collection involved clinical history, blood tests, ECG, USG neck, and 2D Echo. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20, with qualitative variables analyzed using Chi-square tests and quantitative variables using multivariate analysis and logistic regression. Results: The study revealed that 65% of patients had abnormal ECG findings, with sinus bradycardia (20%) and prolonged QT interval (17%) being most common. USG neck showed thyromegaly in 48.1% and nodules in 40% of patients. Echocardiographic assessment indicated systolic dysfunction in 30% and diastolic dysfunction in 40% of patients. Higher TSH levels were significantly associated with increased prevalence of cardiac dysfunction (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Hypothyroidism significantly affects both cardiac function and thyroid gland structure. The study underscores the necessity for comprehensive diagnostic assessments, including ECG, USG, and echocardiography, to detect and manage complications early. Effective control of thyroid function is crucial in mitigating cardiovascular risks. Recommendations: Regular monitoring of thyroid and cardiac health in hypothyroid patients is recommended. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes of integrated diagnostic assessments and the effectiveness of early interventions. Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Electrocardiography, Ultrasonography, Echocardiography, Cardiac Dysfunction

RATS’ THYROID GLAND HISTOLOGICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES THROUGHOUT THE EXPERIMENTAL THERMAL INJURY DYNAMICS ON THE BACKGROUND OF HAES-LX 5 % COLLOID-HYPEROSMOLAR SOLUTION INJECTION

The urgency of the burn injury problem is determined by frequent thermal injuries of patients of different ages, the complexity and duration of treatment, long-term disability and relatively high mortality. Depending on the area and depth of the lesion, a burn wound causes multiple and long-lasting disturbances in homeostasis, which cause organs and systems dysfunction. We are interested in the intrathyroid changes that occur during thermal burns, as thyroid gland plays one of the leading roles in the endocrine regulation of organisms’ majority functions. When researching the issue of pharmacological correction of thyroid gland damage after a burn injury, we proceed from the classical fundamental concept regarding its pathogenetic validity. Taking into account the known pathogenetic mechanisms of burn disease with consecutive (and sometimes simultaneous) hypoproteinemia and haemoconcentration manifestations, intoxication formation, inflammatory and autoimmune reaction, we came to a conclusion regarding the reasonability of colloid solutions efficacy testing to attempt the pharmacocorrection in case of thyroid gland both structure and function burning. The purpose of the work is to establish histological and ultrastructural changes in the thyroid gland of experimental rats that were injected with colloidal hyperosmolar solution HAES-LX 5 % in the dynamics of skin thermal damage. Experimental studies were conducted on 90 white male rats. Skin thermal burns were simulated using four copper plates application to previously depilated lateral surfaces of the rats’ body for 10 s. Rats were injected with colloidal hyperosmolar solution HAES-LX 5 % into the vena cava inferior during the first 7 days of the post-burn period. Thyroid gland pieces were fixed in a 10 % neutral formalin solution, dehydrated in alcohols of increasing concentration and embedded in paraffin blocks. The prepared sections of 5-6 μm thickness were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. For electron microscopic studies, pieces of the thyroid gland were taken, fixed in a 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution, and postfixed with a 1% osmium tetroxide solution in a phosphate buffer. Semi-thin sections were stained with methylene blue. Ultrathin sections were contrasted with uranyl acetate, lead citrate according to the Reynolds method and studied in a PEM-125K electron microscope. Colloidal hyperosmolar solution HAES-LX 5 % administration within 7 days of the post-burn period to correct the thermal injury effects has an expressed positive effect on burned animals thyroid gland histo- and ultrastructure. A significant improvement of the structural state of the stromal and parenchymal components of the organ and their relative normalization in the late period under the influence of the applied solution was established in the dynamics of the experiment. The colloidal hyperosmolar solution HAES-LX 5 % positive effects were expressed by cellular walls of the vessels and follicles dystrophic and destructive changes reduction the structural components of the organ restoration during the entire period of the study up to the 30th day of the trial. The first signs of the intraglandular environment recovery after colloidal hyperosmolar solution HAES-LX 5 % use were proved to start registered from the 7th day of the post-burn period and were maximally expressed from the 21st day until the end of the experiment. The authors are sure that colloidal hyperosmolar HAES-LX 5 % solution protective action possible mechanism is the generalized catabolic reaction inhibition and the membrane-protective effect development. A complex of colloidal hyperosmolar solution HAES-LX 5 % protective, adaptive, adaptive, compensatory and regenerative effects were realized throughout the 30 days of the post-burn period, which efficacy exceeds the thyroid gland parenchyma and surrounding tissues destructive, decompensatory and necrotic changes. The authors consider the use of colloidal hyperosmolar solution HAES-LX 5 % to be one of the burn treatment regimen components as a restorative therapy drug and secondary cytoprotection aimed at the vascular wall and tissue defects integrity restoring.

Association between Thyroid Autoantibodies and Abnormal Thyroid Function and Structure of Thyroid Gland

Introduction: Antithyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb), antithyroid receptor antibody (TRAb) and antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) are common thyroid autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. Studies have demonstrated that the serum presence of thyroid autoantibodies is correlated with the presence of lymphocytic infiltration and the severity of histological thyroiditis. However, one or more of these antibodies are frequently detected in the general population. Abnormalities in thyroid function and structure are common in the population. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between thyroid autoantibodies and abnormalities in thyroid function and structure. Methods: This was a multi-center, cross-section, observational study and was conducted in the Department of Endocrinology of Ibn Sina Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh and Enam Medical College, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from September, 2022 to September, 2023. In our study we included 324 patients with thyroid dysfunction. The patients were selected consecutively attending tertiary care hospitals. The study participants provided demographic and clinical data. Thyroid function, thyroid ultrasonogram and serum concentration of TPOAb, TRAb, and TgAb were measured. Result: A total 324 patients were included in this study. Most of the study population were female (79%) and mean age were 37.0± 12.4 years. 58.6% belonged to the 21-40 age group. The mean BMI was found 22.0±4.5 kg/m2 in positive TRAb and 26.5±5.0 kg/m2 in negative TRAb. 229 (70.7%) were hypothyroid and 95 (29.3%) were hyperthyroid patients. Among the study population 211 (65.1%) patients were TPOAb, 112 (34.6%) were TgAb and 80 (24.7%) were TRAb positive. Among the TPOAb positive patients, 78.7% were hypothyroid and 21.3% were hyperthyroid. On the contrary, among the TRAb positive patients, 97.5% were hyperthyroid. Most (158) of the patients have normal ultrasonogram of thyroid. ..

Morphological features of the rat’s thyroid gland after application of defect in the tibiae

Aim to study the morphological features of the rats thyroid gland after application of a defect in their tibiae.
 Material and methods. Sixty white mature male rats were divided into two groups. Group I intact animals, Group II rats subjected to a through defect in the proximal metaphysis of the tibiae. The experiment time-line was: 3, 10, 15, 24, and 45 days. The qualitative features of the thyroid gland structure were studied using light and electron microscopy; the quantitative features with histomorphometry.
 Results. The large follicles lined with simple squamous epithelium on the periphery of the gland as well as large and medium-sized follicles lined with low simple cuboidal, less often squamous epithelium in the center were observed in rats of Group II on days 3, 10, 15 of the experiment. The colloid filled completely or most of the follicle; there were desquamated epitheliocytes and cells with signs of apoptosis. The height of the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland was smaller than the values of the Group I by 8.44%, 5.52%, 3.86% and 5.53%, 3.70%, 3.25% from 3rd to 15th days; the area of nuclei of follicular cells by 5.22%, 4.93% from 3rd to 10th days and by 5.31% on 3rd day; nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio by 3.11%, 2.29%, 2.28% from 3rd to 15th days and by 4.63%, 3.01% from 3rd to 10th days in the central and peripheral parts of the gland respectively. On the 3rd day, electron-microscopically, thyrocytes were low cuboidal or flat shape, the nucleus had tortuous contours and accumulations of heterochromatin under the karyolemma and in the karyoplasm. The cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum were collapsed or had small slit-like spaces. Single lysosomes and secretory granules in the apical part of the cells and short microvilli were visualized.
 Conclusion. The application of a defect in the tibiae of rats is accompanied by morphological changes in the thyroid gland from the 3rd to 15th days and then organ adapts to the trauma by the 24th and 45th days.

Bisphenol analogues induce thyroid dysfunction via the disruption of the thyroid hormone synthesis pathway

Bisphenol analogues are widely used in industrial and daily-use consumer products having imperfect thyroid hormones (THs) structures. Widespread exposure interferes with thyroid-related health outcomes in human. The mechanisms of disruption on TH synthesis and subsequent thyroid dysfunction by different bisphenol analogues remain unclear. Here, we evaluated bisphenol-induced thyroid endocrine disruption in C57BL/6 mice at doses of 0.002, 0.02, 2, and 20 mg/kg body weight/day (BW/d) for five consecutive weeks. Administration of 20 mg/kg BW/d bisphenol S (BPS) and 2 mg/kg BW/d tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS) significantly increased serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels to 1.21-fold and 1.20-fold of control group, respectively, indicating that bisphenols induced thyroid dysfunction in mice. Height of the thyroid follicle epithelium significantly increased to 1.27-, 1.24-, 1.26-, and 1.36-fold compared to control group with BPA, BPS, TBBPA, and TBBPS at 20 mg/kg BW/d, respectively, indicating impairment of the thyroid gland structure, and TBBPS showed potent effect. Exposure to bisphenol analogues of 0.02 mg/kg BW/d downregulated the protein expression levels of thyrotropin receptor, the sodium/iodide symporter, thyroperoxidase. The TH-dependent effects were further determined using the T-Screen assay at 10−11 M to 10−5 M concentrations. Bisphenol analogues significantly decreased TH-dependent GH3 cell proliferation, indicating the antagonistic activity of bisphenol analogues. The gene responsible for THs synthesis of thyrotropin releasing hormone receptor and TSH were upregulated, but downregulation of thyroid receptor β was observed. Our results suggest that bisphenol analogues distinctly induce thyroid dysfunction via TH synthesis, implying adverse effect of bisphenol analogues on TH homeostasis and subsequent physiological processes.

Preservation of parathyroid glands during thyroid and neck surgery.

The parathyroid glands are situated in close proximity to the thyroid gland. They have an important endocrine function maintaining calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the body by the secretion of parathormone (PTH), which is responsible for this function. The parathyroid glands are commonly damaged during thyroid surgeries. This could lead to transient or permanent hypoparathyroidism in 30% of cases. Preservation of the parathyroid glands, is an important and integral part of thyroidectomy and other surgical interventions in the neck. The main principle underlying this is a thorough understanding of parathyroid anatomy in relation to the thyroid gland and other important structures in the area. There can also be significant variation in the anatomical location of the glands. Various techniques and methods have been described for parathyroid preservation. They include intraoperative identification utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence, carbon nanoparticles, loupes, and microscopes. The techniques of surgery (meticulous capsular dissection), expertise, central compartment neck dissection, preoperative vitamin D deficiency, extent and type of thyroidectomy are the risk factors associated with damaged thyroids, inadvertent parathyroidectomy and subsequent hypoparathyroidism. Parathyroid Autotransplantation is a treatment option for inadvertent parathyroidectomy. Ultimately, the best way to assure normal parathyroid function is to preserve them in situ intraoperatively undamaged.

The Role of Thyroid Hormone Synthesis Gene-Related miRNAs Profiling in Structural and Functional Changes of The Thyroid Gland Induced by Excess Iodine.

At recent years, the impairment caused by iodine excess are paid more attention. However, there is still largely unknown about the exact mechanism induced by excessive iodine. MiRNAs have been found to act as biomarkers for a variety of diseases, whereas fewer studies focused on miRNAs related to a cluster of genes regulating thyroid hormone synthesis, such as NIS, Pendrin, TPO, MCT8, TSHR, TSHα, and TSHβ-related miRNAs in structural and functional changes of the thyroid gland induced by subchronic and chronic high iodine exposure. In the present study, one hundred and twenty 4-week-old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (I50µg/L KIO3); HI 1 (I6000µg/L KIO3); HI 2 (I10000µg/L KIO3); and HI 3 (I50000µg/L KIO3), the exposure period was 3months and 6months, respectively. The iodine contents in the urine and blood, thyroid function, and pathological changes were determined. In addition, levels of thyroid hormone synthesis genes and the associated miRNAs profiling were detected. The results showed that subclinical hypothyroidism occurred in the high iodine groups with subchronic high iodine exposure, while 6-month exposure led to hypothyroidism in the I10000µg/L and I50000µg/L groups. Subchronic and chronic high iodine exposure caused mRNA and protein levels of NIS, TPO, and TSHR decreased significantly, and Pendrin expression increased significantly. In addition, MCT8 mRNA and protein levels are only remarkably decreased under the subchronic exposure. PCR results showed that levels of miR-200b-3p, miR-185-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-200a-3p, and miR-25-3p increased significantly exposed to high iodine for 3months, while miR-675-5p, miR-883-5p, and miR-300-3p levels increased significantly under the exposure to high iodine for 6months. In addition, miR-1839-3p level was markedly decreased exposed to high iodine for 3 and 6months. Taken together, the miRNA profiling of genes regulating thyroid hormone synthesis remarkably altered from subclinical hypothyroidism to hypothyroidism induced by excess iodine exposure, and some miRNAs may play an important role in subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism through regulating NIS, Pendrin, TPO, MCT8, and TSHR providing promising targets to alleviate the impairment on the structure and function of thyroid gland.

The possible ameliorative role of Lycopene on Tributyltin induced thyroid damage in adult male albino rats (histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical study)

ABSTRACT Tributyltin is used in industrial applications. This current research aimed to study the effect of Tributyltin on the thyroid gland structure and function of adult male albino rats and the protective effect of Lycopene. Twenty-one male adult albino rats were classified into three groups: Control, treated that received Tributyltin, and protective that received Lycopene with Tributyltin. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and T4, T3, and (TSH) were measured. Tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated. Thyroid gland specimens were processed for histological and immunohistochemical examination. Then morphometric and statistical analyses were done. The treated group showed affection in thyroid function and histological structure as vacuolated colloid and cytoplasm and dark nuclei. Ultrastructurally, follicular cells showed irregular shrunken nuclei, atrophied apical microvilli, vacuoles, multiple lysosomal granules, mitochondria with destructed cristae, and extensively dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum. There was increase in Caspase-3 immunoexpression and decrease in Beclin-1 immunoexpression. The thyroid structure and biochemical markers improved after Lycopene administration. The thyroid gland damage caused by Tributyltin is ameliorated by Lycopene.

Effect of perchlorate on ovarian morphology and histology, estrous cyclicity, steroidogenic enzyme activities and hormonal profiles in adult female rats

Perchlorate contamination is widespread for its industrial uses and natural occurrence. It is also used as an antithyroid drug. Perchlorate competitively inhibits iodide transport at the level of sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) in the thyroid gland, affecting thyroid hormone synthesis, resulting in alteration of thyroid gland structure and functions. Thyroid hormones are vital for proper functioning of the female reproductive system, since they modulate the metabolism and development of ovary and uterus. This study investigates the effect of perchlorate exposure for consecutive four weeks on the morphological and functional status of reproductive organs in adult female rats following parameters as the estrous cyclicity, histology of ovary and uterus, activities of steroidogenic enzymes, serum estradiol and estriol levels. Results revel irregular estrous cyclicity that ultimately ceased presenting a persistent estrous stage, hypertrophied ovary with corpora lutea of different sizes, large and inflated uterine lumen with proliferated endometrium comprising numerous secretory glands in the perchlorate exposed reproductive organs. The activities of steroidogenic enzymes (Δ⁵ 3β HSD and 17β HSD) were augmented that have heightened serum estriol level while the estradiol level was weakened. Therefore, an apparent hypertrophied and hyperfunctioning condition of ovary and uterus developed resembling pseudopregnancy on exposure of this iodide blocker

Effects of nitrite exposure on metamorphosis and skeletal development of Bufo gargarizans.

Nitrite, as a part of nitrogen cycle, is one of the most common toxic compounds in aquatic ecosystems. Since skeletal development is an essential process during amphibian metamorphosis, exposure of larval amphibians to nitrite might disrupt skeletal development. To evaluate whether nitrite affects skeletal development of amphibian larvae, Bufo gargarizans larvae at Gs26 were exposed to 10, 100, 500 and 1000μg/L nitrite-nitrogen (NO2-N) in the present study. The metamorphosis rate, body weight, body length, forelimb length and hindlimb length of B. gargarizans exposed to NO2-N were decreased. The microscopic structures of thyroid gland were altered under NO2-N exposure at Gs42. The skeletal lengths of the humerus, femur and fibulare of tadpole at Gs42 were significantly reduced under 100, 500 and 1000μg/L NO2-N treatment groups, and the lengths of humerus, tibia-fibula and tibiale of tadpole at Gs46 were significantly reduced under 1000μg/L NO2-N treatment groups. In addition, the expression levels of thyroid hormone (TH) and endochondral ossification-related genes of tadpoles at Gs42 and Gs46 were tested by qRT-PCR. Overall, NO2-N exposure could affect the expressions of these genes and then may influence the activity and function of thyroid gland, further disturbing the amphibian metamorphosis and skeletal development of amphibian larvae.

Impact of Quercus infectoria Galls Extract on Thyroid Gland and Testicular Functions in Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus has been reported to be accompanied by thyroid and testicular dysfunctions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Quercus infectoria galls (QIg) extract on the thyroid gland and testicular functions in diabetic rats. Sixteen rats were randomly divided into four equal groups, consisting of normal control, diabetic untreated control, diabetic treated with oral administration of 500 mg/kg BW and 1000 mg/kg BW, respectively for 15 days. Serum blood glucose, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), testosterone (T), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assessed. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were euthanized for histopathological analysis of thyroid gland and testis. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) in the thyroid gland of rats. The significant increase in serum blood glucose level in diabetic rats (DC) was markedly decreased by treatment with QIg extract (500 mg and 100 mg/kg BW) almost to the normal level. The reduced thyroid hormones, both the T3 and T4 were significantly recovered after 15 days of treatment with QIg extract (500 mg and 100 mg/kg BW). Whereas serum concentration of testosterone was significantly reduced in diabetic rats with QIg extract (500 mg and 100 mg/kg BW) treatment. Histopathological analysis of diabetic rats showed a wide range of morphological alterations in thyroid gland and testicular structures, which were almost completely, restored back to normal by treatment of rats with QIg extract. Furthermore, results showed overexpression of TTF-1 in the thyroid gland of diabetic rats, which was recovered back to normal expression after 15 days of treatment with QIg extract. These findings may provide new insights into the potential role of QIg extract as a promising therapeutic agent against diabetic complications in thyroid gland and testicular functions.

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Особенности цитокинового баланса у пациентов с предраковыми состояниями желудка в зависимости от изменений в структуре щитовидной железы

Актуальность. Поиск общих звеньев патогенеза коморбидности при предраковых состояниях желудка и заболеваниях щитовидной железы не теряет актуальности. Именно в этом аспекте важным является изучение цитокинового звена имунной системы организма при сочетании таких заболеваний. Цель исследования: изучить особенности цитокинового баланса по уровню васкулоэндотелиального фактора роста (VEGF), туморнекротизирующего фактора (TNF) α, интелейкинов (ИЛ) 8 и 18 у пациентов с предраковыми состояниями желудка в зависимости от изменений структуры щитовидной железы. Материалы и методы. Обследовано 45 пациентов с предраковыми состояниями желудка. Критерии включения в обследование: кишечная метаплазия в теле и/или антральном отделе желудка, атрофия в теле желудка. По результатам ультразвукового обследования щитовидной железы (ЩЖ) пациенты разделены на группы: І группа — 19 пациентов с узловыми изменениями, ІІ группа — 18 пациентов с диффузными изменениями, ІІІ — 8 пациентов без изменений в ЩЖ. Конт­рольную группу составили 10 здоровых лиц. В сыворотке крови определяли уровень ІЛ-8, ІЛ-18, TNF-α, VEGF иммуноферментным методом с использованием наборов реактивов фирмы «Вектор-БЕСТ», г. Новосибирск. Результаты. У 82,2 % пациентов с предраковыми состояниями желудка выявили изменения в структуре ЩЖ (n = 37), узловые изменения — у 42,2 % больных (n = 19). Концентрация ИЛ-8 у пациентов І группы была выше по сравнению со ІІ, ІІІ и конт­рольной группами — в 2,0 раза (р < 0,05), в 2,7 (р < 0,05) и в 3,1 раза (р < 0,05) соответственно. Концентрация TNF-α в І группе была достоверно выше по сравнению со ІІ, ІІІ и конт­рольной группами в 2,3 раза (р < 0,05), в 3,5 раза (р < 0,05) и в 1,4 раза (р < 0,05) соответственно. Установлена корреляционная связь уровня TNF-α с ИЛ-8 (r = 0,487, р = 0,001). Уровень VEGF был достоверно повышен в І группе в 4,3 раза (р < 0,05) и во ІІ группе в 2,5 раза (р < 0,05) по сравнению с контролем. Также у пациентов І группы его содержание было достоверно выше в 1,7 и в 2,9 раза по сравнению со ІІ и ІІІ группами (р < 0,01 і р < 0,001 с учетом поправки Бонферрони соответственно). По результатам Kruskal — Wallis test, разница уровня VEGF между групами составила 0,002. Экспрессия VEGF коррелирует с уровнем TNF-α (r = 0,442, р = 0,004) и ИЛ-8 (r = 0,319, р = 0,042). Установлена прямая ассоциация между уровнем VEGF и выявлением одновременно кишечной метаплазии в теле и антруме (r = 0,443, р = 0,008), кишечной метаплазии в теле, антруме и углу желудка (r = 0,404, р = 0,024), кишечной метаплазии в теле желудка (r = 0,340, р = 0,039). Выводы. У пациентов с предраковыми состояниями желудка в 82,2 % случаев выявлены изменения в структуре ЩЖ, которые сопровождаются повышением уровня VEFG, который прямо коррелирует с кишечной метаплазией в желудке. У 42,2 % пациентов выявлены узловые изменения в ЩЖ, которые сопровождаются также и повышением уровней ИЛ-8 и TNF-α. Такие данные свидетельствуют о важности дальнейшего изу­чения роли цитокинов в развитии коморбидности при предраковых состояних желудка.

CHANGES IN THE SYSTEM PLACENTA - FETUS WITH SMOKING PREGNANTS AS BACKGROUND OF THYROPATHIES IN OFFSPRING

It was found that the intake of nicotine by rats of pregnant females in conjunction with a reduction in the volume of food consumed has a significant impact on the system of «placenta – fetus» in offspring of both sexes, significantly reducing the morphological and functional characteristics and capabilities of the placenta due to toxic and vasoconstrictor effects of nicotine. Toxic effects of nicotine, even in low doses, in pregnant females during passive smoking leads to fetal and postnatal death of a high percentage of fetuses and is a predictor of deep changes in the structure and hormone-producing function of the offspring thyroid glands.

Histological Effects of Intermittent Fasting Concomitant with Levothyroxine Administration on the Thyroid Gland Structure of Adult Male Albino Rats

Introduction: Intermittent fasting is popularity and a promising approach for weight loss by daily restricted eating. Thyroid hormones controls body metabolism and accelerate the basal metabolic rate.Aim of this work: was designed to investigate the effect of intermittent fasting alone and when concomitant with levothyroxine on the histological characterization of the thyroid gland of the adult male albino rats.Material and methods: Twenty-four adult male albino rats were used and randomly divided into four equal groups. Group I (Control): Rats had free access to food and water. Group II (Fasting): Rats were deprived of food for 16 hrs daily with free access to water all over the day. Group III (levothyroxine): Each rat received levothyroxine (0.5μg/100g body weight /day) for three successive weeks via gastric tube and rats had free access to food and water all over the day. Group IV (Fasting +levothyroxine): Each rat received daily levothyroxine as in group III combined with food deprivation as in group II. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed, and the thyroid glands were immediately obtained. The tissue samples were processed for paraffin and epon blocks. Thyroid sections were subjected to H&E, toluidine blue and Masson’s Trichrome. Also, immunohistochemical study was carried out for the detection of apoptosis and parafollicular cells. Results: The experimental intermittent fasting mildly affected the thyroid gland structure in comparison to the control group. In Levothyroxine treated group, most of follicles showed signs of degeneration in the form of their lining appeared vacuolated with dark nuclei and small or micro-follicles. While, fasting with levothyroxine showed marked obvious changes, flattened follicular cells with dark nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm, desquamated foamy cells and scanty luminal colloid.Conclusion: The obtained results revealed marked degenerative changes of thyroid gland when intermittent fasting combined with levothyroxine.

Morphological and Immunohistochemical Changes in Thyroid Gland Due to Exposure of Formalin in Albino Rats

Background: Formaldehyde is the most widely used chemical in daily life; thus, chronic exposure to formaldehyde has been revealed to have negative effects on different organs in humans and animals. Objective: This research was designed to investigate variable thyroid changes arising from chronic formaldehyde exposure by measuring different histomorphometry parameters in accordance with estrogen receptor and S-100 protein expression. Materials & Methods: In this experiment, two hundred (200) rats were used and divided into two groups (100 male and 100 female), each group was subdivided into control and experimental groups each with 50 rats. The rats were exposed to formaldehyde using (20 ml =92.6ppm formaldehyde), 5hrs / d, for 21 days. Animals were sacrificed, and thyroid sections were examined for histomorphometry using H&E stain and immunohistochemistry for localization of estrogen receptor and S-100 protein Results: Significant decrease obtained in histomorphometrical measurements in the area of the colloids, area of follicles and width, height and number of the follicles in the cells of both experimental groups with no significant effect of gender in both control and experimental groups except in the height of the cells which showed significant decrease in female more than male. Formaldehyde exposure showed no significant effect on localization of estrogen receptor but significant increase of S-100 protein localization in both male and female groups. Conclusion: Formaldehyde had similar effect on histological structure of thyroid gland in both sexes causing disruption of thyroid follicles. Exposure of Formaldehyde had no effect on estrogen receptor but caused an increase in S-100 protein localization in both sexes. Key words: Formaldehyde, Rat, Estrogen receptor, S-100 protein

Effect of soybeans on pre pubertal development of thyroid gland in albino rats

ABSTRACT:Introduction: The thyroid gland is very important gland to our body health, The thyroid gland uses iodine from the foods to make two main hormones: thyroxin and triiodothyronine. Thyroid hormones affect every cell and all the organs of the body as They Regulate the rate at which calories are burned, affecting weight loss or weight gain and Can slow down or speed up the heart beat. Aim of work: The study aimed to investigate soybean meal effect on the histological structure of the thyroid gland. Material and method: For this purpose, 30 male albino rats were divided into two groups each of 15 rats, as following (G1): normal control rats, , were provided with water and food ad libitum (G2): were given high dose of soybean meal (40%) from the daily diet from Postnatal Day PND 21. For each group animals were scarified at the age of 6 weeks. Results: The results concluded that consumption of soybean at pre pubertal life stage decreased thyroid gland activity . Conclusion :The present study concluded that high doses of the soybean adversely affect the thyroid gland structure and function at prepubertal life stage.Keywords: Soybean, Histology, Function, Thyroid, Puberty.