Collagen type II solution extracted from supercritical carbon dioxide decellularized porcine cartilage: regenerative efficacy on post-traumatic osteoarthritis model

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a common degenerative articular disorder and is one of the main causes of pain and functional disability. Cartilage damage is frequently linked to elevated osteoarthritis incidence. Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) decellularized cartilage graft produced from the porcine cartilage is an ideal candidate for cartilage tissue engineering. In the present study, we derived collagen type II (Col II) solution from the scCO2 decellularized porcine cartilage graft (dPCG) and compared its efficacy with hyaluronic acid (HA) in the surgical medial meniscectomy (MNX) induced post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) model. Dose-dependent attenuation of the OA (12.3 ± 0.8) progression was observed in the intra-articular administration of Col II solution (7.3 ± 1.2) which significantly decreased the MNX-induced OA symptoms similar to HA. The pain of the OA group (37.4 ± 2.7) was attenuated dose-dependently by Col II solution (45.9 ± 4.1) similar to HA (43.1 ± 3.5) as evaluated by a capacitance meter. Micro-CT depicted a dose-dependent attenuation of articular cartilage damage by the Col II solution similar to HA treatment. A significant (p < 0.001) dose-dependent elevation in the bone volume was also observed in Col II solution-treated OA animals. The protective competence of Col II solution on articular cartilage damage is due to its significant (p < 0.001) increase in the expression of type II collagen, aggrecan and SOX-9 similar to HA. To conclude, intra-articular administration of type II collagen solution and HA reestablished the injured cartilage and decreased osteoarthritis progression in the experimental PTOA model.

Supercritical carbon dioxide-decellularized arteries exhibit physiologic-like vessel regeneration following xenotransplantation in rats

Currently, many techniques are used for decellularization of grafts, including physical, enzymatic, and chemical treatments. Indeed, decellularized xenogenic grafts provide superior outcomes than alternative synthetic conduits. However, vascular grafts produced by these methods are not perfect; their defects include defective vessel wall structures, detergent residues, and the development of aneurysms after grafting. Therefore, it is essential to develop a more appropriate process to produce decellularized vascular grafts. Supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO₂) has been used in decellularization technologies in recent years. It is beneficial for the long-term preservation of tissues and regeneration of new vessels. We have previously reported that ScCO₂-produced acellular porcine corneas show excellent biocompatibility following lamellar corneal transplantation in rabbits. In this study, we wanted to use this method to fabricate vascular grafts (ScCO₂-decellularized rabbit femoral artery (DFA)) and analyze their efficacy, parameters regarding rejection by the recipient's (ACI/NKyo rats) immune system and biocompatibility, structural regeneration, and functionality in vivo. The results indicated that the ScCO₂-DFA showed higher biocompatibility, enhanced chemotactic migration of endothelial progenitor cells, lower risk of vasculopathy, lower inflammatory and splenic immune responses, and better physiological-like tension responses after xenotransplantation (XTP) in ACI/NKyo rats compared with the results obtained after XTP using detergent decellularized vascular grafts (SDS-DFA). In conclusion, ScCO₂ is an excellent decellularization technique in the fabrication of biocompatible vascular grafts and has tremendous application in vascular regenerative medicine.

Regenerative Efficacy of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Derived Bone Graft Putty in Rabbit Bone Defect Model

Bone defects can arise from numerous reasons, such as aging, tumor, trauma, infection, surgery, and congenital diseases. Bone grafts are commonly used as a substitute to fill the void and regenerate the defect. Due to its clean and green technology, the supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) extraction aided the production of bone grafts is a recent trend. The SCCO2-derived bone graft has osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties along with excellent biocompatible, nontoxic, bioabsorbable, osteoconductive, and good mechanical properties; however, clinical usage during surgery is time-consuming. Therefore, we produced a putty material combining bone graft powder and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) powder and tested its regenerative efficacy in the critical defect in the rabbit model. The putty was found to retain the tubular structure. In addition, the putty depicted excellent stickiness and cohesiveness in both saline and blood medium. The bone regeneration of bone graft and putty was similar; both had excellent bone healing and regeneration of critical defects as evaluated by the X-ray, microtomography, hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome, and alizarin red staining. Putty contains a less washout rate, good mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. In conclusion, the SCCO2-derived moldable putty could be a promising easy-to-use alternative for bone grafts at present which might have real-world usage in orthopedics as a potential bone void filler and dental socket preservation.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Decellularized Xenograft-3D CAD/CAM Carved Bone Matrix Personalized for Human Bone Defect Repair

About 30-50% of oral cancer patients require mandibulectomy and autologous fibula reconstruction. Autograft is the gold standard choice because of its histocompatibility; however, it requires additional surgery from the patient and with possible complications such as loss of fibula leading to calf weakening in the future. Allograft and xenograft are alternatives but are susceptible to immune response. Currently, no personalized bone xenografts are available in the market for large fascial bone defects. In addition, a large-sized complex shape bone graft cannot be produced directly from the raw material. We propose the use of porcine bones with 3D CAD/CAM carving to reconstruct a personalized, wide range and complex-shaped bone. We anticipate that patients can restore their native facial appearance after reconstruction surgery. Supercritical CO2 (SCCO2) technology was employed to remove the cells, fat and non-collagenous materials while maintaining a native collagen scaffold as a biomedical device for bone defects. We successfully developed 3D CAD/CAM carved bone matrices, followed by SCCO2 decellularization of those large-sized bones. A lock-and-key puzzle design was employed to fulfil a wide range of large and complex-shaped maxillofacial defects. To conclude, the 3D CAD/CAM carved bone matrices with lock and key puzzle Lego design were completely decellularized by SCCO2 extraction technology with intact natural collagen scaffold. In addition, the processed bone matrices were tested to show excellent cytocompatibility and mechanical stiffness. Thus, we can overcome the limitation of large size and complex shapes of xenograft availability. In addition, the 3D CAD/CAM carving process can provide personalized tailor-designed decellularized bone grafts for the native appearance for maxillofacial reconstruction surgery for oral cancer patients and trauma patients.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Decellularized Bone Matrix Seeded with Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Accelerated Bone Regeneration

Large bone fractures with segmental defects are a vital phase to accelerate bone integration. The present study examined the role of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) decellularized bone matrix (scDBM) seeded with allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC) as bio-scaffold for bone regeneration. Bio-scaffold produced by seeding ADSC to scDBM was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Rat segmental femoral defect model was used as a non-union model to investigate the callus formation in vivo. Histological analysis and osteotomy gap closure in the defect area were analyzed at 12 and 24 weeks post-surgery. Immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67, BMP-2 and osteocalcin was evaluated to assess the ability of new bone formation scDBM. ADSC was found to attach firmly to scDBM bioscaffold as evidenced from SEM images in a dose-dependent manner. Callus formation was observed using X-ray bone imaging in the group with scDBM seeded with 2 × 106 and 5 × 106 ASCs group at the same time-periods. H&E staining revealed ASCs accelerated bone formation. IHC staining depicted the expression of Ki-67, BMP-2, and osteocalcin was elevated in scDBM seeded with 5 × 106 ASCs group at 12 weeks after surgery, relative to other experimental groups. To conclude, scDBM is an excellent scaffold that enhanced the attachment and recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells. scDBM seeded with ASCs accelerated new bone formation.

Physical and psychological stress along with candle fumes induced-cardiopulmonary injury mimicking restaurant kitchen workers

Restaurant kitchens are work areas where involve strict and hierarchal environments that promote opportunity for bullying and workplace aggression and violence. These physical and psychological stress and fumes ultimately trigger severe occupational stress by disrupting the body's homeostasis that might induce cardiopulmonary injury. The study aimed to investigate the physical and psychological stress and candle fumes on cardiopulmonary injury in an animal model mimicking a restaurant kitchen worker. Social disruption stress (SDR) mice were exposed to scented candle fumes (4.5 h/d, 5 d/wk) in an exposure chamber for 8 weeks. Exposure to burning scented candles failed to reduce serum corticosterone level and increased proinflammatory cytokines levels and NF-ƙB activity in the lung. In addition, burning scented candle fumes synergistically increased SDR-induced serum LDH, CPK, CKMB levels, proinflammatory cytokines production as well as NF-ƙB activation in the lung and heart. Further, cardiac HIF-1α and BNP levels were also increased. We conclude that the physical and psychological stress along with candle fumes might induce cardiopulmonary injury in mice. These results could be extrapolated to restaurant kitchen workers.

Development of a decellularized porcine bone graft by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction technology for bone regeneration

A series of novel decellularized porcine collagen bone graft (DPB) materials in a variety of shapes and sizes were developed by the supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO₂ ) extraction technique. The complete decellularization of DPB was confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, and residual DNA analysis. The native intact collagen remained in the DPB after the SCCO₂ process was confirmed by Masson trichrome staining. The physicochemical characteristics of DPB were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The cytotoxicity and biocompatibility tests according to ISO10993 and its efficacy for bone regeneration in osteochondral defects in rabbits were evaluated. The rabbit pyrogen test confirmed DPB was non-toxic. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility tests of the DPB did not show any toxic or mutagenic effects. The bone regeneration potential of the DPB presented no significant histological differences compared to commercially available deproteinized bovine bone. In conclusion, DPB produced by SCCO₂ exhibited similar chemical characteristics to human bone, no toxicity, good biocompatibility, and enhanced bone regeneration in rabbits comparable to that of deproteinized bovine bone. Results from this study could shed light on the potential application of the SCCO₂ extraction technique to generate a native decellularized scaffold for bone tissue regeneration in human clinical trials.

3D composite engineered using supercritical CO2 decellularized porcine cartilage scaffold, chondrocytes, and PRP: Role in articular cartilage regeneration

At present, no definitive treatment for articular cartilage defects has been perfected. Most of the previous treatments involved multiple drilling and microfracture over defect sites with repair-related substances, which poses a limited therapeutic effect. End-stage therapy includes artificial knee joint replacement. In this study, we prepared a novel decellularized natural cartilage scaffold from porcine articular cartilage by supercritical CO₂ extraction technology and three-dimensional (3D) composites made using decellularized porcine cartilage graft (dPCG) as scaffolds, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), thrombin as signals and chondrocytes as cells for the treatment of articular cartilage defects. In this study, in vitro and in vivo cartilage regeneration and the expression of chondrogenic markers were examined. Decellularized cartilage graft (dPCG) was evaluated for the extent of cell and DNA removal. Residual cartilage ECM structure was confirmed to be type II collagen by SDS PAGE and immunostaining. The new 3D composite with dPCG (100 mg and 2 × 10⁶ chondrocytes) scaffold promotes chondrogenic marker expression in vitro. We found that the in vivo 3D composite implanted cartilage defect showed significant regeneration relative to the blank and control implant. Immunohistochemical staining showed increase of expression including Collagen type II and aggrecan in 3D composite both in vitro and in vivo studies. In this study, the bioengineered 3D composite by combining dPCG scaffold, chondrocytes, and PRP facilitated the chondrogenic marker expression in both in vitro and in vivo models with accelerated cartilage regeneration. This might serve the purpose of clinical treatment of large focal articular cartilage defects in humans in the near future.

Evaluating the bone-regenerative role of the decellularized porcine bone xenograft in a canine extraction socket model

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a novel decellularized porcine bone xenograft, produced by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction technology, on alveolar socket healing after tooth extraction compared to a commercially available deproteinized bovine bone (Bio‐Oss®).

Materials and methods

Nine dogs (about 18 months old and weighing between 20 kg and 30 kg) underwent extractions of lower second to fourth premolars, bilaterally. The dogs were randomly selected and allocated to the following groups: Group 1: control unfilled socket; Group 2: socket filled with decellularized porcine bone xenograft (ABCcolla®) and covered by a commercially available porcine collagen membrane (Bio‐Gide®); Group 3: socket filled with Bio‐Oss® and covered by Bio‐Gide® membrane. One dogs from each group was sacrificed at 4‐, 12‐, and 24‐week to evaluate the socket healing after tooth extraction. The mandible bone blocks were processed without decalcification and specimens were embedded in methyl methacrylate and subjected to histopathology analyses to evaluate the bone regeneration in the extraction sockets.

Results

At 24‐week after socket healing, ABCcolla® treated defects demonstrated significantly higher histopathology score in new bone formation and bone bridging, but significantly lower score in fluorescent labeling than those of the Bio‐Oss®. In the microphotographic examination, decellularized porcine bone xenograft showed similar characteristics of new bone formation to that of Bio‐Oss®. However, there was significantly less remnant implant materials in the decellularized porcine bone xenograft compared to the Bio‐Oss® group at 24‐week. Thus, the decellularized porcine bone graft seems to have promising bone regeneration properties similar to that of Bio‐Oss® with less remnant grafted material in a canine tooth extraction socket model.

Conclusions

Within the limits of the study, we concluded that ABCcolla® treated defects demonstrated significantly more new bone formation and better bone bridging, but less amount of fluorescent labeling than those of the Bio‐Oss® group. However, clinical studies in humans are recommended to confirm these findings.

Mucoadhesive role of tamarind xyloglucan on inflammation attenuates ulcerative colitis

Tamarind xyloglucan (TXG) is edible, bioavailable and mucoadhesive polysaccharide. The aim of this study was (i) to investigate molecular docking studies on the interaction of TXG to MUC1 and cytokine receptors and (ii) to assess the mucoadhesive role of TXG in UC. In vivo study: C57Bl6 mice were administered with DSS 3% (w/v) in drinking water; TXG 100 or 300 mg/kg/day was given orally for 7 days simultaneously. TXG consistently binds to MUC1 and cytokine receptors in molecular docking studies. TXG decreased the expression of MUC1 and MUC2. The mucoadhesive ability of TXG decreased IL-1β and IL-6 levels. Furthermore, TXG decreased the expression of TLR4, MyD88, I-κB and NF-κB thereby attenuating inflammation via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. TXG mucoadhesion to MUC1 played a pivotal role in attenuating inflammation. To conclude, the mucoadhesive role of TXG is important in the attenuation of inflammation and healing of UC.

Dietary Ziziphus jujuba Fruit Influence on Aberrant Crypt Formation and Blood Cells in Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer in Mice

Ziziphus jujuba (ZJ) fruit is rich in bioactive functional components such as polysaccharides, triterpenoid acid, flavonoids and oleamide. It has been commonly used in the treatment of various diseases including diabetes, digestive disorders, diarrhea, skin infections, liver and urinary complaints. However, dietary effects with regard to chemoprevention of colon cancer have not been studied. The present study was performed to evaluate the protective effects of dietary ZJ against colitis-associated colon carcinogenesis in azoxymethane (AOM)-dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-treated mice. AOM was injected (10 mg/kg b.wt., i.p.) and three cycles of 2% DSS in drinking water for 7 days with 14 days of normal drinking water in-between were administered to induce colitis-associated colon cancer. ZJ fruit was supplemented into feed at levels of 5 and 10%. Dietary ZJ significantly attenuated aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation and also decreased the progression of hyperplasia to dysplasia. In addition, it significantly reduced circulating white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and platelets compared to colon cancer mice. We conclude that ZJ supplementation may delay the progression of colon cancer from hyperplasia to dysplasia and ultimately adenocarcinoma and cancer. In addition, it decreased circulating tumor-related leukocytes, main regulators of cancer inflammation. Dietary consumption of ZJ fruit attenuated the formation of ACF and delayed the progression of colon cancer.

Daily sesame oil supplementation mitigates ketoconazole-induced oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis and hepatic injury

Ketoconazole (KCZ) is the most commonly used systemic antifungal drug. However, long-term treatment of KCZ induces hepatic injury. Oxidative stress is involved in KCZ-induced hepatic injury. Oxidative stress plays an important role in apoptosis-associated hepatic damage. Sesame oil is rich in potent antioxidants and antifungal constituents. It attenuates hepatic injury by inhibiting oxidative stress. Thus, sesame oil may protect against KCZ-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and hepatic damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of sesame oil as a nutritional supplement on KCZ-induced hepatic injury in mice. KCZ (300 mg/kg/day) was administered by gastric intubation; 30 min later, sesame oil (0, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25 or 0.5 ml/kg/day; p.o.) was administered to mice for 14 days. Blood and liver tissue were collected. Hepatic injury was evaluated by serum biochemistry and histology. Oxidative stress was evaluated by myeloperoxidase activity, p47-phox, reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation and glutathione level. Apoptosis was evaluated by p53, caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax and Cyto-C expression. Osteopontin was measured to assess liver healing. Sesame oil attenuated hepatic injury; it also decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis in KCZ-treated mice. Sesame oil may be used as a nutritional supplement with existing antifungal therapies to neutralize the adverse hepatotoxic nature of antifungal drugs by attenuating hepatic apoptosis through redox system to protect and heal liver injury in KCZ-treated mice.

Curative effect of sesame oil in a rat model of chronic kidney disease

AIM

Chronic kidney disease causes a progressive and irreversible loss of renal function. We investigated the curative effect of sesame oil, a natural, nutrient-rich, potent antioxidant, in a rat model of chronic kidney disease.

METHODS

Chronic kidney disease was induced by subcutaneously injecting uni-nephrectomized rats with deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) and 1% NaCl [DOCA/salt] in drinking water. Four weeks later, the rats were gavaged with sesame oil (0.5 or 1 mL/kg per day) for 7 days. Renal injury, histopathological changes, hydroxyl radical, peroxynitrite, lipid peroxidation, Nrf2, osteopontin expression, and collagen were assessed 24 h after the last dose of sesame oil.

RESULTS

Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, urine volume, and albuminuria were significantly higher in the DOCA/salt treated rats than in control rats. Sesame oil significantly decreased these four tested parameters in DOCA/salt treated rats. In addition, creatinine clearance rate and nuclear Nrf2 expression were significantly decreased in the DOCA/salt treated rats compared to control rats. Sesame oil significantly decreased hydroxyl radical, peroxynitrite level, lipid peroxidation, osteopontin, and renal collagen deposition, but increased creatinine clearance rate and nuclear Nrf2 expression in DOCA/salt treated rats.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that supplementation of sesame oil mitigates DOCA/salt induced chronic kidney disease in rats by activating Nrf2 and attenuating osteopontin expression and inhibiting renal fibrosis in rats.

A novel technique for detoxification of phenol from wastewater: Nanoparticle Assisted Nano Filtration (NANF)

BACKGROUND

Phenol is one of the most versatile and important organic compound. It is also a growing concern as water pollutants due to its high persistence and toxicity. Removal of Phenol from wastewaters was investigated using a novel nanoparticle adsorption and nanofiltration technique named as Nanoparticle Assisted Nano Filtration (NANF).

METHODS

The nanoparticle used for NANF study were silver nanoparticles and synthesized to three distinct average particle sizes of 10 nm, 40 nm and 70 nm. The effect of nanoparticle size, their concentrations and their tri and diparticle combinations upon phenol removal were studied.

RESULTS

Total surface areas (TSA) for various particle size and concentrations have been calculated and the highest was 4710 × 10(12 )nm(2 )for 10 nm particles and 180 ppm concentration while the lowest was for 2461 × 10(11) for 70 nm and 60 ppm concentrations. Tri and diparticle studies showed more phenol removal % than that of their individual particles, particularly for using small particles on large membrane pore size and large particles at low concentrations. These results have also been confirmed with COD and toxicity removal studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of nanoparticles adsorption and nanofiltration results in high phenol removal and mineralization, leading to the conclusion that NANF has very high potential for treating toxic chemical wastewaters.

Sesamol ameliorates hypotension by modulating cytokines and PPAR-gamma in systemic inflammatory response

Sepsis is one of the major causes of death reported in intensive care units. Acute kidney injury (AKI) and hypotension are important in the pathogenesis and mortality of systemic inflammatory response (SIR). Sesamol delays mortality in sepsis; however, its effects on AKI and hypotension and the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-ɣ (PPAR-γ) activation have not been established. We investigated the effect of sesamol on SIR in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced acute kidney injury and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hypotension in rats. Sesamol was subcutaneously injected 1 h after SIR. Renal function (BUN and CRE) and proinflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were increased after CLP. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, IL-10, and nitrite production were significantly increased 6 h after LPS-induced hypotension (mean arterial pressure was significantly decreased). Sesamol significantly inhibited BUN, CRE, IL-1β, IL-6, and nitrite after CLP-induced acute renal injury. In addition, sesamol increased mean arterial pressure and IL-10, inhibited TNF-α and IL-1β, but did not affect nitrite production in LPS-induced hypotension. Sesamol increased PPAR-γ in the leucocytes and peritoneal macrophages in LPS-induced SIR. We conclude that sesamol regulates leucocyte and macrophage PPAR-γ-associated systemic cytokines expression, thereby ameliorates acute kidney injury and hypotension in rats.

Sleep deprivation-induced multi-organ injury: role of oxidative stress and inflammation

Sleep deprivation affects all aspects of health. Adverse health effects by sleep deviation are still underestimated and undervalued in clinical practice and, to a much greater extent in monitoring human health. We hypothesized that sleep deprivation-induced mild organ injuries; oxidative stress and inflammation might play a crucial role in inducing multi-organ injury. Male C57BL/6J mice (n = 6-7) were sleep-deprived for 0-72 h using a modified multiple platform boxes method. Blood and tissue were collected. Liver, heart, kidney, lung, and pancreatic injuries were evaluated using biochemical and histological analyses. Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), total billirubin (TBIL), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatine phosphokinase-myocardial band (CKMB), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine (CRE), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were assayed in blood. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 levels were measured. Histology revealed mild-to-moderate liver and lung injury in sleep-deprived mice. Sleep-deprived mice had significantly higher GOT, GPT, TBIL, CPK, CKMB, LDH, BUN, and α-amylase (AMYL) levels, which indicated liver, heart, kidney, and pancreatic injuries. Serum IL-1β at 24 h and IL-6 at 72 h were significantly higher in sleep-deprived than in control mice. Hepatic TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly higher, but IL-6 significantly lower in mice that had been sleep-deprived for 72 h. Sleep deprivation-mediated inflammation may be associated with mild to moderate multi-organ damage in mice. The implication of this study indicates sleep deprivation in humans may induce multi-organ injury that negatively affects cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health.

Anastomotic Recurrence of Colon Cancer-is it a Local Recurrence, a Second Primary, or a Metastatic Disease (Local Manifestation of Systemic Disease)?

The aim of this study is to review the literature to find out the exact etiology of anastomotic cancers of colon post resection and differentiate them between a recurrence, second primary, and metastatic disease (local manifestation of systemic disease). Web-based literature search was done, and datas collected. We searched PubMed for papers using the keywords colon cancer recurrence, anastomotic recurrence, and recurrent colon carcinoma. We also searched for systematic review in the same topic. In addition, we used our personal referrence archive. Anastomotic recurrences of colon are postulated to arise due to inadequate margins, tumor implantation by exfoliated cells, altered biological properties of bowel anastomosis, and missed synchronous lesions. Some tumors are unique with repeated recurrence after repeated resection. Duration after primary surgery plays a major role in differentiating recurrent and second primary lesions. Repeated recurrences after repeated resections have to be considered a manifestation of systemic disease or metastatic disease due to the virulence of the disease. A detailed analysis and study of patients with colonic anastomotic lesion are required to differentiate it between a recurrent, a second primary lesion, and a metastatic disease (local manifestation of a systemic disease). The nomenclature is significant to study the survival of these patients, as a second primary lesion will have different survival compared to that of recurrent lesions.

Pathology of experimental infection by Pasteurella multocida serotype A: 1 in buffalo calves

Pasteurella multocida serotype A:3 has been mostly implicated in pneumonic pasteurellosis in ruminants. In contrast, our previous studies have reported that both serotypes A:1 and A:3 were responsible for respiratory diseases in cattle and buffaloes. However, the pathology and pathogenesis of P. multocida serotype A:1 (Pm A:1) infection have not been studied in ruminants. In the present study, 12- to 15-week-old buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) infected by Pm A:1 had fibrinous and suppurative bronchopneumonia with focal areas of coagulation necrosis typical of pneumonic pasteurellosis. For the first time, this study reports the lung pathology and pathogenecity of Pm A:1 infection in calves.

Sesame oil mitigates nutritional steatohepatitis via attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation: a tale of two-hit hypothesis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common chronic liver disorder worldwide, comprises conditions from steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. NASH is associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sesame oil, a healthful food, increases resistance to oxidative stress, inflammation and protects against multiple organ injury in various animal models. We investigated the protective effect of sesame oil against nutritional steatohepatitis in mice. C57BL/6 J mice were fed with methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet for 28 days to induce NASH. Sesame oil (1 and 2 ml/kg) was treated from 22nd to 28th day. Body weight, steatosis, triglycerides, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interlukin-6, interleukin-1β, leptin, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were assessed after 28 days. All tested parameters were higher in MCD-fed mice than in normal control mice. Mice fed with MCD diet for 4 weeks showed severe liver injury with steatosis, oxidative stress, and necrotic inflammation. In sesame-oil-treated mice, all tested parameters were significantly attenuated compared with MCD-alone mice. Sesame oil inhibited oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, leptin, and TGF-β1 in MCD-fed mice. In addition, histological analysis showed that sesame oil provided significant protection against fibrotic collagen. We conclude that sesame oil protects against steatohepatitic fibrosis by decreasing oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, leptin and TGF-β1.

Expression of angiotensin II and its receptors in cyclosporine-induced gingival overgrowth

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is considered as a hormonal circulatory system involved in maintaining blood pressure, electrolyte and fluid homeostasis. RAS components can be synthesized in local tissues and are found to play a role in gingival overgrowth. The drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is a fibrotic condition, which is associated with multiple factors, including inflammation and adverse drug effects such as cyclosporine A. This study was directed forward to the identification of the angiotensinogen, angiotensin II (Ang II) and its receptors AT₁ /AT₂ expression in DIGO tissues and cyclosporine-treated human gingival fibroblast cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Gingival samples were obtained from patients with cyclosporine-induced gingival overgrowth, chronic periodontitis and normal healthy subjects. The total RNA was isolated and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed for angiotensinogen, Ang II and AT₁ /AT₂ receptor. Ang II protein was estimated from tissue by enzyme immunoassay. The expression of Ang II and its receptors were also examined in gingival fibroblast cells treated with cyclosporine.

RESULTS

Ang II mRNA and protein expression was significantly higher in patients with DIGO than in patients with periodontitis and healthy subjects. The AT₁ mRNA was expressed more than AT₂ in all examined tissues. In gingival fibroblasts, Ang II and AT₁ expressions were increased with cyclosporine incorporation compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that cyclosporine can modulate local expression of RAS components such as angiotensinogen, Ang II and its receptors in gingival tissues and gingival fibroblast cells.

Green tea polyphenol protection against 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced bone marrow lipid peroxidation and genotoxicity in Wistar rats

4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) a potent oral carcinogen, widely used for induction of oral carcinogenesis, has been found to induce lipid peroxidation in vivo and in vitro. Green tea contains a high content of polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants. Thus green tea polyphenols (GTP) might be expected play a protective role against 4-NQO induced lipid peroxidation and bone marrow toxicity. In the present study, a dose of 200 mg of GTP/kg b.wt/day was given orally for a week, simultaneously animals received 0.2 ml of 0.5% 4-NQO in propylene glycol (5 mg/ml) injected intramuscularly for three times/week. Oxidants and antioxidants such as malendialdehyde (MDA) and thiols, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly decreased in 4-NQO induced animals except MDA, and these parameters were brought back to near normalcy on treatment with GTP. The results suggest that GTP treatment offers significant protection against 4-NQO induced lipid peroxidation and bone marrow toxicity and might be a promising potential candidate for prevention of mutations leading to cancer.

Therapeutic sesamol attenuates monocrotaline-induced sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in rats by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-9

We investigated the therapeutic effect of sesamol against monocrotaline-induced sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with a single dose of monocrotaline (90 mg/kg) to induce SOS. Sesamol (5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected 24 h after monocrotaline treatment. Control rats were given saline only. Aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, mast cells, CD 68(+) Kupffer cells, neutrophils, myeloperoxidase, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), laminin, and collagen were assessed 48 h after monocrotaline treatment. All tested parameters, except for TIMP-1, laminin, and collagen, were significantly higher in monocrotaline-treated rats than in control rats, and, except for TIMP-1, laminin, and collagen, significantly lower in sesamol-treated rats than in monocrotaline-treated rats. In addition, liver pathology revealed that sesamol offered significant protection against SOS. We conclude that a single dose of sesamol therapeutically attenuated SOS by decreasing the recruitment of inflammatory cells, downregulating MMP-9, and upregulating TIMP-1 expression.

Effect of cryopreservation on apoptotic-like events and its relationship with cryocapacitation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) sperm

This study investigated the apoptosis-like events associated with cryopreservation process and their relationship with cryocapacitation in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) sperm. A total of 49 semen ejaculates from seven bulls were studied for structural changes in sperm following cryopreservation. Apoptotic changes were detected by assays specific for translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) to the cell surface, alterations in membrane permeability and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA integrity. A significant (p < 0.01) percentage of cryopreserved sperm showed externalization of PS and early apoptotic changes and lowered MMP when compared with the fresh sperm. Freezing and thawing of sperm increased permeability to YOPRO-1, an impermeant fluorescent dye. However, on TUNEL staining, cryopreserved sperm showed no breach in DNA integrity. The sperm capacitation status was evaluated by chlortetracycline (CTC) fluorescence pattern, in which a significant (p < 0.01) percentage of cryopreserved sperm were found to be capacitated. The capacitated sperm (Pattern B) was positively correlated with the aforementioned apoptotic events. In conclusion, cryopreservation process induced early apoptosis-like changes in buffalo sperm, and a close link exists between cryocapacitation and apoptosis during cryopreservation of sperm.

17β-Estradiol protects against acetaminophen-overdose-induced acute oxidative hepatic damage and increases the survival rate in mice

Acetaminophen overdose causes acute liver injury or even death in both humans and experimental animals. We investigated the effect of 17β-estradiol against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury and mortality in mice. Male mice were given acetaminophen (p-acetamidophenol; 300 mg/kg; orally) to induce acute liver injury. Acetaminophen significantly increased the levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, myeloperoxidase, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione reductase, but it decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. In addition, acetaminophen-induced mortality began 4h post-treatment, and all mice died within 9h. 17β-Estradiol (200 μg/kg; i.p.) protected against acetaminophen-induced oxidative hepatic damage by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and stimulating the antioxidant defense system. However, 17β-estradiol did not affect acetaminophen-induced glutathione depletion or increased glutathione reductase activity. We conclude that 17β-estradiol specifically attenuates acute hepatic damage and decreases mortality in acetaminophen-overdosed male mice.

Sesame oil accelerates kidney healing following gentamicin-induced kidney injury in rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We investigated the therapeutic effect of a single dose of sesame oil against gentamicin-induced renal damage in rats.

METHODS

Experimental rats were subcutaneously injected with gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day for 7 days) to induce renal injury. Sesame oil (1, 2 or 4 ml/kg) was given orally 24 h after the last dose of gentamicin. Control rats were treated with saline only. Renal injury, histopathological examination, histochemical staining, osteopontin expression, superoxide anion, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite radical and lipid peroxidation were assessed 24 h after sesame oil administration.

RESULTS

Serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine as well as renal osteopontin expression, superoxide anion, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite radical and lipid peroxidation levels were higher in gentamicin-treated rats than in control rats. Sesame oil significantly decreased all the tested parameters compared with gentamicin-alone rats. Furthermore, histopathological and histochemical staining showed that renal tubules had recovered and regenerated in the sesame oil-treated rats.

CONCLUSION

We hypothesize that a single dose of sesame oil inhibits oxidative stress to shorten the recovery period and allow the regeneration of renal tubules after the onset of gentamicin-induced renal injury in rats.

Presynaptic dopamine D(4) receptor localization in the rat nucleus accumbens shell

Dopamine D(4) receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) are thought to play a key role in mediating the locomotor and sensitizing affects of psychostimulants, as well as the therapeutic efficacy of atypical antipsychotic drugs. We used electron microscopic immunocytochemistry to determine the functional sites for endogenous and exogenous D(4) receptor activation in this region. Of 1,090 D(4) receptor-labeled profiles observed in the AcbSh of rat brain, 65% were axons and axon terminals, while 22% were dendrites and dendritic spines. Within axons and terminals, D(4) receptor immunoreactivity was localized to segments of the plasma membrane and membranes of nearby vesicles. The axon terminals were morphologically heterogenous, varying in size and content of either all small synaptic vesicles (ssv), or ssv and large dense-core vesicles. The labeled terminals occasionally formed asymmetric excitatory-type axospinous synapses, but the majority were without recognizable synaptic specializations. In a separate series of tissue sections that were processed for dual-labeling of the D(4) receptor and the catecholamine synthesizing enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), 56% of all observed associations were appositions between differentially labeled axonal profiles, and 17% were terminals that contained immunoreactivity for both antigens. Dendritic spines containing D(4) receptor-labeling also received convergent input from TH-immunoreactive terminals and unlabeled terminals forming asymmetric synapses. These results provide the first ultrastructural evidence for a major presynaptic, and a more minor postsynaptic, involvement of D(4) receptors in dopaminergic modulation of excitatory transmission in the AcbSh.