The effect of Theranekron on femur fracture healing in an experimental rat model

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the radiological, biomechanical, histopathological and immunohistochemical effects of Theranekron on fracture healing in an experimental rat model.

Materials and methods

Forty-eight male albino Wistar rats were used. Four groups were formed, with 12 rats in each of Theranekron groups 1 and 2, and control groups 1 and 2. After a fracture was created in the right femur of the rats included in the study, fixation was performed with an intramedullary Kirschner wire. Theranekron was administered subcutaneously to Theranekron groups 1 and 2 at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg on days 0, 5 and 10. After radiographic analysis of the femurs of Theranekron group 1 and control group 1 rats at four weeks of the study was performed, both groups were divided into two equal subgroups (six femurs in each group). Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed in one subgroup and biomechanical examination in the other subgroup. At the end of six weeks, the rats in Theranekron group 2 and control group 2 were evaluated after applying the same procedure as in the fourth week.

Results

When the mean radiological scores of the Theranekron and control groups were compared, a statistically significant difference was found in favor of the Theranekron group at four and six weeks (p=0.028 and p=0.006, respectively). At four weeks, statistically significant higher biomechanical forces were obtained in the Theranekron group compared to the control group (p=0.030). In the histopathological evaluation, the inflammation value of the control group at four weeks was statistically significantly higher than the Theranekron group (p=0.027). The angiogenesis, osteoblast proliferation, and bone formation values of the Theranekron group were significantly higher than the control group (p=0.014, p=0.014, and p=0.005, respectively). At six weeks, the bone formation values of the Theranekron group were statistically significantly higher than the control group (p=0.021). The difference between the Theranekron group and the control group scores of the immunohistochemical evaluation were statistically significantly different at four and six weeks (p=0.006 and p=0.011, respectively).

Conclusion

Theranekron may play a role in accelerating fracture healing by reducing acute inflammation process in the early period of fracture union, increasing fracture strength, angiogenesis, osteoblast proliferation, and bone formation.

A subvulvar leiomyosarcoma in a Simmental cow - a case report

In this case, a mass located subcutaneously in the perineal subvulvar region of a six-year-old Simmental cow was examined clinically, pathomorphologically and immunohistochemically. Macroscopically, the solitary, whitishyellow-tumor mass was 19x15x6 cm in size, weighed 1610 grams, and had a lobular structure with a few small cystic formations in the section. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumor parenchyma had smooth muscle-like cells with abundant cytoplasm, pleomorphic cells with blunt-ended or cigar-shaped nuclei, anisocytosis, anisokaryosis and karyomegaly. Immunohistochemically, strong positive expression for α-SMA, vimentin, Ki67 and slight positive for desmin were found, while immulolabeling for pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3), S-100, CD31 and CD34 were negative. In conclusion, on the basis of these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma.

The Protective Role of Urtica dioica Seed Extract Against Azoxymethane-Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of Urtica dioica seed (UDS) extract against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Control, AOM, AOM + UDS, and UDS. The AOM and AOM + UDS groups were induced by AOM (15 mg/kg body weight) subcutaneously once a week for 10 weeks. AOM + UDS and UDS groups additionally received fed with pellets included 30 ml/kg UDS extract. At the end of the trial, blood and colon tissue samples were taken from the rats following necropsy. The gross and histopathological findings revealed that the administration of UDS extract significantly decreased lesions including aberrant cript foci, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma formation both numerically and dimensionally. Immunohistochemically, slight CEA and COX-2, strong Caspase-3 immune-expressions were detected in the group AOM + UDS compared to AOM group. Biochemical examinations indicated that a markedly increase in the malondialdehyde and fluctuated antioxidant defense system constituents levels such as reduced glutathione, glutathione s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase were restored in AOM + UDS group. These results reveal that the UDS may act as a chemopreventive dietary agent, inducing apoptosis, resulting in a significant reduction of colon carcinogenesis.

Comparison of the protective effects of curcumin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester against doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity

Whether testicular toxicity is mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is an important question that has not been examined. This study investigated the suppressive effect of curcumin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and whether MMPs mediate doxorubicin (DOX)-induced testicular injury. Male rats were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 8 per group). The groups were as follows: sham, dimethyl sulphoxide (100 µL), DOX (3 mg/kg), CAPE (2.68 mg/kg), curcumin (30 mg/kg), DOX+CAPE (3 mg/kg DOX and 2.68 mg/kg CAPE), DOX+curcumin (3 mg/kg DOX and 30 mg/kg curcumin) and DOX+CAPE+curcumin (3 mg/kg DOX, 2.68 mg/kg CAPE and 30 mg/kg curcumin). Injections were administered daily for 21 days. The oxidative stress, MMPs, proinflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers in the DOX group were higher than the sham group (p < .05); these measures were lower in the groups treated with CAPE and curcumin together with DOX compared with the DOX group (p < .05). The results showed that MMPs mediated DOX-induced testicular injury, but CAPE and especially curcumin suppressed testis injury and cell apoptosis by suppressing DOX-induced increases in MMPs, oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines. However, curcumin exhibited more pronounced effects than CAPE in terms of all studied parameters.

Biomedical effects of Laurus nobilis L. leaf extract on vital organs in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: Experimental research

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been treated with herbs for centuries and many herbs reported to exert antidiabetic activity. Laurus nobilis is an aromatic herb belonging to the Lauraceae family, commonly known as bay. This study aimed to investigate the activity of Laurus nobilis leave extracts on histopathological and biochemical changes in β-cells of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty healthy adult male albino rats were included in the study and divided equally into 5 groups for 4 weeks as follow; control group (C), diabetic group (D), diabetic Laurus nobilis extract group (DLN), Laurus nobilis extract group (LN) and diabetic acarbose (DA) group. Histopathologically, D group rats exhibited various degenerative and necrotic changes in their liver, pancreas and kidney, whereas the DLN rats had nearly normal histology. Insulin immunostaining in the pancreatic beta cells was decreased in the D group compared to the C group, whereas the DLN group was similar to the C group. The glucose concentration decreased significantly in both diabetic rats treated with L. nobilis and acarbose (p < 0.05). Additionally, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme were significantly decreased in both diabetic rats treated with L. nobilis and acarbose, compared to the D group (p ˃ 0.05). Outcomes of this study said that leave extracts of L. nobilis has valuable effect on blood glucose level and ameliorative effect on regeneration of pancreatic islets, it also restored the altered liver enzymes, urea, creatine kinase, total protein levels, calcium and ferritin to near normal.

•

Diabetes mellitus has been treated with herbs for centuries and many herbs reported to exert antidiabetic activity.

•

Historically, traditional herbal treatments have been shown to possess successful pharmacological activity, such as in the case with metformin, isolated from Galega officinalis.

•

Laurus nobilis has a valuable effect on blood glucose level and ameliorative effect on regeneration of pancreatic islets.

•

Laurus nobilis have also been shown to display insulin-enhancing activity in vitro.

•

Laurus nobilis also restored the altered liver enzymes, urea, creatine kinase, total protein levels, calcium and ferritin to near normal.

Reduction of hepatorenal and pancreatic damage by Ferula elaeochytris extract in STZ induced diabetic rats

The therapeutic potential and antioxidant capacity of Ferula elaeochytris extract (FE) in the liver, kidney and pancreas of rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) was assessed using biochemistry, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Forty adult Wistar albino male rats were divided randomly into five groups of eight rats each. The normal control (NC) group was untreated. The diabetes control (DC) group was treated with STZ to induce diabetes. The diabetes + acarbose group (DAC) was treated with STZ, then with acarbose daily for 28 days. The diabetes + FE (DFE) group was treated with STZ, then FE daily for 28 days. DC rats had inflammatory cell infiltration, hydropic degeneration and necrosis, whereas the DFE rats exhibited nearly normal histology. Insulin immunostaining in the pancreatic beta cells was decreased in the DC group compared to the NC group, whereas the DFE group was similar to the NC group. Many serum biomarkers of damage to liver, kidneys or pancreas were elevated in the DC group compared to the NC group; these biomarkers were decreased in the DFE group. The DC group exhibited increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased levels of the antioxidant defense system constituents compared to the NC group. The level of biomarkers the DFE group was close to the NC group. FE exhibited a protective effect against tissue damage owing to its antioxidant activities and to its ability to effect regeneration of β-cells in STZ induced diabetic rats.

Chemopreventive efficacy of juniper berry oil (Juniperus communis L.) on azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in rat

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemopreventive effects of juniper berry (JB) oil on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer in rats. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were allocated into four groups: Control, AOM, AOM + JB, and JB groups. Whereas the control group was fed with standard pellet feed, the AOM and AOM + JB groups were administered of AOM (15 mg/kg body weight) subcutaneously once every 2 weeks for 10 weeks. AOM + JB and JB groups additionally received JB oil (100 µl/kg) orally. At the end of the 16-week experimental period, blood and tissue samples were obtained from the rats following necropsy. The macroscopic findings showed that the application of JB oil significantly decreased adenoma and adenocarcinoma formation both numerically and dimensionally. Immunohistochemically, CEA, COX-2, and Ki-67 immune-expressions decreased, and the immune-expression of caspase-3 increased in AOM + JB treated rats. Additionally, JB oil supplementation ameliorated antioxidant defense systems and lipid peroxidation within the colon tissue of AOM + JB treated rats. These results reveal that the JB oil acted as a chemopreventive dietary agent, inhibiting cell proliferation and COX-2 expression and inducing apoptosis, resulting in a significant reduction in colon tumor formation.

Histopathological and biochemical investigations of protective role of honey in rats with experimental aflatoxicosis

Background

Natural honey (honey) is considered as a part of traditional medicine all over the world. It has both antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, useful in stimulation of wounds and burns healing and gastric ulcers treatment. The aim of this study, for the first time, was to investigate the antioxidant properties and protective role of honey against carcinogen chemical aflatoxin (AF) exposure in rats, which were evaluated by histopathological changes in liver and kidney, measuring level of serum marker enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanin aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamil transpeptidase (GGT)], antioxidant defense systems [Reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT)], and lipid peroxidation content in liver, erythrocyte, brain, kidney, heart and lungs.

Methods

Eighteen healthy Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three experimental groups: A (Control), B (AF-treated) and C (AF + honey-treated). While rats in group A were fed with a diet without AF, B, and C groups received 25 μg of AF/rat/day, where C group additionally received 1 mL/kg of honey by gavage for 90 days.

Results

At the end of the 90-day experimental period, we found that the honey supplementation decreased the lipid peroxidation and the levels of enzyme associated with liver damage, increased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the AF + honey-treated rats. Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of honey is further substantiated by showing almost normal histological architecture in AF + honey-treated group, compared to degenerative changes in the liver and kidney of AF-treated rats. Additionally, honey supplementation ameliorated antioxidant defens systems and lipid peroxidation in content in other tissues of AF + honey treated rats.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that honey has a hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect in rats with experimental aflatoxicosis due to its antioxidant activity.

Pulmonary myxoma in a sheep

Pulmonary myxoma is an uncommon neoplasm. A pale tan, lobulated, and well-circumscribed mass was discovered at slaughter in the left lung of a 5-year-old sheep. Histologically, the tumor was composed of spindloid to stellate cells in a myxoid matrix. Neoplastic cells were immunohistochemically positive for vimentin but did not express cytokeratins, S-100 protein, smooth muscle actin, desmin, or p53. On the basis of the histologic and immunohistochemical findings, this tumor was diagnosed as a myxoma.

Effects of Urtica dioica L. seed on lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and liver pathology in aflatoxin-induced tissue injury in rats

This study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of Urtica dioica L. seeds (UDS) extract against aflatoxin (AF)-exposure in rats. The preventive potential and antioxidant capacity of the plant's extract was evaluated by liver histopathological changes, measuring serum marker enzymes, antioxidant defense systems and lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde, MDA) content in some tissues of rats. Eighteen rats were randomly divided into one of three experimental groups: control, AF-treated group and AF+UDS-treated group. Rats in control group were fed with a diet without AF. Rats in AF-treated group and AF+UDS-treated group received approximately 25 microgr of AF/rat/day. AF+UDS groups also received 2 mL of UDS oils/rat/day by gavage for 90 days. Administration of UDS extract restored the AF-induced imbalance between MDA and antioxidant system towards near normal particularly in liver. Hepatoprotection by UDS is further substantiated by the almost normal histologic findings in AF+UDS-treated group as against degenerative changes in the AF-treated rats. It is concluded that UDS has a hepatoprotective effect in rats with aflatoxicosis, probably acting by promoting the antioxidative defense systems.

Immunohistochemical Detection of Brucella Melitensis Antigens in Cases of Naturally Occurring Abortions in Sheep

Brucella melitensis, a worldwide zoonotic pathogen, is a significant cause of abortion in sheep and goats in some countries. The present study was carried out to determine, by immunohistochemistry, the presence of B. melitensis antigens in 110 naturally occurring aborted sheep fetuses. Sections of lung, liver, kidney, and spleen of each fetus were stained with immunoperoxidase to detect Brucella antigens. Brucella melitensis antigens were detected in 33 of 110 fetuses (30%). In the 33 positive cases, Brucella antigens were found in lung (25 [22.7%]), liver (21 [19%]), spleen (13 [11.8%]), and kidney (6 [5.4%]). Microscopic studies demonstrated that Brucella antigens were mainly located in the cytoplasm of macrophages and neutrophils of the lung, and in the cytoplasm of macrophages in the portal infiltrates and Kupffer cells of the liver. It was concluded that immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues is a useful tool for the diagnosis of spontaneous ovine abortion caused by B. melitensis.

Immunohistochemical detection of Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica antigens in goats with natural pneumonia

Pneumonia is a leading cause of loss to ruminants throughout the world. Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica is one of the most important etiological agent of pneumonia in cattle, sheep, and goats. This study was carried out to determine the incidence of M.haemolytica antigens using immunohistochemistry labelling of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues in pneumonic lungs of goats slaughtered at abattoir, and then to compare these immunohistochemistry results with the results of bacterial isolation. For these objectives, a total of 1505 goat lungs slaughtered in slaughterhouse were grossly examined and pneumonia was detected in 74 cases (4.91%). Of these, with the exception of verminous pneumonia observed in 32 cases, on 42 pneumonic lungs immunohistochemical examinations were performed. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded lung tissue samples were immunohistochemically stained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) procedure using polyclonal antibodies to detect M.haemolytica antigens. Pneumonic lesions were more frequently encountered in cranioventral lobes than caudal lobes, and characterized by irregular lobular foci of atelectasis or lobar pneumonia. The presence of M.haemolytica antigens was detected in 19 (45%) out of 42 pneumonic lungs. Bacterial antigens were found most frequently in the cytoplasm of bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells, in the swirling degenerating leukocytes in the alveoli, and in the degenerating leukocytes in the area of coagulation necrosis, less frequently in the epithelial cells of bronchial glands, and lymphoid cells. Conclusionly, immunohistochemical detection of M.haemolytica antigens in pneumonic lungs appear to be more reliable compared to bacterial isolation.

Comparison of fibrin glue and suture in the healing of teat incisions in lactating goats

The aims of this study were to investigate whether fibrin glue can be used to close experimentally induced incisions of the teat (mammary papillae) in lactating goats and to compare the healing of the glued with the sutured incisions. Four clinically healthy lactating dairy goats, namely 8 mammary papillae were used. After surgical preparation of the papillae, a 3.5 cm long incision of each papilla was made through skin, muscular layer and mucosa into the papillary sinus. The wounds in the right papillae in all goats were closed with U-shaped uninterrupted 00 chromic catgut sutures. The wounds in the left papillae in all goats were closed, using fibrin glue. One incision was seen to be dehisced and fistulous one day after in fibrin glued teats. The animals were slaughtered 8 days after surgical manipulation. The mammary papillae were removed and examined in the viewpoint on gross and microscopic findings. The healing of wounds was slower and feeble in glued mammary papillary incisions, however faster and stronger in sutured incisions on day 8 after operations. But, available outcomes like less tissue thickness and positive cosmetic results could be obtained byfibrin glue used on mammary papillary incisions, which are very important for teats to be milked by hand and milking machine. Results suggest that it is advisable to use only one or two simple interrupted sutures in teat incisions glued with fibrin to prevent the dehiscence but with a more reliable healing than the sutured incisions.

Immunohistochemical Detection of Parainfluenza Type 3 Virus Antigens in Paraffin Sections of Pneumonic Caprine Lungs

Pneumonia is a leading cause of loss to ruminants throughout the world. Parainfluenza type-3 virus (PI-3) is one of the most important respiratory pathogens of bovine and ovine. In this study, prevalence of PI-3 virus infection as causative agent of pneumonia in goats was investigated. For this purpose, a total of 1505 goat lungs slaughtered in Bitlis and Van slaughterhouses were grossly examined and pneumonia was detected in 74 cases (4.91%). Lesions were more frequently encountered in anteroventral lobes than caudal lobes. With the exception of verminous pneumonia observed in 32 cases, immunohistochemical examinations were performed on 42 pneumonic lungs. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded lung tissue samples were immunohistochemically stained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex procedure using polyclonal antibodies to detect PI-3 viral antigens. The presence of PI-3 viral antigens was detected in 28 (66.6%) of 42 pneumonic lungs. Viral antigens were found most frequently in the cytoplasm of bronchiolar epithelial cells, type II pneumocytes, and less frequently in the epithelial cells of bronchial glands, syncytial cells, alveolar macrophages, and lymphocytes and plasma cells. In conclusion, it was found that there was a close relationship between the pneumonia in goats and the presence of PI-3 viral antigens. Incidence of PI-3 virus in pneumonic lungs of goats was detected to be very high in the present study performed in the region of Bitlis and Van, Turkey.

Partial regeneration/proliferation of the beta-cells in the islets of Langerhans by Nigella sativa L. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of N. sativa L. on histopathology of pancreatic beta-cells, and blood insulin and glucose concentrations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Fifty male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into two experimental groups (diabetics with no treatment and diabetics with N. sativa L. treatment), each containing twenty-five rats. Diabetes was induced in both groups by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg). The experimental animals in both groups became diabetic within 24 hours after the administration of STZ. The rats in N. sativa L.-treated group were given the daily intraperitoneal injection of 0.20 ml/kg of N. sativa L. volatile oil for 30 days starting the day after STZ injection. Control rats received only the same amount of normal saline solution. The rats in both groups received the last injection 24 hours before the sacrification and 5 randomly-selected rats in each group were sacrificed before, and the 1, 10, 20 and 30 days after the STZ injection to collect blood and pancreatic tissue samples. The N. sativa L. treatment caused a decrease in the elevated serum glucose, an increase in the lowered serum insulin concentrations and partial regeneration/ proliferation of pancreatic beta-cells in STZ-induced diabetic rats with the elapse of the experiment. It is concluded that the hypoglycaemic action of N. sativa L. could be partly due to amelioration in the beta-cells of pancreatic islets causing an increase in insulin secretion. More studies are needed to demonstrate the exact mechanism of action of N. sativa L. on ameliorated blood glucose concentration in STZ-induced diabetes.

The role of Urtica dioica and Nigella sativa in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The role of Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) (NS) and Urtica dioica L. was investigated (UD) in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into fi ve groups (I, IIA and B, IIIA and B) and CCl4 was injected biweekly to all groups. Group I (control, CCl4 only), group IIA and B (NS fixed oil and volatile oil), group IIIA and B (UD fixed oil and UD decoction extract) rats were killed at the end of week 12 and histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of liver tissues were performed. In the control group, coagulation necrosis and hydropic degeneration were marked in the periacinar regions (zone 3) associated with fibrosis in the periacinar regions and in the portal tracts. In groups IIA-B and IIIA-B (NS and UD), none of the serious histopathological findings were detected except for sparse coagulation necrosis in the periacinar regions. ASMA-positive perisinusoidal cells with myo fibroblastic transformation and lysosomal enzyme activity suggesting fibrogenesis were also significantly more common in the control group than in the NS and UD groups. UD and NS seem to be significantly effective in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Undifferentiated ganglioneuroblastoma in a sheep

Ganglioneuroblastoma, presumably originating from the adrenal medulla, was found in an 18-month-old sheep. Histologically, the tumour was mainly composed of undifferentiated neuroblasts with neuropil and occasional ganglion cells. The morphological and immunohistochemical features with respect to intermediate filament proteins and the neuroendocrine nature of the tumour are described. The neoplastic cells were positive for neuron-specific enolase, synaptophysin and vimentin.

Effect of Nigella sativa on glucose concentration, lipid peroxidation, anti-oxidant defence system and liver damage in experimentally-induced diabetic rabbits

This study was carried out to investigate whether Nigella sativa could decrease the lipid peroxidation, increase the anti-oxidant defence system and also prevent the lipid-peroxidation-induced liver damage in experimentally induced diabetic rabbits. Fifteen New Zealand male rabbits were divided into three experimental groups: control, diabetic and diabetic and N. sativa-treated. The diabetes mellitus (DMI) was induced in the rabbits using 150 mg/kg of 10% alloxan. The diabetic + N. sativa-treated group was given extract of N. sativa seeds orally every day for 2 months after induction of DM. At the end of the 2-month experiment, blood samples were collected to measure malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), ceruloplasmin and glucose concentration, and livers were harvested for histopathological analysis. Treatment with N. sativa decreased the elevated glucose and MDA concentrations, increased the lowered GSH and ceruloplasmin concentrations, and prevented lipid-peroxidation-induced liver damage in diabetic rabbits. It was concluded that N. sativa might be used in diabetic patients to prevent lipid peroxidation, increase anti-oxidant defence system activity and also prevent liver damage.

Immunoperoxidase and histopathological examinations of leptospiral nephritis in cattle

This study was designed to investigate the role of leptospirae in interstitial nephritis. Sixty-eight white-spotted kidneys and 30 grossly normal kidneys from slaughtered cattle were examined histologically and immunohistochemically for the presence of Leptospira interrogans antigens. The presence of L. interrogans antigens was found in 21 of 68 white-spotted kidneys and in four of 30 normal kidneys. In conclusion, the detected incidence of infection with L. interrogans was not high, but there was a relationship between the presence of interstitial nephritis and leptospiral antigens.

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of the limb in a sheep

Tumor mass was detected in the skeletal musculature of the tibia in a sheep slaughtered at abattoir. Histologically, the tumor cells were in a typical alveolar pattern, and showed a cartilaginous tissue differentiation in some areas of the tumor mass. This tumor examined by avidin-biotin-peroxidase method was found to be positive for myoglobin. The diagnosis of undifferentiated alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma was based on the results of histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

The role of antioxidant vitamins (C and E), selenium and Nigella sativa in the prevention of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in rabbits: new hopes

This experiment was carried out to investigate the role of antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, selenium and Nigella sativa (NS) on the prevention of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rabbits. It was found that superoxide dismutase (SOD) values in all of the treated groups were significantly lower than those of the control at 12th week of experiment (p < 0.05), while at 6th week and 12th week of experiment glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) values in the vitamin C treated group were significantly different from the control (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, hepatocellular necrosis, degeneration and advanced fibrosis were found in the control group. Lesions were minor and only confined to midzonal regions without centrilobular necrosis and fibrosis in the NS treated animals (group B). The lesions observed in the vitamin C treated animals (group C) were similar to that of the control group. Parenchymal changes with fibrosis were less in selenium and vitamin E treated animals (group D) than in those of the control group, but more obvious than in NS group. Histopathological findings demonstrate that NS might, at least partly, be successful in the prevention of liver fibrosis in rabbits. Vitamin E plus selenium had little therapeutic effect and vitamin C seemed to be ineffective, as far as the results of this study are concerned.