Nanoparticles of Costus speciosus Ameliorate Diabetes-Induced Structural Changes in Rat Prostate through Mediating the Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines IL 6, IL1ß and TNF-α.

Diabetes mellitus is a common global health problem. Among the complications that are frequently associated with DM are the alternation of sexual function and fertility, especially in young men. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of nanoparticles of Costus speciosus (C. speciosus) in preserving the prostatic structure of diabetic rats and to explore the mechanism behind this effect. A model of DM was induced in male albino rats by a single intraperitoneally injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg body weight). Five groups (n = 10 each) of rats were included in this study: the control, C. speciosus gold nanoparticles-treated (150 mg/kg body weight through gastric intubation for 30 days), untreated diabetic, metformin-treated diabetic (500 mg/kg/day gastric intubation for 30 days) and the C. speciosus-treated diabetic group. The blood glucose, insulin and testosterone levels as well as oxidants/antioxidants status were assessed in the serum. Gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL1ß and IL-6 were assessed in the prostate homogenate. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed and the prostate was dissected out and prepared for histopathological and immunohistochemistry study using Ki67 and Bcl-2. C. Speciosus nanoparticles significantly decreased (p = 0.03) the blood glucose level while significantly increasing insulin (p = 0.01) and testosterone (p = 0.04) levels compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Oxidants/antioxidants status was markedly improved after administration of C. speciosus. Prostatic expression of the mRNA of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL1ß and TNF-α was down-regulated in metformin- and C. speciosus-treated rats. The histological structure of the ventral prostate was preserved in metformin- and C. speciosus-treated diabetic rats with a significantly thicker epithelial cell layer and significant increase immunoexpression in Bcl-2 and Ki67. In conclusion, the protective effect induced by C. speciosus nanoparticles on the prostate of diabetic rats might be directly mediated through the down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and the up-regulation of antioxidant activity and indirectly mediated through the anti-hyperglycemic effect through enhancing insulin secretion.

Synergistic Anti-inflammatory and Neuroprotective Effects of Cinnamomum cassia and Zingiber officinale Alleviate Diabetes-Induced Hippocampal Changes in Male Albino Rats: Structural and Molecular Evidence.

Background: Depression has been reported as a common comorbidity in diabetes mellitus although the underlying mechanism responsible for this is not well known. Although both ginger and cinnamon has anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, their efficacy in inhibiting neuroinflammation, when simultaneously administrated, has not been investigated yet. Objectives: The study was designed to assess the synergistic effect of Cinnamomum cassia and Zingiber officinale on regulating blood glucose, improve hippocampal structural changes and depressive-like alternations in diabetic rats, and try to identify the mechanism behind this effect. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five equal groups (n = 6): the normal control, untreated streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic, cinnamon-treated diabetic [100 mg/kg of body weight (BW)/day for 6 weeks], ginger-treated diabetic (0.5 g/kg BW/day for 6 weeks), and ginger plus cinnamon-treated diabetic groups. Forced swim test and elevated plus maze behavioral tests were performed at the end of the experiment. HOMA-IR, HOMA ß-cells, blood glucose, insulin, corticosterone, pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-6), and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed in the serum. BDNF mRNA level was assessed in hippocampus using qRT-PCR. Hippocampal histopathological changes were also assessed, and immunoexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), caspase-3, and Ki-67 was measured. Results: Diabetes-induced depressive-like changes in the STZ group were biochemically confirmed by assessing serum corticosterone level, as well as behaviorally using FST and EPM tests. Diabetes also induced degenerative changes in the hippocampus. Treatment of diabetic rats with ginger, cinnamon, or the combination of these alleviated the degenerative structural changes and significantly up-regulated serum insulin, TAC, hippocampal BDNF mRNA, and hippocampal immunoexpression of ki67, while they significantly reduced serum blood glucose, IL-6, TNF-α, IL1ß, as well as hippocampal immunoexpression of GFAP and Caspase-3 compared to the untreated diabetic group. Improvement induced by the combination of ginger and cinnamon was superior to the single administration of either of these. Conclusion: Cinnamomum cassia and Zingiber officinale have synergistic anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant-like, and neuroprotective effects. The use of a combination of these plants could be beneficial as alternative or complementary supplements in managing DM and decreasing its neuronal and psychiatric complications.

Zingiber officinale preserves testicular structure and the expression of androgen receptors and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in diabetic rats.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of Zingiber officinale, commonly referred to as ginger, in preserving the structural integrity of testis in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats compared to the efficacy of metformin, the traditional effective antidiabetic drug. STZ was utilised for the induction of diabetes mellitus in male Sprague Dawley rats. The study included five groups (n = 6 each), namely the normal control, ginger-treated normal, nontreated diabetic, metformin-treated diabetic and ginger-treated diabetic groups. Biochemical assessment of fasting blood glucose level (BGL) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was performed. Histopathological assessment of the testes was performed using routine and immunohistochemical techniques. Fasting BGL significantly (p = .01) reduced, whereas TAC significantly increased (p < .001) in metformin- and ginger-treated diabetic rats compared to those in untreated diabetic rats. Metformin and ginger reduced the degenerative changes observed in the testes of diabetic rats, significantly reduced (p < .001) caspase-3 immunoexpression, and significantly increased (p < .001) the immune-expression of androgen receptors and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Ginger has antidiabetic effects and preserves testicular structural integrity and, thus, is recommended as an adjuvant therapy for male diabetic patients in the reproductive period.

Thymoquinone reverses nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with experimental hypothyroidism.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of thymoquinone (TQ), the most active constituent in Nigella sativa, which is a medicinal plant from the Ranunculaceae family, in restoring the normal liver structure after 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism and explore the mechanism behind this. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hypothyroidism was induced in rats by injection of PTU [6 mg∕kg body weight (b.w.)] for six weeks. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups; the control, TQ-treated at the dose 400 mg∕kg b.w., untreated hypothyroidism and TQ-treated hypothyroid groups. Serum levels of thyroid hormones and antioxidant profile were measured. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to assess gene expression of catalase (CAT). Liver was histopathologically examined using routine and immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: Livers of rats with hypothyroidism displayed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the form of steatosis as well as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Moreover, there was an intralobular inflammatory reaction associated with significant (p<0.05) increases in the density of resident hepatic macrophages [cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68)+ cells], as well as in activated hepatic stellate cells, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) index in livers with hypothyroidism. Resolution of hypothyroid NAFLD was observed in livers after treatment with TQ. The significantly increased (p<0.05) steatosis, lobular inflammation, NAFLD activity scores, α-SMA index as well as CD68+ cells induced by hypothyroidism were corrected after TQ administration. Up-regulation of the CAT gene in livers with hypothyroidism after treatment with TQ supported our hypothesis of its antioxidant mechanistic hepatoprotective action. CONCLUSIONS: TQ efficiently restores the normal liver histology in hypothyroid rats with up-regulation of the antioxidant CAT gene.

Red grape juice protects the rat thyroid gland against hypercholesterolemic changes. Ultrastructural and biochemical evidences.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the impact of high cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced hypercholesterolemia on the rat thyroid gland and investigate the role of grape juice (GJ) in reducing such impact through biochemical and histopathological methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats sorted into three groups (the control, HCD-fed group, and the HCD+GJ fed group for 13 weeks) were used in this study. Lipid profile, blood glucose and insulin, thyroid hormones, some oxidants/antioxidants parameters were assessed. After the end of the experiment, thyroid glands were dissected out and processed for histopathological assessment using the light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Based on the lipid profile, HCD induced hypercholesterolemia in rats after 13 weeks. This resulted in significant (p<0.001) increase of the levels of insulin, blood glucose, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (596.4±17 IU∕mL), thyroxine (T4) (202.8±14.1 ng∕mL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (21.2±4.9 nmol∕mg protein), while the levels of triiodothyronine (T3) (12.6±1.9 ng∕mL) and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) (21.2±4.9 U∕mg protein) decreased in HCD-fed rats compared to that of the controls. Structurally, thyroid gland follicles of HCD-fed rats showed cytoplasmic vacuolation, stratification and increased thickness of some lining cells. Ultrastructurally, some of follicular and parafollicular cells showed heterochromatic nuclei, degenerated mitochondria, intracytoplasmic lipid droplets and deposition of collagen fibers between the follicles. GJ could improve the lipid and antioxidants profiles, reduced blood glucose level, thyroid hormones, and alleviated the HCD-induced structural changes in the thyroid. CONCLUSIONS: GJ administrated simultaneously with HCD ameliorated the negative impact of the function and structure of the thyroid.

Histological and molecular techniques utilized to investigate animal models of depression. An updated review.

This review aimed to summarize the different histopathological techniques and procedures utilized during investigating the different animal models of depression in order to explore the pathophysiological aspect of depression and testing the efficacy of the antidepressant drugs or new treatments. This will be helpful while designing researches aiming to achieve these objectives. It was found that the major obstacle during investigating the animal models of depression was the restricted availability of validated animal models. The chronic stress models have face, construct, and predictive validity. It was found that the histological techniques used in investigating the animal models of depression that was described in the literatures fall under three categories; the light microscopic, the electron microscopic and the molecular biological studies. The light microscope studies were performed using the routine histological staining and immunohistochemical technique that aimed to describe the hippocampal histopathological changes induced by depression. Establishment of a preclinical behavioral science laboratory is highly recommended. It will encourage and support the conduction of high quality, multidisciplinary researches targeting anxiety and other psychiatric disorders and will indirectly improve the health care provided to the psychiatric patients. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Chronic stress models are valid ones. Light microscope was utilized to examine the routinely or immunohistochemically stained sections in hippocampus of animal models of depression while electron microscope was utilized to examine its ultrastructure.

The Role of Musk in Relieving the Neurodegenerative Changes Induced After Exposure to Chronic Stress.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect induced by musk on Alzheimer's disease-such as neurodegenerative changes in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty male Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 10); control, CUMS, CUMS + fluoxetine, CUMS + musk. At the end of the experiment, behavior of the mice was assessed. Serum corticosterone level, hippocampal protein level of the glucocorticoid receptors, and brain-derived neurotropic factor were also assessed. Hippocampus was histopathologically examined. RESULTS: Musk improved depressive status induced after exposure to CUMS as evidenced by the forced swimming and open field tests and improved the short-term memory as evidenced by the elevated plus maze test. Musk reduced both corticosterone levels and the hippocampal neurodegenerative changes observed after exposure to CUMS. These improvements were comparable to those induced by fluoxetine. CONCLUSION: Musk alleviated the memory impairment and neurodegenerative changes induced after exposure to the chronic stress.

Ocimum basilicum improve chronic stress-induced neurodegenerative changes in mice hippocampus.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the progressive neurodegenerative diseases might be associated with exposure to stress and altered living conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Ocimum basilicum (OB) essential oils in improving the neurodegenerative-like changes induced in mice after exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Forty male Swiss albino mice divided into four groups (n = 10); the control, CUMS, CUMS + Fluoxetine, CUMS + OB were used. Behavioral tests, serum corticosterone level, hippocampus protein level of the glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and brain-dreived neurotropic factor (BDNF) were determined after exposure to CUMS. Hippocampus was histopathologically examined. Data were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) and P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. OB diminished the depression manifestation as well as impaired short term memory observed in the mice after exposure to the CUMS as evidenced by the forced swimming and elevated plus maze test. OB also up-regulated the serum corticosterone level, hippocampal protein level of the glucocorticoid receptor and the brain-derived neurotropic factor and reduced the neurodegenerative and atrophic changes induced in the hippocampus after exposure to CUMS. Essential oils of OB alleviated the memory impairment and hippocampal neurodegenerative changes induced by exposure to the chronic unpredictable stress indicating that it is the time to test its effectiveness on patients suffering from Alzheimer disease.

Correction to: The antidepressant effect of musk in an animal model of depression: a histopathological study.

The original publication of this paper contains mistake. Below you will find the needed corrections.

Can Ocimum basilicum relieve chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression in mice?

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the important world-wide health problems. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the ameliorative effect of Ocimum basilicum (OB) essential oil on the behavioral, biochemical and histopathological changes resulted from exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). It also aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism in an animal model of depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups (n=10): control, CUMS (exposed to CUMS for 4weeks), CUMS plus fluoxetine, and CUMS plus OB. At the end of the experiment, behavioral changes, serum corticosterone level, protein and gene expressions of brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the hippocampus was all assessed. Immunoexpression of surface makers of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Ki67, Caspase-3, BDNF and GR in the hippocampus were estimated. Data were analyzed by using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). RESULTS: OB alleviated both behavioral and biochemical changes recorded in mice after exposure to CUMS. It also reduced neuronal atrophy observed in the hippocampal region III cornu ammonis (CA3) and dentate gyrus and restored back astrocyte number. OB decreased apoptosis in both neurons and glial cells and increased neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus in a pattern comparable to that of fluoxetine. Increased BDNF and GR gene and protein expressions seems to be behind the antidepressant-like effect of OB. CONCLUSION: Ocimum basilicum ameliorates the changes induced after exposure to the chronic stress. Assessing Ocimum basilicum efficacy on human as antidepressant is recommended in further studies.

Evaluation of a communication skills training course for medical students using peer role-play.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of using peer role-playing in learning the communication skills as a step in the development of the communication skills training course delivered to pre-clinical medical students. METHODS: This study was conducted at the King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between September 2014 and February 2015 and comprised medical students. Mixed methods design was used to evaluate the developed communication skills training course. Tests were conducted before and after the communication skills training course to assess the students' self-reported communication. After the course, the students completed a satisfaction survey. Focus groups were conducted to assess the behavioural and organisational changes induced by the course. SPSS 16 was used for data analysis.. RESULTS: Of the293 respondents, 246(84%) were satisfied with the course. Overall, 169(58%) subjects chose the lectures as the most helpful methods for learning the communication skills while 124(42%) considered practical sessions as the most helpful method. Besides, 237(81%) respondents reported that the role-play was beneficial for their learning, while 219(75%) perceived the video-taped role-play as an appropriate method for assessing the communication skills. CONCLUSIONS: Peer role-play was found to be a feasible and well-perceived alternative method in facilitating the acquisition of communication skills..

Evaluation of the antidepressant-like effect of musk in an animal model of depression: how it works.

Depression has become a common public health problem that is showing increasing prevalence. Slow onset of action, low response rates and drug resistance are potential limitations of the current antidepressant drugs. Alternative therapy using natural substances, specifically aromatherapy, is currently tried to treat depression. This work aimed to assess the efficacy of musk in relieving the behavioral, biochemical and hippocampal histopathological changes induced by exposure to chronic mild stress in mice and explore the possible mechanism behind this antidepressant-like effect. Forty male albino mice were divided into four groups (n = 10): control, a group exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and two groups exposed to CUMS and then treated with fluoxetine or musk. Behavioral changes and serum corticosterone levels were assessed at the end of the experiment. Protein and gene expressions of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the hippocampus were assessed using ELISA and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Histopathological examination of the hippocampus and immunohistochemical techniques using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Ki67, caspase-3, BDNF and GR were performed. Inhalation of musk had an antidepressant-like effect in an animal model of depression. Musk alleviated the behavioral changes and elevated serum corticosterone levels induced by exposure to chronic stress. It reduced the hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and stimulated neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. Musk's action may be related to the upregulation of hippocampal GR and BDNF expressions. Musk is considered a potential antidepressant so it is advisable to assess its efficacy in treating depressed patient.

The antidepressant effect of musk in an animal model of depression: a histopathological study.

Depression is a significant public health concern all over the world, especially in modern communities. This study aims to assess the efficacy of musk in alleviating the behavioral, biochemical and histopathological changes induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in an animal model of depression and to explore the underlying mechanism of this effect. Male Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups (n = 10): control, CUMS, CUMS+fluoxetine and CUMS+musk. At the end of the experiment, behavioral tests were administered and serum corticosterone and testosterone levels were assessed. Surface markers, proteins and gene expressions of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the hippocampus were assessed. The immunoexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, Ki67 and caspase-3 was also assessed. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Musk alleviated the behavioral changes caused by CUMS and reduced elevated corticosterone levels. It reduced CUMS-induced neuronal atrophy in the CA3 and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and restored astrocytes. Musk reduced the neuro- and glial apoptosis observed in stressed mice in a manner comparable to that of fluoxetine. Musk induced these effects through up-regulating both BDNF and GR gene and protein expressions. Musk has an antidepressant-like effect in an animal model of depression, so it is advisable to assess its efficacy in people continually exposed to stressors.

Extracurricular leadership development programme to prepare future Saudi physicians as leaders.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate an innovative approach for developing leadership skills in a cohort of medical students through an extracurricular programme. METHODS: The study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April to June of the academic year 2014-15, and comprised medical students from all batches. Mixed-method design was used to evaluate the leadership development programme. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to assess students' learning and their satisfaction was evaluated at the end of the programme. Focus groups were conducted to assess the programme's impact on participants' behaviour. Data analysis was done using SPSS 16. RESULTS: Of the 55 participants, 45(82%) responded to the evaluation survey. Of them, 29(65%) reported intended changes in their leadership practices immediately after the programme, with 8(28%) of them reporting more than one change. The mean students' satisfaction with the overall performance of the speakers and programme organisation was high at 4.12±0.91 and 4.54±0.89, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Early experience of the leadership development programme produced positive results. An intense programme analysis is required to fully understand this significant organisational need.

Effects of different routes of nicotine administration on gastric morphology and hormonal secretion in rats.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Does chronic administration of nicotine by different routes affect gastric hormonal secretions and morphology in rats? What is the main finding and its importance? Chronic nicotine administration increased levels of gastrin, ghrelin and histamine but decreased prostaglandin E2 . Nicotine administered orally and by inhalation had a marked negative impact on the histological structure of the gastric mucosa compared with intraperitoneal administration. The negative impact of nicotine administration on gastric structure was associated with an increased concentration of gastrin and decreased prostaglandin E2 , which might be the cause of gastric/peptic ulcers in heavy smokers. The increase in ghrelin concentration and its effect following chronic nicotine administration needs further investigation. The aim was to assess the effects of different routes of chronic nicotine administration on gastric morphology and hormonal secretion; mainly gastrin, ghrelin, histamine and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ). Forty adult male albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups (10 rats per group), treated for 21 days as follows: control group (given standard rat pellets and water only); oral nicotine-treated group [50 µg (ml drinking water)(-1) ]; intraperitoneal nicotine-treated group [0.5 mg (kg body weight)(-1) ]; and inhaled nicotine-treated group [0.5 mg (kg body weight)(-1) ]. Concentrations of gastrin, ghrelin, PGE2 and histamine in serum and gastric tissue homogenates were assessed using ELISA kits. Stomach fundus was processed for histopathology and immunohistochemistry using light and electron microscopy. Different routes of chronic nicotine administration resulted in a significant increase in serum and gastric homogenate gastrin and ghrelin concentrations and a significant decrease in serum and homogenate PGE2 concentrations compared with the control group. Moreover, nicotine administration via oral and inhalation routes caused gastric erosion, transformation of peptic cells into the mucous variety, a significant increase in parietal cell numbers and an increase in expression of gastrin. In conclusion, the negative impact of nicotine administration on gastric structure that is associated with an increased concentration of gastrin and decreased concentration PGE2 might be the leading cause of gastric/peptic ulcers in heavy smokers. The increased ghrelin concentration and its effect following nicotine chronic administration needs further investigation. Based on these findings, we suggest that the alteration in gastric structure following chronic administration of nicotine can be prevented by reducing gastrin secretion and/or targeting its receptors.

Does the maternal age affect the mesenchymal stem cell markers and gene expression in the human placenta? What is the evidence?

BACKGROUND: Although the human placenta is considered medical wastes, it has become a main source of stem cells. Due to their easy isolation, ability to resist immune rejection and ability to differentiate into different types of adult cells, placental stem cells are considered superior to other stem cells. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the impact of the maternal age on the expression of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers CD105 and CD29 in different areas of a term human placenta and to identify the differential expression of these markers in different placental areas. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this comparative cross sectional study, one hundred term placentas were collected after delivery from healthy mothers divided into five groups according to their age. Placentas were processed to assess both immune- and gene-expression of CD105 and CD29 surface antigen markers. Data of the different studied age groups was compared using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) software. RESULTS: CD105 and CD29 immunoexpression in decidua basalis, fetal membrane and placental villi showed significant negative correlations with the maternal age. CD105- and CD29-positive MSCs were significantly abundant in the decidua basalis and placental villi. Real-time polymerase chain reaction results were consistent with those of the immunohistochemical study. CONCLUSION: Labeling the placenta-driven MSCs with the specific area from which the cells were taken as well as the mother's age is advised and could be helpful in controlling the quality of the cell banks as well as the favorable outcome of the therapeutic applications.

Amelioration of hypercholesterolemia-induced hepatic changes with red grape juice: A histopathological study.

OBJECTIVES: Hypercholesterolemia was confirmed as a risk factor for hepatic fibrosis, as well atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. This biochemical and histoplathological study was conducted to investigate the possible protective effect of red grape against hepatic injury induced by a high-cholesterol diet (HCD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty male Wister rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): the control received saline, the induction group was fed HCD, and the treated group was fed a HCD and 0.4 ml of 100% red grape juice (RGJ) for 13 weeks. After the animals were sacrificed, liver tissue samples were taken to be processed for light and electron microscopy examination. RESULTS: The administration of the RGJ and HCD significantly decreased the animals' blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, Low Density Lipoprotein levels and increased their High Density Lipoprotein level compared to the rats fed the HCD alone. It also decreased the periportal (macro- and microvesicular) steatosis, fibrosis, lymphocytic infiltration and blood sinusoidal congestion that were observed in HCD-fed rats alone. The RGJ reduced the number of activated myofibrobasts. This was confirmed by a reduction in the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and desmin. The RGJ increased, although not significantly, the expression of endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthetase. CONCLUSION: The administration of RGJ succeeded in alleviating the biochemical and, to some extent, the histopathological changes induced by the high cholesterol diet. Consumption of fresh RGJ or its pharmaceutical preparations is advised especially for those who are used to eat a high fat diet.

Can vitamin E and selenium alleviate the immunologic impact of aluminium on pregnant rats' spleens?

This study aimed to assess if simultaneous administration of vitamin E, selenium and aluminium could alleviate the latter's immunologic impact on the spleen. Twenty eight virgin albino Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two main groups: control (n=12) and experimental (n=18). These groups were divided into two subgroups each. The first control group received distiled water and the second one vitamin E and selenium for 3months through intragastric tubes. Of the two experimental subgroups, the first received oral aluminium chloride (AlCl3) at a dose 150mg/kg of body weight/day, and the second received AlCl3 plus vitamin E and selenium for 3months. Sixteen (out of eighteen) subject rats became pregnant. At day 20 of gestation, dams were sacrificed, and spleens were dissected and processed for histologic examination with routine and immunohistologic staining and semi-quantitative assessment. Aluminium administration induced a significant decrease in the number and density of T-lymphocytes and macrophages in the spleen as well as splenic fibrosis during pregnancy. Vitamin E and selenium reduced but did not completely prevent these changes.

Antioxidants protect against increased risk of atherosclerosis induced by exposure to cigarette smoke: Histological and biochemical study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the dose-dependent effect of antioxidants in protection against cardiovascular changes induced by exposure to cigarette smoke. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was an experimental study, conducted at King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on 57 male albino rats divided into nine groups. Rats of experimental groups were exposed to cigarette smoke from a total of 100 cigarettes per week for four weeks in a specially designed chamber. The antioxidants used (vitamin C, E, and B-carotene) were administrated at low (9, 7.2, and 0.27 mg/day) and high doses (18, 14.4, and 0.54 mg/day), respectively, through gastric feeding tubes. The lipid profile was estimated, and the carotids and heart were removed, weighed, and then processed, and the carotid intima-media thickness was measured. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. RESULTS: The lipid profile was significantly improved in all groups treated with low or high doses of antioxidants after or during the exposure to cigarette smoke. Improvement was marked in the group treated with a high dose of antioxidants. The histological changes, as well as the intima-medial thickness of the carotid artery induced by exposure to cigarette smoke, have been improved by treatment with antioxidants (at either low or high doses), either after or during exposure to cigarette smoke. Improvement was marked in the group treated with a low dose of antioxidant. Treatment with antioxidants could not improve degenerated cardiac muscle fibers, while they could reduce the thickness of the branches of the coronary vessels. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that antioxidants ameliorated the cigarette smoke contribution to atherosclerosis, but they could not completely reverse the changes induced by cigarette smoke. Simultaneous intake of antioxidants could ameliorate the cigarette-smoke-induced changes apart from those of the heart.

Cell talk: a phenomenon observed in the keloid scar by immunohistochemical study.

Keloid is a common complication of the wound healing process. Scarce histologic studies describing changes in keloid growth or progression, regarding detailed descriptions of cellular distribution, relationship, or interaction are available. This study aimed to describe the nature, types, and interactions of immune cells (lymphocytes, macrophages, and mast cells), which predominate in keloid complications and may play a role in fibroblastic activation. In this study, 44 samples of keloid were collected, processed, and examined using both light (including routine and immunocytochemical staining) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This histologic study showed the characteristic disposition of abnormally thick collagen bundles and newly formed blood vessels in the keloid tissue. The latter showed endothelial hypertrophy, thickened walls with the disposition of homogenous substances, and fibrillar collagen in the perivascular tissue. Numerous mast cells were also observed. Marked cellular infiltration in the perivascular regions and among abnormal collagen was observed. Immunohistochemistry showed the dominance of (CD3) T lymphocytes together with the macrophages (CD68). Among the interesting findings that this study focused on was the cellular interaction. The contact was noticed between the fibroblast and mast cell, the fibroblast and T lymphocyte, the macrophage and both fibroblast and lymphocyte. This cell-cell interaction or contact may explain what was called in literature "cell talk" via cytokines secreted by these cells or through direct gap junctions. In conclusion, cell talk is a phenomenon that was noticed in many pathologic lesions and could explain the mechanism by which different cytokines are secreted by different cells to initiate disease or promote healing.