Lemongrass Essential Oil Attenuates Perfluorooctane Sulfonate-Induced Jejunal Mucosal Injury in Rat: A Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Biochemical Study.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has harmful impacts on various organs, including the intestine. Lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory effects. This study investigated the impact of PFOS on the mucosa of the jejunum of rats and evaluated LGEO's protective impact. Four groups of rats were created: control, LGEO (100 mg/kg/day), PFOS (5 mg/kg/day), and LGEO-PFOS group. The agents were given orally for 28 days. Oxidative stress parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and caspase-3 were measured in jejunal homogenates. Rat jejunal sections were evaluated histologically (light and electron microscopic examination) and immunohistochemically [for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and Bcl2]. PFOS significantly elevated oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, caspase-3, and gene expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS). The disturbed architecture of jejunal villi and crypts was demonstrated. Immunohistochemically, a significant rise in TNF-α, PCNA, and COX2 and a significant decrease in Bcl2 expression were revealed compared to control group. Further ultrastructural alterations included dilated RER, mitochondria with destroyed cristae, vacuolated cytoplasm, and shrunken condensed nuclei of enterocytes. LGEO treatment significantly reduced these harmful effects. LGEO protected against PFOS-induced jejunal damage by reducing the oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic impacts.

Polyarticular Septic Arthritis Due to Non-Typeable Haemophilus influenzae With Concomitant New-Onset Acute Gouty Arthritis.

Haemophilus influenzae is serologically classified into two main categories based on the presence or absence of the polysaccharide capsule. Strains that possess polysaccharide capsules are identified as typeable Haemophilus influenzae, whereas strains that do not have capsules are identified as non-typeable Haemophilus influenza. Only on very rare occasions, Haemophilus influenzae affects adult joints, and almost 95% of cases have been identified as type b serotypes. Coexistence of gouty and septic arthritis is rare but has been reported. We herein report a case of polyarticular septic arthritis caused by non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae in an adult with concomitant new-onset gouty arthritis. The case was successfully treated with surgical debridement and a 4-week course of ceftriaxone.

Inferior Vena Cava Replacement in Living-Donor Liver Transplant for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: First Case Report in Saudi Arabia.

Living-donor liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma located on hepatocaval confluence or in contact with the inferior vena cava is technically challenging, and candidates for this kind of procedure should be carefully selected. It is difficult to rule out major vascular invasion except after hepatectomy and histologic examination; in addition, the possible dissemination of cancer cells during recipient hepatectomy is a considerable risk. Herein, we report the first case in Saudi Arabia of right lobe living-donor liver transplant combined with inferior vena cava reconstruction using cryopreserved iliac vein graft after en bloc resection of the liver with part of the diaphragm, anterior wall of retrohepatic inferior vena cava, and a 5-cm hepatocellular carcinoma in segment 7. Our patient achieved so far 3-year disease-free survival. Tumor recurrence and risk of thrombosis related to inferior vena cava reconstruction are the main concerns; therefore, long-term follow-up of those patients is mandatory.

Serum Sclerostin Levels in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Their Association with Bone Turnover Markers and Bone Mineral Densitometry.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare serum sclerostin levels in human im-munodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and healthy controls, and to evaluate their relationship with bone turnover markers (BTM) and bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: We prospectively studied 33 HIV treatment-naive patients and 63 healthy individuals; matched for age and sex. Serum sclerostin levels, BTM, BMD were measured. Viral load and cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) levels were also assessed in HIV-infected patients. RESULTS: The mean±standard deviation (SD) age of sample was 37.6±10.3 years (range, 19 to 59 years). Of the 96 subjects, 58 (60.4%) were male and 38 (39.6%) were female. Infection with HIV is associated with significant reduction in serum sclerostin levels (HIV-infected: 39.4±28.3 vs. non HIV: 76.6±15.7 pmol/L; P<0.001) and a decrease in BMD at femoral neck and lumbar spine compared to healthy controls. Sclerostin however was not correlated with BMD and was not related to age, generally a strong correlation. There were no significant correlations between sclerostin and BTM (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that untreated HIV and the resulting immune deficiency and/or systemic inflammation could be an important regulator of serum sclerostin in this population.