Does the addition of metformin to carboplatin treatment decreases ovarian reserve damage associated with carboplatin usage?

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine whether adding metformin to carboplatin treatment would reduce the damage to ovarian reserve associated with carboplatin use. METHODS: We included 35 adult female non-pregnant albino Wistar rats approximately three months old, weighing 220-310 g. The rats were divided into five groups of seven rats according to the treatment they received. Carboplatin and salin was given to Group 2, and carboplatin plus metformin was given to Group 3. Group 4 was administered only metformin. Group 5 was administered only salin. Carboplatin was given to Groups 2 and 3 as a single dose on the 15th day, while metformin was given to Groups 3 and 4 during the 28-day experiment. After oophorectomy, histopathologic analyses of primordial, primary, secondary, and tertiary Graff follicles according to the epithelial cells surrounding the oocyte and total follicular number were conducted per section. Serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), tissue catalase, and malonyl dialdehyde levels were measured and compared within each group. RESULTS: The baseline and 15th-day serum AMH values of the menstrual cycle were compared among the groups, and no statistically significant differences were observed (p > 0.05). Group 3, which was given both carboplatin and metformin, had statistically significantly higher 28th-day AMH levels than Group 2, which was given only carboplatin and saline (p < 0.001). The number of primordial follicles in Group 3 was found to be statistically significantly higher than in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Tissue catalase enzyme levels in Group 3 were statistically significantly higher than in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Tissue malondialdehyde levels in Group 2 were statistically significantly higher than tissue malondialdehyde levels in Groups 3 and 4 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Metformin may attenuate carboplatin-induced ovarian damage, possibly through its antioxidative effects.

A histopathological view at the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the gastrointestinal system in children: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Subacute and chronic long-term effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in different organ systems have been studied in post-COVID patients recently. COVID-19 may cause gastrointestinal (GI) system findings due to the presence of its receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2), which is extensively expressed in the GI tract. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the post-infectious histopathological alterations of COVID-19 in pediatric patients who had GI symptoms. METHODS: Fifty-six specimens of upper endoscopic biopsies (including esophagus, stomach, bulbus and duodenum) obtained from seven patients and 12 specimens of lower endoscopic biopsies obtained from one patient who had GI symptoms after having COVID-19 (proven by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) were evaluated as the study group. Forty specimens from five patients presenting with similar complaints but without COVID-19 were selected as the control group. All biopsy materials were immunohistochemically stained with the anti-SARS-CoV-2S1 antibody. RESULTS: In all biopsies of the study group, anti-SARS-CoV-2S1 antibody was detected with moderate cytoplasmic positivity in epithelial cells and inflammatory cells in the lamina propria. No staining was observed in the control group. Epithelial damage, thrombus, or no other specific findings were detected in the GI tract biopsies of any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The virus antigen was detected immunohistochemically in the stomach and duodenum, but not in the esophagus, even months after infection and causes gastritis and duodenitis. No specific histopathological finding was observed from non-COVID-19 gastritis/duodenitis. Therefore, the post-COVID-19 GI system involvement should be kept in mind in patients presenting with dyspeptic symptoms even if several months have passed.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Combined Silver Nitrate Coagulation and Shave Excision With Surgical Excision and Linear Closure in the Treatment of Pyogenic Granuloma.

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a common benign vascular neoplasia. Optimal treatment should have an aesthetically pleasant scar and a low recurrence rate. No treatment method that is fully effective in solving these has been demonstrated. Silver nitrate cauterization is another method for the management of PG lesions. OBJECTIVE: The effects of silver nitrate on the treatment of PG have not been sufficiently investigated and should be investigated with objective data and a controlled study. METHODS: The prospective clinical trial was designed to compare silver nitrate cauterization with surgical excision treatment. Procedure times and procedure costs, comfort and satisfaction scales, recurrences, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Score, and the Vancouver Scar Scale were compared to evaluate treatments. RESULTS: Silver nitrate treatment had lower procedure times, costs, and better satisfaction and comfort scale scores. The scar assessment scores were better for the silver nitrate treatment. The patients in both groups were successfully treated and no recurrence was seen. CONCLUSION: Silver nitrate cauterization is low-cost, fast, safe, reliable, and effective with good aesthetic results for the treatment of PG lesions. This study shows that silver nitrate cauterization is a good alternative to surgical excision in the management of PG.

Renoprotective effects of dapagliflozin in an iron overload non-diabetic rat model.

PURPOSE: Sodium glucose co-transporter (SGLT) 2 inhibitors are oral anti-diabetic drugs with proven kidney protective effects. Renal protective effects in non-diabetic individuals have also been shown in recent studies. The aim of this study was to determine the renal protective effects of dapagliflozin by evaluating the oxidative stress markers in the kidney tissue and demonstrating it in renal histological sections in an iron-overloaded rat model. METHODS: A total of 24 Wistar Albino rats were separated into 3 groups of 8 rats. Iron sucrose (60 â€‹mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally to the first group (Group Fe) (n â€‹= â€‹8), iron sucrose and dapagliflozin (0.1 â€‹mg/kg/day) to the second group (Group Fe â€‹+ â€‹D) (n â€‹= â€‹8) and intraperitoneal saline as placebo to the control group (Group C) (n â€‹= â€‹8) for 4 weeks. The glomerular changes were semi-quantitatively scored with Oxford Classification. Oxidative stress was analyzed from the tissue fluorescent oxidation product (FLOP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sulfhydryl (T-SH) levels. RESULTS: Dapagliflozin prevented glomerular and mesangial damage of iron overload in the non-diabetic rat model. MDA levels were significantly higher in Group Fe compared to the Group C, and there was no significant difference between the Fe â€‹+ â€‹D group and Group C. T-SH levels were preserved in the Fe â€‹+ â€‹D group and were significantly higher than in the Fe group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that dapagliflozin helped preserve the glomerular and mesangial structure histologically and reduced oxidative stress markers in a non-diabetic iron overload rat model.

Autologous Conditioned Serum Increases Fat Graft Viability More than Platelet-Rich Plasma in a Controlled Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma has been used to support fat graft retention, but it may include inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1ß. Autologous conditioned serum also contains high levels of various anti-inflammatory cytokines. The authors hypothesized that combining autologous conditioned serum with fat graft would increase fat graft survival more than platelet-rich plasma. METHODS: Twenty-seven adult, male, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups of nine. Ten nonstudy rats were used to prepare platelet-rich plasma, autologous conditioned serum, and fat grafts. Next, 0.7-ml fat graft with a combination of 0.2 ml of autologous conditioned serum, platelet-rich plasma, or phosphate-buffered saline was applied to their dorsa. Fat graft volume was assessed on postoperative day 2 and on the day of euthanization at 1, 3, and 5 months postoperatively. Histopathologic analysis was performed to measure integrity, inflammation, fibrosis, and vascularization. RESULTS: The median volume percentages and interquartile ranges at 1 month postoperatively were 97.3 percent (77.3 to 119.6 percent), 40.4 percent (30.9 to 46.9 percent), and 72.1 percent (53.6 to 84.9 percent) in autologous conditioned serum plus fat graft, phosphate-buffered saline plus fat graft, and platelet-rich plasma plus fat graft, respectively (p < 0.05); at 3 months postoperatively, values were 82.3 percent (70.3 to 88.3 percent), 36.6 percent (29.4 to 43.1 percent), and 48.3 percent (31.4 to 57.9 percent) (p < 0.001); and at 5 months postoperatively, values had increased to 83.9 percent (58.3 to 102.4 percent), 40.3 percent (20.1 to 50.6 percent), and 56.3 percent (37.7 to 74.9 percent), respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Autologous conditioned serum and platelet-rich plasma improved fat graft outcomes compared to saline, whereas autologous conditioned serum was associated with less inflammation, greater fat viability, and more integrity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Combining fat graft with autologous conditioned serum may be a better option to minimize resorption rate and improve graft survival.

Comparison of non-invasive tests with invasive tests in the diagnosis of celiac disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Today, invasive diagnostic tests are necessary for definite diagnosis of adult celiac disease (CD). However, in selected children patients, the need for invasive tests is ceased. In this study, we evaluated adult patients according to the ESPGHAN (European Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition Society) criteria. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients (aged 17-66) with symptoms of CD were included. Serum samples were tested for total IgA, tTG-IgA (antitissue transglutaminase), tTG-IgG, DGP-IgA (antideamidated gliadin peptide), DGP-IgG, and EMA (endomysial antibodies). HLA-DQ typing was studied with PCR-SSP (sequence-specific primers) method. Biopsy samples were evaluated according to Marsh scoring. RESULTS: In CD patients, 71.4% (15/21) of the patients were diagnosed without biopsy according to the EPSGHAN criteria but when ESPGHAN's IgA tTG threshold value for children was taken into consideration (>200 IU/mL), the sensitivity decreased to 81%. Celiac disease diagnosed and control groups were compared in terms of HLA tissue types. DQ2.5 homozygous or DQ2.5/DQ2.2 was significantly higher in CD group, and DQ2- or DQ8-negative HLA tissue type was significantly higher in control group. CONCLUSION: When serological tests, HLA typing, and clinical symptoms are all in favor of CD, biopsy may not be performed in selected adult CD patients.

Protective effect of omega 3 and vitamin D in preventing lung-tissue damage of newborn rats exposed to cigarette smoke during intrauterine period / Efecto protector de omega 3 y vitamina D en la prevención del daño en el tejido pulmonar de ratas recién nacidas expuestas al humo del cigarrillo durante el período intrauterino

SUMMARY: This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of cigarette smoke exposure on lung and the protective role of Omega 3 and Vitamin D against these toxic effects biochemically and histologically. 28 pregnant Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups. The first group was control group; the second group was exposed to smoke of 10 cigarette by puff device 2 hours/day after pregnancy; the third group was exposed to cigarette smoke together with Omega 3 (0.5 mg/kg/day) and the fourth group was exposed to cigarette smoke together with vitamin D (42 microgram/kg/day). Finally, lung tissue sections of the newborn rats were stained with Hemotoxilen eosine and Masson tricromite. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Fluorescent Oxidation Products (FOU) levels were measured. Fetal weights and the number of fetuses were significantly lower in the group received only cigarette smoke (both p<0.001). Histopathologically, pulmonary volume, number of developed alveols and parenchyma elasticity decreased significantly, meanwhile interstitial tissue increased, elastin and collagen did not develop adequately. Histopathologic changes significantly decreased in the group given Omega 3 and Vitamin D. Statistically, MDA and FOU levels were found to be higher in the group exposed to cigarette smoke compared to the control group, and MDA and FOU levels were lower in the group given Omega 3 along with cigarette smoke (p<0.001). Cigarette smoke caused histologically significant damage to fetal lung tissue, oxidative stress and increased MDA and FOU levels. This damage was significantly reduced with Omega 3 and Vitamine D supplementation. Omega 3 is an important antioxidant; vitamin D has no significant antioxidant effect.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos tóxicos de la exposición al humo de cigarrillo en el pulmón, y el papel protector de Omega 3 y la Vitamina D contra esos efectos. 28 ratas Wistar albino preñadas fueron separadas en cuatro grupos. El primer grupo grupo control; el segundo grupo estuvo expuesto al humo de 10 cigarrillos por dispositivo de inhalación 2 horas / día después de la preñez; el tercer grupo se expuso al humo del cigarrillo junto con Omega 3 (0,5 mg / kg / día) y el cuarto grupo se expuso al humo del cigarrillo junto con vitamina D (42 microgramos / kg / día). Secciones de tejido pulmonar de las ratas recién nacidas se tiñeron con Hematoxilina Eosina y tricrómico de Masson. Se midieron los niveles de malondialdehído (MDA) y productos de oxidación fluorescente (POF). Los pesos fetales y el número de fetos fueron significativamente más bajos en el grupo que recibió solamente humo de cigarrillo (ambos p <0,001). Histopatológicamente, el volumen pulmonar, el número de alveolos desarrollados y la elasticidad del parénquima disminuyeron significativamente; mientras que el tejido intersticial aumentó y la elastina y el colágeno no se desarrollaron adecuadamente. Los cambios histopatológicos disminuyeron significativamente en el grupo que recibió Omega 3 y Vitamina D. Estadísticamente, se encontró que los niveles de MDA y POF eran más altos en el grupo expuesto al humo de cigarrillo en comparación con el grupo control, además los niveles de MDA y POF fueron más bajos en el grupo que recibió Omega 3 junto con el humo del cigarrillo (p <0,001). El humo del cigarrillo causó daños histológicamente significativos en el tejido pulmonar fetal, el estrés oxidativo y el aumento de los niveles de MDA y FOU. Este daño se redujo significativamente con los suplementos de Omega 3 y Vitamina D. El omega 3 es un importante antioxidante; la vitamina D no tiene ningún efecto antioxidante significativo.

Calcaneal Avulsion of an Ochronotic Achilles Tendon: A Case Report.

Alkaptonuria is a hereditary disorder of phenylalanine and tyrosine, with an incidence of approximately 1/200,000 to 1/1,000,000. Ochronosis is the accumulation of homogentisic acid and its metabolites in connective tissues such as the tendons, cartilage, and skin. In the present case study, a 50-year-old male presented with a nontraumatic calcaneal avulsion without a previous diagnosis of ochronosis. To the best of our knowledge, little information has been reported of this pathology in the Achilles tendon and the surgical management.

Dose dependent effect of resveratrol in preventing cisplatin-induced ovarian damage in rats: An experimental study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of resveratrol in preventing cisplatin (CP) induced ovarian damage in rats. Twenty-eight female Wistar albino rats were separated into four groups. No medication was given to group 1. Over the 21-day study period, low-dose resveratrol was given to group 2, high-dose resveratrol was given to group 3, and saline was administered to group 4. On the 15th day of medication, all groups except for group 1 were treated with a single dose of CP. Serum levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were tested at baseline and on the 15th and 21st days. All rats underwent oophorectomy one week after CP application. Primordial, primary, secondary, and tertiary follicles were counted microscopically. No significant difference was observed among the groups in mean AMH levels according to follow-up time. The numbers of primary and primordial follicles were statistically significantly higher in group 2 than in group 4 (p<0.05). The number of tertiary follicles was statistically significantly higher in group 1 than in groups 3 and 4 (p<0.05), but it was not statistically significantly different than in group 2. Resveratrol, particularly at low-doses, can prevent CP induced ovarian damage by maintaining the numbers of primordial and primary follicles. Further studies are needed to study the effect of resveratrol on human ovaries.

The Effects of Colchicine-Impregnated Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose on Capsular Contracture.

Capsular contracture is the most common complication of breast augmentation. Oxidized regenerated cellulose can be used as a matrix for drug transport. Colchicine is an antimitotic drug that interferes with various steps of wound healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oxidized regenerated cellulose alone or in combination with colchicine on capsular contracture. Twenty-one adult female Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 3 groups. In group 1 silicone blocks only, in group 2 oxidized regenerated cellulose-wrapped silicone blocks, and in group 3 colchicine-impregnated oxidized regenerated cellulose-wrapped silicone blocks were inserted in the dorsal region. Four weeks later, implants were removed and histopathological examination was performed. Capsular thickness, inflammatory infiltrate degree, collagen fiber organization, and myofibroblast density were evaluated. Macroscopic examination revealed a distinct capsule formation only in group 1 animals, with average measurement being 134.65 µm on histopathological examination. In groups 2 and 3 animals, no distinct capsule formation was seen. Inflammatory infiltrate degree was found to be less in groups 2 and 3 animals than in group 1 animals. Collagen fiber organization around the implants was found to be parallel and organized in group 1 animals, whereas it was random and disorganized in animals in both groups 2 and 3. High myofibroblast density was observed in animals in groups 1 and 2, while no myofibroblast was found in animals in group 3. The results of our study suggest that coating silicone implants with oxidized regenerated cellulose or with colchicine-impregnated oxidized regenerated cellulose may be effective in preventing capsular contracture.

Effect of Splenectomy to Short Bowel Syndrome in Rats.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of splenectomy in the short bowel syndrome. Twenty-four Wistar-albino rats weighing between 210 and 375 g were used. They were divided into three groups. In group A, short bowel syndrome (SBS) was created by 75 % bowel resection. In group B, SBS and splenectomy was performed. In group C, after transecting the bowel, it was anastomosed. Before and 45 days after the procedures, all rats were weighed. In all three groups, the first and final weight of the rats, the final bowel weight and length, the ileal and jejunal crypt depths, the villus height, the luminal diameter, the bowel wall thickness, and the number of apoptotic cells and mitosis per 100 crypt cell were compared. Periportal fibrosis, infiltration, bile stasis, and bile duct proliferation were detected in liver samples. The rat intestinal length and weight was the least in group B while the jejunal crypt depth was higher in group B than in group A and it was exactly the opposite for the jejunal and ileal villus heights. The ileal and jejunal luminal diameter, the ileal bowel wall thickness, the jejunal and ileal apoptotic cell number, the jejunal mitosis, and the periportal fibrosis were highest in group B. Adding splenectomy to an SBS model has a negative impact on bowel adaptation.

Prevention of Epidural Fibrosis Using Ranibizumab in a Postlaminectomy Rat Model.

AIM: One of the most significant reasons for persistent low back pain experienced after spinal surgery is epidural fibrosis seen after laminectomy procedures. This study shows the effects of Ranibizumab on spinal epidural fibrosis in the laminectomy area by blocking the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were used in this study. Rats were divided into two groups; a control group and a ranibizumab group. Only laminectomy was performed to the control group. In the ranibizumab group, 0.6 mg/kg ranibizumab diluted in 0.9% NaCl with the ratio of 1:10 was applied topically. Three weeks later, the vertebral columns were resected en bloc including the whole laminectomy area in both groups and evaluated histopathologically. Results were compared using statistical tools. RESULTS: Based on the statistical analysis, our data show that less epidural fibrosis was seen in the ranibizumab group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Topically applied Ranibizumab is significantly effective in preventing epidural fibrosis in rats occurred after laminectomy.

Vitamin C is effective for the prevention and regression of endometriotic implants in an experimentally induced rat model of endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease pathologically defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. It is one of the most important diseases affecting women of reproductive age. The process of endometriotic implant growth is mediated by many complex interactions of immunologic, hormonal, genetic, and environmental mediators. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), besides playing a role in preventing invasion and metastasis, is an antioxidant having anti-inflammatory and -angiogenic effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin C on the prevention and regression of endometriotic implants in a rat model of endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, comparative, experimental animal study. After endometriotic implants were induced simultaneously, rats were divided into three groups. Group A was given 500 mg/kg of intravenous vitamin C every 2 days, starting immediately after implantation (n = 11). All rats had a second operation 21 days after the initial one and had the lesion volumes measured. Group B was given 500 mg/kg of intravenous vitamin C every 2 days, starting 21 days after this operation (n = 11). All rats were sacrificed 21 days after the third operation. Implant volume, weight measurements, and histopathological evaluation of the lesions were carried out. Group A received vitamin C throughout the study, while Group C (n = 11) was not given any medication. The findings in the three groups were compared. RESULTS: At the second laparotomy after the induction, Group A had the smallest implant volume with a statistically significant difference compared to Group B (p = 0.012). The end-of-study volumes of endometriotic implants of group B were significantly smaller than the first volumes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intravenous vitamin C treatment might have a suppressive effect on the prevention of endometriotic implant induction and regression of endometriotic implant volumes.

A randomized controlled experimental study of the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid for the prevention of adhesion formation in a rat uterine horn model.

PURPOSE: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been known to possess an efficacy in tissue regeneration. The aim of this study was to determine the role of PRP on post-operative adhesion formation in an experimental rat study. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, hyaluronic acid, and PRP treatment groups and operated on for uterine horn adhesion modeling. Blood was collected to produce a PRP with platelet counts of 688 × 10(3)/µL, and 1 ml of either hyaluronic acid gel or PRP was administered over the standard lesions, while the control group received no medication. The evaluation of post-operative adhesions was done on the 30th post-operative day. The location, extent, type, and tenacity of adhesions as well as total adhesion scores, tissue inflammation, fibrosis and transforming growth factor-1beta (TGF-1ß) expressions were evaluated. RESULTS: The total adhesion score was significantly lower in the PRP group (3.2 ± 1.5) compared with the hyaluronic acid (5.0 ± 1.3) and control (8.1 ± 1.7) groups. The extent of the adhesions was significantly lower in the PRP group. There was no significant difference in the type and tenacity of adhesions between the hyaluronic acid and the PRP group. The level of inflammation was significantly higher in the control group than the others, while there was no difference between the PRP and hyaluronic acid groups. TGF-1ß expression was significantly lesser in the PRP group than the control and hyaluronic acid groups. CONCLUSIONS: PRP is more effective than hyaluronic acid treatment in preventing post-operative adhesion formation in an experimental rat uterine horn adhesion model.

A rare case of leiomyosarcoma localized in the Bartholin's gland area and review of the literature.

Sarcomas of the vulva in the Bartholin's gland area are extremely rare in adults and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. A 65-year-old female patient without any previous complaint presented to our hospital complaining of a genital lump with progressive enlargement over the last six months. Pelvic examination revealed a 6 × 5 cm solid mass lesion with irregular margins localized in the left Bartholin's gland. Preoperative pathology results indicated a benign lesion, which was subsequently totally excised. Histopathological examination of the lesion revealed leiomyosarcoma. When a lesion is localized in the Bartholin's gland area, preoperative biopsy may suggest benign cytology, which can lead to a delay in diagnosis and curative treatment. Total local excision is the first choice for vulvar-complicated masses in the Bartholin's gland area. The present case is the ninth well-documented case reported in the literature.

The effects of different environmental pH on healing of tympanic membrane: an experimental study.

In this study, we investigated the effect of environmental pH on healing of acute rat tympanic membrane perforations. Twenty Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups and used in the study. A large myringotomy was performed in the posteroinferior quadrants of both tympanic membranes. In left ears, topical pH 4 standard calibration solution was used in groups 1 and 3, and pH 7 standard calibration solution was used in groups 2 and 4. Right ears served as controls, and allowed for spontaneous healing. The solutions were applied for 2 days in groups 1 and 2, and for 7 days in groups 3 and 4. Healing was assessed by macroscopic closure of the tympanic membrane perforation, and histopathological analysis of lamina propria edema, neovascularization, inflammatory cells, and fibroblastic reaction in the temporal bones. pH 7 and pH 4 groups were similar for macroscopic closure of perforation on day 2; however difference was significant on day 7. The fibroblastic activity was significantly less on days 2 and 7 in pH 4 group. On day 7, there were significant differences between pH 4 and pH 7, and pH 7 and control groups for inflammatory cell infiltration. In conclusion, clinical and histopathological results of this study indicated that acidic environmental pH speeded up and shortened wound-healing process. By building up optimum environmental pH, a healthy healing may be achieved in acute tympanic membrane perforations.

Retroperitoneal Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour: A Rare Case Report.

Malignant nerve sheath tumours (MPNST) are rare neoplasias and retroperitoneal cases are fairly rare and clinically difficult to be detected, but they are very agressive neoplasias. MPNST are frequently seen in head, neck and upper extremities. In patients with NF1; MPNST, a poor-prognostic lesion, may result from a malignant degeneration of a former plexiform neurofibroma. It is necessary to be aware of a potential malignancy in patients diagnosed with plexiform neurofibroma. We present a 21-year-old female with a diagnosis of MPNST. The patient was admited to the hospital because of a tumour in the subcutaneous region on her left buttock. The surgeon's clinical diagnosis was lipoma. After the pathological examination of biopsy specimen, the lesion was identified as "plexiform neurofibroma" and then the patient was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Simultaneously, another mass on the retroperitoneal region was identified as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST).

Prevention of unfavourable effects of cigarette smoke on flap viability using botulinum toxin in random pattern flaps: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: There are numerous clinical and experimental studies reporting unfavourable effects of cigarette smoke on skin flaps. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether unfavourable effects of cigarette smoke on flap survival could be reduced by botulinum toxin type A. METHODS: Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats (15 months of age, mean weight 210 g [range 180 g to 230 g]) were included. They were divided into four groups of seven animals each. The control group underwent the surgical procedure alone. Surgical procedure was performed after administration of botulinum toxin type A in the botulinum toxin (BTX) group, after exposure to cigarette smoke in the cigarette smoke (CS) group, and after BTX type A administration and exposure to CS in the CS+BTX (CS+BTX) group. Random pattern cutaneous flaps (3 cm × 9 cm) were elevated from the dorsum of all rats. Necrosis area was calculated in percentages (%) using Image J computer software. Tissue samples were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: The mean necrotic area in the control group (26%) and in the BTX group (21%) were similar (P=0.497), whereas administration of BTX type A significantly decreased flap necrosis area in the rats exposed to CS (the mean necrosis areas were 41.5% in the CS group, and 26% in the CS+BTX group; P<0.001). Histopathological examination findings corroborated the unfavourable effects of CS and preventive effects of BTX type A. CONCLUSION: Preoperative administration of BTX significantly enhanced flap viability in the rats exposed to CS. Further human studies are warranted to verify whether BTX type A could be used as an agent to reduce the risk of flap necrosis in patients who smoke.

HISTORIQUE: De nombreuses études cliniques et expérimentales font état des effets défavorables de la fumée de cigarette (FC) sur les lambeaux cutanés. OBJECTIF: Examiner s'il est possible de réduire les effets défavorables de la FC sur la survie des lambeaux grâce à la toxine botulique (TXB) de type A. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Vingt-huit rats albinos Wistar (15 mois, poids moyen de 210 g [plage de 180 g à 230 g]) ont participé à l'étude. Ils ont été répartis en quatre groupes de sept animaux. Le groupe témoin a subi seulement l'intervention chirurgicale. Après l'intervention, le groupe TXB a reçu de la TXB de type A, le groupe FC a été exposé à la FC et le groupe FC+TXB s'est fait administrer de la TXB de type A et a été exposé à la FC. Les chercheurs ont prélevé des lambeaux cutanés prélevés de manière aléatoire (3 cm × 9 cm) sur le dos de tous les rats. Ils ont calculé les zones nécrotiques en pourcentages (%) au moyen du logiciel ImageJ et fait l'examen histopathologique des échantillons de tissu. RÉSULTATS: Les zones nécrotiques moyennes étaient similaires dans le groupe témoin (26 %) et le groupe TXB (21 %) (P=0,497), mais l'administration de TXB de type A réduisait considérablement les zones nécrotiques des lambeaux chez les rats exposés à la FC (zones nécrotiques moyennes de 41,5 % dans le groupe FC et de 26 % dans le groupe FC+TXB; P<0,001). Les résultats de l'examen histopathologique corroboraient les effets défavorables de la FC et les effets préventifs de la TXB de type A. CONCLUSION: L'administration préopératoire de TXB améliore considérablement la viabilité des lambeaux chez les rats exposés à la FC. Il faudra réaliser d'autres études sur des humains pour vérifier si la TXB de type A peut être utilisée pour réduire le risque de nécrose des lambeaux chez les patients fumeurs.

Methylene Blue inhibits the inflammatory process of the acetic acid-induced colitis in the rat colonic mucosa.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a serious health problem. Although it has been widely investigated, treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases currently remains as a challenging clinical problem. Over production of nitric oxide has been demonstrated to cause tissue damage and inflammation. In this study, the effect of methylene blue (MB), a well-known inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, was investigated in acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis model in Sprague-Dawley rats. Eighty male rats randomized into 4 groups (control, control MB, colitis, colitis + MB). AA was applied to groups 3 and 4. MB was added into group 2 and 4. Three days later, animals were sacrificed and 8 cm distal colonic segment resected and the specimens are examined using macroscopical, histological, and biochemical methods. The results of the macroscopic and microscopic examination showed that in group 4 the mucosal damage and inflammation score significantly lower than group 3. Increased intestinal permeability in acetic acid-administered group was significantly reversed by MB application. Myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels increased significantly, while superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were suppressed after AA-administration. These biochemical parameters were reversed in MB-treated group. Administration of acetic acid resulted in increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, total nitrite/nitrate levels and nitric oxide synthase activity. These biochemical alterations were significantly reversed by MB application also. In conclusion, our results indicate that MB decreases the level of nitric oxide and decreases inflammation in acetic acid-induced colitis.