How do vegetable oils (hazelnut and canola) affect the reproductive system in male rats?

OBJECTIVE: Vegetable oils have an important place in our daily diet. This study starts from this point to investigate the effects of canola oil and hazelnut oil in the male reproductive system in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 30 male rats were used in this 16-week study. The animals were divided into three groups: the animals in group I served as the control group, while the animals in group II and group III were fed with hazelnut and canola oil, respectively. The testes of all rats were excised for histopathologic evaluation and immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation with a standard method. Blood samples were obtained for determination of serum hormone levels. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted with respect to behavior or weight among the three groups. Rats in the canola oil group (group III) had higher luteinizing hormone (LH) and higher testosterone levels than rats in the control group. Rats who received hazelnut oil (group II) exhibited similar findings, with these levels being higher than they were in the control group. No statistical differences were shown for histopathology or IHC testosterone antibody levels across all treatment groups. Conclussion: Canola oil was shown to have a greater effect on serum LH and testosterone compared to the control group and the group fed with hazelnut oil. Further investigation is required into how these oils affect serum hormone and sperm activity.

Endoscopic Transoral Resection of Parapharyngeal Osteoma: A Case Report.

Osteoma is a benign, mesenchymal, slow-growing, osteogenic tumor commonly occurring in the craniofacial bones and is characterized by the proliferation of compact or cancellous bone. Solitary osteomas can be classified as peripheral (parosteal, periosteal, or exophytic) when arising from the periosteum or central (endosteal) when arising from soft tissue. Peripheral osteoma occurs most frequently in the paranasal sinuses. Other locations include the orbital wall, temporal bone, pterygoid processes, external ear canal, and, rarely, the mandible. Osteomas in the oromandibular region often appear in the jaw in the canine fossa, hard palate, and maxillary sinus and in the lower jaw in the inner mandible and outer circumference and lingual side of the molar region. At radiologic imaging, a peripheral osteoma of the mandible appears as a well-circumscribed, round to oval, mushroom-like radiopaque mass with distinct borders. Computed tomography is the best imaging modality for determining the location and actual extension of the lesion. Parapharyngeal space tumors are rare tumors of the head and neck region. Benign tumors of the parapharyngeal space are more common than malignant tumors. A foreign body sensation in the pharynx, difficulty with deglutition, and hoarseness are symptoms generally related to the position of the tumor. Upper airway obstruction, painful throat, unilateral tinnitus, trismus, dysarthria, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and cranial nerve palsies are other reported symptoms. This report presents the case of a huge osteoma of the left mandibular condyle extending to the parapharyngeal space.

Effects of lapatinib and trastuzumab on vascular endothelial growth factor in experimental corneal neovascularization.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of lapatinib and trastuzumab on vascular endothelial growth factor on experimental corneal neovascularization. METHODS: A total of 35 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups, each containing seven animals. Corneas of rats in the control group were not cauterized and did not receive any treatment. A silver nitrate pencil was applied on the right corneas of rats in the non-control groups to induce corneal neovascularization. Rats in the sham, lapatinib, trastuzumab and lapatinib + trastuzumab groups were administered systemic saline, 50 mg/kg lapatinib once a day orally by gavage, 4 mg/kg trastuzumab once a day intraperitoneally, or 50 mg/kg lapatinib once a day orally by gavage together with 4 mg/kg trastuzumab once a day intraperitoneally, respectively, for 7 days. Rats were sacrificed on the eighth day, and corneas were excised using a 4-mm punch trephine. Vascular endothelial growth factor immunostaining in the corneal epithelial and stromal layers was evaluated. Staining intensities were determined semi-quantitatively, and corneal vascular endothelial growth factor levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean immunostaining intensities of epithelial and stromal vascular endothelial growth factor in the control group were significantly lesser than those in the sham group (P < 0.05). The mean immunostaining intensities of epithelial and stromal vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay levels of corneas in all treatment groups (lapatinib, trastuzumab and lapatinib + trastuzumab groups) were lesser than those in the sham group (P < 0.05); however, it was similar to those in the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that systemically administered lapatinib is more effective than systemically administered trastuzumab in preventing corneal neovascularization.

The effect of methylprednisolone on facial nerve paralysis with different etiologies.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of methylprednisolone (MP) in models of facial nerve paralysis obtained by nerve section, compression, or inoculation with herpes simplex virus (HSV). STUDY DESIGN: Experimental controlled animal study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. METHODS: A total of 30 female New Zealand rabbits weighing 1200-3000 g were used for the study. They were randomly assigned to one of 6 groups of 5 animals each. A nerve section injury was realized in Groups 1a (section and MP) and 1b (section, control) rabbits. A compression-type injury was inflicted to rabbits in Groups 2a (compression and MP) and 2b (compression, control). As for animals in Groups 3a (Type 1 HSV and MP) and 3b (Type 1 HSV, controls), facial nerve paralysis resulting from viral infection was obtained. Animals in the 3 treatment groups, designated with the letter "a", were administered MP, 1 mg/kg/d, whereas those in control groups "b" received 1 mL normal saline, both during 3 weeks. All subjects were followed up for 2 months. At the end of this period, all animals had the buccal branch of the facial nerve excised on the operated side. Semi-thin sections of these specimens were evaluated under light microscopy for the following: perineural fibrosis, increase in collagen fibers, myelin degeneration, axonal degeneration, Schwann cell proliferation, and edema. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed (P > 0.05) between the MP treatment group and the control group with regard to perineural fibrosis, increase in collagen fibers, myelin degeneration, axonal degeneration, edema, or Schwann cell proliferation. In the group with a compressive lesion (Group 2), controls were no different from MP-treated animals as to perineural fibrosis, increase in collagen fibers, or Schwann cell proliferation, whereas axonal degeneration, myelin degeneration, and edema were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the control group. When comparing the treatment and control groups among the animals inoculated with Type 1 HSV, no significant difference was found with regard to perineural fibrosis, axonal degeneration, myelin degeneration, or Schwann cell proliferation. The only statistically significant advantage of the treatment group was in edema formation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the evaluation of MP efficacy in different models of facial nerve palsy, we may say that this drug was without effect on nerve healing in paralysis due to nerve section and that it only reduced nervous edema in paralysis induced by Type 1 HSV, whereas it had positive effects on healing in the type of paralysis caused by nerve compression.

The effects of aminoguanidine, methylprednisolone, and melatonin on nerve recovery in peripheral facial nerve neurorrhaphy.

BACKGROUND: The medications may enhance the recovery after nerve paralysis. We aimed to evaluate the effects of aminoguanidine (AG), melatonin, and methylprednisolone on peripheral facial nerve neurorrhaphy. METHODS: The buccal branch of the facial nerve was transected and autografted in 32 New Zealand rabbits. Subjects were divided into 4 groups equally (AG, melatonin, methylprednisolone, and control). After the medical treatment latency and amplitude were measured with nerve conduction study at 3, 6, and 10 weeks. Then, coapted segments of nerve were examined microscopically. The groups were compared with each other. RESULTS: The latent period was shortened, and the amplitudes were increased in the AG group; the latent period was shortened, and the amplitudes did not show significant change in the melatonin group with the time. There were no significant differences between the amplitudes at 3 to 6 and 3 to 10 weeks in the methylprednisolone group, and the latent period was shortened. There was no significant difference between the amplitude values at 3, 6, and 10 weeks in the control group. In the histological examination, AG had the best influence on preventing myelin degeneration and reducing the accumulation of myelin debris. Considering the increase in collagen fibers, the best results were achieved in the melatonin group. The degree of myelin-axonal degeneration was higher in the methylprednisolone group. The degree of collagen fiber increase, axonal degeneration, myelin degeneration, and the accumulation of myelin debris were detected quite high in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Aminoguanidine and melatonin alone achieved an increase in regeneration after peripheral facial nerve neurorrhaphy, but methylprednisolone did not. The best healing was determined in the AG group.

Comparison of the histologic changes in conchae induced by radiofrequency thermal ablation and submucosal diathermy.

Objective of study was to determine the histological change induced in the conchae by submucosal diathermy and radiofrequency thermal ablation, two techniques used in the treatment of lower conchal hypertrophy, and to compare the two methods to each other. The study was performed on 15 rabbits. Radiofrequency was applied to the study animals in Group I (n = 5) and submucosal diathermy to Group II (n = 5), while Group III (n = 5) was the untreated control. The animals were decapitated 21 days after treatment and their conchae nasales ventrales excised on both sides. Histology slides were prepared and evaluated by light microscopy for ciliary loss, increase in submucosal vascularity, loss of goblet cells, inflammatory cellular infiltration, fibrosis and epithelial damage. The differences between Groups I and III were not significant regarding ciliary loss, increase in submucosal vascularity, loss of goblet cells and epithelial damage (p > 0.05), while the inflammatory cellular infiltration and fibrosis were significantly different between these groups (p < 0.05). As for the differences between Groups II and III, they were significant for each of the compared parameters (p < 0.05), while among Groups I and II they were significant for ciliary loss (p < 0.05), increase in submucosal vascularity, loss of goblet cells, inflammatory cellular infiltration and epithelial damage but not fibrosis (p > 0.05). Based on these findings, we can state that the use of radiofrequency thermal ablation causes less change in the normal conchal histology than submucosal diathermy application.

The impact of tacrolimus on growth factors in experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of intravitreal tacrolimus on an animal model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and on growth factors implicated in its pathogenesis. METHODS: Twenty-one guinea pigs were randomly assigned to one of three groups of seven animals each: no-PVR/saline group (no PVR/intravitreal saline-injected group), PVR/saline group (dispase-induced PVR group, treated with control injections of intravitreal saline), and PVR/tacrolimus group (treatment group, dispase-induced PVR group treated with intravitreal tacrolimus injections). At the end of the experiment, eyes were enucleated and the identification of the stages of PVR was carried out. While a halves of the enucleated globes were evaluated histopathologically for PVR formation, the retinas of the other halves of globes were used for the preparation of retinal homogenates. The transforming growth factor-ß, platelet-derived growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor levels in homogenized retina tissues were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: When assessing the average PVR stages in terms of severe PVR rates, the PVR/tacrolimus group had significantly improved when compared with the PVR/saline group. The PVR/tacrolimus group demonstrated significantly decreased levels of transforming growth factor-ß, platelet-derived growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor when compared with the PVR/saline group and also demonstrated significant improvement in epiretinal membrane formation and retinal fold in the presence of histopathologic levels. The difference in degradation of photoreceptor cells between the PVR/tacrolimus and the PVR/saline groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that intravitreal tacrolimus application may suppress PVR development and that tacrolimus may merit investigation for the prophylaxis of PVR.

Thymic Seminoma with Regressive Changes Obscured by Granulomatous Reaction.

Primary thymic seminoma is an exceedingly rare tumour. There are few case reports about mediastinal thymic seminoma accompanied by secondary changes. We report a case of a 29-year male admitted to our hospital because of chest pain and dyspnea for 8 months. Computed tomography of the thorax revealed hypodense, solid masses showing calcification and cystic degeneration in the anterior mediastinum. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed a diagnosis of thymic seminoma with regressive and reactive changes. The present case was unique in its presentation as a primary seminoma showing combination of cystic degeneration, follicular hyperplasia, fibrosis, calcification and granulomatous reaction in one case. High level of suspicion is necessary to identify seminomas in a thymic lesion accompanied by secondary changes. Excluding the possibility of metastasis from testicular seminoma is very important before making this diagnosis. Key Words: Thymus, Seminoma, Granuloma, Calcification, Cyst.

Pro-oxidant and antiproliferative effects of the 1,3,4-thiadiazole-based Schiff base and its metal complexes.

Adverse biological activities of Schiff base (SB) derivatives are well known. In this study, the ligand and its metal complexes have been synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H-NMR spectra, elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, UV-Vis spectra, and thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis. From the elemental analyses data, the complexes were proposed to have the general formula [Mn(L)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], [Co(L)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], and [Ni(2)(L)(H(2)O)(4)(Cl)(3)]. From the magnetic moment and UV-Vis spectra data, it was found that the geometrical structures of these complexes are octahedral. In the in vivo experiment, adult male rats were injected subcutaneously with a new SB (L) and its [Mn(L)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], [Co(L)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], and [Ni(2)(L)(H(2)O)(4)(Cl)(3)] complexes (25 mg/kg body weight) and were then sacrificed 16 days later. Effects of these compounds on serum antioxidant vitamins (i.e., vitamins A, E, and C) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in blood serum, liver, and kidney tissues. In an in vitro experiment, antiproliferative effects of these compounds were assessed on the human breast carcinoma MCF-7 and murine leukemia L1210 cell lines. Serum MDA and vitamins A, E, and C levels did not change by the treatments. However, in the kidney and liver tissues, MDA levels were higher, whereas vitamin levels were lower in treatment groups, compared to the control group. All compounds inhibited cell proliferation of MCF-7 and L1210 cancer cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, SB derivatives tested in the current study induced oxidative stress in vivo and exhibited anti-proliferative effects in an in vitro culture system.

Determination of urinary N-acetyl-ß-D glucosaminidase (NAG) levels in experimental blunt renal trauma.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the applicability of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D glucosaminidase (NAG) levels in the diagnosis and follow-up in blunt kidney injury. METHODS: Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. In the Sham group, left kidney exploration was made. In the Trauma group, after left kidney exploration, a 20 g weight was dropped onto the kidneys. Urine was collected for analysis with strip and determination of urinary NAG and creatinine (Cr) levels at baseline and 0-6, 12-24, 24-36 and 36-48 postoperative hours. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. RESULTS: Macroscopic examinations of traumatized kidneys revealed grade II and III injury, and histopathological examinations showed relevant changes. Macroscopic hematuria was observed in all traumatized rats. Urinary NAG/Cr levels in the Trauma group were found to be significantly higher than their base levels at 0-6, 12-24, 24-36, and 36-48 hours. In the Sham group, only the level of NAG/Cr at 0-6 hours was significantly higher. The increase in NAG/Cr levels at 0-6 hours was significantly higher in the Trauma group than in the Sham group. CONCLUSION: After isolated blunt renal trauma, urinary NAG levels increase in the early stage. However, more detailed clinical studies are needed to develop NAG levels as a criterion in the follow-up of blunt renal trauma.

Novel Bacterial Cellulose Membrane to Reduce Fibrosis Following Trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of bacterial cellulose membrane (BCM) in preventing fibrosis in trabeculectomy and the biocompatibility of BCM with conjunctiva and sclera. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one eyes of 21 adult rabbits underwent fornix-based trabeculectomy. Standard surgery was done to control group (CG, n=7). Mitomycin-C (MMC) (0.3 mg/mL, 3 min) was applied to MMC group only (MMCG, n=7). BCM (~100 µm thick, 10×10 mm, single layer) was covered on the sclerotomy area before conjunctiva was closed in BCM group (BCMG, n=7). Intraocular pressures (IOP) were measured before, and 7, 14, 28, and 45 days after surgery (IOP-POD7, POD14, POD28, POD45). The IOP decrease were expressed as DIOP%-POD7, DIOP%-POD14, DIOP%-POD28, and DIOP%-POD45. The rabbits were sacrificed on the 45th day. Conjunctival vessel number, degrees of fibrosis, total inflammation, foreign body reaction, inflammatory cell types (B cells, T cells, plasma cells), macrophages, bleb spaces and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin were studied using histopathology and immunohistochemistry techniques. The groups were compared using nonparametric tests. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding baseline IOP and DIOP%-POD7 (P>0.05). While DIOP%-POD14, 28 and 45 were similar between BCMG and MMCG, they were significantly lower in CG (P<0.05). The lowest conjunctival vessel number was detected in the MMCG but the difference was not significant. There was no difference between BCMG and CG with regard to the numbers of B cells, T cells, and macrophages, however, these cells were significantly lower in MMCG (P<0.05). Five cases had mild and 2 cases had moderate foreign body reaction in the BCMG. There was mild to moderate inflammation in all BCM cases. While fibrosis and α-smooth muscle actin staining were higher in the CG (P<0.001), they were minimal in the BCM and MMCGs. CONCLUSIONS: BCM showed good biocompatibility and provided better control of IOP with minimal fibrosis at the trabeculectomy site compared with the control group.

Histopathologic and functional effects of facial nerve following electrical stimulation.

The aim of the study is to investigate the functional and histopathologic changes in facial nerve due to the application of various violent and numerous electrical stimuli to the facial nerve. The study was carried out with Wistar rats weighing between 200 and 300 g. The facial nerves of the subjects were located and stimulated with electrical stimulator. Then five groups were created with 18 subjects in each group: Group 1, 1 milliampere (mA) electrical stimulus applied; Group 2, 2 mA electrical stimulus applied; Group 3, 3 mA electrical stimulus applied; Group 4, 4 mA electrical stimulus applied; Group 5, 5 mA electrical stimulus applied. All groups were divided into three sub-groups, each consisting of six subjects. The facial nerves of the subjects in first sub-group were stimulated 10 times, in second sub-group were stimulated 20 times and those in third sub-group were stimulated 30 times. The functions of the facial nerves were evaluated on first day, first week and first month, respectively. The facial nerves with branches were dissected from the surrounding tissues carefully. These specimens were investigated by light microscope about axonal degeneration, macrovacuolization and vascular congestion. Loss of facial functions was not observed in the subjects during follow-up process. There was no significant difference between groups regarding axonal degeneration, macrovacuolization and vascular congestion (P > 0.05). While less axonal degeneration was observed in group which was stimulated 10 times, more axonal degeneration was observed in groups which were stimulated 20 and 30 times (P < 0.05). The axonal degeneration, macrovacuolization and vascular congestion were observed more in 1-day groups (P < 0.05). Consequently, lesser violence and lesser number of electrical stimulus application to the facial nerve appears to be an important criterion for not damaging the facial nerve in patients in whom stimulators have been used.

The effects of methylprednisolone and halofuginone on preventing esophageal and hypopharyngeal fibrosis in delivered radiotherapy.

In this study, we assessed the effects of halofuginone and methylprednisolone on hypopharyngeal and esophageal stricture that can develop following radiation to the head and neck of rats. Rats were divided into four groups randomly and 18 Gy radiation was given to the head and neck regions of all rats except the control group. Group 1 (Control Group): No radiation or drugs were administered. Group 2 (Radiation Group): only radiation was applied without any drugs. Group 3 (Halofuginone Group): halofuginone 100 microg/kg per day was given intraperitoneally. Group 4 (Methylprednisolone Group): methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg per day was administered intramuscularly. In all groups, 90 days after application of radiation, sections of the proximal esophagus and hypopharynx were examined for fibrosis, fibroblast proliferation, vascularization, epithelial atypia, necrosis, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, mononuclear cells, and stenosis index by light microscope and the hydroxyproline levels were assessed biochemically. Fibrosis, epithelial atypia and hydroxyproline levels were found to be significantly higher in the radiation group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). We did not observe fibrosis in either the halofuginone or the control groups. Fibrosis was also significantly lower in the methylprednisolone group than the radiation group (P < 0.05). The differences of the stenosis index scores between the groups were not statistically significant (P < 0.05). Vascularization was similar in all groups. We think that especially halofuginone is a drug that can be used safely to prevent fibrosis due to radiotherapy, but further studies are needed.

Ghrelin expression in normal kidney tissue and renal carcinomas.

Ghrelin expression in cancers is either reduced/absent or increased depending on the organs involved. The aims of this study were to investigate: (i) whether there are differences in ghrelin peptide expression between kidney tissues from a series of renal cell carcinoma cases, oncocytomas, and normal controls; (ii) whether there are correlations between tissue ghrelin levels in a series of renal carcinoma cases and normal controls; and (iii) how normal is kidney ghrelin expression per mg tissue as compared with the normal stomach tissue ghrelin level. We studied 7 normal stomach and 7 normal kidney samples, 21 clear cell renal carcinomas, 7 chromophobe type renal cell carcinomas (RCC), 7 papillary type RCC, and 7 oncocytoma samples. Tissue ghrelin expression was measured by RIA and immunohistochemistry. Grades 1-3 clear renal cell carcinomas, chromophobe type RCC, papillary type RCC, and oncocytomas expressed 88%, 94%, 95%, 51%, 75%, and 48% less ghrelin than the normal kidney, respectively. Overall, we concluded that ghrelin expression in renal cell carcinoma tissues is always lower than that in normal kidney or is absent. This low level or lack of ghrelin may play a role in the etiopathogenesis and progression of cancer.

The effects of acupuncture on rats with brain ischemia-reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the damage of brain ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) caused by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), and the effects of acupuncture on this damage. METHODS: This investigation took place in the Experimental Research Unit of Firat University, Elazig, Turkey in January-February 2007. For this aim, 14 rats were divided into 2 groups: I/R (control) and I/R+acupuncture (experiment). In the I/R group, the MCA was occluded for 60 minutes, after this reperfusion was applied. In the I/R+acupuncture group, dry needle acupuncture was applied after reperfusion for 10 days. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed. The brain tissues were examined after staining with hematoxylin and eosin. RESULTS: In the samples belonging to the I/R group, widespread necrotic areas, red neurons, vacuolization, congestion, and edema were observed. In the I/R+ acupuncture group, the findings of ischemia were significantly decreased when compared with the I/R group. CONCLUSION: The damage caused by I/R was decreased by manual acupuncture therapy, however, further clinical studies are needed to determine the mechanism of acupuncture treatment, the optimal timing, and duration of acupuncture treatment in such disorders.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect of infliximab in a mouse model of acute asthma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential role of anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mAb (infliximab) on the inflammatory response in a mouse model of acute asthma. METHODS: BALB/c mice received intraperitoneal (i.p.) ovalbumin (OVA) on days 0 and 14, 100 microg of OVA intranasally on day 14 and 50 microg of OVA intranasally on days 25, 26 and 27. The low-dose (2.5 mg/kg) and high-dose (6.25 mg/kg) infliximab groups received i.p. infliximab before each i.p. sensitization and on challenge days 1, 6, 13, 20 and 27. The control group received i.p. injections of normal saline with alum on days 0 and 14 and normal saline without alum on days 14, 25, 26 and 27. RESULTS: There were statistically significant decreases in the numbers of BAL fluid (BALF) neutrophils, eosinophils, as well as lung eosinophils in both the low- and high-dose infliximab groups when compared with the control OVA sensitized/challenged group. The lower dose of infliximab did not alter lung neutrophil counts, but a marked decrease was seen with the high dose of infliximab. After treatment with low and high doses of infliximab, BALF levels of regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), TNF-alpha, IL-6, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, and levels of RANTES, IL-4, GM-CSF, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and MIP-2 in lung tissue were significantly decreased when compared with the control OVA sensitized/challenged group. There was a significant decrease in BALF IL-4 only in the high-dose infliximab group. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that an anti-TNF-alpha mAb has a considerable anti-inflammatory effect on allergen-induced lung inflammation in an animal model of acute asthma.

Histopathologic changes in guinea pig mastoid mucosa after topical mitomycin C application followed by mastoidectomy.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the histopathologic changes observed in mastoid cavity of guinea pigs after the application of mitomycin C after mastoidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 50 guinea pigs. Unilateral (right ear) mastoidectomy was performed on all guinea pigs. Twenty-five guinea pigs were separated as study group and the remaining were separated as control group. A mitomycin C-soaked sponge was placed in the mastoid cavities of the study group and a dry sponge was placed in those of the control group. Their mastoid cavities were examined histopathologically for absorbable sponge waste, abscess formation, fibrosis, vascularization, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, edema, lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltration, and granulation tissue. RESULTS: Absorbable sponge waste, abscess formation, fibrosis, vascularization, edema, and lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltration were not significantly different between the groups. However, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration and granulation tissue were statistically different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Mitomycin C can be used after mastoidectomy to decrease the granulation tissue formation in ear discharges and to prevent the discharge.

Effects of intraoperative oxidated regenerated cellulose on wound healing reaction after glaucoma filtration surgery: a comparative study with Interceed and Surgicel.

BACKGROUND: The successful lowering of the intraocular pressure after glaucoma filtration surgery depends mostly on the nature of the healing response, which is also the single most important modifiable factor. AIMS: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two oxidated regenerated cellulose material, Interceed and Surgicel on wound healing reaction after glaucoma filtration surgery. SETTING AND DESIGN: University hospital, prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Full thickness filtration surgery was carried out on three groups of rabbits. Interceed and Surgicel was applied in Groups 1 and 2 respectively. The third group was the controls. Intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth and bleb appearance were checked on the first, third, seventh and 14 th days. The rabbits were sacrificed on the 14 th day and the trabeculectomy area with overlying conjunctiva was excised, fixed, stained and evaluated histopathologically. STATISTICS: The values obtained from the clinical and histopathologic evaluation were statistically analyzed using non-parametric tests (Mann Whitney-U and Kruskall Wallis tests) in SPSS for Windows v-10. P values under 0.05 for statistical significance in comparisons were considered significant. RESULTS: The groups were similar with respect to intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, bleb appearance and number of the fibroblasts and neutrophils on the seventh and 14 th days. Mean number of the eosinophils and vessels was significantly less in Groups 1 and 2 ( P = 0.014, P = 0.20 respectively). Macrophages in Group 2 were significantly less than Group 1 ( P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Both these agents seem to suppress vascularization. Since they have no significant effect on fibroblast proliferation, it is controversial to talk about wound healing modulation.