Vascular and morphogenetic abnormalities associated with exposure of cigarette smoke condensate during chicken and murine embryogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: Embryonic movements (EM) and angiogenesis pathways are evolutionarily conserved mechanisms which are essential for proper embryonic development. Deviations in these processes by exposure to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) may cause vascular and morphogenetic disorders. METHODS: Using chicken and mouse embryos, we have demonstrated the in vivo effects of CSC on EM, vascular development, and organogenesis. RESULTS: Examination of the CSC exposed chicken embryos revealed a significant reduction in EM, stunted growth, deviated pattern of blood vessels, hemorrhages, and localized necrosis. Likewise, mouse embryos that were exposed to CSC at E8.5 and E9.5 died between E11.5 and E12.5, respectively. These mouse embryos showed defects in morphogenesis and remodeling of the embryonic vasculature, while littermate controls showed normal development. CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is fatal for growing embryos. CSC may induce the remodeling of embryonic vasculature, leading to various pathologies.

Importance of pericytes and mechanisms of pericyte loss during diabetes retinopathy.

Pericytes are distinctive regulators of angiogenesis and are adumbrated to provide vessel stability and control of endothelial proliferation. The present article spotlights the persona of pericytes in physiological angiogenesis, recruitment of pericytes and different mechanisms of pericyte depletion. Developing retina appears particularly dependent on pericytes, and pericyte loss is considered as hallmark of early diabetic retinopathies. Several factors are contemplated to be engaged in pericyte conscription including angiopoietin-1 and its receptor tyrosine kinase Tie-2, vascular endothelial growth factor-A and its receptor flk-1 and the platelet-derived growth factor PDGF-B/PDGF-beta system. At present, the mechanisms by which diabetes persuade apoptosis in the retinal microvasculature remain indecisive, albeit oxidative stress, formation of advanced glycation end products , upregulation of protein kinase C, increased polyol pathway flux and focal leukostasis may be important. In this context, accelerated microvascular cell death may become a constructive surrogate end-point in pharmacological studies of experimental diabetic.

Exposure of smoke solutions from CNG-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws induces distressed embryonic movements, embryonic hemorrhaging and ectopia cordis.

In south Asian countries, a campaign has launched to promote CNG-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws (CNFAR) to decrease emission load in the environment. Even though, CNFAR are considered environmentally safe, emissions of some other toxic chemicals would amplify, which may effect the development of growing fetus and may result in different growth defects. By utilizing the in vivo chicken embryo model, this report analyzes the toxic potential of CNFAR smoke solutions (CNFARSS) on embryonic movements (EM) and cardiovascular development. Application of CNFARSS to embryos caused profound decline (p<0.001) in all four types of EMs. Several recovery attempts of all EMs were observed in oscillating fashion, however, EMs did not recover by the end of experiment. Exposure of CNFARSS escorted intense decline (p<0.001) with temperate recovery phases in the EM of tail. Macroscopic evaluation of all CNFARSS treated chicken embryos revealed several widespread hemorrhaging throughout the whole body. Moreover, four different types of ectopia cordis were prominently observed among all CNFARSS treated embryos, namely; incomplete ectopia cordis, complete ectopia cordis, cervico-thoracic ectopia cordis and thoraco-abdominal ectopia cordis.

Long-term results and patients' satisfaction after transurethral ethylene vinyl alcohol (Tegress) injections: a two-centre study.

Tegress is ethylene vinyl alcohol which is non-allergenic and permanent. The aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy, feasibility and safety of transurethral Tegress in women with urodynamic stress incontinence in a two-centre setting. Approximately 33 female patients with urodynamic stress incontinence were prospectively included in the study. Preoperatively, the patient's history, gynaecological examination and multichannel urodynamics were performed. On follow-up, the patient was asked to use a visual analogue scale to measure her contentness and underwent uroflowmetry and a cough test. Median follow up was 51 months. About 15 women considered themselves as completely continent, and 23 (69%) were either satisfied or very satisfied. Pad test was positive in 18 (54.5%) patients, and cough test was positive in 20 (60.6%). Patients' satisfaction did not correlate with objective dryness. Ethylene vinyl alcohol is a bulking agent with a success rate of approximately 45% after 51 months.