Morphometric study and anatomical variation with its incidence of foramina transversaria on the lower cervical vertebrae / Estudio morfométrico y variación anatómica con la incidencia de forámenes transversos en las vértebras cervicales inferiores

SUMMARY: Anatomical variation of the foramina transversaria (FT) is associated with vertebral neurovascular symptoms and can cause complications after lower spine surgery, especially cervical pedicle screw (CPS) insertion. FT variation has been documented and classified in various populations, as this information can help increase cervical stability in subaxial vertebral surgery. Although the morphometry of the upper cervical spine in Thai populations has been reported, there have yet been no studies examining the features of FT. The FT of dried cervical spines (C3-C7; left and right side; n = 107, male = 53 and female = 54) were examined for morphological variation, and their anteroposterior (AP) and transverse (T) diameters were measured using a digital vernier caliper. Morphometric data and variations were compared by sex and lateral side. It was that the C3-C6 FT in both sexes were round, and the C7 FT was elliptical with an oblique right side. FT diameters did not differ significantly by sex except for the AP diameters of C6-C7 and for T diameters of C4 and C7. The left AP diameters of C3-C6 were significantly longer than the right, as were the T diameters of C4 and C7 FT. Additionally, T diameter was significantly longer than that of the AP, except that of the left C6 in male spines, which did not differ from the AP. Most FT examined were round. These findings should be considered in the provisional diagnosis of vertebral neurovascular symptoms caused by FT variation as well as that of neurovascular damage after cervical pedicle screw placement.

La variación anatómica del foramen transverso (FT) se asocia con síntomas neurovasculares vertebrales y puede causar complicaciones después de la cirugía de columna cervical inferior, especialmente la inserción de tornillos pediculares cervicales (TPC). La variación del FT se ha documentado y clasificado en varias poblaciones, ya que esta información puede ayudar a aumentar la estabilidad cervical en la cirugía vertebral subaxial. Aunque se ha informado sobre la morfometría de la columna cervical superior en poblaciones tailandesas, aún no se han realizado estudios que examinen las características de FT. Se examinó la variación morfológica del FT de vértebras cervicales secas (C3-C7; lado izquierdo y derecho; n = 107, hombres = 53 y mujeres = 54), y se midieron sus diámetros anteroposterior (AP) y transverso (T) usando un pie de metro digital. Se compararon datos morfométricos y variaciones por sexo y lado. Los FT de C3-a C6 en ambos sexos eran redondos, y el FT C7 era elíptico con el lado derecho oblicuo. Los diámetros del FT no difirieron significativamente por sexo excepto para los diámetros AP de C6- C7 y para los diámetros transversos de C4 y C7. Los diámetros AP izquierdos de C3-C6 eran significativamente más largos que los del lado derecho, al igual que los diámetros transversos de C4 y C7. Además, el diámetro transverso fue significativamente mayor que el AP, excepto el C6 izquierdo en las vértebras de hombres, que no difirió del AP. La mayoría de los FT examinados eran redondos. Estos hallazgos deben ser considerados en el diagnóstico provisional de síntomas neurovasculares vertebrales causados por la variación del FT, así como en el de daño neurovascular tras la colocación de tornillos pediculares cervicales.

Dolichandrone serrulata flower improves seminal biochemical parameters and proteins in T2DM rats induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin.

CONTEXT: Although Dolichandrone serrulata (Wall. ex DC.) Seem (Bignoniaceae) flower (DSF) improves hyperglycaemia, testicular damage and sperm quality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) animals, its effects on the seminal vesicles, secreting seminal plasma, are unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study reports the protective effects of DSF on seminal dysfunction in T2DM rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (control, T2DM, T2DM + DSF200 and T2DM + DSF600; 10 animals/group). The control group was fed a low-fat diet for 14 days prior to single saline injection, whereas T2DM group was given a high-fat diet and injected with streptozocin (50 mg/kg body weight). The T2DM-induced rats were fed DSF orogastrically (200 and 600 mg/kg body weight) for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, biochemical components, malondialdehyde (MDA), histology and protein expression in seminal lysate were evaluated. RESULTS: DSF increased the levels of serum phosphorus (13.66 ± 0.59 mg/dL), ALP (11.85 ± 0.99 U/L), GOT (3938.23 ± 251.41 U/L) and GPT (34.16 ± 4.93), decreased MDA levels in seminal tissue, and elevated the serum testosterone in the T2DM rats. Treatment with DSF ameliorated histological damage, significantly increased seminal 44 and 31 kDa TyrPho protein expression, and decreased that of caspase 3 and 9. CONCLUSIONS: DSF extract was able to mitigate seminal dysfunction in T2DM rats via improvements of tyrosine phosphorylation, testosterone level and biochemical substances, as well as reductions of caspase proteins. DSF may be developed as an alternative medicine in treating of T2DM male subfertility and progressive complications.

The effect of Dolichandrone serrulata (wall. ex DC.) Seem. flower extract containing antioxidant capacity and terpenoids on the male reproductive system.

Although the fruit extract of Dolichandrone genus was shown to inhibit spermatogenesis, the reproductive toxicity of Dolichandrone serrulata flowers (DSFs) is not documented. Recent study aimed to evaluate the sub-chronic toxicity of DSF on male reproductive system. Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic contents of DSF extract were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu's, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. The terpenoid components were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum. Adult male rats were treated orally with DSF (100, 300 or 600 mg/kg) for 48 days. Histopathology of testis and epididymis was observed. Sperm concentration, viability, acrosome status and morphology were also examined. Expressions of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins, androgen receptor (AR) and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein in testis were investigated. Results showed that DSF contained phenolic compounds and terpenoids (phytoandrogens; rengyolone and cleroindicin B). No reproductive histopathology was observed in DSF-treated rats. Although DSF decreased the serum testosterone level, the sperm qualities were not affected. Particularly, sperm concentration of DSF-treated animals was significantly increased. DSF changed the testicular TyrPho proteins but the expression of AR, StAR or Hsp70 was not altered. In conclusion, DSF possesses antioxidant capacity with no toxicity on male reproductive system.

Anatomical Variation and Morphometric Study on Foramen Transversarium of the Upper Cervical Vertebrae in the Thai Population.

STUDY DESIGN: Foramen transversarium (FT) and foramen arcuale (FA) of upper cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2) in the Thai population were investigated for variation and morphometry. PURPOSE: This study aimed to reveal the morphometry of FT and FA in the Thai population. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The FT and FA are structures found in the upper spine that support the vertebral neurovascular system. Clinically, the surgical approaches to achieve upper cervical stability can be affected by spine variations. FT and FA morphometries have been documented to vary by nationality. However, such reports have been limited in the Thai population. METHODS: The FT and FA of dried C1 and C2 vertebrae (identified bones; n=107, males=53 and females=54) were observed and measured using a Digital Vernier Caliper (Mitutoyo, Kawasaki, Japan). Anteroposterior (AP) and transverse diameters of the left and right FTs (n=214) were measured and compared between sexes. Variations and types of FT and FA found on the upper vertebrae were recorded and classified. RESULTS: The FT shape of the Thai C1 was AP elliptical, while of that of C2 was transverse elliptical. Compared to females, both diameters of the upper spine were significantly greater in males except for the AP diameter of C2 on the right side. All diameters were significantly different in both sexes and sides except for the AP diameter of C1 and C2. A common type of FT classified in C1 was type 2 (male [69.81%], female [79.63%]) whereas for C2 it was type 1 (male [63.21%], female [59.26%]). Moreover, an incomplete osseous bridge was a major FA subtype observed in the Thai spine. CONCLUSIONS: FT morphometry has an elliptical shape and diameters are greater in males. The FT and FA variations identified in this study will be useful for surgeons treating vertebral neurovascular injuries of the posterior upper cervical spine in the Thai population.

Dolichandrone serrulata flower extract ameliorates male reproductive damages in type 2 diabetic rats.

Dolichandrone serrulata flower (DSF) has been believed to reduce blood glucose in hyperglycaemic persons with sub-fertility but its effect on improvement of male reproductive impairment has never been elucidated scientifically. This study attempted to investigate the hypoglycaemic effects of DSF on male reproductive damages in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. Adult Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (control, T2DM, DSF200 + T2DM and DSF600 + T2DM; n = 10/each). Control rats received low-fat diet for 14 days before saline injection while streptozocin (50 mg/kg BW) induced T2DM groups received high-fat diet and were orally administered with DSF (200 and 600 mg/kg BW) for 28 days. At the end, fasted blood glucose (FBG), malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone, sperm quality, histology and protein expressions were examined. The result showed that DSF decreased high FBG and testicular MDA and increased testosterone levels of T2DM-treated rats. Low-sperm quality and histological malfunction were ameliorated in DSF-treated group. There was significant decrease in the expression of androgen receptor, heat-shock 70 and steroidogenic acute regulatory proteins of T2DM-treated rats. Our study demonstrated changes of six bands (116, 51, 45, 39, 35 and 29 kDas) of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. In conclusion, DSF could reduce the FBGand ameliorate the reproductive damages in male T2DM rats.

Effect of chronic stress on expression and secretion of seminal vesicle proteins in adult rats.

Chronic stress (CS) is known to affect men's health especially fertility by reducing semen quality. Although the effects of CS on testicular function and sperm parameters are documented, changes of substances and secreting proteins in the seminal vesicle (SV) have never been reported. This study aimed to demonstrate the alterations of contents and expressions of proteins in seminal vesicle fluid (SVF) under CS. Fourteen adult rats were divided into control and CS groups (n = 7/each). Control rats were not exposed to stressor, while the CS animals were immobilised by restraint cage (4 hr/day) and followed by forced swimming (15 min/day) for consecutive 60 days. Biochemical substances and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in SVF were examined. Expressions of heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70), caspases (Casp) 3 and 9, and tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins were investigated in seminal vesicle tissue (SVT) and SVF. It was found that CS caused reductions of seminal epithelial height and secreted substance levels. Significantly, MDA levels in SVF and expressions of Hsp70, Casp and TyrPho proteins were increased in of CS animals. It was concluded that CS affected seminal secretion. Low quality of CS seminal plasma may associate with increase of MDA and expressions of secreted proteins.

Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and reproductive toxicity of aqueous extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens seeds.

OBJECTIVE: In traditional medicine, the seeds of Thai Mucuna pruriens (T-MP) are used to treat male dysuria and are believed to enhance fertility. However, information pertaining to the toxicity of T-MP and its interaction with other properties is limited. This study was thus conducted to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and subacute toxicity of T-MP in the reproductive system. METHODS: Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of T-MP seed extract were determined using total phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. Male and female adult rats were treated orally with T-MP at a dosage of 150 or 300 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. Sex hormones and functional parameters in the liver and kidney were evaluated. Histopathology of all tissue was conducted using Masson's trichrome staining. Sperm parameters, including concentration, morphology, acrosome reaction status and DNA damage, were also examined. Expression of tyrosine phosphorylated protein (TyrPho), androgen receptor and A-kinase-anchoring protein 4 (AKAP4) were investigated using the Western blot technique. RESULTS: T-MP seed extract contained phenolic compounds and exhibited high antioxidant capacity with no toxicity at the tested doses. It did not affect liver or kidney function parameters in the male rats, but increased estradiol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels in the females. Additionally, it decreased serum progesterone and alkaline phosphatase levels in female rats. Serum and intratesticular testosterone levels were significantly lower in male rats that received a high dosage of T-MP. Histopathological changes were not observed in any tissue treated with T-MP. T-MP also significantly increased sperm concentration (but did not affect sperm parameters), and enhanced testicular TyrPho protein and androgen receptor and expression of AKAP4 in sperms. CONCLUSION: T-MP seed extract exhibited antioxidant capacity and was not harmful to reproductive tissues. It also had a phytoestrogenic effect on females and increased the expression of testicular and sperm markers of male fertility.

Alterations of morphology and phosphorylated protein expression in the seminal vesicles of diabetic mice.

Although many studies reported the detrimental effects of type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM) on testis, reproductive parameter changes in DM seminal vesicles have never been documented. This study aimed to examine the morphology, biochemical levels and tyrosine phosphorylation in seminal vesicles of T1DM and T2DM mice. Fifty-six male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups (n = 14/each): T1DM control, T1DM, T2DM control and T2DM. T1DM mice were daily injected of streptozotocin (STZ; 40 mg/kg BW) for 5 days. T2DM mice received high-fat diet for 14 days prior to STZ injection at a single dose (85 mg/kg BW). At the end of experiments (days 36 and 72), magnesium (MG) and fructosamine (FRA) levels, and phosphorylated protein expression in seminal vesicle were examined. The results showed that seminal and prostate weights and MG and FRA levels of T1DM animals were significantly increased as compared to T2DM mice. Some seminal histopathologies and decreased epithelial height were observed in both DM groups. Significantly, a 72-kDa phosphorylated protein expression was increased in DM seminal vesicle. We concluded that changes of biochemical components and phosphorylated proteins in seminal vesicle of T1DM and T2DM mice may be associated with low-quality seminal plasma.

The alterations of microvasculature, tyrosine phosphorylation, and lipid peroxidation in kidney of rats treated with valproic acid / Alteraciones de la microvasculatura, fosforilación de tirosina y peroxidación lipídica en riñones de ratas tratadas con ácido valproico

SUMMARY: Valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic drug, has been demonstrated to damage histology and to change tyrosine phosphorylation patterns with increased oxidative stress in perirenal tissues. This study aimed to investigate the effect of VPA on microstructure, tyrosine phosphorylation, and lipid peroxidation of rat kidney. Adult male rats were divided into control and VPA-treated groups intraperitoneally injected with normal saline and VPA 500 mg/kgBW for 10 consecutive days, respectively (n = 7 each). The blood serum was examined for biochemical levels. The kidney tissues were routinely processed for histological observation. Total proteins from kidney were extracted to assay the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and phosphorylation expression. The results showed that VPA significantly decreased blood glucose levels while tend to increase urea nitrogen and creatinine. MDA levels in VPA group were significantly higher that of control. Renal cortex of VPA-treated animals revealed vasodilatations. Although the ratio of a renal phosphorylated 72 kDa protein/ beta actin expression seemed to be not different in both groups, VPA significantly decreased the intensity of beta actin. In conclusion, VPA dilates renal microvasculature with increasing of MDA but suppresses the actin expression.

RESUMEN: Se ha demostrado que el ácido valproico (AVP), un fármaco antiepiléptico, daña la histología y cambia los patrones de fosforilación de la tirosina con el aumento del estrés oxidativo en los tejidos perirrenales. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto del AVP en la microestructura, la fosforilación de la tirosina y la peroxidación lipídica del riñón de rata. Se dividieron ratas macho adultas en grupos control y tratados con AVP. Durante 10 días consecutivos fueron inyectadas por vía intraperitoneal con solución salina normal y 500 mg / kg de PC respectivamente (n = 7 cada uno). Se analizó el suero sanguíneo para determinar los niveles bioquímicos. Los tejidos renales se procesaron de forma rutinaria para la observación histológica. Las proteínas totales del riñón se extrajeron para analizar los niveles de malondialdehído (MDA) y la expresión de la fosforilación. Los resultados mostraron que el AVP disminuyó significativamente los niveles de glucosa en la sangre, mientras que tienden a aumentar el nitrógeno ureico y la creatinina. Los niveles de MDA en el grupo de AVP fueron significativamente más altos que los del control. La corteza renal de los animales tratados con AVP reveló vasodilataciones. Aunque la proporción de una expresión de proteína / actina de 72 kDa fosforilada renal no parece ser diferente en ambos grupos, el AVP disminuyó significativamente la intensidad de la actina beta. En conclusión, el AVP dilata la microvasculatura renal al aumentar el MDA, pero suprime la expresión de actina.

Phyllanthus emblica leaf extract ameliorates testicular damage in rats with chronic stress.

Stress affects the male reproductive system and can cause sub-fertility or infertility. Although Phyllanthus emblica L. (PE) extract has been shown to have high antioxidant capacity and protective properties in damaged tissue, the preventive effects of PE extract on testicular function from stress-related impairment have never been demonstrated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PE aqueous leaf extract on testicular impairment and protein marker changes in rats suffering from chronic stress. Adult male rats were divided into four groups: a control group, a chronic stress (CS) group, and two groups with CS that received different doses of PE extract (50 or 100 mg/kg body weight (BW)). In the treatment groups, the animals were given PE extract daily before stress induction for 42 consecutive days. Stress was induced through immobilization (4 h/d) followed by forced cold swimming (15 min/d). Sperm quality and the histology of the testes and caudal epididymis were examined, as were levels of serum corticosterone, testosterone, and malondialdehyde (MDA). The expressions of testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were investigated using immuno-Western blot analysis, as these proteins are assumed to play important roles in spermatogenesis and androgen synthesis. The results showed that PE (50 mg/kg BW) significantly increased sperm concentration and testosterone levels, while decreasing corticosterone levels, MDA levels, sperm head abnormalities, and acrosome-reacted sperm in CS rats. In addition, PE at both doses was found to diminish testicular histopathology in the CS rats. We also found that 50 mg/kg BW of PE significantly improved StAR protein expression and altered the intensities of some tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in testis. We conclude that PE leaf extract at 50 mg/kg BW can prevent testicular damage in rats with CS.