The Role of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3ß in the Zinc-Mediated Neuroprotective Effect of Metformin in Rats with Glutamate Neurotoxicity.

Metformin has been suggested to have protective effects on the central nervous system, but the mechanism is unknown. The similarity between the effects of metformin and the inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3ß suggests that metformin may inhibit GSK-3ß. In addition, zinc is an important element that inhibits GSK-3ß by phosphorylation. In this study, we investigated whether the effects of metformin on neuroprotection and neuronal survival were mediated by zinc-dependent inhibition of GSK-3ß in rats with glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Forty adult male rats were divided into 5 groups: control, glutamate, metformin + glutamate, zinc deficiency + glutamate, and zinc deficiency + metformin + glutamate. Zinc deficiency was induced with a zinc-poor pellet. Metformin was orally administered for 35 days. D-glutamic acid was intraperitoneally administered on the 35th day. On the 38th day, neurodegeneration was examined histopathologically, and the effects on neuronal protection and survival were evaluated via intracellular S-100ß immunohistochemical staining. The findings were examined in relation to nonphosphorylated (active) GSK-3ß levels and oxidative stress parameters in brain tissue and blood. Neurodegeneration was increased (p < 0.05) in rats fed a zinc-deficient diet. Active GSK-3ß levels were increased in groups with neurodegeneration (p < 0.01). Decreased neurodegeneration, increased neuronal survival (p < 0.01), decreased active GSK-3ß (p < 0.01) levels and oxidative stress parameters, and increased antioxidant parameters were observed in groups treated with metformin (p < 0.01). Metformin had fewer protective effects on rats fed a zinc-deficient diet. Metformin may exert neuroprotective effects and increase S-100ß-mediated neuronal survival by zinc-dependent inhibition of GSK-3ß during glutamate neurotoxicity.

Comparison of the prophylactic use of ibandronate and its use in early-stage osteonecrosis in rats with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ibandronate before and after the onset of osteonecrosis in rats with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 female Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. Three groups were formed with eight rats in each group. The first group was the prophylactic group that received ibandronate treatment before and after the onset of osteonecrosis (Group PT). The second group received ibandronate treatment three weeks after the development of osteonecrosis (Group TAO). The third group was the control group in which osteonecrosis was created, but only normal saline (NS) was given. At the end of the study, all rats were sacrificed, and their right femoral heads were removed, fixed with formalin, and sent for micro-computed tomography. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical examinations of the right femoral head sections were performed. RESULTS: In the PT group, the trabecular thickness was significantly higher compared to those of the TAO and control groups (p<0.05). The trabecular thickness did not significantly differ between the TAO and control groups. The trabecular bone pattern factor was significantly higher in the PT group compared to the control and TAO groups (p<0.05); however, it showed no significant difference between the TAO and control groups. The incidence of type 2 osteonecrosis in the PT and TAO groups was significantly lower than that in the control group (p<0.05). The incidence of tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAPase) immunoreactivity of osteoblast positivity was significantly higher in the PT and TAO groups compared to the control group (p<0.05), whereas the incidence of TRAPase immunoreactivity of osteoclastic positivity was significantly lower in the PT and TAO groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Intravenous administration of ibandronate before the onset of the disease was more effective in the treatment of osteonecrosis in rats with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Silhouette Lymphangioma: An Unknown Macular Form of Cutaneous Lymphangioma.

Unusual angiomatous or lymphangiomatous vascular malformations are rarely seen. One of them is lymphangioma (LA), which is a rare benign lymphovascular abnormality. LA is usually seen in the types of circumscriptum (or capillary), cavernous and cystic. Here, we report a unique case of LA with a patchy appearance. The patient presented due to unusual symptoms and eccentric clinical manifestation of the lesion. Here, we present a new lymphatic entity which was diagnosed as LA with its clinical, radiological and pathological findings. Written informed consent of the patient was obtained for this report. To the best of our knowledge this macular form of cutaneous LA has not been previously reported in literature. Macular LA should be kept in mind when faced with a colored long-term macular lesion on the skin.

Amelanotic nodular appearance within superficial spreading melanoma.

Usual clinical types of malignant melanoma (MM) are lentigo maligna, superficial spreading, nodular, and acral lentiginous MMs. Rarer variants of MM are amelanotic, neurotropic, desmoplastic, metastatic, invisible, pedunculatedmelanoma (PM), or nodal melanoma (NM), which constitute less than 5% of cases. Recognition and discrimination of these variants are important to avoid misdiagnosis of MM. We report a 42-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a superficial spreading malignant melanoma (SSM) with an amelanotic nodular center. The lesion simulated a NM or PM clinically, but its histopathology showed an SSM. This misleading appearance of SSM has not been reported previously.

The effects of valsartan on scar maturation in an experimental rabbit ear wound model.

INTRODUCTION: In our study, we aimed to search and compare the effects of valsartan and enalapril on the pathological scar formation on the basis of histomorphological parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine New Zealand albino male rabbits, which were divided into three groups, were included in the study. A previously described rabbit ear wound model was used. Enalapril was administered 0.75 mg/kg/day on the first group and valsartan was administered 10 mg/kg/day on the second group for 40 days. The third group was the control group. Results were evaluated on the 40th day with scar elevation index calculation and histological studies. Histological studies were done by using Hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome and Sirius Red stains. RESULTS: Enalapril and valsartan groups were both significantly effective on the prevention of pathological scar formation when compared to the control group in terms of fibroblast count, capillary count, type 1/3 collagen ratio, collagen organization, and epithelial thickness. There was no significant difference between the enalapril and control group on the scar elevation index. Valsartan group was more efficient than the enalapril group on the reduction of fibroblast count and epithelial thickness. CONCLUSION: Both Valsartan and Enalapril are found to be effective for the prevention of pathological scar formation.

Comparison on effects of platelet-rich plasma versus autologous conditioned serum on Achilles tendon healing in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of local administrations of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with autologous conditioned serum (ACS) on Achilles tendon healing in a rat model. METHODS: In this study, 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 12 months and weighing 350 to 400 g were used. The rats were divided into three groups (n=10 in each group): a control group and two treatment groups (PRP vs ACS). A standardized procedure was applied for the complete rupture and repair of the Achilles tendon in each group. The PRP group received one dose of PRP on the operative area, and ACS group received ACS at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the surgery. The control group received no injection. Animals were sacrificed 30 days after the operation, and tendon healing in each group was assessed histopathologically based on Bonar's semi-quantitative score and Movin's semi-quantitative grading scale. For the biomechanical analyses, unoperated Achilles tendons of all rats in the control and ACS groups were also harvested, and pulling tests were applied to the specimen to measure the longitudinal axis strength. The highest force value among the data obtained was defined as the maximum strength value (Fmax). RESULTS: The mean Bonar's score was significantly lower in the PRP group (3.8±0.8) than in the ACS (4.8±0.45) and control groups (5.2±0.837) (p=0.0028). The mean Movin's score was significantly lower in the PRP group (7.80±1.49) than in the ACS (9.8±1) and control groups (11.2±2.4) (p=0.029). The ratio of type I collagen was significantly higher in the PRP group (60±6) than in the ACS (52±4.5) and control groups (42±9) (p=0.005). Biomechanical results obtained from operated sites were comparable in terms of Fmax among groups (PRP, 33.93±2.61; ACS, 35.24±3.26; control, 35.69±3.62) (p=0.674). Similarly, the results obtained from unoperated sites were comparable among groups (PRP, 47.71±1.21; ACS, 48.14±2; control, 49.14.69±1.88) (p=0.395). CONCLUSION: In terms of histopathological results, PRP seems to be more effective than ACS for Achilles tendon healing in rats.

Treatment of Corneal Alkali Burn with Chestnut Honey, Royal Jelly, and Chestnut Honey-Royal Jelly Mixture.

OBJECTIVES: The alkaline burn of the cornea usually results in a decreased vision with opacification. In this study, we investigated the potential role of endemic chestnut honey (CH) and royal jelly on corneal healing after an alkaline burn. METHODS: We created an alkaline burn on the center of the corneas of four groups of Wistar rats by applying round filter paper soaked with 1 N NaOH for 30 seconds. The animals were treated with RJ, CH, RJ-CH combination and Na-Hyaluronate (Na-HA) eye drops. We performed a serial evaluation with anterior segment photography on the first, 7th, and 14th days of the experiment. Pathologic examination conducted with hematoxylin and eosin stains and immunostaining for SMA and α4ß1 integrin. We evaluated the corneal healing process with a scoring system, which was estimating the degree of corneal edema, the size of the corneal ulcer, and limbal hyperemia. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups on the first, 7th, and 14th days concerning the healing scores (p=0.88, p=0.06, p=0.80, respectively). However, there were significantly better scores in the repeated measures of CH (p=0.012) and RJ-CH (p=0.00) groups. The RJ group and Na-HA group did not show a significant difference in repeated measures (p=0.19 and p=0.10, respectively). The α4ß1 integrin levels on immunostaining showed a significant difference among groups on the 14th day (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: We found better corneal healing after treatment with the RJ-CH containing eye drops concerning corneal healing sore and α4ß1 integrin staining.

Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biomechanical effects of splenectomy on Achilles tendon healing in rats.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess Achilles tendon repair in rats following splenectomy to simulate patients with musculoskeletal system injury who had splenectomy after spleen injury, a situation often seen in orthopedics and traumatology practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (10 months old; average weight, 394.5 ± 28.3 g). The rats were fed with standard rodent food ad libitum at 22°C in a dark environment for 12 h. They were divided into two groups, namely the splenectomy (total splenectomy and Achilles tendon repair) and control groups (only Achilles tendon repair; n = 16). Four weeks after the surgery, the rats were euthanized, and their Achilles tendons were examined histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and biomechanically. RESULTS: In the splenectomy group, proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ, showed significantly lower values than those in the control group (p ˂0.01); moreover, the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines like vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-ß1, interleukin-2, interleukin-10, and hepatocyte growth factor were significantly higher than in the control group (p ˂ 0.001). The average ultimate tensile strengths were 2.58 ± 0.5 in the splenectomy and 2.78 ± 0.3 in the control group (p = 0.043). The average εUTS values were 0.33 ± 0.5 in the splenectomy and 0.44 ± 0.1 in the control group (p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Splenectomy may positively influence Achilles tendon healing through modification of the proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory ratio in favor of anti-inflammatory cytokines by causing a decrease in spleen-originated inflammatory cells.

Osteoprotegerin and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in patients with diabetic foot.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) in patients with diabetic foot and patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and to investigate the prevalence and severity of 25(OH)D insufficiency in patients with diabetic foot. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 105 patients including 58 patients with diabetic foot (42 males, 16 females; mean age 63.6 years; range, 31 to 90 years), who applied to our hospital between June 2014 and May 2015, and 47 newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients (27 males, 20 females; mean age 51.4 years; range, 29 to 85 years) (control group). 25(OH)D and osteoprotegerin serum levels in both groups were measured and compared. RESULTS: Osteoprotegerin levels in diabetic foot group were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). The 25(OH)D levels in diabetic foot group were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). There were positive correlations between OPG levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatinine levels in patients with diabetic foot. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of OPG in patients with diabetic foot may display the severity of the clinical status due to its positive correlation with CRP and creatinine. We detected severe 25(OH)D deficiency in the majority of diabetic foot patients. Vitamin D supplementation may be required in diabetic foot patients to prevent unfavorable immunologic alterations.

EFFECTS OF HIGH-DOSE VITAMIN C AND HYALURONIC ACID ON TENDON HEALING.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the histopathologic and biomechanical effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) and high-dose vitamin C (VC) on rat Achilles tendon healing. METHODS: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to HA and VC and control groups with equal numbers. Each group was further divided into two subgroups to be sacrificed on Day 15 (n=8) and Day 30 (n=8). The Achilles tendons were cut and repaired. While the control rats remained untreated, HA and VC were administered after repair. The repaired tendons were removed for biomechanical and histopathologic analyses. In the biomechanical tests, the tendons were stretched to failure and maximum forces were measured. For histopathologic examination, the specimens were interpreted semiquantitatively using Movin's grading scale and Bonar scores. RESULTS: The highest mean forces were obtained in the HA group on Day 15 and in the VC group on Day 30, with a significant difference between HA and VC on Day 15 between control and VC on Day 30 (p<0.05). Histological examination showed both Movin and Bonar scores decreased in all groups on Day 30, with significant improvements in the HA and VC groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that both VC and HA had therapeutic effects on tendon healing, especially in the late phase. Level of Evidence I; High quality randomized trial with statistically significant difference.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos histopatológicos e biomecânicos do ácido hialurônico (AH) e altas doses de vitamina C (VC) na cicatrização do tendão do calcâneo em ratos. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e oito ratos Sprague-Dawley foram randomizados em grupo AH, grupo VC e grupo controle, iguais em número. Cada grupo foi dividido em dois subgrupos a serem sacrificados no Dia 15 (n = 8) e no Dia 30 (n = 8). Os tendões do calcâneo foram cortados e reparados. Enquanto os ratos do grupo controle permaneceram não tratados, os do grupo AH/VC receberam AH e VC após o reparo. Os tendões reparados foram removidos para análises biomecânicas e histopatológicas. Nos testes biomecânicos, os tendões foram estirados até a falha e as forças máximas foram medidas. No exame histopatológico, as amostras foram interpretadas semiquantitativamente usando os escores de Movin e de Bonar. RESULTADOS: As forças médias mais altas foram obtidas no grupo AH no Dia 15 e no grupo VC, no Dia 30, com diferença significativa entre os grupos HA e VC no Dia 15 e entre os grupos controle e VC (p < 0,05). No exame histológico, os escores de Movin e Bonar diminuíram em todos os grupos no dia 30, com melhora significativas nos grupos AH e VC (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados demonstraram que tanto a VC quanto o AH tiveram efeitos terapêuticos sobre cicatrização do tendão, especialmente na fase tardia. Nível de Evidência I; Estudo clínico randomizado de alta qualidade com ou sem diferença estatisticamente significante.

Biomechanical, histological, and radiological effects of different phosphodiesterase inhibitors on femoral fracture healing in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the biomechanical, histological, and radiological effects of sildenafil and pentoxifylline on femoral fracture healing in rats. METHODS: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups equally according to the pharmacological agents to be investigated. Femoral shaft fractures were formed in the left side. Group 1 (control group), group 2, and group 3 were administered with saline, sildenafil, and pentoxifylline during the fracture healing process, respectively. Eight rats from each group were euthanized on days 15 and 30. X-ray images of the rats were taken after euthanasia for radiographical examination. Femur samples were subjected to histopathological and biomechanical (three-point bending) examinations. RESULTS: Radiologically, no difference between the Goldberg scores of the groups was found for day 15 ( p > 0.05), while higher Goldberg scores were obtained from group 2 than that of group 1 ( p > 0.05) and group 3 ( p < 0.05) for day 30. In the biomechanical analysis, higher mean breaking forces were found both for day 15 and day 30 from group 2 than those obtained from group 1 (for day 15 p > 0.05 and day 30 p > 0.05) and group 3 (for day 15 p < 0.05 and day 30 p < 0.01). Higher mean absorbed energy values were obtained from group 2 than those obtained from group 1 (for day 15 p > 0.05 and day 30 p < 0.05) and group 3 (for day 15 p < 0.01 and day 30 p < 0.01). A significant difference was not found between the histological scores of all groups ( p > 0.05) for day 15, while the histological score of group 1 on day 30 was found to be significantly lower than that of sildenafil and pentoxifylline groups ( p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sildenafil had a positive effect on fracture healing, while pentoxifylline did not provide consistent positive effect.

Blaschko-linear "Congenital Mixed Hemato-lymphangio-keratoma Serpiginosum" Naeviforme: A New Hybrid Entity or Various Morphological Reflections of the Two Different Vascular Abnormalities?

We present the case of a 15-year-old girl who presented with an unusual grouping of lesions on her upper left leg. The lesions had been present since birth. The patient had five different types of lesions: 1) transparent grouped or scattered yellowish vesicles; 2) keratotic-surfaced, grouped dark-yellowish papules; 3) bright-red grouped papules; 4) keratotic-surfaced grouped dark-red papules; and 5) patchy, punctate, and erythematous red macules. All of the lesions were intertwined along the lines of Blaschko and were in the form of irregular serpiginous plaques. Histopathological examinations of the lesions showed three main histological features, and diagnoses of the lesions were made as lymphangioma circumscriptum, lymphangiokeratoma, and verrucous hemangioma. To the best of our knowledge, such intertwined lesions have never been reported in the literature. Hence, we suggest that the name of this unique combination of lesions be "congenital nevoid mixed hemato-lymphangio-keratoma serpiginosum."

Effects of high-dose vitamin c and hyaluronic acid on tendon healing / Efeitos de altas doses de vitamina c e ácido hialurônico sobre a cicatrização do tendão

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the histopathologic and biomechanical effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) and high-dose vitamin C (VC) on rat Achilles tendon healing. Methods: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to HA and VC and control groups with equal numbers. Each group was further divided into two subgroups to be sacrificed on Day 15 (n=8) and Day 30 (n=8). The Achilles tendons were cut and repaired. While the control rats remained untreated, HA and VC were administered after repair. The repaired tendons were removed for biomechanical and histopathologic analyses. In the biomechanical tests, the tendons were stretched to failure and maximum forces were measured. For histopathologic examination, the specimens were interpreted semiquantitatively using Movin's grading scale and Bonar scores. Results: The highest mean forces were obtained in the HA group on Day 15 and in the VC group on Day 30, with a significant difference between HA and VC on Day 15 between control and VC on Day 30 (p<0.05). Histological examination showed both Movin and Bonar scores decreased in all groups on Day 30, with significant improvements in the HA and VC groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that both VC and HA had therapeutic effects on tendon healing, especially in the late phase. Level of Evidence I; High quality randomized trial with statistically significant difference.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos histopatológicos e biomecânicos do ácido hialurônico (AH) e altas doses de vitamina C (VC) na cicatrização do tendão do calcâneo em ratos. Métodos: Quarenta e oito ratos Sprague-Dawley foram randomizados em grupo AH, grupo VC e grupo controle, iguais em número. Cada grupo foi dividido em dois subgrupos a serem sacrificados no Dia 15 (n = 8) e no Dia 30 (n = 8). Os tendões do calcâneo foram cortados e reparados. Enquanto os ratos do grupo controle permaneceram não tratados, os do grupo AH/VC receberam AH e VC após o reparo. Os tendões reparados foram removidos para análises biomecânicas e histopatológicas. Nos testes biomecânicos, os tendões foram estirados até a falha e as forças máximas foram medidas. No exame histopatológico, as amostras foram interpretadas semiquantitativamente usando os escores de Movin e de Bonar. Resultados: As forças médias mais altas foram obtidas no grupo AH no Dia 15 e no grupo VC, no Dia 30, com diferença significativa entre os grupos HA e VC no Dia 15 e entre os grupos controle e VC (p < 0,05). No exame histológico, os escores de Movin e Bonar diminuíram em todos os grupos no dia 30, com melhora significativas nos grupos AH e VC (p < 0,05). Conclusões: Nossos resultados demonstraram que tanto a VC quanto o AH tiveram efeitos terapêuticos sobre cicatrização do tendão, especialmente na fase tardia. Nível de Evidência I; Estudo clínico randomizado de alta qualidade com ou sem diferença estatisticamente significante.

Effects of low molecular weight heparin and rivaroxaban on rat Achilles tendon healing.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the histopathological and biomechanical effects of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and rivaroxaban, which are frequently used in orthopedic surgery for thromboembolic prophylaxis, on rat Achilles tendon healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study, 36 adult, male Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 300 g and 400 g were used. Three groups were formed including 12 rats in each. Achilles tendons of all rats were cut and repaired. Nadroparin calcium was administered subcutaneously for 21 days at a dose of 170 IU AXa to the first group (LMWH group). Rivaroxaban was administered daily at a dose of 3 mg/kg for 21 days as gastric lavage to the second group (rivaroxaban group). The third group was identified as the control group and no medication was administered in this group. At the end of three weeks, tendons extracted from the groups were examined histopathologically and biomechanically. RESULTS: Bonar's and Movin's scores obtained as a result of histopathological examination were statistically significantly higher in the control group (p=0.003 and p=0.004, respectively) (high scores indicate that tendon healing is not sufficient). When type I and type III collagen ratios were examined, type I collagen ratio, which should be found at a higher ratio in mature tendon, was statistically significantly higher in rivaroxaban and LMWH groups compared with the control group (p=0.002). As a result of biomechanical examination, higher mean maximum force values were obtained from the rivaroxaban group compared with the LMWH group (p=0.31). Mean maximum force values obtained from the control group were higher than those obtained from the LMWH group (p=0.03) and the rivaroxaban group (p=0.18). CONCLUSION: Histopathological examination revealed that both LMWH and rivaroxaban have positive effects on tendon healing. However, the same positive effects were not detected in biomechanical examination.

Investigation of the biomechanical and histopathological effects of autologous conditioned serum on healing of Achilles tendon.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study to evaluate the effects of autologous conditioned serum (ACS) on the healing of transected rat Achilles tendons via the assessment of biomechanical and histological parameters. METHODS: The study was conducted on 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Five rats were used as donors for ACS preparation. Animals were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. In both groups, the Achilles tendon was cut transversally and then sutured. In the placebo control and ACS-treated groups, saline or ACS, respectively, was injected into the repair zone three times after surgery. Ten rats from each group (ACS group, n = 20; control group, n = 20) were euthanized at days 15 and 30 after surgery for histopathological (n = 5) and biomechanical (n = 5) testing. The histopathological findings were interpreted using the Bonar and Movin scales. Tendon remodelling was evaluated via the immunohistochemical staining of collagen type 3. Biomechanical effects were assessed by tensile testing. RESULTS: The Bonar and Movin scale scores were significantly better in the ACS-treated group on both day 15 (p = 0.003 and p = 0.003, respectively) and day 30 (p = 0.005 and p = 0.004, respectively). The immunohistochemical density of collagen type 3 was significantly lower in the ACS-treated group on day 30 (p = 0.018). The type 1/3 collagen ratios of the groups were similar on days 15 and 30, as determined by Sirius Red staining (p = 0.910 and p = 0.133, respectively). In the biomechanical assessment results, the ACS-treated group's maximum load to failure values were significantly higher on day 15 (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Injection of ACS had a positive effect on the histopathological healing of rat Achilles tendons on days 15 and 30 and on biomechanical healing on day 15. ACS treatment contributed to lowering the collagen type 3 density by day 30. According to our study, ACS may be favourable for the treatment of human Achilles tendon injuries and tendinopathies.

Comparison of the early period effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma on the Achilles tendon ruptures in rats.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to histopathologically, biomechanically, and immunohistochemically compare the fourth-week efficiencies of local platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (rBM-MSC) treatments of the Achilles tendon ruptures created surgically in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 35 12-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats, with an average weight of 400-500 g. Five rats were used as donors for MSC and PRP, and 30 rats were separated into MSC, PRP, and control groups (n = 10). The Achilles tendons of the rats were cut transversely, the MSC from bone marrow was administered to the MSC group, the PRP group received PRP, and the control group received physiological saline to create the same surgical effect. In previous studies, it was shown that this physiological saline does not have any effect on tendon recovery. Thirty days after the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their Achilles tendons were examined histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and biomechanically. RESULTS: The use of rBM-MSC and PRP in the Achilles tendon ruptures when the tendon is in its weakest phase positively affected the recovery of the tendon in histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and biomechanical manners compared to the control group (p < 0.05). While the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFNγ, and IL 1ß were significantly low, the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors playing key roles in tendon recovery, such as IL2, VEGF, transforming growth factor-beta, and HGF, were significantly higher in the MSC group than those of the PRP and control groups (p < 0.05). In the MSC group, the [Formula: see text] (mm) value was significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) than that in the PRP and control groups. CONCLUSION: rBM-MSC and PRP promote the recovery of the tendon and increase its structural strength. The use of PRP and MSC provides hope for the treatment of the Achilles tendon ruptures that limit human beings' functionalities and quality of life, particularly for athletes. It is thought that the use of MSC can be more effective for tendon healing; hence, more extensive and advanced studies are needed on this topic.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma for treatment of Achilles tendons in free-moving rats after surgical incision and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate, both histopathologically and biomechanically, the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on surgically repaired Achilles tendon rupture recovery in rats. METHODS: The study included 25 17-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats with an average weight of 500-550 g. Five rats were used as donors, while 20 rats were separated as PRP group (n=10) and control group (n=10). The Achilles tendons of the rats were cut transversely, and PRP was administered to the PRP group, while the control group received serum physiologically to create the same surgical effect. In previous studies, it was shown that this serum does not affect tendon recovery. Fifteen and 30 days post-treatment, the rats were sacrificed, and their Achilles tendons were extracted and examined histopathologically and biomechanically. RESULTS: Based on the obtained findings, it was observed that the histopathologic Movin and Bonar scores of PRP group on the 15th and 30th day post-treatment were significantly lower than those of the control group (p=0.019, p=0.017, respectively), while no significant difference was found in maximum force (Fmax) values in biomechanical measures on the 15th and 30th day post-treatment. CONCLUSION: It is thought that PRP use in Achilles tendon ruptures positively affects histopathological recovery in the early period, but that it does not produce the same biomechanical effect. We believe that PRP use for qualified tendon recovery is histopathologically beneficial.

Dystrophic-Anagen Effluvium Occurring During Pegylated Interferon-α-2a/Ribavirin Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Various types of dermatological manifestations have been reported due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and anti-HCV therapy. Some of them have been described during IFN-based therapies. PEG-IFN-α-2a/RBV combination is used as the international standard of treatment for HCV infection for a long time. The combination therapy yields an adverse-event profile similar to standard interferon (IFN) therapy. Some of these adverse effects are rheumatologic, neuropsychiatric and dermatological manifestations including alopecia. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported a 43-year-old woman with dystrophic anagen effluvium (DAE), rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto thyroiditis, which were developed under the combination therapy for chronic HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Although some cases of alopecia areata (AA) and telogen effluvium (TE) were reported in literature, no case of DAE associated with PEG-INF-α-2a /RBV combination therapy was reported previously.