The potential prophylactic and therapeutic impacts of niacin on ischemia/reperfusion injury of testis.

INTRODUCTION: The testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is characterized by the excessive aggregation of un-scavenged reactive oxygen species, leading to the heightened levels of oxidative stress. This phenomenon plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of testicular torsion damage. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to detect the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of niacin on testicular I/R injury. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-four healthy adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three groups as follows: (1) sham group, (2) torsion/detorsion (T/D) group, and (3) treatment group which received 200 mg/kg niacin along with testicular T/D. Torsion/detorsion was induced by 2 h of torsion followed by 10 days of reperfusion period. In the treatment group, niacin was injected 30 min before the reperfusion period intraperitoneally and continued for 10 days by oral gavage. RESULTS: T/D was associated with marked decreases in terms of sperm count, viability, and kinematic parameters versus the sham group (P < 0.05), which niacin significantly reverted the kinematic parameters (P < 0.05). I/R injury caused a significant increase in the number of abnormal epididymal sperms compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). Niacin decreased the epididymal sperm abnormality significantly compared to the T/D group (P < 0.05). Tissue abnormalities in T/D group, such as edema, hyperemia, inflammation, and necrosis were completely visible histopathologically, while the histological changes in the niacin-treated group were better than those in the T/D group. Regarding the pathological parametric evaluations, I/R injury significantly reduced the mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS), germinal epithelial cell thickness (GECT), and mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD), and increased the tubular hypoplasia/atrophy (THA) compared to the sham group (P < 0.05), which niacin treatment significantly improved the MTBS and GECT compared to the T/D group (P < 0.05). T/D significantly increased the oxidative stress index (OSI) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) (P < 0.05). Niacin significantly reduced the OSI and MDA levels compared to the T/D group (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The current study found that niacin has preventive/therapeutic effects against the elevation of oxidative stress markers and depletion of antioxidants during I/R injury. Following administration of niacin, a reduction in histologic injury was observed in rats. In our study, we showed the antioxidant properties of niacin and its capacity to protect against I/R damage. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present investigation revealed that niacin, as an antioxidant agent, can suppress the oxidative stress induced by testicular I/R injury, and can be used as a supplementary agent in the treatment of those undergoing testicular torsion surgery.

Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Citral, Silymarin, and Thymoquinone on Methotrexate-Induced Lung Injury in Rats.

Objectives: Several studies have reported that methotrexate is an anti-cancer and immunosuppressive drug leading to lung injury. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of silymarin, citral, and thymoquinone on methotrexate-induced pulmonary toxicity. Methods: Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups, including healthy, Methotrexate, and drug carrier control groups and silymarin, citral, and thymoquinone treatment groups. At the end of the experiment, the studied rats were anesthetized and sacrificed by CO2. Lung tissue samples were isolated to measure the antioxidant activity and histopathological evaluation. Results: In the thymoquinone treatment group, the concentration of total antioxidant capacity and Malondialdehyde increased and decreased significantly, respectively, compared to the methotrexate group. The histopathological evaluation of the lung of the methotrexate group showed hemorrhage and congestion, the nodule-like accumulation of mononuclear inflammatory lymphocytes around the blood vessel, a small number of neutrophils around the blood vessel, and the inflammatory cells around the small vessels. However, no significant pathological alterations were observed in the treatment groups, especially the thymoquinone treatment group. Conclusion: Thymoquinone has the greatest protective effect on methotrexate-induced lung injury, probably due to its antioxidant effect.

First report of ocular histoplasmosis in a horse from Iran: molecular, clinical and pathological findings.

Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus that is traditionally classified in three varieties: Hc var. capsulatum, Hc var. duboisii, and Hc var. farciminosum (HCF). Cytology, hematology, pathology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses were applied on samples collected from the blood and the eye of a horse with pustular lesions and ocular discharge. Physical examination and cytopathological tests showed H. capsulatum infection. Additionally, the results of two PCR tests confirmed H. capsulatum infection. The phylogenetic tree of the internal transcribed spacer sequence of Iranian H. capsulatum showed homology with the HCF variety. For the first time, H. capsulatum infection in the eye of a horse from Iran was detected and phylogenetically analyzed. This study revealed that H. capsulatum could establish infection in Iranian animals in addition to people, and indicated the role of soil enriched with bird dropping in the preparation of a favorable environment for H. capsulatum propagation. Further investigations are required to clarify the natural history and risk factors associated with histoplasmosis in Iran.

The evaluation of citral effects on experimental unilateral testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury.

This investigation aimed to evaluate the defensive impacts of citral on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced by testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) in rats in an experimental model. The grouping of subjects was as follows: (1) sham, (2) T/D, (3) and (4) T/D plus citral 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively, and (5) intact (citral 300 mg/kg). T/D was performed by testicular 720° turning for 2 h and then detorsion for 24 h. Blood serum was obtained to assess testosterone and oxidative stress markers, epididymal sperms were collected for sperm staining and sperm analysis, and testicular tissues were examined for histopathology. T/D damage was associated with a remarkable decline in sperm total count, viability, and some velocity parameters in comparison to the sham group (p < 0.05), which could be reversed significantly by citral (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, T/D damage caused severe oedema, haemorrhage, inflammation, and seminiferous tubules disruption, while citral improved significantly the mean seminiferous tubular diameter, Cosentino's score, and Johnsen's score (p < 0.05). I/R injury was associated with significant increased malondialdehyde and oxidative stress index, and also significant reduced total antioxidant capacity and testosterone versus the sham group (p < 0.05), which all were prevented significantly by citral administration (p < 0.05). The outcomes greatly proved that testicular I/R injury could be significantly prevented by citral.

Effects of Combination of BMP7, PFG, and Autograft on Healing of the Experimental Critical Radial Bone Defect by Induced Membrane (Masquelet) Technique in Rabbit.

BACKGROUND: Healing of large segmental bone defects can be challenging for orthopedic surgeons. This research was conducted to provide further insight into the effects of BMP7 in combination with autograft and platelet fibrin glue (PFG) on bone regeneration by Masquelet technique (MT). METHODS: Twenty five domestic male rabbits, more than 6 months old, weighing 2.00±0.25 kg were randomly divided into five equal groups as follows: MT-blank cavity (without any biological or synthetic materials) (1), blank cavity (2), MT-autograft (3), MT-autograft-BMP7 (4), and MT-BMP7-PFG (5). A 20 mm segmental defect was made in radial bone in both forelimbs. The Masquelet technique was done in all groups except group 2. The study was evaluated by radiology, biomechanics, histopathology and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The results showed that Masquelet technique enhanced the healing process, as, the structural and functional criteria of the injured bone showed significantly improved bone healing (P<0.05). Treatment by PFG-BMP7, Autograft-BMP7, and autograft demonstrated beneficial effects on bone healing. However, Autograft-BMP7 was more effective than autograft in healing of the radial defect in rabbits. CONCLUSION: Our findings introduce the osteogenic materials in combination with Masquelet technique as an alternative for reconstruction of the big diaphyseal defects in the long bones in animal models. Our findings may be useful for clinical application in future.

Protective effects of crocin on testicular torsion/detorsion in rats.

Oxidative stress, caused by extreme accumulation of un-scavenged reactive oxygen species, plays an integral role in the Ischemia-Reperfusion (I/R) injury to the testicles following testicular torsion. The current research aimed to examine the protective effects of crocin as a natural antioxidant on testicular I/R injury in rats. Animals were divided randomly into five groups (seven each): (1) sham group, (2) torsion/detorsion (T/D) group, (3) intact group with 100 mg/kg crocin, (4) and (5) T/D groups followed by treatment with two different doses of crocin (50 and 100 mg/kg (IP)). I/R injury was induced by 720° clockwise torsion of the left testicles for 2 h. After 24 h of reperfusion, blood samples and epididymal sperms were collected to measure biochemical (GPx, SOD, and MDA), hormonal (testosterone), and sperm parameters (total sperm recovery, motility, viability, and morphology). Moreover, affected testicles were subjected to histopathology examination. I/R injury caused a significant reduction in sperm characteristics (except for morphology) (P < 0.05), which could not be significantly improved by crocin administration at either dose (P > 0.05). Johnsen's testicular score, mean seminiferous tubular diameter, and germinal epithelial cell thickness were significantly decreased in the T/D group compared to the intact and sham groups. However, crocin could significantly improve the histopathological parameters in both treatment groups compared to the T/D group (P < 0.05). T/D reduced SOD and GPx activity and testosterone level significantly (except for GPx) compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). However, crocin administration could significantly reverse them. Also, crocin reduced the amount of MDA significantly in the high-dose treatment group in comparison to T/D group (P < 0.05). The results of the current study revealed that crocin could be a promising agent to protect against I/R injury following surgical correction of the testicular torsion.

Are Stem Cells Derived from Synovium and Fat Pad Able to Treat Induced Knee Osteoarthritis in Rats?

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease and a significant cause of joint pain, tenderness, and limitation of motion. At present, no specific treatment is available, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promising potentials in this regard. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the repairing potentials of stem cells derived from the synovium and fat pad in the treatment of OA. METHODS: Twenty-eight male rats (220 ± 20 g, aged 10-12 weeks), were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7): C1: nontreated group, C2: Hyalgan-treated group, E1: adipose tissue-derived stem cell-treated group, and E2: synovial membrane-based stem cell-treated group. Collagenase type II was injected into the left knee; after eight weeks, OA was developed. Then, stem cells were injected, and rats were followed for three months. Afterward, specimens and radiological images were investigated. p value ≤ 0.05 was set as statistically significant. RESULTS: Compared to the C1 group, the E1 and E2 groups showed significantly better results in all six pathological criteria as well as joint space width and osteophytes of medial tibial, medial femoral, and medial fabellar condyles (p ≤ 0.001). Similarly, compared to the C2 group, the E1 and E2 groups had better scores regarding surface, matrix, cell distribution, and cell population viability (p < 0.05). E2 showed considerably higher scores compared to C2 regarding subchondral bone and cartilage mineralization (p < 0.05). The joint space width was similar between the C2 and E groups. CONCLUSION: Treatment of OA with MSCs, particularly synovial membrane-derived stem cells, not only prevented but also healed OA of the knee to some extent in comparison to the Hyalgan and nontreatment groups.

The effects of therapeutic ultrasound waves on testicular tissue, echogenicity, semen quality, oxidative stress, and acute-phase proteins in dogs.

The application of high-intensity ultrasound waves has been investigated as one of the non-invasive methods of contraception in several species. This study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of contraception in dogs using ultrasound waves by measuring acute-phase proteins and oxidative stress indices. Ten mixed-breed adult and fertile dogs were divided into two equal treatment and control groups. The dogs' testes in the treatment group were exposed to ultrasound waves at an intensity of 1.5 W/cm2 and a frequency of 1 MHz, 3 times for 5 min, and every 48 h. Blood sampling (before exposure, and 3, 5, 7, 21, 35, 49, and 63 days after exposure), semen collection (before exposure, and 4, 6, and 8 weeks after exposure), testicular ultrasonography (before exposure, and 4, 6, and 8 weeks after exposure), and testis histopathology (30 and 60 days after exposure) were performed during the study. The echogenicity of the dogs' testes significantly increased in the treatment group from week 6 onwards (P = 0.001). The concentration and progressive motility of spermatozoa in all samples, from both the control and the treatment groups, were normal at different times during the study. There was no significant change in the concentration of serum testosterone. The activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes on days 3, 5, and 7 and catalase activity on day 3 significantly decreased in the treatment group compared to those of the control group (P = 0.006). In addition, malondialdehyde concentration significantly increased in the treatment group on days 3, 5, and 7 (P < 0.0001). The concentrations of C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein significantly increased on days 3, 5, and 7 compared to those of the control group (P = 0.005). To sum up, high-intensity ultrasound waves could activate the process of the acute phase response of inflammation and oxidative stress and induce further damage to the testicular tissue in dogs. This was mainly observed in the first week after the testes were exposed to ultrasound waves.

Protective effects of Stevia rebaudiana aqueous extract on experimental unilateral testicular ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

This project aimed to examine Stevia rebaudiana aqueous extract protective effects on testicular ischaemia/reperfusion injury of rats. Forty rats were randomly divided into five groups: (1) sham group, (2) torsion/detorsion group, (3 and 4) low and high doses treatment groups received S. rebaudiana extract intraperitoneally 30 min before detorsion by 500 and 1,000 mg/kg respectively, and (5) healthy group received the extract by 1,000 mg/kg. In this study, left testes were rotated 2 hr, reperfusion period took long 5 hr, and then orchiectomy was performed. Histopathological and biochemical evaluations of testicular tissue samples were performed. Histopathologically, sham and healthy groups exhibited normal seminiferous tubules. Germinal cell necrosis, interstitial oedema, haemorrhage and congestion were seen in torsion/detorsion group. Testicular tissues of both treatment groups revealed lower histopathological alterations. Significant higher malondialdehyde level was observed in torsion/detorsion group than sham and healthy groups (p < .05). Compared with torsion/detorsion group, S. rebaudiana extract significantly reduced malondialdehyde level in treatment groups (p < .05). Torsion/detorsion group had significantly lower glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities than sham and healthy groups, and these parameters showed significant increase in treatment groups compared with torsion/detorsion group (p < .05). The results revealed S. rebaudiana has this potential to protect the testes from ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

First isolation and identification of Aeromonas veronii and Chryseobacterium joostei from reared sturgeons in Fars province, Iran.

The purpose of the present study was to isolate and identify the pathogenic agents in Acipenser stellatus (Pallas, 1771) and Huso huso, (Linnaeus, 1758) reared in the south of Fars province, Iran which have shown infectious disease signs. Samples from spleen and kidney of 32 fishes showing septicemia symptoms such as decreasing of appetite, unbalanced swimming, expanded wounds, and petechia on the body surfaces, pectoral fins rot, visceral hemorrhage, bleeding on the spleen, and heart ascites were collected. Then samples were cultured on brain heart infusion agar growth media, stain and biological and biochemical tests on purified bacteria were performed. On the other hand, 16S rDNA region of the isolated organism was amplified using PCR. The amplified gene fragment was sequenced and evolutionary history was inferred by phylogenetic tree construction using neighbor-joining method. Results indicated that two bacterial species including Chryseobacteriumjoostei which isolated from the kidney of stellate sturgeon (43.00%), and Aeromonasveronii which isolated from the spleen of both sturgeon species (75.00% and 31.00% from beluga and stellate sturgeon, respectively), were recognized. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that Fars isolated organisms including A. veronii and C. joostei had highest similarity with A. veronii bv veronii and C. joostei isolated from France, respectively.

Short-term Effects of Date Palm Extract (Phoenix dactylifera) on Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Induced by Testicular Torsion/Detorsion in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Antioxidants are potent scavengers of free radicals and have beneficial effects on human health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective antioxidant activity of the edible portion of date fruit extract in an experimental testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate the potential protective effects of date palm (DP), 30 male Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham-operated, T/D, and T/D + DP-treated (500 mg/kg, PO) groups. Testicular ischemia was induced via keeping the left testis under 720° clockwise torsion for 2 h (h), afterward, detorsion was performed. All rats were sacrificed 4 h after detorsion. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and histopathological damage score were evaluated. RESULTS: Serum MDA, TOS, and OSI levels rose significantly in the T/D group. These values were lower in the T/D + DP group. TAS values decreased significantly in T/D group and rose in T/D + DP group. Severe injury was seen in the twisted testes of T/D group. In contrast, ipsilateral-twisted testicular tissue in the DP-treated group showed moderate-to-mild changes. Contralateral testicular tissue in the T/D group had a mild-to-moderate tissue injury; meanwhile, treated group revealed normal-to-mild changes. Spermatogenesis was significantly improved in DP-treated group when compared with the T/D group. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a possible protective effect of DP against testicular oxidative damage induced by T/D; however, more detailed studies are warranted. SUMMARY: Given the presence of several phenolic compounds possessing high antioxidant activity in DP, it could potentially be used to reduce testis ischemia/reperfusion-induced damage. Abbreviations Used: TAS: Total antioxidant status,TOS: Total oxidative status; OSI: Oxidative stress index; MDA: Malondialdehyde; C: Congestion; H: Hemorrhage, E: Edema; SG: Sloughed germinal cells; SA: Spermatogenesis arrest; STD: Seminiferous tubules disorganization; STA: Seminiferous tubules atrophy; G: Giant cells; T/D: Torsion/detorsion; DP: Date palm.

Malignant adenomyoepithelioma of the breast: a review.

Malignant adenomyoepithelioma (MAME) of the breast is a rare lesion characterized by dual population of epithelial and myoepithelial cells which one or both components show malignant features. We report a case of MAME of the breast in a 46-year-old woman diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration with extensive review of the literature. Classification, clinical presentation, cyto-pathologic, and immunohistochemical features are described. This lesion showed both malignant components of epithelial and myoepithelial cells in cytology and histology. The malignancy was convincingly supported by high mitotic figures, pleomorphism, and invasion in tissue sections. This review of MAMEs showed that cyto-histologic diagnosis is difficult and should be supported by immunohistochemical study.

The Healing Effect of Licorice on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infected Burn Wounds in Experimental Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Burn is still one of the most devastating injuries in emergency medicine while improvements in wound healing knowledge and technology have resulted into development of new dressings. This study was undertaken to evaluate the healing effect of licorice in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected burn wounds of experimental rat model. METHODS: One hundred and twenty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to 4 equal groups. Group A received silver sulfadiazine ointment, Group B received 10% licorice extract and Group C was considered as control group and received gel base as the base of medication. Group D did not receive any medication and just underwent burn injury. A standard 3rd degree burn wound was produced by a hot plate with similar size about 20% of total body surface area (TBSA) and at identical temperature. After 24 h of burn production, 10(8) colony forming units (CFU) of toxigenic strains of P. aeruginosa (PA 103) were inoculated subcutaneously into the burnt area. After 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of therapy, the animals were sacrificed and burn areas were macroscopically examined and histologically evaluated. RESULTS: Decrease in size of the burn wounds, in inflammation and re-epithelialization were poor in groups B-D. Infection to P. aeruginosa was still visible in groups B-D but was absent in Group A. The mean histological score, tensile strength, maximum stress, yield strength and stiffness in groups B-D were lower compared with Group A. CONCLUSION: Licorice extract in 10% concentration was shown not to be effective in healing of P. aeruginosa infected burn wounds.

Primary bilateral Burkitt lymphoma of the lactating breast: a case report and review of the literature.

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive neoplasm, which frequently affects the ileocecal region in the sporadic form and the jaw in the endemic form; however, the breast is a rare primary site of this tumor. Here we describe a case of primary bilateral breast BL presenting during lactation in a 23-year-old woman. Excisional biopsy of breast masses demonstrated a B-cell lymphoma with a characteristic 'starry sky' pattern highly suggestive of BL. The neoplastic cells strongly expressed CD20 and CD10, and showed proliferative activity as measured by Ki-67. An IGH-MYC gene fusion indicating the presence of a typical Burkitt translocation t(8;14)(q24;q32) in the tumor tissue was detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization. The present case, along with a comprehensive review of the literature, demonstrates that BL of the breast should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lesions of the breast during lactation. Whether hormonal or antigenic factors trigger Burkitt lymphomagenesis in the lactating breast warrants further investigation.

Prevalence, biology, and distribution pattern of Sarcocystis infection in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Iran.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, distribution pattern, and the Sarcocystis species involved in slaughtered water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in the Khuzestan, Iran by macroscopic and histological examination. The esophagus, heart, diaphragm, tongue, masseter, and thigh muscles were investigated. Esophagus and thigh muscles of only 3 of the 100 examined water buffaloes (3%) were infected with macroscopic Sarcocystis, whereas at microscopic level Sarcocystis were found in 83 of the 100 examined animals (83%). The highest prevalence rate of microscopic cysts was found in masseter muscle (57.1%) and then followed by tongue, diaphragm, esophagus, heart, and finally, thigh muscles (30.0%). There was no significant difference between males (83.6%) and females (82.0%) or between two investigated age groups (2 years old, 88%). Based on the size of the sarcocysts, thickness of the walls and location of the cysts, Sarcocystis buffalonis as a macroscopic form and Sarcocystis levinei and Sarcocystis dubeyi as the microscopic forms were diagnosed in the examined muscles of the buffaloes of this area. Sarcocystis fusiformis was not seen in the examined organs of these buffaloes. The high prevalence rate of microscopic Sarcocystis in this region indicates that dogs have a more significant role than cats in transmission of these protozoa.

Primary ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the breast: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the breast are uncommon, which represent less than 1% of all breast malignancies and predominantly are of B-cell origin. OBSERVATION: In this report, a rare case of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma in the breast of a 16-year-old female without breast implant is described. The patient presented with a 3-month history of progressive right breast swelling and erythema. Clinically, inflammatory breast carcinoma was highly suspected. A tru-cut needle biopsy of the right breast demonstrated infiltration of tumoral cells around the breast lobules and soft tissue and also in angiolymphatic spaces. The immunohistochemical profile showed positivity for CD30 and ALK and confirmed the diagnosis of ALK-positive anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma of the breast. CONCLUSION: Anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma of the breast is rare, and can clinically mimic inflammatory breast carcinoma in adolescence.

Sarcocystis and its complications in camels (Camelus dromedarius) of eastern provinces of Iran.

The prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. was investigated by gross and histopathological examinations in 250 camels (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered from 2002 to 2005 in the Mashhad Slaughterhouse, eastern Iran. Samples were taken from the diaphragm, heart, tongue, esophagus and masseter muscles for histopathological studies. No macroscopic sarcocysts were found in the samples at gross inspection. Sarcocysts were detected in 209 of 250 (83.6%) examined camels at histopathological level. The infection rate of the esophagus, heart, masseter muscles, diaphragm, and tongue was 58.8%, 48.0%, 46.8%, 41.6%, and 28.0%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the rate of infection between male (85.8%) and female (81.0%) camels. The tissue response to vital cysts was minimal; however, reaction to the degenerating cysts was severe and caused tissue damages resulting in hyperemia, hemorrhages, mononuclear cell infiltration, necrotic changes, and fibrosis. The wild and domestic carnivores especially dogs may be the final hosts of Sarcocystis spp. in this area.