Sperm abnormalities induced by pre-pubertal exposure to cyclophosphamide are effectively mitigated by Moringa oleifera leaf extract.

Moringa oleifera L. is a medicinal plant with potential antioxidant property. This study was aimed at investigating the chemoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOE) on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular toxicity. Two-week-old male Swiss albino mice were intraperitoneally injected with phosphate-buffered saline, 50 mg kg(-1) of CP and 25 mg kg(-1) of MOE. In combination treatment, mice were injected with 25 mg kg(-1) of MOE 24 h prior to CP injection, 24 h prior and post-CP injection and 24 h post-CP injection for 5 consecutive days (10 mg kg(-1) ). Six weeks later, mice were sacrificed to assess epididymal sperm parameters. MOE alone did not have any significant effect on sperm parameters. However, acute injection of CP resulted in significant decline in motility (P < 0.001), increase in head abnormality (P < 0.01) and DNA damage (P < 0.05). Combining MOE with CP increased the sperm density, motility and reduced head defect and DNA damage, irrespective of the schedule and dosage of MOE. Administration of MOE prior to CP significantly elevated the level of superoxide dismutase and catalase with concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation in the testicular tissue. In conclusion, MOE may have potential benefit in reducing the loss of male gonadal function following chemotherapy.

Variations in the pulmonary venous ostium in the left atrium and its clinical importance.

INTRODUCTION: During early embryonic development, absorption of pulmonary venous network by the left primitive atrial chamber results in opening of four pulmonary veins which drain independently into its chamber. The extent of absorption and hence, the number of pulmonary veins which open into the left atrium, may vary. As only few studies have been done, which have shown such variations, the present study was done to evaluate the possible variations in the pulmonary veins which opened into the left atrium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty formalin fixed adult cadaveric hearts were studied for variations in the opening of the pulmonary veins into left atrium. RESULTS: Our results showed that 68% of the hearts which were studied, showed usual pattern of 2 pulmonary veins on either side, while remaining 32 % hearts showed variations in the number of pulmonary veins which opened. Twelve percent of the hearts showed 2 left and 3 right pulmonary veins, 14% of hearts showed 2 left and 1 right veins, 4% hearts showed 1 left and 2 right veins and 2% hearts showed 1 left and 4 right pulmonary veins opening into the left atrium. CONCLUSION: Knowledge on such variations gains significance in isolation for radiofrequency ablation as a treatment for atrial fibrillation.

Morphology of the superior gluteal nerve: a study in adult human cadavers.

The superior gluteal nerve (SGN) arises from the sacral plexus and enters the gluteal region above the piriformis where it divides into superior and an inferior branches. Former ends in the gluteus medius and occasionally gluteus minimus whereas latter supplies gluteus medius and minimus and ends in tensor fascia latae. Variations, relations, branching pattern and length of the SGN were reported in earlier studies. The present study was conducted to establish preliminary data on the length and branching pattern of the SGN and its relations with the neighbouring bony landmarks. Twenty two lower extremities were examined in 22 male and 13 female formalin fixed cadavers. Tip of the greater trochanter was determined as the point of reference. Statistical analysis was done using student's T test. Present study will help orthopedicians performing total hip replacement through lateral and transgluteal approaches (Tab. 3, Fig. 4, Ref. 19).

Effect of cyclophosphamide exposure on the migration of primordial germ cells in rat fetuses.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: Effect of a single dose of cyclophosphamide on migration of the primordial germ cells (PGC), when they are about to reach gonadal ridge was investigated histochemically by staining for alkaline phosphatase. This may throw some light on the fate of gonadal ridge when exposed to the drug itself or its breakdown products such as acrolein, which is present as an environmental pollutant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve pregnant Charles foster rats were divided in to control and treatment groups and kept in separate cages. In the experimental group, Cyclophosphamide 20 mg/kg/body weight was injected intraperitoneally on day 12 of gestation. Transverse sections of fetuses collected on day 16 of gestation were stained for alkaline phosphatase activity. Outcome of the study was analysed by scanning the photomicrographs and represented by photomicrographs. RESULTS: An unique finding in experimental group in the gonadal ridge consisted of homogeneously distributed pale staining cells. The gonadal ridge-mesonephros junction showed a single big cluster of the PGC. Under higher magnification, the PGC could be identified by oval or circular shape with well-defined cell membranes and very distinct dark brown staining. There were no signs of degeneration or disintegration of these cells. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclophosphamide exposure led to failure of PGC to spread inwards from the gonadal ridge-mesonephros junction giving rise to a situation so far not reported in literature. The presented phenomenon will result in improper development of the gonads leading to infertility in an affected individual in future generation (Fig. 4, Ref. 18).

Analysis of the arterial anatomical variations of thyroid gland: anatomic guide for surgical neck dissection.

PURPOSE: Aim of this study was to establish preliminary data on the variations of arterial supply of thyroid gland in Karnataka population. METHODS: The anterior triangles in the neck of formalin fixed cadavers were dissected. The length, branching pattern, number and length of branches of superior thyroid artery (STA) were noted. We measured the length of inferior thyroid artery (ITA) from its point of emergence from thyrocervical trunk (TCT) to lower pole of thyroid gland. The length of the external carotid artery (ECA), TCT from the point of its emergence to the point of its branching was noted. We noted the number of branches from ITA and TCT. Presence of any additional artery supplying the thyroid gland was searched for. Difference in the length of STA and ITA between the two sexes and sides were noted. Statistical analysis was done by Student's t-test. RESULTS: In our study the maximum length of STA was 5.34cm and that of ITA was 5.07cm and there were no statistically significant side-to-side differences in level of bifurcation. CONCLUSIONS: Observations of the present study on the course and branching pattern of arteries around thyroid gland will help in easier approach during thyroid surgeries and interventional techniques (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 38).

Ovarian development in Wistar rat treated prenatally with single dose diisobutyl phthalate.

Phthalates are a class of industrial compounds with an array of toxicological properties used in day to day life. Diisobutyl phthalate on (DIBP) is used as an additive to keep the plastics soft or flexible (plasticizer) in nitrocellulose plastic, nail polish, explosives, lacquer manufacturing etc. Although DIBP exposure in humans is generally low, people in adhesive industries and pharmaceutical industries are exposed to higher levels. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of single dose of DIBP on developing ovary of Wistar rat. One hundred and eight adult pregnant Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental groups. Rats in experimental group were given DIBP on day 10, 12 and 14 of gestation at 0.375, 0.75 and 1.25 ml/kg body weight dose intraperitoneally in a single dose. Sections of ovaries collected on day 21 of gestation were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined and Masson's trichrome histologically. Sections belonging to the control group showed the presence of oocytes in clusters separated by thin fibrous septa. Degeneration oocytes, empty follicles surrounded by follicular cells without gonocytes in the center were observed in ovarian stroma. Blood vessels in the ovarian stroma were prominent and congested. Around a bunch of follicles total architectural disarray was observed although on special staining fibrosis was not evident. As pregnant women are constantly exposed, effect of DIBP on ovary of a developing fetus would denote the long term consequence in future generations (Fig. 5, Ref. 39).

Morphometry and magnetic resonance imaging of anterior cruciate ligament and measurement of secondary signs of anterior cruciate ligament tear.

UNLABELLED: Injuries or over-stretching of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) may lead to its malfunctioning. ACL tear, partial or complete, canto the result of contact or non-contact injuries. To conduct morphometry of ACL, twenty six knees (14 right and 12 left) were examined in 21 male and 5 female formalin fixed cadavers. Measurement of tibial foot print of ACL, distance of its anterior edge from the anterior margin of tibia, length and width of ACL were determined with the help of digital caliper. Indirect signs of ACL tear (sagittal ACL-tibial angle, coronal ACL - tibial angle, Blumensaat line - ACL angle and angle of inclination of the intercondylar roof) complement the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnosis of ACL injury. We also studied the consequences of meniscal and posterior cruciate ligament injuries on above mentioned angles. In addition 84 MRI images of knees of patients aged between 18 - 74 years were evaluated for diagnosis of any disruption in the morphology of ACL. In our study, mean length of the tibial foot print of ACL was 18.34 ± 3.49 mm, mean width of tibial foot print was 15.26 ± 2.01, mean distance from the anterior edge of tibia to anterior margin of attachment of ACL was 13.11 ± 2.34, length and width of ACL were 32.5 ± 4.33 mm and 9.38 ± 1.58 mm, respectively. The present study will be useful for enhancing the knowledge of anatomy of ACL and may act as a valuable guide for radiologists in evaluating the injury to knee involving ACL, menisci and PCL (Tab. 5, Fig. 9, Ref. 17). KEYWORDS: anterior cruciate ligament, magnetic resonance imaging, posterior cruciate ligament, meniscus, tibia, tear, injury.

Morphometry and CT measurements of useful bony landmarks of skull base.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to determine the distance between Henle's spine (HS) on the temporal bone to the clinically important bony landmarks on the dry skulls that will act as a guide in various surgical procedures on skull base. Distances from the head of malleus (HOM) to surgically relevant landmarks were also studied on CT images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine adult preserved dry skulls were studied bilaterally. The parapetrosal triangle bounded by spinopterygoidal, bispinal and the midsagittal lines was identified. The location of the HS and its distance from the various important anatomical structures were measured. In addition, five CT images, where distances from the HOM to various anatomical landmarks were measured. RESULTS: The mean and range of distances from the HS to various important anatomical landmarks on the spinopterygoidal line, bispinal line and in the parapetrosal triangle were tabulated. The mean and range of CT-based measurements of distances from HOM to other anatomical landmarks were also noted. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of unvarying relationship of the HS and the HOM to the various structures of the skull would assume significance while planning surgeries around the temporal bone by guiding the direction and degree of bone removal. Statistical differences between the two genders showed significant difference only in the distance between the HS to the medial margin of the external orifice of carotid canal. Therefore, these landmarks can also be applied as references for various surgeries of middle cranial fossa, as well as transpetrosal and transmastoid approaches.

Variations in the course and microanatomical study of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and its clinical importance.

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), a branch from the lumbar plexus, may come to the clinician's or surgeon's attention. We studied this nerve to determine its location and its relationship with neighboring structures around the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the inguinal ligament (IL). Additionally, cross-sectional microanatomy of the LFCN at the IL was studied. The LFCN was dissected in 47 lower limbs from formalin-fixed cadavers. The distances from the ASIS to the point where the LFCN crossed the IL and the lateral border of the sartorius were measured. The distance between the ASIS and the point it pierced the deep fascia was also measured. Twelve nerve specimens at the IL were collected for histological sectioning and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. On examination of the cross-sectional area, the nonfascicular area was wider than the fascicular area because of an increased amount of thick collagen fibers. This study may be of help to clinicians managing meralgia paresthetica and may also assist in defining a safe area for surgical intervention on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh.

Distribution of sympathetic fiber areas of radial nerve in the forearm: an immunohistochemical study in cadavers.

PURPOSE: Secondary to peripheral nerve injuries, involvement of sympathetic fibers complications such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) have been reported. There are limited studies on the sympathetic fibers and their distribution in the upper limb nerves. There are no reports available in the distribution of the sympathetic fibers/areas of radial nerve in the forearm. The aim of the present study was an attempt to find the distribution of sympathetic fibers in the radial nerve just above cubital fossa (RN), superficial branch of radial nerve at cubital fossa (SBRN-1) and above wrist (SBRN-2). METHODS: We have studied on 19 fresh human cadaveric RN, SBRN-1, and SBRN-2 samples. Frozen sections of these nerves were processed by immunohistochemical (tyrosine hydroxylase) method for sympathetic fibers. RESULTS: The sympathetic fibers area (Asym) was found to be more in RN when compared to SBRN-1 and SBRN-2. The comparison of the sympathetic index (SI = sympathetic fibers area/total fascicular area of the nerve) between RN and SBRN-1 (p < 0.001), RN and SBRN-2 (p < 0.001), and SBRN-1 and SBRN-2 (p = 0.016) were statistically significant. The sympathetic index (SI) for SBRN-1 was more when compared to RN and SBRN-2. CONCLUSIONS: Sympathetic fibers area (Asym) was found to be more in RN when compared to SBRN-1 and SBRN-2. The sympathetic ratio (SI) and percentage of sympathetic fibers area (Asym %) was more in SBRN-1 when compared to RN and SBRN-2. These results of the study might help to explain sympathetic system-related diseases in the area of distribution of RN and SBRN.