Spatial analysis of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil as a potential for serious human infection.

Toxocara spp. cause one of the most widespread soil-transmitted helminthic infections worldwide. In both developed and developing countries, soil contamination with Toxocara eggs is considered as a major threat to public health. A total of 515 soil samples from 89 sampling sites were collected from different locations of public health such as Wastelands and Streets, public parks, and marginal areas. The soil samples were examined for Toxocara eggs using a centrifugal-floatation technique utilizing a saturated sodium nitrate solution. centralization of positive soil samples in the province was studied by Spatial Statistics Techniques such as Average Nearest Neighbors and Spatial Autocorrelation and Kernel Density Function Toxocara spp. eggs were found in 94 (18.25 %) out of 515 samples collected from the studied areas. According to the results obtained, marginal areas are often contaminated with eggs of Toxocara. Consequently, preventive measures including health education should be implemented to reduce the potential risk of this parasitic infection.

The protective effects of erythropoietin on photoreceptor damage by formaldehyde.

INTRODUCTION: The photoreceptor layer of retina has important role for sight. The previous study showed that accidental formaldehyde injection caused ischemia and damage in the retina. On the other hand the erythropoietin prevents neuronal injury of ischemic damage. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to survey the effect of erythropoietin on retro bulbar formaldehyde injected photoreceptor layer of rat retina. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 adult rats were used and divided into three groups: 1- control group, 2- formaldehyde group (1 ml retro bulbar injected by 10% formaldehyde solution), 3- erythropoietin group (5000 units/kg immediately intraperitoneally injected by erythropoietin after formaldehyde injection for 7 days). The photoreceptor layer of retina studied using a transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: Our observation showed that disorganization and vacuolization in outer segment and inner segment, pyknotic and karyolysis in outer nuclear layer were seen in formaldehyde group. But the minor sign of pathology such as lightly vacuolization in inner segment were obvious in erythropoietin group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that formaldehyde caused damage in photoreceptor layer and erythropoietin was improvement this injury.

Peritoneal dialysis fluid bioincompatibility and new vessel formation promote leukocyte-endothelium interactions in a chronic rat model for peritoneal dialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-induced peritonitis leads to dysfunction of the peritoneal membrane. During peritonitis, neutrophils are recruited to the inflammation site by rolling along the endothelium, adhesion, and transmigration through vessel walls. In a rat PD-model, long-term effects of PD-fluids (PDF) on leukocyte-endothelium interactions and neutrophil migration were studied under baseline and inflammatory conditions. Rats received daily conventional-lactate-buffered PDF (Dianeal), bicarbonate/lactate-buffered PDF (Physioneal) or bicarbonate/lactate buffer (Buffer) during five weeks. Untreated rats served as control. Baseline leukocyte rolling and N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) induced levels of transmigration in the mesentery were evaluated and quantified by intra-vital videomicroscopy and immunohistochemistry. Baseline leukocyte rolling was unaffected by buffer treatment, approximately 2-fold increased after Physioneal and 4-7-fold after Dianeal treatment. After starting fMLP superfusion, transmigrated leukocytes appeared outside the venules firstly after Dianeal treatment (15 minutes), thereafter in Physioneal and Buffer groups (20-22 minutes), and finally in control rats (>25 minutes). Newly formed vessels and total number of transmigrated neutrophils were highest in Dianeal-treated animals, followed by Physioneal and Buffer, and lowest in control rats and correlated for all groups to baseline leukocyte rolling (r = 0.78, P < 0.003). This study indicates that the start of inflammatory neutrophil transmigration is related to PDF bio(in)compatibility, whereas over time neutrophil transmigration is determined by the degree of neo-angiogenesis.

Novel role for mast cells in omental tissue remodeling and cell recruitment in experimental peritoneal dialysis.

Because of its dynamic structure, the omentum plays a key role in the immunity of the peritoneal cavity by orchestrating peritoneal cell recruitment. Because mast cells accumulate in the omentum upon experimental peritoneal dialysis (PD) and may produce angiogenic/profibrotic factors, it was hypothesized that mast cells mediate omental tissue remodeling during PD. Daily treatment with conventional PD fluid (PDF) for 5 wk resulted in a strong omental remodeling response, characterized by an approximately 10-fold increase in mast cell density (P < 0.01), an approximately 20-fold increase in vessel density (P < 0.02), an approximately 20-fold increase in the number of milky spots (P < 0.01), and a four-fold increase in submesothelial matrix thickness (P < 0.0003) in wild-type rats. In contrast, all PDF-induced omental changes were significantly reduced in mast cell-deficient Ws/Ws rats or in wild-type rats that were treated orally with a mast cell stabilizer cromoglycate. A time-course experiment showed mast cell accumulation immediately before the formation of blood vessels and milky spots. Functionally, PDF evoked a peritoneal cell influx, which was significantly reduced in Ws/Ws rats (P < 0.04) and in wild-type rats that were treated with cromoglycate (P < 0.03). Cromoglycate treatment also completely prevented PDF-induced omental adhesions to the catheter tip (P = 0.0002). Mesothelial damage, angiogenesis, and fibrosis of mesentery and parietal peritoneum as well as glucose absorption rate and ultrafiltration capacity proved to be mast cell independent. Data strongly support the hypothesis that mast cells mediate PDF-induced omental tissue remodeling and, subsequently, peritoneal cell influx and adhesion formation, providing therapeutic possibilities of modulating omental function.

Peritoneal exposure model in the rat as a tool to unravel bio(in)compatibility of PDF.

Patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) are at risk for development of ultrafiltration failure and peritonitis. The relative unphysiologic composition of the currently used peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDF) is a major cause for the development of morphologic changes of the peritoneal membrane such as fibrosis and new vessel formation, ultimately resulting in ultrafiltration failure. In recent years, a major research focus has become the development of new and improved PDF. Typically, the first phase of biocompatibility testing of new PDF involves in vitro testing, using cell culture systems such as primary mesothelial cells or peritoneal macrophages. In vivo studies using animal models permit the analysis of biocompatibility under conditions that allow for cell-to-cell interactions and dynamic changes in solution composition that more closely mimic the clinical situation. In this paper, we will review the applicability of a peritoneal exposure model in the rat to study PDF biocompatibility-related issues.

Improved biocompatibility of bicarbonate/lactate-buffered PDF is not related to pH.

BACKGROUND: Chronic exposure to conventional peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) is associated with functional and structural alterations of the peritoneal membrane. The bioincompatibility of conventional PDF can be due to hypertonicity, high glucose concentration, lactate buffering system, presence of glucose degradation products (GDPs) and/or acidic pH. Although various investigators have studied the sole effects of hyperosmolarity, high glucose, GDPs and lactate buffer in experimental PD, less attention has been paid to the chronic impact of low pH in vivo. METHODS: Rats received daily 10 ml of either conventional lactate-buffered PDF (pH 5.2; n=7), a standard bicarbonate/lactate-buffered PDF with physiological pH (n=8), bicarbonate/lactate-buffered PDF with acidic pH (adjusted to pH 5.2 with 1 N hydrochloride, n=5), or bicarbonate/lactate buffer, without glucose, pH 7.4 (n=7). Fluids were instilled via peritoneal catheters connected to implanted subcutaneous mini vascular access ports for 8 weeks. Control animals with or without peritoneal catheters served as control groups (n=8/group). Various functional (2 h PET) and morphological/cellular parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with control groups and the buffer group, conventional lactate-buffered PDF induced a number of morphological/cellular changes, including angiogenesis and fibrosis in various peritoneal tissues (all parameters P<0.05), accompanied by increased glucose absorption and reduced ultrafiltration capacity. Daily exposure to standard or acidified bicarbonate/lactate-buffered PDF improved the performance of the peritoneal membrane, evidenced by reduced new vessel formation in omentum (P<0.02) and parietal peritoneum (P<0.008), reduced fibrosis (P<0.02) and improved ultrafiltration capacity. No significant differences were found between standard and acidified bicarbonate/lactate-buffered PDF. During PET, acidic PDF was neutralized within 15 to 20 min. CONCLUSION: The bicarbonate/lactate-buffered PDF, acidity per se did not contribute substantially to peritoneal worsening in our in vivo model for PD, which might be explained by the buffering capacity of the peritoneum.

Beneficial effects of aminoguanidine on peritoneal microcirculation and tissue remodelling in a rat model of PD.

BACKGROUND: The formation of glucose degradation products (GDPs) and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) partly contribute to the bioincompatibility of peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDF). Aminoguanidine (AG) scavenges GDPs and prevents the formation of AGEs. METHODS: In a peritoneal dialysis (PD) rat model, we evaluated the effects of the addition of AG to the PDF on microcirculation and morphology of the peritoneum, by intravital microscopy and quantitative morphometric analysis. RESULTS: AG-bicarbonate effectively scavenged different GDPs from PDF. Daily exposure to PDF for 5 weeks resulted in a significant increase in leucocyte rolling in mesenteric venules, which could be reduced for approximately 50% by addition of AG-bicarbonate (P<0.02). Vascular leakage was found in rats treated with PDF/AG-bicarbonate, but not with PDF alone. Evaluation of visceral and parietal peritoneum showed the induction of angiogenesis and fibrosis after PDF instillation. PDF/AG-bicarbonate significantly reduced vessel density in omentum and parietal peritoneum (P<0.04), but not in mesentery. PDF-induced fibrosis was significantly reduced by AG (P<0.02). PDF instillation led to AGE accumulation in mesentery, which was inhibited by supplementation of AG. Since addition of AG-bicarbonate to PDF raised pH from 5.2 to 8.5, a similar experiment was performed with AG-hydrochloride that did not change the fluid acidity. We could reproduce most of the results obtained with AG-bicarbonate; however, AG-hydrochloride induced no microvascular leakage and had a minor effect on angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: The supplementation of either AG reduced a number of PDF-induced alterations in our model, emphasizing the involvement of GDPs and/or AGEs in the PDF-induced peritoneal injury.

Immunopathological changes in a uraemic rat model for peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment modality for patients with renal failure. Both the uraemic state of these patients and chronic exposure to PD fluid are associated with the development of functional and structural alterations of the peritoneal membrane. In a well-established chronic PD rat model, we compared rats with normal renal function with subtotal nephrectomized rats that developed uraemia. METHODS: Uraemic and control rats received daily 10 ml conventional glucose containing PD fluid, via peritoneal catheters during a 6 week period. Uraemic and control rats receiving no PD fluid served as controls. Parameters relevant for peritoneal defence and serosal healing responses were analyzed. RESULTS: Uraemic animals were characterized by 2-3-fold increased serum urea and creatinine levels, accompanied by a significantly reduced haematocrit. Uraemia (without PD fluid exposure) induced new blood vessels in different peritoneal tissues, accompanied by increased accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and elevated levels of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in peritoneal lavage fluid. A much stronger peritoneal response was observed upon PD fluid exposure in non-uraemic rats. This included the induction of angiogenesis and fibrosis in various peritoneal tissues, accumulation of AGEs, immunological activation of the omentum, damage to the mesothelial cell layer, focal formation of granulation tissues and increased MCP-1 and hyaluronan levels in peritoneal lavage fluid. Finally, chronic PD fluid instillation in uraemic rats did not induce an additional peritoneal response compared to PD fluid exposure in non-uraemic rats, except for the degree of AGE accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: Both uraemia and PD fluid exposure result in pathological alterations of the peritoneum. However, uraemia did not induce major additive effects to PD fluid-induced injury. These results substantially contribute to the understanding of the pathobiology of the peritoneum under PD conditions.

Better preservation of the peritoneum in rats exposed to amino acid-based peritoneal dialysis fluid.

BACKGROUND: Glucose-containing peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDF) show impaired biocompatibility, which is related partly to their high glucose content, presence of glucose degradation products, low pH, and lactate buffer, or a combination of these factors. In a rat chronic peritoneal exposure model, we compared effects of an amino acid-based PDF (AA-PDF) with a glucose-containing PDF on the peritoneal microcirculation and morphology. METHOD: Two groups of rats received 10 mL of either fluid daily for 5 weeks via peritoneal catheters connected to implanted subcutaneous mini vascular access ports. Leukocyte-endothelium interactions in the mesenteric venules were investigated by intravital microscopy. Quantification of angiogenesis and fibrosis and inspection of the mesothelial cell layer were performed by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Daily exposure to glucose-containing PDF resulted in a significant increase in the number of rolling leukocytes in mesenteric venules, whereas instillation of AA-PDF did not change the level of leukocyte rolling. Glucose-containing PDF evoked a significantly higher number of milky spots in the omentum, whereas this response was significantly reduced in animals exposed to the AA-PDF (p < 0.02). Chronic instillation of glucose-containing PDF induced angiogenesis in various peritoneal tissues, accompanied by fibrosis in the mesentery and parietal peritoneum. Quantitative morphometric evaluation of omentum and mesentery showed a clear trend toward less angiogenesis after treatment with the AA-PDF compared to the glucose-containing PDF, which reached statistical significance in the parietal peritoneum (p < 0.04). Instillation of AA-PDF resulted in approximately 50% reduction of fibrosis in the mesentery (p < 0.04) and approximately 25% reduction in the parietal peritoneum (p < 0.009) compared to glucose-containing PDF. Glucose-containing PDF damaged the mesothelial cell layer, whereas the mesotheium was intact after AA-PDF treatment, as evidenced by electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: Our data in a rat chronic peritoneal exposure model clearly demonstrate reduced immune activation (evidenced by decreased number of rolling leukocytes and decreased induction of omental milky spots) and reduced neoangiogenesis, fibrosis, and mesothelial damage of the peritoneal membrane after treatment with AA-PDF compared to glucose-containing PDF.

Peritoneal dialysis fluid-induced changes of the peritoneal membrane are reversible after peritoneal rest in rats.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated with functional and structural alterations of the peritoneal membrane. However, the (ir)reversibility of these pathological changes of the peritoneum is not understood fully. METHODS: In an experimental PD model, rats (n = 15) received daily 10 ml conventional glucose containing PD fluid, via peritoneal catheters connected to implanted subcutaneous mini vascular access ports. After 5 weeks of treatment, the first group of animals (PDF; n = 10) was sacrificed, while peritoneal catheters of the remaining group of rats (PD-rest; n = 5) were removed 1 week later. The latter group (PD-rest) was sacrificed 12 weeks after removing catheters. At both time points, untreated rats were included as controls. Cellular and morphological parameters were analysed by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Rats exposed to PD fluid for 5 weeks showed a severe angiogenesis in various peritoneal tissues. Peritoneal rest resulted in a significant reduction in blood vessel density in visceral (mesentery, P<0.05), but not in parietal peritoneum. Five weeks' exposure to PD fluid resulted in a profound fibrosis in the parietal peritoneum, whereas the degree of fibrosis was significantly reduced in the PD-rest group (P<0.02). Daily exposure to PD fluid induced a higher number of mast cells in the omentum compared with untreated rats, whereas peritoneal rest normalized the increased mast cell density completely (P<0.03). Likewise, continued PD fluid instillation evoked a strong omental milky spot response, which was returned to the control level after peritoneal rest (P<0.009). Furthermore, the number of mesothelial cells on the liver was significantly increased in rats treated with PD fluid, whereas animals from the PD-rest group had a lower number of mesothelial cells, although this was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). Finally, as evidenced by electron microscopy, daily exposure to PD fluid resulted in severe damage to the mesothelial cell layer covering the peritoneum, whereas this cell layer was completely recovered after peritoneal rest. CONCLUSIONS: We show that PD fluid-induced cellular and morphological alterations of the peritoneal membrane are generally reversible.

Improvement of a chronic rat model for peritoneal dialysis by using heparin-coated catheters.

The use of silicone peritoneal catheters, connected to implanted subcutaneous mini vascular access ports, was an essential step in the development of a widely used rat model for peritoneal dialysis (PD). Despite the model's many advantages, it has one major disadvantage: a high drop-out rate because of omental wrapping of the silicone catheter. To investigate whether heparinization of the peritoneal catheter reduces the high drop-out rate in the model, we infused rats with conventional PD fluid through either a regular silicone catheter (PDF, n = 14) or a heparin-coated catheter (PDF-h, n = 15) daily for 5 weeks. Untreated rats served as a control group (control, n = 7). We used various peritoneal tissues for cellular and morphologic analysis by light and electron microscopy. We found a statistically significant, lower rate of drop-out in rats implanted with heparin-coated catheters (20%) than in rats implanted with regular silicone catheters (57%, p < 0.05). No significant differences were seen between the two treated groups with regard to the PD fluid-induced angiogenic response in omentum and mesentery. Likewise, instillation of PD fluid resulted in a similar cellular response (increased numbers of mast cells and milky spots in the omentum and mesothelial regeneration on the liver) in both groups regardless of heparin coating. Based on our results, we recommend the use of heparin-coated catheters for instillation of dialysis solutions in the chronic PD model in the rat.

In vitro and in vivo models for peritonitis demonstrate unchanged neutrophil migration after exposure to dialysis fluids.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent infections in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients may alter the abdominal wall resulting in an impairment of its dialysis capacity. In this study we investigated both in vitro and in vivo the effects of mesothelial exposure to dialysis fluids on the migration of neutrophils and their capacity to clear a bacterial infection. METHODS: First, we evaluated neutrophil migration in an in vitro transwell model for the peritoneal membrane with monolayers of primary human mesothelial cells (MC) on the lower side and primary human endothelial cells (EC) on top of the same transwell membrane, upon exposure of MC to PD fluid (PDF)-derived components. In addition to this in vitro model, we combined chronic peritoneal exposure to PDF with a peritoneal infection model in the rat. We investigated the kinetics of the chemokine response, neutrophil recruitment and bacterial clearance. RESULTS: Known chemoattractants, such as fMLP and IL-8, strongly increased neutrophil migration across both cell layers in the in vitro model of the peritoneal membrane. Pre-incubation of the MC layer for 48 h with 55 mM glucose, a combination of two glucose degradation products, methylglyoxal and 3-deoxyglucosone, or conventional dialysis fluid (1:4 dilution), however, did not change the IL-8-induced migration of neutrophils. In concert with this finding we demonstrated an unchanged MC expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 after these pre-treatments. Unexpectedly, chronic i.p. exposure to conventional PDF or a recently developed lactate/bicarbonate-buffered PDF in a rat peritoneal exposure model strongly hampered the chemokine response upon bacterial challenge. Nevertheless, neutrophil recruitment and bacterial clearance were effective and did not differ from rats not pre-exposed to PDF. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that exposure of MC to PDF does not hamper the recruitment of functional neutrophils upon challenge.

Contribution of lactate buffer, glucose and glucose degradation products to peritoneal injury in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated with the development of functional and structural alterations of the peritoneal membrane. In this study, we investigated the contribution of low pH lactate buffer, high glucose concentration and glucose degradation products to peritoneal injury in a rat peritoneal exposure model. METHODS: Rats received daily 10 ml of either heat-sterilized (3.86% glucose, pH 5.2, n = 8) or filter-sterilized PD fluid (3.86% glucose, pH 5.2, n = 8), or lactate buffer (pH 5.2, n = 8) via a mini vascular access port during a 10 week period. Untreated rats served as controls. RESULTS: The low pH lactate buffer instillation induced pronounced morphological changes including the induction of angiogenesis in various peritoneal tissues and mild damage to the mesothelial cell layer covering the peritoneum. It also evoked a cellular response characterized by an increased mesothelial cell density on the liver, the induction of milky spots and accumulation of omental mast cells in the omentum, and significant changes in the composition of peritoneal leukocytes. The addition of glucose to low pH lactate buffer (filter-sterilized PD fluid) strengthened most, but not all of the responses described above and induced a fibrogenic response. In addition to glucose and low pH lactate buffer, the presence of glucose degradation products (heat-sterilized PD fluid) significantly induced an additional omental milky spot response (P < 0.03) and caused profound mesothelial damage. The vessel density in the omentum and the mesentery was significantly correlated to both the number of tissue mast cells and the hyaluronan content in the peritoneal lavage, which might suggest a role for mast cells and hyaluronan in the induction of angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Instillations of low pH lactate buffer, a high glucose concentration and glucose degradation products contribute differently and often cumulatively to peritoneal injury in vivo.

Increased leukocyte rolling in newly formed mesenteric vessels in the rat during peritoneal dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: Long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated with the development of functional and structural alterations of the peritoneal membrane. The present study reports the effects of chronic exposure to PD fluid on mesenteric leukocyte-endothelium interactions, using intravital video microscopy. METHODS: Rats (n = 7) received 10 mL lactate-buffered 3.86% glucose-containing PD fluid daily during a 5-week period via a subcutaneously implanted mini access port that was connected via a catheter to the peritoneal cavity. In a first control group (n = 8), catheters were implanted but no fluid was instilled; a second control group (n = 8) remained untreated. The number of rolling and adherent leukocytes as well as blood flow and other fluid dynamic variables were analyzed in mesenteric postcapillary (diameter 10-25 mu) and collecting (diameter 26-40 mu) venules. Neovascularization was semiquantitatively assessed after inspection of video images and by light and electron microscopy. Using FITC-labeled albumin, microvascular leakage was examined. RESULTS: Rats exposed to PD fluid showed a more than twofold increase in the number of rolling leukocytes (p < 0.01); the number of adherent leukocytes was not changed. Furthermore, exposure to PD fluid induced severe neovascularization in rat mesentery. No microvascular leakage was observed in the various groups. The observed differences could not be explained by differences in systemic or local hemodynamic parameters or peripheral leukocyte counts, but is most likely associated with new vessel formation. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of rat peritoneal membrane to conventional PD fluid for 5 weeks affected local leukocyte-endothelium interactions. In addition, severe angiogenesis was induced, whereas microvascular permeability remained unaltered.

Better preservation of peritoneal morphologic features and defense in rats after long-term exposure to a bicarbonate/lactate-buffered solution.

The long-term effects of a standard lactate-buffered dialysis fluid and a new, two-chamber, bicarbonate/lactate-buffered dialysis fluid (with fewer glucose degradation products and a neutral pH) were compared in an in vivo peritoneal exposure model. Rats were given daily injections, via an access port, of 10 ml of standard solution or bicarbonate/lactate-buffered solution for 9 to 10 wk. The omentum, peritoneum, and mesothelial cell layer were screened for morphologic changes. In addition, the bacterial clearing capacity of the peritoneal cells was studied. Significantly more milky spots and blood vessels were observed in the omenta of animals treated with standard solution (P < 0.03 for both parameters). Electron-microscopic analysis demonstrated dramatic changes in the appearance of the vascular endothelial cells of the milky spots and a severely damaged or even absent mesothelium on the peritoneal membrane of the standard solution-treated animals. In contrast, the mesothelium was still present in the bicarbonate/lactate-buffered solution group, although the cells lost microvilli. Both peritoneal dialysis fluids significantly increased the density of mesothelial cells (per square millimeter) on the surface of the liver and the thickness of the submesothelial extracellular matrix of the peritoneum (both P < 0.04 for both fluids versus control). A significantly better ex vivo bacterial clearing capacity was observed with peritoneal cells from the bicarbonate/lactate-buffered solution group, compared with the standard solution group (P < 0.05 in both experiments). These results demonstrate that instillation of bicarbonate/lactate-buffered solution into rats for 9 to 10 wk preserves both morphologic and immune parameters much more effectively, compared with standard solution. These findings may be of considerable clinical importance.