Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Properties of a Crude Polysaccharide Derived from Green Seaweed Halimeda tuna: Computational and Experimental Evidences.

In this study, we investigated for the first time the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of crude polysaccharide (PSHT) extracted from green marine algae Halimeda tuna. PSHT exhibited anti-oxidant activity in vitro through scavenging 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl free radical, reducing Fe3+/ferricyanide complex, and inhibiting nitric oxide. PSHT maintained the erythrocyte membrane integrity and prevented hemolysis. Our results also showed that PSHT exerted a significant anti-edematic effect in vivo by decreasing advanced oxidation protein products and malondialdehyde levels and increasing the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in rat's paw model and erythrocytes. Interestingly, PSHT increased the viability of murine RAW264.7 macrophages and exerted an anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells by decreasing pro-inflammatory molecule levels, including nitric oxide, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Our findings indicate that PSHT could be used as a potential immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemolytic, and anti-oxidant agent. These results could be explained by the computational findings showing that polysaccharide building blocks bound both cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and TNF-α with acceptable affinities.

Pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung revealed by uncommon colonic metastasis: An exceptional case report with literature review.

Lung pleomorphic carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that uncommonly metastasizes to the colon and only a few case reports have been published thus far. We present an exceptional case of colon metastasis from lung pleomorphic carcinoma in a 68-year-old man which was revealed by large bowel perforation, and we review the previous three published cases. Metastasis to the bowel from primary lung malignancy often lacks specific symptoms which result in delayed diagnosis. Bowel metastasis is a poor prognostic factor in patients with lung pleomorphic carcinoma, regardless of management strategy.

Central retinal vein occlusion : an uncommon complication in sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system granulomatosis of unknown etiology, defined by the presence of epithelioid and gigantocellular granulomas, without caseous necrosis. Ocular sarcoidosis manifests mainly as bilateral granulomatous anterior uveitis. Occlusion of the central retinal vein in sarcoidosis is a rare manifestation, which is the particularity of our observation. We report the case of a patient presenting with unilateral central retinal vein occlusion associated with granulomatous anterior uveitis on the same side. Systemic manifestations and further investigations led to the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Anti-Vasculogenic, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Sulfated Polysaccharide Derived from Codium tomentosum: Pharmacokinetic Assay.

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activities of sulfated polysaccharide from C. tomentosum (PCT) using carrageenan (CARR)-induced paw edema in a rat model and anti-vasculogenic activity on a chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) model. Based on in vitro tests of anti-radical, total antioxidant, and reducing power activities, PCT presents a real interest via its antioxidant activity and ability to scavenge radical species. The in vivo pharmacological tests suggest that PCT possesses anti-inflammatory action by reducing paw edema and leukocyte migration, maintaining the redox equilibrium, and stabilizing the cellular level of several pro-/antioxidant system markers. It could significantly decrease the malondialdehyde levels and increase superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione activities in local paw edema and erythrocytes during the acute inflammatory reaction of CARR. PCT pretreatment was effective against DNA alterations in the blood lymphocytes of inflamed rats and reduced the hematological alteration by restoring blood parameters to normal levels. The anti-angiogenic activity results revealed that CAM neovascularization, defined as the formation of new vessel numbers and branching patterns, was decreased by PCT in a dose-dependent manner, which supported the in silico bioavailability and pharmacokinetic findings. These results indicated the therapeutic effects of polysaccharides from C. tomentosum and their possible use as anti-proliferative molecules based on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activities.

Concomitant primary angiosarcoma and invasive carcinoma of the breast: a case report.

Collision tumor is a rare entity composed of two different tumors that occur in close to one another and maintain distinct borders. Only few cases have been reported in the breast. We report the first case of concomitant and adjacent primary angiosarcoma (PBAS) and invasive carcinoma of the breast (IBC), in a 45-year-old patient which presented with a lump in her right breast. Biopsy revealed PBAS. She underwent mastectomy. Gross examination showed a hemorrhagic and spongy tumor in contact with a second small grayish-white mass. Histologically, the hemorrhagic tumor was consistent with a high grade (HG) PBAS; the second mass was consistent with an IBC with no images of histological admixture. The diagnosis of a collision tumor composed of HG PBAS and IBC was established. During follow-up, the patient developed ovarian angiosarcomatous metastasis. The diagnosis of breast collision tumor is very uncommon and hence is challenging for pathologist. Careful gross and microscopic examinations help in establishing the appropriate diagnosis.

Liver injury in COVID-19: pathological findings.

Hepatic injuries have been reported in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 infection, particularly in those with moderate to severe illness. To date, pathological changes caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in liver tissue are unclear. Moreover, the mechanisms involved in liver injury in Coronavirus disease 2019 infection are not yet established. In this paper, we summarize the spectrum of pathologic findings of liver injury in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 and we discuss the clinicopathological correlation and the mechanisms of liver damage in Coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

Preparation and characterization of a novel hamada scoparia polysaccharide composite films and evaluation of their effect on cutaneous wound healing in rat.

This work was intended to prepare biodegradable and edible films from polysaccharide extracted from Hammada scoparia leaves (named PSP) and reinforced by poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Four films with different ratios of PSP/PVA: P1 (70:30), P2 (50:50), FP3 (30:70) and pure PVA (100 % PVA) were prepared and characterized in terms of structural (FT-IR), physical (Thickness, solubility and swelling index), optical and thermal properties (TGA). The antioxidant activities of different films were determined in vitro and evaluated in vivo through the examination of wound healing capability. Data revealed that the film P1 displayed the highest antioxidant activity in vitro and accelerated significantly the wound healing, after sixteen days of treatment, attested by higher wound appearance scores and a higher content of collagen (765.924 ± 4.44 mg/g of tissue) confirmed by histological examination, when compared with control, CYTOL CENTELLA® and pure PVA-treated groups. Overall, these results demonstrated that PSP/PVA based films exhibited a higher wound healing potential confirmed with the high antioxidant activities in vitro.

Clonal seborrheic keratosis: a rare skin tumor.

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign epidermal neoplasm, representing one of the most common skin tumors. Clonal seborrheic keratosis is one of the histological subtypes of this entity. It is an uncommon lesion which may resemble other benign or malignant lesion. We report a case of a 60-year-old woman presented with a 7 year history of a gradually growing, cutaneous lesion on her left arm. On physical examination, the lesion was elevated, well-circumscribed, measuring 5 cm in maximum diameter. The tumor was biopsied. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of well-defined nests of clear-looking or basaloid keratinocytes within an acanthotic epidermis, corresponding to the Borst-Jadassohn phenomenon. The tumor cells were small and monomorphic. We diagnosed this tumor as clonal seborrheic keratosis. Although surgical excision was recommended, our patient refused an operation. This case of clonal seborrheic keratosis is presented for its rarity and for differential diagnosis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: a clinicopathological study of 64 cases.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common of all liver cancers and is a major worldwide public health problem. The aim of this study was to provide an updated overview on clinicopathological features, treatment and outcome of HCC. In our retrospective study, we reviewed 64 cases of HCC that were diagnosed at the pathology department of Mongi Slim hospital over a fifteen-year period (2000- 2014). Relevant clinical information and microscopic slides were retrospectively reviewed. Our study group included 38 men and 26 women (sex ratio M/F = 1,26) aged between 8 and 83 years (mean = 56,64 years). The presenting clinical symptoms were dominated by abdominal pain (n=34), followed by altered general health (n=25) and jaundice (n=4). Fifty-five patients underwent surgical treatment. Liver transplantation was performed in two cases and transarterial chemoembolization was achieved in seven cases. Histopathological examination of the surgical or biopsy specimen established the diagnosis of conventional HCC in 55 cases, fibrolamellar carcinoma in 6 cases and clear cell HCC in 3 cases. Seven patients with HCC died postoperatively. Local recurrence of the tumour occurred in three cases and two patients had distant metastases postoperatively. The other patients are still being followed-up. Hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with a high rate of mortality because of early invasion, widespread metastasis and lack of effective therapeutic modalities. Accurate diagnosis and staging of these tumours is critical for optimal treatment planning and for determining prognosis.