Chronic liver fibrosis induction in aging causes significant ultra-structural deterioration in liver and alteration on immune response gene expressions in liver-spleen axis.

The relationship between damage to the liver and spleen by aging and the immune response status in these two organs, which are anatomically and immunologically interconnected, is unknown. The authors investigated the histopathological, ultrastructural, and immunological effects of aging in young and aged fibrotic mice by using an experimental model. Four groups were planned, with 10 mice in each experimental group. The levels of fibrosis and ultrastructural destruction in the liver were determined by α-SMA staining and TEM analysis. Expression levels of immunity genes (Il2, Il4, Il6, Il10, Il12, Il17, Tnf, Ifng, Tgfb1, Gata3, Rorc, Tbx21, Foxp3, Ccl2, Ccr2, Cxcr3, Pf4, Cxcl10) were carried out by qRT-PCR. While structural disorders were detected in the mitochondria of aged healthy group, cellular destruction in the fibrosis-induced elderly group was at a dramatic level. Fibrosis induction in aged mice caused an elevation in the expression of chemokines (CCl2, CXCL10, CCR2) and cytokine (IL-17a) genes that induce autoinflammatory response in the liver. Unlike the cellular pathology and genes activated in fibrosis in youth and the natural occurrence of fibrosis with aging, induction of fibrosis during aging causes deterioration in the liver and expression of genes responsible for autoimmunity in both the liver and spleen.

From Nose to Lumbar Spinal Cord - Reduced Sperm Numbers Occur by Olfactory Bulbectomy-Related Onuf's Nucleus Degeneration: New Experimental Evidence for Kallmann Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Olfaction and its relation to human health is an area of growing interest. Although olfaction disorders have been considered a part of Kallmann syndrome, the role of olfactory dysfunction on spermatogenesis has not been studied yet. We studied if olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) causes dysfunction in spermatogenesis as a result of Onuf's nucleus damage. METHODS: Twenty-eight male rats were divided into three groups: six as the control (G-1; n = 6), six as the only frontal burr hole applied animals SHAM (G-2; n = 6), and 16 as the study group (G-3; n = 16) in which OBX was performed. The animals were followed for 2 months. After the decapitation of the animals, olfactory bulb (OB) volumes (mm3), the neuron density of the Onuf's nucleus (n/mm3), and sperm density (n/mm3) were estimated stereologically and analyzed. RESULTS: OB volumes (mm3), degenerated neuron density of Onuf's nucleus (n/mm3), and sperm numbers of control, SHAM, and study groups were estimated as: 4 ± 0.5; 6 ± 2 and 103.245 ± 10.841 in G-1; 3.5 ± 0.7; 14 ± 4 and 96.891 ± 9.569 in G-2; and 1.3 ± 0.3; 91 ± 17 and 73.561 ± 6.324 in G-3. The statistical results of degenerated neuron density of Onuf's nucleus and sperm numbers between groups are p < 0.005 for G-1/G-2; p < 0.0005 for G-2/G-3; and p < 0.00001 for G-1/G-3. DISCUSSION: This study first time indicates that Onuf's nucleus degeneration secondary to OBX seems to be responsible for reduced sperm numbers.

New surgical technique for non-missile trauma hemostasis as a result of sewing needle.

Traumas are the most important cause of mortality in the pediatric population. Bleeding is an important complication, especially in traumatic brain injuries with coagulation problem addition. Low-velocity penetrating brain injuries may be caused by sewing needles, nails, and knives. There are few studies in the literature for this injury type. This study presented a surgical technique and treatment to increase hemostasis in a 2-year-old patient after a sewing needle injury.

Is hepatitis-B immunization effective during chronic liver fibrosis? Investigation of secretory and cellular immune responses on an experimental model.

OBJECTIVE: Adults with end-stage of chronic liver diseases have lower antibody titers after hepatitis-B vaccination. We have less amount of knowledge about the effect of non-viral cause chronic liver fibrosis on vaccination. In this study, we investigated the effect of non-viral chronic liver fibrosis on hepatitis B vaccine and the effect of tetanous toxoid co-administration at the level of humoral and cellular immune responses in an experimental model. METHODS: Hepatitis B vaccine was administered either alone or in combination with tetanus toxoid in thioacetamide-induced fibrotic BALB/c mice. Fibrosis level was determined by Knodell scoring. Anti-HBsAg, biochemical parameters, inflammatory (IL-1ß, TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine levels were investigated in serum samples by automated systems and ELISA; respectively. Frequencies of activated lymphocytes were determined in flow cytometer. RESULTS: Antibody titers significantly decreased after immunization of fibrotic mice. However, co-administration of toxoid significantly elevated antibody titer. The percentage of CD19+CD69+ B lymphocytes was found to be lower in vaccinated fibrotic group compared to vaccinated naive group. Simultaneous administration of toxoid significantly increased the frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CD69 and CD127. Interestingly, CD19+CD5+CD1high Breg cells were significantly reduced in the group vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine and toxoid, simultaneously. The reduction in Breg percentage did not expose a significant decrease in the level of IL-10. CONCLUSION: Non-viral chronic liver fibrosis causes a reduction on specific antibody level after vaccination. Reduction on Breg cell frequency may have an effect on elevation of antibody level after co-administration of tetanus toxoid.

Endoscopic Transoral Odontoidectomy of Craniovertebral Junction Rheumatoid Arthritis With the Help of Real-Time Fluoroscopy and Intraoperative Computed Tomography.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involvement in the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a rare condition after antirheumatoid medications, nevertheless still exists. Neurological deterioration of the patient makes surgery inevitable. Seventy-seven years old man without antirheumatoid treatment presented with progressive neurological deterioration and CVJ involvement of RA with severe cord compression with myelomalacia. The patient underwent endoscopic transoral odontoidectomy with real-time fluoroscopy and intraoperative computed tomography. Even though radiological improvement has been achieved the patient died because of pulmonary complications. Rheumatoid arthritis of CVJ is a life-threatening medical condition. Surgical procedures will be safer by using endoscopy and intraoperative radiological imaging techniques.

Outcomes of Decompressive Craniectomy in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Ten-Year Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with patient outcomes after decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to compare the authors' findings with the existing literature. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 50 patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy for severe TBI between 2013 and 2023. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, Injury Severity Score (ISS), electrolyte imbalances, nosocomial infections, and hospital stay duration, were collected. Outcomes were assessed at 12 months postsurgery, and statistical analyses were performed to determine factors associated with favorable and unfavorable outcomes. RESULTS: Younger age, higher GCS scores, and lower ISS were significantly associated with favorable outcomes. Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia, were linked to unfavorable outcomes. Nosocomial infections were significantly more common in patients with unfavorable outcomes. Longer hospital stays were also associated with worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' findings highlight the importance of individualized patient management based on age, admission GCS score, ISS, electrolyte imbalances, nosocomial infections, and hospital stay duration to maximize the potential for favorable outcomes. These results contribute to the growing literature on decompressive craniectomy for TBI and provide valuable insights for clinicians in optimizing patient management.

All aspects of sciatic nerve injection injury: an experiment with 78 rats.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we evaluate sciatic nerve injuries due to intramuscular injections, which is an important medicolegal problem frequently encountered in medical practice, with an extended experimental rat model of peripheral nerve injury. METHODS: A total of 78 male Wistar albino rats were divided into five main groups, including a control group, a sham saline group, and groups that received benzathine penicillin G, diclofenac sodium, and dexamethasone, respectively. These pharmaceutical agents were applied to the sciatic nerves of all rats after exploration in the epineurial, endoneurial, and intrafascicular compartments, excluding the control group. Outcomes were evaluated for all rats and their sciatic nerves according to functional, electrophysiological, and histopathological results. RESULTS: Injuries were most evident in the groups that received penicillin G and diclofenac sodium, and this finding was statistically significant. It was also found that endoneurial and intrafascicular injections may cause more harm than epineurial injections. DISCUSSION: We have demonstrated that any medical injections applied to the epineurial, endoneurial, or intrafascicular compartments of the sciatic nerve may cause functional and electrophysiological loss with or without deterioration of the peripheral nerve architecture.

New Histopathologic Evidence for the Parasympathetic Innervation of the Kidney and the Mechanism of Hypertension Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The Cushing response was first described in 1901. One of its components is elevated systemic blood pressure secondary to raised intracranial pressure. However, controversy still exists in its pathophysiologic mechanism. Hypertension is attributed to sympathetic overactivity and vagotomy increased renal-based hypertension. However, the role of the parasympathetic system in hypertension has not been investigated. This subject was investigated following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: A total of 24 rabbits were used: control group (n = 5), SHAM group (n = 5), and an SAH group (n = 14; bolus injection of blood into the cisterna magna). Blood pressures were examined before, during, and after the experiment. After 3 weeks, animals were decapitated under general anesthesia. Vagal nodose ganglion, axonal degeneration, and renal artery vasospasm (RAV) indexes of all animals were determined histopathologically. RESULTS: Significant degenerative changes were detected in the vagal axons and nodose ganglia following SAH in animals with severe hypertension. The mean degenerated neuron density of nodose ganglions, vasospasm index (VSI) values of renal arteries of control, SHAM, and study groups were estimated as 9.0 ±â€Š2.0 mm, 1.87 ±â€Š0.19; 65.0 ±â€Š12.0 mm, 1.91 ±â€Š0.34; and 986.0 ±â€Š112.0 mm, 2.32 ±â€Š0.89, consecutively. Blood pressure was measured as 94.0 ±â€Š10.0 mmHg in control group, 102.0 ±â€Š12.0 mmHg in SHAM; 112.0 ±â€Š14.0 mmHg in middle (n = 9); and >122.0 ±â€Š10.0 mmHg in severe RAV-developed animals (n = 5). Differences VSI values and blood pressure between groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The degeneration of vagal nodose ganglion has an important role in RAV and the development of RAV and hypertension following SAH.

A New Technique in Surgical Management of the Giant Cerebral Hydatid Cysts.

OBJECTIVES: In hydatid disease, the central nervous system is affected approximately in 2% to 3% of patients. Surgical management in these patients is important. To develop a surgical technique to avoid the formation of great volume of cavity after hydatid cyst removal and prevent complications associated with brain collapse and cortical convolution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 2 patients, hydatid cysts were delivered by this new technique. A balloon filled with 150 cc of sterile air/distilled water was placed in the cavity until the balloon filled the entire cavity. Air/distilled water evacuation was continued at a rate of 20 cc/d and, after a week, eventually, the balloons were removed RESULTS:: All cysts were delivered without rupture. Neurologic outcomes were good. No complications were observed related to usage of the system such as balloon rupture, evacuation problems, and infection. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that the balloon insertion technique may be a useful method to prevent brain collapse, cortical convolution, and complications associated with this condition. Further technical refinements of the system are needed for better results.

Intimal Hemorrhage of Basilar Artery Induced by Severe Vasospasm Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The Experimental Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral vasospasm, a serious complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), has been extensively studied for its neurochemical and pathophysiologic mechanisms. However, the contribution of inner elastic membrane dissection and subintimal hemorrhage to basilar artery occlusion remains underexplored. This study investigates inner elastic membrane-related changes in the basilar artery after SAH. METHODS: Twenty-four hybrid rabbits were divided into control, sham, and SAH groups, with SAH induced by autologous blood injection. After 2 weeks, basilar artery changes, vasospasm indexes (VSIs), and dissections were evaluated. RESULTS: The SAH group showed significantly higher VSI, with vascular wall thickening, luminal narrowing, convoluted smooth muscle cells, intimal elastic membrane disruption, endothelial cell desquamation, and apoptosis. Some SAH animals exhibited subintimal hemorrhage, inner elastic membrane dissection, and ruptures. Basilar arteries with subintimal hemorrhage had notably higher VSI. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the role of subintimal hemorrhage and inner elastic membrane dissection in basilar artery occlusion post-SAH, offering valuable insights into vasospasm pathophysiology.

Unexpected Effects of Cerebrospinal Fluid on the Prevention of Cerebral Thromboembolism and Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption: First Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the presence of thromboembolism that may develop in hippocampal arteries due to decreased cerebrospinal fluid volume because of choroid plexus damage caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four rabbits were included as test subjects in this study. The study group comprised 14 test subjects administered autologous blood (0.5 mL). Coronary sections of the temporal uncus were prepared to observe the choroid plexus and the hippocampus together. Cellular shrinkage, darkening, halo formation, and ciliary element loss were considered criteria for degeneration. Blood-brain barriers were also examined in the hippocampus. The density of degenerated epithelial cells in the choroid plexus (n/mm3 ) and thromboembolisms in the hippocampal arteries (n/cm2 ) were compared statistically. RESULTS: Histopathological examination revealed that the number of degenerated epithelial cells in the choroid plexus and the number of thromboembolisms in the hippocampal arteries were 7 ± 2 and 1 ± 1 in group 1, 16 ± 4 and 3 ± 1 in group 2, and 64 ± 9 and 6 ± 2 in group 3, respectively. The significance levels were P < .005 for group 1 vs. group 2, P < .0005 for group 2 vs. group 3, and P < .00001 for group 1 vs. group 3. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that decreased cerebrospinal fluid volume induced by choroid plexus degeneration causes cerebral thromboembolism following subarachnoid hemorrhage, which has not been previously described.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for tumors of the pineal region: A single-center experience.

Tumors of the pineal region (TPRs) are rare neoplasms that are surgically challenging to resect. Conventional treatment strategies are available, but gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is an alternative approach. This study presents a single-center experience with GKRS performed for TPR with and without histopathological diagnoses. The cases of 25 patients with TPRs treated with GKRS were retrospectively analyzed. Thirteen of these 25 patients had histopathological confirmation, and 13 had elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels. The 25 patients had a mean follow-up duration of 61 months. The total response rate to GKRS was 60%, and a 53.8% decrease in the alpha-fetoprotein and beta human chorionic gonadotropin levels was observed. The findings of this study indicate that GKRS is a safe procedure for TPRs, even in the event of insufficient histopathological findings. This treatment approach provides increased Karnofsky performance scores and an extended life expectancy.

Predestinative role acidic cerebrospinal fluid on the destiny of central channel in spinal cord following subarachnoid hemorrhage: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: Acidosis is the most dangerous complication in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study aimed to investigate the effect of acidic cerebrospinal fluid on central canal structures after SAH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight hybrid rabbits were studied. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid pH values were recorded before/during/after the experimental procedures. The structures related to the central canals at the level of C5 of the cervical spinal cord were then examined histopathologically. The relationship between pH values of ependymal cells and degenerated epithelial cell densities was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Mean blood pH values and degenerated ependymal cell density (n/mm2) were as follows: 7.351 ± 0.033/23 ± 7 in control, 7.322 ± 0.059/78 ± 13 in SHAM, and 7.261 ± 0.048/254 ± 62 in study animals. Gross examinations revealed swelling, edema, pia-arachnoid adhesions, ventral canal dilatation, arachnoiditis, central canal hemorrhage, occlusions, and dilatation in the spinal cord. CONCLUSION: Cerebrospinal fluid acidosis-induced central channel pathologies should be considered an important complication of SAH following SAH.

OBJETIVO: La acidosis es la complicación más peligrosa en la hemorragia subaracnoidea (HSA). El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto del líquido cefalorraquídeo ácido en las estructuras del canal central tras la HSA. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron 28 conejos híbridos. Se registraron los valores de pH de la sangre y del líquido cefalorraquídeo antes, durante y después de los procedimientos experimentales. A continuación se examinaron histopatológicamente las estructuras relacionadas con los canales centrales a nivel de C5 de la médula espinal cervical. Se analizó estadísticamente la relación entre los valores de pH de las células ependimarias y las densidades de células epiteliales degeneradas. RESULTADOS: Los valores medios de pH en sangre y la densidad de células ependimarias degeneradas (n/mm2) fueron los siguientes: 7.351 ± 0.033/23 ± 7 en el control, 7.322 ± 0.059/78 ± 13 en el SHAM, 7.261 ± 0.048/254 ± 62 en los animales del estudio. Los exámenes macroscópicos revelaron hinchazón, edema, adherencias pia-aracnoideas, dilatación del canal ventral, aracnoiditis, hemorragia del canal central, oclusiones y dilatación en la médula espinal. CONCLUSIONES: Las patologías del canal central inducidas por la acidosis del líquido cefalorraquídeo deben considerarse como una complicación importante de la HSA tras una hemorragia subaracnoidea.

The Enigma of Basilar Artery Dissections Secondary to Vasospasm following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Exploration of the Unknown Effect of Superior Cervical Ganglia: A Preliminary Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Life-threatening basilar artery dissection (BAD) can be seen following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but it is not clear whether subarachnoid hemorrhage causes dissection, or not. This study aims to investigate the relationship between, degenerative changes in the superior cervical ganglia and the dissection rate of the basilar artery. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this article, after three weeks of experimental SAH, animals were decapitated. 18 rabbits were divided into three groups, according to their vasospasm indexes. The basilar arteries were examined by anatomical and histopathological methods. RESULTS: Basilar dissection with high vasospasm index value (VSI>3) was detected in six animals (G-I, n=6); severe basilar edema and moderate vasospasm index value (VSI>2.4) in seven rabbits (G-II, n=7) and slight vasospasm (VSI<1.5) index value in five subjects (G-III, n=5) was detected. The degenerated neuron densities (n/mm3) of the superior cervical ganglia were detected as 12±4 in G-I, 41±8 in G-II; and 276±78 in G-III. The dissected surface values/lumen values were calculated as (42±1)/(64±11) in G-I; (21±6)/(89±17) in G-II; and (3±1)/(102±24) in G-III. If we look at these ratios as a percentage: 62%in G-I, 23% in G-II, and 5% in G-III. CONCLUSION: Inverse relationship between the degenerated neuron densities (n/mm3) of the superior cervical ganglia and the dissected surface values basilar artery was observed. The common knowledge is that basilar artery dissection may lead to SAH, however, this study indicates that SAH is the cause of basilar artery dissection.

Influence of Lipoxin-A4 Treatment on Cytokine, Chemokine Genes Expression, and Phenotypic Distribution of Lymphocyte Subsets During Experimental Liver Fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: Lipoxins are anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving molecules that are secreted by immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages. Lipoxins are a metabolite of the arachidonic acid pathway that resolve inflammation in fibrotic liver by producing several anti-inflammatory molecules. In this study, phenotypic distribution activation markers of lymphocytes in the spleen and expression levels of chemokines (chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 3, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10) cytokines (interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-10) in the liver of lipoxin A4-treated fibrotic mice were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced in BALB/c mice by thioacetamide administration. Lipoxin A4 was administered during last 2 weeks of induction. Fibrosis level was determined by using Knodell scoring. Lymphocytes were identified by flow-cytometry. Expression levels of genes were measured by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction in liver homogenates. RESULTS: Lipoxin A4 treatment caused an elevation of T-lymphocyte percentage in the spleen. Interestingly, administration of lipoxin A4 significantly reduced B-lymphocyte population in spleen of fibrotic group. CD8+ cytotoxic T cell frequency significantly reduced in thioacetamide-induced mice; however, lipoxin A4 administration increased that percentage significantly. Lipoxin A4 treatment significantly reduced frequency of activated (CD8+CD69+) cytotoxic T cells. Expression levels of chemokines significantly reduced in the liver after lipoxin A4 treatment. While expression levels of interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 significantly reduced in the liver after lipoxin A4 treatment, an anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 expression was almost at similar levels in all experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Lipoxin A4 performs its anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the frequency of activated T cells and expression levels of chemokines cytokines responsible from inflammatory immune response in the liver.

Treating surgical site infection following posterior instrumentation with free-style deepithelialized propeller flap: A case report.

Surgical site infection is a challenging situation for all types of surgeons. Extensive debridement with or without implant removal can create soft tissue defects. A well-vascularized, adequate soft tissue is needed to cover the wound and to fill the dead space for proper healing. Herein, we describe our approach to a large posterior trunk defect with dead space and our solution to manage an intraoperative complication using a free-style deepithelialized propeller flap.

Comparison of the accuracy of the cannulated pedicle screw and the classical pedicle screw in the treatment of Scheuermann's kyphosis: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate if use of cannulated pedicle screw (CPS) in the dysplastic pedicles in Scheuermann's kyphosis (SK) increases the accuracy rate of the screw and reduces screw-related complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 21 patients (11 males, 10 females; mean age 19.1 years; range, 13 to 22 years) (550 screws) who received correction with pedicle screws due to SK deformity between May 2015 and January 2019. Between 2017 and 2018, classical pedicle screws were used in addition to CPSs in the upper thoracic region (T2, T3, T4) and thin pedicles (group 1). However, during the years 2015 to 2016, only classical pedicle screws were used for the patients who underwent posterior instrumentation for SK (group 2). Computed tomography scanning was used to investigate the accuracy of the screws. RESULTS: There were 12 patients (316 screws) in group 1 and nine patients (234 screws) in group 2. Seventy-four (13.4%) of all screws were inserted incorrectly. Incorrect screw rate in group 1 was significantly lower than group 2; 21 (6.6%) and 53 (22.6%), respectively (p<0.001). There were no complications related to the use of CPSs after a mean follow-up of two-and-a-half years. CONCLUSION: The use of CPS in the surgical treatment of SK does not increase the complication rate; instead it increases the accuracy of the screw. For this reason, we believe that CPS may be an effective and reliable option in the treatment of SK.

A bioactive product lipoxin A4 attenuates liver fibrosis in an experimental model by regulating immune response and modulating the expression of regeneration genes.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Lipoxin A4 (LXA4), an anti-inflammatory lipid mediator, regulates leukocyte cellular activity and activates gene transcription. The therapeutic effect of LXA4 on liver fibrosis and its mechanism on the immune system are largely unknown. Because the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes in acute and chronic liver failure models of mouse increases by silencing MKK4, we aimed to investigate the effect of parenteral administration of LXA4 on the genes responsible for regeneration of liver, namely MKK4, MKK7, and ATF2, and visualize the therapeutic effects in an experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fibrosis was induced in mice by administration of thioacetamide (TAA). LXA4 was administered during the last two weeks of fibrosis induction. The fibrosis level was measured by Knodell scoring. The liver function was measured by analyzing serum ALT, AST, and AP levels. Expression levels of genes responsible for liver fibrosis (TGF-α) and cell regeneration (MKK4, MKK7, and ATF2) have been measured by RT-PCR analysis. Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured in serum samples and liver homogenates by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Ultrathin sections were examined using a transmission electron microscope and analyzed. RESULTS: We observed significant healing in liver of the LXA4-treated group, histologically. This finding was in parallel with reduction of serum ALT, AST, but not AP levels. TGF-α and MKK4 expressions were significantly reduced in the LXA4-treated group. Administration of LXA4 caused significant elevation of IL-10 in systemic circulation; however, that elevation was not detected in liver homogenates. Nevertheless, significant reductions in TNF-α and IL-17 have been observed. CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory effect of LXA4 maintains the regenerative capacity of liver during fibrosis in an experimental liver fibrosis model. LXA4 may be therapeutically beneficial in liver fibrosis.

The relationship between caspase-1 related inflammasome expression and serum inflammatory cytokine levels during acute brucellosis.

OBJECTIVE: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella in domestic and wild animals. It also causes systemic diseases with the involvement of different parts of the human body. An efficient innate immune response is crucial to cure brucellosis with optimum antibiotic treatment. The inflammasomes are innate immune system receptors and sensors that regulate the activation of cysteine-dependent aspartate specific protease-1 (caspase-1) and caspase-1-induced cell death process known as pyroptosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression levels of CASPASE-1 and associated inflammasomes AIM2, NLRP3, and NLRC4 to analyze their relationship with the inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-18, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in peripheral blood samples of patients with acute brucellosis with healthy controls. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 20 healthy volunteers and 20 patients with acute brucellosis. RNA and serum samples were isolated to examine the expression levels of AIM2, NLRP3, NLRC4, and CASPASE-1 by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and IL-1ß, IL-18, and IFN-γ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: In the acute brucellosis group, AIM2 and NLRC4 expressions were significantly higher than in healthy volunteers. A significant increase on caspase-1 expression in patients with acute brucellosis was not observed. Serum IL-18 and IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in patients with acute brucellosis than in healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Caspase-1-related inflammasomes are sufficiently activated to induce the secretion of cytokines, such as IFN-γ and IL-18, to induce cellular immune response. Caspase-1 activation level should be investigated at different periods of disease in a group with high number of patients to understand the role of pyroptosis and caspase-1 in brucellosis.