Anatomy & Cell Biology最新文献

Gibberellic acid (GA3) is a biocide with insecticidal properties. Selenium (Se) has an enzymatic structure that mediates its antioxidant activities. This study aimed to assess the GA3 toxicity on pre and postnatal ovarian development and to investigate the protective effect of Se against GA3 toxicity in albino rats. Two experiments were conducted in this study (n=24 rats for each): the first was performed on pregnant female rats and the second on prepubertal females (4 weeks old). Rats were divided into Group I (controls: Ia, negative and Ib, positive rats received sodium selenite 0.3 mg/kg/body weight); Group II (GA3-treated, the rats received 55 mg/kg, 1/100 of lethal dose 50); and Group III (the rats were cotreated with GA3 plus Se). Treatments in the first experiment began at gestational day 7 until postnatal day 4, while in the second experiment, treatments lasted two weeks. All hormonal levels were decreased in pre and postnatal GA3 rats' exposure. Histological examination of GA3-treated prenatal rats showed disturbance in ovarian development as shown by ovigerous cords with germ cell breakdown. Meanwhile, multiple histopathological and developmental changes occur in all stages of the ovarian follicles in postnatal rats. In both developmental ages, there was collagen deposition with decreased proliferative marker and androgen receptor expressions, which was confirmed by a decrease in the morphometric measures of the ovarian follicles. All biochemical, immunostaining, and histological results were improved after Se co-administration due to its antioxidant activity against GA3 toxicity.

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability in adults worldwide. Among the various treatment strategies, cell-based therapies have gained considerable attention due to their regenerative potential. Enhancing the efficacy of stem cells is critical to improve therapeutic outcomes. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is one of the drugs that has been recognized for its ability to modulate the paracrine effects of stem cells. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of DMF on rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). The BM-MSCs viability following treatment with various doses of DMF was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and fluorescein diacetate staining at 24 and 72 hours. After identifying the optimal DMF concentration, BM-MSCs were cultured with selected DMF concentration for 72 hours, and their gene expression profiles of key neurotrophic factors were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our findings revealed that 1 µM DMF was the optimal concentration for enhancing BM-MSC viability. Treatment with this dose significantly upregulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and neurotrophin-3, highlighting their potential in promoting neuronal support and regeneration. In contrast, the transcript level of glial-derived neurotrophic factor was significantly reduced, suggesting a selective regulatory effect of DMF on neurotrophic pathways. These findings shed light on the therapeutic promise of DMF in modulating neurotrophic factor expression in BM-MSCs, offering novel insights into its application in regenerative medicine for neurodegenerative conditions.

This study aimed to delineate the macroscopic and microscopic topography of muscles surrounding the anterior aspect of the hip joint and the underlaying joint capsule. Seven fresh-frozen cadavers were bilaterally dissected as per study protocol. Eleven hip joints were evaluated macroscopically, while three hip joints underwent histological analysis. Additionally, twenty hip bones and femurs were examined for the osseous morphology near the anterior portion of the articulating surfaces. Macroscopically, the rectus femoris muscle contributed to the articular capsule exclusively through its reflected head. The iliocapsularis and iliopsoas muscles were in direct contact with the articular capsule. Although the iliocapsularis muscle was adherent to the capsule throughout its whole course, the iliopsoas muscle was connected to the capsule through the iliopectineal bursa. Microscopically, different spatial thickness of the capsule was observed, with the thicker regions corresponding to the capsular ligaments. Osseous landmarks, relevant to the course of the iliopsoas muscle, included the iliopsoas notch and a groove for the psoas major muscle. Furthermore, split of the anterior inferior iliac spine and the "subspine" were constant findings corresponding to the origin of the direct head of the rectus femoris and the iliocapsularis muscles, and attachment of the medial band of the iliofemoral ligament, respectively. On the head of the femur, the Poirier's facet (35.0%), the Allen's fossa (60.0%), and the so-called plaque (50.0%) were observed. Conclusively, we introduce the concept of a four-layered anterior musculocapsular complex of the hip, aiming to aid the orthopaedic surgeon in both hip replacement and preservation procedures.

The suprascapular nerve corresponds to one of the supraclavicular branches of the brachial plexus, and its route exposes it to being injured during some surgical procedures. Morphometric analysis of the scapula has been proposed as a tool for preventing injuries to the suprascapular nerve. The present investigation aimed to determine the safe distances for approaching the suprascapular nerve at the level of the scapular notch (SPN) and spinoglenoid notch, in addition to establishing its relationship with the type of SPN and with two scapular dimensions: major longitudinal axis (MLA) and major transverse axis (MTA). For this purpose, a descriptive-correlative, quantitative, non-experimental and transversal study was carried out, in which 82 dry scapulae from adult individuals of Chilean origin were investigated. The main results of this study found that prevalences were highest for SPNs types II (36.2%), I (29.3%), and III (26.0%), with average distances that were considered safe in all types of SPNs. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation, with P<0.05, between the MTA (r=0.526; r=0.634), MLA (r=0.284) and the safe distances for the suprascapular nerve at the level of the SPN and incisura spinoglenoid of the scapulae studied. Scapular dimensions such as the MTA and the MLA could, therefore, be used to predict a safe zone for the suprascapular nerve, potentially contributing to a reduction in the current rate of injury of the suprascapular nerve in surgical procedures involving the deltoid and scapular regions.

The complex of neurovascular structures surrounding the coracoid process, particularly the axillary artery, the thoracoacromial artery and theirs branches, plays a critical role in shoulder function. Detailed dissection was performed in 36 shoulders from 18 embalmed cadavers. The focus was on axillary artery branches in relation to the coracoid process and the documentation of anatomical variations in this area. Significant findings include the categorization of thoracoacromial artery variations and the identification of acromial and clavicular branches as variable. A key measurement was mean distance between the thoracoacromial artery and tip of the coracoid process (31.89 mm). These findings offer valuable insight into the spatial relationships of these structures. The study provides important information on the vascular anatomy surrounding the coracoid process. Recognizing these anatomical variations is essential for planning safer and more effective shoulder surgeries, such as coracoclavicular stabilization and subcoracoid decompression. Detailed anatomical data are key for surgeons to prevent unintended injuries and enhance surgical success.

The umbilical cord lacks vasavasorum and is prone for hypoxic injuries. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) causes structural changes with in umbilical cord blood vessels. Knowledge of which would be helpful for the gynecologist and obstetricians to assess the prognosis and prevent the complications. The present study was concentrated from December 2016 to December 2019 on 50 normal and 56 GDM umbilical cords. GDM group included 23 GDM mothers managed by diet (GDM-Diet) and 33 GDM mothers managed by drugs (GDM-Drug). Placentas along with the attached umbilical cords were collected and stored in 10% formaline. Tissue processing, slide preparation and stainings were done using standard protocols. A significant reduction was observed in the number of Hoboken nodules of umbilical arteries of GDM-Diet. Reduction of myofibroblasts with an increase in the empty spaces was observed in the Wharton's jelly of both GDM cases. Similarly, smooth muscle disintegration and migration of smooth muscles to intima was significantly higher in GDM umbilical arteries and veins than normal umbilical vessels. The total wall thickness and tunica media was significantly thicker in the umbilical arteries of GDM-Drug group only. The umbilical venous lumen was found significantly wider in GDM groups compared to normal. The elastin fibers were significantly found reduced in the tunics of umbilical arteries and veins in GDM. However, a significant difference in these parameters was not observed between the GDM-Diet and GDM-Drug groups except for total wall and tunica media thickness of umbilical arteries.

Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis has developed rapidly since it first emerged in the 1980s, becoming an almost indispensable tool in anthropological and archaeological sciences. Earlier aDNA study was based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, with which, unfortunately, modern DNA contamination and other authenticity issues were often incurred. These technical hurdles were soon overcome by application of advancements in the forms of the next generation sequencing (NGS) technique and others. However, since NGS requires money, time, and, in the case of large projects, manpower as well, genetic analysis of some ancient samples considered to be insignificant is commonly delayed or, in the worst cases, neglected entirely. We acknowledge that as a diagnostic tool in aDNA analysis, PCR is less accurate than NGS and more easily affected by modern DNA contamination; but it also has advantages, such as simplicity, time-saving, and greater ease of interpretation, among others. The role of PCR in aDNA analysis, then, should be reconsidered.

This study examined the case of 27-year-old female who underwent orthognathic surgery to correct class 3 malocclusion, resulting in an unnatural smile. The research aimed to assess the efficacy of non-invasive treatment in enhancing facial muscle movement during smiling to achieve a natural smile. The patient received eight sessions of treatment using non-invasive devices, and facial assessment were conducted using three-dimensional scanner (Morpheus 3D Scanner) to evaluate facial features in both relaxed and maximum smile states pre- and post-treatment. The results demonstrated improvements in the symmetry of the lower lip height during smiling, along with increases in mouth width and volume in the upper central area. Subjectively, the patient also reported enhanced comfort while smiling. These findings suggest that non-invasive procedures can effectively improve unnatural smiles following orthognathic surgery, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing smile presentation.

Statins are long known to be beneficial for neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Also, nanoparticle (NP) drugs can better affect the target tissue in various diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was surveying the effect of rosuvastatin (RZV) coated by nano-chitosan in an Alzheimer's (Alz) induced model of rats. We examined learning, memory, and hippocampal amyloid plaques and evaluate expression levels of calbindin, doublecortin (DCX), NeuroD1, neuronal nuclei (NeuN), and neurofilament. Forty rats were randomly divided into five various groups. AD was induced by injecting bilaterally with 1 μl of amyloid beta (Aβ) into the hippocampus. After confirmation of AD, RZV, or NP, or RZV+NP were administered gavage orally daily in rats for 30 days. Induction of AD significantly raised Aβ plaques and dead cells compared to the control group. Results of Morris water maze in the test day indicated that Alz+NP+RZV group significantly reduced escape latency and travelled distance, also significantly increased spending time compared to the Alz group (P<0.05). RZV significantly decreased Aβ plaque percentage and the number of apoptotic cells compared to the Alz group (P<0.05). In addition, NeuN and neurofilament protein expression and calbindin, DCX, and NeuroD1 genes expression increased in Alz+RZV and Alz+RZV+NP compared to the Alz group. RZV coated by nano-chitosan has good potential for reducing Aβ plaques and dead cells, increasing brain NeuN and neurofilament proteins and calbindin, DCX, and NeuroD1 genes, and improving learning and memory in Alz rats.

This study aims to determine the level of origin, branching pattern and exits of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves in relation to the psoas major muscle. Additionally, this study confirms the presence and retroperitoneal courses of the double nerves. We dissected a total of 24 iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves (6 male and 6 female cadavers). The origin, branching, and exits in relation to the psoas major muscle, the absence of these nerves or the presence of double nerves, and their retroperitoneal course were carefully examined. All the images were recorded by photographing. In this study, we mainly observed variations in exits, branching patterns, and their retroperitoneal course. The iliohypogastric nerve was absent in 2 cases (8.3%). In the type I pattern, in 1 case (4.2%), the common trunk descends anteriorly to the iliac vessels from the iliolumbar vessels. In 4 cases (16.7%), the double ilioinguinal nerve with different branch patterns and retroperitoneal courses was observed. In 1 single nerve case (4.2%), the ilioinguinal nerve descends anterior to the iliac vessels from the iliolumbar vessels. To our knowledge, the branching pattern of the double ilioinguinal nerves and their retroperitoneal course have not been reported in any available data. Sound knowledge of the variations in the origin, branches, and retroperitoneal course of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves is very helpful for the improvement of peripheral nerve blocks and other various surgical procedures to avoid complications and nerve injuries.