Anatomy & Cell Biology最新文献

Initial gastrointestinal endocrine cells (GIECs) likely appear at the proximal and distal sites of abdominal intestines and may take a close topographical relation with neural elements in the gut. We examined immunohistochemically-stained sections from 10 fetuses at approximately 8-18 weeks of gestational age (36-155 mm of crown-rump length). Irrespective of whether physiological herniation was present (early 5 specimens) or absent (the other 5), the duodenum and jejunum had well-developed mucosa with villi containing abundant flask-like chromogranin-positive cells. In the earlier 5 specimens, the rectum, standing up to a level of the umbilicus, had a lumen and villi with a few positive cells, but the colon carried neither the lumen or chromogranin-positive cells. The initial GIECs seemed to appear in the basal payer of the epithelium at the distal and proximal foci depending on double pathways of neural crest cell migration. Less number of the colic chromogranin-positive cells, more than 5-times difference in density relative to small intestine, was seen in the larger 5 specimens. The appearance of GIECs was delayed at the anal transitional zone (a border area between the columnar and squamous epithelia). The reactivity of neuronal nitric oxide synthase was restricted in the myenteric plexus, whereas clusters of slender calretinin-positive cells existed in the lamina propria or core of villi in the duodenum and colon. Relatively small, round or oval positive cells were also seen in the basal layer of the columnar epithelium. Therefore, calretinin-positive cells might exist closely to GIECs in the developing villi.

A significant number of individuals on combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) are also chronic alcohol consumers. Alcohol and cART independently induce perturbed intestinal function, but their combined effects on Paneth cells (PCs) and intestinal stem cells (ISCs) remain unclear. Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups and treated with normal saline, alcohol treated (AC), cART, and a combination of alcohol and cART (AC+cART) for 90 days. Sections of the small intestine were studied for histomorphology, PC granules, crypts, and ISCs in the jejunum and ileum using hematoxylin and eosin, Alcian Blue Periodic Acid-Schiff, Masson trichrome stains, and immunohistochemistry. This study reveals alcohol-induced collagen increase and cART-induced impairment in the crypts, PC granules, and diminished Musashi-1 expression of ISCs, in the jejunum and ileum. Additionally, depleted goblet cells, crypt depth, and number, but increased intestinal wall thickness and collagen in the ileum of the AC+cART group. Minimal PC granules in the stem cell and transit amplifying zone, with reduced Musashi-1 expression in the jejunum and ileum of the AC+cART group. Moreover, all the independent effects of alcohol and cART are exacerbated in the AC+cART group, resulting in perturbations of the small intestine epithelium, ISC, and PC granules, which may adversely affect the regulation of gut innate immunity, intestinal absorptive function, with adverse health outcomes when exposed to infections. These findings are clinically invaluable in managing patients who receive cART prophylaxis, considering the critical significance of PCs and ISCs in the absorption of medications and necessary nutrients for better treatment outcomes.

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.

Maternal anaemia, the most common nutritional deficiency, adversely affects the growth and development of the fetus as a whole and the fetal pancreas in particular. These changes lead to the young onset of diabetes in the near future. To understand the pathophysiology behind this, present study investigates the histomorphogenesis of human fetal pancreatic islets and the impact of maternal anaemia on islet dimension, area proportion, and cellular composition across various gestational weeks using immunohistochemistry. The research was conducted on 18 human fetal pancreases obtained from spontaneous abortions or stillbirths between 17 to 36 weeks of gestation, categorized into normal (n=10) and anaemic (n=8) maternal groups. Results revealed a larger islet diameter in fetuses from anaemic mothers compared to the non-anaemic group (P=0.039). The beta cell percentage was significantly lower in the anaemic group across all gestational ages (P=0.003), while the alpha cell proportion remained unchanged in the anaemic group but increased significantly in the non-anaemic group after 20 weeks (P=0.006). The non-alpha/beta cell proportion in anaemic group was consistently higher than in the non-anaemic group. In conclusion, maternal anaemia results in the reprogramming of fetal pancreatic islets, characterized by a reduction in beta cell proportion, an increase in non-alpha/beta cells, and a disruption in the alpha-to-beta cell ratio. These changes may impair fetal pancreatic function and predispose the offspring to glucose intolerance and diabetes in later life. Ensuring adequate maternal nutrition through iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy is essential to prevent these developmental disruptions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the number of muscular branches and muscular branching characteristics of the deep peroneal nerve to the muscles. In this study, a total of 16 lower extremities from 8 male cadavers fixed with formalin, ethanol, and glycerol solution were dissected and the number of muscular branches of the deep peroneal nerve and muscular branching features were investigated. It was observed that 31.5% of the muscular branches given by the deep peroneal nerve came to the tibialis anterior muscle, 28.9% to the extensor digitorum longus muscle, 25.5% to the extensor hallucis longus muscle, 11.4% to the peroneus tertius muscle and 2.7% to the peroneus longus muscle. Muscular branches to the tibialis anterior muscle, extensor digitorum longus muscle, and peroneus tertius muscle were generally originated from the deep peroneal nerve in the proximal 1/3 of the leg. Muscular branches to the extensor hallucis longus muscle arose usually from the deep peroneal nerve in the middle 1/3 of the leg. We think that the data we obtained in our research will reduce the rate of important complications such as neurovascular injury in interventions planned for the deep peroneal nerve and the structures adjacent to the nerve.

The maxillary vein, despite its clinical significance, remains underexplored in anatomical literature. It plays a crucial role in venous drainage of the maxillofacial region and is closely associated with surgical procedures such as sagittal split ramus osteotomy, mandibuloplasty, and condylar or parotid surgeries. Due to its variable anatomy and proximity to critical structures, the maxillary vein poses a risk of significant hemorrhage if injured. Its small size and deep location make preoperative identification challenging, especially without contrast-enhanced imaging. Embryologically, the maxillary vein originates from the primitive maxillary vein and develops through complex anastomoses with other craniofacial veins. Anatomical studies have revealed several variations, including the presence of accessory mandibular foramina and unusual venous connections, which may increase surgical risk. Understanding the detailed anatomy and potential variations of the maxillary vein is essential for minimizing complications and improving surgical outcomes. Despite its importance, more anatomical and clinical research is needed to better define its course, variations, and implications in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

The orbital roof in adults consists mainly of the frontal bone (FB), with the ala minor of the sphenoid at the posterior margin. In fetuses, these bones have been observed to overlap at the junction. The present study examined sagittal, frontal, and horizontal histological sections from 38 human fetuses at a gestational age (GA) of approximately 7-39 weeks. At GA 7-8 weeks, the ala minor extended anterolaterally from the orbitosphenoid, covering the posteromedial quadrant of the roof until GA 9 weeks and reaching to almost the center of the roof at late-term. Simultaneously, the FB appeared in front of the cerebral frontal lobe, reached the anterolateral corner of the roof, and at late-term, it extended posteromedially to cover at least the anterior half of the orbit. In addition, a superolateral plate of the ethmoid, originating from the future cribriform plate, covered the medial marginal part of the roof and had a maximum area at GA 11-16 weeks. At the junction, the FB overlapped and extended below the ala minor or ethmoid. Therefore, at birth, the FB and ala minor seemed to overlap widely at the central one-third of the orbital roof. Because the ala minor was ossified at late-term, postnatal degeneration and absorption were unlikely. The fetal anterior skull base was not flat because of the delayed elevation of the nose and the deeply caved cranial fossa. The overlapping bone and cartilage might slide and migrate, providing materials for reconstruction and later growth of the skull base.

The terms of relationship and comparison, which consist of 44 elements grouped as general terms in Terminologia Anatomica, describe the location of anatomical structures and facilitate communication between health professionals and students. During a review in Terminologia Anatomica, the term 'supreme' was found in various structures. However, it is not part of the general terms, which could create confusion when describing and comparing anatomical structures. For this reason, this study aimed to analyze the relevance of supreme and its possible relationship with the superior term. A review of Terminologia Anatomica was conducted to identify structures designated by the adjective "supreme" or its Latin equivalent, suprema. The term was then categorized based on anatomical context. An etymological analysis of supreme and superior revealed that both terms stem from the Latin root super, meaning above or over. However, over time, each term evolved with distinct meanings. In Terminologia Anatomica, 'superior' is used as a comparative adjective for a higher position relative to another structure. 'Supreme' is a superlative adjective that indicates the highest level and the designation of structures in a principal position relative to others. Due to inconsistent usage, we suggest including 'supreme' in Terminologia Anatomica and unifying its application. Specifically, it should be limited to structures where terms such as superior, middle, and inferior are applied and when describing structures that occupy a principal position relative to others. In this sense, we suggest changing the supreme, superior and inferior nuchal lines to superior, middle and inferior nuchal lines, respectively.

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (Hep I/R) is a great health burden during hepatic transplantation surgery. The present work aimed to examine the mitigative effect of Chlorella vulgaris against Hep I/R and its underlying protective mechanisms. The animals in the present research were classified into four equal experimental groups (n=6): the sham group, sham+Chlorella vulgaris group, Hep I/R group, and Hep I/R+Chlorella vulgaris group. Hepatic ischemia results in liver impairment, as evidenced by elevated liver enzyme levels and altered liver histology. It also reduced antioxidant enzyme levels and increased lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the Hep I/R group displayed significant suppression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/haem oxygenase-1 pathway. There was a marked elevation in the expression of inflammatory markers, including nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and myloperoxidase, and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and caspase-1. Furthermore, the levels of apoptotic markers such as caspase-3 and Bax were greater than those in the sham groups. Pretreatment with Chlorella vulgaris significantly protected against Hep I/R by reversing these effects. Rats pretreated with Chlorella vulgaris exhibited a hepatoprotective effect against Hep I/R through its inhibition of the NF-κB and NLRP3 cascades and Nrf2 stimulation.

The four infrahyoid muscles of the anterior neck are primarily innervated by the ansa cervicalis. This systematic review aims to evaluate the range of the anatomical variations in these muscles and their relationship to innervation patterns. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Articles reporting variations in infrahyoid muscles and/or ansa cervicalis were independently evaluated following the PICOTS framework. The anatomical quality assessment tool was used to assess the quality of publications reporting anatomical variants. Seventy-seven studies, encompassing eighty-four cases, were included in the analysis. Of the 56-publication reporting infrahyoid muscle variations, 44 pertained to the omohyoid muscle (main or accessory), 3 to the sternohyoid, 4 to the sternothyroid, and 1 to the thyrohyoid, with no accessory variation observed in the latter. Atypical infrahyoid muscles were identified in 11 cases, 9 of which presented as levator glandulae thyroideae, and 2 as single cases. Variations in the ansa cervicalis were documented in 29 cases, only 1 case involved both ansa cervicalis and infrahyoid muscle variations. The extensive variability of the omohyoid muscle led to the development of a new classification system that integrates 4 types of consistency and 4 types of morphometric variations, providing valuable insights for clinical practice. The specialized use of the infrahyoid muscles in cancer staging, reconstruction after neck cancer surgery, and thyroid surgery underscores the need for a new framework to document their variations, particularly in the omohyoid muscle.