Biomedical Research and Therapy

Correlation of Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy with Atypical Oral Cellular Changes: A Cytological Study in Cancer Patients

Ibtisam Abdelmoneim — 2024-05-31

Background: Oral cancer is a prevalent global health issue, with chemotherapy and radiation therapy commonly used in its treatment.

Methods: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between oral cytological changes and exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. A total of 111 participants were included, consisting of 75 cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy (case group) and 36 healthy individuals (control group).

Results: Participants' ages ranged from 15 to 70 years. Pap stain analysis revealed that 15.3% of samples exhibited acute inflammation, with 18.7% in the treatment group and 8.3% in healthy individuals. Among chemotherapy dose groups, varying degrees of atypia were observed, with a higher incidence of atypia associated with increased chemotherapy dose. Similarly, radiation therapy doses showed an increase in atypical cellular changes with higher doses.

Conclusions: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy were found to influence atypical cellular changes and inflammatory infiltration in the oral cavity. The incidence of atypia was observed to increase with higher doses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Platelet reactivity in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel

Nghia T. Nguyen — 2024-05-31

Introduction: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), incorporating aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, is advised for patients experiencing acute coronary syndrome and for those with coronary artery stents, aiming to mitigate the risk of cardiac events attributable to thromboses. Nevertheless, the therapeutic challenge lies within the narrow therapeutic window where either excessive or deficient platelet reactivity (PR) during DAPT can predispose to thrombotic events or hemorrhage, respectively. This underscores the criticality of attaining an optimal PR level throughout the course of therapy. Accordingly, this study was conducted to evaluate PR among Vietnamese patients administered with DAPT, examining the implications for coronary artery disease management. This study aimed to evaluate PR in the context of aspirin therapy, utilizing the VerifyNow system, and to evaluate PR in the context of clopidogrel therapy, also utilizing the VerifyNow system.

Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive analysis was executed over the period April 2020 to August 2020. In total, 55 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease and receiving DAPT comprising aspirin and clopidogrel were enrolled from the Interventional Cardiology Department at Cho Ray Hospital. PR was assessed via blood samples using PRU and ARU measurement kits for clopidogrel and aspirin, respectively. Data were compiled and subjected to analysis employing SPSS version 20. The delineation of high PR was set at >550 ARU for aspirin and >208 PRU for clopidogrel.

Results: The cohort's mean age stood at 65.7 years, with a male predominance (male-to-female ratio of 1.6). Mean PR values for clopidogrel and aspirin were 158.966.8 and 462.578, respectively. A significant 25.5% of the population demonstrated high PR to clopidogrel, whereas aspirin-related high PR was observed in 7.1% of the patients.

Conclusion: In the subset of Vietnamese patients undergoing coronary stent implantation, a notable proportion exhibited high PR in response to clopidogrel, aligning with observations in international cohorts. Elevated age emerged as a contributing factor for increased PR, while diabetes was implicated in diminished platelet responsiveness. This investigation enriches the comprehension of PR dynamics in patients subjected to DAPT, suggesting a pressing need for additional studies to corroborate these findings and explore therapeutic adjustments.

Association between Ag-NOR dots and immunohistochemical markers in different grades of breast ductal carcinoma

Tagwa Mohamed Ahmed Fadil — 2024-05-31

Background: Breast cancer is recognized as a significant health issue in developed countries.

Methods: This study aimed to correlate the presence of Ag-NOR (argentophilic nucleolar organizer region) dots with immunohistochemical markers across various grades of breast ductal carcinoma. A total of 100 samples were divided into a test group and a control group, with the former comprising blocks of breast adenocarcinoma and the latter involving blocks of breast fibroadenoma. Each sample was sectioned twice; the first section was stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), and the second utilized the Ag-NOR staining technique. The mean Ag-NOR (mAg-NOR) count and the proliferative Ag-NOR (pAg-NOR) count were calculated. Subsequent to microscopic examination of the sections, the laboratory findings and patient demographic data were analyzed.

Results: The majority of ductal carcinoma cases were classified as grade 2. The number of Ag-NOR dots was significantly greater in ductal carcinoma cases than in benign lesions. Furthermore, an increase in the number of Ag-NOR dots was observed with advancing tumor grade.

Conclusions: A strong correlation was identified between the count of Ag-NOR dots and the expression of immunohistochemical markers within different grades of breast ductal carcinoma.

In silico identification and gene expression of miR-148a-5p and IL-6 in hypothyroid patient blood samples

Ponthangam Suthagar — 2024-05-31

Background: Hypothyroidism, marked by a deficiency in thyroid hormone levels, is a common condition with varying clinical presentations. The diagnosis primarily relies on statistical reference ranges of biochemical parameters, which remains a topic of contention. While manageable, untreated cases can lead to serious consequences. MicroRNAs, small non-coding RNAs, have been implicated in hypothyroidism and other diseases, underscoring their significant role in pathophysiology.

Methods: The study describes the bioinformatics techniques utilized to identify miR-148a-5p and to determine its secondary structure in hypothyroidism using databases such as NCBI, miRbase, TargetScan, and RNAfold. For clinical validation, blood samples from individuals with hypothyroidism and normal controls were collected, RNA was extracted, and reverse transcription was performed. The expression levels of RNA and IL-6 were quantified, and statistical analysis was conducted.

Results: Examination of the secondary structure reveals that hsa-miR-148a-5p has a minimum free energy of -27.90 kcal/mol. Consequently, our findings indicate dysregulation of miR-148a-5p and IL-6 expression in patients with hypothyroidism. There is upregulation of IL-6 and downregulation of miR-148a-5p, suggesting potential roles for these molecules in the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism.

Conclusion: The computational analysis suggests that miR-148a-5p is a promising diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic target for hypothyroidism. Based on the data presented in the study, the decreased expression of miR-148a-5p and elevated levels of IL-6 in patients with hypothyroidism suggest potential roles for these molecules in the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism. Further research is warranted to comprehensively understand dysregulation at the level of miR-148a-5p and its impact on IL-6 pathways in hypothyroidism.

Effects of Imiquimod Application Durations on Psoriasis-like Lesions and Cytokine Expression in Mice

Phuong Thi-Thuy Tran — 2024-05-31

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a complex pathogenesis, prominently involving the IL-17/IL-23 pathway. The imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse model is widely utilized for preclinical psoriasis research. This study aims to elucidate the effects of different durations of IMQ exposure on the development and characteristics of psoriasis-like lesions and the underlying changes of related cytokines in mice.

Methods: Balb/c mice were topically administered IMQ on their shaved dorsal skin for either six or twelve consecutive days to induce psoriasislike lesions, with untreated mice serving as controls. Clinical symptoms were assessed, and the expression levels of IL-17A and IL-23 were quantified using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Histopathological changes were evaluated through H&E staining.

Results: Mice exposed to IMQ displayed significant psoriasis-like lesions, with peak severity observed on day six across both exposure groups. Long-term exposure (12 days) did not aggravate the severity of lesions but affected the dynamics of cytokine expression and histopathological features. Notably, IL-17A and IL-23 levels correlated with the progression and severity of lesions in the short-term exposure group, decreasing significantly after the cessation of IMQ application.

Conclusion: Short-term IMQ exposure (six days) effectively induces psoriasis-like lesions in mice, highlighting the pivotal role of the IL-17/IL- 23 axis in this model. Extended exposure to IMQ (twelve days) offers no additional benefit in terms of lesion severity, suggesting that a six-day protocol is optimal for establishing a mouse model of psoriasis for the evaluation of therapeutic interventions targeting the IL-17/IL-23 pathway.

Development of a 3D-printed negative pressure cutter for precise apical resection in neonatal mouse hearts

Minh-Thu Le — 2024-05-31

Introduction: The cardiac cells of neonatal mice, only one day old, exhibit ongoing cell cycle activity for a duration of 14 days following parturition. Their hearts have a strong capacity to replace cardiomyocytes, which disappears in adulthood, in order to respond to injuries sustained during that time. Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the intrinsic regenerative capacity of neonatal mice's hearts following a resection of 1 millimeter from the ventricular apex. However, it should be noted that there is currently a lack of specialized cutting tools designed specifically for this particular field of research. This absence of appropriate instruments may result in challenges when attempting to achieve consistent sample cuts, as human error can introduce variability. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that larger cuts may pose a significant risk to the subject's life.

Methods: This project involved the fabrication of a 3D-printed cutter utilizing a negative pressure system. The surgical scalpel blade is affixed to the cutter, enabling the automated removal of the apex from the heart to the desired diameter, without the need for manual measurements. The cutter underwent multiple iterations and adjustments prior to reaching its final configuration, resulting in the inclusion of numerous variables in the subsequent tests. Furthermore, due to temporal constraints, the final experiment is limited to a relatively small sample size of 16 subjects.

Results: The dataset obtained from the experiment was examined in order to draw a conclusion. It was found that the removal with the cutter has resulted in a relatively stable diameter. However, the size of the resection is still slightly greater than 1 millimeter, indicating that it has not yet reached the intended dimension initially desired.

Conclusion: The innovative 3D-printed negative pressure cutter provides a more efficient and automated method for precise apical resection in neonatal mouse hearts, overcoming the drawbacks of manual procedures and variability in sample cuts. This study represents an initial endeavor towards refining the cutter for apical resection in the hearts of neonatal mice, thereby laying the foundation for future advancements in this field.

Reduction of Apoptotic Gene Expression by Platelet-rich Plasma in a Mouse Model of Premature Ovarian Failure

Elham Dehghan Manshadi — 2024-05-31

Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as a therapeutic intervention for regenerating impaired ovarian tissue and improving outcomes in women with premature ovarian failure (POF). One characteristic of POF is the upregulation of proapoptotic genes such as P53 and Caspase3, which lead to the apoptosis of granulosa cells and monocytes. This study aims to evaluate the effects of PRP on reducing the expression of P53 and Caspase3 genes.

Methods: A total of 24 adult female Syrian mice aged between 6-8 weeks were utilized in this study. The mice were randomly assigned to four groups: Control, POF, POF+saline, and POF+PRP. Eighteen mice were treated with cyclophosphamide to induce ovarian failure for a duration of 15 days, which was confirmed by vaginal smear. In the POF+PRP and POF+saline groups, 200 ml of PRP and 200 ml of 9% normal saline were injected into the ovaries of the mice, respectively. After two weeks, both ovaries of each mouse were surgically removed for analysis.

Results: Histopathological analysis revealed a decrease in primary, secondary, and antral follicles in the POF group compared to the control group. Notably, the counts of primary and antral follicles in the POF+PRP group were significantly higher than those in the POF group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the number of atretic follicles increased in the POF group but decreased in the POF+PRP groups, although the differences were not statistically significant. The expression levels of Caspase3 and p53 genes were significantly reduced in the POF+PRP group compared to the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that PRP treatment can effectively restore ovarian function by inhibiting apoptosis in a mouse model of ovarian failure.

Hydroethanolic Leaves Extract of Amaranthus Cruentus Protects Against Lead-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats

James Otabil — 2024-05-31

Introduction: Liver and kidney disorders are of substantial concern in global health, posing significant challenges due to the unwanted side effects often associated with conventional treatment drugs. The exploration of natural antioxidants for their management has garnered attention due to the potential for fewer side effects. This study focuses on the protective effects of Amaranthus cruentus hydroethanolic leaf extract (HE) against lead-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats, aiming to provide a safer alternative in managing these conditions.

Methods: The study embarked on a comprehensive assessment involving phytochemistry, heavy metal analysis, in vitro antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroethanolic leaf extract. Lead-induced hepatorenal toxicity was established in rats through intraperitoneal injection at 25 mg/kg body weight. Following this, oral treatments were administered at varied dosages of 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg body weight respectively. Evaluations were made using hematological, biochemical, inflammatory indices, and histological assessments to determine the extract's protective efficacy.

Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed a rich presence of phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, coumarins, cardiac glycosides, and steroids. Also detected were heavy metals including Fe, Cd, Pb, and Ni. In terms of antioxidant capacity, the DPPH percentage inhibition was noted at 72.4 ± 0.002. The total phenol and flavonoid contents were quantified at 1832.88 ± 11.96 mg GAE/100g and 196.47 ± 1.23 mg QE/g, respectively. The HRBC membrane stabilization exhibited a range between 64.4 - 74.7%, compared to the standard drug, diclofenac sodium, which ranged between 63.9 - 84.02%. Significant restoration was observed in the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, globulin, urea, and creatinine. Furthermore, the NLR and PLR levels were significantly reduced. Histopathological examinations also disclosed significant alleviation in liver and kidney damage.

Conclusion: The investigation highlights the considerable potential of using natural antioxidants from food crops like Amaranthus cruentus in managing liver and kidney disorders. The study demonstrated that the hydroethanolic leaf extract could significantly mitigate lead-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats, showcasing an effective restoration of biochemical, hematological, and histopathological parameters. This suggests that the extract offers a promising alternative with minimal to no side effects, meriting further exploration for clinical application in liver and kidney disease management.

Acquired Platelet Dysfunction with Eosinophilia: A Case Series

Nur Ilyia Syazwani Saidin — 2024-05-31

Background: Acquired platelet dysfunction with eosinophilia (APDE) is characterized by a temporary impairment in platelet function accompanied by significant eosinophilia. This condition, also known as "non-thrombocytopenic purpura with eosinophilia," primarily affects children in the South-East Asian region, presenting as a bleeding disorder.

Case Presentation: In this case series, we report on three patients who were admitted to our hospital displaying skin bruising, despite being previously healthy, with no history of drug use or recent travel. These patients exhibited classic signs of APDE, and interestingly, some showed spontaneous recovery without the need for medical intervention. Diagnostic evaluations revealed an increased eosinophil count, whereas the basic hemostatic parameters and platelet counts remained within normal limits. However, platelet aggregation studies indicated abnormalities.

Conclusion: It is crucial to identify this benign disorder promptly, as providing reassurance to patients and their families plays a critical role in the management of APDE.

Sclerosing Osteomyelitis of Jaw – A Case Series and Literature Review

Saraswathi Gopal K — 2024-05-31

Osteomyelitis, a serious condition marked by inflammation of the medullary cavity, Haversian system, and adjacent bone cortex, requires urgent medical attention, especially when it involves the jaw. This condition is particularly concerning due to its potential to cause significant facial disfigurement and the increased risk of the infection spreading to the skull base or fascial spaces of the head and neck. Among the facial bones, the mandible is more commonly affected by osteomyelitis than the maxilla. This discrepancy is attributed to the anatomical and physiological differences between these bones; the maxilla benefits from a rich collateral blood flow and possesses a thin cortical bone, both of which reduce its vulnerability to infections. In this case series, we present three cases of osteomyelitis in patients who had underlying debilitating conditions such as diabetes mellitus and deleterious habits, which acted as predisposing factors for the development of the disease. These cases highlight the complex interplay between systemic health issues and the susceptibility to localized bone infections. The first two cases involve a patient with poorly controlled diabetes, emphasizing how chronic hyperglycemia can impair immune function and compromise healing, thereby facilitating the onset and progression of osteomyelitis. The third case features a patient with a history of tobacco use, illustrating the detrimental impact of deleterious habits on vascular health and immune response. In addition to detailing these cases, this series provides an overview of the current understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment strategies for osteomyelitis. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgical debridement, antimicrobial therapy, and management of underlying conditions to enhance immune function and promote recovery.