Effect of silibinin on the expression of MMP2, MMP3, MMP9 and TIMP2 in kidney and lung after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in an experimental rat model

PURPOSE

The protective effect of silibinin on kidney and lung parenchyma during hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is explored.

METHODS

Sixty-three Wistar rats were separated into three groups: sham; control (45 min IRI); and silibinin (200 μL silibinin administration after 45 min of ischemia and before reperfusion). Immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to evaluate the expression levels of MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, and TIMP2 on kidney and lung.

RESULTS

Comparing sham vs. control groups, confirmed that hepatic IRI increased both renal and lung MMP2, MMP3, MMP9 and TIMP2 expressions starting at 180 min (p<0.001). Comparison of the control vs. silibinin groups showed a statistically significant decrease in the expression levels of MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9 and increase of TIMP2 in kidney and lung parenchyma. The starting point of this decrease was at 120 min after reperfusion, both for kidney and lung parameters, and it was statistically significant at 240 min (p<0.001) for kidney, while silibinin showed a peak of lung protection at 180 min after hepatic reperfusion (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic IRI causes distant kidney and lung damage, while a statistically significant protective action, both on kidney and lung parenchyma, is conveyed by the intravenous administration of silibinin.

Artificial Intelligence in Colorectal Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment. A New Era

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms has permeated the medical field with great success. The widespread use of AI technology in diagnosing and treating several types of cancer, especially colorectal cancer (CRC), is now attracting substantial attention. CRC, which represents the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy in both men and women, is considered a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Our review herein aims to provide in-depth knowledge and analysis of the AI applications in CRC screening, diagnosis, and treatment based on current literature. We also explore the role of recent advances in AI systems regarding medical diagnosis and therapy, with several promising results. CRC is a highly preventable disease, and AI-assisted techniques in routine screening represent a pivotal step in declining incidence rates of this malignancy. So far, computer-aided detection and characterization systems have been developed to increase the detection rate of adenomas. Furthermore, CRC treatment enters a new era with robotic surgery and novel computer-assisted drug delivery techniques. At the same time, healthcare is rapidly moving toward precision or personalized medicine. Machine learning models have the potential to contribute to individual-based cancer care and transform the future of medicine.

Differential effects of cisplatin combined with the flavonoid apigenin on HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh7 liver cancer cell lines

The potential of apigenin (APG) to enhance cisplatin's (CDDP) chemotherapeutic efficacy was investigated in HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh7 liver cancer cell lines. The presence of 20 μM APG sensitized all cell lines to CDDP treatment (degree of sensitization based on the MTT assay: HepG2>Huh7>Hep3B). As reflected by sister chromatid exchange levels, the degree of genetic instability as well as DNA repair by homologous recombination differed among cell lines. CDDP and 20 μM APG cotreatment exhibited a synergistic genotoxic effect on Hep3B cells and a less than additive effect on HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Cell cycle delays were noticed during the first mitotic division in Hep3B and Huh7 cells and the second mitotic division in HepG2 cells. CDDP and CDDP + APG treatments reduced the clonogenic capacity of all cell lines; however, there was a discordance in drug sensitivity compared with the MMT assay. Furthermore, a senescence-like phenotype was induced, especially in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. Unlike CDDP monotherapy, the combined treatment exhibited a significant anti-invasive and anti-migratory action in all cancer cell lines. The fact that the three liver cancer cell lines responded differently, yet positively, to CDDP + APG cotreatment could be attributed to variations they present in gene expression. Complex mechanisms seem to influence cellular responses and cell fate.

The positive effect of eugenol on acute pancreatic tissue injury: a rat experimental model

Introduction

we present a rat experimental model used to evaluate the possible reduction in the extent of pancreatic tissue injury in acute pancreatitis cases, after administration of eugenol.

Methods

one hundred and twenty Wistar rats were used, which were randomly assigned in 3 groups: sham (n=20), control (n=50) and eugenol (n=50). Acute pancreatitis was induced by biliopancreatic ligation in the control and eugenol groups, but not in the Sham group. In the eugenol group, eugenol was administered per-os. Five histopathological parameters, such as edema, inflammatory infiltration, duct dilatation, hemorrhage and acinar necrosis were evaluated.

Results

at 72 h from acute pancreatitis induction, the total histological score was diminished in the eugenol group (p<0.0005) and duct dilatation and inflammatory infiltration were reduced compared to the control group (p<0.05). In addition, at 72 h, eugenol reduced pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity (p<0.0005).

Conclusion

eugenol, a highly free radical scavenger agent, may have a preventive role in acute pancreatic injury, as it was evident in our rat experimental model.

Effect of laparoscopic liver resection versus the open technique on hepatocyte regenerating activity in the rat

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection offers a safe and feasible option primarily for the excision of hepatic neoplasms. Timely recovery of liver volume is a key factor for improving prognosis and post-operative mortality of patients undergone liver resection. The aim of the present study was to compare liver regeneration after laparoscopic over open partial hepatectomy.

METHODS

Wistar rats were subjected to laparoscopic 70% hepatectomy (group LAP-HEP), open 70% hepatectomy (group HEP), sham operation (group Sham) or no intervention (group Control). At various timepoints following operation (1 h-2 weeks), the liver was excised to assess relative liver weight, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, mitotic activity, tissue expression of Nuclear Factor-κB (NFκB), Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and the histopathologic profile.

RESULTS

No differences were seen in relative liver weight between hepatectomy groups. Mitotic index was increased in all operative study groups, being higher in group LAP-HEP than in group HEP. TBARS levels were higher in group LAP-HEP compared to group HEP. NFκB and VCAM-1 tissue expression scores were increased in all operative study groups with VCAM-1 being higher in group HEP, while ICAM-1 was overexpressed only in hepatectomy groups. Mild histopathologic lesions were noted in hepatectomy groups with the histopathologic score being higher in group HEP (24 h).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic liver resection enhanced hepatocyte mitotic activity which was accompanied by mild oxidative stress and a less pronounced local inflammatory response and tissue injury to that of the open technique.

Robotic vs laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancers: has a paradigm change occurred? A systematic review by updated meta-analysis

AIM

The debate about the oncological adequacy, safety and efficiency of robotic vs laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancers continues. Therefore, an updated, traditional and cumulative meta-analysis was performed with the aim of assessing the new evidence on this topic.

METHOD

A systematic search of the literature for data pertaining to the last 25 years was performed. Fixed- and random-effects models were used to cumulatively assess the accumulation of evidence over time.

RESULTS

Patients with a significantly higher body mass index (BMI), tumours located approximately 1 cm further distally and more patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy were included in the robotic total mesorectal excision (RTME) cohort compared with those in the laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LTME) cohort [RTME, mean difference (MD) = 0.22 (0.07, 0.36), P = 0.005; LTME, MD = -0.97 (-1.57, 0.36), P < 0.002; OR = 1.47 (1.11, 1.93), P = 0.006]. Significantly lower conversion rates to open surgery were observed in the RTME cohort than in the LTME cohort [OR = 0.33 (0.24, 0.46), P < 0.001]. Operative time in the LTME cohort was significantly reduced (by 50 min) compared with the RTME cohort. Subgroup analysis of the three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) challenged all the significant results of the main analysis and demonstrated nonsignificant differences between the RTME cohort and LTME cohort.

CONCLUSION

Although the RTME cohort included patients with a significantly higher BMI, more distal tumours and more patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, this cohort demonstrated lower conversion rates to open surgery when compared with the LTME cohort. However, subgroup analysis of the RCTs demonstrated nonsignificant differences between the two procedures.

Silibinin-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (SLB-HP-β-CD) complex prevents apoptosis in liver and kidney after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

We investigated the protective effect of silibinin on rat liver and kidney after hepatic inschemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Sixty three male Wistar-type rats (median age 13 weeks; average weight 314 g) were subjected to I/R injury of the liver. They were randomly divided into three groups: Sham (n = 7), Control (C, n = 28) and Silibinin (Si, n = 28). The last group received intravenously silibinin. The C and Si groups were each subdivided in four subgroups according to euthanasia times (i.e., 60, 120, 180, 240 min). We assessed expression of caspase-3 and TUNEL assay, and biochemical and histological parameters.

RESULTS

At 240 min, expression of caspase-3 and TUNEL assay were statistically significantly lower in the Si compared to the C group for both liver and kidney. SGOT and SGPT were also statistically significantly lower in the Si than in the C group at all time points. Histological parameters of the liver were also improved in the Si group.

CONCLUSION

Silibinin was found to exhibit a protective effect on liver and kidney after hepatic I/R injury. The present results are encouraging for further studies and future clinical application.

Apigenin Exerts Anti-inflammatory Effects in an Experimental Model of Acute Pancreatitis by Down-regulating TNF-α

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of apigenin in an experimental model of acute pancreatitis. Inflammatory response was reflected by tissue expression of the cytokine TNF-α coupled with histological examination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Sham-group animals underwent laparotomy only, without any other interventions. Control-group animals underwent laparotomy and bilio-pancreatic duct ligation to induce pancreatitis without apigenin administration. Apigenin group animals were further treated with apigenin. Euthanasia was performed at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h post-operatively.

RESULTS

Over-expression of TNF-α in relation to postoperative time was observed in the control group (p<0.001). In the apigenin group, under-expression of TNF-α in relation to postoperative time was observed (p<0.013). At 72 h, apigenin reduced pancreatic TNF-α expression and prevented pancreatic necrosis.

CONCLUSION

Apigenin slows progression and reduces severity of acute pancreatitis. Apigenin may serve as an adjunct to a more successful therapeutic strategy in acute pancreatitis.

Spontaneous pancreatic undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in a laboratory rat: A case report

We present a case of spontaneous undifferentiated/unclassified sarcoma, of a pleomorphic subtype formerly known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma (UPS/MFH), arising from the pancreas of a laboratory rat. The mass was excised after laparotomy from a 6-month-old female laboratory Wistar rat. It presented a giant multilobulated mass of irregular shape, which had arisen from the pancreas and occupied almost the entire peritoneal cavity. Histologically the tumor was characterized by a highly variable morphological pattern, with frequent transitions from storiform to pleomorphic areas. An extensive immunohistochemical examination revealed no specific lines of differentiation. Immunohistochemical positivity was observed only to MIB-1 (high Ki-67 proliferation index), vimentin and CD68 antibodies. The diagnosis was compatible with UPS/MFH. To the best of our knowledge, the present case is the first report of a spontaneous primary UPS/MFH arising from the pancreas of a laboratory rat.

Simultaneous, Delayed and Liver-First Hepatic Resections for Synchronous Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses that compare simultaneous, delayed and liver-first approach for synchronous colorectal liver metastases have found no significant differences. The aim of this study was to determine the best treatment strategy on the basis of effect sizes and the probabilities of treatment ranking by using a network meta-analysis. Moreover, first-time pairwise and network meta-analyses were used to estimate the existing evidence, and their results were compared to detect any discrepancies between them.

Methods

Systematic review, pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed. The primary and secondary outcomes were 5-year overall survival and postoperative major morbidity, respectively.

Results

No significant differences in long-term survival and major morbidity were found amongst the three approaches. The hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for 5-year overall survival for the simultaneous, delayed and liver-first approaches were 0.93 (0.69 - 1.24, P = 0.613), 0.97 (0.87 - 1.07, P = 0.596) and 0.90 (0.67 - 1.22, P = 0.499), respectively. Moreover, the liver-first approach with a surface under the cumulative ranking area score of 89% was ranked as the potentially best treatment option based on probabilities of treatment ranking.

Conclusions

On the basis of the relative ranking of treatments, the liver-first approach ranked first, followed by the delayed and simultaneous approaches. Therefore, a three-arm randomized controlled trial that compares the liver-first, simultaneous and delayed approaches needs to shed further light as to which is the best treatment option.

Hyperthermia Suppresses Post - In Vitro Proliferation and Tumor Growth in Murine Malignant Melanoma and Colon Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Several studies have highlighted hyperthermia's ability to enhance the effectiveness of radiation and chemotherapy in various in vitro and in vivo cancer models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo murine models of malignant melanoma and colon carcinoma were utilized for demonstrating hyperthermia's therapeutic effectiveness by examining levels of caspase 3, COX-2 and phospho-H2A.X (Ser139) as endpoints of apoptosis, proliferation and DNA damage respectively.

RESULTS

Hyperthermia induced in vitro cytotoxicity in malignant melanoma (B16-F10) and colon carcinoma (CT26) cell lines. In addition, it reduced post-in vitro proliferation and suppression of tumor growth by inducing the expression of caspase-3 and phospho-H2A.X (Ser139) while reducing the expression of COX-2 in both murine cancer models.

CONCLUSION

Hyperthermia can exert therapeutic effectiveness against melanoma and colon carcinoma by inhibiting a number of critical cellular cascades including apoptosis, proliferation and DNA damage.

Expression of autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1 and LC3A and proliferation marker Ki-67 in calculous and acalculous human gallbladder epithelium

BACKGROUND

Autophagy is an inducible intracellular process that has been studied mostly in cancer and less in inflammatory diseases. To establish the relation between cholecystitis (calculous and acalculous) and autophagy, we studied the expressions of immunohistochemical markers Beclin-1, LC3A, and Ki-67 in gallbladder epithelium and their significance in the induction of autophagy.

METHODS

Adult human gallbladder tissues were obtained from 100 patients (45 male, 55 female) who underwent cholecystectomy. According to the findings, the patients were divided into two groups: group A (calculous gallbladder: 24 male, 46 female; mean age 52.6 ± 16.0 years) and group B (acalculous gallbladder: 21 male, nine female; mean age 65.3 ± 12.4 years). The expressions of immunohistochemical markers Beclin-1, LC3A, and Ki-67 in gallbladder epithelium were studied using immunohistochemistry techniques.

RESULTS

Beclin-1 expression was correlated with LC3A expression in group A with increased Beclin-1 expression promoting LC3A expression (p =0.0001). In group B, the LC3A expression did not follow Beclin-1 expression (p =0.09). The mean percentage of Beclin-1 expression in group A patients was 23.8 % compared to group B patients, where the corresponding percentage was only 17.3 %. Corresponding mean percent expressions of LC3A in groups A and B were 38.9 % and 50.7 %, respectively. The expression of Ki-67 was higher in group A patients compared to group B patients. The mean percentage of Ki-67 expression in group A patients was 3.75 %, whereas, in group B patients, it was only 0.5 % (statistically significantly different; p =0.0003).

CONCLUSION

In the epithelium of calculous cholecystitis, overexpression of LC3A is related to Beclin-1 overexpression, which reinforces the view that Beclin-1 promotes autophagy in stone cholecystitis. HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(2): 64-69.

PAK1 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer: Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognostic Significance

Background:

Improvement of the management of pancreatic cancer requires a better understanding of the genetic and molecular changes responsible for the development of the disease. The family of p21-activated kinases (PAKs) and especially PAK1 appears to mediate many cellular processes that contribute to the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, but the clinical relevance of PAK1 expression with the disease still remains unclear. Aim of the study was to assess the clinical value and the potential prognostic significance of PAK1 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Methods:

We investigated the relationship between the PAK1 expression and the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of pancreatic cancer patients and the potential significance of PAK1 on survival. We examined tissue samples from 51 patients operated for pancreatic cancer. PAK1 expression was investigated with immunohistochemistry and correlated to clinicopathological parameters.

Results:

PAK1 was detected in all tumor samples and high expression was found in most patients. High PAK1 expression was also associated with younger age and well-differentiated tumors, but no association was found between PAK1 expression and Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage as well as deceased or alive status on follow-up. Moderate to high PAK1 expression favored higher 6-month and 1-year survival and low PAK1 expression 2-year survival but without statistical significance.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that PAK1 could potentially be used as a prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer. Further studies could clarify whether utilization of PAK1 in therapeutic protocols for the treatment of pancreatic cancer will render them more effective.

Spatial distribution of the full-length members of the Grg family during embryonic neurogenesis reveals a "Grg-mediated repression map" in the mouse telencephalon

The full-length members of the Groucho/Transducin-like Enhancer of split gene family, namely Grg1-4, encode nuclear corepressors that act either directly, via interaction with transcription factors, or indirectly by modifying histone acetylation or chromatin structure. In this work we describe a detailed expression analysis of Grg1-4 family members during embryonic neurogenesis in the developing murine telencephalon. Grg1-4 presented a unique, complex yet overlapping expression pattern; Grg1 and Grg3 were mainly detected in the proliferative zones of the telencephalon, Grg2 mainly in the subpallium and finally, Grg4 mainly in the subpallial post mitotic neurons. In addition, comparative analysis of the expression of Grg1-4 revealed that, at these stages, distinct telencephalic progenitor domains or structures are characterized by the presence of different combinations of Grg repressors, thus forming a “Grg-mediated repression map”.

Refusal of Cancer-Directed Surgery by Breast Cancer Patients: Risk Factors and Survival Outcomes

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that some patients with breast cancer may refuse cancer-directed surgery, but the incidence in the United States is not currently known. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence, trends, risk factors, and eventual survival outcomes associated with refusal of recommended breast cancer-directed surgery.

PATIENTS

A retrospective review of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2013 was performed. Patients who underwent cancer-directed surgery were compared with patients in whom cancer-directed surgery was refused, even though it was recommended.

RESULTS

Of 531,700 patients identified, 3389 (0.64%) refused surgery. An increasing trend was observed from 2004 to 2013 (P = .009). Older age (50-69: odds ratio [OR] 4.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-19.96; P = .024, ≥ 70 years: OR 17.27; 95% CI, 4.29-69.54; P < .001), ethnicity (P < .001), marital status (single: OR 2.28; 95% CI, 1.98-2.62; P < .001, separated/divorced/widowed: OR 2.26; 95% CI, 2.01-2.53; P < .001), higher stage (II: OR 2.05; 95% CI, 1.83-2.3; P < .001, III: OR 2.2; 95% CI, 1.87-2.6; P < .001, IV: OR 13.3; 95% CI, 11.67-15.16; P < .001), and lack of medical insurance (OR 2.11; 95% CI, 1.59-2.8; P < .001) were identified as risk factors associated with refusal of surgery. Survival analysis showed a 2.42 higher risk of mortality in these patients.

CONCLUSION

There has been an increasing rate of patients refusing recommended surgery, which significantly affects survival. Age, ethnicity, marital status, disease stage, and lack of insurance are associated with higher risk of refusal of surgery.

The Immunohistochemical Expression MTA 1 Protein and its Prognostic Value in Pancreatic Cancer

Purpose/aim: To examine with immunohistochemical assay MTA1 protein expression levels in pancreatic cancer tissues defining its prognostic value.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The specimens derived from 51 patients who underwent surgery. The levels of MTA1 protein were compared with the age of the patients, their survival, and prognosis. Also, we studied clinical and histopathological factors such as the degree of tumor differentiation and its stage in correlation with MTA1 protein levels. In parallel, there was correlation between the expression of the ΜΤΑ1 protein and the aforementioned factors regarding survival rate. Furthermore, we independently correlated the patient's survival in relation to whether they had undergone adjuvant chemotherapy or not.

RESULTS

It has been found to be low, moderate, or high expression of MTA1 levels in 48 out of 51 cancer tissues. Specifically, 49.0% of patients had low expression, 33.3% moderate, and 11.8% high expression of MTA1. Regarding the expression of MTA1 protein in correlation with various clinical and histopathological factors, a statistically significant correlation was observed with the degree of differentiation (p = 0.0068) and with the stage of the disease (p = 0.0173), but not with survival (p = 0.0740) or the age of them (p = 0.1547). Finally, it was found that overexpression of the MTA1protein is a prognostic factor for shorter survival in patients with pancreatic cancer (average 4.67 ± 0.95 months).

CONCLUSIONS

MTA 1 protein may constitute an important prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer and could improve prognosis and treatment.

What to consider when designing a laparoscopic colorectal training curriculum: a review of the literature

Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefits of laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS), but in several countries it has still not been widely adopted. LCS training is associated with several challenges, such as patient safety concerns and a steep learning curve. Current evidence may facilitate designing of efficient training curricula to overcome these challenges. Basic training with virtual reality simulators has witnessed meteoric advances and may be essential during the early parts of the learning curve. Cadaveric and animal model training still constitutes an indispensable training tool, due to a higher degree of difficulty and greater resemblance to real operative conditions. In addition, recent evidence favors the use of novel training paradigms, such as proficiency-based training, case selection and modular training. This review summarizes the recent advances in LCS training and provides the evidence for designing an efficient training curriculum to overcome the challenges of LCS training.

Conditional survival analysis for patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) undergoing curative resection

BACKGROUND

Conditional survival (CS) analysis represents a novel method that may provide more clinically relevant perspectives to cancer management compared to conventional survival analysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate conditional survival for patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) undergoing curative resection.

METHODS

A retrospective search of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was performed. Three-year conditional survival (i.e. probability that a patient will survive an additional 3 years if they have already survived x years) was calculated using the formula 3-CS(x)=OS(x+3)/OS(x), where OS represents overall survival.

RESULTS

Overall, 1303 patients were identified, with mean age of 65.2 ± 12.2 years. 3-CS at 1, 3 and 5 years after diagnosis was 35.8%, 47.5% and 44.7%. Patients with stage III/IV disease demonstrated small differences in 3-CS at 1-3 years after diagnosis compared to patients with stage I/II disease (I/II: 35.1%-46.9%, III/IV: 22.1%-42.3%, d range 0.09-0.28), while their 3-CS was superior at 4-5 years after diagnosis (I/II: 41.5%-45.7%, III/IV: 57.9%-64.7%, d range 0.24-0.47). Differences in 3-CS based on tumor grade displayed a different pattern, with small differences at 1-3 years after diagnosis (well-differentiated (WD)/moderately-differentiated (MD): 34.6%-50%, poorly-differentiated (PD)/undifferentiated (UD): 23.2%-40%, d range 0.18-0.24), before becoming prominent at 4-5 years after diagnosis (WD/MD: 50%-51.7%, PD/UD: 24.1%-30%, d range 0.4-0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

Conditional survival for patients with IPMNs undergoing resection improves over time, especially for patients with high-risk features. This information may be used to provide individualized approaches to surveillance and treatment.

Microscopic assessment of the tissue-sparing potential of radiofrequency-assisted liver resection techniques in a porcine model

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to microscopically assess the tissue-sparing potential of contemporary radiofrequency-assisted liver resection (RF-LR) techniques.

METHODS

Twenty-four pigs were subjected to either (1) partial hepatectomy (PH) using the sequential-coagulate-cut (SCC) technique (group SCC, n = 6) using a monopolar electrode, the technique using the bipolar electrode Habib-4X (group H, n = 6) or the "crush-clamp" technique (group CC, n = 6); or (2) sham operation (group Sham, n = 6). At 48 h post-operation, liver parenchyma proximal to the ablation rim was excised for histopathologic examination and immunohistochemical assessment of apoptosis (antibody M30) and inflammatory response (antibodies IL-6, TNFα and NFκB).

RESULTS

Histopathologic index increased from the 1^st to the 4^th , the 1^st to the 2^nd or only the 1^st cm from the inner margin of the ablation rim in group SCC, H or CC, respectively. The index was higher in group SCC compared to the other groups. Tissue expression of M30, IL-6, TNFα and NFκB increased in all PH groups, being higher and more expanded in group SCC, H, SCC and SCC, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

RF-LR techniques had variable microscopically assessed tissue-sparing effect. The Habib-4X proved to be less injurious compared to the SCC Belgrade technique regarding the severity and extent of tissue damage proximal to the ablation rim.

Tissue injury of the remnant liver following radiofrequency-assisted partial hepatectomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate remnant liver tissue damage in a pig model of radiofrequency (RF)-assisted liver resection employing either the sequential coagulate cut (SCC) Belgrade technique using a monopolar RF electrode or the one using the bipolar Habib-4x device.

METHODS

Sixteen pigs underwent either a) resection of part of the left lateral and left median hepatic lobes employing the SCC (SCC group), the Habib-4X (H group) or the "crushclamp" technique (CC group) or b) sham operation (Sham group). Forty-eight hours later, tissue specimens were excised from the right lateral hepatic lobe for histopathological examination and immunohistochemical assessment of tissue injury, mitosis and inflammation.

RESULTS

Histopathologic lesions, apoptotic activity, HSP 40 and TNFα expression were more intense, while mitotic activity was less prominent in the SCC group technique compared to H group. Comparison between CC and H groups suggested the pivotal role of partial hepatectomy (PH) per se in the changes noted in H group.

CONCLUSION

The Habib-4X liver resection technique proved to be less injurious in the remnant liver tissue after PH compared to the SCC technique.

Laparoscopic early pregnancy diagnosis in the laboratory rat

Timely and accurate diagnosis of pregnancy in the laboratory rat is an invaluable endpoint in embryological and reproductive toxicology studies. The purpose of the present study was to assess the feasibility, sensitivity, accuracy and safety of laparoscopic examination of the uterus for detecting pregnancy at an early stage, and defining the number of fetuses in surviving rat models. Female Wistar rats were subjected to a two-port laparoscopic examination of their uterus from day 6 to day 10 post-coitum (pc). Mean recovery time from anesthesia was 148 ± 66 s. A postoperative 4.0 ± 1.8% body weight loss was restored in 3.9 ± 1.3 days. Uterine bulges suggestive of underlying embryonic vesicles could be detected by day 7 pc with a 0% false-negative diagnosis. Comparison of the number of laparoscopically defined uterine bulges (fetal counts) with litter size revealed a 0% underestimation rate of fetal counts, and a 42.9–87.5% overestimation rate from day 7 to day 10 pc. In conclusion, the present study introduced the laparoscopic examination of the uterus and showed it to be a feasible, reliable and safe method of early pregnancy diagnosis in the laboratory rat by day 7 pc.

Survival, Intestinal Mucosa Adhesion, and Immunomodulatory Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum Strains

Survival during transit through the gastrointestinal track, intestinal mucosa adhesion, and a potential immunomodulatory effect of Lactobacillus plantarum strains 2035 and ACA-DC 2640 were investigated in a rat model. According to microbiological and multiplex PCR analysis, both strains were detected in feces 24 h after either single-dose or daily administration for 7 days. Intestinal mucosa adhesion of L. plantarum 2035 was noted in the large intestine at 24 h after single-dose administration, while it was not detected at 48 h. Daily dosing, prolonged detection of the strain up to 48 h post-administration, and expanded adhesion to the small intestine. Adhesion of L. plantarum ACA-DC 2640 to the intestinal mucosa after single-dose administration was prolonged and more extended compared to L. plantarum 2035. Daily dosing increased both the levels and the rate of positive cultures of the strains compared to those of the single-dose scheme. In addition, both strains increased total IgG while decreased IgM and IgA serum levels. In conclusion, L. plantarum 2035 and L. plantarum ACA-DC 2640 survived transit through the gastrointestinal track, exhibited transient distinct adhesion to the intestinal mucosa and modulated the systemic immune response.

Potentially probiotic Lactobacillus strains with anti-proliferative activity induce cytokine/chemokine production and neutrophil recruitment in mice

Lactobacillus pentosus B281 and Lactobacillus plantarum B282 are two Lactobacillus strains previously isolated from fermented table olives. Both strains were found to possess probiotic properties and displayed desirable technological characteristics for application as starters in novel functional food production. In the present study the anti-proliferative and immunostimulatory activities of the two strains were investigated. Firstly, we demonstrated that live L. pentosus B281 and L. plantarum B282 significantly inhibited the growth of human colon cancer cells (Caco-2) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. By employing the air pouch system in mice, we showed that administration of both strains led to a rapid and statistically significant infiltration of leukocytes in the air pouch exudates. The phenotypical characterisation of the recruited immune cells was performed by flow cytometry analysis. We demonstrated that the majority of the infiltrated leukocytes were neutrophils. Finally by using the Mouse Cytokine Array Panel A Detection Antibody cocktail, we showed that both strains induced the expression of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)-1, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)-3, CCL-4, and CXCL-2 and diminished the expression levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule, macrophage colony-stimulating factor and metallopeptidase inhibitor 1. Our results showed that both strains display anti-proliferative and immunostimulatory properties equal or even better in some cases than those of established and commonly used probiotic strains. These findings further support the probiotic character of the two strains.