Impact of androgen and dietary advanced glycation end products on female rat liver

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been related to a wide range of liver disorders including hyperandrogenic states such as the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The aim of the present study is to evaluate the potential impact of dietary glycotoxins exposure and androgen excess on hepatic histology and biochemistry in an androgenized female rat model.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 80 female Wistar rats, divided in 3 groups, a group of prepubertal (Group A, n=30) and adult rats (Group B, n=20) that were androgenized via subcutaneous implantation of dihydrotestosterone-containing pellets as well as a group of adult non-androgenized rodents (Group C, n=30). All groups were randomly assigned either to a high-AGE or low-AGE diet for 3 months.

RESULTS

Rats fed with a high-AGE diet exhibited significantly elevated levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (x03B3;GT) (p≤0.0002) and indices of AGE immunostaining in liver tissue (p<0.01) when compared to the respective low-AGE group, while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were affected only in non-androgenized animals (p=0.0002). Androgenization per se constitutes an aggravating factor as demonstrated by the elevated x03B3;GT levels in adult androgenized animals compared to non-androgenized, independent of diet content (p=0.0002) and by the elevated AST and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in low-AGE subgroups (adult androgenized vs. non-androgenized, p=0.0002) followed by increased immunohistochemical AGE deposition in hepatocytes of the latter categories (p=0.0007).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that androgens and glycotoxins may contribute synergistically to distort hepatic physiology and function as observed in hyperandrogenic conditions.

Serum lipid profile and inflammatory markers in the aorta of cholesterol-fed rats supplemented with extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oils and oil-products

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) major and minor component anti-inflammatory effect on aorta was evaluated; Wistar rats were fed (9 weeks) on either a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) or a HCD supplemented with oils, i.e. EVOO, sunflower oil (SO), high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), or oil-products modified to their phenolic content, i.e. phenolics deprived-EVOO [EVOO(-)], SO enriched with the EVOO phenolics [SO(+)], HOSO enriched with the EVOO phenolics [HOSO(+)]. HCD induced dyslipidemia and resulted in higher aorta adhesion molecules levels at euthanasia. Groups receiving EVOO, EVOO(-), HOSO, HOSO(+) presented higher serum TC and LDL-c levels compared to cholesterol-fed rats; attenuation of aorta E-selectin levels was also observed. In EVOO/EVOO(-) groups, aorta vascular endothelial adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was lower compared to HCD animals. SO/SO(+) diets had no effect on endothelial dysfunction amelioration. Overall, our results suggest that major and/or minor EVOO constituents improve aorta E-selectin and VCAM-1, while serum lipids do not benefit.

Centhaquin improves survival in a swine model of hemorrhagic shock

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhage is a frequent event in hospital and prehospital settings. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether centhaquin improves 24-h survival and reduces the total volume of required fluids in an established model of swine hemorrhagic shock.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-five pigs were instrumented and subjected to hemorrhagic shock. The animals were randomly allocated in two experimental groups, the control (vehicle) (n = 10) and the centhaquin groups (0.015 mg/kg, n = 10); all animals received lactated Ringer solution in the resuscitation phase until their mean arterial pressure reached 90% of the baseline. A sham group (n = 5) was added a posteriori to mimic the hemodynamic profile of the centhaquin group.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was observed in the time required for the three groups to reach their target mean aortic pressure, 36.88 ± 3.26 min for the control group versus 9.40 ± 1.01 min for the sham group and 7.10 ± 0.97 min for the centhaquin group (P < 0.001). The total amount of fluids in the control and the sham groups was significantly higher when compared with that of the centhaquin-treated animals (P < 0.001). All 10 animals in the centhaquin group survived for 24 h, whereas only three animals survived in the control group and one animal in the sham group (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Centhaquin 0.015 mg/kg administered in the fluid resuscitation phase resulted in lower volume of fluids and better survival compared with control and sham-operated animals.

The effect of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G" on oophoritis during ischemia reperfusion injury in rats

The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G" on rat model, particularly in ischemia reperfusion protocol. The beneficial or other effects of that molecule were studied estimating the mean oophoritis (OI) lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

40 rats were used of mean weight 231.875 g. OI was evaluated 60 min after reperfusion for groups A and C and 120 min after reperfusion for groups B and D. Groups A and B were without the drug but C and D with U-74389G administration. Results were that U-74389G administration kept non-significantly increased the OI scores by 0.05±0.051 without lesions (p=0.3204). Reperfusion time kept non-significantly increased the OI scores by 0.05±0.051 also without lesions (p=0.3204). Nevertheless, U-74389G administration and reperfusion time together kept non-significantly increased the OI scores by 0.045±0.030 (p=0.1334).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study indicate that U-74389G administration, reperfusion time and their interaction declined the increased OI scores from significant to non-significant level.

Angiotensin II inhibitor facilitates epidermal wound regeneration in diabetic mice

Tissue regeneration and wound healing are severely impaired in diabetes and are associated with poor circulation and dysfunctional blood vessels. Angiotensin II inhibitors are anti-hypertensive drugs used in clinical practice to regulate blood pressure and could affect tissue remodeling. We hypothesize that blocking angiotensin II, using Losartan, could facilitate tissue regeneration in diabetic mice. To this end, we established an experimental model of wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Our data demonstrated that Losartan accelerates wound repair and normalizes wound stromal responses, having a beneficial role in wounds of diabetic individuals. Our findings highlight a potential therapeutic use of Losartan in improving wound repair in diabetic conditions.

Dietary glycotoxins induce RAGE and VEGF up-regulation in the retina of normal rats

Exogenous intake of glycotoxins present in western diet accelerates the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in multiple organs leading to potential tissue damage. Advanced ageing and diabetic conditions have been associated with AGEs deposition in multiple eye compartments including Bruch's membrane, optic nerve, lens and cornea. However, the impact of dietary AGEs in ocular physiology has not been extensively studied. The present study investigates the direct effects of a high AGE content diet in the ocular tissues of normal rats of different age. Two groups of baby (4 weeks of age) and adult (12 weeks of age) female Wistar rats (n = 73) were allocated to high- or low-AGE diet for 3 months. Upon completion of experimental protocol, somatometric, hormonal and biochemical parameters were evaluated in all groups. Circulating and tissue AGE levels were estimated along with their signaling receptor (receptor for AGEs, RAGE) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) expression in ocular tissues of the different subgroups. High AGE intake was associated with elevated serum AGEs (p = 0.0001), fructosamine (p = 0.0004) and CRP levels (p = 0.0001) compared to low AGE. High peripheral AGE levels were positively correlated with significant increased tissue immunoreactivity of AGEs and RAGE in retinal and uveal tissues as well as retinal VEGF-A expression. Up-regulation of RAGE and VEGF-A expression was observed in the ocular tissue of both baby and adult animals fed with high-AGE diet. Co-localization of AGEs and RAGE staining was observed mainly in the inner retinal layers and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of all groups. VEGF-A expression was elevated in the RPE, the inner nuclear layer and the retinal ganglion cell layer of the animals exposed to high-AGE diet. In conclusion, dietary AGEs intake affects the physiology of ocular tissues by up-regulating RAGE and VEGF-A expression contributing to enhanced inflammatory responses and pathologic neovascularization in normal organisms independent of ageing.

Histopathology of renal asphyxia in newborn piglets: Individual susceptibility to tubular changes

AIM: To analyze the effects on the kidney of hypoxia-reoxygenation in an experimental model of normocapnic asphyxia.

METHODS: To this end, 40 newborn Landrace/Large-White piglets aged 1-4 d were studied in this work. Hypoxia was induced by decreasing the inspired fiO2 to 0.06-0.08. Animals were resuscitated with different fiO₂ and subdivided into 4 groups: group 1, 2, 3 and 4 received 18%, 21%, 40% and 100% O₂ respectively. Macroscopic examination was carried out to evidence possible pathological features. Tissue sample were obtained from both kidneys. Four or five micron paraffin sections were stained with H-E and PAS stain and examined under an optical microscope.

RESULTS: Pathological changes, mainly affecting tubular cells, were observed in the vast majority of kidneys of asphyxiated piglets. The most frequent tubular changes were: tubular casts (95%), tubular dilatation (87.5%), tubular vacuolization (70%), tubular eosinophilia (52.5%), sloughing (50%), fragmentation of the brush border (50%), oedema (32.5%), apoptosis (15%) and glomerular changes (meningeal cell proliferation, capsular adhesion between the flocculus and Bowman’s capsule, glomerulosclerosis and fibrous or cellular crescents associated with collapse of the glomerular tuft). Statistical analysis was carried out on changes observed when the animals were allocated in the 4 groups (χ²-test 0.05). The statistical analysis showed no evidence of differences regarding kidney lesions among the animals groups.

CONCLUSION: Our data show that renal pathology in newborn piglets is characterized by interindividual variability to hypoxia and is not associated with oxygen concentration.

The Effect of the Antioxidant Drug “U-74389G” on Haemoglobin Levels Following a Hypoxemia/ Re-oxygenation Protocol in Rats

Critically ill patients usually present with circulatory hypoxemia and this is associated with a poorer prognosis. The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of U-74389G with specific regard to a hypoxemia/re-oxygenation protocol, on mean blood haemoglobin (Hgb) levels in rats.

Materials and methods: Forty rats (mean weight 231.9 g) were used in the study. Hgb levels were measured at sixty minutes (groups A and C) and at 120 minutes (groups B and D) of re-oxygenation. U-74389G was administered only in groups C and D.

Results: U-74389G administration non-significantly increased the Hgb levels by 3.95+2.10% (p=0.0604). Re-oxygenation time non-significantly increased the Hgb levels by 3.39+2.12% (p=0.1285). U-74389G administration and reoxygenation time together, significantly increased the Hgb levels by 2.55%+1.25% (p=0.0423).

Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that U-74389G administration, re-oxygenation time, but mainly their interaction significantly increase the Hgb levels within the studied time limits.

Radiofrequency Ablation of the Pancreas: Protective Effect of Local Cooling Techniques

Pancreatic carcinoma is one of the commonest malignant diseases today and the majority of patients are suitable for palliative treatment only. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been used extensively for the treatment of solid organ tumors but little is known on the efficacy and safety of pancreatic ablation. To further investigate the safety of pancreatic RFA, 18 pigs had RFA of the pancreas, close to superior mesenteric vein and duodenum. Group A (nine animals) was protected with peripancreatic cool perfusion and Group B (nine animals) with portal vein (PV) intravenous injection of cool saline. Biochemical and histological evidence suggested lateral thermal injury of the duodenal wall and superior mesenteric vein and acute pancreatitis in most animals. However, clinically and at autopsy, Group B animals fared much better. PV thrombosis, hepatic abscess, duodenal perforation, ascites, and extensive pancreatic necrosis were observed in Group A but not in Group B. The present study suggests that PV cool saline perfusion can prevent major complications caused by pancreatic RFA and may be used in combination with other protective techniques in the clinical setting to reduce RFA-associated morbidity.

Radiofrequency ablation of the pancreas: protective effect of local cooling techniques

Pancreatic carcinoma is one of the commonest malignant diseases today and the majority of patients are suitable for palliative treatment only. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been used extensively for the treatment of solid organ tumors but little is known on the efficacy and safety of pancreatic ablation. To further investigate the safety of pancreatic RFA, 18 pigs had RFA of the pancreas, close to superior mesenteric vein and duodenum. Group A (nine animals) was protected with peripancreatic cool perfusion and Group B (nine animals) with portal vein (PV) intravenous injection of cool saline. Biochemical and histological evidence suggested lateral thermal injury of the duodenal wall and superior mesenteric vein and acute pancreatitis in most animals. However, clinically and at autopsy, Group B animals fared much better. PV thrombosis, hepatic abscess, duodenal perforation, ascites, and extensive pancreatic necrosis were observed in Group A but not in Group B. The present study suggests that PV cool saline perfusion can prevent major complications caused by pancreatic RFA and may be used in combination with other protective techniques in the clinical setting to reduce RFA-associated morbidity.

THE EFFECT OF THE ANTIOXIDANT DRUG “U-74389G” ON TOTAL PROTEIN LEVELS DURING ISCHEMIA REPERFUSION INJURY IN RATS

The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of the antioxidant drug “U-74389G”, on rat model and particularly in an ischemia – reperfusion protocol. The beneficial effect or non-effectiveness of that molecule were studied biochemically using blood mean total protein levels. Materials and methods. 40 rats of mean weight 231.875 gr were used in the study. Total protein levels were measured at 60 min of reperfusion (groups A and C) and at 120 min of reperfusion (groups B and D), A and B without but C and D with U-74389G administration. Results were that U-74389G administration significantly decreased the predicted TP levels by 7.34% + 1.76% (P = 0.000). Reperfusion time non-significantly increased the predicted TP levels by 1.46% + 2.12% (p = 0.410). However, U-74389G administration and reperfusion time together significantly decreased the TP levels by 4.08% + 1.10% (P = 0.000). Conclusions are that U-74389G administration interacted or not with reperfusion time significantly decreases the total protein levels.

Central Sympathetic Activation and Arrhythmogenesis during Acute Myocardial Infarction: Modulating Effects of Endothelin-B Receptors

Sympathetic activation during acute myocardial infarction (MI) is an important arrhythmogenic mechanism, but the role of central autonomic inputs and their modulating factors remain unclear. Using the in vivo rat-model, we examined the effects of clonidine, a centrally acting sympatholytic agent, in the presence or absence of myocardial endothelin-B (ETB) receptors. We studied wild-type (n = 20) and ETB-deficient rats (n = 20) after permanent coronary ligation, with or without pretreatment with clonidine. Cardiac rhythm was continuously recorded for 24 h by implantable telemetry devices, coupled by the assessment of autonomic and heart failure indices. Sympathetic activation and arrhythmogenesis were more prominent in ETB-deficient rats during the early phase post-ligation. Clonidine improved these outcomes throughout the observation period in ETB-deficient rats, but only during the delayed phase in wild-type rats. However, this benefit was counterbalanced by atrioventricular conduction abnormalities and by higher incidence of heart failure, the latter particularly evident in ETB-deficient rats. Myocardial ETB-receptors attenuate the arrhythmogenic effects of central sympathetic activation during acute MI. ETB-receptor deficiency potentiates the sympatholytic effects of clonidine and aggravates heart failure. The interaction between endothelin and sympathetic responses during myocardial ischemia/infarction and its impact on arrhythmogenesis and left ventricular dysfunction merits further investigation.

Attenuation of post-infarction remodeling in rats by sustained myocardial growth hormone administration

Prevention of left ventricular remodeling is an important therapeutic target post-myocardial infarction. Experimentally, treatment with growth hormone (GH) is beneficial, but sustained local administration has not been thoroughly investigated. We studied 58 rats (322 ± 4 g). GH was administered via a biomaterial-scaffold, following in vitro and in vivo evaluation of degradation and drug-release curves. Treatment consisted of intra-myocardial injection of saline or alginate-hydrogel, with or without GH, 10 min after permanent coronary artery ligation. Echocardiographic and histologic remodeling-indices were examined 3 weeks post-ligation, followed by immunohistochemical evaluation of angiogenesis, collagen, macrophages and myofibroblasts. GH-release completed at 3 days and alginate-degradation at ∼7 days. Alginate + GH consistently improved left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters, ventricular sphericity, wall tension index and infarct-thickness. Microvascular-density and myofibroblast-count in the infarct and peri-infarct areas were higher after alginate + GH. Macrophage-count and collagen-content did not differ between groups. Early, sustained GH-administration enhances angiogenesis and myofibroblast-activation and ameliorates post-infarction remodeling.

Herbal and plant therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

The use of herbal therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the efficacy of herbal therapy in IBD patients. Studies on herbal therapy for IBD published in Medline and Embase were reviewed, and response to treatment and remission rates were recorded. Although the number of the relevant clinical studies is relatively small, it can be assumed that the efficacy of herbal therapies in IBD is promising. The most important clinical trials conducted so far refer to the use of mastic gum, tormentil extracts, wormwood herb, aloe vera, triticum aestivum, germinated barley foodstuff, and boswellia serrata. In ulcerative colitis, aloe vera gel, triticum aestivum, andrographis paniculata extract and topical Xilei-san were superior to placebo in inducing remission or clinical response, and curcumin was superior to placebo in maintaining remission; boswellia serrata gum resin and plantago ovata seeds were as effective as mesalazine, whereas oenothera biennis had similar relapse rates as ω-3 fatty acids in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. In Crohn's disease, mastic gum, Artemisia absinthium, and Tripterygium wilfordii were superior to placebo in inducing remission and preventing clinical postoperative recurrence, respectively. Herbal therapies exert their therapeutic benefit by different mechanisms including immune regulation, antioxidant activity, inhibition of leukotriene B4 and nuclear factor-kappa B, and antiplatelet activity. Large, double-blind clinical studies assessing the most commonly used natural substances should urgently be conducted.

Antioxidant 21-aminosteroid "U-74389G" ameliorates the short-time effect of hypoxia-reoxygenation on the platelet count in rats

AIM

The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G", on rat model and particularly in a hypoxia-reoxygenation protocol. The beneficial effect or non-effectiveness of that molecule were studied hematologically using blood mean platelet count. Results were that U-74389G administration interacted or not with reoxygenation time decreased the platelet count by 6.12% ± 3.58% (p = 0.0857) and 12.83% ± 5.79% (p = 0.0303) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

U-74389G administration interacted or not with reoxygenation time decreases the platelet count within short-term time of 2 hours by different significance levels.

[The Effect of the Antioxidant Drug U-74389G on Magnesium Levels During Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Injury in Rats]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of the antioxidant drug U-74389G in a rat model of hypoxia-reoxygenation using the previously established protocol. Effects of treatments were evaluated by magnesium (Mg2+) levels in blood.

METHODS

Non-randomized controlled study was performed. Mg2+ levels were determined in 60 min (groups A and C) and 120 min (groups B and D) after starting the reoxygenation. Groups A and B received no drugs, whereas rats from groups C and D were administered with U-74389G.

RESULTS

40 rats 16-18 weeks old of a mean weight of 2312 g were employed in the study. It is demonstrated that U-74389G administration did not alter the Mg2+ levels (decrease in Mg2+ concentration was 0.28±2.75%; p=0.917). Reoxygenation non-significantly increased the Mg2+ levels by 4.27±2.66% (p=0.107). Together, the U-74389G administration and reoxygenation non-significantly increased the Mg2+ levels by 0.36±1.64% (p=0.823).

CONCLUSION

U-74389G administration, alone or in concert with reoxygenation did not significantly affect Mg2+ level in blood after experimental hypoxia in rats.

Cold snare polypectomy with pull technique of flat colonic polyps up to 12 mm: a porcine model

BACKGROUND

Most colonoscopic complications are polypectomy-related and occur more frequently during the removal of numerous small polyps. Therefore, it is important to have the best polypectomy approach of small polyps. The aim of the present animal study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of cold snare polypectomy (CSP) technique combined with light pull of the snare in order to peel the mucosal and upper submucosal layer, namely pull CSP (PCSP), for the removal of polyps sized up to 12 mm in porcine models.

METHODS

We performed a series of polypectomies in the pig colon with a double-channel experimental gastroscope using PCSP technique.

RESULTS

Thirty cases of "polyps" larger than 7 mm and up to 12 mm were treated using PCSP technique. No sign of perforation or bleeding was observed in all cases performed with PCSP.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our preliminary results in this animal model, PCSP could be a safe and effective technique for flat colonic polyp removal up to 12 mm in size consistent with the basic polypectomy principles.

Arrhythmogenesis after acute myocardial necrosis with and without preceding ischemia in rats

BACKGROUND

The relative role of acute myocardial ischemia and infarction in ventricular arrhythmogenesis is incompletely understood. We compared the arrhythmia pattern after ischemia/infarction to that observed after direct myocardial necrosis without preceding ischemia in rats.

METHODS

Coagulation necrosis was induced in Wistar rats (n=20, 280±3 g) by radiofrequency current application (for 15 s) from a 4-mm-tip ablation catheter. Myocardial infarction was induced by coronary artery ligation with (n=10) or without (n=10) reperfusion. Using 24-h telemetry recording, we examined ventricular arrhythmias, voluntary motor activity and indices of sympathetic activation.

RESULTS

The coagulation-necrosis volume was 24.4%±0.6%, comparable to the infarct size in the absence of reperfusion. Acute left ventricular failure and sympathetic activation were similar in the three groups. Coagulation necrosis induced ventricular fibrillation immediately, followed by a second peak after ∼1 h. Reperfusion decreased ventricular arrhythmias, whereas a second arrhythmogenic period (between the third and the eight hour) was noted in non-reperfused infarcts (mainly monomorphic ventricular tachycardia).

CONCLUSIONS

Distinct arrhythmia patterns occur after myocardial infarction (with or without reperfusion) and after direct necrosis. They are not produced by differences in sympathetic activation and are likely related to the evolution of myocardial injury. The necrosis rat model may be useful in studies of arrhythmogenesis.

Effects of lazaroid U-74389G on intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury in porcine experimental model

BACKGROUND

The readmission of molecular oxygen into an ischemic tissue promotes the oxidation of resuscitated tissue with certain pathophysiologic mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty four pigs (male or female) were randomized in this study. The animals were allocated to four groups with an equal number (n = 6) in each group: (1) control group-ischemia for 30 min and reperfusion for 60 min. (2) control group-ischemia for 30 min and reperfusion for 120 min. (3) ischemia for 30 min and immediate iv injection of lazaroid U-74389G and reperfusion for 60 min. (4) ischemia for 30 min and immediate iv injection of lazaroid U-74389G and reperfusion for 120 min.

RESULTS

We investigated further the role of an antioxidant molecule such as U-74389G and we concluded that there is statistically significant relation in MDA (malondialdeyde), TNF -α (tumor necrosis factor-α) measurement in tissue, while the histological score in the groups that the lazaroid was administered was improved.

CONCLUSIONS

In many emergency clinical situations, such as reperfusion of the intestine, the role of U-74389G can be protective.

Quantum dots-bevacizumab complexes for in vivo imaging of tumors

BACKGROUND/AIM

The basic role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cancer is underscored by the approval of bevacizumab for first-line treatment of cancer patients. Recent anticancer therapeutics based on active tumor targeting by conjugating tumor-specific antibodies has become of great interest in oncology. Current progress in nanomedicine has exploited the possibility of designing tumor-targeted nanocarriers able to deliver specific molecule payloads in a selective manner to improve the efficacy and safety of cancer imaging and therapy. We herein aimed to determine the targeting ability of bevacizumab-conjugated quantum dots (QDs) in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used QDs labeled with bevacizumab, in various in vitro experiments using cell lines derived from colorectal cancer (CRC) and breast cancer (BC). For a competition study of QD-bevacizumab complex and bevacizumab, the cells were pre-treated with bevacizumab (100 nmol/L) for 24 h before exposure to the QD-bevacizumab complex. The breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) were injected to 9 nude mice to make the xenograft tumor model. The QD-bevacizumab complex was injected into the tumor model and fluorescence measurements were performed at 1, 12, and 24 h post-injection.

RESULTS

Immunocytochemical data confirmed strong and specific binding of the QD-bevacizumab complex to the cell lines. The cells pre-treated with an excess of bevacizumab showed absence of QD binding. The in vivo fluorescence image disclosed that there was an increased signal of tumor after the injection of QDs. Ex vivo analysis showed 3.1 ± 0.8%, 28.6 ± 5.4% and 30.8 ± 4.2% injected dose/g accumulated in the tumors at 1, 12 and 24 h respectively. Tumor uptake was significantly decreased in the animals pretreated with excess of bevacizumab (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we could successfully detect the VEGF-expressing tumors using QDs-bevacizumab nanoprobes in vitro and in vivo, opening new perspectives for VEGF-targeted non-invasive imaging in clinical practice.

Hemiepiphysiodeses for guided growth in children

Lower-extremity angular deformities are among the most common non-traumatic conditions in children being referred to pediatric orthopedists. Understanding of this abnormality and knowledge of current treatment is essential for pediatricians and primary caregivers. A development in the surgical management of these problems has improved the quality of care of affected children and adolescents. Traditionally, angular deformities are treated by means of osteotomy. In patients who are skeletally immature, this major intervention can be avoided by influencing or guiding the growth of the affected physis using hemiepiphysiodesis techniques. Recently, alternative surgical techniques and implants have been described for improved control of the guided growth.