Histological evaluation of rat larynx in experimental polycystic ovary syndrome model

The Role of TREK-1 and AQP5 in Gonadocorticoid-Related Voice Disorders

OBJECTIVES

TWIK-related potassium channel-1 (TREK-1) and Aquaporin 5 (AQP5) are involved in epithelial integrity and fluid transport, respectively. In this study, we aimed to compare physiological and gestational patterns of TREK-1 and AQP5 location and expression in rat larynx. Our secondary objective was to reveal the effect of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PG) on these two biomolecules.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 20 Wister albino female rats which were assigned as control (group A) and pregnant group (group B). The rats were sacrificed at 20th day of pregnancy. Blood was obtained directly from the ventricle for detection of serum E2 and PG levels. Larynx was resected for immunohistochemical analyses and real-time polymerase chain reaction testing for detection of TREK-1 and AQP5 staining and expression, respectively.

RESULTS

Relative TREK-1 (P = 0.035) and AQP5 (P = 0.019) expression was found to be significantly high in group B when compared with group A. We found positive correlation between serum E2 levels and both biomolecules (TREK-1; P = 0.018, AQP5; P = 0.016). We also found positive correlation between serum PG levels and both biomolecules (TREK-1; P = 0.001, AQP5; P = 0.019). TREK-1 immunostaining was found to be higher in surface epithelium and lamina propria of vocal cord mucosa. AQP5 was particularly found to be located in basement membrane and adjacent superficial lamina propria. We revealed the physiological and gestational pattern of laryngeal TREK-1 and AQP5 expression for the first time. Gestational expression of both TREK-1 and AQP5 was found to be increased. Stimulatory effect of E2 and PG on laryngeal TREK-1 and AQP5 expression was also revealed.

CONCLUSIONS

We revealed upregulatory effect of E2 and PG on laryngeal TREK-1 and AQP5 expression. Based on this finding, it can be suggested that TREK-1 and AQP5 play role in biomolecular processes leading gonadocorticoid-related voice changes.

Sodium Arsenite Injection Induces Ovarian Oxidative Stress and Affects Steroidogenesis in Rats

Oxidative stress is involved in the regulation of mammalian reproduction. The present study was conducted to detect the sodium arsenite-induced oxidative stress and alterations in the structure and steroidogenesis in rat ovary. Twenty female adult rats were injected i.p. with sodium arsenite (8 mg/kg BW, T) or 0.9% saline (C) for 16 days. The oxidative stress indexes and morphology of the liver, kidney, and ovary were detected using commercial kits and HE staining, respectively. The serum progesterone and estradiol were detected by RIA, and the ovarian steroidogenic gene expressions were detected by real-time PCR. Results showed that the ovarian activities of SOD and GSH-PX decreased (P < 0.05), while the ROS activity and MDA level increased (P < 0.05) in the T group. HE staining results showed that treatment with sodium arsenite damaged the ovarian morphology, resulting in reduced large and medium follicles and increased atretic follicles. Nonetheless, neither the liver nor kidney showed evident changes in the oxidative stress indexes or morphology after sodium arsenite treatment. The serum progesterone and estradiol levels decreased (P < 0.05) with the reduced expressions in the ovarian steroidogenic genes (StAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, sodium arsenite injection can induce ovarian oxidative stress in rats which set up an appropriate model for future studies of ovarian diseases as well as the toxic mechanism of arsenic in the reproduction.

Alterations in nasal mucociliary activity in polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It can affect various organ systems, and respiratory mucosa has been reported as being hormone responsive.

STUDY DESIGN

A case-control study consisting of 50 women with PCOS and 30 control subjects matched for age and body mass index was conducted, in order to investigate nasal mucociliary clearance time (NMCT) in patients with PCOS. Serum basal hormonal-biochemical parameters and NMCT were evaluated on menstrual cycle days 2-5 for all participants.

RESULTS

The mean NMCT in PCOS and control groups was 10.45±2.88 and 6.92±1.78, respectively (p=0.0001). A significant positive correlation was found between NMCT and duration of disease (r=0.52; p=0.001), serum total testosterone level (r=0.28; p=0.04), and luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone (r=0.29; p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that PCOS is associated with altered NMCT. Prolonged NMCT predisposes patients to respiratory tract and middle ear infections, and clinicians should be aware of this.

Pathological study of otitis media with effusion after treatment with intranasal pulmonary surfactant

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate the histopathological effect of intranasal pulmonary surfactant (PS) on the eustachian tube (ET) in guinea pigs with otitis media with effusion (OME).

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized control trial.

METHODS

Nonviable heat-killed Hemophilus influenzae solution was injected into the tympanum of guinea pigs by a trans-eardrum approach to establish OME. Guinea pigs were divided into four groups: normal controls (group A), untreated OME (group B), saline-treated (group C), PS-treated (group D). The response threshold of the guinea pigs was measured by auditory brainstem response (ABR), and data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. The histopathological changes in the osseous, cartilaginous, and muscular portions of the ET were observed systematically by light microscopy.

RESULTS

The ABR threshold in OME group B was raised significantly compared with normal group (A). The response in saline-treated group C was not statistically significantly different compared with OME group B. Seven days after intranasal dripping of pulmonary surfactant in PS-treated group D, the response threshold showed at statistically significant decrease compared with OME B and saline-treated C groups. In OME group B and saline-treated group C, mucosa showed swelling with goblet cell hyperplasia, and cilia were irregularly arranged. In PS-treated group D, there was slight mucosal swelling with fewer goblet cells, and cilia were regularly arranged, similar to the normal group A.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the study indicate that intranasal pulmonary surfactant drops have protective and hyposecretory effects on the mucociliary system of the ET in guinea pigs suffering from OME.