A Comparative Study of the Hepatoprotective Effect of Centella asiatica Extract (CA-HE50) on Lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine-Induced Acute Liver Injury in C57BL/6 Mice

Acute liver failure (ALF) refers to the sudden loss of liver function and is accompanied by several complications. In a previous study, we revealed the protective effect of Centella asiatica 50% ethanol extract (CA-HE50) on acetaminophen-induced liver injury. In the present study, we investigate the hepatoprotective effect of CA-HE50 in a lipopolysaccharide/galactosamine (LPS-D-Gal)-induced ALF animal model and compare it to existing therapeutic silymarin, Lentinus edodes mycelia (LEM) extracts, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and dimethyl diphenyl bicarboxylate (DDB). Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were decreased in the CA-HE50, silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB groups compared to the vehicle control group. In particular, AST and ALT levels of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group were significantly decreased compared to positive control groups. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly decreased in the CA-HE50, silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB groups compared to the vehicle control group and LDH levels of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group were similar to those of the positive control groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly increased in the 100 mg/kg CA-HE50, LEM and UDCA groups compared to the vehicle control group and, in particular, the 100 mg/kg CA-HE50 group increased significantly compared to positive control groups. In addition, the histopathological lesion score was significantly decreased in the CA-HE50 and positive control groups compared with the vehicle control group and the histopathological lesion score of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group was similar to that of the positive control groups. These results show that CA-HE50 has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects at a level similar to that of silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB, which are known to have hepatoprotective effects; further, CA-HE50 has potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent in ALF.

Gross and Histopathological Lesion Induced on the Gills Ofbarbus Fish by Monogenea Trematods Habiteting in Western Part of Lake Tana, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Back ground: Gill parasitic is common on cultured and wild fish. Many of these species have long been recognized to have the potential to affect the growth, fecundity and survival of hosts.the objective of the study were to determine the prevalence and identify, gross and histopathological lesion of gills caused by Dactylogyrus and Gryodactylus spp. parasitic infection on naturally infected barbus fish.Result: A cross sectional study was conducted from in Lake Tana, amhara region. Three hundred eight four gill specimens were collected from barbus fish and of these, 22 (5.7%) of fish were infected with monogenean parasites. Higher prevalence of Dactylogyrus spp. (4.86%) was recorded than Gryodactylus sp (1.04). Large size fishes (≥ 20cm) were more susceptible to Dactylogyrus spp and Gryodactylus spp. However, highest prevalence of Dactylogyrus sp. was found in large fish size (6.85%). Gryodactylus sp. was not recorded in all small size fish. Descriptive statistics such as percentages was used to describe the nature and the characteristics of the disease. At gross examination of gills, hyperaemia and swollen, excess mucus secretion, paleness, congestion of branchial blood vessel were observed. Gills specimens of infected fish were fixed with10% formalin, for further identification and stained with the haematoxylin-eosin. Histopathological changes included hyperplasia, congestion and mucous cell proliferation of the gill epithelium and damaged primary and secondary lamellae, the uplifting of respiratory epithelial wall and damaged pillar cells. Conclusion: Gross and histopathological changes induced by the Dactylogyrus spp and Gryodactylus spp of parasites adversely affected the proper functioning of the gills of the host fish which can lead to detrimental effect on the health status of the fish and may result in huge economic losses through increased mortality.

Correlation Between Serology Test Result of Leptospira sp. With The Representation of Histopathological Lesions on The Cattle Kidneys

Leptospirosis is an eminent diseases among human and animal health. As a zoonosis disease, the occurrence of leptospirosis is not clearly understood in animal. Furthermore, the lesion caused by Leptospira sp. is not well demonstrated. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the result of serological test using microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and the representation of histopathological lesion in kidney from the cattle. This study used 28 samples consist of cattle serum and kidney organs. The serum was tested using MAT and kidney was tested using histopathology. The data was reported semi quantitatively and tested using Spearman test. The result showed that there is no correlation between the result of serological test to the representation of histopathological lesion from the kidney of cattle. It is supported by the coefficient correlation (0,05) and probability value p=0,78 (p≥0,05). In conclusion, the result of Leptospira sp. serological test either seropositive or seronegative uncorrelated to the representation of histopathological lesion from the cattle kidney.

Phenotypic and Functional Signatures of Peripheral Blood and Spleen Compartments of Cynomolgus Macaques Infected With T. cruzi: Associations With Cardiac Histopathological Characteristics

We performed a detailed analysis of immunophenotypic features of circulating leukocytes and spleen cells from cynomolgus macaques that had been naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, identifying their unique and shared characteristics in relation to cardiac histopathological lesion status. T. cruzi-infected macaques were categorized into three groups: asymptomatic [CCC(-)], with mild chronic chagasic cardiopathy [CCC(+)], or with moderate chronic chagasic cardiopathy [CCC(++)]. Our findings demonstrated significant differences in innate and adaptive immunity cells of the peripheral blood and spleen compartments, by comparison with non-infected controls. CCC(+) and CCC(++) hosts exhibited decreased frequencies of monocytes, NK and NKT-cell subsets in both compartments, and increased frequencies of activated CD8+ T-cells and GranA+/GranB+ cells. While a balanced cytokine profile (TNF/IL-10) was observed in peripheral blood of CCC(-) macaques, a predominant pro-inflammatory profile (increased levels of TNF and IFN/IL-10) was observed in both CCC(+) and CCC(++) subgroups. Our data demonstrated that cardiac histopathological features of T. cruzi-infected cynomolgus macaques are associated with perturbations of the immune system similarly to those observed in chagasic humans. These results provide further support for the validity of the cynomolgus macaque model for pre-clinical research on Chagas disease, and provide insights pertaining to the underlying immunological mechanisms involved in the progression of cardiac Chagas disease.

A case of chronic cough due to sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic, chronic granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology that often affects the lungs. Diagnosis and treatment of sarcoidosis can be strenuous. Patients may be asymptomatic or experience cough, dyspnoea, fatigue, unintentional weight loss or night sweats. Computed tomography is valuable in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The typical histopathological lesion of sarcoidosis is granuloma without caseous necrosis in the involved organs. As tuberculosis is endemic in our region, clinicians should not forget this great mimicker. The cornerstone of treatment of sarcoidosis is corticosteroids but newer agents such as steroid-sparing agents and biological agents are available. We report a case of pulmonary sarcoidosis presenting with chronic cough.

Intranodal Capillary-Cavernous Hemangioma- An Uncommon Histopathological Lesion

A 35 year female presented with gradually increasing swelling in inguinal region of 8 years which was painful during menses. On systemic examination no significant disease was noted. On local examination right inguinal region showed soft tissue nodular mass measuring 3x1.5x1cm.On ultrasonography showed soft tissue nodule suggestive of vascular lesion. Minimal pericapsulitis was noted .No abscess or necrosis was noted. Lesion was surgically excised and sent for histopathology. Grossly received single oval lymph node measuring 2.5x2x1 cm. Cut section was dark grey brown with areas of hemorrhages. On histopathology diagnosed as Capillary Cavernous Hemangioma of right inguinal lymph node. We are presenting this case for its extreme rarity, its clinical, radiological, histopathological presentation. Recognizing these vascular lesion entities in lymph node is essential to for diagnosis and to guide therapy. Key words: Intranodal tumor, Inguinal lymphadenopathy, Nodal hemangioma.

Hepatorenal protective effect of ocimum sanctum in chickens toxicated by gentamicin

Background: ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) “Queen of herbs” is considered as sacred and medicinal plant in a lot of countries around the world especially India. Therefore this study was carried out to investigate the heptorenal protective effect of ocimum sanctum aqueous extract against gentamicin induced hepatorenal toxicity in chickens.Materials and Methods: A total 100, one-day old unsexed broiler chicks of a commercial breed (Cobb breed) were used in this study, the chickens were subjected to different treatments blood and tissue samples were collected at 5th week of age post administration, biochemical and histopathological examinations were utilized to investigate protective effect of ocimum sanctum aqueous extract on liver and kidney.Results: gentamicin recorded significant (P<0.05)increase in serum level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid and creatinine levels when compared with control group, the administration of ocimum sanctum aqueous extract with gentamicin ameliorate their toxic effect, the group treated with ocimum sanctum aqueous extract only similar to control, while gentamicin induce significant (P<0.05)decrease in serum albumin, total protein and globulin levels when compared with control group, ocimum sanctum aqueous extract with gentamicin restore their toxic effect. The group treated with ocimum sanctum aqueous extract only as control. Gentamicin induce histopathological alterations in liver and kidney tissues by comparison with control group and ocimum sanctum aqueous extract treated group as control, while the administration of ocimum sanctum aqueous extract with gentamicin showing improvement in histopathological lesion compared with toxic effect induced by gentamicin.Conclusions: The hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin were ameliorated by aqueous extract of ocimum sanctum especially at dose of 2ml/liter in drinking water for 12 days.

Lupus Nephritis; Pathogenesis and Treatment Update Review

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). LN is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in SLE patients. LN presents with various symptoms and signs, ranging from asymptomatic renal involvement to End-Stage Renal Failure (ESRD). The pathogenesis of LN is not clearly understood, however, there are extra and intra-renal underlying factors that have been postulated in LN pathogenesis. Renal biopsy is crucial to stage LN and to rule out other causes. Histopathological studies have shown six different types of LN. Knowing the histopathological lesion, chronicity and the disease activity are essential to plan the LN treatment and to predict the outcome. There are different regimens for treating LN. In this review, LN pathogenesis and new advances in treatment will be briefly reviewed.

Cichorium intybus L. Extract Suppresses Experimental Gout by Inhibiting the NF-κB and NLRP3 Signaling Pathways

Background: The production and maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β, regulated by the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways, lie at the core of gout. This study aimed to evaluate the antigout effect of Cichorium intybus L. (also known as chicory) in vivo and in vitro. Methods: A gout animal model was established with monosodium urate (MSU) crystal injections. Rats were orally administered with chicory extract or colchicine. Levels of ankle edema, inflammatory activity, and IL-1β release were observed. Several essential targets of the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways were detected. Primary macrophages were isolated to verify the antigout mechanism of chicory extract as well as chicoric acid in vitro. Results: Improvements of swelling degree, inflammatory activity, and histopathological lesion in MSU-injected ankles were observed in the treatment with chicory extract. Further, the chicory extract significantly decreased IL-1β release by suppressing the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways in gout rats. Similar to the in vivo results, IL-1β release was also inhibited by chicory extract and chicoric acid, a specific effective compound in chicory, through the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways. Conclusion: This study suggests that chicory extract and chicoric acid may be used as promising therapeutic agents against gout by inhibiting the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways.