• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권3호
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• pp.386-405
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• 2021

Recent advancements in basic research on the process of secondary neurulation and increased clinical experience with caudal spinal anomalies with associated abnormalities in the surrounding and distal structures shed light on further understanding of the pathoembryogenesis of the lesions and led to the new classification of these dysraphic entities. We summarized the changing concepts of lesions developed from the disordered secondary neurulation shown during the last decade. In addition, we suggested our new pathoembryogenetic explanations for a few entities based on the literature and the data from our previous animal research. Disordered secondary neurulation at each phase of development may cause corresponding lesions, such as failed junction with the primary neural tube (junctional neural tube defect and segmental spinal dysgenesis), dysgenesis or duplication of the caudal cell mass associated with disturbed activity of caudal mesenchymal tissue (caudal agenesis and caudal duplication syndrome), failed ingression of the primitive streak to the caudal cell mass (myelomeningocele), focal limited dorsal neuro-cutaneous nondisjunction (limited dorsal myeloschisis and congenital dermal sinus), neuro-mesenchymal adhesion (lumbosacral lipomatous malformation), and regression failure spectrum of the medullary cord (thickened filum and filar cyst, low-lying conus, retained medullary cord, terminal myelocele and terminal myelocystocele). It seems that almost every anomalous entity of the primary neural tube may occur in the area of secondary neurulation. Furthermore, the close association with the activity of caudal mesenchymal tissue in secondary neurulation involves a wider range of surrounding structures than in primary neurulation. Although the majority of the data are from animals, not from humans and many theories are still conjectural, these changing concepts of normal and disordered secondary neurulation will provoke further advancements in our management strategies as well as in the pathoembryogenetic understanding of anomalous lesions in this area.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제47권4호
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• pp.293-299
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• 2020

Objective: The goal of the present study was to investigate the rate of chromosomal aneuploidies in surplus embryos after sex determination at the cleavage stage. Then, the same chromosomal aneuploidies were evaluated in blastocysts after extended culture. Methods: Sixty-eight surplus embryos were biopsied at the cleavage stage and incubated for an additional 3 days to allow them to reach the blastocyst stage. The embryos were reanalyzed via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to examine eight chromosomes (13, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, X, and Y) in both cleavage-stage embryos and blastocysts. Results: Although the total abnormality rate was lower in blastocysts (32.35%) than in cleavage-stage embryos (45.58%), the difference was not significant (p=0.113). However, when we restricted the analysis to autosomal abnormalities, we observed a significant difference in the abnormality rate between the cleavage-stage embryos (44.11%) and the blastocysts (17.64%, p=0.008). A higher rate of sex chromosomal abnormalities was also observed in cleavage-stage embryos (29.4%) than in blastocysts (14.70%, p=0.038). Conclusion: The data indicated that embryo biopsy should be conducted at the blastocyst stage rather than the cleavage stage. The results also emphasized that examination of common chromosomal aneuploidies apart from sex selection cycles can be conducted in the blastocyst stage with the FISH method.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제49권1호
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• pp.40-48
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• 2022

Objective: As the associations of sperm DNA fragmentation with morphology have not been examined in detail, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between abnormalities of morphological details and DNA integrity in human sperm. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, men from infertile couples were enrolled at Hue Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Vietnam. Conventional semen parameters, including morphological details, were analyzed following the World Health Organization 2010 criteria. Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated using a sperm chromatin dispersion assay. The relationships and correlations between semen parameters, sperm morphology, and the type of halosperm and the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were analyzed. Results: Among 130 men in infertile couples, statistically significant differences were not found in the sperm halo type between the normal and abnormal sperm morphology groups. The percentage of round-head spermatozoa was higher in the DFI >15% group (16.98%±12.50%) than in the DFI ≤15% group (13.13% ±8.82%), higher values for amorphous heads were found in the DFI >15% group, and lower values for tapered heads were observed in the DFI ≤15% group; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Small-halo sperm and the DFI were positively correlated with round-head sperm (r=0.243, p=0.005 and r=0.197, p=0.025, respectively). Conclusion: The rate of general sperm morphological abnormalities in semen analysis was not related to sperm DNA integrity. However, round sperm heads were closely associated with sperm DNA fragmentation.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.35.1-35.10
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• 2023

Background: Titanium is the most widely used metal for bone integration, especially for cancer patients receiving ionizing radiation. This study aimed to investigate the amifostine administration that would reduce the effects of radiation on bone healing and osseointegration in rat models. Objectives: It is aimed that the application of amifostine in rats receiving radiotherapy treatment will reduce the negative effects of ionizing radiation on the bone. Methods: Thirty-five adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into one healthy and four experimental groups. In three consecutive days, two experimental groups of rats (AMF-RT-IMP and RT-IMP) were exposed to radiation (15 Gy/3 fractions of 5 Gy each). Then the titanium implants were inserted into the left tibia. Before the radiotherapy process, a 200 mg/kg dose of amifostine (AMF) was administered to the rats in the AMF-IMP and AMF-RT-IMP groups. Twenty-eight days after the screw implant, all rats were sacrificed, and their blood samples and tibia bones were collected for analysis. Results: The results indicated an accelerated bone formation and a more rapid healing process in the screw implants in the AMF-IMP, AMF-RT-IMP, and AMF-RT groups than in the RT-IMP group. Also, bone-implant contact area measurement and inflammation decreased with amifostine treatment in the implants subjected to irradiation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results obtained in the present study suggested that amifostine prevents the losses of bone minerals, bone integrity, and implant position from ionizing-radiation when given before exposure.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제49권4호
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• pp.239-247
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• 2022

Objective: Asafoetida is a gum derived from Ferula assa-foetida, which is used in traditional Iranian medicine to treat some reproductive system disorders. The effects of asafoetida on ovarian tissue, expression of certain genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and levels of liver, kidney, and blood cell factors after treatment in a rat model were investigated. Methods: Thirty rats were divided into five groups: normal, polycystic, and treatment with three doses of asafoetida (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg for 3 weeks after PCOS induction). PCOS was induced by letrozole at a dose of 1 mg/kg administered orally for 3 weeks. Blood samples were taken, and the ovaries were removed and prepared for histomorphometric examination. Liver and kidney parameters were measured. The mRNA expression levels of luteinizing hormone receptor, CYP11A1, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, adiponectin, and adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 were also measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The levels of liver, kidney, and blood parameters did not significantly differ between the treatment groups and the control group. At doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, ovarian histopathology, especially the thicknesses of the theca and granulosa layers, was significantly improved relative to the PCOS group. The expression of target genes also improved in the 25 and 50 mg/kg treatment groups. Conclusion: Asafoetida can be used to treat PCOS as a complementary approach to conventional therapies. Asafoetida appears to act by regulating and activating metabolic and ovarian cycle enzymes.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.20-27
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• 2024

Objective: While sperm freezing (cryopreservation) is an effective method for preserving fertility, it can potentially harm the structure and function of sperm due to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to assess the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and selenium oxide nanoparticles (SeONPs) on various sperm functional parameters, including motility, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), acrosome membrane integrity (ACi), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Methods: Semen samples were collected from 20 Albino Wistar rats. These samples were then divided into six groups: fresh, cryopreservation control, and groups supplemented with SeONPs (1, 2, 5 ㎍/mL) and ZnONPs (0.1, 1, 10 ㎍/mL). Results: Statistical analysis revealed that all concentrations of SeONPs increased total motility and progressive reduction of MDA levels compared to the cryopreservation control group (p<0.05). However, supplementation with ZnONPs did not affect these parameters (p>0.05). Conversely, supplements of 1 and 2 ㎍/mL SeONPs and 1 ㎍/mL ZnONPs contributed to the improvement of PMI and ACi (p<0.05). Yet, no significant change was observed in MMP with any concentration of SeONPs and ZnONPs compared to the cryopreservation control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that optimal concentrations of SeONPs may enhance sperm parameters during the freezing process.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• 제56권2호
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• pp.200-204
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• 2023

Although in counterpart, the sphenopalatine artery (SPA), has been well described in the medical literature, the sphenopalatine vein (SPV) has received scant attention. Therefore, the present anatomical study was performed. Additionally, we discuss the variations, embryology, and clinical significance of the SPV. Adult cadaveric specimens underwent dissection of the SPV. In addition, some specimens were submitted for histological analysis of this structure. The SPV was found to drain from the sphenoidal sinus and nasal septum. Small tributaries traveled through the nasal septum with the posterior septal branches of the SPA and nasopalatine nerve. The SPA and SPV were found to travel through the sphenopalatine foramen and another tributary was found to perforate the medial plate of the pterygoid process and to connect to the pterygoid venous plexus which traveled lateral to the medial plate of the pterygoid process. The vein traveled through the posterior part of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity with the posterior lateral nasal branches of the SPA and the lateral superior posterior nasal branches of the maxillary nerve. To our knowledge, this is the first anatomical study on the SPV in humans. Data on the SPV provides an improved anatomical understanding of the vascular network of the nasal cavity. Developing a more complete picture of the nasal cavity and its venous supply might help surgeons and clinicians better manage clinical entities such as posterior epistaxis, cavernous sinus infections, and perform endoscopic surgery with fewer complications.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• 제56권1호
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• pp.109-121
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• 2023

Thioacetamide (TAA) exposure and hepatitis C virus infection are usually associated with renal dysfunction. Sofosbuvir (SFV) and daclatasvir (DAC) drugs combination has great value in the treatment of hepatitis C. The study aimed to identify the nephrotoxic effects of TAA and to evaluate the ameliorative role of SFV and DAC in this condition. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were divided into eight groups and received saline (control), SFV, DAC, SFV+DAC, TAA, TAA+SFV, TAA+DAC and TAA+SFV+DAC for eight weeks. Kidney and blood samples were retrieved and processed for histological (Hematoxylin and Eosin and Masson's trichrome), immunohistochemical (α-smooth muscle actin), and biochemical analysis (urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and tumor necrosis factor-α). Examination revealed marked destruction of renal tubules on exposure to TAA with either hypertrophy or atrophy of glomeruli, increase in collagen deposition, and wide expression of α-smooth muscle actin. Also, significant disturbance in kidney functions, oxidative stress markers, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Supplementation with either SFV or DAC produced mild improvement in the tissue and laboratory markers. Moreover, the combination of both drugs greatly refined the pathology induced by TAA at the cellular and laboratory levels. However, there are still significant differences when compared to the control. In conclusion, SFV and DAC combination partially but greatly ameliorated the renal damage induced by TAA which might be enhanced with further supplementations to give new hope for those with nephropathy associated with hepatitis.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.292-298
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• 2023

Objective: Ovarian torsion is a gynecological disorder that causes ischemia-reperfusion injuries in the ovary. Our study investigated berberine's short- and long-term effects on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Methods: This study included 28 Wistar albino female rats weighing 180 to 220 g, which were divided into four groups: sham (S), torsion/detorsion (T/D), torsion/ detorsion+single dose berberine (T/D+Bb), and torsion/detorsion+15 days berberine (T/D+15Bb). The torsion and detorsion model was applied in all non-sham groups. In the T/D+Bb group, a single dose of berberine was administered, while in the T/D+15Bb group, berberine was administered over a period of 15 days. After the rats were euthanized, their ovaries were excised. The left ovaries were used for histopathologic evaluation, which included ovarian injury scoring and follicle count, while the right ovaries were used for biochemical analyses (tissue transforming growth factor-β [TGF-β] and alpha-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA] levels). Results: The histopathologic evaluation scores for the ovaries were significantly lower in the T/D+B group (p<0.05) and the T/D+15B group (p<0.005) than in the T/D group. The follicle counts in the T/D group were lower than those in both the sham and treated groups (p<0.005). The TGF-β levels were significantly lower in the T/D+15B group (p<0.005), whereas the α-SMA levels did not show a significant difference. Conclusion: Both short- and long-term berberine use could potentially have therapeutic effects on ovarian torsion. Long-term berberine use exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by reducing TGF-β levels, thereby preventing ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Therefore, we suggest that long-term berberine use could be beneficial for ovarian torsion.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• 제57권2호
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• pp.288-293
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• 2024

The temporal fascia is a double lamina sandwiching a thick fat layer above the zygomatic bony arch. To characterize each lamina, their developmental processes were examined in fetuses. We observed histological sections from 22 half-heads of 10 mid-term fetuses at 14-18 weeks (crown-rump length, 95-150 mm) and 12 near-term fetuses at 26-40 weeks (crown-rump length, 215-334 mm). The superficial lamina of the temporal fascia was not evident at mid-term. Instead, a loose subcutaneous tissue was attached to the thin, deep lamina of the temporal fascia covering the temporalis muscle. At near-term, the deep lamina became thick, while the superficial lamina appeared and exhibited several variations: i) a mono-layered thick membrane (5 specimens); ii) a multi-layered membranous structure (6) and; iii) a cluster of independent thick fasciae each of which were separated by fatty tissues (1). In the second and third patterns, fatty tissue between the two laminae was likely to contain longitudinal fibrous bands in parallel with the deep lamina. Varying proportions of the multi-layered superficial lamina were not attached to the zygomatic arch, but extended below the bony arch. Whether or not lobulation or septation of fatty tissues was evident was not dependent on age. The deep lamina seemed to develop from the temporalis muscle depending on the muscle contraction. In contrast, the superficial lamina developed from subcutaneous collagenous bundles continuous to the cheek. Therein, a difference in development was clearly seen between two categories of the fasciae.