Different experimental approaches in modelling cataractogenesis: An overview of selenite-induced nuclear cataract in rats

Cataract, the opacification of eye lens, is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. At present, the only remedy is surgical removal of the cataractous lens and substitution with a lens made of synthetic polymers. However, besides significant costs of operation and possible complications, an artificial lens just does not have the overall optical qualities of a normal one. Hence it remains a significant public health problem, and biochemical solutions or pharmacological interventions that will maintain the transparency of the lens are highly required. Naturally, there is a persistent demand for suitable biological models. The ocular lens would appear to be an ideal organ for maintaining culture conditions because of lacking blood vessels and nerves. The lens in vivo obtains its nutrients and eliminates waste products via diffusion with the surrounding fluids. Lens opacification observed in vivo can be mimicked in vitro by addition of the cataractogenic agent sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) to the culture medium. Moreover, since an overdose of sodium selenite induces also cataract in young rats, it became an extremely rapid and convenient model of nuclear cataract in vivo. The main focus of this review will be on selenium (Se) and its salt sodium selenite, their toxicological characteristics and safety data in relevance of modelling cataractogenesis, either under in vivo or in vitro conditions. The studies revealing the mechanisms of lens opacification induced by selenite are highlighted, the representatives from screening for potential anti-cataract agents are listed

Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cell Transplantation In Patients With Child C Liver Cirrhosis Comparative Study

Background: Adult stem cell therapy could help patients with child C liver cirrhosis . Aim and methods: to evaluate the effect of autologous transplantation of BM-derived mononuclear cells subjected to ex vivo hepatocyte differentiation and BM-derived undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells in cirrhotic patients, and assessing the safety and efficacy of transplantation of these cells via direct intrasplenic injection. 30 patients with Child C cirrhosis were enrolled , They were divided into three groups. Group 1: 10 patients who received bone marrow derived mononuclear cells after ex vivo hepatocyte differentiation. Group 2: 10 patients; who received bone marrow derived undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells. Group 3: 10 patients who were maintained on their ordinary liver supportive treatment . Bone marrow aspiration was done from the posterior superior iliac spine. After MNCs separation, induction of hepatocyte differentiation by co-cultures with hepatocyte growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor were done and demonstration of alpha fetoprotein and albumin gene expression were used as markers of hepatocyte differentiation, the cells were then injected to group 1 patients in a dose of 5×106/ml suspended in 5 ml sterile saline via intrasplenic route under ultrasonic guidance. Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells was done followed by primary culture and subculture of the isolated cells. Flow cytometry was used to identify MSCs by surface expression of CD44, CD73, and CD34. Group 2 were injected with undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells in a dose of 5×106/ml suspended in 5 ml sterile saline via intrasplenic route . Control group remained on their medical liver supportive measures. Monthly liver function were done for 6 months follow up . Results: there was a statistically significant improvement in the hepatic synthetic function and possible reduction in mortality in patients received stem cell therapy compared to control group. Statistical comparisons between the two transplanted groups did not merit any significant difference. Conclusion: Transplantation of either BM- derived mononuclear cells after ex vivo hepatocyte differentiation or BMderived undifferentiated mesenchymal cells can be used as a potential treatment for liver cirrhosis. Also intrasplenic route of cells injection is both safe and feasible

Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cell Transplantation In Patients With Child C Liver Cirrhosis Comparative Study

Background: Adult stem cell therapy could help patients with child C liver cirrhosis . Aim and methods: to evaluate the effect of autologous transplantation of BM-derived mononuclear cells subjected to ex vivo hepatocyte differentiation and BM-derived undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells in cirrhotic patients, and assessing the safety and efficacy of transplantation of these cells via direct intrasplenic injection. 30 patients with Child C cirrhosis were enrolled , They were divided into three groups. Group 1: 10 patients who received bone marrow derived mononuclear cells after ex vivo hepatocyte differentiation. Group 2: 10 patients; who received bone marrow derived undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells. Group 3: 10 patients who were maintained on their ordinary liver supportive treatment . Bone marrow aspiration was done from the posterior superior iliac spine. After MNCs separation, induction of hepatocyte differentiation by co-cultures with hepatocyte growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor were done and demonstration of alpha fetoprotein and albumin gene expression were used as markers of hepatocyte differentiation, the cells were then injected to group 1 patients in a dose of 5×106/ml suspended in 5 ml sterile saline via intrasplenic route under ultrasonic guidance. Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells was done followed by primary culture and subculture of the isolated cells. Flow cytometry was used to identify MSCs by surface expression of CD44, CD73, and CD34. Group 2 were injected with undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells in a dose of 5×106/ml suspended in 5 ml sterile saline via intrasplenic route . Control group remained on their medical liver supportive measures. Monthly liver function were done for 6 months follow up . Results: there was a statistically significant improvement in the hepatic synthetic function and possible reduction in mortality in patients received stem cell therapy compared to control group. Statistical comparisons between the two transplanted groups did not merit any significant difference. Conclusion: Transplantation of either BM- derived mononuclear cells after ex vivo hepatocyte differentiation or BMderived undifferentiated mesenchymal cells can be used as a potential treatment for liver cirrhosis. Also intrasplenic route of cells injection is both safe and feasible

Assessment of metals distribution and microbial contamination at selected Lake waters in and around Miri City, East Malaysia

A baseline study was carried out to assess the metal concentrations and microbial contamination at selected Lake waters in and around Miri City, East Malaysia. Sixteen surface water samples were collected at specific Lakes in the environs of major settlement areas and recreational centers in Miri City. The Physico-chemical parameters [pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO)], metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd, Ni and Zn) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were analysed. The concentrations of Fe, Mn and Ni have been found to be above the permissible limits of drinking water quality standards. The metals data have also been used for the calculation of heavy metal pollution index. Higher values of E. coli indicate microbial contamination in the Lake waters