Stereological estimation of ovarian oocyte volume, surface area and number: application on mice treated with nandrolone decanoate

Changes in the number and size of oocytes can lead to fertilization problems. The present study aimed to evaluate the number, volume, and surface area of oocytes in healthy as well as nandrolone decanoate-treated (ND) mice using stereological methods. Five control mice received vehicle, and five ND-treated mice received ND. Using the ‘isotropic Cavalieri’ design’, the ovary was sectioned. The volume of the ovary (cortex and medulla) was estimated. The oocytes’ volume and surface area were estimated using the invariator. The number of the oocytes was estimated using an optical disector. The volumes of the ovary, cortex, and medulla decreased ~50% in the ND-treated mice. The mean number (coefficient of variation) of preantral, antral, and atretic oocytes in the control ovary were 1,690 (0.29), 2,100 (0.52), and 3,900 (0.2), respectively, which decreased ~54%, ~87%, and ~91%, respectively in the ND-treated animals. The mean volume (coefficient of variation) of the preantral, antral, and atretic oocytes were 86,000 (0.27), 110,000 (0.48), and 27,000 (0.33) μm3, respectively. The mean surface area (coefficient of variation) of the three types of oocytes were 9,000 (0.24), 9,900 (0.28), and 4,700 (0.21) μm2, respectively. These parameters remained unchanged in the ND-treated mice. ND induces reduction in the number of oocytes, but not in the volume or the surface area

Is a Team-based Learning Approach to Anatomy Teaching Superior to Didactic Lecturing?

Objectives: Team-based learning (TBL) is used in the medical field to implement interactive learning in small groups. The learning of anatomy and its subsequent application requires the students to recall a great deal of factual content. The aims of this study were to evaluate the students’ satisfaction, engagement and knowledge gain in anatomy through the medium of TBL in comparison to the traditional lecture method. Methods: This study, carried out from February to June 2012, included 30 physical therapy students of the Shiraz University of Medical Science, School of Rehabilitation Sciences. Classic TBL techniques were modified to cover lower limb anatomy topics in the first year of the physical therapy curriculum. Anatomy lectures were replaced with TBL, which required the preparation of assigned content, specific discussion topics, an individual self-assessment test (IRAT) and the analysis of discussion topics. The teams then subsequently retook the assessment test as a group (GRAT). The first eight weeks of the curriculum were taught using traditional didactic lecturing, while during the second eight weeks the modified TBL method was used. The students evaluated these sessions through a questionnaire. The impact of TBL on student engagement and educational achievement was determined using numerical data, including the IRAT, GRAT and final examination scores. Results: Students had a higher satisfaction rate with the TBL teaching according to the Likert scale. Additionally, higher scores were obtained in the TBL-based final examination in comparison to the lecture-based midterm exam. Conclusion: The students’ responses showed that the TBL technique could be used alone or in conjunction with traditional didactic lecturing in order to teach anatomy more effectively

Stereološka procjena povoljnih učinaka sulforafana i kvercetina na bubrežno tkivo kod jednostrane opstrukcije uretre štakora

Hydrostatic pressure, which is the result of urinary tract blockage, initiates renal injuries. The injuries are characterized by tubular dilatation and/or atrophy, tubular cell death, inflammatory process and progressive interstitial fibrosis with loss of renal parenchyma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative effects of sulforaphane and quercetin, the two natural compounds that can be found in vegetables, in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UU O). Three groups of rats underwent surgery to induce UU O. They received distilled water, sulforaphane (500 μg/animal/ day) and quercetin (50 mg/kg/day). Stereological methods were applied in order to obtain accurate, quantitative and comparable data. Less than ~4% of renal structures on average remained intact in UU O rats. After the treatment of UU O rats with quercetin, ~69%, 32%, 65%, 35% and 41% of the volume of the glomeruli, proximal and distal convoluted tubules (PCT and DCT), Henle’s loop and collecting ducts remained intact, respectively (p<0.01). After the treatment of UU O rats with sulforaphane, ~24%, 45%, and 26% of the volume of the PCT, DCT and Henle’s loop remained intact, respectively (p<0.01). After the treatment of UU O rats with quercetin, ~71%, 81%, 51%, and 57% of the length of the PCT, DCT, Henle’s loop and collecting ducts remained intact, respectively (p<0.01). After the treatment of UU O rats with sulforaphane, ~42% and 41% of the length of the PCT and DCT remained intact, respectively (p<0.01). Changes in the length of Henle’s loop and collecting ducts were not significant. In conclusion, quercetin and sulforaphane were found to be effective in preventing some structural renal damage in the direct obstruction model. Quercetin had a more ameliorative role on renal structures.Hidrostatski tlak, koji nastaje zbog blokade mokraćnog trakta, izaziva oštećenje bubrega. Ova oštećenja obilježena su širenjem i/ili atrofijom tubula, smrću tubularnih stanica, upalnim procesom i progresivnom intersticijskom fibrozom uz gubitak bubrežnog parenhima. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je procijeniti povoljne učinke dvaju prirodnih spojeva koji se nalaze u povrću, sulforafana i kvercetina, kod jednostrane opstrukcije uretre (JOU). Tri skupine štakora podvrgnute su operaciji kako bi se izazvala JOU. Potom su primali destiliranu vodu, sulforafan (500 μg/životinja/dan) i kvercetin (50 mg/ kg/dan). Primijenjene su stereološke metode kako bi se dobili točni, kvantitativni i usporedivi podaci. Manje od ~4% bubrežnih struktura ostalo je u prosjeku intaktno kod štakora s JOU. Nakon liječenja JOU štakora kvercetinom intaktno je bilo ~69%, 32%, 65%, 35% i 41% volumena glomerula, proksimalnih i distalnih konvolucijskih tubula (PKT i DKT), Henleovih petlja odnosno zbirnih kanalića (p<0,01). Nakon liječenja JOU štakora kvercetinom intaktno je bilo ~71%, 81%, 51% i 57% duljine PKT, DKT, Henleovih petlja odnosno zbirnih kanalića (p<0,01). Nakon liječenja JOU štakora sulforafanom intaktno je bilo ~42% i 41% duljine PKT odnosno DKT (p<0,01). Promjene u duljini Henleovih petlja i zbirnih kanalića nisu bile značajne. U zaključku, kvercetin i sulforafan učinkovito priječe neka strukturna oštećenja bubrega kod modela izravne opstrukcije. Kvercetin je imao povoljniji učinak na bubrežne strukture

Using curcumin to prevent structural and behavioral changes of medial prefrontal cortex induced by sleep deprivation in rats

Sleep Deprivation (SD) is known to result in a range of neurological consequences in chronically-afflicted subjects. Curcumin, a natural substance, has neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of curcumin on the medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC) of SD rats. Male rats were arbitrarily assigned to nine groups, including control, curcumin (100 mg/kg/day), olive oil, SD, SD+curcumin, SD+olive oil, grid, grid+curcumin, and grid+ol- ive oil groups. SD was induced by a multiplatform box containing water. After a period of 21 days, the learning and memory of the rats were tested in an eight-arm radial maze. Afterwards, their brains were evaluated using stereological methods. Concomitant treatment of curcumin during SD caused fewer errors during evaluation of the working and reference memory errors in the acquisition and retention phases. The overall volume of the mPFC, Infralimbic Cortex (ILC), Prelimbic Cortex (PLC), Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) and the total number of neurons and glial cells reduced by 20 %-40 % on average in the SD animals in comparison to the control group. This indicated atrophic changes and cell loss in these areas (p < 0.01). The dendrites’ length and the number of spines per dendrite also reduced by 35 %-55 % in the SD rats compared to the ones in the control group (p < 0.01). Yet, treatment of the SD animals with curcumin prevented the atrophic changes of the mPFC, cell loss, and den- dritic changes (p < 0.05). SD induced structural changes in the mPFC and memory impairment in the rats. However, curcumin could protect their PFC

Penile Girth Enhancement using Amniotic Membrane in a Rabbit Model: A stereological study

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Penile Girth Enhancement (PGE) using Amniotic Membrane (AM) as a graft in a rabbit model. Additionally, stereological studies were used to obtain quantitative histological data regarding the structure of the penis. Methods: In this study, 20 adult male rabbits of similar age and weight were allocated to two sham and surgery+AM groups. Both groups underwent surgery by longitudinal Ishape midline incision of the tunica albuginea on the dorsal surface of the penis. The surgery +AM group underwent PGE by AM graft. The penile length and mid circumference were measured using a Vernier caliper before and two months after the surgery. Stereological studies were used to obtain quantitative histological data regarding the structure of the penis. Results: The mean total volume and diameter of the penis increased in the surgery +AM group (p&lt;0.03 and p&lt;0.04, respectively). The stereological evaluation showed a significant increase in the mean volumes of the tunica albuginea and corpora cavernosa in the surgery +AM group compared to the sham group (p&lt;0.01, p&lt; 0.03). Additionally, the mean volume density of the collagen bundles, muscle fibers, and cavernous sinuses and the total number of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells increased in the surgery +AM group compared to the sham group (p&lt;0.01, p&lt;0.01, p&lt;0.03, p&lt;0.01, and p&lt;0.05, respectively). No infections, bleedings, or other complications were seen. Conclusions: AM is a method that has appeared promising for material use in penile enhancement. Thus, it may be used for PGE in the future. Keywords: Amniotic Membrane; Histopathology; Animal; Penile Girth Enhancement

The effects of melatonin and metformin on histological characteristics of the ovary and uterus in letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome mice: A stereological study

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with anovulation, hyperandrogenism, ovarian and uterine histological changes, menstrual irregularities, etc. signs is an infertility type. It seems that melatonin and metformin can improve these abnormalities. Objective: To evaluate the effects of melatonin and metformin on the ovary and uterus in PCOS-induced mice using stereological methods. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two adult female BALB/c mice (8-wk-old, 20-30 gr) were randomly divided into control (distilled water, gavage), PCOS (90 μg/kg letrozole, gavage), PCOS+metformin (500 mg/kg, gavage), PCOS+melatonin (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection), and PCOS+melatonin control (0.5% ethanol saline) groups (n = 12/each). Another PCOS group was kept for a month to ensure that PCOS features remained. Finally, a stereological evaluation of the uterus and ovary was carried out, and vaginal cytology and serum testosterone levels were assessed. Results: PCOS mice treated with metformin and melatonin had lower testosterone levels, body weight, and more regular estrus cycles than the PCOS group (p ≤ 0.001). A significant decrease in conglomerate and daughter gland numbers, and primary, secondary, atretic, and cystic follicles numbers with a significant increase in primordial and Graafian follicles, and corpus luteum numbers (p ≤ 0.001) was seen in these treated mice. Also, endometrial vessels’ volume and length significantly increased, but ovarian, endometrial, myometrial, stromal, and glands volume, and endometrial and myometrial thickness dramatically declined (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: It appears that metformin and melatonin could restore the PCOS phenotype including estrus cycle irregularity, high testosterone level, and ovarian and uterine micromorphology to the control levels. However, the 2 treatments had similar effects on the examined parameters. Key words: Polycystic ovarian syndrome, Melatonin, Metformin, Ovary, Uterus, Mice, Stereology

Curcumin Protects the Seminal Vesicles from Metronidazole‑induced Reduction of Secretion in Mice

Seminal vesicle secretion is important for increasing the stability of sperm chromatin, inhibition of the immune activity in the female reproductive tract and so on. Metronidazole (MTZ), a drug used for treatment of infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, may have negative effects on the genital gland including the seminal vesicles. Curcumin exhibits antioxidant as well as anti‑inflammatory properties. The present study aims to evaluate the negative effects of MTZ on the seminal vesicle structure and ameliorative effects of curcumin using stereological methods. Thirty balb/c mice were divided into six groups. The control group was received distilled water. The second and the third received higher doses of MTZ (500 mg/kg body weight/day) and MTZ (500 mg/kg/day) + 100 mg/kg/day curcumin, respectively. The fourth and the fifth were treated with lower doses of MTZ (165 mg/kg body weight/day) and MTZ (165 mg/kg body weight/day) + curcumin (100 mg/kg body weight/day), respectively. The sixth group received 100 mg/kg body weight/day curcumin. All the administrations were done by oral gavages for 14 days. After 30 days, seminal vesicles were removed. Stereological study of the seminal vesicle structure revealed a significant reduction in gland and vesicular fluid volume in MTZ‑treated (higher or lower doses) animals. Curcumin protected the reduction of both parameters in therapeutic‑dose treated animals. Metronidazole treatment does not induce structural changes in the seminal gland; however, it can have a significant impact on its secretion ability. Importantly, these deteriorations might be preventable by curcumin co‑treatment

Antiulcerogenic Effects of Matricaria Chamomilla Extract in Experimental Gastric Ulcer in Mice

Background: There is extensive variety of chemical compoundswith antiulcer activity, which are isolated from medicinalplants. Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita orGerman chamomile, also spelled chamomile (MC), is one ofthe most widely used medicinal plants. In the present study,the extract of MC flowers was evaluated for antiulcerogenicactivity and acute toxicity profile.Methods: To evaluate antiulcer effect of MC extract, 15 femalebulb-c mice were divided into three groups (five mice ineach group). The first and second groups received 400 mg/kgsucralfate and 400 mg/kg MC extract respectively by the intragastricroute. The control group received 1.0 ml distilledwater. After 30 min, gastric ulceration was induced by oraladministration of 1.0 ml of a 0.3 M solution of HCl in 60%ethanol in all animals. One hour later, the area of the gastriclesions and hemorrhage was measured by stereologicalmethod. To evaluate the toxicity of MC extract, 10 male and10 female mice were divided into control and experimentalgroups (5 mice in each group). The experimental and controlgroups received by the intragastric route a single dose of5000 mg/kg MC extract and water respectively. After 14 daysthe mice’s liver, kidneys, lung, and heart were examined macroscopicallyand the relative weights (organ/body) were determined.Statistical comparisons between the groups wereperformed by Mann-Whitney U test.Results: Oral administration of MC extract at 400 mg/kg canbe effective in preventing gastric ulceration in mice and doesnot produce toxic effects in doses up to 5000 mg/kg.Conclusion: Matricaria chamomilla can prevent experimentalgastric ulcer in mice