Villous trophoblast cell turnover in placentas from preterm pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)

Disturbed trophoblast turnover, a key process in placental physiology, may lead to a number of pregnancy-associated pathologies. This study examines PCNA expression and describes and quantifies morphological changes during trophoblast turnover in preterm placentas and term placentas complicated by IUGR. The number of CTF cells increased two-fold in preterm and IUGR placentas. A concurrent and slightly reduced proliferation rate of these cells was also found. The number of STF nuclei of terminal villi was lower by 21% in IUGR and by 18% in preterm placentas (P>0.05). A statistically significant reduction of the number of syncytial knots by 50% as compared to the control placentas was observed. Correlations between PCNA-reactive CTF nuclei and syncytial knots, PCNA-reactive CTF nuclei and CCO activity, and CCO activity and syncytial knots were found. Moreover, a strong inverse relation was observed between syncytial knots and CTF cells, and CCO activity and CTF cells

Distribution of calretinin-immunoreactive interneurons in dorsal part of hippocampus in animal model of depression

Calretinin-containing (CR+) GABAergic neurons in the dorsal part of hippocampal formation (HF), including the subi-culum, Cornu Ammonis (CA1-4), and dentate gyrus (DG) were visualized with immunocytochemistry. General distribution of CR+ cells was similar in each studying group. Olfactory bulbectomy caused significant increase in CR+ density in stratum oriens of CA1 and stratum moleculare of suprapyramidal blade of DG (three times, p<0.05 and twice, p=0.05, respectively), and tendency to increase in majority of other sub-regions of HF. CR+ cells were generally resistant to administration of amitriptyline as an antidepressant following bulbectomy, although the tendency of increase in CR+ cell density can be observed in CA1. Our findings indicate CR+ neurons site-specific response to bulbectomy model of depression. This could involve the trisynaptic pathway and temporo-ammonic tract by controlling other interneurons terminating on different compartments of principal cells

Manifestations of Liver Impairment and the Effects of MH-76, a Non-Quinazoline α1-Adrenoceptor Antagonist, and Prazosin on Liver Tissue in Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome

Excessive fructose consumption may lead to metabolic syndrome, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and hypertension. α1-adrenoceptors antagonists are antihypertensive agents that exert mild beneficial effects on the metabolic profile in hypertensive patients. However, they are no longer used as a first-line therapy for hypertension based on Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) outcomes. Later studies have shown that quinazoline-based α1-adrenolytics (prazosin, doxazosin) induce apoptosis; however, this effect was independent of α1-adrenoceptor blockade and was associated with the presence of quinazoline moiety. Recent studies showed that α1-adrenoceptors antagonists may reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients due to anti-inflammatory properties. MH-76 (1-[3-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)propyl]-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride)) is a non-quinazoline α1-adrenoceptor antagonist which, in fructose-fed rats, exerted anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive properties and reduced insulin resistance and visceral adiposity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of fructose consumption and treatment with α1-adrenoceptor antagonists of different classes (MH-76 and prazosin) on liver tissue of fructose-fed rats. Livers were collected from four groups (Control, Fructose, Fructose + MH-76 and Fructose + Prazosin) and subjected to biochemical and histopathological studies. Both α1-adrenolytics reduced macrovesicular steatosis and triglycerides content of liver tissue and improved its antioxidant capacity. Treatment with MH-76, contrary to prazosin, reduced leucocytes infiltration as well as decreased elevated IL-6 and leptin concentrations. Moreover, the MH-76 hepatotoxicity in hepatoma HepG2 cells was less than that of prazosin. The use of α1-adrenolytics with anti-inflammatory properties may be an interesting option for treatment of hypertension with metabolic complications