The effect of low dose organic arsenic exposure on inflammatory genes expression in rat’s kidney

Monosodium methylarsonate (MSMA) is an organic arsenical pesticide widely used in agriculture. Exposure to arsenic has been linked with multiple health problems. Inflammatory genes such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) play an important role in the pathophysiology of exposure to an acute high dose arsenic-mediated nephrotoxicity, which led to the proximal tubular injury. However, studies focusing on low dose organic arsenic exposure and its adverse effects on kidneys are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low dose arsenic exposure on the inflammatory genes expression in rats’ kidneys at three different duration intervals; 2 months, four months and six months. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=6); a treatment group and its control for each interval. The treatment groups were given daily oral gavage of MSMA at 63.0 mg/kg body weight (BW) which is equivalent to 1/20 LD50 of MSMA. While control groups received distilled water via oral gavage. At the end of study intervals, the kidney tissues were harvested for arsenic level analysis and molecular analysis. The RNA integrity was confirmed with Qiaxcel analysis. The expressions of inflammatory genes were analysed using RT2 SYBR Green qPCR Mastermix. Tissue arsenic concentration was higher in all treated group. Both IL-6 and IL-8 showed a similar pattern of expressions. Organic arsenic down-regulated IL-6 and IL-8 in 2-month (both fold change -1.03) and 6-month groups (fold change -1.36,-1.15). However, in the 4-month group, both IL-6 and IL-8 were up-regulated (both fold change 1.31). Interestingly, these findings suggest that low dose arsenic exposure has shown the anti-inflammatory effect at 2-month and 6-month. However, 4-month paradoxically demonstrated a pro-inflammatory effect consistent with the tissue arsenic levels

Topographical changes of rat's colonic mucosal after chronic arsenic exposure - A scanning electron microscopy study

Introduction: Human are exposed to arsenic threats in several ways. Our drinking water for instance, can be hazardous due to the contamination of arsenic-based pesticide and herbicide into our water supply. The most vulnerable part of our body due to ingestion of arsenic is our gastrointestinal system. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of chronic exposure to organic arsenic (Monosodium methylarsonate, MSMA) on the surface topography of rat's colonic mucosa by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials and Methods: 30 Sprague Dawley rats were given daily oral gavage of MSMA 42.13 mg/kg, which is 1/30 LD50, and 30 Sprague Dawley rats acted as control. 10 exposed rats and 10 control rats were sacrificed at regular intervals (2 months, 4 months and 6 months) and their colon specimens were examined by SEM. Results: In the control group, the colonic mucosa appeared normal with uniform size individual glandular units and has a central crypt orifice. The goblet cells were located in between the absorptive cells to produce mucous. In the exposed group, the rat's colonic mucosa showed increasing features of surface alterations such as haphazard shape of glandular units, slit-like crypt opening and less goblet cells with reduced number of microvilli. Conclusion: There were topographical changes of colonic mucosa of rats exposed to chronic low dose of organic arsenic

Primary breast sarcoma in a middle age lady: a rare presentation

Sarcoma is an aggressive, malignant condition of a breast. It is a rare condition, which makes it difficult to diagnose at clinicopathological study. We are reporting a case of a primary breast sarcoma in a 54-year-old menopausal lady that came with painless fast growing right breast lump within 6 months of duration. Clinically, there was a huge mobile painless right breast lump without discoloration of skin noted. Both axilla and supraclavicular lymph node were not palpable. A mammogram showed large lobulated dense mass 8.3cm x 10.0cm in size occupying right upper outer quadrant correspond to BIRADS 4 lesion. A trucut biopsy reported as a papillary lesion. Repeated trucut biopsy reported as mesenchymal lesion with smooth muscle differentiation. With this histopathology report, she was diagnosed with mesenchymal tumor of right breast. She underwent an uneventful mastectomy. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen reported as tumor with mesenchymal differentiation which requiring further confirmation by breast-endocrine pathologist as primary breast sarcoma. She was subjected to post op radiotherapy to the chest wall followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. © 2018 International Islamic University Malaysia

Virtual reality in anatomy education: advantages and challenges

Introduction: Anatomy education has evolved throughout the centuries. In the latest decade, anatomy educators encountered different challenges from limited number of cadavers, high-priced anatomical plastination and models. Recent COVID-19 pandemic has inevitably mold future anatomy pedagogy to better-adapt with the current digital-savvy generation. Despite the emergence of virtual reality (VR) in anatomy teaching & learning (T&L), there is limited comparative analysis being explored. Hence, this study aims to elucidate the advantages and challenges using VR in anatomy education. Methods: A narrative review was conducted for this study. Research question was formulated and bibliographical search performed using Scopus and Science Direct databases. Experimental studies published between 2010-2022, in English language, discussing on application, advantages or disadvantages of VR in anatomy and medical T&L were analysed. Results: A total of twenty-four research articles were retrieved. The literatures suggest VR in anatomy education is beneficial as it is more realistic, hands-on, enhances visualization and enjoyable self-learning tool that increases leaners’ engagement. This is especially in low-spatial ability learners that has difficulty to visualize the location and dimension of anatomical structures. VR may improve teaching effectiveness and level of anatomy knowledge. However, the disadvantages are high-cost equipment and risk of tools malfunction. Some experiencing extraneous cognitive load in learning new modalities, motion-sickness, and headache after using VR headgear. Conclusion: The advantages of VR in anatomy education are extensive and outweigh the challenges. As VR devices are more affordable, the current challenge has moved to exploring ways to utilize this advancement in anatomy teaching effectively

Chronic exposure of low-dose organic arsenic induced oxidative stress injury on the rats kidney

Introduction: Monosodium methylarsonate (MSMA) is an organic arsenical herbicide widely used in agriculture. Humans are exposed to arsenic through contaminated drinking water and anthropogenic activities. Exposure to acute and high dose of inorganic arsenic induced oxidative stress injury in the tissue. However, studies focusing on effects of chronic low dose organic arsenic exposure on oxidative genes of kidneys are limited. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the effects of chronic low dose organic arsenic exposure on rats’ kidneys oxidative genes at 6-month duration. Materials and Methods: Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 2-3 months old, with average weight of 200 to 250g divided into two groups (n=6); control and treatment respectively. The control group was given daily oral gavage of distilled water and the treatment group was given daily oral gavage of MSMA at 63mg/kg body weight for 6-months duration. Kidneys were harvested for histology and gene expression analysis. Results: Histologically, on H&E & PAS staining, the control group showed normal appearance of the glomerular and tubular structures. The treatment groups showed microscopic changes of the glomerular and tubular structures such as glomerular atrophy with widening of Bowman’s space, dilated tubular lumen, loss of brush border and presence of tubular cast. Gene’s analysis showed upregulation of Glutathione reductase (GSR) and downregulation of Catalase and nitrite oxide synthase 1 (NOS1). Conclusion: Chronic exposure to low dose organic arsenic induced kidney injury through oxidative stress mechanism

Histopathological changes in chronic low dose organic arsenic exposure in rats kidney

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to environmental arsenic remains a major public health challenge. Human is exposed to arsenic from groundwater as a result of anthropogenic activities. Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic has been linked with multiple medical conditions. Therefore, many agricultural countries have shifted the use of inorganic to the organic-based herbicide, monosodium methylarsonate (MSMA). However, with increasing numbers of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu), chronic exposure to herbicide is believed as one of the potential explanations. To date, studies on chronic effects of organic arsenic on the kidney are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of chronic oral organic arsenic exposure on the rat’s kidney. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty-six Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into treatment and its corresponding control groups according to the duration of observations either 2, 4 or 6 months. Both groups were subdivided into three subgroups, each with six animals per subgroup. The treatment groups were given oral MSMA at 63.20 mg/kg body weight, while control groups received distilled water. At the end of each duration, blood was collected for the renal profile, urine for neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) marker, and kidney tissues were harvested for arsenic level measurement and histological analysis. RESULTS: Arsenic level and urinary NGAL were higher in all treatment groups than its corresponding control groups. Histological findings showed progressive pathological changes in the glomeruli and proximal tubules. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic oral exposure to low dose organic arsenic has demonstrated evidence of kidney injury in rats

1-click step only thesis formatting for postgraduate students

Introduction: Thesis formatting is one of the biggest challenges for postgraduate students in fulfilling the university requirement. The final submitted thesis must be strictly formatted according to the university guidelines and checked by the appointed format checkers in most universities in Malaysia, including the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The majority of the postgraduate students have difficulty formatting their thesis because of lack of knowledge and skills in using the advanced functions in Microsoft Word. Therefore, the i-Template; a Microsoft Word Thesis Template was developed in 2011. The template was based on the IIUM Dissertation/Thesis Manual published by the Centre of Postgraduate Studies, IIUM in 2009. The i-Template was distributed to several postgraduate students, and they found it helpful, easy and fastened their thesis formatting. However, based on the students' feedback, there were several formatting processes with multiple steps, which is time-consuming during the thesis formatting process. Objective: To identify the common formatting processes with multiple steps and to improvise the i-Template by simplifying multiple steps in each formatting process into 1-click button using the macros functions in the Microsoft Word. Methodology: The feedback regarding the common formatting processes with multiple steps in the i-template were collected from the postgraduate students. The multiple steps for each formatting process were simplified into 1-click button only using the macros function. The 1-click button for each formatting process were customized into the tab above in the Microsoft Word for easy access. Results: There were five common formatting processes identified: inserting formatted tables; inserting tables caption; inserting landscape page with numbering; setting of the page margin; and inserting a table of contents. Positive feedback were received from the postgraduate students using the updated i-Template as the thesis formatting process became easier and faster using the 1-click button. Conclusion: With the current updated macros features in the i-Template, the 1-click button requires fewer skills in Microsoft Word, is very straightforward and saves a lot of time for the postgraduate students in thesis formatting and submission

The effect of low dose organic arsenic exposure on inflammatory genes expression in rat’s kidney

Introduction: Monosodium methylarsonate (MSMA) is an organic arsenical pesticide widely used in agriculture. Exposure to arsenic has been linked with multiple health problems. Inflammatory genes such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) play an important role in pathophysiology of exposure to an acute high dose arsenic-mediated nephrotoxicity which led to proximal tubular injury. However, studies focusing on low dose organic arsenic exposure and its adverse effects on kidneys are limited. Objective: To study the effects of low dose arsenic exposure on the inflammatory genes expression in rats’ kidneys at three different duration intervals; 2 months, 4 months and 6 months. Materials and Method: Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=6); a treatment group and its control for each interval. The treatment groups were given daily oral gavage of MSMA at 63.0 mg/kg body weight (BW) which is equivalent to 1/20 LD50 of MSMA. While control groups received distilled water via oral gavage. At the end of study intervals, the kidney tissues were harvested for arsenic level analysis and molecular analysis. The RNA integrity was confirmed with Qiaxcel analysis. The expressions of inflammatory genes were analysed using RT2 SYBR Green qPCR Mastermix. Results: Tissue arsenic concentration were higher in all treated group. Both IL-6 and IL-8 showed a similar pattern of expressions. Organic arsenic down-regulated IL-6 and IL-8 in 2-month (both fold change -1.03) and 6-month groups (fold change -1.36,-1.15). However in the 4-month group, both IL-6 and IL-8 were up-regulated (both fold change 1.31). Conclusion: Interestingly, these findings suggest that low dose arsenic exposure has shown anti-inflammatory effect at 2-month and 6-month, however 4-month paradoxically demonstrated pro-inflammatory effect which consistent with the tissue arsenic levels

Chronic exposure of low dose organic arsenic induced microscopic changes in rat’s kidney

Introduction: Monosodium methylarsonate (MSMA) is an organic arsenic widely used in agriculture. Humans are exposed to arsenic through drinking water and anthropogenic activities. Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic has been linked with multiple health problems. However, studies focusing on organic arsenic effects on kidneys were limited. Objective: To determine the effects of organic arsenic exposure on rat’s kidney. Materials and Method: Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control (n=6) and treated (n=6) groups. Control group was given daily oral gavage of distilled water and treated group was given daily oral gavage of MSMA at 63.0 mg/kg body weight, which was equivalent of 1/30 LD50 of MSMA. After four months, rats urines were collected using metabolic cage and both groups were sacrificed. The urines were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) biomarkers for kidney injury. The kidneys were harvested for light microscopy study. Results: Urine NGAL significantly higher (p-value <0.05) in treated groups. Light microscopy showed focal glomerular and tubular changes in treated groups. Conclusion: Chronic low dose organic arsenic exposure induced kidney injury

Effects of chronic organic arsenic exposure on rats kidney - light microscopy and electron microscopy study

Introduction: Monosodium methylarsonate (MSMA) is an organic arsenical pesticide widely used in agriculture. Humans are exposed to arsenic through drinking water and anthropogenic activities. Exposure to inorganic arsenic has been linked with multiple health problems. However, studies focusing on chronic organic arsenic exposure and its adverse effects on kidney were limited. The purpose of current study was to determine the effects of chronic organic arsenic exposure in rats kidney by light and electron microscopy. Materials and Method: Thirty-six male SpragueDawley rats were divided into six groups (n=6); three control and three treatment group respectively. All the control group was given distilled water via oral gavage.The treatment group was given oral gavage of MSMA at 42.10 mg/kg body weight (BW) which is equivalent 1/30 LD50 of MSMA . The control and treatment groups were sacrificed at two month, four month and six months interval. Both kidneys harvested for light microscopy and electron microscopy study. Results: Showed progressive changes. The changes initially focal and became diffused involving glomerular; such as glomerular hypercellularity, glomerular shrinkage and dilated Bowman's space. Meanwhile, in proximal tubules, showed diminished brush borders, detachment of nucleus and basement membrane thickening. Electron microscopy showed flattened cell bodies of podocytes, effacement and fusion of podocytes foot processes, thickening of glomerular basement membrane, and discontinuity of brush border. The control and two-months treated group appeared to be normal.Conclusion: Chronic organic arsenic (MSMA) exposure induced chronic kidney injury