Keloid is a common complication of the wound healing process. Scarce histologic studies describing changes in keloid growth or progression, regarding detailed descriptions of cellular distribution, relationship, or interaction are available. This study aimed to describe the nature, types, and interactions of immune cells (lymphocytes, macrophages, and mast cells), which predominate in keloid complications and may play a role in fibroblastic activation. In this study, 44 samples of keloid were collected, processed, and examined using both light (including routine and immunocytochemical staining) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This histologic study showed the characteristic disposition of abnormally thick collagen bundles and newly formed blood vessels in the keloid tissue. The latter showed endothelial hypertrophy, thickened walls with the disposition of homogenous substances, and fibrillar collagen in the perivascular tissue. Numerous mast cells were also observed. Marked cellular infiltration in the perivascular regions and among abnormal collagen was observed. Immunohistochemistry showed the dominance of (CD3) T lymphocytes together with the macrophages (CD68). Among the interesting findings that this study focused on was the cellular interaction. The contact was noticed between the fibroblast and mast cell, the fibroblast and T lymphocyte, the macrophage and both fibroblast and lymphocyte. This cell-cell interaction or contact may explain what was called in literature “cell talk” via cytokines secreted by these cells or through direct gap junctions. In conclusion, cell talk is a phenomenon that was noticed in many pathologic lesions and could explain the mechanism by which different cytokines are secreted by different cells to initiate disease or promote healing.

We investigated the efficacy of Ocimum basilicum (OB) essential oils for treating depression related behavioral, biochemical and histopathological changes caused by exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in mice and to explore the mechanism underlying the pathology. Male albino mice were divided into four groups: controls; CUMS; CUMS plus fluoxetine, the antidepressant administered for pharmacological validation of OB; and CUMS plus OB. Behavioral tests included the forced swim test (FST), elevated plus-maze (EPM) and the open field test (OFT); these tests were performed at the end of the experiment. We assessed serum corticosterone level, protein, gene and immunoexpression of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) as well as immunoexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Ki67, caspase-3 in the hippocampus. CUMS caused depression in the mice as evidenced by prolonged immobility in the FST, prolonged time spent in the open arms during the EPM test and reduction of open field activity in the OFT. OB ameliorated the CUMS induced depressive status. OB significantly reduced the corticosterone level and up-regulated protein and gene expressions of BDNF and GR. OB reduced CUMS induced hippocampal neuron atrophy and apoptosis, and increased the number of the astrocytes and new nerve cells. OB significantly increased GFAP-positive cells as well as BDNF and GR immunoexpression in the hippocampus.

Few oral antidiabetic drugs have been evaluated for their reproductive complication. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of metformin, pioglitazone and sitagliptin on the structure of male reproductive system through an immunohistopathological study. Sprague-Dawley male rats were injected with streptozotocin. The diabetic rats were divided into four groups (n = 8/each group); diabetic control, metformin-, pioglitazone- and sitagliptin-treated groups in addition to a normal control group (n = 8). At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical assessment. Testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle were dissected and processed for histopathological examination using routine and immune-staining. All drugs significantly (p < 0.05) decreased fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides and malondialdehyde compared to the diabetic control group. Metformin has induced the least pathologic changes on the structure of the testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle among the studied drugs. Metformin succeeded to restore weights of testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle as well as testosterone hormone level back to values of the NC group while the pioglitazone and sitagliptin failed to do that. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in testicular ERa and ERb immunoexpression of pioglitazone-treated group as well as suppression of ERb and AR immunoreactivity in in epididymus and seminal vesicles of pioglitazone- and sitagliptin-treated rats were observed compared to the control animals. Histological structure as well ER and AR expression in the system organs were negatively and significantly affected with all studied drugs. Metformin has the least effect on the structure of the studied male reproductive organs. Thus, pioglitazone and sitagliptin treatment should be avoided in young male diabetic patients.

Objectives: To assesses the effects of long term exposure to low dose of acrylamide (0.4 μg/g) in post-weaning Sprague–Dawley rats on the structure of the reproductive organ as well as DNA integrity. Methods: The histological changes in the male and female reproductive organs the morphological changes in sperms as well as the genotoxic effect of acrylamide were assessed. The effect acrylamide on pregnancy outcome was evaluated. Results: Testes of acrylamide-fed rats showed decreased number of seminiferous tubules containing mature sperms and degenerative changes in sperm germ cell layers. Some sperms of epididymal cauda showed head deformity. In female, acrylamide included cystic ovarian changes, degenerative changes of zona pelluida, granulosa cells and oocytes. Post implantation loss and decrease in the number of full term fetuses were detected. Resorption sites showed necrotic fetal tissue with vacuolation of amniotic cells. Conclusion: Acrylamide cause harmful effect on the reproductive organ structure, fertility and cause extensive DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes