Phospholipase C zeta parameters in sperm from polymorphic teratozoospermic men

Publication date: Available online 24 September 2017
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger
Author(s): Nahid Azad, Hamid Nazarian, Marefat Ghaffari Novin, Reza Masteri Farahani, Abbas Piryaei, Mohammad Hassan Heidari
Teratozoospermia is a disorder associated with high abnormal sperm morphology which affects fertility in males. In recent years, it has been described that biomarker-based sperm quality evaluation can alleviate male infertility treatment. Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) is a sperm-specific factor which appears to be a predicting biomarker for fertilization potential of males. Following fertilization, PLCζ enters into oocyte cytoplasm and induces oocyte activation, a fundamental stage in initiation of embryo development. Currently, PLCζ parameters, including localization patterns, the proportion of PLCζ-expressing sperm and the expression level, are not defined in polymorphic teratozoospermic men. This study aimed to evaluate PLCζ parameters in polymorphic teratozoospermic men, and compare these parameters with fertile normozoospermic men. Semen samples from thirteen normozoospermic fertile men and twenty-three polymorphic teratozoospermic men were included in this study and evaluated using western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses. Our data indicated significantly lower expression of PLCζ in polymorphic teratozoospermic men, as compared with control men; however, there was no significant difference in localization patterns and the proportion of PLCζ-expressing sperm between polymorphic teratozoospermic patients and control men. Collectively, findings from the present study demonstrated that polymorphic teratozoospermic men did not show abnormal localization patterns or the absence of PLCζ, as compared to the control men; nonetheless, lower expression of PLCζ, considering its role in oocyte activation, might be one of the possible causes of infertility in these patients.



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Gonial Angle Growth Patterns According To Age And Gender

Publication date: Available online 24 September 2017
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger
Author(s): Carolina Larrazabal-Moron, Juan A. Sanchis-Gimeno
Currently there are controversial results about gender and age differences in human gonial angle values. In this context we aimed to ascertain the gender and age differences in the gonial angle values of young Caucasian Mediterranean subjects. We tested the hypothesis of a relation between the gonial angle values and the gender and age of the subjects by means of a prospective study involving 266 subjects. Panoramic radiographs (Cranex Novus^®, XMIND Novus^® Soredex, France) were carried out in order to measure the gonial angle values. We found significant differences between females and males in the subgroups aged≤10years old (128.6±3.4 vs 126.8±4.5, p=0.017), 16-20 years old (119.1±5.6 vs 122.3±7.7, p=0.011), 21-25 years old (117.6±5.2 vs 120.8±7.0, p=0.016) and 26-30 years old (117.5±5.4 vs 120.6±5.4, p=0.019) but not in the subgroup aged 11 to 15 years old (123.4±5.2 vs 123.5±5.4, p=0.927). A significant negative correlation was found between age and gonial angle values (r=−0.365, p <0.001). In sum, females under 10 years of age have significantly higher values than males. The angle values decreased until the age of 11-15 years of age when there were no significant gender differences. Thus, the males aged over 16 years old presented significantly higher values than the females. The decrease in gonial angle values seems to slow or stop from 21 years onwards. Knowledge of the pattern differences will serve for age and gender determination when analyzing human remains.



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MOLECULAR BASIS OF DENTAL SENSITIVITY: THE ODONTOBLASTS ARE MULTISENSORY CELLS AND EXPRESS MULTIFUNCTIONAL ION CHANNELS

Publication date: Available online 24 September 2017
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger
Author(s): A. Solé-Magdalena, M. Martínez-Alonso, C.A. Coronado, L.M. Junquera, J. Cobo, J.A. Vega
Odontoblasts are the dental pulp cells responsible for the formation of dentin. In addition, accumulating data strongly suggest that they can also function as sensory cells that mediate the early steps of mechanical, thermic, and chemical dental sensitivity. This assumption is based on the expression of different families of ion channels involved in various modalities of sensitivity and the release of putative neurotransmitters in response to odontoblast stimulation which are able to act on pulp sensory nerve fibers. This review updates the current knowledge on the expression of transient-potential receptor ion channel and acid-sensing ion channels in odontoblasts, nerve fibers innervating them and trigeminal sensory neurons, as well as in pulp cells. Moreover, the innervation of the odontoblasts and the interrelationship been odontoblasts and nerve fibers mediated by neurotransmitters was also revisited. These data might provide the basis for novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of dentine sensibility and/or dental pain.



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Calcium-binding proteins expression in the septum and cingulate cortex of the adult guinea pig

Publication date: Available online 24 September 2017
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger
Author(s): Beata Hermanowicz-Sobieraj, Krystyna Bogus-Nowakowska, Anna Robak
For the first time this study demonstrates the distribution pattern and expression of three neuroanatomical markers: calbindin D28k (CB), calretinin (CR) and parvalbumin (PV) in topographically connected brain regions − the septum (SE) and the cingulate cortex (CC). The co-existence among calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) was also examined.The study was conducted on the adult guinea pig with the use of immunohistochemical and molecular biological techniques. Among the studied CaBPs, which occurred in both examined brain regions at transcript and protein levels, CB was the most expressed in the SE, while CR in the CC. CR, unlike CB and PV, showed higher immunoreactivity in the superficial layers (II–III) of the CC than in the deep ones (V–VI). Most of CB and PV-positive perikarya were detected in the deep layers of the CC. Some CC neurons contained both CB and PV, suggesting cooperation between these CaBPs in the CC. Co-localization between CB and CR in the CC was not observed.



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Effects of ß-TCP Scaffolds on neurogenic and osteogenic differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Publication date: Available online 24 September 2017
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger
Author(s): Premjit Arpornmaeklong, Michael J. Pressler
Extracellular matrix (ECM) and adhesion molecules play crucial roles in regulating growth and differentiation of stem cells. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of Beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) scaffolds on differentiation and expression of ECM and adhesion molecules of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Undifferentiated hESCs were seeded on ß-TCP scaffolds and cell culture plates and cultured in growth and osteogenic medium for 21 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) displayed adhesion and growth of hESCs on the porous ß-TCP scaffolds. Histological analysis, immunohistochemical staining and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) demonstrated that the scaffolds supported growth and differentiation of hESCs. Expression levels of neural crest related genes (AP2a, FoxD3, HNK1, P75, Sox1, Sox10) and osteoblast-related genes (Runx2, SPP1 and BGLA) on the scaffolds in osteogenic medium were significantly higher than on the scaffolds in growth and cell culture plates in osteogenic medium, respectively (p <0.05). Polymerase chain reaction array experiments demonstrated increased expression of ECM and adhesion molecule-related genes on the scaffolds. In conclusion, osteoconductive scaffolds such as ß-TCP scaffolds promoted differentiation of hESCs, particularly expression of genes related to neural crest stem cell and osteoblastic differentiations. Beta-TCP scaffolds could be an alternative cell culture substrate for neural crest and osteogenic differentiation of hESCs. Optimization of culture medium may be necessary to enhance lineage restriction of hESCs on the ß-TCP scaffolds.



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A Micro-Computed Tomographic (micro-CT) Analysis of the Root Canal Morphology of Maxillary Third Molar Teeth

Publication date: Available online 24 September 2017
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger
Author(s): Iwona M. Tomaszewska, Bartosz Leszczyński, Andrzej Wróbel, Tomasz Gładysz, Hal F. Duncan
IntroductionThe aim of this study was to analyze the root canal morphology of maxillary third molars (MTMs) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).Materials and MethodsSeventy-eight consecutively-extracted human MTMs were scanned using micro-CT (spatial resolution=13.68μm per pixel). Dedicated software (SkyScan^®) was used to create virtual reconstructions and perform 3D-analysis. A range of anatomical features were assessed; externally (root number, length, fusion, curvature, apex), within the pulp chamber (distance between canal orifices, floor thickness) and within the root canal system (root canal number, classification, ramifications, isthmuses, apical constriction).ResultsThe donor age ranged from 19-73 years (mean±SD 32.3±16.5years). MTMs possessed one or three roots, which principally curved buccally/palatally (75.9%), had 1-4 root canals and typically no apical constriction (84.4%). The average external root length was 11.89±1.53mm, while root canal length was 10.18±0.35mm. The root canal diameter 1mm from the apex was 0.37±0.23mm and negatively correlated with donor's age (r=−0.76; p=0.01), while pulp chamber thickness positively correlated with age (r=0.58; p=0.035). Significantly, furcation canals, canal loops and root canal calcifications were sporadic findings.ConclusionsIn some cases the anatomy of MTMs may not be as complicated as previously documented, being similar to the reported anatomy of other maxillary molars. During root canal treatment of MTMs, the frequent deviation of the apical foramen from the radiographic apex should be considered, as should the absence of an apical constriction in the majority of cases. In addition, buccal/palatal root curvature, often undiagnosed radiographically, is the most common root curvature in MTMs.



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Compendium of scalp arteriovenous malformation (AVM) cases—a retrospective study and review

Abstract

Background

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between arterial feeding vessels and draining veins, devoid of a normal capillary bed. Treatment options include complete surgical excision or eradication. Following surgical excision, the defect can be closed primarily or covered with the preplanned local flap or skin graft. We aimed to assess various cases of AVMs and review the current literature to determine a treatment rationale and improve surgical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective study including data of 21 patients with extra cranial scalp AVMs was carried out at our institute between 2010 and 2016. Fourteen patients underwent digital subtraction angiography; remaining patients were evaluated by MR/CT angiography. Eighteen patients underwent direct excision. Three patients with large AVMs (> 10 cm) underwent preoperative embolization followed by surgical excision.

Results

Of the 21 patients with extra cranial scalp AVMs, there were 11 males and 10 females with mean age of 24 years ranging from 3 to 41 years. The mean duration of symptom was 6.7 years. Superficial temporal artery (62%) was the most commonly involved feeder vessel. Eighteen patients underwent direct excision while three underwent embolization followed by excision. Two patients had recurrence of symptoms. There was partial flap necrosis in three patients which were managed with dressings and skin graft.

Conclusions

Surgical excision of AVMs, which includes ligation of all arterial feeders near the nidus and excision of nidus, is a safe option with lesser complications and gives good results. Preoperative embolization reduces vascularity and helps in easy identification of AVMs during surgery thus achieving complete excision and improving the prognosis of treatment especially in the large AVM.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

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