Primary papillary serous cystadenocarcinoma of broad ligament

A rare case of an advanced primary broad ligament carcinoma is discussed, with a review of the literature regarding its incidence, presentation and management. This patient showed a complete response to adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy following panhysterectomy and is presently without any evidence of disease, 15 months after completion of her treatment.     

An Unusual Complication of Vesical Stones

The author reports a complicated recurrence of genital tract fistula. The initial vesicovaginal fistula resulted from obstructed labor, which was subsequently surgically managed without success. The patient had a recurrent vesicovaginal fistula that was formed by the erosion of vesical stones through the anterior endopelvic fascia into the vagina. The stones eventually eroded into the rectum, resulting in the formation of a complex vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistula.     

Exploring the ameliorative potential of Punica granatum in dextran sulfate sodium induced ulcerative colitis in mice

The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of Punica granatum in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis. DSS (2%) was administered orally in drinking water for 7 days to induce ulcerative colitis. The extent and severity of ulceration was analysed macroscopically, histopathologically and using a disease activity index. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a specific marker of inflammation; histamine, a marker of mast cell degranulation; superoxide anion generation and, lipid peroxides were analysed. Administration of DSS resulted in a significant development of ulceration in the colon along with a rise in histamine, MPO activity and oxidative stress. Treatment with Punica granatum extract and its ellagic acid rich fraction (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg p.o.) significantly attenuated DSS‐induced colonic inflammation along with attenuation of histamine, MPO and oxidative stress. The antiulcerative effect of Punica granatum extract and its ellagic acid rich fraction were comparable to sulphasalazine (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and sodium cromoglycate (40 mg/kg i.p). It is concluded that Punica granatum has a potential for ameliorating DSS‐induced colitis and its ellagic acid rich fraction may be responsible for this effect. Further, the antiulcerative effects may be attributed to mast cell stabilizing, antiinflammatory and antioxidant actions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of testosterone on the testicular atrophy caused by di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)

The involvement of testosterone in di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) induced testicular injury has been examined by coadministration of testosterone (1 mg/kg) along with DEHP (2000 mg/kg) daily for 15 days. The coadministration of testosterone and DEHP appears to have prevented the testicular injury as judged by the biochemical and histopathological changes. The sperm count and the activity of the testicular enzymes, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), beta-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase, related with the maturation of sperm, which were significantly altered by DEHP treatment were found to be within normal levels after the combination treatment of DEHP and testosterone. The histopathological studies also showed more or less normal spermatogenic events. The results of this study have suggested the involvement of testosterone in DEHP induced testicular atrophy.     

Assessment of metallothionein and antibodies to metallothionein in normal and autistic children having exposure to vaccine-derived thimerosal

Allergic autoimmune reaction after exposure to heavy metals such as mercury may play a causal role in autism, a developmental disorder of the central nervous system. As metallothionein (MT) is the primary metal-detoxifying protein in the body, we conducted a study of the MT protein and antibodies to metallothionein (anti-MT) in normal and autistic children whose exposure to mercury was only from thimerosal-containing vaccines. Laboratory analysis by immunoassays revealed that the serum level of MT did not significantly differ between normal and autistic children. Furthermore, autistic children harboured normal levels of anti-MT, including antibodies to isoform MT-I (anti-MT-I) and MT-II (anti-MT-II), without any significant difference between normal and autistic children. Our findings indicate that because autistic children have a normal profile of MT and anti-MT, the mercury-induced autoimmunity to MT may not be implicated in the pathogenesis of autism.