Endothelial cell proliferation follows the mid-cycle luteinizing hormone surge, but not human chorionic gonadotrophin rescue, in the human corpus luteum

The corpus luteum is essential for the maintenance of early pregnancy in women. Angiogenesis may be one factor involved in luteal rescue. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in endothelial cell proliferation throughout the luteal phase and in human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG)-simulated early pregnancy. Human corpora lutea obtained throughout the luteal phase and in simulated early pregnancy were immunostained with antibodies for endothelial and proliferating cells. Number and distribution of endothelial and proliferating cells were examined. Endothelial cells were least abundant in the early luteal phase, increasing in the mid-luteal phase (P < 0.03). Endothelial numbers did not differ significantly between the late and the rescued corpora lutea. Endothelial cell proliferation was greatest in the early luteal phase and continued at a lower level during later stages. Simulated early pregnancy resulted in no change in endothelial cell proliferation. These results showed that a high degree of endothelial cell proliferation is associated with formation of the human corpus luteum. Unchanging levels of proliferation following HCG treatment (for 5-8 days from day 12 to day 16 post-ovulation, at 125 IU to 16,000 IU, following a daily doubling of dose) suggest that alternative processes are involved during luteal rescue.      

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for the treatment of chronic wound of lower extremity: current perspective and systematic review

The purpose of this study was to provide an up‐to‐date review for the accurate estimation of the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the healing of chronic wounds on the lower extremity (CWLE). A systematic review of 10 databases for clinical trials about ESWT in the management of CWLE published between 2000 and 2016 was performed. A total of 11 studies with 925 patients were found. Expert therapists assessed the methodological qualities of the selected studies using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and categorised each study according to Sackett's levels of evidence. Eight studies were categorised as level II; two studies were categorised as level III and one study was categorised as level V. In conclusion, this review demonstrated mild to moderate evidence to support the use of ESWT as an adjuvant therapy with a standardised wound care programme. However, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the efficacy of ESWT. So, future researches with high methodological quality are required to assess the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of this relatively new physical therapy application.     

Plasma lipid alterations after total splenectomy, subtotal splenectomy and splenic auto-implants in rats

Background and Aim:  The relation between the spleen and lipid metabolism has not been properly studied. In order to contribute to the filling of this gap, in the present investigation we experimentally assessed the lipidogram of rats in the presence of the spleen, in asplenia, and after conservative spleen surgeries.
Methods:  Fifty female Wistar rats of similar weight and age were divided into five groups submitted to the following procedures: group 1: control, with an intact spleen; group 2: sham operation; group 3: total splenectomy; group 4: subtotal splenectomy; and group 5: total splenectomy complemented with autogenous spleen tissue implants. Four months after the interventions, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and fractions (very-low-density lipoprotein [VLDL]-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL]-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein [HDL]-cholesterol) were determined. The results for the four groups were compared by analysis of variance followed by the Tukey–Kramer test, with the level of significance set at P  < 0.05.
Results:  There were no differences between groups 1, 2, 4 and 5. In the animals submitted to total splenectomy, total cholesterol ( P  = 0.0151) and LDL-cholesterol fraction concentrations ( P  < 0.0001) were higher, whereas HDL-cholesterol fraction concentrations were lower ( P  = 0.0026) than those detected in the other groups. There was no difference in triglycerides ( P  = 0.1571) or VLDL-cholesterol ( P  = 0.2527) between groups.
Conclusion:  The spleen probably plays an important role in the lipid metabolism of female rats and total splenectomy may be related to changes in cholesterol control. It is possible that preservation of spleen tissue prevents such metabolic disorders.     

Apoptosis, airway inflammation and anti-asthma therapy: From immunobiology to clinical application

T lymphocyte apoptosis is essential for maintaining immune system homeostasis. Experimental evidence suggests apoptosis control mechanisms may be impaired in inflammatory conditions, particularly airway Th2-type allergic diseases. This review briefly examines the mucosal immune system homeostasis and common apoptotic pathways and discusses impaired apoptosis, allergy, airway inflammation, remodelling and fibrosis. Finally, the paper presents an update on pharmacological targeting of apoptosis to control airway inflammation in patients with allergic asthma.