IN VITRO FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF THE RAT BLADDER REGENERATED BY THE BLADDER ACELLULAR MATRIX GRAFT

Purpose

To assess the response of rat urinary bladder regenerated by the homologous bladder acellular matrix graft (BAMG) to in vitro electrical and pharmacologic stimuli.

Materials and Methods

In Sprague-Dawley rats, partial cystectomy (>50%) was performed, followed by BAMG augmentation cystoplasty. After 4 months, organ bath studies of tissue strips in 10 were used to compare the contractility of the BAMG regenerates and the corresponding host detrusor smooth muscle.

Results

The BAMG regenerates exhibited contractile activity to electrical field stimulation and a qualitatively identical pattern of response to muscarinic, purinergic, alpha- and beta-adrenergic drug administration and nitric oxide. At 4 months after surgery, the maximum forces of contraction of the BAMG regenerates to carbachol stimulation amounted to close to 80% of the host bladder response. With electrical field stimulation, they equaled 44% and 62% of the host bladder response after 2.5 and 4 months, respectively. Histological and immunohistochemical studies confirmed the presence of receptors for neurotransmitters that these functional in vitro studies implied.

Conclusions

The present study provides further evidence that augmentation cystoplasty with the BAMG leads to functional regeneration of the rat bladder detrusor smooth muscle.     

THE EFFECTS OF COLCHICINE ON A PEYRONIE'S-LIKE CONDITION IN AN ANIMAL MODEL

PURPOSE: We have developed an animal model of Peyronie's disease by injecting transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) into the rat penis. Our objective is to study the effects of colchicine on the Peyronie's condition in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received TGF-beta injections into the tunica albuginea and were divided into two groups (n = 18 each). Rats in the first group were divided into three subgroups (n = 6 each). Each rat in the three subgroups received the following: Subgroup 1 received colchicine, subgroup 2 received ibuprofen, and subgroup 3 received regular water. The rats were euthanized after 6 weeks. Rats in the second group were also divided into three subgroups. These rats received the same treatments as the rats in the first group, but treatments began 6 weeks after TGF-beta injection. These rats were euthanized after 12 weeks. Tunical tissue samples were collected and examined using Hart and trichrome stains, electron microscopy (EM), and western blot analysis for TGF-beta detection. RESULTS: In the first group, the colchicine-treated rats exhibited less collagen deposition and less elastic fiber fragmentation than the untreated or ibuprofen-treated rats. EM confirmed the results and showed normal distribution and shape of both collagen and elastic fibers in the colchicine-treated group. In the second group, the colchicine-treated rats exhibited less crowding of the collagen fibers. However, the elastic fibers remained fragmented and scarce. Western blot analysis showed significant down-regulation of TGF-beta expression (5/6) in the colchicine-treated group after 6 weeks. Down-regulation was observed in only 1/6 in both ibuprofen and non-treated groups. After 12 weeks 2/6, 1/6, and 1/6 rats displayed down regulation in the colchicine treated, ibuprofen treated, and non-treated groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Early colchicine treatment may suppress a Peyronie's like condition in the rat animal model.     

EPIDEMIOLOGY BASED PLANNING OF AN INFORMATION,EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGY FOR CORONARY RISK PREVENTION

A population based cross-sectional analytical study was undertaken on a randomly selected sample of 2400 army personnel at Delhi to assess the prevalence of well-established coronary risk factors (tobacco use, systemic arterial hypertension, overweight, dietary risk, and lack of regular physical exercise) and their association with certain determinant variables, viz, age, social status, education, and occupation. Data analysis through mathematical models indicated that age more than 35 years, Junior Commissioned Officer rank, and education more than 10th standard were independent and significant predictors of the presence of at least 2 coronary risk factors. These variables were used for identifying high risk target audience. The study indicated that a much higher proportion of target audience desired that the Regimental Medical Officers should provide them with health education regarding coronary risk factor prevention and that the mode of communication should be “small group discussions” of 4 to 5 persons. The linear trend analysis showed a highly significant result in respect of both these variables (p < 0.01). Based on these findings, an information, education and communication strategy was planned and pilot-tested in the field and recommendations were submitted.KEY WORDS: Health education, Ischaemic heart disease, Prevalence, Risk factors     

ESTIMATES OF EX-SERVICEMEN POPULATION FOR NEXT 30 YEARS: A NEED TO REORIENT OUR HEALTH PLANNING

A mathematical model, using survival analysis methods has been developed to estimate the total population as well as the populations as per specific age groups of ex-servicemen for the next 30 years. The results indicate that from the present population of 13.75 lakhs., the total population of ex-servicemen would be 15.62 lakhs by 2027 A.D. In addition, there are likely to be noteworthy changes in the population structure. While the population of geriatric age group (65 years and above) is only 21% at present compared to 49% from age group 45-54 years, by 2027 A.D. the geriatric age group would contribute to 34% of the ex-servicemen population while 45-54 years age group would constitute only 36%. There is a need, therefore, to start rethinking on our future plans as regards health services since geriatric health problems are likely to become a leading health issue after the next ten years.KEY WORDS: Ageing population, Demography, Epidemiological models, Health care planning     

CAN WAIST/HIP RATIO BE USED AS A SIMPLE MEASURE OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN THE ARMED FORCES : RESULTS FROM A FIELD EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY

A cross-sectional analytical epidemiologic study was undertaken in the community setting, on 1080 army personnel in a field formation, to study the association between waist/hip ratio (WHR) and certain physiological and biochemical parameters of cardiovascular risk. The study revealed that Junior Commissioned Officers, personnel aged 35 years and above, and personnel from Services had an increased probability of having higher WHR. WHR was consistently, linearly and significantly associated with increasing mean values of serum cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. The optimum cut-off point of WHR from the findings of this study seems to be 0.91 and above. Beyond this value of WHR, the cardiovascular risk increases significantly and becomes more dramatic at WHR values of 0.96 and above.KEYWORDS: Cardio-vascular risk, Central adiposity, Obesity, Waist/hip ratio