Erythropoietin stimulates wound healing and angiogenesis in mice.

Erythropoietin exerts hematopoietic effects by stimulating proliferation of early erythroid precursors. Nonhematopoietic effects of erythropoietin have also been shown. It may act as a new angiogenic factor in wound healing. This study aimed to investigate the effect of systemic administration of recombinant human erythropoietin on wound healing in mice. Dorsal incisional wounds were performed in mice, which were then divided into two groups; a group treated for 7 days with recombinant human erythropoietin, and a control group. Sacrificing animals on day 7, the wound tissues were collected for analysis of wound breaking strength, malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation, hydroxyproline, an index of reparative collagen deposition, reduced glutathione levels, and for histological evaluation. The immunohistochemical determination of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which is believed to be the most prevalent angiogenic factor throughout the skin repair process, was also studied. The treatment significantly increased wound breaking strength by decreasing malondialdehyde and increasing hydroxyproline levels on day 7 after wounding. No statistically meaningful change was observed in reduced glutathione content. VEGF was immunostained significantly more on wound tissue of treated animals compared to the control group. Recombinant human erythropoietin treatment may be effective in wound healing due to inhibition of lipid peroxidation, deposition of collagen, and VEGF expression in wound area.     

Fricke supraorbital flap for reconstruction of total lower eyelid defects

Summary Split or full thickness eyelid defects resulting from tumor destruction or surgical excision present a dilemma for plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Full thickness eyelid replacement requires composite grafting of the skin, together with tarsal support of its substitute and mucosa. The flap described by Fricke in 1829 was used for reconstruction of anterior lamella in six lower eyelid defects. In three of our cases chondromucosal grafts taken from nasal septum were utilized for posterior lamella repair. The results have been satisfactory from a functional and cosmetic standpoint.     

Acute leukaemia in a defined geographic area – Incidence,clinical history and prognosis

A consecutive series of patients (1978–1981) comprising all patients with acute leukaemia from a population of 475000 inhabitants was reviewed. Thus, 94 patients were diagnosed as having acute leukaemia. No patients were lost from follow-up. The incidence figures of ALL and AML differed significantly from those of Sweden as a whole. 9 patients were < 15 years old. The median age of adult patients was 64 years, 60.8% being ≥ 60 years old. Of adult patients with AML, 20% had a preleukaemic history (chronic myeloproliferative disorders, myelodysplastic syndromes and others). None of 6 patients with leukaemia as a metamorphosis of a chronic myeloproliferative disorder achieved a complete remission. The overall remission rate of the remaining adult patients was 25%. Treated patients, 15–39 years old, with AML without any preleukaemic history, had a complete remission rate of 80% compared to 12% for patients ≥ 60 years old with the same diagnosis. Of 60 patients with ‘primary’ AML, 14 were not treated, mainly because of advanced age and complicating diseases. Most of these patients died within a week of admission.     

The effect of ethanol intake on tendon healing: a histological and biomechanical study in a rat model

Introduction  

Ethanol has a suppressive effect on inflammation and the immune system, but the effect of ethanol on tendon healing in vivo has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the histological and biomechanical effects of ethanol intake on tendon healing in a rat tendon injury model.     

The restoration of a maxillary central incisor fracture with the original crown fragment using a glass fiber‐reinforced post: a clinical report

Abstract – This report describes an esthetic, conservative, and economical alternative restoration technique for a fractured central incisor using the patient’s own tooth crown piece and a bondable reinforcement glass fiber. Although the long‐term durability of this adhesive post core restoration remains unknown, it remains successful after 1 year.     

Treatment of horizontal root‐fractured maxillary incisors – a case report

Abstract – Traumatic dental injuries often occur to the teeth and their supporting tissues and they are the main reasons for emergency visit to a dental clinic. Management of a fracture depends on its position and the extent of root involvement. Horizontal root fractures are not seen frequently and the treatment consists of reduction and long‐term rigid fixation of the coronal segment. The present case demonstrates the successful management of two horizontally fractured maxillary central incisors with a follow‐up period of 9 months.     

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression and Cyclosporine Toxicity in Renal Allograft Rejection

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on renal function and on development of interstitial fibrosis (IF) in renal allografts. Tubular and interstitial expressions of VEGF and TNF-α, and density of macrophages in the interstitium were examined in 92 patients with nonrejected kidneys, acute rejection (AR), chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN), borderline changes (BC) and acute cyclosporin A (CsA) toxicity. Follow-up biopsy specimens from patients with AR and BC were evaluated for development of IF. A significant difference in tubular and interstitial VEGF expressions was found between patients with AR, BC, CAN and CsA toxicity (p < 0.001). Macrophage infiltration was positively correlated with VEGF and TNF-α expressions (p < 0.001). VEGF expression increased with increasing expression of TNF-α (p < 0.001). Renal function in first 6 months after initial biopsy was better in patients with marked tubular VEGF expression (p < 0.01); however, in follow-up, development of IF and graft loss was found earlier in these patients (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Increased renal VEGF expression has protective properties immediately following renal allograft but allows for increased risk of early IF, and therefore poor graft outcome in the long term.     

Sequential bilateral germ cell tumours of the testis

Bilateral germ cell tumours of the testis are rare but a rise in their incidence is expected since with the new therapeutic possibilities a significant improvement in prognosis has been achieved even in patients with advanced metastatic spread. Of the 210 patients treated for malignent germ cell tumours at our Department, six (2.9%) developed a contralateral testicular tumour. All patients had metachronous tumours and the second tumours occurred after an interval ranging between 1 and 22 years. The epidemiology, histology, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis are discussed, and the significance of regular self-examination of the remaining testis in patients with testicular tumour is emphasized.