Immunohistochemical expression of apoptotic factors, cytokeratins, and metalloproteinase-9 in periapical and epithelialized gingival lesions.

The aim of the study was to assess the involvement of apoptotic factors, cytokeratins and metalloproteinase-9 in the histogenesis of both Epithelialized Gingival Lesions (EGL) and Periapical Lesions (PAL). 55 consecutive patients, 30 with PAL and 25 with EGL, were selected for the study after clinical and radiological examinations. The PAL patients had severe periapical lesions and tooth decay with exposure of the pulp chamber.

A modulating effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a tea catechin, on the bladder of rats exposed to water avoidance stress.

Aims: To examine the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea catechin, on the bladder of rats exposed to water avoidance stress (WAS).

Methods: Twenty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of five. The first group was exposed to WAS for7 days.

Modulation of wound contracture alpha-smooth muscle actin and multispecific vitronectin receptor integrin alphavbeta3 in the rabbit's experimental model.

The myofibroblast, a major component of granulation tissue, is a key cell during wound healing, tissue repair and connective tissue remodelling. Persistence of myofibroblasts within a fibrotic lesion leads to excessive scarring impairing function and aesthetics. Various wound-healing cytokines can be modulated by topical application of active agents to promote optimal wound healing and improve scar quality.

Inflammatory bowel disease in rats: bacterial and chemical interaction.

Aim: To develop a novel model of colitis in rats, using a combination of iodoacetamide and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), and to elucidate the pathophysiologic processes implicated in the development of ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 158) were inoculated intrarectally on a weekly basis with 4 different combinations: (a) 1% methylcellulose (MC), (b) 100 microL of 6% iodoacetamide (IA) in 1% MC, (c) 200 microL containing 4 x 10(8) colony factor units (CFU) of EPEC, and (d) combined treatment of (IA) followed by bacteria (B) after 2 d.

Polypropylene midurethral tapes do not have similar biologic and biomechanical performance in the rat.

Objectives: To evaluate the biomechanical properties and histologic changes of different commercially available polypropylene midurethral tapes (MUTs) after implantation in the rat.

Methods: Pieces of Advantage, intravaginal slingplasty (IVS), suprapubic arch sling (SPARC), and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) were implanted over the rectus fascia of rats, with six rats serving as controls. On retrieval 24 wk later, the degree of adherence and sample measurements were recorded.