Streptozotocin-induced morphological changes in rat lungs.

Streptozotocin (STZ) is a commonly used compound for the induction of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in animal models, but its effects on non-pancreatic tissues like the lungs are not well understood. This study aimed to examine the histopathological impact of STZ on the lungs using male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into two groups: a control group on a normal diet and an STZ-treated group receiving a high-fat diet and 10% sucrose water for 8 weeks, followed by an STZ injection (30 mg/kg body weight).

The role of neutrophil extracellular trap formation in kidney transplantation: Implications from donors to the recipient.

Kidney transplantation remains the gold standard for patients with end-stage renal disease, but severe donor organ shortage has led to long waiting lists. The utilization of expanded criteria donor kidneys within the category of deceased donors has enlarged the pool of available kidneys for transplantation; however, these grafts often have an increased risk for delayed graft function or reduced graft survival following transplantation. During brain or circulatory death, neutrophils are recruited to the vascular beds of kidneys where a proinflammatory microenvironment might prime the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), web-like structures, containing proteolytic enzymes, DNA, and histones.

Adverse neurological effects after exposure to copper, manganese, and mercury mixtures in a Spraque-Dawley rat model: an ultrastructural investigation.

Exposure to environmental metal pollutants is linked to oxidative stress and the subsequent development of neurological disease. In this study, the effects of copper, manganese, and mercury, were evaluated at X100 the World Health Organization safety limits for drinking water. Using a Sprague-Dawley rat model, following exposure for 28 days, the effects of these metals on biochemical blood parameters and tissue and cellular structure of the brain were determined.

MicroRNA 155, Factor XIII and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Heart Disease.

There is a rise in the number of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in South Africa. Cardiovascular disease is among the macrovascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus and accounts for the high mortality rate in patients with T2DM. The disease is characterized by insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, hypofibrinolysis and hypercoagulation.

Ultrastructural alterations of whole blood by copper, manganese and mercury metal mixtures using a chronic in vivo model of coagulation.

Globally, contamination of drinking water by heavy metals is increasing and poses a potential hazard to human health. Data on heavy metal mixtures and their effects on thrombosis are limited. The objective of this study was to determine the in vivo effects that copper, manganese and mercury, alone and in mixtures, have on clotting potential.

Ultrastructural, Confocal and Viscoelastic Characteristics of Whole Blood and Plasma After Exposure to Cadmium and Chromium Alone and in Combination: An Ex Vivo Study.

Background/aims: Heavy metal pollution is increasing in the environment, contaminating water, food and air supplies. This can be linked to many anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals are absorbed through the skin, inhalation and/or orally.

Effects of chronic exposure to mercury and cadmium alone and in combination on the coagulation system of Sprague-Dawley rats.

Water contamination with heavy metals may adversely affect our health. High metal levels lead to changes in blood coagulation processes, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease. Exposure is not limited to a single metal but usually involves a mixture of metals.

Transient ischemic attack during smoking: The thrombotic state of erythrocytes and platelets illustrated visually.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is an important predictor of future ischemic events, including stroke. Due to the typically brief period of neurologic dysfunction, patients often overlook the importance of reporting a TIA. We have recently shown that platelet activation plays an important role in TIA pathology.

Platelet hyperactivity and fibrin clot structure in transient ischemic attack individuals in the presence of metabolic syndrome: a microscopy and thromboelastography study.

Background: Strokes are commonly preceded by transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). TIA is often associated with metabolic syndrome (causing chronic inflammation), resulting in a proinflammatory- and procoagulant-environment. The aim of this study was to determine whether platelet- and fibrin network-morphology or coagulation profiles of individuals that suffered a TIA in the presence of metabolic syndrome was altered when compared to healthy individuals.

Metabolic syndrome, platelet activation and the development of transient ischemic attack or thromboembolic stroke.

Stroke is the second most common cause of mortality in the world today, where transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a period of focal ischemia, the symptoms of which resemble a thromboembolic stroke. Contrary to stroke, TIA symptoms typically last less than one hour and necrosis is absent. Stroke is often preceded by TIA, making it an important predictor of future ischemic events.

The effect of sibutramine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, on platelets and fibrin networks of male Sprague-Dawley rats: a descriptive study.

Sibutramine is used in the treatment of obesity due to its ability to influence feelings of hunger and satiety by inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenalin in the central nervous system (CNS). Sibutramine use has been associated with numerous adverse events in particular cardiovascular complications possibly due to the formation of thrombi. This ultrastructural descriptive study investigated the effect of sibutramine on blood coagulation, specifically the effect on morphology of platelets and fibrin networks using scanning electron microscopy.

Obesity, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia as risk factors for atherosclerosis leading to ischemic events.

Atherosclerosis is a widespread disease of the arterial system that is generated by injury to the vasculature due to hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and inflammatory diseases. In the current review, we discuss the role of different risk factors, including obesity, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in atherosclerosis, which may ultimately lead to either cardiovascular or cerebral complication. Inflammation plays a pivotal role in conjunction with obesity, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in the etiology of atherosclerosis.