Sotirios Botaitis

The Influence of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Angiogenesis During the Early Phase of Tendon Healing

Background: The poor vascularity of tendons is a major factor in their limited healing capacity. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) on angiogenesis during tendon healing. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits were used. The Achilles tendon was transected transversely and 0.5 ml of PRP was injected into the tendon mass on each side of the incision on both limbs. The injection in the control group consisted of saline. Six animals from each group (12 tendons each) were sacrificed after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks following treatment. Three sections from each Achilles were stained with hematoxylinosin for microscopic examination. Further three sections were immunostained with a monoclonal antibody against CD31 (Daco Co), followed by image analysis to count new vessel numbers and statistical analysis was performed. Results: There was significantly more angiogenesis in the PRP group compared to the control group during the first two weeks of the healing process, i.e., inflammatory and proliferative phase (p < 0.0001). The orientation of collagen fibers in the PRP group was better organized. The number of the newly formed vessels in the PRP group were significantly reduced at 4 weeks compared to the controls (p < 0.0001) suggesting the healing process was shortened. Conclusion: PRP seems to enhance neovascularization which may accelerate the healing process and promote scar tissue of better histological quality. Clinical Relevance: Although these results need replication and further biomechanical research, PRP may promote tendon healing acceleration.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Obese Patients

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the treatment of choice for gallstones. Obesity was initially considered a contraindication to this approach. The aim of this report is to review our experience with LC, to evaluate the role of BMI in the outcome. Methods: The records of 1,804 patients who underwent LC for symptomatic cholelithiasis from May 1992 to January 2004 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into 5 groups according to their BMI: ≤24.9, 25.0-29.9, 30.0-34.9, 35.0-39.9 and ≥40 kg/m2. Results: Of the 1,804 patients [1,379 females (76.4%) and 425 males (23.6%)] who underwent LC, 431(23.9%), 924 (51.2%), 355 (19.7%), 68 (3.8%) and 26 (1.4%) had BMI values of ≤24.9, 25.0-29.9, 30.0-34.9, 35.0-39.9 and ≥40 kg/m2, respectively. Conversion to open cholecystectomy was required in 94 patients (5.2%), and complications occurred in 39 patients (2.2%). There was no correlation between BMI and the conversion rate (P=0.593) and complication rate (P=0.944), while the hospital stay was similar between the groups with successful LC. The only significant difference was the longer operating time in the two obesity groups (P<0.001). Conclusions: LC is effective and safe in patients with morbid obesity. As it carried low risks of conversion and perioperative complications, we suggest that LC is the select approach for these patients. Moreover, the rapid mobilization and hospital discharge following LC may provide extra benefit to these patients.

Application of PRP gel alone or in combination with guided bone regeneration does not enhance bone healing process: An experimental study in rabbits

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to assess the hypothesis that application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel in mandibular defects in rabbits, alone or in combination with guided bone regeneration (GBR) techniques, could enhance the bone healing process. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were used. Three groups of 10 animals each were assigned, and the animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks. During the operation, a rotating trephine bur was used to create circular defects 10-mm in diameter in the region anterior to the jaw angles. In group human fascia lata (HFL), a human fascia lata membrane was used. In group PRP, PRP gel was used to fill the defect, and in group HFL+PRP, PRP was used to fill the defect which after that was covered with a human fascia lata membrane. RESULTS In general, none of the control sides and the PRP treated sides had full development of bone or filling of the defect through bone bridging. Conversely, the sides on which the fascia lata membrane or the combination of membrane and PRP had been applied were characterized mostly by development of newly formed bone that bridged the gap. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the application of PRP gel alone or in combination with GBR does not enhance bone healing process.

Temporal and spatial expression of TGF-β1 in an Achilles tendon section model after application of platelet-rich plasma

BACKGROUND To investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on TGF-beta1 expression during tendon healing. METHODS We used 48 skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits. 24 rabbits received the PRP, and 24 rabbits served as an untreated control group. Equal numbers of animals were sacrificed at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th week. The surgical procedure involved a transverse incision to transect the Achilles tendon. A volume of 1ml of PRP was then injected into the tendon mass in the PRP group. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluations with an anti-TGF-beta primary antibody were performed. RESULTS The pattern of expression of TGF-beta1 in the PRP group was characterized by a significant upregulation during the first 2 weeks and subsequently significant downregulation in the 3rd and 4th week in comparison with the controls. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PRP may affect the tendon healing process by altering the expression of TGF-beta1.

Spermatic cord metastasis as an initial manifestation of sigmoid colon carcinoma: Report of a case

Abstract We report herein the unusual case of a 63-year-old man in whom adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon manifested as metastasis to the left spermatic cord, the capsule of the left testis, and the wall of an associated testicular hydrocele.

Does gender affect laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The relationship between sex and outcome after laparoscopic surgery for symptomatic cholelithiasis remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of sex on the clinical presentation of patients with symptomatic gallstone disease and the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The rates of conversion to open cholecystectomy, complication rates, operative times, and lengths of hospital stay were compared between the sexes. Compared with female patients, males were significantly older and more likely to have coexisting cardiovascular disease, previous upper abdominal surgery, previous hospitalization for acute cholecystitis and pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, and suppurative cholecystitis (such as empyema), conversions, and complications. The mortality rate was nil. Analyses revealed an independent effect of sex on the prevalence of complications, even when including all of the major confounding factors in the model. In contrast, the effect of sex on conversion to open cholecystectomy was not significant when controlling for patient age. Operative time and postoperative hospital stay were significantly longer in males than in females. The tendency of male patients to have cholecystitis of greater severity should remind surgeons of the need to inform patients about the higher conversion rate among male patients, to reduce the disappointment of a large laparotomy wound or prolonged recovery period. On the other hand, there may be an increased need for surgeons to strongly advice male patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis to undergo early intervention.

Overall survival and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with breast cancer in relation to the expression pattern of HER-2, IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β1.

The present study was conducted to investigate the prognostic significance of co-expression patterna of HER-2, IL-6, TNF-a and TGF-β1 in breast cancer, by correlating the number of markers with positive expression with clinicopathological characteristics indicative of tumor progression and overall survival. One hundred thirty consecutive patients with primary breast cancer were prospectively included and evaluated. Serum concentrations of the above markers were measured by ELISA. Median split was used to subdivide patients with marker positive or negative expression. The presence of ≥ 3 positive markers was independently associated with extended lymph node (>3) involvement (aOR, 11.94, p=0.001) and lymphovascular invasion (aOR, 12.04, p=0.018), increasing the prognostic significance of each marker considered separately. Additional prognostic information regarding survival was also provided; as the number of positive markers increased, a gradually reduction of survival time was observed. In addition, patients with 4 positive markers had significantly shorter survival (25 vs 39 months, p=0.006) and a more than 4 fold increased risk of death (aHR, 4.35, p=0.003) compared to patients with 3 positive markers. Our findings suggest that the coexpression pattern of these four markers could be used clinically as a useful marker for tumor extension and outcome of breast cancer.

Lung autophagic response following exposure of mice to whole body irradiation, with and without amifostine

PURPOSE The effect of ionizing irradiation on the autophagic response of normal tissues is largely unexplored. Abnormal autophagic function may interfere the protein quality control leading to cell degeneration and dysfunction. This study investigates its effect on the autophagic machinery of normal mouse lung. METHODS AND MATERIALS Mice were exposed to 6 Gy of whole body γ-radiation and sacrificed at various time points. The expression of MAP1LC3A/LC3A/Atg8, beclin-1, p62/sequestosome-1 and of the Bnip3 proteins was analyzed. RESULTS Following irradiation, the LC3A-I and LC3A-II protein levels increased significantly at 72 h and 7 days. Strikingly, LC3A-II protein was increased (5.6-fold at 7 days; p<0.001) only in the cytosolic fraction, but remained unchanged in the membrane fraction. The p62 protein, was significantly increased in both supernatant and pellet fraction (p<0.001), suggesting an autophagosome turnover deregulation. These findings contrast the patterns of starvation-induced autophagy up-regulation. Beclin-1 levels remained unchanged. The Bnip3 protein was significantly increased at 8 h, but it sharply decreased at 72 h (p<0.05). Administration of amifostine (200 mg/kg), 30 min before irradiation, reversed all the LC3A and p62 findings on blots, suggesting restoration of the normal autophagic function. The LC3A and Beclin1 mRNA levels significantly declined following irradiation (p<0.01), whereas Bnip3 levels increased. CONCLUSIONS It is suggested that irradiation induces dysfunction of the autophagic machinery in normal lung, characterized by decreased transcription of the LC3A/Beclin-1 mRNA and accumulation of the LC3A, and p62 proteins. Whether this is due to defective maturation or to aberrant degradation of the autophagosomes requires further investigation.

Enteral Migration of a Pezzer Tube After a Feeding Jejunostomy: Report of a Case

We herein report a rare complication of the migration of a feeding jejunostomy tube through the entire intestine. A surgical Stamm jejunostomy was performed in a patient with an unresectable gastric cancer using a 28-F silicone catheter with a mushroom tip (Pezzer catheter). The catheter was suture-fixed to the skin, family members were given instructions regarding tube feeding and tube care, and the patient was discharged to home care. Two months later, he presented because of the “disappearance” of the tube. A clinical examination revealed a mature jejunostomy tract, skin erosion at the site where the suture was placed, and absence of the tube. There were no signs of intestinal obstruction or peritonitis. Abdominal X-ray examination showed the catheter inside the jejunum. The patient was treated conservatively with serial radiographs showing rapid tube migration through the intestine, and the tube was eliminated spontaneously 5 days later. An awareness of this complication and its appropriate treatment is important given the widespread use of enteral nutrition.

Regenerated Nerve Defects with a Nerve Conduit Containing Dental Pulp Stem Cells in Pigs: An Immunohistochemical and Electrophysiological Evaluation

BACKGROUND Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) present an exciting new tool in the field of peripheral nerve regeneration due to their close embryonic origin. In this study, we examined their potential in pigs, using biodegradable collagen conduits filled with DPSCs. To our knowledge, this is the first time DPCSs are tested for peripheral nerve regeneration in such large animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The second lateral incisor was extracted from every animals lower jaw and stem cells were isolated and cultured. The collagen nerve conduits containing the DPSCs were subsequently transplanted into the transected fifth and sixth intercostal nerves, while the seventh intercostal nerve was used as a control and no stem cells were added on the respective collagen conduit. RESULTS A histological examination was performed on the 3rd and 6th postoperative months and showed the gradual development of neural tissue and immunohistochemical expression of neuron-specific enolase. An electrophysiological study was performed on the 6th postoperative month and showed similar potentials between the stem cell infusion region (5 ± 0.04 units) and their proximal stumps (5 ± 0.05 units) and slightly smaller potentials in the respective distal stumps (4 ± 0.045 units). CONCLUSION The nerves where DPSCs were injected exhibited morphological and functional recovery, in contrast to the control nerves where no recovery was detected; thus, there is a first evidence of the therapeutic potential of DPSCs in peripheral nerve regeneration.