DigitalUM :: Browsing by Subject "Liver"

Browsing by Subject "Liver"

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Open Access
Alendronate effect in esophagus, stomach and liver: An animal based pathological study
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2020) Papamitsou, Theodora; Sotiriou, Sotiris; Papakoulas, Apostolos; Toskas, Alexandros; Kamperis, Dimitrios; Karachrysafi, Sofia; Dietrich, Eva-Maria; Lialiaris, Stergios; Sioga, Antonia
Bisphosphonates are commonly used in clinical practice. Their effectiveness is indisputable, however their adverse effects, especially in the GI tract, are still controversial. In our report, we demonstrate pathological findings of the effect of systematic alendronate administration in esophagus, stomach and the liver of an in vivo animal model of 15 Wistar rats. Light microscopy with immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy were used. Microscopic findings of inflammation of the stomach and mild hepatic dysfunction were observed. Conclusively, alendronate can potentially affect gastric mucosa and liver function on this animal experimental model
Open Access
Amelioration of hypercholesterolemiainduced hepatic changes with red grape juice: A histopathological study
(F. Hernández y Juan F. Madrid. Universidad de Murcia: Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2014) Al-Ahmadi, Ahlam Abdulaziz; Ali, Soad Shaker; Ayuob, Nasra Naeim; Al Ansary, Abeer Khaled
Objectives: Hypercholesterolemia was confirmed as a risk factor for hepatic fibrosis, as well atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. This biochemical and histoplathological study was conducted to investigate the possible protective effect of red grape against hepatic injury induced by a high-cholesterol diet (HCD). Material and methods: Thirty male Wister rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): the control received saline, the induction group was fed HCD, and the treated group was fed a HCD and 0.4 ml of 100% red grape juice (RGJ) for 13 weeks. After the animals were sacrificed, liver tissue samples were taken to be processed for light and electron microscopy examination. Results: The administration of the RGJ and HCD significantly decreased the animals’ blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, Low Density Lipoprotein levels and increased their High Density Lipoprotein level compared to the rats fed the HCD alone. It also decreased the periportal (macro- and microvesicular) steatosis, fibrosis, lymphocytic infiltration and blood sinusoidal congestion that were observed in HCD-fed rats alone. The RGJ reduced the number of activated myofibrobasts. This was confirmed by a reduction in the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and desmin. The RGJ increased, although not significantly, the expression of endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthetase. Conclusion: The administration of RGJ succeeded in alleviating the biochemical and, to some extent, the histopathological changes induced by the high cholesterol diet. Consumption of fresh RGJ or its pharmaceutical preparations is advised especially for those who are used to eat a high fat diet.
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Assessment of mercury exposure and maternal-foetal transfer in Miniopterus schreibersii (Chiroptera: Miniopteridae) from southeastern Iberian Peninsula
(Springer, 2016-12-27) Espín, Silvia ; Aroca, Bárbara ; José Francisco Calvo; Lisón Gil, Fulgencio; Calvo Sendín, José F.; García Fernández, Antonio Juan; Ecología e Hidrología
Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic and widely distributed metal that is bioaccumulated in insectivorous mammals and may cause adverse effects on the reproductive system. Bats are considered excellent Hg bioindicators due to their wide distribution, life span, trophic position, metabolic rate and food intake. However, few studies have analysed Hg residues in bats, and to the best of our knowledge, no studies have been made in the Iberian Peninsula. The main aim of this study was to undertake the first ever assessment of Hg exposure in Schreiber’s bent-winged bats inhabiting a natural cave in the southeast of Spain. The findings suggest that Schreiber’s bent-winged bats in the sampling area are chronically exposed to low levels of Hg. The Hg concentrations found in different tissues (fur, kidney, liver, muscle and brain) were below the threshold levels associated with toxic effects in mammals. Non-gestating females showed Hg concentrations in the brain and muscle that doubled those found in gestating females. This could be due to Hg mobilization from the mother to the foetus in gestating females, although other factors could contribute to explain this result such as variations in hunting areas and the insect-prey consumed and/or different energetic needs and average food consumption during the breeding season. Hg levels were 1.7 times higher, although not significant, in foetus’ brains than in the maternal brains, and Hg concentration in foetus’ brain was significantly correlated with levels in the corresponding mothers’ kidney. These results suggest that there could be an active mother-to-foetus transfer of Hg in bats, which would be of special relevance in a scenario of higher Hg exposure than that found in this study. However, further research is needed to support this view due to the limited number of samples analysed. Given the scarce ecotoxicological data available for bats and their protected status, we encourage further opportunistic studies using carcasses found in the field, the validation of non-destructive samples such as fur and guano for Hg monitoring, and new modelling approaches that will increase the data needed for proper ecological risk assessment in bat populations.
Open Access
Atrophic hepatocytes express keratin 7 in ischemia-associated liver lesions
(Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2016) Delladetsima, Ioanna; Sakellariou, Stratigoula; Kokkori, Aikaterini; Tiniakos, Dina
Aim: To investigate atrophic parenchymal changes in ischemic liver conditions. Design: We studied 18 cases of hepatic lesions with atrophic changes due to altered blood flow (hepatic venous congestion n=15 including 4 cases with additional nodular regenerative hyperplasia-NRH, NRH n=1, and antiphospholipid syndrome with patchy parenchymal atrophy n=2). Metaplastic hepatocellular changes, hepatocyte proliferation, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, and sinusoidal capillarization were examined immunohistochemically with antibodies to keratins (K) 7 and 19, Ki67, αSMA and CD34, respectively. Results: K7 was positive and K19 was negative in zone 3 atrophic hepatocytes in venous congestion and in areas of plate atrophy, as well as in congested or compressed sites in NRH. Sinusoidal CD34-positivity indicating capillarization accompanied K7 immunoexpression. Masson trichrome revealed sinusoidal fibrosis to be restricted in atrophic areas, usually mild and in 7 cases focally dense. αSMA expression expanded beyond K7- positive areas. Ki67 was negative in K7-positive hepatocytes. Conclusion: Ischemic parenchymal changes are characterized by hepatocyte K7 immunoexpression, sinusoidal capillarization, HSC activation and lack of cellular proliferation, indicating an early reaction of the major liver parenchyma cellular components creating a more resistant microenvironment. These phenotypic alterations may prove valuable in the discrimination of ischemic liver lesions.
Open Access
Bioaccumulation of mycotoxins in human forensic liver and animal liver samples using a green sample treatment
(Elsevier, 2023-11-23) Castell Martínez, Ana; Arroyo Manzanares, Natalia; Campillo Seva, Natalia; Torres Sánchez, Carmen; Fenoll, José; Viñas López-Pelegrin, Pilar; Química Analítica
The investigation of the mycotoxin bioaccumulation in human and animals is of wide relevance due to the potential toxicity associated with these secondary metabolites. This study proposes an analytical methodology consisting of salting-out liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE) followed by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) for the determination of 13 mycotoxins: aflatoxins (G1, G2, B1 and B2), enniatins (A, A1, B and B1), beauvericin, HT-2 and T-2 toxins, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol, in human and animal liver. A targeted analysis was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), as well as the screening of derived metabolites by ultrahigh performance LC and high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The proposed method was in-home validated, and trueness was verified by apparent recovery studies with values between 94 and 110 %. Furthermore, suitable linearities were obtained by the proposed method for all the mycotoxins and detection and quantification limits allow the mycotoxin monitoring at the low levels expected in biological samples. Repeatability and intermediate precision were calculated at two concentration levels, obtaining values of relative standard deviation below 9.5 %. The proposed methodology allowed to study the bioaccumulation of mycotoxins in both human and animal liver, demonstrating the presence of emergent mycotoxins in all liver samples analyzed, specifically enniatins B, B1 and beauvericin were detected with concentrations up to 4.04 μg/kg.
Open Access
Estudio anatomopatológico y mastocitos en hígados de ternero decomisados en matadero
(Universidad de Murcia. Servicio de publicaciones, 2022) Bas Murcia, Ana de los Ángeles; Gómez Sánchez, Miguel Ángel; Bernabé Salazar, Antonio; Sánchez Martínez, Pedro
Este estudio aborda las alteraciones anatomopatológicas y el número de mastocitos en 51 hígados de ter-nero decomisados en un matadero importante del sur-este de España. El análisis microscópico se ha realizado con las tinciones hematoxilina-eosina (H-E) y Tricrómico de Masson (TRC). Además, se determinó el núme-ro de mastocitos en función de sus patologías, mediante la tinción azul de toluidina, haciendo un conteo en 10 campos de 348 x 263 μm a 40x en cada una de las muestras. Con el programa estadístico SPSS y las pruebas estadísticas Kolmogorov-Smirnov y Mann-Whitney se ha hecho una comparación con 5 hígados control. Las lesiones anatomopatológicas causantes de decomiso han sido: abscesos (47%), colangiohepatitis (31%), fibrosis (8%), esteatosis (6%), atrofia (2%), necrosis (2%), congestión (2%) y quiste (2%). Clasificándose en lesiones inflamatorias (49%), lesiones parasitarias (33%) y lesiones degenerativo-metabólicas (18%). Los re-sultados del conteo de mastocitos muestran que hay diferencias significativas en el número de mastocitos de los hígados con colangiohepatitis (p 0,001), respecto a los hígados control y no hay diferencias significativas en los hígados con abscesos (p 0,227). Al hacer una clasificación por familias de las alteraciones anatomopa-tológicas estudiadas se ha llegado a la conclusión de que no hay diferencias significativas en las alteraciones inflamatorias al compararlas con el grupo control y sí las hay en las alteraciones parasitarias. Las alteraciones degenerativas también muestran diferencias significativas, pero el número de muestras recogidas es bajo.
Open Access
Ethanol-induced mitophagy in liver is associated with activation of the PINK1-Parkin pathway triggered by oxidative DNA damage
(Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2016) Eid, Nabil; Ito, Yuko; Horibe, Akio; Otsuki, Yoshinori
Mitophagy is a cytoprotective mechanism against mitochondrial damaging agents. Studies demonstrating morphological evidence for the involvement of the PINK1-Parkin pathway in the hepatocyte mitophagic response to ethanol toxicity, and potential links to apoptosis and mitochondrial alterations such as spheroid formation are still lacking. We addressed these unresolved issues using a rat model of binge alcohol exposure. Adult rats were injected with ethanol (5g/kg) and liver samples were taken at 0, 3, 6, and 24 hours after ethanol administration and processed for light and electron microscopic studies. Ethanol induced a low level of hepatocyte apoptosis, peaking at 3 h and decreasing significantly by 24 h. In contrast, there was enhanced formation of mitophagic vacuoles in the majority of normal hepatocytes of ethanol-treated rats (ETRs), which peaked at 6 h and was maintained up to 24 h based on electron microscopy and TUNEL/LC3 double labelling. Moreover, enhanced mitophagy in ETR hepatocytes was confirmed by increased LC3 puncta formation, and co-localization of Parkin and LC3 with mitochondrial and lysosomal markers. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated the localization of PINK1 and Parkin to damaged mitochondria of ETR hepatocytes, which was consistent with co-localization of Parkin with 8-OHdG, a marker of oxidative mitochondrial DNA damage. Furthermore, electron microscopy showed enhanced formation of mitochondrial spheroids in ETR hepatocytes. These data are the first direct morphological evidence linking PINK1-Parkin pathway activation to the enhanced mitophagic response of hepatocytes to ethanol toxicity. Ethanol-induced hepatic mitophagy may be a prosurvival mechanism, which may have therapeutic implications.
Open Access
Evaluation of rat liver with ARFI elastography: in vivo and ex vivo study
(Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2019-05-23) Carbonell, Guillermo; Oltra, Lidia; Garcia Carrillo, Nuria; Guzmán Aroca, Florentina; Salazar, Francisco Javier; Berná Mestre, Juan de Dios; Martínez Cáceres, Carlos Manuel; Berná Serna, Juan De Dios; Tudela Serrano, José; Dermatología, Estomatología, Radiología y Medicina Física
The aim of this study was to compare in vivo vs ex vivo liver stiffness in rats with acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography using the histological findings as the gold standard. Eighteen male Wistar rats aged 16–18 months were divided into a control group (n = 6) and obese group (n = 12). Liver stiffness was measured with shear wave velocity (SWV) using the ARFI technique both in vivo and ex vivo. The degree of fibrosis, steatosis and liver inflammation was evaluated in the histological findings. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied to relate the SWV values to the histological parameters. The SWV values acquired in the ex vivo study were significantly lower than those obtained in vivo (P < 0.004). A significantly higher correlation value between the degree of liver fibrosis and the ARFI elastography assessment was observed in the ex vivo study (r = 0.706, P <0.002), than the in vivo study (r = 0.623, P < 0.05). Assessment of liver stiffness using ARFI elastography yielded a significant correlation between SWV and liver fibrosis in both the in vivo and ex vivo experiments. We consider that by minimising the influence of possible sources of artefact we could improve the accuracy of the measurements acquired with ARFI.
Open Access
Expression of EPO and related factors in the liver and kidney of plain and Tibetan sheep
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2023) Yang, Kun; Zhang, Lan; Chen, Weiji; Cheng, Jialu; Zhao, Xiaomeng; Zhang, Yiyang; Li, Rui; Zhou, Manlin; Yao, Yifan; Li, You; Qiao, Zilin
Erythropoietin (EPO), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF2α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are key factors in the regulation of hypoxia, and can transcriptionally activate multiple genes under hypoxic conditions, thereby initiating large hypoxic stress in the network. The liver and kidneys are important metabolic organs of the body. We assessed the expression of EPO, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF in liver and kidney tissues of plain and Tibetan sheep using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and RT-qPCR. The results showed that EPO, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF were expressed in tubular epithelial cells, collecting duct epithelial cells, mural epithelial cells, and the glomerular cytoplasm of Tibetan sheep, and their expression was significantly higher in Tibetan sheep than in plain sheep (P<0.05). EPO, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF are expressed in hepatocytes, interlobular venous endothelial cells, and interlobular bile duct epithelial cells. In plain sheep, positive signals for EPO, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF were localized mainly in interlobular venous endothelial cells, whereas VEGF and HIF-2α were negatively expressed in interlobular bile duct epithelial cells and positively expressed in EPO and HIF-1α. The differences in EPO, HIF-1α, and HIF-2α in Tibetan sheep were significantly higher than those in plain sheep (P<0.001). In the liver and kidney tissues of Tibetan sheep, EPO was associated with HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF (P<0.05). RT-qPCR results showed that EPO was not expressed, and HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF were expressed (P<0.05). The results showed that the expression of EPO, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF in the kidney and liver of Tibetan sheep was higher than that in of plain sheep. Therefore, EPO, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF may be involved in the adaptive response of plateau animals, which provides theoretical clarity to further explore the adaptive mechanism of plateau hypoxia in Tibetan sheep.
Open Access
Harmine shows therapeutic activity on nicotine-induced liver failure in mice
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2019) Salahshoor, Mohammad Reza; Gholami mahmoudian, Zahra; Roshankhah, Shiva; Farokhi, Mehdi; Jalili, Cyrus
This experiment evaluated the effects of harmine against nicotine-induced damage to the liver of mice. Nicotine is a major toxic component of cigarette smoke and a major risk factor for functional disorders in the liver, because it induces oxidative stress. Harmine is a harmal-derived alkaloid with therapeutic and antioxidant properties. In this study, 80 male mice were randomly assigned to 10 groups: the normal control and nicotine control groups (2.5 mg/kg); the harmine groups (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg), and the nicotine + harmine groups (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally daily for 28 days. Nitric oxide (NO) level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were determined. In addition, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, antioxidant capacity, and the diameters of the hepatocytes and central hepatic vein (CHV) were investigated. Nicotine administration significantly improved liver MDA and NO levels, CHV and hepatocyte diameters, and liver enzymes, and it decreased tissue FRAP levels compared to the normal control group (p<0.05). In the harmine and harmine + nicotine groups, in all dosages, all measured factors decreased significantly, while the FRAP tissue level increased compared with the nicotine control group (p<0.05). It seems that liver injury was improved by harmine administration in mice because of nicotine.
Open Access
El hígado y el alma apetitiva en el Timeo de Platón y su relación con la tiranía
(Universidad de Murcia. Servicio de Publicaciones, 2019) Lanza González, Henar
Analizaremos el papel hígado en el Timeo de Platón, su función en el cuerpo y su relación con el alma apetitiva y la de ambos con el hombre tirano y la tiranía tal y como son caracterizados en la República, el Timeo y las Leyes, para explorar la conexión que hay entre fisiología, psicología y política en la visión teleológica del mundo ordenado por el demiurgo.
Open Access
Immunohistochemical and radiological characterization of wound healing in porcine liver after radiofrequency ablation
(Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2016) Stadlbauer, Vanessa; Lang-Olip, Ingrid; Leber, Bettina; Mayrhauser, Ursula; Koestenbauer, Sonja; Tawdrous, Monika; Moche, Michael; Sereinigg, Michael; Seider, Daniel; Iberer, Florian; Wiederstein-Grasser, Iris; Horst Portugaller, Rupert; Stiegler, Philipp
Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimal invasive therapeutic option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or liver metastases. We investigated RFA-induced cellular changes in the liver of pigs. Material and Methods: Healthy pigs (n=18) were sacrificed between day 0 and 3 months after RFA. The wound healing process was evaluated by computed tomography (CT), chromotrope anilinblue (CAB) staining of large-scale and standard tissue sections. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for heat shock protein 70, Caspase-3, Ki67, Reelin, Vinculin, Vimentin and αSMA was perfomed. Results: One day after RFA, CAB staining showed cell damage and massive hyperaemia. All IHC markers were predominantly expressed at the outer borders of the lesion, except Reelin, which was mainly detected in untreated liver regions. By staining for Hsp70, the heat stress during RFA was monitored, which was most distinct 1-2 days after RFA. CT revealed decreased lesion size after one week. Development of a Vimentin and α-SMA positive fibrotic capsule was observed. Conclusion: In the early phase signs of cell damage, apoptosis and proliferation are dominant. Reduced expression of Reelin suggests a minor role of hepatic stellate cells in the RFA zone. After one week myofibroblasts become prominent and contribute to the development of the fibrotic capsule. This elucidates the pathophysiology of RFA and could contribute to the future optimization of RFA procedures.
Open Access
Inflammatory status in human hepatic cirrhosis
(Baishideng publishing Group, 2015-11-07) Tristán-Manzano, María; García-Peñarrubia, Pilar; Martínez-Esparza Alvargonzález, María Concepción; Ruiz Alcaraz, Antonio José; Bioquímica y Biología Molecular B e Inmunología
This review focuses on new findings about the inflammatory status involved in the development of human liver cirrhosis induced by the two main causes, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic alcohol abuse, avoiding results obtained from animal models. When liver is faced to a persistent and/or intense local damage the maintained inflammatory response gives rise to a progressive replacement of normal hepatic tissue by non-functional fibrotic scar. The imbalance between tissue regeneration and fibrosis will determine the outcome toward health recovery or hepatic cirrhosis. In all cases progression toward liver cirrhosis is caused by a dysregulation of mechanisms that govern the balance between activation/homeostasis of the immune system. Detecting differences between the inflammatory status in HCV-induced vs alcohol-induced cirrhosis could be useful to identify specific targets for preventive and therapeutic intervention in each case. Thus, although survival of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis seems to be similar to that of patients with HCV-related cirrhosis (HCV-C), there are important differences in the altered cellular and molecular mechanisms implicated in the progression toward human liver cirrhosis. The predominant features of HCV-C are more related with those that allow viral evasion of the immune defenses, especially although not exclusively, inhibition of interferons secretion, natural killer cells activation and T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. On the contrary, the inflammatory status of alcohol-induced cirrhosis is determined by the combined effect of direct hepatotoxicity of ethanol metabolites and increases of the intestinal permeability, allowing bacteria and bacterial products translocation, into the portal circulation, mesenteric lymph nodes and peritoneal cavity. This phenomenon generates a stronger pro-inflammatory response compared with HCV-related cirrhosis. Hence, therapeutic intervention in HCV-related cirrhosis must be mainly focused to counteract HCV-immune system evasion, while in the case of alcohol-induced cirrhosis it must try to break the inflammatory loop established at the gut-mesenteric lymph nodes-peritoneal-systemic axis.
Open Access
Intermittent fasting-induced autophagy normalization confers hepatic protection in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: Mechanistic insights and implications
(2026) Gehan El-Akabawy; MoezAlIslam E. Faris; Manoj B. Menon; Mohamed Abdel Wahab; Farida Hussan; Mohd Hazim Bin Zulkaflee; Nabil Eid; Payal Bhatnagar; Biología Celular e Histología; Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver condition that can progress to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Macroautophagy (hereinafter referred to as autophagy) is a pro-survival mechanism that facilitates the lysosomal clearance of damaged organelles, abnormal proteins, and excess lipids. A growing body of evidence indicates that autophagy dysfunction and reduced autophagic flux play critical roles in the pathogenesis of MAFLD. Therefore, restoring autophagy in MAFLD may help reduce steatosis and prevent disease progression. Intermittent fasting (IF), involving periods of restricted to no food intake alternating with periods of regulated/free eating, has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on body composition, glucose regulation, lipid profiles, and liver function in studies involving both animal models of MAFLD and human subjects. Studies involving individuals with obesity and MAFLD have shown that Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF), an Islamic religious practice that involves abstaining from food and water intake from sunrise to sunset over approximately 30 consecutive days, significantly reduces body weight, BMI, fat mass, and inflammatory markers while improving liver function and steatosis. The hepatoprotective effects of RIF are associated with the enhanced expression of autophagy-related genes and the restoration of autophagic flux. This upregulation of autophagy as a result of RIF makes it a potentially promising therapeutic strategy for MAFLD. This review summarizes various forms of IF, the mechanisms of autophagy, and evidence of autophagy dysfunction in MAFLD. It also explores how IF, specifically RIF, may normalize autophagy, reduce hepatic steatosis, and improve liver function in human subjects.
Open Access
Interstitial collagen in alcoholic human liver
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1987) Stenbäck, F.; Wasenius, Veli-Matti; Sotaniemi, Eero A.
The occurrence and intensity of staining for specific antibodies against the aminoterminal propeptide of type 111 procollagen (PIIIP), which is indicative of the synthesis and the degradation of that collagen type, was studied in sections from normal and alcoholic livers and compared with serum PIIIP levels, serum antipyrine clearance, fibronectin distribution and morphology as revealed by conventional stains and electronmicroscopy. Positive staining for PIIIP and fibronectin was observed in the perisinusoidal space of the normal liver and in portal tracts. In alcohol-induced fatty liver positive staining increased around the central veins, in alcoholic hepatitis increased staining reaction was seen to a limited extent in areas of cell injury. Extensive reticulin and PIIIP-positive areas were found in the periportal interstitium of the cirrhotic livers and in large fibrotic areas extending into the surrounding parenchyma in cases of active disease. The results show a distinct relationship between collagen type 111 metabolism, morphologically detectable hepatic injury and liver cell function tests, with tissue deposition occurring later in the disease process than biochemically detectable serum collagen levels and signs of altered liver cell function.
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Lead in terrestrial game birds from Spain
(Springer, 2019-11-21) Romero García, Diego; José, Antonio de; Theureau, Juan M.; Ferrer, Andrés; Raigón, María D.; Torregrosa, Juan B.; Ciencias Sociosanitarias
We analysed exposure to Pb and its relationship with lead-based ammunition in seven species of terrestrial game birds— common woodpigeon (Columba palumbus), rock dove (Columba livia), stock dove (Columba oenas), European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur), red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), Barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) and common quail (Coturnix coturnix)—from rural and urban areas in different parts of Spain (Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Madrid, Islas Canarias and Navarra). A total of 530 liver samples were analysed, and the presence of Pb pellets was studied in the crop, gizzard and intestine; the state and appearance of these organs were also analysed. The number of specimens suspected to have ingested Pb shot was 28 (5.6%), and the geometric mean concentration of hepatic Pb was 0.054 μg g−1 (wet weight, ww). A low percentage of samples (4.8%) were above the abnormal exposure threshold (0.65 μg g−1 ww), and, in these specimens, renal Pb concentrations were determined. Common woodpigeons and rock doves from Madrid were found to have high concentrations of Pb in their livers, and, so, both species can be considered to be good bioindicators of Pb contamination in rural (common woodpigeons) and urban (rock doves) environments. Partridges bred for hunting may be more prone to ingesting pellets from the environment, a fact that should be taken into account in management decisions.
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Lipidomic analysis reveals alterations in hepatic FA profile associated with MASLD stage in patients with obesity
(Oxford University Press, 2024-01-13) Núñez-Sánchez, María Ángeles; Martínez-Sánchez, María Antonia; Martínez-Montoro, José Ignacio; Balaguer-Román, Andrés; Murcia-García, Elena; Fernández Ruiz, Virginia Esperanza; Ferrer Gómez, Mercedes; Martínez Cáceres, Carlos Manuel; Sledzinski, Tomasz; Frutos Bernal, María Dolores; Hernández-Morante, Juan José; Fernández-García, José Carlos; Queipo-Ortuño, María Isabel; Ruiz Alcaraz, Antonio José; Mika, Adriana; Ramos-Molina, Bruno; Bioquímica y Biología Molecular B e Inmunología; Facultad de Biología
Context. Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by the intracellular lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Excess caloric intake and high-fat diets are considered to significantly contribute to MASLD development. Objective. To evaluate the hepatic and serum fatty acid (FA) composition in patients with different stages of MASLD, and their relationship with FA dietary intake and MASLD-related risk factors. Methods. This was a case–control study in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery at a university hospital between January 2020 and December 2021. Participants were distributed in 3 groups: no MASLD (n = 26), steatotic liver disease (n = 33), and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (n = 32). Hepatic and serum FA levels were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nutritional status was evaluated using validated food frequency questionnaires. The hepatic expression of genes involved in FA metabolism was analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results. The hepatic, but not serum, FA profiles were significantly altered in patients with MASLD compared with those without MASLD. No differences were observed in FA intake between the groups. Levels of C16:0, C18:1, and the C18:1/C18:0 ratio were higher, while C18:0 levels and C18:0/C16:0 ratio were lower in patients with MASLD, being significantly different between the 3 groups. Hepatic FA levels and ratios correlated with histopathological diagnosis and other MASLD-related parameters. The expression of genes involved in the FA metabolism was upregulated in patients with MASLD. Conclusion. Alterations in hepatic FA levels in MASLD patients were due to enhancement of de novo lipogenesis in the liver.
Open Access
Liver gender dimorphism - insights from quantitative morphology
(Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2015) Marcos, Ricardo; Correia Gomes, Carla; Miranda, Helena; Carneiro, Fatima
It was shown recently that many genes are differentially expressed in the liver of males and females, thus strengthening the concept of liver gender dimorphism. This dimorphism exists in many pathological scenarios, from regeneration to fibrosis, which has led to the development of gender hepatology. Nevertheless, it is still unknown if gender dimorphism occurs in the structure of the normal liver. In recent years, it has been shown that, compared with male, the female rat liver bears less fibrotic tissue, more Kupffer cells (per volume unit) and has higher hepatocellularity, including binucleated hepatocytes (per volume unit). Our hypothesis is that the human liver also hides a gender dimorphic pattern. Baseline differences in fibrotic tissue would contribute to explain severe liver fibrosis in men. As to the disparity of Kupffer cells, this would clarify the stronger response to post-surgery infections in women, and it could be equated when appraising the higher susceptibility to alcohol. Regarding differences in hepatocytes, they not only justify existing differences in some liver parameters (e.g., transaminases and bilirubin), but they could also account for the higher regenerative potential of the female liver. The structural dimorphism in the human liver would sustain the concept of gender hepatology and, eventually, should be considered in the context of liver transplantation.
Open Access
Liver morphology and histological alterations related to reproductive phases of female silver croaker Plagioscion squamosissimus (Acanthuriformes, Sciaenidae)
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Histología e Histopatología, 2025) Horas Do Nascimento Yane Caroline; Pereira dos Santos Silva Amanda; Kotz Kliemann Bruna Caroline; Paiva Ramos Igor; Franceschini Lidiane; Delariva Rosilene Luciana; De Oliveira Manoel Letícia; Belancieri Souza Cristieli Fernanda; Ninhaus Silveira Alexandre; Veríssimo-Silveira Rosicleire; Biología Celular e Histología
This study describes the morphology of the liver tissue, histological alterations, and their relationships with the reproductive phases of the female silver croaker Plagioscion squamosissimus. We tested the hypothesis that histological alterations in liver tissue can occur at the expense of the reproductive phase of the female and that climatic factors, such as rainfall, interfere with the reproductive phases and, consequently, promote histological alterations. Histological analysis of the liver showed liver tissue with hepatocytes, bile ducts, blood vessels, sinusoids, intrahepatic pancreas, and phagocytic cells. The histological alterations observed were cytoplasmic vacuolization and degeneration, aggregates of melanomacrophages, hyperemia, and vascular congestion, with cytoplasmic vacuolization, cytoplasmic degeneration, and vascular congestion being the most frequent. We observed that the frequency of cytoplasmic vacuolization increased throughout gonadal development with a decrease in the spawning-capable phase, and that cytoplasmic degeneration and vascular congestion were more frequent in the suitable spawning phase. In addition, relationships between histological alterations, hepatosomatic index, gonadosomatic index, reproductive phases, and rainfall were also observed, showing that alterations were more frequent in periods with higher rainfall and reproductive phases when females were ready to reproduce. In short, histological alterations may be subject to the reproductive phases of females, which are influenced by rainfall, as observed in many studies. Thus, this study presents the morphology of the liver tissue of P. squamosissimus, and the results shed light on the importance of considering the reproductive phases in studies evaluating histological alterations in the liver
Open Access
Modulatory effect of inulin with soya isoflavones on plasma lipid profile and liver SCD-18 index in rats with induced type-2 diabetes mellitus
(Universidad de Murcia.Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Histiologia, 2019) Misiakiewicz Has, Kamila Daria; Maciejewska, Dominika; Kolasa Wołosiuk, Agnieszka; Pilutin, Anna; Rzeszotek, Sylwia; Wilk, Aleksandra; Szypulska Koziarska, Dagmara; Stachowska, Ewa; Łukomska, Agnieszka; Wiszniewska, Barbara
Obesity and type-2 diabetes are often associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Soya isoflavones act as antidiabetic agents and protect against NAFLD. There are data suggesting that inulin may increase the plasma concentration and effect of soya isoflavones. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of soya isoflavones, as opposed to the effect of soya isoflavones with inulin, on plasma lipid profile, liver morphology, and liver fatty acids in rats with induced type-2 diabetes mellitus. Data were collected on thirty-six male Sprague- Dawley rats divided into control and diabetic groups. Animals in the diabetic (DM) group were on a high-fat diet and were injected with low doses of streptozotocin. Animals in the control groups were fed a regular diet and were injected with a buffer. After the injections, the animals were divided into three groups of nondiabetic rats (nDM)-controls (c-nDM), rats treated with isoflavones (IS-nDM), and rats treated with isoflavones plus inulin (IS+IN-nDM)-and three parallel diabetic (DM) subgroups: controls (c-DM), rats treated with isoflavone (IS-DM), and rats treated with isoflavones plus inulin (IS+IN-DM). Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining and Mallory’s trichrome methods respectively. Liver fatty acids were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography. A lipid blood test was performed. The study showed significant changes in liver fatty acids, liver morphology, and plasma lipid profile. The estimated SCD-18 index significantly decreased in both the control and DM groups after isoflavone supplementation. The level of liver steatosis and fibrosis also decreased after isoflavone supplementation in the DM groups. The plasma lipid profile showed increased levels of HDL-C after isoflavone supplementation in the DM groups. These results support the protective use of isoflavones in liver steatosis and as beneficial to plasma lipid profile in individuals with diabetes. A novelty of this work is its comparison of supplementation using soya isoflavones with supplementation using both soya isoflavones and inulin. Surprisingly, additional supplementation with inulin modulates the positive effect of isoflavones