Revistas y Congresos

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Esta comunidad la componen las revistas editadas por la UM y Actas, Jornadas y Congresos organizados por la misma.

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Open Access
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 mitigates high glucose-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and extracellular matrix accumulation in glomerular mesangial cells via the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway
(2026) Bo Chen; Chunjiang Zhang; Lin Jia; Xingyu Yao; Gang Liu; Qingyue Meng; Biología Celular e Histología; Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
ackground. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is a physiologically active form of vitamin D. Our study investigated the renoprotective functions of 1,25(OH)2D3 in diabetic nephropathy (DN) progression and its underlying mechanism targeting the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Methods. DN was induced in Wistar rats via high-fat diet (4 weeks) and streptozotocin injection (30 mg/kg, i.p.); hyperglycemic rats were randomized into DN and DN + 1,25(OH)2D3 (16 μg/kg, 12 weeks) groups. Rat mesangial HBZY-1 cells were maintained under normal glucose (5.5 mM), high glucose (25 mM), high glucose plus 1,25(OH)2D3 (1-50 nM), or high glucose plus N acetylcysteine (NAC, 10 mM). Cell viability was assessed by the CCK-8 assay. Oxidative stress parameters (ROS via DCFH-DA fluorescence, MDA content, SOD activity) and pyroptosis markers (LDH release, PI/Hoechst 33342 nuclear staining) were quantified. Renal histopathology was performed using PAS and Masson trichrome staining. Biochemical analyses included serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and 24h urinary protein quantification. Molecular profiling encompassed ELISA (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-18, fibronectin, collagen IV), RT-qPCR (NOX2, NOX4, NLRP3, ASC), western blotting (TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, collagen IV, fibronectin, laminin), and TXNIP immunofluorescence. Results. 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly attenuated high glucose-induced pathological alterations in HBZY-1 cells, including ROS overproduction, TXNIP upregulation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, oxidative stress, inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and pyroptotic cell death. Consistently, 1,25(OH)2D3 suppressed ROS/TXNIP/ NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling, ameliorated renal dysfunction, and mitigated histopathological damage in DN rats. Conclusion. 1,25(OH)2D3 confers renoprotection in DN by inhibiting the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 inflamma some axis, thereby suppressing oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine production, ECM accumulation, and pyroptotic cell death in glomerular mesangial cells and renal tissues.
Open Access
8th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON PERIPHERAL NERVE REGENERATION June 22-24, 2026, Granada, Spain
(2026) Víctor S. Carriel Araya; Biología Celular e Histología; Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
Open Access
A clinicopathological study of eight cases presenting a biphasic structure: A distinct variant of pulmonary carcinoma
(2026) Qiuyao Li; Jiwei Ma; Kun Yang; Xiaoyan Lin; Huifeng Jiang; Yali Xu; Lin Song; Yu Zhang; Xiaoqian Liu; Zheng Mou; Wenjing Su; Hongyu Wang; Biología Celular e Histología; Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
Biphasic structures, which are composed of outer basal cells and inner glandular cells, are frequently indicative of salivary gland-type tumors or benign lesions, such as bronchial adenoma, within the lung. However, the occurrence of a biphasic structure in lung cancer is rarely reported and can lead to significant challenges and confusion in diagnosis, particularly in biopsy specimens. In our study, we collected eight lung epithelial tumors that presented with a distinct biphasic structure component and examined their clinicopathological characteristics. Histological examination revealed that the biphasic structure component, often intermingled with conventional squamous cell carcinoma or adeno carcinoma, was defined by basal cells encircling the glandular epithelium. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a distinctive peripheral p40 staining pattern in the biphasic structure component. Genetic analysis identified driver mutations in seven out of eight patients, which are typically associated with conventional pulmonary adenocarcinomas, including EGFR L858R, EGFR 19-del, EGFR 20-ins, and KRAS mutations. The presence of biphasic structure components in these cases confirms a genuine form of lung cancer, likely representing a variant of lung adenocarcinoma. This study's findings enhance the understanding of lung cancer's morphological diversity and caution against prematurely dismissing the malignancy potential of pulmonary epithelial lesions based solely on the presence of basal cells, especially with biopsy specimens.
Open Access
A low nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio of VDR expression is an independent prognostic marker in breast cancer
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Histología e Histopatología, 2025) Schubert Charlotte; Vilsmaier Theresa; Batz Falk; Cavaillès Vincent; Sixou Sophie; Kolben Thomas; Meister Sarah; Buschmann Christina; Hagemann Friederike; Biología Celular e Histología
The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the prognostic value of cytoplasmic versus nuclear expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in breast cancer (BC) tissue samples and to relate the results to clinicopathological parameters. VDR expression was assessed in 319 primary breast cancer patients using the Remmele and Stegner immunoreactive scoring (IRS) system. Follow-up data were obtained from the Munich Cancer Registry. The correlation with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Correlation analysis revealed a correlation between nuclear VDR expression and improved outcomes for both OS (p=0.004) and DFS (p=0.001). Conversely, cytoplasmic VDR expression was significantly associated with a shorter OS (p=0.003) and DFS (p<0.001). Additionally, both cytoplasmic and nuclear VDR expression were found to be independent markers of DFS (p<0.001; p=0.021) when examined alongside clinicopathological parameters. Moreover, nuclear VDR expression was positively associated with lower lymph node invasion (pN; p=0.01). For triple-negative patients, cytoplasmic VDR expression was found to have a significant inverse correlation with DFS (p<0.001). Lastly, the ratio of VDR nuclear/cytoplasmic was identified as an auxiliary independent marker of DFS and OS. These findings strongly indicate that the subcellular localization of VDR is crucial in determining BC prognosis. The expression of nuclear VDR appears to have a protective effect, while cytoplasmic VDR is associated with a more aggressive disease course. The data may help identify subgroups of patients with high-risk BC, possibly leading to specific options for targeted tumor therapy
Open Access
A redefinition of prognosis: Invasive carcinoma with metastasis originating from microglandular adenosis
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2026) Xiaochun Fei; Dan Chen; Biología Celular e Histología
Aim. To investigate the clinicopathological features, immunophenotype, diagnosis, and prognosis of invasive carcinoma originating from microglandular adenosis. Methods. Two cases of invasive carcinoma originating from microadenosis were analyzed in the Department of Pathology of the Ruijin Hospital affiliated with the Medical College of Shanghai Jiaotong University. Histopathological morphology, immuno-histochemical staining, and prognosis were observed. Results. (1) Histopathological morphology: microscopically, the tumor showed small clusters and nests of infiltrative growth; a few areas showed tubules, and some eosinophilic secretions were observed in the lumen. (2) Immunohistochemistry and molecular genetics: Case 1 was partly positive for S-100, positive for SOX-10, and negative for ER, PR, and HER2 (2+). The result of HER2 gene amplification was negative. Breast and liver tissue lesions in Case 2 were positive for S-100 and SOX-10 but negative for ER and HER2. PR was positive in the liver lesions but showed moderate to strong expression in approximately 80% of the staining. Myoepithelial markers (p63 and calponin) showed loss of myoepithelium around the nests of invasive cancers. TP53 (R213Ter) showed somatic gene variations, and no exon amplification or deletion was detected in BRCA1/2. Conclusion. Invasive carcinoma originating from microadenosis has the same immunophenotype as microadenosis, and its prognosis is difficult to determine.
Open Access
Acupuncture alleviates the progression of lumbar disc herniation by regulating the autophagy level of nucleus pulposus cells through the SIRT1/Sestrin2 pathway
(2026) Jia Lu; Pengyue Zhang; Yiming Zhang; Caiyan Li; Tao Zhang; Xianzhi Chen; Hangqi Zheng; Jie Yang; Ming Jing; Xiaoyan Wang; Biología Celular e Histología; Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
Background and purpose. Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a degenerative spine disease and the most common cause of lower back pain, with a high prevalence in younger patients. The use of acupuncture (AC) as a conservative treatment for LDH has received widespread attention at home and abroad. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the specific mechanism of AC in the treatment of LDH. Methods. In this study, we established an LDH rat model via autologous nucleus pulposus (NP) transplantation and treated human NP cells with 50 μM tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) for 24h to establish an LDH cell model for experimental investigation. The damage to human NP cells and the development of LDH in rats were evaluated via CCK-8, flow cytometry, H&E staining, and Safranin O-Fast Green staining, and the expression of related proteins was detected via western blotting. Results. This study revealed that AC promoted the protein expression of Collagen II, Bcl-2, LC3II/I, and Beclin1, and inhibited the protein expression of Bax, Cleaved Caspase-3, and p62, thereby improving the pathological condition of lumbar NP tissue in rats and alleviating LDH progression. In addition, SIRT1 and Sestrin2 are expressed at low levels in LDH, and the overexpression of SIRT1 or Sestrin2 can improve NP cell viability and inhibit cell apoptosis by activating autophagy. Mechanistically, AC inhibits the MDM2 mediated ubiquitination of Sestrin2 by upregulating SIRT1 expression, thereby promoting Sestrin2 expression, activating autophagy, and ultimately alleviating the development of LDH. Conclusion. AC relieves the development of LDH by activating the SIRT1/Sestrin2 autophagy pathway. Our study provides a new molecular mechanism for the AC treatment of LDH.
Open Access
ADAMTS4 is expressed in different cells and tissues in leprosy skin lesions: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target for leprosy and its reactional phenomena
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2026) Rafael Dantas Soares; Igor Bueno Garrido; Natália Silveira Virgili; Luciana Raquel Vincenzi Fachin; Patricia Sammarco Rosa; Ana Paula Fávaro Trombone; Andrea de Faria Fernandes Belone; Cleverson Teixeira Soares; Biología Celular e Histología
Introduction. A disintegrin and metallo-proteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 (ADAMTS4), a metalloproteinase involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, is implicated in several pathological conditions. This study evaluated ADAMTS4 in leprosy skin lesions. Methods. In total, 519 skin samples were selected, including 20 healthy controls (HC) and 499 samples with leprosy skin lesions. Leprosy lesions were divided into tuberculoid range “T” (n=95), lepromatous range “L” (n=115), type 1 reaction (n=120), type 2 reaction (n=128), and lesions in regression (n=41). Following standardization with an anti-ADAMTS4 marker, all samples were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC). Marker expression in cells or tissues with moderate or intense staining intensity (2+ or 3+) was considered positive, and the absence of or weak expression (0 or 1+) was considered negative. Results. ADAMTS4 was expressed in several cells involved in the inflammatory processes of leprosy, particularly macrophages and fibroblasts, and in different skin tissues affected by leprosy lesions. Marker expression was remarkable in different tissues affected by leprosy lesions compared with the control group. Conclusion. ADAMTS4 expression in different leprosy lesions and their reaction phenomena suggest its contribution to disease progression and reactive inflammatory amplification, indicating ADAMTS4 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in leprosy.
Open Access
Adaptive changes in the visual cortex after photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Martinez Galan, Juan R.; Caminos, Elena; Biología Celular e Histología
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of hereditary disorders that cause progressive retinal degeneration, affecting the rods and, subsequently, the cones, which results in progressive vision loss. RP is genetically heterogeneous and is inherited in an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, or sporadic non-Mendelian manner. The recent advance-ments in repairing damaged retinas highlight the necessity of understanding the impact of photoreceptor degeneration on the visual cortex. This is because functional vision may not be adequately restored if this region is significantly impaired prior to treatment. In the present review, we have analyzed the rodent models of RP that have been most frequently used and the physiological and morphological changes occurring in both humans and rodents with this disorder. Following visually evoked stimulation, the processing of visual information in the primary visual cortex (V1) of individuals with RP is altered due to modifications in the transduction of the signal originating in the degenerated retina. Moreover, alterations in the intrinsic electro-physiological properties of cortical neurons and neural circuits have also been documented. Finally, several neurochemical and/or morphological changes are observed in synaptic structures associated with pyramidal neurons and in select inhibitory interneurons. Nevertheless, despite the physiological and morphologi-cal changes that have been described, the impact of RP on the visual cortex does not inevitably result in irreversible damage, as the alterations do not appear to be particularly severe. Brain plasticity is more restricted in adults; however, remodeling of the visual cortex in mice and humans is possible, which encourages further work on therapies capable of partially restoring the lost visual function.
Open Access
Advances and challenges in developing expandable human hepatocytes for regenerative medicine
(2026) Masaki Nishikawa; Yasuyuki Sakai; Takeshi Katsuda; Saaya Yamane; Biología Celular e Histología; Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
Liver transplantation remains the only effective treatment for severe liver disease, but donor shortages pose a serious challenge, underscoring the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Hepatocyte transplantation has been proposed as a promising alternative; however, the lack of expandable cell sources remains a major obstacle. Considerable efforts have been made to establish culture systems that can preserve both the proliferative capacity and functional properties of hepatocytes. Recent advances in expandable hepatocytes and organoid technologies have shown partial success in repopulating injured mouse livers. However, achieving both sufficient cell numbers and robust repopulation efficiency has remained difficult, preventing clinical translation. Furthermore, when cells are transplanted, the engraftment success and replacement efficiency significantly influence the extent of repopulation. In this review, we first revisit the history of hepatocyte transplantation, then summarize recent progress in hepatocyte expansion technologies, and finally discuss the remaining challenges toward clinical application.
Open Access
Advancing urethral health research: Characterization of a male porcine urethra for lower urinary tract investigations
(2026) Laura A. Smith Callahan; Makhara S. Ung; Biología Celular e Histología; Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
Left untreated, life threatening urinary tract conditions such as urinary retention and overactive bladder syndrome affect a significant portion of the world’s population. To alleviate these conditions, medical devices are introduced to patient care plans. Understanding medical device interactions with the urethra is necessary for innovation and improved urethral health in users. Human models are important for mapping these interactions, but viable tissue samples can be expensive, scarce and difficult to obtain. Animal models have become an alternate approach to human models. However, selecting the appropriate animal model for comparison can vary depending on the methods utilized. Due to their similarities to human, porcine models are emerging for lower urinary tract studies. To achieve various testing modalities of tissue, preparation may differ into native or opened tissue. This study looks at the effects of preparing tissue in a native or opened fashion and provides additional data justifying a male porcine model in lieu of humans using scanning electron microscopy, standard histological microscopy, and immunohistochemistry.
Open Access
Advantages and limitations of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine for immunohistochemical staining
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Histología e Histopatología, 2025) Yu Chao; Liu Xiao; Zhao Peiyuan; Sun Zhidong; Song Yurong; Cao Yuan; Cheng Ming; Biología Celular e Histología
In this study, two chromogenic systems, horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-3,3’-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and HRP-3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), were used to perform single-color and double-color immunohistochemical staining (sIHC and dIHC, respectively) on multiple antigens in four distinct tissue types. The chromogenic results of the HRP-TMB system exhibited a vibrant blue-green color, and the tissue localization and signal intensity were consistent with those of the HRP-DAB system. In addition, it demonstrated clear differentiation from the hematoxylin-stained nucleus, endogenous melanin, and brown chromogenic results of HRP-DAB. TMB staining in tissues that contain high endogenous pigment levels eliminates the need for melanin bleaching, thereby facilitating direct observation and potentially improving the detection speed and interpretation. TMB can also be used in combination with DAB for dIHC, thus allowing detection of the two markers on a single slide. However, the TMB staining results are not stable over the long term and require image storage using slide scanners, thereby limiting its application. Additionally, in dIHC, overlapping signals of the first marker may obscure the second marker, potentially leading to bias or false negatives. Therefore, careful consideration is required when designing dIHC detection systems. Based on the above, we propose that TMB is a valuable supplement to DAB for immunohistochemical staining and deserves further promotion and utilization. However, additional research is needed to improve the composition of TMB chromogenic reagents, prolong the longevity of staining results, and overcome current limitations
Open Access
AHNAK2 is a novel diagnostic biomarker for gallbladder adenocarcinoma
(2026) Qi Song; Lei Xu; Xinyi Zhang; Minying Deng; Jie Huang; Jieakesu Su; Huimei Wang; Yingyong Hou; Lingli Chen; Biología Celular e Histología; Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
Objective. To investigate the pathological diagnostic value of AHNAK2 in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), especially in adenocarcinoma (AC). Methods. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed from 296 gallbladder tumor cases, comprising 562 cores that included normal/atypical epithelium, low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia/carcinoma in situ (HGIN/TIS), and GBC. Immunohistochemical staining for AHNAK2 and IMP3 was performed on these TMAs and another 10 GBC cases, and the sensitivity and specificity of AHNAK2 were assessed across different gallbladder tumor types. Results. AHNAK2 immunohistochemical expression demonstrated a progressive increase across pathological stages (p<0.001). Among tumor types, AHNAK2 positivity was observed in 67.53% (260/385) of ACs, 97.83% (45/46) of adenosquamous/squamous cell carcinomas (ASC/SCCs), 34.78% (8/23) of neuro endocrine carcinomas/mixed neuroendocrine-non neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEC/miNEN), but not in areas of NECs, and none in undifferentiated carcinomas (UCs). Importantly, among three grades of well, moderately, and poorly differentiated AC, the positive rate of AHNAK2 decreased from 70.59% (24/34), 70.11% (190/271), to 57.50% (46/80); conversely, IMP3 increased from 58.82%, 78.97% to 83.75%. Given the extremely low positivity rates of AHNAK2 and IMP3 in normal/atypical epithelium, combining these markers significantly improved diagnostic performance, demonstrating 83.73% sensitivity and 91.38% specificity for HGIN/TIS and GBC, achieving sensitivities of 91.18%, 90.77%, and 93.75% across well, moderately, and poorly differentiated ACs. Conclusion. AHNAK2 demonstrates moderate sensitivity and high specificity in the pathological diagnosis of GBC, particularly for well-differentiated ACs. Combining AHNAK2 with IMP3 significantly enhances diagnostic sensitivity, achieving up to 90% across all AC grades.
Open Access
AHSA1 promotes the progression of lung cancer by enhancing the expression of HSP90α
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2026) Zifeng Jiang; Kun Gao; Min Wang; Biología Celular e Histología
Background. Lung cancer (LC) is a leading cause of malignancy-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. The activator of 90 kDa heat shock protein ATPase homolog 1 (AHSA1), one of the chaperones of heat shock protein 90 kDa (heat shock protein 90, HSP90), is involved in the maturation, stabilization, degradation, and function of oncogenic proteins. The aim of this study was to investigate the specific mechanism and role of AHSA1 in LC development. Methods. Expression of AHSA1 in LC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. AHSA1 expression in LC cells and tissues was assessed by qRT-PCR and western blotting. In addition, Kaplan-Meier plotter analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between AHSA1 and clinicopathological variables and prognosis. The effects of AHSA1 on LC cell proliferation and migration were observed using cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell assays. Target genes were predicted by bioinformatics and subsequently validated using a qRT-PCR assay. Results. AHSA1 exhibited significant upregulation in LC tissues and cell lines, with its elevated expression correlating with adverse prognostic outcomes in LC patients. Functional assays revealed that downregulation of AHSA1 markedly impedes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LC cells. Conversely, overexpression of AHSA1 enhanced these malignant behaviors. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis suggested a potential interaction between AHSA1 and HSP90α, which was also found to be highly expressed in LC cells, exhibiting a notable increase in expression levels following AHSA1 upregulation. Conclusions. AHSA1 is implicated in promoting the progression of LC by enhancing the malignant phenotype of cancer cells through the upregulation of HSP90α expression, which may underlie the association of AHSA1 expression with adverse clinicopathologic features in LC patients. These findings indicate that AHSA1 serves as a potential prognostic biomarker and represents a viable therapeutic target for LC
Open Access
Aldose reductase as a regulator of ocular pathology: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential
(2026) Pei Kang Liu; Dimitrios Stavropoulos; Kun Che Chang; Laman Mirzaliyeva; Biología Celular e Histología; Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
Aldose reductase (AR), the rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway, converts glucose to sorbitol using NADPH and becomes markedly overactive under hyperglycemic conditions. Its widespread expression in ocular tissues links AR to numerous eye disorders through sorbitol accumulation, microglial activation, NADPH depletion, oxidative stress, and increased formation of advanced glycation end products. These mechanisms contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma, and other optic neuropathies, conditions that affect a large portion of the population and carry a substantial risk of progressing to vision loss if left untreated. The central involvement of AR in these processes has driven extensive development of aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs), which reduce sorbitol buildup, oxidative stress, VEGF expression, and microglial activation. Thus, clarifying the functions of AR and therapeutically targeting this pathway remains essential for advancing strategies to prevent or slow the progression of ocular disease.
Open Access
Alginate gel embedding preserves antigenicity in free-floating brain sections
(2026) Andreea Cercel; Dirk M Hermann; Razvan Capitanescu; Aurel Popa-Wagner; Mihaela Abuzan; Biología Celular e Histología
Free-floating cryosections are widely used in neuroanatomical and immunohistochemical studies due to their superior antigen preservation and unrestricted antibody penetration. However, long-term storage of these sections is vulnerable to freezer failures, often resulting in irreversible loss of irreplaceable material. To address this limitation, we developed an alginate gel embedding method designed to protect free-floating brain sections after cryotome cutting and maintain antigenicity during extended storage at -40°C. Using a mouse model of ischemic stroke, we evaluated antigen stability under simulated freezer accident conditions by analyzing immunofluorescence for CD68, GFAP, Iba1, and NeuN in consecutive sections exposed to room temperature for 0, 1, or 2 days. CD68 and Iba1 signals showed partial decline by day 2, whereas GFAP and NeuN immunoreactivity remained largely preserved, with only minor reductions in intensity. These results demonstrate that antigen stability varies across markers but can be substantially maintained when sections are embedded in alginate gel. Our findings highlight a simple and effective strategy for long-term preservation of free-floating cryosections and support its use as a safeguard against tissue degradation during storage interruptions. This method offers a practical solution for laboratories relying on extended experimental timelines and repeated immunohistochemical analyses.
Open Access
Alteration in epithelium and stroma of post-INTACS cornea: Ultrastructure and 3D transmission electron tomography
(2026) Omar Kirat2; Adrian Smedowski; Aljohara Alkanaan; Fahad Almoqbel; Turki Almubrad; Saeed Akhtar; Biología Celular e Histología; Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
This study was conducted to investigate the ultrastructure of the epithelium and stroma of post INTACS corneas. INTACS were surgically inserted into the corneas of three patients to remodel the keratoconus shape. INTACS were inserted with the IntraLase femtosecond laser. Patients 1, 2, and 3 returned to the clinic 8, 6, and 9 years, respectively, after surgery due to their deteriorating vision. The lamellae above the INTACS were removed surgically and processed for light and electron microscopy. 2D and 3D digital images of lamellae, collagen fibrils (CFs), and proteoglycans (PGs) were captured by a bottom-mounted camera and analysed using iTEM software. The epithelium and stromal lamellae had degenerated. A large number of aggregates of microfilaments were present in the Bowman’s layer (BW) and throughout the stroma. In the stroma, just above the INTACS insertion, lamellae were completely disorganised and running randomly in the large electron-lucent spaces. The CF diameter was significantly smaller than in the normal cornea. 3D images showed microfibrils within the CF were less in the post-INTACS cornea than in the normal cornea. We believe that insertion of the INTACS disturbed the lamellar organisation and uniform distribution of CFs. This non-uniform CF distribution increased over time, resulting in vision impairment.
Open Access
Amygdalin improves ovarian function by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation in premature ovarian failure mice
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2026) Jintao Han; Jianyuan Li; Jin Yao; Wenwei Jiang; Biología Celular e Histología
Background. Menstrual stoppage, follicular dysplasia, and hypergonadotropic hypoestrogenism in women under forty are among the symptoms of premature ovarian failure (POF). This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of amygdalin on ovarian function in a POF mouse model. Methods. A POF mouse model was established via injection of D-galactose (D-gal), followed by amygdalin treatment. Histological staining of ovarian tissues was applied to determine follicular development and granulosa cell apoptosis. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in ovarian tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 levels in ovaries. Results. D-gal increased levels of FSH, LH, ROS, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Bax, atretic follicles, and granulosa cell apoptosis, and decreased P, E2, AMH, SOD, GSH-px, Bcl-2, and primordial, primary, secondary, and total follicles (p<0.01). Amygdalin with different concentrations reversed the effects of D-gal on mice (p<0.05). Conclusion. Amygdalin improved ovarian function in POF mice through inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and granulosa cell apoptosis. These results suggested that amygdalin may be a potential antioxidant for POF treatment.
Open Access
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma with lymphomatous effusion: Diagnostic challenges and cytology-based approaches
(2026) Anh Dung Vu; Sohsuke Yamada; Thanh Thao Nguyen; Biología Celular e Histología; Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is an aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphoma with a poor prognosis. Lymphomatous serous effusion, defined as the presence of malignant lymphoma cells in the pleural, pericardial, or peritoneal fluid, is a rare but clinically important manifestation, particularly when a lymph node biopsy is difficult or delayed. We performed a narrative review of case reports and a small series of AITL cases with lymphomatous effusion, focusing on the clinical presentation, cytologic features, ancillary studies, and outcomes. Reported patients are typically older adults with advanced-stage disease; effusions are usually exudative, of low volume, and cytologically tumor-cell-poor but inflammation-rich; therefore, atypical T follicular helper (TFH)-type T cells are easily overlooked or misclassified. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) on cell block or cell-transfer preparations, flow cytometry, and EBER in situ hybridization improve the recognition of the AITL phenotype, whereas next generation sequencing (NGS) can detect hallmark mutations such as RHOA G17V, TET2, DNMT3A, and IDH2 directly from effusion samples, enabling a less invasive diagnostic approach when tissue is not readily available. According to previous reports, lymphomatous effusion, which is frequently measured in months, is associated with a short survival. Based on these data and current World Health Organization (WHO) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidance, we propose a practical fluid-based diagnostic algorithm that integrates cytology, ancillary tools, and lymph node biopsy when feasible, and we highlight the need for standardized effusion-based workflows, multicenter registries, and the integration of liquid biopsies, multiomics, and artificial intelligence-assisted cytology to refine risk stratification and guide therapy in this distinct subgroup.
Open Access
Antagonism of GPR4 with NE 52-QQ57 alleviates gestational diabetes mellitus-induced placental insults mediated by inhibiting NF-κB
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2026) Zongxu Qiao; Jinhui Feng; Yaning Wang; Xiaohui Zhao; Fang Li1; Biología Celular e Histología
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to a diabetic condition observed in pregnant women, significantly affecting both the health of the mother and the growth of the offspring. G protein-coupled receptor 4 (GPR4) is a receptor widely distributed across various tissues, but its role in GDM remains unclear. Our research aims to investigate the role of GPR4 in GDM and explore the potential therapeutic effects of its antagonist, NE 52-QQ57, in treating this condition. First, we found that GPR4 was expressed in placental tissues. Mice were divided into three groups: wild-type, db/+ pair-fed, and db/+ pair-fed + NE 52-QQ57. GPR4 expression was significantly higher in the db/+ pair-fed mice compared with wild-type mice. Markedly increased blood glucose and serum insulin levels were observed in GDM mice on gestational days (GD), accompanied by disrupted lipid profiles, all of which were significantly alleviated by NE 52-QQ57. Moreover, undesirable fetal outcomes, including increased fetal mortality, decreased fetal weight, reduced crown-rump length, and decreased placental weight, were observed in GDM mice, however, all were notably improved by NE 52-QQ57. Increased oxidative stress (OS) and the release of inflammatory cytokines were observed in GDM mice, but these were significantly reversed by NE 52-QQ57. Additionally, activated nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κB) signaling in placental tissues of GDM mice was significantly suppressed by NE 52-QQ57. Collectively, antagonism of GPR4 protected against GDM-induced placental damage in mice, confirming the critical role of GPR4 in the development of GDM.
Open Access
Application of the ultrasonic oscillation flotation method in paraffin section preparation
(2026) Yue Chen; Lü Ren; Jinzhi Xia; Lu Tao; Jianguo Hu; Jing Li; Xiaofeng Zhang; Zhijun Geng; Yueyue Wang; Xue Song; Min Zhang; Biología Celular e Histología; Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia
Objective. To enhance the quality and efficiency of paraffin-embedded pathological section preparation, this study aims to investigate the potential benefits of utilizing the ultrasound oscillation flotation method (UOFM) for section spreading. Methods. Specimens of various tissue types were processed using both the conventional and UOFM for section spreading. The presence of wrinkles or damage during this process was assessed through HE staining, with the number of wrinkles being quantified. The optimal frequency and power density for section spreading were determined by evaluating the qualified rate of sections at various frequencies and power densities, and the average time required for section spreading was compared between the two methods. Results. The results showed that pathological sections of various tissue types rarely showed paraffin dissolution and section breaking after the UOFM. HE staining also revealed that the group exhibited significantly reduced wrinkling and a more intact tissue structure compared with the conventional method group (p<0.05). Statistical analysis further indicated that the highest rate of section qualification was achieved when employing a frequency of 33 kHz with a power density of 60% or a frequency of 40 kHz with a power density of 75% (p<0.05). Additionally, the mean duration of section spreading in the group utilizing the UOFM was significantly reduced (p<0.05). Conclusions. The UOFM effectively maintains the structural integrity of paraffin pathological sections, significantly enhancing the quality of sections and optimizing section preparation efficiency