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Biomedical subjects

I S Levij

Publications and source records attributed to I S Levij.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Endometrial reaction to intrauterine device in pregnancy.

It is generally assumed that the intrauterine device (IUD) exerts its action by altering endometrial receptivity for the implanting embryo. The most frequently encountered endometrial reaction reported in the presence of an IUD is a chronic inflammatory reaction which may be responsible for the alterations in the normal physiology of the human endometrium. In order to evaluate the endometrial response to the IUD when pregnancy occurs with the device in situ, we have examined the morphology of decidual tissue obtained during interruptions of pregnancy of 32 patients who had conceived in the presence of IUDs. Twenty-three decidual specimens, obtained during interruption of pregnancies without an IUD, served as controls. The incidence of chronic inflammatory reaction was 6.25% in the presence of an IUD and 4.34% in the control group. The incidence of chronic endometritis reported in nonpregnant IUD users is higher (14-100%) than the incidence of chronic endometritis observed in both groups. This observation may be the result of the generally observed alterations in the immune system during a normal pregnancy, but may also be interpreted as a primary reduced endometrial reaction to the IUD, consequently leading to the contraceptive failure in this group.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Comparative morphology and tumourigenicity of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines in athymic rats and mice.

Four human hepatoma cell lines PLC/PRF/5, Hep G2, Sk-Hep 1 and Mahlavu were inoculated subcutaneously into athymic Balb/c nude mice and N/NIH outbred nude rats, producing well encapsulated tumours. The 4 hepatoma tumour types in the athymic rodents differ morphologically. PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2 cells are well differentiated polygonal cells which resemble normal hepatocytes. Tumour arrangement is characterized by solid masses and trabeculae while stromal support is minimal. In contrast, Mahlavu and Sk-Hep 1 tumours have a sarcomatous appearance and consist of spindle shaped cells arranged in solid masses with a rich stromal support. Tumourigenicity of hepatoma cells in the athymic rodents was dependent on injected cell type, inoculation density, relative immunocompetence of the host and the species of animals used. In nude mice, Sk-Hep 1 cells were the most tumourigenic, while Hep G2 cells were tumourigenic only at very high inoculation densities. In nude rats, which were more resistant to tumour formation, PLC/PRF/5 cells were the most tumourigenic. Pre-treatment of athymic mice and rats with total body irradiation resulted in enhanced tumourigenicity for all hepatoma cell lines tested. This was manifested as increased "take" rates, a decreased latency from tumour cell injection to tumour detection, increased tumour weight, and for PLC/PRF/5 cells an increased invasiveness to adjacent body cavities. Furthermore, following irradiation, the minimal number of injected cells required to produce subcutaneous tumours was markedly reduced in both animal species, regardless of tumour cell type. The protocols described enable the reproducible growth of human hepatoma tumours in athymic rodents.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Indication of selective growth of human endometrial epithelial cells on extracellular matrix.

The culturing of human endometrium in conventional plastic dishes and media is only partially successful, mainly because a growth of a heterogeneous population of cells is achieved. Naturally produced extracellular matrix closely resembles the subepithelial basement membrane and seems to affect both growth and differentiation of cells. These qualities of the extracellular matrix (ECM) were applied for obtaining endometrial epithelial cultures. Endometrial tissue specimens were plated after slicing on ECM-coated dishes and kept for up to 8 d. The growth of a confluent homogeneous tissue composed of polygonal epithelial-like cells was demonstrated. To further characterize these cells, cultures were examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy revealed flattened polygonal cells covered with microvilli, among which ciliated cells were observed. By transmission electron microscopy the cells were seen as a monolayer, with some cells overlapping, closely adherent to the matrix. Microvilli, as well as intracellular vacuoles and glycogen granules were observed. Cell type specific cytoskeletal markers were demonstrated by antibodies to intermediate filament proteins (keratin and epithelial membrane antigen). Taken together, the morphologic and immunohistochemical studies indicate that a selective growth of the epithelial component of endometrial tissue was obtained after plating unprocessed endometrial tissue fragments on ECM-coated culture dishes.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Quinidine-induced hepatitis. A common and reversible hypersensitivity reaction.

In a retrospective survey of drug-induced hepatitis during a ten-year period, we found that quinidine sulfate was the most common offending agent. We analyzed the clinical and laboratory data of the 33 cases of quinidine-induced hepatitis and noted the following: (1) It is an easily recognized drug reaction, because, in most patients, fever preceded liver damage. (2) The clinical picture usually includes fever and sometimes is accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, rash, and thrombocytopenia, which resolved after discontinuation of drug therapy, but reappeared promptly after a rechallenge. (These features suggest a hypersensitivity mechanism.) (3) The histologic findings of the liver biopsy specimens consisted of portal and parenchymal, acute and chronic hepatitis, combined with granulomas. (4) In a long-term follow-up study of 15 patients, no liver function abnormalities were found. We thus conclude that quinidine-induced hepatitis, when recognized early, is a reversible drug reaction.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Advanced secretory changes in the proliferative human endometrial epithelium following clomiphene citrate treatment.

In an effort to characterize the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) on the human endometrium, we took biopsy specimens of the endometrium 24 to 48 hours after CC treatment (100 to 250 mg/day for 5 consecutive days). Nineteen biopsy specimens were taken from 19 patients. Fifteen of the patients suffered from anovulatory infertility associated with oligomenorrhea or normal cycle length. The other four patients were amenorrheic, two in association with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and two with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. The histopathology of all samples was evaluated with the use of light microscopy, including periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and PAS-diastase staining for glycogen demonstration. All samples were also examined with the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Serum levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were determined on the day of biopsy. In 10 of the 19 biopsy specimens, local or diffuse signs of early secretory events were demonstrated by the presence of subnuclear vacuolization and glycogen in the glandular epithelial cells. SEM corroborated these findings of advanced secretory changes by demonstrating apical protrusions at luminal epithelial cells and secretory products within the glands' openings. The E2 levels ranged between 110 and 1500 pg/ml (mean, 371 pg/ml) and P levels were either undetectable or less than 1.1 ng/ml. The two patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism both exhibited the same phenomena; those with primary ovarian failure had atrophic endometrium even after high-dose CC treatment. This observation, together with the low P levels detected, indicating the lack of luteinization, suggests a possible direct effect of CC on the endometrium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anovulation↗
PubMed1985

Hepatocellular carcinoma in Israel: relationship to hepatitis B virus infection.

The possible relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatitis B virus infection in Israel was evaluated. A retrospective study of 40 cases with HCC in Israel revealed irregular (macronodular) cirrhosis in 37 of 40 cases (92.5%). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), demonstrated by the immunoperoxidase technique, was found in the nontumorous liver tissue of 20 of 40 (62.5%) of the patients. alpha-Fetoprotein was positive in the tumor cells by the immunoperoxidase method in 22 of 40 (55%) of cases. Population subgroups with relatively high HBsAg carrier rates did not show a higher incidence of HCC. However, an inexplicably high rate of HCC was found in patients of Rumanian origin, regardless of HBsAg expression. The present study indicates that in Israeli patients with HCC, there is a relatively higher incidence of HBsAg in the liver tissue than in patients in other countries with a similarly low incidence of HCC.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Discrimination between normal and malignant gastric epithelial cells by computer image analysis.

The nuclei of 21 normal and 23 malignant epithelial cells from gastric smears obtained by brushing were analyzed by a black-and-white video camera under computer control. Each nucleus was digitized and its relief smoothed and displayed. A Sobel operator determined the nuclear boundaries and nuclear core area. Eighteen nuclear parameters (form descriptors and gray-value descriptors) were extracted for each nucleus and used as variables for discriminant analysis. Nine of these parameters proved useful for discrimination between normal and malignant gastric epithelial cells, with a correct classification rate of 100%. Of these, the best discriminating variables were the maximal gray value in the core, the maximal horizontal and vertical diameters, the core area and the mean derivative value in the core.

Cell Nucleus↗
PubMed1980

Foreign body granulomas in peritubal and periovarian adhesions: a possible cause for unsuccessful reconstructive surgery in infertility.

A major problem in tubal reconstructive surgery is the recurrence of peritubal and periovarian adhesions which negate the surgical endeavors. In many cases the etiology of these adhesions is obscure. Histologic re-evaluation with polarized light of 49 resected adhesions revealed residual cornstarch glove powder and suture material in seven specimens. It is concluded that cornstarch powder may be an active agent, and may not be as innocuous as its widespread use indicates.

Fallopian Tubes↗
PubMed1980

Glycogenic acanthosis of the esophagus. A benign but confusing endoscopic lesion.

During 160 consecutive fiberoptic endoscopic examinations, glycogenic acanthosis was diagnosed in 24 patients. The endoscopic diagnosis was confirmed histologically in the first 14 patients from whom biopsies were obtained. No correlation with any other disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract was found including reflux esophagitis. This common benign condition must be differentiated from lesions of similar appearance and more important prognostic significance.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1979

Chronic active hepatitis with cholestatic features. I. A clinical and immunological study.

Twelve of 43 patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) (28%) manifested clinical and laboratory features of cholestasis. The criteria for selection of these patients included at least two of the following: chronic or recurrent pruritus, serum alkaline phosphatase levels of 300 mU./ml. and cholesterol of 300 mg./dl. or more. When compared with 31 control cases these patients were found to have a preponderance of Ashkenazi Jews of Roumanian origin, a higher prevalence of joint and thyroid involvement and higher serum Ig-M Levels. Mortality was similar in both groups but patients with cholestatic features tended to die earlier in the course of the disease. Retrospectively, it was found that they had been treated more intensively, attained complete remissions less frequently and developed cirrhosis more readily. There were no significant differences in the frequency of HBsAg and anti-HBs, the mode of onset, the frequency of hepatosplenomegaly and jaundice, the hematologic findings and the prevalence of autoantibodies. Like acute cholangiolitic viral hepatitis, CAH with cholestatic features emerges as a more serious disease than the classical form of CAH.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Chronic active hepatitis with cholestatic features. II. A histopathological study.

A review of 25 liver biopsies from 12 patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) with cholestatic features (Group 1) and of 30 biopsies from 23 patients without such features (Group 2) revealed that in Group 1 the bile duct epithelium showed significantly more hyperplasis, atypia, swelling, vacuolization and inflammation. When present in patients of Group 2, these parameters, in general seemed to be less severe. The number of bile ducts per portal space was similar in both groups. Thus, on a cumulative basis, a correlation was found between the clinical and biochemical features of cholestasis and the histological signs of bile duct damage.

Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic↗
PubMed1978

Giant cell carcinoma of the pancreas. Report of a case with upper gastrointestinal bleeding diagnosed by endoscopic brush cytology.

A case of upper gastrointestinal bleeding as the first and only manifestation of giant cell carcinoma of the pancreas invading the duodenum is described. The polypoid tumor was visualized during endoscopy. The diagnosis was made by a cytologic brush and confirmed by endoscopic biopsy. The rather uncommon presentation of pancreatic carcinoma and the possibility of establishing the diagnosis by a cytologic brush is discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1976

Anti-tumour efficacy of calusterone against DMBA-induced rat mammary adenocarcinoma in vivo and in organ culture.

The effect of calusterone (7beta,17alpha-dimethyltestosterone) on rat mammary DMBA-induced adenocarcinoma was studied both in vivo and in organ culture. In vivo all 8 tumours with a diameter of less than 30 mm regressed following calusterone injection (10 mg/day for 2-3 weeks). In organ culture calusterone (20 mug/ml medium) inhibited the synthesis of DNA and RNA in all 7 cases examined. Testosterone also inhibited the synthesis of DNA and RNA in organ culture in 12 out of 14 and 10 out of 14 tumours respectively. Oestradiol-17beta on the other hand had no effect on DNA and RNA synthesis in organ culture although 70% of the tumours examined were ovarian dependent, i.e. regressed following castration. This could be explained by the direct effect of calusterone on rat adenocarcinoma compared with the indirect effect of oestradiol-17beta which probably exerts its action by activating the secretion of prolactin which acts on the tumour.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗
PubMed1976

Splenectomy, iron overload and liver cirrhosis in beta-thalassemia major.

In order to evaluate the interrelations of splenectomy, iron overload and cirrhosis, histologic specimens of liver and spleen were examined and correlated in 12 children with beta-thalassemia major. All patients had received blood transfusions since infancy. Correlations seemed to exist between splenic hemosiderosis and splenic weight, and between the latter and the age at time of splenectomy. All liver samples showed varying hemosiderosis, not correlated with the number of transfusions or the children's age. Irregular liver cirrhosis existed in three children, 7, 8, and 14 years after splenectomy. No cirrhosis existed in any of the children where the spleen was in situ. Splenectomy in children with thalassemia may carry the long-term risk of liver cirrhosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Quinidine hypersensitivity and liver involvement. A survey of 32 patients.

Thirty-two of 487 patients who received quinidine between the years of 1970 and 1974 in the departments of medicine at Hadassah University Hospital developed hypersensitivity reactions. Ten of the 32 patients had clinical and biochemical manifestations of liver invlovement. In 4 patients liver biopsy showed granulomatous hepatitis. It is therefore concluded that quinidine-induced hepatitis is a relatively common side effect of this drug.

Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury↗