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Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal commonly found in the environment and is used for industrial purposes. Exposure to excessively high Mn levels may induce neurotoxicity referred to as manganism. This work was conducted to study the effect of manganese on the olfactory bulb of adult male albino rat and the possible protective role of meloxicam. Forty adult male albino rats were equally divided into four groups: control group, meloxicam-treated group (5 mg/kg/day orally for 4 weeks), MnCl2-treated group (10 mg/kg/day orally for 4 weeks), and the fourth group received both meloxicam and MnCl2 at the same doses and duration. Specimens of the olfactory bulbs were prepared for light and electron microscopy. An immunohistochemical study with a quantitative morphometry was performed using antibodies against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The control group and meloxicam-treated group showed the same normal structure. MnCl2-treated group showed shrinkage of mitral nerve cells with dark peripheral nuclei as well as disorganization of mitral and granule nerve cells. The surrounding neuropil showed vacuolar spaces. Ultrastructurally, the mitral cells showed accumulation of lysosomes, swelling of mitochondria and irregularity of the nuclei. The nerve fibers contained swollen mitochondria with splitting and irregularity of the surrounding myelin sheaths. GFAP immunoreaction showed a highly significant increase compared to control group. On the other hand, the group that received both meloxicam and MnCl2 showed less marked histological changes. It was concluded that manganese induced structural changes in the olfactory bulb of albino rat that were ameliorated by concomitant use of meloxicam.

BackgroundDiabetic foot and poor wound healing are serious problems in diabetic patients. Propolis is a honeybee product. It can improve wound healing and has free radical scavenging activity. AimThe aim of the study was to evaluate the possible wound-healing effect of bee propolis cream on streptozotocin-induced type I diabetes mellitus in adult male albino rats using histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric studies. Materials and methodsTwenty adult male albino rats were used in the study. Diabetes mellitus was induced and two cutaneous wounds were created at the dorsal region of the rats. The rats were randomly divided into two equal groups: the control group, which was subdivided into two subgroups -five rats each; subgroup Ia received vehicle cream once daily for 1 week and subgroup Ib received vehicle cream once daily for 2 weeks and the propolis group, which was subdivided into two subgroups -five rats each; subgroup IIa received propolis cream once daily for 1 week and subgroup IIb received propolis cream once daily for 2 weeks. Histological (using H&E and Masson's trichrome stains) and immunohistochemical [using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] studies were performed. Morphometric measurement of area% of collagen fibers and VEGF were carried out followed by statistical analysis. ResultsThere was a marked improvement in wound healing with a significant increase in collagen deposition in the propolis group. Increased area% of collagen fibers and VEGF immunoexpression were found in the propolis group. ConclusionThe present study reinforced the significant role of VEGF in the wound healing process. The powerful healing effect of propolis on diabetic wounds was also revealed. This could be an effective strategy for managing patients with diabetic foot.