Dystrophic Calcification in Dead and Degenerated Tissue – Explained

Question 1. Write Briefly On Dystrophic Calcification.
Or
Write A Short Note On Dystrophic Calcification.
Answer:

Dystrophic calcification is characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in dead or degenerated tissues with normal calcium metabolism and normal serum calcium levels.

Dystrophic Calcification Pathogenesis

The process of dystrophic calcification involves two phases, i.e., initiation and propagation.

• Initiation: It is the phase in which calcium and phosphates begin to accumulate intracellularly in the mitochondria or extracellularly in membrane-bound vesicles.
• Propagation: It is the phase in which minerals deposited in the initiation phase are propagated to form mineral crystals.

Dystrophic Calcification Histology

• With hematoxylin and eosin stains, the calcium salts have a basophilic, amorphous, granular, and sometimes clumped appearance.
• At times, heterotrophic bone formation may occur.
• Progressive acquisition of outer layers may create lamellated configurations called psammoma bodies.

Read And Learn More: Pathology Questions and Answers

Dystrophic Calcification Examples

Calcification in Dead Tissue

• Caseous necrosis in tuberculosis is the most common site for dystrophic calcification.
• Liquefaction necrosis may get calcified.
• Fat necrosis in the breast or pancreatitis results in the deposition of calcium salts.
• Calcification in breast cancer.
• Infarcts may sometimes undergo dystrophic calcification.

Calcification in Degenerated Tissue

• Dense old scars, atheromas, and stroma of tumors may undergo calcification.
• Calcinosis cutis is a condition in which there is irregular nodular deposition of calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
• Senile degenerative changes: Dystrophic calcification in costal cartilages, tracheal or bronchial cartilages, and pineal gland in the brain.

Question 2. Write Briefly On Anti­Oxidants.
Answer:

Anti-oxidants are also known as free radical scavengers.

• An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to chain reactions that may damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions.
• The body makes some of the antioxidants it uses to neutralize free radicals. These antioxidants are called endogenous antioxidants. However, the body relies on external (exogenous) sources, primarily the diet, to obtain the rest of the antioxidants it needs. These exogenous antioxidants are commonly called dietary antioxidants.
• The anti-oxidants are:
  • Vitamins A, E, and C
  • Sulfhydryl-containing compounds, For Example. cysteine and glutathione
  • Serum proteins, For Example.Ceruloplasmin and transferrin.

Antioxidants may play a role in the management or prevention of some medical conditions, such as some cancers, macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, and some arthritis-related conditions.