Green Electrospun Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Gelatin-Based Nanofibrous Membrane by Incorporating 45S5 Bioglass Nanoparticles and Urea for Wound Dressing Applications: Characterization and In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations.

This study reports the fabrication and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and gelatin (Gel)-based nanofiber membranes cross-linked with citric acid (CA) by a green electrospinning method in which nano 45S5 bioglass (BG) and urea were incorporated. Various combinations of PVA, gelatin, and BG were prepared, and nanofiber membranes with average fiber diameters between 238 and 595 nm were fabricated. Morphological, chemical, and mechanical properties, porosity, swelling, water retention, and water vapor transmission rate of the fabricated membranes were evaluated. PVA:Gel (90:10), 15% CA, and 3% BG were determined as the optimum blend for nanofiber membrane fabrication via electrospinning. The membrane obtained using this blend was further functionalized with 10% w/w polymer urea coating by the electrospray method following the cross-linking. In vitro biocompatibility tests revealed that the fabricated membranes were all biocompatible except for the one that functionalized with urea. In vivo macroscopic and histopathological analysis results of PVA/Gel/BG and PVA/Gel/BG/Urea treated wounds indicated increased collagenization and vascularization and had an anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, careful examination of the in vivo macroscopic results of the PVA/Gel/BG/Urea membrane indicated its potential to decrease uneven scar formation. In conclusion, developed PVA/Gel/BG and PVA/Gel/BG/Urea electrospun membranes with multifunctional and biomimetic features may have the potential to be used as beneficial wound dressings.

Tissue distribution and correlations of heavy metals in wild birds from Southern Turkey: an ecologically important region on the west Palearctic migration route.

Even if some are essential for biological functions, the accumulation of heavy metals above tolerable physiological limits is potentially toxic to also wild animals. The present study aimed to investigate concentrations of environmentally relevant heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in feathers, muscle, heart, kidney, and liver tissues of wild birds (golden eagle [Aquila chrysaetos], sparrowhawk [Accipiter nisus], and white stork [Ciconia ciconia]) from Hatay province, southern Turkey. The metal concentrations of tissues were determined by a validated ICP-OES analysis method after microwave digestion. The concentration differences of metals in species/tissues and the correlations between essential/non-essential metals were determined by statistical analysis. According to the results, Fe (326.87±3.60 mg kg-1) had the highest, and Hg (0.09±0.00 mg kg-1) had the lowest mean concentration in all tissues. Compared to the literature; Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn concentrations were lower; Cd, Fe, and Mn concentrations were higher. The correlations between As and all essentials; Cd and Cu, Fe; Hg and Cu, Fe, Zn; Pb and all essentials were significantly positive. In the conclusion, while essential Cu, Fe, and Zn are below the threshold value and do not pose a risk, Mn is close to the threshold value. Therefore, periodically monitoring the pollutant concentrations in bioindicators is a key necessity for the early determination of biomagnification trends and prevention of potential toxic stress on wildlife ecology.

Protective effects of nobiletin on cisplatin induced neurotoxicity in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the possible antioxidant, antiapoptotic and neuroprotective effects of nobiletin on cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity rat model by evaluating neurotrophins, antioxidants and histopathology. METHODS: Forty male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: control, cisplatin (CIS), cisplatin + nobiletin (CIS + NOB) and nobiletin + cisplatin (NOB + CIS). CIS + NOB was applied nobiletin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) during the last four days whereas NOB + CIS was applied nobiletin during the first four days of the study. Cisplatin (4 mg/kg, i.p. twice a day) was administered to the experimental groups on the 5th day of the study. All rats were sacrificed on the 10th day of the study. BDNF, NGF, G6PD, GPx, tGSH and MDA levels were determined in brain. In addition, routin histolopathological analysis and caspase-3 immunoreactivity assay were conducted. RESULTS: BDNF concentrations increased in nobiletin-administered groups, compared to Control and CIS and that the increase was statistically significant in NOB + CIS (p < 0.05). It was also found that G6PD activity increased (p < 0.05) in the nobiletin-administered groups, compared to control and CIS. Histopathologically, neuronal degeneration, oedema and gliosis increased in CIS compared to Control, and nobiletin administration decreased neuronal degeneration and oedema compared to CIS (p < 0.05). Cisplatin increased (p < 0.05) caspase-3 immunoreactivity in cerebrovascular endothelium and neurons compared to Control, while nobiletin administration decreased caspase-3 immunoreactivity in cerebrovascular endothelium. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity in neurons decreased only in NOB + CIS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nobiletin increased BDNF concentration and G6PD activity in brain and when evaluated together with histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, it may have antioxidant, antiapoptotic and neuroprotective effects against cisplatin.

Effects of Dexamethasone on Bupivacaine-Induced Peripheral Nerve Injection Injury in the Rat Sciatic Model.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of perineural dexamethasone against intraneural bupivacaine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats were divided into 9 groups with 6 animals in each group; Group 1 (Intraneural saline 600 µL-2ndday), Group 2 (Intraneural saline 600 µL-7th day), Group 3 (Intraneural saline 600 µL + perineural dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg-2nd day), Group 4 (Intraneural saline 600 µL + perineural dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg-7th day), Group 5 (Intraneural bupivacaine 10 mg/kg-2nd day), Group 6 (Intranueral bupivacaine 10 mg/kg-7th day), Group 7 (Intraneural bupivacaine 10 mg/kg + perineurald exam ethasone 0.5 mg/kg-2nd day), Group 8 (Intraneural bupivacaine 10 mg/kg + perineural dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg-7th day), Group 9 (Control group). At the end of the application period, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: It was observed that caspase 3 levels significantly increased in the 5th and 6th groups compared to the 1st and 2nd groups (p < 0.01). However, in the 7th and 8th groups, these levels were similar with 1st and 2nd groups. While a significant decrease in S 100 levels was detected in group 6 (p < 0.05), a significant increase occurred in Group 8 and reached the same levels as Group 2. According to histopathological evaluation, edema, vacuolization and myelin degeneration were significantly increased in groups 5 and 6 (p < 0.05). However, in the 8th group, the mentioned data showed a significant decrease and reached the same levels as group 2. As a result, perineural dexamethasone was found to have protective effects against intraneural bupivacaine induced sciatic nerve damage.

Investigation of Neuroprotective and Therapeutic Effects of Hesperidin in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury.

AIM: To investigate the neuroprotective and therapeutic efficacy of hesperidin against secondary damage following traumatic spinal cord injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 32 male Wistar albino rats weighing 250?300 g were randomly divided into four groups (n=4): group I, control group; group II, sham group; group III, preconditioning group, and group IV, treatment group. A rat model of spinal cord injury was established by dropping a weight of 100 g/cm on the spinal cord exposed at T7?T10 with dorsal laminectomy. In neurological examination after the trial period, inclined planed test, modified Tarlov scale, and finger extension test were performed. Furthermore, the bioefficacy of hesperidin was investigated histopathologically, biochemically, and immunohistochemically using blood and tissue samples obtained from the experimental animals. RESULTS: Neurological examination following spinal cord injury revealed that hesperidin significantly contributed to improvement in the 24-hour period. Biochemical analyses revealed that hesperidin showed anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing IL-1? and TNF-? levels at the 24th hour as well as strong antioxidant activity by increasing TAS levels in groups III and IV. Histopathologically, hesperidin reduced hemorrhage, laceration, axonal and neuronal degeneration, necrosis, inflammatory reaction, and edema in groups III and IV. Immunohistochemically, hesperidin reduced the number of caspase 3-positive apoptotic cells in groups III and IV. CONCLUSION: Hesperidin showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects during the acute period following spinal cord injury; thus, hesperidin shows neuroprotective and therapeutic efficacy in spinal cord injury.

Heavy metal distribution in blood, liver and kidneys of Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles from the Northeast Mediterranean Sea.

The aim of the present study was to determine the concentrations of the most investigated environmentally relevant heavy metals in two highly endangered sea turtle species (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) from the important nesting area on the Northeast Mediterranean Sea. The highest mean concentration was of Fe, while Hg and Pb were lowest. All tissue concentrations of Al, As, Fe and Mn were significantly different between the species. In particular, As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, Zn concentrations were lower in Caretta caretta and Cd, Hg, Mn, Zn concentrations were lower in Chelonia mydas than those reported in other parts of the world. Compared to studies conductud in other parts of the Mediterranean, Cd was lower.

The comparison of macroscopic and histologic healing of side-to-side (SS) tenorrhaphy technique and primer tendon repair in a rabbit model.

INTRODUCTION: The side-to-side (SS) tenorrhaphy technique has been used in tendon transfer surgery. The mechanical properties of SS tendon suture have been studied previously. However, the histo-pathological healing of the SS tenorrhaphy of the tendons is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the gross and histological effects of SS tenorrhaphy in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty New Zealand rabbits were used. The extensor hallucis longus and tibialis anterior tendon were sewed SS at the level distal to the ankle joint. The patellar tendon (PT) at the same side was used as control group. A unilateral midline incision was made and repaired with a single suture. The animals were killed at the 12th week postoperatively. The histological sections were obtained from the side of surgery from each group. Each sample was stained with hematoxylene and eosin (H&E). Gross and microscopic healing was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Gross examination of the control group showed complete healing with a thin peri-tendinous sheath formation around the suture site, whereas in the study group, a thick peri-tendinous sheath was formed around the area of the tendon-tendon anastomosis. In the control group, at the 12th week after surgery, the healing was almost completed in all samples. In the study group, a thick fibro vascular sheath has formed around the side of anastomosis. In all specimens few inter-digitations were observed between the tendons;however, the trough was still present. CONCLUSION: The result of the current study showed that histological healing and union of SS tenorrhaphy differ from that in primary tendon injury and healing. Further studies are required to clarify the healing stages at the tenorrhaphy site.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester decreases the level of S-100B protein after middle cerebral artery [correction for after] occlusion in rabbits.

Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on the serum S-100B levels were studied as an index for brain damage after permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in rabbits. Twenty rabbits were divided into four groups (n=5): control, sham, non-treatment and CAPE. The right MCA was occluded using a microsurgical procedure with bipolar coagulation and was then transected in non-treatment and CAPE groups. The rabbits in the sham group underwent a surgical procedure but the MCA was not occluded. No surgery was performed in the control group. CAPE was administered after MCA occlusion at the dose of 10 microg/kg, once a day intraperitoneally for 7 days in the CAPE group. Serum S-100B levels were determined on days 1, 2, 4 and 7. Serum S-100B level was significantly increased following permanent MCA occlusion. Posttreatment of CAPE significantly reduced the serum S-100B level. This study demonstrated that CAPE is capable of attenuating increased serum S-100B level induced by MCA occlusion in rabbits. CAPE may be useful as a neuroprotective agent.

Effects of trimetazidine on crush injury of the sciatic nerve in rats: a biochemical and stereological study.

Trimetazidine (TMZ) is an anti-ischemic agent which has been used for years as an effective anti-anginal agent in cardiac patients. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of TMZ on the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), histopathological changes and the number of myelinated axons in a crush injury model of sciatic nerve in rats. In this study, 50 Wistar albino rats were used and the right sciatic nerves of all animals were injured. They were randomly divided into two groups equal in number, called treatment and non-treatment groups. The animals were subdivided into four subgroups, non-injury/non-treatment (left sciatic nerves of non-treatment animals, NI-NT) and non-injury/treatment (left sciatic nerves of treatment animals, NI-T) and injury/non-treatment (right sciatic nerves of non-treatment animals, I-NT) and injury/treatment (right sciatic nerves of treatment animals, I-T). At the end of the experiment, the bilateral sciatic nerves and blood samples collected from these animals were analyzed using histological, stereological and biochemical methods. There was a progressive increase in the serum level of GSH and progressive decrease in serum MDA levels in the treatment group. Progressive decrease in serum NO levels was observed in the treatment groups and it was statistically significant on day 14 (p<0.05) compared to the non-treatment group. The activities of CAT were low in the treatment groups on days 21 (p<0.05) and 42 (p<0.05). In the NI-NT group, some unimportant degenerative changes such as irregularity in myelin sheets were observed. Many pathologic changes in the I-NT group and some minimal degeneration in the I-T group were observed. TMZ treatment resulted in increases in the myelinated axon numbers by a range of 223 to 604 in the I-NT group compared to the I-T. In conclusion, TMZ appears to be beneficial for induction of axonal regeneration and myelination in healthy nerves as well as injured nerves.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects rabbit brains against permanent focal ischemia by antioxidant action: a biochemical and planimetric study.

The present study was conducted to investigate whether caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis extract, has a protective effect on brain injury after focal permanent cerebral ischemia, and to determine the possible antioxidant mechanisms. Cerebral infarction in adult male New Zealand rabbits was induced by microsurgical procedures producing right focal permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). CAPE was administered to the treatment group after pMCAO at a dose of 10 micromol kg(-1) once a day intraperitoneally for 7 days. Neurological deficits were evaluated, using a modified six-point scale. Spectrophotometric assay was used to determine the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), nitric oxide (NO) and xanthine oxidase (XO). In the ipsilateral hemisphere, the infarct volume of the brain was assessed in brain slices stained with heamatoxylen and eosin. The results showed that treatment with CAPE significantly reduced the percentage of infarction in the ipsilateral hemisphere compared with the ischemia group. CAPE treatment significantly attenuated the elevation of plasma MDA, CAT and XO content (p<0.05), whereas it significantly increased the levels of plasma GSH and NO (p<0.05). Therefore, subacute CAPE administration plays a protective role in focal pMCAO due to attenuation of lipid peroxidation and its antioxidant activity. All of these findings suggest that CAPE provides neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia injury through its antioxidant action.

The protective effect of darbepoetin alfa on experimental testicular torsion and detorsion injury.

AIM: Testicular torsion is a serious urological emergency, usually involving newborns, children, and adolescents which can lead to subfertility and infertility. Prevention of testicular damage caused by torsion is still a clinical and experimental problem. So far many chemicals and drugs have been investigated for decreasing ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in experimental animals. The possible protective effect of darbepoetin alfa, a novel erythropoietic protein, on testicular tissue after I/R injury was examined in this study. METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into three groups: sham operation, torsion/detorsion, and torsion/detorsion plus darbepoetin alfa groups. After torsion (2 hours) and detorsion (4 hours), bilateral orchiectomy was performed. Malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and glutathione levels were determined in testicular tissue. RESULTS: Administration of darbepoetin alfa caused a decrease of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels and an increase in glutathione levels compared with the torsion/detorsion group. In addition, histological injury scores were significantly decreased in the treatment group more than the torsion/detorsion group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that darbepoetin alfa may be a potential protective agent for preventing testicular injury caused by testis torsion.