Melatonin: a hepatoprotective agent against radioiodine toxicity in rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to investigate the possible radioprotective effects of melatonin against hepatic radioiodine (RAI) toxicity. METHODS: Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into three groups: untreated control (Group 1); oral radioiodine (RAI, 111 MBq) administrated rats (Group 2), and melatonin group (oral RAI and daily intraperitoneal injection of 12 mg/kg melatonin-Group 3). In the third group, melatonin administration was started two days before and continued for five days after RAI administration. Twenty-four hours after the administration of the last dose of melatonin, liver samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: Oxidative stress parameters demonstrated that melatonin treatment decreased the tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced the oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels, and increased the total-SH (sulphydryl) levels when compared with RAI group. The differences were statistically significant between these groups for all parameters (p < 0.05). The histopathological damage in the melatonin-treated group was significantly less than the damage in RAI group (p < 0.05 for all pathological parameters). CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that melatonin reduced the harmful effects of RAI treatment on the liver. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities are likely to be involved in the mechanism underlying the radio-protective effects of melatonin (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 30).

Can platelet-rich plasma be used safely in intra-abdominal operations?

OBJECTIVES: In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether or not platelet­rich plasma (PRP) causes intra-abdominal adhesions and therefore, whether or not PRP can be used safely in intra-abdominal operations. METHODS: Of the total of 35 animals, 5 were used as donors for the preparation of platelet­rich plasma (PRP). The surgical procedures were performed on the remaining 30 animals. These rats were randomized and divided into 3 groups of 10. In Group 1, no adhesion induction was performed. Adhesion was induced by cecal abrasion and peritoneal resection model in Groups II and IIII. In Group 2, no treatment was given. In Group 3, 1 cc PRP was applied on the cecum. The rats were sacrificed on postoperative day 21. RESULTS: According to adhesion scores, the difference between the sham and PRP groups was not statistically significant. There was also no significant difference between the control and PRP groups, but the adhesion scores in the PRP group was lower than those in the control group. On histopathological evaluation, the difference between the sham and PRP groups was not statistically significant. There was also no significant difference between the control and PRP groups, but the average fibrosis and inflammation scores in the PRP group were lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study have demonstrated that PRP neither reduced nor exacerbated postoperative adhesions. Thus, PRP can be used safely in experimental and clinical studies where it will be applied intra-abdominally (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 11).

Ultrastructural investigation of the protective effects of propolis on bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis.

We investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of propolis on bleomycin induced lung fibrosis and compared these effects to prednisolone treatment. Forty rats were divided into four groups of ten: group 1 was treated with intratracheal infusion of 0.2 ml physiological saline followed by daily treatment with 0.5 ml physiological saline for 20 days. In the remaining groups (groups 2 - 4), 5 mg/kg bleomycin was given via the trachea. Rats in group 2 were given 0.5 ml physiological saline. Rats in group 3 were treated with 100 mg/kg propolis, and 10 mg/kg prednisolone was given to rats in group 4. The treatments for all groups were continued for 20 days. On postoperative day 21, blood and lung samples were taken for biochemistry, histopathology and electron microscopy evaluation. We compared oxidative stress parameters and found lower malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels, and higher total sulfhydryl levels and catalase activities for the bleomycin + propolis group than for the bleomycin and bleomycin + prednisolone groups. The highest mean fibrosis score was detected in the bleomycin group. Although the mean fibrosis scores of the bleomycin + propolis and bleomycin + prednisolone groups were not significantly different, electron microscopy revealed that propolis diminished bleomycin induced lung fibrosis more effectively than prednisolone. The effects of propolis might be due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Does tamoxifen citrate prevent pulmonary fibrosis due to silica inhalation?

BACKGROUND: As shown in several studies, besides being used in breast cancer, tamoxifen is also known for its antifibrotic effects via reducing the serum TGF-beta levels. We investigated the possible preventive effect of tamoxifen in rats exposed to silica particles depending on the antifibrotic effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 adult female Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups. First two groups (control and tmx) were free of silica and the last three groups (slc, tmx1 and tmx 10) were exposed to crystalline silica. The rats in tmx, tmx1 and tmx10 groups received 10 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg of body weight tamoxifen, respectively. On day 84, all rats were sacrified and tissue samples were obtained together with blood samples. The differences in serum TGF-ß levels, histological grades of fibrosis and inflammation in the lung and liver tissues together with addional biochemical markers were calculated between the groups. RESULTS: Silicosis occurred in slc, tmx1 and tmx10 groups in 100%, 91.7% and 52.1%, respectively. Liver fibrosis did not occur. The highest mean lung fibrosis scores were obtained in slc group while the scores were lower in tmx1 group and the lowest in tmx10 within silica-exposed rats. Nevertheless, the inflammation scores were higher in tamoxifen-administered rats in a dose-dependent pattern. CONCLUSION: Silica inhalation did not result in liver fibrosis. Tamoxifen is found to prevent lung fibrosis and reduce serum TGFß-1 levels while increasing lung inflammation (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 27).

Effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper and calcium alginate in experimental model of hepatic parenchymal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: This experimental study compared the hemostatic effects of calcium alginate and Anka-ferd Blood Stopper in hepatic parenchymal bleedings. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study comprised 39 male Wistar albino rats (weight 230±30 g). Laceration model was created in the left lateral lobe of the liver. Standard cotton gauze that was impregnated 0.9% NaCl solution and Calcium alginate cover was compared to ABS tampon. The amount of preoperative bleeding, preoperative and postoperative Day 1 hematocrit levels, and the difference between them were assessed and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Comparing the hematocrit levels between the groups, we found that the amount of bleeding was significantly higher in the control group versus the study groups (p<0.001). Histopathological examination revealed the portal area enlargement and biliary canaliculi proliferation. In the Ca2+ Alginate group, it was observed that the fibres were still present in the incision line with massive fibrotic area around. In the Ankaferd group, examination of the preparations revealed patchy focal necrosis areas but no fibrotic area. CONCLUSION: With this study, we demonstrated that both calcium alginate and Ankaferd have hemostatic effect in preventing hepatic parenchymal bleeding and that calcium alginate causes fibrosis in the liver, where ABS causes focal necrosis areas(Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref. 19).

Evaluation of intraabdominal adhesion generating potentials of ankaferd and calcium alginate used as hemostatic agents.

AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate intra-abdominal adhesion generating potential of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), which was used as postoperative hemostatic agent in the rats that underwent surgery, in comparison with Ca-alginate. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Totally, 30 rats were randomized into 4 groups. In the control group, 1x1 cm peritoneum was removed from the right lower quadrant after cecal abrasion. In the other two study groups, the same procedure was performed after Ankaferd Blood Stopper and Ca-alginate application respectively. RESULTS were evaluated both histopathologically and by adhesion scoring methods. All results underwent statistical analysis. RESULTS: Comparing overall results, no statistically significant difference was found between the sham, control, ABS and Ca-alginate groups (p = 0.099). Paired group comparisons revealed no statistically significant difference between the sham group and the control, ABS, and Ca-alginate groups (p = 0.222, p = 0.222, and p = 0.833 respectively). It was observed that there was no statistically significant difference between the control and ABS groups (p = 0.505), but there was a statistically significant difference between the control and Ca-alginate groups with Bonferroni correction (p = 0.028). Histopathological examination revealed no statistical difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, intra-abdominal adhesion generating potentials of Ca-alginate and ABS were experimentally evaluated and macroscopic and microscopic comparisons revealed no significant difference between sham, control, Ca-alginate, and ABS groups (Fig. 8, Ref. 36). Text in PDF www.elis.sk. agent.

The effect of diosmin on pancreatic injury induced by hepatic ischemia reperfusion in rats.

PURPOSE: This experimental study aimed at comparing the cyanoacrylate abdomen closure to the effectiveness of triclosan coated polidioxanone abdomen closure. METHODS: The abdomen layers were closed with 3/0 polidioxanone suture in the first group. In the second group, the layers were closed with triclosan coated polidioxanone suture in a single layer. The abdomen layers of rats in the third group were attached with cyanoacrylates without sutures. The rats were sacrificed on the 14th day and the adhesive level was recorded. The incision resistance strength was measured. The tissue was examined blindly in the terms of inflammatory cell infiltration, capillary proliferation, fibrosis and micro-abscess by the pathologist. RESULTS: No significant difference was determined between the 1st and 2nd groups in the terms of inflammatory cell infiltration, capillary proliferation, collagen deposition, fibroblast activity, adhesive and tissue distension strength. The fibrosis and adhesive rate of the 3rd group was significantly higher than the 1st and 2nd groups statistically. The tissue distension strength was lower than in the other groups and the differences between the groups were found to be significant (p < 0.05). No significant difference was determined between the groups in the term of micro-abscess. CONCLUSIONS: Antibacterial suture is not superior to the conventional suture. It is concluded that cyanoacrylate is not an appropriate molecule for abdomen closure (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 17).

Gallstone ileus with a giant stone and associated multiple stones.

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction. Gallstone ileus accounts for only about 1-3 % of cases of mechanical obstructions of the small bowel. It usually occurs in the elderly with a female predominance and may result in high mortality rates. The diagnosis is difficult and early diagnosis reduces the mortality. Terminal ileum is the most common site of gallstone impaction. We report a case of gallstone ileus in an 81-year-old female patient who was admitted to our clinic for abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation. The ultrasonography of abdomen revealed a decrease in bowel motion, and dilated bowel segments. Intraoperatively, a giant gallstone and associated multiple stones were found in the ileum 80 cm from the ileocecal valve and extracted from a longitudinal enterotomy (Fig. 4, Ref. 24).

Diosmin ameliorates intestinal injury induced by hepatic ischemia reperfusion in rats.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion causes histologic injury to the intestinal mucosa. We investigated the effects of diosmin, a phelobotrophic drug with antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects, on intestinal injury in the experimental liver ischemia-reperfusion model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourty rats were divided into four groups: sham group (Group 1), control group (Group 2), perop diosmin group (50 mg/kg) treatment group (Group 3) and preop 10-day diosmin (50 mg/kg) treatment group (Group 4). Ischemia-reperfusion model was carried out by clamping the hepatic pedicle for 60 min and then reperfusing the liver for 90 min. At the end of procedures, blood and ileum tissue samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological assessments. RESULTS: According to the results of liver function tests (AST, ALT and LDH) there was a significant difference between the control and other groups (p < 0.001 for all). According to the plasma and ileum oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GSH-Px and XO), there was a significant difference between the control and other groups (p < 0.05 for all). Histopathologically; the specimens in Group 2 showed specific morphological abnormalities (the epithelial lining of the apical surface of villi was degenerated and desquamated to the lumen). Group 3 and 4 showed ileal histomorphology similar to the sham group. Pathological scores were significantly different between Group 2 and other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Diosmin can be administered for protection from destructive effects of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury on intestine in both emergent and elective hepatic surgical operations in which the possible ischemic periods are expected (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref. 39).

Effect of propolis on oxidative stress and histomorphology of liver tissue in experimental obstructive jaundice.

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a natural product collected by honey bees from various plant sources. We aimed to determine the possible effects of propolis on oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis in experimental obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into three groups: group I, sham-operated; group II, ligation and division of the common bile duct (BDL); group III, BDL followed by oral supplementation of propolis in a daily dose of 100 mg/kg. Liver samples were examined under the light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Hepatocyte apoptosis was quantitated using the transferase-mediated uridine nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Plasma and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were measured. RESULTS: The plasma and liver levels of MDA were significantly lower in the propolis group than in the BDL group (p < 0.05 and 0.014, respectively). Although liver GSH-Px activities were significantly higher in the propolis group than in the BDL group (p < 0.001), there was no significant difference between the plasma GSH-Px activities of these groups (p > 0.05). In the propolis group, the enlargement of hepatocytes, dilatation of canaliculi and the edema regressed. The regenerating and normal hepatocytes were demonstrated. In the TUNEL assay, propolis administration reduced hepatocyte apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Propolis showed a significant hepatoprotective effect in this experimental obstructive jaundice model.

Does povidone-iodine liposome hydrogel influence postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of PVP-I liposome hydrogel on intraperitoneal postoperative adhesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar -Albino male rats were randomly divided into three groups. After midline laparotomy, a 1 cm(2) area of the caecum was abraded with a sterile gauze until subserosal haemorrhage had developed. A 1 x 1 cm patch of peritoneum located opposite of caecal abrasion was completely dissected. In group 1 (control group, C) adhesion induction was performed and nothing was applied to the wounds. In group 2 and 3, PVP-I solution (3%) (group 2, PI) and PVP-I liposome hydrogel (group 3, PIL) were applied to the caecal abrasion areas and peritoneal defects. Adhesions were classified according to a classification system based on the evaluation of the appearance, extent and strength of the adhesions on postoperative 2lst day. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of the adhesion scores between the groups (U1 = 45, p > 0.05 ; U2 = 48, p > 0.05 ; U3 = 47.5, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that PVP liposome hydrogel did not influence postoperative intraabdominal adhesions and should be further explored for its potential use in various intraabdominal procedures.

Effect of povidone-iodine liposome hydrogel on colonic anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of povidone-iodine liposome hydrogel on colonic anastomosis. METHODS: 70 Wistar-Albino male rats were randomly divided into seven groups. The left colon was transected and end-to-end anastomosis was performed. PVP-I liposome hydrogel was applied around the anastomoses in groups 2 and 5. Colonic bursting pressures and tissue hydroxyproline contents were measured on postoperative days 3 and 7. RESULTS: PVP-I application did not cause any difference in the bursting pressures on postoperative day 3, but anastomotic strength was significantly increased by the use of PVP-I on postoperative day 7. The use of PVP-I liposome hydrogel had no effect on the level of perianastomotic hydroxyproline on postoperative day 3 but had positive effects on postoperativeday 7. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the beneficial effects of PVP-I liposome hydrogel might be due to the combination of broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of PVP-I with the drug delivery properties and moisturizing molecular film effects of the liposome hydrogel.

Case report: duodenal stromal tumor.

Tumors of the small intestine are rare lesions, but they should be kept in mind as possible causes of gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the digestive tract. A 78 year-old woman complaining of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting after meal and weight loss for three months was admitted to our clinic. On physical examination, there was only epigastric tenderness. No mass was palpated. She was anemic and total protein and albumin levels were low. Other laboratory tests were normal. A 9.0 x 7.5 cm heterogeneous mass was detected on the abdominal computerized tomography scan. Endoscopy confirmed a polypoid and vegetative mass in the second part of the duodenum. Histopathological diagnosis of endoscopic biopsy was gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. On the 11th postoperative day, relaparotomy was performed due to biliary leakage from the subhepatic drain. Biliary leakage was from the choledochojejunostomy. Choledochojejunostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy were revised. She was discharged on the postoperative 25th day. Histopathological examination of the resection specimen revealed duodenal stromal tumor. Although stromal tumors are relatively rare in the duodenum, in the case of upper gastrointestinal obstruction and anemia, this type of tumors should be considered in differential diagnosis.

Pheochromocytoma presenting with headache, panic attacks and jaundice in a child.

Pheochromocytomas can mimic many unrelated diseases due to their various presenting signs; they are encountered very rarely in childhood. Recently, their neuropsychiatric aspects have become a subject of interest for many workers, but most of the findings reported previously have been observed in adults. We present a case report which is unique in that it concerns a child with pheochromocytoma and psychiatric findings consisting of depression and panic disorder, which were interpreted as being directly related to, since they disappeared after the removal of, the tumor. Depression was persistent and accompanied by a constricting-type headache, while panic disorder was acute and accompanied by a migraine-type headache. Another intriguing complication encountered in our case was jaundice; we considered that it could possibly have been due to an adverse effect of catecholamines on hepatocyte function. We conclude that a pheochromocytoma can be confused with neuropsychiatric disorders in children as well as in adults and that it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of such disorders.