Evaluation of effects of curcumin on acute esophagitis in the corrosive esophagitis model in rats.

Ingestion of a corrosive substance may cause corrosive esophagitis. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and mucosal protective effects. In this study, the effects of curcumin on the acute phase of corrosive esophagitis were investigated. Twenty-seven Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups; sham (group I), control (group II), and experiment groups (group III, 100 mg/kg curcumin; group IV, 200 mg/kg curcumin). Forty percent sodium hydroxide solution was used to erode the esophagi of rats in groups other than the sham group. Curcumin was applied to animals in the experiment groups 10 min after the corrosion. After 24 h, animals were sacrificed, and esophagus samples were collected. According to the histopathological examination, the muscularis mucosa damage was regressed from 100% in group II to 71.4% in group III and 50% in group IV. Mild level of damage and collagen deposition in the tunica muscularis regressed from 66.7% of the animals in the control group to 42.9% in group III and to none in group IV. Further, an increase in submucosal collagen was present in all samples from groups II and III, while 83.3% of samples had an increase in submucosal collagen in group IV. There was a significant difference in the histopathological total score between the control group and group IV (p=0.02). The results showed that the administration of curcumin in a dose-dependent manner can relieve the acute phase of corrosive esophagitis.

A Determination of p97/VCP (Valosin Containing Protein) and SVIP (Small VCP Interacting Protein) Expression Patterns in Human Testis.

Background and Objectives: The ubiquitin proteosome system (UPS) is a non-lysosomal pathway that functions in all eukaryotes. The transport of polyubiquitinated proteins to proteosomes takes place via the p97/Valosin-containing protein (VCP) chaperone protein. The p97/VCP binds to polyubiquitinated proteins, allowing these proteins to reach the proteasome and, thus, their destruction. In the case of p97/VCP deficiency, ubiquitinated proteins accumulate in the cell cytoplasm, and their subsequent failure to break down produces various pathological conditions. Small VCP interacting protein (SVIP) and p97/VCP proteins have not been studied in human testicular tissues from different postnatal periods. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to examine the expression of SVIP and p97/VCP in postnatal human testicular tissues. Our study aimed to contribute to further studies on the use of these proteins as testicular cell biomarkers in cases of unexplained male infertility. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical studies with the aim of determining the expression of p97/VCP and SVIP proteins in neonatal, prepubertal, pubertal, adult, and geriatric human testis tissues were performed. Results: In testicular sections obtained from a neonatal group, p97/VCP and SVIP were localized in different testicular and interstitial cells, and the lowest expression was observed in this group. While the expressions of these proteins were low in the neonatal period, they increased gradually in the prepubertal, pubertal and adult periods. The expression of p97/VCP and SVIP, which peaked in adulthood, showed a significant decrease in the geriatric period. Conclusions: As a result, the expression of p97/VCP and SVIP correlated with the increase in age, but it decreased significantly in older groups.

The Effects of Oral 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors on Penile Intracavernosal Pressures and Penile Morphology in Rat Model.

PURPOSE: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and erectile dysfunction (ED) are urological diseases which affect more than 50 % of men older than 50 years of age. It has been reported that 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) used in clinical studies for the treatment of BPH caused ED in 0.8-15.8% of the patients. The aim of this study is evaluation of the effects of oral finasteride and dutasteride on penile intracavernosal pressures and penile morphology in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar Albino strain male rats were randomized into control (n = 10), finasteride (n = 10), and dutasteride (n = 10) groups. After 8 weeks of treatment erectile responses were evaluated in all rats measuring intracavernosal pressure (ICP) changes during erectile responses to cavernosal nerve electrical stimulation. Serum hormone levels were studied and all rats underwent prostatectomy and penectomy. All tissue samples were examined histomorphologically and a semiquantitative scoring system was used for cavernosal tissue collagen density grading. One-way analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis and P < .05 was accepted as the level of statistical significance. For two group comparisons Tukey HSD test was used as post hoc test of one way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Approximately 50% decrease was seen in mean ICPs in the finasteride and dutasteride groups compared to the control group for all voltages (2.5 V, 5 V. 7.5 V). Mean ICPs for 7.5 V were 62.17 ± 30.89mmHg in control group, 35.27 ± 31.94 in the finasteride, and 36.01 ± 19.20mmHg in the dutasteride group. But regarding ICPs there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P > .05). The serum testosterone (T) concentrations were higher in treatment groups (P < .001). Serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were not significantly different between the groups. As a result of histomorphological studies, a statistically significant increase in cavernosal tissue collagen density, and marked atrophic changes in prostatic epithelial tissues were observed in the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Although 5-ARIs cause marked atrophic changes in prostatic epithelial tissues, and prominent collagen deposition in penile cavernosal tissues, no significant effect on penile ICPs was seen in this study. The failure to show a statistically significant difference was attributed to higher standard deviations of ICP values. If sample size and duration of the treatment are increased, statistically significant results in ICPs may be reached. The penile morphology evaluation results point to a negative effect of 5-ARIs on erectile function.

Renoprotective effect of edaravone in acute limb ischemia/reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: In this experimental study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of edaravone on renal injury due to acute lower limb ischemia/reperfusion in a rat model. METHODS: Between June 2015 and August 2015, a total of 40 male Wistar rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into the sham, ischemia/reperfusion, edaravone, and solvent groups (n=10 in each). The infrarenal abdominal aorta was clamped for 120 min and was, then, reperfused for 120 min after clamp removal. Edaravone was administered intravenously 30 min before the induction of ischemia. Serum and kidney tissue samples were subjected to biochemical and histopathological analyses. RESULTS: Edaravone decreased the serum and tissue malondialdehyde levels in the ischemia/reperfusion group. The serum superoxide dismutase activity in the edaravone group was significantly higher than the ischemia/reperfusion and solvent groups. The serum nitric oxide level in the ischemia/reperfusion group was numerically higher than the sham group. The serum nitric oxide level was decreased by edaravone. The serum nitric oxide level was lower in the edaravone group than the solvent group. The tissue nitric oxide level was significantly higher in the ischemia/reperfusion than the sham group. In the ischemia/ reperfusion group, the histopathological changes were improved by edaravone. CONCLUSION: Edaravone ameliorated renal injury caused by lower-limb ischemia/reperfusion. Therefore, it can be used to ameliorate acute ischemia/reperfusion injury during aortic and peripheral vascular surgery.

Effects of Ecballium elaterium on brain in a rat model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy.

Despite recent advances in antibiotic therapy, sepsis remains a major clinical challenge in intensive care units. Here we examined the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Ecballium elaterium (EE) on brain, and explored its therapeutic potential in an animal model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) [induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)]. Thirty rats were divided into three groups of 10 each: control, sepsis, and treatment. Rats were subjected to CLP except for the control group, which underwent laparatomy only. The treatment group received 2.5 mg/kg EE while the sepsis group was administered by saline. Twenty-four hours after laparotomy, animals were sacrificied and the brains were removed. Brain homogenates were prepared to assess interleukin 1beta (IL-1ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS). Brain tissue sections were stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to semi-quantitatively examine the histopathologic changes such as neuron degeneration, pericellular/perivascular edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in the cerebral cortex. We found a statistically significant reduction in brain tissue homogenate levels of TNF-α 59.5 ± 8.4/50.2 ± 6.2 (p = 0.007) and TOS 99.3 ± 16.9/82.3 ± 7.8 (p = 0.01) in rats treated with EE; although interleukin 6 levels were increased in the treatment group compared to the sepsis group, this was not statistically significant. Neuronal damage (p = 0.00), pericellular/perivascular edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (p = 0.001) were also significantly lower in the treatment group compared to those in the sepsis group. These data suggest that Ecballium elaterium contains some components that exert protective effects against SAE in part by attenuating accumulation of proinflammatory cytokines, which may be important contributors to its anti-inflammatory effects during sepsis.

Effects of sevoflurane on female reproductive functions in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of sevoflurane by inhalation on female reproductive hormones and ovarian tissues. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted at the Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey, and comprised Wistar-Albino female rats. The rats were divided into six groups; one control and five study groups. The control group (C) received 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for seven days; the first study group (S1) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for seven days; the second group (S2) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for seven days and no treatment for the following seven days; the third group (S3) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for 14 days; the fourth group (S4) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for 14 days and no treatment for the following seven days; and the fifth group (S5) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for 14 days and no treatment for the following 14 days. The duration of the study was 28 days in February 2015. Reproductive system hormone levels were analysed and histological assessment of the ovaries was performed. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 30 rats, there were 5(16.7%) in each group. Histological injury scores in S2, S3, S4, and S5 were significantly higher than in C (p=0.016, p=0.008, p=0.016 and p=0.032, respectively). The hormone levels belonging to follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, estradiol and progesterone revealed significant alterations in all groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic exposure to sevoflurane negatively affected the histological structure of the ovary and hormonal regulation.

The Protective Effect of Curcumin on a Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Model.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate the neurological, biochemical, and histopathologic effects of both the acute and maintenance treatment of curcumin on an experimental spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury model in rats. METHODS: The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: (1) Sham, (2) ischemia-reperfusion (IR), (3) curcumin, and (4) solvent. Spinal cord ischemia was induced by clamping the aorta with minivascular clamps at a position just below the left renal artery and just proximal to the aortic bifurcation for 45 min. After 72 hr of reperfusion, neurological function was evaluated with a modified Tarlov score. In spinal cords, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were detected biochemically. Immunohistochemical staining was performed by antibodies against interleukin-6 (IL-6) and myeloperoxidase. Histopathologic changes were examined with hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: Although MDA tissue levels were elevated significantly in the IR group compared with the sham group, SOD and GPx levels decreased. After the administration of curcumin, MDA levels in the spinal cord decreased, and SOD and GPx levels increased. Those changes were statistically significant. There was no significance at NO levels. Among all groups, there was no difference in IL-6 and myeloperoxidase immunostaining. Histopathological analysis showed that histopathological changes in the IR group were improved by curcumin treatment. In the curcumin group, neurological outcome scores were significantly better statistically when compared with the IR group. CONCLUSION: We believe that curcumin possesses antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anticarcinogenic properties and may be an effective drug for the prevention of spinal cord IR injury in light of the neurologic, biochemical, and histopathological data of this study and published scientific literature.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Curcumin in Middle Ear Infection.

AIM: To investigate and analyze the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of curcumin in experimentally induced middle ear infection. METHOD: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats with otomicroscopic examination findings within normal limits were included in the study. Study groups were established after Streptococcus pneumoniae was inoculated into the middle ear cavity of all rats. No medication was administered to Group 1, the control group. Group 2 was administered 50 mg/kg/day amoxicillin intraperitoneally. Group 3 was administered 50 mg/kg/day amoxicillin together with 30 mg/kg/day curcumin intraperitoneally. Blood specimens and temporal bones were collected on the 10th day of medication from the 22 rats in which acute otitis media developed. Serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities and malondialdehyde levels were measured. Inflammatory cell infiltration, vascular proliferation, and epithelial proliferation were assessed histopathologically in middle ear mucosa specimens, and the results were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde levels in the group given curcumin were significantly lower than those of the control group, while serum glutathione peroxidase activity was also lower compared to that of the control group. No significant difference was observed among the groups in terms of superoxide dismutase activity. Although there were no significant findings in terms of histopathological data, epithelial proliferation in the groups receiving antibiotherapy was suppressed compared to the control group. Similarly, curcumin was observed to have a positive effect on inflammatory cell infiltration. No significant changes were observed in terms of vascular proliferation. CONCLUSION: With its wide and safe dose range, curcumin represents grounds for optimism in terms of anti-inflammatory treatment in acute otitis media.

Effects of carvedilol on an ischemia/reperfusion model: Biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of carvedilol (CVD) on experimentally induced ovarian ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: An ovarian I/R model was applied to rats, classified into three groups: 1 (n = 7), sham operated (control); 2 (n = 7), 3 h ischemia + 3 h reperfusion (I/R); 3 (n = 7), 3 h ischemia + CVD + 3 h reperfusion (I/R + CVD). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in ovarian tissues and serum were measured. Tissue damage was examined histopathologically; Bax and caspase-3 expression was determined immunhistochemically. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to show apoptotic cell death. RESULTS: MDA levels in ovarian tissues were significantly increased in the I/R group compared with the control. CVD administration significantly decreased tissue MDA levels in the I/R + CVD in comparison with the I/R group. GSH-Px activities in serum were higher in the I/R + CVD than in the I/R group. SOD activities in tissue and serum were significantly decreased in the I/R compared with the control group. Histological examination showed a significant improvement in ovarian morphology in the I/R + CVD compared with the I/R group. Bax and caspase-3 protein was more strongly expressed in the I/R group compared with the control and I/R + CVD groups. Apoptotic index detected by TUNEL assay was significantly increased in the I/R and decreased in the I/R + CVD group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that CVD reduces the deleterious effects of oxidative damage on ovaries in a rat I/R model.

Investigation of age-related changes in the expression of aquaporin-1 and aquaporin-5 in the salivary glands of mice.

CONCLUSION: The increased AQP5 expression associated with ageing in glands, which mainly secreted a serous solution, suggests a compensation for the decreased amount of saliva secretion associated with age progression. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the change in aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and aquaporin-5 (AQP5) expression in the salivary glands in young and elder mice. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twelve female mice from the Balb/C genus (30-50 g) were used. The mice were separated into two groups: Group I had 2-month-old mice and Group II had 18-month-old mice. Salivary glands (glandula parotidea, glandula sublungualis, glandula submaxillaris) were excised and examined immunohistochemically and histopathologically. AQP1 and AQP5 expression of young and elder mice was evaluated using the H-score. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Upon histopathological examination, the acini of glands were found to be atrophic in elder mice. The number and diameter of intercalated ducts were increased. Indeed, the amount of adipose tissue in the gland was increased. Upon immunohistochemical examination, both AQP1 and AQP5 levels in sublingual glands of elder mice were increased (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, only AQP5 levels were increased in the parotid gland of elder mice (p < 0.01).

Large-cell lung cancer originating from tracheal bronchus - A rare case.

Tracheal bronchus is a rarely seen congenital anomaly generally originating from the right lateral wall of the trachea and approximately 2 cm above the carina. It was firstly defined by Sandifort in 1785 and its frequency of incidence in normal population changes between 0.1% and 2%. There are two types called ''Supernumerary'' and ''Displaced''. It is a rarely seen kind of tracheal anomaly although fairly well defined. The cases accompanied by lung cancer are seen more rarely. Nine cases of this association were reported in literature and tracheal bronchus-lung cancer association whose pathological result is undifferentiated large-cell carcinoma has not been stated so far. We present a 75 years old male patient as possibly the first case having tracheal bronchus and large-cell carcinoma association in literature.

Evaluation of iron and zinc levels in recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to look into the roles of iron and zinc metals in etiopathogenesis of recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy by evaluating the levels of iron and zinc elements in the palatine tonsillar tissue. METHODS: In total, 40 patients who underwent a tonsillectomy to treat recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy were included in the study. Patients were classified into two groups, recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy, determined by the results of clinical and histopathological examination. The levels of iron and zinc elements were determined for each tonsillar tissue sample. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the iron and zinc concentrations (p<0.001) between the tonsillar hypertrophy and recurrent tonsillitis groups. The levels of iron and zinc were significantly lower in the recurrent tonsillitis group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that low tissue concentrations of iron and zinc may lead to recurrent tonsillitis.

Sub-branch and mixed-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: 2 case reports.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN) is one of the cystic neoplasias of the pancreas. The imaging findings provide that these tumors are differentiated from the other cystic lesions of the pancreas, especially from the chronic pancreatitis, where the treatment protocol is completely different. Therefore, the correct diagnosis and classification of the IPMN ensures that the patient receives the correct approach and the appropriate surgery, if necessary. The purpose of this study is to emphasize the imaging findings of the different types of the IPMN and the changes in the management protocol of the patients according to these radiological findings.

Acute cardiotoxic effects of high dose toluene: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the acute cardiotoxic effects of high dose toluene and its damage mechanisms on heart tissue in the acute period. METHODS: Twenty adult male Wistar Albino rats (200-220 g) were used in this controlled experimental animal study. Animals were divided into two equal groups: a control group (Group 1) and a high dose (6 mL/kg/gavage) toluene-administered group (Group 2). Arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) values were measured at 30th, 60th and 90th minutes after toluene was administered. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples and heart tissues were taken from the rats. Serum troponin T levels were assayed. Heart tissue sections were stained using routine histological methods and examined under a light microscope. In addition, the sections were immunohistochemically stained using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method to determine caspase-3 immunoreactivity and TUNEL to detect apoptosis. To compare the apoptotic index, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. For comparisons between the two groups, the independent t- test was used. In addition, time-based changes of intra-group parameters were evaluated using paired t tests. RESULTS: BP and HR values were low in toluene-treated rats compared to the control group. Troponin T levels were increased in toluene-administered animals as compared with controls [Toluene group: 0.140 (0.010-2.000) ng/mL vs control group: 0.010 (0.010-0.010) ng/mL, p=0.01]. Histopathologic examination of heart tissue sections showed congestion and edema in toluene administrated rats. Higher TUNEL positivity and (+++) immunoreactivity for caspase-3 protein were observed in the toluene group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that high doses of toluene cause apoptosis and may lead to impairment of cardiac function in the acute period.