Naringenin stimulates aromatase expression and alleviates the clinical and histopathological findings of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57bl6 mice.

This study was conducted to demonstrate the possible protective and therapeutic effects of naringenin, an estrogenically effective flavonoid, in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is the rodent model of multiple sclerosis. For this purpose, 50 12-week-old C57BL6 male mice were divided into five groups; control, naringenin, EAE, prophylactic naringenin + EAE, and EAE + therapeutic naringenin. The EAE model was induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein(35-55), and naringenin (50 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage. The prophylactic and therapeutic effects of naringenin were examined according to clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, electron microscopic, and RT-PCR (aromatase, 3ßHSD, estrogen receptors, and progesterone receptor expression) parameters. The acute EAE model was successfully induced, along with its clinical and histopathological findings. RT-PCR showed that expression of aromatase, 3ßHSD, estrogen receptor-ß, and progesterone receptor gene decreased, while estrogen receptor-α increased after EAE induction. Electron microscopic analysis showed mitochondrial damage and degenerative changes in myelinated axons and neurons in EAE, which could be behind the downregulation in the expressions of neurosteroid enzymes. Aromatase immunopositivity rates also decreased in EAE, while estrogen receptor α and ß, and progesterone receptor immunopositivity rates increased. Naringenin improved aromatase immunopositivity rates and gene expression in both prophylactic and therapeutic use. Clinical and histopathological findings revealed that EAE findings were alleviated in both prophylactic and therapeutic groups, along with significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltrations in the white matter of the spinal cords. In conclusion, naringenin could provide long-term beneficial effects even in prophylactic use due to stimulating aromatase expression, but it could not prevent or eliminate the EAE model's lesions completely.

Apigenin alleviates neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of apigenin on inflammatory response in brain tissue in Parkinson's mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parkinson's disease model was induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Sixty 8-10-weeks-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups control, Parkinson, prophylaxis, and treatment. Control (0.9% NaCl 0.5 ml, 10 days, i.p.), Parkinson (25 mg/kg MPTP, 5 days, i.p.), prophylaxis (50 mg/kg apigenin, 5 days + 25 mg/kg MPTP, 5 days, i.p.), and treatment (25 mg/kg MPTP, 5 days + 50 mg/kg apigenin, 5 days). The expressions and protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1ß), IL-6, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) were determined using immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis. RESULTS: Apigenin administration attenuated MPTP-induced histopathological changes in brain tissue. Furthermore, apigenin reversed the changes in expressions and concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-ß. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that apigenin could be used as a neuroprotective option to attenuate neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease.

Expression of Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Its Type 2 Receptor in the Ovary of Pregnant and Cyclic Domestic Cats.

To evaluate the expression of AMH and its receptor AMHRII, ovaries of 33 p cats were investigated by western blot and immunohistochemistry. After ovariohysterectomy, the cats were grouped according to pregnancy stages and ovarian/placental endocrine activity: group I (n = 3, 24−29 days), II (n = 8, 32−40 days), III (n = 4, 41−46 days), IV (n = 6, 53−61 days) and according to cycle stages: V (n = 6, interestrus) and VI (n = 6, estrus). Serum progesterone- and AMH-concentration was measured. Follicle numbers did not differ between groups. The number of corpora lutea was higher in pregnant cats than in the non-pregnant cats. Serum AMH concentration was at maximum between day 30 and 50 of gestation, and was higher than in non-pregnant cats, then decreased towards term (p < 0.05). In the ovaries, AMH immunopositivity was observed in granulosa cells of secondary and antral follicles, and in interstitial cells of corpora lutea; highest percentage of immunopositive areas was detected in group III (p < 0.05). A positive correlation between the number of corpora lutea and the positive AMH signals in ovarian tissue was determined (r2 = 0.832, p < 0.05); however, only during mid-gestation (group II). Expression of AMHRII was in close co-localization with AMH and strong in the interstitial cells surrounding follicles undergoing atresia. AMHRII expression did not differ between pregnant groups but was higher compared to estrus cats (p ˂ 0.05). We conclude that AMH and AMHRII expression in the feline ovary is comparable to other species. The high serum AMH concentration and ovarian AMHRII expression between day 30 and 50 of gestation are probably related to ovarian activity and follicular atresia.

The effects of dexketoprofen on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) may cause irreversible damage to tissues and organs. We evaluated the effects of dexketoprofen on a renal I/R model in rats. METHODS: The study included 30 male rats. Control group received 1 mL of saline. Dexketoprofen group received 1 mL (25 mg) of dexketoprofen intraperitoneally. After 60 minutes renal ischemia, 23 hours reperfusion was applied. In Sham group, laparotomy was performed with a medial line incision without any additional procedure. Changes in the plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), renal tissue MDA, plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), BUN, creatinine and albumin levels, and histopathological changes were evaluated. RESULTS: CAT values were significantly lower in Control as compared with the Sham group. Plasma levels of MDA in the Control group were significantly higher than in the Dexketoprofen group. BUN and creatinine values were significantly higher in the Dexketoprofen group. The severity of tissue injury in the Dexketoprofen group was significantly higher than in Control and Sham groups CONCLUSION: Although dexketoprofen reduces the I/R-induced systemic inflammation, it increases renal tissue damage.

Nobiletin attenuates inflammation via modulating proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokine expressions in an autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model.

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential preventive and therapeutic effects of nobiletin by evaluating the expression of cytokines associated with inflammatory reactions in an autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model. A total of 60 male C57BL/6 mice aged between 8 and 10 weeks were used. Mice were divided into six groups (n = 10 mice per group): control, EAE, low-prophylaxis, high-prophylaxis, low-treatment and high-treatment. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and pertussis toxin. Nobiletin was administered in low (25 mg/kg) and high (50 mg/kg) doses, intraperitoneally. The prophylactic and therapeutic effects of nobiletin on brain tissue and spinal cord were evaluated by expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFNγ), IL-6, IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) using immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Prophylactic and therapeutic use of nobiletin inhibited EAE-induced increase of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 activities to alleviate inflammatory response in brain and spinal cord. Moreover, nobiletin supplement dramatically increased the IL-10, TGF-ß and IFNγ expressions in prophylaxis and treatment groups compared with the EAE group in the brain and spinal cord. The results obtained from this study show that prophylactic and therapeutic nobiletin modulates expressions of proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines in brain and spinal cord dose-dependent manner in EAE model. These data demonstrates that nobiletin has a potential to attenuate inflammation in EAE mouse model. These experimental findings need to be supported by clinical studies.

Epidermal growth factor concentration in milk of healthy water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has biological roles, including embryonic organ development, breast morphogenesis, breast cell proliferation, and mammary development. This study aimed to measure EGF concentration and evaluate its relationship with somatic cell count (SCC) in healthy water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) milk. The study material was constituted of 120 milk samples obtained from 30 healthy water buffaloes between the ages of 3 - 6 years, negative for California mastitis test and SCC less than 3.00 × 105 cells mL-1 milk. In milk serum samples, the EGF concentration was measured using a bovine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Epidermal growth factor concentration in the buffalo milk was ranged from 4.30 to 9.80 ng mL-1, with a mean of 8.30 ± 1.50 ng mL-1. Positive correlation between milk SCC values and EGF concentrations was recorded in water buffaloes. Further research is required to evaluate the content of milk EGF in different species of animals because of the EGF effective role in mammary gland and intestinal mucosa.

Plasma concentration and uterine and ovarian expressions of insulin-like growth factor-2 in dogs with cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra.

The objective of this study was to investigate the plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) as well as its expression in the uterus and ovary of healthy dogs and those with cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)-pyometra complex. Group 1 (n = 10) included bitches with open cervix pyometra, while Group 2 (n = 7) consisted of clinically healthy bitches in dioestrus. The number of IGF-2 immunopositive interstitial cells was significantly higher in Group 1, whereas in Group 2 there were only two cases in which a few cells were IGF-2 immunopositive. IGF-2 immunopositivity was observed in the endometrial glandular epithelium in both groups. Additionally, interstitial fibroblasts and macrophages in the endometrium were also positive in Group 1. The concentration of plasma IGF-2 was higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P < 0.05). The concentration was positively correlated with IGF-2 expression in the endometrial glands (r = 0.926; P < 0.001) in Group 1. However, a negative correlation was present between plasma IGF-2 concentration and IGF-2 expression in the interstitial endocrine cells of the ovary in Group 1 (r = -0.652; P < 0.05). The results suggest that IGF-2 plays an important role during the inflammatory process occurring in bitches with CEH-pyometra complex as well as in the endometrium of healthy bitches in dioestrus.

Expression levels of angiogenic growth factors in feline squamous cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the skin in cats. Tumour angiogenesis is the pivotal event for tumour progression and metastasis. We assessed protein and gene expression of angiogenic growth factors including bFGF, VEGF-C, TGF-ß, PDGF-A, PDGF-C and PDGFR-α that possibly contribute to the angiogenic phenotype of feline SCC (FSCC) and could, therefore, be a good target in the treatment of SCC. In the present study, a total of 27 FSCC cases were investigated. Tumour cases were histopathologically classified as well differentiated (10/27), moderately differentiated (5/27), and poorly differentiated (12/27). The expression levels of the growth factors were detected using immunohistochemistry and assessed semi-quantitatively. Growth factor expression levels were evaluated at different locations: in the oral region, in areas exposed to solar UV radiation including the ears, eyelids and nasal planum, and other miscellaneous locations. Our findings have revealed that FSCC arising from different anatomical sites of the body and showing differences in aggressiveness, metastasis, and prognosis may be angiogenesis dependent, and angiogenic key regulators could play a role in the development of FSCC.

Effects of Oral Propolis on Mucosal Wound Healing after Endoscopic Nasal Surgery in a Rabbit Model.

OBJECTIVE: If the respiratory nasal mucosa is damaged and the mucosa does not heal properly during nasal or paranasal sinus surgery, a revision surgery may be required. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of oral propolis application on mucosal wound healing following endoscopic nasal surgery in a rabbit model. METHODS: Twenty four New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups, namely the experimental group (EG), the control group (CG), and the negative control group (NCG). Mucosal resection was applied with 3-mm punch forceps in the bilateral ventral nasal concha in the experimental and control groups. 75 mg/kg/day propolis was added to the diet of the rabbits in the EG for 14 days. The CG continued with the standard diet postoperatively. In the NCG, no surgical intervention was made, and no dietary support was given. On postoperative day 14 all rabbits were sacrificed and left nasal specimens were examined histopathologically, hydroxyproline levels were measured in right nasal specimens. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in hydroxyproline level, epithelial and subepithelial thickness, ciliary and goblet cell count, subepithelial fibrosis and collagen density between EG and CG. Neutrophil count was statistically significantly lower in EG, compared to CG (p=0.019, Tamhane test). CONCLUSION: Although there are many studies that show the positive effects of propolis on wound healing, such effect was not observed in this study. This study is deemed to constitute a unique experimental study that can be a resource for future similar studies to be performed with higher numbers of subjects and higher dosage of propolis.

Effects of spermine and the passive avoidance learning (PAL) following cerebral ischemia in chicks: Association with neuroprotection of pyramidal cells.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of spermine and the passive avoidance learning on hippocampus following transient cerebral ischemia in the chicks. The study is composed of the pure control (CG), sham (SG) and experimental groups (n=20). Experimental groups (ischemia group, IG and ischemia-spermine group, ISG) were exposed to ischemia for 20min whereas the SG was exposed to sham operation and CG group was not exposed to any operation. Passive avoidance learning (PAL) was applied to the half number of the subjects in each group. Both before and after 7days from the ischemia, operated animals were taken to PAL and then they were sacrificed. Total numbers of neurons in the hippocampus were stereologically estimated using Cresyl violet stained sections. We detected that number of neurons was increased following PAL and especially spermine treatment. According to our results, we suggested that spermine may reduce the deleterious effects of the ischemia by causing to increase in the neuronal number and so, it may be slightly supportive to the PAL.

Telbivudine attenuates gentamicin-induced kidney injury in rats.

Nephrotoxicity has been associated with nucleos(t)ide analogues other than telbivudine (LdT). This study investigated the potential effects of LdT and lamivudine (LAM) on renal function in an experimental rat model of gentamicin-induced acute nephrotoxicity. A total of 28 healthy Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups: negative control; positive control (PC); LdT; and LAM. Nephrotoxicity was induced by gentamicin in the LdT, LAM and PC groups. LdT and LAM were administered to two groups for 6 weeks starting on the ninth day. Blood samples were collected weekly and cystatin C levels were measured by ELISA. Animals were sacrificed on the 50th day and the kidneys were removed for histological examination. Serum cystatin C levels differed significantly between the LdT and LAM groups (P <0.007) and between the LdT and PC groups (P <0.001). Renal function was significantly improved in the LdT group at the start of antiviral treatment on Day 8 and at the end of treatment on Day 50 (P = 0.001 and 0.007). Glomerular injury, acute tubular necrosis and total injury score were significantly reduced in the LdT group relative to the PC and LAM groups upon histopathological examination. LdT was associated with significant improvements in renal function as measured by biochemical and histopathological methods. The acute kidney injury model data should be supported by clinical studies to suggest that LdT treatment may have advantages for patients with underlying chronic kidney disease receiving chronic hepatitis B treatment.

Expression of 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in ovarian and uterine tissue during diestrus and open cervix cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra in the bitch.

The purpose of this study was to compare the expression of 3ß-hydroxystreroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD) in the uterus and ovary of healthy dogs and those with cystic endometrial hyperplasia and/or pyometra complex (CEH-pyometra). Eighteen female dogs were included in the study. Eleven bitches with open cervix CEH-pyometra were included in the CEH-pyometra group and seven diestrus bitches in the control group. For immunostaining a rabbit polyclonal, one raised against recombinant human type 2 (adrenal/gonadal) 3ß-HSD was used. Progesterone (P4) concentrations were not statistically different between the groups. Strongly stained large interstitial cell groups in the ovarian medulla were observed particularly in CEH-pyometra group although these cells in the control group were weakly or moderately stained and existed singly or paired. The expressions of 3ß-HSD in luminal epithelium (42.40 ± 22.40% vs. 18.42 ± 13.15%, P < 0.05) and glandular epithelium (32.80 ± 27.05% vs. 2.94 ± 7.79%, P < 0.01) of endometrium were significantly higher in CEH-pyometra group than those in the control group. The expression of 3ß-HSD in CL was higher (29.38 ± 9.58% vs. 22.94 ± 4.97%) in CEH-pyometra group than that of control group although the differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Similarly, the significant increase in the expression of 3ß-HSD in ovarian interstitial cells (33.86 ± 29.44 vs. 1.13 ± 2.97, P < 0.05) was found in CEH-pyometra group compared to the control group. The study revealed that 3ß-HSD expression in the endometrium of canine CEH-pyometra was significantly high.

Serum concentration and skin tissue expression of insulin-like growth factor 2 in canine generalized demodicosis.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) levels are altered in skin injury; there are no data evaluating the serum concentration and skin tissue expression of IGF-2 in canine generalized demodicosis. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To assess serum concentrations of IGF-2 collected from dogs with generalized demodicosis compared to healthy dogs and to determine the location of IGF-2 in the skin of affected dogs. METHODS: Blood and skin samples were collected from 12 dogs of differing breeds and gender at 1-2 years of age that had a confirmed diagnosis of generalized demodicosis. Age-matched control skin and blood samples were collected from 11 normal dogs of different breeds and gender. Serum IGF-2 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Skin tissue expression of IGF-2 was analysed by immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: Serum concentration and skin tissue expression of IGF-2 were increased in dogs with generalized demodicosis compared with control dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These findings indicate that keratinocytes, histiocytes and fibrocytes in the dermis are positive for IGF-2; they may be a source of the elevated serum IGF-2 levels in dogs with generalized demodicosis.

Effect of Mitomycin C on bFGF, TGF-ß1, KGF-1 Expressions after Myringotomy: An Animal Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical mitomycin C (MMC) on growth factor expression in tympanic membrane (TM) wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty (20 male and 20 female) adult Wistar albino rats that varied from 250 to 300 g in weight were divided into five groups. In the first group, no intervention was performed, and the intact TMs were excised after the rats were sacrificed. In the other groups, both ears of rats underwent an electrocautery myringotomy procedure; MMC was applied to the right ears and saline to the left ones. In all groups, on the 3(rd), 7(th), 14(th), and 30(th) days, macroscopic examinations of TM patency and the expressions of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and keratinocyte growth factor-1 (KGF-1) in TM epithelia, fibroblasts, and macrophages were performed by immunohistochemical staining and compared among the groups. RESULTS: Complete healing was significantly less in the MMC group with respect to the saline group on the 7(th) and 14(th) days (p<0.05). On immunohistochemical study, no significant differences in the expressions of bFGF or KGF-1 were observed among the groups with one exception; on the 3rd day, the expression of TGF-ß1 in macrophages was more elevated in the MMC group than in the saline group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Application of MMC to acute perforations of the TM delays closure and has significant effects on some growth factors for certain durations.

Comparison of lidocaine metabolism for different anesthesia techniques in rabbits with liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the serum lidocaine concentrations (SLC) after local infiltration anesthesia (IA) and mandibular anesthesias (MA) in rabbits with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic liver damage (CLD). STUDY DESIGN: Fourteen rabbits were administered CCl4 in group 1, MA (CLD-MA; n = 7); in group 2, IA (CLD-IA; n = 7); in group 3, MA (H-MA; n = 7); and in group 4, IA (H-IA; n = 6) was performed. SLC were measured. RESULTS: SLC showed difference over time. At the 10th minute, mean SLC in IA groups were higher than in MA groups. At the 120th minute, the highest mean concentration was found in the CLD-IA group. CONCLUSIONS: SLC increases in CLD, and serum lidocaine concentration after IA in the mandibular anterior region is higher than it is after MA.

Is it really necessary to delay intranasal steroid treatment after FESS? An animal study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of early intranasal steroid administration on wound healing after sinus surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded animal study. SETTING: Animal laboratory. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-two male New Zealand rabbits underwent bilateral 3-mm punch resection of the concha nasalis ventralis. The animals were divided into 3 groups: saline, late steroid, and early steroid. The saline group received saline drops, the late steroid group received saline drops for 7 days followed by intranasal mometasone furoate 50 µg/nostril/d, and the early steroid group received intranasal mometasone furoate (same dose) starting on postoperative day 1. The animals were sacrificed on postoperative days 10 and 21. Left nasal specimens were examined histopathologically with hematoxylin-eosin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) stains. Right nasal specimens were examined with high-performance liquid chromatography, and hydroxyproline levels were measured as mg/g in wet tissue. RESULTS: Late steroid and early steroid groups were similar with regard to MMP-9 staining on days 10 and 21. On day 10, the early steroid group revealed significantly intense MMP-9 staining when compared with the saline group, and the late steroid and early steroid groups revealed significant fibrosis when compared with the saline group. Hydroxyproline levels were similar in all groups on day 10. The early steroid group revealed significantly higher hydroxyproline levels when compared with the late steroid group on day 21. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that early intranasal steroid administration after sinus surgery in an animal model has no detrimental effects with regard to wound-healing parameters.

Effects of low level electromagnetic field exposure at 2.45 GHz on rat cornea.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of low level electromagnetic field (low level-EMF) exposure, as frequently encountered in daily life, on the normal rat cornea using histological and stereological method. METHODS: Twenty-two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: Study group (n = 11) and control group (n = 11). Rats in the study group were exposed to 2.45 GHz microwave (MW) radiation (11.96 ± 0.89 V/m), 0.25 W/kg specific absorption rate (SAR) for 2 hours each day for 21 days. The corneal thickness and the anterior epithelium corneal thickness were measured using two different methods. RESULTS: Using the histological method, the mean corneal thicknesses in the control and study group were 278.9 ± 54.5 µm, and 272.4 ± 85.6 µm, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). The anterior corneal epithelium thickness was 28.1 ± 4.9 µm in the control group and 31.7 ± 5.5 µm in the study group. There were statistically differences between the groups with regard to the thickness of anterior epithelium (p < 0.05). In the measurement made by the stereological method, the percentage of the cornea occupied by anterior corneal epithelium was 15.94% in the control group and 17.9% in the study group. Despite the fact that there was a relation between increased anterior epithelial area (AEA) and radiation exposure, no statistically significant relationship in area fraction of each compartment was found between the control and study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this preliminary study show that exposure to MW radiation might cause alterations in the rat cornea.

Alpha basic crystallin expression in canine mammary tumors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic and/or diagnostic factors of canine mammary tumors by immunohistochemically analyzing the expression of alpha basic crystallin (αB-c). For this, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of 51 naturally-occurring canine mammary tumors (11 benign and 40 malignant) were used. Tissue from eight normal canine mammary glands were served as a control. Immunohistochemically, in the control mammary tissues, a few luminal epithelial cells were αB-c positive but myoepithelial cells were negative. In benign or simple type malignant tumors, αB-c expression was observed in luminal epithelial cells while the myoepithelial basal cells were negative. In benign or complex type malign tumors, positive staining was predominantly found in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. Immunoreactivity of αB-c was also observed in neoplastic myoepithelial cells. Statistically, the number of cells immunolabeled with αB-c was found to be significantly different among tissues from normal canine mammary glands, benign lesions, and malignant tumors (p < 0.05). αB-c immunoreactivity was higher in malignant tumors than the control mammary tissues (p < 0.001). Data obtained in the current study revealed a strong association between high expression levels of αB-c and primary mammary gland tumors in canines.

Evaluation of bee venom and hyaluronic acid in the intra-articular treatment of osteoarthritis in an experimental rabbit model.

The aim of this study was to investigate bee venom and hyaluronic acid in the intra-articular treatment of osteoarthritis in an experimental rabbit model. Forty-five rabbits were used and they were randomly divided into three groups (BVI, BVII, and HA) and each group was divided to two subgroups to evaluate the radiologic, magnetic resonance imaging, histopathologic, and biochemical evaluation in post treatment second week (a) and twelfth week (b). Radiologically, a significant difference was observed in the HA group (P<0.05). The MRI evaluation of at any time in group BVI(b) was found to be different. No significant differences were seen between the groups, biochemically. Histopathologically, cellularity, and orthochromasia was evident with Safranin-O in the BVI(b) and BVII(a); adhesions were seen in the BVII(a) group and clustering of chondrocyte in the HA(b) group were found to be different. Consequently, intra-articular application of HA and BV for experimental model of osteoarthritis has no significant influence upon recovery after therapy.

The effects of aging on the central nervous system steroid profiles and myelin basic protein in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aging on the central nervous system steroid and myelin basic protein (MBP) profiles. Forty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats (newborn, 1, 6, 12 and 24-monthsold) were studied. Tissues were obtained from the cerebellum and parietal, frontal, temporal cortex of the central nervous system of the rats for steroid extraction. The estradiol, progesteron, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The average levels of estradiol (pg/g), progesteron (ng/g), DHEA (ng/g) and testosterone (ng/g) in the brain tissues were respectively 24.29, 4.59, 0.27, 0.92 in the newborn-rats; 4.18 ± 1.10, 1.54 ± 0.30, 0.28 ± 0.01, 0.57 ± 0.10 in the 1 month-old-rats; 11.02 ± 1.10, 2.96 ± 0.30, 0.27 ± 0.01, 0.61 ± 0.10 in the 6 month-old-rats; 15.80 ± 1.10, 4.80 ± 0.30, 0.28 ± 0.10, 0.67 ± 0.10 in the 12 monthold- rats; 20.07 ± 1.10, 4.12 ± 0.30, 0.28 ± 0.01, 0.55±0.10 in the 24 month-old-rats. The myelin basic protein levels were determined by immunohistochemical staining and an elevation was observed in conjunction with the aging process. The results of the study indicate that the alterations in MBP, DHEA, progesterone, testosterone and estrodiol concentrations in the central nervous system of the rats during aging can be considered fundamental for future animal and human studies.