The therapeutic effects of coenzyme Q10 on surgically induced endometriosis in Sprague Dawley rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of endometriosis rat models. Twenty seven Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups; Control Group (n = 7; Endometriosis group), Reference Group (n = 6; Endometriosis + Buserelin acetate, 20 mg/kg), CoQ10 Group-I (n = 7; Endometriosis + CoQ10, 50 mg/kg) and CoQ10 Group-II (n = 7; Endometriosis + CoQ10, 100 mg/kg). At the end of the experiment, all the rats were sacrificed, and the volume and histoarchitecture of endometrial implants were evaluated. The mast cells were determined by Toluidine blue and collagen fiber density was analysed by Masson's Trichrome staining. Tumour necrosis factor and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in peritoneal fluid and VEGF and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Terminal deoxynucleotidil transferase-mediated dUTP Nick end labelling (TUNEL) was also used for the detection of apoptotic cells. The CoQ10 treatment significantly decreased the volume of endometriotic implants, VEGF, and MMP-9 immunoreactivity and increased TUNEL-positive cells. The findings of the study suggest that CoQ10 can be used in endometriosis treatment by suppressing the endometriotic implants.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Endometriosis is a gynaecological disorder and previous studies have shown that different treatments with antioxidants cause significant regression in the endometriotic implants.What the results of this study add? In this study, CoQ10 reduced intra-abdominal adhesion scores and volume of the endometriotic implants. In addition, CoQ10 treatment affected mast cell, TNF-α, VEGF, and MMP-9.What of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? CoQ10 treatments may be possible to apply, it can contribute to science in terms of a new therapeutic treatment for endometriosis. Further studies are required to evaluate the Coenzyme Q10's effects on pain and subfertility in endometriosis.

The protective role of melatonin and curcumin in the testis of young and aged rats.

We aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin and curcumin treatment on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and histology of testicular tissue in our study. Four groups were formed using young (4 months old, n = 6) and aged (20-22 months old, n = 18) male Wistar albino rats: (a) Young control (1% ethanol:phosphate-buffered saline [PBS], subcutaneously [s.c.]); (b) Aged control (CTL; n = 6, 1% ethanol:PBS, s.c.); (c) Aged Melatonin (MLT; n = 6, 10 mg/kg, s.c.); (d) Aged Curcumin (CUR; n = 6, 30 mg/kg, i.p.). At the end of 21 days, the rats were sacrificed, and testicular tissues were removed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) in the testicular tissue was determined with thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation, and glutathione (GSH) was determined with modified Ellman method; testosterone level was determined with chemiluminescence method and histologic changes were determined with Haematoxylin-Eosin and Johnsen's scoring; Apoptotic cell counts were made with TUNEL staining of seminiferous tubule in testis. With ageing, MDA level increased in testicular tissue, but GSH and blood testosterone levels decreased. Melatonin treatment for aged rats significantly decreased Paired total testicular/body weight ratio compared to aged control group (p < 0.05). Curcumin treatment for aged rats significantly increased GSH level compared to the aged control group (p < 0.05). Besides, melatonin and curcumin treatment significantly decreased the number of apoptotic cells and significantly increased Johnsen's score (p < 0.05).

Investigation of the relationship between inflammation and microbiota in the intestinal tissue of female and male rats fed with fructose: Modulatory role of metformin.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that High-Fructose (HF) consumption, considered one of the etiological factors of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), causes changes in the gut microbiota and metabolic disorders. There is limited knowledge on the effects of metformin in HF-induced intestinal irregularities in male and female rats with MetS. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the sex-dependent effects of metformin treatment on the gut microbiota, intestinal Tight Junction (TJ) proteins, and inflammation parameters in HF-induced MetS. METHODS: Fructose was given to the male and female rats as a 20% solution in drinking water for 15 weeks. Metformin (200 mg/kg) was administered by gastric tube once a day during the final seven weeks. Biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and bioinformatics analyses were performed. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The metformin treatment in fructose-fed rats promoted glucose, insulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance Index (HOMA-IR), and Triglyceride (TG) values in both sexes. The inflammation score was significantly decreased with metformin treatment in fructose-fed male and female rats (p < 0.05). Moreover, metformin treatment significantly decreased Interleukin-1 Beta (IL-1ß) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) in ileum tissue from fructose-fed males (p < 0.05). Intestinal immunoreactivity of Occludin and Claudin-1 was increased with metformin treatment in fructose-fed female rats. HF and metformin treatment changed the gut microbial composition. Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio increased with HF in females. In the disease group, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum; in the treatment group, Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus reuteri are the prominent species in both sexes. When the male and female groups were compared, Akkermansia muciniphila was prominent in the male treatment group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, metformin treatment promoted biochemical parameters in both sexes of fructose-fed rats. Metformin showed a sex-dependent effect on inflammation parameters, permeability factors, and gut microbiota. Metformin has partly modulatory effects on fructose-induced intestinal changes.

The combined use of carbon nanotubes with synthetic ceramics enhances posterolateral fusion: an experimental study in a rat spinal fusion model.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/ HA-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) composite in a posterolateral spinal fusion model. METHODS: At first, CNTs and CNTs/HA-TCP composites were prepared. Twenty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into four groups with five rats in each group. Decortication was carried out in standard manner in all animals. Group 1 (only decortication), group 2 (CNTs), group 3 (HA-TCP) and group 4 (CNTs/HA-TCP) were formed. Eight weeks later, all animals were killed and obtained fusion segments were evaluated by manual palpation, histomorphometry and micro-computed tomography (mCT). RESULTS: In all evaluations, highest fusion values were obtained in Group 4. In mCT investigations, bone volume/ tissue volume (BV/TV) ratio was found to be significantly higher in composite group (group 4) only compared to ceramic group (group 3) (p < 0.001). Although in Group 2, in which only CNTs were used, the ratio was found to be statistically significantly higher than group 1(p < 0.001), the difference was not considered as significant in terms of fusion and in addition in group 2, CNTs were completely surrounded by fibrous tissue, i.e., no bone formation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The CNTs/HA-TCP composite is a promising synthetic bone graft substitute for spinal fusion. Although CNTs are inadequate in producing spinal fusion when they are used alone, due to their high biocompatibility due to their high biocompatibility, and multiple effect on bone regeneration, they seem to increase fusion rates significantly when they are used in combination with ceramic-based synthetic grafts.

Protective effect of beta-glucan on contrast induced-nephropathy and a comparison of beta-glucan with nebivolol and N-acetylcysteine in rats.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that beta-glucan (BG), which has antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, attenuats renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. We aimed to investigate whether BG might have a preventive role against the development of contrast-induced nephropathy and to compare its effect with nebivolol (Nb) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC). METHODS: Thirty-six Wistar albino female rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6 each): control, contrast media (CM), BG, BG + CM, Nb + CM, and NAC + CM. With the exception of control and CM groups, the others were given drugs orally once a day for 5 days. Kidney function parameters, inflammatory parameters, and serum and renal tissue oxidative stress markers were measured. RESULTS: Increases of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the CM group only. Absolute changes of serum creatinine levels in BG, BG + CM and Nb + CM groups were significantly lower than those in the CM group (p < 0.05). Serum levels of advanced oxidation protein products and malondialdehyde were significantly less (p < 0.05) in the BG group compared to the CM group. Histopathological lesions in the CM group were more advanced (p < 0.05). No significant differences between the BG + CM, Nb + CM and NAC + CM groups were found with regard to histopathological findings. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that BG protects or ameliorates against contrast-induced nephropathy. Its beneficial effects may be similar to or greater than those of Nb or NAC.

Reconstruction of cranial bone defects using Struthio camelus eggshell.

BACKGROUND: There are many synthetic materials for the treatment of bone defects, which have their own advantages and disadvantages. We aimed to compare the efficacy of ostrich eggshell, which is cheap and easily available, and demineralized bone matrix in healing of cranial bone defects. METHODS: A full-thickness circular bone defect was created in the frontal bone of 40 Wistar rats. Group 1 was the operative control group. In group 2, demineralized bone matrix applied into the defects; in group 3, Struthio camelus (ostrich) eggshell implants (OSIs) were applied into the defects; and in group 4, ostrich eggshell powders were applied into the defects. Computed tomographic analysis was performed to evaluate the healing of bone defects, the bone density, the OSI area measurements, and the OSI volume and density. At the end of the 24th week, all rats were killed. New bone formation, infection, resorption, and tissue reactions were evaluated. RESULTS: Ostrich eggshell implants were slightly resorbed, integrated with bone, stable, and supplied good cranial completeness. Ostrich eggshell powders were totally resorbed at the sixth month. There were no significant differences between control and ostrich eggshell groups in new bone formation. CONCLUSIONS: Ostrich eggshell did not seem to be an osteoproductive material, but it has some important advantages as an implant. Ostrich eggshell has a strong structure, is cheap, is shaped easily, and does not cause tissue reaction or infection. Ostrich eggshell could be a good alternative graft material for craniomaxillofacial procedures. Further studies are required to find out the potential use of the ostrich eggshell in craniomaxillofacial reconstructions.

Feasibility of demineralized bone matrix for craniomaxillofacial contour restoration.

Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) could be a good alternative for craniomaxillofacial contour restoration, especially in perialar, malar, temporal, and frontal regions. In this study, the histologic behavior of DBM was investigated in different tissue planes to determine its proper application plane for restoration of craniomaxillofacial contour deformities and defects.Forty Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: (1) 0.3 mL of 0.9% saline was injected into the subperiosteal plane of the cranium, (2) 0.3 mL of DBM was implanted into the subperiosteal plane of the cranium, (3) 0.3 mL of 0.9% saline was injected into the subdermal plane on the left inguinal region, (4) 0.3 mL of DBM was implanted into the subdermal plane on the right inguinal region, (5) 0.3 mL of 0.9% saline was injected between the left external and internal oblique muscles, and (6) 0.3 mL of DBM was implanted between the right external and internal oblique muscles. At the 8th week half of the rats and at 16th week the remaining rats were killed in each group, and tissue samples were harvested. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation revealed new bone tissue and bone marrow formation in all planes that DBM was given.Demineralized bone matrix can provide satisfactory results in craniomaxillofacial contour deformities including forehead, temporal, and malar augmentations, as well as mental and perialar augmentations and saddle nose corrections, with supraperiosteal or deep subcutaneous applications. However, superficial applications must be avoided because of the possibility of palpation, because it induces hard bone tissue formation in all tissue planes.

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in umbilical and placental vascular tissue of gestational diabetic and normal pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), a marker of endothelial dysfunction leading to damaging vascular disorders, in umbilical and placental vascular tissue of gestational pregnancies was compared to non-diabetic controls. METHODS: We included 32 pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 28 women with normal ongoing pregnancies were taken as the control group. Pregnant women with GDM were selected from the ones who had glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) values lower from 6%. CD54/ICAM-1 expression profile was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and cellular localization was determined under light microscopy. The immunoreactivity was assessed using a four-tiered scale: 0-5% (0), 6-20% (+1), 21-50% (+2), 51-100% (+3). RESULTS: In gestational diabetic patient's umbilical artery, +1 immunostaining group was observed (62.5%), and in their placenta, the highest percentage was seen in the 0 immunostaining group (43.8%). Diabetic patient's umbilical vein has the highest percentage in the +1 immunostaining group. In the control group, in both umbilical artery and vein, the highest percentage was seen in the +2 immunostaining group (46.4%) and their placenta has the +3 immunostaining group with the highest percentage (57.1%). CONCLUSION: The main outcome of our study was that, although underlying diabetes does have some effects on the pregnant mother, fears of endothelial dysfunction leading to damaging vascular disorders are probably unfounded in well-controlled GDM women.

The long-term effects of progesterone-only contraceptives on endometrium and ovary in rats.

Progestin-only (p-only) contraceptives often cause breakthrough bleeding for unknown reasons. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of p-only contraceptives to gain a better understanding of breakthrough bleeding mechanism. Wistar rats were divided into etonorgesterel implant (Group 1, n = 25), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable (Group 2, n = 25), and control groups (n = 5). Five rats each from groups 1 and 2 were examined every 10 days for up to 50 days after the medication. Uteri and ovaries were removed and prepared for immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. The tissue nitric oxide (NO) levels were determined by Griess reaction. Dynamic changes of endometrial estrogen and progesterone receptor immunoreactivity were observed in a time-dependent manner in groups 1 and 2. The number of endometrial pinopodes, which are small endometrial protrusions, increased in both groups. There was no difference between groups for the estrogen receptor in the surface epithelium of the ovary. Estrogen-alpha and progesterone receptor in follicular cells decreased in a time-dependent manner. The granulosa cells underwent atrophic and were disorganized. Decreased levels of uterine tissue NO were determined in groups 1 and 2. The effect of some p-only contraceptives make some dynamic changes in the endometrium, ovaries, steroid hormone receptors, cell morphology, and biochemical features of the tissues during their use.

The effects of melatonin on possible damage that will occur on adipocytokines and liver tissue by coadministration of fructose and bisphenol a (BPA).

BPA, one of the environmental endocrine disruptors, and fructose, reason of liver steatosis which is frequently encountered in the daily diet, contribute to the formation of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study examines the possible effects of concurrent fructose and BPA administration on MetS and determines the effects of melatonin on this process. In the seven identified groups, a total of forty-two adult male Sprague Dawley rats were treated by following fructose, BPA, and melatonin amounts, separately and together: group 1 (control), group 2 (10% aqueous fructose), group 3 (25 mg/kg BPA), group 4 (10% fructose + 25 mg/kg BPA), group 5 (10% fructose + 20 mg/kg melatonin), group 6 (25 mg/kg BPA + 20 mg/kg melatonin), and group 7 (10% fructose + 25 mg/kg BPA + 20 mg/kg melatonin). At the end of 60 days, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and biochemical procedures were performed on liver tissue. As a result, it was seen that BPA and fructose + BPA induced morphological alteration and inflammation and increased intracellular lipid quantity and amount of collagen and reticular fibers. The percentage of apoptotic liver cells stained by annexin V-FITC/PI was lower in group 7 compared to the group 4 (p < 0,001) and also in group 6 compared to the group 3 (p = 0.014). Both BPA and fructose application caused an increase in lipid peroxidation level due to the increase of oxidative stress. Application of melatonin induced antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced lipid peroxidation level. Our results indicate that fructose and BPA administration triggered the formation of MetS, whereas melatonin healed these variations, although not entirely.

The Effect of Hepcidin on Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Background/aim: Hepcidin is the main hormone in the regulation of iron metabolism which is also released from the heart. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of hepcidin on the cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury.Materials and methods: In this study, 12 Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups (n = 6 each): 1) The ischemia-reperfusion group (Group 1); 2) Hepcidin-treated group (Group 2). Rat hearts were perfused on Langendorff system with KH (Krebs-Henseleit) and subjected to 30 min stabilization, 30 min global ischemia, and 30 min reperfusion. Hepcidin (- M) was applied to group 2 at the onset of ischemia. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NOx) levels were measured in heart tissue for NOx levels, viscosity, and ion content of perfusate were collected before ischemia and the 1st, 5th, 10th, 20th, and 30th minutes of reperfusion were determined. Apoptosis in heart was evaluated.Results: NOx and MDA levels significantly decreased in heart tissue in Hepcidin-treated group. NOx and viscosity of perfusate were not significantly different between the groups. Perfusate iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium levels in group 2 were more homogeneous. Histologic structures of heart tissue were regularly in group 2. Apoptosis were increased in control group compared to hepcidin treated group.Conclusion: These results suggest that hepcidin may have a protective effect on the heart for the ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor on ischemic spinal cord injury caused by aortic cross-clamping in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury remains a devastating complication of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic operations. We aim to investigate neuro-protective role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) administered to rabbits after occlusion against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Occlusion of the abdominal aorta was applied to adult rabbits, followed by removal of aortic clamp and reperfusion. The abdominal aortas of New Zealand White albino rabbits were occluded for 30 min. Experimental groups were as follows: control group (sham operation group, n = 7), I/R group (n = 9) undergoing occlusion but receiving no pharmacologic intervention, and VEGF-treated group (n = 7) receiving 0.8 microg/kg VEGF intravenously after occlusion. Neurological status was assessed at 6, 24, and 48 h after the operation. All animals were killed at 48 h after the operation. Spinal cords were harvested for histopathologic and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: According to Tarlov's scale, neurological status of the rabbits at postoperative h 48 was better in the VEGF-treated group compared to the I/R group (P < 0.05). Decreased tissue and serum malondialdehyde levels and increased tissue and serum glutathione levels were observed in VEGF-treated group (P < 0.05). In the same group tissue and serum nitrate levels were decreased (P < 0.05). Histopathologic analyses demonstrated typical morphological changes characteristic of necrosis in the I/R group. VEGF attenuated ischemia-induced necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that shows the effects of VEGF administered after occlusion on induced oxidative damage to injured spinal cords. VEGF administration may significantly reduce the incidence of spinal cord injury following temporary aortic occlusion.

The role of fibroblast growth factor-2 in healing the dura mater after inducing cerebrospinal fluid leakage in rats.

We conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of topically applied recombinant mouse fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) in healing the dura mater in a rat with dura mater injury and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Laminectomies were performed in 32 rats at the level of the L2-L4 vertebrae, and a dura mater defect was created. Sixteen rats were treated postoperatively with locally applied recombinant mouse FGF-2, and 16 animals received normal saline. FGF-2 effects on dura mater healing, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and wound healing were assessed at 3 and 6 weeks postoperatively. The extent of dura mater healing was evaluated by histological analysis. We found that dura mater healing was significantly increased (p<0.05) in rats treated with FGF-2 compared with rats in the control group. In this experimental model, locally applied FGF-2 effectively increased dura mater healing and induced no side effects.

High-dose vitamin C supplementation accelerates the Achilles tendon healing in healthy rats.

INTRODUCTION: This experimental study was performed to assess, whether or not, vitamin C, required during the collagen synthesis, would influence the Achilles tendon healing in a healthy rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The right Achilles tendons of 42 healthy female Wistar Albino rats were completely ruptured. The rats were randomly divided into the vitamin C and control groups and both groups included third, tenth and twenty-first day subgroups. One hundred and fifty milligrams (1.5 cc) of vitamin C and 1.5 cc % 0.9 NaCl were injected once for every 2 days for the vitamin C and control groups, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative microscopic comparisons of the repair tissues of both groups were made on the mentioned days. RESULTS: Angiogenesis was more evident on the third day in the vitamin C group. There was a significant difference between the control and vitamin C groups regarding the type I collagen production on the tenth day. The structure of the repair tissue was almost in the form of regular dense connective tissue at the end of twenty-first day in the vitamin C group. Mean collagen fiber diameter was considerably higher, and the number of active fibroblasts in the repair tissue was slightly elevated in the vitamin C group during the entire healing process. CONCLUSION: High-dose vitamin C supplementation once for every 2 days has stimulating effects on the Achilles tendon healing because of early angiogenesis and increased collagen synthesis in a healthy rat model. Further studies are needed to make clear the mentioned encouraging effects of the vitamin C on the Achilles tendon healing.

Comparison of cyanoacrylate-assisted arteriotomy closure with conventional closure technique.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare conventional suture closure of arteriotomy with N-butyl-cyanoacrylate-assisted suture closure. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. Standard arteriotomy was performed to the abdominal aorta through a midline incision. In the first group, arteriotomy was closed by 3 stitches with 45 degrees between each and in the second by two stitches with 0.1 ml (12-12.5 mg) cyanoacrylate. Amount of blood loss, operation time and severity of myointimal hyperplasia by immunohistochemistry on aorta segments were measured on postoperative days 7 and 30. RESULTS: Mean anastomotic time was 13.5 +/- 1.64 in the first and 13.0 +/- 1.75 min in the second group (p = 0.356). Operation time was 23.45 +/- 3.63 in the control and 21.0 +/- 3.09 min in the second group (p = 0.027). Mean amount of bleeding was 473.75 +/- 260.5 in the first and 327.5 +/- 155.36 microl in the second group (p = 0.037). Intimal thickness on the 7th day was 80.62 +/- 7.92 in the first and 83.24 +/- 3.42 microm in the second group, and on the 30th day was 81.64 +/- 5.11 in the first and 88.77 +/- 11.03 microm in the second group. The early and late intimal thicknesses were similar (p = 0.35 and 0.87, respectively). CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of arteriotomies with fewer sutures in combination with cyanoacrylate is a safe method associated with less blood loss and shorter operation time. It also does not lead to increased myointimal hyperplasia.

Protective effects of Nigella sativa oil against carboplatin-induced liver damage in rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of nigella sativa oil (NSO) against liver damage due to intraperitoneal (i.p.) usage of carboplatin which is commonly used as a chemotherapeutic agent. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty four female Wistar-albino rats (about 200-350 grams each) were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 (n = 6) was administered 4 ml/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline 48 and 24 h before. Group 2 (n = 6) was i.p. administered 4 ml/kg NSO 48 h before and 4 ml/kg saline 24 h before. Group 3 (n = 6) was i.p. administered 4 ml/kg saline 48 h before and 80 mg/kg carboplatin 24 h before. Group 4 (n = 6) was i.p. administered 4 ml/kg NSO 48 h before and 80 mg/kg carboplatin 24 h before. At the end of 48 h, all rats were sacrificed, and liver tissues were put into 10% neutral formalin. After the routine tissue follow-up, histopathological changes and collagen fiber density were evaluated with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson's Trichrome staining. Apoptotic index was determined with TUNEL staining. RESULTS: The degeneration in hepatocytes, fiber distribution and density around central vein and portal space was observed in the carboplatin group compared to the control and NSO groups, hepatocyte cords preserved integrity, partial degeneration in hepatocytes and decreased collagen fiber distribution around central vein was noted in the NSO-carboplatin group compared to the carboplatin group. The apoptosis was lower in the NSO-carboplatin group compare with the carboplatin group, but no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (p = 0.449). CONCLUSION: When used NSO before carboplatin exposure, it may protect against liver damage.

Epidermal growth factor enhances spinal fusion: Posterolateral lumbar fusion model on rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of human recombinant epidermal growth factor (EGF) on posterolateral lumbar fusion in a rat model. METHODS: 36 male Sprague Dawley rats underwent posterolateral fusion at L4-5 level. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups: 1- Sham control group where no local augmentation was made, 2- Local Hydoxyapatite ß-tricalcium phosphate (HA/ß-TCP) augmentation group and 3- Local HA/ß-TCP + EGF augmentation group. Rats were euthanized at 8 weeks post-surgery. 6 rats from each group were selected for manual palpation examination, micro-computed tomography analysis and histologic analysis; and the rest was used for biomechanical analysis. RESULTS: Based on manual palpation, there was no fusion in the sham control group. Fusion rate was 33.3% in the HA/ß-TCP group and 66.7% in the HA/ß-TCP + EGF group (p = 0.085). Micro-CT results revealed that new bone formation was higher in the HA/ß-TCP + EGF group (BV/TV: 40% vs. 65%) (p = 0.004). Histologically newly formed bone tissue was more pronounced in the EGF group and compacted and bridging bone spicules were observed. The median maximum bending moment values were 0.51 Nmm (0.42-0.59), 0.73 Nmm (0.49-0.88) and 0.91 Nmm (0.66-1.03) in the sham control, HA/ß-TCP and HA/ß-TCP + EGF groups, respectively (p = 0.013). The median stiffness values were 1.69 N/mm (1.12-2.18), 1.68 N/mm (1.13-2.74) and 3.10 N/mm (1.66-4.40) as in the previous order (p = 0.087). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that EGF enhances posterolateral lumbar fusion in the rat model. EGF in combination with ceramic grafts increased the fusion rates. Our findings may provide insights to further studies, investigating EGF's clinical usage as an alternative fusion enhancer.

Comparative evaluation of various low-level laser therapies on bone healing following tooth extraction: An experimental animal study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of helium-neon and gallium-aluminum-arsenide lasers with various doses on bone healing following tooth extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary right incisor teeth of 30 female albino Wistar rats were extracted. Five groups were established: four groups treated with helium-neon or gallium-aluminum-arsenide lasers and a control group. Both laser groups' rats received energy doses of 6 J/cm2 and 10 J/cm2 for 7 days. At the end of 30 days, all subjects were sacrificed for histological and morphological evaluations. RESULTS: Laser groups showed faster bone healing and gallium-aluminum-arsenide lasers increased vascular immunoreactivity. The most widespread organized bone formation in the extraction socket was observed in the gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser group with the energy dose of 10 J/cm2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that low-level laser therapies were effective on alveolar bone healing and that an energy dose of 10 J/cm2 did not have an inhibition effect on bone regeneration.

Placental vascularization and apoptosis in Type-1 and gestational DM.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to analyze the alteration in vascularization and apoptosis in the placentas of patients with Type 1 or gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Placental samples drawn from normal (n = 6), GDM (n = 6), and Type 1 DM (n = 6) pregnancies were rinsed in PBS and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. The obtained sections were examined by both light and electron microscopy. Subsequently, immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate apoptosis and vascularization with caspase-9 and VEGF antibodies. RESULTS: Capillary structures in various sizes, both in free and in stem villi, were observed to be denser in the GDM group than in the control and Type-1 DM groups, utilizing electron microscopy. Similarly, when compared with Type-1 DM and controls, a decreased amount of microvilli with more irregularity and blunting on the villus surface was detected. GDM group showed increased immunoreactivity in capillaries of stem villi, free villi, and endothelial cells when compared with Type-1 DM and control groups. Regarding the immunohistochemical staining with VEGF, Type-1 DM, and GDM groups showed stronger immunoreactivity than the control group, especially in syncytiotrophoblastic cell nuclei and stromal cell nuclei. However, there was no significant difference between Type-1 DM and GDM groups. CONCLUSION: Type-1 DM and GDM placentas showed increased villous stromal capillarization, increased immunoreactivity with VEGF and caspase-9, and increased syncytial nodes, which may develop secondary to placental hypoxia-ischemia. However, more participants are needed to confirm these conclusions.

Effects of Atorvastatin on Experimental Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rabbits.

AIM: Extent of secondary injury is the determinant of tissue destruction and functional worsening after primary spinal cord injury (SCI). Data have accumulated on alleviation of secondary injury in SCI from many studies on the subject. Besides its cholesterol lowering effects, statins are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects which are the main targets of spinal cord research. This study aims to evaluate the effects of atorvastatin on experimental spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty adult male New Zealand rabbits were allocated into control, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and treatment groups. Treatment group received 5 mg/kg of atorvastatin via lavage for the preceding 14 days. Other groups received placebo during the same time period. After two weeks, animals in the I/R and treatment groups underwent abdominal temporary aorta occlusion for 30 minutes. Neurological condition of the animals was recorded during the 48 hours of observation. Afterwards, animals were sacrificed and levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione and nitric oxide in spinal cord tissue and plasma and the histopathological tissue changes were determined. RESULTS: Animals in the treatment groups demonstrated significantly better results than the I/R group regarding biochemical markers. Neurological evaluation using the Tarlov scale demonstrated significantly better results at the 48th hour in treatment group. Histopathological results were also better in the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Results of this study demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of atorvastatin. Atorvastatin has favorable effects on biochemical markers of oxidative stress in SCI. Further studies with larger cohorts and different time periods are also needed.