Histopathological effects of topical coenzyme q 10 + Vit E TPGS in experimental ischemic optic neuropathy.

We aimed to create a mechanical optic nerve damage model in rats and to investigate the neuroprotective effects of topical Coenzyme Q10 + Vitamin E TPGS (CoQ10+Vit E) molecule on retinal ganglion cells. In our study, 30 eyes of 20 male Wistar rats were used. Three groups, each consisting of 10 eyes, were formed as control, experimental, and treatment groups. The control group was used to test the formation of optic nerve damage. Topical CoQ10 + Vit E TPGS solution was applied to the rats in the treatment group, one drop twice a day for 3 weeks. On the other hand, physiological drops were applied to the experimental group 2 times a day for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, the optic nerves of the rats were dissected and examined histopathologically. In electron microscopic examination of the treatment group, it was noted that the myelin sheath in the majority of myelinated nerve fibers and the normal structures of mitochondria, neurotubules, and neurofilaments in the axoplasm were preserved. It was observed that the oligodendrocytes surrounded the myelinated axons. In the experimental group, significant degenerative changes were observed in myelinated nerve fibers in many areas. The number of myelinated axons was significantly increased in the treatment group compared to the experimental group (p = .0028). In the light of the data obtained, the neuroprotective effect of the topically used CoQ10 + Vit E TPGS molecule was found to be histopathologically effective in our experimental study.Abbreviations: NAAION: Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy; CoQ10: Coenzyme q10; CG: Control group; EG: Experimental group; TG: Treatment group.

Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A on Mandibular Fracture Healing: An Experimental Study in Rabbits.

PURPOSE: The effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on fracture healing of the long bones is controversial, and no controlled clinical or experimental study has investigated the effect of BTX-A on mandibular fractures. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether BTX-A injection into the masseter muscles affects bone healing by reducing the displacing forces in an unfavorable mandibular fracture model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight male New Zealand white rabbits were used. Ten units of BTX-A was injected into each masseter muscle in the animals in the BTX-A group, whereas saline solution was injected in the animals in the control group. A unilateral osteotomy and fixation with a microplate were performed. Bone healing was evaluated by radiodensitometric, biomechanical, histologic, and histomorphometric methods after 21 days. RESULTS: The mean bone mineral density in the fracture area was significantly higher in the BTX-A group (P = .038). The mean failure load and bending modulus values were significantly higher in the BTX-A group than in the control group (P = .032 and P = .005, respectively). The mean histologic bone healing scores, bone volume-total volume values, and trabecular diameter values were significantly higher in the BTX-A group than in the control group (P = .001, P = .001, and P = .026, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: BTX-A application into the masseter muscles improves bone healing of a unilateral mandibular fracture in rabbits.

The protective role of jervine against radiation-induced gastrointestinal toxicity.

In this study, we investigated whether jervine (J) could prevent gastrointestinal (GI) side effects of abdominopelvic radiotherapy (RT) in Wistar-Albino female rats. Rats were divided into five groups: control (C), J only (J), J administered at 5 mg/kg/days for 7 days, RT only (RT), J before RT (J + RT), J administered for seven days before RT, J both before and after RT (J + RT + J), and J administered for 7 days before RT and after RT for 3 days. The weights of rats were measured on the 1st, 7th, and 10th days of the study. Rats were sacrificed to obtain tissues from the liver and intestine, which was followed by taking blood samples intracardially. In addition, the tissues were stained with pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) immunohistochemically. In our study, J supplementation markedly reduced weight loss, and histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical results suggest that J had a protective effect on GI toxicity following RT.

Lycopene in the Prevention of Radiation-Induced Esophagitis.

We aimed to research whether lycopene (L) could prevent radiation-induced acute esophageal toxicity in Wistar albino rats. 60 rats were placed in five groups as follows: control, L, radiotherapy (RT), L before RT (L + RT), and L before and after RT (L + RT + L). 6 mg/kg bw/day L was administered 7 days in the L group, 7 days before RT in the L + RT group, and 7 days before and after in the L + RT + L group. 35 Gy thoracic RT was performed. Serum L levels were measured, and the esophagi were evaluated histopathologically for intraepithelial degenerative changes-necrosis, vacuole formation, inflammation, regeneration-mitosis, and subepithelial bulla formation. L levels were significantly higher in the L receiving groups. All histopathologic results were significantly worse in the RT group than in the none-RT groups. The L + RT and the L + RT + L groups had better results than the RT group. Grade 2-3 degenerative changes-necrosis and vacuole formation were significantly lesser in the L + RT and the L + RT + L groups than those in the RT group. There was a trend toward decreased subepithelial bulla formation and inflammation in the L + RT and the L + RT + L groups compared to the RT group. Regeneration-mitosis was insignificantly lesser in the L + RT and significantly fewer in the L + RT + L groups than that in the RT group.

Does resveratrol reduce cisplatin-induced ovarian damage?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the protectiveness of resveratrol on cisplatin-induced damage to the ovary using experimental models. METHODS: A total of 30 female Wistar-Albino rats constituted the research material. The rats were categorized into three groups: Group 1 was administered one milliliter of 0.9% NaCl solution, Group 2 was administered 7.5 mg/kg cisplatin, and Group 3 was administered 7.5 mg/kg cisplatin and 10 mg/kg resveratrol. Ovaries were extirpated in all groups and subjected to biochemical and histopathological tests. Cisplatin-induced damage to ovarian tissue was graded and scored as the total histopathological findings score. The ovarian function was assessed using immunohistochemical staining for c-kit expression. Rats' malondialdehyde, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels were determined. RESULTS: The histopathological finding score was significantly higher in Group 2 than in other groups (p<0.05). The superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were significantly higher in Group 3 than in Group 2 (p<0.001 for both cases). The malondialdehyde level was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 3 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The study findings demonstrated that resveratrol reduced ovarian injury and enhanced biochemical parameters following cisplatin-induced ovary damage in experimental models.

Fucoidan Protects against Acute Sulfoxaflor-Induced Hematological/Biochemical Alterations and Oxidative Stress in Male Mice.

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide which can be found among a number of macroalgea species. It has a broad spectrum of biological activities including anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, immunoregulation, anti-viral and anti-coagulant. The current study was performed to investigate possible protective effects of fucoidan for sulfoxaflor-induced hematological/biochemical alterations and oxidative stress in the blood of male Swiss albino mice. For this purpose, sulfoxaflor was administered at a dose of 15 mg/kg/day (1/50 oral LD50), and fucoidan was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day by oral gavage alone and combined for 24 h and 7 days. Hematological parameters (RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Plt, WBC, Neu, Lym and Mon), serum biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, BUN, Cre and TBil), and serum oxidative stress/antioxidant markers (8-OHdG, MDA, POC and GSH) were analyzed. The results indicated that sulfoxaflor altered hematological and biochemical parameters and caused oxidative stress in mice; fucoidan ameliorated some hematological and biochemical parameters and exhibited a protective role as an antioxidant against sulfoxaflor-induced oxidative stress.

Early propranolol treatment ameliorates endothelial dysfunction in experimental septic lung.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports have indicated an improved prognosis in sepsis with ß-blocker agents; however, the underlying action mechanism is still under debate. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effect of propranolol on endothelial dysfunction in septic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cecal ligation and puncture model (CLP) was used to generate sepsis. Adult male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 4 groups: group 1 was a sham group, group 2 received sterile saline, group 3 received 10 mg/kg of propranolol 3 days before the intervention, and group 4 received 10 mg/kg of propranolol 30 min after CLP. Six rats from each group were sacrificed 24 h postoperatively. The remaining rats were followed for survival. We have also evaluated the effects on systemic inflammation, coagulation and the lung tissue with immunohistochemical and electron microscopic evaluation. RESULTS: Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels, as well as tissue TNF-α scores were elevated in septic rats. Electron microscopic examination of the lung tissue showed endothelial dysfunction in the sepsis group. Pretreatment significantly improved survival. Moreover, pre-treatment altered serum vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) levels and post-treatment reduced serum PAI-1 and VEGFR-1 levels. In both the preand post-treatment groups, electron microscopic examination revealed improvement of the destroyed lung endothelium and showed only mild alterations in the cytoplasmic organelles, especially in the mitochondria of the endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the improved outcome with ß-blockers in sepsis may be due to the ameliorated endothelial dysfunction. Further studies focusing on the potential effect of ß-blockers on the endothelium may lead to a better understanding of sepsis.

Comparison of platelet rich plasma versus fibrin glue on colonic anastomoses in rats.

PURPOSE: To compare platelet rich plasma (PRP) and fibrin glue about the effect of anastomotic healing. METHODS: Thirty six Wistar-Albino male rats diveded into 3 groups according to control(Group1), PRP (Group 2) and fibrin glue(Tisseel VH) (Group 3). The colon was transected with scissor and subsequently an end to end anastomosis was performed using continuous one layer 6/0 vicryl sutures. Postoperative 7th day effect of anastomotic healing measuring with tissue hydroxyproline(TH) level and anastomotic bursting pressure(ABP); moreover comparison of cytokine (IL-6 and IL-10) and procalcitonin levels on 1st,3rd and 7th days. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference of the ABP and hydroxyproline levels between PRP and fibrin glue on the 7th day. There was no statistically significant difference between levels of proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6) (P=0.41), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) (P=0.35), and procalcitonin levels (P=0.63) on 1, 3 and 7 days. CONCLUSION: Fibrin glue and platelet rich plasma are shown to be effective in healing intestinal anastomoses without superior to each other.

Therapeutic Potential of Pterostilbene and Resveratrol on Biomechanic, Biochemical, and Histological Parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pterostilbene (PTS) (trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene) and resveratrol (RSV) (trans-3,5,4' trihydroxystilbene) applied at different doses for the treatment of streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the end of the 5-week experimental period, the right gastrocnemius muscles of the rats were examined biomechanically, while the left ones were examined histologically. In addition, blood glucose, serum insulin, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analyzed in blood samples taken from the rats. RESULTS: The skeletal muscle isometric contraction forces, which showed a decrease with diabetes, were observed to increase with antioxidant applications. Blood glucose, serum insulin, and MDA levels in diabetic rats approached normal levels after applying PTS. When the electron microscopic images of the rat skeletal muscle were examined, those in the combination treatment group were observed to show a better enhancement in the skeletal muscle morphological structure compared to the other diabetic and treatment groups. CONCLUSION: According to the findings, we suggest that these antioxidant treatments might have good therapeutic nutraceutical potential for some muscle diseases that coexist with diabetes. These treatments should be comprehensively investigated in the future.

Does resveratrol reduce cisplatin-induced ovarian damage?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the protectiveness of resveratrol on cisplatin-induced damage to the ovary using experimental models. METHODS: A total of 30 female Wistar-Albino rats constituted the research material. The rats were categorized into three groups: Group 1 was administered one milliliter of 0.9% NaCl solution, Group 2 was administered 7.5 mg/kg cisplatin, and Group 3 was administered 7.5 mg/kg cisplatin and 10 mg/kg resveratrol. Ovaries were extirpated in all groups and subjected to biochemical and histopathological tests. Cisplatin-induced damage to ovarian tissue was graded and scored as the total histopathological findings score. The ovarian function was assessed using immunohistochemical staining for c-kit expression. Rats' malondialdehyde, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels were determined. RESULTS: The histopathological finding score was significantly higher in Group 2 than in other groups (p<0.05). The superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were significantly higher in Group 3 than in Group 2 (p<0.001 for both cases). The malondialdehyde level was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 3 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The study findings demonstrated that resveratrol reduced ovarian injury and enhanced biochemical parameters following cisplatin-induced ovary damage in experimental models.

Impacts of ß-estradiol on intestinal injury in newborn rats.

OBJECTIVE: Necrotizing enterocolitis has been investigated and debated extensively in recent years; however, there is still no effective treatment. The aim of this study was thus to examine the effects of ß-estradiol on intestinal injury in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four newborn female rat pups were divided into three groups. In group 1 (sham), hypoxia-re-oxygenation was not performed. In group 2 (saline), the rats were injected with saline after hypoxia-re-oxygenation, and the process was repeated for 5 d. In group 3 (ß-estradiol treatment), the rats were subjected to hypoxia-re-oxygenation and then given ß-estradiol intraperitoneally once a day for 5 d. After these procedures, the terminal ileum was removed for analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in histological grades were found between groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.000), groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.028), and groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.021). There were also differences in TNF-α and IL-6 levels between groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.000 and p = 0.038, respectively) and between groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.000 and p = 0.000); there was no difference between groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.574 and p = 0.195, respectively). Electron microscopy examination revealed a decrease in lipid droplets at the apical cytoplasm of the columnar cells in group 2; in group 3, the absorption of the lipids as lipid droplets was similar to that of group 1. CONCLUSION: In this study, ß-estradiol was found to decrease the intensity of intestinal injury significantly by inhibiting TNF-α and IL-6.

Changes in electrophysiological properties of regenerating rat peripheral nerves after crush injury.

The conduction of action potential in peripheral nerves requires the coordinated opening and closing of Na(+) and K(+) channels. In the present study, we used the sucrose-gap recording technique to determine the electrophysiological changes of the regenerating nerves after sciatic nerve injury by using 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and tetraethylammonium (TEA), and lidocaine. 4-AP enhanced the amplitude and duration of the compound action potentials (CAPs) of regenerating sciatic nerve 15 days post crush (15 dpc), and elicited delayed depolarizations (Del-dep) in 38 dpc and intact groups. Hyperpolarizing afterpotentials elicited by 4-AP were completely removed by TEA in both 15 and 38 dpc. Lidocaine effectively blocked the CAP amplitude. This blockage was more pronounced in 15 dpc than 38 dpc. This agent also exhibited a partial blockage on the Del-dep amplitude. These results may indicate that the changes in the activities of 4-AP- and TEA-sensitive K(+) channels and slow Na(+) channels may play critical roles in nerve excitability and conduction.

Effects of caffeine on neuronal apoptosis in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: Hypoxia-ischemia (HI) in rat pups leads to strong activation of apoptosis, and apoptosis contributes significantly to cerebral damage in the perinatal period. Caffeine displays a broad array of actions on the brain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeine on neuronal apoptosis in a hypoxic-ischemic neonatal model. METHODS: Twenty-four seven-day-old Wistar rat pups were subjected to right common carotid artery ligation and hypoxia for 2 h. Sham group (n = 8) had a median neck incision, but the rats were not subjected to ligation or hypoxia. The pups were treated with 20 mg/kg/day caffeine citrate (n = 8) or saline (n = 8) immediately before HI and at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h post-hypoxia. Neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and caspase-3 in the hippocampus and parietal cortex of both hemispheres. RESULTS: The numbers of apoptotic cells in the hippocampus and parietal cortex were significantly higher in the saline group than they were in the sham group (p < 0.0001). The number of apoptotic cells in the hippocampus (p < 0.0001) and parietal cortex (p < 0.0001, TUNEL and p = 0.001, caspase-3) were higher in the caffeine-treated group than they were in the sham group, but the number of apoptotic cells decreased significantly in the caffeine-treated group compared with the saline group in the hippocampus (p < 0.0001, TUNEL and p = 0.001, caspase-3) and parietal cortex (p = 0.001, TUNEL and p = 0.002, caspase-3). CONCLUSIONS: We show that caffeine administration in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury reduces neuronal apoptosis in the developing brain. We suggest that caffeine may be effective in reducing brain injury.

Antibacterial effect of royal jelly for preservation of implant-related spinal infection in rat.

AIM: Implant-related infections are still a significant problem in spinal surgical procedures. Many drugs and methods have been tried to prevent implant-related infections. Our objective in this study was to evaluate whether royal jelly, which was found to hinder the growth of MRSA, has any preventive role in the prognosis of an infection in rats in an implant-related infection model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats were divided into 3 groups of eight rats. Group-1 consisted of rats that underwent only a spinal implant, group-2 included those rats that were inoculated bacteria together with a spinal implant and group-3 was administered royal jelly in addition to a spinal implant and infection. RESULTS: The amount of bacteria that grew in vertebral columns and implants was more in Group-2 than in Group-3, which meant that the number of bacteria colonies that grew was more quantitatively. This difference was found to be statistically significant in vertebral columns, but not in implants. CONCLUSION: Royal jelly could not fully prevent the MRSA infection in this model, but decreased the severity of infection noticeably. More objective and promising results may be obtained if royal jelly can be used at regular intervals in a different model to be designed with respect to implant-related infections.

Comparison of platelet rich plasma versus fibrin glue on colonic anastomoses in rats

Abstract Purpose: To compare platelet rich plasma (PRP) and fibrin glue about the effect of anastomotic healing. Methods: Thirty six Wistar-Albino male rats diveded into 3 groups according to control(Group1), PRP (Group 2) and fibrin glue(Tisseel VH) (Group 3). The colon was transected with scissor and subsequently an end to end anastomosis was performed using continuous one layer 6/0 vicryl sutures. Postoperative 7th day effect of anastomotic healing measuring with tissue hydroxyproline(TH) level and anastomotic bursting pressure(ABP); moreover comparison of cytokine (IL-6 and IL-10) and procalcitonin levels on 1st,3rd and 7th days. Results: There was no statistically significant difference of the ABP and hydroxyproline levels between PRP and fibrin glue on the 7th day. There was no statistically significant difference between levels of proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6) (P=0.41), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) (P=0.35), and procalcitonin levels (P=0.63) on 1, 3 and 7 days. Conclusion: Fibrin glue and platelet rich plasma are shown to be effective in healing intestinal anastomoses without superior to each other.

The effect of edaravone on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat ovary.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of edaravone on experimentally induced ovarian torsion/detorsion ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-six female adult Wistar-Albino rats were utilized to create five groups: In group 1, only 5 mg/kg edaravone was given and ovary torsion was not performed. In group 2, torsion was not performed and no drug was given. In group 3, vehicle was given and torsion/detorsion was performed. In group 4, 1 mg/kg edaravone was given and torsion/detorsion was performed. In group 5, edaravone; 5 mg/kg drug was administered and torsion/detorsion was performed. Right ovarian torsion was simulated for a 3-h period of ischemia and a 1-h reperfusion period. Right ovaries were then surgically extirpated in all groups. In ovarian tissue samples malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activity of superoxide dismutase were studied. Microscopic ovarian tissue damage was scored by histologic and electron microscopic findings. RESULTS: The MDA level in the group 5 was significantly lower than group 3 (p<0.001). Superoxide dismutase activity in the group 5 was significantly higher than group 3 (p<0.001). Histopathological ovarian tissue damage in the group 5 were significantly lower than group 3 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that edaravone could be an effective agent in the short-term treatment and prevention of ovarian ischemia and reperfusion damage.

Role of potassium channels in the frequency-dependent activity of regenerating nerves.

After a peripheral nerve injury, ion channel organization and the electrical properties of nerve fibers drastically change during the regeneration process. The present study was designed to compare the frequency-dependent characteristics of regenerating nerves in the presence of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and tetraethylammonium (TEA). The results showed that increasing the stimulus frequency produced a greater impulse blockade (frequency-dependent block--FDB) and distinct hyperpolarizing afterpotentials (HAPs) in regenerating nerves. In particular, regenerating sciatic nerves 15 days post-crush (dpc) were more sensitive to the frequency-dependent stimulations than 38-dpc and intact nerves in the presence or absence of drugs. The frequency-dependent effects of TEA on the compound action potentials (CAPs) appeared when TEA was applied to 4-AP-treated nerves. This shows that TEA-sensitive channels may not be masked by the myelin. 4-AP was here found to have more pronounced frequency-dependent effects on regenerating nerves than on intact nerves. Delayed depolarization (in 38-dpc: 22.6 +/- 1.3 mV and 47.52 +/- 3.63 ms, in intact: 12.0 +/- 1.9 mV and 88.51 +/- 4.72 ms) elicited by 4-AP resulted in an increase in FDBs and HAP amplitudes. These results suggest that 4-AP-sensitive channels may play important roles in frequency-dependent nerve conduction. Consequently, regenerating or myelin damaged nerves are more sensitive to repetitive firing with or without drug. An understanding of the frequency-dependent properties of regenerating nerves may be of value in the treatment of the nerve diseases.