Effects of quercetin on gentamicin-induced experimental testicular injury in rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gentamicin (GEN) on the testis and whether quercetin (QUE) has any protective effect. Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into equal four groups: control (0.9% saline solution), GEN (80 mg∕kg GEN), QUE (50 mg∕kg QUE) and GEN+QUE (80 mg∕kg GEN + 50 mg∕kg QUE). Histopathological (HP) evaluation of testis was performed, epididymal sperm parameters were analyzed and oxidative status was evaluated. The use of QUE improved the HP findings, such as decrease in the germinal epithelial thickness in the testicular tissue of the GEN group, decrease in the Johnsen's tubular biopsy score (JTBS), increase in the rate of immature cell shedding tubules, and the apoptotic index (AI). In the GEN group, sperm count, and abnormal morphology increased compared to the control group; the viability and motility decreased according to the sperm analysis results. In the GEN+QUE group, QUE was found to improve sperm viability and morphology. In the GEN group, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased while superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels decreased. Compared with the GEN+QUE group, it was found that the tissue MDA level decreased, while the levels of SOD, CAT and GPx increased. The results demonstrate that GEN impairs testicular structure and function, and QUE treatment can prevent this adverse effect.

Protective potential of pterostilbene against cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity and cystitis in rats.

PURPOSE: Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is an antitumor drug. However, in addition to its antitumor affect, CYP can also lead to nephrotoxicity and hemorrhagic cystitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of Pterostilbene (Pte), a natural antioxidant as a resveratrol analog against CYP-induced nephrotoxicity and cystitis in rats. METHODS: Twenty-one male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 3 equal groups. The control group and the CYP group (CYPG) received 1 ml/kg sunflower oil per day, and the CYP + Pte group (CYP + PteG) 40 mg/kg per day Pte dissolved in sunflower oil once a day via the oral route for 14 days. In addition, on day 9 of the experiment, CYPG and CYP + PteG received a single dose of 200 mg/kg CYP dissolved in saline solution, while the control group received a single dose of 10 ml/kg saline solution, via the intraperitoneal route. Bladder and kidney tissues were collected for histological and biochemical evaluations. RESULTS: Pte was observed to reduce CYP-derived increases in malondialdehyde level, total oxidant status (TOS), the oxidative stress index (OSI), and apoptosis in kidney tissues and to cause an increase in superoxide dismutase levels. It also reduced CYP-derived increases in TOS, OSI, and apoptosis in bladder tissue. Moreover, Pte also ameliorated histopathological findings associated with CYP-induced tissue damage in both the kidney and bladder. CONCLUSION: Our study findings show that Pte may exhibit a protective effect against CYP-induced nephrotoxicity and cystitis.

Morphologic alterations and immunohistochemical analysis of alpha-fetoprotein and CD34 in chorionic villi of anembryonic pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the morphology of chorionic villi using light and electron microscopy, especially the expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in trophoblastic cells and the process of maturation and margination vasculogenesis proper using CD34 immunohistochemistry in tissues from the first trimester of pregnancy loss due to anembryonic pregnancy in comparison with embryonic pregnancy. METHODS: The study consisted of 2 groups: 9 patients with anembryonic pregnancies and 9 patients with embryonic pregnancies between 6 and 10 weeks of gestational age registered at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey, from March 2003 to December 2004. We examined the chorionic villi using light and electron microscopy. For immunohistochemical staining, we used AFP and CD34. RESULTS: Microscopically, pathologic changes were shown in syncytiotrophoblast cells of anembryonic pregnancies and AFP was strongly expressed by villous trophoblastic cells compared to embryonic pregnancies. We determined the CD34 positivity in both groups. In anembryonic pregnancies, vascular elements were much fewer in number compared with embryonic pregnancies (p<0.001) and were located in the formed of hemangioblastic cords. CONCLUSION: Placental vasculogenesis is a basic feature in all types of pregnancy and a relationship exists between trophoblast cells and vessels in the chorionic villi with the potential to influence each other's functions. Defective chorionic villus vascularization is associated with embryonic death. This study may support the hypothesis, as suggested by previous studies, that anembryonic pregnancy results from early embryonic death and subsequent reabsorption rather than from the nondevelopment of an embryo.

The influence of G-CSF addition to antibiotic treatment of experimental sepsis on pulmonary tissue.

AIM: To investigate the effects of G-CSF addition to antibiotic treatment of experimental sepsis on pulmonary lung tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The first four groups received a bolus intraperitoneal injection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The first group (Group SAG) received a combined therapy of imipenem and G-CSF, the second group (Group SA) received only imipenem, the third group (Group SG) received only G-CSF, and no antibiotic or G-CSF was given to the fourth group (Group S). The fifth group (Group C) served as the control. Survival rates, peripheral leukocyte counts (PLC) and absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) were obtained, and lung tissues were examined under light microscopy. RESULTS: Survival rates at the 120th hour were 100% in groups SAG, SA and C; 20% in group SG; and 0% in group S. PLC and ANC values reached their highest levels at the 36th hour in the SAG group and at the 60th hour in the SA group. Pulmonary architecture was better preserved in the SAG, SA and SG groups--in that order--than in the S group. CONCLUSION: Particularly in the early phase of infection, the administration of G-CSF in combination with antibiotics would be appropriate for maximizing the effect of antibiotics as soon as possible and for minimizing the damage caused by inflammation.

The effects of dabigatran etexilate on fracture healing in rats: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis leading to pulmonary embolism is one of the major complication after fracture. After a fracture occurs, the coagulation cascade activates thrombin, a protease that finally generates clotting. Dabigatran etexilate reduce clot formation by inhibiting thrombin. Dabigatran etexilate is a widely used drug for thromboprophylaxis. There is no study of the effects of dabigatran etexilate on fracture healing in the literature, so we aimed to evaluate the effects of dabigatran etexilate on fracture healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups, each consisting of 6 rats. In all rats, right tibias were used for the fracture model. An oral regimen of dabigatran etexilate suspension in 0.5% hydroxyethylcellulose was administered to the rats. Although the first and second groups received 10 mg/kg daily doses, the third and fourth groups received 50 mg/kg daily doses. The fifth and sixth groups were assigned as sham groups and only hydroxyethylcellulose solution was administered. The first, third and fifth groups were sacrificed on 14(th) days; whereas the second, fourth and sixth groups were sacrificed on 28(th) days. Results were evaluated radiologically and histologically. RESULTS: Radiologically and histologically no statistically significant differences were observed on the 14(th) day between the first, third and fifth groups; and on the 28(th) days between the second, fourth and sixth groups. CONCLUSION: Radiological and histological evaluations revealed that fracture healing was not affected by dabigatran etexilate. We think that dabigatran etexilate can be used for the prophylaxis of thromboembolism in patients with fractures, but further clinical studies are mandatory.

One-lung ventilation: for how long?

OBJECTIVE: Lung injury induced by one-lung ventilation is rare, but it is a condition that may result in high mortality. This study evaluates the effects of one-lung ventilation and occlusion time on collapsed and contralateral lungs. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated randomly into 7 groups consisting of 6 animals each: sham; O1, 1 hour of occlusion/2 hours of re-expansion; C1, 3 hours of mechanical ventilation control; O2, 2 hours of occlusion/2 hours of re-expansion; C2, 4 hours of mechanical ventilation control; O3, 3 hours of occlusion/2 hours of re-expansion; and C3, 5 hours of mechanical ventilation control groups. In the occlusion groups, the left lung was collapsed by bronchial occlusion. Malondialdehyde activity was determined in the blood, and myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde activity was determined in the collapsed and contralateral lungs. Lung tissues were also examined histopathologically. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels rose as occlusion duration increased. This increase was greater in the occlusion groups than that in their own control groups. Increases were significant in the O2 compared with the O1 groups (P < .005). Histologically, tissue damage increased as occlusion time rose injury in collapsed and contralateral lungs. Injury was greater in the occlusion groups than injury in their own control groups (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that biochemical and histopathologic injury occur in collapsed and contralateral lungs in one-lung ventilation, and this injury increases as occlusion time rises. We believe that occlusion and occlusion time-related injury should be borne in mind in the clinic under conditions requiring the application of one-lung ventilation.

The effects of oxidative stress on the liver and ileum in rats caused by one-lung ventilation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Reactive oxygen radicals that cause remote organ injury are increased after the one-lung ventilation frequently used in thoracic surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of one-lung ventilation on the liver and ileum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into five groups: a sham group; 3- and 4-h mechanical ventilation groups; and 1- and 2-h left lung collapse/2-h re-expansion groups (n = 6 for each group). In the collapse groups, the left lung was collapsed by bronchial occlusion for 1 and 2 h and then re-expanded and ventilated for an additional 2 h. At the end of the study, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were determined to assess liver functions. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity were determined in the liver and ileum tissues. The tissues were also examined by light and electron microscope. Apoptosis was assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. RESULTS: Plasma ALT and AST, tissue MDA, and MPO activities in both tissues were significantly higher in the 2-h collapse/2-h re-expansion group than in the 4-h mechanical ventilation group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the levels were significantly higher in the 2-h collapse group compared to the 1-h collapse group (P < 0.016). Tissue damage and apoptotic index were most prominent in the 2-h collapse/2-h re-expansion group. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that one-lung ventilation causes tissue damage in the liver and ileum and that this damage increases as occlusion duration rises.

Apoptotic and morphological features of the umbilical artery endothelium in mild and severe pre-eclampsia.

BACKGROUND: The pathology of the umbilical arterial endothelium in normal pregnancy and in pregnancy complicated with pre-eclampsia remains unclear. In this study the changes that occur in the umbilical artery endothelial cells were examined and endothelial cell morphology and apoptosis were compared among control, mild, and severe pre-eclamptic subjects. METHODS: Umbilical cords with a gestational age of between 35 and 40 weeks were collected from women with normal pregnancies (n=17), mild pre-eclampsia (n=10), and severe pre-eclampsia (n=12). We studied the umbilical artery endothelial cells using flow cytometry, and light and electron microscopy. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling technique. The Kruskall-Wallis variance analysis and Mann-Whitney U-tests as post hoc were applied. RESULTS: In mild pre-eclamptics, the endothelial cells appeared ultrastructurally separated. A dilated endoplasmic reticulum, swollen mitochondria, and vanished mitochondrial cristae were observed. In severe pre-eclamptics, the cells were disorganized, highly contracted and vacuolated, separated from each other, and protruding prominently into the lumen. The percentages of endothelial cells that underwent apoptosis in mild (p<0.017) and severe pre-eclamptics (p<0.017) were higher than those in the controls. These apoptosis values were highest in severe pre-eclamptics (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Apoptosis and structural disruptions in the arterial endothelium of severe pre-eclamptics were prominent in all subjects. Increased endothelial apoptosis and structural disruptions are clinically related to intensity of pre-eclampsia, and may be associated with adaptation of the endothelial cells to pre-eclampsia.

Ham's F-10 medium and Ham's F-10 medium plus vitamin E have protective effect against oxidative stress in human semen.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible protective effects of vitamin E and Ham's F-10 medium (HF-10) on lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, motility, and vitality of spermatozoa. METHODS: Normozoospermic semen samples were obtained from 35 volunteers. Normal saline solution, HF-10 only, or HF-10 with vitamin E were added to split semen samples (control, group 1, and group 2, respectively). Sperm motility and vitality were evaluated at the end of 1, 2, and 24 hours. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels were assessed at the end of the first hour. Flow cytometric DNA analysis was performed at the end of 24 hours. RESULTS: Superoxide dismutase, sperm motility, and vitality were not different among the groups. The catalase values decreased in group 1, but not in group 2. Malondialdehyde values in supernatants decreased in group 2 and apoptosis of spermatozoa decreased in groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that vitamin E and HF-10 protect against the reactive oxygen species-mediated damage on spermatozoa.

Effects of early versus delayed nutrition on intestinal mucosal apoptosis and atrophy after traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: To determine the optimal time to start nutritional support after traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: Rats were divided into six groups of seven. All but one of these groups were subjected to moderate closed head trauma under general anesthesia. Groups Ia and Ib were commenced on immunonutrition and standard enteral nutrition, respectively, 8 h later; groups IIa and IIb were commenced on immunonutrition and standard enteral nutrition, respectively, 72 h later; and group III was commenced on a parenteral saline infusion 8 h later. Group IV was a control group fed a laboratory diet and not subjected to trauma. The rats were killed 7 days later, and ileal segments were examined using light and electron microscopy. We used the deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique to detect intestinal mucosal apoptosis. RESULTS: Group III had a lower body weight than the other groups (P < 0.005). The mean villous height was highest in groups Ia and IV and lowest in group III. The villi count was lower in groups Ib, IIa, IIb, and III than in group IV (P < 0.005). The apoptotic index counts were higher in groups IIa, IIb, and III than in group IV (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of enriching immunonutrients to early enteral feeding helps preserve an almost normal gut mucosa.