Effects of L-carnitine on healing of Achilles tendon in rats.

OBJECTIVES: In this experimental study, we aimed to analyze the effects of levocarnitine (L-carnitine) on tendon healing after surgical repair of Achilles tendon rupture in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 40 Wistar Albino rats divided into four groups: Group 1, neither surgical intervention nor substance applications were performed for the Achilles tendons. In the other groups, the right Achilles tendons were cut using a scalpel and repaired with a modified Kessler-type technique with 3/0 monofilament polydioxanone suture. In Group 2, the rats did not receive any additional treatment, except for surgical repair. In Group 3, the same volume similar to Group 4 of saline solution was administered intraperitoneally for seven days. In Group 4, each rat received 300 mg/kg of L-carnitine intraperitoneally for seven days. At Week 6, all rats were sacrificed. All right Achilles tendons were used for biomechanical tests and histopathological evaluations. Biochemical analysis of the matrix metalloproteinase was also performed using the blood specimens. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of the histopathological parameters. Although the mean matrix metalloproteinase level was low in the L-carnitine group, it did not reach statistical significance. A significant increase in maximum force, tensile strength, and strength to 2-mm gap was observed in the L-carnitine group. CONCLUSION: The significant effects of L-carnitine on biomechanical parameters may indicate favorable effects on Achilles tendon healing in rats by reducing matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9. To improve Achilles tendon healing, further investigation for these markers is needed. Since the effects of L-carnitine on the Achilles tendon cannot be clearly distinguished histopathologically, further studies involving L-carnitine-induced effects are warranted.

Clinical and Histopathological Findings of Chordomas: a Case Report.

Chordomas are rare malignant tumors that develop from the residual of embryonic notochord. These tumors may be seen along the spine and have a local aggressive progression. Skull base chordomas often originate from the clivus as localization. These tumors are usually found to be overgrown when they are diagnosed. They are locally invasive and rarely develop distant metastasis. These chordomas cannot usually be completely removed due to their localization. Because these tumors are advanced at the time of diagnosis and are adjacent to important structures, they are among the tumors with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Surgery and/or radiotherapy is administered for the treatment.

Does sildenafil have protective effects against ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective activity of sildenafil treatment against ischemia-reperfusion damage created experimentally in rat ovaries. METHODS: For this study, 42 female Wistar rats were used, and the rats were separated randomly into six groups consisting of seven rats each: sham, torsion, torsion-detorsion, torsion-detorsion + saline, torsion-detorsion + sildenafil 0.7 mg/kg and torsion-detorsion + sildenafil 1.4 mg/kg. With the exception of the sham group, an ovarian torsion procedure was implemented in all other groups for 2 h. Then, a detorsion procedure was implemented to the groups for 2 h, with the exception of the torsion group. Medications were given intraperitoneally, one-half hour before the detorsion procedure in the saline, 0.7 and 1.4 mg/kg sildenafil groups. Finally, 2 ml of blood samples was drawn for markers of oxidative stress, while the ovaries which were torsioned for the histological examination were extracted from all rats. RESULTS: According to the histopathological damage scores, the least damage was seen in the sham group and the most damage was seen in the torsion-detorsion group. The sildenafil treatment appeared to be effective in decreasing tissue damage; however, there were no differences between the dosages. Additionally, it was determined that the oxidative stress levels were higher in the torsion-detorsion group, while the sildenafil treatment caused a significant decrease in the oxidative stress levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study showed that the sildenafil treatment can be effective in preventing tissue damage and oxidative stress induced by the ischemia-reperfusion created in rat ovaries.