Protective effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa) oil on TNBS-induced experimental colitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis and treatment of ulcerative colitis remain poorly understood. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa) oil on rats with colitis. METHODS: Experimental colitis was induced with 1 mL trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in 40% ethanol by intracolonic administration with 8-cm-long cannula under ether anesthesia to rats in colitis group and colitis + black cumin oil group. Rats in the control group were given saline at the same volume by intracolonic administration. Black cumin oil (BCO, Origo "100% natural Black Cumin Seed Oil," Turkey) was given to colitis + black cumin oil group by oral administration during 3 days, 5 min after colitis induction. Saline was given to control and colitis groups at the same volume by oral administration. At the end of the experiment, macroscopic lesions were scored and the degree of oxidant damage was evaluated by colonic total protein, sialic acid, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels, collagen content, and tissue factor, superoxide dismutase, and myeloperoxidase activities. Tissues were also examined by histological and cytological analysis. Proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6], lactate dehydrogenase activity, and triglyceride and cholesterol levels were analyzed in blood samples. RESULTS: We found that black cumin oil decreased the proinflammatory cytokines, lactate dehydrogenase, triglyceride, and cholesterol, which were increased in colitis. CONCLUSIONS: BCO, by preventing inflammatory status in the blood, partly protected colonic tissue against experimental ulcerative colitis.

Myrtus communis improves cognitive impairment in renovascular hypertensive rats.

Myrtus communis has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anticholinesterase activities yet there have been limited studies examining effects of Myrtus communis on cognitive functions. This study investigated the possible effects of Myrtus communis on changes in the cognitive functions of experimental renovascular hypertensive rats. Fifty-six Wistar-Albino rats were equally divided into 4 groups; sham-operated control, renovascular hypertension (RVH), ramipril (RVH + Ram) and Myrtus communis extract (RVH + MC) treatment groups. Goldblatt's 2-kidney 1-clip (2K1C) method was used to induce RVH. At the end of 9 weeks of treatment, after blood pressure recording, the animals underwent new object recognition test and Morris water maze (MWM) task. Following these tests, blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity was examined in 6 animals from each group. In the others after decapitation, osteopontin and interleukin (IL)-10 levels were measured in blood samples; while matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+-ATPase), cluster of differentiation (CD) 36, amyloid beta (Aß), neprilysin levels, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were investigated in hippocampal tissues. In RVH group, high systolic blood pressure decreased serum IL-10 levels, increased serum osteopontin levels and also impaired BBB permeability. Hippocampal MMP-13, CD36, Aß, neprilysin levels and AChE activities were elevated, while there were decreases in Na+,K+-ATPase levels. In new objet recognition test, discrimination index (DI) was determined as lower in saline-treated RVH group compared to control animals. In MWM training trail, 4th day performance in finding platform was significantly reduced in saline-treated RVH group compared to control group. RVH also decreased the time spent in target quadrant in probe test of MWM task compared to control group. In both of the treatment groups, all biochemical parameters were restored in parallel with improvement in the behavioral test performances. The results of this study suggest that Myrtus communis extract may improve the cognitive dysfunctions in hypertension through antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and anticholinesterase activities.

Protective effects of vortioxetine in predator scent stress model of post-traumatic stress disorder in rats: role on neuroplasticity and apoptosis.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be observed after a traumatic event. The effect of an antidepressant vortioxetine (Vrx) against PTSD is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effect of Vrx in the predator scent-induced PTSD rat model. The rats were exposed to dirty cat litter for 10 min and the protocol was repeated 1 week later with clean cat litter as a trauma reminder. The rats received Vrx (10 mg/kg/p.o.) or saline (1 ml/kg/p.o.) during 7 days between two exposure sessions. Novel object recognition test, hole board test, and elevated plus maze were performed. The b-cell lymphoma (bcl-2)/bcl-2-associated X protein (bax) ratio, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), caspase-3 and -9 expressions were detected using Western blotting in the amygdaloid complex, hippocampus, and frontal cortex. Our results indicate that increased freezing time and anxiety index in the stress-induced group is decreased with Vrx application. Vrx treatment improved deteriorated recognition memory in the stress-induced group. Decreased bcl-2/bax ratio and BDNF level and increased caspase-3 and -9 expressions in the stress group, improved with Vrx in the amygdala, and hippocampus. Decreased bcl-2/bax ratio and increased casp-3 and -9 expressions in the stress group are ameliorated with Vrx in frontal cortex. The level of BDNF was increased with Vrx in the frontal cortex. Increased damage scores in the amygdaloid complex, hippocampal CA3, and frontal cortex in the stress group ameliorated with Vrx treatment. Our results show that if vortioxetine is administered immediately after trauma, it reduces anxiety, cognitive and neuronal impairment and may be protective against the development of PTSD.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma against experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat testis.

BACKGROUND: Testicular torsion is a common problem and, to date, there is no agent to preserve testicular function following detorsion. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), with its rich growth factor composition, has proven beneficial in regenerative therapy. It is believed that PRP has not been studied in testis for ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of PRP in an I/R rat model 1 month after detorsion. STUDY DESIGN: Of 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, 18 were randomly assigned into three groups, with six in each: control, I/R and I/R + PRP. The PRP was prepared from the remaining six. Each group underwent right orchiectomy. Ischemia was performed by rotating the left testis 720° and fixing with a nylon suture for 4 h. Reperfusion occurred 4 h later by removing the suture, and PRP was administered at a dose of 10 µl (2000 × 109/l) into the left testis via the intraparenchymal route. Animals were sacrificed at the fourth week, and testes were taken for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), and caspase-3 measurements. RESULTS: Ischemia/reperfusion caused a significant increase in MDA, MPO and caspase-3 activity, and significant decrease in GSH levels and SOD activity. The PRP treatment helped correct the alterations in SOD, caspase-3, and MPO activities and MDA levels. However, the mean MDA level and MPO activity were not totally restored compared with the controls. Serum testosterone levels of the I/R group were significantly lower compared with the control and I/R + PRP groups. TGF-ß and caspase-3 protein expressions were significantly higher in the I/R group compared with the control group and were low with PRP administration compared with I/R groups (summary Table). DISCUSSION: The findings of the present study suggest that PRP, by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant defense, exerts protective effects on testicular tissues against I/R. This study had some limitations: a scoring system was not used in the assessment of spermatogenesis in the histopathological findings and specific testis cell types were not histologically assessed. CONCLUSIONS: In light of the biochemical, histological and, especially, hormonal findings, intraparenchymal PRP injection may have a protective effect in testicular tissue against I/R injury.

Propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism protects ionizing radiation-induced multiple organ damage in rats.

The objective of this study was to examine the potential radioprotective properties of propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism against oxidative organ damage induced by irradiation. Sprague-Dawley rats were pre-treated with saline or PTU (10 mg/kg i.p.) for 15 days, and were then exposed to whole-body irradiation (800 cGy). A group of rats were decapitated at 6 h after exposure to irradiation, while another group was followed for 72 h after irradiation, during which saline or PTU injections were repeated once daily. Lung, liver, kidney and ileum samples were obtained for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA; an index of lipid peroxidation) and glutathione (GSH, an antioxidant) levels, myeloperoxidase activity (MPO; an index of tissue neutrophil accumulation) and collagen contents, while oxidant-induced DNA fragmentation was evaluated in the ileal tissues. All tissues were also examined microscopically and assayed for the production of reactive oxidants using chemiluminescence (CL). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an indicator of tissue damage, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) were assayed in serum samples. Irradiation caused a significant decrease in GSH level, which was accompanied by significant increases in MDA levels, MPO activity, CL levels and collagen content of the tissues studied (P<0.05-0.001). Similarly, serum TNFalpha and LDH were elevated in the irradiated rats as compared with the control group. On the other hand, PTU treatment reversed all these biochemical indices, as well as histopathological alterations induced by irradiation. Our results suggested that PTU-induced hypothyroidism reduces oxidative damage in the lung, hepatic, renal and ileal tissues probably due to hypometabolism, which is associated with decreased production of reactive oxygen metabolites and enhancement of antioxidant mechanisms.

Regular exercise alleviates renovascular hypertension-induced cardiac/endothelial dysfunction and oxidative injury in rats.

The importance of physical activity in the management of renovascular diseases is well-known, but lacks evidence of underlying mechanisms. The purpose of the study was to elucidate the protective/therapeutic effects of regular exercise on experimental renovascular hypertension (RVH)-induced oxidative stress and cardiac dysfunction. Wistar albino rats underwent a RVH surgery (2K1C, Goldblatt). Three weeks later half of the rats started swimming exercise for 9 weeks (n = 15), while the sedentary RVH group (n = 15) had no exercise during that period. Sham-operated control rats (n = 10), had the similar surgical procedures but the left renal artery was left unclipped. Body weights were monitored, and blood pressures were measured weekly using tail-cuff. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed on the 3(rd) week and on the 12(th) week of the experiment before the rats were decapitated. Heart and thoracic aorta were removed and serum was collected, while aortic samples were put in a 10% formaldehyde solution for immunochemistry. Cardiac tissue samples obtained from each animal were used for the determination of tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) and catalase (CAT) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) levels. In the sedentary RVH group, aortic contractile response (contraction/relaxation in isolated organ bath), left ventricular diastolic and systolic dimensions, and immunohistochemical staining of aortic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were increased, while ejection fraction and aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) staining were decreased. RVH in the sedentary rats resulted in increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and neutrophil infiltration (myeloperoxidase activity) along with reductions in antioxidant glutathione and catalase levels in the cardiac tissue. Exercise after RVH increased the immunohistochemical staining of aortic eNOS, decreased iNOS staining and reversed the alterations in echocardiographic and oxidative parameters. Regular exercise commenced after RVH surgery alleviated renovascular hypertension-induced oxidative injury, by modulating oxidant-antioxidant balance via the involvement of the endothelial NO system.

Ghrelin against alendronate-induced gastric damage in rats.

Alendronate sodium, a primary amino bisphosphonate, is widely used in the treatment of various diseases that are associated with bone resorption, such as postmenopausal osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone. Although the adverse effects of biphosphonates on the gastrointestinal system have been demonstrated in experimental and clinical studies, the exact mechanisms underlying this damage are not clear yet. Ghrelin, a 28 amino acid peptide produced predominantly by the stomach, was shown to exert a potent protective action on the stomach of rats exposed to ethanol or stress. Our objective was to evaluate the possible anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ghrelin against alendronate-induced gastric damage. Wistar albino rats were administered alendronate (20 mg/kg) by gavage for 4 days, along with either ghrelin (10 ng/kg per day) or saline given i.p. After decapitation, stomach tissues were removed for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and tissue collagen content, while the extent of tissue damage was analyzed microscopically. Formation of reactive oxygen species was determined by chemiluminesence using a luminol probe in fresh gastric tissues. Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and lactate dehydrogenase levels were assessed in trunk blood. Oral administration of alendronate-induced significant gastric damage, accompanied by increased MPO activity, collagen content, MDA and luminol levels (P < 0.01-P < 0.001), while tissue GSH was decreased (P < 0.01). On the other hand, ghrelin treatment reversed these alterations (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) as well as elevating serum TNF-alpha levels significantly (P < 0.001). The findings of the present study suggest that alendronate induces oxidative gastric damage by a local irritant effect, and ghrelin ameliorates this damage by its possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Demography and function of children with limb loss.

This retrospective study was designed for the period 1982-2002 to collect the basic data on the demography, level and side of the amputation, involved limbs, age, gender, and prosthetic functional level in children with limb loss. A total of 232 children were assessed through their prosthetic records. Seventy-two percent (195 children) presented lower-limb involvement, and 28% (77 children) had upper-limb loss. The age of the children varied between 1 and 15 years with a mean age of 9.90 +/- 2.32 years. Results of the study revealed that the leading amputation cause in children was congenital limb absence. The most frequent levels were determined as trans-tibial and trans-radial in lower and upper limbs, respectively. Findings showed that more boys (60%) were affected, and 84% of all amputations were found to be unilateral. It was also seen that right-side amputations (54%) were more common than left-side amputations (46%). The outcome of the study showed that 96% of children with lower-limb loss reached a functional gait pattern without any aids, while the percentage of independence in activities of daily living was found to be 88% in upper-limb loss.

The effect of pentoxifylline on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury.

The small intestine is highly sensitive to oxygen free radical-induced injury. Post-ischemic intestinal tissue damage appears to be due to the formation of oxygen radicals. Free radical initiated lipid peroxidation (LP) following intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) may disrupt mucosal integrity. Indirectly, the radicals trigger the accumulation of neutrophils within the affected tissue, initiating inflammatory processes that lead to severe mucosal lesions. In the present study we investigated the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX), a potent inhibitor of tumour necrosis factor production, on I/R induced intestinal injury. Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: (1) Sham operation (S); (2) Sham operation + PTX (50 mg/kg i.v.) (S + PTX); (3) 1 h ischemia + 2 h reperfusion (I/R); and (4) I/R + PTX. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the reperfusion period and ileum samples were obtained. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, an end product of LP, glutathione (GSH) levels, a key antioxidant, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (an index of polymorphonuclear neutrophils) stimulation, were determined in ileum homogenates. The results of the present study indicate that ischemia/reperfusion results in a significant increase in MDA content and MPO activity with a significant decrease in GSH content. Treatment with PTX returns these biomarkers to control values. A mechanism of this protective effect may involve inhibition of neutrophil oxidative burst.

The protective effect of melatonin on cisplatin nephrotoxicity.

Regarding the mechanisms of cisplatin (CP) nephrotoxicity, several hypotheses have been put forward, among which oxidative stress (including depletion of glutathione and production of lipid peroxide) is noticeable. This investigation elucidates the role of the antioxidant system in CP-induced nephrotoxicity and the nephroprotection by melatonin. Balb/c mice were injected i.p. with: 1) vehicle control; 2) a single dose of 6.5 mg/kg cisplatin, CP group; 3) melatonin in a dose of 10 mg/kg for 5 days after CP injection, CP-M group; 4) melatonin (10 mg/kg) for 5 days before and after CP injection, M-CP-M group; 5) melatonin in a dose of 10 mg/kg for 5 days, M group. Mice were sacrificed 5 days after CP injection to determine blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine. Renal lipid peroxidation (LP) and glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated in kidney homogenates. Cisplatin administration resulted in increased LP, BUN and serum creatinine levels and decreased GSH levels, whereas melatonin reversed these effects. Morphological kidney damage was apparent in the CP group. Mentioned degeneration was moderate in the CP-M group, whereas morphological findings of the M-CP-M group implied a well preserved kidney tissue. When M was administered alone, it didn't cause any significant change in biochemical parameters. Both C and M groups exhibited similar biochemical and morphological findings in light and transmission electron microscope observation. In conclusion, the present study suggests that melatonin may be of therapeutic benefit when used with CP.

Effects of chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) extract on oxidative injury in the aorta and heart of streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

In diabetes mellitus, increased free radical formation raises the incidence of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Regardless of the type of diabetes, the objective of the therapy is to achieve normoglycemia and to prevent or delay the complications. Chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) is used as a hypoglycemic agent by diabetic patients in Turkey. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding chard on diabetes-induced free radical-mediated injury in rat aorta and heart tissues. Female Swiss albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, diabetic, chard, and diabetic + chard. Rats were subjected to intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. Chard extract (2 g/kg) was given for 28 days beginning on the 14th day of the study. Aorta and heart tissue lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels as well as blood glucose levels were determined. The results of the present study indicate that lipid peroxidation was increased and glutathione levels were decreased in both aorta and heart tissue of the diabetic rats. However, treatment with chard extract reversed the effects of diabetes on blood glucose and tissue lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels.

Comparison of the effects of patellar tendon bearing and total surface bearing sockets on prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation.

Patellar tendon bearing (PTB) and total surface bearing (TSB) sockets have been used respectively in the prosthetic treatment of 20 trans-tibial amputees to investigate the effectiveness of both sockets on prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation. Data analysis showed that prostheses with TSB sockets were lighter than the prostheses with PTB sockets and better suspension was obtained from TSB prosthetic socket (p<0.05). It was also found that weight acceptance on the amputated side advanced to a more normal value with TSB prostheses (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the two socket types in walking and in other ambulation activities except sitting and standing up from a chair, in favour of the TSB socket (p<0.05). Consequently, due to the outcome of this study it can be said that TSB prosthetic sockets can be used effectively in the rehabilitation of trans-tibial amputees.

Three dimensional measurements of pelvic tilt in trans-tibial amputations: the effects of pelvic tilt on trunk muscles strength and characteristics of gait.

The aim of this study was to determine the degree of pelvic tilt in the three dimensions, the trunk muscle strength and effects on gait in trans-tibial amputated patients. This study comprised of 22 unilateral trans-tibial amputated patients who were seen at the authors' Prosthetics and Orthotics Laboratory for the purpose of prosthetic provision. Measurements were made using plurimeter and caliper and gait observations were made by video camera. In the sagittal and horizontal planes respectively the pelvic tilt was measured to be 12 degrees and 5.73 degrees, and such measurements in relation to the trunk extensor and flexor muscles were shown to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). On the contrary, the same could not be said for frontal plane measurements. In addition, in 9 cases excessive knee flexion was noted during the stance phase having a direct influence on the pelvic tilt (p < 0.05).

Effectiveness of prosthetic rehabilitation of children with limb deficiencies present at birth.

This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of prosthetic rehabilitation in children with congenital malformations, also to determine whether there were any factors related to family history and pregnancy which could have affected the formation of such deficiencies. Twenty-five (25) limb deficient children were provided with prostheses and received rehabilitation. A detailed family and pregnancy history was researched through the records. The ability of performing activities of daily living was scored on a four point scale. Thirteen (13) lower and 12 upper limb deficient children with a mean age of 4.88+/-2.52 years were included in the study. Ten (10) children had longitudinal and 15 transverse deficiencies. Traditional marriages amongst close cousins were observed in 31%. Five (5) mothers used medications, 2 received radiodiagnostic tests and 2 had bleedings during pregnancy. Some 84.7% of the lower limb group became independent walkers without requiring walking aids while 15.3% of them required Canadian crutches for independent ambulation. A total of 61.5% of these children actively participated in recreation with peers. In the upper limb group 41.6% were completely independent in self-care, feeding and hand skills; 33.3% showed independence with self-help devices while 25% tended to use the prostheses for assistive purposes. Participation in recreational activities was 58.2%. The author's results have shown that the children gained a functional activity level although the prostheses were provided in a late period. It can be concluded that success in rehabilitating these children is a true challenge.

A comparison of traditional prosthetic training versus proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation resistive gait training with trans-femoral amputees.

Reports in the rehabilitation literature suggest that patients with trans-femoral amputation ambulate well after suitable prosthetic treatment. The effects of exercise protocols on function, however, have not been documented in this population. This study was conducted to compare the outcome of traditional and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques on weight bearing and gait. Fifty unilateral trans-femoral amputees who were attending for their first prosthesis, participated in this study. Amputees were randomly assigned into groups receiving the traditional training or PNF. Traditional treatment was consisted of weight-shifting, balancing, stool-stepping and gait exercises. In the other group the same activities were given by PNF. Amputees were trained 30 minutes daily, for a total of 10 treatments. Pre- and post-training assessment included weight bearing measurements by using two bathroom scales and time-distance characteristics of gait from footprints. A statistically significant difference was found in all parameters within the groups due to pre- and post-training evaluation data (p<0.05), but more obvious improvement was observed in the group who received PNF (p<0.05). The results of the study suggest that the prosthetic training based on proprioceptive feedback was more effective to improve weight bearing and gait when compared with a traditional programme.

Quercetin protects radiation-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in kidney and bladder tissues of rats.

Ionizing radiation (IR) can induce cell damage and cell death through the reactive oxygen species generated by radiolytic hydrolysis. The present study was aimed to determine the possible protective effects of quercetin, a well-known antioxidant agent, against IR-induced bladder and kidney damage in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 8-Gy whole-abdominal IR and given either vehicle or quercetin (20 mg/kg, ip). Rats were decapitated at either 36 h or 10 days following IR, where quercetin or vehicle injections were repeated once daily, and kidney and bladder samples were obtained for the determination of myeloperoxidase and caspase-3 activities, an index of tissue neutrophil infiltration and apoptosis, respectively. Radiation-induced inflammation was evaluated through tissue cytokine, TNF-α levels. In order to examine oxidative DNA damage, tissue 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were measured. All tissues were also examined microscopically. In the saline-treated irradiation groups, myeloperoxidase and caspase-3 activities, 8-OHdG and TNF-α levels were found to be increased in both tissues (p < 0.05). In the quercetin-treated-IR groups, all these oxidant responses were prevented significantly (p < 0.05). The present data demonstrate that quercetin, through its free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, attenuates irradiation-induced oxidative organ injury, suggesting that quercetin may have a potential benefit in radiotherapy by minimizing the adverse effects and will improve patient care.

Quercetin treatment against ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat corpus cavernosum tissue: a role on apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Reactive oxygen metabolites play an important role in the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced tissue injury. This study was designed to investigate the possible protective effects of quercetin against I/R injury of the rat corpus cavernosum tissue. To induce I/R injury, abdominal aorta was clamped for 30 min and reperfused for 60 min. Quercetin (20 mg/kg) or vehicle was given before ischemia and just after reperfusion in the I/R group and in the sham-operated control group in which clamping was not performed. After decapitation, corpus cavernosum tissues were removed and either placed in organ baths or stored for evaluating biochemical parameters. Oxidative injury was examined by measuring lucigenin chemiluminescence (CL), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities and caspase-3 protein levels. In the I/R group, contractile responses to phenylephrine and relaxation responses to carbachol were impaired significantly compared with those in the control groups, while quercetin treatment in I/R group reversed both of the responses. On the other hand, increase in lucigenin CL, NO, MDA levels and MPO and caspase-3 activities and decrease in GSH levels and SOD activity in the cavernosal tissues of the I/R group were also significantly reversed by quercetin treatment. Furthermore, observed distorted morphology with ruptured endothelial cells and vacuolization in the cytoplasm of cavernosal tissues of I/R no longer persisted in the quercetin-treated I/R group. Thus, our results suggested that treatment with quercetin may have some benefits in controlling I/R-induced tissue injury through its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant effects.

L-Carnitine ameliorates methotrexate-induced oxidative organ injury and inhibits leukocyte death.

Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid antagonist widely used for the treatment of a variety of tumors and inflammatory diseases, affects normal tissues that have a high rate of proliferation, including the hematopoietic cells of the bone marrow and the gastrointestinal mucosal cells. To elucidate the role of free radicals and leukocytes in MTX-induced oxidative organ damage and the putative protective effect of L-carnitine (L-Car), Wistar albino rats were administered a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) followed by either saline or L-Car (500 mg/kg) for 5 days. After decapitation of the rats, trunk blood was obtained, and the ileum, liver, and kidney were removed for histological examination and for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and collagen content. Our results showed that MTX administration increased the MDA and MPO activities and collagen content and decreased GSH levels in all tissues, while these alterations were reversed in L-Car-treated group. The elevated serum TNF-alpha level observed following MTX treatment was depressed with L-Car. The oxidative burst of neutrophils stimulated by Annexin V was reduced in the saline-treated MTX group, while L-Car abolished this inhibition. Similarly, flow cytometric measurements revealed that leukocyte apoptosis was increased in MTX-treated animals, while L-Car reversed these effects. Severe degeneration of the intestinal mucosa, liver parenchyma, and glomerular and tubular epithelium observed in the saline-treated MTX group was improved by L-Car treatment. These results suggest that L-Car, possibly via its free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, ameliorates MTX-induced oxidative organ injury and inhibits leukocyte apoptosis. Thus, supplementation with L-Carnitine as an adjuvant therapy may be promising in alleviating the systemic side-effects of chemotherapeutics.

Classification and premedication of uncooperative children.

Forty-three uncooperative children ranging in age from 4-12 yr were pretreated with diazepam, acepromazine or a placebo, depending on their anxiety situations. The results showed that diazepam has a significantly more powerful effect on the successful termination of the dental procedure and on encouraging the cooperation and compliance of patients than acepromazine or placebo. The placebo was also found to be effective for increasing the cooperation of patients with negative anxiety. No significant difference was established between the actions of premedicants on pain reaction and amnesia. In the light of the present findings, it is suggested that drugs with sedative and also anxiolytic effects will be more beneficial for increasing the cooperation of children with mild or high anxiety than drugs with a sedative effect alone.

Aspergillus niger infection of exenterated orbit.

PURPOSE: To present two immunocompetent patients with Aspergillus niger infection of the exenterated orbit. METHODS: Case reports. RESULTS: The patients were treated with oral itraconazole and socket irrigation with amphotericin B. The sockets cleared completely; no growth was observed on reculturing. CONCLUSIONS: A niger infection of an exenterated socket can be effectively treated with oral itraconazole and topical amphotericin B in immunocompetent patients.