Ascorbic acid mitigates doxorubicin-induced spleen injury in rats: Histopathological and immunohistochemical insights.

This study assessed the protective potential of ascorbic acid against doxorubicin-induced spleen tissue damage in rats. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. The control group received saline every other day at a dose of 1mL throughout the experiment. The ascorbic acid group was administered 50mg/kg of ascorbic acid daily for 10 days. The doxorubicin group received a single dose of 15mg/kg of doxorubicin on day 7. The ascorbic acid + doxorubicin group received both 50mg/kg of ascorbic acid daily for 10 days and a single dose of 15mg/kg of doxorubicin on day 7. After the experiment, splenic tissue samples were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Histopathological analysis revealed edema, destruction and degeneration in the doxorubicin group, but these changes were alleviated in the ascorbic acid-treated group, approaching control group levels. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased CD4+ and CD8+ cell immunopositivity in the ascorbic acid + doxorubicin group compared to the doxorubicin group. Biochemical tests indicated that doxorubicin reduced superoxide dismutase activity and increased malondialdehyde levels, whereas ascorbic acid mitigated these effects. The findings suggest that ascorbic acid may have a protective role against doxorubicin-induced spleen injury in rats.

Intravenous lidocaine vs. NSAIDs for migraine attack in the ED: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

PURPOSE: Although different forms of lidocaine are used for migraine attack headaches, the effect of intravenous lidocaine is still limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intravenous lidocaine infusion for the treatment of migraine attack headaches. METHODS: A hundred patients with migraine attacks, aged between 18 and 65, were randomly divided into two groups. The lidocaine group (n = 50) received a 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine bolus and a 1 mg/kg infusion (first 30 min), followed by a 0.5 mg/kg infusion for a further 30 min intravenously. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) group (n = 50) received 50 mg dexketoprofen trometamol and saline at the same volume as the lidocaine at the same time intervals intravenously. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, additional analgesia requirement, side effects, and revisits to the emergency department were recorded. RESULTS: The VAS score was significantly lower in the lidocaine group than in the NSAID group for the first 20th and 30th minutes (p = 0.014 and p = 0.024, respectively). There was no difference between the VAS scores for the remaining evaluation times (p > 0.05). In terms of secondary outcomes, rescue medication requirement was not different between the two groups at both the 60th and 90th minutes (p > 0.05). However, the number of patients revisiting ED within 48-72 h was statistically less in the lidocaine group than in the NSAID group (1/50 vs. 8/50; p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Intravenous lidocaine may be an alternative treatment method for patients with migraine attack headaches in the emergency department.

Avanafil as a Novel Therapeutic Agent Against LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury via Increasing CGMP to Downregulate the TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway.

AIM: We demonstrate the effect of PDE5 inhibitors in cases of acute lung injury via the relationship between cGMP/NO and the TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed with 30 male Wistar albino rats. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered intratracheally to the rats and acute lung injury (ALI) was induced. Twelve hours after LPS administration, avanafil, prepared at suitable doses according to the body weights of the animals, was administered by oral gavage. Lung tissue samples of all groups were examined histopathologically and by immunochemical staining (IL-1ß, iNOS, TLR4, and NF-κB). The iNOS, NLRP3, and IL-1B mRNA expression levels in the lung tissues were measured by RT-PCR. The left upper lobes of the rat lungs were dried at 70 °C for 48 h and lung water content was calculated. RESULT: Statistically significant increases in iNOS, NLRP3, and IL-1ß mRNA expressions were observed in the rats with ALI compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Those increased expressions were reduced at both doses of avanafil (p < 0.0001). This reduction was found to be greater at 20 mg/kg (p < 0.0001). IL-1ß, iNOS, TLR4, and NF-κB immunopositivity was moderate/severe in the ALI group and mild in the group with ALI + avanafil at 20 mg/kg (p < 0.05). When the wet/dry lung ratios were calculated, a statistically significant increase was seen in the ALI group compared to the healthy rats (p < 0.05). That increase was decreased with both avanafil doses (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We suggest that avanafil may prevent the progression of ALI and be effective in its treatment. We hope that this study will be supported by future clinical studies to yield a new indication for avanafil.

Syringe-Free, Long-Axis in-Plane Versus Short-Axis Classic out-of-Plane Approach for Ultrasound-Guided Internal Jugular Vein Catheter Placement in Critically Ill Children: A Prospective Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: Although pediatric central venous catheterization is performed using ultrasound guidance, it is still a challenge. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the syringe-free, long-axis in-plane approach and compared the short-axis classic out-of-plane approach for ultrasound-guided central venous catheter placement in critically ill pediatric patients. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: Single institution, tertiary university hospital, pediatric care unit. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 60 patients ages three months to 15 years. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group I (n = 30) incorporated patients who underwent the long-axis, syringe-free in-plane approach, and group II (n = 30) incorporated patients who underwent the short-axis out-of-plane approach. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Performing time, number of needle passes, number of skin punctures, first-pass success rate, and related complications were evaluated. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of demographics and vein-related measurements (p > 0.05). Performing time was statistically shorter in group I compared with group II (32 [25-38] v 58 [42-70] s; p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference between first-pass success rates between groups (group I 86.6% v group II 80%; p = 0.731). There were no significant differences between the groups in the number of needle passes and skin punctures (p = 0.219 and 0.508, respectively). Complications occurred in both groups, but there was no significant difference (4/30 v 7/30; p = 0.317). CONCLUSIONS: The syringe-free, long-axis in-plane approach can be a safe and fast alternative for pediatric catheterization.

Is surgery a risk factor for separation anxiety in children?

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative anxiety symptoms are distressing for both family and child. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of postoperative anxiety symptoms in children. METHODS: 60 children aged 6-12 undergoing surgery were included in the study group. The study group was assessed three times in terms of separation anxiety disorder (SAD), at the time of presentation, 1 and 3 months postoperatively. A personal information form and the SAD section of the K-SADS-PL on the basis of DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for screening SAD symptoms were used. RESULTS: Study group consisted of 19 girls (31.7%) and 41 boys (68.3%) (mean age 8.9 ± 2.3). Four (6.6%) of the cases at the time of presentation and 13 (21.6%) in the study group met SAD diagnostic criteria in 1 month and 21 (35.0%) in 3 months. Anxiety disorder symptoms were significantly higher in the study group at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). There is significant correlation between both SAD symptoms and duration of hospitalization. There was also a positive correlation between duration of hospitalization and parental education and SAD symptoms. CONCLUSION: Greater SAD was observed in children undergoing surgical procedures. It will be useful to physicians to consider SAD after surgery in pediatric patients especially when the level of parental education and duration of hospitalization increase. Since SAD may persist long after surgery, it may cause constant fear in personality disorders and lead to psychological problems by significantly lowering quality of life.

Avanafil Mitigates Testicular Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via NLRP3 Pathway Modulation in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: In our study, the effectiveness of avanafil, a second-generation phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, on testicular torsion (TT) related ischemia/reperfusion injury via NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), which triggers inflammatory response, are studied molecularly, biochemically and histopathologically. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study was performed on 24 male Wistar albino rats randomized into four groups. Testicular ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model was created for groups 2, 3 and 4. Groups 3 and 4, respectively, were administered a dose of 5 and 10 mg/kg avanafil before reperfusion by gavage. The testicles which were left in ischemia for two hours, were detorsioned for four hours. All animals were sacrificed after reperfusion. Testicular tissues were examined molecularly, biochemically and histopathologically. RESULTS: The NLRP3, Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and Tumor Necrosis alpha (TNF-α) mRNA expression levels were observed to be significantly increased in the I/R group compared to the healthy group (p < 0.001). After both doses of avanafil, NLRP3, IL-1ß and TNF-α mRNA expression levels, which increased as a result of I/R, decreased in both avanafil groups. (p < 0.001). The greatest decrease was seen at the dose of 10 mg/kg (p < 0.001). Increased Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels due to I/R were statistically significantly decreased in both doses of avanafil (p < 0.001). Decreased Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) levels due to I/R damage increased statistically significantly in both doses of avanafil (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was found that avanafil can reduce the damage caused by testicular I/R and that it will find new applications in the future with the support of advanced experimental and clinical studies.

Targeting Aquaporin-5 by Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibition Offers New Therapeutic Opportunities for Ovarian Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

This study aimed to examine the effect of Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibition on Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) and its potential cell signaling pathway in the ovarian ischemia reperfusion (OIR) model. Thirty adult female rats were divided into five groups: Group 1; Control: Sham operation, Group 2; OIR that 3 hour ischemia followed by 3 hour reperfusion, Group 3; OIR + Rolipram 1 mg/kg, Group 4; OIR + Rolipram 3 mg/kg, Group 5; OIR + Rolipram 5 mg/kg. Rolipram was administered intraperitoneally to the rats in groups 3-4 and 5 at determined doses 30 minutes before reperfusion. From ovary tissue; Tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), Nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and AQP5 levels were measured by ELISA. We also measured the level of AQP5 in ovary tissue by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In the OIR groups; TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6, MAPK inflammatory levels increased, and cAMP and AQP5 levels decreased, which improved with the administration of rolipram doses. Also histopathological results showed damaged ovarian tissue after OIR, while rolipram administration decrased tissue damage in a dose dependent manner. We propose that the protective effect of PDE4 inhibition in OIR may be regulated by AQP5 and its potential cell signaling pathway and may be a new target in OIR therapy. However, clinical studies are needed to appraise these data in humans.

Experimental Sepsis Models: Advantages and Limitations.

Sepsis is a major health problem that causes millions of deaths worldwide every year. Due to the complexity of its pathophysiology, there is no clear treatment method for it. Existing treatments impose an additional financial burden on the health systems of countries every year. Clinical and preclinical studies are continuously being conducted in order to prevent the development of sepsis, treat patients with sepsis, reduce mortality, and solve the socioeconomic problems that arise from it. However, it is not possible to directly test every study and potential new treatment in humans. Preclinical studies enable an understanding of pathophysiological events and the development of targeted therapies. For this purpose, many experimental sepsis models have been and continue to be applied. The extent to which these models can reflect the human sepsis condition is an important issue that needs to be emphasized. Each method has diferent strengths and weaknesses. Researchers should choose the most appropriate experimental model according to the characteristics of the experiments they plan and, if possible, conduct their studies on diferent models.

Evaluation of IGFBP5 expression and plasma osteopontin level in COVID-19 patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) expression in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and its relationships with COVID-19 laboratory findings and plasma osteopontin (OPN) levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 60 patients with COVID-19 and 30 healthy individuals in this study. mRNA expression of IGFBP5 was measured by RT-PCR. Plasma OPN levels were measured via the ELISA method. RESULTS: Plasma OPN levels were higher and IGFBP5 expression levels were lower in COVID-19 patients than in the healthy individuals (p â€‹= â€‹0.0057 and p â€‹= â€‹0.0142, respectively). Critically ill patients had higher OPN and lower IGFBP5 than non-critically ill patients. Patients with affected lungs demonstrated increased OPN and decreased IGFBP5 (p â€‹= â€‹0.00032 and p â€‹= â€‹0.044, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that IGFBP5 expression and OPN levels can be used discriminate non-critically from critically ill patients (p â€‹= â€‹0.049; p â€‹= â€‹0.0016, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that patients with a poor prognosis had increased OPN and decreased IGFBP5. High values of OPN and low values of IGFBP5 may be considered as signs of disease severity. Tissue-specific IGFBP5 expression may contribute to understanding the role of IGFBP5 in the lungs in COVID-19 cases.

The melatonin agonist ramelteon attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by suppressing the NLRP3/TGF-Β1/HMGB1 signaling pathway.

PURPOSE: The possible effects of ramelteon, a melatonin receptor agonist on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis were analyzed via transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1), the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) which are related to the fibrosis process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bleomycin (0.1 â€‹mL of 5 â€‹mg/kg) was administered by intratracheal instillation to induce pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Starting 24 â€‹h after bleomycin administration, a single dose of ramelteon was administered by oral gavage to the healthy groups, i.e. PF â€‹+ â€‹RM2 (pulmonary fibrosis model with bleomycin â€‹+ â€‹ramelteon at 2 â€‹mg/kg) and PF â€‹+ â€‹RM4 (pulmonary fibrosis model with bleomycin â€‹+ â€‹ramelteon at 4 â€‹mg/kg) at 2 and 4 â€‹mg/kg doses, respectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) analyses, histopathological, and immunohistochemical staining were performed on lung tissues. Lung tomography images of the rats were also examined. RESULTS: The levels of TGF-ß1, HMGB1, NLRP3, and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) mRNA expressions increased as a result of PF and subsequently decreased with both ramelteon doses (p â€‹< â€‹0.0001). Both doses of ramelteon partially ameliorated the reduction in the peribronchovascular thickening, ground-glass appearances, and reticulations, and the loss of lung volume. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of fibrosis decreased with ramelteon application. These effects of ramelteon may be associated with NLRP3 inflammation cascade.

Suberosin Alleviates Sepsis-Induced Lung Injury in A Rat Model of Cecal Ligation and Puncture.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sepsis is one of the major problems encountered in intensive care units, causing organ damage and increasing mortality. Suberosin (SBR) is a type of coumarin with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The goal of this study is to explore the protective effects of SBR on the lungs in a rat model of sepsis. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were utilized in this study. A cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model was applied to induce sepsis. Rats were separated into six groups with nine animals in each group, including healthy control, SBR, CLP, and CLP + SBR (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) enzyme activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Histopathological changes in the lungs were investigated with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). RESULTS: MDA levels and GSH and SOD enzyme activities were negatively affected in the CLP group, but SBR treatment ameliorated these oxidative stress parameters in the SBR1-3 groups (p< 0.05). The mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß were increased in the CLP group, and SBR treatment decreased those expression levels in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Organ damage and necrosis were seen in the CLP group and were alleviated in the SBR3 group. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of lung tissues demonstrated decreased TNF-α and IL-1ß immunopositivity in the SBR1-3 groups (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SBR ameliorated sepsis-related lung injury in a dose-dependent manner. This compound has significant potential as a future agent in the treatment of sepsis.

Effects of Recruitment Maneuvers on Oxygenation and Intracranial Pressure in the Experimental ARDS Model.

OBJECTIVE: The most efficient recruitment maneuver (RM) for oxygenation in patients under mechanical circulatory support with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has not been described yet. In this study, we have evaluated the effects of three recruitment maneuvers on oxygenation and intracranial pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 sheep have been randomly grouped as follows: ARDS control, ARDS+TV(Tidal Volume), ARDS+CPAP(Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), ARDS+PEEP(Positive End Expiratory Pressure). Arterial blood gas tests have been done before ARDS, after ARDS, and 5,10, and 30 minutes after the maneuver. Intracranial pressures had been followed up. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in Pa02 (Partial arterial oxygen pressure) values in all groups 5 minutes after RM (P > 0,01). There was a statistically increase in Pa02 values in all groups 10 and 30 minutes after the RM (P > 0,01). TV group had significantly more increase in PaO2 increase at the 30th the other groups (P > 0,01). CPAP group had more increase in intracranial pressures just after the RM and at 5 and 10 minutes after the RM. This increase was statistically significant (P > 0,01). All groups had similar intracranial pressure values 30 minutes after the RM. There was no statiscally signifciant difference between the groups (P > 0,05). CONCLUSION: ICP monitorisation should be carried out in patients with ARDS while performing recruitment maneuvers.

Regional Anesthesia in Circumcision Surgery: Which of the Two Things Is Better?

OBJECTIVE: Postcircumcision pain in children can cause restlessness, crying and bleeding due to trauma. However, there are various methods to prevent postoperative pain, caudal and penile blocks are in the foreground. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of CB and PB for the relief of postcircumcision pain. The secondary aim is to evaluate the postoperative additional analgesic requirement and side effects of these blocks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 148 children between the ages of 2 and 10 who underwent circumcision surgery were randomly assigned to two groups in terms of postoperative analgesia. 1) A group of caudal block (0,5 ml/kg %0.25 levobupivacaine) and 2) A group of penile block (0,3 ml/kg %0,25 levobupivacaine). Premedication and sedoanalgesia were standardized. The pain (FLACC Pain Score), analgesic consumption, motor block (Bromage Scale) and side effects (vomiting, hematoma, urinary retention) were assessed postoperatively for 4 hours. RESULTS: Postoperative FLACC scores were lower for caudale block group in the 1st, 3rd and 4th hours. There was no significant difference in postoperative analgesic consumption between the groups. The most common postoperative side effect was vomiting in both groups. CONCLUSION: Caudal block provided more effective analgesia than penile block in postcircumcision pain control.

Histologic Evaluation of the Effect of Mecsina Hemostopper on Bone Regeneration for Critical-Size Defects.

PURPOSE: Acceleration of the bone healing period and/or increasing the quality of newly formed bone still have great importance in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of isolated liquid Mecsina (herbal extract) and its combination with xenogeneic graft material (bovine bone graft) on bone regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Full-thickness critical-size defects with 10-mm diameter and 2-mm depth were created on the calvarial bone region in 28 Sprague Dawley male rats. Four groups were generated: Mecsina Hemostopper, Mecsina Hemostopper + graft group, only graft group, and empty control group. On the 28th day following surgery, all animals were sacrificed. The calvarial samples were evaluated both histopathologically and histomorphometrically. RESULTS: According to the histopathologic evaluation result, vascular proliferation was significantly higher in the groups in which Mecsina Hemostopper was used as a single material or in combination with graft material (P < .05). Histomorphometric evaluation showed that trabecular and osteoid thickness were significantly higher in all Mecsina application groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Mecsina Hemostopper was found to be an effective agent in increasing cell proliferation and providing more qualified bone formation. The combination of Mecsina and xenogeneic bone graft was found to be one of the most effective augmentation options for critical-size defects in rats. Mecsina Hemostopper could be used to get more qualified bone formation clinically, but more clinical research is needed in the future.

Comparison of Serum Adropin Levels in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus, COVID-19, and COVID-19 with Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, the relationship between a poor prognosis and adropin levels in diabetic patients with coronavirus disease 2019 was investigated by measuring serum adropin levels and levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, and ferritin, which are considered prognostic factors for coronavirus disease 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hundred volunteer participants treated in the Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital were included in this study. Serum adropin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between serum adropin level and C-reactive protein, ferritin, and D-dimer levels was analyzed by correlation analysis. RESULTS: The participants' serum adropin levels differed between the groups (P = .0007). The control group had the highest adropin levels among groups. The lowest adropin levels were in the COVID + diabetes mel- litus group. Adropin levels of diabetes mellitus, COVID, and diabetes mellitus+COVID groups were sig- nificantly decreased when compared to the control (P < .05). There was a significant negative correlation between adropin and C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and ferritin. CONCLUSION: Adropin can be used as an auxiliary biomarker, a prognostic factor in the early management of coronavirus disease 2019 patients with diabetes mellitus. We think that our study will guide future studies conducted in this field.

Protective Effects of Idebenone against Sepsis Induced Acute Lung Damage.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sepsis is an uncontrolled systemic infection, withcomplex pathophysiology that may result in acute lung organ damage and cause multiple organ failure. Although much research has been conducted to illuminate sepsis's complex pathophysiology, sepsis treatment protocols are limited, and sepsis remains an important cause of mortality andmorbidity in intensive care units.Various studies have shown that idebenone (IDE) possesses strong antioxidant properties, which inhibit lipid peroxidation and protect cells from oxidative damage. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of IDE against lung injury in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis rat model. METHODS: Male albino Wistar rats were used. The animals were divided into a healthy control (no treatment), CLP, IDE control (200 mg/kg), and CLP + IDE subgroups (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg), with nine rats in each group.IDE was administered 1 h after CLP induction.To evaluate the protective effects of IDE, lung tissues were collected 16 h after sepsis for biochemical, immunohistochemical staining, and histopathological examination. RESULTS: IDE significantly ameliorated sepsis-induced disturbances in oxidative stress-related factors, with its effects increasing in accordance with the dose.IDE also abolished histopathological changes in lung tissues associated with CLP.Furthermore, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß)and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) immunopositivity markedly decreased in the septic rats following IDE treatment. CONCLUSIONS: IDE largely mitigated the inflammatory response in sepsis-induced lung injury by decreasing free radicals and preventing lipid peroxidation. The results suggest that IDE may represent a potential novel therapeutic drug for sepsis treatment.

Protective effect of luteolin on acute lung injury in a rat model of sepsis.

We investigated the effects of luteolin (LUT) treatment on acute lung injury caused by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced septic rats. We also investigated the relation between LUT and the cytokines, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). LUT was administered 1 h after CLP surgery. Administration of LUT reduced the glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity in rat lung tissues. We also found significant reduction of malondialdehyde following LUT treatment. LUT administration also reduced TNF-α and IL-10 mRNA expression in lung tissue. Histopathologic investigation of lung tissue supported our biochemical and molecular findings. Administration of LUT ameliorated lung injury in CLP induced septic rats owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ameliorative effect of gossypin against acute lung injury in experimental sepsis model of rats.

AIMS: Sepsis is a complex pathophysiological event involving systemic inflammatory response syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and tissue damage such as acute lung injury (ALI). Although many new mechanisms are being investigated to enlighten the pathophysiology of sepsis, there is no effective treatment protocol yet. Antioxidant, antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects of gossypin (GOS)-like flavonoids have been shown and we have hypothesized that GOS have roles in sepsis induced inflammation of lungs. MAIN METHODS: Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced sepsis model was induced in rats. Effects of GOS on oxidative stress, histopathology, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), IL-6 positivity and NLRP3, HMGß1, TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1ß mRNA expression levels were evaluated in lung tissues of the septic rats. KEY FINDINGS: GOS 20 (20 mg/kg) administration to septic rats decreased oxidative stress and supported antioxidant system in lungs. GOS administration also decreased the tissue NF-κB and IL-6 immunopositivity, which is high in septic rats; and decreased the sepsis-induced lung injury. HMGß1, NLRP3, NF-κB, IL-1ß, and TNF-α mRNA expression significantly increased in the CLP group. Both doses of GOS significantly reduced these mRNA expression as compared with the levels in the CLP group demonstrating its anti-inflammatory potential. SIGNIFICANCE: GOS administration, may represent a novel treatment for the prevention of lung damage occurred after sepsis induction. This effect of GOS might be related to its anti-inflammatory potential that result in decreased cytokine response and improved oxidative status.

The effects of ketamine and thiopental used alone or in combination on the brain, heart, and bronchial tissues of rats.

INTRODUCTION: We compared the side effects of ketamine and thiopental used alone and of a ketamine/thiopental combination dose on the brain,heart, and bronchial tissues of rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three groups received intraperitoneal injections of 30 mg/kg ketamine (K-30); 15 mg/kg thiopental (T-15); or of both in combination (KTSA). These doses were doubled in another set of study groups (K-60, T-30, and KTA groups, respectively). Optimal anesthesia duration was examined in all groups. RESULTS: Anesthesia did not occur with 30 mg/kg ketamine or 15 mg/kg thiopental. However, when used alone ketamine and thiopental led to oxidative stress in the striatum, heart, and bronchial tissues. Conversely, combined administration of anesthetics and subanesthetic doses were found not to create oxidative stress in any of these areas. The highest level of adrenaline in blood samples collected from the tail veins was measured in the KTA-60, and the lowest amount in the T-30. Creatine kinase activity was highest in the KTA-60 group (p < 0.001). When we compared for all 5 groups to untreated control group; the creatine kinase-MB activities were significiantly different in K-30, T-15 and T-30 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The studied doses of ketamine led to oxidative stress by increasing the amount of adrenaline. Thiopental increased oxidative stress with decreases in adrenaline. A longer anesthetic effect with minimal adverse events may be achieved by ketamine and thiopental in combination.