Whortleberry protects kidney against the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the antioxidant effects of whortleberry against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 263.68 ± 8.29 g. The rats were divided into the following six groups, with eight rats in each group: control, ethanol control, whortleberry control, cisplatin control, 16 mg/kg cisplatin +100 mg/kg whortleberry, and 16 mg/kg cisplatin +200 mg/kg whortleberry groups. Biochemical analysis was performed by measuring total oxidant status and total antioxidant status, histopathological analysis was performed by calculating proximal and distal tubule areas (µm2), and immunohistochemical analysis was performed by determining anti-Caspase-3 immunostaining. Differences among the groups were examined using one-way analysis of variance, and p < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Cisplatin treatment decreased the total antioxidant status and increased the total oxidant status and Caspase-3 level. Moreover, it resulted in the dilatation, vacuolization and loss of tubular epithelial cells; and glomerular degeneration and edema in the kidney tissues (p < .05). Treatment with 100 and 200 mg whortleberries increased the total antioxidant status; decreased the total oxidant status and Caspase-3 level and ameliorated distal and proximal tubule degeneration, glomerular degeneration and edema in the kidney tissues (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the antioxidant effects of the whortleberry decrease cisplatin-associated nephrotoxicity.

Topiramate Reduces Aortic Cross-Clamping-Induced Lung Injury in Male Rats.

BACKGROUND: Topiramate (TPM) decreases cytokine release and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cytokine and endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion and ROS formation play an important role in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. We aimed to evaluate whether TPM prevents damage occurring in lung tissue during I/R. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 27 Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups of nine. To the I/R group, two hours of ischemia via infrarenal abdominal aorta cross-ligation and then two hours of reperfusion process were applied. TPM (100 mg/kg/day) orally for seven days was administered in the TPM treatment group. After the last dose of TPM treatment, respectively, two hours of ischemia and two hours of reperfusion were applied in this group. RESULTS: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (p < 0.05), malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05), myeloperoxidase (MPO) (p < 0.05) and ET-1 (p < 0.05) levels of TPM treatment group's lung tissue were significantly lower than for the I/R group. Caspase-3 and histopathological damage were rather lower than that of the I/R group. CONCLUSIONS: During I/R, lung damage occurs due to excessive TNF-α and ET-1 release and ROS generation. TPM could well reduce development of lung damage by decreasing cytokine and ET-1 release and levels of ROS produced.

Biochemical, Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of the Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Thymoquinone against Ischemia and Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in the Rat Ovary.

AIM: To evaluate the antioxidant effects of thymoquinone (TQ) and to investigate the biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in experimental rat ovarian torsion. METHODS: A total of 48 female adult rats were used in this study and randomly divided into 7 groups: (1) sham operation; (2) bilateral 3-hour ovarian ischemia; (3) 3-hour ischemia and 3-hour reperfusion; (4) and (5) rats were administered 20 and 40 mg/kg of TQ, respectively, before 0.5 h of ischemia, and then 3 h of ovarian ischemia was applied; (6) and (7) 3-hour ovarian ischemia was applied; 2.5 h after the induction of ischemia, rats were administered the same doses of TQ; at the end of 3 h of ischemia, a 3-hour reperfusion was applied. Histologic changes under light microscopy, immunoreactivity for anticaspase-3 and serum levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin-6, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were noted and compared between the 7 groups. RESULTS: Ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion cause a deterioration of biochemical and histopathological parameters. Administration of TQ seems to reverse these alterations and alleviate the injury. Antioxidant defense mechanisms appear to be enhanced by the administration of TQ. CONCLUSION: TQ at different doses attenuates ovarian ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Mobile phone radiation during pubertal development has no effect on testicular histology in rats.

Mobile phones are extensively used throughout the world. There is a growing concern about the possible public health hazards posed by electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile phones. Potential health risk applies particularly to the most intensive mobile phone users-typically, young people. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mobile phone exposure to the testes, by assessing the histopathological and biochemical changes in the testicular germ cells of rats during pubertal development. A total of 12 male Sprague Dawley rats were used. The study group (n = 6) was exposed to a mobile phone for 1 h a day for 45 days, while the control group (n = 6) remained unexposed. The testes were processed with routine paraffin histology and sectioned. They were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, caspase 3, and Ki-67 and then photographed. No changes were observed between the groups (p > 0.05). The interstitial connective tissue and cells of the exposed group were of normal morphology. No abnormalities in the histological appearance of the seminiferous tubules, including the spermatogenic cycle stage, were observed. Our study demonstrated that mobile phones with a low specific absorption rate have no harmful effects on pubertal rat testicles.

The effect of exposure of rats during prenatal period to radiation spreading from mobile phones on renal development.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to a 900-MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) produced by mobile phones on the renal development of prenatal rats. Histopathological changes and apoptosis in the kidneys, together with levels of urea, creatinine and electrolyte in serum were determined. METHODS: A total of 14 Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Pregnant rats were divided into two equal groups: a control group and an EMF-exposed group. The study group was exposed to 900-MHz of EMF during the first 20 days of pregnancy, while the control group was unexposed to EMF. Sections obtained from paraffin blocks were stained for caspase-3 by immunohistochemistry, hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. RESULTS: Mild congestion and tubular defects, and dilatation of Bowman's capsule were observed in the kidney tissues of rats in the exposed group. Apoptosis was evaluated using anti-caspase-3; stronger positive staining was observed in the renal tubular cells in the study group than those of the control group. Although there was a significant difference between the study and control groups in terms of K+ level (p<0.05), no significant difference was observed in the other parameters studied (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the electromagnetic waves propagated from mobile phones have harmful effects on the renal development of prenatal rats.

Neurotoxicity of various root canal sealers on rat sciatic nerve: an electrophysiologic and histopathologic study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the neurotoxicity of various root canal sealers on rat sciatic nerve by electrophysiologic and histopathologic analyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 male rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control, AH Plus, GuttaFlow, Sealapex and Smartpastebio. Sciatic nerves of the rats were uncovered using the surgical procedures, and the prepared sealers were then applied on nerves with a polyethylene tube vehicle for 15 days. Nerve potentials were recorded at initial exposure, 5, 30 and 120 min (early phase), and 15 days (late phase) by an electrophysiologic analysis system for all groups. The obtained measurements were then used to calculate the nerve conduction velocities (NCV). Subsequently, all rats were sacrificed, and their sciatic nerves were removed for histopathologic analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests for intergroup variables and the Friedman and Wilcoxon test for intragroup variables. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between early and late phase results in the control group. This group showed little or no lasting damage to nerve tissue. All sealers decreased the NCV in the early phase time periods, but this decrease was only statistically significant in the AH Plus group at 120-min time period (P < 0.0125). During the late phase, the AH Plus and GuttaFlow groups almost reached initial NCV values, and it was lower than the initial values in the Sealapex and Smartpastebio groups. However, this decrease was not statistically significant. When intergroup comparisons were performed, statistically significant differences occurred at 30 min in the Sealapex group and 120 min in the AH Plus group compared with the control group (P < 0.0125). All sealers induced neurotoxicity as a result of degenerative and inflammatory responses of nerve tissue in histologic analysis. Histologic analysis revealed Sealapex and GuttaFlow to be the most and least neurotoxic, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: All tested root canal sealers exhibited a variable degree of neurotoxicity depending on their chemical compositions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Apical extrusion of endodontic filling materials may cause undesired consequences, such as inflammation and severe neurotoxic damage; therefore, extrusion factor plays an important role during the root canal treatment.

A novel model approach for esophageal burns in rats: A comparison of three methods.

BACKGROUND: Corrosive esophageal injury causes serious clinical problems. We aimed to create a new experimental esophageal burn model using a single catheter without a surgical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted the study with two groups of 12 male rats that fasted for 12 h before application. A modified Foley balloon catheter was inserted into the esophageal lumen. The control group was given 0.9% sodium chloride, while the experimental group was given 37.5% sodium hydroxide with the other part of the catheter. After 60s, esophagus was washed with distilled water. The killed rats were examined using histopathological methods after 28 days. RESULTS: In comparison with the histopathological changes experienced by the study groups, the control groups were observed to have no pathological changes. Basal cell degeneration, dermal edema, and a slight increase in the keratin layer and collagen density of submucosa due to stenosis were all observed in the group subjected to esophageal corrosion. CONCLUSION: A new burn model can thus, we believe, be created without the involvement of invasive laparoscopic surgery and general anesthesia. The burn in our experiment was formed in both the distal and proximal esophagus, as in other models; it can also be formed optionally in the entire esophagus.

Effect of sugammadex on rocuronium induced changes in pancreatic mast cells.

Mast cells play a vital role in hypersensitivity reactions. Rocuronium is known to cause mast cell mobilization, hypersensitivity, and pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sugammadex on pancreatic changes due to rocuronium. A total of 42 Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into six equal groups to receive either rocuronium 1 mg/kg intravenously (i.v., R group), rocuronium 1 mg/kg + sugammadex 16 mg/kg i.v. (RS16 group), rocuronium 1 mg/kg + sugammadex 96 mg/kg i.v. (RS96 group), sugammadex 16 mg/kg (S16), sugammadex 96 mg/kg i.v. (S96 group), or 0.9% sodium chloride (control group). Sugammadex was administered 5s later following rocuronium. In R group, mast count was higher, and the distribution rate of granules and nuclear changes were different compared with other groups. Distribution rate of granules in groups S16 and S96 were similar to the control group and lower compared with other groups. The amount of mast cells and granule density in groups RS16 and RS96 was lower compared with R group. The amount of mast cells in groups RS16 and RS96 was significantly lower compared with other treatment groups. These results suggest that sugammadex may have an inhibitory effect on mobilization and morphological changes in pancreatic mast cells induced by administration of rocuronium and sugammadex in rats.

The effect of rocuronium, sugammadex, and their combination on cardiac muscle and diaphragmatic skeletal muscle cells.

PURPOSE: Rocuronium has been associated with muscle weakness when administered in prolonged infusions. The effect of sugammadex and rocuronium together on muscle is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of rocuronium and sugammadex, and the complex formed by these agents, on cardiac and diaphragmatic muscle cells. METHODS: Forty-two Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into six groups. Group I received only rocuronium at a dose of 1 mg/kg and groups II and III received sugammadex alone at doses of 16 and 96 mg/kg, respectively. Groups IV and V received 1 mg/kg rocuronium plus 16 mg/kg sugammadex and 1 mg/kg rocuronium plus 96 mg/kg sugammadex, respectively. Group six was the control group and received only 0.9 % NaCl without any drug. RESULTS: Histopathological examination demonstrated that rocuronium and high doses of sugammadex accumulated in both cardiac and diaphragm muscle tissues. We also observed intense edema and degeneration in diaphragmatic and myocardial cells when the rocuronium-sugammadex complex was used. Rocuronium and sugammadex remain in the circulation for a long time and they may cause skeletal muscle myopathy, vacuolization, pyknotic nuclear clumps, and hypertrophy, and weaken the muscle fibers. CONCLUSION: Rocuronium, sugammadex, and rocuronium-sugammadex complexes cause histopathological changes and immunoreactivity to calcineurin in muscle cells.

Reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block with sugammadex and resulting histopathological effects in rat kidneys.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of injection of rocuronium or sugammadex alone and rocuronium + sugammadex on urea, creatinine, electrolyte levels, and histopathological findings in rats. METHODS: Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided to receive intravenously 16 or 96 mg/kg sugammadex, 1 mg/kg rocuronium, 1 mg/kg rocuronium + 16 mg/kg sugammadex, or 1 mg/kg rocuronium + 96 mg/kg sugammadex. The control group received an equal volume of physiological serum. Rats receiving rocuronium were ventilated until resumption of spontaneous ventilation and followed for 72 h. Blood samples were withdrawn from the tail vein to measure urea, creatinine, and electrolyte values; then both kidneys were excised, and the tissues were used for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Rats receiving rocuronium and high doses of sugammadex (96 mg/kg) showed increased glomerular vacuolation, tubular dilatation, vascular vacuolation and hypertrophy, lymphocyte infiltration, and tubular cell sloughing compared to the control group (p = 0.002). Biochemical markers of renal function were not significantly altered after treatment with high doses of sugammadex. CONCLUSION: The elimination half-life of the rocuronium-sugammadex complex was found to be greater than that of free rocuronium or sugammadex, which led to marginal histopathological changes in the kidney without affecting any renal functions.

Soft tissue pathosis associated with asymptomatic impacted lower third molars.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of pathological changes in the pericoronal tissue of asymptomatic impacted lower third molars and to assess the correlation between pathological changes and patient demographic, radiographic and morphological characteristics. STUDY DESIGN: Follicles associated with fully impacted lower third molars were submitted for histological examination after surgical extraction from 50 patients. The correlation between pathological changes in the dental follicle and age, gender, depth of impaction, angular position, and coverage and tooth development was analyzed. RESULTS: Cystic changes were observed in 10% of specimens and inflammatory changes in 62%. Incidence of pathological changes was significantly higher in Class B impacted teeth when compared to Class C impacted teeth. A significant correlation was found between epithelial cell activity and the completion of tooth development. CONCLUSION: We recommend monitoring all third molars whether or not they are symptomatic and conducting histopathological analyses on all surgically extracted follicle tissue.

Can Helicobacter pylori invade human gastric mucosa?: an in vivo study using electron microscopy, immunohistochemical methods, and real-time polymerase chain reaction.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND-GOALS: We used transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to investigate how Helicobacter pylori affects the gastric mucosa of humans. STUDY: Gastric biopsy specimens were obtained from 15 patients with gastric discomfort. The samples were processed using both microscopic examinations and a real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect H. pylori DNA. IHC staining was performed with an avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase kit for paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Polyclonal rabbit anti-H. pylori was used as a primary antibody. RESULTS: IHC-applied slides with brown-stained spiral bacteria on the luminal surface and in the intercellular spaces of the gastric epithelium; electron-dense spiral H. pylori of approximately 200 to 300 nm in diameter both in the gastric lumen and between the gastric epithelial cells; coccoid or ellipsoid H. pylori attached to the epithelial cells through egg-cup-like pedestals; coccoid H. pylori within the endocytotic vesicles in the apical cytoplasmic part of the epithelial cells, thus suggesting their internalization by phagocytosis; electron-dense spiral H. pylori within the membrane-bounded vacuoles of both the gastric epithelial cells, and the lamina propria; a prominent vacuolization of gastric epithelial cells invaded by H. pylori; and swollen and lytic gastric epithelial cells that suggest a mucosal erosion and may lead to peptic ulcer. All of these microscopic findings were not present in the H. pylori DNA-negative specimens that were used as the control group. CONCLUSION: This is the first histomicrobiologic study to show gastric cells invaded by H. pylori in patients with H. pylori infection confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

The protective effects of whortleberry extract against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Cisplatin is one of the main chemotherapeutic agents used for the treatment of many types of cancer. However, ototoxicity, one of the most serious side effects of cisplatin, restricts its usage. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the protective effects of whortleberry extract against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by evaluating hearing and histopathological cochlear damage and by measuring the biochemical parameters affected byoxidative stress. METHODS: Forty-eight male rats were included in the study after performing Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission test to confirm that their hearing levels were normal. The rats were randomly divided into six groups: the control group, the sham group, and, which received only whortleberry extract, only cisplatin, cisplatin+100mg whortleberry extract, cisplatin+200mg whortleberry extract, respectively. Audiologic investigation was performed by performing the Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission test at the beginning and at the eighth day of the study. Cardiac blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and the rats were sacrificed to obtain cochlear histopathological specimens on the eighth day. RESULTS: The results revealed that whortleberry protects hearing against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity independent of the dose. However, high doses of whortleberry extract are needed to prevent histopathological degeneration and oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study show that whortleberry extract has a protective effect against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Spirulina platensis protects against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Spirulina platensis (SP) on gentamicin sulphate (GS)-induced changes in the levels of lipid peroxidation and endogenous antioxidants in the kidney of rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated in separate groups as follows for 7 consecutive days: control (C), gentamicin sulphate (100 mg/kg i.p.) (GS), Spirulina platensis (1000 mg/kg orally) (SP) and Spirulina platensis (1000 mg/kg orally) plus gentamicin sulphate (100 mg/kg i.p.) (SP + GS). The degree of protection was evaluated by determining the effects of Spirulina platensis on malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and nitric oxide (NO), and plasma creatinine and urea levels were estimated in kidney homogenates to evaluate antioxidant activity, and the kidney was histologically examined as well. Spirulina platensis elicited significant nephroprotective activity by decreasing lipid peroxidation (MDA) and elevated the levels of GSH, SOD, GPX, NO, creatinine and urea. Furthermore, these biochemical observations were supplemented by histological examination of the rat kidneys. In conclusion, the present study indicates a very important role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the relation to renal dysfunction and point to the therapeutic potential of Spirulina platensis in gentamicin sulphate induced nephrotoxicity.

[Can Chlamydia trachomatis human biovars cause abortion in cattle? An immunohistochemical study on a new host-pathogen relationship]. / Chlamydia trachomatis'in insan biyotipleri sigirlarda düsük etkeni olabilir mi? Yeni bir konak-patojen iliskisini arastiran immünohistokimyasal çalisma.

Chlamydiae, which are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens, have been radiated from single-celled eukaryotes into multi-celled hosts during their evolution. Chlamydia trachomatis one of the important species in this group, is classified into three biovars as a result of their evolution. Two of those biovars, Trachoma and LGV, are pathogens only in humans. Initially, the presence of a high specificity between the host and chlamydiae has been recognized and this relation has been considered as an adaptation mechanism. However, some studies have indicated that chlamydiae can also grow in laboratory animals, yolk sacs of embryonated eggs and in vitro cell cultures. The aim of this study was to investigate if C. trachomatis human specific biovars are possible infectious agents in the aborted bovine fetuses. Ninety aborted bovine fetuses were included in the study, and the bacteria which could be the causative agents for abortion were searched by conventional microbiological methods. Twenty-three (25.6%) abortion materials which have yielded negative results with these methods for the presence of bacterial agents other than chlamydiae, were further evaluated in terms of the presence of C. trachomatis. For this purpose the samples were inoculated into the yolk sac of embryonated eggs and the slides prepared from the yolk sac membranes of embryons died after 24 hours of inoculation, were examined for the presence of inclusion bodies by staining with Giemsa method. The presence of C. trachomatis specific antigens and glycogen inclusions in those 23 samples were also investigated by immunohistochemical and Lugol's iodine staining methods, in the fetal tissue samples which were embedded in paraffin. Immunohistochemical method was performed with immunoperoxidase staining by the use of specific antibodies against C. trachomatis major outer membrane proteins. As a result, 5 (21.7%) of the 23 samples were found positive for C. trachomatis with three of the methods (Giemsa, immunoperoxidase and lugol stainings). Although the data of our study have supported that chlamydiae can adapt to new host species other than humans, further advanced studies are needed on this subject. Our results have also emphasized that novel routes of transmission should be considered for C. trachomatis infections.

Protective effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors on methotrexate-induced pancreatic toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Methotrexate (MTX), a folate antagonist, is commonly used in the treatment of many different types of cancer and inflammatory diseases, including pancreatic cancer, although its side effects on the pancreas have not yet been researched. The mechanism of MTX-induced toxicity is not well known, and it has been reported in high-dose toxicity studies that the pancreas is sensitive to toxic effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to determine whether adalimumab (ADA) has a preventive effect on MTX-induced pancreas toxicity in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rats were equally and randomly divided into 3 groups (Group 1 comprised the healthy controls, Group 2 was the MTX group, and Group 3 was the MTX + ADA group). The rats in Groups 2 and 3 received an intraperitoneal (ip.) single-dose injection of MTX (20 mg/kg). A single dose of 5 mg/kg ADA (REMICADE®) was administered ip. to Group 3. All the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia 5 days after receiving the MTX injection. RESULTS: Significantly higher mean edema, necrotic cell, and inflammatory scores were recorded in Groups 2 and 3 compared to those recorded in Group 1. Significantly decreased edema, number of necrotic cells, and inflammatory scores were noted in Group 3 than in Group 2. A decrease in islets of Langerhans cell insulin and somatostatin-positive interneurons was demonstrated after the administration of MTX. An increase in insulin and somatostatin-positive cells in islets of Langerhans, as well as a remodeling of the structure of the pancreas, was shown following treatment with ADA. CONCLUSIONS: Adalimumab was demonstrated to have a protective effect against MTX-induced pancreatic injury in this study.

Sciatic nerve injury following analgesic drug injection in rats: A histopathological examination.

OBJECTIVE: Sciatic nerve neuropathy can be observed following intramuscular gluteal injections. The histopathological examination of sciatic nerve damage following intramuscular injection in the gluteal region for acute pain treatment is not feasible in humans due to the inability to dissect and examine the nerve tissue. To overcome this issue, we used a rat model for demonstrating damage to the sciatic nerve tissue after the application of commonly used drug injections. METHODS: We investigated possible damage following the intramuscular injection of diclofenac, lornoxicam, morphine, and pethidine in a rat model based on histopathological characteristics such as myelin degeneration, axon degeneration, epineurium degeneration, fibrosis, epineurium thickening, perineurium thickening, lymphocyte infiltration, vacuolization, and edema. RESULTS: All the analgesic drugs used in our study induced histopathological changes in the sciatic nerve. Anti-S100 positivity, showing nerve damage, was found to be the lowest in the group treated with diclofenac. Neurotoxic effects of diclofenac on the sciatic nerve were greater than those of the other drugs used in the study. Lornoxicam induced the least histopathological changes in the nerve. CONCLUSION: Diclofenac induced severe nerve damage not only after direct injection in the sciatic nerve but also after injection in the area around the nerve. Thus, we recommend restricting the use of intramuscular gluteal injections of diclofenac. Intramuscular use of morphine and pethidine should also be overviewed.

Effects of exposure to 2100MHz GSM-like radiofrequency electromagnetic field on auditory system of rats.

INTRODUCTION: The use of mobile phones has become widespread in recent years. Although beneficial from the communication viewpoint, the electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phones may cause unwanted biological changes in the human body. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of 2100MHz Global System for Mobile communication (GSM-like) electromagnetic field, generated by an electromagnetic fields generator, on the auditory system of rats by using electrophysiological, histopathologic and immunohistochemical methods. METHODS: Fourteen adult Wistar albino rats were included in the study. The rats were divided randomly into two groups of seven rats each. The study group was exposed continuously for 30days to a 2100MHz electromagnetic fields with a signal level (power) of 5.4dBm (3.47mW) to simulate the talk mode on a mobile phone. The control group was not exposed to the aforementioned electromagnetic fields. After 30days, the Auditory Brainstem Responses of both groups were recorded and the rats were sacrificed. The cochlear nuclei were evaluated by histopathologic and immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: The Auditory Brainstem Responses records of the two groups did not differ significantly. The histopathologic analysis showed increased degeneration signs in the study group (p=0.007). In addition, immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased apoptotic index in the study group compared to that in the control group (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The results support that long-term exposure to a GSM-like 2100MHz electromagnetic fields causes an increase in neuronal degeneration and apoptosis in the auditory system.

The Effects of Curcumin on Wound Healing in a Rat Model of Nasal Mucosal Trauma.

We explored the effects of topical curcumin on the healing of nasal mucosal wounds. A total of 32 Sprague-Dawley Albino rats were randomized in equal numbers into four groups, and unilateral nasal wounds were created using an interdental brush. Group 1 (the sham-control group) contained untreated rats with traumatized right-side nasal cavities; Group 2 and 3 rats were similarly traumatized and treated with topical curcumin (5 and 10 mg/mL) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide daily for 7 days after trauma; Group 4 rats were treated with topical dimethyl sulfoxide only. All rats were decapitated on day 15 and the healing sites evaluated by blinded observers in terms of the presence of cellular hyperplasia, goblet cell hypertrophy and degeneration, leucocytic infiltration, ciliary loss and degeneration, edema, and vascular dilation. On histopathological evaluation, all of cellular hyperplasia, leukocytic infiltration, and edema were significantly reduced in Group 3 compared with Group 1 (p = 0.001, p = 0.004, and p = 0.008, resp.). Thus, curcumin reduced the inflammatory response and significantly accelerated wound healing.

Histopathological effects of intramuscular metamizole sodium on rat sciatic nerve.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the histopathological effects of metamizole sodium (MS) on the sciatic nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed using 48 adult male Wistar albino rats. Ten groups were constituted with 6 rats in each group. MS injection into the sciatic nerve (group 1), MS injection into the muscle [group 3 (50 mg/kg, 0.4 ml) and group 5 (50 mg/kg, 0.8 ml)], MS injection into the muscle cavity in the vicinity of the sciatic nerve [group 2 (50 mg/kg, 0.4 ml) and group 4 (50 mg/kg, 0.8 ml)], normal saline injection into the muscle in the vicinity of the sciatic nerve [group 6A (0.4 ml) and 6B (0.8 ml)], subjected to injury by drilling the entire layer of nerve without injecting any drug, normal saline injection in the sciatic nerve, and control group. Nerve and muscle samples were taken 7 days after administrations. Tissue sections were stained using a hematoxylin and eosin-Luxol® fast blue stain, assessed by a histologist. RESULTS: The levels of axonal degeneration of the rats in groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6A, and 8 were found to be significantly higher compared to the levels of the rats in the control group (P<0.05). Myelin degeneration of the rats in all groups was found to be significantly higher compared to myelin degeneration of the rats in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was observed that MS could lead to injury in the sciatic nerve with a toxic effect due to diffusion.