Carvacrol improves cognitive dysfunction by decreasing amyloid-ß accumulation and regulating neuroinflammation in ovariectomized renovascular hypertensive rats.

Hypertension contributes to both the development and progression of brain damage and cognitive dysfunction in the postmenopausal period in women. Carvacrol (CAR), which can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, exhibits neuroprotective properties due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. In the present study, we have examined the effect of CAR treatment on learning-memory impairment in a post-menopausal hypertensive rat model that was induced by ovariectomy following two-kidney, one-clip renovascular hypertension surgery. From the third week after the establishment of renovascular hypertension in ovariectomized rats, CAR (40 mg/kg) was administered once daily for consecutive 7 weeks by gastric gavage. Systolic blood pressure was estimated by the tail-cuff method once a week. At the end of the study, cognitive functions were evaluated with behavioral tests and also neurochemical changes were measured in serum, cortex, and hippocampus by ELISA test. Blood pressure was decreased with CAR treatment in hypertensive rats. Serum estrogen levels decreased in ovariectomized rats and did not change with CAR treatment. CAR demonstrated beneficial effects on learning and memory tests as determined by increased recognition index, the number of platforms crossed, and time spent in the target quadrant. Due to CAR treatment, there was a marked reduction in the hippocampal and cortex amyloid-ß, osteopontin, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, and acetylcholinesterase activity, while an increment in neprilysin and interleukin-10 levels was found. In conclusion, since CAR suppressed amyloid-ß deposition and neuroinflammation in ovariectomized-hypertensive rats, it is thought that it may be protective against memory disorders in postmenopausal hypertensive women.

A comprehensive assessment of the cholinergic-supporting and cognitive-enhancing effects of Rosa damascena Mill. (Damask rose) essential oil on scopolamine-induced amnestic rats.

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by gradual loss of cognitive abilities (dementia) and is a major public health problem. Here, we aimed at investigating the effects of Rosa damascena essential oil (RDEO) on learning and memory functions in a rat model of amnesia induced by scopolamine, as well as on changes in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) expression, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the extracted brain tissues. METHODS: The control, amnesia (scopolamine, 1 mg/kg/i.p.) and treatment (RDEO, 100 µL/kg/p.o. or galantamine, 1.5 mg/kg/i.p.) groups were subjected to Morris water maze and new object recognition tests. AChE activity was assayed by ELISA, and M1 mAChR and BDNF concentration changes were determined by western blotting. Also, using computational tools, human M1 mAChR was modeled in an active conformation, and the major components of RDEO were docked onto this receptor. RESULTS: According to our behavioral tests, RDEO was able to mitigate the learning and memory impairments caused by scopolamine in vivo. Our in vitro assays showed that the observed positive effects correlated well with a decrease in AChE activity and an increase in M1 mAChR and BDNF levels in amnestic rat brains. We also demonstrated in an in silico setting that the major components of RDEO, specifically -citronellol, geraniol, and nerol, could be accommodated favorably within the allosteric binding pocket of active-state human M1 mAChR and anchored here chiefly by hydrogen-bonding and alkyl-π interactions. CONCLUSION: Our findings offer a solid experimental foundation for future RDEO-based medicinal product development for patients suffering from AD.

Gilaburu (Viburnum opulus L.) fruit extract has potential therapeutic and prophylactic role in a rat model of acetic acid-induced oxidant colonic damage.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ulcerative colitis (UC) which has a global impact on the health care system with its recurrent and incompletely curable characteristics, affects the patients' quality of life. Gilaburu (GB; Viburnum opulus L.) is a fruit with rich polyphenol ingredient which is used ethnobotanically in Türkiye for medicinal purposes (for example, to pass kidney stones, to treat stomach, heart, and liver diseases, hemorrhages, hypertension, ulcers, common cold, tuberculosis, rheumatic and menstrual pain, and diabetes). On the other hand, the effects of GB in the experimental UC model have not been studied. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to explore the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of GB fruit extract in improving acetic acid (AA)-induced UC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Starting immediately after (AA + GB group) or 1 week before (GB + AA + GB group) the colitis induced by intrarectal AA (5%; v/v) administration, the rats orally received GB (100 mg/kg) once per day for 3 days. The control and AA groups were administered orally saline (1 ml), while the AA + SS group were administered sulfasalazine (SS; 100 mg/kg; orally) as a positive control once per day for 3 days. Distal colonic tissue specimens were obtained for the histological and biochemical [myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), chemiluminescence (CL), caspase-3, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, smad-3 and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, interferon (IFN)-γ), measurements] evaluations on the 3rd day. RESULTS: Elevated macroscopic and microscopic damage scores, high tissue wet weight values, increased tissue-associated MPO, MDA, CL, caspase-3, 8-OHdG, cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8), MMP-9, TGF-ß1, smad-3 levels, and decreased GSH values of the AA group were all reversed by GB treatments (AA + GB and GB + AA + GB groups) (p < 0.05-0.001). However, sulfasalazine treatment (AA + SS group) did not change the IL-8, 8-OHdG, MMP-9, and TGF-ß1 measurements significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Gilaburu shows both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against AA-induced colonic damage by suppressing neutrophil infiltration, regulating inflammatory mediators, inhibiting reactive species production, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis, conserving endogenous antioxidant glutathione, and ameliorating oxidative DNA damage. Since the current ulcerative colitis drugs display limited benefits and adverse side effects, potential therapeutic and/or prophylactic role of gilaburu can be evaluated in ulcerative colitis.

Whey protein concentrate ameliorates the methotrexate-induced liver and kidney damage.

Methotrexate (MTX) is a cytotoxic immunosuppressant that is widely used in the treatment of tumours, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. This study aims to evaluate the effects of whey proteins on MTX-induced liver and kidney damage by focusing on oxidant­antioxidant systems and eating habits. The study was conducted in four groups of thirty Sprague­Dawley rats (control, control + whey protein concentrate (WPC), MTX, MTX + WPC). A single dose of 20 mg/kg MTX was administered intraperitoneally to the MTX groups. Control and MTX groups were given 2 g/kg WPC by oral gavage every day for 10 d. At the end of day 10, blood samples were drawn and liver and kidney tissues were removed. MTX administration increased the lipid peroxidation level and decreased glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activities in the liver and kidney. Administration of WPC significantly reduced the damage caused by MTX in the liver and kidney. While a decrease in serum urea level and an increase in serum creatinine level were detected in the MTX group, WPC administration reversed these results up to control group levels. Administration of WPC to the MTX group significantly reversed the histopathological damage scores of the liver and kidney. WPC administration ameliorated the MTX-induced oxidative damage in the liver and kidney tissues due to its antioxidant properties. Liver and kidney damage can be prevented by using whey proteins as a nutraceutical in MTX therapy. In conclusion, whey proteins demonstrated a protective effect against MTX-induced liver and kidney damage.

Cotinus coggygria Scop. Attenuates Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats by Regulation of Inflammatory Mediators.

In traditional medicine, many medicinal plants are used in the treatment of various diseases caused by inflammation. The objective of the present study is to elucidate for the first time the effects of Cotinus coggygria (CC) ethanol extract (CCE) on colonic structure and inflammation of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Colonic damage was assessed using disease activity index score, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Also, in vitro antioxidant activity of CCE was investigated by ABTS methods. Total phytochemical content of CCE was measured spectroscopically. Acetic acid caused colonic damage according to disease activity index and macroscopic scoring. CCE significantly reversed these damages. While the levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and TGF-1beta increased in tissue with UC, IL-10 level decreased. CCE increased inflammatory cytokine levels to values close to the sham group. At the same time, while markers indicating disease severity such as VEGF, COX-2, PGE2, and 8-OHdG indicated the disease in the colitis group, these values returned to normal with CCE. Histological research results support biochemical analysis. CCE exhibited significant antioxidant against ABTS radical. Also, CCE was found to have a high content of total polyphenolic compounds. These findings provide evidence that CCE might be benefit as a promising novel therapy in the treatment of UC in humans due to high polyphenol content and justify the use of CC in folkloric medicine for treatment of inflamed diseases.

The effect of melatonin on glycoprotein levels and oxidative liver injury in experimental diabetes.

In this present study, the duration of melatonin (Mel) administered to diabetic rats was prolonged so as to examine its effects on the biochemical liver parameters of diabetic rats. In the experiment, Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into five groups; the control, diabetic + Mel, diabetic, diabetic + insulin, and diabetic + Mel + insulin. Diabetes mellitus was induced by administration of a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and rats were given vehicle as a solvent for Mel every day for 12 weeks. In the diabetic + Mel group, diabetic rats were administered Mel (10 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks to treat diabetes. The diabetic + insulin group were diabetic rats given insulin (6 U/kg) subcutaneously for 12 weeks. The diabetic + Mel + insulin rats received insulin and Mel at the same dose and time. At the end of the experiment, the animals were decapitated and liver tissues were taken. The protective effect of Mel on liver tissue of diabetic rats was investigated, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress index, adenosine deaminase, xanthine oxidase, paraoxonase 1, sodium/potassium ATPase, myeloperoxidase, γ-glutamyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, homocysteine, nitric oxide, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glycoprotein levels were determined in liver tissues. Treatment with Mel and/or insulin has been found to have a protective effect on biochemical parameters. The results showed that administration of Mel to diabetic rats prevented the distortion of the studied biochemical parameters of liver tissues.

Ethanolic extract of cotinuscoggygria leaves attenuates crystalluria and kidney damage in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Nephrolithiasis is a common cause of kidney insufficiency. Nephrolithiasis is proven to be the result of various biochemical and inflammatory processes that result in crystal formation and subsequent aggregation. Cotinuscoggygria L. (CCog) is a plant extract which has been used as a Turkish remedy for kidney stones. With this study, we planned to evaluate the effects of CCog extract in ethylene glycol (EG)-induced nephrolithiasis model in rats. METHODS: The study group comprised 32 Wistar albino rats which were divided into Control (C), EG, CCog Prophylaxis (CC+EG+CC), and CCog Treatment (EG+CC) groups. Stone formation was induced by adding EG (0.75%) into rat's drinking water. Normal drinking water was given to Control group for 8 weeks. Throughout the study period of 8 weeks, EG group was given only EG (0.75%) and CC+EG+CC group was given both EG and CCog. In EG+CC group, EG (0.75%) was given for 8 weeks whereas CCog was given for the past 4 weeks. After the 8th week, 24-h urine samples were collected. Rats were then sacrificed and kidney tissue samples were harvested. RESULTS: Metabolites (calcium, citrate) and creatinine in 24 h urine samples were decreased in CC+EG+CC and EG+CC groups. While hyperoxaluria was observed in the EG group, oxalate levels were similar to control levels in the P-CCog and C-CCog groups. The N-acetyl-ß-glucosaminidase and myeloperoxidase activities were both increased in EG group and these parameters were significantly decreased on CCog treatment. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that C. coggygria extract can have beneficial effect on lowering concentration of stone-forming metabolites in urine and consequently protect renal tissues from damage due to nephrolithiasis. C. coggygria extract can be considered as a potential prophylactic and therapeutic option in high-risk stone formers. Furthermore, our data confirm ethnobotanical use of CC against nephrolithiasis.

A multi-parameter evaluation of the neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects of Origanum onites L. (Turkish Oregano) essential oil on scopolamine-induced amnestic rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of cognitive functions (dementia) and represents a growing public health concern since the population in the age groups at risk is increasing. The latter raises an urgent need to translate research findings in the basic brain and behavioral sciences into anti-AD drugs and disease-modifying therapies. Origanum onites (L.), also called Turkish oregano, is a perennial and herbaceous plant species grown for centuries for medicinal, cosmetic and culinary purposes. This is the first study to investigate the putative neuroprotective and pro-cognitive activities of O. onites essential oil (OOEO) against scopolamine-induced amnesia of AD-type in Wistar albino rats. The results of behavioral tests revealed that OOEO administration was able to significantly alleviate learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine in vivo. The observed effects could be attributed to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, attenuation of oxidative stress and prevention of neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of AD rats. Modulation of pro-inflammatory enzymes, including cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and myeloperoxidase, might further contribute to the neuroprotective properties of OEOO, as predicted by our in silico models. These findings offer novel insights into the therapeutic potential of OEOO in patients with AD.

Inhibitory effect of whey protein concentrate on SARS-CoV-2-targeted furin activity and spike protein-ACE2 binding in methotrexate-induced lung damage.

This study aims to investigate the effects of whey proteins on SARS CoV-2 in methotrexate-induced lung tissue damage in rats. To determine the possible effects, rats were divided into four groups as control, control + whey, methotrexate (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and methotrexate + whey. Whey protein concentrate (2 g/kg, oral gavage) was administered for 10 days. Cytokine levels were measured and protein electrophoresis was carried out in serum samples. Lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and glutathione level, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione S transferase activities were determined in lung samples. Inhibition of SARS CoV-2-targeted lung furin activity and SARS CoV-2 spike protein-angiotensin converting enzyme binding with whey protein concentrate were also measured in each group. In conclusion, whey protein concentrate improved methotrexate-induced lung damage and inhibited lung furin activity targeting SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 site cleavage and SARS CoV-2 spike protein-angiotensin converting enzyme binding. Whey proteins are potential protective candidates that inhibit SARS CoV-2-related interactions, even in methotrexate-induced lung injury. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Whey proteins have anticarcinogenic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulating properties due to the protein, bioactive peptide, and essential amino acid content. Methotrexate is a folate antagonist and inhibits cell proliferation and purine synthesis. The combined use of whey protein concentrate and methotrexate may be an alternative in the development of new strategies to the treatment approaches against COVID-19. In addition, according to the results of this study, it is thought that the protective effect of whey proteins in healthy conditions before encountering the SARS CoV-2 may be higher than those who have never used it.

Spectrochemical and biochemical assay comparison study of the healing effect of the Aloe vera and Hypericum perforatum loaded nanofiber dressings on diabetic wound.

Diabetic wounds have a slow healing process and easy to be infected. In addition to current drug treatments, supportive approaches are needed for diabetic wound treatment. In this study, we aimed to load Aloe Vera (AV) and Hypericum perforatum oil (HPO) with PCL/Ge (Poly (ɛ-caprolactone)/Gelatine) polymeric biodegradable by electrospinning method into nanofiber dressings on an experimental diabetic wound model to compare the diabetic wound healing effect. Changes in the amount and chemical structure of phospholipids, proteins, and lipids were investigated in the blood and serum samples of the animals using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. To evaluate biological events associated with the wound repair process in inflammatory phase we used oxidant and antioxidant status to determine the healing status of wounds such as Total antioxidant status (TAS), Total oxidant level (TOS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. TOS level increased in DM groups and decreased in the AV and HPO group. Oxidative stress index decreased and TNF-α level increased in the HPO group. FTIR spectra showed changes in the phospholipids, proteins, and carbon chain of lipids in the whole blood as well as serum of DM rats. FTIR spectra combined with Principal component analysis (PCA) showed, that treated DM rats by AV and HPO caused return chemical structure of blood and serum to this observed in control group. Higher similarity with control group for HPO rats was observed. HPO is better than AV in the alternative for healing on diabetic wound. Thus, we have demonstrated that IR spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis and biochemical assays are consistent and correlative with each other.

Morphological evaluation of the effects of exercise on high-fat-diet-induced liver damage in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was aimed to investigate the protective effects of swimming exercise on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with high fat diet-induced obesity, using microscopical and biochemical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague Dawley male rats were fed either standard chow (STD group; 6% fat) or high-fat diet (HFD group; 45% fat) for 18 weeks. Animals were divided into four groups, STD, STD + EXC, HFD, HFD + EXC. Exercise groups were submitted to swimming training 5 days of week and 1h of per day, during the last 6 weeks of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, liver samples were evaluated for morphologically and ultrastructurally. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated in liver samples. RESULTS: Normal morphology of liver parancyma with hepatocytes and sinusoids was observed in the STD and STD+EXC groups. Steatosis, lipid accumulation, ballooned hepatocytes, decrease of glycogen deposits and fibrosis in periportal area were observed in HFD group. Liver MDA level was increased and GSH level was decreased in HFD group. Exercise treatment ameliorated these morphological and oxidative changes in HFD induced liver damage. CONCLUSION: Based on morphological and biochemical analysis, we could conclude that swimming training ameliorated obesity-induced liver damage by regulating lipid accumulation and oxidative damage.

Exercise and caloric restriction improve cardiovascular and erectile function in rats with metabolic syndrome.

The aim of this study is to examine the possible benefits of exercise and caloric restriction (CR) on cardiovascular hemodynamics, erectile function, and antioxidant system in metabolic syndrome (MS). Sixty male Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into five groups; control, MS, MS + CR, MS + exercise (EXC), and MS + CR + EXC. To induce MS, 10% fructose solution was applied for 3 months. Thereafter, in CR groups calorie was restricted 40% and in EXC groups swimming was performed for 6 weeks. Body weight, blood glucose, and blood pressure (BP) levels were measured before and after MS induction and at the end of the experiment. After decapitation, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, adiponectin (ADP), and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 levels were investigated in blood, oxidative stress parameters were examined in heart, aorta, and corpus cavernosum (CC) tissues. Isometric contraction in isolated tissue bath was studied in aorta and CC tissues. Animals subjected to exercise and CR had decreased BP and blood glucose levels. Impaired contraction-relaxation responses in MS group were improved with exercise and CR. MS-induced increase in TNF-α, PAI-1, malondialdehyde (MDA), and decrease in ADP, glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were normalized with exercise and CR. Exercise and CR may be beneficial against changes in cardiovascular hemodynamics caused by MS.

The effect of Myrtus communis L. ethanol extract on the small intestine and lungs in experimental thermal burn injury.

Thermal trauma can damage organs away from the skin burn site and lead to multiple organ dysfunction. Following thermal injury, all tissues are exposed to ischemia, and as a result, resuscitation and reperfusion occur during the burning shock. Burn damage starts systemic inflammatory reactions that produce toxins and reactive oxygen radicals that lead to peroxidation. This study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the possible antioxidant effects of Myrtus communis ethanol extract on burn-induced oxidative distant organ injury orally. The thermal trauma was generated under ether anesthesia by exposing the dorsum of rats to 90 °C water bath for 10 s. 100 mg/kg/day Mrytus communis ethanol extract was applied orally for two days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, glutatinone-S-transferase (GST), superoxidedismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were determined to detect the possible antioxidant effects of myrtle on small intestine and lung tissues. Burn damage significantly increased MDA levels in lung and small intestine tissues, and significantly decreased GSH levels, CAT and GST activities in the small intestine and lung tissues compared to control group. Mrytus communis ethanol extract decreased MDA level and increased GSH level, SOD, CAT and GST activities significantly in either small intestine or lung tissues. Mrytus communis extract may be an ideal candidate to be used as an antioxidant adjunct to improve oxidative distant organ damage to limit the systemic inflammatory response and decreasing the recovery time after thermal injury.

Myrtus communis subsp. communis improved cognitive functions in ovariectomized diabetic rats.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of Myrtus communis subsp. communis (MC) on cognitive impairment in ovariectomized diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups consisting of 15 rats each; Control (C), Diabetes (D), Ovariectomy and diabetes (OVX + D), Ovariectomy, diabetes and donepezil (OVX + D + Don), Ovariectomy, diabetes and Myrtus communis subsp. communis (OVX + D + MC). Blood glucose measurements were made at the beginning and end of the experiments. The animals underwent the novel object recognition test (NORT) and their performance was evaluated. In hippocampal tissues; amyloid beta (Aß) and neprilysin levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities, polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), α7 subunit of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expressions were examined. RESULTS: Animals with ovariectomy and diabetes showed increased levels of blood glucose, AChE activity and Aß levels, and decreased neprilysin levels, ChAT activity, α7-nAChR, PSA-NCAM and BDNF gene expressions in parallel with a decrease in NORT performance score. On the other hand, in the MC-treated OVX + D group, there was a significant decrease observed in blood glucose levels and AChE activities while there was improvement in NORT performances and an increase in hippocampal ChAT activity, neprilysin levels, α7-nAChR, PSA-NCAM and BDNF expressions. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MC extract could improve cognitive and neuronal functions with its anticholinesterase and antihyperglycemic properties.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy improves erectile dysfunction in experimental spinal cord injury.

The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD-MSC) from brown adipose tissue on erectile dysfunction (ED) in experimentally induced spinal cord injury in rats. 24 male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups; control, spinal cord injury (SCI) + vehicle, and SCI + AD-MSC. To induce SCI, a standard weight-drop method that induced a moderate to severe injury (100 g/cm force) at T7-T10, was used. AD-MSC (3 × 105 cells /5 µL) was applied by local transplantation into the region of injury. At the end of four-weeks, rats underwent neurological examinations and then intracavernosal and mean arterial pressures (ICP and MAP) measurements. After decapitation, spinal cord and cavernosal tissue samples were taken to analyze neuronal nitric oxide synthase (n-NOS), proto-oncogene protein c-FOS and nerve growth factor (NGF). Tissues were also examined histologically. Spinal cord injury caused decrease on NGF and n-NOS levels while c-FOS was increased. The ICP/MAP value in vehicle-treated SCI rats was found to be significantly higher than the control group. On the other hand, in SCI + AD-MSC group, all these parameters were reversed back to control levels. AD-MSC therapy may be beneficial against erectile dysfunction in experimentally induced SCI by ameliorating neuronal damage.

Protective effect of Myrtle (Myrtus communis) on burn induced skin injury.

Thermal skin burns cause local injury as well as triggers acute systemic inflammation response where the imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative system occurs. As an alternative treatment, various medicinal herbs are used to treat burn injuries in many countries. In this study, the possible protective role of oral or topical Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) treatment against burn-induced damage was investigated. The dorsum of the Wistar Albino rats was shaved and exposed to 90 °C water bath in burn group or 25 °C water bath in control group for 10 s under ether anesthesia. Myrtle extract was applied 100 mg/kg/day for 2 days either orally or topically. In skin samples; malondialdehyde and glutathione levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide and tissue factor activities were determined. Skin tissues were also examined by light microscopy. Severe thermal skin burn injury caused a significant decrease in glutathione level, superoxide dismutase, catalase and tissue factor activities as well as nitric oxide level, which was accompanied with significant increases in skin malondialdehyde level. Myrtle treatment reversed all these biochemical indices except topical Myrtle treated group's nitric oxide level, as well as histopathological alterations, which were induced by thermal trauma. Both oral and topical Myrtle extract treatment was found to have protective role in the burn induced oxidative injury, which may be attributed to the potential antioxidant effect of Myrtle. As a conclusion, Myrtle significantly diminishes burn-induced damage in skin.

Resveratrol treatment may preserve the erectile function after radiotherapy by restoring antioxidant defence mechanisms, SIRT1 and NOS protein expressions.

Radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PC) can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) by damaging neurovascular structures with oxidative stress. In this study, we evaluated the effects of resveratrol, an antioxidant, on post-RT ED. Fifty rats in five groups were evaluated; control (C), prostate-confined radiotherapy with short- and long-term vehicle or resveratrol treatment. Cavernosal tissues were obtained to analyze glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), caspase-3 activities, sirtuin-1, Foxo-3, nNOS, and eNOS protein expressions. Intracavernosal pressures (ICP) were measured for the long-term treatment group. In the RT + long-term vehicle treatment group, tissue GSH, NO, cGMP, and SOD activity were decreased while 8-OHdg levels and caspase-3 activities were increased. Radiotherapy caused a decrease in sirtuin-1, nNOS, and eNOS protein expressions. These parameters were reversed by resveratrol treatment. Foxo-3 protein expressions were unaltered in the RT + short-term vehicle treatment group and started to increase as a defense mechanism in the RT + long-term vehicle group; however, resveratrol treatment caused a significant increase in Foxo-3 expressions. Resveratrol preserved the metabolic pathways involved in erectile function and provided functional protection. Resveratrol can be used as a supplementary agent in patients undergoing radiotherapy to preserve erectile function.

Ameliorative effects of riboflavin on acetic acid-induced colonic injury in rats.

Riboflavin (RF) has been found to be a promising antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory agent in several studies. However, the effect of RF against acetic acid (AA)-induced colonic injury is currently unknown. This study aimed to investigate the potential antioxidant and protective effects of RF in a rat model of ulcerative colitis. Starting immediately after the colitis induction (AA+RF group) or 1 week before the colitis induction (RF+AA+RF group), the rats were treated with RF (25 mg/kg per day; p.o.) for 3 days. The control and AA groups received saline (1 mL; p.o.) whereas AA+SS group (positive control) received sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg per day; p.o.) for 3 days. Colonic samples were taken for the biochemical and histological assessments on the third day. High damage scores, elevated tissue wet weight index (WI), tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels and chemiluminescence values, and a pronounced decrease in antioxidant glutathione (GSH) levels of the AA group were all reversed by RF pretreatment (RF+AA+RF group) and SS treatment (AA+SS group) (P < .05-.001). Tissue WI, MPO activity and GSH levels were not statistically changed in the AA+RF group. Western blot analysis revealed that the decreased protein expressions of tissue collagen (COL) 1A1, COL3A1 and transforming growth factor-ß1 in the AA group were elevated in all the treatment groups (P < .05-.001). In conclusion, RF exerts both the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against AA-induced colonic inflammation by suppressing neutrophil accumulation, inhibiting reactive oxidant generation, preserving endogenous glutathione, improving oxidative DNA damage and regulating inflammatory mediators, suggesting a future potential role in the treatment and prevention of ulcerative colitis.

Protective effect of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the early- and late-term effects of pharmacological inhibition of cysteinyl leukotriene activity by using montelukast in bleomycin-induced inflammatory and oxidative lung injury in an animal model. METHODS: The study included 48 male Wistar albino rats (weighing 250 g to 300 g). Rats were administered intratracheal bleomycin or saline and assigned into groups to receive montelukast or saline. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue samples were collected four and 15 days after bleomycin administration. RESULTS: Bleomycin resulted in significant increases in tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels (4.0±1.4 pg/mL in controls vs. 44.1±14.5 pg/mL in early-term vs. 30.3±5.7 pg/mL in late-term, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), transforming growth factor beta 1 levels (28.6±6.6 pg/mL vs. 82.3±14.1 pg/mL in early-term vs. 60.1±2.9 pg/mL in late-term, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), and fibrosis score (1.85±0.89 in early-term vs. 5.60±1.14 in late-term, p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). In bleomycin exposed rats, collagen content increased only in the late-term (15.3±3.0 ?g/mg in controls vs. 29.6±9.1 ?g/mg in late-term, p<0.001). Montelukast treatment reversed all these biochemical indices as well as histopathological alterations induced by bleomycin. CONCLUSION: Montelukast attenuates bleomycin-induced inflammatory and oxidative lung injury and prevents lung collagen deposition and fibrotic response. Thus, cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists might be regarded as new therapeutic agents for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.