Comparison of the anti-diabetic and nephroprotective activities of vitamin E, metformin, and Nigella sativa oil on kidney in experimental diabetic rats.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the nephroprotective and possible anti-diabetic effects of vitamin E, metformin, and Nigella sativa. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into control, experimental diabetes (DM), vitamin E + DM, Metformin + DM, and N. sativa + DM. For experimental diabetes induction, IP 45 mg/kg streptozotocin was administered. Rats in vitamin E + DM, Metformin + DM, and N. sativa + DM received 100 mg/kg vitamin E, 100 mg/kg metformin, and 2.5 ml/kg N. sativa oil for 56 days. After the experiment, all animals were sacrificed, and blood and kidney samples were collected. Results: The blood urea level of the DM group was significantly higher (P<0.01) than the control group. Urea levels in vitamin E, metformin, and N. sativa groups were similar to the control group (P>0.05) but significantly different from the DM group (P<0.01). Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 immunopositivity intensity were quite low in the control group, and similar to the N. sativa group (P>0.05). Bcl-2 immunopositivity density was highest in the N. sativa group, similar to the control group in terms of percentile area (P>0.05). Conclusion: When all three treatment methods were compared in terms of their effectiveness in alleviating DM and DN, it was determined that the most successful result was obtained with N. sativa oil.

Effects of black cumin seed oil on oxidative stress and expression of membrane-cytoskeleton linker proteins, radixin, and moesin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat liver.

Background and Aim: This study examined the effects of black cumin seed oil treatment on oxidative stress and the expression of radixin and moesin in the liver of experimental diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen rats were divided into 3 equal groups (control, diabetes, treatment). The control group was not exposed to any experimental treatment. Streptozotocin was administered to the rats in the diabetes and treatment groups. A 2.5 mL/kg dose of black cumin seed oil was administered daily for 56 days to the treatment group. At the conclusion of the experiment, the blood level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) was measured. The expression level and the cellular distribution of radixin and moesin in the liver were analyzed. Results: The plasma MDA (3.05±0.45 nmol/mL) and GSH (78.49±20.45 µmol/L) levels in the diabetes group were significantly different (p<0.01) from the levels observed in the control group (MDA: 1.09±0.31 nmol/mL, GSH: 277.29±17.02 µmol/L) and the treatment group (MDA: 1.40±0.53 nmol/mL, GSH: 132.22±11.81 µmol/L). Immunohistochemistry and western blotting analyses indicated that while the level of radixin was not significantly between the groups (p>0.05) and moesin expression was significantly downregulated (p<0.05) in the experimental group, the treatment was ineffective. Conclusion: The administered dose was sufficient to prevent oxidative stress, but was not sufficient to alleviate the effects of diabetes on moesin expression in hepatic sinusoidal cells.

Protective effects of necrostatin-1 on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rat heart.

Background: Doxorubicin (Dox) is one of the most effective antineoplastic drugs which has severe cardiotoxic effects, limiting its clinical usage. Though the exact mechanism of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity is yet to be elucidated, it is shown that production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases oxidative stress and leads to cardiomyocyte apoptosis and necroptosis which is also defined as a programmed cell death.Purpose: In the present study, we investigate the effects of necrostatin-1 (Nec-1)-an inhibitor of receptor interaction proteins 1 (RIP1) and necroptosis-on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.Research Design: Hearts were isolated and perfused by the Langendorff system in all four groups. Perfusion pressure (PP), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and heart rate per minute (HR), LV (dP/dt) max, and LV (dP/dt) min which shows cardiac contractility and relaxation were recorded.Results: Results showed that PP significantly increased with Dox treatment and significantly decreased with Nec-1 treatment, while HR, LVDP, LV (dP/dt) max, and LV (dP/dt) min values significantly decreased with the Dox-treated group and significantly increased with Nec-1 treatment. Also with Nec-1 treatment, gene expression levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 significantly increased and pro-apoptotic protein Bax, apoptotic marker caspase-3, and Nox-2 significantly decreased compared to the Dox-treated group. In heart tissues, MDA levels were significantly increased with Dox and decreased with Nec-1 treatment. These results were supported by the histological analysis indicated that Nec-1 reduced doxorubicin-induced cellular injury.Conclusions: In conclusion, our data indicate that Nec-1 ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress injury and attenuating apoptosis and necroptosis.

Trolox is more successful than allopurinol to reduce degenerative effects of testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Reperfusion surgery following testicular ischemia is a reproductive health threatening status and may result with organ dysfunction in men. The high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cease of blood flow to the testis are the most important reasons of this testicular injury. Until today, numerous experimental studies reported that antioxidants might be efficient to alleviate oxidative stress induced organ dysfunction. For this purpose, in this study, we have investigated the protective effects of xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor, allopurinol, and ROS scavenger, trolox, in a comparative perspective in testicular ischemia reperfusion injury subjected rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups of seven animals in each; control, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), allopurinol and trolox. The rats in control group did not receive any application. Animals in I/R, allopurinol and trolox groups were subjected to 2 h testicular reperfusion injury following 5 h ischemia. Intraperitoneally (i.p.) 1 ml isotonic, 200 mg/kg allopurinol and 50 mg/kg trolox were administered to the animals in these groups 30 min prior reperfusion. At the end of experiment, all animals were sacrificed and blood serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. Histological sections were obtained from the testis and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cleaved caspase-3. Apoptotic index was evaluated with TUNEL Assay. RESULTS: Severe morphological degenerations, increased serum MDA, cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL Assay positivity rate, but reduced PCNA positivity rate was observed in ischemia and reperfusion group. Morphological degenerations, MDA level, apoptotic index and PCNA positive cell rate were slightly alleviated in allopurinol administered animals compared with ischemia and reperfusion group. Protection with trolox was more successful and the results of the analysis were similar to the control group. DISCUSSION: Ischemia that leading to testicular torsion is a reproductive health affecting problem and current surgical treatment methods might be insufficient to recover testis. Various types of ROS generating mechanisms in cell are limiting protective potency of allopurinol, and cocktail administration of different ROS inhibitors might be more effective. However, our results indicate that free radical scavenger trolox might be a candidate drug to alleviate degenerative effects of testicular ischemia reperfusion injury. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that demonstrates antioxidant trolox was more successful than XO inhibitor allopurinol to protect testis against ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats.

Combining platelet rich fibrin with different bone graft materials: An experimental study on the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of bone healing.

AIM: The current study was based on the hypothesis that the use of PRF with bone graft materials might increase bone regeneration and focus on the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects following application of PRF with autogenous graft, xenograft and B-TCP in a rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was performed on the twenty-eight male New Zealand divided into four group. Two defects with a diameter 10 mm were opened in calvarium. After PRF preparation, right defects were evaluated as empty defect or graft group, and left defects were evaluated as PRF test group. All animals were sacrificed at the end of 8 weeks and specimens were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The most superior histopathological results were obtained in the autograft group. The combination of ß-TCP-PRF could not provide superiority over the ß-TCP group. The immunohistochemical results showed that, in the PRF/BTCP group, the expression of osteopontin and osteonectin was relatively higher compared to the only-BTCP group. CONCLUSION: In terms of new bone formation, autograft combined with PRF yielded superior results but the combination of ß-TCP-PRF had no effect compared to the only-BTCP group. However, further experimental and clinical studies might be beneficial to clarify the exact mechanism and results of combining PRF with bone grafts on bone healing process.

Evaluation of intracameral injection of ranibizumab and bevacizumab on the corneal endothelium by scanning electron microscopy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of intracameral injection of ranibizumab and bevacizumab on the corneal endothelium by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). METHODS: Twenty-eight female rabbits were randomly divided into four equal groups. Rabbits in groups 1 and 2 underwent intracameral injection of 1 mg/0.1 mL and 0.5 mg/0.05 mL ranibizumab, respectively; group 3 was injected with 1.25 mg/0.05 mL bevacizumab. All three groups were injected with a balanced salt solution (BSS) into the anterior chamber of the left (fellow) eye. None of the rabbits in group 4 underwent an injection. Corneal thickness and intraocular pressure were measured before the injections, on the first day, and in the first month after injection. The rabbits were sacrificed and corneal tissues were excised in the first month after injection. Specular microscopy was used for the corneal endothelial cell count. Endothelial cell density was assessed and comparisons drawn between the groups and the control. Micrographs were recorded for SEM examination. The structure of the corneal endothelial cells, the junctional area of the cell membrane, the distribution of microvillus, and the cell morphology of the eyes that underwent intracameral injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), BSS, and the control group were compared. RESULTS: Corneal thickness and intraocular pressure were not significantly different between the groups that underwent anti-VEGF or BSS injection and the control group on the first day and in the first month of injection. The corneal endothelial cell count was significantly diminished in all three groups; predominantly in group 1 and 2 (P<0.05). The SEM examination revealed normal corneal endothelial histology in group 3 and the control group. Eyes in group 1 exhibited indistinctness of corneal endothelial cell borders, microvillus loss in the luminal surface, excessive blebbing, and disintegration of intercellular junctions. In group 2, the cell structure of the corneal endothelium and intercellular junctions were normal. However, a relative reduction was observed in the microvillus density of endothelial cells. Although eyes in group 3 were morphologically similar to fellow eyes and the control group, disarrangement in endothelial cell borders was evident. CONCLUSION: The SEM examination pointed out deterioration in endothelial cell morphology after intracameral injection of 1 and 0.5 mg ranizumab. However, the effects of intracameral bevacizumab injection on corneal endothelial cells were similar to those found in fellow eyes and the control group. Further large-scale studies that examine the cellular changes by transmission electron microscopy are required to support the results of the present study that evaluates the structural changes in endothelial cells by SEM.

Protective effects of ethyl pyruvate in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

This study was performed to investigate the effect of ethyl pyruvate on changes in renal functions and oxidative stress related renal injury caused by cisplatin (cis-dichlorodiammine platinum-II; CDDP). Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): (1) control group (1 ml Ringer's lactate solution i.p.); (2) ethyl pyruvate (EP) group (50 mg/kg Ringer's EP solution (REPS) i.p.); (3) cisplatin group (a single dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.); and (4) cisplatin + EP group (a single dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.) + REPS 50 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for five days. At the sixth day, kidneys of rats were mounted to a Langendorff apparatus. Renal perfusion pressures were recorded. Blood samples were taken for serum urea, creatinine, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stres index (OSI) evaluations. Kidney tissues were obtained for malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses and histopathological examination. Perfusion pressures, serum urea, creatinine, TOS, OSI and tissue MDA levels were found significantly higher, whereas TAS was notably lower in cisplatin group. Histopathological examination showed apparent renal paranchymal injury in cisplatin group. In cisplatin + REPS group, perfusion pressures, serum urea, creatinine and tissue MDA levels were decreased. Moreover, EP co-administration provided less inflammatory cell infiltration, tubular dilatation, whereas TOS, TAS and OSI improved significantly versus cisplatin group. These findings show that EP has protective effects against cisplatin nephrotoxicity.

Effects of pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields on MMP-2, MMP-9, collagen type IV and E-cadherin expression levels in the rat kidney: an immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of extremely low frequency pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields on kidney tissues. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-seven male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 9): control group, sinusoidal electromagnetic field (SEMF) group, and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) group. The SEMF and PEMF groups (pulse time 25 microsn, pulse frequency 50 Hz) were subjected to 1.5 mT, 50 Hz, exposure 6 hours a day, 5 days a week for 28 days in methacrylate boxes. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded kidney tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Gomori and periodic acid-Schiff. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9), E-cadherin and collagen type IV expression levels were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Thickening of glomerular basement membranes was evident in electromagnetic fields, especially in the SEMF group. In addition, expression levels of E-cadherin were decreased with electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. The expression level of MMP-9 increased, and MMP-2 and collagen type IV expression levels were not altered with EMF exposure. CONCLUSION: Both EMFs changed the molecular component of the kidney adversely.

The effects of pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields on E-cadherin and type IV collagen in gingiva: a histopathological and immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: The potential beneficial effects of extremely low frequency pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields have been shown on many tissues. Gingival epithelium plays an important role in immunosurveillance of the periodontal tissues. The epithelium acts as a mechanical barrier through cell junctions such as E-cadherin. OBJECTIVES: Investigation of the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on gingiva. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: control group (n = 9), SEMF group (n = 9), PEMF group (n = 9). The SEMF and PEMF (pulse time: 25 µsn, pulse frequency: 50 Hz) groups were subjected to 1.5 mT, 50 Hz, exposure 6 h a day, 5 days a week for 28 days in methacrylate boxes. The gingival tissue pieces processed for routine histological and immunohistochemical examination and tissue sections were stained with H-E and Masson trichrome. In addition, E-cadherin and type IV collagen expressions were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Intraepithelial lymphocytes and proliferation of epithelial cells increased in both electromagnetic field groups. The over-expressions of E-cadherin on gingival epithelium was detected in the PEMF and SEMF groups. The expression level of type IV collagen was not significant between the control and electromagnetic field treated groups, except for a significant increase in the basal cell layer of the PEMF group, as compared to the control and SEMF groups. CONCLUSIONS: PEMF and SEMF have a local pro-inflammatory effect on gingiva, leading to an increase in E-cadherin level but not type IV collagen. Both PEMF and SEMF can be used as a supportive device in the treatment of gingival diseases, especially those which lead to defects in the epithelial barrier.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on crystalline lens and retina in nicotine-exposed rats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine histopathological changes on crystalline lens and retina of rats after subcutaneous injection of nicotine and to examine the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on these changes related to nicotine exposure. METHODS: Twenty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were enrolled in the study and the rats were divided into four equal sized groups randomly (Group N: the rats exposed only to nicotine, group HB: the rats received only HBO, group N+HB: the rats that underwent to nicotine injection and subsequently received HBO, group C: the control group that neither exposed to nicotine nor received HBO). The rats were sacrificed by decapitation method and all were enucleated immediately after scarification. Tissue samples from crystalline lens, lens capsule, and the retina from the right eyes of the rats were examined by light microscopy. RESULTS: While the histological appearances of the retina and the lens was similar in group HB, group N+HB, and the control group; group N showed some pathological changes like decrement in the retinal ganglion cell density, atrophy of the retinal nerve fiber layer, congestion of the vessels in the optic nerve head, thinning of the internal plexiform layer, thinning of the lens capsule, and transformation of the anterior subcapsular epithelium into squamous epithelia. DISCUSSION: Subcutaneous injection of nicotine was found to be related with some pathological changes in the retina and lens of the Sprague-Dawley rats. However HBO caused no significant negative effect. Furthermore, the histopathological changes related to nicotine exposure in the lens and retina of the rats recovered by the application of HBO.

The subconjunctival use of cetuximab and bevacizumab in inhibition of corneal angiogenesis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of cetuximab and bevacizumab on experimental rat model of corneal angiogenesis. METHODS: The right eyes of 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in silver nitrate cauterization-induced corneal angiogenesis model. They were divided into four groups: (1) silver nitrate cauterization-induced and 0.15 ml serum physiologic was given to the angiogenesis group, (2) bevacizumab was given 1.25 mg to the bevacizumab group, (3) cetuximab was given 5 mg to the cetuximab group, and (4) 1.25 mg bevacizumab plus 5 mg cetuximab were given to the bevacizumab + cetuximab group. All eyes were exposed to the treatment on days 1, 4, and 7 of the experiment, and drugs were given subconjunctivally. The left eyes were untreated and used as sham. On day 8, the treated eyes were evaluated biomicroscopically. Then, the rats were sacrificed, and corneal specimens were prepared for histopathologic examinations. RESULTS: The degree of angiogenesis inhibition was observed as 50.8% in bevacizumab, 54.3% in cetuximab, and 15.8% in bevacizumab + cetuximab groups by biomicroscopic evaluation. According to the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings obtained from the present study, the amount of angiogenesis was determined to have decreased considerably in both the bevacizumab and cetuximab groups; also, relatively less inhibiton was observed in the bevacizumab + cetuximab group. CONCLUSION: Subconjunctival injection of cetuximab and bevacizumab is effective in reducing corneal angiogenesis in silver nitrate cauterization induced angiogenesis model of rats. Further investigation is needed to assess the potential side-effects of the drugs, especially cetuximab.

The effects of electromagnetic fields on the ultrastructure of heart / Efectos de los campos electromagnéticos en la ultraestructura del corazón

Increasingly the use and convenience of electrical appliances in our daily lives are the cause of harmful effects caused by electromagnetic fields (EMF). The aim of this study was to research the effect of EMF on the ultrastructure of the heart in EMF exposed rats. In this study 45 male Sprague Dawley rats ranging in weight between 260 and 280 grams were used. The rats were divided into 3 groups, control (n:15), Sham (n:15) and EMF group (n: 15) and exposed for 14 days 3 hours per day; gauss levels at 2.5 were applied to the EMF group, while the sham group in the same environment in Plexiglas cage was kept for 14 days 3 hours per day without magnetic field exposure. Control group at 14/10 hours light dark cycle fed in normal cages for 14 days. After two weeks rats were sacrificed by 50mg/kg of Ketalar anesthesia and heart tissue fixed in 2.5 gluteraldehide. Routine follow up with electron microscopic assessment. Mitochondrial structures and cellular structures observed in all the groups were normal. Myofibrillar loss, dilatation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial swelling or cristalysis was not observed. Intercalated disc degeneration and apoptosis of nucleus was not observed. Therefore, and as a result of our study we did not observe differences between control and EMF groups.

El uso y la comodidad de los aparatos eléctricos en nuestra vida cotidiana cada vez más son causa de efectos perjudiciales debido a los campos electromagnéticos(CEM).El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto de los CEM sobre la ultraestructura del corazón en ratas. Fueron utilizadas 45ratas Sprague Daw ley, con peso entre 260 y 280gramos. Las ratas fueron divididas en 3 grupos: control (n: 15); Sham (n:15), y grupo expuesto a CEM (n:15) durante 14 días,3 horas por día. Se aplicó niveles de 2,5gaussal grupo expuesto a CEM, mientras que el grupo de tratamiento simulado en el mismo entorno en jaulas plexiglás se mantuvo durante 14 días 3 horas día, sin exposición a campo electromagnético. Grupo control alimentado en jaulas normales durante 14 días con ciclo luz/oscuridad de 14/10. Al termino de dos semanas las ratas fueron sacrificadas por medio de anestesia Ketalar 50mg/kg y el tejido del corazón fijado engluteraldehido al 2,5. Se realizó seguimiento de rutina con correspondiente evaluación de microscopía electrónica. Las estructuras mitocondriales y celular es observadas en todos los grupos eran normales. No se observó pérdida miofibrilar, tampoco aumento del volumen mitocondrial ni dilatación del retículo endoplásmico lisoocristalysis. No se observó degeneración de los discosintercaladoso apoptosis de núcleo. Por lo tanto,y como resultado de nuestro estudio no encontramos diferencias entre los grupos control y CEM.

Protective effects of melatonin on testicular torsion and detorsion damage in sprague-dawley rats / Efectos protectores de la melatonina en el daño por torsión y destorsión testicular en ratas prague-dawley

In this study, we evaluated the ultrastructural findings of testis with systemic administration of different doses of melatonin during ischemic period in a rat model of testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D). Testis ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury was induced by torsion of the left testis, with a 720 degrees twisting of the spermatic cord so as to produce a total occlusion of testis for 2.5 hours. Subsequently, the same testis was then detorsioned. According to surgical procedure in each group, unilateral orchiectomies were performed for histopathologic examination. The groups were labelled as control group, torsion group (T), torsion and detorsion group (T/D), torsion-detorsion and melatonin group (T/D+20,50 and 100 mg/kg melatonin). For the histological examination, testicular tissues were fixed in 2.5 percent glutheraldehyde and postfixation 1 percent osmic acid solutions. They were examined under transmission electron microscopy after application of contrast stained. In torsion group testis cross-sections, cytoplasm residues of mature sperms and large vacuole-like structures were noticeable. In detorsion group testis cross-sections, dissociations in spermatocide nuclei, many vacuoles and residual particles resulting from organelle degeneration, local voids in cytoplasms of spermatogonia, dilatation in granulated endoplasmic reticulum, large lipid droplets, chromatid particles, along with mitochondrial crystalisis were determined. In the testis cross-sections of the group of T/D+50 mg/kg melatonin administration, sertoli and spermatogonia cells that showed membrane-like structures and cytoplasmic voids were observed. Testis cross-sections of rats that were administered with T/D+50 mg/kg melatonin showed small mitochondrions and vacuole-like structures placed on the edge. Testis cross-sections of rats that were administered with T/D+100 mg/kg melatonin resulted in views similar to those of controls in the microstructural level. As a result, the most effective...

Se evaluaron, en un modelo de torsión/detorsión (T/D) testicular en rata, los cambios ultraestructurales producidos en los testículos, posterior a la administración sistémica de diferentes dosis de melatonina, durante el período de isquemia. La lesión de isquemia-reperfusión (I/R) testicular fue inducida por la torsión del testículo izquierdo, con un giro de 720 grados del cordón espermático con el fin de producir una oclusión total de los testículos durante 2,5 horas. Posteriormente, los mismos testículos fueron detorsionados. De acuerdo con el procedimiento quirúrgico en cada grupo, fueron realizados exámenes histopatológicos de las orquiectomías unilaterales. Los grupos fueron divididos en grupo control, grupo torsión (T), grupo torsión/destorsión (T/D), y grupo torción/destorsión con melatonina (T/D +20, 50 y 100 mg/kg de la melatonina). Para el examen histológico, los tejidos testiculares fueron fijados en soluciones de glutaraldehído al 2,5 por ciento y postfijados al 1 por ciento en ácido ósmico. Luego fueron examinados, después de la aplicación de contrastes de colores, a través de microscopía electrónica de transmisión. En las secciones transversales del grupo con torsión testicular, fueron visibles residuos citoplas-máticos de espermatozoides maduros y grandes estructuras vacuolares. En las secciones transversales del grupo con destorsión testicular, se observaron disociaciones en los núcleos espermáticos, numerosas vacuolas y partículas residuales derivadas de la degeneración de organelos; además de espacios localizados en el citoplasma de las espermatogonias, dilatación en el retículo endoplasmático rugoso, grandes gotas de lípidos y partículas de cromátidas, junto con cristálisis mitocondrial. En las secciones transversales del grupo T/D +50 mg/kg de administración de melatonina, células sustentaculares y espermatogonias mostraron estructuras tipo membrana y vacíos citoplasmáticos. Las secciones transversales del grupo con torsión en la que fue ...

Atorvastatin has no effects on kidney tissues of wistar albino rats in the long-term Intake: an electron microscopic Study / Atorvastatina no niene efectos sobre los tejidos renales de ratas wistar albinas en el consumo a largo plazo: un estudio de microscopia electrónica

In this study, we evaluated the ultrastructural findings of kidney with systemic administration of different doses of atorvastatin in a rat model. Statins may have anti-inflammatory effects that would play a role in preventing the cellular damage. The aim of this study was to investigate how atorvastatin could play a role in kidney tissues. Forty adult male Wistar albino rats (200­250 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups of ten rats each (A1, A2, A3 and Control). Three different doses of atorvastatin were used to determine the effects on kidney tissues during 90 day period. The kidneys of A1 (0.1-mg group), A2 (0.5-mg group) and A3 (1-mg group) group were excised and the tissues were examined after the 90 days by transmission electron microscopy. Despite increasing the dose of atorvastatin intake, the histological structures of atorvastatin groups were appeared normal in the same period. In conclusion, long-term use of atorvastatin was not found to have an adverse effect on kidney tissue.

En un modelo de rata, se evaluaron los hallazgos ultraestructurales del riñón provocados por la administración sistémica de diferentes dosis de atorvastatina. Las estatinas pueden tener efectos anti-inflamatorios que desempeñan un importante rol en la prevención del daño celular. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar cómo la atorvastatina podría desempeñar un papel en los tejidos del riñón. 40 Ratas Wistar albinas Adultas (200-250 g) machos fueron divididas aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos de 10 ejemplares cada uno (A1, A2, A3 y Control). Tres diferentes dosis de atorvastatina se utilizaron para determinar los efectos sobre los tejidos del riñón durante un período de 90 días. Los riñones de los grupos A1 (0,1 mg), A2 (0,5 mg) y A3 (1 mg) fueron extirpados a los 90 días y los tejidos examinados por microscopía electrónica de transmisión. A pesar de haberse aumentado la dosis de ingesta de atorvastatina, las estructuras histológicas se asemejaron al grupo normal del mismo período. En conclusión, el uso de atorvastatina en un plazo prolongado, no produce efecto negativo sobre el tejido renal.

Is there a role for antioxidants in prevention of pulmonary hypoplasia in nitrofen-induced rat model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Many studies suggest a role for antioxidants in the prevention of lung hypoplasia in nitrofen-induced rat models with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This study investigates the oxidative status and the histological outcome of prenatal administration of vitamins E and C with synergistic effect, and effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to improve lung maturation of nitrofen-induced rats. METHODS: CDH was induced by maternal administration of a single oral dose of nitrofen on day 9.5 of gestation, and the Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: nitrofen (N), nitrofen + vitamin C (NC), nitrofen + vitamin E (NE), nitrofen + vitamin C + vitamin E (NCE) and nitrofen + NAC (NNAC). A control group in which only vehicle was administered was included. Cesarean section was performed on day 21. Body weight (BW) and total lung weight (LW) of all fetuses with CDH were recorded; lung histological evaluation was performed, and protein content of lungs, determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and the protein carbonyls in tissue samples were determined. RESULTS: A total of 133 rat fetuses with CDH were investigated. The body weight and the lung weight of fetuses of all groups that were exposed to nitrofen were significantly decreased than of the control group (P < 0.05). The animals exposed to nitrofen with different antioxidants showed increased protein levels in lung tissue. However, in the NCE and the NNAC groups, protein levels were significantly increased than in the others. Malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased in the NCE and the NNAC groups when compared with the NC and the NE groups. In addition, the NCE and NNAC groups decreased protein oxidation to control levels, and no significant difference was observed between control and these two antioxidants groups. The N, NC, NE and NNAC groups showed minimal improvement in lung histology; the NCE groups showed the most improvement in lung histology when compared with the other nitrofen plus antioxidant groups. CONCLUSION: Prenatal administration of NAC and vitamin E in combination with vitamin C represented the best effects to avoid oxidative damage and protein content of the lungs in rat pups with CDH at birth.

The demonstration of changes in bulbar conjunctiva surface epithelium in the psoriatic patients treated with PUVA.

We investigated the effects of disease itself and PUVA treatment on surface epithelium of conjunctiva in psoriatic patients (PP) before PUVA and after PUVA therapy and in 32 healthy volunteers. Squamous metaplasia was detected in PP both before and after PUVA therapy. We concluded that PUVA treatment applied together with preventive measures, would lead to less severe ocular side effects.

Reconstruction techniques in renal injury.

OBJECTIVE: Kidney repair reconstruction techniques are controversial. The conventional technique is suturing, but this is usually with further loss of viable tissue as it promotes scaring. In this animal model, we investigated the parenchymal effect of different sutures and methods. METHODS: We carried out this study in the year 2000 in the Animal Laboratory of Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey. We used 40 New Zealand white rabbits in this study, randomized into 5 groups. We separated the left kidney from Gerota's fascia, and performed standard lacerations with incisions 5 mm deep and 10 mm in length. We performed no reconstruction procedure in group 1, and used homeostatic collagen powder in group 2. We primarily sutured the lacerations with chromic gut (4/0) in group 3, and sutured the kidney in group 4 with polyglactin (4/0). We wrapped the kidney with a polyglactin mesh in group 5. We sacrificed 2 rabbits in each group postoperatively on day 2, 15, 45 and 90, and performed left nephrectomy for histological investigation, and assessed interstitial inflammation. RESULTS: While group 5 established the best results, the other 4 groups had similar intermediate results. The pseudocapsule was visible macroscopically in the polyglactin mesh group. We could see mononuclear cell infiltration, dilatation of tubules, atrophy of tubules, and interstitial fibrosis in all groups except group 5. CONCLUSION: In this animal model, we found that the most appropriate repair material for kidney surgery was polyglactin mesh.

Effects of intravitreal ropivacaine on retinal thickness and integrity in the guinea pig.

BACKGROUND: Retrobulbar anesthesia is widely used for ocular surgery.Ocular complications are possible when retrobulbar anesthesia is accidentally injected intravitreally. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relative retinal toxicitiesof ropivacaine hydrochloride, a local anesthetic, using various concentrations in guinea pigs. METHODS: This randomized, investigator-masked, experimental study wasconducted at the Department of Anesthesiology, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey. The right eyes of 18 guinea pigs were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: 1%, 0.75%, or 0.5% ropivacaine. The right eye of each animal was injected intravitreally with 0.1 mL of 1%, 0.75%, or 0.5% ropivacaine. The left eye of each animal was injected with a balanced saline solution (control). The guinea pigs were euthanized 7 days after injection, and the retinal structures were examined using light microscopy. The total thickness of each retina was measured using an ocular micrometer. RESULTS: No histologic abnormalities were observed in the control eyes.Retinal damage of most of the retinal section was seen in the eyes receiving study drug. The eyes injected with 0.5% ropivacaine had a generally intact appearance, with the exception of some atrophy and disorganization. Overall, the eyes injected with 1% ropivacaine had significantly more extensive retinal thinning compared with the eyes injected with 0.75% or 0.5% ropivacaine (both, P < 0.01). In the eyes injected with 0.75% or 1% ropivacaine, disorganization of the structure of the retinal layers and atrophy were noted on histopathology. The mean total thicknesses of the retina were significantly less in all ropivacaine-treated eyes compared with that in the controls (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this small experimental study, ropivacaine had concentration-dependent toxic effects on guinea pig retinas.

Immunohistochemical analysis of CD31, CD36, and CD44 antigens in human omentum.

OBJECTIVE: Milky spots in the human omental tissue are known to be consisting of lymphocytes, macrophages and mast cells. Our goal was to evaluate the relationship of lymphoid cells and macrophages with vasculature and stromal components. METHODS: In this study we examined the biopsy specimens obtained from the adult patients whom were operated for different purposes in the General Surgery Department of Dicle University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. We used CD31 as an endothelial cell marker, CD36 which is known to react with microvascular endothelium and adipocytes, and CD44 which is a hyaluronic acid receptor using an indirect immunoperoxidase technique. RESULTS: We observed that CD31 was mainly reactive with vascular endothelial cells and platelets, CD36 was reactive with microvascular endothelium and adipocytes and CD44 was mainly expressed by the endothelial cells of high endothelial venules, fibroblasts in stromal compartments and by large mononuclear cells. CONCLUSION: We determined the structural and immunophenotypic features of omental lymphoid tissue components stressing vascular and stromal elements, and we briefly discussed the significance of the expression of these molecules in the determined locations.

Effects of soft contact lenses on conjunctival surface.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of soft contact lenses on tear breakup time (TBUT), basal Schirmer test result, and the conjunctival surface in patients wearing contact lenses. METHODS: In this study, conjunctival cytologic changes, TBUT, and Schirmer test function alterations of soft contact lens wearers were evaluated by impression cytology. The study included 100 eyes of 50 soft contact lens wearers who were followed up in the Department of Ophthalmology of Dicle University and 80 eyes of 40 subjects as a control group. After TBUT and basal Schirmer test, conjunctival surface epithelial morphology was investigated using impression cytology. After the materials were appropriately stained, they were evaluated according to the Nelson grading scale. RESULTS: Contact lens wearers were divided into three groups according to the duration of contact lens wear. When these groups were evaluated according to the Nelson grading method, 21% of cases were grade 0; 32% were grade 1; and 28% were grade 3. There were statistically significant differences in epithelial cell morphology, goblet cell density, snakelike chromatin changes, TBUT, and basal Schirmer test result between the control and study groups. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that TBUT and Schirmer test result be carefully monitored in contact lens wearers. Impression cytology may be used as a safe, simple, and noninvasive method in the diagnosis of ocular surface alternations in patients with contact lens intolerance.