The Effects of Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to 50-Hz and 3 mT Electromagnetic Field on Rat Testicular Development.

Background and objectives: It has been shown that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have negative effects on the reproductive system. The biological effects of EMF on the male reproductive system are controversial and vary depending on the frequency and exposure time. Although a limited number of studies have focused on the structural and functional effects of EMF, the effects of prenatal and postnatal EMF exposure on testes are not clear. We aimed to investigate the effects of 50-Hz, 3-mT EMF exposure (5 days/wk, 4 h/day) during pre- and postnatal periods on testis development. Materials and Methods: Pups from three groups of Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were used: Sham, EMF-28 (EMF-exposure applied during pregnancy and until postnatal day 28), EMF-42 (EMF-exposure applied during pregnancy and until postnatal day 42). The testis tissues and blood samples of male offspring were collected on the postnatal day 42. Results: Morphometric analyses showed a decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter as a result of testicular degeneration in the EMF-42 group. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were decreased in the EMF-42 group. Lipid peroxidation levels were increased in both EMF groups, while antioxidant levels were decreased only in the EMF-28 group. We found decreased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) in the EMF-42 group, and decreased levels of the SRC homology 3 (SH3) and multiple ankyrin repeat domain (SHANK3) in the EMF-28 group in the testis tissue. Conclusions: EMF exposure during pre- and postnatal periods may cause deterioration in the structure and function of testis and decrease in growing factors that would affect testicular functions in male rat pups. In addition to the oxidative stress observed in testis, decreased SHANK3, VEGF, and IGF1 protein levels suggests that these proteins may be mediators in testis affected by EMF exposure. This study shows that EMF exposure during embryonic development and adolescence can cause apoptosis and structural changes in the testis.

Direct kidney injury or lower extremity ischemia induced indirect kidney injury: Which one is more harmful for kidneys?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the severity of kidney damage following lower limb ischemia-reperfusion and direct kidney ischemia-reperfusion. METHODS: Thirty Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups; lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion group (Group 2), renal ischemia-reperfusion group (Group 3) and control (anesthesia and median laparotomy only) (Group 1). In group 3, 1-h ischemia was performed on the kidney and in group 2, 1-h ischemia was performed on the left lower extremity. This procedure was followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Renal tissues were removed after the reperfusion period and the groups were evaluated for glutathioneperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde and GSH levels, and furthermore, their histolopathological scores were calculated. RESULTS: Renal malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in Group 2 and Group 3 than they were in the Control group. There was no significant difference in renal malondialdehyde levels between Group 2 and Group 3. Kidney glutathione (GSH) levels were statistically lower in Group 2 and Group 3 than in the Control group. No statistically significant difference was found between Group 2 and Group 3 regarding their GSH levels. In histological evaluation, there was no statistically significant difference between Group 2 and Group 3 in terms of kidney damage score. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified that lower extremity ischemia induces remote kidney damage with similar features to kidney injury, occurring after direct kidney ischemia-reperfusion.

Which Distant Organ is Most Affected by Lower Extremity Ischemia-Reperfusion?

BACKGROUND: It has been experimentally shown that reperfusion injury occurs in many remote organs after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) of the lower extremity. However, which distant organ is affected more after I/R of the lower extremity has not been investigated. In this study, we investigate which remote organ is predominantly affected after lower extremity I/R. METHODS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: sham (group 1) and lower extremity I/R (group 2). In group 2, 1 hr of ischemia of the left lower extremity was followed by 24 hr of reperfusion of the limb. After reperfusion, the lung, liver, kidney, heart, and small intestine tissues were harvested in both groups. RESULTS: In the I/R group, the malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in the heart and small intestine tissues than those in other tissues (P < 0.05). In addition, in the I/R group, the glutathione and glutathione peroxidase activities were also higher in the heart tissues than those in other tissues (P < 0.05). However, these results were not significant because the malondialdehyde, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase levels of the heart tissues in the control group were higher than those of the other tissues. Therefore, no statistically significant difference was found between the tissues in terms of the histological damage score we created and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling-positive cell numbers. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the severity of reperfusion injury between the tissues we examined after lower extremity I/R. This suggests that every distal organ should be carefully monitored after lower extremity I/R.

Intraperitoneal mesenchymal stem cell administration ameliorates allergic rhinitis in the murine model.

Previous studies showed that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) could ameliorate a variety of immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases due to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we developed a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA) induced allergic inflammation in the upper airways and evaluated the effects of the intraperitoneal administration of BMSCs on allergic inflammation. Twenty-five BALB/c mice were divided into five groups; group I (control group), group II (sensitized and challenged with OVA and treated with saline-placebo group), group III (sensitized and challenged with OVA and treated with 1 × 106 BMSCs), group IV (sensitized and challenged with OVA and treated with 2 × 106 BMSCs), and group V (sensitized and challenged with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and treated with 1 × 106 BMSCs). Histopathological features (number of goblet cells, eosinophils and mast cells, basement membrane, epithelium thickness, and subepithelial smooth muscle thickness) of the upper and lower airways and BMSCs migration to nasal and lung tissue were evaluated using light and confocal microscopes. Levels of cytokines in the nasal lavage fluid and lung tissue supernatants were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Confocal microscopic analysis showed that there was no significant amount of BMSCs in the nasal and lung tissues of group V. However, significant amount of BMSCs were observed in group III and IV. In OVA-induced AR groups (group II, III, and IV), histopathological findings of chronic asthma, such as elevated subepithelial smooth muscle thickness, epithelium thickness, and number of goblet and mast cells, were determined. Furthermore, the number of nasal goblet and eosinophil cells, histopathological findings of chronic asthma, and IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and NO levels was significantly lower in both BMSCs-treated groups compared to the placebo group. Our findings indicated that histopathological findings of chronic asthma were also observed in mice upon AR induction. BMSCs migrated to the nasal and lung tissues following intraperitoneal delivery and ameliorated to the airway remodeling and airway inflammation both in the upper and lower airways via the inhibition of T helper (Th) 2 immune response in the murine model of AR.

Effects of administration of subtoxic doses of acetaminophen on liver and blood levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 in rats.

Acetaminophen (APAP) is widely used in the treatment of pain. Toxic doses of APAP cause acute liver failure, but therapeutic doses are believed to be safe. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of administration of subtoxic doses of APAP on liver and blood levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in rats. Low dose (100 mg/kg) and high dose (250 mg/kg) of APAP were intraperitoneally injected into Wistar albino rats. Following administration of therapeutic doses of APAP, there were no significant changes in serum transaminases and liver glutathione levels. Both doses of APAP induced a decrease in liver and blood levels of IGF-1 when compared with the controls. There was no significant difference in liver IGF-1 levels between the high-dose and low-dose APAP groups; however, there was a significant difference in blood IGF-1 levels between both the groups. The histological examination showed that low dose of APAP induced mild degree of structural change, while high dose of APAP induced severe structural damage. In conclusion, these results suggest that blood IGF-1 levels may have a value in predicting hepatic damage resulting from therapeutic doses of APAP.

Is there a gender-related susceptibility for cisplatin ototoxicity?

Ototoxicity is a well-known side effect of cisplatin. Some genetic and non-genetic risk factors were described for cisplatin ototoxicity. Although there are some studies which point out a sex-related difference for cisplatin nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, sex-related differences for cisplatin ototoxicity have not been studied. The aim of this study is to reveal whether there is any gender-related difference for susceptibility to cisplatin ototoxicity in rats. Fourteen male, 14 female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups; a female control, a male control, a female cisplatin and a male cisplatin group. Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission and, Auditory Brainstem Response measurements were obtained. For the cisplatin groups 16 mg/kg of cisplatin was applied. On the 4th day audiological examinations were repeated. After killing, cochleae and brainstem tissues were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. The hearing of the female rat cisplatin group was found to have deteriorated more than the hearing of the male rat cisplatin group. Histopathological evaluation revealed more serious damage in the spiral ganglion and brainstem tissues of female rats. Hearing of female rats deteriorated more than the hearing of male rats upon application of cisplatin. This difference in hearing can be attributed to the more severe damage seen in neuronal tissues such as spiral ganglion cells and brainstem neurons.

Role of vascular endothelial growth factor antagonism on airway remodeling in asthma.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important mediator of the neoangiogenesis component of remodeling in asthma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of VEGF blockage on airway remodeling, specifically epithelium thickness, subepithelial smooth muscle thickness, number of mast and goblet cells, and basement membrane thickness, in a mouse model of chronic asthma. METHODS: We used 30 BALB/c mice. The control group was not exposed to ovalbumin or any medication (group 1). Other groups were exposed to intraperitoneal and inhaled ovalbumin to achieve chronic asthma. Each of these groups received intraperitoneal saline (group 2), intraperitoneal dexamethasone (group 3), or intraperitoneal bevacizumab (group 4). Histomorphologic examination for epithelium thickness, subepithelial smooth muscle thickness, number of mast and goblet cells, and basement membrane thickness was performed from the middle zone of the left lung. RESULTS: Treatment with anti-VEGF caused significant reduction in epithelial, subepithelial muscle, and basement membrane thickness compared with untreated asthmatic mice (P = .001, P = .03, and P = .009, respectively). Goblet and mast cell numbers were significantly lower in mice treated with anti-VEGF than in untreated mice (P = .02 and P = .007, respectively). Dexamethasone treatment resulted in improvement of all histomorphologic markers, except goblet cell number. Influences of dexamethasone and anti-VEGF on epithelial and basement membrane thickness and mast and goblet cell numbers did not differ (P > .05), but subepithelial muscle layer was thinner in the former (P = .003). CONCLUSION: VEGF blockage may provide adjunctive therapeutic options as steroid-sparing agents for more effective treatment of remodeling in asthma.

The effect of rupatadine on lung histopathology in a murine model of chronic asthma.

INTRODUCTION: Rupatadine is a new second-generation antihistamine with H(1) receptor antagonist activity and platelet-activating factor antagonist properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rupatadine on histologic changes in the lungs in a murine model of chronic asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five BALB/c mice were divided into five groups of seven mice each: group I (control), group II (placebo [saline]), group III (dexamethasone 1 mg · kg(-1)·d(-1)), group IV (rupatadine 3 mg·kg(-1) d(-1)), and group V (rupatadine 30 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)). Groups II through V were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin and treated once per day via the oral route (gavage). Animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last treatment was administered. Airway histopathology was evaluated using light and electron microscopy in all groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences observed in any of the histologic parameters between groups II and IV. There were significantly thinner basement membrane, subepithelial smooth muscle layer, and epithelia were significantly thinner in group V than in group II (p < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in the thicknesses of the basement membrane, subepithelial smooth muscle layer and epithelia between groups III and V. CONCLUSION: Rupatadine had a beneficial effect on histologic changes in a chronic murine model of asthma.

Effects of pentoxifylline on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.

We aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the renoprotective effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) in gentamicin (GEN)-induced nephropathy. On this purpose, 26 female Wistar rats (200-250 g) were included and four groups were formed. The first one was the control group (n:5). The rats in other groups (n:7 for each) received 50 mg/kg twice daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) PTX, 100 mg/kg i.p. GEN and both GEN and PTX at the same doses for consecutive 8 days, respectively. Rats were weighed both at the beginning and end of the study. After the last dose, 24-hour urines were collected and the rats were sacrificed. Blood samples and kidney tissues were obtained for biochemical, histological, oxidative stress, and apoptotic parameters. Body weights were similar in all groups at the beginning of the study. Rats in GEN group had significant weight loss, tubular damage, and increased apoptosis, while GEN + PTX group had significantly better outcomes. Scr, urinary protein/creatinine, and TBARS levels were significantly higher and Ccr and SOD levels were significantly lower in GEN and GEN + PTX groups in comparison to control and PTX groups, but the levels were similar between GEN and GEN + PTX groups. In conclusion, concomitant administration of PTX provides renoprotection via suppressing apoptosis in GEN-induced nephropathy.

The effects of exposure to electromagnetic field on rat myocardium.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) causes increased adverse effects on biological systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EMF on heart tissue by biochemical and histomorphological evaluations in EMF-exposed adult rats. In this study, 28 male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were used. The rats were divided into two groups: sham group (n = 14) and EMF group (n = 14). Rats in sham group were exposed to same conditions as the EMF group except the exposure to EMF. Rats in EMF group were exposed to a 50-Hz EMF of 3 mT for 4 h/day and 7 days/week for 2 months. After 2 months of exposure, rats were killed; the hearts were excised and evaluated. Determination of oxidative stress parameters was performed spectrophotometrically. To detect apoptotic cells, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry were performed. In EMF-exposed group, levels of lipid peroxidation significantly increased and activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase decreased compared with sham group. The number of TUNEL-positive cells and caspase-3 immunoreactivity increased in EMF-exposed rats compared with sham. Under electron microscopy, there were mitochondrial degeneration, reduction in myofibrils, dilated sarcoplasmic reticulum and perinuclear vacuolization in EMF-exposed rats. In conclusion, the results show that the exposure to EMF causes oxidative stress, apoptosis and morphologic damage in myocardium of adult rats. The results of our study indicate that EMF-related changes in rat myocardium could be the result of increased oxidative stress. Further studies are needed to demonstrate whether the exposure to EMF can induce adverse effects on myocardium.

The effects of Spirulina platensis on behavior in adolescent rats fed a high-fat diet.

In recent years, childhood overweight and obesity have become a universal public health problem. Obesity may lead to cognitive disorders, depression and anxiety by affecting neuronal processes. Spirulina platensis (SP), a species of microalgae from the Chlorophyceae green algae class, has neuroprotective effects and may reduce body weight. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of SP on behavior alongside the role of leptin and Sirtuin-1 in fed with high-fat diet (HFD) adolescent rats. Four-week-old Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into four groups: control, HFD, HFD + SP150 (150 mg/kg/day SP, orally), HFD + SP450 (450 mg/kg/day SP, orally). Rats except for the control group exposed to 60% HFD along 12 weeks. Last 6 weeks SP or vehicle administered. After the behavioral tests, leptin and Sirtuin-1 levels in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus regions were evaluated. SP150 significantly reduced body weight compared with HFD group. The time spent in the center of open field increased significantly in SP150-treated rats compared with HFD. SP150 and SP450 significantly decreased immobility time in forced swim test compared with HFD. Leptin levels in HFD group were significantly lower in prefrontal cortex compared to control group. Leptin levels of the HFD + SP450 group were significantly higher than HFD group in the hippocampus. There was no significant difference between groups in Sirtuin-1 levels. In conclusion, SP supplementation in adolescence period might positively affect chronic high fat-induced anxiety-like and depressive-like behavior by partially affecting brain leptin levels and without affecting Sirtuin-1 levels.

The effects of bee venom on behavior and the role of leptin in rats.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the dose­dependent effect of bee venom (BV) on behavioral functions in rats and the physiological role of leptin in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala tissues. Adult Sprague­Dawley male rats were used in the experiments. The rats were divided into three groups of control, 0.1 mg/kg BV, and 0.5 mg/kg BV. The rats were injected with BV subcutaneously for 15 consecutive days. The open field test (OFT), the elevated plus maze test (EPM), and the forced swimming test (FST) were performed as behavioral assessments. Animals were sacrificed, and brain regions were removed. Leptin levels were measured in various brain regions by ELISA. In the OFT, the total distance and speed for the 0.1 mg/kg BV group increased compared to controls and the 0.5 mg/kg BV group. In the EPM, the 0.1 mg/kg BV group remained in the open arm for a significantly longer period of time compared to the other groups. In the FST, the 0.5 mg/kg BV group was more mobile than the other groups. Leptin levels in the prefrontal cortex were significantly higher in the 0.1 mg/kg BV group compared to the control and 0.5 mg/kg groups. There were no significant differences between groups in hippocampus and amygdala leptin levels. The results of the study show that BV has a positive effect on behavioral parameters. BV may have a positive effect on anxiety­ and depression­like behaviors by increasing leptin levels in the prefrontal cortex.

Assessment of protective effects of methylprednisolone and pheniramine maleate on reperfusion injury in kidney after distant organ ischemia: a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of tissues is a common problem that cardiovascular surgeons are faced with. Suppression of inflammation, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of I/R injury, may reduce this damage. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of methylprednisolone (MP)--a potent anti-inflammatory agent--and pheniramine maleate (FM)--an antihistamine that also has some anti-inflammatory effects--on reperfusion injury of kidneys developing after ischemia of the left lower extremity of rats. METHODS: Twenty-eight randomly selected male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 320 to 370 g were divided into four groups, each consisting of seven rats. Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 was the sham group. Rats in group 3 were subjected to I/R and given FM, and rats in group 4 were subjected to I/R and given MP. A tourniquet was applied at the level of the left groin to subjects in group 2 after induction of anesthesia. One hour of ischemia was performed, and no drug was administered. In group 3, half of a total dose of 10 mg/kg FM was administered before ischemia, and the remaining half was given intraperitoneally before reperfusion. In group 4, subjects received a single dose of 50 mg/kg MP intraperitoneally in the 30th minute of ischemia. Kidneys of all subjects were removed after 24 hours. Extracted tissues were investigated regarding histological and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde--the end product of lipid peroxidation as an important indicator of I/R injury--levels were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2 (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde levels were also lower in group 4 than in group 2, but this difference was insignificant (P > 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities were found to be significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2 (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference between group 4 and group 2 in terms of these activities. Histological examination demonstrated that both MP and FM had protective effects against I/R injury, but this effect was more potent for FM than for MP. CONCLUSIONS: FM has a protective effect against reperfusion injury in rat kidney after distant organ ischemia.

Gender differences in effects of prenatal and postnatal exposure to electromagnetic field and prenatal zinc on behaviour and synaptic proteins in rats.

Humans are exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from various sources throughout life. Because humans are easily impacted by environmental factors during early development, it is believed that EMF can cause structural and functional changes on the developing brain that may lead to behavioural changes. This paper investigates the impact of EMF exposure and zinc supplementation during the prenatal and postnatal periods on behavioural changes and synaptic proteins in a gender-dependent manner. Pups from four groups of pregnant rats were used: Sham, EMF (5 days/wk, 4 h/day EMF-exposure applied), Sham+Zinc (5 days/wk, 5 mg/kg/day zinc applied) and EMF+Zinc (5 days/wk, 4 h/day EMF-exposure and 5 mg/kg/day zinc applied). EMF exposure and zinc supplementation were initiated from the first day of pregnancy to the 42nd postnatal day. Zinc levels in blood, NLGN3 and SHANK3 levels in hippocampus and amygdala, and synaptic structures in amygdala were examined. Behavioural tests showed that EMF exposure had no effect on social behaviour, but adversely affected activity and exploratory behaviour, and led to increased anxiety formation. Zinc supplementation had a partially positive effect on female, but not male offspring. SHANK3 and NLGN3 proteins were significantly lower in EMF groups, however, no positive effect of zinc supplementation was found. In conclusion, EMF exposure may alter the levels of synaptic proteins in the developing brain, leading to behavioural changes in a gender-dependent manner. Evaluation of zinc supplementation at different doses could be beneficial to prevent or reduce the behavioural and structural effects of EMF.

The effects of bee venom on liver and skeletal muscle in exhaustive swimming rats.

Oxidative damage and proinflammatory cytokines are involved in exhaustive exercise-induced fatigue. This study aimed to investigate the effects of bee venom, a natural toxin, on fatigue and tissue damage in rats that underwent forced swimming exercise. Rats were divided into four groups: control, swimming exercise (SE), bee venom (BV) and swimming exercise + bee venom (SE + BV). SE and SE + BV groups were subjected to forced swimming (load of 7% body weight) for 5 days. BV and SE + BV groups were injected with 1 mg/kg BV subcutaneously. Swimming time, blood lactate and TNF-α levels, MDA and GSH levels in liver and gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated. Swimming time was shorter in SE + BV group than SE group. There was no difference in lactate levels between SE and SE + BV groups. MDA and GSH levels were increased in SE, BV and SE + BV groups. TNF-α levels were increased in BV group compared to control and SE groups. Our study demonstrated that BV administration before exhaustive exercise in rats did not provide anti-fatigue effect. Additionally, BV did not show anti-inflammatory activity and had different effects on antioxidant capacity at tissue level. Further research might explore the effects of different doses and durations of BV on exhaustive exercise.

Effect of decorin protein administration on rat sciatic nerve injury: an experimental study.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral nerve traumas are common injuries in young adult population. The myriad of techniques and medications have been defined to obtain better recovery but none of them was proved to have superior effect. This study aims to determine the anti-fibrotic effect of the decorin on sciatic nerve injury in order to enhance functional outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (350-400 gr) were divided into four groups. The sciatic nerve was dissected and exposed; a full-thickness laceration was created 1.5 cm proximal to the bifurcation point and 1.5 cm distal to where it originated from the lumbosacral plexus. Motor and sensory tests were conducted before and after the operations for evaluating the nerve healing. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between DCN bolus and PBS bolus group. (p<0.0001, p<0.05) in neuromotor tests. Increase of the latency was significantly lower in DCN bolus and infusion group when compared with the PBS bolus group. (p<0,001). All operated gastrocnemius muscles were atrophic compared with the contralateral side. The differences between the averages in the sciatic functional index, the improvement of the DCN infusion group was 8.6 units better than the PBS group and 4.4 units better than the DCN bolus group. When the amount of stimulation was 10 mV at the proximal segment in electromyography, there was no significant difference between the DCN bolus and sham groups. (p> 0.05, p = 0.6623). CONCLUSION: Decorin protein reduces the fibrosis and enhances the motor and sensory recovery both clinically and histologically. Despite the high cost, short half-life and production issues, this protein could be administered after the microsurgical repair but more studies are required to overcome the limitations.

[Experimental oral candidiasis in healthy and immunocompromised BALB/c mice]. / Saglikli ve Immün Sistemi Baskilanmis BALB/c Farelerde Deneysel Oral Kandidiyaz.

Oral candidiasis which is the most common type of Candida infections affecting humans, is most frequently caused by C.albicans. Immune response of the host, as well as a variety of virulence factors of the causative agent, play important roles in the development of Candida infections. The colonization rate of Candida in the oral cavity of healthy individuals, is between 25-30%, however, this rate is reported to be increased in immunosuppressive subjects. In our study, we established an oral candidiasis model with C.albicans in healthy and experimentally immunocompromised mice and aimed to compare Candida colonization rates and histopathological changes occurred in the tongue and esophagus tissues of the animal groups. A total of 21 BALB/c mice were grouped as control (Group 1; n= 7), healthy (Group 2; n= 7) and immunocompromised (Group 3; n= 7) groups. Immunosuppression in mice was performed by subcutaneous injection of prednisolone. For experimental oral candidiasis, cotton swab impregnated with C.albicans strains which did not have acid proteinase and phospholipase enzyme activity, no biofilm production, and sensitive to fluconazole and amphotericin B, were used. In the control group, physiological saline solution was used instead of C.albicans strain. In the forth day of experimental oral candidiasis model swab samples taken from the dorsal tongue surface of mice were evaluated by quantitative cultivation method. No yeast colonies were detected in Group 1 while more significant number of yeast colonies were observed in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p= 0.002). Tongue and esophagus tissues of mice were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid schiff staining and evaluated in terms of inflammatory response, abscess formation, vascular congestion, vasodilation and for the presence of yeast and hyphae. When the inflammation in esophagus was considered, statistically significant difference was determined between group 1 and group 3 (p= 0.023), however, no difference was detected between group 2 and 3 (p= 0.107). The level of inflammation in tongue tissue exhibited no difference between groups 2 and 3 (p= 0.317) while the difference was significant when these groups were compared to the control group (p= 0.00, p= 0.002, respectively). Similarly, the level of congestion in tongue tissue exhibited no difference between groups 2 and 3, however, the difference was significant when compared to the control group. To enlighten the relation between host immune status and oral candidiasis caused by C. albicans, further larger-scale studies also concerning the various virulence factors of the infectious agent, should be conducted by the use of experimental animal models which may successfully guide us in this regard.

Protective effect of alpha lipoic acid on 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide induced primary ovarian failure in female rats.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and its possible mechanisms in treating Primary ovarian failure (POF) model was studied with 4 vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 7) as Control, VCD, VCD + ALA and ALA. POF model was induced by applying VCD intraperitoneally and ALA was administered by oral gavage as 100 mg/day to the VCD + ALA and ALA groups. RESULTS: At the end of 42 days, ovarian and uterine tissues were received. The number of primordial and primary follicles were increased and corpus luteum and cystic follicles were decreased in ovarian tissues in VCD + ALA group compared to VCD group. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity in follicular cells was decreased in VCD + ALA group compared to VCD group. eNOS immunoreactivity and eNOS levels were decreased in VCD group and increased in VCD + ALA group while iNOS immunoreactivity and iNOS levels were increased in VCD group, decreased in VCD + ALA group in ovary and uterine tissue. Plasma FSH and LH hormone levels were increased in the VCD but decreased in VCD + ALA group. Estradiol level decreased in the VCD group compared to the other groups. The MDA values were significantly increased in the VCD + ALA group compared to VCD group. In addition, the levels of GSH values were decreased in VCD + ALA group compared to VCD group. CONCLUSION: Alpha lipoic acid treatment of rats with VCD-induced POF had a beneficial effect on reducing ovarian damage by improving histological, immunohistochemical, hormone level and oxidative stress markers. Our results show that ALA is an effective treatment of VCD-induced POF rats.

How important is the damage to the liver after lower limb ischemia-reperfusion? An experimental study in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of lower extremity ischemia reperfusion on the liver and the effect of ischemiareperfusion on the liver itself in a rat model. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups including 10 in each group: sham (Group 1), lower limb ischemia-reperfusion (Group 2), and liver ischemia-reperfusion (Group 3). In Group 2, one hour of left lower limb ischemia was performed. In Group 3, one hour of ischemia in the liver was performed, followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. After reperfusion, the liver tissues were removed, and the groups were evaluated biochemically and histologically. RESULTS: The liver malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in Groups 2 and 3 than in the sham group (p<0.001). In Group 2, the malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher than in Group 3 (p=0.019). The glutathione levels in the liver were significantly lower in Groups 2 and 3 than in the sham group (p<0.001). However, the glutathione levels were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 3 (p=0.005). In the histological evaluation, although the liver damage score was higher in Group 3 than in Group 2 (p=0.015), there was no significant difference between the two groups in TUNEL(+) cell number (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Reperfusion injury in the liver after lower limb ischemiareperfusion is as important as ischemia-reperfusion injury which is specifically induced in the liver. This should be taken into account, particularly in reperfusion surgeries following vascular trauma or in cases of leg tourniquets to stop bleeding after lower limb vascular trauma.

The effect of sumatriptan on nitric oxide synthase enzyme production after iatrogenic inflammation in the brain stem of adolescent rats: A randomized, controlled, experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a common disabling disorder of childhood and adolescence. Despite advances in the understanding of migraine pathophysiology, treatment remains a challenge. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to investigate the production of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes in the brain stem of adolescent rats, using an experimental model of migraine, and the effect of sumatriptan pretreatment on the production of the NOS enzymes. METHODS: Male adolescent (aged ~2 months) Wistar rats were used in the study. The animals were anesthetized using pentobarbital. The trigeminovascular system was stimulated by injecting a proinflammatory molecule, carrageenan, into the cis-terna magna of the anesthetized rats. The animals were divided into 3 groups of equal size: (1) the study group, in which the rats were treated with sumatriptan succinate 2 hours before intracisternal carrageenan injection; (2) the sham group, in which the rats were not administered intracisternal carrageenan injection or sumatriptan pretreatment; and (3) the control group, in which the rats were administered intracisternal carrageenan injection but were not pretreated with sumatriptan. In the control and study groups, the rats were euthanized using ether anesthesia 1 hour after intracisternal carrageenan injection. Rats in the sham group were euthanized 1 hour after intracisternal catheterization. Brain tissue was removed and endothelial NOS (eNOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS) immunohistochemistry was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-one rats were randomized into 3 groups of 7. The mean values of the immunolabeling intensities for eNOS, nNOS, and iNOS enzymes in the brain stem were significantly lower in the sham group compared with the control group (P = 0.001, P = 0.002, and P = 0.001, respectively). The mean values of the immunolabeling intensities of eNOS, nNOS, and iNOS in the brain stem were significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group (P = 0.001, P = 0.025, and P = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental model of migraine in adolescent rats, intracisternal injection of carrageenan was associated with a significant increase in the production of NOS enzymes in the brain stem. Pretreatment with sumatriptan was associated with a decrease in NOS production.