Evaluation of the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 against x-ray irradiation-induced ovarian injury.

AIM: This study focused on the anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of CoQ10 in ovaries exposed to pelvic radiation. METHODS: Thirty-two female rats were randomly assigned into four groups. Group I (control group), Group II: Only 2 Gy pelvic x-ray irradiation (IR) was administered as a single fractioned dose. Group III: 30 mg/kg CoQ10 was administered by oral gavage +2 Gy pelvic IR. Group IV: 150 mg/kg CoQ10 was administered by oral gavage +2 Gy pelvic IR. CoQ10 treatment was started 7 days before pelvic IR and completed 7 days later. The rats in Group III and IV were treated with CoQ10 for a total of 14 days. RESULTS: Histopathological analysis showed severe damage to the ovarian tissue in the radiation group, while both doses of CoQ10 showed normal histological structure. Likewise, while there was a high level of staining in the IR group for necrosis and apoptosis, the CoQ10 treated ones were like the control group. Tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were like the control group in the low-dose CoQ10 group, while the MDA levels of the high dose CoQ10 group were similar to the radiation group. CONCLUSION: Usage of low-dose CoQ10 has a radioprotective effect on radiation-induced ovarian damage. Although the use of high doses is morphologically radioprotective, no antioxidative effect was observed in the biochemical evaluation.

The potential antioxidant effect of N-acetylcysteine on X-ray ionizing radiation-induced pancreas islet cell toxicity.

PURPOSE: Previous research has highlighted the impact of X-ray irradiation-induced organ damage, on cancer patients after radiation therapy. The ionizing radiation-induced oxidative stress causes injury to the pancreatic islet cells of Langerhans. We used histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses to examine α- and ß-cells in the islets of Langerhans in rats undergoing whole-body x-ray ionizing radiation, a group of which was treated with NAC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, one control, and two experimental groups. Group I (Control) was administered only saline solution (0.09% NaCl) by oral gavage for 7 days. Group II (IR) was administrated whole body single dose 6 Gray ionizing radiation (IR) and saline solution (0.09% NaCl) by oral gavage for 7 days. Group III (IR + NAC) was administered 300 mg/kg NAC (N-acetylcysteine) by oral gavage for 7 days, 5 days before, and 2 days after 6 Gray IR application. RESULTS: In the X-ray irradiation group, we observed diffuse necrotic endocrine cells in the islets of Langerhans. In addition, we found that Caspase-3, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased, and insulin, glucagon, and glutathione (GSH) levels decreased in the IR group compared to the control group. In contrast, we observed a decrease in Caspase-3, and MDA levels in necrotic endocrine cells, and an increase in insulin, glucagon, and GSH levels in the IR + NAC group compared to the IR group. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence for the beneficial effects of N-acetyl cysteine on islets of Langerhans cells with X-ray ionizing-radiation-induced damage in a rat model.

Histopathological evaluation of the effects of dexmedetomidine against pituitary damage induced by X-ray irradiation.

Background: The present study, aimed to investigate the potential negative effects of x-ray radiation and the effects of the α2-adrenergic receptor agonist dexmedetomidine on the pituitary gland.Methods: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: Rats in Group 1 (control group). Group 2 (X-ray irradiation) and group 3 (X-ray irradiation + Dexmedetomidine) were given a total of 10 Gy external beam total body irradiation. Group 3 was given a single intraperitoneal dose of 200 µg/kg dexmedetomidine 30 minutes before RT.Results: In sections obtained from the x-ray irradiation group, we observed many necrotic in adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis. In addition, there were extensive oedematous areas and vascular congestions due to the necrotic cells in both the adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis. In contrast, we observed a reduction in necrotic chromophobic and chromophilic cells in adenohypophyseal tissue and a reduction in necrotic pituicytes in neurohypophyseal tissue in the dexmedetomidine treatment group. In addition, we determined lower caspase-3 and TUNEL expression in the dexmedetomidine treatment group compared with the x-ray irradiation group. Dexmedetomidine reduced x-ray radiation-induced pituitary damage by preventing apoptosis.Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the use of dexmedetomidine in situations related to radiation toxicity and offers the potential for a comprehensive study.

Comparison of effects of dexmedetomidine and amifostine against X-ray radiation-induced parotid damage.

Radiotherapy can be employed as a therapeutic modality alone in the early stages of cancer and is used together with other treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy in more advanced stages. However, exposure to ionizing radiation in association with radiotherapy affects several organs in the head and neck and can give rise to early and late side effects. Exposure to ionizing radiation used in radiotherapy is known to cause cell damage by leading to oxygen stress through the production of free oxygen radicals (such as superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, and singlet oxygen), depending on the total radiation dosage, the fractionation rate, radiosensitivity, and linear energy transfer. The purpose of the present study was to determine the potential protective role of a powerful and highly selective α2-adrenoreceptor agonist with a broad pharmacological spectrum against salivary gland damage induced by ionizing radiation exposure. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups-control, ionizing radiation, ionizing radiation + dexmedetomidine (100 µg/kg), ionizing radiation + dexmedetomidine (200 µg/kg), and ionizing radiation + amifostine (200 mg/kg). Following exposure to ionizing radiation, we observed necrosis, fibrosis, and vascular congestions in parotid gland epithelial cells. We also observed increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and cleaved Caspase-3 levels and a decrease in glutathione (GSH). In groups receiving dexmedetomidine, we observed necrotic epithelial cells, fibrosis and vascular congestion in parotid gland tissue, a decrease in MDA levels, and an increase in GSH. Dexmedetomidine may be a promising antioxidant agent for the prevention of oxidative damage following radiation exposure.

Interesting different survival status of musicians with malignant cerebral tumors.

Introduction: The education of a musician may have an effect on the neuronal functions and organization of the brain, promote brain plasticity, resulting in functional and structural changes. A variety of malign cerebral tumors have affected the musician, instrumentalist or singer, at some time during their lives. No comprehensive investigation for musicians with malignant tumors has been performed yet. The aims of the study are to investigate if there is a relationship between the performed music style (classic or pop/rock) and the malignancy of the tumor.Patients and methods: The key words were 'neurosurgery and music' and the names of composers. We used digital catalogs like 'Pubmed' as well as the libraries of universities. We investigated a list of people with brain tumors from the English Wikipedia. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_with_brain_tumors).We divided musicians into two groups according to their performing of classic or rock-pop music, and their gender.Results: We found 27 classic and rock/pop musicians who suffered from malign cerebral tumors. The median survival time estimations were 18 (mean 22.33, 95% CI ranged from 7.49 to 37.17) months for pop-rock musicians and 8 (mean 8.67, 95% CI ranged from 4.13 to 12.19) months for classical music performers. However, in Cox regression analysis, performed classical music type was associated with an increased risk of early death, lesser survival time age associated with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.020 to 1.111; p = .004),Conclusion: In musicians with malign cerebral tumors, music type performed by musician may affect the survival status, classical musicians have a worse outcome than rock-pop musicians.

Colorful Screams of Silent Emotions: A Study with Oncological Patients.

BACKGROUND: Art, as a product of human behavior, is the expression of emotions from inner states and may provide catharsis, purification, and release. Several branches of art, most notably music, dance, and painting, can be used for treatment purposes, especially in the case of psychological disorders. Cancer, which is defined as uncontrolled cell growth, has been an important health issue throughout history, but the recent increase in its frequency has made it one of the most significant public health problems. Both the physiological distress the disease subjects the body to and the accompanying emotional distress are important factors to be considered in cancer treatment. AIMS: In this study, the role of art in expressing emotions of oncological patients was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the treatment period, patients were interviewed about their experiences, feelings, expectations and perceptions. The picture was used as an expression of emotions. RESULTS: Communication between the patient and doctor is one of the most important elements in the treatment process, and it has come to the fore in branches of medicine, such as oncology, because of its positive contribution to treatment compliance. In general, the study showed a pronounced positivity and expectations on the part of patients from the hope-life-healing process rather than oncological treatment. CONCLUSION: In this study, we aim to demonstrate how the artistic expression of emotions, in particular, through painting, has a positive effect on healing, hope, and the interactions between cancer patients under oncological treatment and medical professionals.

Oncology mortality: weekend and summer vacation effect.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the effect of the weekend and summer vacation on mortality in patients with cancer. METHODS: All patient data were obtained from their hospital registry records and the Death Notification System of the Ministry of Health. RESULTS: The majority of patients died in the hospital compared at home, 80.8% versus 19.2%, respectively. Patients aged <65 died mostly in hospital, which was the opposite of those aged ≥65, who died at home. While tumour location and histopathological type had no effect on the place of death, patients with metastasis (including single organ metastasis), diffuse metastases (diffuse metastases: multiple organ metastases) and patients with locally advanced stage disease were found to die more frequently in the hospital. Deaths in the hospital occurred most frequently in August, while deaths at home occurred most frequently in April and October. Deaths in the hospital occurred most frequently on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while deaths at home occurred more frequently on Monday. It was determined that the deaths in the hospital were significantly higher at the weekend. CONCLUSION: This study contains data supporting the weekend effect in oncology patients. Moreover, it provides new data on the increased death rates in August, which coincides with the summer vacation leave month.

Radioprotective effects of α2-adrenergic receptor agonist dexmedetomidine on X-ray irradiation-induced pancreatic islet cell damage.

Comprehensive epidemiological analyses conducted in the last 30 years have revealed a link between radiation and DM. We aimed to determine the effects of dexmedetomidine pretreatment on radiation-induced pancreatic islet cell damage. Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (control group), group 2 (only X-ray irradiation group), and group 3 (X-ray irradiation + dexmedetomidine). We observed necrotic cells with vacuoles accompanying loss of cytoplasm in the islets of Langerhans, extensive edematous areas, and vascular congestions in group 2. In group 3, we observed a decrease in necrotic cells in the islets of Langerhans, and edematous areas and vascular congestion was also reduced. We determined a decrease in ß-cells, α-cells, and D-cells in the islets of Langerhans in group 2 compared to the control group. In group 3, ß-cells, α-cells, and D-cells were elevated compared to group 2. Ionizing radiation may induce DM. Dexmedetomidine appears to exert a radioprotective effect.

Chemoradiotherapy for elderly patients with rectal cancer: A single-institution study.

Introduction: The incidence of cancer, particularly rectal cancer (RC), in older adults is gradually increasing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate radiotherapy (RT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) results, clinicopathological features, and survival factors in older patients with RC. Methods: We evaluated patients aged ≥65 years with RC treated at a radiation oncology clinic. The demographic, clinical, and histopathological data of the patients were obtained by reviewing their medical records. The toxicity criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group were applied. Results: Among 401 patients with RC, 183 (45.6%) were older adults (65-92 years). Furthermore, 122 (66.7%) patients had clinically stage 3 and above RC, and 183 and 91 patients received RT and neoadjuvant CRT, respectively. Surgical treatment was performed for 116 (63.4%) patients, 41 (34.4%) and 76 (65.6%) of whom underwent postoperative CRT and preoperative RT, respectively. Grade 3 or higher toxicity was observed in 22 (18.9%) patients during CRT. RT was performed in 64 patients (35%) at a 1-15-day interval. The mean follow-up duration was 34.7 (range, 1.4-149.0) months. The 2- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 71.4 and 37.4%, respectively, and the 2- and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 65.7 and 35.3%, respectively. OS was 49.4 and 34.9 months for patients aged 65-74 and ≥75 years, respectively. Survival was shorter in patients with the advanced geriatric disease (p = 0.013). In the multivariate analysis, factors affecting overall and DFS were age, distance from the tumor to the anal canal, and metastasis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that the selection of treatment modalities for older patients with RC should be based on performance status and not age. RT and CRT were safe treatment modalities for older patients with RC, particularly for those who could not undergo surgery.

The protective effects of red ginseng and amifostine against renal damage caused by ionizing radiation.

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of amifostine (ethyol) (AM), a synthetic radioprotector, and red ginseng (RG), a natural radioprotective agent, against the toxic effect of ionizing radiation (IR) on kidney tissues through changes in biochemical and histopathological parameters in addition to contributions to the use of amifostine and RG in clinical studies. Five groups were established: Group I (control, receiving only saline by gavage), Group II (IR only), and Group III (IR+AM, 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.). Group IV (IR + RG, 200 mg/kg orally once a day for 4 weeks), and Group V (IR+RG+AM, 200 mg/kg orally once/day for 4 weeks before IR and 200 mg/kg AM administered (i.p.) 30 min before IR). All groups, except for the control group, were subject to 6-Gy whole-body IR in a single fraction. 24 h after irradiation, all animals were sacrificed under anesthesia. IR enhanced MDA, 8-OHdG, and caspase-3 expression while decreasing renal tissue GSH levels (p < .05). Significant numbers of necrotic tubules together with diffuse vacuolization in proximal and distal tubule epithelial cells were also observed. The examination also revealed substantial brush boundary loss in proximal tubules as well as relatively unusual glomerular structures. While GSH levels significantly increased in the AM, RG, and AM+RG groups, a decrease in KHDS, MDA, 8-OHdG, and caspase-3 expression was observed, compared to the group subject to IR only (p < .05). Therefore, reactive oxygen species-scavenging antioxidants may represent a promising treatment for avoiding kidney damage in patients receiving radiation.

An urban legend: Malignant transformation caused by radiotherapy in patients with presacral ganglioneuroma. The necessity and first-time administration of radiotherapy. Case report and literature review.

Ganglioneuromas (GNs) are well-differentiated, rare benign tumors of neural crest origin and are, for the most part, considered to be the benign equivalent of neuroblastomas. There are very few cases of GN reported to be at presacral location in the literature. The standard form of treatment is the total surgical excision. However, total resection of GN is not always possible depending on the neuron, from which it originates, and its localization. Moreover, adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) or chemotherapy is not recommended even though patients are still symptomatic after subtotal resection. This view is based on the urban legend that it undergoes a malignant transformation although it is a benign tumor. Moreover, there are no data indicating that the GN cases reported in the literature have undergone RT. Therefore, articles about the suspicion that GN may undergo spontaneous or malignant transformation after RT are absolutely controversial. Based on our case, we present here, we believe that we will explain the valid necessity of application of RT that we administered for the first time and that with the clarification of this controversial topic, a significant gap will be closed in the literature.

18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging of Metastatic Testicular Choriocarcinoma Mimicking Gastric Cancer which Initial Symptom is Melena

Gastric metastasis of choriocarcinoma is rarely reported in the literature. This case report presents the case of multiple metastatic testicular choriocarcinoma mimicking gastric cancer, with melena as the initial symptom. In this case, 18fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) showed that the testis was the primary focus. The contribution of PET/CT is significant to primary focus detection in metastatic diseases of unknown primary origin that presented gastrointestinal bleeding. In addition to its use in staging of testicular carcinoma, PET/CT provides significant benefit in evaluating patients with increased levels of tumor markers and in detecting recurrence.

Can Dexmedetomidine Be Effective in the Protection of Radiotherapy-Induced Brain Damage in the Rat?

Approximately 7 million people are reported to be undergoing radiotherapy (RT) at any one time in the world. However, it is still not possible to prevent damage to secondary organs that are off-target. This study, therefore, investigated the potential adverse effects of RT on the brain, using cognitive, histopathological, and biochemical methods, and the counteractive effect of the α2-adrenergic receptor agonist dexmedetomidine. Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats aged 5-6 months were randomly allocated into four groups: untreated control, and RT, RT + dexmedetomidine-100, and RT + dexmedetomidine-200-treated groups. The passive avoidance test was applied to all groups. The RT groups received total body X-ray irradiation as a single dose of 8 Gy. The rats were sacrificed 24 h after X-ray irradiation, and following the application of the passive avoidance test. The brain tissues were subjected to histological and biochemical evaluation. No statistically significant difference was found between the control and RT groups in terms of passive avoidance outcomes and 8-hydroxy-2'- deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) positivity. In contrast, a significant increase in tissue MDA and GSH levels and positivity for TUNEL, TNF-α, and nNOS was observed between the control and the irradiation groups (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in these values was observed in the groups receiving dexmedetomidine. Compared with the control group, gradual elevation was determined in GSH levels in the RT group, followed by the RT + dexmedetomidine-100 and RT + dexmedetomidine-200 groups. Dexmedetomidine may be beneficial in countering the adverse effects of RT in the cerebral and hippocampal regions.

Method to prevent the target volume from escaping out of the field in breast irradiation: Forming a "fall-off margin".

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to obtain data that would enable the selection of the appropriate radiotherapy technique for whole breast irradiation (WBI) based on patients' physical characteristics and to evaluate the benefit of the new fall-off (FO) margin technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with left-sided breast-conserving surgery, treated for breast carcinoma between August 2016 and September 2017, were included. The FO margin was created in five different plans of which two were formed by expanding the target volume out of the skin. The dose evaluation planning was statistically compared by calculating the target volume dosimetric parameters and the doses received by the organs at risk (OARs) for each technique. The volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy plans were considered ideal for WBI homogeneity and conformity indices, while the three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) plan was considered nonideal. RESULTS: The increase in the breast x-axis length values and equivalent spherical diameter (ESD) dimension decreased the ideal value, whereas the increase in y-axis length values and ESD dimension correlated significantly with the D98 increase. The techniques were significantly correlated with OARs, such as V5, heart max, left anterior descending artery maximum, ipsilateral lung V5 and V20, and contralateral breast V5. Monitor unit values were significantly low in the 3DCRT and VMAT plans. CONCLUSION: The new FO margin structure will have benefits for practical application because the head designs of linear accelerators and collimators and the target-Jaw/MLC distance are adjacent to the breast tissue, which moves during treatment.

Pelvic Radiation-Induced Testicular Damage: An Experimental Study at 1 Gray.

Therapeutic radiation of the pelvic region has been shown to cause damage to testicular germ cells. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of a low therapeutic dose of 1 Gy on the induction of cellular and histological damage in early-stage testicular germ cells and the impact of this radiation on offspring sex ratio. Unirradiated and irradiated male rats were mated with unirradiated female rats. Female rats were followed and the sex of the offspring was determined. The male rats were sacrificed at the end of the second week, and the testicular germ cells were subjected to genetic analysis along with cytological and histopathological examination. Sperm DNA was amplified with primers specific to testis-specific Y-linked protein, rat actin beta and testis-specific X-linked genes. The resulting products were separated by capillary electrophoresis. Histopathological changes were investigated by light microscopy along with the TUNEL assay and immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3. There was no significant difference between the two groups for sex ratio and size of offspring. The number of sperm cells bearing X or Y chromosomes' did not differ significantly between these two groups. However, a 1 Gy dose of radiation caused significant cytopathological and histopathological changes in the testicular tissue. In the irradiated group, edematous regions were evident. The number of caspase-3 positive cells in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules was also significantly higher in the irradiated group. Our results showed that low-dose radiation induced apoptosis and caused significant cyto- and histopathological changes in the testicular tissue. Further research is required to fully elucidate their contribution to apoptosis and if low-dose radiation may potentially lead to long-term effects in the offspring. These results may also lead us to develop a new technique using the caspase-3 staining to monitor the susceptibility to low dose radiation.

Are there predictors that can determine neoadjuvant treatment responses in rectal cancer?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to determine a predictive bioindicator that would detect the treatment response of patients diagnosed with rectal cancer and treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data collected from 37 patients receiving nCRT were retrospectively evaluated. The p53 score and gene instability in MLH1 and MSH2, which are among the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, were evaluated using immunohistochemical methods. The neutrophils-leukocytes ratio (NLR), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 values were obtained as hematological parameters from computer records. The pathologic analysis of the therapy response after nCRT was classified according to the modified grading system by Ryan et al. Results: The changes in the NLR, CEA, and CA19-9 values before and after treatment were statistically significant (p<0.001 and p=0.005). A near significant effect of the decrease of the CEA value in the 5th week after treatment was detected on the pathological response score (p=0.075). The p53 mutation score in those patients with any residue was higher than the total response. Overall, 89.2% of the patients exhibited MMR positivity (stability), and 10.8% of the cases with MRM negativity (instability) had a macroscopic residue. Cases with pathological total response were MRM positive. CONCLUSION: Consequently, in most of the patients treated with nCRT, the treatment caused tumor and nodal remission. In the prediction of this therapy response, hematological and genetic parameters, such as NLR, P53, MLH1, and MSH2, play a predictive role.

The effects of N-acetylcysteine on radiotherapy-induced small intestinal damage in rats.

IMPACT STATEMENT: Some six million cancer patients currently receive radiotherapy. Radiotherapy eliminates cancer cells by accelerating their death. However, radiotherapy is not selective, and it therefore harms healthy tissues around cancerous tissue. The latest studies have shown that the irradiation of biological materials causes a rapid increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tissue as a result of exposure of the target molecule to direct and indirect ionization. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that permits the elimination of free oxygen radicals and that contributes to glutathione synthesis. Our study, therefore, examined the effects of radiation resulting from radiotherapy on the small intestine at the molecular level, and prospectively considered the potential protective characteristics of NAC against gastrointestinal syndrome resulting from radiotherapy.

The radioprotective effect of N-acetylcysteine against x-radiation-induced renal injury in rats.

The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of radiotherapy on the kidney and the potential use of agents such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in developing a future therapeutic protocol for radiation-induced nephrotoxicity at the histopathological and biochemical levels. Our study consisted of three groups: control (oral saline solution only; group 1), irradiation (IR; group 2), and NAC + IR (group 3). The irradiation groups received a single dose of whole-body 6-Gy x-irradiation. The NAC group received 300 mg/kg by the oral route for 7 days, from 5 days before irradiation to 2 days after. All subjects were sacrificed under anesthesia 2 days after irradiation. IR increased tubular necrosis scores (TNS), MDA, and caspase-3 expression, while reducing renal tissue GSH levels. We also observed dilation in renal corpuscles and tubules. Capillary congestion was present in the intertubular spaces. NAC reduced the levels of TNS, MDA, and caspase-3 expression, but increased the levels of renal tissue GSH. ROS-scavenging antioxidants may represent a promising means of preventing renal injury in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

An investigation of the effects of N-acetylcysteine on radiotherapy-induced testicular injury in rats.

According to data issued by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2012, the estimated number of new cases of all types of cancer worldwide was estimated to exceed 10 million, and 6 million of whom receive radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is the treatment of cancer using ionizing radiation. Our study investigated the effects of x-radiation resulting from radiotherapy (RT) on the testis at the molecular level, and prospectively considered the potential protective characteristics of antioxidants against testicular damage resulting from x-radiation. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into five groups, control (group 1), abdominopelvic region 2-Gy-ionizing radiation (group 2), whole-body 6-Gy irradiation (group 3), 2 Gy abdominopelvic region irradiation and 300 mg/kg NAC treatment (group 4), and 6-Gy whole-body irradiation and 300 mg/kg NAC treatment (group 5). Disorganization and vacuolization were observed in the epithelial layer in atrophic seminiferous tubules in the only ionizing radiation (IR) groups. In addition, Johnsen's score decreased in the only IR groups, while testis tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) tissue levels increased. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment groups Johnsen's score and tissue GSH levels increased than only IR groups. On the other hand, tissue MDA levels decreased in the NAC treatment groups. The findings showed that ionizing radiation caused apoptosis in germinal epithelial cells led to the oxidative stress-mediated testicular injury. On the other hand, NAC may be useful in the prevention of testicular injury-suppressed ROS production.

Protective Effect of Whortleberry Extract on Salivary Gland Damage Induced by Neck Irradiation in Rats.

Radiotherapy is a method of treatment used on malignant head and neck tumors; however, it may lead to adverse effects by influencing other tissues because its effects are not specific to tumor tissues. These adverse effects limit the effectiveness of the treatment and sometimes lead to termination of the treatment. This study aims to histopathologically and biochemically investigate the protective effect of whortleberry against the cellular degeneration and oxidative stress that take place in salivary glands due to radiotherapy. The rats were divided into 6 groups. One group was given radiotherapy only, one group was given radiotherapy and 100 mg/kg of whortleberry, and one group was given radiotherapy and 200 mg/kg of whortleberry. The remaining 3 groups were designated as whortleberry, sham, and control groups. At the end of the study, samples collected were histopathologically and biochemically analyzed. In the group given radiotherapy only, acinar areas were reduced histopathologically, whereas ductal areas increased (P < .01). Oxidative stress increased only in the group given radiotherapy, whereas the oxidative stress levels in the other groups were close to those in the control groups. In conclusion, whortleberry reduces cellular degeneration and oxidative stress that take place in salivary glands due to radiotherapy.