Comparison of the effectiveness of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® and Emdogain in periodontal regeneration.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was performed to compare the effectiveness of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) with enamel matrix derivatives (EMD) for treating fenestration defects in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (each n = 8). Fenestration defects were created in all rats, to which ABS, EMD, or saline (S) was then applied. The rats were grouped and sacrificed at one of two different time points, as follows: ABS-10-group, ABS-treatment/sacrifice on day 10; EMD-10-group, EMD-treatment/sacrifice on day 10; S-10-group, S-treatment/sacrifice on day 10; ABS-38-group, ABS-treatment/sacrifice on day 38; EMD-38-group, EMD-treatment/sacrifice on day 38; and S-38-group, S-treatment/sacrifice on day 38. Then, histomorphometric analysis including measurements of new bone area (NBA) and new bone ratio (NBR), and immunohistochemical analysis including the determination of osteopontin (OPN) and type-III-collagen (C-III) expression were performed. RESULTS: The NBA and NBR were significantly higher in the ABS-10-group and EMD-10-group compared to the S-10-group (p < .05), and in the EMD-38-group compared to the S-38-group (p < .05). The levels of C-III and OPN immunoreactivity were significantly higher in the ABS-10-group compared to the S-10-group (p < .017). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggested that ABS can promote early periodontal regeneration, although its efficacy seems to decrease over time.

The effects of metformin treatment on the ovaries and uterus of offspring.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of metformin treatment at different dosage levels on the ovaries and uteruses of rat offspring in the course of the intrauterine period. METHODS: Saline, metformin (100 mg/kg/day), and metformin (200 mg/kg/day) were administered via oral gavage between the 6th and 15th days of gestation to the 9 pregnant rats (n = 3/group). After birth, 5 female offspring were separated from each group and perfused on the 60th day of postnatal development. The cortex and medulla volumes of the ovaries, the thicknesses of epithelium and endometrium of the uteruses and the total oocyte number density were estimated. In addition, the estradiol levels in blood samples were measured by the ELISA method. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the groups regarding the number of oocytes, the volumes of ovarian cortex, medulla, primary and secondary follicles (p > .05). In comparison with the control group, the volume of the tertiary follicle, the thickness of the uterus epithelium, and the estradiol level were significantly decreased in Metformin 200 group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The gestational exposure to high dose metformin may result in decreased estradiol production and subsequently decreased endometrial thickness of offspring rats.

Endocrine, sexual and reproductive functions in patients with Klinefelter syndrome compared to non-obstructive azoospermic patients.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate fertilisation rates, quality of embryo, pregnancy and live birth rates, endocrine, sexual function, psychological status and quality of life of cases diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). METHODS: Clinical findings, hormone values and semen analyses in patients with nonmosaic KS (Group 1, n = 121) and those with non-genetic nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) (Group 2, n = 178) were retrospectively analysed. Sperm retrieval outcomes with microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE), fertilisation rates and embryo quality, pregnancy, abortion and live birth rates were compared. Sexual functions were assessed using IIEF-15, quality of life was evaluated and psychological status was assessed. RESULTS: There was no difference in terms of age between groups. Sperm retrieval rates was 38% and 55.6% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .012). Sperm retrieval rates were higher in Group 1 before 31.5 years than in Group 2 (AUC = 0.620 and 0.578). Compared to Group 2, the fertilisation rate was low in Group 1, whereas embryo quality was similar. Live birth rates were 12.5% and 23% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .392). The education level, libido, erectile functions and general health satisfaction were lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P < .005). Depression and anxiety levels were higher in Group 2 than Group 1 (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Higher sperm retrieval rate has been achieved in Group 1 younger than 31.5 years. Similar embryo quality is provided between groups. Sexual dysfunction and psychiatric problems were higher in Group 1, with lower satisfaction and general health than Group 2. Patients with KS should be monitored not only with their reproductive functions but also with their general health status.

Chromosomal and Y-chromosome microdeletion analysis in 1,300 infertile males and the fertility outcome of patients with AZFc microdeletions.

The present study investigated the frequency of chromosome aberrations and AZF microdeletions in infertile patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) or severe oligozoospermia. Additionally, the effect of the AZFc microdeletions on the success of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) methods were evaluated. Peripheral blood samples were received from 1,300 infertile men with NOA and severe oligozoospermia. Karyotyping and FISH analysis were performed according to standard methods. AZF microdeletions were analysed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction or GML Y-chromosome Microdeletion Detection System consisting of 14 markers. The chromosomal aberrations and the AZF microdeletions frequency among 1,300 infertile men were 10.6% and 4.0% respectively. Either ejaculated spermatozoa or microTESE was performed on only in 19 out of 26 patients with AZFc deletions. Of the 19 patients, four had severe oligozoospermia and 15 had NOA. In eight out of 15 NOA patients, testicular mature spermatozoa were obtained (53.3%) and then ICSI was applied to mature oocytes. After undergoing ICSI treatment, clinical pregnancy and live birth outcome rates were found to be 37.5% and 25% respectively. These results suggest that infertile patients with AZFc microdeletion could achieve successful fertilisation pregnancies with the help of assisted reproductive technology.

Biochemical analysis of pentraxin 3 and fibrinogen levels in experimental periodontitis model.

OBJECTIVE: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), newly discovered inflammation marker, is a member of acute-phase proteins. The hypothesis, synthesis of gingival tissue and serum PTX-3 increases in the experimental periodontitis model (with 10-day and 40-day periods), was tested by detecting gingival tissue and serum PTX-3 levels in rats with experimental periodontitis. METHODS: Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups of ten animals each: ligature-induced experimental periodontitis groups (with 10-day (Group1) and 40-day periods (Group2)) and healthy group (Group3). At the end of experimental period, rats were sacrificed, and radiological and histomorphometric analyses were performed on the mandibles. PTX3 levels were measured in gingival tissue and serum samples using ELISA. Plasma fibrinogen levels were measured according to the nephelometric method. RESULTS: Significant alveolar bone resorption and periodontal inflammation were evident in periodontitis groups. Levels of PTX3 in gingival tissue were statistically higher in Group 1 than those in groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.01). No significant difference was found in serum PTX3 levels between experimental periodontitis and control groups (P > 0.05). Plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly increased in the experimental periodontitis groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PTX3 seems to be associated with tissue destruction in earlier periods of inflammatory periodontal disease, contrary to the fibrinogen findings.

Fertility outcomes and predictors for successful sperm retrieval and pregnancy in 327 azoospermic men with a history of cryptorchidism who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction.

BACKGROUND: Although few studies have reported fertility outcomes, no study has reported risk factors that might predict sperm retrieval and pregnancy in azoospermic men with a history of cryptorchidism in a large series. OBJECTIVES: To investigate fertility outcomes and predictors for successful sperm retrieval and pregnancy in azoospermic men with a history of cryptorchidism who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 327 azoospermic men with a history of cryptorchidism who underwent mTESE. Fertility outcomes including sperm retrieval, fertilization rate, number of transferred embryos, pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates were recorded. RESULTS: Sperm retrieval was observed in 172 (52.6%) of the patients. The mean fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates were 55.2%±20.5, 53.5%, and 44.8%, respectively. The sperm retrieval rate was significantly higher at the orchidopexy age of ≤ 9.5 years (70.8%) than the orchidopexy age of > 9.5 years (42.1%) (P = .000). Patients with total testicular volume of ≥ 13.75 mL had significantly higher sperm retrieval rate (65.2%) than the patients with total testicular volume of < 13.75 mL (45.5%) (P = .001). Patients with total testosterone level of ≥ 300.5 ng/dL had significantly higher sperm retrieval rate (65.6%) than the patients with total testosterone level of < 300.5 ng/dL (40.3%) (P = .000). Patients with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level of ≤ 17.25 mIU/ml had significantly higher sperm retrieval rate (72.3%) than the patients with FSH level of > 17.25 mIU/mL (44.4%) (P = .000). Younger male and female ages, and higher fertilization rates were the parameters that might predict pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Infertile azoospermic men with a history of cryptorchidism have high sperm retrieval rate with mTESE. Patients who had orchidopexy at the age of ≤ 9.5 years, and having total testicular volumes of ≥ 13.75 mL with total testosterone level of > 300.5 ng/dL and FSH level of ≤ 17.25 mIU/mL have higher success rate for sperm retrieval.

The effect of "minimally invasive transfer of angiosomes" on vascularization of prefabricated/prelaminated tissues.

Prefabrication and prelamination are experimental and clinical applications of reconstructive surgery and inspired the vascularization challenge of engineered tissues. The purpose of this study is to test the efficiency of "minimally invasive transfer of angiosomes" to enhance the vascularization of the final construct during prefabrication and prelamination. Fifteen rabbits were used for this study. Three of the animals were used in a pilot study to develop the protocol. During the study, thoracodorsal and lateral thoracic vascular pedicles on each side constituted 4 study groups. The pedicles were prepared to simulate prelamination with and without transfer of angiosomes, and prefabrication with and without transfer of angiosomes. In all of the groups, a 10 x 15 mm auricular cartilage graft was used as the construct to be vascularized. After 2 weeks, vascularization of the grafts was evaluated by means of microangiography and histology. Results indicate that both prelamination and prefabrication with transfer of angiosomes displayed better vascularization, both qualitatively and quantitatively. However, prelamination with transfer of angiosomes group displayed distinct statistical superiority. The results suggest that minimally invasive transfer of angiosomes coupled with the procedure significantly increases the induction of angiogenesis during prelamination and prefabrication.

Does Enoxaparin treatment have any effects on the placenta in women with unexplained histories of habitual abortion? A case control study.

BACKGROUND: It is very common to offer low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) medications to women with unexplained habitual abortion, to increase the livebirth rate. Although no benefit from LMWH has been clearly demonstrated, examination of the effects of enoxaparin on placental structure is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess placental structural changes in pregnancies treated with enoxaparin, compared with controls. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case-control study in an obstetrics and gynecology unit of a tertiary-level university hospital in Turkey. METHODS: Forty patients who had had term pregnancies and live births but also histories of habitual abortion were recruited for this study. Placentas were sampled using a systematic random sampling method. Tissue samples were obtained, embedded and sectioned for routine histological analyses. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used. Surface area and length estimates from placental components were evaluated by using Image J. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were also assessed via immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups regarding maternal age, abortion rate, birth weight or gestational age. Comparison of the enoxaparin and control groups showed that there were no significant differences in terms of surface area and ratios of placental components. We found that Bcl-2 was generally expressed at high levels in the enoxaparin group, while there was no difference in terms of Ki-67 between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that enoxaparin did not show any significant effect on the placental structure of cases that had histories of habitual abortion.

Embryo flash migration in fresh and frozen embryo transfers for day 3 and day 5 embryos.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the embryo flash migration after 60 min from embryo transfer in fresh and frozen cycles. DESIGN: 80 fresh and 81 frozen embryo transfers implemented Ondokuz Mayis University between December 2017 and May 2018 were included in this prospective study. The fresh transfers performed at day 3 embryos as the frozen transfers were day 5 embryos. The distance between the embryo and the fundus was measured in the sagittal plane within 1 min of the transfer. After 60 min of bed rest the distance between the air bubble and the fundus was measured. The transfers were divided into three groups based on the migration of the embryos after the transfer. Embryos were classified as static if they were within 15 mm of their initial position. If they moved more than 15 mm towards the cervix or more than 15 mm towards the fundus, it was classified as cervical and fundal, respectively. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in embryo flash movements between frozen and fresh transfers (p < 0.05). In fresh transfers 48 patients (%60.0) were cervical, 14 patients (%17.5) were static and 18 patients (22.5%) were fundal. In frozen embryo transfers 31 patients (38.3%) were cervical, 31 patients (38.3%) were fundal and 19 (23.5%) patients were static. CONCLUSION: We found that cervical migration is lower in frozen transfers than in fresh transfers. This result may be related with the day of embryo or the endometrium in fresh or frozen cycles. Because in this study the embryos transferred were day 3 in fresh cycle and day 5 in frozen cycle. In frozen transfers there was not any significant difference in embryo position between pregnant and non-pregnant group. But in fresh transfers the cervical migration was significantly high in non-pregnant patients (p < 0.05).

The neurotoxic effects of prenatal gabapentin and oxcarbazepine exposure on newborn rats.

AIM: Teratogenicity is a problematic issue for pregnant women because of X-ray radiation, drugs, and genetic and unknown variables. First-generation antiepileptic drugs (AED) like valproic acid are well-known teratogens for developing fetuses. However, their usage is necessary in order to prevent maternal seizures. The underlying mechanism of birth defects associated with AED exposure remains unclear and information about the neurotoxic effects of prenatal exposure to AED is still limited. Oxcarbazepine (OXC) and gabapentin (GBP) are second-generation AED. It still remains unclear how much these drugs are safe during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate whether any neurotoxic effect of OXC and GBP in utero exposure on the developing brain. METHODS: Eighteen pregnant Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups. The first group was exposed to OXC at 100 mg/kg/day, the second to GBP at 50 mg/kg/day, and third to saline (0.9% NaCl) at 1.5 ml/day between the first and the fifth days of gestation. The same procedure was applied at the same dosages between the 6th and the 15th days of gestation for the 2nd three groups. Five female offspring (total n = 30, 45 days old) were taken from each group and stereological methods were applied in order to analyze the total and dopaminergic neuron number of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). CONCLUSION: The result is that the OXC and GBP exposure at different gestational periods may not give rise to congenital malformation and it appears that the GBP exposure during the organogenesis period proliferatively affects the total number of neurons.

Cost-effectiveness of GnRH antagonist implementation on hCG injection day.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of antagonist stimulation protocols and to compare the cost effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2011 and December 2017, a total of 354 women who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection and controlled ovarian stimulation with antagonist protocols were enrolled in the study. The antagonist implementation on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was continued for 194 of women, whereas the antagonist was stopped 36 hours before in 160 women. The stimulation outcomes of patients and cost-effectiveness of the regimens were compared. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of number of cryopreserved embryos, mature/immature oocyte ratio, and embryo transfer cancellations (p<0.05). The median value for the mature/immature oocyte ratio was 1.1 (0.2-7.5) and 1 (0.5-15) (p=0.001), and the ET cancellation was 5.3% vs. 1% for group 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.037). There was no difference between the groups in terms of pregnancy rates (p=0.197). CONCLUSION: No difference was found in the clinical pregnancy rates between the two groups. For this reason, the cessation of antagonist implementation on the day of hCG seems more advantageous in terms of cost-effectiveness and fewer injections.

Histopathological and biochemical evaluation of paeoniflorin administration in an experimental periodontitis model.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of administered Paeoniflorin (Pae) on periodontal tissues within an experimental periodontitis model. Forty male Wistar rats were used in this study and experimental periodontitis was created in all rats except in the control group (n = 10, first group). In the periodontitis group, experimental periodontitis was created but no other application was performed (n = 10, second group). In the other groups created experimental periodontitis, systemic Pae (n = 10, third group) or saline (n = 10, fourth group) was applied. A biochemical analysis of the gingival vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and a histomorphometric analysis (measurements of the area of alveolar bone, alveolar bone resorption, and attachment loss) were performed. In the Pae group, the area of the alveolar bone was increased, while alveolar bone resorption and attachment loss decreased. Gingival VEGF levels increased in all groups that created experimental periodontitis and the greatest increase seen in the Pae group. Histomorphometric and biochemical analyses in this study suggest that Pae has a curative effect on periodontal tissues. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.

Effects of risedronate on alveolar bone loss and angiogenesis: a stereologic study in rats.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of risedronate, one of the most potent bisphosphonates, on alveolar bone resorption and angiogenesis in rats with experimental periodontitis to identify dose-response curves and treatment durations that can be therapeutic for periodontal therapy versus those associated with osteonecrosis of the jaws. METHODS: Thirty-five rats, 25 with experimental periodontitis (groups 1 through 5) and 10 with healthy periodontium (groups 6 and 7), were divided into seven equal groups: group 1 received no treatment; groups 2 and 3 received risedronate, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg, respectively, for 3 weeks; groups 4 and 5 received risedronate, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg, respectively, for 8 weeks; and groups 6 and 7 received 0.9% NaCl for 3 and 8 weeks, respectively. Animals in groups 2 through 7 were administered treatment 5 days per week. After histologic processing, histomorphometric and stereologic analyses were carried out to estimate the number of blood vessels (NBV) and the volumetric densities of bone (Vb), marrow (Vm), osteoblasts (Vob), and osteoclasts (Voc). RESULTS: A total of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg risedronate for 3 weeks (groups 2 and 3) significantly increased Vb and Vob and decreased Vm more prominently in group 2 (P <0.001), whereas 1 mg/kg risedronate for 8 weeks (group 5) induced no significant improvement in these parameters compared to group 1 (P >0.05). No significant decrease in Voc was found in drug-administered groups compared to group 1 (P >0.05). A significant decrease in NBV (P <0.01) and positive correlation between NBV and Vb (r(2) = 0.941; P = 0.006) were found only in group 5. CONCLUSION: A short duration of risedronate administration may be useful in inhibiting bone resorption in periodontitis, whereas excessive dosages of the drug administered in longer durations can lead to impairment of bone formation and angiogenesis.

Effects of simvastatin on mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of local and systemic simvastatin application on distraction osteogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits underwent unilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis. After 7 days of neutral fixation, 0.4 mm twice per day, distraction was performed for 10 days. Simvastatin was applied locally during the osteotomy phase with a gelatin sponge carrier and systemically during the distraction osteogenesis period by oral gavage. All animals were killed at the end of the consolidation period of 14 days. The distracted mandibles were harvested and evaluated by plain radiography, by peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and with histomorphometry. RESULTS: Radiographic evaluation with peripheral quantitative computed tomography showed that the area of the regenerate increased by 9.6% in the local simvastatin group and by 19.3% in the systemic simvastatin group as compared with the control group. In both experimental groups the density of the regenerate increased by 6.7% as compared with the control group. Statistical evaluation of radiographic data showed that all of these changes were not significant. Histomorphometric evaluation determined that there was no statistical difference among groups with regard to the ratios of bone tissue volume to fibrous tissue volume and bone tissue volume to marrow tissue volume. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that simvastatin's effect on enhancing distraction regenerate is limited with the applied doses and methods.

The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in a rat model at destruction and healing stages of periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: The major role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an angiogenic mediator, in promoting the progression or the healing of periodontal disease is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the VEGF expression in the destruction and healing stages of periodontal disease and to investigate the association between VEGF expression and vascularization with regard to the number and diameters of blood vessels. METHODS: Thirty rats were distributed equally into two test groups and a control group. Experimental periodontal disease was induced in the test groups by silk ligatures, which were kept in position for 40 days. On the 40th day, ligatures were removed from the healing group, whereas ligatures were left in position in the destruction group. On the 60th day, rats were sacrificed; histomorphometric and biochemical analyses were carried out to determine the number and diameters of blood vessels and the assessment of VEGF concentration by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in the number of blood vessels in the healing group and in the diameters of blood vessels in the destruction group compared to the control group (P <0.001). In vivo VEGF expressions were highest in the healing group (P <0.001) and correlated significantly with the number of blood vessels (r(2) = 0.814; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: VEGF expression may be related more to the healing stage of periodontal disease than to the destruction stage of the lesion.

Osmotic pressure and vasculature of gingiva in experimental diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in tissue osmotic pressure (OP) and vasculature are considered to be the inevitable aspects of an inflammatory process that subsequently alter the fluid dynamics of the tissues involved. The aim of this study was to reveal a profile of OP and vascular changes in periodontally healthy gingival tissues and analyze the relationship between them in diabetes mellitus (DM) to evaluate the possible effects of DM on the fluid dynamics of the periodontium. METHODS: Experimental DM was created by intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection in 10 periodontally healthy rats. These rats were used as the test group, and 10 systemically and periodontally healthy rats served as the control group. Gingival tissue samples obtained from the groups were used for the test procedures. OP was measured in the supernatants of these samples by a semimicrodigital osmometer. Vasculature was assessed as the alterations in vascularization (vessel number [VN]) and vasodilatation (vessel diameter [VD]) by histomorphometric means. RESULTS: There was a gross increase in the OP level of the test group (172.7 +/- 59.7 mOsm/kg) compared to the control group (11.4 +/- 4.2 mOsm/kg; P <0.001). VN was found to be significantly larger in the test group (12.7 +/- 2.8) than in the control group (6.8 +/- 1.1; P <0.001). VD was found to be smaller in the test group (10.1 +/- 2.8 microm) than in the control group (15.5 +/- 2.4 microm), and this difference was statistically significant (P <0.001). A positive correlation between OP and VN (r = 0.77; P <0.001) and a negative correlation between OP and VD (r = 0.1; P >0.05) were observed in the test group. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal that the fluid dynamics of periodontal soft tissues may be affected by the diabetic conditions in this diabetic model because of the increased OP and VN during the pathogenesis of the disease.

Evaluation of apoptotic cell death on liver and kidney tissues following administration of levetiracetam during prenatal period.

OBJECTIVE: Levetiracetam is a new generation antiepileptic drug used in treatment of patients with epilepsy and has adverse effects on different tissues. We aimed to evaluate the apoptotic effects of levetiracetam exposure during pregnancy on liver and kidney tissues of rat pups. METHODS: We analyzed the newborn rat pups exposed to levetiracetam during prenatal period. Fifteen pregnant female rats were divided into three groups. The group 1 and 2 rats were treated with different doses of levetiracetam (25 mg/kg/d and 50 mg/kg/d, respectively) from gestational days 1-22 during pregnancy. Group 3 (control group) was treated with the same volume of saline. Apoptosis was evaluated by the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. Liver and kidney tissues from rat pups were used for investigation. RESULTS: The percent of TUNEL positive apoptotic cells in group 1 were 22 and 17.5 for kidney and liver, respectively. The percent of TUNEL positive apoptotic cells in group 2 were 20.9 and 20.9 for kidney and liver, respectively. The percent of TUNEL positive apoptotic cells in group 3 were 18.4 and 17.1, respectively, for kidney and liver. The apoptotic index was the same in kidney and liver tissues of all groups. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the prenatal exposure of levetiracetam has no apoptotic effects on liver and kidney of rat pups and, it has biosafety in pregnancy in terms of apoptosis. The first study evaluating the apoptotic effects on liver and kidney tissues following administration of levetiracetam during prenatal period.

Effects of grape seed extract on periodontal disease: an experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of grape seed extract (GSE) on periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ligature induced periodontitis was created in 40 rats and they were assigned to four equal groups. One group was fed laboratory diet (group A) while three groups received GSE additionally. Silk ligatures were placed around the cervical area of the mandibular first molars for four weeks to induce periodontitis. The GSE groups were reallocated regarding GSE consumption as: for two weeks before ligation (group B; totally eight weeks), from ligation to two weeks after removal of the ligature (group C; totally six weeks), and for two weeks from ligature removal (group D; totally two weeks). Sections were assessed histologically and immunohistochemically. Inflammatory cell number (ICN), connective tissue attachment level (CAL), osteoclast density (OD), IL-10 and TGF-ß stainings in gingival epithelium (GE), connective tissue (GC), and periodontal ligament (PL) were used as the study parameters. RESULTS: Lower ICN, higher CAL, and lower OD were observed in the GSE groups (p<0.05). IL-10 was more intensive in the GSE groups and in the GEs (p<0.05). Group B showed the highest IL-10 for PL (p<0.05). TGF-ß was higher in the GEs of all groups (p<0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest anti-inflammatory activities of GSE, but further investigations are needed for clarification of these activities.

Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in cyclosporin A-induced gingival overgrowth in rats.

BACKGROUND: Gingival overgrowth is a side effect associated with cyclosporin A (CsA) therapy. The lesion is characterized by increased epithelial thickness, enlargement of connective tissue, and increased vascularization. The aim of this experimental study was to examine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathogenesis of CsA-induced gingival overgrowth. METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of 10 animals each. For the development of gingival overgrowth, one group received CsA therapy subcutaneously in a daily dose of 10 mg/kg for 60 days, and the other group was used as a control. At the end of the experimental period, rats were subsequently decapitated, and the mandibles with the surrounding gingiva and soft tissue were removed. Half of each sample was used for histomorphometric analysis, and the other half was used for biochemical analysis. Histomorphometric analysis included the measurements of the number and diameter of blood vessel profiles under a microscope, and biochemical analysis included the assessment of VEGF concentration by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The histomorphometric findings showed that the number of blood vessel profiles increased in the CsA group compared to the control group (P <0.001), although the increase in the diameter of blood vessel profiles was not significant (P >0.05). The biochemical findings showed that in vivo VEGF expression was higher in the CsA group compared to the control group (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that increased VEGF expression may be associated with the pathogenesis of CsA-induced gingival overgrowth.

Osmotic pressure and vasculature of gingiva in periodontal disease: an experimental study in rats.

Alterations in vascularisation, vasodilatation and tissue osmotic pressure (OP) are inevitable aspects of the inflammatory process that have an adverse effect on the fluid dynamics of the tissue involved. The aim of this study was to investigate tissue OP and its relationship with the vasculature in inflammed gingival tissues, in order to reveal the possible effects of vascular changes on OP in the fluid dynamics of periodontal soft tissues during periodontal disease. The parameters of fluid dynamics assessed in this study were OP, vascularisation and vasodilatation. Ligature-induced periodontitis was performed in 10 rats (test group), and gingival biopsies taken from the diseased teeth were utilised for the test procedures. These biopsies were compared with biopsies of the same teeth from 10 periodontally healthy rats (control group). OP was measured in mosmol/kg using a semi-micro digital osmometer. Vascularisation and vasodilatation were examined histopathologically; the number of vessels (VN) was quantified and the micrometric changes in vessel diameters (VD) were calculated as the alterations in the vasculature. OP, VN and VD were found to be higher in the test group (84.3+/-37.1 mosmol/kg, 13.2+/-3.2 and 19.5+/-1.3 microm, respectively) than the control group (11.6+/-3.8 mosmol/kg, 6.8+/-1.1 and 15.5+/-2.4 microm, respectively) (P<0.000). There was a strong, positive correlation between OP and VN (r=0.55, P<0.000) and a weak, negative correlation between OP and VD (r=0.1, P>0.05) in the test group. These results confirm that the OP of periodontal soft tissues does change during inflammatory conditions. The increase in OP during this process may be affected by increased vascularisation in the inflammed tissue.