What is the protective effect of krill oil on rat ovary against ischemia-reperfusion injury?

AIM: In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of krill oil (KO) against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury on rat ovary. METHODS: This study was conducted with 32 Wistar Albino rats. Rats were divided into four groups, with eight rats in each group-as follows: Sham group, I/R group, I/R + low dose KO group (50 mg) and I/R + high dose KO group (500 mg). The histopathological and follicle counts were performed on the right ovary. The total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index were evaluated on the left ovary. And also serum N-thiol level, serum T-thiol level, serum disulfide (SDS) level, serum disulfide/N-thiol and serum disulfide/T-thiol ratios were evaluated too. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was determined between the I/R group and all the other groups for all parameters. There was significant difference between KO groups and the Sham group for the parameters of serum N-thiol, serum T-thiol, SDS, serum disulfide/N-thiol and serum disulfide/T-thiol. SDS, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index were determined to be the highest in the I/R group and the lowest in the low dose KO group. The total antioxidant status values were found to be the highest in the high dose KO group and the lowest in the I/R group. Follicle counts and histological injury scores showed no significant difference between Sham and KO groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that KO has beneficial effects on decreasing the injury after I/R on rat ovary.

Could erythropoietin reduce the ovarian damage of cisplatin in female rats?

The aim of this study is to investigate whether erythropoietin (EPO) can reduce the ovarian damage of cisplatin or not. Thirty, female, Wistar-Albino rats were used in the study. Control group (N = 10): Intraperitoneal saline infusion, Cisplatin group (N = 10): Intraperitoneal 7 mg/kg cisplatin, Cisplatin + EPO group (N = 10): Intraperitoneal 7 mg/kg cisplatin and subcutaneous 200 IU/kg/day EPO. Serum AMH concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit of AMH. Follicular counts were evaluated according to mean diameter of the follicles. Ovarian damage; including follicular cell degeneration, vascular congestion, hemorrhage, and inflammation was scored histologically using a graduated scale. Posttreatment AMH levels of cisplatin group were significantly lower than control and cisplatin + EPO groups. In cisplatin group, there was a significant decrement in posttreatment AMH level compared to pretreatment AMH level. The total damage score of cisplatin group was significantly higher than scores of control and cisplatin + EPO groups. The mean primordial follicle counts of control and cisplatin + EPO groups were significantly higher than that of cisplatin group (p = .007 and p = .003). The results of this study revealed that EPO administration to cisplatin chemotherapy could ameliorate the ovarian damage. Erythropoietin administration to chemotherapeutic agents might suggest to protect ovarian failure and infertility.

What is the protective effect of metformin on rat ovary against ischemia-reperfusion injury?

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of metformin on the rat ovary against ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Thirty-seven female Wistar albino rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into five groups, as follows: sham operation group (group 1); torsion group (group 2); torsion/detorsion + saline group (group 3); torsion/detorsion + low-dose metformin group (group 4); and torsion/detorsion + high-dose metformin group (group 5). The right ovary from each rat was evaluated histologically using hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the left ovaries were evaluated for tissue levels of the reduced-glutathione-to-oxidized-glutathione ratio, malondialdehyde (MDA), and caspase-3 activation. RESULTS: The highest damage score was observed in group 3, and the lowest score was observed in group 1. The tissue caspase-3 activity levels of groups 2, 3, and 4 were significantly higher than those of group 1. The difference between group 1 and group 5 in terms of tissue caspase-3 activity was not significant (P = 0.4). The reduced-glutathione-to-oxidized-glutathione ratio of group 1 was significantly higher than the ratios found in groups 2, 3, and 4. The tissue MDA level of group 1 was significantly lower than the levels found in groups 2, 3, 4, and 5. The tissue MDA level of group 5 was significantly lower than the levels in groups 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: From both histopathological and biochemical analyses, the results of the study demonstrated that metformin has beneficial effects when it comes to attenuating ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Oral high-dose ankaferd administration effects on gastrointestinal system.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a herbal extract obtained from five different plants. It has a therapeutic potential for the management of external hemorrhage and controlling gastrointestinal bleeding. However, ABS's effects are not unknown on gastrointestinal systems. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of short- and long-term systemic exposure and gastrointestinal safety following the oral administration of high-dose ABS in rats. METHODS: Eighteen healthy adult male rats were included into the study. The rats were divided into 4 groups: group A was fed with high dose ABS (2ml/Kg) for one week, group B for one month, group C for three months and group D's diet did not contain any ABS. On termination of the ABS treatment, the gastrointestinal system from the esophagus to the anus and the liver were surgically removed and histological investigated. RESULTS: During the study period, there was no mortality; signs of intoxication in any of the studied groups. No gastrointestinal tissue fibrosis, dysplasia, or metaplasia was detectable in any of the groups. The stomach had a normal morphology in all groups. However, the other gastrointestinal tract sections showed mucosal inflammation, goblet cell decrements, and intra-epithelial lymphocyte infiltration. The most common changes were mucosal inflammation in all rats in group B and C. Frequency of inflammation was greater in groups B and C in comparison to group A (P= 0.001). Loss of goblet cell and intra-epithelial lymphocyte infiltration were not significantly different between groups A and B (P=0.308 and P=0.189, respectively). However, there was significantly higher intra-epithelial lymphocyte infiltration in group C than in group A (P=0.04). Histopathological examination of the liver showed no inflammation, fibrosis, bile duct destruction or proliferation in any of the groups. However, each groups revealed vascular dilatation and erythrocyte accumulation at the sinusoidal structures of the liver. CONCLUSIONS: ABS seems to be a safe agent and it can be used for hemorrhage originated from gastric lesions. Further work needs to be done to establish whether ABS leads to be used to stop gastrointestinal bleeding.

Comparison of the healing effects of mesazaline and Ganoderma lucidum in acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

PURPOSE: The etiology and pathogenesis of distal colitis (DC) are poorly understood. Activation of intestinal inflammatory response may lead to intestinal tissue necrosis. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents are among the treatment options. Our study aimed to compare the protective effects of mesalazine and Ganoderma lucidum in acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were randomly grouped as colitis, mesalazine, G. lucidum, and combined (G. lucidum + mesalazine) groups. DC was induced by intrarectal administration of AA. Statistical comparisons were done by using parameters including colonic tissue IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP levels. Histopathologic changes of the samples of colonic tissue were scored as mucosal damage score and inflammatory score. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Intrarectal administration of AA leads to increased interleukin and CRP levels. High mucosal damage and inflammatory scores were noted in colitis group animals. Single mesalazine or G. lucidum treatment produced considerably decreased tissue interleukin and CRP levels. The lowest tissue interleukin and CRP levels were noted in the combined treatment group of animals. Mucosal damage and inflammatory scores were found to be significantly low in this group of animals. CONCLUSION: The intrarectal administration of AA results in an activation of intestinal inflammation and severe mucosal damage in colonic tissue. Single use of mesalazine and G. lucidum treatment decreases the severity of intestinal inflammatory response and mucosal damage. The healing effects of the combined treatment of mesalazine and G. lucidum seem to be more effective than that of separate use in the treatment of DC.

NaOH-induced Crohn's colitis in rats: a novel experimental model.

AIM: Several models of experimental ulcerative colitis have been previously reported. To date, only one model of Crohn's colitis that was induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid has been described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one male albino rats were divided into three groups: group I: sham control group (n = 7), group II: acetic acid group (n = 7), group III: NaOH group (n = 7). On the day of induction, all rats were lightly anesthetized with intramuscular ketamine (8 mg/kg). A 6F plastic catheter was inserted rectally until the tip was 5 cm proximal to the anus. Then, 2 ml of 0.9% saline, 2 ml of 4% acetic acid, and 2 ml of 6.25% NaOH was administered to groups I, II, and III, respectively. All rats were sacrificed 5 days after colitis induction. The distal colon segment was assessed macroscopically and microscopically. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels of the colonic tissue and changes in body weight were measured. RESULTS: Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of colonic tissue samples showed morphological similarities to human Crohn's disease (CD). The MDA and NO levels of the colonic tissues were significantly higher in the NaOH group compared to the acetic acid and sham control groups (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: NaOH may be used to induce Crohn's colitis as an experimental model.

Transcutaneous cervical and transabdominal ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in gastroesophageal reflux in childhood.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate if there is a diagnostic expressive difference in the angle of His, upper and lower esophageal diameter (UED and LED), wall thickness of cervical esophagus (WTCE) measured by cervical and transabdominal ultrasonography (USG) between children with (+) and without gastroesophageal reflux (GER-). METHODS: 50 children were separated into 2 groups. Group 1 was the control group (n = 30) consisting of children who had no symptoms of GER and had no GER detected in USG. Group 2 was the study group (n = 20) consisting of children with complaints related to GER, and who were GER+ by USG and esophageal pH monitoring. The USG examinations were completed after having observed 3 episodes of reflux or after 30 min if no reflux was detected. The angle of His, UED, LED and WTCE were measured. In 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, acid contact to the proximal or distal probe greater than 5.0% of the total time below pH 4 was accepted as pathologic reflux. RESULTS: The age range of the 50 children (30 boys) was 4-13 years. Between the 2 groups there were no differences with regard to age and gender. Values of UED, LED and WTCE were statistically higher in group 2 compared with group 1. The angle of His was higher in the control group, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first in the literature that shows that measuring UED, LED and WTCE by USG, which is a noninvasive, readily available repeatable, cheap and fast technique, has a high diagnostic value in children with suspected GER.

May dexpanthenol, platelet-rich plasma, and thymoquinone provide new hope to maintain liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Complete liver regeneration may not always be possible after liver injuries and/or partial liver resection. The present study investigated the effects of dexpanthenol, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and thymoquinone on liver regeneration in rats after partial hepatectomy (PH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 34 Wistar albino rats, each weighing 250-280 g, were randomly separated into four groups. PH was performed, and except for the control group, intraperitoneal dexpanthenol, PRP, or thymoquinone was administered to the relevant groups for 7 days. All rats were then sacrificed, and the liver tissues were examined histopathologically and biochemically. RESULTS: PRP reduced all oxidant-antioxidant parameters in rats that experienced liver regeneration, but did not create histopathological improvement in the liver tissue. Dexpanthenol had a histopathological improving effect on the liver tissue, but had no effect on biochemical parameters. Thymoquinone showed no histopathological or biochemical effects on liver regeneration. CONCLUSION: Although dexpanthenol did not affect biochemical oxidative parameters, it was considered to have improving effects on liver regeneration histopathologically. In addition, it was thought that PRP may be used for treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury and cholestatic damage of the liver. Nevertheless, further studies are required on these subjects.

The effect of mesenchymal stem cell use on intra-abdominal adhesions in a rat model.

PURPOSE: Intra-abdominal adhesions (IAA) are among the most frequently seen pathologies in general surgery practice with an increased morbidity and mortality. In the present study, we investigated the effect of locally applied mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on IAA. METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar Albino rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into three groups including: Sham, control, and MSCs group. On day 0, cecum was reached under anesthesia in all groups, except the Sham group. Scraping with a sponge was performed until petechial bleeding occurred. The control group received no treatment. In the stem cell group, MSCs were applied topically immediately after surgery on adhesions. The rats were sacrificed on day 10 and colon tissues and blood samples were collected for macroscopic, histopathological, and biochemical analysis. RESULTS: In our study, E-selectin, P-selectin, TNF-α and IL-1 levels were statistically significantly lower in the MSC group than the control group, while the sham group has the lowest levels. In both the macroscopic and histopathological analyses (Zühlke's scale), the least amount of adhesion was observed in the Sham group. In addition, although there was less adhesion in the MSC group than the control group, the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Topical MSC application immediately after surgery suppresses the inflammatory process. However it was found to be ineffective in histopathological and macroscopic examinations performed on the 10th day.

Sigmoid Colon Perforation Mimics a Tuboovarian Absces.

INTRODUCTION: An adnexal mass may be diagnosed after a routine pelvic ultrasonographic examination or an emergent hospital admission due to rupture of ectopic pregnancy, adnexal torsion or rupture of tuboovarian abscess. It is necessary to evaluate the origin of the mass initially and to classify patients who need further evaluation and treatment for an urgent condition. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of sigmoid colon rupture due to sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma presenting as acute abdomen with left adnexal mass in a 28 years old woman. Abdominopelvic computed tomography revealed a left adnexal mass with suspicion of tuboovarian abscess. In laparatomy, rupture of sigmoid colon was observed and resection of sigmoid colon was performed. Histological examination of resection part revealed diagnosis of sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma due to familial adenomatous polyposis. CONCLUSION: This case may be interesting for clinicians because pelvic pain, fever, increased infection markers in the laboratory and mass at ultrasonography or other screening methods could cause a misdiagnosis of tubaovarian abscess especially in reproductive age women. Before the operation of the pelvic mass of all age women with the diagnosis of tuboovarian abscess other causes of the pelvic abscess should come into mine and necessary preparation for operation must be done.

Healing of Ischemic Colon Anastomosis in Rats Could Be Provided by Administering Dexpanthenol or Coenzyme Q10.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the effectiveness of dexpanthenol and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the healing of ischemic colon anastomosis was investigated. METHODS: Forty eight male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four equal groups (Sham-S, Sham-I, DXP, Q10). Following full layer colon resection, single layer colon anastomosis, without creating ischemia, was performed on the Sham-S group. The same experimental model was performed on remaining groups after ischemia was created. Intraperitoneal dexpanthenol and CoQ10 was administered to the DXP and Q10 groups once a day for three days. Ten days later, all colon anastomoses were investigated histopathologically and biochemically, as well as their burst pressure values, in all sacrificed rats. RESULTS: The highest burst pressure value was observed in the Sham-S group, decreasing from high to low in the DXP, Q10, and Sham-I groups, respectively (p = 0.008). Furthermore, tissue hydroxyproline (p = 0.001) level values were significantly different among the groups. Additionally, histopathological analysis revealed a significant difference among groups regarding reepithelization (p = 0.027) and polymorphonuclear leukocyte density (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study has shown that ischemia-reperfusion injury may impair the healing of colon anastomosis and it has been concluded that dexpanthenol and CoQ10 may have positive effects on the healing of ischemic colon anastomosis in rat, although re-epithelization may be adversely affected using CoQ10.

Platelet-Rich Plasma May Offer a New Hope in Suppressed Wound Healing When Compared to Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in wound healing suppressed by corticosteroid in rats. METHODS: Forty rats were separated into four groups. To disrupt the wound-healing processes, intraperitoneal single dose 10 mg/kg methylprednisolone was administered to all rats with the exception of Sham-S group. Then, full-thickness incision was performed to the abdominal skin of all animals, and PRP or MSCs were applied to the incision line except the Sham-S and Sham-M group animals. Ten days later, all animals were sacrificed to investigate: tissue collagenization, inflammation, and re-epithelialization grades histopathologically; and tissue hydroxyproline (HP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α levels biochemically. RESULTS: Collagenization (p = 0.003) and inflammation grade (p = 0.002) values were higher in PR group. Tissue HP level value was found to be high in MC group (p < 0.001). Tissue IL-1β level value of Sham-M group was lower than those of other groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study revealed that PRP could improve the histopathological grades in wound healing which was suppressed by corticosteroid in rats, while MSCs could show their therapeutic effects via biochemical route. These positive effects were more salient in PR group.

ERRATUM: Correction of funding statement in ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS section. Effectiveness of thymoquinone, zeolite, and platelet-rich plasma in model of corrosive oesophagitis induced in rats.

[This corrects the article on p. 396 in vol. 92, PMID: 28580343.].

Effectiveness of thymoquinone, zeolite, and platelet-rich plasma in model of corrosive oesophagitis induced in rats.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), thymoquinone, and zeolite in corrosive esophageal burns was investigated in a rat model. METHODS: Four groups were comprised as containing 10 rats in each group. For group I, oesophagitis was induced and no other procedure was performed (control group). For group II, oesophagitis was induced and thymoquinone was administered for 1 week via oral gavage once a day (thymoquinone group). For group III, oesophagitis was induced for 1 week via oral gavage once a day (PRP group). For group IV, oesophagitis was induced and zeolite was administered for 1 week via oral gavage once a day (zeolite group). On the 10th day, the rats were sacrificed under anaesthesia and venous blood sampling was performed from the vena portae. The oesophaguses were totally excised. Biochemically, interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 were examined from venous blood. Inflammation score was evaluated histopathologically in oesophageal tissue that was collected. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference among groups in terms of IL-1, IL-6, MCP levels, compared to the control group; median IL-1, IL-6, MCP levels of thymoquinone, PRP, and zeolite groups were statistically significantly lower. There was a statistically significant difference among groups in terms of inflammation scores, compared to group I; median inflammation scores of groups II, III and IV were statistically significantly lower thymoquinone. CONCLUSION: PRP, and zeolite exhibited positive effect on recovery in oesophagitis by reducing inflammation in the involved segment.

Ectopic Liver Tissue on the Gallbladder: An Incidental Mass in Laparoscopy.

Ectopic liver is a rare developmental abnormality. It is often asymptomatic and could be determined during the surgery. AIthough it could be detected in different areas of the body either below or above of the diaphragm, ectopic liver is usually found on the wall of the gallbladder. The importance of the ectopic liver came from the elevated risk of development of hepatocellulary carcinoma from ectopic tissue. Ectopic liver tissue could also mimic malign masses in radiographic studies. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsies could be helpful for preoperative diagnosis. Recently, widespread usage of laparoscopic techniques caused an increase on the description of ectopic liver tissues located on the gallbladder. Due to the potential risk of developing malignancy the resection of the mass should be the preferred approach for an incidentally or intraoperatively diagnosed ectopic liver tissue.

Effect of ankaferd blood stopper in experimental peritoneal adhesion model.

PURPOSE: Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is an herbal extract attained from 5 different plants. It has the therapeutic potential to be used for the management of external hemorrhage and controlling gastrointestinal bleedings. To date, the safety of ABS for intraperitoneal usage is not clear. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness and safety of using intraperitoneal ABS in an experimental peritoneal adhesion model. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar Albino rats were used in the study. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: saline, ABS, and control. On the 10th day, all rats were euthanized. The adhesions were evaluated by Nair's macroscopic adhesion classification, and pathologically evaluated with Zühlke's microscopic adhesion classification. RESULTS: macroscopic and microscopic comparison between the ABS and saline groups did not show any differences but both the ABS and saline groups were superior when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: ABS was found equally effective with saline on the abdominal adhesions and to no effect on postoperative adhesion formation.

The effects of scalpel, harmonic scalpel and monopolar electrocautery on the healing of colonic anastomosis after colonic resection.

PURPOSE: In our study, the effects of harmonic scalpel, scalpel, and monopolar electrocautery usage on the health and healing of colon anastomosis after resection was investigated. METHODS: In this study, 120 female albino Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups each containing 40 rats. Group A, resection with scalpel; group B, resection with monopolar electrocautery; group C, resection with harmonic scalpel. The groups were divided into 4 subgroups consisting of 10 rats and analysed in the postoperative 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days. Anastomotic bursting pressures, hydroxyproline levels and histopathological parameters were surrogate parameters for evaluating wound healing. RESULTS: The tissue hydroxyproline levels did not show any significant difference between the groups and subgroups. The mean bursting pressure of group A on the 5th day was significantly higher than groups B and C (P < 0.001). When the fibroblast and fibrosis scores were evaluated, scores of group C on the 5th day were significantly higher than the other groups, but the results of bursting pressures and biochemical parameters did not support the fibroblast and fibrosis scores. There were not any significant differences between the groups in other histopathologic parameters. CONCLUSION: The use of monopolar electrocautery needs more attention since the device causes tissue destruction. The obliterating effect of harmonic scalpel on luminal organs is an important problem, especially if an anastomosis is planned. Despite the disadvantages of scalpel, its efficacy on early wound healing is better than the other devices.