68 GA-FAPI-04 PET/CT Versus 18 F-FDG PET/CT in Imaging of Malignant Mixed Germ Cell Testicular Tumor.

ABSTRACT: 18 F-FDG PET/CT imaging was performed for restaging in in a 16-year-old boy who was operated on for right testicular tumor and was diagnosed with malignant mixed germ cell tumor. Mild FDG uptake was observed in 2 nodules in both lungs and retroperitoneal lymph node in the abdomen. 68 Ga-FAPI (fibroblast activation protein inhibitor) 04 PET/CT showed moderate uptake of FAPI in lung nodules and retroperitoneal lymph node. In this case, 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT was shown to be superior to 18 F-FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of malignant mixed germ cell testicular tumor metastases.

Investigation of ZIP4, ZO-1, and CLAUDIN-1 expression in thyroid tumours by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction methods.

Thyroid neoplasms are the most common endocrine malignancies. ZIP4 is an intramembranous zinc trans membrane protein. Zinc plays a central role in the activation of transcription factors, and zinc transporters. This affects tumour migration, invasion, and cell proliferation. ZO-1 and Claudin-1 are important tight junction proteins whose amounts increase and decrease in various cancers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression of ZIP4, ZO-1, and Claudin-1 in thyroid tumours and the relationship of this expression with tumour types and prognostic parameters. ZIP4, ZO-1, and Claudin-1 were studied in all cases by immunohistochemical and Real-Time PCR methods. ZIP4 and Claudin-1 tended to be expressed more in cases with tumours, while ZO-1 in cases with and without tumours. Expression of ZIP4 and Claudin-1 by real-time polymerase chain reaction showed a significant difference between histological subtypes, and this difference was not observed with ZO-1. It was observed that the presence of metastasis increased with the expression of ZIP4 and Claudin-1, and there was no significant change with ZO-1. We think that Claudin-1 and ZIP4 expression can be used as an important marker in terms of showing poor prognosis and susceptibility to metastasis in thyroid tumours, and in developing targeted therapy.

Investigation of pd-l1 (cd274), pd-l2 (pdcd1lg2), and ctla-4 expressions in malignant pleural mesothelioma by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction methods.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignant disease with a poor prognosis, which affects the surface mesothelium of the pleural cavity. Immune checkpoints are responsible for controlling the immune system to avoid autoimmunity and prevent tissue damage. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and programmed death ligand 2 (PD-L2) immuno-control receptors in MPM patients and the relationship of the expression with tumour types and prognostic parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, we evaluated 50 MPM cases. Immunohistochemically CTLA-4, PD-L1, and PD-L2 were detected by using monoclonal anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-L1, and anti-PD-L2. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was performed with the primers CTLA-4, PD-L1, and PD-L2. RESULTS: Statistically, no significant relation was determined between the PD-L1, PD-L2, and CTLA-4 expressions (immunohistochemical and RT-PCR methods) and the MPM histological type. Interestingly significant correlation was observed between the mean survival time and immunohistochemical PD-L2 expression; thus, long-term survival was observed in cases with PD-L2 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Programmed death ligand 1, PD-L2, and CTLA-4 expression were observed in some MPM cases, suggesting that treatments targeting immune checkpoints may be effective. Because immunohistochemical expression of PD-L2 is associated with better prognosis, it may provide useful clues in the follow-up of patients.

Evaluation of definitive histopathological results of patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps: a tertiary care center experience.

Background: Although endometrial polyps are generally benign, there are also risks of malignancy. Objectives: To determine the premalignancy and malignancy prevalence in patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps and to investigate factors affecting premalignancy and malignancy. Methods: In our retrospective study, patients who were diagnosed with endometrial polyp with endometrial samples and who underwent polypectomy by hysteroscopy or hysterectomy within one year were included. Results: Premalignant / malignant histopathological results were detected in 7 (2.8%) patients. There were no statistically significant differences in histopathological results and endometrial sampling indications between premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. Hysterectomy in patients with premalignant/ malignant results and hysteroscopy in patients with benign results were found to be significantly different. There was not a statistically significant difference between patients with benign results and those with premalignant/malignant results in menopausal status, symptoms, status of hormone replacement therapy and endometrial polyp size. Conclusion: The possibility of premalignant/ malignant results in patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps should be kept in mind. The menopausal status, symptoms, sizes of endometrial polyps and whether or not the patient is on hormone replacement therapy should be considered while making the management plan. However, these should not be the decisive factors on their own.

Does contrast-enhanced computed tomography raise awareness in the diagnosis of the invisible side of celiac disease in adults?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnosis and determine major and minor criteria of celiac disease (CD) with the malabsorption patterns (MABP) in the small intestine and colon on computed tomography (CT) and additional CT findings. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted with 116 patients diagnosed with CD, 14 CD patients recovering with treatment, and 35 control patients with non-CD. All patients had CT examinations and histopathological diagnoses. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy values of each CT finding defined in the literature were statistically evaluated. According to the patient and control groups, the numerical values of the findings and the sensitivity and specificity values were measured according to this cut-off value. The distribution of CT findings according to pathological Marsh data was evaluated in CD patients. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity were found to be higher in small bowel MABP findings, mesenteric hypervascularity, and increased SMV/aorta diameter. There was a numerically significant difference in MDCT findings between the control and pathological Marsh groups. In the ROC analysis performed in terms of the total numerical values of each MDCT finding observed between the groups, it was found that there were more than 7 MDCT findings, 100% sensitivity, and 92% specificity. The presence of four major and three minor criteria or three major and four minor criteria were considered significant. CONCLUSIONS: Being aware of CT findings below the iceberg that may suggest CD in abdominal CT examinations performed in patients with atypical clinical and malabsorption findings or other nonspecific findings may prevent diagnostic delay and unnecessary procedures.

False-Positive 68Ga-Fibroblast Activation Protein-Specific Inhibitor Uptake of Benign Lymphoid Tissue in a Patient With Breast Cancer.

ABSTRACT: 68Ga-fibroblast activation protein-specific inhibitor (FAPI)-04 PET/CT was performed in a patient with left lower outer quadrant breast cancer who had 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT showed higher accumulation of radiotracer in primary tumor and axillary lymph nodes than 18F-FDG PET/CT. In addition, focal increased FAPI uptake was observed in another nodular lesion in the lower inner quadrant in the same breast, which was considered malignant. However, Tru-Cut biopsy of this lesion was reported as benign lymphoid tissue. This case showed that all FAPI accumulation in breast tissue should not be interpreted in favor of malignancy; histopathological confirmation is required.

Effects of Nimodipine and Nigella sativa on Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Serum and Brain Tissue of Rats with Experimental Head Trauma.

AIM: To investigate whether Nimodipine (N) and Nigella sativa (NS) oil have protective, antioxidant effects in brain injury caused by experimental head trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups that underwent experimental head trauma. Oxidative parameters were compared in the serum and brain tissue of the different groups. In addition, apoptosis and caspase-3 immunoreactivity were evaluated by histopathological examination. RESULTS: Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were significantly increased in N and N+NS groups when compared with controls (p=0.001, p < 0.01). Tissue TAS levels were significantly higher in the NS and N+NS groups compared to controls (p=0.001, p < 0.01). Total oxidant status levels in the brain tissue were significantly higher in the NS group than in the control group (p=0.021). CONCLUSION: N and NS were shown to significantly reduce the occurrence of oxidative stress in secondary brain injury due to head trauma. We also found that apoptosis levels decreased in response to N, NS and N+NS treatments after head trauma.

Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Factor in Laryngeal Carcinoma.

Aim of this study; investigate whether neutrophils/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could be used as a prognostic factor in larynx cancer. The correlation between preoperative peripheral blood NLR and age, gender, smoking, alcohol use, clinical stage and differentiation degree was examined. One hundered fourty-four patients in Dicle University Department of Otorhinolaryngology between the years of 2005 and 2014 were included in the study. Clinical and preoperative laboratory data of patients were screened retrospectively from archive files of otorhinolaryngology and the pathology results were screened retrospectively from archive files of pathology. The study was approved by the local ethics committee of the department and carried out in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki as amended in 2013. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 15.0 software package for Windows (SPSS inc., Chicago, IL, USA). There was a significant difference between NLR and clinical stage (p = 0.003) smoking (p = 0,001) and alcohol use (p = 0.001). When NLR was analyzed in detail according to the degree of tumor differentiation; significant differences were observed between G1 and G2 (p = 0.007) and between G1 and G3 (p = 0.001). Light of these findings, NLR is a cheap and easily accessible marker which can be used as a prognostic faxtor in laryngeal cancer. It is thougkt to shed light on the studies which will be conducted with more patients.

Protective Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Fluoxetine-Induced Hepatotoxicity: An Experimental Study.

Background. The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on fluoxetine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods. Group I served as control. Group II received CAPE intraperitoneally. Group III received fluoxetine per orally. Group IV received fluoxetine and CAPE. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and liver enzymes including paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase levels were measured. Liver tissues were processed histopathologically for evaluation of liver injury and to validate the serum enzyme levels. Results. An increase in TOS and OSI and a decrease in TAC and PON-1 levels in serum and liver tissues of Group III were observed compared to Groups I and II. After treatment with CAPE, the level of TOS and OSI decreased while TAC and PON-1 increased in serum and liver in Group IV. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed hepatic injury after fluoxetine treatment and reduction of injury with CAPE treatment. Conclusion. Our results suggested that CAPE treatment provided protection against fluoxetine toxicity. Following CAPE treatment with fluoxetine-induced hepatotoxicity, TOS and OSI levels decreased, whereas PON-1 and TAC increased in the serum and liver.

Protective effects of honokiol on ischemia/reperfusion injury of rat ovary: an experimental study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of honokiol on experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury of rat ovary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 female Wistar albino rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into five groups as follows: sham (Group I), torsion (Group II), torsion + detorsion (Group III), torsion + detorsion + saline (Group IV), and torsion + detorsion + honokiol (Group V). Bilateral adnexa in all the rats except for those in the sham group were exposed to torsion for 3 hours. The rats in Group IV were administered saline, whereas the rats in Group V were administered honokiol by intraperitoneal route 30 minutes before detorsion. Tissue and plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were determined. Ovarian tissue was histologically evaluated. Data analyses were performed by means of Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test (Bonferroni correction) in SPSS 15.0 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: The torsion and detorsion groups had higher scores in vascular congestion, hemorrhage, and inflammatory cell infiltration compared with the sham group (P<0.005). In addition, total histopathological scores were significantly higher in the torsion and detorsion groups compared with the sham group (P<0.005). A significant reduction was observed in hemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cellular degeneration scores, of all histopathological scores, in the honokiol group (P<0.005). Ovarian tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde were significantly higher in the torsion and detorsion groups compared with the sham and honokiol groups (P<0.005). Ovarian tissue concentrations of nitric oxide, on the other hand, were significantly higher in the torsion group compared with the sham, saline, and honokiol groups (P<0.005). CONCLUSION: Honokiol has a beneficial effect on ovarian torsion-related ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Comparing the effects of nebivolol and dexpanthenol on wound healing: an experimental study.

Wound healing is a dynamic, interactive process that is initiated in response to injury. A number of investigations and clinical studies have been performed to determine new approaches for the improvement of wound healing. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dexpanthenol, a molecule that is widely used for improving wound healing, and nebivolol, a molecule that increases nitric oxide release, on wound healing. A total of 30 rats were divided into three equal groups (n = 10). A linear 2 cm incision was made in the rats' skin. No treatment was administered in the first (control) group. Dexpanthenol cream was administered to the rats in the second group and 5% nebivolol cream was administered to the rats in the third group. The wound areas of all of the rats were measured on certain days. On the 21(st) day, all wounds were excised and histologically evaluated. The wound healing rates of the dexpanthenol and nebivolol groups were higher than those of the control group (P < 0·05). However, the wound healing rates of the dexpanthenol and nebivolol groups were not significantly different. Nebivolol and dexpanthenol have comparable effects on wound healing.

The effects of intravenous immunoglobulin on cerebral ischemia in rats: An experimental study.

Stroke is one of the major reasons of death in the United States and related to adult disability. Despite aggressive research, the treatment approaches of stroke still remains a major clinical problem. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a polyspecific Ig G preparation obtained from plasma of several thousand healthy people (donors). IVIg is an important treatment approach and used for several disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the potentially beneficial effects of IVIg therapy in experimentally induced ischemia in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) models of rats. A total of 30 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into two equal groups, each consisting of 15 randomly selected rats: control group (n = 15) and IVIg group (n = 15). Intraluminal filament method was used for establishment of cerebral ischemia. Intraluminal filament was withdrawn after 2 h of MCAo and reperfusion started again and passed to therapeutic stages for all the groups. Physiologic saline solution of 0.5 ml/kg was administered to the control group and 400 mg/kg IVIg was given to the IVIg group rats intravenously. In neurological evaluation, the worst score was determined as 3 and the best score as 0. After routine process, the brain tissue was prepared histopathological investigation. The IVIg group showed significantly better recovery with respect to the control group by neurological examination. The observation of specimens obtained from IVIg groups showed that findings correlate with grade 1 and -2 histopathologically. Nevertheless, ischemic amendments were observed to comply with grade 3 in ischemic areas in control group. IVIg therapy can be used in the treatment of ischemic stroke patients.

Protective effects of carvacrol and pomegranate against methotrexate-induced intestinal damage in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the efficacy of carvacrol (CVR) and pomegranate (PMG) against methotrexate (MTX)-induced intestinal damage using histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques. METHODS: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 195-250 g, were divided into four groups: control, MTX treatment alone, MTX plus CVR and MTX plus PMG. A single dose of CVR (73 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to group III on the first day of the experiment, PMG (225 mg/kg/day) was administered orogastrically (with a gavage needle) once daily for 7 days and a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally on the second day of the experiment. Intestinal tissues were obtained on 8(th) day, and examined for villus damage, crypt damage, and inflammation. Ki-67 and Caspase 3 staining was used for immunohistochemical evaluation. RESULTS: MTX treatment induced villus shortening and fusion, epithelial atrophy, crypt loss, inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria, and goblet cell depletion. The CVR and PMG decreased the severity of intestinal damage caused by MTX treatment. In the MTX-received group, significant inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the lamina propria. Compared to the MTX-received group, the PMG and CVR groups showed less villus and crypt damage and less inflammation in the lamina propria. Fewer Ki-67 positive cells were observed in the crypts of the MTX-received groups compared to the control group. There were more Ki-67 positive cells in the CVR and PMG groups compared to MTX group. The MTX-received group exhibited more caspase-3 positive cells than the control group, and the number of caspase-3 positive cells were decreased in the CVR and PMG treated groups. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to show that PMG and CVR decrease MTX-related damage and apoptotic activity in intestinal tissue.

Retrorectal Tumors in Adults: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.

Due to the rarity and large diversity of the primary retrorectal tumors (RTs), the diagnoses are often difficult and they can be misdiagnosed. We present our experience in light of scarce information available on the clinical manifestations of RTs. The retrospective study included 17 patients diagnosed as RTs between January 2004 and January 2014. Demographic characteristics, length of symptoms, clinical findings, diagnostic methods, evaluations on the treatment procedures and postoperative periods, pathology, complications, and length of hospital stay were recorded. A mean of 1.7 of patients were diagnosed with RTs annually in our hospital. Patients comprised 12 females and 5 males. Pain and discomfort were the most common symptoms at presentation. All the lesions were evaluated by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), and all the patients were treated operatively. Based on the preoperative MRI or CT findings, an anterior approach was performed in 7 patients, a posterior approach in 6 patients, and combined approach in 4 patients. Mean size of tumors was 9.2 ± 4.3 cm. Epidermoid cyst (n = 8) was the most common tumor. Except for 1 case of liposarcoma, 16 tumors were confirmed to be of benign nature in histologic examination. Mean length of hospital stay 12.4 ± 6.8 days. Retrorectal tumors are heterogeneous and lead to diagnostic difficulties. A high index of clinical suspicion is needed for diagnosis. Preoperative imaging may be helpful in determining the course of treatment. Total excision of a retrorectal tumor may alleviate pressure symptoms and confirm the diagnosis.

Lycium barbarum extract provides effective protection against paracetamol-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Lycium barbarum (LB) extract against paracetamol-induced acute oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in rats. The subjects were divided into 6 groups of 8 rats each. The rats in the LB group were administered a dose of 100 mg/kg LB extract dissolved in saline via the intraperitoneal route for 7 days. Subsequently, after last dose of LB, PCT was given in a single dose of 1 g/kg diluted in saline via the oral route. Twenty-four hours later, blood samples were drawn from all of the subjects for serum Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Total antioxidant status (TAS) and Total oxidant status (TOS) tests, and liver tissue samples were obtained for histopathological evaluation. The mean TAS level of the group that was subjected to PCT intoxication was significantly lower than those of the other groups. Additionally, the mean TOS, Oxidative stress index (OSI), ALT and AST values were significantly higher in this group. Though the mean TAS level in the PCT + LB group was significantly higher than that of the PCT group, the TOS, OSI, ALT, and AST levels were significantly lower. When the PCT + LB group and the PCT only group were compared in terms of liver damage during the histopathological evaluation, a statistically significant difference was observed in Grade I and Grade III damage (P=0.013 and P=0.038, respectively). We conclude that Lycium barbarum extract leads to a significant improvement in PCT-induced acute hepatotoxicity in terms of the histopathological results, serum oxidative stress parameters, and serum liver function marker enzymes.

The protective effect of goji berry extract in ischemic reperfusion in testis torsion.

This study investigated whether goji berry extract (GBE), a known antioxidant, reduces ischemic reperfusion injury when administered to rats exposed to experimental testis torsion. A total of 32 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into 4 groups, including the control (sham), goji, torsion, and torsion-goji groups. The treatment groups received intraperitoneal GBE prior to torsion. The left testes of the animals were subjected to torsion via 5 hours of ischemia and 6 hours of reperfusion. TAC (total antioxidant capacity), TOS (total oxidant status) and OSI (oxidative stress index) levels were calculated. Approximately 5-µm-thick sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and examined under a light microscope. Statistical analyses were performed with the SPSS 15 software package. The mean serum TAC level was significantly increased in Groups 2 and 4 compared with Groups 1 and 3 in biochemical analyses (for both P < 0.001). The mean serum TOS level was significantly increased in Group 3 compared with Groups 1, 2, and 4 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.003, respectively). Comparison of the groups with regard to histopathological examination revealed that Group 4 exhibited a significantly higher rate of hemorrhage and congestion compared with Groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.038). The groups did not differ significantly with respect to degeneration. Ischemic reperfusion injury associated with testis torsion was reduced by the antioxidant effect of GBE. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to confirm the agent's efficacy for this indication.

The effects of sulforaphane on the liver and remote organ damage in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion model formed with pringle maneuver in rats.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Sulforaphane on ischemia/ reperfusion (IR) injury of the liver and distant organs resulting from liver blood flow arrest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourty Wistar rats were assigned into four groups, each included 10 rats were used. Group I as only laparatomy, Group II laparatomy and Sulforaphane application, Group III hepatic IR; and Group IV as hepatic IR and Sulforaphane application group. Animals were subjected to liver ischemia for 30 min and then reperfusion is started. 5 mg/kg Sulforaphane was applied via oral lavage 15 minutes before initiating the experimental study. Blood samples were taken from the animals for biochemical analysis at 60th minutes of the experiment in the first and second groups; 30 minutes after beginning reperfusion in the third and forth groups. Simultaneously, liver, lung and kidney tissues were sampled for biochemical and histopathological examinations. RESULTS: The administration of sulforaphane significantly reduced the serum TOA and liver TOA levels, increased the serum TAC and liver TAC levels and also decreased The OSI and liver OSI levels. In the histopathologic examination, the injury was reduced by the administration of sulforaphane. Administration of sulforaphane did not lead to any significant changes in any parameter including histopathological parameters in both the kidney and the lung. CONCLUSIONS: Sulforaphane reduced the liver oxidative stress from I/R injury. A histological injury in liver was reduced by sulforaphane administration. However, there were no significant effects of sulforaphane on the remote organ injuries induced by IR.

Honokiol decreases intra-abdominal adhesion formation in a rat model.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of honokiol, a natural molecule that was shown to have antioxidant effects, in prevention of intra-abdominal adhesion formation in a rat model. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study was conducted on a total of 40 non-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into 4 groups as follows: sham, control, saline, and honokiol groups. Both uterine horns of the rats in control, saline, and honokiol groups were exposed and a 2-cm segment of the anti-mesenteric surface of both uterine horns was traumatized by a scalpel. The saline group was administered 2 ml of saline/day intraperitoneally for 5 days after the operation. The honokiol group, on the other hand, was administered honokiol intraperitoneally at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 5 days after the operation. On postoperative day 14, 3 ml of intracardiac blood sample was taken from the rats for biochemical analyses, and the rats were sacrificed this way. RESULTS: Adhesion and inflammation scores were significantly lower in the honokiol group compared with the saline and control groups (p < 0.008). Similarly, fibrosis score was significantly lower in the honokiol group compared with the saline group (p < 0.008). CONCLUSION: Honokiol was found to be effective in prevention of intra-abdominal adhesion formation in a rat model. However, larger studies are needed to shed light on the exact role of honokiol in intra-abdominal adhesion formation and to determine the molecular aspects of the promising results found in this study.

Topical N-acetylcysteine improves wound healing comparable to dexpanthenol: an experimental study.

In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of dexpanthenol and N-acetylcysteine on wound healing. The wound healing process is a multifaceted sequence of activities associated with tissue restoration process. A number of investigations and clinical studies have been performed to determine new approaches for the improvement of wound healing. A total of 30 rats were divided into 3 equal groups. A linear 2-cm incision was made in the rats' skin. No treatment was administered in the first (control) group. Dexpanthenol cream was administered to the rats in the second group and 3% N-acetylcysteine cream was administered to the rats in the third group. The wound areas of all of the rats were measured on certain days. On the 21st day, all wounds were excised and histologically evaluated. The epithelialization and granulation rates between the groups were revealed to be similar in microscopic evaluations. Although the fibrosis was remarkable in the control group as compared with the other groups, it was similar in N-acetylcysteine and dexpanthenol groups. Angiogenesis rate was remarkable in the N-acetylcysteine group compared with the others. In multiple-comparison analysis, Dexpanthenol and N-acetylcysteine groups had similar results in terms of wound healing rates (P < 0.05), which were both higher than in the control group (P > 0.05). The efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in wound healing is comparable to dexpanthenol, and both substances can be used to improve wound healing.

The use of thymoquinone in nephrotoxicity related to acetaminophen.

AIM: We aimed to investigate efficacy of intraperitoneally administered Thymoquinone (TQ) in acetaminophen (APAP) induced renal toxicity. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Forty Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of ten rats each. Control group was untreated group while rats in TQ group were treated with single dose TQ. In APAP group rats were treated with single dose acetaminophen. In TQ + APAP group TQ and APAP were administered respectively. Rats were sacrificed at 24th hour; urea, creatinine and nitric oxide levels were measured also malondialdehyde activity were assessed in renal tissue specimens. Tissue damage scores were recorded in histopathological assessment. RESULTS: Urea and creatinine levels were found significantly higher in APAP group than control group (p < 0.003). Urea and creatinine levels in APAP + TQ treated group were significantly lower than APAP treated group (p < 0.01). Serum NO activity and tissue MDA levels were higher in APAP group than control group (p ≤ 0.002). In contrast to APAP treated group serum NO activity and tissue MDA levels were found significantly lower in TQ + APAP group (p ≤ 0.03). In APAP group significant histopathological change was found compared with control group (p ≤ 0.001) where there was no significant change between control and TQ treated groups (p > 0.05). In APAP group we found significantly higher tissue damage scores than control group (p ≤ 0.001). In APAP + TQ group lower tissue damage scores were found compared with APAP group (p ≤ 0.001) while higher scores were found compared with control group (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: We can conclude that TQ treatment has therapeutical effect in APAP induced nephrotoxicity in rats.