Histopathological Changes in the Myocardium Caused by Energy Drinks and Alcohol in the Mid-term and Their Effects on Skeletal Muscle Following Ischemia-reperfusion in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Although energy drinks have been consumed for many years, their effects on the cardiovascular system continue to be investigated. Today, the most frequently used area of energy drinks is the entertainment sector, and this study investigates the effects of energy drinks and alcohol consumption on rats' limb and myocardium tissue. METHODS: Forty Wistar Albino rats were used and divided into 4 groups. Energy drinks were given to the first group (the energy drink group), alcohol was given to the second group, and energy drinks and alcohol were given to the third group Redbull-Alcohol (RA). Blood samples, leg muscles, and heart tissues were studied after the ischemia-reperfusion model was created at the infrarenal level. RESULTS: In the histopathological examination of heart muscles, the damage was significantly more severe in the RA group than in the control group (P <.05). There was no significant change in the RA group in the limb muscle; however, muscle fiber abnormality was higher. The energy drink group was more prone to carbon dioxide retention and hypoxia, resulting in respiratory acidosis. (P =.05). Lactate was significantly higher in the energy drink group (P =.002). Glucose concentrations of energy drink and RA groups were higher (P =.02). CONCLUSION: The high lactate values of the energy drink group and more damaged fibers in the striated muscles in the RA group showed that they are more susceptible to ischemia. Long-term energy drinks and alcohol use may cause damage to the heart muscle and endothelium. Also, the effects of long-term alcohol and energy drink use on the respiratory system should be investigated with more specific studies.

In vitro effects of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor on adhesion stage of implantation.

A member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, the heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF) is expressed in the uteri of both humans and mice during the implantation process. To study the effects of HB-EGF on adhesion stage, we developed an in vitro implantation model employing Ishikawa cell line and JAR cell line, which may attach to Ishikawa cells. For 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours, co-cultures of JAR spheroids grown on Ishikawa monolayers were treated with 1, 10, and 100 ng∕mL doses of HB-EGF. Using immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis, the effects of HB-EGF on the protein expressions of E-cadherin, Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ErbB4), and integrin ανß3 in Ishikawa and JAR cells were examined semi-quantitatively and quantitatively. Ultrastructural changes of in vitro implantation model were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. We revealed that HB-EGF influenced trophoblast cell adhesion to endometrial cells by upregulating the expression of the proteins ErbB4 and trophoblastic integrin ανß3. Decrease in trophoblastic E-cadherin expression and increase in endometrial E-cadherin expression were demonstrated accompanying morphological variations in cells required for the invasion. We discovered ultrastructurally that Ishikawa cells acquired uterodome-like appearance, including the organelles, when 10 and 100 ng∕mL dosages of HB-EGF were administered for 12 and 24 hours. However, following additional hours of adhesion and invasion, their intercellular spaces enlarged. The trafficking of vesicular transport was enhanced by JAR spheroids. We therefore discovered that in this implantation paradigm, HB-EGF may enhance the receptivity of Ishikawa cells and the adherence of JAR cells.

The Effect of Alpha Lipoic Acid on the Recovery of Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the regenerative effects of alpha lipoic acid on the recovery of sciatic nerve crush injury (SNCI) in rats. DESIGN: This was a randomized, experimental, and sham-controlled study. The sciatic nerves of 28 rats in four groups were traumatized for 60 secs: G1, sham operated + saline; G2, SNCI + saline; G3, SNCI + alpha lipoic acid 50 mg/kg/day; and G4, SNCI + alpha lipoic acid 100 mg/kg/day. Sciatic functional index values were measured on day 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Sciatic nerve stimulation threshold values were recorded on day 1, 14, and 28. End-point histopathologic evaluation was conducted. RESULTS: The mean sciatic functional index value of G2 but not G3/G4 on day 7 was significantly lower than on day 0 (P = 0.035, P = 0.447/P = 0.800). The mean sciatic functional index value of G2 but not G3/G4 increased significantly between day 7 and 14 (P = 0.035, P = 0.447/P = 0.438). The day 14 mean sciatic nerve stimulation threshold values of G3/G4 but not G2 were decreased significantly compared with those on day 1 (P = 0.022/P = 0.022, P = 0.933). The mean sciatic nerve stimulation threshold values of G3/G4 on day 14 were similar to those on day 0 (P = 0.106/P = 0.418). Regeneration in muscle and nerve connective tissues and nerve structures was observed in G3/G4. Inflammation in the muscle and nerve tissues of G4 was suppressed down to similar levels of G1. Myelinated nerve fibers were less degenerated in G3/G4. CONCLUSION: Alpha lipoic acid has the potential to accelerate the process of nerve healing in the context of SNCI in rats.

Ultrastructural investigation of synaptic alterations in the rat hippocampus after irradiation and hyperthermia.

This study aimed to investigate ultrastructural synaptic alterations in rat hippocampus after in utero exposure to irradiation (IR) and postnatal exposure to hyperthermia (HT). There were four groups in each of the time points (3rd and 6th months). IR group: Pregnant rats were exposed to radiation on the 17th gestational day. HT group: Hyperthermia was applied to the rat pups on the 10th day after their birth. IR+HT group: Both IR and HT were applied at the same time periods. Control group: No IR or HT was applied. Rat pups were sacrificed after 3 and 6 months. Thin sections from the dentate gyrus (DG) and the CA3 of hippocampus were evaluated for synapse numbers by electron microscopy. Synapses were counted, and statistical analysis was performed. Abnormalities in myelin sheath, mossy terminals and neuropil were observed in the CA3 and DG of all groups. The synapses in the CA3 region were significantly increased in the IR-3rd month, IR-6th month, and IR+HT-3rd month groups vs control group. Synapses were significantly increased in the DG of HT-3rd month group. A trend for an increase in synapse numbers was seen in the CA3 and DG. Increased number of synapses in the rat hippocampus may be due to mossy fiber sprouting, possibly caused by in utero irradiation and/or postnatal hyperthermia.

Alterations of IL-1 and VEGF After Ischemia-Reperfusion Injured Uterus and Ovary in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Ischemia/reperfusion injury causes parenchymal and endothelial cell damage as a result of inflammation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressed in every kind of tissue in human body has important roles in migration, proliferation, endothelial cell permeability, angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. IL-1 is a one of the cytokine family members, and plays important roles in hematopoiesis, inflammatory reactions and immune system regulation. Furthermore, auto-inflammatory diseases are treated by IL-1 as therapeutic agent. The aim of this study is to observe changes of VEGF and IL-1 immunreactivity in ischemia/reperfused rat uterus and ovary. METHOD: Rats were separated into two groups. Control group and ischemia/reperfusion group which rats were subjected to 45 min ischemia/45 min reperfusion. Samples from uterus and ovary were fixed with 10% neutral formaldehyde and stained with H&E. VEGF and IL-1 immunohistochemistry was applied. RESULTS: Histopathological results showed severe degeneration of endometrium in uterus and ovarian follicles in ischemia/reperfusion group. VEGF and IL-1 immunoreactivity increased in uteruses and ovaries of ischemia/reperfusion group when compared to control group. CONCLUSION: In consequence, the present results suggest that VEGF and IL-1 may be potential detection marker for ischemia/reperfusion injured uterus and ovary. Moreover, VEGF and IL-1 might be in relation with each other to regenerate uterus and ovary.

Comparison between iloprost and alprostadil for protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model

Background/aim: Alprostadil and iloprost are successful agents used for both pulmonary hypertension and extremity ischemia treatment. Different systemic effects of these agents may change the preferences of clinical usage. Superiority of preventing ischemia/ reperfusion (IR) injury is a criterion for clinical preference of these agents. The present study was designed to compare the protective effects of alprostadil and iloprost in a rat model of IR injury. Materials and methods: Twenty-three male Sprague Dawley rats were used (aged 8-12 weeks, mean weight 230 ± 30 g). They were randomized into 4 groups: Group 1 (iloprost + IR), Group 2 (alprostadil + IR), Group 3 (saline + IR), and Group 4 (control). Under general anesthesia, in all groups except Group 4, the abdominal region was explored and the abdominal aorta was temporarily clamped for 60 min. After the clamp was removed, 120 min of reperfusion was applied. In Group 4, the rats were placed under general anesthesia and abdominal exploration was performed without the IR procedure. For all rats, body temperature was kept at 36 °C with a heater pad through the whole procedure. The rats were euthanized under general anesthesia to remove the kidneys and lungs for study. Histopathological and biochemical analyses were conducted with kidney and lung tissues. Histopathological scoring was done by analyzing cellular damage at tissue level. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione levels were studied for biochemical analysis. Results: Histopathologic analysis showed that, as compared with alprostadil, iloprost provided a significantly higher level of renal protection against IR injury (P < 0.01). Renal tissue levels of MDA were significantly lower in the alprostadil group as compared to Group 3 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Alprostadil and iloprost seem to provide protection against IR injury, with iloprost being more protective in renal tissue. Alprostadil is more effective than iloprost in protecting lung tissue against IR injury.

Investigation of the effects of kisspeptin-10 in methionine-induced lipid peroxidation in testicle tissue of young rats.

Disruption of the balance oxidants, antioxidants cause various pathophysiological conditions such as lipid peroxidation, protein degradation, or DNA damage. We have examined possible effects of kisspeptin-10 on the structural damage produced by methionine-induced lipid peroxidation in testicle tissue of young rats. Kisspeptin-10 did not significantly affect spermatogenic cells in seminiferous tubules. Testosterone levels decreased in the methionine group as compared with the control group but without statistical significance. Luteinizing hormone levels decreased in the methionine group as compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Catalase enzyme activity increased in the kisspeptin-10 group (P < 0.01) as compared with the other groups. Catalase mRNA expression was decreased in the methionine group as compared with the kisspeptin group (P < 0.001). Total superoxide dismutase enzyme activity and superoxide dismutase mRNA expression were increased in the kisspeptin group as compared with the methionine group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, kisspeptin treatment may protect the structure of spermatogenic cells against methionine-induced damage.

Oxytocin protects rat skeletal muscle against ischemia/reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Oxytocin (OXY) is a well-known nonapeptide that functions in reproduction. It is also known as an antioxidant in several organs. However, little is about its role in the protection of tissue against ischemia/reperfusion injury in skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective and therapeutic antioxidant effect of oxytocin in skeletal muscle during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Rats were divided into 4 groups. Hindlimb ischemia was achieved by clamping the common femoral artery in 3 of the groups, but not a control group. OXY was injected before ischemia in the preoperative (preop) I/R + OXY group and after the onset of ischemia in the postoperative (postop) I/R + OXY group. Saline solution was injected in the I/R group. Limbs were rendered ischemic for 90 min. At the end of 90-min reperfusion period, skeletal muscle tissue samples were taken from the ischemic muscle for evaluation at light and transmission electron microscopic levels. Biochemical analysis was done for malonedialdehyde and glutathione levels. Caspase immunohistochemistry was applied for apoptosis. RESULTS: The light- and electron-microscopic scores of the OXY-treated groups were significantly lower than in the I/R group. The degree of tissue damage was ameliorated in the OXY-treated groups. The number of apoptotic cells was decreased in the OXY-treated groups compared with the I/R group. In OXY-treated groups, the malonedialdehyde level was lower than in the I/R group. Glutathione levels were found to be increased in the OXY-treated groups compared with the I/R group. CONCLUSIONS: Oxytocin has a protective effect against I/R injury in skeletal muscle and may reduce the incidence of compartment syndrome.

Distribution of Zonula Occludens-1 and Occludin and alterations of testicular morphology after in utero radiation and postnatal hyperthermia in rats.

In utero irradiation (IR) and postnatal hyperthermia (HT) exposure cause infertility by decreasing spermatogenic colony growth and the number of sperm in rats. Four groups were used: (i) Control group, (ii) HT group (rats exposed to hyperthermia on the 10th postnatal day), (iii) IR group (rats exposed to IR on the 17th gestational day) and (iv) IR + HT group. Three and six months after the procedures testes were examined by light and electron microscopy. Some degenerated tubules in the HT group, many vacuoles in spermatogenic cells and degenerated tight junctions in the IR group, atrophic tubules and severe degeneration of tight junctions in the IR + HT group were observed. ZO-1 and occludin immunoreactivity were decreased and disorganized in the HT and IR groups and absent in the IR + HT group. The increase in the number of apoptotic cells was accompanied by a time-dependent decrease in haploid, diploid and tetraploid cells in all groups. Degenerative findings were severe after 6 months in all groups. The double-hit model may represent a Sertoli cell only model of infertility due to a decrease in spermatogenic cell and alterated blood-testis barrier proteins in rat.