Neuroprotective effects of goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) polysaccharides on depression-like behavior in ovariectomized rats: behavioral and biochemical evidence.

AIM: To assess the protective effects of goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) polysaccharides (LBP) on depression-like behavior in ovariectomized rats and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects. METHODS: One hundred female Wistar albino rats (three months old) were randomly assigned either to ovariectomy (n=50) or sham surgery (n=50). After a 14-day recovery period, the groups were divided into five treatment subgroups (10 per group): high-dose LBP (200 mg/kg), low-dose LBP (20 mg/kg), imipramine (IMP, 2.5 mg/kg), 17-beta estradiol (E2, 1 mg/kg), and distilled water. Then, rats underwent a forced swimming test. We also determined the levels of serum antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde), E2 levels, hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), 5HT2A receptor, and transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells. RESULTS: Both low-dose LBP and imipramine decreased depression-like behavior by increasing serum superoxide dismutase activity and by decreasing serum malondialdehyde level. Furthermore, low-dose LPB, high-dose LBP, and imipramine increased the number of 5-HT2A receptor- and BDNF-positive cells but decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show the antidepressant effect of LBP. Although additional research is needed, LBP may be considered a potential new antidepressant.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy on human sperm function / Efectos de la terapia de fotobiomodulación en la función del esperma humano

Introduction: Sperm motility is a crucial factor in male infertility and it depends on mitochondrial tail movements. Photobiomodulation light therapy allows the cells to produce their energy through activation of the mitochondria. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of photobiomodulation on sperm motility in astenozoospermic individuals. Materials and methods: Following semen analyses of 20 astenozoospermic individuals, collected semen samples were centrifuged. Pellet was obtained and homogenized through mixing with culture media in 1:1 ratio. Each semen samples were divided into 3 groups. In the first group, control samples were not exposed to laser irradiation. The Group 2 and Group 3 were exposed to 650nm wavelength of photobiomodulation from 10cm distance in dark environment via a 36cm2 aperture sizer with 200mW output power for 30 and 60min duration, respectively. Sperm motilities were evaluated and chromatin condensation of sperms was determined. Results: Sperm motilities were significantly increased in photobiomodulation groups compared with the controls. Sperm motilities tended to be different between the 30 and 60min red light exposure groups; however, it was not statistically significant. When the motility grades were compared, no significant difference was observed in non-progressive motility sperms. While immotile sperms decreased significantly in the photobiomodulation groups compared to the control group, progressive sperms increased. (AU)

Introducción: La motilidad espermática es un factor crucial en la infertilidad masculina y depende de los movimientos de la cola mitocondrial. La fototerapia de fotobiomodulación permite que las células produzcan su energía a través de la activación de las mitocondrias. El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar el impacto de la fotobiomodulación en la motilidad de los espermatozoides en individuos astenozoospérmicos. Materiales y métodos: Luego de los análisis de semen de 20 individuos astenozoospérmicos, se centrifugaron las muestras de semen recolectadas. Se obtuvo el sedimento y se homogeneizó mezclándolo con medios de cultivo en una proporción de 1:1. Cada muestra de semen se dividió en 3 grupos. En el primer grupo, las muestras de control no se expusieron a la irradiación láser. El grupo 2 y el grupo 3 fueron expuestos a una longitud de onda de 650nm de fotobiomodulación desde una distancia de 10cm en un ambiente oscuro a través de un medidor de apertura de 36cm2 con una potencia de salida de 200mW durante 30 y 60min de duración, respectivamente. Se evaluaron las motilidades de los espermatozoides y se determinó el tamaño de la cromatina de los espermatozoides. Resultados: La motilidad de los espermatozoides aumentó significativamente en los grupos de fotobiomodulación en comparación con los controles. La motilidad de los espermatozoides tendió a ser diferente entre los grupos de exposición a la luz roja de 30 y 60min; sin embargo, no fue estadísticamente significativo. Cuando se compararon los grados de motilidad, no se observaron diferencias significativas en los espermatozoides de motilidad no progresiva. Mientras que los espermatozoides inmóviles disminuyeron significativamente en los grupos de fotobiomodulación en comparación con el grupo de control, los espermatozoides progresivos aumentaron. (AU)

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy on human sperm function.

INTRODUCTION: Sperm motility is a crucial factor in male infertility and it depends on mitochondrial tail movements. Photobiomodulation light therapy allows the cells to produce their energy through activation of the mitochondria. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of photobiomodulation on sperm motility in astenozoospermic individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following semen analyses of 20 astenozoospermic individuals, collected semen samples were centrifuged. Pellet was obtained and homogenized through mixing with culture media in 1:1 ratio. Each semen samples were divided into 3 groups. In the first group, control samples were not exposed to laser irradiation. The Group 2 and Group 3 were exposed to 650nm wavelength of photobiomodulation from 10cm distance in dark environment via a 36cm2 aperture sizer with 200mW output power for 30 and 60min duration, respectively. Sperm motilities were evaluated and chromatin condensation of sperms was determined. RESULTS: Sperm motilities were significantly increased in photobiomodulation groups compared with the controls. Sperm motilities tended to be different between the 30 and 60min red light exposure groups; however, it was not statistically significant. When the motility grades were compared, no significant difference was observed in non-progressive motility sperms. While immotile sperms decreased significantly in the photobiomodulation groups compared to the control group, progressive sperms increased. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrated that the photobiomodulation is an efficient method to increase the sperm motility of astenozoospermic individuals independent of the duration of exposure.

Effects of Probiotic Bacteria on Central Neuronal Activation in Experimental Colitis.

BACKGROUND: Brain-gut axis dysregulation is observed in inflammatory bowel disease. However, the effect of altered gut flora on neuro- immunomodulation and its role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease are unknown. The aims of this study are to determine (i) whether colitis modifies the expression of c-fos, a marker of general neuronal activation in the brain and (ii) whether this activation could be modulated by probiotic bacteria. METHODS: In this study, 28 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: colitis-probiotic group, non-colitis-fed-control group receiv- ing probiotic Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus B3 strain for 7 days, colitis group, and sham group receiving only sodium chlo- ride. Colitis was induced by intracolonic administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-ethanol. The expression of c-fos was detected by immunohistochemistry in the brain tissue. Cytokines and inflammatory mediators were analyzed in the plasma. Histological scores and oxidative status were analyzed in the colon samples. RESULTS: The inflammatory response was accompanied by increased levels of cytokines, lipid peroxidation activities, c-fos expression in the medial nucleus of the amygdala, and decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes in the colitis (P < .001). Probiotic treatment reversed those effects. Also, histopathologic scores were significantly lower in the probiotic-treated groups compared to the colitis group (P = .035). In contrast, the expression of c-fos was significantly increased in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus in the probiotic- treated rats (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Colitis and intestinal inflammation are associated with the activation of neurons in the limbic system creating stress-like effects in the brain. Probiotics diversely modulate limbic response and hypothalamic axis activity in addition to protective effects in inflammation.

The effect of astaxanthine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare biochemical and histopathological findings of astaxanthin's potential effects on oxidative stress in ischemia/reperfusion damage (I/R). METHODS: Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group; I/R group; I/R + treatment group; drug group. Astaxanthin was orally administered to groups C and D for 14 days. In groups B and C, the femoral artery was clamped for 2 h to form ischemia. The clamp was opened, and reperfusion was performed for 1 h. In all groups, 4 ml of blood sample through intracardiac puncture and gastrocnemius muscle tissue samples were collected. Serum and tissue samples were analyzed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidative level (TOL). Necrosis, inflammation, and caspase-3 in muscle tissue collected for histopathological examination were evaluated. RESULTS: Tissue MDA, SOD and TOL values significantly differed between groups. Serum MDA, SOD, TOL and TAC values significantly differed between groups. On necrosis examination, there was a significant difference between groups B and C. Although signs of inflammation significantly differed between groups, there was no significant difference between groups A and C and groups A and D. Although there was a significant difference in caspase-3 results between groups, there was no significant difference between groups A and C. CONCLUSIONS: The use of astaxanthin before and after surgery showed preventive or therapeutic effects against I/R damage.

The Potential Therapeutic Effects of Agmatine, Methylprednisolone, and Rapamycin on Experimental Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: In spinal cord injury (SCI), the primary mechanical damage leads to a neuroinflammatory response and the secondary neuronal injury occurs in response to the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition to the suppression of inflammation, autophagy plays a significant role in the survival of neurons during secondary SCI. The present study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory and autophagic effects of agmatine and rapamycin in SCI and to compare the results with methylprednisolone (MP) used in the clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this animal-based experimental study, thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups as sham-control, injury, injury+MP, injury+rapamycin, injury+agmatine groups. SCI was induced by compressing the T7-8-9 segments of the spinal cord, using an aneurysm clip for one minute, and then rats were treated daily for 7 days. Seven days post-treatment, damaged spinal cord tissues of sacrificed rats were collected for microscopic and biochemical examinations using histopathologic and transmission electron microscope (TEM) scores. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were spectrophotometrically measured. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the damaged area was smaller in the rapamycin group when compared to the MP group. Many autophagic vacuoles and macrophages were observed in the rapamycin group. Degeneration of axon, myelin, and wide edema was observed in SCI by electron microscopic observations. Fragmented myelin lamellae and contracted axons were also noted. While MDA and GPx levels were increased in the injury group, MDA levels were significantly decreased in the agmatine and MP groups, and GPx levels were decreased in the rapamycin group. CONCLUSION: The results of our study confirmed that rapamycin and agmatine can be an effective treatment for secondary injury of SCI.

Carvacrol treatment opens Kir6.2 ATP-dependent potassium channels and prevents apoptosis on rat testis following ischemia-reperfusion injury model.

Testicular torsion is a urological problem that causes subfertility and testicular damage in males. Testis torsion and detorsion lead to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in the testis. Testicular IR injury causes the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress (OS) and germ cell-specific apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether Carvacrol has a protective effect on testicular IR injury and its effects on Kir6.2 channels, which is a member of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent potassium channels. In the study, 2-4 months old 36 albino Wistar rats were used. For experimental testicular IR model, the left testis was rotated counterclockwise at 720° for two hours, and after two hours following torsion, detorsion was performed. Carvacrol was dissolved in 5% Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) at a dose of 73 mg∕kg and half an hour before detorsion, 0.2 mL was administered intraperitoneally. In testicular tissues, caspase 3 and Kir6.2 immunoexpressions were examined. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and testosterone levels were measured. Apoptotic cells and serum MDA levels were significantly decreased and Kir6.2 activation was significantly increased in Carvacrol-administrated IR group. As a result of our study, Carvacrol may activates Kir6.2 channels and inhibits apoptosis and may have a protective effect on testicular IR injury.

Effects of Cyanoacrylate in Rabbits with Induced Achilles Tendon Rupture.

BACKGROUND In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (cyanoacrylate) on the biomechanical and histopathological aspects of tendon healing in a rabbit model of Achilles tendon injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS In total, 36 rabbits were randomized to experimental (cyanoacrylate) and control groups (n=36 tendons in each group). A simple suture was used in the control group and a simple suture plus cyanoacrylate was used in the experimental group. Nine rabbits from each group were euthanized at week 4 and week 6 after surgery for histopathological and biomechanical testing. RESULTS Granulation tissue formation was significantly greater in the experimental group in week 4 and week 6 than in the control group. Foreign body giant cell formation was significantly higher in the experimental group in week 4 and week 6. The maximum rupture force was significantly higher in the experimental group in week 4 and week 6 than in the control group. Elasticity and stiffness were comparable between groups in week 4; however, stiffness, but not elasticity, was significantly higher in the experimental group in week 6. CONCLUSIONS In the short term, cyanoacrylate enhanced tendon endurance in both a histopathological and biomechanical manner. We conclude that the early initiation of rehabilitation in patients may be safe in cases of cyanoacrylate use for surgical repair of tendon injury.

Effects of adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction on osteochondral defects treated by hyaluronic acid-based scaffold: An experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on osteochondral defects treated by hyaluronic acid (HA)-based scaffold in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen white New Zealand rabbits were randomly grouped into the experimental group (n=9) and control group (n=9). In all groups, osteochondral defects were induced on the weight-bearing surfaces of the right femoral medial condyles, and a HA-based scaffold was applied to the defect area with microfractures (MFs). In this study, 1 mL of adipose-derived SVF was injected into the knee joints of the rabbits in the experimental group. For histological and macroscopic evaluation, four rabbits were randomly selected from each group at Week 4, and the remaining rabbits were sacrificed at the end of Week 8. Macroscopic assessments of all samples were performed based on the Brittberg scoring system, and microscopic evaluations were performed based on the O'Driscoll scores. RESULTS: Samples were taken at Weeks 4 and 8. At Week 4, the O'Driscoll scores were significantly higher in the control group than the experimental group (p=0.038), while there was no significant difference in the Brittberg scores between the two groups (p=0.108). At Week 8, the O'Driscoll score and Brittberg scores were statistically higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p=0.008 and p=0.007, respectively). According to the microscopic evaluation, at the end of Week 8, the cartilage thickness was greater in the experimental group, and nearly all of the defect area was filled with hyaline cartilage. CONCLUSION: Application of adipose-derived SVF with MF-HA-based scaffold was better than MF-HA-based scaffold treatment in improving osteochondral regeneration. Therefore, it can be used in combination with microfracture and scaffold to accelerate cartilage regeneration, particularly in the treatment of secondary osteoarthritis.

Effects of Lycopene in Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury via Intestinal Immunoglobulin A.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal ischemia causes an inflammatory response that may become intense by reperfusion and result in bacterial translocation. Intestinal immunoglobulin A is known to be a barrier against bacterial translocation. Lycopene is a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesized that lycopene has positive effects in ischemia-reperfusion of the intestine through the intestinal IgA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were separated into four groups: sham, control, lycopene-administered-before-ischemia (L-pre), and lycopene-administered-after-reperfusion groups. Histopathologic changes, intestinal immunoglobulin A levels, and bacterial translocation were evaluated after the ischemia-reperfusion period of 0.5-12 h. RESULTS: Histopathologic changes, intestinal immunoglobulin A, and bacterial translocation levels in the L-pre group were similar to those in the sham group. Administration of the lycopene after reperfusion showed just a slight protective effect. However, the L-pre group had significantly fewer histopathologic changes when compared with changes in the control (P = 0.011). Intestinal immunoglobulin A level in the L-pre group was found to be higher than that in the control group (P = 0.014). Bacterial translocation levels in the blood and mesenteric lymph nodes, in the L-pre group, were lower than those in the control group (P = 0.0027 and P = 0.0097, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene limited intestinal damage, reduced loss of intestinal immunoglobulin A and decreased bacterial translocation when administered before the ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Effects of Stellate Ganglion Block on Healing of Fractures Induced in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Sympathetic blocks are used as an adjunct for pain management in the treatment of orthopedic and traumatic conditions. Stellate ganglion (ganglion stellatum) provides sympathetic innervation of the head, neck and cervicothoracic regions, and upper extremities. No study was found in the literature investigating the effects of stellate ganglion block performed in the upper extremity, on blood supply to bone, density, vascularization, and bone metabolism. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of stellate ganglion block on healing of closed forearm fractures that were induced in rats. Material and Methods. A total of 42 Wistar albino rats weighing between 398 and 510 g were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into 2 groups with one group treated with stellate ganglion and the other included as the control group. In each 2 groups, a closed forearm fracture was created, confirmed with X-ray, and then stabilized by splint application. The forearm bones were examined with X-ray views on the same day and were then decalcified. RESULTS: When histological findings of the fracture region were examined, predominantly cartilage and less woven bone were found in 7 rats, equally distributed cartilage and immature bone in 14 rats, and predominantly imitation bone and less cartilage formation in 21 rats. In the control group, the agreement between the 1st and 2nd orthopedists for the radiological evaluation of bone formation was moderate. CONCLUSION: The group administered stellate ganglion block showed a more significant fracture healing.

Evaluation of the Effect of Topical Hypericum perforatum Oil on Excisional Palatal Wound Healing in Rabbits.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Hypericum perforatum (HP) oil on wound-healing process in rabbit palatal mucosa. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six New Zealand albino rabbits were randomly allocated to following groups; (1) HP oil (test, n = 18) and (2) olive oil (control, n = 18). Palatinal excisional wounds were created and the oils were topically applied (0.1 ml, 30 s, twice a day). Gingival biopsies were excised, and analyzed for re-epithelialization (RE) and granulation tissue maturation (GTM) on days 3, 7, and 14 after surgery. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) were assessed using the immunohistochemical method. Apoptotic cells (ACs) were evaluated using TUNEL staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess tissue catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Results: RE and GTM were completed earlier in the HP oil group than in the control group. The number of positively stained cells/vessels was higher in olive oil than in the test group on day 3 for FGF-2 and on days 3 and 7 for VEGF (p < 0.05). In contrast, on day 14, a higher number of vessels was observed in the HP oil group than in the control group. HP oil treatment reduced the number of ACs compared to olive oil (p < 0.05), but the difference during the healing period did not reach significance. Tissue CAT and MDA levels between groups were not different, and also the results were the same when the levels were analyzed by the evaluated time periods (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that topical HP oil treatment did not provide an additional benefit to its base, olive oil, in the early phase of secondary wound healing.

Modulation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme activities in rat liver by co-administration of morin, endosulfan, and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene.

Morin is a flavonoid which is present in many plants. Endosulfan and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) are toxic chemicals that humans are exposed to in their daily lives. In this study, the protective role of morin was investigated in endosulfan and DMBA treated rats. Eight groups, each comprising seven 2.5-month-old adult male Wistar rats (weighing 170-255 g), were used. Endosulfan, morin, and DMBA were administered individually or in combinations, at 5 mg/kg body weight (bw) (three times/week), 25 mg/kg bw (three times/week), and 30 mg/kg bw (once/week for three weeks) via oral gavage, respectively. On day 54 of the administration period, the rats were killed. DMBA + endosulfan co-administration significantly increased CYP1A1-, CYP1A2-, CYP2E-, and GST-associated activities in the rats compared to the control. DMBA + endosulfan + morin significantly increased CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP3A, and GST associated activities in the rats relative to the control. Histopathological studies were performed to investigate protective effects of morin on liver damage. The results indicated that DMBA + endosulfan treatment induced liver damage, and morin reduced this damage. These findings suggest that CYP1A, CYP3A, and GST enzyme activities participate in the protective mechanism of morin against endosulfan and DMBA induced toxicity.

Effects of omentin on flap viability: an experimental research on rats.

Background: Viability decreases at the distal parts with an increase in the length of flaps. In this study, we evaluated the effects of subcutaneously administered omentin on flap viability, where it is applied to distal one-third part of McFarlane flaps elevated from the rat's dorsal skin.Materials and methods: Twenty-four adult, female, Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Subjects were divided into three groups; group 1 is the control group, group 2 received omentin 1 week before flap elevation, and group 3 received omentin 2 d before and at the day of flap elevation. About 1 cc (300 nanogram/cc) omentin applied by subcutaneous injections to the distal one-third flap. Photos are taken daily for macroscopic evaluations. The 3-mm full thickness punch biopsies at the third day and 1-cm2 biopsies at the seventh day from the middle of the one-third distal third of the flaps were taken. Necrotic and viable areas were measured. Neutrophil counting, epidermis thickness, inflammation, edema, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immune staining were evaluated using histopathological analyses. Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) expression was performed by ELISA.Results: Omentin increased the percentage of the viable areas of flaps, epidermal thickness, number of newly formed blood vessels, and eNOS expression levels. The results showed statistical significance.Conclusions: Omentin human increases the viable areas of flaps and may be used for enhancement of flap survival.

The protection of resveratrol and its combination with glibenclamide, but not berberine on the diabetic hearts against reperfusion-induced arrhythmias: the role of myocardial KATP channel.

CONTEXT: Cardiovascular dysfunctions such as life-threatening arrhythmias are one of the main reasons of mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients Objective: We aimed to investigate the long-term effects of resveratrol, berberine and glibenclamide combinations on the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced arrhythmias in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and to investigate the role of myocardial KATP channel in the possible anti-arrhythmic actions of the treatments. METHODS: Two days after induction of diabetes, diabetic rats were treated with resveratrol [5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)], berberine (10 mg/kg, i.p) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, i.p) for 6 weeks. On the 43th day, experimental animals were subjected to 6-min ischemia and 6-min reperfusion in vivo. RESULTS: The protein expression of Kir6.2 subunits was downregulated in the diabetic hearts. However, all drug treatments restored the protein expression of Kir6.2 subunits. Resveratrol alone and its combination with glibenclamide decreased the arrhythmia score, the arrhythmic period and the incidence of other types of arrhythmias during the reperfusion period. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of resveratrol with glibenclamide may alleviate reperfusion-induced arrhythmias via an underlying mechanism not be only associated with the restoration of the protein expression of Kir6.2 subunits but also associated with the other subunits or ion channels underlying cardiac action potential.

4-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyloxymethyl)phenyl-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside effect in liver regeneration.

Following an injury or resection, the mammalian liver has the capacity to regain its former volume and functioning by restoring itself. Studies have demonstrated that antioxidants play a role in hepatic regeneration. This study investigated the effect of 4-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyloxymethyl) phenyl-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (PG) obtained from Origanum micranthum on liver regeneration. Sixty Wistar Albino rats were used. In the sham-operated group, a midline abdominal laparotomy was performed without hepatectomy. In the partial hepatectomy (PHx) group, the median and left lateral lobes were removed. Rats in the PHx group received 20 mg/kg/day PG intraperitoneally before being sacrificed at 24, 48, and 72 hrs, and 7 days later. Liver tissues were collected for immunohistochemical analysis and electron microscopic evaluation. We found an increase in mitotic index, and the numbers of Ki-67 stained hepatocytes in all PHx early stage groups (24 hr, 48hr, 72 hr), but not in 7-day groups. The regeneration mediators eNOS, iNOS, TNF-α and NF-κB were shown to increase in PHx groups. This increase was more prominent dependening on time. In the PHx treatment (PHx+PG) groups, while eNOS was still high, iNOS, TNF-α and NF-κB had decreased. The apoptotic index was markedly high in the PHx groups; this was prevented by PG treatment. These findings were supported by the ultrastructural results. Our findings indicate that PG supports liver regeneration, hepatocyte proliferation, reduced liver damage, and inflammatory mediators following PHx.

Protective effect of pentoxifylline on oxidative renal cell injury associated with renal crystal formation in a hyperoxaluric rat model.

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) on the renal tubular cell injury and stone formation in a hyperoxaluric rat model induced by ethylene glycol and its possible underlying mechanisms. The study was performed with 30 male Wistar rats and randomized into three groups of teen. The sham-control (group 1) received only drinking water orally. The EG/untreated (group 2) received drinking water containing 0.75% EG for 4 weeks orally. The EG/PTX treated (group 3) received drinking water containing 0.75% EG for 4 weeks orally and PTX. Urine and blood were collected to determine some parameters. The kidneys were also removed for histological examination. Serum and urinary parameters were significantly improved in the EG/PTX treated. In the EG/PTX-treated group, the MDA, TOS and MPO activity reduced and the TAS, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities were increased markedly compared with the group 2. In urine of the group 2 rats, a large number of CaOx crystals were displayed and most tubules that contained crystals were dilated and showed degeneration, necrosis, and desquamation of the lining epithelium. Only few CaOx crystals were r in EG/PTX-treated animal's urine. Mild tissue damage was observed in PTX-treated rats. iNOS expression was significantly elevated in the group 2. In contrast, in the EG/PTX-treated group, eNOS expression in renal tubular epithelial cells was increased. Current study indicates that PTX may partially reduce renal tubular injury resulting from hyperoxaluria-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress.

Effects of nicorandil on renal function and histopathology in rats with partial unilateral ureteral obstruction.

To evaluate the effects of nicorandil in a rat kidney model of partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (PUUO). Thirty male rats were randomly divided into three groups as follows: (1) Group 1 (Sham-control), ureters of the rats were manipulated but not ligated; (2) Group 2 (PUUO-untreated), PUUO was performed with two-thirds of the left ureter embedded in the psoas muscle; and (3) Group 3 (PUUO-nicorandil treated). After PUUO was established, nicorandil (15 mg/kg/day) was administered by gastric lavage for 21 days to determine its effects on PUUO-induced histopathological-, functional-, and oxidative stress-induced changes. The serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were reduced in Group 3. The level of urinary albumin and the ratio of urinary protein/creatinine were increased in the kidneys of Group 2 but decreased in Group 3. Malondialdehyde value was decreased in Group 3 compared with Group 2. Antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) were decreased in Group 2. Nicorandil treatment caused an increase in these enzyme activities. In Group 3, leukocyte infiltration and tubular dilatation were significantly reduced. Other parameters, such as degeneration of tubular epithelium and fibrosis, also showed a marked improvement in Group 3. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in Group 2 and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in Group 3 were significantly elevated. Nicorandil can inhibit renal tubular damage and tubulointerstitial fibrosis by reducing the effects of oxidative stress after PUUO.

The effect of kisspeptin on spermatogenesis and apoptosis in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To study the effect of kisspeptin, a gonadotropin release stimulator, on the testicular tissue of the rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups were formed as follows: control, Kiss-10 501397645907nmol administration for 1 day, Kiss-10 administration for 13 days, and one last group kept for 7 days following Kiss-10 applied for 13 days. Testicular tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid Schiff, Masson trichrome staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferased UTP nick-end labeling, and Ki-67 immune staining. Serum testosterone levels were determined. RESULTS: Serum testosterone level increased following acute application, while it was reduced by chronic treatment. Spermatogenic cells as stained by Ki-67 and TUNEL increased in the treated groups compared to the controls. Following a 7-day rest after treatment, a decrease in testosterone levels and Ki-67-stained cell numbers and an increase in TUNEL-stained cells were observed. Leydig cells showed increased vacuolization in the Kiss-1 group. Leydig cell vacuolization continued in the Kiss (13) group and was reduced in the Kiss (13 + 7) group. CONCLUSION: Kiss-10 increased spermatogenic cell proliferation, while testosterone level and proliferation decreased and apoptosis increased during the waiting period.

An experimental study on effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate on ischemia-reperfusion injury in testis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the histopathological and biochemical effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an antioxidant and inhibitor of NF-kß, on ischemiareperfusion injury in rats. METHODS: A total of 21 male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly distributed into three groups as sham group (Group 1), ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group (Group 2) and I/R with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group (Group 3). Left testicles of rats in Groups 2 and 3 underwent testicular torsion of 720° for four hours and 100 mg/kg of PDTC was administered intraperitoneally prior to detorsion in Group 3. An hour after detorsion process, left orchiectomies were performed and 5 ml of intracardiac blood samples were drawn from rats in all three groups. Histopathological examination of testis tissues performed and measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in blood samples were taken. RESULTS: Elevated levels of MDA and decreased SOD activity, together with decreased Johnson tubular biopsy scores consistent with I/R injury were observed in Group 2 (p<0.05). Group 1 and Group 3 were similar in terms of MDA levels, SOD activity, and Johnson scores (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that PDTC may have beneficial effects for alleviation of I/R injury in testicular tissue in rats. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and exploration of its diagnostic and therapeutic potential requires further randomized, controlled trials on a larger scale.