Influence of galantamine on peripheral nerve degeneration after experimental compression injury of the rat sciatic nerve.

BACKGROUND: Galantamine is well-known for its neuroprotective effects and is currently used in the treatment of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we induced experimental sciatic nerve injury (SCI) in rats to test the beneficial effects of galantamine. METHODS: Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups, as follows: sham, SCI + saline, and SCI + galantamine. After the administration of an intraperitoneal ketamine and xylazine mixture, which was used for anesthesia, SCI was induced by sur-gical clip compression at the midthigh region of the rats. After surgery, a single daily intraperitoneal dose of galantamine was adminis-tered for 7 days, and nerve tissue sections were obtained 1 week after injury. Histopathology studies were performed to assess neural thickness and apoptotic cell counts, and light microscopic morphological examination was used to determine a potential beneficial effect of galantamine on peripheral nerve degeneration. RESULTS: We observed a markedly increased microvasculature, increased nerve fiber thickness, and a statistically significant increase in apoptotic cell counts distal to the level of injury in the saline group compared with the sham group. However, the increases in nerve fiber thickness and apoptotic cell counts were less in the galantamine group compared with the saline group. CONCLUSION: In our experimental model, pharmacological intervention with galantamine demonstrated a protective effect on degeneration after peripheral nerve injury.

Comparison of Histological and Angiographic Measurements of the Basilar Artery in an Experimental Rabbit Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model.

AIM: To compare the histological and angiographic measurements of the basilar artery in an experimental rabbit subarachnoid hemorrhage model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The basilar artery was measured using both histological and angiographic methods in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and vasospasm rabbit models. New Zealand white rabbits were randomly categorized into two groups: control and SAH groups. The SAH group rabbits were operated on to create an experimental SAH. Both groups were examined angiographic and histological methods. RESULTS: On comparing the two methods, angiographic and histopathological measurements of the basilar artery were similar in the control group. However, in the SAH group, the difference between the angiographic and histopathological measurement methods was significant. Histopathological measurements of the basilar artery were lower than angiographic measurements, and the difference was statistically significant. In the angiographic method, although there was a marked decrease in basilar artery measurements in the SAH group, the differences between the groups was not statistically significant. However, in the histopathological method, measurement differences between the control and SAH groups were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Histopathological measurements were shown to be more sensitive than angiographic methods in demonstrating cerebral vasopasm in experimental SAH rabbit models.

What is the restorative effect of VEGF inhibitor bevacuzimab against subarachnoid hemorrhage in an experimental model?

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor bevacuzimab (BVZ) on the rabbit basilar artery using an experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model. METHODS: Eighteen adult male New-Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (n = 6), SAH group (n = 6), and SAH+BVZ group (n = 6). Experimental SAH was created by injecting autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna. In the treatment group, the subjects were administered a daily dose of 10 mg/kg, intravenous BVZ for 2 days after the SAH. Basilar artery diameters were measured with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) 72 h after the SAH in all groups. After 72 h, whole brains, including the upper cervical region, were obtained from all the animals after perfusion and fixation of the animal. The wall thickness, luminal area, and the apoptosis at the basilar arteries were evaluated in all groups. RESULTS: BVZ significantly prevented SAH-induced vasospasm confirmed in vivo with MRA imaging with additional suppression of apoptosis on basilar artery wall. DISCUSSION: VEGF inhibition with BVZ has shown to have a vasospasm and apoptosis attenuating effect on basilar artery in a SAH model.

Evaluation of blood-testis barrier integrity in terms of adhesion molecules in nonobstructive azoospermia.

Blood-testis barrier (BTB) is critical for maintaining fertility. The integrity of tight junctions (TJs) provides restricted permeability of BTB. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between BTB and Sertoli cells. Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) obtained from nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients was examined: Group I (spermatozoa+) and Group II (spermatozoa-). The tissues were stained with haematoxylin eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and Masson's trichrome for Johnsen's score evaluation. Apoptosis and adhesion molecules such as claudin-11, occludin and ZO-1 were assessed. In Group I, the integrity of the seminiferous tubules was intact. In Group II, some seminiferous tubule walls were lined only with Sertoli cells, had a thickening of the basement membrane, and oedema in interstitial spaces. In Group I, the seminiferous tubule consisted of a stratified columnar epithelium, claudin-11 expressions were observed as linear staining in the basal zone of the tubule, while seminiferous tubules, with low epithelium, displayed a punctate type of staining. Immunohistochemical observations were consistent with the ultrastructural findings. In Group II, high apoptosis and unstained/irregular TJ formation in claudin-11, occludin and ZO-1 were observed. In conclusion, disruption of relation between BTB and TJs may reveal inadequate spermatogenesis, which is one of the mechanisms behind azoospermia.

The effect of magnetic resonance imaging on neural tube development in an early chicken embryo model.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine whether varying the magnetic field during magnetic resonance imaging would affect the development of chicken embryos and neural tube defects. METHODS: Following incubation for 24 h, we exposed chicken embryos to varying magnetic fields for 10 min to assess the impact on development. Three magnetic resonance imaging devices were used, and the eggs were divided into four groups: group 1 is exposed to 1 T, group 2 is exposed to 1.5 T, group 3 is exposed to 3 T, and group 4, control group, was not exposed to magnetic field. After MRI exposure, all embryos were again put inside incubator to complete 48 h. "The new technique" was used to open eggs, a stereomicroscope was used for the examination of magnified external morphology, and each embryo was examined according to the Hamburger and Hamilton chicken embryo stages. Embryos who had delayed stages of development are considered growth retarded. Growth retardation criteria do not include small for stage. RESULTS: Compared with embryos not exposed to a magnetic field, there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of neural tube closure defects and growth retardation in the embryos exposed to magnetic fields (p < 0.05). However, although the incidence of neural tube closure defects was expected to increase as exposure (tesla level) increased, we found a higher rate of defects in the 1.5-T group compared with the 3-T group. By contrast, the highest incidence of growth retardation was in the 3-T group, which was consistent with our expectation that growth retardation would be more likely as tesla level increased. CONCLUSIONS: We therefore conclude that the use of magnetic resonance imaging as a diagnostic tool can result in midline closure defects and growth retardation in chicken embryos. We hypothesize that this may also be true for human embryos exposed to MRI. If a pregnant individual is to take an MRI scan, as for lumbar disc disease or any other any other reason, our results indicate that consideration should be given to an avoidance of MRI during pregnancy.

Punica granatum L. Juice Attenuates Experimental Cerebral Vasospasm in the Rabbit Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model: A Basilar Artery Morphometric Study and Apoptosis.

Background This study investigated the effect of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) juice on the rabbit basilar artery in an experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model. Methods Eighteen adult male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (n = 6), SAH group (n = 6), and SAH + treatment group (n = 6). Basilar artery diameter was measured with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in all groups at the beginning of the study. Experimental SAH was created by injecting autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna. In the treatment group, the subjects were administered a daily dose of 30 ml/kg pomegranate juice via gastric gavage for 4 days after the SAH. The SAH group and SAH + treatment group underwent cerebral MRA after 72 hours. After a neurologic score assessment, all the animals were killed. The wall thickness and lumen area of the basilar artery were measured histometrically in all groups, and the apoptotic cell percentage in the artery was identified. The mean diameter of the basilar artery during MRA was measured. Results Pomegranate improved neurologic functions compared with the SAH group (p < 0.01). The mean basilar artery diameter on MRA in the SAH + treatment group was larger than in the SAH group and smaller than in the control group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The mean vessel wall thickness value in the SAH + treatment group was lower than in the SAH group (p < 0.01), whereas there was no difference between the control and the SAH + treatment group (p > 0.05). The apoptotic cell rate in the SAH + treatment group was significantly lower than in the SAH group (p < 0.001). Evaluation of the basilar artery luminal area showed no difference between the three groups (p > 0.05). Discussion Pomegranate was shown to have a vasospasm- attenuating effect on the basilar artery in the rabbit SAH model for the first time in our study.

Targeting Apoptosis Through Foxp1, and N-cadherin with Glatiramer Acetate in Chick Embryos During Neural Tube Development.

AIM: To demonstrate the effect of glatiramer acetate (GA) in chick embryos on neural tube (NT) development, and to explore its effects of Foxp1, apoptosis, and N-cadherin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred fertile, specific pathogen free eggs were divided into 5 groups for this study. The eggshell was windowed specifically at 24 hours of incubation. The embryos in Group 1 (n=20) were treated with 10 µl physiological saline; in Group 2 the embryos (n=20) were given 10 µl GA (equal to daily human therapeutic dose); 20 µl GA (equal to twice daily human therapeutic dose) was injected to embryos in Group 3 (n=20); in Group 4 and 5, 30 µl and 40 µl GA were administered to the embryos (n=20) (equal to x3 and x4 daily human therapeutic dose, respectively). Each egg was re-incubated for 24 hours more. Then, histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of the subjects were done. RESULTS: The embryos with NT defect showed FOXP1 expression without N- cadherin or staining with N-cadherin in another location in our study. We interpreted this result as GA leading to an NT closure defect by increasing FOXP expression. Moreover, we also showed the reverse relation between FOXP1 and N-cadherin at the immunohistochemical level for the first time. CONCLUSION: GA affects the spinal cord development through FOXP in the chick embryo model at high doses.

Metamizole Sodium Induces Neural Tube Defects in a Chick Embryo Model.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of metamizole sodium on neural tube development in the early stage chick embryo model that complies with the first month of embryonic development in mammals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 40 fertilized chicken eggs were divided into 4 equal groups. The eggs were incubated in the incubator at a temperature of 37.8±2°C with 60±5% humidity. Group A was the control, Group B was administered physiological saline, Group C was administered 30 mg/kg metamizole sodium (based on the therapeutic index range of it used in humans) and Group D was administered 90 mg/kg metamizole sodium. All embryos were removed from the egg at the 48th hour and morphologically and histologically examined. RESULTS: Normal development was seen and the neural tube was closed in 17 embryos in Groups A and B. A neural tube defect was seen in 2 embryos in group A and in 1 embryo in group B. A neural tube closure defect was seen in all embryos in group C and 9 embryos in group D. There was 1 dead embryo in Group D. CONCLUSION: Metamizole sodium was seen to produce a neural tube defect in the chicken embyro model.

Efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin matrix on viability of diced cartilage grafts in a rabbit model.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to compare the viability of cartilage grafts embedded in platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) wrapped with no material (bare diced cartilage grafts), oxidized methylcellulose (Surgicel), or acellular dermal tissue (AlloDerm). STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: In this study, six New Zealand rabbits were used. Cartilage grafts including perichondrium were excised from each ear and diced into 2-mm-by 2-mm pieces. There were four comparison groups: 1) group A, diced cartilage (not wrapped with any material); 2) group B, diced cartilage wrapped with AlloDerm; 3) group C, diced cartilage grafts wrapped with Surgicel; and 4) group D, diced cartilage wrapped with PRFM. Four cartilage grafts were implanted under the skin at the back of each rabbit. All rabbits were sacrificed at the end of 10 weeks. The cartilages were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and Orcein. After that, they were evaluated for the viability of chondrocytes, collagen content, fibrillar structure of matrix, and changes in peripheral tissues. RESULTS: When the viability of chondrocytes, the content of fiber in matrix, and changes in peripheral tissues were compared, the cartilage embedded in the PRFM group was statistically significantly higher than in the other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that PRFM has significant advantages in ensuring the chondrocyte viability of diced cartilage grafts. It is also biocompatible, with relatively lesser inflammation and fibrosis.

The effects of levetiracetam on neural tube development in the early stage of chick embryos.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a new generation antiepileptic agent, levetiracetam, on the neural tube development in a chick embryo model that corresponds to the first month of vertebral development in mammals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five Atabey® breed fertilized chicken eggs with no specific pathogens were randomly divided into 5 groups. All of the eggs were incubated at 37.8±2°C and 60±5 % relative humidity in an incubator. Group A was control group. The other eggs were applied physiological saline and drugs at a volume of 10 µL by the in ovo method at the 28th hour of the incubation period. Group B was given distilled water; Group C, physiological saline; Group D, Levetiracetam (L8668) at a dose equivalent to the treatment dose for humans (10 mg/ kg), and Group E, Levetiracetam (L8668) at a dose of 10 times the treatment dose. The embryos in all of the groups were removed from the shells at the 48th hour and morphologically and histologically evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 45 embryos incubated, neural tubes of 41 were closed and the embryos displayed normal development. CONCLUSION: Levetiracetam, at a dose equivalent to human treatment dose and 10 times the treatment dose, was shown not to cause neural tube defects in chick embryos.

Does empty zona pellucida indicate poor ovarian response on intra cytoplasmic sperm injection cycles?

The factors behind the empty zona pellucida (EZP) formation and its relationship with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes were analyzed. A total of 104 patients who underwent IVF treatment and collected oocytes including EZP were enrolled in this study. EZP index (EZPI = the ratio of number of EZP to number of cumulus-oocyte complex (COC)) was used for the statistical analysis. Patients were grouped as Group 1 when EZPI ≤ 0.17 (n = 57) and Group 2 when EZPI > 0.17 (n = 47). Type-2 EZP, a variation or an advanced type of oocyte degeneration, is tested. Woman age, basal hormone levels, and total gonadotropin dose were significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Total antral follicle count was significantly low in Group 2. Total number of mature oocytes, oocyte quality index, the number of fertilized oocytes, and the numbers of Grade 1 embryos were significantly low in Group 2. On the linear regression analysis, using gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist protocol (B = 0.086, p = 0.030), the number of ≥17 mm follicle (B = 0.015, p = 0.047), peak serum level of estradiol (B = -3.625; p = 0.014), number of fertilized oocytes (B = -0.02, p = 0.0001) and the day-2 embryo score (B = -0,044, p = 0.001) significantly affected EZPI. An increment of the EZPI may be revealed decreased oocyte quality, and it is also related to the poor ovarian response.

Does 75 IU difference improve the cycle performance in poor responders? Comparison of daily 375 versus 450 IU gonadotrophin doses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy on the cycle performance of 375 versus 450 IU/day gonadotrophin on the microdose flare-up protocol in poor responders. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 91 poor responder patients who were treated with the microdose flare-up protocol were enrolled in this study. Group 1 (n = 40) was stimulated with 375 IU/day gonadotrophin. Group 2 (n = 51) was stimulated with 450 IU/day gonadotrophin. Main outcome measurements were accepted as the results of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics are similar between the two groups. Higher number of oocyte cumulus complexes and lower total gonadotrophin requirement were noted in Group 1 compared with Group 2. Number of metaphase II oocytes and implantation rates were similar between the groups. A trend toward higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rate was observed in Group 1 but these results did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Total gonadotrophin costs are lower using the 375 IU/day gonadotrophin compared to the 450 IU/day in poor responders. Additional 75 IU/day does not give any improvement neither embryology nor pregnancy outcomes.

Is pronuclear scoring a really good predictor for ICSI cycles?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Since the assessments of the morphology of oocytes, zygotes and/or embryos are of crucial importance to select the best candidate for pregnancy, many morphological evaluation tools have been proposed. Although embryo scoring, particularly cleavage and blastocyst stages, is more convincing due to successful results, zygote scoring still have a bias as different outcomes. In the current study, we designed a prospective study to test the reliability of zygote scoring by focusing on zygote evaluation techniques and its relation with embryo development and embryo selection for transfer. METHODS: A total of 1215 mature oocytes from 139 couples were evaluated for the study. RESULTS: There is no correlation between published zygote scoring technique and embryo development. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the inconsistency of data obtained from zygote scoring might be caused by the static nature of pronuclear stage embryos and thus pronuclear scoring seems to be unreliable evaluation technique for embryo selection.

Can serum oestradiol be a predictor of quality of oocytes and embryos, maturation of oocytes and pregnancy rate in ICSI cycles?

Our aim was to assess the influence of ratios of oestradiol (E2) to either number of follicles ≥ 14 mm on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration (E2/fol) or the number of oocytes retrieved (E2/o) during oocyte pick up and total serum E2 levels on the day of embryo transfer (ETE2) on the outcome of ICSI cycles. The assessed outcomes were number of oocytes retrieved (NRO), number of mature oocytes (NMO), number of fertilised oocytes (NFO), number of transferred embryos (NTE), qualities of oocytes (OQS), qualities of embryos (EQS) and pregnancy rates (PR). Two hundred and twenty-seven ICSI-ET cycles admitted to our IVF clinic during a 2-year period with normal ovarian reserve receiving long luteal GnRH agonist protocol were included. The E2/fol levels correlated positively with NRO (r = 0.202, p = 0.002), NMO (r = 0.199, p = 0.003) and NFO (r = 0.159, p = 0.018). However, we observed negative correlations between E2/o and NMO (r = -0.329, p <0.001), NFO (r = -0.219, p = 0.001), EQ5 (r = -0.203, p = 0.040). Oocyte quality scores were not affected from either E2/fol or E2/o levels. Implantation, clinical and ongoing PRs were comparable between groups categorised due to E2/fol, E2/o and ETE2. It seems that high E2/fol ratio may have beneficial effects on NRO, NMO and NFO while E2/o may adversely affect these parameters. Neither of the E2 levels is associated with pregnancy rates in women with normal ovarian reserve.

The effect of CO2 insufflation-desufflation attacks on tissue oxidative stress markers during laparoscopy: a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of sudden intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) changes on the terminal ileum in a pneumoperitoneum model. DESIGN: An experimental controlled study. SETTING: University hospital in Turkey. ANIMAL(S): Thirty-two adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTION(S): The rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 was not subjected to IAP. In group 2, IAP insufflation was performed continuously to keep the IAP at 10 mmHg. Groups 3 and 4 underwent an insufflation-desufflation procedure: group 3 was fluctuated 5 times, and group 4 was fluctuated 10 times within the pneumoperitoneum period of 60 minutes. Thirty minutes after the desufflation, the terminal ileum was removed for the measurement of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) values and histopathological examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The tissue MDA values and histopathological damage scores. RESULT(S): The tissue MDA values in the IAP groups (groups 2, 3, and 4) were significantly increased when compared with those of the control group. The mean MDA value in group 4 was higher than that in groups 2 and 3. Histopathologic oxidative damage scores in the mucosa and submucosal layers were significantly higher in groups 2 and 3, compared with those of the control group. However, the highest histopathologic damage scores were observed in group 4. CONCLUSION(S): Unexpected desufflation-insufflation even at normal IAP levels during laparoscopy leads to significant oxidative stress-induced damage in the terminal ileum.

The effects of oxidative stress on the liver and ileum in rats caused by one-lung ventilation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Reactive oxygen radicals that cause remote organ injury are increased after the one-lung ventilation frequently used in thoracic surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of one-lung ventilation on the liver and ileum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into five groups: a sham group; 3- and 4-h mechanical ventilation groups; and 1- and 2-h left lung collapse/2-h re-expansion groups (n = 6 for each group). In the collapse groups, the left lung was collapsed by bronchial occlusion for 1 and 2 h and then re-expanded and ventilated for an additional 2 h. At the end of the study, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were determined to assess liver functions. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity were determined in the liver and ileum tissues. The tissues were also examined by light and electron microscope. Apoptosis was assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. RESULTS: Plasma ALT and AST, tissue MDA, and MPO activities in both tissues were significantly higher in the 2-h collapse/2-h re-expansion group than in the 4-h mechanical ventilation group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the levels were significantly higher in the 2-h collapse group compared to the 1-h collapse group (P < 0.016). Tissue damage and apoptotic index were most prominent in the 2-h collapse/2-h re-expansion group. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that one-lung ventilation causes tissue damage in the liver and ileum and that this damage increases as occlusion duration rises.

Apoptotic and morphological features of the umbilical artery endothelium in mild and severe pre-eclampsia.

BACKGROUND: The pathology of the umbilical arterial endothelium in normal pregnancy and in pregnancy complicated with pre-eclampsia remains unclear. In this study the changes that occur in the umbilical artery endothelial cells were examined and endothelial cell morphology and apoptosis were compared among control, mild, and severe pre-eclamptic subjects. METHODS: Umbilical cords with a gestational age of between 35 and 40 weeks were collected from women with normal pregnancies (n=17), mild pre-eclampsia (n=10), and severe pre-eclampsia (n=12). We studied the umbilical artery endothelial cells using flow cytometry, and light and electron microscopy. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling technique. The Kruskall-Wallis variance analysis and Mann-Whitney U-tests as post hoc were applied. RESULTS: In mild pre-eclamptics, the endothelial cells appeared ultrastructurally separated. A dilated endoplasmic reticulum, swollen mitochondria, and vanished mitochondrial cristae were observed. In severe pre-eclamptics, the cells were disorganized, highly contracted and vacuolated, separated from each other, and protruding prominently into the lumen. The percentages of endothelial cells that underwent apoptosis in mild (p<0.017) and severe pre-eclamptics (p<0.017) were higher than those in the controls. These apoptosis values were highest in severe pre-eclamptics (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Apoptosis and structural disruptions in the arterial endothelium of severe pre-eclamptics were prominent in all subjects. Increased endothelial apoptosis and structural disruptions are clinically related to intensity of pre-eclampsia, and may be associated with adaptation of the endothelial cells to pre-eclampsia.

The effects of increased intraabdominal pressure on testicular blood flow, oxidative stress markers, and morphology.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of increased intraabdominal pressure (IAP) on testicular blood flow (TBF), oxidative stress markers, and morphology. METHODS: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300 to 350 g were allocated randomly into 3 groups consisting of 8 animals each: A, gasless (control); B, 10 mm Hg IAP with CO(2) pneumoperitoneum for 60 minutes; and C, 20 mm Hg IAP with CO(2) pneumoperitoneum for 60 minutes. Testicular blood flow was studied using the Doppler technique. In the 10 and 20 mm Hg IAP groups, time points of TBF measurements were defined as follows: TBF(baseline), 10 minutes before insufflation; TBF(10min), 10 minutes after pneumoperitoneum; TBF(50min), 50 minutes after pneumoperitoneum; and TBF(reperfusion), 10 minutes after pneumoperitoneum deflation. To evaluate the changes in oxidative stress, we assayed the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of testicular tissues. A 4-level grading scale was used to quantify histologic injury. RESULTS: For both testes of each rat, TBF(10min), TBF(50min), and TBF(reperfusion) values of each group were separately evaluated according to their TBF(baseline) value percentages. The results revealed no significant differences for each time point of TBF measurements between the right and left testes in any group. Pneumoperitoneum caused a significant decrease in TBF at the 10th and 50th minutes of pneumoperitoneum, both in the 10 and 20 mm Hg IAP groups, compared with their baseline values. TBF(reperfusion) values in both groups were also lower than their baseline values. We determined that mean TBF(10min) and TBF(50min) values decreased significantly in the 20 mm Hg IAP group compared with the 10 mm Hg IAP group, despite there being no significant difference in their mean TBF(reperfusion) values. Mean MDA levels were significantly increased in both the 10 and 20 mm Hg IAP groups compared with those of the control group for the right and left testes. However, there was no significant difference between the mean MDA levels in these first 2 groups. The histologic injury score was significantly increased in both the 10 and 20 mm Hg IAP groups compared with the control group; however, there was no difference in the scores between these first 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated in an animal model that abdominal deflation after IAP of 10 and 20 mm Hg for 60 minutes causes testicular hypoperfusion, free radical production, and subsequent testicular damage.

Does anti-oxidant prophylaxis with melatonin prevent adverse outcomes related to increased oxidative stress caused by laparoscopy in experimental rat model?

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that prophylaxis with an anti-oxidant should prevent potential adverse outcomes of laparoscopy related to increased oxidative stress in splanchnic organs, including small intestine, liver, and kidneys, and melatonin is the most appropriate agent for this purpose. METHODS: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300 to 350 g were allocated randomly into three groups consisting of eight in each as follows: Group I: gasless (control); group II: 15 mmHg intraabdominal pressure (IAP) with CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 60 min; group III: 15 mmHg IAP with CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 60 min, and melatonin (10 mg/kg) was administered at two occasions, 5 min before insufflation and immediately before the desufflation. In group II and III, rats left resting for 30 min after abdominal deflation, the small intestine (terminal ileum), liver and kidney examples were excised from same locations. The specimens were also obtained using the same time points in group I rats, comprising the control group. The specimens were immediately placed at -80 degrees C for the malondialdehyde (MDA) measurements. In addition, segments of terminal ileum were taken from the similar places in all of the animals for the histological examinations. RESULTS: Comparisons among the groups revealed that highest mean MDA levels in liver, small intestine and kidney were in the group II, followed by the group III and control group. There was significant difference between mean MDA levels in small intestine, liver and kidney of group II and III (P < 0.0005). However, no significant difference was found between mean MDA levels in small intestine, liver, and kidney of the group III and control group. Mucosa and submucosa were affected significantly in 15 mmHg IAP group (no prophylaxis) when compared with the control and melatonin prophylaxis groups (P = 0.002). However, there was not a significant difference in mean damage score of mucosa, submucosa, and muscular layers in control group when compared to melatonin prophylaxis group. CONCLUSIONS: This experimental study indicated that melatonin prophylaxis, with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, may have an important role in the prevention of potential complications related to oxidative stress injury on splanchnic organs induced by laparoscopy.

Acute alterations in biochemistry, morphology and contractility of rat isolated urinary bladder via increased intra-abdominal pressure.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the acute effects of increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on the biochemistry, morphology and contractility of the rat isolated urinary bladder using an experimental laparoscopy model. METHODS: We divided 24 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats into three groups. The control group (group I) was not subjected to increased IAP. In groups II and III, IAPs of 10 and 20 mm Hg, respectively, were established by carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum for 60 min. Thirty minutes after desufflation, the rat urinary bladder dome was removed for in vitro pharmacological investigation, measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and histopathological examination. Statistical comparisons between groups were performed. RESULTS: Tissue MDA levels in groups II and III were significantly higher than in the control group. In group II, only the lamina propria was significantly damaged. However, the epithelium, lamina propria, and serosa were significantly damaged in group III. Acetylcholine potentiated contractions in both IAP groups. Increased responses to electrical field stimulation in the IAP groups were significant only in group II. CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental model, 10 and 20 mm Hg of IAP induced by pneumoperitoneum increased MDA levels and caused important changes in the morphology and contractile response of the urinary bladder.