The effect of Myrtus communis L. extract on nephrolithiasis model in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Nephrolithiasis is a common urological disease that can lead to renal failure. Oxidative stress has been shown to be a contributing factor for nephrolithiasis and many agents have been studied to prevent and treat oxidative stress-related nephrolithiasis and renal damage. Myrtus communis (MC) extract has been shown to be an important antioxidant in different animal models. In this study, MC extract was administered preventively or therapeutically to rats with kidney stones, and its effectiveness was investigated. METHODS: Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n=8); control (C), ethylene glycol (EG), EG+preventive MC, and EG+curative MC groups. The nephrolithiasis model was created by adding 0.75% EG to drinking water for 8 weeks. Ultimately, 24-hour urine was collected to measure calcium, citrate, and creatinine levels. After decapitation, kidney tissues were harvested for histological analyses, measurement of osteopontin and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, and N-acetyl-ß-glucosaminidase (NAG), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and caspase-3 activities. RESULTS: In 24-hour urine samples, calcium, citrate and creatinine levels were decreased in the EG group, while oxalate levels were increased and in treatment groups these parameters returned to control levels. MPO, 8-OHdG, caspase-3 and NAG activity were significantly increased in tissue and these changes were reversed in both MC groups. Histological findings also supported the biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: MC can reduce oxidative stress and histopathological changes in kidney tissues in rat nephrolithiasis model when used as either a preventive or therapeutic agent. If supported with further clinical trials, MC might have clinical implications in preventing oxidative renal cell injury and ultimately kidney stone formation.

Neuropeptide W protects against ovarian oxidative injury and reinforces ovarian steroidogenic activity via the upregulation of ERα expression.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of neuropeptide W (NPW) on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion-induced oxidative injury and ovarian steroid metabolism. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into control and ischemia groups that received either saline or NPW (0.1 or 5 µg/kg/day). Bilateral ovarian ischemia was performed for 3 h followed by a 72-h reperfusion. Blood, ovary, and uterus samples were collected for biochemical and histological assessments. KEY FINDINGS: Treatment with either dose of NPW alleviated oxidative injury of the ovaries with a significant suppression in free radical formation and decreased histopathological injury in both the ovarian and uterine tissues, along with reduced lipid peroxidation and neutrophil accumulation in the uterus. Moreover, NPW treatment reversed the decrease in aromatase expression with a concomitant reduction in the expression of the inactivity enzyme estrogen sulfotransferase. Also, downregulation of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) expression in the injured ovarian tissue was abolished by NPW treatment, which implicates that the protective effect of NPW on the female reproductive system may involve the upregulation of the ERα-mediated signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated for the first time that NPW protects against ovarian oxidative injury and reinforces ovarian steroidogenic activity, which is accompanied by the upregulation of ERα expression in the ovaries.

Effect of bromelain on periodontal destruction and alveolar bone in rats with experimental periodontitis.

PURPOSE: Several substances that have anti-inflammatory, antiproteinase, and anti-infective properties have been evaluated as modulators of the inflammatory response in periodontal disease. However, evidence for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of bromelain is limited. This study evaluated the impact of systemically administered bromelain on the progression of experimental periodontitis. METHODS: Four equal groups of 32 Wistar albino rats were created as follows (n = 8): control, periodontitis + saline, periodontitis + 5 mg/kg/day bromelain, and periodontitis + 10 mg/kg/day bromelain. To quantify the resorption of bone and bone volume/tissue volume, bone surface / bone volume, and connectivity, lower jawbones were fixed and then scanned using microcomputed tomography (micro CT). Blood samples were taken to measure the macrophage colony-stimulating factor(M-CSF) concentrations, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), interleukin-6(IL-6), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Histopathological assessments were made to examine the tissue. RESULTS: Treatment with bromelain improved the healing of the periodontium by decreasing the number of leukocytes and ligament deterioration in the gingival connective tissue and by supporting reintegration with alveolar bone. Bromelain used in ligature-induced periodontitis reduced alveolar bone (AB) resorption as measured by microCT; reduced inflammatory parameters such as IL-6 and TNF-α; regulated oxidative-antioxidative processes by increasing GPx and SOD and reducing MDA levels; and regulated AB modeling by decreasing M-CSF, RANKL, and MMP-8 and increasing OPG levels. CONCLUSION: Bromelain may be an option in periodontal therapy by regulating cytokine levels, improving the healing process, and reducing bone resorption and oxidative stress.

Investigation of the Possible Protective Effect of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) against Irinotecan (CPT-11)-Induced Toxicity in Rats.

Irinotecan (CPT-11) is a chemotherapeutic agent involved in the treatment regimens for several malignancies such as colorectal cancer. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent used in the treatment of several diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation. This study aimed at investigating whether NAC provides protection against hepatorenal and gastrointestinal tissue damage induced by CPT-11. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups as control, NAC, CPT-11, and CPT-11+NAC. Following the experimental period, blood, and tissue samples (liver, kidney, stomach, and small intestine) were collected, and biochemical indicators, together with pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1ß), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluated. Both the biochemical indicators and the pro-inflammatory cytokines, MMP, and MDA levels increased in animals treated with CPT-11, while SOD and GPx activities decreased. Histopathological evaluation revealed structural damage in all examined tissues. With NAC administration, significant improvements were observed, both biochemically and histologically. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that NAC treatment together with CPT-11 may have a beneficial effect on reducing CPT-11 toxicity in rats, by modulating inflammation and the oxidant-antioxidant balance. These results strongly promote further investigative studies.

Does Ambroxol alleviate kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats?

Objectives: Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a life-threatening clinical problem that can occur after transplantation or a number of clinical procedures. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Ambroxol on kidney damage caused by experimentally induced ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups: Control (CTR, n=6), Kidney ischemia-reperfusion (K-IR, n=6), And kidney ischemia reperfusion+Ambroxol (K-IR+AMB, n=6). In K-IR+AMB group, Ambroxol (30 mg/kg) was administered orally 30 min before the ischemia period. K-IR and K-IR+AMB groups underwent 45 min of kidney ischemia followed by a 6-hour reperfusion period. At the end of the reperfusion period, blood and kidney tissue samples were collected after euthanasia. From the blood samples, BUN and creatinine levels were determined to assess kidney function, and TNF-α and IL-1ß concentrations were evaluated to determine inflammatory response. Results: While serum BUN, creatinine activities, and TNF-α and IL-1ß concentrations were higher in both IR groups compared with the CTR group, these values were found to be lower in the K-IR+AMB group compared with the K-IR group. Histopathological examination revealed that interstitial edema and desquamation of tubular cells in the K-IR group were more severe than in the K-IR+AMB group. Conclusion: Ambroxol treatment alleviated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the harmful cellular effects in the tubular cells.

Evaluation of the oxytocin effect in a rat model with experimental periodontitis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of oxytocin on the development of periodontitis based on its properties against bone loss and resorption. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were divided into four equal groups: control, periodontitis + saline, periodontitis + 0.5 mg/kg/day oxytocin, and periodontitis + 1 mg/kg/day oxytocin. Periodontitis groups received 4.0 silk ligatures around their cervixes of the right and left mandibular incisors in an "8" shape, kept for 14 days. Animals in oxytocin groups were injected once every day during 14 days with oxytocin. The mandibles were fixed and scanned using microcomputed tomography to quantify bone resorption and volumetric measurements. Blood samples were collected to analyze the concentrations of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κΒ ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Histopathological evaluations were conducted to examine the gingiva and alveolar bone. Oxytocin prevented the development of periodontitis by decreasing ligament deteriorations and leukocytes in the gingival connective tissue and promoting reintegration with the alveolar bone. Bone resorption in all regions was less in the periodontitis + 1 mg/kg/day oxytocin group than in the periodontitis + saline group. Although TNF-α, IL-6, and RANKL values were lower in the periodontitis + 1 mg/kg/day oxytocin group, OPG was higher than that in the periodontitis + saline group. M-CSF, MMP-8, and MDA were lower in the oxytocin groups than in the periodontitis + saline group. Oxytocin may be an effective agent for periodontal diseases because it decreased bone resorption, oxidative stress, and inflammation in an experimental periodontitis.

A newly developed carrier for the vitrification of prepubertal testicular tissue and its comparison with four different carriers.

RESEARCH QUESTION: The cryopreservation of prepubertal testicular tissue is important for children who are to undergo gonadotoxic treatment. There is ongoing debate around the optimal carrier for an inexpensive and rapid vitrification technique. How efficient would a novel, practical and sterilizable metal brush be when compared with previously used carriers? DESIGN: The testicular tissues of prepubertal rats were vitrified using four different carriers and evaluated by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Nuclei were easily discriminated in the metal brush, aluminium foil and high-security straw groups, but there was decreased discrimination of structures in the metal wire group. Minimal cytoplasmic degeneration, vacuolization and mild reversible degenerative effects were seen in spermatogonial stem cells and Sertoli cells in the metal brush group. Mild to moderate structural changes were found in the aluminium foil group. Severe pyknosis of the nuclei, a high degree of swelling, expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum, and swelling and blurring of the mitochondria were seen in the metal wire and high-security straw groups. The cell viabilities in the metal brush, aluminium foil, metal wire and high-security straw groups were 91.6 ± 3.85%, 83.0 ± 4.06%, 76.0 ± 3.16% and 68.6 ± 4.93%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The metal brush is a promising new carrier for prepubertal testis vitrification.

Could Ambroxol reduce cytokines in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to examine the effect of Ambroxol on TNF-α and IL-1ß released after liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. BACKGROUND: Many drugs are being tried to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury, which is life threating problem after many liver surgeries. In this study, it was investigated whether Ambroxol reduces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines released after liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups as Control (CTR; n=8), hepatic ischemia reperfusion (H-IR; n=8) and hepatic ischemia reperfusion+Ambroxol (H-IR+AMB; n=8). In H-IR+AMB group, Ambroxol (30 mg/kg) was administered orally 30 minutes before ischemia period. In H-IR and H-IR+AMB groups underwent 45 minutes of hepatic ischemia followed by a 60-minute reperfusion period. After reperfusion period, tissue and blood samples were collected from euthanised animals. ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, TNF-α, IL-1ß concentrations and liver tissues were evaluated. RESULTS: Serum ALT, ALP, AST, LDH, TNF-α and IL-1ß values were lower in the H-IR+AMB group compared to the H-IR group. In the histopathological examination, hepatocyte degeneration and congestion in the H-IR group were higher than in the H-IR+AMB group. CONCLUSION: It was determined that Ambroxol treatment suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1ß in rats undergoing hepatic ischemia reperfusion (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 28).

Nesfatin-1 treatment preserves antioxidant status and attenuates renal fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Nesfatin-1 (NES-1), an anorexigenic peptide, was reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions in several inflammation models. METHODS: To elucidate potential renoprotective effects of NES-1, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by ligating left ureters. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with either saline (SL) or NES-1 (10 µg/kg/day) for 7 or 14 days (n = 8 in each group). On the 7th or 14th day, obstructed kidneys were removed for the isolation of leucocytes for flow-cytometric analysis and the assessments of biochemical and histopathological changes. RESULTS: Opposite to glutathione levels, renal myeloperoxidase activity in the SL-treated UUO group was significantly increased compared with the sham-operated group, while NES-1 treatment abolished the elevation. The percentages of CD8+/CD4+ T-lymphocytes infiltrating the obstructed kidneys were increased in the SL-treated groups but treatment with NES-1 did not prevent lymphocyte infiltration. Elevated tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in SL-treated UUO group were decreased with NES-1. Although total degeneration scores were similarly increased in all UUO groups, tubular dilatation scores were significantly increased in UUO groups and lowered by NES-1 only in the 7-day treated group. Elevated interstitial fibrosis scores in the SL-treated groups were decreased in both 7- and 14-day NES-1 treated groups, while alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and apoptosis scores were depressed in both NES-1 treated groups. CONCLUSION: The present data demonstrate that UUO-induced renal fibrosis is ameliorated by NES-1, which appears to involve the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and thereby amelioration of oxidative stress and inflammation. These data suggest that NES-1 may have a regulatory role in protecting the kidneys against obstruction-induced renal injury.

The Effects of Spironolactone in Preventing Bile Duct Ligation-induced Hepatitis in A Rat Model.

Cholestasis is associated with the accumulation of bile acids and bilirubin in the hepatocytes and leads to liver injury. Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) coordinates protective hepatic responses to toxic stimuli, and this receptor was reported to stimulate bile secretion by increasing MRP2 expression. Since PXR activators were reported to be anti-inflammatory in the liver, PXR was proposed as a drug target for the treatment of chronic inflammatory liver diseases. We investigated the potential protective effect of spironolactone (SPL), an enzyme inducer, in hepatotoxicity induced by bile duct ligation in rats. Wistar Albino (250-300 g) rats were divided into the control group and the bile duct ligated (BDL) group. BDL group was divided into three subgroups; following BDL, for 3 days, the first group received propylene glycol (vehicle of SPL) (blinded), the second subgroup received spironolactone (SPL) (200 mg/kg oral), and the third subgroup received SPL for 3 days, starting 3 days after the bile duct ligation, in order to investigate if it has a healing effect after hepatitis had developed. The control group was sham-operated and received saline. At the end of the experiment, blood and tissue samples were collected. Serum TNF-α, NF-ĸB, bilirubin, IL-6 levels, ALT, AST, ALP activities and tissue MPO activity and oxidant damage increased after the bile duct ligation was significantly decreased following SPL administration. PXR and MRP2 activity showed an increase in the hepatocytes as a result of the treatment. In conclusion, it was observed that SPL administration significantly decreases liver inflammation and damage related to BDL.

Histopathologic evaluation of saphenous vein grafts in patients with type II diabetes mellitus undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has been known to be a risk factor for the development of more severe form of saphenous vein graft disease after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We aimed to evaluate the impact of type II-DM on histopathological features of great saphenous vein grafts of patients undergoing CABG. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients undergoing elective CABG were enrolled into the study. Patients were grouped into two; Diabetic group (n = 20); includes patients with preoperative diagnosis of type II-DM and Nondiabetic group (n = 20): those without type II-DM. In all patients, a short segment of the great saphenous vein graft at the level of medial malleolus was taken for light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) evaluation. Moreover, immunoexpressions of Caveolin-1, Vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were studied. RESULTS: There were no differences in the demographics of patients between two groups. The magnitude of intimal fibrosis in diabetic group was slightly higher than in nondiabetics (1.95 ± 0.99 versus 1.3 ± 0.8, P = .04). In TEM, vacuolization in endothelial cells, substance accumulation along with coarse collagen fibers and cytoplasmic degeneration with vacuolization in muscle cells were detected in diabetic group. While there were no differences in Caveolin-1 and VCAM-1 immunostaining, the intensity of positive eNOS immunostaining was significantly higher in endothelium (2.10 ± 0.64 versus 1.55 ± 0.68, P = .01) and tunica media 1.75 ± 0.63 versus 1.2 ± 0.52, P = .007) in nondiabetic group, respectively) compared with diabetic group. CONCLUSION: Type II DM might be a reason for decreased expression of eNOS and increased intimal fibrosis, vacuolization of endothelial and smooth muscle cells in saphenous vein grafts. The clinical implications of these alterations on the graft patency need to be evaluated.

The effects of resveratrol treatment on caveolin-3 expression and Na+/K+ ATPase activity in rats with isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of resveratrol (RES) on isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial injury rat model. METHODS: Catecholamine-induced heart damage was induced by ISO treatment for 30 days. The rats were divided into four groups as follows: the control group received saline, the ISO group received 5.0 mg/kg ISO, the RES group received 10 mg/kg RES, and the ISO-RES group received 10 mg/kg RES and 5 mg/kg ISO treatments for 30 days. Following echocardiographic measurements and body weight recorded, the rats were decapitated. Plasma and cardiac tissue samples obtained by decapitation were analyzed using biochemical, histopathological, molecular and immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: In the ISO group, Na+/K+ ATPase activity and ATP content, GSH, and caveolin-3 levels were low. LDH, CK and lysosomal enzyme activities, MDA level, and MPO activity were found to be high. It was determined that GSH and MDA levels and MPO, Na+/K+ ATPase activity, ATP content caveolin-3 levels changes that arose from ISO treatment were suppressed by RES treatment. CONCLUSION: RES treatment has ameliorated all the functional and biochemical parameters. The results obtained in this study suggest that RES is a promising supplement against catecholamine exposure as it improves antioxidant defense mechanisms in the heart. In the light of above-mentioned data, RES can be assumed as a promising agent in ameliorating the oxidative injury of the myocardium.

Milrinone Attenuates Heart and Lung Remote Injury after Abdominal Aortic Cross-Clamping.

BACKGROUND: Phosphodiesterase enzymes play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (IR). We examined the role of milrinone (MIL), a phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor, on remote injury of the heart and lung after abdominal aortic cross-clamping. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Twenty-one Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: (1) control (C, n = 7), underwent laparotomy and exploration of abdominal aorta only; (2) IR (n = 7), normal saline was applied intraperitoneally (i.p) before IR induced by clamping of the abdominal aorta for 1 hr and then allowing reperfusion for 1 hr; and (3) MIL + IR (n = 7), MIL was given (0.5 mg/kg, i.p) before IR. After sacrification, the lungs and hearts were taken out for analyses and the tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were studied. All tissues were examined under light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Expressions of caveolin (Cav)-1 in the lung and Cav-1 and Cav-3 in the heart were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The MIL + IR group had significantly a lower magnitude of oxidative stress than the IR group both in the lung and heart (lung: P = 0.03 for MDA and 0.001 for GSH and heart: P = 0.002 for MDA and 0.000 for GSH). In light microscopy, the MIL + IR group had statistically a lower total injury score than the IR group for both the lung and heart tissue (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively). In TEM, regression of mitochondrial degeneration and lamellar bodies in type II pneumocytes in the lungs and obvious improvements in disruption at the intercalated discs and mitochondrial degeneration in the hearts in the MIL + IR group were detected compared with the IR group. The expression of both Cav-1 and Cav-3 in the MIL + IR group was improved compared with the IR group (P = 0.03 for both). CONCLUSIONS: MIL attenuates remote injury of heart and lung in lower body IR by inhibiting oxidative stress. Moreover, Cav-1 and Cav-3 might have a potential role in MIL-induced cardioprotection.

Melatonin prevents deterioration of erectile function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats via sirtuin-1 expression.

A review of the literature indicated that sirtuin-1 expression, a regulator of nitric oxide bioavailability in erectile dysfunction (ED) after melatonin therapy, has not yet been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of melatonin for erectile function with sirtuin-1 protein expression in type 1 diabetic rat models. Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were placed into five groups. Except for those in the control group (C), each animal received a single dose (60 mg/kg) of streptozotocin to induce diabetes. The animals were placed into the diabetes (D) group, insulin (I) group (6 U/kg/day), melatonin (Mel) group (10 mg kg-1  day-1 ) and combined treatment (I + Mel) group. Ten weeks later, the serum testosterone levels, intracavernosal pressure (ICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), malondialdehyde (MDA), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (c-GMP), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), caspase-3 activity, sirtuin-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein expression and histological findings were assessed. The mean ICP/MAP ratio for the D group was lower than the mean ratios for the other groups. The treatment groups, particularly the I + Mel group, exhibited lower 8-OHdG and MDA levels and caspase-3 activity than the D group. The sirtuin-1 and eNOS expression and cavernosal tissue (CT) histology seemed to have been preserved by the melatonin and/or insulin therapy. These results were indicative of a profound protective effect of melatonin by the activation of sirtuin-1 protein expression against hyperglycemia-induced oxidative CT injury.

Potent therapeutic effects of ruscogenin on gastric ulcer established by acetic acid.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the potent therapeutic effects of Ruscogenin, main steroid sapogenin of traditional Chinese plant called 'Ophiopogon japonicas', on chronic ulcer model established with acetic acid in rats. METHODS: 24 rats were attenuated to the sham (2 ml/kg/day isotonic solution), control (untreated ulcer) and treatment (3 ml/kg/day ruscogenin) groups. After treatment for 2 weeks, gastric tissues were collected and prepared for light microscopic (H&E), immunohistochemical (Collagen I, III and IV) and biochemical analysis [Epidermal growth factor (EGF), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 and 8 (IL-6 and IL-8), Lipid Peroxidase (LPO), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Glutathione (GSH) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px)] and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Macroscopic scoring showed that the ulceration area of ruscogenin-treated group decreased compared with control group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed ruscogenin ameliorated and restored the levels of Collagen I and IV to the levels of sham group. Tissue levels of EGF and PGE2 enhanced significantly in untreated ulcer group while were higher in treated ulcer group than the control group. TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, LPO, MPO levels increased significantly in control group whereas decreased in treated rats after ruscogenin treatment. However, levels of GSH and GSH-Px increased significantly in treatment group. TEM showed chief cells and parietal cells of ulcer group having degenerated organelles while ruscogenin group had normal ultrastructure of cells. CONCLUSION: There are potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of ruscogenin on gastric ulcer and may be successfully used as a safe and therapeutic agent in treatment of peptic ulcer.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy improves erectile dysfunction in experimental spinal cord injury.

The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD-MSC) from brown adipose tissue on erectile dysfunction (ED) in experimentally induced spinal cord injury in rats. 24 male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups; control, spinal cord injury (SCI) + vehicle, and SCI + AD-MSC. To induce SCI, a standard weight-drop method that induced a moderate to severe injury (100 g/cm force) at T7-T10, was used. AD-MSC (3 × 105 cells /5 µL) was applied by local transplantation into the region of injury. At the end of four-weeks, rats underwent neurological examinations and then intracavernosal and mean arterial pressures (ICP and MAP) measurements. After decapitation, spinal cord and cavernosal tissue samples were taken to analyze neuronal nitric oxide synthase (n-NOS), proto-oncogene protein c-FOS and nerve growth factor (NGF). Tissues were also examined histologically. Spinal cord injury caused decrease on NGF and n-NOS levels while c-FOS was increased. The ICP/MAP value in vehicle-treated SCI rats was found to be significantly higher than the control group. On the other hand, in SCI + AD-MSC group, all these parameters were reversed back to control levels. AD-MSC therapy may be beneficial against erectile dysfunction in experimentally induced SCI by ameliorating neuronal damage.

Examination of protective and therapeutic effects of ruscogenin on cerulein-induced experimental acute pancreatitis in rats.

PURPOSE: To determine the potential protective and therapeutic effects and action mechanism of ruscogenin on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) model in rats. METHODS: Overall, 32 rats were attenuated to the sham (2-mL/kg/day isotonic solution for 4 weeks), control (20-µg/kg cerulein-induced AP for 12 hours), prophylaxis groups (cerulein-induced AP following 3-mL/kg/day ruscogenin for 4 weeks) and treatment (3-mL/kg/day ruscogenin following cerulein-induced AP for 12 hours). Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1/neuronal NOS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). After sacrification, pancreas tissues were collected and prepared for light microscopic (hematoxylin and eosin), immunohistochemical (nuclear factor kappa B) and biochemical analysis (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-6 and 1ß [IL-6 and IL-1ß], CRP, high-sensitivity CRP [hs-CRP] amylase, lipase, and ICAM-1). Ultrastructural analysis was performed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The protective and therapeutic actions of ruscogenin were accomplished by improvements in histopathology, by decreasing blood cytokine levels of CRP, hs-CRP levels, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, ICAM-1, by reducing the pancreatic enzymes amylase and lipase in blood, and by suppressing the expression of nuclear factor kappa B, ICAM-1, and NOS-1, but not MDA in pancreatic tissues. Ruscogenin also improved cerulein-induced ultrastructural degenerations in endocrine and exocrine cells, especially in treatment group. CONCLUSION: The present findings have demonstrated the beneficial protective and therapeutical effects of ruscogenin, nominating it as a highly promising supplementary agent to be considered in the treatment of AP, and even as a protective agent against the damages induced by disease.

Protective effect of Myrtle (Myrtus communis) on burn induced skin injury.

Thermal skin burns cause local injury as well as triggers acute systemic inflammation response where the imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative system occurs. As an alternative treatment, various medicinal herbs are used to treat burn injuries in many countries. In this study, the possible protective role of oral or topical Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) treatment against burn-induced damage was investigated. The dorsum of the Wistar Albino rats was shaved and exposed to 90 °C water bath in burn group or 25 °C water bath in control group for 10 s under ether anesthesia. Myrtle extract was applied 100 mg/kg/day for 2 days either orally or topically. In skin samples; malondialdehyde and glutathione levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide and tissue factor activities were determined. Skin tissues were also examined by light microscopy. Severe thermal skin burn injury caused a significant decrease in glutathione level, superoxide dismutase, catalase and tissue factor activities as well as nitric oxide level, which was accompanied with significant increases in skin malondialdehyde level. Myrtle treatment reversed all these biochemical indices except topical Myrtle treated group's nitric oxide level, as well as histopathological alterations, which were induced by thermal trauma. Both oral and topical Myrtle extract treatment was found to have protective role in the burn induced oxidative injury, which may be attributed to the potential antioxidant effect of Myrtle. As a conclusion, Myrtle significantly diminishes burn-induced damage in skin.

The effects of antibiotics and melatonin on hepato-intestinal inflammation and gut microbial dysbiosis induced by a short-term high-fat diet consumption in rats.

High-fat diet (HFD) consumption leads to metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunction and intestinal dysbiosis. Antibiotics also disrupt the composition of intestinal microbiota. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of a short-term feeding with HFD on oxidative status, enteric microbiota, intestinal motility and the effects of antibiotics and/or melatonin treatments on diet-induced hepato-intestinal dysfunction and inflammation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pair-fed with either standard chow or HFD (45 % fat) and were given tap water or melatonin (4 mg/kg per d) or melatonin plus antibiotics (ABX; neomycin, ampicillin, metronidazole; each 1 g/l) in drinking water for 2 weeks. On the 14th day, colonic motility was measured and the next day intestinal transit was assessed using charcoal propagation. Trunk blood, liver and intestine samples were removed for biochemical and histopathological evaluations, and faeces were collected for microbiota analysis. A 2-week HFD feeding increased blood glucose level and perirenal fat weight, induced low-level hepatic and intestinal inflammation, delayed intestinal transit, led to deterioration of epithelial tight junctions and overgrowth of colonic bacteria. Melatonin intake in HFD-fed rats reduced ileal inflammation, colonic motility and perirenal fat accumulation. ABX abolished increases in fat accumulation and blood glucose, reduced ileal oxidative damage, suppressed HFD-induced overgrowth in colonic bacteria, and reversed HFD-induced delay in intestinal transit; however, hepatic neutrophil accumulation, hepatic injury and dysfunction were further enhanced. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that even a short-term HFD ingestion results in hepato-intestinal inflammatory state and alterations in bacterial populations, which may be worsened with antibiotic intake, but alleviated by melatonin.

Protective effects of spironolactone against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, it was aimed to study the antioxidant effects of spironolactone (SPL) to determine its possible protective effects in hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct of Wistar albino rats were clamped for 45 minutes under anesthesia to form an ischemia period. Then reperfusion was allowed and the rats were decapitated 60 minutes later. SPL (20 mg/kg, p.o.) or SF was orally administered for 30 minutes before ischemia. Rats in the control arm underwent sham surgery and were administered isotonic saline. Liver function was studied by measuring aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 1beta (IL-1ß) levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), luminol, and lucigenin levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Na+-K+-ATPase enzyme activities were analyzed to study tissue injury under light microscope. RESULTS: While IR increased AST, ALT, TNF-α, and IL-1ß levels and MDA, luminol, and lusigenin levels and MPO activities, it caused a decrease in GSH levels and Na+K+-ATPase activity. Spironolactone administration significantly improved these values. CONCLUSION: Protective effects of SPL against ischemia/reperfusion injury via various mechanisms suggest that this agent may become a novel treatment agent in clinical practice.