The Ultrastructure of Skeletal Muscle Capillaries of Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats and the Therapeutic Effect of Benfluorex.

Diabetes mellitus is a serious disease worldwide and causes other associated diseases. In this study, we observed the effect of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and benfluorex treatment on muscular capillary ultrastructure. Adult male rats were used as the test subjects and each individual was intraperitoneally injected with one dose of STZ (45 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. Doses (50 mg/kg) of benfluorex were given to the subjects with tap water by intragastric gavage application once daily for 21 days. At the end of day 21, muscle tissues were obtained from animals and examined under transmission electron microscopy. From the data obtained with the electron microscope, it was observed that the control group had typical continuous capillary vascular structures in their muscles, while STZ caused disruptive disorder of the muscle cells in the capillary wall of the STZ-diabetic group. Additionally, the thickening of the basement membrane around endothelial cells, loss of mitochondrial crista in the muscle cells, enlarged endothelial cells, and narrowed vessel lumen were observed in the muscle tissue. The findings of our study revealed that STZ-induced diabetes disrupted the vascular structure, while benfluorex partially improved it.

Effects of thymoquinone in a rat model of reserpine-induced depression

The objective of this study is to examine the antidepressant and antioxidant effects of thymoquinone (TQ) on reserpine-induced depression, and to investigate the antidepressant and antioxidant activity of combined treatment of TQ+citalopram. In total, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: 1)control1, 2)control2, 3)reserpine, 4)reserpine+TQ 5)reserpine+citalopram and 6)reserpine+TQ+citalopram. Depression was induced by administering intraperitoneal reserpine of 0.2mg/kg/14days. For antidepressant effects, 10 mg/kg TQ and/or 10 mg/kg citalopram was administered intragastrically 30 minutes prior to the administration of reserpine. Rat behavior was examined using the Behavioral Test following the completion of treatment protocol. Total nitric oxide (NOx) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total oxidants status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) in brain cortex, plasma as well as brain cortex glutathione (GSH) and levels of plasma total sulfhydryl groups (RSH) were examined. Treatment with TQ ameliorated the reserpine-induced changes in the Behavioral Test (p<0.05). TQ treatment significantly increased dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) expressions when compared to the R group (p<0.01). Serotonin (5-HT) expression also increased significantly (p<0.05). Brain cortex and plasma TOS, MDA and NOx levels decreased, whereas TAS, GSH and RSH levels increased (p< 0.05). TQ has the ability to prevent depression induced by reserpine. The combination of TQ+citalopram can be used in the treatment of depression with a stronger antioxidant effect

Distribution of spleen connective tissue fibers in diabetic and vitamin C treated diabetic rats.

We investigated the distribution of connective tissue fibers in diabetic and vitamin C treated diabetic rat spleen. Rats were divided into three groups: group A, control; group B, diabetic; group C, vitamin C treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. Vitamin C was administered intragastrically for 21 days. Spleen tissues were examined by light microscopy after staining with Masson's trichrome, Gomori silver impregnation and van Gieson. In group B, we found accumulation of collagen fibers in the trabeculae, in the capsule and around the central artery and splenic sinusoids. Splenic cord thickening due to fibrosis was observed. Reticular fibers accumulated principally in the white and red pulps of the spleen and focal reticular fiber thickening was observed in the dense fiber areas. Partial elastic fiber rupture was observed among the fibers of the elastic lamina of the arteries in the hilum. By contrast, the distribution of collagen fibers in group C was similar to group A. Collagen fiber accumulation was decreased in group C compared to group B. We found little reticular fiber thickening in group C and elastic fibers maintained their integrity and were better organized than in group B. Our findings suggest that appropriate doses of vitamin C may exert beneficial effects on the structure of the connective tissue fibers in the diabetic spleen.

Dental resin curing blue light induces vasoconstriction through release of hydrogen peroxide.

Dental resin curing blue light (BL) is frequently used during treatments in dental clinics. However, little is known about the influence of BL irradiation on pulpal blood vessels. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of effect of BL irradiation on vascular tone. Rat aorta (RA) rings were irradiated with a BL source in organ baths, and the responses were recorded isometrically. Effect of BL irradiation on phenylephrine (PE) -precontraction and acetylcholine (ACh) -induced relaxation after PE -precontraction were obtained and compared in BL -irradiated and control RA rings. Effect of 20 min preincubation with catalase (enzyme that breaks down hydrogene peroxide, 1200 u/ml) on PE -precontraced and BL-irradiated rings was also evaluated. Total oxidative stress (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in BL-irradiated and control RA preparations were measured with special assay kits and spectrophotometry. BL slightly decreased ACh -induced endothelium -dependent relaxations in PE (1 µM) -precontracted RA rings (n = 6, p > 0.05 vs. control). BL induced marked contraction 23.88 + 3.10% of PE (maximum contraction) in isolated RA ring segments precontracted with PE (p < 0.05 vs. control). The contractile effect of BL was inhibited by 1200 u/ml catalase (n = 6, p < 0.05 vs. control). BL irradiation increased the level of TOS in RA rings (n = 6, p < 0.05 vs. control). TAC levels were similar in BL-irradiated and control preparations. These results suggest that BL induces contraction in RA, and the mechanism of this effect may to be through release of hydrogen peroxide.

Case Report: Role of Interventional Radiology in the Management of Patients with Alveolar Echinococcus: Successful Management of Three Cases.

Alveolar echinococcus (AE) is an infestation by Echinococcus multilocularis. Partial hepatectomy or liver transplantation is the first choice of treatment. However, the disease is usually diagnosed at an unresectable stage. In those cases, invasion of the bile ducts and vessels, and necrosis in the center of the lesion lead to severe complications, such as cholangitis and liver abscesses. Palliative surgery has been reported to not offer advantages in management, and percutaneous and endoscopic interventions have become more prominent in management. In this case series, outcomes in three cases with unresectable AE were reported. In one of the cases, interventional procedures were used to manage the complications after surgery. In the second case, the cystic component was aspirated to decrease the size before the surgery and in the third case, it was used to drain biliary tree and no surgery was done.

Percutaneous Treatment of Non-parasitic Splenic Cysts: Long-Term Results for Single- Versus Multiple-Session Treatment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous sclerotherapy for non-parasitic splenic cysts (NPSCs). The secondary aims were to introduce puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) technique in the treatment of NPSCs and to compare multiple- and single-session techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 24 (17 females, 7 males) patients, treated between the years 1997 and 2015. Three techniques were used. Group A (n = 8), Group B (n = 6) and Group C (n = 10) were treated by PAIR, single-session catheterization and multiple-session catheterization, respectively. Since both PAIR and single-session catheterization techniques are carried out in a single session, Group A and Group B were evaluated in one group (Group A + B). Group A + B was compared with Group C in terms of patient demographics, the initial volume of the cysts, follow-up periods, complication and hospitalization rates and follow-up results. Recurrence and reduction rates were evaluated for two groups. RESULTS: Technical success rate was 100%. The mean follow-up period was 68.9 months. Recurrence detected in 7 (29.1%) patients. Final reduction rate was between 40.7 and 100% (median 96.4%) with a significant difference in cyst volume (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference regarding recurrence rates (p = 1) and the final reduction rates (p = 0.51) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive technique, preserving maximum tissue while effectively treating NPSCs. Single-session sclerotherapy which reduces hospitalization days and increases patient comfort is as effective as multi-session sclerotherapy as the initial procedure. This study supports that single-session sclerotherapy should be a valid treatment option.

Retrospective study of 24 cases of acute appendiceal diverticulitis: CT findings and pathological correlations.

PURPOSE: Appendiceal diverticulitis is relatively rare and is difficult to distinguish clinically and radiologically from acute appendicitis. The aim of this study was to describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of acute appendiceal diverticulitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the 1329 patients who underwent appendectomy at our institution between January 2010 and July 2015, 28 were diagnosed pathologically with appendiceal diverticulitis, including 24 patients who were evaluated by preoperative CT. The control group consisted of 38 patients without diverticulitis. Average age of patients, ratio of males to females, appendiceal diameter, presence of a diverticulum, diverticular enhancement, peri-appendiceal fat stranding, peri-appendiceal loculated fluid and perforation, and the presence of appendicolith were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Peri-appendiceal fat stranding (p < 0.005), appendiceal diameter (p < 0.005), and peri-appendiceal loculated fluid differed significantly between the diverticulitis and non-diverticulitis groups (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Although relatively uncommon, appendiceal diverticulitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis. It differs from typical acute appendicitis by the presence of an inflamed diverticulum, seen on CT. These patients are also more likely to have peri-appendiceal extra-luminal loculated fluid, peri-appendiceal fat stranding, and a larger diameter of the appendix. The latter finding is likely due to the increased intraluminal pressure.

Development of Interleukin-2 Loaded Chitosan-Based Nanogels Using Artificial Neural Networks and Investigating the Effects on Wound Healing in Rats.

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize rh- IL-2 loaded chitosan-based nanogels for the healing of wound incision in rats. Nanogels were prepared using chitosan and bovine serum albumin (BSA) by ionic gelation method and high temperature application, respectively. Particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index were measured for characterization of nanogels. The morphology of nanogels was examined by using SEM and AFM. The IL-2 loading capacity of nanogels was determined using ELISA method. In vitro release of IL-2 from nanogels was performed using Franz diffusion cells. Artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed using selected input parameters (stirring rate, chitosan%, BSA%, TPP%) where particle size was an output parameter for IL-2 free nanogels. Wound healing effect of IL-2 loaded chitosan-TPP nanogel was evaluated by determining the malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels of wound tissues in rats. The particle size of IL-2 loaded chitosan-TPP nanogels was found to be larger than that of IL-2 loaded BSA-based chitosan nanogels. Drug loading capacity of nanogels was found 100% ± 0.010 for both nanogels. IL-2 was released slowly after the initial burst effect. According to SEM and AFM imaging, BSA-chitosan nanogel particles were of nanometer size and presented a swelling tendency, and chitosan-TPP nanogel particles were found to be spherical and homogenously dispersed. IL-2 loaded chitosan-TPP nanogel was found suitable for improving wound healing because it decreased the MDA levels and increased the GSH levels wound tissues comparing to control group.

Chemoprotective effect of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and selenium on cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in the rat ovarium.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective efficacy of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and selenium by measuring the glutathione (GSH) levels and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) expression in the ovarian tissues of rats treated with cyclophosphamide (CP) therapy. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each: (I) control, (II) only CP, (III) CP + ascorbic acid, (IV) CP + α-tocopherol, and (V) CP + selenium. Immunohistochemical stainings and GSH protocol were then applied. RESULTS: Following CP administration, the rats exhibited significantly lower GDF-9 expression in oocytes and PCNA expression in granulosa cells of follicles in all stages of development (P < 0.05). In CP + antioxidant groups (Groups III, IV, V), GDF-9 immunoreaction in oocytes and PCNA immunoreaction in granulosa cells of the developing follicles were found to show an increase towards the levels observed in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CP was found to cause remarkable degenerative effects in normal ovarian tissue, and we believe that this damage can be reduced and ovarian tissue can be spared from the toxic effects of CP by using antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and selenium.

"Long-term callisthenic exercise-related changes in blood lipids, homocysteine, nitric oxide levels and body composition in middle-aged healthy sedentary women".

"Regular physical exercise plays an important role in reducing obesity, preventing hyperglycemia, lowering blood lipids and reducing systemic blood pressure. But the question about the nature of the relationship between homocysteine, nitric oxide and physical activity remains unanswered. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of callisthenic exercises on plasma lipids, homocysteine (Hcy), total nitric oxide (NOx) and body composition in middle-aged healthy sedentary women. Forty-two middle-aged women (ages: 28-49; mean: 41.40 ± 7.3 years) were asked to perform a callisthenic exercise 50 min per session, 3 times per week for 12 weeks in a sports hall. Before and after the exercise, plasma lipids (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and triglyceride), Hcy and NO were determined. Body composition, including body mass index, fat percentage, fat free mass, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rates were measured. After a 12-week callisthenic exercise program, plasma NOx and Hcy levels were found to be significantly increased (P < 0.05). Body composition parameters, lipid profile, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Aerobic callisthenic exercises characterized by 50 min/day and 3 days/week resulted in positive changes in important health parameters like reducing obesity, lowering blood lipids and increasing plasma NOx. Cardiovascular improvements might be dependent on the increase of NOx values. But callisthenic exercise in such intensity did not lower the plasma Hcy level. Moreover, Hcy level increased significantly. The result shows that if the Hcy is in the normal levels in healthy subjects, long-term callisthenic exercise do not decrease the Hcy levels despite some beneficial effects on health. On the contrary, the Hcy levels are increased by long-term callisthenic exercises."

Evaluation of microemulsion and liposomes as carriers for oral delivery of transforming growth factor alpha in rats.

The aim of the present study is to develop microemulsion and liposome carrier systems for oral administration of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) and to investigate the effects of these carrier systems on the gastrointestinal efficiency in rats. Microemulsion (w/o) and liposomes (MLV) were developed and characterised. The carrier systems were administered intragastrically by gastric cannula to male Wistar rats. The highest reduction in the basal acid secretion was observed in the microemulsion containing TGF-α and aprotinin group (TAME).The gastric mucus secretion in microemulsion containing TGF-α (TME) and TAME treatment groups increased significantly compared to the other groups. TGF-α levels in both stomach and duodenum were significantly increased in the TAME group. As a result, it was determined through confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) studies that exogenous-applied TGF-α attached to endogenous EGF receptors. The microemulsion formulation was found to be a more suitable carrier system for oral administration of TGF-α.

900 MHz pulse-modulated radiofrequency radiation induces oxidative stress on heart, lung, testis and liver tissues.

Oxidative stress may affect many cellular and physiological processes including gene expression, cell growth, and cell death. In the recent study, we aimed to investigate whether 900 MHz pulse-modulated radiofrequency (RF) fields induce oxidative damage on lung, heart and liver tissues. We assessed oxidative damage by investigating lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), nitric oxide (NOx) and glutathione (GSH) levels which are the indicators of tissue toxicity. A total of 30 male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. Rats were divided randomly into three groups; control group (n = 10), sham group (device off, n = 10) and 900 MHz pulsed-modulated RF radiation group (n = 10). The RF rats were exposed to 900 MHz pulsed modulated RF radiation at a specific absorption rate (SAR) level of 1.20 W/kg 20 min/day for three weeks. MDA and NOx levels were increased significantly in liver, lung, testis and heart tissues of the exposed group compared to sham and control groups (p < 0.05). Conversely GSH levels were significantly lower in exposed rat tissues (p < 0.05). No significantly difference was observed between sham and control groups. Results of our study showed that pulse-modulated RF radiation causes oxidative injury in liver, lung, testis and heart tissues mediated by lipid peroxidation, increased level of NOx and suppression of antioxidant defense mechanism.

Percutaneous management of peripheral vascular malformations: a single center experience.

PURPOSE: To review the therapeutic results of the combination of embolization and sclerotherapy, with or without surgery, in patients with peripheral vascular malformations (PVMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients (24 males and 16 females) with PVMs, who were treated via percutaneous embolization (transarterial [TA] versus direct puncture [DP]) and sclerotheraphy between March 2003 and September 2009, were included in this retrospective study. The mean age was 28 years (range, 6-66 years), and 9 patients (7 boys, 2 girls) were ≤18 years of age (range, 6-18 years). The 40 patients experienced 40 PVMs, of which 15 were localized to an upper extremity, 13 to a lower extremity, 7 to the axial body, and 5 to the pelvis. A total of 22 PVMs were high-flow, whereas 18 were low-flow. Indications for treatment included pain, swelling, extremity function loss, and cosmetic concerns. RESULTS: A total of 85 embolization/sclerotheraphy sessions were performed (2.1 sessions per patient). For the 22 high-flow PVMs, 53 treatment sessions were completed (2.4 sessions per lesion). Of the high-flow PVMs, 10 were treated via embolization only (7 DP, 2 TA, 1 DP and TA), 5 via alcohol sclerotheraphy only (2 DP, 2 TA, 1 DP and TA) and 7 via a combination of embolization and sclerotheraphy (3 TA, 4 DP and TA). The agents of embolization and sclerotherapy were n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n=22 patients), Onyx® (n=12 patients), and alcohol (n=19 patients). A total of 18 low-flow PVMs were treated in 32 sessions (1.8 sessions per lesion), all via the direct puncture approach. Of the low-flow PVMs, 11 were treated with embolization only, 6 with sclerotheraphy only, and 1 with a combined approach. In 16 patients (6 high-flow versus 10 low-flow), after a mean of 2.1 sessions (range, 1-9 sessions), the percutaneously treated lesions were excised by surgery without any major complications. In the 24 patients who did not have surgery, the lesions significantly decreased in size and the complaints from these patients improved. In four patients, skin ulcerations were identified, two of these patients needed surgical grafting; whereas in one patient, sciatic nerve paralysis developed after trans-arterial embolization and recovery was achieved in six months. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous treatment of PVMs by embolization and sclerotheraphy is a safe and effective method, provided that appropriate lesion classification and treatment agent selection are performed.

Isolated spontaneous renal artery dissection: diagnosis and endovascular management.

Spontaneous, isolated focal renal artery dissection is an extremely rare cause of renovascular hypertension. Imaging technology for the renal arteries has evolved recently with the development of multidetector computed tomography angiography (CTA), and intravascular ultrasound. We describe a 52-year-old man with spontaneous renal artery dissection complicated by renovascular hypertension, successfully diagnosed initially with CTA, then evaluated by intravascular ultrasound, and finally, treated successfully with stenting.

Quadrichambered ventricles.

Double chambered is a term that has been used to describe the subdivision of a ventricle as a result of anomalous septum or muscle bundle. Subdivision of the left ventricular cavity is a rare cardiac anomaly compared to subdivision of the right ventricle. This case features a double chambered right ventricle and a rare double chambered left ventricle at the same time.

Multidetector CT technique and imaging findings of urinary stone disease: an expanded review.

Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) is currently being widely used for the evaluation of patients presenting with acute flank pain. A variety of primary and secondary findings detected on unenhanced CT contribute not only to the diagnosis but also to the treatment plan. This review includes primary and secondary multidetector CT imaging findings of urinary stone disease, potential pitfalls with exquisite images of sample cases, and a brief review of radiation dose reduction and contrast administration strategies.

Plant growth regulator (4-chlorophenoxy acetic acid) increases apoptosis in gonads of rats without changing hormonal levels.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Plant growth regulators are considered to leave minimal amounts of remnants and therefore cause no significant side effects in humans. In this study, we aimed to investigate the hormonal and histopathological effects of 4-chlorophenoxy acetic acid (4-CPA), a commonly used plant growth regulator, on the gonadal functions of rats. METHODS: The study was implemented on 64 Wistar albino rats (20 days old). Forty-eight rats received 4-CPA every day until 50 days of age. The rats were randomized into 4 groups (a control group and three 4-CPA groups with doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day); each group was further divided into males and females, making a total of 8 groups. The levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, leptin, inhibin-B and neuropeptide-Y were measured. Histopathological examination of the testes and ductus deferens in male rats, and ovaries and uterus of female rats (caspase-3 and -9 immunoreactivity) was performed. RESULTS: Although hormone levels were similar between the groups, rats that received 4-CPA showed significantly higher degrees of apoptosis compared to the control group (p < 0.001) and increased doses of 4-CPA were directly correlated with the amount of apoptosis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 4-CPA induced apoptosis in the gonads of rats without concurrent changes in plasma hormone levels.

Effects of benfluorex-vitamin C supplementation on cutaneous capillaries of diabetic rats.

The ultrastructural changes on capillaries of the dermis in diabetic and benfluorex-vitamin C treated diabetic rats have been investigated. Three groups of 21 Wistar albino rats were used in the examination: control, diabetes, and benfluorex-vitamin C treated diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin. The streptozotocin-induced group was treated for 21 days with vitamin C and benfluorex, of which antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects were experimentally proved. Samples taken from the skin of rats' legs were examined under transmission electron microscopy. Swollen endothelial cells, narrowed capillary lumens, a thickened basement membrane, and fusion of mitochondrial cristae in the capillaries of diabetic rat dermis were seen. In the benfluorex-vitamin C treated group, contrary to the diabetic group, neither signs of degeneration in endothelial cells nor a significant difference with the control group with regard to capillary structure were observed. Amelioration in capillaries appears to be due to benfluorex and vitamin C treatment in diabetes.

Case report: local allergic reaction of bowel wall secondary to ruptured hydatid cyst.

This is a report of a case of local allergic reaction which developed secondary to a ruptured hydatid cyst with a diffuse bowel thickening detected by computed tomography.