Therapeutic potential of the linalool against cadmium-induced testicular tissue damage.

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that has harmful effects and is one of the contaminants found in the environment. Cd exposure causes important pathophysiological processes, such as reproductive toxicity. Linalool (Lnl) is a monoterpene, a component of essential oils known to be produced synthetically. Additionally, Lnl has many important beneficial effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The objective of this study is to determine whether Lnl has a healing impact in opposition to testicular tissue damage due to Cd exposure. In the study, 28 male rats were divided at random into four equal groups (n = 7). No treatment was applied to the control group. CdCl2 was applied intraperitoneally to the Cd group at a dose of 3 mg/kg for the first 7 days of the trial. For the Cd + Lnl group, 3 mg/kg CdCl2 was applied intraperitoneally for the first 7 days of the trial, and 100 mg/kg/day Lnl was applied. Upon completion of all applications, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples and testicular tissue were taken. Cd exposure caused histopathological changes, oxidative stress, inflammation, and an increase in apoptotic cells in testicular tissue. However, Cd altered endocrine hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis. However, Lnl application against Cd exposure was able to regulate the negativity caused by Cd in both testicular tissue and endocrine hormone levels. In conclusion, Lnl may be a potential therapeutic strategy against Cd-induced reproductive toxicity. We believe that Lnl has a high potential for further studies to determine its detailed mechanisms of action and cellular signaling pathways.

The Effect of Thymoquinone on the TNF-α/OTULIN/NF-κB Axis Against Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Tissue Damage.

One of the adverse effects of the antineoplastic drug cisplatin (CS) is damage to testicular tissue. This study aimed to examine the potential therapeutic effect of thymoquinone (TQ), a strong antioxidant, against testicular damage caused by CS. In the experiment, 28 rats were used, and the rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (n = 7), CS (n = 7), CS + TQ (n = 7), and TQ (n = 7). The experiment was called off after all treatments were finished on day 15. Blood serum and testicular tissues were utilized for biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, mRNA expression, and gene protein investigations. The testosterone level decreased and oxidative stress, histopathological damage, dysregulation in mitochondrial dynamics, inflammation and apoptotic cells increased in testicular tissue due to CS administration. TQ supplementation showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects in response to CS-induced testicular damage. In addition, TQ contributed to the reduction of CS-induced toxic effects by regulating the TNF-α/OTULIN/NF-κB pathway. TQ supplementation may be a potential therapeutic strategy against CS-induced testicular damage by regulating the TNF-α/OTULIN/NF-κB axis, inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine on spexin immunoreactivity in kidney tissues of rats treated with adriamycin.

Objectives: Due to its negative side effects, mainly nephrotoxicity, adriamycin (ADR) is used fairly infrequently. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on the immunoreactivity of spexin (SPX) in the kidney tissues of rats given ADR. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=7): control (no intervention), NAC (150 mg/kg/day, administered intraperitoneally), ADR (single dose of 15 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally), and ADR+NAC (single dose of 15 mg/kg ADR + 150 mg/kg/day NAC, both administered intraperitoneally). The experiment was concluded on the 15th day. Results: The administration of ADR resulted in biochemical and histopathological alterations in the kidney. It was found that ADR treatment led to elevated levels of TOS (total oxidative stress), apoptosis, and SPX. Conversely, when NAC was administered as a treatment, it effectively reduced TOS, apoptosis, and SPX levels. These findings suggest that SPX may contribute to the development of ADR-induced kidney damage. Conclusion: Further investigations are warranted to gain a comprehensive understanding of kidney damage, and specifically to elucidate the role of SPX in this context. Additionally, these studies can pave the way for exploring novel therapeutic strategies targeting SPX to prevent and/or treat the development of kidney damage.

Resveratrol may dose-dependently modulate nephrin and OTULIN levels in a doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity model.

One of the most important side effects of Doxorubicin (DOX), a chemotherapeutic agent, is nephrotoxicity. The purpose of this study is to determine whether different doses of natural polyphenol Resveratrol (RSV) show antioxidative, anti-inflammatory or antiapoptotic effects in kidney tissue in DOX-induced nephrotoxicity and to detect how nephrin and OTULIN levels are affected in this process. A total of six equal groups made up of the 42 Sprague-Dawley rats utilized in the study (n = 7) were randomly assigned. Except for the control group (no treatment), all treatments were given intraperitoneally to the DOX (15 mg/kg), DOX + RSV I (15 mg/kg DOX+ 1 mg/kg/day RSV), DOX + RSV II (15 mg/kg DOX+ 5 mg/kg/day RSV), RSV I and RSV II groups. Kidney tissues taken from rats sacrificed on the fifteenth day were analyzed biochemically, histologically and immunohistochemically. Accordingly, it was determined that nephrin and OTULIN levels decreased in kidney tissue in DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, DOX caused oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as histopathological changes in kidney tissue. However, it was observed that DOX-induced changes were regulated by RSV application. RSV was demonstrated to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in dose-dependent DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. RSV may exert nephroprotective effects by modulating DOX-induced altered nephrin and OTULIN levels.

N-Acetylcysteine may exert hepatoprotective effect by regulating Meteorin-Like levels in Adriamycin-induced liver injury.

Adriamycin (ADR) is an important chemotherapeutic drug, but it has serious side effects such as hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to evaluate whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has hepatoprotective effects against ADR-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. In addition, it was aimed to determine how Meteorin-Like (MtrnL), which has pleiotropic effects on immunology, inflammation, and metabolism, is affected by ADR and/or NAC applications in liver tissue. 28 rats were randomly assigned to one of four equal groups in the study: control (no treatment), NAC (150 mg/kg/day of NAC intraperitoneally (i.p), ADR (15 mg/kg only on the first day of the experiment), and ADR + NAC (ADR 15 mg/kg on the first day of the experiment + 150 mg/kg/day NAC i.p). After 15 days, liver enzyme levels in serum, oxidant/antioxidant parameters in liver tissue, histopathological changes, caspase 3 (Casp3) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) immunoreactivities, and MtrnL levels were examined. Histopathological changes, liver enzyme levels, as well as HSP-70, and Casp3 immunoreactivities increased due to ADR application. Additionally, MtrnL levels in liver tissue were significantly increased as a result of ADR application. However, it was detected that the NAC application significantly regulated the ADR-induced changes. Furthermore, it was determined that NAC administration regulated the changes in ADR-induced oxidative stress parameters. We propose that NAC may exert a hepatoprotective effect by regulating ADR-induced altered oxidative stress parameters, MtrnL levels, Casp3, and HSP-70 immunoreactivities in the liver.

In an experimental myocardial infarction model, L-arginine pre-intervention may exert cardioprotective effects by regulating OTULIN levels and mitochondrial dynamics.

The experimental myocardial infarction (MI) model originating from isoproterenol (ISO) is frequently preferred in research due to its similarity to MI-induced damage in humans. Beneficial effects of L-arginine (L-Arg), a semi-essential amino acid, in cardiovascular diseases have been shown in many studies. This study was carried out to determine whether L-Arg pre-intervention has protective effects on heart tissue in the experimental MI model. The 28 rats used in the study were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: control, L-Arg, ISO, and L-Arg+ISO. Upon completion of all applications, cardiac markers in serum and biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations in cardiac tissues were performed. Cardiac markers, histopathological changes, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were increased in the experimental MI model. In addition, administration of ISO deregulated OTULIN levels and mitochondrial dynamics in heart tissue. However, L-Arg pre-intervention showed a significant protective effect against changes in ISO-induced MI. L-Arg supplementation with cardioprotective effect may reduce the risks of possible pathophysiological processes in MI.

Relationship of perceived depression, stress, anxiety levels and hedonic hunger.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to explore relationship of perceived depression, anxiety and stress (DAS) levels and hedonic hunger in adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey included questions about some socio-demographic characteristics, Power of Food Scale (PFS-Tr) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) was sent via an online platform. Self-reported weight and height were also questioned. A total of 4112 adult volunteers between the ages of 18-65 years participated in this study. 72.3% of them were female. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress was reported as 31%, 34% and 13% respectively. Hedonic hunger and perceived DAS levels were higher in females (p < 0.001). Hedonic hunger was positively correlated with perceived DAS (p < 0.001). While body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with PFS-Tr total score, food available and food present; negatively associated with food tasted. Body mass index was negatively correlated with perceived DAS. Hedonic hunger and perceived DAS levels decreased with increasing age. Females were more prone to both hedonic hunger and perceived DAS. About one in three participants reported moderate to extremely severe levels of depression and anxiety. Greater perceived DAS levels are associated with hedonic hunger. Underweight individuals had higher levels of perceived DAS. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the prevalence and predictors of perceived DAS levels and hedonic hunger in the Turkish adult population. The findings of the study suggest that the predictors such as age, sex and BMI are a part of psychological well-being and hedonic hunger.

N-Acetylcysteine May Regulate Altered Meteorin-Like Levels in Testicular Tissue due to Aluminum Exposure.

Aluminum (AL) is a heavy metal known to have toxic effects on the reproductive system. It is known that N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which has an antioxidant effect, is a useful chelator for heavy metals. This study aimed to determine whether NAC may reduce AL-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and germ cell apoptosis in testicular tissues and its effects on meteorin-like (METRNL) levels, which are known to play a role in energy metabolism. In this experimental study, 28 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 7): control, AL (30 mg/kg/day AL), AL + NAC (30 mg/kg/day AL + 150 mg/kg/day NAC), and NAC (150 mg/kg/day NAC). All AL and NAC applications were performed intraperitoneally for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the effects of AL and/or NAC applications on testicular tissue were examined histomorphometrically, histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and biochemically. It was determined that AL exposure caused histomorphometric and histopathological changes, oxidative stress, apoptosis of germ cells, and inflammation in testicular tissues. In addition, AL caused an increase in METRNL levels. It was determined that NAC treatment significantly reduced the negative effects of AL. NAC therapy may be a protective strategy in reproductive toxicity due to AL exposure.

The effect of social media use on orthorexia nervosa: a sample from Turkey.

Introduction: Objectives: the current study evaluated the orthorexic tendencies of social media users and the factors affecting these tendencies. Methods: a total of 2526 adult participants (696 male and 1830 female, 28.4 ± 10.3 years) completed a questionnaire that includes personal information, the Orthorexia Nervosa Scale (ORTO-11), the Social Media and Eating Behavior Scale (SMEB), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from the reported weight and height of the participants. Independent-sample t-tests or chi-square tests were computed to evaluate various information of the participants according to the ON tendency. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors. Results: according to ORTO-11, 56.1 % of the participants had a tendency to ON, and the trend to ON increased with age and BMI (p < 0.05). People without ON tendency spent more time (172.2 ± 119.9 min/day) on social media. Participants who followed webpages with healthy nutrition and sport-exercise recommendations had an increased ON risk when compared to those who did not follow those pages (p < 0.05). In addition, although there was a significant difference between participants in physical activity level according to the ON tendency, this relationship was not significant in the regression model (p > 0.05). Conclusion: this study indicates that increasing social media usage, especially web pages that include health and nutrition recommendations, may boost the tendency to ON. Thus, raising awareness of social media may be beneficial to people who have a tendency to ON.

Introducción: Objetivos: el presente estudio evaluó las tendencias ortoréxicas de los usuarios de las redes sociales y los factores que afectan a estas tendencias. Métodos: un total de 2526 participantes adultos (696 hombres y 1830 mujeres, 28,4 ± 10,3 años de edad) completaron un cuestionario que incluye información personal, la escala de ortorexia nerviosa (ORTO-11), la escala de redes sociales y conducta alimentaria (SMEB) y el cuestionario internacional de actividad física en formato corto (IPAQ). El índice de masa corporal (IMC) se calculó a partir del peso y la estatura declarados por los participantes. Se realizaron pruebas t o pruebas del chi cuadrado de muestras independientes para evaluar la diversa información de los participantes según la tendencia a la ortorexia nerviosa. Se utilizó un análisis de regresión logística binaria para identificar los factores de riesgo. Resultados: según el ORTO-11, el 56,1 % de los participantes tenían tendencia a la ortorexia nerviosa y esta tendencia aumentaba con la edad y el IMC (p < 0,05). Las personas sin tendencia a la ortorexia nerviosa dedicaban más tiempo (172,2 ± 119,9 min/día) a las redes sociales. Los participantes que seguían páginas web con recomendaciones sobre alimentación saludable y deporte/ejercicios tenían un mayor riesgo de ortorexia nerviosa que los que no seguían esas páginas (p < 0,05). Además, aunque había una diferencia significativa entre los niveles de actividad física de los participantes según la tendencia a la ortorexia nerviosa, esta relación no era significativa en el modelo de regresión (p > 0,05). Conclusión: este estudio indica que el incremento del uso de las redes sociales, especialmente de las páginas web que incluyen recomendaciones sobre salud y alimentación, podría favorecer la tendencia a la ortorexia nerviosa. Por lo tanto, concienciar a las personas con tendencia a la ortorexia nerviosa sobre las redes sociales puede tener un efecto beneficioso.

Protective Effect of N-Acetylcysteine Against Aluminum-Induced Kidney Tissue Damage in Rats.

Aluminum (AL) is an important nephrotoxic agent with a high daily exposure rate and property of accumulation in tissues. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against AL exposure-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Twenty-eight rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as control, N-acetylcysteine group (NC), AL, and AL + NC, with an equal number of rats in each group (n = 7). No application was made to the control group. A total of 150 mg/kg/day NAC was administered to the NC group and 30 mg/kg/day AL was administered to the AL group intraperitoneally (i.p.). The AL + NC group received 30 mg/kg/day AL and 150 mg/kg/day NAC i.p. Biochemical parameters in blood serum and histopathological changes in kidney tissue, oxidative stress parameters, spexin (SPX), and apoptotic protein levels were examined after 15 days. Histopathological changes, biochemical parameters, oxidative stress parameters, and apoptotic protein levels were significantly irregular in the AL group compared to the control group. Moreover, SPX levels increased in the AL group. However, NAC treatment regulated AL exposure-related changes in the AL + NC group. NAC treatment may have a prophylactic effect against nephrotoxicity due to AL exposure. SPX may play a role in AL-induced nephrotoxicity.

Evaluation of perceived depression, anxiety, stress levels and emotional eating behaviours and their predictors among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the prevalence and predictors of perceived depression, anxiety, stress (DAS) levels and emotional eating behaviours and (2) determine the correlations between DAS levels and emotional eating behaviours during the pandemic. DESIGN: An online cross-sectional study included questions about demographic and anthropometric characteristics, dietary habits, Emotional Appetite Questionnaire (EMAQ) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. The snowball sampling method was used. SETTING: Türkiye. PARTICIPANTS: The study population was 2002 adults aged ≥18 years. RESULT: The mean age was 27·1 ± 9·52 years (72·1 % females and 27·9 % males). The prevalence of moderate to severe DAS was reported as 27·8 %, 30·5 % and 30·7 %, respectively. Skipping meals (OR = 1·32, 95 % CI (1·14, 1·49)) was associated with depression. Weight gain (OR = 1·43, 95 % CI (1·19, 1·66); OR = 1·30, 95 % CI (1·14, 1·49); OR = 1·39, 95 % CI (1·14, 1·64)), weight loss (OR = 1·45, 95 % CI (1·20, 1·70); OR = 1·37, 95 % CI (1·11, 1·62); OR = 1·46, 95 % CI (1·20, 1·72)), exercising at least 150 min/week (OR = 0·64, 95 % CI (0·46, 0·83); OR = 0·73, 95 % CI (0·55, 0·92); OR = 0·83, 95 % CI (0·63, 1·02)), and maintaining an adequate and balanced diet (OR = 0·52, 95 % CI (0·33, 0·71); OR = 0·53, 95 % CI (0·34, 0·73); OR = 0·63, 95 % CI (-0·15, 0·35)) were associated with DAS, respectively. BMI (r = 0·169, P < 0·001), weight (r = 0·152, P < 0·001), number of snacks (r = 0·102, P = 0·011), depression (r = 0·060, P = 0·007), anxiety (r = 0·061, P = 0·006) and stress (r = 0·073, P = 0·001) levels were positively correlated with EMAQ-negative scores. CONCLUSION: Approximately one out of every three participants reported moderate to severe DAS levels. Emotional eating was significantly correlated with perceived DAS. The predictors obtained in the study suggest that a healthy diet and lifestyle behaviours are part of psychological well-being and emotional eating.

Anthropometric measurements and serum TNF-α, IL-6 and adiponectin in type 2 diabetes.

Objective: To investigate the effect of anthropometric measurements on serum adiponectin and inflammatory markers in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This study was conducted with 46 subjects newly diagnosed with T2DM and 30 healthy volunteers free from pre-existing inflammatory disease, cancer, Type 1 diabetes and using any medications. Demographic, clinical and anthropometric data were collected. The anthropometric measurements and insulin resistance components (fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR) were analyzed. HOMA-ß values were calculated to measure pancreatic beta cell functions. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured to determine the presence of inflammation and serum adiponectin levels were assessed. Results: Individuals with T2DM showed higher body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio values. Serum cytokine levels were higher but adiponectin levels were lower in diabetic patients. Serum concentrations of CRP were found to be significantly correlated with WC and body fat mass (kg and %); TNF-α was significantly associated with WC and waist-to-hip ratio in individuals with T2DM. Adiponectin was negatively correlated with WC and waist-to-hip ratio in healthy subjects. Conclusions: Prevention of obesity and central adiposity is an important factor to prevent elevations in inflammatory cytokine levels in diabetic patients.

The combination of N-acetylcysteine and cyclosporin A reduces acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity is the most common cause of acute liver failure in worldwide. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is used as the APAP antidote. Cyclosporin A (CsA) is suppressed mitochondrial damage by binding cyclophilin, a mitochondrial pore transport component. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of NAC, CsA, and NAC+CsA treatments on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). 400 mg/kg/ip/single dose APAP, 1200 mg/kg/i.p/single dose NAC and 50 mg/kg/i.p/single dose CsA were performed. Light and electron microscopic alterations were investigated in liver samples. Levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and liver glutathione (GSH) were analyzed. 3-nitrotyrosine and cytochrome c immunoreactivities were evaluated in liver tissue. Here, we found that APAP leads to histopathological and ultrastructural changes in mice liver. Also, APAP increased cytochrome c and 3-nitrotyrosine immunopositive staining. Besides, a significant decrease in liver GSH and an increase in serum AST and ALT levels were detected in the APAP group. Interestingly, NAC+CsA treatment improved histological alterations, cytochrome c, and 3-nitrotyrosine immunoreactivities and liver GSH, serum AST/ALT levels caused by APAP. We suggest that the combination of NAC and CsA reduces acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

The effects of meal glycemic load on blood glucose levels of adults with different body mass indexes.

AIMS: The aim was to determine the effect of meal glycemic load (GL) on blood glucose levels of healthy people with different body mass indexes (BMIs). METHODS: Thirty healthy controls were included in this study. The participants were divided into two groups according to their BMI as normal group (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, n = 15) and overweight group (BMI = 25.0-29.9 kg/m2, n = 15). Dietary assessment was done by the 24-h recall method for 3 successive days. Cases were fed by breakfasts with two different GL on consecutive days. Energy values of the test meal, adjusted to meet 25% of daily energy requirements of each case, were identical in low and high GL meal (483 kcal and 482 kcal, respectively). Finger-prick capillary blood samples were taken on 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. RESULTS: Average daily energy intake in normal and overweight group was found as 2514.3 ± 223.8 kcal, 2064.1 ± 521.6 kcal and 2211.4 ± 368.7 kcal, 2494.8 ± 918 kcal in males and females, respectively. Blood glucose level was increased and remained more stable in both high GL meal groups compared to low (P < 0.05). The effects of GL on BMI classified groups were also found different. High GL meal was found to be more effective for increasing blood glucose level, especially on overweight group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The effects of GL meal were found to be different on normal and overweight individuals. The high GL meals were more effective to increase the blood glucose level than low GL meal, especially on overweight people.