Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on rats with post-operative ileus.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative ileus (POI) is a type of bowel dismotility causing accumulation of gas and fluid. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been frequently used for medical applications such as pain treatment and nervous stimulation. In this experimental animal model of POI, our aim is to investigate the effects of TENS on POI, and to demonstrate histopathological changes in rat intestine after TENS application. METHODS: The present study is an experimental animal model of POI. Sixteen Wistar-Albino male rats in two groups were used and laparotomy was performed. After colorectum and small intestine were manipulated, activated charcoal and Nile red were ad-ministered by oral gavage. Electrodes were placed to the abdomen skin of the rats and TENS method was used. Rats in two groups were sacrificed on 24 h. The esophagus, stomach, and all intestines of the rats were resected and a direct X-ray and computerized tomography scan, and 'J' images were taken, and the progression of active coals was measured radiologically. Histopathological and microscopic evaluation was performed. RESULTS: The median of activated charcoal measure was 429 mm (178-594) in TENS group, 203 mm (149-313) in the control group, respectively, and these were statistically significant (p=0.004963). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of histopathological necrosis (p=0.041). In addition, the amount of Nil Red (550 nm) in the GI track is increased after 8 h of gavage with sequential applications of TENS. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the protective and therapeutic efficacy of TENS in POI in a rat model by radiologically and histopathologically. In clinical practice, TENS may be examined on POI. Further studies are warranted to validate and generalize our findings, and to assess the impact of TENS for post-operative pain also.

An Investigation of the Effects of Curcumin on the Changes in the Central Nervous System of Rats Exposed to Aroclor 1254 in the Prenatal Period.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Aroclor 1254 is a widespread toxic compound of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), which can create significant nervous problems. No remedies have been found to date. The aim of this study was to reveal the damage that occurs in the central nervous system of rat pups exposed to Aroclor 1254 in the prenatal period and to show the inhibiting effect of curcumin, which is a strong anti-oxidant and neuroprotective substance. METHOD: The study established 3 groups of adult female and male Wistar albino rats. The rats were mated within these groups and the offspring rats were evaluated within the group given Aroclor 1254 only (n=10) and the group was given both Aroclor 1254 and curcumin (n=10) and the control group (n=10). The groups were compared in respect of pathomorphological damage. The immunohistochemical evaluation was made of 8-hydroxdeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 4-hydroxynoneal (4HNE), myelin basic protein (MBP) expressions and TUNEL reaction. The biochemical evaluation was made of the changes in the TAS-TOS and Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) levels. Damage was seen to have been reduced with curcumin in the 8OHdG and TUNEL reactions, especially in the forebrain and the midbrain, although the dosage applied did not significantly change TAS and TOS levels. Consequently, it was understood that Aroclor 1254 caused damage in the central nervous system of the pup in the prenatal period, and curcumin reduced these negative effects, particularly in the forebrain and the midbrain. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that curcumin could be a potential neuroprotective agent and would be more effective at higher doses.

The effect of silymarin on hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy: is silymarin effective in hepatic regeneration?

AIM: Silymarin from Silybum marianum was found to reduce liver injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of silymarin on hepatic regeneration in partially hepatectomized rats. METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 animals as sham, control and experimental groups. In the sham group (n=10) abdominal incision was closed after laparotomy. In the control group (n=10), the rats underwent 70% hepatectomy after laparotomy. In the experimental group (n=10) after partial 70% hepatectomy, silymarin (200 mg/kg/d) were given to rats for 10 days. Rats in three groups were sacrificed on 10 days. Aspartate (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), ALP, LDH and total bilirubin levels were measured using intracardiac blood samples. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and tissue glutathion (GSH) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured. To reveal the increase in the mass of the remnant liver tissue in the control and experimental groups relative weight of the liver was calculated. Histopathological analysis of the liver was performed using a semi-quantitative scoring system. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference among three groups was not shown for AST and ALT levels. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups as for total bilirubin and gamma glutamyl transferase levels. Increases in relative liver weights were seen with time in Groups 2 and 3. A statistically significant difference was not found for tissue malondialdehyde, Glutathion and Superoxide dismutase levels between hepatectomy and hepatectomy + silymarin groups. On liver tissue sections of the rats in the hepatectomy + silymarin group, increased regeneration and lipid peroxidation were observed accompanied by decreased antioxidant response. CONCLUSION: It has been observed that silymarin with many established functions such as antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and energy antioxidant effects, does not contributed to proliferative regeneration of the liver-which has very important metabolic functions -after partial hepatectomy; instead it will decrease serum levels of transaminases.