The safety of intraocular usage of aspirin.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of intravitreally injected aspirin on normal ocular tissues. METHODS: Six eyes of 3 rabbits as a control group, 18 eyes of 9 albino rabbits which were injected aspirin intravitreally were studied. In the control group, the same volume of balanced salt solution (BSS) as in drug groups were injected. Clinical examination methods including biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and Schiotz tonometry, electrophysiological test including ERG, and histopathological examination including light microscopy were used to evaluate the ocular effects after drug injections. All the study tests were performed before the injections and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the injections as well. RESULTS: No significant toxicity was determined after injection in terms of the clinical examination methods in all eyes. Cataracts were observed in 27.7% (5/18) of the eyes in the study group. All cataracts in 5 eyes disappeared at the end of three months. In tonometry, no value out of the normal range of rabbits (17.5 ± 3.1 mmHg) was observed. No toxicity sign was observed at electrophysiological and histopathological evaluations. CONCLUSION: After intravitreal injection of aspirin, no significant toxicity sign was observed other than a reversible cataract. Thus, intravitreal aspirin injections may be an additional or alternative treatment option for several anterior or posterior segment ocular diseases in addition to their topical utilization.

Visual evoked potentials and pulse wave velocity in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Data about the effects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on various functions of the nervous and cardiovascular systems are limited. In this study, the visual neuronal and cardiovascular functions of patients with IBD were evaluated by measuring visual evoked potentials (VEP) and pulse wave velocity (PWV), respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were three study groups: the Crohn's disease (CD) group (n=25), the ulcerative colitis (UC) group (n=30), and a healthy control (C) group (n=25). The exclusion criteria were as follows: patients with IBD were in remission, had no extra-intestinal manifestations of the disease, had no additional chronic disease(s), and had been receiving medical treatment for their IBD without any previous surgical intervention. VEP amplitudes (mV) and the N2 and P2 latencies (ms) were recorded for visual-neuronal analysis of all study groups. For cardiovascular assessment in all study groups, PWV was measured noninvasively as follows: the carotid-femoral PWV with the Complior Colson device (The authors have no conflict of interest.) and the PWV along the aorta with two ultrasound strain-gauge pressure-sensitive transducers (TY-306 Fukuda pressure-sensitive transducers - Fukuda Denshi Co, Tokyo, Japan) fixed transcutaneously over the course of a pair of arteries separated by a known distance. The right femoral and right common carotid arteries were the ones used. RESULTS: The PWV levels of the CD and UC groups were significantly higher than those in the C group (p<0.001). In the bilateral recording of the VEP, the N2 latencies of the CD (p<0.05) and UC (p<0.01) groups were significantly longer than those in the C group. CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed vascular and visual neuronal impairments at a subclinical stage in patients with both types of IBD.

Iloprost reduces colitis induced oxidative stress: An experimental study in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Reactive oxygen species have a known potent role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. Iloprost, a pharmaceutical, is a chemically stable derivative of a naturally- occurring human prostacyclin. Several studies have demonstrated protective effects of iloprost via its antioxidant and its anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of iloprost on oxidant/antioxidant status, as well as the large bowel histopathology in experimental colitis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Forty adult male Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided in to four equal weight-matched groups: sham group (n=10), iloprost administered sham group (n=10), colitis group (n=10), iloprost administered colitis group (n=10). Acetic acid (1 ml of 4% solution) was used to induce colonic inflammation in the rats. RESULTS: Colonic tissue and plasma malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in the iloprost administered colitis group than the colitis group (p<0.01). Tissue glutathione levels of the iloprost administered colitis group were significantly higher than the colitis group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated in this study iloprost to be an antioxidant, as well as iloprost demonstrating protective activity against colitis induced oxidative stress.

Darbepoetin α ameliorates neuronal damage in a rat model of acute ethanol intoxication.

OBJECTIVE: Acute ethanol intoxication has been shown to cause oxidative damage in many organ systems including the brain. Erythropoietin has antioxidant effects and prevents neuronal damage in the animal model of ischemic brain injury. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of darbepoetin alpha, an analog of erythropoietin with a longer half-life and higher in vivo activity, on ethanol-induced acute brain injury. METHODS: Forty-eight Wistar albino rats were allocated to four groups. The first group received ethanol treatment (E), the second group was treated with ethanol and darbepoetin (ED), the third group received only saline treatment (S), and the fourth group received both saline and darbepoetin treatment (SD). Plasma S100-ß and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels were measured. Histopathological evaluation of the brains was performed. RESULTS: The plasma S100-ß and NSE levels were significantly lower in group ED compared with group E. In group E, we have observed focal red-neuron formation at the granular layer of the dentate gyrus. We did not observe any histopathological changes in the other groups (ED, S, and SD). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that darbepoetin alpha has neuroprotective effect in acute ethanol intoxication, possibly through its antioxidant effect.

Effects of lycopene on oxidative stress and remnant liver histology after partial hepatectomy in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Partial hepatectomy is performed for the treatment of mass lesions in the liver. Lycopene, which is a carotenoid, is present in various physiologic processes. In this study, the effects of lycopene administration in partially hepatectomized rats were evaluated by assessing various oxidant/antioxidant parameters, remnant liver histology and plasma nitric oxide levels. METHODS: Thirty Wistar albino adult male rats were randomly divided into three equal groups as: Sham, Partial Hepatectomy and Lycopene-Administered + Partial Hepatectomy groups. Lycopene (4 mg/kg), which was dissolved in olive oil, was given to the rats per orally (via gavage tube) (0.1 ml) every day for 6 weeks before partial hepatectomy and for one week after partial hepatectomy. Tissue and blood samples were collected one week after partial hepatectomy. RESULTS: Plasma malondialdehyde (p<0.001) and nitric oxide (p<0.05) levels in the lycopene-administered + partial hepatectomy group were significantly higher than in the partial hepatectomy group. Intraerythrocytic glutathione (p<0.001), plasma (p<0.001) and liver tissue Cu-Zn (p<0.05) superoxide dismutase levels of the lycopene-administered + partial hepatectomy group were significantly lower than in the partial hepatectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene administration could be harmful by increasing oxidative stress after partial hepatectomy.

Effects of clinoptilolite treatment on oxidative stress after partial hepatectomy in rats.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Clinoptilolite is a natural zeolite crystal. Cytoprotective effects of clinoptilolite have been reported. However, so far there are no data about the effects of clinoptilolite treatment on oxidative stress after partial hepatectomy. In this experimental study, the effects of clinoptilolite treatment after partial hepatectomy on oxidative stress were evaluated. METHODS: There were four experimental groups (n=8): Group S, the sham group; Group H, the hepatectomy group; Group HC, the clinoptilolite treatment after partial hepatectomy group; and Group CS, the clinoptilolite-treated sham group. A 70% partial hepatectomy was performed for Group H and HC. Clinoptilolite (5mg/kg) was given to the rats orally (via gavage tube) twice a day for 10 days after hepatectomy. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Cu-Zn super oxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels were assessed to evaluate oxidative stress. RESULTS: Plasma and liver tissue MDA levels of Group HC were significantly lower than the H group (p=0.018 and p=0.000, respectively). Liver tissue Cu-Zn SOD activity and GSH levels of Group HC were significantly higher than Group H (p=0.003, p=0.007, respectively). CONCLUSION: Clinoptilolite administration reduces oxidant activity and supports antioxidant response after partial hepatectomy.

Evaluation of visual evoked potentials in chronic renal failure patients with different treatment modalities.

BACKGROUND: Uremia causes central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Modern diagnostic methods are useful for the recognition of CNS complications in uremic patients. Data concerning visual evoked potentials (VEPs) of chronic renal failure (CRF) patients is limited. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to assess and compare VEPs abnormalities in CRF patients managed by only medical therapy (pre-dialysis) or medical therapy plus renal replacement therapy (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or hemodialysis (HD)). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients diagnosed with CRF of various etiologies were divided into 3 groups according to the treatment modalities used to manage CRF; pre-dialysis group, HD group and CAPD group. For the comparison of VEPs parameters, an age matched control group was formed with 10 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Bilateral N2 latency (p<0.001), bilateral P2 latency (p=0.003), right N2 latency (p=0.006) and left VEP N2 latency (p=0.002) in the HD group was significantly higher than the control group. The CAPD group had significantly increased bilateral N2 latency (p<0.001), right eye VEP N2 latency (p=0.004), right eye P2 latency (p=0.001), left eye N2 latency (p=0.005) and left eye P2 latency (p=0.001) levels than the control group. There was no significant difference between VEPs of the CAPD and HD groups. CONCLUSION: The renal replacement treatments that we evaluated have similar effects on VEPs. Diminished VEPs indicating visual neuronal system damage were observed, when CRF progresses. CNS dysfunctions can be diagnosed and additional therapeutic approaches could be followed using VEPs during the treatment of CRF.

Donor heart preservation with iloprost supplemented St. Thomas Hospital cardioplegic solution in isolated rat hearts.

This study was designed to assess the influence of St. Thomas Hospital cardioplegic solution (St. Th.) on heart preservation in rat hearts subjected to 6h ischemia when supplemented with iloprost. In the control group (n=8), nothing was added to St. Th., whereas 10 or 1000 nmol L(-1) iloprost was added in the second (n=7) and third (n=8) groups, respectively. Mechanical contraction parameters, cardiac tissue damage and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. The 10 nmol/L iloprost group peak systolic pressure (71.0+/-30.9 versus 41.0+/-9.4 mm Hg) and -dp/dtmax (1103.8+/-94.3 versus 678.6+/-156.8 mm Hg s(-1)) were significantly higher than control group at 30 min of reperfusion (p<0.05). Iloprost supplemented groups had higher GSH and catalase levels of coronary perfusate at reperfusion, in comparison with initial values (p<0.05). AST, CK, CK-MB values increased at 0 min of reperfusion and cTnI values at 45 min of reperfusion (p<0.05) in all groups with no difference between groups. According to our results, iloprost supplementation had mild but significant improvement in postischemic values in mechanical and oxidative stress parameters, resulting in better heart preservation.

Iloprost pretreatment before unilateral nephrectomy: an experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of iloprost administration before unilateral nephrectomy on postoperative interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), and oxidant/antioxidant status. METHODS: Malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase were measured in the blood and remnant kidney of Adult male Wistar albino rats to assess oxidant and antioxidant status. The rats were divided into three experimental groups: sham group (S) (n = 12); unilateral nephrectomized group (N) (n = 12); an hour before unilateral nephrectomy iloprost (1 ng/mL/kg, intraperitoneal) administered group (IN) (n = 12). RESULTS: Iloprost administration before unilateral nephrectomy lowered oxidant parameters and IL-6 levels significantly. NO levels were increased in both N and IN groups. CONCLUSION: Iloprost pretreatment before unilateral nephrectomy can reduce oxidative stress and IL-6, which increases due to anaesthesia and surgery and causes organ damage during surgery and in the short-term postoperative period.

Effects of iloprost on visual evoked potentials and brain tissue oxidative stress after bilateral common carotid artery occlusion.

Effects of iloprost on visual evoked potentials and oxidant/antioxidant status were evaluated after bilateral carotid artery occlusion. There were three experimental groups; Sham (S) group (n=10), bilateral common carotid artery occluded (BCCAO) group (n=10) and after bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, iloprost-treated (BCCAOI) group (n=10). Iloprost was administered (0.5ng/kg/day) for 10 days by intraperitoneal injection. N(2) and P(2) latencies (millisecond) and N(2)-P(2) (microV) amplitudes were recorded 10 days after operation for evaluating VEPs. The rats were sacrificed by decapitation immediately after recording of VEPs. Malondialdehyte (MDA), glutathione (GSH), Cu-Zn superoxide dysmutase (SOD) were studied spectrophotometricly. After BCCAO, MDA levels were increased, GSH and Cu-Zn SOD levels were decreased significantly, and abnormal VEPs parameters were observed. Iloprost treatment after BCCAO decreased MDA and increased GSH levels significantly. Low Cu-Zn SOD levels and impaired VEPs remained after iloprost treatment. Iloprost treatment may protect the brain tissue from oxidative damage during cerebral hypoperfusion.

Iron supplementation in experimental hyperthyroidism: effects on oxidative stress in skeletal muscle tissue.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of iron supplementation on the parameters of oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle tissue of hyperthyroidism induced rats. Hyperthyroidism was found to cause an increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and copper zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn SOD) activity, but decreases in the glutathione-peroxidase (GSH Px) activity and glutathione (GSH). Iron supplementation caused an increase in TBARS and a decrease in GSH. Iron supplementation in hyperthyroid rats attenuated the hyperthyroid state, but lowered the plasma ferritin level, which is considered an indicator of thyroid hormone action. Iron supplementation caused no additional increase in the TBARS in hyperthyroid rats, ameliorated the decrease in GSH content and abolished the induction of Cu, Zn SOD. Our findings suggested no increase, but a decrease, in the risk of oxidative stress in iron supplemented hyperthyroid rats. Whether supplementation of iron would have similar effects in humans should be further investigated in clinical studies.

Effect of Ringer-Lactate and isotonic saline solutions on mucociliary clearance of tracheal epithelium: an experimental study in rats.

Isotonic saline solution is frequently used in nasal and tracheal lavage. In a previous clinical study, it was found that Ringer-Lactate solution, as a nasal lavage, was better for mucociliary clearance function than isotonic saline solution after nasal septal surgery. In this experimental study, the effects of Ringer-Lactate and isotonic saline solutions on mucociliary clearance of healthy rat tracheal epithelium were investigated by measuring the transport of carbon particles. We found that tracheal segments that were irrigated with Ringer-Lactate had better mucociliary transport than those irrigated with isotonic saline (p = 0.035).