Cinnamaldehyde has Antifibrotic Effects on Rats with Epidural Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Laminectomy is a widely employed surgical procedure for the treatment of spinal stenosis, but it may lead to epidural fibrosis (EF) and failed back surgery syndrome. Cinnamaldehyde, a phenylpropanoid found in cinnamon, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we hypothesized that topical application and systemic administration of cinnamaldehyde could be helpful in the prevention of EF in a rat laminectomy model. METHODS: The rats were randomly assigned to control, local, and systemic Tween-80 and local and systemic cinnamaldehyde experimental groups (n = 6, per group). In the control group, just laminectomy was performed. In local treatment groups, applications were done just after the laminectomy onto dura. In systemic treatment groups, intraperitoneal administrations were performed following skin suturing. The degree of epidural fibrosis was evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically 4 weeks later. RESULTS: Macroscopic assessment revealed decreased EF with both topical and systemic cinnamaldehyde application, whereas microscopic examination results were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide the first experimental evidence of cinnamaldehyde's potential protective effects against EF.

Primary Hydatid Cyst of Lumbar Paravertebral Muscle.

Hydatid cyst disease as a zoonosis usually infests the liver and lungs, and it rarely affects muscles. Here, we presented a 36-year-old female patient with low back pain. Radiological evaluation revealed a soft tissue lesion located at the left paravertebral region without vertebral invasion. Surgical exploration and removal of the cyst were performed. The pathological diagnosis was hydatid cyst. After the surgery, the patient was treated with albendazole which is used to decrease the consequences of spillage and the possibility of recurrence. Hydatid cyst disease is rarely seen in paravertebral muscle tissue and needs to be correctly managed. Primary muscle involvement of hydatid cyst must be kept in mind for differential diagnosis of paravertebral cystic mass lesions.

Development of a SERS based cancer diagnosis approach employing cryosectioned thyroid tissue samples on PDMS.

An efficient SERS based novel analytical approach named Cryosectioned-PDMS was developed systematically and evaluated applying on 64 thyroid biopsy samples. To utilize thyroid biopsy samples, a 20-µl volume of h-AgNPs suspension was dropped on a 5-µm thick cryosectioned biopsy specimen placed on the PDMS coated glass slide. The SERS spectra from a 10 × 10 points array acquired by mapping 22.5 µm × 22.5 µm sized area from suspended dried droplets placed on the tissue surface. The probability of correctly predicted performance for diagnosis of malignant, benign and healthy tissues was resulted in the accuracy of 100 % for the spectral bands at 667, 724, 920, 960, 1052, 1096, 1315 and 1457 cm-1 using PCA-fed LDA machine learning. The Cryosectioned-PDMS biophotonic approach with PCA-LDA predictive model demonstrated that the vibrational signatures can accurately recognize the fingerprint of cancer pathology from a healthy one with a simple and fast sample preparation methodology.

Split cord malformation concomitant with spinal teratoma without open spinal dysraphism.

PURPOSE: Split cord malformation (SCM) presenting concomitant with spinal teratoma without any open spinal dysraphism has rarely been reported in the literature. We aimed to make a systematic review and qualitative analysis of the literature about the topic and present the first case of SCM concomitant with spinal teratoma harboring papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) component. METHODS: Two big search tools (Pubmed/MEDLINE) and Scopus were used. The search strategy was compatible to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). An exemplary case of ours was also presented. RESULTS: There were 30 patients (15 pediatric and 15 adult). Female and male distribution was even. Median age of the patients was 18 years (range = 0-66 years). The most common presenting symptoms were back pain and lower limb weakness. Spinal teratoma and SCM mostly presented at thoracic/thoracolumbar region in children and lumbar region in adults. Surgical outcome was better in the children compared to the adults. CONCLUSION: Thoracolumbar region is the most common location for such entity in children, whereas lumbar region for the adults. Surgical resection should be done as much as possible under neuromonitorization. The resected material should be evaluated thoroughly not to miss any malign pathology. Surgical outcome is better when it is done at an early age.

Isolated Pituitary Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Isolated pituitary gland metastasis is an extremely rare event in renal cell carcinoma. We present a unique case of isolated pituitary metastasis of renal cell carcinoma and a systematic review of literature on it. CASE REPORT: In this case, an abdominal ultrasound in an asymptomatic 51-year-old female patient showed a mass in her left kidney. Radical nephrectomy was performed and the tumor was diagnosed as a stage 1 clear cell carcinoma. Throughout the 3 months of the follow-up period, the patient started complaining of visual disturbances and headaches. A pituitary mass was found on brain magnetic resonance imaging and was suspected to be a macroadenoma. Surgical resection of the tumor was performed and the final pathological diagnosis was made as a pituitary metastasis of the renal cell carcinoma. After surgery, radiotherapy with sunitinib, a receptor tyrosine inhibitor, was performed. CONCLUSION: The clinical symptoms are usually related to the mass effect of the tumor and anterior pituitary involvement. Most of the cases mimic pituitary macroadenoma on MRI. The most preferred treatment combination is surgery and radiotherapy. We recommend adding sunitinib to this combination. This illustrative case and those found in a systematic review of the literature highlight the importance of histopathologic diagnosis and appropriate management since isolated pituitary metastasis is challenging to preoperative diagnosis.

The Effect of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Gastric Wall Thickness in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: The most important cause affecting the thickness of the gastric wall other than the tumor is chronic gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori (Hp), which is most frequently detected in the antrum. This study aims to investigate the effect of bismuth-based treatment (BBT) combined with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) on wall thicknesses measured in the postoperative gastric specimen and early postoperative complications in patients with Hp-positive pre-LSG endoscopic gastric biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients who underwent LSG procedure for morbid obesity were divided into three groups as follows: Hp-negative, Hp-positive without eradication treatment, and Hp-positive, and LSG was performed after eradication treatment. Macroscopic and microscopic gastric wall thickness measurements were made at a distance of 1 cm from the proximal surgical margin, from the middle part of the specimen, and 1 cm from the distal surgical margin in the gastric specimen and the results were compared. RESULTS: A total of 132 patients were included in the study, 44 patients in each group. Microscopically measured antrum mucosal thickness was found to be statistically significantly higher in group 2 compared to other groups (groups 1.15, 1.35, 1.16 mm, respectively, p = 0.000). There was no difference between the groups in terms of early complications such as bleeding, wound site infection, or leakage from the staple line within the first 28 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: This study found that LSG had no effect on early complications due to Hp positivity or eradication of Hp. KEY POINTS: • The presence of HP increases the wall thickness of the gastric antrum mucosa. • After HP eradication, stomach antrum wall thickness returns to normal. • HP eradication before LSG reduces the wall thickness of the gastric antrum mucosa. • It was determined that HP scanning and eradication before LSG had no effect on postoperative complications.

Relationship between histopathological features of aspirated thrombi and long-term left ventricular function in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: This study was an investigation of the severity of inflammation (SOI) in aspirated material and thrombus age to examine any association with pre-discharge and long-term left ventricular (LV) function after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: The study group comprised 25 patients with STEMI from whom an occlusive thrombus was aspirated from the infarct-related artery with a 7-F catheter. The SOI in the aspirate was determined according to the mean leukocyte count in 5 high-power magnification fields and graded as mild in the presence of ≤100 leukocytes per field or significant if there were >100 leukocytes per field. The thrombi were categorized as fresh or lytic/organized (L/O) using predefined criteria. Echocardiographic assessment was performed prior to discharge and at 1 year. Adverse left ventricular remodeling (LVR) was defined as a 20% increase in LV end-diastolic volume in comparison with baseline values. RESULTS: LVR was observed in 8 patients. The mean leukocyte count of the aspirate (127.5±86.0 vs 227.2±120.7; p=0.026) and frequency of significant inflammation (35% vs 75% p=0.046) were significantly higher in the group with LVR. The serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level was significantly correlated with the leukocyte count of the aspirate (r=0.532; p=0.006). An L/O thrombus was related to better pre-discharge and long-term LV volumes and ejection fraction values compared with a fresh thrombus. CONCLUSION: A significant increase in the leukocyte count in the aspirate and a fresh thrombus might predict long-term LV functional deterioration irrespective of the clinical and procedure-related characteristics. In addition, serum markers of inflammation, like hsCRP, might also reflect the intensity of the local inflammatory response at the site of occlusion.

Locally Used Antibiotics for Spinal Infection Prophylaxis and Their Effects on Epidural Fibrosis: an Experimental Laminectomy Study in Rats Using Rifamycin and Gentamycin.

The study aims to assess the effects of antibiotics (ABs), which are typically used in spinal infection prophylaxis, on the formation of epidural fibrosis (EF). Specifically, we investigated the effect of rifamycin and gentamycin on EF formation in laminectomized rats. Thirty-two rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups as follows: laminectomy and physiological saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control); laminectomy and rifamycin; laminectomy and gentamicin; and laminectomy and a mixture of rifamycin and gentamicin. Laminectomy was performed on L1 and L2 vertebrae in all rats. One month after spinal surgery, spinal tissue samples surrounding the laminectomy were cut with a microtome and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. The histopathological analysis included examining the extent of EF, fibroblast cell density, and cartilage and bone regeneration. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 22 program (SPSS IBM, Turkey). A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. EF value differences between the AB treatment groups and the control group were statistically significant (p = 0.030). Specifically, binary comparisons indicated that the EF value was significantly higher in the rifamycin group than that in the control group (p = 0.003; p < 0.05). Our study suggests that locally applied ABs, especially rifamycin, should be diluted before administration to the epidural space.

Beneficial effects of Oltipraz, nuclear factor - erythroid - 2 - related factor 2 (Nrf2), on renal damage in unilateral ureteral obstruction rat model

ABSTRACT Introduction: We investigated whether Oltipraz (OPZ) attenuated renal fibrosis in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model. Materials and Methods: We randomly divided 32 rats into four groups, each consisting of eight animals as follows: Rats in group 1 underwent a sham operation and received no treatment. Rats in group 2 underwent a sham operation and received OPZ. Rats in group 3 underwent unilateral ureteral ligation and received no treatment. Group 4 rats were subjected to unilateral ureteral ligation plus OPZ administration. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), E-cadherin, nitric oxide (NO) and hydroxyproline levels were measured. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were carried out. Results: TGF-β1, NO and E-cadherin levels in the UUO group were significantly higher than the sham group and these values were significantly different in treated groups compared to the UUO group. In rats treated with UUO + OPZ, despite the presence of mild tubular degeneration and less severe tubular necrosis, glomeruli maintained a better morphology when compared to the UUO group. Expressions of α-SMA in immunohistochemistry showed that the staining positivity decreased in the tubules of the OPZ-treated group. Conclusions: While the precise mechanism of action remains unknown, our results demonstrated that OPZ exerted a protective role in the UUO-mediated renal fibrosis rat model highlighting a promising therapeutic potency of Nrf2-activators for alleviating the detrimental effects of unilateral obstruction in kidneys.

Protective effects of Tadalafil and darbepoetin against ischemia - reperfusion injury in a rat testicular torsion model

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate protective effects of darbepoetin and tadalafil against ischemia-reperfusion injury in ipsilateral and contralateral testicle. Materials and Methods: Thirty 3-month-old adult male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (A-E). Sham operation was performed in the first group. In Group B, rats did not received any medication after creating 720 degrees torsion of the left testis. The rats in Group C, D and E received darbepoetin, tadalafil, and darbepoetin/tadalafil combination 30 minutes after creating 720 degrees torsion of the left testis, respectively. The testes of rats in these three groups were detorsioned at 90 minutes after drug administration. Both testes were removed at 30 minutes after detorsion. Results: There were significant differences between the groups in terms of the degree of histopathological damage, Johnsen score, fibrosis score and caspase-3 immunoreactivity in the torsioned testes (p: 0.000). The results for each parameter in the left testes were significantly better in the darbepoetin / tadalafil combination group. Similarly, there were also significant differences in the contralateral testes (p: 0.000). Conclusion: The active substances darbepoetin and tadalafil that were used as a combination had protective effects on both testes and produced out better results in preserving testicular histology. Especially in cases where it is not possible to rescue the torsioned testis, this result was more noticeable in the contralateral testis.

Protective effects of Tadalafil and darbepoetin against ischemia - reperfusion injury in a rat testicular torsion model.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate protective effects of darbepoetin and tadalafil against ischemiareperfusion injury in ipsilateral and contralateral testicle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty 3-month-old adult male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (A-E). Sham operation was performed in the first group. In Group B, rats did not received any medication after creating 720 degrees torsion of the left testis. The rats in Group C, D and E received darbepoetin, tadalafil, and darbepoetin/ tadalafil combination 30 minutes after creating 720 degrees torsion of the left testis, respectively. The testes of rats in these three groups were detorsioned at 90 minutes after drug administration. Both testes were removed at 30 minutes after detorsion. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the groups in terms of the degree of histopathological damage, Johnsen score, fibrosis score and caspase-3 immunoreactivity in the torsioned testes (p: 0.000). The results for each parameter in the left testes were significantly better in the darbepoetin / tadalafil combination group. Similarly, there were also significant differences in the contralateral testes (p: 0.000). CONCLUSION: The active substances darbepoetin and tadalafil that were used as a combination had protective effects on both testes and produced out better results in preserving testicular histology. Especially in cases where it is not possible to rescue the torsioned testis, this result was more noticeable in the contralateral testis.

Beneficial effects of Oltipraz, nuclear factor - erythroid - 2 - related factor 2 (Nrf2), on renal damage in unilateral ureteral obstruction rat model.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated whether Oltipraz (OPZ) attenuated renal fibrosis in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomly divided 32 rats into four groups, each consisting of eight animals as follows: Rats in group 1 underwent a sham operation and received no treatment. Rats in group 2 underwent a sham operation and received OPZ. Rats in group 3 underwent unilateral ureteral ligation and received no treatment. Group 4 rats were subjected to unilateral ureteral ligation plus OPZ administration. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1), E-cadherin, nitric oxide (NO) and hydroxyproline levels were measured. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were carried out. RESULTS: TGF-ß1, NO and E-cadherin levels in the UUO group were significantly higher than the sham group and these values were significantly different in treated groups compared to the UUO group. In rats treated with UUO + OPZ, despite the presence of mild tubular degeneration and less severe tubular necrosis, glomeruli maintained a better morphology when compared to the UUO group. Expressions of α-SMA in immunohistochemistry showed that the staining positivity decreased in the tubules of the OPZ-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: While the precise mechanism of action remains unknown, our results demonstrated that OPZ exerted a protective role in the UUO-mediated renal fibrosis rat model highlighting a promising therapeutic potency of Nrf2-activators for alleviating the detrimental effects of unilateral obstruction in kidneys.

Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in the Anterior Vaginal Wall of Patients with Stress Urinary Incontinence.

PURPOSE: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are common medical problems, particularlyamong older women. In this study, we aim to explore the relationship between the neurotransmitter nNOS in the vaginal epithelium, and the occurrence of SUI and changes of nNOS levels according to menopausal status.Matherials and Methods: Fourty women were enrolled. The patients were divided into four groups according to menstruaiton status and SUI. The vagina specimens were taken during transobturator tape application. The specimens were examined pathologically in terms of n-NOS expression. nNOS expression was compared between SUI and control groups. The results were evaluated statistically. RESULT: Epithelial total nNOS score in group 1 and group 3 were 2.4 ± 0.5 and 1.4 ± 0.5 respectively (P = .003). Stromal total nNOS score was found 2.2 ± 0.4 in group 1 and 1.3 ± 0.5 in group 3 (P = .001). Epithelial total nNOS score in group 2 and group 4 were 4.4 ± 0.5 and 3.5 ± 0.5 respectively (P = .003). Stromal total nNOS score was found 4.4 ± 0.5 in group 2 and 3.6 ± 0.5 in group 4 ( P = .006). CONCLUSION: Our results show that expression of nNOs in the anterior vaginal epithelium decreased significantly in the SUI group. Altough our findings indicate important results, well designed further studies are needed to comprehend the role of NOS pathways better in SUI pathophysiology.

The Role of Intralipid Emulsion in the Rat Model of Digoxin Intoxication.

Although the mechanism of action is not well known, intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of lipophilic drug intoxications. It is thought that, ILE probably separates the lipophilic drugs from target tissue by creating a lipid-rich compartment in the plasma. The second theory is that ILE provides energy to myocardium with high-dose free fatty acids activating the voltage-gated calcium channels in the myocytes. In this study, effects of ILE treatment on digoxin overdose were searched in an animal model in terms of cardiac side effects and survival. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. As the pre-treatment, the groups were administered saline, ILE, DigiFab and DigiFab and ILE. Following that, digoxin was infused to all groups until death except the control group. First arrhythmia and cardiac arrest observation times were recorded. According to the results, there was no statistically significant difference among the group in terms of first arrhythmia time and cardiac arrest times. However, when the saline group compared with ILE-treated group separately, significant difference was observed. DigiFab, ILE or ILE-DigiFab treatment make no significant difference in terms of the first arrhythmia and cardiac arrest duration in digoxin-intoxicated rats. However, it is not possible to say that at the given doses, ILE treatment might be successful at least as a known antidote. The fact that the statistical significance between the two groups is not observed in the subgroup analysis, the study should be repeated with larger groups.

Verruciform Xanthoma of a Lower Lip Lesion: A New Case and Review of the Literature.

A non-smoking man in his seventh decade presented with a lesion he had had for about 5 years on the right external surface of the lip 1 mm from the vermilion border. On physical examination, a yellowish-coloured, non-tender, verrucous mass of 0.5 × 0.7 cm was observed. A histopathological examination of the first 3-mm punch biopsy was non-diagnostic. The histopathological evaluation of a second, 5-mm-deep punch biopsy made by a pathology expert in oral lesions revealed a diagnosis of verruciform xanthoma. The key to the diagnosis of verruciform xanthoma is to recognize xanthoma cells. However, these cells may be insufficient in number in small and superficial biopsy material and overlooked by a pathologist especially when lacking knowledge of this uncommon lesion. Verruciform xanthoma of the lower lip at the vermilion border is an extremely rare entity described in 5 cases worldwide to date. We aimed to bring verruciform xanthoma to readers' attention for a differential diagnosis of lower lip diseases and to prevent overdiagnosis and overtreatment of this lesion unfamiliar to otorhinolaryngologists.

Selective Nuclear Factor Kappa b (NFkB) Inhibitor, Pyrrolidium Dithiocarbamate Prevents, Long-Term Histologic Damage in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injuries after Delayed Testicular Torsion.

PURPOSE: Nuclear factor kapa b (NFKB) is a transcription factor that is required for cytokine-mediated induction of the human inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene. Recent studies have shown that in the pathophysiology of ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injuries NFKB is involved. In our study we aimed to determine the efficacy of the selective NFKB inhibitor, pyrrolidium dithiocarbamate (PDTC), on long-term histological damage in testicular IR injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 equal groups. In groups 1-2, the left testes in rats underwent 4 hours of 720° experimental torsion. In group 2, PDTC (100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally in the last 1 hour before detorsion; and group 3 underwent a sham operation. All rats underwent bilateral orchiectomy 45 days after the experiment. The testes weights were measured and compared to the other groups and their contralateral values. Testes samples were fixed with Bouin solution for histological (Johnsen score) and immunohistochemical examination. Immunohistochemically iNOS and an active subunit of NFKB, p65 were evaluated using mouse primary monoclonal antibodies and were evaluated semi quantitatively. RESULTS: Testicular weights and Johnsen scores in ipsilateral testes were 0.67 ± 0.85, 1.54 ± 0.11, 1.84 ± 0.64 and 1.63 (1-4), 6.94 (4-10), 5.29 (1-9) in the torsion, sham and PDTC groups, respectively. In contralateral testes the same values were 1.74 ± 0.84, 1.59 ± 0.13, 1.50 ± 0.54 and 5.38 (2-8), 7.17 (5-10), 6.30 (4-9). Testicular weights and Johnsen scores were significantly different in the ipsilateral torsion group (P < .05). In the PDTC group testicular weights and Johnsen scores were similar with the control group (P > .05). Immunohistochemically there was marked staining in the iNOS and p65 expressions in the torsion group compared with group 2 and 3. In rats administered PDTC, iNOS and p65 expressions were significantly reduced compared with the torsion group. There were no significant differences between the histological and immunohistochemical results of groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: This data suggests that IR induces iNOS expressions through the activation of NFKB, p65. The NFKB pathway plays major role in testicular reperfusion injuries. It is possible to prevent reperfusion injuries using selective the NFKB inhibitor. .

Effects of hemostatic polysaccharide agent on epidural fibrosis formation after lumbar laminectomy in rats.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Epidural fibrosis is a common adverse outcome of spinal surgery that can compress the dural sac and nerve root. Local hemostatic agents have many indications in numerous types of spinal surgery. As these agents may behave as foreign bodies, inducing inflammation and delaying regeneration, they could enhance the risk of epidural fibrosis. PURPOSE: We evaluated the effects of hemostatic polysaccharide on epidural fibrosis development in laminectomized rats. STUDY DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled trial. OUTCOME MEASURES: One month after surgery, tissues were histopathologically examined. Spinal tissue surrounding the laminectomy site was cut with a microtome and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome. Slides were evaluated by a pathologist in a blinded fashion. The extent of epidural fibrosis, fibroblast cell density, cartilage, and bone regeneration was evaluated. METHODS: Rats were randomly assigned to receive sham surgery, laminectomy, or laminectomy with hemostatic polysaccharide (seven rats per group). Sham surgery that consisted of a skin incision was performed without laminectomy. Laminectomy was performed at the L1 and L2 vertebrae. In the experimental group, the polysaccharide hemostatic material, HaemoCer was placed in the laminectomy area. RESULTS: The proportion of rats with epidural fibrosis in laminectomized mice (both with and without hemostatic material) was higher than in sham-operated rats (p<.01). There was no difference in fibrosis between the two groups of laminectomized rats (p>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that hemostatic polysaccharide does not enhance epidural fibrosis following laminectomy in rodents, suggesting that absorbable polysaccharides may be appropriate for use in hemostasis during spinal surgery.

Protective effect of hydrogen sulfide on renal injury in the experimental unilateral ureteral obstruction

Introduction/Objective: Ureteral obstruction is a common pathology and causes kidney fibrosis and dysfunction at late period. In this present study, we investigated the antifibrotic and antiinflammatory effects of hydrogen sulfide on kidney damage after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats. Materials and Methods: 24 rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 was control, group 2 was sham, group 3 included rats with UUO and group 4 rats with UUO which were given sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS)-exogenous donor of hydrogen sulfide (intraperitoneally 56μmoL/kg/day). After 14 days, rats were killed and their kidneys were taken and blood analysis was performed. Tubular necrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration and interstitial fibrosis were determined histopathologically in a part of the kidneys; nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were determined in the other part of the kidneys. Urea-creatinine levels were investigated by blood analysis. Statistical analyses were made by the Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: There was no significantly difference for urea-creatinine levels among groups. Pathologically, there was serious tubular necrosis and fibrosis in group 3 and there was significantly decreasing of tubular necrosis and fibrosis in group 4 (p<0.005). Also, there was significantly increase of NO and MDA levels and decrease of GSH levels in group 3 compared to other groups (p<0.005). Conclusions: hydrogen sulfide prevents kidney damage with antioxidant and antiinflammatory effect.

Beneficial effects montelukast, cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonist, on renal damage after unilateral ureteral obstruction in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteral obstruction is a common pathology and caused kidney fibrosis and dysfunction at late period. In this present, we investigated the antifibrotic and antiinflammatory effects of montelukast which is cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, on kidney damage after unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 32 rats divided four groups. Group 1 was control, group 2 was sham, group 3 was rats with UUO and group 4 was rats with UUO which were given montelukast sodium (oral 10 mg/kg/day). After 14 days, rats were killed and their kidneys were taken and blood analysis was performed. Tubular necrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration and interstitial fibrosis scoring were determined histopathologically in a part of kidneys; nitric oxide(NO), malondialdehyde(MDA) and reduced glutathione(GSH) levels were determined in the other part of kidneys. Urea-creatinine levels were investigated at blood analysis. Statistical analyses were made by the Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: There was no difference significantly for urea-creatinine levels between groups. Pathologically, there was serious tubular necrosis and fibrosis in group 3 and there was significantly decreasing for tubular necrosis and fibrosis in group 4(p<0.005). Also, there was significantly increasing for NO and MDA levels; decreasing for GSH levels in group 3 compared the other groups(p<0.005). CONCLUSION: We can say that montelukast prevent kidney damage with antioxidant effect, independently of NO.

The comparison of GLUT-4 and nNOS expression in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with BPH/LUTS.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression in diabetic and non-diabetic patients who underwent TUR-P or transvesical prostatectomy with the diagnosis of BPH. METHODS: Thirty diabetic patients with an average age of 58 and 30 non-diabetic patients with that of 56 were included in the study. T-PSA, IPSS, Q max value and prostate volume were compared between the two groups. The stromal and glandular staining scores of GLUT-4 and nNOS expression were compared. Student's t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of age, IPSS, Qmax and PSA. Patients with diabetes had larger prostate volumes (p = 0.02). Mean GLUT-4 glandular total scores in diabetic and non-diabetic patients were 3.36 ± 1.21 and 2.1 ± 1.39, respectively, whereas stromal total scores were 3.63 ± 1.12 and 2.46 ± 1.33, and they were both statistically significant (p = 0.028 and p = 0.032, respectively). Glandular total nNOS scores in diabetic and non-diabetic patients were 4.53 ± 1.0 and 2.80 ± 1.12, while stromal total scores were 1.76 ± 1,0 and 2.30 ± 1.08 and they were found to be statistically significant (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.037, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: GLUT-4 expression was found higher in prostatic tissue of the patients with diabetes mellitus. The expression value of nNOS was higher in the glandular area in diabetic patients, while stromal area expression score was higher in non-diabetic patients. Although our findings indicate important results, carefully designed further studies are needed to better comprehend the role of GLUT-4 and NOS pathways in BPH/LUTS pathophysiology.