Protective effect of astaxanthin on testis torsion/detorsion injury through modulation of autophagy.

A significant clinical condition known as testicular torsion leads to permanent ischemic damage to the testicular tissue and consequent loss of function in the testicles. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Astaxanthin (ASTX) on testicular damage in rats with testicular torsion/detorsion in the light of biochemical and histopathological data. Spraque Dawley rats of 21 were randomly divided into three groups; sham, testicular torsion/detorsion (TTD) and astaxanthin + testicular torsion/detorsion (ASTX + TTD). TTD and ASTX + TTD groups underwent testicular torsion for 2 hours and then detorsion for 4 hours. Rats in the ASTX + TTD group were given 1 mg/kg/day astaxanthin by oral gavage for 7 days before torsion. Following the detorsion process, oxidative stress parameters and histopathological changes in testicular tissue were evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were significantly decreased in the ASTX group compared to the TTD group, while superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, histopathological changes were significantly reduced in the group given ASTX (p < 0.0001). It was determined that ASTX administration increased Beclin-1 immunoreactivity in ischemic testicular tissue, while decreasing caspase-3 immunoreactivity (p < 0.0001). Our study is the first to investigate the antiautophagic and antiapoptotic properties of astaxanthin after testicular torsion/detorsion based on the close relationship of Beclin-1 and caspase-3 in ischemic tissues. Our results clearly demonstrate the protective effects of ASTX against ischemic damage in testicular tissue. In ischemic testicular tissue, ASTX contributes to the survival of cells by inducing autophagy and inhibiting the apoptosis.

Intracerebroventricular BDNF infusion may reduce cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by promoting autophagy and suppressing apoptosis.

Here, it was aimed to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) infusion for 7 days following cerebral ischemia (CI) on autophagy in neurons in the penumbra. Focal CI was created by the occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. A total of 60 rats were used and divided into 4 groups as Control, Sham CI, CI and CI + BDNF. During the 7-day reperfusion period, aCSF (vehicle) was infused to Sham CI and CI groups, and BDNF infusion was administered to the CI + BDNF group via an osmotic minipump. By the end of the 7th day of reperfusion, Beclin-1, LC3, p62 and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels in the penumbra area were evaluated using Western blot and immunofluorescence. BDNF treatment for 7 days reduced the infarct area after CI, induced the autophagic proteins Beclin-1, LC3 and p62 and suppressed the apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3. Furthermore, rotarod and adhesive removal test times of BDNF treatment started to improve from the 4th day, and the neurological deficit score from the 5th day. ICV BDNF treatment following CI reduced the infarct area by inducing autophagic proteins Beclin-1, LC3 and p62 and inhibiting the apoptotic caspase-3 protein while its beneficial effects were apparent in neurological tests from the 4th day.

Spexin may induce mitochondrial biogenesis in white and brown adipocytes via the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis.

AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of spexin on the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis (TRH, TSH, T4 and T3 hormones) and energy expenditure (PGC-1α and UCP1 genes) in white adipose (WAT) and brown adipose tissues (BAT) in rats. Furthermore, the study aimed to determine the effects of spexin on food-water consumption and body weight of rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted with 40 male rats that were divided into 4 groups: Control, Sham, Spexin 30 and Spexin 100 (n = 10). Spexin (1 µl/hour) was administered to rats other than those in the control group for 7 days with osmotic minipumps intracerebroventricularly, artificial cerebrospinal fluid (vehicle) was administered to the Sham group, and 30 nMol and 100 nMol spexin was infused to the Spexin 30 and Spexin 100 groups, respectively. Food-water consumption and body weight of the rats were monitored during the experiments. After the seven-day infusion, the rats were decapitated and serum TSH, fT4 and fT3 levels were determined with ELISA on rat blood samples. Also, TRH gene expression levels from the hypothalamus tissues and PGC-1α and UCP1 expression levels from WAT and BAT were determined by real-time PCR. FINDINGS: It was determined that icv spexin infusion reduced daily food consumption and body weight without leading to a significant change in water consumption (p < 0.05). Icv spexin infusion significantly decreased serum TSH, and increased fT4 and fT3 levels when compared to control and sham groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, icv spexin infusion increased the TRH expressions in the hypothalamus tissues and PGC-1α UCP1 in the WAT and BAT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Icv Spexin infusion may have effects on food consumption and body weight as well as, thyroid hormones and energy metabolism.

Melatonin Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury through Inducing Autophagy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate how melatonin administration for 3 days or 7 days following cerebral ischemia (CI) injury would affect autophagy and, therefore, survival in neurons of the penumbra region. Moreover, it was also aimed at determining how this melatonin treatment would affect the neurological deficit score and rotarod and adhesive removal test durations. METHODS: Focal CI (90 min) was achieved in a total of 105 rats utilizing a middle cerebral artery occlusion model. After the start of reperfusion, the groups were treated with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day) for 3 days or 7 days. In all groups, neurological deficit scoring, rotarod, and adhesive removal tests were executed during reperfusion. Infarct areas were determined by TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) staining at the end of the 3rd and 7th days of reperfusion. Beclin-1, LC3, p62, and caspase-3 protein levels were assessed using Western blot and immunofluorescence methods in the brain tissues. Moreover, penumbra areas were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Following CI, it was observed that melatonin treatment improved the rotarod and adhesive removal test durations from day 5 and reduced the infarct area after CI. It also induced autophagic proteins Beclin-1, LC3, and p62 and suppressed the apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3. According to TEM findings, melatonin treatment partially reduced the damage in neurons after CI. CONCLUSION: Melatonin treatment following CI reduced the infarct area and induced the autophagic proteins Beclin-1, LC3, and p62 by inhibiting the apoptotic caspase-3 protein. The functional reflection of melatonin treatment on neurological test scores was became significant from the 5th day onward.

Molsidomine decreases hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats.

BACKGROUND: The study's objective is to evaluate if Molsidomine (MOL), an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic drug, is effective in treating hyperoxic lung injury (HLI). METHODS: The study consisted of four groups of neonatal rats characterized as the Control, Control+MOL, HLI, HLI + MOL groups. Near the end of the study, the lung tissue of the rats were evaluated with respect to apoptosis, histopathological damage, anti-oxidant and oxidant capacity as well as degree of inflammation. RESULTS: Compared to the HLI group, malondialdehyde and total oxidant status levels in lung tissue were notably reduced in the HLI + MOL group. Furthermore, mean superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione activities/levels in lung tissue were significantly higher in the HLI + MOL group as compared to the HLI group. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß elevations associated with hyperoxia were significantly reduced following MOL treatment. Median histopathological damage and mean alveolar macrophage numbers were found to be higher in the HLI and HLI + MOL groups when compared to the Control and Control+MOL groups. Both values were increased in the HLI group when compared to the HLI + MOL group. CONCLUSIONS: Our research is the first to demonstrate that bronchopulmonary dysplasia may be prevented through the protective characteristics of MOL, an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic drug. IMPACT: Molsidomine prophylaxis significantly decreased the level of oxidative stress markers. Molsidomine administration restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Molsidomine prophylaxis significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Molsidomine may provide a new and promising therapy for BPD in the future. Molsidomine prophylaxis decreased lung damage and macrophage infiltration in the tissue.

Effects of central FGF21 infusion on the glucose homeostasis in rats (brain-pancreas axis).

INTRODUCTION: Glucose homeostasis is a physiological process mediated by a variety of hormones. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is a protein expressed in the liver, adipose tissue, muscle and pancreas and exerts actions in multiple targets including adipose, liver, pancreas and hypothalamus. The aim of this study was to examine the possible involvement of FGF21 in pancreatic and central control of glucose by measuring reflective changes in the release of insulin and glucagon. METHODS: Thirty adult male Wistar Albino rats were divided; Control, PD + aCSF, PD + FGF21 groups (n = 10). Effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) FGF21 administration to pancreatic denervated (PD) rats. Agouti-related protein (AgRP), Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) levels and blood glucose homeostasis were investigated. RESULTS: Administration of FGF21 to 3rd ventricle increased food consumption but body weight didn't change significantly. AgRP level increased, pancreatic insulin levels increased, and glucagon level decreased. CONCLUSION: Central FGF21 administration is effective in regulating blood glucose homeostasis by increasing the amount and efficiency of insulin and changing glucose use.

Protective effect of dexpanthenol against methotrexate-induced liver oxidative toxicity in rats.

Methotrexate is a familiar chemotherapeutic preferred in a wide range of clinical fields such as leukemia, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, neoplastic and autoimmune disorders. However, methotrexate therapy has limitations as it causes severe side effects from which liver damage is the most important one. Several antioxidant compounds have been studied against methotrexate related liver toxicity, but dexpanthenol has not been experienced. Vitamin B5-derived dexpanthenol is a usual therapeutic having a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ameliorating effect of dexpanthenol against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity. We performed our experiments on Wistar albino rats divided randomly into four groups involving control, dexphantenol, dexpanthenol + methotrexate and methotrexate applied animals. After this experimental work on rats, for the first time, we showed dexpanthenol improvement effect on ROS-caused hepatotoxicity initiated by methotrexate administration in terms of liver tissue antioxidant/oxidant enzymes, liver function tests, and histological changes. We suggest that dexpanthenol might be applied during methotrexate treatment in order to reduce the liver toxicity. However, further studies are needed to find out the optimal dose regimen and to understand the mechanism of action.

Differential expression of miRNAs related to autophagy pathway in tissue and serum samples of colorectal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to investigate the relationship of miR-17-5p, miR-30b, miR-30d, miR-216a and miR-216b associated with autophagy gene beclin 1, and beclin 1 gene with colorectal cancer (CRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with CRC and 50 healthy individuals with no cancer history were included in this study. In the serum, tumor and non-tumoral tissue samples of the CRC patients, and in the serum samples of the healthy subjects, expression levels of miRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR. The beclin 1 gene expression levels were determined by qRT-PCR, and protein levels were determined by Western blot method in tumor and non-tumor tissue samples of the patients. RESULTS: The miR-17-5p and miR-30d expressions were found to be higher in tumor tissue as compared to patient non-tumor tissues, while expressions of beclin-1, miR-30b and miR-216a were found to be lower. In addition, the beclin-1 protein levels were significantly decreased in the tumor tissue as compared to those in the patient non-tumor tissues. The miR-30d expression was significantly reduced in the serum of the patients when the serum samples of CRC patients and healthy controls were compared. CONCLUSION: The beclin 1 gene may play a role as a tumor suppressor in CRC. Moreover, these miRNAs cannot be used as highly reliable biomarkers in serum for CRC diagnosis (Tab. 2, Fig. 6, Ref. 46).

Alpha lipoic acid decreases neuronal damage on brain tissue of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Neuropathy that develops due to diabetic complications causes cognitive im-pairment due to functional and structural damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical, histological and physiological effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) against brain tissue damage caused by diabetes. Fourty male Wistar albino rats were separated into four groups as control, diabetes mellitus (DM), ALA and DM+ALA. Single dose of 50 mg/kg intraperitonal streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce DM. For six weeks, ALA (100 mg/kg/day) was administered to the ALA and DM+ALA groups. At the end of the six week rats were sacrificed by collecting blood samples and collected brain tissues (hippocampus, cortex, hippotalamus and stri-atum) were histologically evaluated in addition to the oxidant-antioxidant parameters. ALA administration showed significant improvement in cognitive functions evaluated by MWM in rats with diabetes mellitus (p<0.05). SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activities, which were decreased in the DM group compared to the control group, increased statistically significantly in rats in DM+ALA group (p<0.05). While MDA and PC levels increased in the DM group, they decreased statistically significantly in the DM+ALA group (p<0.05). According to the histological examinations made by light and electron microscopies, it was determined that the ultrastructural damage and degeneration findings observed in the sections of the DM group were significantly ameliorated in the sections of rats in the DM+ALA group. ALA may be effective in restoring cell damage and cognitive functions in brain tissue with its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects without showing antidiabetic effects.

The protective effects of apocynin in hyperoxic lung injury in neonatal rats.

AIM: Inflammation and oxidate stress are significant factors in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of apocynin (APO), an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic drug, in the prophylaxis of neonatal hyperoxic lung injury. METHOD: This experimental study included 40 neonatal rats divided into the control, APO, BPD, and BPD + APO groups. The control and APO groups were kept in a normal room environment, while the BPD and BPD + APO groups were kept in a hyperoxic environment. The rats in the APO and BPD + APO groups were administered intraperitoneal APO, while the control and BPD rats were administered ordinary saline. At the end of the trial, lung tissue was evaluated with respect to the degree of histopathological injury, apoptosis, oxidant and antioxidant capacity, and severity of inflammation. RESULT: The BPD and BPD + APO groups exhibited higher mean histopathological injury and alveolar macrophage scores compared to the control and APO groups. Both scores were lower in the BPD + APO group in comparison to the BPD group. The BPD + APO group had a significantly lower average of TUNEL positive cells than the BPD group. The lung tissue examination indicated significantly higher levels of mean malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) in the BPD group compared to the control and APO groups. While the TNF-α and IL-1ß levels of the BPD + APO group were similar to that of the control group, the MDA and TOS levels were higher compared to the controls and lower compared to the BPD group. The BPD group demonstrated significantly lower levels/activities of mean total antioxidant status, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase in comparison to the control and APO groups. While the mean antioxidant enzyme activity of the BPD + APO group was lower than the control group, it was significantly higher compared to the BPD group. CONCLUSION: This is the first study in the literature to reveal through an experimental neonatal hyperoxic lung injury that APO, an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic drug, exhibits protective properties against the development of BPD.

Does Chrysin prevent severe lung damage in Hyperoxia-Induced lung injury Model?

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and inflammation play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effect of Chrysin (CH), an antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiapoptotic and antifibrotic drug, on hyperoxia-induced lung injury in a neonatal rat model. METHODS: Forty infant rats were divided into four groups labeled the Control, CH, BPD, and BPD + CH. The control and CH groups were kept in a normal room environment, while the BPD and BPD + CH groups were kept in a hyperoxic (90-95%) environment. At the end of the study, lung tissue was evaluated with respect to apoptosis, histopathological damage and alveolar macrophage score as well as oxidant capacity, antioxidant capacity, and inflammation. RESULTS: Compared to the BPD + CH and control groups, the lung tissues of the BPD group displayed substantially higher levels of MDA, TOS, TNF-α, and IL-1ß (p < 0.05). While the BPD + CH group showed similar levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß as the control group, MDA and TOS levels were higher than the control group, and significantly lower than the BPD group (p < 0.05). The BPD group exhibited considerably lower levels of TAS, SOD, GSH, and GSH-Px in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). The BPD and BPD + CH groups exhibited higher mean scores of histopathological damage and alveolar macrophage when compared to the control and CH groups (p ≤ 0.0001). Both scores were found to be lower in the BPD + CH group in comparison to the BPD group (p ≤ 0.0001). The BPD + CH group demonstrated a significantly lower average of TUNEL and caspase-3 positive cells than the BPD group. CONCLUSION: We found that prophylaxis with CH results in lower histopathological damage score and reduces apoptotic cell count, inflammation and oxidative stress while increasing anti-oxidant capacity.

Cytoprotective effects of molsidomine against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity: an experimental rat study.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Methotrexate (Mtx) is an antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drug that may cause hepatotoxicity, whereas molsidomine (Mol) is a vasodilating and antioxidant agent. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Mol in Mtx-induced liver toxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Wistar albino rats were equally divided into five groups: control, Mol, Mtx, Mol-Mtx, and Mtx-Mol. Following treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and liver tissue samples were histopathologically evaluated using Roening grading and Bcl-2 antibody staining. Tissue oxidants, antioxidants, and serum transaminases were measured and statistically compared across all groups. RESULTS: No hepatic fibrosis or steatosis was observed in any of the groups. In the Mtx group, grade 2 liver injury and score 2 Bcl-2 antibody staining were observed; however, in the Mol-Mtx group, these were lower (grade 1, score 1). There were no statistically significant differences in serum transaminase levels among groups. Malondialdehyde levels were higher in all rats that received Mtx, but no differences in myeloperoxidase levels were observed among the groups. Levels of tissue antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione (GSH) peroxidase (GSH-Px), and reduced GSH, were significantly higher in the Mol-treated and Mol pre-treated groups. Catalase (CAT) levels were elevated in all Mol-treated groups, but only in that group were CAT levels statistically significantly higher than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that some oxidant levels could increase following Mtx administration in the liver, possibly contributing to liver damage, whereas Mol could mitigate the histopathological and biochemical effects of hepatotoxicity. However, molecular studies are required to understand the exact mechanisms of these alterations.

Protective efficacy of Nigella sativa oil against the harmful effects of formaldehyde on rat testicular tissue

Objective: To explore the effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on the histopathological and biochemical changes that inhaled formaldehyde (FA) induces on the testicular tissue of rats. Methods: Thirty three adult male rats were separated into five groups as follows: C, the control group; 4FA group which received FA for 4 weeks; 13FA group which was given FA for 13 weeks; 4FA+NSO group which was administered FA plus NSO for 4 weeks; 13FA+NSO group which was treated with FA plus NSO for 13 weeks. FA was administered through inhalation for 8 h 5 days a week at a dose of 5 ppm in a special glass cage, and NSO was administered orally 1 mL/kg once daily. Rats were decapitated at the end of the experiment and testicular tissue specimens were harvested for histopathologic and biochemical assessment. Results: Compared to the C group, reduction was observed in the number of intact tubules and in the mean germinative epithelium thickness of the FA groups. Significant increase was observed in the number of intact tubules with the long-term (13 weeks) administration of NSO together with FA. Reduced glutathione peroxidase activity was found and oxidative stress index values were measured higher in the 4FA and 13FA groups versus the C group (P<0.05). Moreover, total antioxidant status levels decreased only in the 4FA group (P<0.05) while only the 13FA group significantly increased malondialdehyde levels and reduced catalase activities in comparison with the C group. In the 13FA+NSO group, malondialdehyde levels decreased however glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities increased compared to the 13FA group. Differences measured in total antioxidant status levels were found to be statistically significant only between the 4FA and the 4FA+NSO groups. Conclusions: NSO as an antioxidant should be used for a longer term to achieve protective efficacy both histopathologically and biochemically in the testicular tissue.

Inhibition of NADPH oxidase by apocynin promotes myocardial antioxidant response and prevents isoproterenol-induced myocardial oxidative stress in rats.

Preventive and/or therapeutic interventions for ischemic heart disease have gained considerable attention worldwide. We investigated the mechanism(s) underlying cardioprotection of apocynin (APO) and whether it attenuates isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial damage in vivo. Thirty-two male Wistar Albino rats were randomised into four groups (n = 8 for each group): Group I (Control); Group II (ISO), ISO was given intraperitoneally (ip) (150 mg/kg/d) daily for 2 consecutive days; Group III (APO + ISO), APO was applied ip 20 mg/kg 30 min before the first ISO administration and continued for the next 2 d after the second ISO administration; Group IV (ISO + APO), after the ISO treatment on days 1 and 2, 20 mg/kg APO was given ip on days 3 and 4. Cardioprotective effects of APO were evaluated by biochemical values, histopathological observations and the antiapoptotic relative proteins. Mean blood pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiography (ECG) were also monitored. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), caspase-3 and connexin 43 levels were determined. Major ECG changes were observed in the ISO-treated rats. MDA, TOS, OSI and creatine kinase levels decreased and SOD, CAT, GSH and TAC levels increased, indicating that APO reduced cardiac injury and oxidative stress compared with controls. APO also decreased the number of cardiomyocytes with pyknotic nuclei, inflammatory cell infiltration, intracytoplasmic vacuolisation and myofibrils. APO provides preventive and therapeutic effects on ISO-induced myocardial injury in rats by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production, blocking inflammation and enhancing antioxidant status.

Effects of Molsidomine on Retinopathy and Oxidative Stress Induced by Radiotheraphy in Rat Eyes.

PURPOSE: To determine the role of Molsidomine in preventing radiation-induced retinopathy after head and neck region irradiation of rats with a single radiation dose of 15 Gy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar albino rats were randomly grouped into five as follows: (1) control group rats, which were applied through an intraperitoneal (i.p.) vehicle without radiotherapy (RT); (2) RT group rats received a single dose of 15 Gy irradiation and after daily 0.1 ml vehicle i.p. for 5 consecutive days; (3) molsidomine (MOL) group rats were treated for 5 consecutive days by i.p. with 4 mg/kg/day MOL; (4) irradiation plus MOL group (RT+MOL) rats received irradiation and after 10 days single daily i.p. dose of MOL for 5 consecutive days; and (5) MOL+RT group rats were treated for 5 consecutive days by i.p. with MOL before RT. At the end of the work the rats were sacrificed under high-dose anesthesia on the 16th day and then eye tissues were taken for histopathological, immunohistochemical (caspase-3), and biochemical analyses (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSH], and malondialdehyde [MDA]). RESULTS: RT significantly decreased both the content of GSH and the activity of SOD, and significantly increased the production of MDA level in the rat eyes. MOL treatment significantly increased the SOD and GSH levels and significantly decreased the MDA production (p < 0.0001). In addition, RT significantly increased the number of ganglion cells (GCs; p = 0.001), whereas especially pretreatment with MOL improved (p = 0.013). RT led to significant retinopathy formation, and MOL therapy protected the retina from radiation-induced retinopathy (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that MOL is a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger that prevents the rat eyes from radiation-induced retinopathy and oxidative stress.

Effects of dexpanthenol on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

While the pathogenesis of acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis is unclear, reactive oxygen species are considered to have a significant effect. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the therapeutic potential of dexpanthenol (Dxp) on the amelioration of colitis in rats. Group I (n=8; control group) was intrarectally administered 1 ml saline solution (0.9%); group II [n=8; AA] was administered 4% AA into the colon via the rectum as a single dose for three consecutive days; group III (n=8; AA + Dxp) was administered AA at the same dosage as group II from day 4, and a single dose of Dxp was administered intraperitoneally; and group IV (n=8; Dxp) was administered Dxp similarly to Group III. Oxidative stress and colonic damage were assessed via biochemical and histologic examination methods. AA treatment led to an increase in oxidative parameters and a decrease in antioxidant systems. Histopathological examination showed that AA treatment caused tissue injury and increased caspase-3 activity in the distal colon and triggered apoptosis. Dxp treatment caused biochemical and histopathological improvements, indicating that Dxp may have an anti-oxidant effect in colitis; therefore, Dxp may be a potential therapeutic agent for the amelioration of IBD.

The Effect of Dexpanthenol on Ototoxicity Induced by Cisplatin.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to investigate the protective effects of dexpanthenol (Dxp) on against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. METHODS: To examine this effect, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) measurements and serum levels of oxidative and antioxidant status (including malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, and oxidative stress index) were evaluated. Thirty-two adult female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups; control (K), cisplatin (C), cisplatin plus Dxp (CD), and Dxp (D). In all groups DPOAEs measurements, between 996 and 10,078 Hz as DPOAEs and input/output functions, were performed on days 0, 1th, 5th, and 12th. Prior to death, the last DPOAEs measurements and blood samples were taken. RESULTS: In the C group, statistically significant differences were detected at all frequencies between 0 and 5 days and 0 and 12 days measurements (P<0.05). Serum level of oxidant and antioxidant status were detected statistically significantly changed in this group versus K group (P<0.05). Contrary to the C group, in the CD group hearing ability was seen largely preserved at many frequencies and serum levels of all biochemical parameters were shifted toward normal values, similar to the K group. No significant differences were detected in the either D or K group's measurements. CONCLUSION: According to these results, Dxp may prevent cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Melatonin's protective effect on the salivary gland against ionized radiation damage in rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of melatonin on ionized radiation-induced salivary gland damage using an experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two rats were randomized into four groups: (i) the control group (C, n = 8) that received intraperitoneal (i.p.) 0.9% NaCl; (ii) the melatonin group (M, n = 8) that received i.p. 5 mg/kg melatonin; (iii) the radiotherapy group (RT, n = 8) that underwent irradiation; (iv) the melatonin plus radiotherapy group (M+RT, n = 8) that received i.p. 5 mg/kg of melatonin, followed by irradiation 30 min later; and (v) the radiotherapy plus melatonin group (RT+M, n = 8) that received irradiation followed by i.p. 5 mg/kg of melatonin 30 min later. The medications and irradiation were administered for 5 days and the salivary glands of the rats were excised 10 days later; the histopathological changes in the salivary glands were assessed and biochemical analyses were conducted (tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI)). RESULTS: Regardless of whether melatonin was administered before or after radiotherapy, melatonin decreased the radiation-induced parotid and submandibular histological damage. In addition, regardless of whether administration occurred before or after radiotherapy, melatonin decreased oxidative stress markers, such as MDA, TOS, and OSI. On the contrary, levels of antioxidative markers, such as CAT and GPx, were increased by melatonin. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin may have a significant protective effect on salivary gland damage secondary to ionizing radiation.

Beneficial effects of dexpanthenol on mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion injury in experimental rat model.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: It has been reported that intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury results from oxidative stress caused by increased reactive oxygen species. Dexpanthenol (Dxp) is an alcohol analogue with epitelization, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and increasing peristalsis activities. In the present study, the aim was to investigate protective and therapeutic effects of Dxp against intestinal I/R injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 40 rats were assigned into five groups including one control, one alone Dxp, and three I/R groups (40-min ischemia; followed by 2-h reperfusion). In two I/R groups, Dxp (500 mg/kg, i.m.) was given before or during ischemia. The histopathological findings including apoptotic changes, and also tissue and serum biochemical parameters levels, were determined. Oxidative stress and ileum damage were assessed by biochemical and histological examination. In the control (n = 8) and alone Dxp (n = 8; 500 mg/kg, i.m. of Dxp was given at least 30 min before recording), groups were incised via laparotomy, and electrical activity was recorded from their intestines. In this experiment, the effect of Dxp on the motility of the intestine was examined by analyzing electrical activity. RESULTS: In ileum, oxidant levels were found to be higher, while antioxidant levels were found to be lower in I/R groups when compared with controls. Dxp approximated high levels of oxidants than those in the control group, while it increased antioxidant values compared with I/R groups. Histopathological changes caused by intestinal I/R injury and histological improvements were observed in both groups given Dxp. In the Dxp group, electrical signal activity markedly increased compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Here, it was seen that Dxp had protective and therapeutic effects on intestinal I/R injury and gastrointestinal system peristaltism.

Protective Effects of Apocynin on Cisplatin-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite it being a highly potent antineoplastic drug, cisplatin has important toxic adverse effects limiting its use such as nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and ototoxicity. It is thought that cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity is caused by oxidative stress resulting from increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). Apocynin (APO) exerts its antioxidant effect by reducing ROS production via inhibition of NADPH oxidase. The present study intended to demonstrate effects of cisplatin on hepatic pro-oxidant/antioxidant systems and to investigate protective effects of APO against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. METHODS: Rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 8 each): a) control group; b) single dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg); c) APO group (20 mg/kg on three consecutive days; i.p.); and d) APO plus cisplatin group. Liver tissue was assessed in all groups by biochemical and histopathological means. Also, serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase levels were studied in all groups. RESULTS: When cisplatin group was compared to controls, it was seen that lipid peroxidation product, total oxidant status and ALT levels were markedly increased, whereas superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were overtly decreased. APO therapy markedly prevented cisplatin-induced harmful changes in liver. Our histopathological findings such as central vein dilatation, perivenuler and periportal sinusoidal dilatation, parenchymal inflammation, vacuolar changes in hepatocytes, biliary duct proliferation and caspase-3 positive hepatocytes were in accordance with the biochemical changes. CONCLUSION: In light of these results, it is our thought that APO has a protective role against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity at both biochemical and histopathological levels.