Effect of Pistacia Terebinthus (terebinth) resin extract on aggressive breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer causing high mortality rates among women worldwide. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Pistacia terebinthus (terebinth) resin extract (TRE) on the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. In the study, the cytotoxic dose of the resin extract in MDA-MB-231 cells was evaluated by MTS analysis. The effect of TRE on apoptosis was examined by Hoechst staining. Caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 protein expressions were determined by western blot analysis. Based on the outcomes of our MTS analysis, the IC50 dose of TRE was calculated at 56.54 µg/mL during a 24-h application period. With Hoechst staining analysis, an increase was observed in cells that underwent apoptotic change at 10 and 100 µg/ml TRE concentrations compared to the control. At 25 and 50 µg/mL TRE concentrations, no apoptotic change was found in comparison to the control; however, a significant drop in the number of viable cells was observed because 200, 300, and 500 µg/mL TRE concentrations were above the toxic dose. The caspase-3 protein expression level was significantly higher in cells treated with 100 µg/ml TRE compared to the control group, while there was no significant change in cleaved caspase-3 protein expression. It was thought that P. terebinthus resin might cause cell death in MDA-MB-231 cells via caspase-independent apoptosis pathway or other cell death pathways, and it was concluded that it could be a supportive treatment for breast cancer treatment.

The detection of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel apoptotic effects using AgNOR staining in MDA-MB-231.

In present study, it was purposed to determine the in vitro effect of the extract obtained from the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel on the breast cancer cell line. MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to pomegranate peel extract (PoPx) at 37 °C and 5% CO2 for varying durations (24 and 48 h) and doses (25 and 50 µg/mL). At the end of the incubation periods, argyrophilic nucleolus organizer regions (AgNOR) protein status, cell viability/apoptosis and cell cycle of MDA-MB-231 cells were examined in the Muse Cell Analyzer device. Cell viability was observed to be decreased when the groups treated with PoPx were compared with the control group. The group in which apoptosis was observed with the highest value was 50 µg/mL PoPx group (p < 0.05). In the cell cycle test, the number of cells in the G0/G1 stage was found to be significantly higher in the 25 µg/mL PoPx group compared to the control and 50 µg/mL PoPx groups at the end of the 24-h incubation period (p < 0.05) The results also supported cell cycle and apoptosis, and at the end of 24 h, Total AgNOR area(TAA)/Total nuclear area (NA) ratio and AgNOR numbered decreased on the 50 µg/mL PoPx group and were found to be statistically significant compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Consequently, it was determined that PoPx increased apoptosis on breast cancer cells by various mechanisms and inhibited cell viability/cell growth. This study showed that the widespread consumption of PoPx may be effective in preventing cancer formation and slowing its progression.

The effect of ionizing radiation on the fetal bone development in pregnant rats: Role of melatonin.

Radiation has been widely used in many business sectors over the last century. Our study investigated the possible teratogenic effects of radiation on the bones of rat fetuses and the protective effect of melatonin against these effects. In this study, 15 pregnant female Wistar albino rats were used. These rats were divided into four groups: the control group, melatonin group (10 mg/kg/day), radiation group (0.5 gray), radiation (0.5 gray) + melatonin group (10 mg/kg/day), and sham group (1 mm hanks/day). The skeletal system development of fetuses was examined with double skeletal and scanning electron microscope (SEM), histopathological methods. In our study, fetal weight, placental weight, and fetal morphometric values were found to be statistically significantly decreased in the radiation group compared to the control group (p < .05). In immünohistochemistry (IHC) analysis, alkaline phosphatase, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) concentrations were found to be significantly lower in the radiation group compared to the other groups. In the SEM analysis, it was observed that the amount of calcium and sodium decreased when the radiation group was compared with the other groups. As a result, when exposed to ionizing radiation during pregnancy, melatonin has a protective feature against the negative effects of radiation on the bone development of fetuses. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: In our study, fetuses obtained from pregnant rats exposed to ionizing radiation were examined. In this study, the effect of melatonin on bone development in fetuses exposed to gray ionizing radiation was investigated. There are few studies on our subject in the literature. We believe that our findings will contribute to other planned studies.

Effects of COVID-19 on brain and cerebellum: a voxel based morphometrical analysis.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus and turned into a pandemic in a short time, affects many organs and systems, especially the nervous system. In the present study, it was aimed to determine the morphological and volumetric changes in cortical and subcortical structures in recovered COVID-19 patients. BACKGROUND: We think that COVID-19 has a long-term effect on cortical and subcortical structures. METHODS: In our study, 50 post-COVID-19 patients and 50 healthy volunteers participated. In both groups, brain parcellations were made with Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) and regions showing density changes in the brain and cerebellum were determined. Gray matter (GM), white matter, cerebrospinal fluid and total intracranial volume were calculated. RESULTS: Neurological symptoms developed in 80% of COVID-19 patients. In post-COVID-19 patients, a decrease in GM density was detected in pons, gyrus frontalis inferior, gyri orbitales, gyrus rectus, gyrus cinguli, lobus parietalis, gyrus supramarginalis, gyrus angularis, hippocampus, lobulus semilunaris superior of cerebellum, declive, and Brodmann area 7-11-39-40. There was a significant decrease in GM density in these regions and an increase in GM density in amygdala (p<0.001). The GM volume of post-COVID-19 group was found to be less than in the healthy group. CONCLUSIONS: As a result, it was seen that COVID-19 negatively affected many structures related to the nervous system. This study is a pioneering study to determine the consequences of COVID-19, especially in the nervous system, and to determine the etiology of these possible problems (Tab. 4, Fig. 5, Ref. 25). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, Voxel-based morphometry (VBM), brain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Determination of Rutin's antitumoral effect on EAC solid tumor by AgNOR count and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Rutin is one of the flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is critical for the life cycle at the cellular level. In current study, we purposed to demonstrate the antitumoral effect of rutin at different doses through the mTOR-signaling pathway and argyrophilic nucleolar regulatory region. EAC cells were injected subcutaneously into the experimental groups. 25 and 50 mg/kg Rutin were injected intraperitoneally to the animals with solid tumors for 14 days. Immunohistochemical, Real-time PCR and AgNOR analyzes were actualized on the taken tumors. When the rutin given groups and the tumor group were compared, the tumor size increase was detected to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). In immunohistochemical analysis, a significant decrease was encountered in the AKT, mTOR, PI3K and F8 expressions especially in the groups administered 25 mg Rutin, in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA) and average AgNOR number were determineted, and statistically important differences were detected between the groups in terms of TAA/NA ratio (p < 0.05). There were significant statistical differences between the mRNA quantity of the PI3K, AKT1 and mTOR genes (p < 0.05). In the in vitro study, cell apoptosis was evaluated with different doses of annexin V and it was determined that a dose of 10 µg/mL Rutin induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). In our study, it was demonstrated in vivo and in vitro that Rutin has an anti-tumor effect on the development of solid tumors formed by both EAC cells.

Investigating the anti-tumoral effect of yarrow (Achillea milllefolium) on the mice in which ehrlich solid tumor is created.

In this study, BALB/c mice with Ehrlich solid tumors were used to examine the effect of Achillea millefolium L. (AM) extract on the Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) model, which is one of the experimental cancer models. Also known as yarrow and plant, AM has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antitumor properties. In our study, 57 male BALB/c type mice, 8-10 weeks old, weighing 25-30 g, were used. Mice were divided into two groups. Ehrlich Solid Tumor group: Negative Control Group (ENC), Positive Control Group (EPC), and Treatment Group (TG) (TNCAM-200 mg/kg, TPCAM-400 mg/kg). EPC and TG were given to EAT cells. Each EAT contained 1 × 106 (will be 6 out of 10: so:000000) EAT cells, 0.1 ml of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was administered subcutaneously (s.c.) to the nape of mice. Then It was awaited for solid tumor formation. AM extract was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to TG for 17 days to mice. AM extract was found to have a curative effect on areas of inflammation, bleeding, and necrosis in treatment groups treated with AM extract alone. The treatment groups showed nearly normal histological results compared to the positive control group. According to the results, the TPCAM-400 mg/kg group had a more significant histological impact than the TNCAM-200 mg/kg group. In terms of tumor growth, tumor length, tumor volume, and tumor weight, AM extract did not show significant effects. However, in the light of histological findings, promising results of AM were observed in mice in which Ehrlich Solid Tumor was formed.

Bone development in offspring of pregnant rats treated with carbamazepine: Evaluation by three different methods.

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to determine the effect of intrauterine carbamazepine (CBZ) exposure on fetal bone development during pregnancy. METHODS: In the study, 24 female Wistar pregnant rats were used. Rats were 20 weeks old. They had an average body weight of 150-200 g. Pregnant rats were randomly selected and divided (n = 6) into a control group, low-dose CBZ (10 mg/kg/day) group, medium-dose CBZ (25 mg/kg/day) group, and high-dose CBZ (50 mg/kg/day) group. The ossification length (mm) and ossification area (mm2 ) of the long bones of the fetuses in the experimental and control groups were calculated. The densities of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were analyzed. The ossification regions of the femurs of the fetuses were examined under a light microscope. Microstructural images of the femurs were evaluated with scanning electron microscope photographs. The densities of minerals involved in the ossification process were analyzed. RESULTS: According to the results of the study, all three doses of CBZ caused loss of ossification areas, and it was observed that this bone loss also increased statistically significantly depending on the dose increase (p < .05). Calcium concentration decreased in the CBZ groups. When the electron microscope images were examined, it was determined that the cartilage matrix of the CBZ groups was thinned. In the histological evaluation of the groups, narrowing of the primary bone collar and smaller bone spicules in the ossification region compared to the control group were noted due to the increase in dose in the CBZ groups. In immunohistochemical staining, it was observed that the TRAP and AP expression values of the femurs were the lowest in the CBZ groups. These decreases were also statistically significant when compared with the control group. SIGNIFICANCE: It was revealed with both microscopic and macroscopic findings that exposure to intrauterine CBZ negatively affected ossification and bone growth.

Vitamin B12 reduces the negative effects of nicotine on fetal bone development in the rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this experimental rat study was to investigate the effectiveness of vitamin B12 (Vit-B12) against the teratogenic effects of nicotine use during pregnancy in the fetus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen Wistar-Albino pregnant rats were divided into six groups (n=3, each) as Group 1 (control), Group 2 (Vit-B12), Group 3 (nicotine 3 mg/kg/day), Group 4 (nicotine 3 mg/kg/day + Vit-B12), Group 5 (nicotine 6 mg/kg/day) and Group 6 (nicotine 6 mg/kg/day + Vit-B12). Nicotine was administered subcutaneously and Vit-B12 was administered intraperitoneally for 20 days. The skeletal systems of the embryos were stained using the double-staining method. The total bone length (TBL), the length of the ossified part, and the ossification rate were calculated using the ImageJ program. In addition, the weight and crown-rump length (CRL) of the embryos were measured and recorded. RESULTS: Clinical shock effect was observed in all rats administered nicotine. A significant decrease in weight, CRL, and TBL was measured in Group 3 (p=0.0081) and, particularly in Group 5 (p=0.026), which were given only nicotine, compared to other groups. In the morphometric measurements of Group 4 and Group 6 to which Vit-B12 was added, values close to the control group were measured (p=0.173). The data of Group 6 were statistically significantly larger than Group 5 (p=0.007), while it was statistically smaller than Group 1 (p=0.0038). CONCLUSION: Nicotine use negatively affects the morphological development of the embryo. On the other hand, Vit-B12 provides benefits in reducing these negative effects.

Golden ratio for the foramen magnum on CT images: a morphological and morphometrical study / Proporción áurea para el foramen magnum en imágenes de TC: un estudio morfológico y morfométrico

SUMMARY: The foramen magnum (FM) is a transition zone between the spine and skull. There is a study in the literature showing the golden ratio (4.62) and harmony between both FM and the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the skull. The aim of this study is to examine the existence of this ratio on CT images and to investigate whether this ratio changes according to the FM shape types. In this study, 402 adult CT images belonging to the Turkish population were examined. Maximum cranial length (MCL), maximum cranial width (MCW) and the FM length (FML) and FM width (FMW) were measured. The different shapes of the FM were macroscopically classified. The number and incidence of each type in the studied skull was registered. In the 402 CT images used in the study, 12 FM shapes were detected. Three of the shape types observed in our study have not been reported in the literature until now, and were found in our study for the first time. In addition, our data supported that by using the ratio of 4.62, there was a great harmony between the skull and FM. The results obtained from the research show that there is a ratio of 4.62 between the basic cranial measurements and FM dimensions in all shapes except triangular shape. It is thought that repeating the calculated coefficients over more different FM shapes will contribute to the effectiveness of the proposed golden ratio.

RESUMEN: El foramen magno (FM) es una zona de transición entre la columna y el cráneo. Existe un estudio en la literatura que muestra la proporción áurea (4,62) y la armonía entre el FM y los diámetros anteroposterior y transversal del cráneo. El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la existencia de esta relación en las imágenes de TC e investigar si esta relación cambia según los tipos de forma del FM. Se examinaron 402 imágenes de TC de adultos pertenecientes a la población turca. Se midieron la longitud craneal máxima, el ancho craneal máximo y la longitud del FM y la anchura del FM. Las diferentes formas del FM se clasificaron macroscópicamente. Se registró el número e incidencia de cada tipo en el cráneo estudiado. En las 402 imágenes de TC utilizadas en el estudio, se detectaron 12 formas de FM. Tres de los tipos de formas observados en nuestro estudio no se han reportado en la literatura consultada describiéndose por primera vez. Además, nuestros datos respaldaron que al usar la proporción de 4,62, había una armonía importante entre el cráneo y el FM. Los resultados obtenidos de la investigación muestran que existe una relación de 4,62 entre las medidas craneales básicas y las dimensiones de la FM en todas las formas excepto en la triangular. Se cree que la repetición de los coeficientes calculados en más formas de FM diferentes contribuirá a la eficacia de la proporción áurea propuesta.

The effect of antioxidants in Ehrlich Ascites Cancer.

A fundamental goal in molecular oncology is to unravel the underlying mechanisms which cause the cell transformation. In line with this approach, genome-wide functional screening approaches have revealed exciting insights into heterogeneous nature of cancer. Rapidly expanding horizons of research have unraveled myriad of pathways which play instrumental role in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Oxidative stress has also been reported to be significantly involved in cancer onset and progression. In line with this approach, oxidative stress modulating chemicals have always been sharply divided into antioxidants and oxidative stress-inducing agents. Conceptual and experimental advancements have enabled us to critically analyze full potential of these two different groups of chemicals in cancer chemoprevention. Different antioxidants are currently being analyzed in different phases of clinical trials. Although it has been reported in the literature that antioxidant supplements reduce tumor cells in some tumors or cause volume reduction in solid tumor sizes, there is no definite consensus. Therefore, an antioxidant supplement guideline based on more detailed clinical research and as a result of these is needed to achieve the best care for cancer patients and to avoid risky treatments for cancer patients.

The protective role of melatonin against the effects of different doses of caffeine on the fetus.

Skeletal system and some organs development changes in rat fetuses with 30 and 60 mg/kg caffeine and melatonin's (10 mg/kg) protective role against rat fetuses were investigated. Groups (n = 4) were formed as Control, LDC, HDC, LDC+melatonin, HDC+melatonin and melatonin. Fetuses were taken by cesarean section and stained using dual skeletal staining method and FESEM. TRAP and AP immune-reactivity concentrations were calculated.  Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were also measured by liver, bone and placenta samples.  TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, VEGF-A, SOST and Fetuin-A levels were measured in tissue by using ELISA. TBARS, SOD, GSH, GSSG, TOS, TAS, measured by spectrophotometric assay method.  The mRNA levels of Agtr2 gene expressed in placental tissues of control rats and in placental tissues of rats exposed to HDC, LDC, MEL, HDC+MEL, LDC+MEL were analyzed by Real-time PCR. The gene expressions of Agtr2 were significantly upregulated in the placentas exposed to HDC, MEL, HDC+MEL and LDC+MEL (P<0,001). No significant difference in samples of the LDC group (P>0,05). According to these data, caffeine used during pregnancy delayed ossification; melatonin, a powerful antioxidant, was found to eliminate this effect. Besides, changes in angiotensin receptor expression observed in response to a caffeine and melatonin exposure result from high dose and join effect.

Impact of prenatal exposure to bisphenol A on pregnant rats: Fetal bone development and immunohistochemistry implications.

BACKGROUND:: Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most commonly produced chemicals in the world. BPA is used in products such as food packaging, personal care products, detergents, and plastic bottles. This study was conducted to determine the effect of BPA on fetal bone development. MATERIAL AND METHODS:: In this study, 16 pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups: the control group and 0.5 mg/kg/day, 5 mg/kg/day, and 50 mg/kg/day dose BPA groups. The skeletal system development of fetuses was examined with double skeletal and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining (tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and the alkaline phosphatase (AP) expressions) methods. RESULTS:: The highest ossification rates in the humerus, radius, and ulna were detected as 41.05%, 39.25%, and 37.26% in the control group, respectively. The highest ossification rates in the femur, tibia, and fibula were detected as 23.04%, 30.73%, and 32.78% in the control group, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between control and experimental groups in the TRAP and AP expression of the femur by IHC staining ( p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:: Exposure to BPA during pregnancy adversely affected ossification and bone growth. A dose-dependent decrease was observed in the rate of ossification.

Antioxidant role of melatonin against nicotine's teratogenic effects on embryonic bone development.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the possible effects of low (3 mg/kg) and high (6 mg/kg) doses of nicotine on the skeletal development of rat fetuses by the double staining method and the protective role of melatonin (10 mg/kg) against these effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen adult female Wistar-Albino rats were divided into six groups (n=3, each) as control, low-dose nicotine, high-dose nicotine, low-dose nicotine+melatonin, high-dose nicotine + melatonin and melatonin. While nicotine was given to the experimental groups on gestation days 1-20, nicotine and melatonin were administered together to the treatment groups. The fetuses were delivered by cesarean section on the 20th day of pregnancy. The skeletal systems of the fetuses were stained using the double staining method. The forelimbs and hindlimbs of the fetuses were firstly investigated under a stereomicroscope, and then their photos were taken. The total bone length, the length of the ossified part and the ossification rate were calculated using the ImageJ program. RESULTS: The degree of ossification in the bones of the feet and the hands was determined. When the total bone length and the length of the ossified part were evaluated, they were significantly decreased in the nicotine groups (P<0.05), but were close to each other in the treatment and the control groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It has been found that the use of nicotine during pregnancy delays skeletal ossification and that melatonin, a powerful antioxidant, eliminates the teratogenic effects of nicotine.

The effects of gilaburu (Viburnum opulus) juice on experimentally induced Ehrlich ascites tumor in mice.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was to investigate anticancer effect of Viburnum opulus (VO) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice that treated with different concentrations of VO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For tumor transplantation; mice were inoculated with 1 × 106 EAC cells intraperitoneally and than divided into five groups (n = 9). Two hours after inoculation; experimental groups were treated daily with VO extract at doses of 1000 mg/kg, 2000 mg/kg, 4000 mg/kg. RESULTS: Extracts obtained from gilaburu juice can have hinder effect on tumor cell growth. CONCLUSION: As far as we known, this is the first study about in vivo antitumoral activity of VOon Ehrlich ascites tumor model, and consequently VO extract exhibited anticancer activity against EAC-bearing mice.

Morphometric Measurements of the Hip Bone in Turkish Adult Population.

OBJECTIVES: Coxal bone paticipates in the formation of the pelvic skeleton. Anatomy knowledge on coxafemoral joint as well as careful history taking and physical examination are crucial in evaluation and management of disorders involving hip joint. The aims of the present study were to perform morphometric measurements of the human coxal bones, calculation of their articular surface areas and report the range of these parameters regarding Turkish adult population. METHODS: Seventy-two dry human adult coxal bones (39 left and 33 right) from the Anatomy Departments of Erciyes University, Inonu University and Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University were measured using a caliper sensitive to 0.1 mm. Morphometric measurements were performed through 22 parameters determined. While 19 of these parameters were related to the distance between two points and thicknesses in various parts of the bone, the remaining three were related to the determination of articular surface areas. The articular surface areas of hip bone (facies auricularis (FA), facies lunata (FL) and facies symphsialis (FS)) were calculated with ImageJ software program. RESULTS: The average values of facies auricularis area were 1659.04 ± 470.92 mm² and 1637.32 ± 460.15 mm² on the left and right coxal bones, respectively. No statistically significant difference was determined between the left and right coxal bone measurements (p > 0.05). We found a positive and significant correlation between articular surface areas of facies auricularis (FA), facies lunata (FL) and facies symphysialis (FS) and maximum width of ilium (rFA = 0.299, rFL = 0.276, rFS = 0.375, respectively and p < 0.05), and distance between spina ilica anterior superior and the upper edge of facies symphysialis (rFA = 0.268, rFL = 0.511, rFS = 0.482, respectively and p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The distribution and mean values of coxal bone morphometric measurements usually differ between individuals and human populations. With this regard, orthopedic surgeons should be aware of the diversity in components of coxal bone dimensions although implants and hip prosthesis components of different sizes are manufactured. Safe routes and estimated distances should be considered during surgical procedures to avoid complications.

Erythropoietin improves brain development in short-term hypoxia in rat embryo cultures.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy continues to be a significant cause of death and disability worldwide. Erythropoietin (EPO) has the potential to lessen neurologic sequelae due to hypoxia-ischemia. METHODS: The in vitro effects of EPO on total embryonic development and brain VEGF receptor (VEGFR) expressions were investigated in 50 rat embryos at 9.5 days of gestation that were cultured in whole rat serum (WRS). According to the study protocol, the embryos were divided into two groups. The first group is comprised hypoxia, 100 and 50 U/ml EPO after hypoxia groups. Group 2 comprised control (WRS) and WRS+EPO. After 48-h culture, the embryos from each group were harvested to be analyzed according to a morphological scoring system and also genetically to measure brain VEGFR expression. RESULTS: The mean morphological scores for the embryos grown in control, WRS+EPO, hypoxia, and in the presence of 100 and 50 U/ml EPO in hypoxic medium were 55.30±7.22, 52.10±5.27, 23.0±4.60, 36.20±5.07, and 19.70±5.07, respectively. Expressions of VEGFR-1, -2, -3 were significantly elevated in the 100U/ml EPO and WRS+EPO groups compared to the hypoxia group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results support the conclusion that (1) VEGFR-1, -2, -3 may increase with EPO treatment in hypoxic conditions, (2) VEGF and EPO may be part of a self-regulated physiological protection mechanism to prevent neuronal injury including in utero neural tube defects.

Influence of gilaburu (Viburnum opulus) juice on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer.

In this study, the effects of gilaburu (Viburnum opulus) juice on colon tumorogenesis were investigated. Eight weeks old Balb-C male mice received subcutaneous injections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) (20 mg/kg body weight) once a week for 12 weeks. Both the sham control (group 1) and the DMH control (group 2) groups received drinking water alone, whereas the mice of groups 3 and 4 received gilaburu juice for 30 weeks (started with first DMH injection) and for 18 weeks (started after last DMH injection), respectively. Eighteen weeks after the last DMH injection, all mice were killed and the histogenesis of colon tumors was investigated from the paraffin-embedded sections of colon, which were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The sites and incidences of tumoral lesions (low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, intramucosal carcinoma and invasive carcinoma) were analyzed and compared with control. The results showed that the body weights of the mice were similar in all the groups. No tumoral lesions were found in group 1. Colon tumors developed in all DMH-treated mice (groups 2, 3 and 4). In these groups, the greatest numbers of tumor lesions were detected in the distal colon, followed by the mid-colon and only a few in the proximal colon. There was a reduction in the mean total number of tumor lesion in groups 3 (8.5) and 4 (8.3), when compared to group 2 (11.3). The incidence of invasive carcinoma in group 3 was significantly lower than group 2 (p < 0.05). On the basis of these results, we conclude that gilaburu juice may be useful for the prevention of colon cancer at the initiation stage.

Effect of angiostatin on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer in mice.

Antiangiogenic therapy is supposed to be an attractive approach for antitumor treatment. Human plasminogen-derived angiostatin K1-3 is one of the most potent antiangiogenic agents known currently. However, it is unclear whether angiostatin has got protective effects on colon cancer. So we investigated the protective effects of angiostatin on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer in mice. Thirty Balb/C male mice, weighing 25-30 g and 8 weeks of age, were used. Twenty of the mice were treated with DMH subcutaneously (20 mg/kg) once a week for 12 weeks. Six mice died during the DMH injection and surviving mice were divided into two groups (7 mice in DMH and 7 mice in DMH + angiostatin groups). In the angiostatin group, 6 weeks after the last DMH injection the animals were first treated with angiostatin (20 µg/mouse) intraperitoneally and then subcutaneously every 48 h (5 µg/mouse) throughout a period of 12 weeks. The animals were killed after 30 weeks for histopathological examination. When we look at the distribution of lesions in the colon, they mainly occurred in the distal colon. The incidence of mean colonic lesions in a tumor-bearing mouse was 9.85 ± 4.91 in those treated with DMH and 8.71 ± 3.49 in those treated with angiostatin. The incidence of colon tumors was not significantly affected by low dose of angiostatin, and we noticed that the number of lesions decreased by 12% in DMH + angiostatin group compared to the number of the lesions in DMH group, but this decrease was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The administration period of angiostatin corresponds to the precancerous period and the reduction in the number of lesions could be important for the protective function of angiostatin in DMH + angiostain group. We assume that therapeutic effects of angiostatin are related to its doses, route of administration, frequency and administration period. In addition, we believe that combination of high doses of angiostatin with radiation, gene therapy or chemotherapy might be successful in proper tumor model.

Stereological evaluation of the volume and volume fraction of newborns' brain compartment and brain in magnetic resonance images.

PURPOSE: Brain development in early life is thought to be critical period in neurodevelopmental disorder. Knowledge relating to this period is currently quite limited. This study aimed to evaluate the volume relation of total brain (TB), cerebrum, cerebellum and bulbus+pons by the use of Archimedes' principle and stereological (point-counting) method and after that to compare these approaches with each other in newborns. METHODS: This study was carried out on five newborn cadavers mean weighing 2.220 ± 1.056 g with no signs of neuropathology. The mean (±SD) age of the subjects was 39.7 (±1.5) weeks. The volume and volume fraction of the total brain, cerebrum, cerebellum and bulbus+pons were determined on magnetic resonance (MR) images using the point-counting approach of stereological methods and by the use of fluid displacement technique. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) TB, cerebrum, cerebellum and bulbus+pons volumes by fluid displacement were 271.48 ± 78.3, 256.6 ± 71.8, 12.16 ± 6.1 and 2.72 ± 1.6 cm3, respectively. By the Cavalieri principle (point-counting) using sagittal MRIs, they were 262.01 ± 74.9, 248.11 ± 68.03, 11.68 ± 6.1 and 2.21 ± 1.13 cm3, respectively. The mean (± SD) volumes by point-counting technique using axial MR images were 288.06 ± 88.5, 275.2 ± 83.1, 19.75 ± 5.3 and 2.11 ± 0.7 cm3, respectively. There were no differences between the fluid displacement and point-counting (using axial and sagittal images) for all structures (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study presents the basic data for studies relative to newborn's brain volume fractions according to two methods. Stereological (point-counting) estimation may be accepted a beneficial and new tool for neurological evaluation in vivo research of the brain. Based on these techniques we introduce here, the clinician may evaluate the growth of the brain in a more efficient and precise manner.