The effects of injectable platelet-rich fibrin application on wound healing following gingivectomy and gingivoplasty operations: single-blind, randomized controlled, prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of wound healing using injectable platelet-rich fibrin (IPRF) after gingivectomy and gingivoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical study, 46 systemically healthy patients with chronic inflammatory gingival enlargement were randomly treated with gingivectomy-gingivoplasty + I-PRF (n=23) or gingivectomy-gingivoplasty alone (n=23). The primary outcome was to evaluate the effect of I-PRF on wound healing over a 3-week follow-up period. Samples collected from gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were processed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure VEGF and FGF-10 biomarkers. The surgical areas were stained with Mira-2 tone and evaluated in ImageJ. Wound healing was evaluated with Modified Manchester Scar (MMS) scale and Landry, Turnbull, and Howley (LTH) index. RESULTS: VEGF values of the control group at baseline, week 2, and week 3 were significantly higher than the test group. In weeks 2 and 3, FGF-10 values were found to be significantly higher in the control group than the test group. The amount of staining was found to be significantly higher in the control group than in the test group on days 3, 7, and 14. LTH values of the control group were significantly lower than the test group and MMS values were significantly higher than those of the test group. CONCLUSIONS: I-PRF applications revealed positive effects on epithelial wound healing after gingivectomy and gingivoplasty operations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Platelet concentrates such as I-PRF accelerate wound healing and contribute to the patient's comfort and quality of life. I-PRF application may have positive effects on wound healing after gingivectomy and gingivoplasty operations.

Observation of the neuroprotective efficacy of vitamin K in a streptozocin-induced diabetes model in chick embryos.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency and/or resistance. Vitamin K (VK) is a group of fat-soluble molecules, including naturally occurring vitamin K1 (phylloquinone). vitamin K2 (menaquinone), and synthetic vitamin K3 (menadione). Beyond coagulation, the health benefits of VK have been described to play different roles in both physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation, energy metabolism, neuroprotection, cellular growth, and survival. It was aimed to observe the antioxidant and/or neuroprotective activity of vitamin K1 in our model of chick embryo diabetic neuropathy (DN) induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Ninety White Leghorn, fertile and 0-day-old SPF (specific pathogen-free) eggs (57 ± 4 gr) were used in the study. Chick embryo blood brain tissues were taken for biochemical evaluation. Plasma insulin and glucose levels were measured. In addition, brain tissue total antioxidant level (TAS), total oxidant level (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were measured. Plasma glucose levels were higher in the STZ-treated groups and lower in the treatment groups. Plasma insulin levels were observed to be higher in STZ groups in groups treated with high VK. Low TAS, high MDA, TOS, and VEGF levels were recorded in brain tissue STZ groups. Low VEGF, TOS, and MDA levels were recorded in the group treated with the highest VK, while high TAS levels were observed. In our STZ-induced chick embryo diabetic neuropathy model, we observed that VK1 reduced oxidant damage by showing antioxidant properties or by modulating antioxidant enzymes.

Protective Effects of Different Doses of Ginsenoside-Rb1 Experimental Cataract Model That in Chick Embryos.

PURPOSE: There has been increased interest in phytochemical antioxidants to prevent protein damage and aggregate formation in cataract treatment. In this study, the protective effect of different doses of Rb1 (GRb1), one of the ginsenosides of Panax Ginseng, in the experimental cataract model formed in chick embryos was investigated. METHODS: Five different experimental groups were formed with 100 SPF fertilized eggs: Control (0.9% NaCl to physiological saline), hydrocortisone hemisuccinate sodium (HC), low dose (HC + L-GRb1 (1 mg/kg)), medium dose (HC+). M-GRb1 (2.5 mg/kg)), and high dose (HC + H-GRb1 (5 mg/kg)). All solutions were given to air sack at 15 days of incubation. On the 17th day, the bulbous oculi of the chick embryos were dissected. Cataract formations of the lenses, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant (TAS), total oxidant (TOS) levels, Caspase-3 H-score, and TUNEL index were determined. In addition, crystalline alpha A (CRYAA) gene expression was evaluated. RESULTS: Cataracts were observed in the control, HC, HC + L-GRb1, HC + M-GRb1, and HC + H-GRb1 groups with a frequency of 0%, 100%, 75%, 56.25%, and 100%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the control and HC groups in terms of TAS, TOS, MDA, GSH, Caspase-3 H-score, and TUNEL index (p < .05). When the therapeutic effect of the GRb1 groups was evaluated, the HC group showed significant differences with the HC + L-GRb1 and HC + M-GRb1 groups in almost all parameters (p < .05), while there was no statistical difference with the HC + H-GRb1 group (p > .05). In addition, gene expression levels differed between the groups, although not statistically significant (p > .05). CONCLUSION: 1 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg GRb1 applications show therapeutic properties on the HC-induced cataract model. This effect is more pronounced at 2.5 mg/kg.

Effects of second-generation H1-antihistamine drugs on angiogenesis in in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane model.

BACKGROUND: Literature on the effects of second-generation H1-antihistamines on angiogenesis is limited. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of cetirizine, desloratadine, and rupatadine (second-generation H1-antihistamines commonly used in dermatology clinics) on angiogenesis in an in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. METHODS: The study was approved by the local ethics committee on animal experimentation. Forty fertilized specific pathogen free eggs were incubated and kept under appropriate temperature and humidity control. Drug solutions were prepared in identical concentrations by dissolving powders in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). On the third day of the incubation, a small window was opened on the CAM and 0.1 mL desloratadine (1.5 µg/0.1 mL) in the first group, 0.1 mL cetirizine (1.5 µg/0.1 mL) in the second group, 0.1 mL rupatadine in the third group (1.5 µg/0.1 mL), and PBS (0.1 mL) in the fourth group were administered by injection. On the eighth day of incubation, the vascular structures of the CAMs were macroscopically examined and standard digital photographs were taken. The digital images were analyzed and data including mean vessel density, thickness, and number were compared between groups. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Vessel densities were similar in the desloratadine, cetirizine, and control groups, whereas they were significantly less in the rupatadine group (p = 0.01). Furthermore, the rupatadine group had significantly lower vessel thickness and number compared with the other groups (p < 0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Rupatadine showed anti-angiogenic effects in the chick CAM model, compared with desloratadine and cetirizine. The anti-angiogenic effect of rupatadine could be due to its platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor inhibition. Thus, rupatadine could be a treatment agent in pathological processes in which angiogenesis is responsible. Further studies with larger series are needed to clarify this potential.

Epicardial Fat Tissue Thickness and Omentin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract Background: Although electrical and structural remodeling has been recognized to be important in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation, the mechanisms underlying remodeling process are unknown. There has been increasing interest in the involvement of inflammatory molecules and adipokines released from the epicardial fat tissue in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. Objectives: In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of atrial fibrillation with increased epicardial adipose tissue, inflammatory molecules released from this tissue and omentin. Methods: Thirty-six patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of permanent AF at the cardiology outpatient clinic 33 individuals without atrial fibrillation (controls) were included in the study. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness of patients was measured by echocardiography. Serum omentin, IL 6, IL 1 beta, TNF alpha and CRP levels were measured. Man-Whitney U test was performed for comparisons and significance was established at 5% (p<0.05). Results: Epicardial adipose tissue thickness was significantly greater in the patient group (6mm [4-5.5]) than controls (4mm [3-5.5]) (p <0.001). No significant difference was found in the concentrations of omentin or inflammatory molecules between the groups. Conclusion: No relationship was found between atrial fibrillation and serum levels or omentin or inflammatory markers. A relationship between epicardial adipose tissue thickness measured by echocardiography and atrial fibrillation was determined.

The Relationships Between Chocolate Consumption and Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary recommendations, in addition to medications, have recently become important in the treatment of heart failure. Our study aimed to show the positive effects of both milk chocolate and dark chocolate on heart failure through endothelial functions. METHODS: Twenty patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction were included in the study. In this randomized, crossover study, some of the patients consumed milk chocolate and some consumed dark chocolate. We recorded the patients' 6-minute walking tests, flow- mediated dilatation values, plasma catechin, epicatechin, and N-terminal pro-brain natri- uretic peptide values before and after chocolate consumption. After 2 weeks, their chocolate consumption was changed. The same parameters were measured again. RESULTS: A significant decrease was observed in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide values after consumption of both milk chocolate (356 ± 54.2 and 310 ± 72.1 pg/mL; P = .007) and dark chocolate (341 ± 57 and 301 ± 60.1 pg/mL;P=.028). Flow-mediated dilation values increased after dark chocolate consumption (8.9 ± 3% and 14 ± 4.5%; P = .019). CONCLUSION: Chocolate consumption acutely decreases N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic pep- tide values in heart failure. Dark chocolate consumption also seems to improve endothelial functions by increasing flow-mediated dilation values.

Effects of topical prostaglandin drops on angiogenesis in an in ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane model.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost on angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model in ovo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty fertilized specific-pathogen-free chick eggs were used in this preclinical, prospective, experimental embryo study. Eggs were randomly distributed into 5 groups of ten eggs. Eggs were placed in the incubator after disinfection of their shells with alcohol and monitored appropriate temperature and humidity. On the 3rd day of incubation, a small window was opened on the eggshell. Bimatoprost in group 1, latanoprost in group 2, travoprost in group 3, bevacizumab in group 4, phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS) used in group 5 was applied by injection to CAM. The sterile film was glued onto the broken part of the shell and the eggs were placed in the incubator again. On the 8th day of incubation, eggs were opened and vascular structures on CAMs were examined. Digital photographs were taken, analysed in the ImageJ open source image processing software and differences between groups were evaluated. Thereafter, VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) levels were measured appropriately in the embryo samples. RESULTS: All embryos in the prostaglandin groups and the PBS control group were observed to have life signs confirmed by heart rate. In 8 embryos in the bevacizumab group, no life signs were confirmed, while 2 embryos with life signs showed severe hypoplasia. Vascular density, number of vessels and VEGF levels in the bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost groups, there were statistically significantly higher than the PBS control group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that topical prostaglandin drops increase angiogenesis in the chick CAM model in ovo.

The Effect of Nasal Steroid and Antihistamine Use on Total Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to determine the post-treatment levels of total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS), that are increased due to pathophysiology, and to compare those with pre-treatment levels in allergic rhinitis patients.Material-Methods: Among 84 patients clinically diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, 31 patients were started only on nasal steroid treatment (mometasone furoate), and 53 patients were started on nasal steroid and oral antihistamine treatment (mometasone furoate + rupatadine fumarate 10 mg). Blood samples were taken from the patients at the first examination and at post-treatment month 1.TAS and TOS were measured from the blood samples. RESULTS: While no significant change was determined in mean TAS levels with treatment, a statistically significant decrease was determined in TOS values in post-treatment period (P < .01). There was no significant change in TAS and TOS values of patients only using nasal steroids, while a significant decrease was determined in post-treatment TOS values of patients using both nasal steroids and oral antihistamines (P < .001). It was determined that TOS values of women were significantly lower compared to men, and it was also reduced in seasonal allergic rhinitis compared to perennial allergic rhinitis (P < .05 for both). CONCLUSION: In allergic rhinitis patients, concomitant use of nasal steroids and antihistamines significantly decreases total oxidative stress. It may be stated that the addition of antihistamines to allergic rhinitis treatment positively affects treatment.

Potential Anti-Tumor Activity of Kefir-Induced Juglone and Resveratrol Fractions Against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma-Bearing BALB/C Mice.

We investigated the potential influence of kefir-induced juglone and resveratrol fractions (JRK) against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) bearing BALB/c male mice. Kefir yeast was grown in the cell culture supplemented with juglone and resveratrol (1:2). After 48 h incubation, JRK solution was applied (0.1 mL/day i.p.) to the EAC-bearing mice throughout five days. Molecular regulatory mechanisms of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic pathway components were evaluated in the plasma of mice and isolated EAC cells with ELISA, qRT-PCR, and immunocytchemical experiments. EAC-induced upregulation in Bcl-2 and downregulation in Caspase-3 were normalized with JRK in the plasma of mice. Additionally, JRK upregulated the expression levels of apoptotic Bax, p53, Caspase-3,8,9, and APAF-1 proteins together with BAX, CASPASE-8, and CASPASE-9 genes in isolated EAC cells. These changes were also associated with decreased expression levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl proteins. Immunocytochemical studies also confirmed the activation of apoptotic pathways and repression of anti-apoptotic proteins in EAC cells with JRK treatment. JRK activates apoptotic pathway and inhibits anti-apoptotic genes and proteins in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma- bearing BALB/c mice that could be beneficial in cancer treatment.

Anticataractogenic effect of betaine in chick embryo hydrocortisone-induced cataract model.

Background & objectives: Cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. The aim of the present study was to investigate anticataractogenic effect of betaine in chick embryo hydrocortisone (HC)-induced cataract model. Methods: The study included 60 fertilized eggs divided into six groups each having 10 eggs: one group treated with only HC (HC group); three treated with both HC and different doses of betaine (HC/B 1.00, HC/B 0.50 and HC/B 0.25 groups) and two non-HC groups treated with only phosphate-buffered saline (PBS group) or betaine (B group). After the injections, lenses of the embryos were removed and classified into five stages according to the lens opacification. The amounts of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the removed lenses were measured. Results: All the lenses in non-HC-treated groups were clear, whereas in the HC-treated group, 90 per cent of the lenses had cataract (stages 4 and 5). The mean score of lens opacity was significantly lower in all HC/B groups compared to HC group (2.4-3.5 vs. 4.4, P<0.05). Among HC/B groups, the HC/B 0.25 group had significantly lower mean score of lens opacity compared to remaining HC/B groups treated with higher doses of betaine. In addition, the mean reduced GSH level was significantly higher in HC/B 0.25 group compared to HC, HC/B 1.00 and HC/B 0.50 groups (P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: The present results show beneficial anti-cataract and anti-oxidant effects of 0.25 µmol/egg betaine on HC-induced cataract in the chick embryo.

Antioxidant effects of piperine in in-vivo chick embryo cataract model induced by steroids.

PURPOSE: The etiopathogenesis of steroid-induced cataracts is unknown. One hypothesis is that the higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels play an important role in the pathogenesis of several disorders, including the evolution of cataracts. This study investigated the antioxidant effects of piperine in our steroid-induced chick embryo lens model. METHODS: The study included 36 specific pathogen-free (SPF) fertilized eggs divided into six groups: phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.4 Saline Solution (0.9%) isotonic) group (G1), hydrocortisone succinate sodium (HC)-treated group (G2), 100 mg/kg piperine and HC treated group (G3), 50 mg/kg piperine and HC treated group (G4), 25 mg/kg piperine and HC treated group (G5), and 10 mg/kg piperine and HC treated group (G6). On the 15th day of incubation, the SPF eggs in the six groups were removed from the incubator; all were injected using insulin injectors into the chorioallantoic membrane. On day 17, all of the chick embryos were removed from the eggs and all lenses were dissected from the embryos. Cataract formation was evaluated in all lenses, and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (MDA, malondialdehyde) levels were measured in all lens. RESULTS: The lenses in the G1 group had higher levels of GSH and TAS (p < 0.01), and lower levels of MDA and TOS than the G2 group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Group 3 had higher levels of GSH and TAS (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively), and lower levels of MDA and TOS than the G2 group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Steroid therapy causes a decrease in GSH and TAS levels and an increase in TOS and MDA levels in lens tissues, indicating increased oxidative stress. Piperine exerts its effects as an antioxidant substance, in increasing doses.

Role of innate immunity and oxidative stress in steroid-induced cataracts in developing chick embryos.

PURPOSE: The exact etiopathogenesis of steroid-induced cataracts (SIC) is not known. Although oxidative stress is one of the most acceptable hypotheses, the exact molecular events in steroid-induced oxidative events in the lens need to be clarified. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, the innate immune system components in SIC formation have not been studied previously. The aim of the present study was to study the oxidative system and the innate immune system components in the cataractous lenses of a developing chick embryo SIC model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 20 specific pathogen-free (SPF) fertilized eggs divided into two groups, with one hydrocortisone (HC)-treated group (G1) and one non-HC-treated control group (G2). On the 15th day of incubation, the SPF eggs in the two groups were removed from the incubator; HC was injected into G1, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was injected into G2 using insulin injectors into the chorioallantoic membrane. On day 17, all of the chick embryos were removed from the eggs, and all lens and liver tissues were dissected from the embryos. Cataract formation was evaluated in all lenses, and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) levels were measured in all lens and liver tissues. RESULTS: The lenses in the SIC group had lower levels of GSH, GSSG, TAS, and IL-6 (p = 0.016, 0.022, 0.000, 0.000, respectively), and higher levels of TOS (p = 0.000) than the control group. Furthermore, the liver tissues in the SIC group had decreased levels of TAS and IL-6, and increased levels of TOS compared to the control tissues (p = 0.000). Although the IL-1ß levels in the lens and liver tissues in the HC-induced cataract group were lower than in the control group, these differences were not statistically significant. In addition, the GSH levels in the liver tissues did not statistically differ between the two groups despite the significant GSH difference in the lens tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Steroid therapy causes a decrease in GSH, GSSG, and TAS levels and an increase in TOS levels in lens tissues, which means there is increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defence. Furthermore, lenses with SIC have lower IL-6 levels compared to non-cataractous lenses. The interaction between lenticular IL-6 and antioxidant defence needs to be further studied.

The effect of quercetin on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis / Efeito da quercetina sobre a pancreatite induzida por ceruleína

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective and therapeutic effects of quercetin on pancreatic injury in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. METHOD: Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups, eight per group: (CT): untreated controls, (CER) treated with cerulein, 50 µg/kg body weight; (Q+CER) pre-treatment with quercetin, 100 mg/kg body weight, followed by cerulein, 50 µg/kg; (CER+Q) post-treatment, cerulein followed by quercetin, same doses. Cerulein was divided into four doses, given at 1-hour intervals by intraperitoneal injection. Quercetin was given either 1-hour before (in pre-treatment group) or 1-hour after (in post-treatment group) cerulein. Pancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl, myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG, respectively) were measured. Histology of the pancreas was studied. RESULTS: (1) MDA, carbonyl, MPO, TNF-a and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in CER vs CT rats. (2) MDA, carbonyl, MPO and TNF-α decreased significantly in pre-treated rats vs. CER. (3) MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL-6 were significantly lower in post-treated rats vs. CER. (4) The reduced vs. oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) of was significantly lower CER vs. CT rats. (5) Pre- and post-treatment with quercetin significantly increased this ratio. (6) Pancreatic histology showed that quercetin had no significant effect on the histological image of the pâncreas CONCLUSION: These results suggest that quercetin can attenuate the severity of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent and combating oxidative stress. Further studies are needed to clearly explain its utility on acute pancreatitis.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos protetores e terapêuticos da quercetina na lesão pancreática da pancreatite aguda induzida por ceruleína. MÉTODO: Trinta e dois ratos foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos, oito por grupo: (CT): controles não tratados (CER) tratados com ceruleína, 50 µg/kg de peso corporal; (Q+CER) pré-tratamento com quercetina, 100 mg / kg de peso corporal, seguido de ceruleína, 50 µg/kg; (CER+Q) pós-tratamento, ceruleína seguida de quercetina, mesmas doses. A ceruleína foi dividida em quatro doses, administradas a intervalos de 1 hora por injeção intraperitoneal. A quercetina foi administrada 1 hora antes (no grupo de pré-tratamento) ou 1 hora após (no pós-tratamento) a administração de ceruleína. Foram medidos o malondialdeído pancreático (MDA), carbonilo, mieloperoxidase (MPO), fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-a), interleucina-6 (IL-6), glutationa reduzida e oxidada (GSH e GSSG, respetivamente). Foi estudada a histologia do pâncreas. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de MDA, carbonila, MPO, TNF-a e IL-6 foram significativamente maiores nos ratos CER vs. CT. MDA, carbonila, MPO e TNF-α diminuíram significativamente em ratos pré-tratados versus CER. MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL-6 também foram significativamente menores em ratos pós-tratados versus CER. A proporção reduzida de glutationa oxidada (GSH/GSSG) foi significativamente menor ratos CER vs. CT; pré e pós-tratamento com quercetina aumentaram significativamente esta proporção. A histologia pancreática mostrou que a quercetina não teve efeito morfológico significativo. CONCLUSÃO: Estes resultados sugerem que a quercetina pode atenuar a gravidade da pancreatite aguda induzida por ceruleína, atuando como agente antioxidante e anti-inflamatório e combater o estresse oxidativo. Mais estudos são necessários para explicar claramente suas utilidades na pancreatite aguda.

Protective effect of quercetin on homocysteine-induced oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether quercetin (QUER) treatment could have a protective effect against oxidative stress induced by homocysteinemia in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats (adult) were assigned randomly to four groups: the control group was given physiological saline (PS; 1.5 mL/d); the QUER group was given QUER (50 mg/kg body weight [BW] daily) in distilled water and 0.25 mL PS; the homocysteine (HCY) group was given HCY (1 mg/kg BW daily) in distilled water and 1.25 mL PS; and the QUER + HCY group was given QUER 1 h before the administration of HCY. QUER, HCY, and PS were injected intraperitoneally every other day for 30 d. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl, erythrocyte-reduced glutathione (GSH), plasma sulphydril (-SH) levels, erythrocyte catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined. RESULTS: Plasma CAT levels in the QUER group were found to be significantly higher than in the control group, whereas plasma MDA levels in the QUER group significantly decreased compared with the control group. In the HCY group, plasma MDA and carbonyl levels significantly increased and GSH and SOD levels significantly decreased compared with the control group. Plasma MDA levels significantly decreased and GSH and CAT levels significantly increased in the QUER + HCY group compared with the HCY group. Plasma -SH levels were significantly lower in the HCY group than in the control group. Plasma -SH levels were higher in the QUER + HCY group than in the HCY group, but they were not significant. CONCLUSION: The exposure of rats to HCY leads to oxidative stress reflected in increased MDA and decreased antioxidant enzyme levels. Administration of QUER might attenuate oxidative damage induced by HCY or have a protective effect against it.

Resveratrol Ameliorates the Components of Hepatic Inflammation and Apoptosis in a Rat Model of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes.

Preclinical Research Trans-resveratrol has a wide range of biological effects that reflect its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and cardioprotective properties. This study was conducted to elucidate the potential role of resveratrol on hepatic inflammation and the apoptotic pathway components Bcl-2, Bax and p53 in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model of diabetes mellitus. Inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers indicated a reduction in hepatic erythropoietin (1.26-fold) and increased asymmetric dimethylarginine (3.9-fold), visfatin (1.6-fold), inflammatory interleukins and TNF-α contents (approximately twofold each) in the diabetic animals. Induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase gene (2.04-fold) and protein expression (1.24-fold) was also observed. Immunohistochemical studies showed enhancement of the apoptotic biomarkers Bax and p53 in diabetic animals. STZ-induced diabetic male Wistar rats were treated with resveratrol (20 mg/kg/day i.p.). Resveratrol succeeded to recover most of these inflammatory and apoptotic elements. Therefore, inflammatory and apoptotic pathways were proved to be affected by STZ-induced diabetes in several aspects and resveratrol might contribute hepatoprotective effects as evidenced from this study.

Efficacy of budesonide and interleukin-10 in an experimental rat model with isolated bilateral pulmonary contusion created by blunt thoracic trauma.

OBJECTIVES: In our study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory mediator effects of budesonide (BS), an inhaled corticosteroid and interleukin-10 (IL-10) on a pulmonary contusion in an experimental rat model in which an isolated bilateral pulmonary contusion was created by blunt thoracic trauma. METHODS: Fifty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study. Sham, control, BS and IL-10 groups were created. A pulmonary contusion was created by performing isolated blunt thoracic trauma in all groups except for the sham group. The trauma's severity was determined as 1.45 J. BS and IL-10 were administered orogastrically to the respective groups 30 min before trauma, and orogastrically and intraperitoneally, respectively, on the first and second days after the trauma. Only the blunt thoracic trauma was performed for the control group. SatO(2), PaO(2) and PaCO(2), blood glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) values were recorded on the zeroth, first, second and third days. The histopathological examination and the bronchoalveolar lavage cell count were performed on pulmonary tissues. RESULTS: Blood gas analysis revealed that SatO(2) and PaO(2) values on the first and second days were significantly lower in the control, BS and IL-10 groups compared with the sham group (P < 0.05). The SatO(2) and PaO(2) values on the third day in the BS and IL-10 groups were higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). The mean MDA in the control group was higher than in the sham, BS and IL-10 groups (P < 0.05). The mean TNFα in the control group was higher than in the sham, BS and IL-10 groups (P < 0.05). Pulmonary pathology scoring in the control group was observed to be higher than in the sham, BS and IL-10 groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this rat experiment model in which an isolated pulmonary contusion was created by blunt trauma, BS and IL-10 were observed to reduce contusion severity in the lung and minimize the inflammatory reaction.

Laparoscopic preconditioning protects against oxidative injury in cerulein-induced pancreatitis rats (an experimental study).

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, particularly in the same hospital stay, has been widely recommended to treat gallstone-pancreatitis over the last decade. Although pancreatitis produces severe oxidative injury, laparoscopy exerts an additional effect over that is produced by pancreatitis. The preconditioning phenomenon previously reported as protective in open surgery is a beneficial maneuver also in laparoscopic surgery. So in the present study we have tried to find out the effect of laparoscopic preconditioning over the pancreatitis in cerulein-induced pancreatitis rats. METHODS: Acute pancreatitis was induced in 24 rats weighing between 280 and 350 g by three subcutaneous injection of 80 µg/kg of body weight cerulein. A 1-cm midline laparotomy was performed for all rats, and then they were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups (n=8 for each): Group I (control), Group II (laparoscopy), and Group III (laparoscopic preconditioning [L-Pre]). After that, a catheter was placed into the peritoneum for the creation of the pneumoperitoneum (Pp) in all the animals except the control group. The rats of Groups II and III were subjected to 60 minutes of Pp with 15 mm Hg intraabdominal pressure followed by 30 minutes of deflation. The L-Pre procedure was applied to Group III immediately before the laparoscopic procedure. Blood samples were taken for biochemical assays. Pancreas tissue samples were taken for light microscope analysis. RESULTS: The light microscopy of the pancreas tissues revealed that cerulein injection caused edema and sparse inflammatory cell infiltration mimicking the edematous pancreatitis. However, the application of laparoscopy over the pancreatitis produced significant inflammatory cell infiltration, acinus vacuolization, and necrosis (in one case) in addition to edema. But, the laparoscopic preconditioning maneuver applied before the laparoscopy significantly decreased in particular acinary vacuolization and cell infiltration. Therefore the total sum of the histopathological score of the L-Pre group was significantly less than that of the laparoscopy group. The biochemical analysis of the groups revealed that laparoscopy caused significant elevation of malondialdehyde levels and decrease of reduced glutathione values. However, the addition of preceding preconditioning produced significant amelioration of these parameters. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic preconditioning may be a useful method to decrease the oxidative injury in cases undergoing cholecystectomy for biliary pancreatitis. But, it should be emphasized that this was a restricted experimental study, and further clinical studies are needed to adopt these results into clinical settings.