The influencer effect of Dexmedetomidine on radioiodine relevant to lacrimal gland impairment.

PURPOSE: To assess the potential influencing effects of Dexmedetomidine on impaired lacrimal glands after high-dose radioiodine treatment (RAI). METHODS: Thirty-six rats were arbitrarily separated into 3 groups: Sham, RAI, and Dexmedetomidine. Dexmedetomidine group was given Dexmedetomidine and RAI, the Sham group was given the same millimeters of saline, and the RAI group was given RAI only. All forms of lacrimal glands, including harderian glands (HG), extraorbital (EG), and intraorbital (IG) lacrimal glands, were evaluated for immunohistochemical, histopathologic assessments and also for tissue cytokines, oxidant and antioxidant levels. RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine significantly ameliorated histopathologic changes such as periacinar fibrosis, acinar atrophy, lymphocytic infiltration, ductal proliferation, lipofuscin-like accumulation, and nucleus changes caused by RAI in all lacrimal gland forms (p < 0.05 for all of the parameters). However, periductal fibrosis was improved significantly only in EG (p = 0.049), and mast cell infiltration was improved significantly only in IG (p = 0.038) in Dexmedetomidine groups. There was a significant decrease in the elevated caspase-3 and TUNEL levels after RAI administration in the Dexmedetomidine group in all lacrimal gland forms (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Dexmedetomidine attenuated NF-kb, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels significantly diminished total oxidant status and raised total antioxidant status levels (p < 0.05 for all parameters). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that following RAI, Dexmedetomidine diminished inflammation, tissue cytokine levels, and apoptosis and ameliorated impaired histopathologic patterns of the lacrimal glands.

Investigation of taurine and aqueous garlic extract diet supplementation effect on the healing of rat osteoporotic fractures.

BACKGROUND: We have evaluated the effects of taurine and aqueous garlic extract (AGE) as a dietary supplement on osteoporotic fracture (OPF) healing in the ovariectomized rat femur fracture model. METHODS: In this experimental animal study,twenty-four osteoporosis-remodeled female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n: 8) according to their supplemented diet; control, taurine, and AGE groups. Unilateral femur middiaphysis mini-open osteotomy was stabilized with Kirschner wires. Six weeks after osteotomy, the rats were sacrificed before the femurs were harvested and OPF healing was evaluated with biochemical, histologic, microcomputed-tomography, and scintigraphic methods. RESULTS: As an indicator of the antiosteoporotic effect, the calcium levels of the taurine group were significantly lower than the AGE and control groups in biochemical analyzes (p < 0.01). In histological studies, the new bone diameter and new bone volume values of the taurine group were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.032, respectively), while higher trabecular-compact callus was observed in the taurine and AGE groups, respectively, compared to the control group. In morphological analyses, taurine and AGE groups had significantly higher bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular number, bone surface density, and lower trabecular separation than the control group (p < 0.05). The scintigraphic imaging showed a significant increase in osteoblastic activity of the taurine group compared to the control group (p = 0.005). DISCUSSION: Taurine and AGE have positive anabolic effects, respectively, on the healing of OPFs, demonstrated by biochemical, histological, morphological, and scintigraphic methods.

Antioxidant effects of vitamin D on lacrimal glands against high dose radioiodine-associated damage in an animal model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate antioxidant effects of active vitamin D (calcitriol) against high-dose radioiodine (RAI) therapy-associated damage of lacrimal gland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar albino rats were used and divided into three groups randomly (n = 12/group). The first group was appointed as the negative control group and received no RAI or medication. The second group was appointed as the positive control group that only received 3 mCi/kg (111 MBq/kg) RAI via gastric gavage and the last group was the treatment group that received 3 mCi/kg RAI via same method and calcitriol (200 ng/kg/day) via intraperitoneal administration. Seven days after RAI administration, bilateral intraorbital (IG), extraorbital (EG) and Harderian (HG) glands were removed for the evaluations of histopathologic, tissue cytokine, total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS). RESULTS: RAI led to significant increase in tissue TOS, TNF-α, IL-6 levels and significant decrease in IL-10 and TAS levels (p < 0.05 for each). Addition of adjunctive calcitriol reversed all these parameters significantly (p < 0.05 for each).The following histopathologic parameters were seen more frequently in positive control group than the other groups: Abnormal lobular pattern, perivascular infiltration, periductal infiltration, lipofuscin-like accumulation, acinar atrophy, periductal and periacinar fibrosis in all lacrimal gland types (p < 0.05), acinar fibrosis in EG (p = 0.049), periductal fibrosis in EG and HG (p = 0.049 and 0.038, respectively), abnormal cell outlines in EG and HG (p = 0.020 and 0.011, respectively) and variation in cell size in the IG and the HG (p = 0.003 and 0.049 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RAI caused significant oxidative stress and inflammation in lacrimal glands. Vitamin D demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and radio-protective effects on lacrimal glands in histopathologic, tissue cytokine and oxidant/antioxidant level evaluations.

The value of transient ischemic dilation for detecting restenosis after coronary artery revascularization.

AIM: Transient ischemic dilation (TID) is a marker of severe coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to assess the incremental value of TID in a cohort of patients with known significant CAD who had recurrence of symptoms after revascularization. METHODS: We identified in our databases 104 patients who had recent coronary revascularization and recurrence of symptoms. 62 patients had PCI (75 arteries) and 42 patients had CABG (104 arteries). All had follow-up stress SPECT MPI and repeat coronary angiography. Myocardial perfusion findings of ischemia and TID were correlated with presence of significant obstructive CAD (>70% stenosis). RESULTS: Follow-up stress Tc-99m Sestamibi SPECT MPI revealed inducible ischemia in 38 patients (36.5%) and TID > 1.20 in 49 patients (47%). Subsequent coronary angiography showed significant obstructive CAD in 44 patients (42%). The sensitivity for detecting obstructive CAD was 61% for SPECT MPI alone, but increased significantly to 93% by the addition of TID as a diagnostic criterion (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this selected patient cohort with prior coronary revascularization, TID is an important marker of obstructive CAD and has incremental value over SPECT MPI alone.

Lateral parapatellar and subvastus approaches are superior to the medial parapatellar approach in terms of soft tissue perfusion.

PURPOSE: The arthrotomy techniques of knee surgery may cause varying degrees of disruption to the tissue blood supply. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the medial parapatellar (MPPa), midvastus (MVa), subvastus (SVa) and lateral parapatellar (LPPa) approaches on regional tissue perfusion of the knee. METHODS: In this experimental study, a total of 28 female rabbits were applied with four different arthrotomy techniques as Group MPPa, Group MVa, Group SVa and Group LPPa. The blood supply of the tissue around the knee was examined by scintigraphic imaging including the perfusion reserve and T max, and biochemical alteration of the oxidative stress parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), fluorescent oxidation products (FlOPs), and histopathological findings were evaluated on tissue samples after 3 weeks. RESULTS: The perfusion reserve was increased in all four groups compared to the healthy, contralateral knees. In the Group LPPa, the vascularity was significantly increased compared to the Group MPPa (p = 0.006). In the examination of biochemical parameters, the increase in MDA levels was statistically significant in the Group MPPa compared with the Group LPPa (p = 0.004), and in the Group MVa compared with the Group LPPa (p = 0.006). The increase in the value of MDA levels was striking in the Group MPPa and Group MVa compared with the control group (p = 0.004, p = 0.004, respectively). The increase in another oxidative stress parameter, the tissue FlOPs levels, was statistically significant in the Group MPPa compared with the control group (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: The LPPa and SVa caused less oxidative stress and less disruption of the muscle blood supply, in biochemical and scintigraphic parameters, compared to the MPPa and MVa. Therefore, in clinical practice, the SVa is preferable to the MPPa and MVa in total knee arthroplasty and the LPPa should be preferred more frequently in selected cases with critical soft tissue viability.

The Effect of Omeprazole Usage on the Viability of Random Pattern Skin Flaps in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Necrosis of random pattern flaps caused by inadequate blood flow, especially in the distal part of the flap is one of the biggest challenges in reconstructive surgery. Various agents have been used to prevent flap ischemia. In this study, we used omeprazole, which is a potent inhibitor of gastric acidity to increase flap viability. METHODS: In this study, 35 Wistar-Albino type rats which were divided into 5 equal groups were used. Random-pattern dorsal skin flaps were raised in all groups at seventh day of the study. Group 1 was accepted as control group, and the rats in this group was only given distilled water intraperitoneally for 14 days. Group 2 and group 3 received 10 and 40 mg/kg omeprazole daily for 14 days, respectively. Group 4 and group 5 were given distilled water for the first 7 days and then after the operations they received 10 and 40 mg/kg omeprazole daily for 7 days, respectively. Survival rates of the flaps were examined seventh day after elevation of the flaps by digital imaging and scintigraphy. After assessment of the amount of necrosis, number of vascular structures were counted histopathologically. RESULTS: Percentage of flap necrosis was found to be less in all omeprazole received groups. On digital imaging, percentages of flap necrosis in the study groups were statistically significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the study groups (P > 0.05).In the histopathologic specimens, it was detected that the mean number of vessels in proximal (a) and distal (c) portions of the flap in the study groups showed a significant increase when compared with the control group (P < 0.01 for groups 2, 4 and 5, and P < 0.05 for group 3). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, possible clinical usage of medications increasing gastrin during flap surgeries can be thought as a positive contributor. In this sense, this study showed that parenteral administration of omeprazole in skin flap surgery increases flap viability possibly by increasing gastrin levels.

Evaluation of Tl-201 SPECT imaging findings in prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To compare with histopathological findings the findings of prostate cancer imaging by SPECT method using Tl-201 as a tumor seeking agent. METHODS: The study comprised 59 patients (age range 51-79 years, mean age 65.3 ± 6.8 years) who were planned to have transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsies due to suspicion of prostate cancer between April 2011 and September 2011. Early planar, late planar and SPECT images were obtained for all patients. Scintigraphic evaluation was made in relation to uptake presence and patterns in the visual assessment and to Tumor/Background (T/Bg) ratios for both planar and SPECT images in the quantitative assessment. Histopathological findings were compatible with benign etiology in 36 (61%) patients and malign etiology in 23 (39%) patients. Additionally, comparisons were made to evaluate the relationships between uptake patterns,total PSA values and Gleason scores. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the benign and malignant groups in terms of uptake in planar and SPECT images and T/Bg ratios and PSA values. No statistically significant difference was found between uptake patterns of planar and SPECT images and Gleason scores in the malignant group. CONCLUSIONS: SPECT images were superior to planar images in the comparative assessment. Tl-201 SPECT imaging can provide an additional contribution to clinical practice in the diagnosis of prostate cancer and it can be used in selected patients.

[An evaluation of the radioprotective effect of vitamin E on the salivary glands of radioactive iodine in rats]. / Radyoaktif iyot verilen siçanlarda tükürük bezleri üzerinde E vitaminin radyasyondan koruyucu etkisinin degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the acute effect of vitamin E on salivary gland of radioactive iodine (RAI; 131I)-induced rats and to evaluate whether vitamin E have a radioprotective effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen Wistar albino rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into two groups. The first group was administered (131)I orally and 1 ml physiological saline. The second group was administered (131)I and 1 ml vitamin E intraperitoneally. Vitamin E was started two days before the RAI therapy and continued for seven days. On the eighth day, salivary glands were removed and evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The changes in the interstitial space of all glands and in acinar epithelial cells of parotid and sublingual glands were observed in a lower number of the rats of vitamin E group, compared to the controls. Except panacinar inflammation, histopathological changes in acinar epithelial cells of the submandibular gland were noticed in a lower number of the rats of vitamin E group. CONCLUSION: Considering the changes in the interstitial space and acinar epithelial cells in a lower number of the rats of vitamin E group, we conclude that vitamin E may have protective effects for interstitial space of all glands and acinar epithelial cells of the parotid and sublingual glands during the acute period.

Scintigraphic and histopathologic evaluation of combined bone grafts.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess various bone grafts on bone formation using bone scintigraphy and histology, especially the first study that evaluated the demineralized bone matrix (DBM) + tricalcium phosphate (TCP) + hyaluronic acid (HA) combination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 44 pieces in groups of autogenous bone graft, TCP, DBM, DBM + TCP combination, and DBM + TCP + HA combination were applied to parietal bones of 24 New Zealand rabbits. Bone scintigraphies of the rabbits were performed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. The uptake ratios were compared for the different types of grafts. In addition, in 2, 6, and 12 weeks, the graft areas were taken from the sacrificed rabbits and examined histologically. RESULTS: In the 2-week evaluation, DBM + TCP combination and DBM + TCP + HA combination had more osteoblastic activity accumulation than the TCP and DBM groups. These findings supported that the DBM + TCP combination group showed new bone formation earlier in the histopathological evaluation. The DBM + TCP + HA combination had more uptake than the TCP and DBM groups on bone scintigraphy at 2 weeks, and this uptake ratio decreased in the following weeks. It was thought that the increased uptake in DBM + TCP + HA combination at 2 weeks was due to severe inflammation seen in the histopathological evaluation. CONCLUSION: The DBM + TCP + HA combination should not be used for graft repair, although it was thought to be a good combination in the early weeks.

Restaging of colorectal cancer and PET/CT.

Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography (PET/CT) is an important assessment method in restaging of oncology patients. Its ability to detect the metabolic/functional changes in patients with colorectal cancer during the early stages, in which morphological changes cannot be documented, is significantly superior to other imaging modalities.

Evaluation of the effect of pitavastatin on motor deficit and functional recovery in sciatic nerve injury: A CatWalk study.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the electrophysiological, scintigraphic, and histopathological effects of pitavastatin and its impact on functional status in rats with sciatic nerve injury. Materials and methods: A total of 30 Wistar albino rats were divided into three equal groups including 10 rats in each group: sham group (no injury), control group (nerve injury induced), and pitavastatin group (nerve injury induced and 2 mg/kg of pitavastatin administered orally once a day for 21 days). Before and at the end of intervention, quantitative gait analysis with the CatWalk system and sciatic nerve conduction studies were performed. After the intervention, the gastrocnemius muscle was scintigraphically evaluated, and the sciatic nerve was histopathologically examined. Results: There was no significant difference in the sciatic nerve conduction before the intervention and Day 21 among the groups (p>0.05). According to the quantitative gait analysis, there were significant differences in the control group in terms of the individual, static, dynamic, and coordination parameters (p<0.05). The histopathological examination revealed a significant difference in the total myelinated axon count and mean axon diameter among the groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: Pitavastatin is effective in nerve regeneration and motor function recovery in rats with sciatic nerve injury.

Nasal mucociliary clearance after extremely low frequency by scintigraphic and histopathologic evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) on nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) by rhinosintigrapic and histopathological evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were separated into three groups according to ELF-MFs intensity and control group. The exposure groups were standardized for the ELF-MFs of 1, 1.5, and 2 mT emitted by 3 Helmholtz coils for 4 h/day for 30 days. Rhinoscintigraphy was performed to measure nasal MCC. The nasal tissues were examined for edema, inflammation, hyperemia, necrosis, ciliary loss, goblet cell density, and fibroblast proliferation. The data were evaluated statistically (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Nasal mucociliary clearance rates (NMCR) were calculated as 33.13 ± 5.91% in control, 27.78 ± 4.7% in 1 mT, 22.67 ± 5.43% in 1.5 mT, and 18.11 ± 6.33% in 2 mT. NMCR were decreased with increasing ELF-MFs, in 1.5 and 2 mT groups (p < 0.05) compared to control. Nasal mucociliary transport rate (NMTR) values were found to be 2.17 ± 0.33 mm/min in control, 1.82 ± 0.32 mm/min in 1 mT, 1.46 ± 0.34 mm/min in 1.5 mT and 1.24 ± 0.29 mm/min in 2 mT. NMTR was decreased in the groups exposed to 1.5 and 2 mT (p < 0.05) compared to control. The edema, hyperemia, inflammation, ciliary loss, and goblet cell density were statistically significant differences between control and groups exposed to 1.5 and 2 mT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our rat model has shown nasal mucosa damage and decreased NMCR and NMTR by rhinoscintigraphy as ELF-MFs intensity increases. It may be detrimental to nasal mucosa mucociliary function depending on the ELF-MFs intensity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 133:2081-2089, 2023.

Scintigraphic and tomographic evaluation of biological activities of prefabricated free and vascularized bone allografts.

BACKGROUND: We performed an experimental study on rabbits to compare the biologic activities of free and vascularized cortical and corticocancellous solvent-dehydrated bone allografts by scintigraphy and three-dimensional computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits (2500-3000 g) were divided into 2 groups each consisting 10 animals. In group 1, solvent-dehydrated human cadaveric cranium allografts (corticocancellous bone) were used. The grafts were divided into 20 pieces, approximately 10 × 10 × 5 mm. On the right ears, grafts were placed on dissected vascular bundles. On their left ears, allografts were implanted into subcutaneous pockets without dissecting any vascular bundle. The same procedure was performed in group 2 with solvent-dehydrated human cadaveric fibula bone allografts (cortical bone). No infection or any animal death occurred during 12 months of observation. At the end of the 12th month, implanted bone allografts were evaluated by 3-phase bone scintigraphy to observe the circulation and viability of the grafts and three-dimensional CT scans to measure their dimensions. RESULTS: Radioactive uptake by scintigraphy of grafts placed on vascular bundle was higher than grafts placed in pockets. t-Test was calculated for region of interest of right ear (vascularized) to left ear rate (nonvascularized) according to graft type. Rate for corticocancellous bone graft was 1.187 ± 0.179 (P = 0.038) and cortical bone graft was 1.055 ± 0.052 (P = 0.038). There was correlation between region of interest generated from arm and neck regions and graft regions (P = 0.001). Regarding the dimension measurement made by three-dimensional CT, all the grafts grew whether they were on vascular bundle or not. Mann-Whitney test was used to determine whether differences between preoperative and postoperative volumes of grafts and growth of all grafts were significant (P = 0.007 for vascularized cortical bone and P = 0.005 for others). Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed to evaluate the distribution of growth rate. Vascularized medullar-cortical and nonvascularized medullar bone grafts expanded more than nonvascularized cortical bone (P = 0.001, P = 0.005, P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Vascularized bone allograft combines the advantages of autogenous and allogenous grafts. Both scintigraphic and tomographic results overlapped that corticocancellous and cortical bones developed more on vascular bundle. Even though radioactive uptake was statistically higher in vascularized bone allografts, we determined that this small difference did not affect the overall late vascularity of the bone allografts. In conclusion, regardless their types or placement on vascular bundle, prefabricated bone allografts had similar metabolic function after 1 year of integration.

The Effect of Resveratrol on Radioiodine Therapy-Associated Lacrimal Gland Damage.

PURPOSE: We have evaluated the potential radioprotective, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of resveratrol (RSV) against high-dose radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy associated damage of the lacrimal glands by biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into three groups; the control group received no treatment or medication, the RAI group received RAI but no medication and the RSV group received oral RAI and intraperitoneal RSV. RSV was started at day one, before RAI administration, and continued for 8 days. Bilateral intraorbital (IG), extraorbital (EG), and Harderian (HG) lacrimal glands were evaluated in all rats for histopathological, immunohistochemical, tissue cytokine and oxidant and antioxidant level assessment. RESULTS: RSV group restored inflammation, fibrosis, vacuolization, change in nucleus characteristics, lipofuscin-like accumulation and cellular morphologic patterns were statistically significant in all lacrimal gland types, compared to the RAI group (p < .05 for all variables). Similarly, elevated Caspase-3 and TUNEL levels in the RAI group were significantly alleviated in the RSV group in all lacrimal gland types (p < .05 for all variables). RAI administration significantly elevated TNF-α, IL-6, NF-кb levels, and decreased IL-10 levels (p < .05 for all parameters) whereas TOS levels significantly increased and TAS levels were significantly decreased. However, RSV significantly diminished TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, and NF-кb levels. Furthermore, RSV significantly decreased TOS and increased TAS levels (p < .05 for all variables). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that with its anti-cancer effect as well as its antioxidant effect RSV has protected the histopathological pattern of the lacrimal glands from the damage, decreased inflammation in histopathologic assessments, and decreased tissue cytokine levels, apoptosis and DNA fragmentation on the lacrimal glands after RAI.

Ameliorating effects of N-acetyl cysteine against early liver damage of radioiodine in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to explore the potential ameliorating effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against radioiodine (RAI)-induced early liver damage. METHODS: Thirty Wistar Albino male rats were arbitrarily allocated into three groups each containing 10 rats: the control group (group 1); the RAI group (group 2), oral 111 MBq/kg radioiodine was administered to rats; the RAI + NAC group (group 3), 150 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal NAC treatment was initiated 3 days prior to the RAI administration and continued for 10 days. Liver samples were obtained 24 h after the last dose of NAC therapy for biochemical and histopathologic evaluation. RESULTS: In the RAI + NAC group, the histopathologic damage was found significantly less than in the RAI group for whole parameters except inflammatory cell infiltration (P < 0.05). Unlike the RAI group which had marked histopathologic damage, the RAI + NAC group had only mild histologic activity index scores with no granuloma formation observed. Oxidative stress parameters were demonstrated that the NAC treatment significantly decreased the tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase levels and increased the total sulfhydryl (total sulfhydryl) levels when compared to the RAI group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The outcomes of the study exhibited that the NAC treatment improved RAI-induced early liver damage. This improving effect considered to be caused by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and likely vasodilator properties of NAC. Having advantages such as inexpensive, easy access, and tolerability, the NAC can be used as a radioprotective agent, especially in patients with liver diseases and requiring RAI treatment.

The diagnostic role of capnography in pulmonary embolism.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic contribution of alveolar dead space fraction (AVDSf) measured using capnography in patients admitted with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). A total of 58 patients who were admitted to our hospital with suspected PE between October 2006 and January 2008 were included in this study. All patients were assessed using the Wells clinical score, capnography, computed tomographic pulmonary angiography, D-dimer measurement, lower-extremity venous Doppler ultrasonography, and V/Q scintigraphy. Forty patients (69%) had PE based on computed tomographic pulmonary angiography findings. The AVDSf value with the highest sensitivity and specificity, which was at the same time statistically significant, was 0.09. This value was consistent with the AVDSf value obtained using receiver operating characteristic analysis. In our study, the sensitivity of capnography was 70%, with a specificity of 61.1%, positive predictive value of 80%, and negative predictive value of 47.8%. The use of AVDSf in combination with any of the several scoring systems that evaluate clinical likelihood of PE and D-dimer levels resulted in higher sensitivity and specificity rates for the diagnosis of PE.

The outcomes of dexmedetomidine and calcitriol on flap viability.

PURPOSE: To evaluate protective effects of dexmedetomidine, calcitriol and their combination. METHODS: Forty Wistar-albino rats were divided into 4 groups; group of Sham (Group Sham); group of dexmedetomidine (Group DEX); group of calcitriol (Group CAL) and group of dexmedetomidineandcalcitriol (Group DEX-CAL). Photographic analysis was used for macroscopic analysis and perfusion analyses were evaluated by scintigraphy. Additionally, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant activity (TAS) were recorded and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Each flap was assessed by histopathology. RESULTS: Compared to Group Sham, the viable flap areas were higher in all treatment groups both by photographic image analyses and perfusion analyses (p<0.05). Group DEX-CAL had the highest viable flap percentage both in scintigraphic and photographic analyses; whereas Group Sham had the lowest viable flap percentage. Similarly, TAS and MDA levels were elevated and TOS levels were declined in all treatment groups compared to Group Sham (p<0.005). Histopathological analysis at flap demarcation zone confirmed neovascularization was significantly higher and edema, necrosis and inflammation were significantly lower in all treatment groups compared to Group Sham. CONCLUSION: The outcomes show that additional premedication with either dexmedetomidine or calcitriol or their combination reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury of flap area and show significant increase in the percentage of viable flap tissue.

The examination of the nephroprotective effect of montelukast sodium and N-acetylcysteine in renal ischemia with dimercaptosuccinic acid imaging in a placebo-controlled rat model.

PURPOSE: To determine the nephroprotective effect of NAC and Montelukast Sodium administration against the development of renal damage associated with long warm renal ischemia. METHODS: Twenty-seven rats were randomly divided into 3 study groups, which received NAC, montelukast and placebo, and 3 rats were included in the sham-treated control group. Medications were given 3 days before the procedure. DMSA renal scintigraphy was performed before and after surgery. The right renal pedicle was occluded for 45 min to induce ischemia and then subjected to reperfusion for 6 h (I/R groups). RESULTS: On pathological examination, the mean pathological scores of the montelukast and NAC groups were significantly lower than those of the placebo group. (p <0.05). In biochemical examination, significant differences were found in all parameter levels between the placebo group and the montelukast and NAC groups. (p <0.05) When postoperative DMSA renal scintigraphy measurements and renal function levels were compared, significant differences were found between the montelukast and NAC groups and the placebo and sham groups. CONCLUSION: The administration of NAC and montelukast sodium was seen to have a nephroprotective effect against the development of renal damage associated with warm renal ischemia.