D-limonene inhibits peritoneal adhesion formation in rats via anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and antioxidative effects.

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of D-limonene on decreasing post-operative adhesion in rats and to understand the mechanisms involved. Peritoneal adhesions were induced by creating different incisions and excising a 1 × 1 cm section of the peritoneum. The experimental groups included a sham group, a control group in which peritoneal adhesions were induced without any treatment, and two treatment groups in which animals received D-limonene with dosages of 25 and 50 mg/kg after inducing peritoneal adhesions. Macroscopic examination of adhesions showed that both treatment groups had reduced adhesion bands in comparison to the control group. Immunohistochemical assessment of TGF-ß1, TNF-α, and VEGF on day 14 revealed a significant increment in the level of immunopositive cells for the mentioned markers in the control group, whereas administration of limonene in both doses significantly reduced levels of TGF-ß1, TNF-α, and VEGF (P < 0.05). Induction of peritoneal adhesions in the control group significantly increased TGF-ß1, TNF-α, and VEGF on days 3 and 14 in western blot evaluation, while treatment with limonene significantly reduced TNF-α level on day 14 (P < 0.05). Moreover, VEGF levels in both treatment groups significantly reduced on days 3 and 14. In the control group, a significant increment in the levels of MDA and NO and a notable decline in the levels of GPX, CAT was observed (P < 0.05). Limonene 50 group significantly reduced MDA level and increased GPx and CAT levels on day 14 (P < 0.05). In summary, D-limonene reduced adhesion bands, inflammatory cytokines, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress.

Surgical management of a Salter-Harris type I proximal physeal fracture of the tibia in a foal: a case report.

BACKGROUND: One of the traumatic fractures occurring in the hindlimb of the foals is physeal fractures of the tibia. The most common type of proximal tibial fracture in foals is reported to be Salter-Harris type II. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes the history, clinical signs, radiographic findings, and surgical management of a proximal physeal fracture of the tibia due to the kick trauma in a 2-weeks-old Kurdish female foal, with signs of left pelvic limb lameness, valgus deviation with non-weight-bearing, non-mobility in stifle region and crepitation in the affected area. In this case, radiography was utilized to confirm the fracture and detect the exact location of the fracture fragments. The Salter-Harris type I accompanied by tibial tuberosity fracture was diagnosed. In this case, a size 4.5 mm seven-hole, T-plate, and cortical bone screws were employed to fix the physeal fracture, and a cortical bone screw was utilized to fix the tibial tuberosity in the normal position. Case follow-up during two months showed no significant complications, and the patient was fully recovered (no lameness anymore). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of Salter-Harris type I fracture in proximal tibia accompanied by tibial tuberosity fracture in a foal treated by a T-plate implant. A cortical screw in lag fashion for tibial tuberosity was utilized in this case for the first time, and the results were satisfying. T-Plate fixation can be recommended as an effective surgical treatment for proximal tibial fractures in foals.

Evaluating the effects of betaine on testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury induced by torsion/detorsion in the rat.

In this research, the effects of betaine on testicular ischemia-reperfusion were evaluated. Forty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of sham, torsion/detorsion (TD), torsion/detorsion with two different dosage of betaine 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of the experiment, the testosterone concentration, sperm motility, concentration and vitality, oxidative stress biomarkers including Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Moreover, histopathological parameters including seminiferous tubules diameter (STD), seminiferous epithelium thickness (SET), spermatogonia nuclei diameter (SpND), Sertoli cell nuclei diameter (StND) and miotic index were evaluated. The testosterone concentration altered during torsion/detorsion and betaine could increase slightly the testosterone concentration after 15 days. Sperm motility and vitality significantly increased in the betaine treated groups compared to the TD group on days 3 and 15. Among oxidative stress biomarkers, only CAT on day 3 and GPx on day 15 were significantly higher in the betaine groups compared to the TD group. Among histopathological parameters an increase in the STD and SET in betaine-200 and betaine-300 groups were observed on 15th day of post-surgery, compared to the TD group. These findings indicate that betaine can ameliorate testicular damages triggered by torsion/detorsion.

Leech therapy (Hirudo medicinalis) attenuates testicular damages induced by testicular ischemia/reperfusion in an animal model.

BACKGROUND: Testicular torsion/detorsion triggers tissue ischemia/reperfusion, leading to reactive oxygen species overgeneration and apoptosis. The saliva of leeches is full of anti-inflammatory, anticoagulants, antioxidants, and antimicrobial agents. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the protective mechanism of leech therapy on testicular ischemia/reperfusion damage. METHODS: 18 adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups: 1-Sham-operated group (SO). 2-Torsion/detorsion (T.D) group: two hours of testicular torsion with two hours of testicular detorsion was performed. 3-Torsion/detorsion + Leech therapy (TDL) group. Sperm parameters (motility, vitality, morphology, and concentration), oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, CAT, GPx, and TAC), histopathological factors (Mean seminiferous tubular diameter, Germinal epithelial cell thickness, Testicular capsule thickness, Johnson's score, and Cosentino's score), and immunohistochemical markers for apoptosis detection (Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3) were measured. RESULTS: There was a significant difference for all sperm parameters in the T. D group compared to the sham group. Leech therapy significantly increased progressive motility and normal morphology and reduced non-progressive motility. In the TDL group, MDA concentration significantly reduced, and levels of GPx, TAC, and CAT remarkably increased. All evaluated histopathological parameters in the TDL group significantly increased compared to the T. D group except for the testicular capsule thickness. T. D notably increased the expression of Bax and Caspase-3, while the treatment group slowed the rate of apoptosis compared to the control group. Bcl-2 expression in the T. D group was significantly lower than that in the sham group. Leech therapy increased the Bcl-2 expression. CONCLUSION: Leech therapy attenuates damages to testicular tissue following torsion/detorsion due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Hence, it can be considered as an effective remedy for testicular ischemia/reperfusion.

Co-administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza and verapamil inhibits detrimental effects of torsion/detorsion on testicular tissue in rats.

Testicular torsion/detorsion is one of the important emergencies that requires fast surgical intervention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza hydroalcoholic extract combined with verapamil on testicular ischaemia/reperfusion damage in Wistar albino rats. All animals were distributed in 3 groups (n = 8), including the sham-operated group, torsion/detorsion (TD) group and torsion/detorsion + pretreatment with 200 mg/kg Salvia miltiorrhiza extract combined with 0.3 mg/kg verapamil (SMV) group. Oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, GPx, CAT and TAC) both in plasma and testicular tissue, sperm parameters (motility, vitality, concentration and morphology) and histopathological parameters (MSTD, GECT, Johnson's score, Cosentino's score and testicular cell thickness) were assessed in all groups. Ischaemia/reperfusion significantly increased MDA and decreased GPx, CAT and TAC levels (p < .05). Pretreatment with SMV significantly increased GPx, CAT and TAC levels (p < .05). SMV group increased progressive sperm motility and vitality and reduced non-progressive motility of spermatozoon (p < .05). Testicular torsion significantly decreased all histopathological parameters compared to the sham group (p < .05). SMV pretreatment remarkably increased MSTD, GECT and Cosentino's score in comparison with the TD group (p < .05). A combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza with verapamil could reduce damages triggered by testicular torsion detorsion and improve sperm functionality parameters and oxidative stress defence systems.

Nitroglycerin ameliorates sperm parameters, oxidative stress and testicular injury following by testicular torsion/detorsion in male rats.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the probable protection mechanisms of nitroglycerin, a widely used medication for treatment of heart failure and angina, in amelioration of testicular ischemia/reperfusion damage. METHODS: 24 adult male rats were randomly divided into three equal groups; with eight rats in each group: Group 1 (Sham) was sham-operated. Group 2 (T_D): 2 h testicular torsion was induced, afterward detorsion was performed and maintained for 2 h. Group 3 (NG): Nitroglycerin was administered immediately after detorsion. Sperm quality parameters such as viability, motility, morphology, and concentration, levels of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)), and amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the blood plasma were examined in each group, thereafter histopathological parameters including germinal epithelial cell thickness (GECT), mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD), Johnson's score and Cosentino's score were assessed. RESULTS: Testicular T_D significantly reduced sperm viability, motility, and normal morphology, whereas the NG administration remarkably increased the percentage of live, motile, and normal spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Levels of GPx, CAT, and TAC significantly reduced and the MDA level significantly increased in the T_D group in comparison to the sham group (p < 0.05). The NG treated group demonstrated significantly reduced MDA concentrations as well as elevated levels of GPx and CAT compared to the T_D group (p < 0.05). Induction of testicular torsion significantly reduced Johnson's score, GESCT (µm), and MSTD (µm), and remarkably increased the Cosentino's score (P < 0.05), while NG injection significantly increased Johnson's score, GESCT (µm), and MSTD (µm) and reduced the Cosentino's score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the findings in this research, nitroglycerin was able to protect the testicular tissue from ischemia-reperfusion damage caused by induced torsion/detorsion.

The effects of verapamil and heparin co-administration on sperm parameters and oxidative stress in prevention of testicular torsion/detorsion damage in rats.

In this research, the impacts of combined administration of verapamil and heparin on testicular torsion damage were examined. In this experimental study, 30 sexually mature male Wistar albino rats were divided into five equal groups haphazardly (n = 6): Group 1 was the sham group. In group 2, a 2-hr testicular torsion was induced, and thereafter, detorsion was done. Rats in group 3 and group 4 experienced an identical surgical procedure like group 2, but verapamil and heparin were administered in 0.3 mg/kg and 800 IU/kg doses respectively, and in group 5, a combination of verapamil and heparin were administered. Intraperitoneal drug injection in all treatment groups was done 30 min before testicular detorsion. Testicular torsion significantly changed sperm parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers and Cosentino's histological score compared to the sham group (p < .05). All treatment groups reduced testicular damage by decreasing oxidative stress and improving sperm parameters, but heparin and co-administration of verapamil and heparin were significantly better than verapamil injection alone. However, heparin injected group was more effective than other treatment groups (p < .05). Overall, an anticoagulant like heparin is more effective than a calcium channel blocker such as verapamil, and it is more likely to reduce testicular torsion injuries.

Effects of linalool on postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rats.

The current study examines the effects of linalool in preventing postoperative abdominal adhesions. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. (1) Sham: in this group, the abdomen was approached, and without any manipulations, it was sutured. (2) Control: rats in this group underwent a surgical procedure to induce adhesions. This involved making three incisions on the right abdominal side and removing a 1×1-cm piece of the peritoneum on the left abdominal side. (3) Treatment groups: these groups underwent the same surgical procedure as the control group to induce adhesions. Animals in these groups received linalool orally with doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for a period of 14 days. Moreover, rats in the sham and control groups received normal saline via gavage for 14 days. The evaluation of TNF-α, TGF-ß, VEGF, and caspase 3 was performed using western blot and IHC methods. Furthermore, oxidative stress biomarkers such as MDA, TAC, GSH, and NO were assessed in the peritoneal adhesion tissue. The findings revealed that linalool significantly reduced peritoneal adhesions by reducing TNF-α, TGF-ß, VEGF, and caspase 3 levels. Moreover, MDA concentration was significantly decreased, while NO, TAC, and GSH levels were notably increased. Overall, linalool was effective in preventing adhesion formation and reduced inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Therefore, linalool as a potent antioxidant is suggested for reducing postoperative adhesions in rats.

Efficacy of silver-doped Carbon dots in Chemical Castration: a rat model study.

This study evaluates silver-doped carbon dots (AgCDs) as a novel agent for chemical castration using a rat model. Six groups of rats (five males and ten females each, except for the surgical group which had only males) were utilized to compare the effects of different concentrations of AgCDs. The groups included control, sham, and three experimental groups injected with 1.25, 50, and 200 µg/mL AgCDs, respectively, along with a surgical castration group. Testosterone levels, sperm parameters, fertility index, oxidative damage, histopathological parameters, and gene expression of P53, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, AKT, and PI3K were analyzed. Results demonstrated that the high-dose AgCDs group significantly reduced testosterone levels, sperm concentration, and motility, resulting in a decreased fertility index. MDA and NO significantly increased, while CAT, SOD, GPx, and TAC significantly reduced in the chemically castrated groups. Histological and genes expression analysis also revealed apoptosis and testicular damage in the AgCDs groups, indicated by significant increases in P53, Bax, and Caspase-3 levels, and significant reductions in AKT, PI3K, and Bcl-2. Based on these findings, AgCDs could be considered a potent and efficient agent for chemical castration, offering a less invasive, cost-effective solution with potential applications for population control.

Unusual left colon displacement and clockwise torsion in a 10-month-old Arab filly: A case report.

In this case report, we present an unusual clockwise torsion of left colon around mesenteric root in a 10-month-old Arab filly, highlighting the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and successful surgical intervention. A 10-month-old Arab filly weighing approximately 250 kg was referred with signs of acute abdominal pain. The history revealed anorexia, restlessness and severe abdominal pain that had begun the previous day. The local practitioner had previously administered flunixin meglumine, an analgesic, but it proved ineffective in relieving the pain. Upon physical examination, the filly exhibited sweating, a body temperature of 38.5°C, tachycardia (65 beats per minute) and tachypnea (25 breaths per minute). Due to the severity of the colic and the lack of response to the conservative treatments, surgical intervention was deemed necessary. An exploratory midline celiotomy was performed to evaluate the abdominal organs. During the examination, no obvious primary lesions were identified in the evaluated organs. However, a restriction in exteriorizing the left colon's length was observed. Further examination revealed an unusual clockwise torsion of the left colon that displaced in left to the right side around the mesenteric root; thereby, pelvic flexure was located in the normal anatomical position with a short length. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of clockwise torsion and an atypical displacement of the left colon in horses. The surgical correction of the displacement was successfully performed. The filly showed improvement post-surgery and did not exhibit any complications during the recovery period.

Testicular torsions in veterinary medicine.

The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive comparison of spermatic cord torsion in domestic animals. Spermatic cord torsion leads to occlusion of testicular blood flow resulting in ischemia and tissue hypoxia. Spermatic cord torsion has been reported in all domestic mammals but dogs and horses are overrepresented. Abdominal pain (colic), anorexia, vomiting, lameness, and stiff gait are the most common clinical signs reported. The condition may be asymptomatic in cases of a low degree of spermatic cord torsion. In dogs, spermatic cord torsion is most commonly reported in undescended testes, which in some cases are neoplastic. However, in horses, spermatic cord torsion occurs more commonly in scrotal testes. Surgical treatment for spermatic cord torsion depends upon the degree and duration of torsion. If the affected testis is located within the scrotum and determined to still be viable, detorsion with orchidopexy can be performed. Orchiopexy of the unaffected scrotal testis is also recommended in stallions. If the affected testis cannot be salvaged, unilateral or bilateral orchidectomy is recommended. In all cases of spermatic cord torsion of an undescended testis, orchidectomy is recommended. Veterinarians should be aware of the clinical signs and treatment options for spermatic cord torsion in domestic mammals.

Incidence of iodine deficiency and congenital goitre in goats and kids of Darreh Garm region, Khorramabad, Iran.

One of the thyroid disorders of ruminants is goitre, which is triggered by iodine deficiency. This study evaluates goitre in the goats of the Darreh Garm region in the vicinity of the Khorramabad city. Three goats with congenital enlarged thyroid glands were referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Lorestan University with signs of arrhythmia, dyspnea and anorexia. Clinical examination, radiographic and sonographic evaluations were performed. Afterward, a comprehensive visual observation was accomplished in the outbreak region and blood samples were taken for thyroid hormones measurement in does and kids. Moreover, soil and forage samples were collected to assess the iodine concentration and soil parameters. Results indicated that the thyroid hormone concentration in the serum of the affected does and kids were significantly lower than healthy and treated animals. Treatment with sodium thyroxine significantly increased the concentration of T3 and T4 hormones. Pasture (5.28 ± 1.57 mg/kg) and soil (11.0 ± 1.49 mg/kg) iodine levels were lower than normal levels in this region. Histopathological slides of the thyroid glands from the dead kids indicated thyroid follicles with different sizes and hyperplasia of the glands. Overall, a 0.5 mg/kg iodine in the diet meal of the goats needs to be considered for prevention of the iodine deficiency.

Rosmarinic acid prevents post-operative abdominal adhesions in a rat model.

This study aims to determine the effects of rosmarinic acid which involved the mechanisms to decrease the postoperative peritoneal adhesion formation in rats. Various incisions and removing a 1 × 1 cm piece of peritoneum was used to induce the peritoneal adhesions. Experimental groups were as follows: 1-Sham group. 2-Control group: Peritoneal adhesions were induced and no treatments were performed. 3-Treatment groups: Following inducing peritoneal adhesions, animals received rosmarinic acid with 50 and 70 mg/kg dosage, respectively. Macroscopic examination of adhesions indicated that adhesion bands were reduced in both treatment groups compared to the control group. Moreover, the adhesion score was decreased in both treatment groups on day 14. Inflammation and fibroblast proliferation were both reduced in the treatment groups on day 14. TGF-ß1, TNF-α, and VEGF were all evaluated by western blot and immunohistochemistry on days 3 and 14. Treatment groups reduced inflammatory cytokines on days 3 and 14. The treatment group with a 70 mg/kg dosage decreased TGF-ß1 and TNF-α levels more than the other treatment group. The administration of rosmarinic acid significantly reduced MDA and increased CAT levels. In conclusion, the rosmarinic acid was effective to reduce the adhesion bands, inflammatory cytokines, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress.

Study on the effect of medicinal leech therapy (Hirudo medicinalis) on full-thickness excisional wound healing in the animal model.

The possible impacts of alternative and conventional medicines on wound healing are now of growing interest. This study aimed to evaluate and elucidate the wound healing activity of medicinal leech therapy in wound excision of the rat model. After a round, full-thickness excision was made in the dorsal region of the body, the animals (n = 30) were randomly divided into three equal groups: I) the treatment group (MLT), where the wounds received leech treatment; II) the positive control group (PC), where the wounds received 1% sodium phenytoin treatment; and III) the negative control group (NC), where the wounds did not receive any treatment. On days 6 and 16, wound biopsy specimens were taken, and prepared sections were stained using various methods. The contraction rate differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the NC group and the other groups. The histopathological evaluation revealed that MLT group showed an accelerated healing process and lower inflammatory response compared to other groups. In ML-treated group maturation and remodeling of collagen had occurred, while in 1% sodium phenytoin treated group, proliferation was the prominent feature. Results showed that the fibroblast was significantly lower in the NC group in comparison to other groups. The number of MNC, s, and PMN, s was significantly higher in the NC group compared to other groups (P < 0.0001). In our study, medicinal leech therapy had a higher success rate in healing for the treatment of excisional wounds in animal models.

Salvia miltiorrhiza hydroalcoholic extract inhibits postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rats.

BACKGROUND: One of the most prevalent postoperative complications is believed to be intra-abdominal peritoneal adhesions, which is followed by several complications. Several adhesion prevention products have been examined, yet none of them were found to be completely effective. The current research is conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza hydroalcoholic extract in inhibiting postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rats. METHODS: Forty rats were randomly classified into five equal groups (n = 8): 1) the normal group did not undergo surgical operations, 2) the control group in which the adhesion was induced, and which did not receive any treatment, 3) distilled water group that received distilled water, and 4,5) treatment groups treated with 1 and 5% of Salvia miltiorrhiza hydroalcoholic extract. The rats were euthanized 14 days following the surgery and the macroscopic score, the microscopic score of granulomatous inflammation and granulation tissue formation, IHC markers (vimentin, CD31, IL-1ß, COX-2, and iNOS), and oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, GPx, CAT, and TAC) were assessed in the experimental groups of the study. RESULTS: The difference between the control group and other groups for the adhesions macroscopic score, microscopic score, IHC markers, and oxidative stress biomarkers was significant (p < 0.05). Distilled water had no protective effect on the formation of peritoneal adhesions. Salvia miltiorrhiza treatment in two different doses significantly reduced macroscopic and microscopic scores, MDA concentration, Vimentin, IL-1ß, COX-2, and iNOS compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The levels of GPx, CAT, and TAC in the treatment groups increased significantly compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Our findings revealed that a higher dose of Salvia miltiorrhiza was more effective in reducing peritoneal adhesions, proinflammatory and mesenchymal cell markers, and oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Salvia miltiorrhiza extract, owing to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, could effectively reduce peritoneal adhesions. Therefore, Salvia miltiorrhiza is recommended to be used as an effective anti-peritoneal post-operative adhesive agent.

Esophageal foreign body removal through gastrotomy using a covault hook in a female dog: A case report.

One of the most critical emergencies in dogs is esophageal foreign bodies. The most important foreign body reported in the esophagus is bone; however, there are also reports of fish hooks lodged in the esophagus. This case report describes the history, clinical signs, radiographic findings and surgical management of an esophageal foreign body due to a single-barbed fish hook in a 4-month-old Siberian Husky female dog with regurgitation, pain, anorexia and lethargy. In this case, plain radiography was taken to determine the type and location of the foreign body and it was confirmed that a single-barbed fish hook was lodged in the heart base of thorax. Depending on the type of foreign body, penetrable or non-penetrable as well as the location, a variety of methods including endoscopy, fluoroscopy, and surgery are used for its removal. For treatment, for the first time, a covault hook was utilized to remove the foreign body via gastrotomy. Case follow-up during two weeks showed no postoperative complications and the patient was healthy.

Iridociliary adenoma in a sheep (Iranian Shaal breed): A case report.

Ocular tumors are rarely seen in farm animals. Iridociliary epithelial tumors are the second most common tumor of the eye in dogs and cats, but there is just one report of this tumor in sheep. This case report described the history, clinical signs, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, and surgical management of an iridociliary adenoma tumor in a 3-year-old Iranian Shaal sheep with signs of anorexia, depression, loss of vision, and a mass covering the left eye. The mass had protruded from the left eye globe but had not penetrated the periocular tissues. Enucleation was performed to excise the tumor. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue staining methods were done for the mass, but the result for both of them was negative. Slides were also immunostained for antibodies against cytokeratin AE1/AE3, vimentin, and S-100 protein. The results were positive for vimentin but negative for cytokeratin and S-100. According to the results of histopathology and immunohistochemistry, the type of tumor was diagnosed as iridociliary adenoma. To our knowledge, it was the second report of the iridociliary tumor in the sheep and the first report of this tumor in the Iranian Shaal breed.

The effect of aqueous extract of Prunus dulcis on tibial bone healing in the rabbit.

BACKGROUND: Bone fractures are medical emergencies that require prompt intervention to help return bone to its normal function. Various methods and treatments have been utilized to increase the speed and efficiency of bone repair. This study aimed to investigate the treatment effects of Prunus dulcis aqueous extract on tibial bone healing in rabbits. METHODS: All animals were distributed in five groups with six rats in each group, including the sham group, the control group in which tibial lesion was made and received distilled water, treatment groups with 150 mg kg-1, 300 mg kg-1 doses of Prunus dulcis extract, and osteocare treated group. Biochemical blood factors including calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (on days 0, 10, 30, and 50), biomarkers of oxidative stress such as GPx, CAT, and MDA (on days 10 and 30), radiological evaluation, histopathological parameters, and osteocalcin immunohistochemical expression were assessed. RESULTS: The data showed calcium levels in the treatment groups increased significantly from day 10 to day 50, respectively, and blood phosphorus levels decreased from day 10 to day 50 in the treatment groups. Alkaline phosphatase initially increased and then decreased in treatment groups. In the treatment groups, GPx and CAT levels significantly increased, and the serum amount of MDA reduced. The best antioxidant results were related to the extract-treated group with a higher dose. Radiographic score was significantly higher in the treatment groups than the control group on day 30. Based on the pathological findings, the healing occurred faster in the extract-treated group with a higher dose. Osteocalcin expression was significantly higher in the control group than that in the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with Prunus dulcis extract with a dosage of 300 mg/kg accelerated tibial bone healing in rabbits.

Investigating the sperm parameters, oxidative stress and histopathological effects of salvia miltiorrhiza hydroalcoholic extract in the prevention of testicular ischemia reperfusion damage in rats.

AIMS: One of the most common urologic emergencies is spermatic cord torsion, which can damage testicular tissue and reduce fertility. Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) hydroalcoholic extract possess high antioxidant properties, and its efficacy in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury prevention has been demonstrated in cardiac, renal, and liver tissues. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the protective mechanism of SM extract on testicular I/R damage. MAIN METHODS: 18 mature male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups; with six rats in each group: Group 1 (Sham) was sham-operated. Group 2 (T-D): torsion was performed, and after 2 hours (h) detorsion was done. Group 3 (SM): (200 mg kg-1) SM was intraperitoneally injected thirty minutes before detorsion. Then testicular and epididymal weight and size alterations, sperm parameters (motility, livability, concentration, and morphology), both plasma and testicular tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated. Also, histopathological changes included mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD), testicular capsule thickness (TCT), mean testicular biopsy scoring (MTBS), and germinal epithelial cell thickness (GECT) were examined. RESULTS: Testicular I/R significantly reduced sperm motility, viability, and normality, while SM extract administration remarkably increased sperm motility, and normality (P < 0.05). Induction of testicular T-D caused a significant increment in the level of MDA and notable decline in the levels of GPX, CAT, and TAC both in plasma and testis tissue, whereas administration of SM extract significantly decreased MDA level and increased GPX, CAT, and TAC levels in plasma and testicular tissue (P < 0.05). Histopathological parameters including MSTD, GECT, MTBS, and TCT were significantly lower in the T-D group, while pretreatment with SM extract remarkably increased MSTD, GECT, and MTBS amounts (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Since the SM extract increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, improved sperm parameters and reduced the damage to testicular tissue, therefore, its use as a potent antioxidant in reducing testicular I/R damage is suggested.