Animals In Study Group Research Articles

The Effect of High Nitric Oxide Concentrations on Oxygenators in Cardiopulmonary Bypass Machines (Experimental Study)

The aim of the study. To study the effect of high nitric oxide concentrations on hollow polypropylene fibers of oxygenators.Materials and methods. The study was conducted in two stages. At the first stage, we evaluated the stability of oxygenator membrane made of hollow polypropylene fibers after six hours of exposure to air-oxygen mixture containing NO at 500 parts per million, or 500 pro pro mille (ppm) concentration, using mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. At the second stage, an experiment with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was conducted on 10 pigs. In the study group (n=5) animals sweep gas was supplied to the oxygenator as an air-oxygen mixture with NO at 100 ppm. In the control group animals (n=5) an air-oxygen mixture was used without NO. The CPB lasted for 4 hours, followed by observation for 12 hours. NO, NO2 (at the inlet and outlet of the oxygenator), and the dynamics of methemoglobin were evaluated. After weaning of animals from CPB, the oxygenators were tested for leakproofness, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed.Results. The oxygenator made of polypropylene hollow fibers retained its gas transfer parameters after six hours of exposure to air-oxygen mixture containing NO at 500 ppm. Based on IR-Fourier spectroscopy findings, NO did not affect structural integrity of polypropylene membranes. NO added to gas mixture at 100 ppm did not increase NO2 to toxic level of 2 ppm in 91% of control tests during 4 hours CPB in pigs; mean value was 1.58 ± 0.28 ppm. Methemoglobin concentration did not exceed the upper limit of permissible level (3%), and there were no statistically significant differences with the control group. All tested oxygenators have passed the leakproofness test. According to SEM findings, larger amounts of fibrin deposits were found in the control group oxygenators vs study group.Conclusion. There were no negative effects of NO at 500 ppm concentration on the oxygenator membrane made of hollow polypropylene fibers. NO at 100 ppm in a gas-mixture supplied to oxygenators did not lead to an exceedance of safe NO2 and methemoglobin concentrations in an animal model. Reduced fibrin deposits on hollow fibers of polypropylene oxygenator membranes were observed when with NO at a level of 100 ppm was added to a gas mixture.

Unlocking the anti-diabetic potential of Gymnema sylvestre, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and their combination thereof: Anin-vivo evaluation.

The current study aimed to explore the anti-diabetic effect of aqueous extracts of Gymnema sylvestre, Trigonella foenum-graecum and mixture of both the plants in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. A total of 30 rabbits were grouped into six equal groups as: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg body weight (bw) G. sylvestre, diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg bw T. foenum-graecum, diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg bw mixture of both the plants and diabetic treated with 500 mg/kg bw metformin for 4 weeks. Diabetes was induced to all the study group animals except normal control by intravenous administration of alloxan monohydrate (80 mg/kg bw). Blood glucose was measured by glucometer and other biochemical parameters were determined through various kit methods. Serum insulin was measured through ELISA kit method. Results showed that both the plants and metformin significantly (p < .05) decreased the fasting blood glucose. Hypoglycemic activity of aqueous extract of G. sylvestre and metformin was found slightly higher than aqueous extract of T. foenum-graecum and the mixture of both the plants. However, a significant (p < .05) rise in insulin secretion was observed in studied plants extract treated rabbits. Serum urea, creatinine, and liver enzymes were found reduced significantly (p < .05) in treated rabbits whereas packed cell volume was also returned to normal in treated animals as compared to control group. The study concluded that G. sylvestre and T. foenum-graecum extracts have comparable effects with metformin in normalizing the blood glucose level and have more pronounced effect than metformin in restoring the serum biochemical parameters to normal levels. Hence, these plants may be the good alternative medicine in managing the diabetes mellitus.

The Effect of Xenon on the Activity of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-Зβ in the Perifocal Zone of Ischemic Cerebral Infarction (Experimental Study)

Aim of the study. To determine the effects of xenon exposure at a dose of 0.5 MAC of different duration on the content and enzyme-inactivating phosphorylation of the glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) in the perifocal zone of ischemic cerebral infarction in an experimental setting.Materials and methods. The Long method was used for modelling brain ischemia/reperfusion in 39 rats weighing 300-350 g. Study group animals was exposed to xenon at a dose of 0.5 MAC during 30, 60 and 120 minutes whereas control group animals received an oxygen-air mixture. Sham-operated animals served as a comparison group. The levels of GSK3β and phospho-GSK3β in brain homogenates were determined by blotting using specific antibodies.Results. In ischemic stroke model, the content of GSK3β did not significantly change in control animals compared to comparison group. However, control group animals exhibited significant (2.7-fold, P&lt;0.001) decrease in the content of its phospho-GSK3β in the perifocal zone of ischemic cerebral infarction. Inhalation of 0.5 MAC xenon during 30 minutes did not lead to an increase in phosphorylation of the GSK3β enzyme (P=0.9), however, 60 and 120 minutes of 0.5 MAC xenon exposures resulted in the increase in phosphorylated form of the enzyme by a factor of 2.1 (P=0.005) and 2.3 (P=0.001), respectively, compared to the control group.Conclusion. The results reveal a possible molecular mechanism (i. e., execution of neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of xenon due to GSK-Зβ inactivation) and show the prospects for using 60 and 120 minutes of 0.5 MAC xenon exposures in ischemic brain damage after a stroke, traumatic brain injury and other brain lesions.

Crosstalk between Apoptosis and Cytotoxic Lymphocytes (CTLs) in the Course of Lagovirus Europaeus GI.1a Infection in Rabbits.

Lagovirus europaeus is a single-stranded RNA virus causing an acute fatal disease in wild and domestic rabbits around the world. Studies have shown that the pivotal process impacting the immune response against the disease is apoptosis, registered mainly in hepatocytes and in peripheral blood, together with an increased number of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs). It is known that cytotoxic lymphocytes can induce target cells to undergo apoptosis on the pseudoreceptor pathway, such apoptosis having been found in several acute and chronic viral infections. The study aimed to assess the crosstalk between the apoptosis of peripheral blood lymphocytes and CD8+ T lymphocytes (as CTLs) in rabbits infected with 6 Lagovirus europaeus GI.1a viruses. Sixty rabbits of Polish hybrid breed comprising both sexes and weighing 3.2-4.2 kg were the experimental group, and an identical group was the control. Each of the six GI.1a Lagovirus europaeus viruses was inoculated into ten experimental rabbits. Control rabbits received glycerol as a placebo. Flow cytometric analysis was performed on blood from the study and control group animals for peripheral blood lymphocyte apoptosis and CTL percentage determination. The activation of apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes was recorded from 4 h post inoculation (p.i.) up to 36 h p.i. The percentage of CTLs in the total blood pool decreased from 8 to 36 h p.i. A negative correlation between apoptosis of lymphocytes and the number of CTLs was proven. This may be the first evidence of virus-induced CTL apoptosis in Lagovirus europaeus GI.1a infection.

Effect Of Suvarna Bhasma (Gold Calx) On Reproductive System Of Male Albino Rats

“Suvarna Bhasma” (gold calx) (SB) prepared as per Ayurveda, a practicing medical system, is prescribed as a medicine in several ailments including conditions like oligozoospermia and asthenoszoospermia in male infertility. SB is prepared from pure metal gold by one of the processing methods detailed in Ayurveda classics. Gold along with other elements was reported in normal human seminal plasma. . In human pathological semen samples, the level of gold was less than normal. Gold may have a role in physiological activity of sperm as shown in case of other elements. The present study supports the hypothesis that the presence of gold is essential for sperm motility. Here we studied the effect of SB on male reproductive organs and semen from epididymis of rat. Present study was performed using Charles foster strain albino rats. Rats were divided into two groups of ten each namely, Group 1 (control) and Group 2 (study). Animals in study group were orally given a fixed amount of SB for 15 days. At the end of the study treated animals showed increase in body weight (&lt;0.05) and testicular weight. In treated animals total sperm count (&lt;0.05) and percentage of sperm motility were increased in epididymal fluid. Histological study showed increase in interstitial area of testes (&lt;0.001), proliferation and branching of the epithelial layer of seminal vesicle. In the Study (gold treated) Group, the increased gold level in genital system may be responsible for the increase in sperm production and motility.

Effect Of Caffeine and Adrenaline on Memory and Anxiety in Male Wistar Rats.

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of caffeine and adrenaline administration on memory and anxiety in male rats. Rats weighing about 140-200g were used for the study. They were divided into three groups (4 animals per group). Study groups 1; a,b,c,d were healthy rats administered normal saline, 5,10 and 15mg/kg bw caffeine intraperitoneally (i.p.), respectively for 6 weeks. Study groups 2; a,b,c,d administered normal saline, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.31mg/kg bw adrenaline (i.p.), respectively for 6 weeks. Study groups 3; a,b,c,d administered normal saline, 5mg/kg caffeine (i.p.) + 0.1mg/kg adrenaline (i.p.), 10mg/kg Caffeine (i.p.) + 0.2mg/kg Adrenaline (i.p.) and 15mg/kg Caffeine (i.p.) + 0.3mg/kg Adrenaline (i.p.) respectively for 6 weeks. The result showed no significant difference in spatial memory across all animals in study groups 1: b,c,d when compared to control (a). Study groups 2: (b, c) showed increase in spatial memory when compared to control (a). 2(d) showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease. Study groups 3: b, c, d showed no significant difference in spatial memory when compared to control (a). Study groups 1: b, c showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in duration for the short and long term memory test when compared to control. Study groups 2 showed reduction in duration for both the long and short term memory test when compared to control Study groups 3 no significant (p<0.05) difference in short and long term memory test across all animals in the group. It was also observed that adrenaline enhanced short and long term memory and only high dose of adrenaline distorted spatial memory. Study groups 1; (b,c) showed significant (p<0.05) increase in the number of entries to the open arm of the elevated plus maze when compared to control (a). Study groups 2; (b), showed significant (p<0.05) increase in the frequencies of entries to the closed arm of the elevated plus maze when compared to control (a). Study groups 2; (d), showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the frequency of entries to the open and closed arm when compared to control (a). The study revealed that co- administration of caffeine and adrenaline led to elevation of mood, increased activity and reduction of anxiety in Wistar rats. In addition, it was observed that only high dose of adrenaline increased anxiety. It was also observed that caffeine and adrenaline enhanced short and long term memory and only high dose of adrenaline distorted spatial memory.

Retrospective evaluation of the outcome and prognosis of undergoing positive pressure ventilation due to cardiac and noncardiac causes in dogs and cats (2019-2020): 101 cases.

To compare the short- and long-term outcomes of dogs and cats with left-sided congestive heart failure (L-CHF) undergoing positive pressure ventilation (PPV) to patients undergoing PPV for other causes and to determine risk factors associated with outcomes in this population. This retrospective study included dogs and cats that underwent PPV during 2018-2020. The study group included patients diagnosed with L-CHF. The control group included patients who were ventilated for reasons other than L-CHF. The risk factors evaluated included vital signs on presentation, ventilator settings, development of azotemia during hospitalization, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), complications, and medications used. University Teaching Hospital. Fifty (32 dogs, 18 cats) study group animals and 51 (39 dogs, 12 cats) control group animals were included in the L-CHF and control groups, respectively. Sixty-six percent (33/50) of L-CHF patients, compared with 35% (18/51) of the control patients, were weaned off PPV (P=0.002). Fifty-four percent (27/50) of the L-CHF patients survived to discharge, compared with 26% (13/51) of the control group patients (P=0.003). However, only 54% (12/22) of the discharged L-CHF patients survived for>2 months compared to 100% of the control patients. The median survival time for dogs and cats with L-CHF surviving to discharge was 240 days (range: 1-730 days). In dogs, factors negatively associated with survival included CPR in both groups and the development of azotemia in the L-CHF group. Anemia on presentation was negatively associated with survival for both cats and dogs in the control group. Dogs and cats undergoing PPV due to L-CHF were more commonly weaned off the ventilator and survived to discharge compared to other causes necessitating PPV. However, these patients suffer from severe heart disease, and therefore, their long-term survival is guarded.

Concentrations of Ca, Mg, P, Prostaglandin E2 in Bones and Parathyroid Hormone; 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; 17-β-estradiol; Testosterone and Somatotropin in Plasma of Aging Rats Subjected to Physical Training in Cold Water

Exposure to low temperatures can be considered a stressor, which when applied for a specific time can lead to adaptive reactions. In our study we hypothesized that cold, when applied to the entire body, may be a factor that positively modifies the aging process of bones by improving the mechanisms related to the body’s mineral balance. Taking the above into account, the aim of the study was to determine the concentration of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P) in bones, and to examine bone density and concentrations of the key hormones for bone metabolism, namely parathyroid hormone (PTH), somatotropin (GH), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 17-β estradiol, testosterone (T) in plasma, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the bone of aging rats subjected to physical training in cold water. The animals in the experiment were subjected to a series of swimming sessions for nine weeks. Study group animals (male and female respectively) performed swimming training in cold water at 5 ± 2 °C and in water with thermal comfort temperature (36 ± 2 °C). Control animals were kept in a sedentary condition. Immersion in cold water affects bone mineral metabolism in aging rats by changing the concentration of Ca, Mg, and P in the bone, altering bone mineral density and the concentration of key hormones involved in the regulation of bone mineral metabolism. The effect of cold-water immersion may be gender-dependent. In females, it decreases Ca and Mg content in bones while increasing bone density and 17-β estradiol and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels, and with a longer perspective in aging animals may be positive not only for bone health but also other estrogen-dependent tissues. In males, cold water swimming decreased PTH and PGE2 which resulted in a decrease in phosphorus content in bones (with no effect on bone density), an increase in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and increase in T and GH, and may have positive consequences especially in bones and muscle tissue for the prevention of elderly sarcopenia.

Investigation of healing effects of Afyonkarahisar Region thermal spring water on experimentally-induced nephritis in mice

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Afyokarahisar termomineral water in the treatment of nephritis. For this purpose, 40 Albino mouse at the same daily age were used. Nephritis was induced by adding adenine to their feed at a rate of 0.2% for 6 weeks. After nephritis was induced, a 21-day treatment period was started, and the mice were equally divided into two groups as control and study. While control group mice were received tap water daily and bathing in tap water, study group animals were given fresh Süreyya I hot spring water daily and bathing in this water. Clinical, hematological, blood biochemical and histopathological examinations were performed before the study, after nephritis formation, and on days of 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st of treatment period. Results of this study showed that WBC, NEUT and MCV levels increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) following nephritis formation, while RBC, HB, HCT, LYM, MCH and MCHC levels decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05). It was also determined that AST, GGT, GLU, BUN and IgG levels of blood biochemical parameters were significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05) and TP, ALB levels decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) after nephritis formation. At the end of the study, it was seen that all the measured parameters turned to the normal range in the study group animals, whereas problems still continuing with control group animals. Consequently, it was concluded that Süreyya I hot spring water was very successful in the treatment of nephritis and considered as an option in the treatment of nephritis.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activities and the Therapeutic Potential of Some Newly Synthesized Chalcones Against 4-Acetaminophenol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.

The lack of safety and efficacy of existing hepatoprotective agents urge the need to explore novel hepatoprotective agents. The research work was planned to study the therapeutic potential of some newly synthesized chalcones against 4-acetaminophenol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Male albino rats (N = 30) were divided into 6 groups of 5 animals each i.e. group I; Toxic control (4-acetaminophenol), group II; normal control (Normal saline), group III; Positive control (silymarin; 50 mg/kg bw) and groups IV-VI (test groups) treated with 3 chalcone analogues i-e 3a, 3f & 3 g (100, 150, 150 mg/kg bw, respectively). All the study group animals were administered with 4-acetaminophenol to induce hepatotoxicity except normal control. Following hepatotoxicity induction, test group animals were administered with selected doses of test compounds and toxic group animals left untreated. Liver enzymes including ALT, AST, ALP and serum bilirubin were determined photometrically. Antioxidant activities of test compounds were also determined. Histopathological examination of liver biopsies was also carried out through H & E staining. The test chalcones (3a, 3f & 3 g) significantly decreased the levels of liver enzymes and serum bilirubin toward normal and the pattern of results in the test group animals were comparable to silymarin administered animals indicating the hepatoprotective potential of test compounds. Moreover, the test chalcones (3a, 3f & 3 g) antagonized the effect of 4-acetaminophenol and thus, raised the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) while decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) in experimental animals. The test chalcones (3a, 3f & 3 g) on histological examination of liver showed improvement of tissue morphology. The study concluded that the tested compounds have antioxidant potential and may act as hepatoprotective agent. However, in-depth studies are required to validate their safety and to elucidate the exact mechanism of action.

Investigation of the Healing Effects of Afyonkarahisar Region Hot Spring Waters' Inhalation on Experimentally Induced Asthma in Mice

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways observed exclusively in humans and sometimes animals. In this study, 40 Albino rats of the same age were used. After 6 weeks of ovalbumin-induced asthma in all animals, 40 rats were randomly divided into two groups as control and study groups for a 21-day treatment period. At the treatment stage, the control group animals were treated with normal tap water, while the study group animals were treated with hot spring water. Clinical, hematological, blood biochemical and histopathological examinations were performed before starting the study, after asthma formation, and on days of 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st after treatment. Total leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, AST, ALT, GGT, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels were significantly decreased (p &lt;0.05) in the study group animals which treated with hot spring water. These normalization changes were confirmed by histopathological findings. Consequently, it was concluded that hot spring water of Afyonkarahisar Region provide a very successful treatment in asthma, and it should be considered as a supportive option for the treatment of asthma.

Investigation of the Therapeutic Effects of Hot Springs Waters Sourced from Afyonkarahisar Region on Experimentally-induced Myocardial infarctus in Rats

Myocardial infarction is an important public health problem in human and animals. In this study, myocardial infarction was induced by intraperitoneally injected isoproterenol hydrochloride in saline solution at a dose of 85 mg/kg body weight for 2 days. After myocardial infarction formation, three animals were exed to collect blood and histopathological specimens. The remaining 32 rats were divided into control and study groups for treatment. In the treatment stage; the control group animals were treated with tap water, while the study group animals were received Süreyya I hot spring mineral water. Clinical, hematological, blood biochemical and histopathological examinations was performed in all the animals before study, after myocardial infarction, and on 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st days after treatment. In terms of T, P and R, there were significant differences (p &lt;0.05) with respect to time periods between control and study groups (p &lt;0.05). WBC, NOTR, MON MCH, HCT ve MCV levels decreased, while RBC, HG, HCT, LENF, MCH and MCHC levels increased following treatmen in both groups. These changes were significant in study group comaper to control. It was also seen that ALT, AST, CK and CRP levels of blood biochemical parameters were significantly increased (p &lt;0.05) after myocardial infarction formation. By begining treatment, TP, ALB and GLU levels increased, whereas ALT, AST, CK and CRP levels decreased, especially on the 21st day of the study in the SG. It was concluded that in the correct temperature and time to use Süreyya I hot spring water as drinking and bathing was very successful in the treatment of myocardial infarction, either itself or along with other medical treatments.

Correction with thiocetam of lead nanoparticles influence on morpho-functional status of rat liver

Abstract The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of Thiocetam on morphological changes in the liver of rats and on biochemical changes in their blood after exposure to lead nanoparticles and compounds. The liver is an organ that performs a number of functions, such as the synthesis of enzymes, hormones, plasma components and the neutralization of toxins. It is involved in many metabolic processes in the body. In undertaking this, colloidal solutions of lead sulphide nanoparticles at dosages 10 nm and 30 nm were injected into two groups of rats, PbSnano1 and PbSnano2, respectively, while group Pb(NO3) received subcutaneously a solution of lead nitrate in ion form in a dose of 1.5 mg/kg (0.94 mg/kg lead, in lead equivalent). After 60 administrations (12 weeks) of the studied substances, the exposure was discontinued and the animals were observed for 18 weeks. Subsequently, half of each group received Thiocetam by injection (for 6 weeks at a dose of 250 mg/kg) while the other half did not. We then assessed the mean body weight, absolute and relative liver weight, blood biochemistry values (total protein, albumin, glucose, total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides levels in blood serum) and morphological changes in hepatocytes (morphological slides, nuclei cross-sectional area and cytoplasm cross-sectional area). The outcome of this work showed that the mean body weight of animals exposed to nanoparticles with Tiocetam did not differ from that of animals exposed to nanoparticles without pharmacological correction, but relative liver weight was statistically significantly higher than the corresponding values in rats without pharmacological correction. The morphological picture in all study group animals was characterized by the normalization of microvessel blood filling, structure of hepatic plates, disappearance of infiltration with lymphocytes and histiocytes. No dystrophic changes in hepatocytes were found. All this indicates the feasibility of preventive measures during exposure to lead nanoparticles, by administering Thiocetam. In both series of animals exposed to lead nanoparticles (PbSnano1 and PbSnano2), the cross-sectional area of the hepatocytes cytoplasm and the cross-sectional area of the hepatocytes nuclei were smaller than just after exposure, but in the series with Thiocetam adminstration, all the values did not differ from those in the control.

Vagosympathetic imbalance induced thyroiditis following subarachnoid hemorrhage: a preliminary study

Introduction: This preliminary study evaluates the possible responsibility of ischemia-induced vagosympathetic imbalances following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), for the onset of autoimmune thyroiditis. Methods: Twenty-two rabbits were chosen from our former experimental animals, five of which were picked from healthy rabbits as control (nG-I=5). Sham group (nG-II=5) and animals with thyroid pathologies (nG-III=12) were also included after a one-month-long experimental SAH follow-up. Thyroid hormone levels were measured weekly, and animals were decapitated. Thyroid glands, superior cervical ganglia, and intracranial parts of vagal nerve sections obtained from our tissue archives were reexamined with routine/immunohistochemical methods. Thyroid hormone levels, hormone-filled total follicle volumes (TFVs) per cubic millimeter, degenerated neuron density (DND) of vagal nuclei and neuron density of superior cervical ganglia were measured and statistically compared. Results: The mean neuron density of both superior cervical ganglia was estimated as 8230±983/ mm3 in study group animals with severe thyroiditis, 7496±787/mm3 in the sham group and 6416±510/mm3 in animals with normal thyroid glands. In control group (group I), T3 was 107±11 μg/dL, T4: 1,43±0.32 μg/dL and TSH &lt;0.5, while mean TFV was 43%/mm3 and DND of vagal nuclei was 3±1/mm3. In sham group (group II), T3 was 96±11 μg/dL, T4: 1.21±0.9 μg/ dL and TSH&gt;0.5 while TFV was 38%/mm3 and DND of vagal nuclei was 13±4. In study group, T3 was 54±8 μg/dL, T4: 1,07±0.3 μg/dL and TSH &gt;0.5, while TFV was 27%/mm3 and DND of vagal nuclei was 42±9/mm3. Conclusion: Sympathovagal imbalance characterized by relative sympathetic hyperactivity based on vagal insufficiency should be considered as a new causative agent for hypothyroidism.

Investigation of Healing Effects of Afyon Region Thermal Spring Water on Experimentally-Induced Gastritis in Mice

In this study, 40 Albino mice were induced with ethyl alcohol to form of gastritis. In the treatment stage, control group mice were given tap water, while study group mice were given fresh water of Süreyya I hot spring. Clinical, hematological, biochemical, blood gases measurements and histopathological examinations of the gastric tissue were performed on the 1st, 7th, 14th and 21th days after the initiation of the treatment. At the end of the study, no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of body temperature (p&gt; 0.05), whereas heart and respiratory frequencies were significantly higher in the study group animals (p &lt;0.05). Although mean WBC, NOTR, MON, EOS and MCV decreased significantly in both groups (p &lt;0.05), it was found that the mean of these parameters were more significant in SG at all measurement times (p &lt;0.05). It was determined that TP, ALB and GLU levels increased in SG contrast to CG, and statistically significant decreases in AST, ALT, CK, ALP, LDH, UREA, CREA and IgG levels after the treatment. Additionally, pH, partial CO2 pressure, base deficit, bicarbonate, Ca and K levels decreased after gastritis procedure, whereas lactate, Na and Cl levels increased. Consequently, the clinical, hematological, blood biochemical parameters, blood gases and histopathological findings were evaluated as a whole, it was concluded that Süreyya I hot spring water was very successful in the treatment of gastritis.

Protective effect of thymoquinone on smoking-induced vascular damage: An experimental study in rats

Aim: To investigate the protective effect of thymoquinone on smoking-induced vascular damage in rats. Method: A total of 28 rats were allocated in this experimental study. Rats were equally divided in four groups; as control group (n=7) and study groups including only smoking group (n=7), smoking plus thymoquinone group (n=7) and smoking plus dexamethasone group (n=7). The animals in study groups were subjected to regular cigarette smoke exposure during 2 months, hereby smoking-induced vascular injury model was established in the animals. The thoracic aorta of the animals were surgically resected and then evaluated histopathologically. The prepared aortic tissue samples were analyzed under light microscope in terms of thickness of aortic wall, endothelial continuity and injury as well as degenerative alterations on the endothelium. Results: Mean aortic wall thicknesses were 77.8 and 114.5 μ in only smoking group and smoking plus thymoquinone group respectively, and this difference was statistically significant. In only smoking group partial endothelial damage and complete endothelial damage were observed in 2 and 4 animals respectively whereas in smoking plus thymoquinone group no endothelial damage and partial endothelial damage were observed in 2 and 4 animals respectively. When these groups were compared in terms of endothelial damage, the difference was detected to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that thymoquinone has a protective effect on rat endothelium and alleviates the smoking-induced vascular damage in rats.

Effect of curcumin on bone healing: An experimental study in a rat model of femur fracture

ObjectiveTo determine the radiologic, histologic and biomechanical effects of curcumin on bone healing using a total rat femur fracture injury model. Materials and methodsSixty four male Wistar–Albino rats weighing 170–210 g were used in this study. The animals were randomly divided into eight groups and 5 or 6 animals were placed in each cage. A transverse femur shaft fracture model used. The animals in study groups received oral curcumin at a dose of 200 mg/kg for 14 days or 28 days. Remaining animals received only saline solution by oral gavage for a period of 14 days and 28 days as control groups. After sacrification the left femurs used for radiological, histological and biomechanical evaluation. ResultsThe groups treated with curcumin showed no significant difference in terms of radiological, histological and biomechanical evaluations in 14 days groups. Also there was no significant difference between curcumin and control groups for 28 days according to radiological, histological and biomechanical tests. ConclusionsAccording to our results, curcumin has no positive effect on fracture healing not only histologically but also radiologically and biomechanically. Curcumin’s antioxidant effect may be more noticeable with long term follow up investigation as it may have a positive effect in remodelling phase. Long term follow up designed studies may be planned to investigate its effect on remodelling phase of fracture healing.

Long-term exposure to fluoride as a factor promoting changes in the expression and activity of cyclooxygenases (COX1 and COX2) in various rat brain structures

Background: Sixty percent of the mammalian brain is composed of lipids including arachidonic acid (AA). AA released from cell membranes is metabolised in the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway to prostanoids – biologically active substances involved in the regulation of many processes including inflammation. It has been shown that long-term exposure to fluoride in pre and neonatal period is dangerous because this element is able to penetrate through the placenta and to cross the blood-brain barrier. Exposure to fluoride during the development affects metabolism and physiology of neurons and glia which results in the impairment of cognitive functions but the exact mechanisms of fluoride neurotoxicity are not clearly defined. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether exposure to fluoride during the development affects COXes activity and the synthesis of prostanoids. Material and methods: Pre- and postnatal toxicity model in Wistar rats was used. Experimental animals received 50 mg/L of NaF in drinking water ad libitum, while control animals received tap water. In cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and striatum were measured fluoride concentration, COX1 and COX2 genes expression, immunolocalization of the enzymatic proteins and concentration of PGE2 and TXB2. Results: of this study showed statistically significant changes in the concentration of fluoride in brain structures between study group and control animals. Moreover, significant changes in the expression level of COX1 and COX2, and in the concentration of PGE2 and TXB2 were observed. Conclusion: Exposure to fluoride in the prenatal and neonatal period result in the increase in COX2 activity and increase in PGE2 concentration in rats brain, which may lead to disturbances in central nervous system homeostasis.‬‬

Effect of strontium citrate on bone consolidation during mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) involves a lengthy consolidation phase where complications can occur. Strontium is an element that has been shown to improve bone healing. The objective of this study was to determine whether strontium citrate can be used to enhance bone healing during MDO in a rabbit model. Prospective animal model study. Custom-made MDO devices were placed on 20 New Zealand White rabbits. After a 7-day latency period, distraction was performed at 1 mm/day for 5 days. The study group rabbits (n = 10) received oral strontium citrate; the other 10 rabbits served as controls. Mandibles were removed at the end of the consolidation period (4 weeks). Formation and healing of new bone were evaluated with microcomputed tomography, histology, and a three-point bending mechanical test. New bone formed in all animals, but the consolidation process was enhanced in rabbits that received strontium. The histological analysis showed that study group rabbits had more mature bone. Microcomputed tomographic images demonstrated significantly higher bone density for study group animals, and the three-point bending test results demonstrated that the maximum load of the study group specimens was significantly greater than that of the control group mandibles. Strontium citrate improved the formation of new bone in the current rabbit model of MDO. The prolonged consolidation period may be shortened with strontium citrate, which may also have the potential to reduce complications. NA Laryngoscope, 127:E212-E218, 2017.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in dogs suffering from squamous cell carcinoma

The aim of the present study was to monitor VEGF expression in the blood serum of dogs suffering from squamous cell carcinoma in correlation with the speed of metastasis. The research material consisted of tumour tissue and blood samples collected from 26 dogs of various breeds, aged between 5 and 15 years, and 10 control group animals. Blood samples were centrifuged, and the serum obtained was examined by immunoenzymatic assays to determine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. The study group animals were observed for a period of 6 months, during which their blood was drawn twice for immunoenzymatic tests. In all study group animals, elevated blood serum VEGF levels were observed on the day of surgery compared with the control group. In 14 cases, disease relapse was observed with metastases to the bones or lungs. In all relapsing animals, significantly higher blood serum VEGF levels were observed. VEGF levels are closely related to the neoplastic process, but the exact mechanism of the factor's involvement in neoplastic progression remains unclear, as does the complexity of the angiogenic processes. Studies of the mechanisms affecting tumour proliferation and the monitoring of VEGF levels can facilitate better diagnostics and prognostics, as well as improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment and the planning of new therapeutic strategies for both human and animal patients.