Effects Of Antioxidant N-acetylcysteine Research Articles

Antioxidative effects of N-acetylcysteine in patients with β-thalassemia: A quick review on clinical trials.

Several studies have highlighted the potent antioxidant properties of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). This review aimed to assess the impact of NAC on oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with β-thalassemia. The review included articles published before 2024 that investigated the effects of NAC on oxidative stress in individuals with β-thalassemia. A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Trip, and CENTRAL. Only English-language clinical trials were considered for inclusion in this review. Besides, the number needed to treat (NNT) was calculated based on the included studies. Ninety-nine articles were retrieved from electronic databases, and after a thorough review, eight articles were selected for comprehensive text analysis. The highest dose of NAC administered was 10 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 600 mg/day) over a period of 3-6 months. All the studies assessing the impact of NAC on oxidative stress indicators in β-thalassemia patients demonstrated positive effects during the 3-month follow-up period. Most estimated NNTs fell into 1-5, suggesting significant clinical therapeutic value in this context. The current potency of NAC alone appears to be effective in ameliorating oxidative stress in patients with β-thalassemia major. While a 3-month duration seems adequate to demonstrate the antioxidant properties of NAC in this population, larger and well-designed clinical trials are warranted. Current clinical evidence possesses a high risk of bias.

N-acetyl cysteine augments adipose tissue-derived stem cell efficacy on inflammatory markers and regulatory T cell system balance in an allergic asthma model

Background Allergic asthma is a destructive inflammatory process in the respiratory system. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have been reported in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease. On the other hand, several studies have shown the modulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells on the immune system and inflammatory responses. Accordingly, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of administration of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) plus NAC on regulatory T cell system balance in an allergic asthma model. Methods Eighty Sprague– Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: Control, Plasmalite, Allergic asthma, Allergic asthma + ADSCs, NAC, Allergic asthma + NAC, Allergic asthma + ADSCs + NAC and Allergic asthma + Prednisolone. at the end of the experiment, arterial blood gas analysis, inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammatory cytokine concentration, total IgE and specific OVA-IgE levels, gene expression levels of CD4+-T cell subsets, pulmonary indicators, edema, and lung histopathology were evaluated in all groups. Results Administration of NAC plus ADSCs demonstrated a significant decrease in total WBC and eosinophil counts, which was in line with remarkable decrease in IL-17 and TNF-α concentrations and increases in IL-10 level compared with other treated groups. NAC plus ADSC treatment showed significant increases in Treg gene expression, although Th17 and Th2 expression significantly decreased compared with that in prednisolone- treated rats. Conclusion The results of the present study documented that the administration of ADSCs plus NAC has an inhibitory effect on the inflammation caused by allergic asthma in a rat model. The improvement of inflammatory indexes was significantly higher than that with prednisolone treatment.

Anti-oxidant effect of N-acetyl cysteine in dogs with chronic kidney disease

The present study was carried out with the objectives of assessing oxidative stress in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and evaluating response to treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Dogs diagnosed with stage III CKD as per the guidelines of the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) were included in the study. The animals were divided into two groups. Animals of one group were given standard therapy for CKD and the animals of the second group were administered NAC along with standard therapy. Oxidative stress parameters such as total antioxidant status (TAS), serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were studied. On the day of presentation, a significant increase in the mean values of serum MDA and TAS were observed in diseased animals compared to healthy animals, whereas a significant decline was noted in plasma GSH-Px activity. After treatment, a significant decline in serum MDA and TAS were recorded in animals of group II receiving NAC therapy. A significant increase in plasma glutathione GSH-Px activity was recorded in this group. N-acetyl cysteine therapy was found to be effective in the management of oxidative stress in dogs with chronic kidney disease.

Effects of N-Acetylcysteine on FAS Gene Expression Level in Testicular Tissue of Acrylamide-Treated Adult Rats

Background & Objectives: Acrylamide (ACR) is a chemical with toxic effects on various body tissues. The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the level of testicular apoptosis in acrylamide-treated adult rats. Material & Methods: Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 equal groups. The intact control group was without treatment, the positive control group (PC) received 50 mg/kg ACR by oral gavage, the negative control group (NC) received 40 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally, the animals in experimental groups of 1 (EXP1), 2 (EXP2) and 3 (EXP3) received 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally, respectively, and then all groups received 50 mg/kg acrylamide by oral gavage. The treatment period in all groups was 28 days. At the end of the study, FAS mRNA expression level was measured by real-time PCR and testicular tissue was evaluated histopathologically. Results: The PC group showed a significant increase in FAS gene expression level (p<0.05) and spermatogenic degradation compared to the intact control and NC groups. The EXP1 and EXP2 groups showed decrease in FAS gene expression level (p˃0.05) and spermatogenesis improvement in a dose-dependent manner while the EXP3 group exhibited a significant decrease in FAS gene expression level (p˂0.05) and complete spermatogenesis recovery compared to the PC group. Conclusion: The findings indicate that ACR increases apoptosis and destroys spermatogenesis by increasing FAS gene expression levels. In contrast, at the maximum dose (40 mg/kg), NAC could inhibit ACR-induced apoptosis by reducing FAS gene expression and improves spermatogenesis in rats.

Oxidative Stress in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and the Effect of Antioxidant N-Acetylcysteine on Ovulation and Pregnancy Rate.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinological condition that leads to infertility in many females. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a novel antioxidant, is being used as an adjuvant to treat infertility in females suffering from PCOS. This review aims to evaluate oxidative stress in females suffering from PCOS and assess whether the anti-oxidizing properties of NAC are beneficial in enhancing the rate of ovulation and pregnancy in infertile PCOS females. A literature search was conducted manually on PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the following keywords: “N-Acetylcysteine,” “PCOS,” “Oxidative stress,” “Antioxidants,” and “infertility” alone and/or in combination for data collection. The studies were manually screened and, after applying inclusion-exclusion criteria, 32 studies consisting of 2466 females of the reproductive age group are included in this review. Our review revealed that females suffering from PCOS tend to show elevated levels of inflammatory markers and a decrease in antioxidant capacity. When used in combination with clomiphene citrate or letrozole, NAC increases ovulation and pregnancy rate in infertile females suffering from PCOS and positively affects the quality of oocytes and number of follicles ≥18mm. Moreover, its side effect profile is low. It also results in a mild increase in endometrial thickness in some females. Future studies on a large sample size using NAC alone are highly recommended to evaluate its role as a single-drug therapy for treating infertility in females suffering from PCOS.

Protective Effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine in Acrylamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats

ABSTRACT Background: purification of drinking and waste water needs acrylamide which is also used in sprays, paper and pulp industry and soil stabilizers, so it has a significant risk for our health. Objective (Aim): studying the possible protective role of N- acetyl cysteine against hepatotoxic effect of acrylamide. Material and methods: randomly divided forty male albino rats into four equal groups (10 rats each) were used: group I (control group), group II (sham control), group III (acrylamide-treated group): receiving 50 mg/kg body weight acrylamide by an oral gavage daily for 21 successive days. Group IV (acrylamide and N-acetyl cysteine treated group) was received 50 mg/kg body weight acrylamide and 150 mg/kg body weight N-acetyl cysteine both by an oral gavage daily for 21 successive days Results: Group III showed disrupted hepatic architecture in comparison with the groups I, II, and marked degenerative changes especially at portal triads, as well as in form of dilated sinusoids, pyknotic nuclei and Ito cells. Group IV showed restoration of the normal hepatic architecture seen in control groups with improvement of the degenerative changes. Conclusions: Antioxidant effect of N-acetyl cysteine reduces the oxidative stress of acrylamide and decreasing its hepatotoxic effects.

Stratification to predict the response to antioxidant.

ObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of stratification to identify and target antioxidant therapy for animal models of lethal sepsis and in patients who develop sustained hypotension.MethodsRats were subjected to sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture. Animals were divided into two groups: those with high and low plasma levels of interleukin-6. Following stratification, N-acetylcysteine plus deferoxamine or saline was administered to animals starting 3 and 12 hours after surgery. N-Acetylcysteine plus deferoxamine or placebo was administered within 12 hours of meeting the inclusion criteria in hypotensive patients.ResultsN-Acetylcysteine plus deferoxamine increased survival in the cecal ligation and puncture model when administered 3 and 12 hours after sepsis induction. When dividing animals that received antioxidants using plasma interleukin-6 levels, the protective effect was observed only in those animals with high IL-6 levels. The antioxidant effect of N-acetylcysteine + deferoxamine was similar in the two groups, but a significant decrease in plasma interleukin-6 levels was observed in the high-interleukin-6-level group. Compared with patients treated with antioxidants in the low-interleukin-6 subgroup, those in the high-interleukin-6 subgroup had a lower incidence of acute kidney injury but were not different in terms of acute kidney injury severity or intensive care unit mortality.ConclusionTargeting antioxidant therapy to a high inflammatory phenotype would select a responsive population.

Neuroprotective and Antiapoptotic Effects of N-acetylcystein and Crocus sativus Aqueous Extract on Arsenic-induced Neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Human Dopaminergic Neuroblastoma Cells

Abstract: Background: Parkinson’s disease is mainly specified by progressive and selective death of dopaminergic neurons. Crocus sativus L. (saffron) has been widely used to cure a diverse range of diseases in herbal medicine. Aim: The aim of the present study is to investigate the neuroprotective effects of saffron on arsenic-induced neurotoxicity, which was performed in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line as an in vitro model of Parkinson’s disease and to confirm whether the neuroprotective effects of saffron on Parkinson’s disease are mainly due to their interactions with antioxidant systems. Moreover, as the antioxidant effect of N-acetylcysteine and its effectiveness as an antioxidant agent are proven, we compared saffron with NAC to control saffron extract. Material and Methods: The induction of cell damage was done by arsenic and the survival of the cells was measured using the MTT assay. In addition, the assessment of the generation of intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential was done using fluorescence spectrophotometry method. Furthermore, immunoblotting analysis was performed to precisely determine the biomarkers level for apoptosis in the cells. Results: Our study indicated that arsenic had the ability to decrease cells survival rate, enhance the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and increase the levels of intracellular ROS, c-Fos ratio and caspease-3. Pretreatment of cells with NAC (5 mM) and saffron aqueous extract (10mg/ml) significantly attenuated the mentioned effects in arsenic-treated cells. Conclusion: The outcome of the study has shown that the protective effects of NAC and saffron aqueous extract are produced by their antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties and their therapeutic potential is demonstrated in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Key words: Parkinson Disease, N-acetylcysteine, Saffron, Arsenic, SH-SY5Y cells.

The Anti-oxidant Effects of N-Acetylcysteine in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The Anti-oxidant Effects of N-Acetylcysteine in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The effect of oral N-acetylcystein on prevention of extensive tissue destruction in electrical burn injury

BackgroundElectric burn patients usually suffer permanent injury and sequelae. Salvage of the zone of stasis is an important topic in the treatment of burn patients. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), as an antioxidant, has effect on the saving zone of stasis and extensive rhabdomyolisis. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effect of oral NAC on tissue destruction indicators in an electric burn rat model. Material and methodsAn experimental study was conducted with thirty six male Wistar albino rats divided into 2 groups. Group A (n=18) and group B (n=18) were electrical burn injury groups without and with NAC therapy, respectively. The extent of burn wounds were evaluated by planimetry using a digital wound measuring device. Blood samples were obtained to analyze creatine kinase (CK) levels as a marker of extensive rhabdomiolysis on the first hour after electric injury (baseline) and on the 7th day to see the antioxidant effect of NAC. ResultsA significant decrease in tissue destruction was seen by the necrotic area on day 7 in the NAC therapy group compared to the control group (mean 2.26±1.05cm2 versus mean 7.12±3.30cm2 respectively; p=0.001), which was confirmed by the level of serum CK (day 7: group A, mean 140±51U/L versus Group B, mean 102±6U/L; p=0.007). ConclusionA decrease in electric burn necrotic area and tissue damage in the group using NAC treatment was demonstrated. NAC might have a beneficial effect in the treatment of electrical burns. Further experimental and clinical studies with NAC treatment are necessary to confirm these results.

N-Acetyl Cysteine Functions as a Fast-Acting Antioxidant by Triggering Intracellular H2S and Sulfane Sulfur Production

The cysteine prodrug N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is widely used as a pharmacological antioxidant and cytoprotectant. It has been reported to lower endogenous oxidant levels and to protect cells against a wide range of pro-oxidative insults. As NAC itself is a poor scavenger of oxidants, the molecular mechanisms behind the antioxidative effects of NAC have remained uncertain. Here we show that NAC-derived cysteine is desulfurated to generate hydrogen sulfide, which in turn is oxidized to sulfane sulfur species, predominantly within mitochondria. We provide evidence suggesting the possibility that sulfane sulfur species produced by 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase and sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase are the actual mediators of the immediate antioxidative and cytoprotective effects provided by NAC.

N-acetylcysteine-loaded PLGA nanoparticles outperform conventional N-acetylcysteine in acute lung injuries in vivo

ABSTRACTAntioxidants potentially play an important role in the control and treatment of acute lung injury. In this study, for the first time, antioxidant effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was evaluated in vivo when loaded in a polymeric nanoparticle. NAC-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NAC-PLGA NPs) were prepared by electrospray method (electrohydrodynamic atomization) and assessed in animals with direct exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of NAC-PLGA NPs were 197.5 nm, 0.21, and −10.4, respectively. Fine particle fraction and emitted dose were 13.71% and 47.75%, respectively. Compared to the control group, pretreatment of LPS-challenged rats with NAC-PLGA NPs led to a significant increase in concentration of NAC in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and pulmonary non-protein thiol levels as well as decrease in lung wet/dry weight ratio, protein concentrations, inflammatory cell counts, and levels of pulmonary myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde. Additionally, the group showed that pulmonary architecture was preserved and infiltration of inflammatory cells and edema decreased, with lesser degree of alveolar congestion and hemorrhage. Pretreatment of animals with conventional NAC or empty PLGA NPs did not show a significant change in the above-mentioned injury indicators. In conclusion, NAC, when delivered in a polymeric nanoparticle formulation, shows improved efficacy in preventing LPS-induced lung injury by reducing the effects of reactive oxygen species and inflammation. Effectiveness of NAC-PLGA NPs can be attributed to the ability of nanoparticles to deliver NAC directly to the lung with increased retention and higher pulmonary concentrations of NAC in the lung.

Pharmacological investigation on the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of N-acetylcysteine in an ex vivo model of COPD exacerbation

BackgroundOxidative stress is recognized to be one of predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of COPD. The oxidant/antioxidant imbalance is significantly pronounced in patients with COPD exacerbation. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) seems to be able to reduce COPD exacerbations by modulating the oxidative stress in addition to its well-known mucolytic activity, but there are discordant findings on the actual anti-oxidant activity of NAC.MethodsThe anti-oxidant effect of NAC and its impact on the inflammatory response have been pharmacologically characterized on a human ex vivo model of COPD exacerbation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).ResultsNAC prevented the desensitization induced by LPS incubation on the contractile tone in linear concentration-response manner. Concentrations of NAC ≥1 μM reduced the pro-oxidant response (peroxidase activity, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide), and improved the anti-oxidant response (total anti-oxidant capacity, glutathione, superoxide dismutase) induced by LPS. Lower concentrations of NAC (<1 μM) did not modulate the bronchial oxidative imbalance. Concentrations of NAC ≥300 μM inhibited the inflammatory response (release of IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α) of human airways induced by the overnight stimulation with LPS, whereas lower concentrations of NAC (≥1 μM) were sufficient to reduce the release of IL-6 elicited by LPS. Both the anti-oxidant effect and the anti-inflammatory effect of NAC were inversely correlated with the release of NKA.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that NAC may have a role in modulating the detrimental effect induced by LPS in course of COPD exacerbation. It may elicit both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects when administered at high concentrations.

Anti-neuroinflammatory and antioxidant effects of N-acetyl cysteine in long-term consumption of artificial sweetener aspartame in the rat cerebral cortex

This study specifically focuses to investigate whether N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) has potential ameliorative effects against aspartame-induced brain pathophysiology in rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing 200–220g were randomly divided into three groups as follows: the first group was administered with distilled water and served as the control group; the second group was given aspartame at a dose of 75mg/kgb.wt. and the third group was given both aspartame and N-acetyl cysteine at dose of 75mg/kgb.wt. and 600mg/kgb.wt. respectively. Oral administration was done in the morning daily for 90days.Long term consumption of the artificial sweetener aspartame (ASP) induced large increments in cortical inflammation and oxidative stress. Daily oral NAC administration can significantly reverse brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, blocked the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production with selective attenuation in expression of proinflammatory cytokines of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the rat cerebral cortex. Also, NAC can significantly replenish and correct intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels, modulate the elevated levels of total nitric oxide (TNO) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Conclusions: The present results amply support the concept that the brain oxidative stress and inflammation coexist in experimental animals chronically treated with aspartame and they represent two distinct therapeutic targets in ASP toxicity. The present data propose that NAC attenuated ASP neurotoxicity and improved neurological functions, suppressed brain inflammation, and oxidative stress responses and may be a useful strategy for treating ASP-induced neurotoxicity.

High-Dose N-Acetylcysteine in Stable COPD

The mucolytic and antioxidant effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may have great value in COPD treatment. However, beneficial effects have not been confirmed in clinical studies, possibly due to insufficient NAC doses and/or inadequate outcome parameters used. The objective of this study was to investigate high-dose NAC plus usual therapy in Chinese patients with stable COPD. The 1-year HIACE (The Effect of High Dose N-acetylcysteine on Air Trapping and Airway Resistance of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-a Double-blinded, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial) double-blind trial conducted in Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, randomized eligible patients aged 50 to 80 years with stable COPD to NAC 600 mg bid or placebo after 4-week run-in. Lung function parameters, symptoms, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores, 6-min walking distance (6MWD), and exacerbation and admission rates were measured at baseline and every 16 weeks for 1 year. Of 133 patients screened, 120 were eligible (93.2% men; mean age, 70.8±0.74 years; %FEV1 53.9±2.0%). Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. At 1 year, there was a significant improvement in forced expiratory flow 25% to 75% (P=.037) and forced oscillation technique, a significant reduction in exacerbation frequency (0.96 times/y vs 1.71 times/y, P=.019), and a tendency toward reduction in admission rate (0.5 times/y vs 0.8 times/y, P=.196) with NAC vs placebo. There were no significant between-group differences in mMRC dypsnea score, SGRQ score, and 6MWD. No major adverse effects were reported. In this study, 1-year treatment with high-dose NAC resulted in significantly improved small airways function and decreased exacerbation frequency in patients with stable COPD. ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01136239; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Molecular Modifications Induced by Inorganic Arsenic in Vicia faba Investigated by FTIR, FTNIR Spectroscopy and Genotoxicity Testing

Exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) through drinking water is a major public health concern affecting most countries. Epidemiologic studies showed a significant association between consumption of iAs through drinking water and different types of cancer. However, the exact mechanisms underlying As-induced cancer and other diseases are not yet well understood. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of exposure iAs (20 or 30 mg/L) on Vicia faba seedlings in terms of phytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and spectroscopy by investigation of molecular modifications using infrared (FTIR) and near infrared (FTNIR) spectroscopy. Further, the mitigation effects of a precursor of glutathione (GSH), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), were also assessed. Spectroscopic and genotoxicity analysis demonstrated that specific molecular changes were directly correlated with iAs exposure. Comet assay in Vicia faba showed significant effects at concentrations of 20 and 30 mg/L, depending on the structural changes involving nucleic acids as identified by FTIR and FTNIR spectroscopy. Results of phytotoxicity and micronuclei tests were significant only at higher iAs concentrations (30 mg/L), where an antioxidant effect of NAC was noted. The two spectroscopic techniques demonstrated molecular modifications predominantly associated with chemical interactions of iAs with biomolecules such as nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins in Vicia faba. Our findings suggest that further studies are required to better understand the mechanisms underlying toxicity produced by different As chemical forms in vegetal and agricultural species.

Antioxidant effects of N-acetylcysteine in a neonatal rat model of necrotizing enterocolitis

Background/PurposeHypoxia and ischemia appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which may be related to oxygen-derived free radical formation. This study was designed to evaluate the role of oxidative stress and potentially beneficial effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in a neonatal rat model of NEC. MethodsThirty Wistar albino rat pups were randomly divided into 3 groups: group 1, control; group 2, NEC and saline; and group 3, NEC and NAC treatment. Necrotizing enterocolitis was induced by hyperosmolar enteral formula feeding and exposure to hypoxia after cold stress at 4°C and oxygen. The pups were killed on the fourth day, and their intestinal tissues were harvested for biochemical and histopathologic analysis. ResultsMucosal injury scores and intestinal malondialdehyde levels in group 2 were found to be significantly higher than that in other groups (P ≤ .05). Intestinal superoxide dismutase activities in group 3 were significantly higher than that in group 2 (P = .018). Intestinal tissue tumor necrosis factor α levels were significantly reduced with NAC treatment in group 3 compared with group 2 (P < .003). ConclusionsIt is likely that oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators contribute to the pathogenesis of NEC and that NAC has a protective effect on intestinal injury through its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.

An effective antioxidant drug on prevention of the necrosis of zone of stasis: N-acetylcysteine

The zone of stasis, the encircling area of the zone of coagulation, is a critical area which determines the depth and width of the necrosis in burns. Many agents were proposed to salvage the zone of stasis. Due to the known preventive and therapeutic effects of N-acetylcysteine on hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, pulmonary injury, and multiple organ failure in humans, the effect of N-acetylcysteine on saving the zone of stasis was investigated in this experimental study. The effects of N-acetylcysteine administration via oral or intraperitoneal route was compared in a rat comb-burn model. The extent of burn wounds was evaluated by photography and planimetry in the groups. Additionally, skin samples were obtained to analyze malondialdehyde levels to see the antioxidant effect of N-acetylcysteine. In control group (no treatment), the burn areas went to near total necrosis. In intraperitoneal and oral treatment groups, skin survival occurred in the interspace area of the comb. There was no difference between the groups in terms of MDA concentrations. In conclusion, this study showed us the possible saving effect of N-acetylcysteine on the zone of stasis. N-acetylcysteine may be used in the cases of severe burns, not only for its effects on wound healing but also the systemic effects of the drug.

Protective effects of N‐acetyl cysteine on membrane‐bound adenosine triphosphatases and minerals in isoproterenol‐induced myocardial‐infarcted rats: An in vivo and in vitro study

The present study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on changes in the activities/levels of adenosine triphosphatases and minerals in isoproterenol-induced myocardial-infarcted rats. Male albino Wistar rats were pretreated with NAC (10 mg/kg body weight) daily for a period of 14 days. After pretreatment period, rats were induced myocardial infarction (MI) by isoproterenol (100 mg/kg body weight). The activity of sodium/potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase was decreased, and the activities of calcium- and magnesium-dependent adenosine triphosphatases were increased in the heart of isoproterenol-induced myocardial-infarcted rats. Furthermore, the levels of potassium were lowered and the levels of sodium and calcium were increased in the heart of isoproterenol-induced rats. Increased plasma lipid peroxidation was observed in isoproterenol-induced rats. Pretreatment with NAC showed protective effects on adenosine triphosphatases, minerals, and lipid peroxidation. The in vitro study confirmed the reducing property of NAC. The observed effects are due to the membrane-stabilizing and antioxidant effects of NAC. The results of this study will be useful for the prevention of MI.

Effect of the N-acetylcysteine and selenium on healing of experimental maxillary sinusitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus

The purpose of this controlled-randomised study was aimed to test the antioxidative effect of the N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and selenium on healing of Staphylococcus aureussinusitis. After experimental sinusitis, 30 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups; group A was treated with Ampicillin/sulbactam and physiological saline. Group B and C were treated with NAC and selenium in addition to Ampicillin/sulbactam, respectively. The measurements were repeated at the 3rd and 10th day. Serummalondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutases (SOD) activities at the 3rd day of experiment were higher than basal levels in all groups. These levels at the 10th day were lower than those of the 3rd day in groups B and C, significantly. The severity of the grade of inflammation and epithelial changes were significant between the infected and control side, but no significant change was found among the groups. S. aureus sinusitis causes to increase the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the blood. These increased levels of ROS can be neutralized in some degree by antioxidative effects of NAC and selenium which are supplemented to standard antibiotic therapy. The effect of NAC and selenium on healing of maxillary sinus mucosa seems to be insignificant. Key words: N-acetylcysteine, selenium, Staphylococcus aureus, sinusitis, antioxidant effects.