GSH Levels In Group Research Articles

Effect of a Combination of Citric Acid and Selenium Nanoparticles on Male Rats Nephrotoxicity Caused by Carbon Tetrachloride

Background: To investigate the therapeutic effects of a combination of citric acid and Se-NPs against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced renal damage in rats. Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups (n = 8 each). Group 1 (control) received the vehicle, while Group 2 received a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCl4 in liquid paraffin (1:1 volume) via intraperitoneal injection. Group 3 was administered a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCl4 in liquid paraffin and then treated twice a week for three weeks with a dose of 2.5 mg/kg Se-NPs. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s method were used to compare the overall effects of each treatment. Result: CCL4 elevated MDA levels and decreased GSH levels in group 2 animals compared with those in the control group. Se-NPs significantly restored the oxidative stability in group 3. We found that CCL4 significantly increased its effect on renal function, whereas Se-NPs restored the renal structure affected by CCL4. As a result, Se-NPs can potentially reduce the markers of renal injury caused by CCl4, while also restoring oxidative stability and renal structure and function.

Zinc and melatonin supplementation ameliorates brain cortex tissue damage in DMBA-induced breast cancer in rats.

This study aims to investigate the effects of zinc and melatonin supplementation on lipid peroxidation in the brain cortex in DMBA-induced breast cancer in female rats. A total of 42 recently weaned Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: Control (Group 1), DMBA Control (Group 2), DMBA+Zinc (Group 3), DMBA+Melatonin (Group 4), DMBA+Melatonin et Zinc (Group 5). At the end of the study, all animals were sacrificed by decapitation and Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels in brain cortex tissue samples were determined via spectrophotometric methods. The highest MDA levels were in the DMBA-treated group (Group 2) (p<0.05). MDA levels in Group 3, Group 4, and Group 5 were significantly lower than in group 2 (p<0.05). Also, GSH levels in group 3, 4, and 5 were significantly higher than in group 2 (p<0.05). There are no reports on whether DMBA-induced experimental breast cancer affects oxidative stress in brain tissue. In this respect, our study revealed that the increased brain cortex tissue damage in DMBA-induced breast cancer is alleviated by Zinc, melatonin, or combined zinc and melatonin treatment (Fig. 3, Ref. 26).

Lyophilized Extract of the Horse Mushroom, Agaricus arvensis (Agaricomycetes), Delays Erythrocyte Hemolysis and Stabilizes Some Blood Parameters in Carbon Tetrachloride-Intoxicated Rats.

This study evaluates the protective effects of a lyophilized extract of the horse mushroom, Agaricus arvensis, on hematological parameters and its antioxidative role against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative stress in rats. The protective effects of the A. arvensis extract were evaluated by comparing hematological parameters, erythrocyte fragility, and components of the antioxidant defense system (e.g., reduced glutathione [GSH] level; glutathione S-transferase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase [GPx], and superoxide dismutase activities; and malondialdehyde content in erythrocytes). The 4 experimental groups included the controls (group I), CCl4-treated rats (group II), rats treated with CCl4 + 100 mg/kg A. arvensis extract (group III), and those treated with CCl4 + 500 mg/kg A. arvensis extract (group IV). Erythrocyte hemolysis in 0.6% NaCl was lower in groups I, III, and IV (at 38%, 22%, and 34%, respectively) than in group II. GSH levels in groups I, III, and IV were higher by 54%, 12%, and 11%, respectively, than that in group II. GPx enzyme activity in group II was significantly lower than the activity in groups I, III, and IV (by 138%, 70%, and 64%, respectively). In addition, administration of the A. arvensis extract resolved the dangerous effects of CCl4 on some hematological parameters such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells, platelet count, plateletcrit, and red cell distribution width. We conclude that the A. arvensis extract has therapeutic effects against CCl4-induced oxidative stress, reduces erythrocyte fragility, and improves a number of hematological parameters in rats.

Beneficial effects montelukast, cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonist, on renal damage after unilateral ureteral obstruction in rats.

Introductıon Ureteral obstruction is a common pathology and caused kidney fibrosis and dysfunction at late period. In this present, we investigated the antifibrotic and antiinflammatory effects of montelukast which is cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, on kidney damage after unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO) in rats.Mateirıals and Methods 32 rats divided four groups. Group 1 was control, group 2 was sham, group 3 was rats with UUO and group 4 was rats with UUO which were given montelukast sodium (oral 10 mg/kg/day). After 14 days, rats were killed and their kidneys were taken and blood analysis was performed. Tubular necrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration and interstitial fibrosis scoring were determined histopathologically in a part of kidneys; nitric oxide(NO), malondialdehyde(MDA) and reduced glutathione(GSH) levels were determined in the other part of kidneys. Urea-creatinine levels were investigated at blood analysis. Statistical analyses were made by the Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results There was no difference significantly for urea-creatinine levels between groups. Pathologically, there was serious tubular necrosis and fibrosis in group 3 and there was significantly decreasing for tubular necrosis and fibrosis in group 4(p<0.005). Also, there was significantly increasing for NO and MDA levels; decreasing for GSH levels in group 3 compared the other groups(p<0.005).Conclusıon We can say that montelukast prevent kidney damage with antioxidant effect, independently of NO.

Selenium prevents lipid peroxidation in liver and lung tissues of rats in acute swimming exercise.

Selenium, which is critical for human health, is necessary for various metabolic processes, including thyroid hormone metabolism, protection against oxidative stress, and immune function. The present study aims to examine how selenium administration affects lipid peroxidation in liver and lung tissues of rats subjected to acute swimming exercise. The study included 32 Spraque-Dawley adult male rats divided into Group 1 (general control), Group 2 (selenium-administered), Group 3 (swimming), and Group 4 (selenium-administered swimming). MDA and GSH levels were determined in liver and lung tissues. The highest MDA values in the liver and lung tissues were found in group 3 in the study. MDA value in group 4 was higher than those in groups 1 and 2. Group 4 had the highest liver and lung GSH levels. GSH levels in Group 3 were higher than those in groups 1 and 2. Results of the study indicate that acute swimming exercise causes lipid peroxidation in liver and lung tissues, while selenium administration prevents free radical formation by increasing antioxidant activity (Tab. 2, Ref. 26).

Pomegranate extract attenuates unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced renal damage by reducing oxidative stress

Aims:Ureteral obstruction may cause permanent kidney damage at late period. We know that the pomegranate extract (PE) play a strong role on removal of free oxygen radicals and prevention of oxidative stress. In the current study study, we evaluated the effect of PE on kidney damage after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).Settings and Design:A total of 32 rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 was a control, Group 2 was a sham, Group 3 was rats with UUO and Group 4 was rats with UUO that were given PE (oral 100 μL/day). After 14 days, rats were killed and their kidneys were taken and blood analysis was performed.Subjects and Methods:Tubular necrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration, and interstitial fibrosis scoring were determined histopathologically in a part of kidneys; nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were determined in the other part of kidneys.Statistical Analysis Used:Statistical analyses were performed by the Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance.Results:There was no difference significantly for urea-creatinine levels between groups. Pathologically, there was serious tubular necrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis in Group 3, and there was significantly decreasing for tubular necrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis in Group 4 (P < 0.005). Furthermore, there was significantly increasing for NO and MDA levels; decreasing for GSH levels in Group 3 compared the other groups (P < 0.005).Conclusions:We think that the PE prevents kidney damage by decreasing oxidative stress in kidney.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba Extract on Spinal Cord Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in Rats

We aimed to assess the biochemical and histopathologic effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) in an ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model of spinal cord ischemia induced by cross-clamping of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. A total of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups as group 1: control (sham laparotomy), group 2: IR, and group 3: IR+EGb treatment (IR+T) group. All subjects were euthanized 2 days postsurgery and their spinal cords were removed. Tissue malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase levels were measured, and the spinal cord tissue samples were examined histopathologically. No significant difference was detected in ischemia markers between control, IR, and IR+T groups, with the exception of GSH, which was significantly lower in the IR group. GSH levels in group 1 and group 3 were similar. The group 2 displayed significant ischemic damage to the medulla spinalis. This damage was less pronounced in group 3 compared with group 2 only, but in extent and intensity comparable with the controls. Although we were not able to demonstrate a uniform effect of EGb on biochemical markers of IR injury, the histopathologic data appear to show a protective effect conferred on the spinal cord tissue by EGb.

The effects of dexmedetomidine on liver ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats

BackgroundIschemia–reperfusion (IR) injury of the liver may cause various types of damage to hepatic tissues. It can affect the prognosis of patients and the success of an operation. Dexmedetomidine is a selective α2 receptor agonist. We investigated whether dexmedetomidine provides protection against IR-induced liver injury in rats. MethodsForty rats were divided equally into four groups. In group 1, the liver was manipulated after the laparotomy, and no occlusion of the vessels of the liver was performed. In group 2, once the abdomen was opened, 60 min of ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion were applied according to the segmental hepatic ischemia model. In group 3, 10 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine was injected into the peritoneal cavity 30 min before ischemia. In group 4, 100 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine was injected into the peritoneal cavity 30 min before ischemia. Further procedures in groups 3 and 4 were the same as those of group 2. After the experiment was completed, the rats were killed. Liver tissues were removed and stored until biochemical and histologic assessments were performed. ResultsThe malondialdehyde level in group 2 was higher than that of groups 1, 3, and 4 (P = 0.001, P = 0.000, and P = 0.000, respectively). Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels in group 2 were lower than those in group 1 (P = 0.001, P = 0.027, and P = 0.014, respectively). Superoxide dismutase and catalase levels in group 4 were higher than those in group 2 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.000, respectively). GSH levels in groups 3 and 4 were higher than those in group 2 (P = 0.049 and P = 0.006, respectively). A lower glutathione peroxidase level was detected in groups 2 and 3 than that in group 1 (P = 000). Group 4 demonstrated an increase in glutathione peroxidase levels compared with group 3 (P = 0.014). The histologic injury scores in groups 2–4 were higher than those in group 1 (P = 0.003, P = 0.002, and P = 0.001, respectively). However, the histologic injury scores were lower in groups 3 and 4 than those in group 2 (P = 0.003 and P = 0.002, respectively). ConclusionsThis study showed that dexmedetomidine may protect the liver against IR injury in rats.

Ischemia/reperfusion in rat: Antioxidative effects of enoant on EEG, oxidative stress and inflammation

Primary objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate whether enoant, which is rich in polyphenols, has any effect on electroencephalogram (EEG), oxidative stress and inflammation in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.Methods: Ischemia was induced by 2-hour occlusion of bilateral common carotid artery. Animals orally received enoant. Group 1 was the ischemic control group. Group 2 was treated with enoant of 1.25 g kg−1 per day for 15 days after I/R. Group 3 received the same concentration of enoant as in group 2 for 15 days before and after I/R. Group 4 was the sham operation group. EEG activities were recorded and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, TBARS and GSH were measured in the whole brain homogenate.Results: There were significant changes in EEG activity in groups treated with enoant either before or after ischemia when compared with their basal EEG values. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β levels were significantly increased after I/R. GSH levels in group 3 treated with enoant in both pre- and post-ischemic periods were significantly increased and TBARS concentration was decreased compared with the ischemic group.Conclusion: The findings support that both pre-ischemic and post-ischemic administrations of enoant might produce neuroprotective action against cerebral ischemia.

Diets with Beef Tallow Prevent Acute Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity Compared to Diets with Soybean Oil in a Rat Model

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increase liver injury in response to ethanol feeding. We tested the hypothesis that diets rich in linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) would also affect acute liver injury after acetaminophen injection. To determine whether the types and quantity of dietary fats were important, we examined the effects of feeding diets with either 7 or 15 g per 100 g soybean oil or beef tallow. After the feeding period, animals were unfed and injected either with 600 mg/kg body weight acetaminophen suspended in gum arabic-based vehicle, or with vehicle alone. Samples of plasma and liver were taken for analyses of liver-specific enzymes, [glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT)] and hepatic glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) levels, respectively. Treatment with acetaminophen significantly elevated levels of plasma GOT and GPT as well as hepatic TBARS but reduced hepatic GSH levels in groups fed diets with soybean oil compared to beef tallow. The feeding regimens changed the ratio of 18:2 n-6 to oleic acid (18:1 n-9) in liver membrane phospholipid approximately 4- to 6-fold, and produced modest changes in arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6). We conclude that acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity can be protected with more saturated fatty acids (SFA)-rich diet but can be exacerbated with PUFA-rich diet by modulating the tissue fatty acid composition.

The effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease

To investigate the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). UDCA was administered to seven rats (group 1) and physiological saline was administered both to seven rats (group 2) with NAFLD and to seven rats with normal livers (group 3). All rats underwent two-thirds hepatectomy and the remnant liver tissues were removed 48 h later. Mitotic index (MI) and levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed. MI and PCNA levels in group 2 were significantly lower than in groups 1 and 3, but the values in groups 1 and 3 were similar. The GSH levels of group 2 were significantly lower than those of group 3 in the hepatectomy tissues, and lower than those of groups 1 and 3 in the remnant tissues. The differences between GSH levels in groups 1 and 3 were not significant. MDA levels in hepatectomy and remnant tissues were significantly higher in group 2 compared to groups 1 and 3; values in groups 1 and 3 were similar. UDCA increases regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats with NAFLD, possibly due to an attenuating effect on oxidative stress.

Effects of carvacrol on defects of ischemia-reperfusion in the rat liver

Many plants found in nature have been used to treat various illnesses. One such plant is oregano (Kekik in Turkish). Health beneficial effects of carvacrol obtained from oregano oil have been shown scientifically. We have investigated the comparative effects of carvacrol in the liver of rats subjected to ischemia-reperfusion defect, with silymarin. To test the effects we formed four groups using male Wistar albino rats. Group I was control. The other three groups of animals were administered 60min prior to surgical operation single doses of physiological serum, carvacrol and silymarin, respectively. Group II, III and IV animal were subjected to 45min long liver ischemia and 60min reperfusion. Blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological analysis following the test. AST and ALT values obtained after biochemical analysis of the serums showed statistically significant difference in group II than the other three groups. A statistical evaluation of the serum AST levels among the groups II, III and IV showed that both groups III and IV which had no difference in between were significantly different in a positive way from group II (p<0.001). As to the serum ALT levels, difference between group II and group III (p<0.001) and group II and group IV (p<0.01) was found significant. No statistical difference was observed in groups I, III and IV for GSH, MDA and CAT levels of the liver. A statistical evaluation of the GSH level in group III and group IV was found to be significantly different from group II (p<0.001) without any difference between them. A similar evaluation for MDA and CAT levels among the revealed no difference between group III and group IV, however, group II showed difference with group II and group IV (p<0.05). Histological findings were in harmony with the biochemical results. We conclude that carvacrol protects the liver against defects caused by ischemia and reperfusion, and carvacrol is not hepatotoxic at the applied dosage.

Ingestion of IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract to prevent selenite-induced oxidative stress in experimental cataract

To investigate whether dietary supplementation with IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) prevents selenite-induced cataract. Department of Ophthalmology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. Thirty Spraque-Dawley rat litters were put randomly into 3 groups. In group 1 (n = 10), sodium selenite (30 nmol/g body weight) was injected subcutaneously on postpartum day 10. In group 2 (n = 10), sodium selenite (30 nmol/g body weight) was injected on postpartum day 10 and oral GSPE (100 mg/kg body weight) was given for 1 week after sodium selenite injection. Only subcutaneous saline was injected in group 3 (control, n = 10). The development of cataract was assessed for 3 weeks, and its density was graded and photographed with a slitlamp. Removed rat lenses were analyzed for glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). All of the rats in group 1 had cataract between stage 6 and stage 3. In group 2, only 5 of 10 eyes had cataract between stage 3 and stage 2 and no cataract occurred in the remaining 5 rats. The difference between mean cataract stages in group 1 and group 2 was significant (P<.05). The mean GSH level in group 1 was significantly lower than in group 2 and controls (P<.05). The mean MDA level in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 and controls (P<.05). IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract effectively suppressed cataract formation in rats. Routine consumption of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract in the form of food or dietary supplement may offer a prophylactic measure against onset and progression of cataract.

Effect of Melatonin on Healing of Colonic Anastomosis in a Rat Model of Peritonitis

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of melatonin on intestinal anastomosis in the presence of peritonitis. Material and Methods: 32 Wistar albino rats were randomized into four groups (n = 8): A (sham), B (control), C (melatonin 5 mg/kg), and D (melatonin 10 mg/kg). In group A, only cecal dissection was carried out. In the other groups, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) followed cecal dissection in order to induce bacterial peritonitis. 24 h after the previous operation, cecal resection and iliocolic anastomosis were performed in the rats of all groups. In group C (5 mg/kg) and group D (10 mg/kg), melatonin was injected for 5 consecutive days starting after CLP. At the 48th hour of the CLP procedure, blood was drawn via the tail vein for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) analysis, and on the 4th day of the experiment relaparotomy was carried out for bursting pressure (BP) measurements. The intestinal tissue containing the anastomotic line was then snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at –80°C for determination of tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). Results: The tissue MDA level, blood TNF-α and IL-6 levels of group B were significantly higher than in the other groups, whereas the BP results and GSH levels of group B were found to be significantly lower than in the other groups. The results of groups C and D are statistically different from those of group B. When we compared the results of groups C and D, we found significantly higher results in terms of BP and GSH levels in group D and also significantly lower results in terms of MDA, blood TNF-α and IL-6 levels in group D. Conclusion: The findings of this experiment suggest that melatonin has a dose-independent positive effect on wound healing of colonic anastomosis.

Inhibition of Experimental Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy with Protein Kinase C Inhibitor (Chelerythrine Chloride) and Melatonin

Purpose: To investigate whether a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor and melatonin prevent proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: Twentypigmented rabbits were used in this study. All rabbits except controls received an intravitreal injection of 0.15 ml (75,000 units) of platelet-rich plasma into their left eye. The animals were divided into four groups: group I was treated with intravitreal injection of 0.1 ml (100 µmol/ml) of PKC inhibitor (chelerythrine chloride), group II received 1 ml (4 mg/kg) of intraperitoneal melatonin for 3 days, group III received nothing (blank group), and group IV (control group) received only 0.5 ml of 1% ethanol intraperitoneally for 3 days. Proliferative changes were graded in a masked fashion by indirect ophthalmoscopy for a 15-day follow-up period. The malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and total nitrite levels were measured in the vitreous humor. Results: The grades of PVR were A and B in group I and II, treated with PKC inhibitor and melatonin, respectively. The PVR grade in the blank group was C-D. The mean MDA level in group I (4.2 ± 0.9 µmol/l) was significantly lower than in the blank group (6.0 ± 1.0 µmol/l; p < 0.05). The mean GSH level in group I (66.3 ± 8.8 µmol/l) was not significantly different from that in the blank group (p > 0.05). The MDA and GSH levels in group II were 3.2 ± 0.7 and 70.1 ± 13.3 µmol/l, respectively. Both these levels were significantly different from those of the blank group (p < 0.05). The NO levels in both treatment groups were significantly lower than in the blank group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest an inhibitory effect of PKC inhibitor and melatonin on PVR. The inhibition of PVR development was associated with lower MDA and NO levels with higher GSH levels in the treatment groups.

The effects of zinc deficiency and supplementation on lipid peroxidation in bone tissue of ovariectomized rats.

This study aims at investigating how zinc deficiency and zinc application affect lipid peroxidation in bone tissue of ovariectomized rats. The study included 40 adult female rats of Sprague-Dawley species. Group 1 (n = 10): control group were fed with normal diet. Group 2 (n = 10): the group fed with normal diet after being ovariectomized. Group 3 (n = 10): the group fed with zinc-deficient diet for 6 weeks after ovariectomy. Group 4 (n = 10): the group which was given intraperitoneal zinc (3 mg/kg day zinc) in addition to normal diet for 6 weeks after ovariectomy. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined in erythrocyte, plasma and bone tissue. Group 3 had the highest plasma MDA levels compared to Groups 1, 2 and 4 (P < 0.05). These values were higher in Group 2 than in Groups 1 and 4 (P < 0.05). Bone and plasma MDA levels in Groups 1 and 4 were not different. Bone and erythrocyte GSH levels in Group 4 were higher than those in all other groups (P < 0.05). The lowest levels of bone and erythrocyte GSH levels were observed in Group 3 (P < 0.05). These values were higher in Group 2 when compared to those in Groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.05). This study demonstrate that zinc deficiency increased bone tissue damage in ovariectomized rats and that zinc supplementation prevented this damage.

Use of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and cortisone may prevent proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and cortisone prevent proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). METHODS: Twenty pigmented rabbits were used in this study. All rabbits except controls received an intravitreal injection of 0.15 ml (75,000 U) of platelet-rich plasma into their left eye. The animals were divided into four groups: group I was treated with intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 ml (15 micromol/kg) of CAPE for 3 days, group II received 0.15 ml (4 mg/kg) of intravitreal cortisone, group III received nothing (blank group), and group IV (control group) received only 1 ml of 1% ethanol intraperitoneally daily for 3 days. Proliferative changes were graded in a masked fashion by indirect ophthalmoscopy for a 15-day follow-up period. The malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and total nitrite (NO) levels were measured in the vitreous humor. RESULTS: The grades of PVR were B-C in group I, and C-D in group II. The PVR grade in the control group was C-D. The mean MDA level in group I (4.0+/-0.8 micromol/l) was significantly lower than in the blank group (6.0 micromol/l) (p < 0.05). The mean GSH level in group I (71.0+/-11.2 micromol/l) was significantly different than in the blank group (p < 0.05). The MDA and GSH levels in group II were 4.7+/-0.6 micromol/l and 53.8+/-7.8 micromol/l, respectively. Both these levels were not significantly different from the blank group (p > 0.05). The NO levels in both treatment groups were significantly lower than in the blank group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest an inhibitory effect of CAPE on PVR. The inhibitory effect was supported by lower MDA and NO with higher GSH levels in treatment groups than in the blank group. There was no detected significant effect of cortisone for preventing PVR experimentally.

Zinc prevention of electromagnetically induced damage to rat testicle and kidney tissues.

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of lipid peroxidation when zinc is administered to rats periodically exposed to a 50-Hz electromagnetic field for 5 min at a time over a period of 6 mo. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley adult male rats were subdivided in groups of eight animals each. Group 1 served as untreated controls, group 2 was exposed to an electromagnetic field but received no additional treatment, and group 3 was exposed to electromagnetic radiation and treated with 3-mg/kg daily intraperitoneal injections of zinc sulfate. The erythrocyte glutathione activity (GSH) and the plasma, testicle, and kidney tissue levels of zinc (Zn) and of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in all of the animals. The plasma and testicle MDA levels in group 2 were higher than those in groups 1 and 3, with group 3 values significantly higher than those in group 1 (p<0.001). The kidney MDA levels in group 2 were higher than in groups 1 and 3 (p<0.001). The erythrocyte GSH level was lower in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3, with group 1 significantly lower than group 3 (p<0.001). In testicle and kidney tissues, the GSH levels in group 1 were lower than for groups 2 and 3, with group 2 significantly lower than group 3 (p<0.001) The plasma zinc levels were highest in group 3, followed by group 1 and group 2, which showed the lowest value (p<0.001). These results indicate that testicle and kidney tissue damage caused by periodic exposure to an electromagnetic field are ameliorated or prevented by zinc supplementation.

Use of caffeic acid phenethyl ester to prevent sodium-selenite-induced cataract in rat eyes

Purpose To investigate whether caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) prevents sodium-selenite-induced cataract. Setting Department of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry, Inonu University Medical Faculty, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Research Hospital, Malatya, Turkey. Methods Sixty Spraque-Dawley rat litters were randomized into 3 groups. In Group 1 (n = 18), sodium selenite (30 nmol/g body weight) was injected subcutaneously on postpartum day 10. In Group 2 (n = 22), subcutaneous CAPE (15 μmol/kg) and sodium selenite (30 nmol/g body weight) were injected on postpartum day 10. The CAPE dose was continued subcutaneously for 3 days after the initial injection. Only subcutaneous saline was injected in Group 3 (control, n = 20). The development of cataract was assessed weekly, and its density was graded by slitlamp biomicroscopy and photography. Removed rat lenses were analyzed for glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA, marker of lipid peroxidation). Results Group 2 rats had clear lenses or minor cataract. All Group 1 rats developed more severe cataract or complete opacification. The between-group difference was statistically significant ( P < .05). All control lenses (Group 3) were clear. The mean GSH level in Group 1 (4.49 μmol/g wet weight ± 0.93 [SD]) was significantly lower than that in Group 2 (8.63 ± 0.88 μmol/g wet weight) ( P < .05) and controls (10.76 ± 1.97 μmol/g wet weight) ( P < .05). The mean MDA level in Group 1 (8.54 ± 1.31 nmol/g wet weight) was significantly higher than that in Group 2 (5.23 ± 0.84 nmol/g wet weight) ( P < .05) and controls (4.19 ± 0.81 nmol/g wet weight) ( P < .05). Conclusion Caffeic acid phenethyl ester effectively suppressed cataract formation in rats. The protective effect was supported by lower GSH and higher MDA levels in Group 1 than in Group 2, suggesting the antioxidant efficacy of this agent. Since CAPE has no known harmful effect on normal cells, it may be beneficial in clinical use in humans.

The effect of iloprost and NDGA in ischemia reperfusion injury in rat liver

In this study, the effects of iloprost (ZK 36374) and NDGA on warm ischemia and reperfusion injury in rat liver were investigated. Rats were given isotonic saline (control group), iloprost 25μg/kg i.v. (group II) just before warm ischemia or NDGA 10μg/kg i.v. (group III) 5 min before reperfusion or the same drugs were given together (group IV). Serum SGOT, SGPT, and LDH values and tissue malonedialdehyde (MDA), gluthathione (GSH), prostaglandin (PG)E 2, and leutotriene (LT)C 4 levels were determined after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Histopathologic examination of the liver was carried out under the light microscope. The serum SGOT, SGPT and LDH levels improved significantly in groups II, III, and IV when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in tissue MDA levels and significant increase (p < 0.05) in tissue GSH levels in group I, when compared with group IV and the control groups. The values did not differ significantly in group IV when compared to controls. The LTC 4 PGE 2 ratio was low and histologic findings were worse in group III. In conclusion, iloprost was found to be beneficial in preventing the ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat livers. NDGA, either by direct toxic effect or by shifting the arachidonic acid metabolism to the cyclooxygenase route, was not found to be as effective. Iloprost and NDGA did not exert a synergistic effect.