Male Wistar Albino Rats Research Articles

Impact of carbimazole combined with vitamin E on testicular injury induced by experimental hyperthyroidism in adult albino rats: oxidative/inflammatory/apoptotic pathways.

Thyroid hormones play essential roles in spermatogenesis, but their effects on infertile males remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of combining carbimazole (CBZ) with vitamin E (VE) on testicular injury induced by experimental hyperthyroidism in adult albino rats, focusing on oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways. In this experimental study, 64 adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: Group I (control-untreated), Group II (CBZ-control), Group III (VE-control), Group IV (CBZ + VE-control), Group V (levothyroxine-induced testicular injury), Group VI (levothyroxine + CBZ-treated), Group VII (levothyroxine + VE-treated), and Group VIII (levothyroxine + CBZ + VE-treated). The study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University (Ismailia, Egypt). After cervical decapitation, both testes and epididymis were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Significant differences were observed among groups concerning malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT; all P < 0.001). Polymerase chain reaction analysis showed significant differences in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α ), interleukin-10 (IL-10), Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), B-cell lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl2), p53, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF- κ B) mRNA levels (all P < 0.001). Hyperthyroid group treated with CBZ alone (Group VI) exhibited testicular side effects, affecting seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis. However, the Group VIII showed improved spermatogenesis and a decrease in testicular side effects. The addition of VE to the treatment of hyperthyroid rats with CBZ reduced testicular side effects and seminiferous tubular affection when potentially improving spermatogenesis. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms fully.

The effect of calpain inhibitor-I on copper oxide nanoparticle-induced damage and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in a rat model

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the calpain inhibitor N-Acetyl-Leu-Leu-norleucinal (ALLN) on neuroapoptotic cell damage caused by Copper Oxide Nanoparticles (CuO-NP) and exacerbation of damage through brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in a rat model. Male Wistar Albino rats (n=80) were divided into eight groups: Control, I/R, CuO-NP, CuO-NP+I/R, I/R+ALLN, CuO-NP+ALLN, CuO-NP+I/R+ALLN, and DMSO. Biochemical markers (MBP, S100B, NEFL, NSE, BCL-2, Cyt-C, Calpain, TNF-α, Caspase-3, MDA, and CAT) were measured in serum and brain tissue samples. Histological examinations (H&E staining), DNA fragmentation analysis (TUNEL) were performed, along with Caspase-3 assessment. The ALLN-treated groups exhibited significant improvements in biochemical markers and a remarkable reduction in apoptosis compared to the damaged groups (CuO-NP and I/R). H&E and Caspase-3 staining revealed damage-related morphological changes and reduced apoptosis in the ALLN-treated group. However, no differences were observed among the groups with TUNEL staining. The findings suggest that ALLN, as a calpain inhibitor, has potential implications for anti-apoptotic treatment, specifically in mitigating neuroapoptotic cell damage caused by CuO-NP and I/R.

Beyond expectations: safinamide's unprecedented neuroprotective impact on acute spinal cord injury.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most common preventable cause of morbidity. Despite rapid advances in medicine, effective pharmacological treatment against SCI has not yet been confirmed. This study aimed to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and neuroprotective effects of safinamide after SCI in a rat model. A total of 40 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 underwent only laminectomy. Group 2 underwent SCI after laminectomy. In group 3, SCI was performed after laminectomy, and immediately afterward, intraperitoneal physiological saline solution was administered. In group 4, SCI was performed after laminectomy, and 90mg/kg of safinamide was given intraperitoneally immediately afterward. Moderate spinal cord damage was induced at the level of thoracic vertebra nine (T9). Neuromotor function tests were performed and levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were measured. In both serum and spinal cord tissue, immunohistochemistry and histopathology studies were also conducted. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were found to be significantly increased in group 2 and group 3. In group 4, these levels were statistically significantly decreased. Group 4 also exhibited significant improvement in neuromotor function tests compared to the other groups. Histopathologically, it was found that group 4 showed significantly reduced inflammation and apoptosis compared to the other groups. This study revealed that safinamide has neuroprotective effects against SCI due to its anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant activities.

Impact of Quercetin and Omega-3 Fatty-Acid on Lead-Induced Alterations in Reproductive Parameters in Male Wistar Rats

Exposure to environmental toxins like Lead has been associated with male infertility. Whether or not potent antioxidants like omega 3 Fatty acids and/or quercetin could reduce the effect of lead on male sexual functions deserve scientific investigation. Thirty-five (35) male albino Wistar rats were assigned into 7 groups: Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (sham-control1), Group 3 (sham-control 2), Group 4 (Lead group), Group 5 (Lead + Omega-3), Group 6 (Lead + Quercetin) and Group 7 (Lead + Omega-3 + Quercetin). Lead was given orally at 20mg/kg bwt, quercetin 20mg/kg bwt s.c, Omega-3 14.29mg/kg bwt orally. The animals all had free access to rat food and water for 56 days. After which they were sacrificed, and semen and blood samples were collected for assay. The results showed no significant difference between normal control group and sham controls. Sperm function parameters (sperm count, motile, viable and normal sperms) in the lead treated group was significantly reduced compared to the control. Omega 3 and/or quercetin administration reversed the reductions in sperm function parameters to near control levels. Hormone levels (LH and Testosterone) were significantly reduced in lead group compared to the normal control but were reversed after quercetin and omega 3 treatment. However, there was no significant difference in the FSH level among experimental groups. Conclusively, omega 3 and/or quercetin ameliorates the harmful effects of lead on reproductive parameters by improving sperm functions (total sperm count, viability, motility, and morphology). A combination of both quercetin and omega 3 provided better ameliorative effect than either omega 3 or quercetin.

Investigation of Zinc on hemorheological parameters in a rat model of diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex, chronic metabolic disorder characterized by impaired regulation of blood glucose levels. Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace elements that plays a role in various physiological processes within the body, including those related to diabetes. The current study was investigated the effect of Zn supplementation on hemorheological parameters in a rat model of DM. After induction of DM, 32 male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control, Zn, DM, and Zn+DM. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) was determined by using digital cone and plate viscometer and plasma viscosity (PV) was determined by a Coulter Harkness capillary viscometer. The rats in the DM Group showed a decrease in both Zn levels and body weight, as well as an increase in glucose levels when compared to the control group. Diabetic rats supplemented with Zn displayed lower blood glucose levels and higher concentrations of Zn compared to the DM Group. The higher PV and lower hematocrit level were measured in DM Group than control group and lower PV, higher hematocrit level were measured in Zn+DM group than DM Group. The WBV was measured at four different shear rates (57.6–115.2 - 172.8–230.4 s −1). A statistically significant increase was observed in the DM group compared to the control group. Additionally, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the Zn+DM Group compared to the DM Group at a shear rate of 230.4 s−1. Erythrocyte rigidity index (Tk) and oxygen delivery index (ODI) were computed under conditions of high shear rate. The rats in the DM group exhibited a reduction in ODI and an elevation in Tk in comparison to the control group. Conversely, the diabetic rats supplemented with Zn exhibited decreased Tk and increased ODI compared to the DM Group. Zn supplementation seems to have a potential beneficial effect for protecting adverse affect of diabetes on hemorheogical parameters and for maintaining vascular health.

Potential effects of Curcumin, Thyme, and Chamomile Oils against Indomethacin-induced Gastric ulcer in male Wister Albino rats

Potential effects of Curcumin, Thyme, and Chamomile Oils against Indomethacin-induced Gastric ulcer in male Wister Albino rats

Investigation of the healing effectiveness of pine resin in experimentally induced corneal wound in rats

Pine resin is a product obtained from plants belonging to the Pinaceae family and traditionally used in the treatment of wounds. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of pine resin in corneal wounds. In this study, three groups of 7 male Wistar Albino rats (n=7), each 2 months old, were established. To create the corneal wound model, the rats were anesthetized and the borders of the wound to be created on the corneal surface were determined using a 3 mm punch biopsy, then the first two layers of the cornea were removed with a corneal knife. Then, the first group was considered as the control group and no treatment was performed. The second group was determined as the pine resin group and applied once a day. The third group was considered as the drug group and was administered once a day. Fluorescein staining was performed every day for three days and the results were recorded. Pine resin group showed the fastest recovery. On the third day, the rats were euthanized, and their eyes were enucleated. The collected eyes were sent for histopathologic examination and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The lesions in the examined specimens were evaluated under microscope for hyperemia, vascularization, cellular infiltration, and corneal edema. As a result of the study, ulceration was observed in the pine resin group. The study concluded that pine resin reduces clinical symptoms and promotes healing in corneal wounds.

Fisetin ameliorates methotrexate induced liver fibrosis.

Methotrexate (MTX), a widely used chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agent, is associated with hepatotoxicity, leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. This study explores the regenerative and reparative effects of fisetin, a flavonoid with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on MTX-induced liver fibrosis in a rat model. Thirty-six male Wistar albino rats were divided into normal, MTX and saline, and MTX and fisetin. Liver injury was induced in the latter two groups using a single intraperitoneal dose of MTX (20 mg/kg). Fisetin (50 mg/kg/day) or saline was administered intraperitoneally for ten days. After sacrifice, liver tissues were subjected to histopathological evaluation and biochemical analyses, including Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-beta), sirtuins-1 (SIRT-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), cytokeratin 18, thrombospondin 1, and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels. MTX administration significantly increased liver injury markers, including TGF-beta, MDA, cytokeratin 18, thrombospondin 1, and ALT, while reducing SIRT-1 levels. Fisetin treatment attenuated these effects, demonstrating its potential therapeutic impact. Histopathological analysis confirmed that fisetin mitigated MTX-induced hepatocyte necrosis, fibrosis, and cellular infiltration. This study proves that fisetin administration can alleviate MTX-induced liver damage in rats. The reduction in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, along with the histological improvements, suggests fisetin's potential as a therapeutic agent against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity. Further investigations and clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and assess fisetin's translational potential in human cases of MTX-induced liver damage.

Evaluation of the effect of enriched hydrogen saline solution on distant organ (lung) damage in skeletal muscle ischemia reperfusion in rats.

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is a major concern that frequently occurs during vascular surgeries. Hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) solution exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to examine the effects of HRS applied before ischemia in the lungs of rats using a lower extremity IR model. After approval was obtained from the ethics committee, 18 male Wistar albino rats weighing 250-280 g were randomly divided into three groups: control (C), IR and IR-HRS. In the IR and IR-HRS groups, an atraumatic microvascular clamp was used to clamp the infrarenal abdominal aorta, and skeletal muscle ischemia was induced. After 120 min, the clamp was removed, and reperfusion was achieved for 120 min. In the IR-HRS group, HRS was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before the procedure. Lung tissue samples were examined under a light microscope and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total sulfhydryl (SH) levels, and histopathological parameters were evaluated in the tissue samples. MDA and total SH levels were significantly higher in the IR group than in the control group (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively). MDA and total SH levels were significantly lower in the IR-HRS group than in the IR group (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.013, respectively). A histopathological examination revealed that neutrophil infiltration/aggregation, alveolar wall thickness, and total lung injury score were significantly higher in the IR group than in the control group (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Similarly, alveolar wall thickness and total lung injury scores were significantly higher in the IR-HRS group than in the control group (p = 0.009 and p = 0.004, respectively). A statistically significant decrease was observed in neutrophil infiltration/aggregation and total lung injury scores in the IR-HRS group compared to those in the IR group (p = 0.023 and p = 0.022, respectively). HRS at a dose of 20 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally 30 min before ischemia in rats, reduced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, while also reducing IR damage in lung histopathology. We believe that HRS administered to rats prior to IR exerts a lung-protective effect.

Assessment of Cinnamaldehyde's Potency on Heat Stress-induced Testicular Impairments in Wistar Rats.

Male sterility results from high testicular temperatures, which affect mammalian spermatogenesis. High testicular temperatures affect sperm motility, morphology and fertility according to their magnitude and duration. The aim of the current study is to examine the effects of heat-induced oxidative stress and cinnamaldehyde on Wistar rat testicular structure and function. The rats used in this experiment were Wistar albino rats. This research has six animals per group. Male Wistar albino rats of 2.5-3 months old and 275-300 g. (I) control, (II) heat stress (HS) in a closed chamber at 41°C for 14 days and (III) HS with cinnamaldehyde (CA) 50 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. (IV) CA alone. After the study, the animals were euthanised, and test samples were taken for sperm count, morphology, haematoxylin and eosin stain for normal cellular morphology, antioxidants and DNA integrity assessments. The data were analysed statistically using one- and two-way ANOVA tests for comparisons between groups. The stress group had significantly lower sperm counts and poor sperm morphology. The stress group's antioxidant capacity is much lower than that of the control group. Animals under stress have fragmented DNA. Treatment with cinnamaldehyde increased overall antioxidant capacity and seminal parameters, and rats behaved most like controls. CA restores malondialdehyde levels, total antioxidant capacity, sperm characteristics and mitigates testicular damage in rats exposed to experimental HS.

Sacubitril/valsartan alleviates sunitinib-induced cardiac fibrosis and oxidative stress via improving TXNIP/TRX system and downregulation of NF-ĸB/Wnt/β-catenin/SOX9 signaling

We aimed in this study to investigate the possible cardioprotective effects of sacubitril/valsartan against sunitinib-induced cardiac fibrosis (CF) and oxidative stress via targeting thioredoxin-interacting protein/thioredoxin (TXNIP/TRX) system and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/Wingless-related MMTV integration site (Wnt)/β-catenin/Sex-determining region Y box 9 (SOX9) signaling. CF was induced in male Wistar albino rats by cumulative dose of sunitinib (300 mg/kg, given over 4 weeks as: 25 mg/kg orally, three times a week), which were co-treated with sacubitril/valsartan (68 mg/kg/day, orally) for four weeks. Significant elevation in blood pressure, cardiac inflammatory and fibrotic markers besides cardiac dysfunction were observed. These alterations were associated with disruption of TXNIP/TRX system, upregulation of NF-κB/Wnt/β-catenin/SOX9 pathway along with marked increase in lysyl oxidase (LOX) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expressions and extensive deposition of collagen fibers in cardiac tissues. Luckily, sacubitril/valsartan was able to reverse all of the aforementioned detrimental effects in sunitinib-administered rats. These findings illustrate a potential role of sacubitril/valsartan in alleviating CF and oxidative stress induced by sunitinib via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties. These remarkable effects of sacubitril/valsartan were mediated by its ability to improve TXNIP/TRX system and downregulate NF-κB/Wnt/β-catenin/SOX9 signaling in addition to decreasing LOX and MMP-1 expressions in cardiac tissues. In summary, this study highlights sacubitril/valsartan as a potential therapeutic agent in mitigating CF and oxidative stress especially in cancer cases treated with sunitinib.

Effects of calcium carbide ripened banana on organ weight, histological architecture and semen profile on male albino Wistar rats

Fruits play an important role in human diets, providing essential nutrients and helping to prevent disease. However, concerns arise regarding their impact on male reproductive health due to potential exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and artificial ripening agents. This study investigates the acute and chronic effects of calcium carbide-ripened bananas on testicular weight and histological architecture, and semen profile in adult male Wistar rats. A 14-week experiment involved acclimatization, followed by acute (4 weeks) and chronic (12 weeks) phases, with rats divided into control and various banana-treated groups. Notably, in the chronic phase, significant decreases in relative testicular weight were observed in rats administered 200mg/kg of calcium carbide-ripened bananas compared with the control and with those treated with normal ripe banana respectively. Significant reductions in sperm motility and total sperm count were noted in group D in the acute phase when compared with the group treated with normal ripe banana. Increased levels of active spermatogonia and spermatogenesis were observed in the rats administered with normal ripened banana, with mild degeneration of germinal epithelium in the chronic phase, particularly in the calcium carbide-ripened banana-treated groups. These findings may suggest potential adverse effects of calcium carbide-ripened bananas on male reproductive health, warranting further investigation into their safety and regulation.

CAPE ameliorates vascular damage caused by sepsis

parameters of vascular and oxidative damage caused by sepsis and to evaluated the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on these damages.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Wistar-Albino male rats were used for this study. Rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 10). Group 1 animals were intraperitoneally (i.p) injected with sterile saline (Control Group). Group 2 animals were i.p injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 20 mg / kg-weight dose (Sepsis Group). Group 3 animals were i.p injected with lipopolysaccharide, 20 mg / kg-weight dose. Immediately after LPS injection, CAPE was i.p injected at single dose, 10 µmol / kg-body weight (Treatment Group). A single dose of CAPE, 10 µmol / kg-body weight / day, was injected i.p to Group 4 animals for 5 days. After 5th day CAPE injection, a single dose of LPS 20 mg / kg-weight was injected (Protective Group). At the 6th hour after the injections applied to all groups, blood sample were taken intracardiac and their serum were separated for the studies. Homocysteine (Hcy), asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, the protective and therapeutic effects of CAPE on these parameters was investigated.&#x0D; Results: Control group Hcy, ADMA, ET-1 and VCAM-1 levels were found to be 4.987 ± 0.096 µmol/l, 0.803 ± 0.020 nmol/ml, 21.123 ± 2.575 ng/l, 3.155 ± 0.078 ng/ml, respectively. Sepsis group Hcy, ADMA, ET-1 and VCAM-1 levels were found to be 8.975 ± 0.160 µmol/l, 3.953 ± 0.678 nmol/ml, 52.446 ± 2.546 ng/l, 10.783 ± 1.068 ng/ml, respectively. Treatment group Hcy, ADMA, ET-1 and VCAM-1 levels were found to be 5.286 ± 0.037 µmol/l, 1.304 ± 0.040 nmol/ml, 27.995 ± 1.299 ng/l, 3.72 ± 0.073 ng/ml, respectively. Protective group Hcy, ADMA, ET-1 and VCAM-1 levels were found to be 5.401 ± 0.042 µmol/l, 1.431 ± 0.056 nmol/ml, 32.708 ± 1.326 ng/l, 4.058 ± 0.069 ng/ml, respectively. It was observed that the Hcy, ADMA, ET-1 and VCAM-1 levels of the sepsis group increased significantly compared to the control group (p0.05). It was observed that CAPE treatment significantly decreased these parameters levels. However, the use of CAPE as a protective was not as effective as its treatment effect.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that sepsis resulted in increase Hcy, ADMA, ET-1, VCAM-1 levels. All these changes indicate that sepsis-mediated vascular damage is increased. Our results demonstrated that CAPE is more effective in preventing sepsis-mediated damages when given as a treatment.

Effect of vitamin D in experimental varicocele model in rats

Purpose: Varicocele is a pathological condition that affects approximately 20% of adult men, causing infertility and sperm deterioration. The aim of our study was to investigate the efficacy of vitamin D (Vit. D) in the pathophysiology of varicocele. We performed biochemical, gene expression analyses and histopathological to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D in the experimental varicocele model.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In the study, 30 adult male Wistar Albino rats were used. The rats were divided into 3 groups equally as control group, experimental group (varicocele), treatment group (varicocele + D vit.). The treatment group received 500 IU/kg D vit. intramuscularly.&#x0D; Results: Histopathological, TRPM2-8 gene expression and biochemical analyses were performed on testicular and blood samples collected at the end of the experiment. The experimental group showed a deterioration in tubular structure, a decrease in total antioxidant levels and an increase in total oxidant levels. The treatment group, on the other hand, showed an increase in TAS, a decrease in TOS and a beneficial improvement in tubular structure disorders. Analysis of gene expression levels showed that TRPM2-8 expression levels were significantly increased in the varicocele group and decreased in the treatment group.&#x0D; Conclusion: In the varicocele model, the use of vitamin D had a significant effect on TRPM2-8 gene level, pathological seminiferous tubules and biochemical values. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical application of vitamin D in varicocele disease.

Tempol maintained the cellular integrity of the cerebellar cortex by preserving neuron survival, autophagy, glial cells, and synapses after cisplatin exposure

Backgroundtempol is a free radical scavenger that passes through the blood-brain barrier. This study aimed to assess its ameliorative role in the cerebellar cortex after cisplatin injection. Methodsthe examined forty-eight adult male wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. The saline group received 0.5 ml of normal saline, the tempol group was injected with 0.5 ml of tempol (100 mg/kg/day), the cisplatin group was injected with cisplatin single dose (7 mg/kg) on the 8th day, and cisplatin + tempol group received combined treatment. All groups were dosed through intraperitoneal injections. Resultshistological examination revealed meningeal congestion and thickening with excess collagen, discrete vacuolated cortical cells, with pyknotic nuclei, and tissue loss after cisplatin. Immunohistochemical expression of NF-kβ and GFAP were enhanced, while LC3-II and synaptophysin expression decreased with cisplatin. Cisplatin treatment reduced mRNA expression of NGF, GLP-1, BDNF, PGC1-α, and PPAR-α while it boosted Caspase-3 expression. Moreover, it tripled the level of MDA and lowered levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH in cerebellar tissue homogenate. Tempol supplementation restored the meningeal and the normal histological structure of the cerebellar cortex. The immunohistochemical as well as mRNA expressions of different genes were highly normalized but still showed variable significant differences when compared to the control except for NGF, PGC1-α, and Caspase-3 genes. Great restoration of biochemical markers was evident with tempol, especially for CAT that showed no significant difference in comparison with the saline group. Conclusiontempol cisplatin combination can enhance neuronal survival, promote autophagy, decrease astrogliosis, and preserve synapses.

Evaluation of neurogranin levels in a rat model of diffuse axonal injury.

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI), one of the most common and devastating type of traumatic brain injury, is the result of the shear force on axons due to severe rotational acceleration and deceleration. Neurogranin (NRGN) is a postsynaptic protein secreted by excitatory neurons, and synaptic dysfunction can alter extracellular NRGN levels. In this study, we examined NRGN levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after experimental DAI in terms of their diagnostic value. Experimental DAI was induced using the Marmarou technique in male Wistar albino rats. Serum and CSF NRGN levels of the sham group, one‑hour, six‑hour, 24‑hour, and 72‑hour post‑DAI groups were measured by ELISA method. DAI was verified by staining with hematoxylin‑eosin and β‑amyloid precursor protein in the rat brain samples. While no histopathological and immunohistochemical changes were observed in the early hours of the post‑DAI groups, the staining of the β‑APP visibly increased over time, with positivity being most frequent and intense in the 72‑hour group. It was found that serum NRGN levels were significantly lower in the 6‑hour group than in the sham group. The serum NRGN levels in the 24‑hour group were significantly higher than those in the sham group. This study showed a dichotomy of post‑DAI serum NRGN levels in consecutive time periods. NRGN levels in CSF were higher in the one‑hour group than in the sham group and returned to baseline by 72 hours, although not significantly. Our study provides an impression of serum and CSF NRGN levels in a rat DAI model in consecutive time periods. Further studies are needed to understand the diagnostic value of NRGN.

Effects of systemically administered tramadol hydrochloride on random pattern skin flap survival in rats

Aim: Tramadol is a weak centrally acting opioid analgesic with µ-opioid receptor agonist effects. It has been explored for its analgesic efficacy through various in-vitro and in-vivo studies. The skin, as the body’s largest organ and the protector barrier, is vulnerable to injuries and wounds that can cause significant challenges due to pain, economic burdens and psychological implications. Successful healing of wound involves complex processes and it is influenced by factors such as angiogenesis and nitric oxide levels. This study investigates the effects of tramadol on wound healing in experimental ischemic wound models in rats. Material and Methods: Two 6 mm ischemic wound models were created on the backs of 30 male Wistar Albino rats, with wound areas cut along the long edges and a sterile silicone material placed between the panniculus carnosus fascia and paraspinosus muscle. Rats were randomized into Tramadol, Control, and Sham groups. The wounds were imaged using a "SONY ILCE-7" camera on days 0, 3, 6, 10, and 14. Wound areas and healing percentages were calculated from the images and recorded for statistical purposes. After 14 days, the animals were sacrificed under general anesthesia for histopathological examination of tissue samples. CD31 and VEGF antibodies were used to evaluate the density and morphology of vascular structures. Results: Tramadol administration accelerated the healing of wound surface area. Significant differences were found between groups in terms of inflammation, and data recorded in CD34, CD31, and VEGF-stained preparations. Conclusion: The study found that tramadol positively contributes to wound healing in the acute phase of ischemic wounds by affecting various processes.

Protective Effect of Royal Jelly on Some Hematologic Parameters Against Sodium Arsenite Toxicity: A Study in Rats

This study examined the effect of royal jelly on some hematological values against sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)-induced toxicity in rats. Royal jelly is a known functional bee product; therefore, its potential to protect against these effects is of great importance. In this study, the effects of royal jelly on hematologic changes were investigated. In the study, 35 healthy Wistar albino male rats weighing 250–300 g and 12–13 weeks old were used. Rats were divided into different groups by gavage daily for 14 days. WBC, LYM, MID, GRA, RBC, HGB, MCHC, MCH, MCV, HCT, PLT, MPV, and PDW values were measured in blood samples. When the measured values were analyzed, the MID, RBC, MCHC, MCH, MCV, and PDV values did not show statistical significance in all experimental groups (P&gt;0.005). However, significant decreases in %LYM, %MID, HCT, and PLT values and increases in WBC, GRA, and %GRA counts were observed in all groups (P &lt; 0.005). This review shows that royal jelly has a potential effect on the hematological and immune systems against toxicity caused by harmful heavy metals such as arsenic. In particular, further research is required to identify the most effective dosage of royal jelly. The results highlight the protective potential of royal jelly against toxicity, which requires further investigation.

Effect of folic acid on isoprenaline-induced myocardial injury in rats.

Isoprenaline (ISO), a synthetic catecholamine and a β-adrenoceptor agonist, is widely used to develop an experimental model of myocardial injury (MI) in rats. The leading hypothesis for ISO-induced MI in rats is that it results from catecholamine overstimulation, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and development of cardiomyopathy during ISO administration. Folic acid (FA) reduces oxidative stress, improves endothelial function and prevents apoptosis, thereby contributing to cardiovascular protection. This study aimed to investigate the potentially protective effect of FA pretreatment on ISO-induced MI in rats. For 7 days, adult male Wistar albino rats were pretreated with 5 mg/kg/day of FA. On the sixth and seventh days, MI in rats was induced by administering 85 mg/kg/day of ISO. Prooxidant markers in plasma samples, antioxidant capacity in erythrocyte lysates, cardiac damage markers, lipid profile, electrocardiography (ECG) and histopathological analysis were evaluated. FA pretreatment significantly alleviated changes induced by ISO; it decreased the homocysteine and high-sensitivity troponin I level. FA moderately decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and improved the antioxidant activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione. ISO reduced the nitrite level and FA significantly alleviated this change. It can be concluded that FA, as a mild antioxidant, could be an appropriate cardioprotective substance in the rat model of ISO-induced MI.

Investigation of the protective effect of chitosan against arsenic-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney tissue.

Arsenic is an important metalloid that can cause poisoning in humans and domestic animals. Exposure to arsenic causes cell damage, increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. Chitosan is a biopolymer obtained by deacetylation of chitin with antioxidant and metal ion chelating properties. In this study, the protective effect of chitosan on arsenic-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage was investigated. 32 male Wistar-albino rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each as control group (C), chitosan group (CS group), arsenic group (AS group), and arsenic+chitosan group (AS+CS group). The C group was given distilled water by oral gavage, the AS group was given 100 ppm/day Na-arsenite ad libitum with drinking water, the CS group was given 200 mg/kg/day chitosan dissolved in saline by oral gavage, the AS+CS group was given 100 ppm/day Na-arsenite ad libitum with drinking water and 200 mg/kg/day chitosan dissolved in saline by oral gavage for 30 days. At the end of the 30-day experimental period, 90 mg/kg ketamine was administered intraperitoneally to all rats, and blood samples and kidney tissues were collected. Urea, uric acid, creatinine, P, Mg, K, Ca, Na, Cystatin C (CYS-C), Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and Kidney Injury Molecule 1 (KIM-1) levels were measured in serum samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the supernatant obtained from kidney tissue were analyzed by ELISA method. Compared with AS group, uric acid and creatinine levels of the AS+CS group were significantly decreased (p<0.001), urea, KIM-1, CYS-C, NGAL, and MDA levels were numerically decreased and CAT, GSH, and SOD levels were numerically increased (p>0.05). In conclusion, based on both biochemical and histopathological-immunohistochemical- immunofluorescence findings, it can be concluded that chitosan attenuates kidney injury and protects the kidney.