Mesenchymal stem cells have ameliorative effect on the colitis model via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Purpose: To evaluate the ameliorative effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on acetic acid colitis model via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in rats. Methods: In this study, 30 rats were divided into three groups. Acute colitis was induced by rectal administration of 4% solution of acetic acid. MSCs were injected intraperitoneally in the treatment group. Results: Increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), pentraxin-3, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in colitis group were revealed biochemically. Increased level of TNF-α and decreased levels of Nrf2 and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were observed in rectum tissues. Increased fibrous tissue proliferation, vascularization and inflammatory cell infiltration were described in the colitis group. Significant improvement was observed in MSCs treated group histopathologically. Increased immunopositivity of TNF-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD68 markers was observed in the colitis group cells, and decreased level of this positivity was observed in MSCs treated group. Conclusions: Biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical results strongly support the ameliorative effect of MSCs against acetic induced colitis model via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in rats.

Effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 on random pattern skin flap survival in rats

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of pharmacological delay with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on skin flap survival. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were submitted to dorsal skin flap (3x9 cm). Seven days before the surgery, the animals were subdivided into three groups of 10 rats. In group 1 (controls), no injection was done. Seven days before the elevation, saline had been injected to the marked skin flap area in group 2 (sham group), and group 3 (experimental group) underwent a pharmacological delay with subcutaneous IGF-1 injections. On the seventh postoperative day, flap area was analyzed for survival. Tissue samples were obtained for histological and biochemical evaluations. RESULTS: Survival rates were 43.55 ± 16%, 21.40 ± 8%, and 43.12 ± 14% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Differences between group 2 and other groups were statistically significant. No significant difference was detected between all three groups for tissue or plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. There was no significant histological difference between groups. CONCLUSION: Although a single injection of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) did not significantly increase flap survival, its wound healing features are still encouraging and further meticulously planned studies, especially with repeated applications or controlled-release methods, and combinations with binding protein are required.

Effects of thymoquinone against cisplatin-induced cardiac injury in rats

PURPOSE: T o investigate the possible protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ) in cisplatin (CP) induced myocardial injury. METHODS: A total of 28 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups as follows: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (CP at 15 mg/kg dose), Group 3 (TQ 40 mg/kg/day for two days prior to CP injection and on third day, CP at 15 mg/kg dose was intraperitoneally administered and TQ treatment continued until fifth day) and Group 4 (TQ at 40mg/kg/day dose for five days). RESULTS: There was a significant increment in CP group in terms of congestion, edema and pycnotic nuclei in myocardial fibers, comparing with other groups. TQ group exhibited significant increase in expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, comparing with CP group (p<0.05). In only CP administered group, expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was lowest comparing with other groups. CONCLUSION: Established data indicate that cisplatin is cardiotoxic and thymoquinone may be useful in treating CP-induced cardiac injury.