effects of nitrous oxide on vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and its soluble receptor 1 [VEGFR1] in patient undergoing urological surgery

Anesthesia and surgical intervention, leads to the development of systemic inflammatory response. The severity of the inflammatory response depends on the pharmacological effects of anesthetic agents and duration of anesthesia. Objective of the study was to investigate the effect of nitrous oxide on VEGF and VEGFR1 levels in patients undergoing surgery. Forty-four patients undergoing elective urological surgery were included in the study. Anesthesia maintenance was provided with 1-2 MAC sevoflurane, O[2] 50%, N[2]O 50% in 4L/m transporter gase for group 1 [n=22] and 1-2 MAC sevoflurane, O[2] 50%, air 50% in 4L/m transporter gase for group 2 [n=22] Venous blood samples for the measurement of VEGF and VEGFR1 were taken before the induction of anaesthesia, 60 minutes of anesthesia induction, at the end of anaesthesia and 24 hours after operation. In statistical analysis Bonferroni test and analysis of variance at the repeated measures were used In the postoperative period serum VEGF levels had decreased significantly in both group whereas VEGFR1 did not show a significant change. Nitrous oxide showed significant effect on angiogenic parameters. Further detailed studies are required to evaluate the effect of nitrous oxide

protective effect of Echinacea spp. [Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea] in a rat colitis model induced by acetic acid

Ulcerative colitis [UC] is a chronic disease that causes an inflammatory condition in the colon. Several cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin 1beta [IL-1beta] and transforming growth factor beta [TGF-beta] are crucial components of these inflammatory pathways. New therapeutic strategies are needed for improved clinical outcomes in UC and with less adverse effects. That is why alternative therapies such as herbal remedies are increasingly being used with favorable effects in the treatment of UC. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Echinacea spp in an experimental rat colitis model induced by acetic acid [AA]. Acetic acid was given via a rectal route to induce acute colitis in rats. Rats were placed in four groups: control, Echinacea, Echinaceacolitis and colitis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-1beta and TGF-beta levels were measured. Histopathological comparison of the groups was also performed. The disease activity index [DAI] was significantly higher in the colitis group compared to the control, Echinacea and Echinacea-colitis groups [p<0.001]. There was no significant difference between the DAI of control, Echinacea and Echinacea-colitis groups [p>0.07]. The inflammatory mediators IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were significantly elevated in the colitis group compared to the other groups [p<0.007, <0.001 respectively]. Therefore, Echinacea spp. may likely have some therapeutic favorable effects in the management of UC

Anti-inflammatory efficiency of Ankaferd blood stopper in experimental distal colitis model

Ankaferd blood stopper [ABS] is a herbal extract that enhances mucosal healing. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficiency of ABS in the treatment of experimental distal colitis. Twenty one male albino rats were divided into three groups: Sham control [Group 1], colitis induced by acetic acid and treated with saline [Group 2], colitis induced by acetic acid and treated with ABS [Group 3]. At end of the 7[th] day of induction, all the rats were lightly anesthetized with intramuscular ketamine [8 mg/kg] and thereafter laparotomy and total colectomy were performed. The distal colon segment was assessed macroscopically and microscopically. In addition malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and nitric oxide [NO] levels of the colonic tissue and changes in body weight were measured. The MDA and NO levels of the colonic tissues and weight loss were significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1 and Group 3. Microscopic and macroscopic damage scores were significantly higher in Group 2 and Group 3 than Group 1 [P: 0.001, P: 0.004, respectively]. Although the microscopic and macroscopic damage scores in Group 3 were slightly lower than Group 2, the difference was not statistically significant. The SOD levels of the colonic tissues were not different between the three groups. Weight alterations and high-levels of the colonic tissue MDA and NO suggested that ABS might have anti-inflammatory effects on experimental distal colitis. However, this suggestion was not supported by histopathological findings