Congenital feline tuberculosis: the first case report.

This study presents the first report of congenital tuberculosis in an 8-month-old male British Shorthair cat. The case was examined using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. The cat was referred to a private veterinary clinic with general respiratory system problems and subsequent deterioration, leading to death. The cat owner granted permission for the cat necropsy and pathological examinations at Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Türkiye. During systemic necropsy, white round foci with diameters ranging from 3.00 to 5.00 mm were observed in the lung and spleen. Tissue samples were collected from the lung, spleen, liver, heart, kidney, mediastinal lymph nodes and brain for histopathological examinations. The tissues were subjected to routine histological tissue processing and sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Ziehl-Neelsen. Additionally, Mycobacterium spp. antibodies were used for immunohistochemical staining. Microscopic examination revealed exudative tuberculosis lesions, areas of necrosis without a fibrous capsule and karyorrhectic cells only in the lung and spleen. Acid-resistant bacteria observed by ZN staining in the lesioned areas of the lung and spleen were identified as Mycobacterium spp. using immunohistochemical staining. No positive staining was observed in other organs using ZN and immunohistochemical methods. As a result, congenital tuberculosis was diagnosed in a cat for the first time, especially in relation to lesions in the spleen.

Achieving Long Cycle Life of Zn-Ion Batteries through Three-Dimensional Copper Foam.

Metallic zinc anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) suffer from dendritic growth, low Coulombic efficiency, and high polarization during cycling. To mitigate these challenges, current collectors based on three-dimensional (3D) commercial copper foam (CCuF) are generally preferred. However, their utilization is constrained by their thickness, low electroactive surface area, and increased manufacturing expenses. In this study, the synthesis of cost-effective current collectors with exceptionally large surface areas designed for ZIBs that can be cycled hundreds of times is reported. A zinc-coated CuF anode (Zn/CuF) was prepared with a 3D porous CuF current collector produced by the dynamic hydrogen bubble template (DHBT) method. Electrochemically generated copper foam could be obtained within seconds while offering a thickness as low as 30-40 µm (CuF5 achieved a thickness of ∼38 µm in 5 s) via the DHBT method. The excellent electrical conductivity and open pore structure of the 3D porous copper scaffold ensured the uniform deposition/stripping of Zn during cycling. During the 500 h Zn deposition/stripping process, the as-synthesized CuF5 current collector offered fast electrochemical kinetics and low polarization as well as a relatively high average Coulombic efficiency of 99% (at a current density of 5 mA cm-2 and a capacity of 1 mAh cm-2). Furthermore, the symmetric cell exhibited low voltage polarization and a stable voltage profile for 1000 h at a current density of 0.1 mA cm-2. In addition, full cells containing the Zn/CuF anode coupled with an as-synthesized α-MnO2 nanoneedle cathode in aqueous electrolyte were also prepared. Capacities of 266 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 and 94 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1 were achieved after 200 charge/discharge cycles with a stable Coulombic efficiency value close to 99.9%.

Effect of dexpanthenol on cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity: a histological and molecular study in rats.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does dexpanthenol work as an effective therapeutic agent against cyclophosphamide (CYC)-induced premature ovarian failure (POF) in rats? DESIGN: A total of 28 female Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7 per group). The POF and POF plus dexpanthenol groups were intraperitoneally administered CYC at an initial dose of 50 mg/kg, followed by 8 mg/kg for 14 days. The dexpanthenol and POF plus dexpanthenol groups were both intraperitoneally administered dexpanthenol at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day for 15 days. RESULTS: In the group administered CYC, the following was observed: a decrease in the ovarian index; a decrease in the numbers of primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicles; an increase in the number of corpus luteum and atretic follicles; a decrease in proliferation cell nuclear antigen immunoreactivity; a significant reduction in anti-Müllerian hormone and oestradiol levels; and an increase in serum FSH levels compared with controls. Dexpanthenol, on the other hand, reversed these effects. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that dexpanthenol increased Bcl-2, Akt1, mTOR, Nrf2 and HO-1 in CYC-induced ovarian tissues, but decreased Bax, Cas3, Hsp27, Hsp70, and Hsp90. Dexpanthenol treatment has a potential for inhibiting the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and oxidative stress levels in ovarian tissues via the downregulation of the mRNA expression of heat shock proteins and the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that dexpanthenol is an effective agent against POF caused by CYC; however, further experimental and clinical data are needed to use it effectively.

An observational, multicenter, registry-based cohort study of Turkish Neonatal Society in neonates with Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a significant cause of mortality and short- and long-term morbidities. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has been shown to be the standard care for HIE of infants ≥36 weeks gestational age (GA), as it has been demonstrated to reduce the rates of mortality, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study aims to determine the incidence of HIE in our country, to assess the TH management in infants with HIE, and present short-term outcomes of these infants. METHODS: The Turkish Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Online Registry database was established for this multicenter, prospective, observational, nationally-based cohort study to evaluate the data of infants born at ≥34 weeks GA who displayed evidence of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) between March, 2020 and April 2022. RESULTS: The incidence of HIE among infants born at ≥36 weeks GA (n = 965) was 2.13 per 1000 live births (517:242440), and accounting for 1.55% (965:62062) of all neonatal intensive care unit admissions. The rates of mild, moderate and severe HIE were 25.5% (n = 246), 58.9% (n = 568), and 15.6% (n = 151), respectively. Infants with severe HIE had higher rates of abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and mortality (p<0.001). No significant difference in mortality and abnormal MRI results was found according to the time of TH initiation (<3 h, 3-6 h and >6 h) (p>0.05). TH was administered to 85 (34.5%) infants with mild HIE, and of those born of 34-35 weeks of GA, 67.4% (n = 31) received TH. A total of 58 (6%) deaths were reported with a higher mortality rate in infants born at 34-35 weeks of GA (OR 3.941, 95% Cl 1.446-10.7422, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The incidence of HIE remained similar over time with a reduction in mortality rate. The timing of TH initiation, whether <3 or 3-6 h, did not result in lower occurrences of brain lesions on MRI or mortality. An increasing number of infants with mild HIE and late preterm infants with HIE are receiving TH; however, the indications for TH require further clarification. Longer follow-up studies are necessary for this vulnerable population.

Kinetic Limits of Graphite Anode for Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Fast-charging lithium-ion batteries are highly required, especially in reducing the mileage anxiety of the widespread electric vehicles. One of the biggest bottlenecks lies in the sluggish kinetics of the Li+ intercalation into the graphite anode; slow intercalation will lead to lithium metal plating, severe side reactions, and safety concerns. The premise to solve these problems is to fully understand the reaction pathways and rate-determining steps of graphite during fast Li+ intercalation. Herein, we compare the Li+ diffusion through the graphite particle, interface, and electrode, uncover the structure of the lithiated graphite at high current densities, and correlate them with the reaction kinetics and electrochemical performances. It is found that the rate-determining steps are highly dependent on the particle size, interphase property, and electrode configuration. Insufficient Li+ diffusion leads to high polarization, incomplete intercalation, and the coexistence of several staging structures. Interfacial Li+ diffusion and electrode transportation are the main rate-determining steps if the particle size is less than 10 µm. The former is highly dependent on the electrolyte chemistry and can be enhanced by constructing a fluorinated interphase. Our findings enrich the understanding of the graphite structural evolution during rapid Li+ intercalation, decipher the bottleneck for the sluggish reaction kinetics, and provide strategic guidelines to boost the fast-charging performance of graphite anode.

The effect of erector spinae plane block on arterial grafts in coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the sympathectomy effects of erector spinae plane block on the diameters and cross-sectional areas of the left and right internal mammary arteries and of the radial arteries. Methods: This prospective study included a total of 25 patients (14 males, 11 females; median age: 67 years; range, 23 to 75 years) who underwent erector spinae plane block categorized as the American Society of Anesthesiologists Class III and underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting between June 01, 2020 and March 01, 2021. The effects of erector spinae plane block on the diameters and cross-sectional areas of the left and right internal mammary arteries and radial arteries were assessed using ultrasonography images taken both before and 45 min after the procedure, from the third, fourth, and fifth intercostal spaces for the left and right internal mammary arteries and from 3 cm proximal to the wrist for the radial arteries. Results: The diameters and cross-sectional areas of the left and right internal mammary arteries and radial arteries significantly increased compared to baseline values after the erector spinae plane block (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the pre- and post-procedural heart rate and mean arterial pressure values (p>0.05). Conclusion: The bilateral erector spinae plane block, which was performed at the T5 level, provided vasodilatation of the left and right internal mammary arteries and radial arteries without causing any significant difference in the heart rate and mean arterial pressure. These findings indicate that the sympathetic block produced by the erector spinae plane block may facilitate better surgical conditions by preventing arterial spasms. Thus, bilateral erector spinae plane block may be a promising technique to achieve regional anesthesia for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Assessment of Intra-Oral Repair Systems for Veneered Zirconia and Zirconia Only.

The aim of this study was to compare bond strength resin composites to porcelain laminate veneers in the indirect repair method to composite resins used in the direct repair method for cases of porcelain veneer fracture of zirconia-based fixed dental prostheses. In the study, the groups were formed with different percentages of areas to be repaired to mimic porcelain fractures in the mouth. The experimental group of veneered zirconia were as follows: Group A = 100% Zr surface; Group B = 70% Zr, 30% porcelain surface; Group C = 50% Zr, 50% porcelain surface; Group D = 30% Zr, 70% porcelain surface; Group E = 100% porcelain surface. The repairs of the specimens were made using composite resin systems in half of the groups and using porcelain laminate veneers in the other half. Specimens were embedded in acrylic blocks before surface treatments and repairs were applied. After surface conditioning, laminate veneers were applied to the first half of the groups, and composite repair systems were applied to the second half of the groups. After all specimens were aged by thermal cycling, their bond strength values were measured using a Universal Testing Machine, and the obtained data were recorded. The specimens were examined with a stereomicroscope and classified according to failure types (adhesive/cohesive/mixed). Bond strength values were evaluated based on independent-samples t-test statistics. According to the comparisons among the groups, the bond strength of the indirect repairs made with the laminate material was higher than the bond strength of the repairs made with the composite. There was a statistically significant difference in favor of the indirect repair groups among all groups except for Group C. The highest bond strength was found in Group A in the indirect repair method, while the lowest bond was found in the direct repair method in Group E. Adhesive failure was mostly seen in the groups that were repaired with the composite.

Lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects of isorhamnetin on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Isorhamnetin is a hepatoprotective flavonoid molecule derived from the leaves and fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides L. However, the protective effect of isorhamnetin on acetaminophen (APAP) induced hepatotoxicity is still unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate the lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects of isorhamnetin on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Hepatotoxicity was induced by a single injection of APAP (300 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Isorhamnetin (50 or 100 mg/kg, orally) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (200 mg/kg, orally), or vehicle control, were administered 1 h before the administration of APAP. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidative status (TOS) of liver tissue and levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) were analyzed by ELISA. Lipid profiles and liver function parameters were measured using an autoanalyzer. In addition, liver tissue was examined histopathologically. Isorhamnetin treatment significantly reduced the APAP-induced increase in the liver weight and liver index; it also reduced the APAP-induced increase in serum liver parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH) (p < 0.05). Isorhamnetin significantly reduced APAP-induced oxidative stress and inflammation by increasing TAS levels and decreasing TOS, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, isorhamnetin treatment significantly regulated lipid profiles (TG, T-C, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels) that changed in response to APAP administration (p < 0.05). In histopathological examination, liver degeneration observed in the APAP group was significantly reduced in the NAC and isorhamnetin-treated groups (p < 0.05). This study suggests that isorhamnetin has a significant protective effect on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice through its lipid-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

In vitro effect of relaxin in the rat corpus cavernosum under hyperglycemic and normoglycemic conditions.

Relaxin, an endogenous peptide hormone, elicits vascular relaxation by its direct effect or by modulating the endothelium-dependent relaxation response and is clinically evaluated for the treatment of coronary artery disease. However, its effect on penile tissue has not been explored yet. This study aimed to investigate the effect of serelaxin, recombinant human relaxin-2, on rat corpus cavernosum (CC) under healthy and hyperglycemic conditions. Strips of CC obtained from thirty-nine male Wistar rats weighing 300-350 g were used in organ baths for isometric tension studies to investigate the serelaxin-mediated relaxation (10-12-10-7 M) under normoglycemic conditions and the effect of serelaxin on endothelium-dependent [nitric oxide (NO)- and prostacyclin-mediated] relaxation responses under hyperglycemic conditions. The in vitro hyperglycemia model was created by 3 h of incubation with 44 mM glucose monohydrate +120 µM methylglyoxal. NO-dependent relaxation responses were evaluated by cumulative acetylcholine (10-9-10-4 M) administration in the presence of indomethacin (10-6 M). Prostacyclin-mediated relaxation was evaluated by cumulative administration of iloprost (10-9-10-6 M), a prostacyclin analog. Maximum relaxation responses to serelaxin were not significantly different compared to the time-control (p = 0.480). Three hours of incubation of rat CC in hyperglycemic conditions impaired NO- and prostacyclin-mediated relaxation responses (p = 0.032 and p = 0.047, respectively). Serelaxin coincubation worsened NO-mediated relaxation responses (p = 0.016) but did not affect prostacyclin-mediated responses (p = 0.425). Together, our results demonstrate that in vitro administration of serelaxin does not cause relaxation in penile tissue and short-term in vitro serelaxin treatment in hyperglycemic conditions mimicked diabetes modulates endothelium-dependent responses by worsening NO-mediated responses. Serelaxin exerts different effects via different mechanism on endothelium-dependent responses depending on the dose and duration of exposure. Therefore, proper timing and dosing of serelaxin administration in the penile tissue need to be investigated in further studies in diabetic animal models.

The Usefulness of Serum Brain Damage Biomarkers in Detection and Evaluation of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in Calves with Perinatal Asphyxia.

The purpose of the present study was to determine hypoxic brain damage in calves with perinatal asphyxia using brain-specific damage biomarkers. Ten healthy and 25 calves with perinatal asphyxia were enrolled in the study. Clinical examination, neurological status score, and laboratory analysis were performed at admission, 24, 48, and 72 h. Serum concentrations of ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolysis 1 (UCHL1), calcium-binding protein B (S100B), adrenomodullin (ADM), activitin A (ACTA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and creatine kinase-brain (CK-B) were measured. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of the brain tissue were performed in 13 nonsurvivor calves. The neurological status score of the calves with asphyxia was significantly (p < 0.05) lower. Mix metabolic-respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia were detected in calves with asphyxia. Serum UCHL1 and S100B were significantly (p < 0.05) increased, and NSE, ACTA, ADM, and CK-B were decreased (p < 0.05) in calves with asphyxia. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations confirmed the development of mild to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. In conclusion, asphyxia and hypoxemia caused hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in perinatal calves. UCHL1 and S100B concentrations were found to be useful markers for the determination of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in calves with perinatal asphyxia. Neurological status scores and some blood gas parameters were helpful in mortality prediction.

Green Synthesis (Paeonia kesrouanensis) of Silver Nanoparticles and Toxicity Studies in Artemia salina.

This study aims to describe a simple and environmentally friendly procedure for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Paeonia kesrouanensis (P. kesrouanensis) extracts and to determine the toxic effect in the aquatic environment. The morphologies, size, size distributions, and structural properties were analyzed using SEM-EDX, TEM, DLS, zeta potential, FTIR, and XRD. AgNPs were applied to Artemia salina (A.salina), aquatic organism individuals at 7 different concentrations (0.0, 0.2, 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 mg/L) for 24, 48, and 72 h. AgNPs accumulation and elimination, ion release amounts, and the survival rates of organisms were determined at periods of 24, 48, and 72nd hours. The highest accumulation was observed at the 24th hour at the 50 mg/L exposure level. The survival rate decreased as exposure time increased at all concentrations.

Repeated acetaminophen administration damaged hippocampal tissue but did not affect prefrontal cortex or anxiety behaviors.

Acetaminophen is one of the most widely used over­the­counter drugs worldwide for the treatment of pain and fever. Although acetaminophen use is known to impair hippocampus­related learning and memory, its effect on anxiety is not clear. Insulin­like growth factor­1 (IGF­1) and matrix metalloproteinase­2 (MMP2) are important for cellular survival, maintenance and tissue integrity. The aim of this study was to investigate the dose­dependent effects of acetaminophen on anxiety levels as well as on hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and liver tissue. Doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg acetaminophen were administered to male Sprague Dawley rats for 11 days and anxiety tests were conducted on the last day. Twenty­four hours after the last acetaminophen administration, all animals were sacrificed and hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and liver tissues were removed for analyses. Hippocampal IGF­1 and MMP2 levels were shown to decrease only at the highest dose of acetaminophen, which was accompanied by pathological changes in histology. The prefrontal cortex was not affected. Behavioral analyses also did not indicate changes in anxiety levels in the rats. Liver IGF­1 and MMP2 levels decreased in all experimental groups. Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels increased in the 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg acetaminophen groups. Our findings showed that varying doses of acetaminophen did not affect the prefrontal cortex or anxiety levels. Further research is needed to elucidate the hippocampal and hepatic protective roles of IGF­1 and MMP2 in acetaminophen toxicity and their potential use in therapeutic approaches.

A combination of ketogenic diet and voluntary exercise ameliorates anxiety and depression-like behaviors in Balb/c mice.

The positive effects of both ketogenic diet (KD) and regular voluntary exercise on anxiety and depression behavior have been recently reported in rodent animals, but the effects of pairing a KD with exercise on depression and anxiety are unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of combination of KD and regular voluntary exercise on anxiety and depression-like behavior in Balb/c mice. We've demostrated that anxiety and depression levels decreased in KD-exercised (KD-Ex) mice. ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels increased while glucose, insulin levels and LDL/HDL ratio decreased in KD-Ex mice. There was a negative correlation between BHB and the time spent in the closed arms of elevated plus maze (EPM) or the time spent in periphery walls of open field test (OFT) and the immobility time in forced swim test (FST) which all of them are indicators of low depression and anxiety levels. There was a positive correlation between LDL/HDL ratio and the time spent in the closed arms of EPM or the immobility time in FST. The immobility time in FST was positively correlated with insulin while the mobility time in FST was negatively correlated with glucose. In conclusion, these results suggest that decline in anxiety and depression-like behaviors resulted from KD with regular voluntary exercise may be associated with increased BHB levels and decreased LDL/HDL ratio and insulin or glucose levels. Further research is necessary for our understanding of the mechanisms by which pairing a KD with voluntary exercise influences brain and behavior.

Controlling the Crystallographic Orientation of Graphite Electrodes for Fast-Charging Li-Ion Batteries.

In this study, we report a new design paradigm for an electrode preparation method that drastically improves the fast-charging capabilities of a graphite (Gt) anode by controlling the crystallographic orientation. The crystallographic orientation of the Gt electrode is achieved under a dynamic magnetic field using commercially available neodymium magnets. When the slurry of the Gt electrode is tape casted using the conventional method with no magnetic field, the crystallographic orientation is dominated with (002) planes along with other random planes. However, once the slurry of the Gt electrode is casted and dried under a magnetic field, the Gt particles tend to orient themselves along the (100), (101), and (110) planes which are all aligned vertically to the current collector. This striking difference allows the oriented Gt electrode to reach 80% state of the charge in only 50 min at 1C charge rate, whereas the randomly distributed Gt electrode reaches 80% state of the charge in 138 min at 1C charge rate using a constant current-constant voltage charging protocol. The outstanding electrochemical performance of the oriented Gt electrodes was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques.

A Nearly Packaging-Free Design Paradigm for Light, Powerful, and Energy-Dense Primary Microbatteries.

Billions of internet connected devices used for medicine, wearables, and robotics require microbattery power sources, but the conflicting scaling laws between electronics and energy storage have led to inadequate power sources that severely limit the performance of these physically small devices. Reported here is a new design paradigm for primary microbatteries that drastically improves energy and power density by eliminating the vast majority of the packaging and through the use of high-energy-density anode and cathode materials. These light (50-80 mg) and small (20-40 µL) microbatteries are enabled though the electroplating of 130 µm-thick 94% dense additive-free and crystallographically oriented LiCoO2 onto thin metal foils, which also act as the encapsulation layer. These devices have 430 Wh kg-1 and 1050 Wh L-1 energy densities, 4 times the energy density of previous similarly sized microbatteries, opening up the potential to power otherwise unpowerable microdevices.

Regular aerobic exercise increased VEGF levels in both soleus and gastrocnemius muscles correlated with hippocampal learning and VEGF levels.

Physical exercise improves learning and memory abilities by increasing the levels of several growth factors in the hippocampus. One growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is primarily produced in the muscles and not only increases in the periphery during exercise but can also cross the blood-brain barrier. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of regular aerobic chronic exercise on different types of muscle fibers and the relationships between learning/memory and muscle induced-VEGF. Following a one-week adaptation period, male rats underwent treadmill training at a speed of 8 m/min for 30 min daily, 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Memory functions were evaluated using the Morris water maze. VEGF, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers and VEGF levels were also measured in the hippocampus. Exercise positively affected both learning and memory and also increased VEGF levels in both muscle fiber types. Muscle VEGF levels positively correlate with hippocampal learning and hippocampal VEGF levels. Exercise reduced both SOD and MDA levels in type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers, whereas GPx levels decreased only in type 2 muscle fibers. Our findings suggest that regular aerobic exercise elevates VEGF levels and diminishes oxidative stress in both fiber types. Exercise-induced VEGF levels in both type 1 and 2 muscle fibers appear to be associated with the positive effect of exercise on learning and memory function and is accompanied by an increase in VEGF levels in the hippocampus. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism by which fiber type-specific VEGF mediates hippocampal neurogenesis and angiogenesis.Physical exercise improves learning and memory abilities by increasing the levels of several growth factors in the hippocampus. One growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is primarily produced in the muscles and not only increases in the periphery during exercise but can also cross the blood-brain barrier. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of regular aerobic chronic exercise on different types of muscle fibers and the relationships between learning/memory and muscle induced-VEGF. Following a one-week adaptation period, male rats underwent treadmill training at a speed of 8 m/min for 30 min daily, 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Memory functions were evaluated using the Morris water maze. VEGF, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers and VEGF levels were also measured in the hippocampus. Exercise positively affected both learning and memory and also increased VEGF levels in both muscle fiber types. Muscle VEGF levels positively correlate with hippocampal learning and hippocampal VEGF levels. Exercise reduced both SOD and MDA levels in type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers, whereas GPx levels decreased only in type 2 muscle fibers. Our findings suggest that regular aerobic exercise elevates VEGF levels and diminishes oxidative stress in both fiber types. Exercise-induced VEGF levels in both type 1 and 2 muscle fibers appear to be associated with the positive effect of exercise on learning and memory function and is accompanied by an increase in VEGF levels in the hippocampus. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism by which fiber type-specific VEGF mediates hippocampal neurogenesis and angiogenesis.

Protective effects of nobiletin on cisplatin induced neurotoxicity in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the possible antioxidant, antiapoptotic and neuroprotective effects of nobiletin on cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity rat model by evaluating neurotrophins, antioxidants and histopathology. METHODS: Forty male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: control, cisplatin (CIS), cisplatin + nobiletin (CIS + NOB) and nobiletin + cisplatin (NOB + CIS). CIS + NOB was applied nobiletin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) during the last four days whereas NOB + CIS was applied nobiletin during the first four days of the study. Cisplatin (4 mg/kg, i.p. twice a day) was administered to the experimental groups on the 5th day of the study. All rats were sacrificed on the 10th day of the study. BDNF, NGF, G6PD, GPx, tGSH and MDA levels were determined in brain. In addition, routin histolopathological analysis and caspase-3 immunoreactivity assay were conducted. RESULTS: BDNF concentrations increased in nobiletin-administered groups, compared to Control and CIS and that the increase was statistically significant in NOB + CIS (p < 0.05). It was also found that G6PD activity increased (p < 0.05) in the nobiletin-administered groups, compared to control and CIS. Histopathologically, neuronal degeneration, oedema and gliosis increased in CIS compared to Control, and nobiletin administration decreased neuronal degeneration and oedema compared to CIS (p < 0.05). Cisplatin increased (p < 0.05) caspase-3 immunoreactivity in cerebrovascular endothelium and neurons compared to Control, while nobiletin administration decreased caspase-3 immunoreactivity in cerebrovascular endothelium. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity in neurons decreased only in NOB + CIS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nobiletin increased BDNF concentration and G6PD activity in brain and when evaluated together with histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, it may have antioxidant, antiapoptotic and neuroprotective effects against cisplatin.

The effects of Nigella sativa seeds and thymoquinone on aflatoxin phase-2 detoxification through glutathione and glutathione-S-transferase alpha-3, and the relationship between aflatoxin B1-DNA adducts in broilers.

The primary pathway of the detoxification of aflatoxin (AF) metabolites occurring at the end of phase-1 biotransformation is glutathione (GSH) conjugation via glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzyme in phase-2. In this study, the activity of Nigella sativa seeds (NS) and thymoquinone (TQ) on phase-2 detoxification pathways of AF was investigated in light of GSH, GST alpha-3 (GSTA3), and AFB1-DNA adducts detected by the immunohistochemical method in broilers' livers. One-hundred twenty chickens at one-day-old were divided into six groups as the control (CNT), AF, TQ, NS, AF + TQ, and AF + NS groups and fed for 28 days. AF, TQ, and NS were added to the relevant diets at 2 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 5%, respectively. The administration of AF alone strongly stimulated the formation of AFB1-DNA adduct and reduced GSH and GSTA3 levels in hepatocytes (p < 0,01). In contrast, TQ and NS were found to reduce significantly the amount of AFB1-DNA adducts in AF + TQ and AF + NS groups (p < 0,01). We concluded that NS and TQ achieved this by increasing GSH and GSTA3 levels (p < 0,01) thanks to their antioxidant properties, and hence detoxifying the reactive metabolites of AF. Also, we consider that the AFB1-DNA adduct constituted in 28 days can be used as a biomarker for exposure to AF in broilers.