Astaxanthin treatment reduces kidney damage and facilitates antioxidant recovery in lithium-intoxicated rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of astaxanthin against lithium-induced nephrotoxicity, focusing on histopathological changes, oxidative stress modulation, and alteration in the expression of key proteins related to apoptosis and inflammation. METHODS: In this study, 56 male rats were utilized and divided into experimental groups subjected to lithium-induced nephrotoxicity, with and without astaxanthin treatment, over 14 and 28 days. The parameters assessed included oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD), protein expression levels of BCL-2, BAX, TNF- α, PI3K, NF-κ B-p65, IL-1ß, and comprehensive histopathological examinations to evaluate the integrity of renal tissue. RESULTS: Lithium exposure led to significant renal damage, as evidenced by histological distortions in renal architecture, increased oxidative stress indicated by elevated MDA levels, and dysregulated expressions of apoptotic and inflammatory proteins. Notably, histopathological analysis revealed glomerular and tubular degeneration in lithium-treated groups. Astaxanthin treatment effectively mitigated these effects, demonstrating its efficacy in reducing lipid peroxidation, rebalancing apoptotic proteins, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and preserving renal histological structure. The concurrent use of lithium and astaxanthin showed a considerable amelioration of lithium-induced damage, suggesting astaxanthin's role in attenuating the nephrotoxic effects of lithium, both at a molecular and structural level. CONCLUSION: Astaxanthin demonstrates significant renoprotective effects against lithium-induced nephrotoxicity, suggesting its utility as an effective adjunctive therapy. Through its potent antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic actions, astaxanthin effectively reduces renal damage associated with lithium treatment, underscoring its potential for enhancing renal health in patients receiving lithium therapy.

Histologic and histomorphometric assessment of sinus-floor augmentation with beta-tricalcium phosphate alone or in combination with pure-platelet-rich plasma or platelet-rich fibrin: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The potential effects of adding pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) graft substitute on bone formation and regeneration after maxillary sinus-floor elevation remains unclear. PURPOSE: To compare the histologic and histomorphometric outcomes of maxillary sinus-floor augmentation among ß-TCP alone, P-PRP-mixed ß-TCP, and PRF-mixed ß-TCP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, elevated sinus cavities were grafted with ß-TCP (the control group), P-PRP-mixed ß-TCP (the P-PRP group), and PRF-mixed ß-TCP (PRF group). The sample was composed of 26 patients: 9 subjects in control and P-PRP groups, and 8 subjects in PRF group. After a 6-month, healing period, bone graft biopsies were harvested prior to implant placement, and the specimens were analyzed. The main outcome variables included findings of histologic and histomorphometric analyses of the bone graft biopsies. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. RESULTS: The mean percentages of new bone formations were 33.40 ± 10.43%, 34.83 ± 10.12%, and 32.03 ± 6.34% in control, P-PRP, and PRF groups, respectively, with no significant differences (P > .05). Mean percentages of residual graft particle area were 30.39 ± 10.29%, 28.98 ± 7.94%, and 32.66 ± 7.46% in control, P-PRP, and PRF groups, respectively, with no significant differences (P > .05). The mean percentages of soft-tissue area were 36.21 ± 10.59%, 36.19 ± 13.94%, and 35.31 ± 10.81% in control, P-PRP, and PRF groups, respectively, with no significant differences (P > .05). Mean densities of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes, and capillary vessels showed insignificant difference between groups (P > .05), but osteoprogenitor cells were lower and inflammatory cells were higher in the PRF group than those in other groups (P < .01). Biopsies of P-PRP, PRF, and control groups showed similar composition and distribution of histologic structures. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that adding P-PRP or PRF to ß-TCP graft substitute was not beneficial on new bone formation and regeneration, and P-PRP plus ß-TCP or PRF plus ß-TCP is not superior to ß-TCP alone.

Effects of Diabetes on Post-Menopausal Rat Submandibular Glands: A Histopathological and Stereological Examination.

OBJECTIVE: The menopause in elderly women is a physiological process where ovarian and uterine cycles end. Diabetes means higher blood glucose level that is a metabolic disease and has an increased incidence. The aim of the study was to examine the single or combined effects of menopause and diabetes that causes pathophysiological processes on submandibular gland on ovariectomy and diabetes induced rat models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague Dawley twelve weeks old female (n=24) rats were divided randomly into four groups; Healthy control group (n=6), diabetic group (DM, n=6), ovariectomized group (OVX, n=6), post ovariectomy diabetes induced group (DM+OVX, n=6) individually. Histopathological, histochemical and stereological analyses were done in these groups. RESULTS: Significant neutrophil cell infiltrations and myoepithelial cell proliferations, granular duct and seromucous acini damages and changes in the content of especially seromucous acini secretion in DM and/or OVX groups and distinctive interstitial and striated duct damages in post ovariectomy diabetes induced group were detected. Alterations ingranular ducts hypertrophic and in seromucous acini atrophic were determined in DM and/or OVX groups. CONCLUSION: The results revealed the pathophysiological processes that lead to morphological and functional alterations on the cellular level in submandibular glands. The molecular mechanisms related with pathogenesis of diabetes and menopause need further investigation.

Effects of allergic rhinitis and desloratadine on the submandibular gland in a rat allergy model.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) and antihistamine usage can cause xerostomia. The study aims to examine if AR, antihistamines, and the use of antihistamines in AR have histopathological effects on the submandibular gland. The study also investigates the effect of oxidant and antioxidant plasma parameters. METHODS: Thirty-two adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into the 4 following groups: the control group (C group); the AR group; an antihistamine-treated group (AH group); and an AR plus antihistamine-treated group (AR+AH group). The AR and AR+AH groups were sensitized using ovalbumin. The AR+AH and AH groups received desloratadine. The histopathological effects of AR and desloratadine treatment on the submandibular glands (SMGs) and the values of the oxidative and antioxidative serum parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Histopathological examination of sections of the SMGs from the AR and AH groups revealed that vacuolization was present in the mucous acinar and ductal cells and that the number of connective-tissue cells was greater than that of the control group. The appearances of the AR+AH-group sections were similar to those of the control group. The superoxide dismutase activity level and the glutathione level were relatively decreased in these groups compared with those of the control group. The malondialdehyde level in the AR group was increased compared with that of the control group. CONCLUSION: The AR-induced pathological changes were diminished by desloratadine treatment. Thus, the new-generation antihistamine desloratadine may be used to treatment of AR patients who have xerostomia.