An investigation of the effects of amniotic fluid on experimental ischemia/reperfusion damage in rat testes.

INTRODUCTION: Various agents have been tested as preventive treatments for ischemia/reperfusion (IR) damage. In this study, we have investigated for the first time in the literature the efficacy of injection of amniomax (AMX) into testicular parenchyma, which is a commercial medium of rat amniotic fluid, in preventing testicular IR damage related to testicular torsion. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate whether or not amniomax has an effect on experimental IR damage in rat testes using biochemical and histopathological methods based on data in the literature. Even if testicular torsion is repaired surgically in early term injury because of de IR damage still occurs. Is it possible to reduce the ischemia reperfusion injury with amniotic fluid and increase the success of treatment? STUDY DESIGN: 40 male Wistar albino rats were included. Four groups were formed with 10 rats in each group: Sham, Ischemia/Reperfusion (IR), injection 1 min before detorsion (AMX-BD), injection 1 min after detorsion (AMX-AD). Total Oxidant Status (TOS) and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) were computed for oxidative stress, and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) levels were computed for the antioxidant system, for both serum and tissue. Necrosis and microcalcification levels were assessed in the evaluation of testicular histology. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: AMX-AD group has low necrosis degree than IR, Mean serum and tissue levels of TAS, TOS, and OSI parameters were respectively determined as; for TAS: 0.64 ± 0.11 and 0.96 ± 0.25 mmol Trolox Equivalent/L; for TOS: 6.71 ± 0.87 and 9.40 ± 1.03 µmol H2O2 equivalent/L; for OSI: 11.94 ± 3.74 and 10.70 ± 4.23 arbitrary unit. DISCUSSION: Our study has investigated for the first time in the literature the efficacy of amniotic fluid in preventing testicular IR damage, and used amniomax (AMX) for this purpose. The limitation of our study may be the small number of rat in the groups. CONCLUSION: We think an injection after detorsion is more favorable considering that the AMX-AD group demonstrated significantly lower levels of TOS in serum and tissue and OSI in serum, and significantly higher serum levels of TAS compared to the AMX-BD group, as well as the fact that the morphological protection effect was only observed for injections performed immediately after detorsion.

Effects of Platelet Rich Plasma and Amniotic Cell Culture Medium on Wound Healing Following Experimental Animal Tracheal Injury Model: A Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Prolonged inflammation after tracheal injury invariably results in a degree of stenosis. The topical application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and human amniotic fluid-derived cell culture medium (ACCM) have been shown to promote wound healing. The effects of PRP and amniotic cell culture medium (Gibco AmnioMAX - II ) were investigated in a rat model through morphometric, histological, and biochemical parameters. MATERIAL METHODS: Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were included in the study: 4 rats provided for the preparation of PRP. Three groups of 7 rats were divided into PRP and ACCM groups, a control and a sham group respectively. A transverse incision on the ventral aspect of the third trachea spanning half of the tracheal circumference was performed. The incision was repaired with 7/0 polypropylene in the sham group. In the control group, 0.5 ml saline solution was applied on to the repaired injury site. In the other two groups, 0.5 mL PRP or ACCM were applied topically on the tracheal repair. Tissue samples were harvested 30 days after surgery for morphometric measurements and biochemical analyses for oxidative stress markers, IL-1beta, IL-6, and VEGF. Connective tissue thickness was evaluated histologically. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests. RESULTS: A notable difference was detected (P = 0,025) in cartilage segment length measurements of the trachea between the ACCM group and the sham and control groups (P < 0.03). A significant difference was found in the analysis of TAS, TOS, and OSI values between the study groups and the control and sham groups (P < 0.005). There were also differences in IL1-beta and IL-6 levels between ACCM and PRP groups (P < 0.05). For the same parameters, the differences were significant between the PRP and, sham and control groups (P = 0,004 and P = 0,002 respectively), and between the ACCM and, sham and control groups (P = 0,003 and P = 0,002 respectively).VEGF values demonstrated a significant difference between the PRP and sham group (P = 0,002), and between ACCM and sham/control groups (p=0,002 for both), the highest VEGF value was in ACCM group while the lowest value was in the sham group. In the histological assessment of connective tissue, a significant difference was observed between ACCM and the other groups. CONCLUSION: Amniotic fluid-derived cell culture medium shows less oxidative stress status than the other applications. ACCM is more effective on inflammatory and angiogenetic processes. Connective tissue thickness results were consistent with those biochemical and morphologic results. Additionally, a significant difference was observed in histological data between ACCM and PRP. Overall, ACCM proved to be efficient on tracheal healing. These effects can be attributed to the abundance of growth factors in both PRP and amniotic fluid-derived cell culture medium (ACCM).

Effectiveness of Different Surgical Flap Delay Methods and Their Systemic Toxicities.

OBJECTIVE: The surgical flap delaying has been shown to be effective in preventing partial flap loss or in preparing larger flaps. However, there is no gold standard flap delay method in the literature. In this study, the authors aimed to compare 3 types of surgical delay methods to determine which model would increase more flap survival. The authors also investigated the effect of delay methods on circulating mononuclear leukocytes as a parameter of DNA damage. METHODS: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 4 groups. All subjects had a 10 × 3 cm modified McFarlane flap. Surface area measurements, biopsies, and blood samples were taken on the day of sacrification; 7th day for the control group and 14th day for delay groups. RESULTS: Between incisional surgery delay groups, a significant difference was found in necrosis and apoptosis in the bipedicled group, and only necrosis in the tripedicled group compared to the control. In terms of DNA damage, it was found higher in all experimental groups than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Both incisional surgical delay procedures' results were meaningfully effective when only incisions were made without the elevation of flaps. In conclusion, bipedicled incisional surgical delay seems to be the most effective method in McFarlane experimental flap model whereas two-staged surgeries may increase the risk of systemic toxicity.

Effects of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on exocrine and endocrine functions, and oxidative state of rat pancreas.

We investigated the effects of increased intra-abdominal pressure during laparoscopy on the endocrine and exocrine functions, oxidative stress and histopathology of the pancreas in rats. We established three experimental groups of eight animals. Group 1 was the untreated control. Forth other two groups, pneumoperitoneum with CO2 was established for 60 min at 6 mm Hg for group 2 and 12 mm Hg for group 3; groups 2 and 3 animals were allowed to re-perfuse for 30 min. Amylase, glucagon and insulin levels were analyzed in blood samples and insulin:glucagon ratio was calculated. Histopathology and malondialdehyde assay were performed on pancreatic tissue samples. Histological damage scores for vasocongestion were increased significantly in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1. Histological damage scores for inflammatory cell infiltration were increased significantly in group 3 compared to group 1. Malondialdehyde levels were increased significantly in group 3 compared to group 1. We found no significant differences among groups for serum amylase levels or histological damage scores for hemorrhage. Insulin and glucagon levels, and the insulin:glucagon ratio was increased significantly in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2. We found that in rats routine laparoscopy caused increased serum insulin and glucagon levels, and histopathological changes that indicated ischemia-reperfusion injury to the pancreas.

Does ozone administration have a protective or therapeutic effect against radiotherapy-induced testicular injury?

OBJECTIVE: We investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of ozone therapy (OT) in radiotherapy (RT)-induced testicular damage. METHODS: Thirty healthy adult male Wistar rats divided into five groups consisting of six animals each as follows: (1) Control (C), (2) RT, (3) OT, (4) OT + RT, and (5) RT + OT group. Histopathological findings, Johnsen scores, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were evaluated. RESULTS: RT caused a significant decrease in testicular weight and Johnsen score compared to the control group. In addition, TBARS level was significantly higher, whereas GSH, SOD, catalase, and GPx levels were significantly lower in the RT group when compared to the control group. Pre and postRT OT significantly increased GSH, SOD, catalase, and GPx levels and decreased TBARS level. Furthermore, testicular weight and Johnsen score were increased with OT. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that OT is protective and therapeutic in radiation-induced testicular damage. OT may be beneficial to the patients who underwent RT.

Prenatal diagnosis of mediastinal neurenteric cyst: a case report and review of the literature.

Neurenteric cyst is a very rare developmental anomaly. Prenatal diagnosis of mediastinal neurenteric cysts has been reported rarely. We present a case of neurenteric cyst associated with vertebral anomalies diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography at 31 weeks of gestation, which was treated successfully in the early neonatal period. In addition, we searched the English literature for all cases of mediastinal neurenteric cyst diagnosed in the prenatal period reported to date. We found that only 17 cases were reported previously. We reviewed the reports of these 17 patients along with our case, and we investigated the prenatal and postnatal diagnosis and treatment approaches and the factors influencing the prognosis. Fetuses with mediastinal neurenteric cysts should be monitored regularly by ultrasonography. Fetuses with no signs of hydrops are more likely to survive with proper neonatal center transfer, regular follow-up, and appropriate postnatal approach. Fetuses with hydrops findings have a high risk of fetal and neonatal death.

Prenatal ultrasound findings and a new ultrasonographic sign of epidermolysis bullosa with congenital pyloric atresia: a report of three cases.

Epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia (EB-PA) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that is characterized by fragility of the skin and mucous membranes. The course of EB-PA is usually severe and often lethal in the neonatal period. In most cases, prenatal diagnosis of this syndrome is considered in pregnancies at risk for recurrence. EB-PA can be described during pregnancy with sonographic signs such as polyhydramnios with a dilated stomach, the "snowflake sign", which are echogenic particles in the amniotic fluid, and several other anomalies. In this report, we present three cases of EB-PA suggested by the results of prenatal sonography, and describe a new ultrasonographic sign, i.e., complete chorioamniotic membrane separation, which can be helpful for the diagnosis. The prenatal diagnoses were confirmed postnatally. Two of the three cases had no family history, and one of these two cases was the product of a non-consanguineous couple.

A case of ureteral triplication associated with ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Ureteral triplication is one of the rarest malformations of the upper urinary tract. The association of ureteral triplication and obstruction is even rarer. We report a case of ureteral triplication associated with hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction at the middle pole ureter. To our knowledge, such a malformation has not been described previously.

Diagnostic difficulties in children with coexisting pelvi-ureteric and vesico-ureteric junction obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnosis of children with coexisting pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) and vesico-ureteric junction (VUJ) obstruction, and the management of such patients, as having these two anomalies in the same ureter creates serious diagnostic difficulties, but any delay in diagnosis might cause a deterioration of renal function and affect the success of surgery to correct either anomaly. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed the diagnostic difficulties and approach to 14 patients with coexistent PUJ and VUJ obstruction, who were treated surgically in our clinic between 1994 and 2005; we also review related published reports in English. RESULTS: Surgery was used in all 14 patients over the 11-year period; only five patients had an accurate diagnosis before surgery. Six patients were diagnosed with uroradiological techniques immediately after pyeloplasty; three were diagnosed on investigating an associated anomaly later. CONCLUSION: In children with coexisting PUJ and VUJ obstruction there are serious diagnostic problems; to prevent any deterioration in renal function due to obstruction, these anomalies require early diagnosis and treatment. For an early and accurate diagnosis, the coexistence of these two anomalies in the same ureter should be considered.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of fatty meal stimulated gallbladder contraction in the diagnosis of biliary dyskinesia in children.

AIM: Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is characterized by symptoms of biliary disease, no evidence of gallstones on ultrasonography (USG), and diminished gallbladder ejection fraction. The diagnosis is based on findings of abnormal gallbladder ejection fraction diagnosed by hepatobiliary scintigraphy before and after stimulation of gallbladder contraction with cholecystokinin (CCK). We used an easier diagnostic technique defined as ultrasonographic evaluation of fatty meal stimulated gallbladder contraction, employing USG with the diagnosis of biliary dyskinesia in children. The study was conducted by USG to investigate the volume and contractility of the gallbladder (GB) in fasting conditions and 45 min after a standardized fatty meal (SFM) in normal children and in a group of BD patients, and to compare the diagnostic value of this test with scintigraphy and to evaluate its use as a new method in the diagnostic algorithm of BD. METHODS: We assessed the volume changes and contractility of the GB in response to SFM by USG in 14 patients with BD diagnosed by cholecystokinin stimulated hepatobiliary scintigraphy (CCKs-HBS); and compared them with 14 control patients matched for age and gender before cholecystectomy. After an overnight fasting, GB volume was measured by USG then the GB volume was again measured after the SFM ingestion. Using USG, length, width and height of GB were measured, and volume of the GB was calculated using the 'Dodds' formula. These volume measurements were used to calculate the percentage of gallbladder emptying (ejection fraction). Fasting, after SFM and EF values comparisons between groups were done with student's t-test. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference of fasting GB volumes were demonstrated between BD and control groups (14.1+/-6.7 cm3 and 13.4+/-4.0 cm3 respectively). GB volumes of the BD group after SFM were significantly greater than in healthy controls (13.1+/-1.8 cm3 and 3.4+/-0.9 cm3 respectively, P<0.0005). The calculated percentage of gallbladder contraction (ejection fraction) was found to be lower in BD patients than in healthy controls (7.1%+/-1.8% and 73.8%+/-6.4%, respectively, P<0.0005). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic evaluation of fatty meal stimulated gallbladder contraction provides relatively reliable and reproducible results. Thus it can be used for scanning in patients with biliary symptoms as a prior modality to CCK-HBS since it is a relatively easier, safer and available method with which to make a definitive diagnosis of BD. The patients with symptoms of biliary disease and no evidence of gallstones on USG should be evaluated by the method proposed in this study before the routine laboratory and radiologic tests.

The effects of increased intraabdominal pressure on testicular blood flow, oxidative stress markers, and morphology.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of increased intraabdominal pressure (IAP) on testicular blood flow (TBF), oxidative stress markers, and morphology. METHODS: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300 to 350 g were allocated randomly into 3 groups consisting of 8 animals each: A, gasless (control); B, 10 mm Hg IAP with CO(2) pneumoperitoneum for 60 minutes; and C, 20 mm Hg IAP with CO(2) pneumoperitoneum for 60 minutes. Testicular blood flow was studied using the Doppler technique. In the 10 and 20 mm Hg IAP groups, time points of TBF measurements were defined as follows: TBF(baseline), 10 minutes before insufflation; TBF(10min), 10 minutes after pneumoperitoneum; TBF(50min), 50 minutes after pneumoperitoneum; and TBF(reperfusion), 10 minutes after pneumoperitoneum deflation. To evaluate the changes in oxidative stress, we assayed the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of testicular tissues. A 4-level grading scale was used to quantify histologic injury. RESULTS: For both testes of each rat, TBF(10min), TBF(50min), and TBF(reperfusion) values of each group were separately evaluated according to their TBF(baseline) value percentages. The results revealed no significant differences for each time point of TBF measurements between the right and left testes in any group. Pneumoperitoneum caused a significant decrease in TBF at the 10th and 50th minutes of pneumoperitoneum, both in the 10 and 20 mm Hg IAP groups, compared with their baseline values. TBF(reperfusion) values in both groups were also lower than their baseline values. We determined that mean TBF(10min) and TBF(50min) values decreased significantly in the 20 mm Hg IAP group compared with the 10 mm Hg IAP group, despite there being no significant difference in their mean TBF(reperfusion) values. Mean MDA levels were significantly increased in both the 10 and 20 mm Hg IAP groups compared with those of the control group for the right and left testes. However, there was no significant difference between the mean MDA levels in these first 2 groups. The histologic injury score was significantly increased in both the 10 and 20 mm Hg IAP groups compared with the control group; however, there was no difference in the scores between these first 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated in an animal model that abdominal deflation after IAP of 10 and 20 mm Hg for 60 minutes causes testicular hypoperfusion, free radical production, and subsequent testicular damage.

Eosinophilic pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic neoplasia.

Eosinophilic pancreatitis (EP) is a rare disease. It typically occurs in the setting of either eosinophilic gastroenteritis or the hypereosinophilic syndrome. Isolated eosinophilic infiltration of the pancreas is less common. EP usually presents as a pancreatic tumour with abdominal pain and/or obstructive jaundice. The diagnosis is often not made until after pancreatic resection under suspicion of a pancreatic tumour. The case of a 14-year-old boy whose initial presentation was suggestive of a pancreatic tumour is reported. Radiological evaluation revealed a pancreatic mass suggestive of a pancreatic tumour obstructing the duodenum and common bile duct. The patient underwent surgery and a gastrojejunal anostomosis, tube cholecystostomy and biopsy were performed with no postoperative complications. The diagnosis of EP was established after surgical biopsy. The biopsy specimen revealed prominent eosinophilic infiltration. Serum immunoglobulin E levels were elevated. The patient was treated with oral prednisolone (40 mg/day). After two months of oral steroid therapy, clinical manifestations rapidly improved and peripheral eosinophilia subsided. Computed tomography scan revealed remission of the pancreatic mass-like lesion.

Effects of melatonin on suppression of renal scarring in experimental model of pyelonephritis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of melatonin combined with antibiotic administration on the suppression of renal scarring in an experimental pyelonephritis model. METHODS: The control group underwent a sham operation without infection. In the other groups, treatment began 72 hours after direct bacterial inoculation. In the no-treatment group, rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of saline. In the antibiotic-only group, the rats were treated only with ceftriaxone intramuscularly at a dose of 50 mg/kg once daily for 5 days. In the melatonin-only group, only 20 mg/kg of melatonin once daily was given by intraperitoneal injection for 5 days. In the antibiotic plus melatonin group, melatonin and ceftriaxone were administered at the same dosages and duration as for the single-modality treatment groups. After 6 weeks, the kidneys were removed for malondialdehyde measurements and histopathologic examination (inflammatory response and cicatrization). RESULTS: Melatonin only (134.25 +/- 13.42) and antibiotic plus melatonin treatment (122.62 +/- 8.91) caused a marked reduction in the mean malondialdehyde values compared with no treatment (214.12 +/- 17.77) and antibiotic-only treatment (161.37 +/- 16.03), with no significant difference compared with that of the control group (120.75 +/- 9.83). Histopathologically, in the no-treatment group, the severity of scarring correlated directly with the severity of inflammation (r = 0.93). No significant differences were found in the renal scarring scores in rats receiving no treatment and those treated only with antibiotic or melatonin. In the antibiotic plus melatonin treatment group, the cicatrization score was not statistically different from that of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: When combined with antibiotics, melatonin causes a significant inhibition of malondialdehyde production and neutrophil infiltration caused by acute pyelonephritis in an experimental rat model, and these are responsible for the protective effect of melatonin against renal damage, preventing renal scarring formation.

Conservative treatment of spontaneous tracheal rupture.

Spontaneous tracheobronchial ruptures are uncommon injuries, especially in the pediatric age group. Tracheal injuries, independent of their origin, may be life-threatening. Here we present the first report of a 14-year-old boy who presented with subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax on day 3, due to spontaneous posterior tracheal-wall rupture following paroxysmal productive coughing. The diagnosis was established using a computed tomography scan of the chest, and tracheobronchoscopy and esophagoscopy under general anesthesia. He was endotracheally intubated and ventilated in the intensive care unit. Such tracheal defects, bridgeable by an endotracheal tube, may permit conservative treatment. The patient was discharged on day 10, and follow-up revealed no late complications.

Does propofol or caffeic acid phenethyl ester prevent lung injury after hindlimb ischaemia-reperfusion in ventilated rats?

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of propofol and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on prevention of lung injury as a remote organ after performing hindlimb ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) in a rat model. METHODS: The animals were divided randomly into one of four groups: sham, no IR (n = 8), control, IR, (n = 8), CAPE group, IR with CAPE, (n = 8), propofol group, IR with P, (n = 8). After the rats were anaesthetised, the animals in the CAPE group received CAPE of 10 micromol, in the propofol group received propofol 50 mg/kg, in the control group received a similar volume of saline solution by means of intraperitoneal injection 1 h before reperfusion. After 4 h of ischaemia the tourniquet was removed and the animals were released for reperfusion for 4 h thereafter. At the end of the reperfusion period, a median sternotomy was performed. A blood sample was obtained for plasma malondialdehyde (MDA). The lung tissues were also removed for MDA assays, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and histopathological examination. RESULTS: Plasma and lung MDA levels, and lung MPO activity were significantly higher in the control group compared to the other groups (p < 0.0005). In the CAPE group, these were significantly lower compared to the control group (p < 0.0005). Also, propofol caused a marked reduction in the MDA levels and MPO activity compared with control group (p < 0.0005), with no significant difference compared to that of the sham group. Histopathologically, the scores resulted in a grade zero (8/8) in the sham group, 3 (3/8) or 4 (5/8) in the control group, 1 (2/8) or 2 (6/8) in the CAPE group, and 1 (3/8) or 2 (5/8) in the propofol group. CONCLUSION: Propofol and CAPE seem to be effective in protecting against lung injury caused by increased oxidative stress and neutrophil accumulation after hindlimb IR in a rat model.

Does anti-oxidant prophylaxis with melatonin prevent adverse outcomes related to increased oxidative stress caused by laparoscopy in experimental rat model?

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that prophylaxis with an anti-oxidant should prevent potential adverse outcomes of laparoscopy related to increased oxidative stress in splanchnic organs, including small intestine, liver, and kidneys, and melatonin is the most appropriate agent for this purpose. METHODS: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300 to 350 g were allocated randomly into three groups consisting of eight in each as follows: Group I: gasless (control); group II: 15 mmHg intraabdominal pressure (IAP) with CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 60 min; group III: 15 mmHg IAP with CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 60 min, and melatonin (10 mg/kg) was administered at two occasions, 5 min before insufflation and immediately before the desufflation. In group II and III, rats left resting for 30 min after abdominal deflation, the small intestine (terminal ileum), liver and kidney examples were excised from same locations. The specimens were also obtained using the same time points in group I rats, comprising the control group. The specimens were immediately placed at -80 degrees C for the malondialdehyde (MDA) measurements. In addition, segments of terminal ileum were taken from the similar places in all of the animals for the histological examinations. RESULTS: Comparisons among the groups revealed that highest mean MDA levels in liver, small intestine and kidney were in the group II, followed by the group III and control group. There was significant difference between mean MDA levels in small intestine, liver and kidney of group II and III (P < 0.0005). However, no significant difference was found between mean MDA levels in small intestine, liver, and kidney of the group III and control group. Mucosa and submucosa were affected significantly in 15 mmHg IAP group (no prophylaxis) when compared with the control and melatonin prophylaxis groups (P = 0.002). However, there was not a significant difference in mean damage score of mucosa, submucosa, and muscular layers in control group when compared to melatonin prophylaxis group. CONCLUSIONS: This experimental study indicated that melatonin prophylaxis, with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, may have an important role in the prevention of potential complications related to oxidative stress injury on splanchnic organs induced by laparoscopy.

Acute alterations in biochemistry, morphology and contractility of rat isolated urinary bladder via increased intra-abdominal pressure.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the acute effects of increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on the biochemistry, morphology and contractility of the rat isolated urinary bladder using an experimental laparoscopy model. METHODS: We divided 24 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats into three groups. The control group (group I) was not subjected to increased IAP. In groups II and III, IAPs of 10 and 20 mm Hg, respectively, were established by carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum for 60 min. Thirty minutes after desufflation, the rat urinary bladder dome was removed for in vitro pharmacological investigation, measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and histopathological examination. Statistical comparisons between groups were performed. RESULTS: Tissue MDA levels in groups II and III were significantly higher than in the control group. In group II, only the lamina propria was significantly damaged. However, the epithelium, lamina propria, and serosa were significantly damaged in group III. Acetylcholine potentiated contractions in both IAP groups. Increased responses to electrical field stimulation in the IAP groups were significant only in group II. CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental model, 10 and 20 mm Hg of IAP induced by pneumoperitoneum increased MDA levels and caused important changes in the morphology and contractile response of the urinary bladder.

The effects of N-acetylcysteine on antioxidant enzyme activities in experimental testicular torsion.

Testicular torsion is a serious problem in male children and, if not treated at the right time, can lead to subfertility and infertility. The main reason for testicular damage is ischemia-reperfusion injury. A number of chemical substances have been used to protect testes against ischemia-reperfusion injury in experimental animals. The possible protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on testicular tissue after testicular detorsion was examined in the current study. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: sham operation, torsion, detorsion, and NAC + detorsion groups (n = 6 for each group). Excluding sham operation group, the rats were subjected to unilateral torsion (720-degree rotation in clockwise direction). After torsion (5 h) and detorsion (2 h), unilateral orchidectomy was performed. Malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities were determined in testicular tissue. Administration of N-acetylcysteine caused a decrease in malondialdehyde levels and an increase in glutathione peroxidase levels compared to detorsion group. The results suggest that N-acetylcysteine may be a potential protective agent for preventing the negative biochemical changes related to oxidative stress in testicular injury caused by testis torsion.