Ultrasonographic and histopathological investigation of the effect of N-acetylcysteine on doxorubicin-induced ovarian and uterine toxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the mitigating effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced ovarian and uterine toxicity in rats using laboratory tests, ultrasonographic (US) imaging, and histopathology analysis. METHODS: Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups (n = 8) as follows: Group A (control) (0.5 mL saline administered intraperitoneally [IP]), Group B (a single 10 mg/kg dose of DOX administered IP on day 1), Group C (a single 10 mg/kg dose of DOX administered IP 24 h before sacrifice), Group D (100 mg/kg of NAC administered IP for 21 days), Group E ( a single 10 mg/kg dose of DOX administered IP on day 1 and 100 mg/kg of NAC administered IP for 21 days), and Group F (100 mg/kg of NAC administered IP for 21 days and a single 10 mg/kg dose of DOX administered IP 24 h before sacrifice). The ovaries were examined using B-mode US on days 1, 14, and 21, and the histopathological examinations of the ovaries and the uterus were undertaken after sacrifice on day 22. RESULTS: Histomorphological analyses showed that ovarian weight decreased after DOX administration in Group B but not in Group E. US revealed a transient increase in ovarian size in Group B and E, reverting to baseline levels over time, as well as a progressive increase in peritoneal fluid in Groups B and E. Group B exhibited a significant decrease in the thickness of the endometrium and myometrium and uterine cornual length, which was not observed in Group E. Histopathological examination showed that DOX caused a decline in follicular count, especially in primordial, secondary, and Graafian follicles, and resulted in follicular atresia, predominantly in Group B. Destructive degeneration/necrosis and vascular changes were most prominently seen in the corpus luteum of Groups C and B. In NAC-treated rats (Groups E and F), although germ cell damage was present, atretic follicles and vascular changes, such as hyperemia and congestion, were reduced. The anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) level was the highest in Group F. CONCLUSIONS: NAC, an antioxidant, attenuated DOX-induced gonadotoxicity in rats.

An Investigation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in the Sera of Cattle Grazed in Different Locations in the Kars Province of Türkiye.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure of cattle to low levels of environmental pollution on trace metal metabolism. The assessment of heavy metal concentrations in blood samples is essential to evaluate the potential effects of pollutants on cattle production and to measure the uptake of pollutants by animals. For this purpose, cattle raised in villages at varying distances to the center of the Kars province were sampled for blood, and heavy metal concentrations were measured in the extracted sera. In total 150 blood samples were collected from 4-to 5-year-old cattle from 15 regions. Sera were extracted from the blood samples from the selected foci and analyzed with an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) device for essential (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn, Se, V) and non-essential (Pb, Cd and Hg, As, Al, Sn) heavy metals. Heavy metals were detected in the serum samples in the following order: Sn > Fe > Al > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > As > V > Ni > Mn > Hg. A confidence interval of 95% was used to evaluate all tests. Differences between the villages were insignificant for the Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg, Se, Al, Co concentrations (p > 0.05), whereas differences between the villages were significant for the Fe, As, Ni, Mn (p < 0.05), Zn, Cr (p < 0.01), V and Sn (p < 0.001) concentrations. The results of this study show that heavy metals detected in bovine sera from the sampling area do not exceed the maximum permissible limits, suggesting limited exposure to heavy metals and no associated health risk to animals in the region.

Concentration of essential and non-essential elements and carcinogenic / non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of commercial bee pollens from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Bee pollen, known as a natural super-food with valuable nutritional ingredients, is regarded as a good indicator of ecotoxic substances, such as potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Therefore, this study aims to examine the concentrations of selected PTEs (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, Sr, V, Zn) in bee pollen purchased from online markets in Turkey and perform a health risk assessment to identify the potential risk to consumers. METHODS: The quantitative analyses were conducted by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). RESULTS: The mean values of essential PTEs in decreasing content order were Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > Se > Cr > Mo >Co = V. Regarding the results of the study, daily consumption (40 g for adult or 20 g for children) of commercial bee pollen can recompense 20-35 % of daily Cu, Mn, Se requirements for children, adults, pregnant, and breastfeeding women. The decreasing content order of non-essential elements was Al > Sn > Sr > Ba > Pb > As. Cadmium and Hg concentrations were below the detection limits in all the samples. In terms of food and public health; detection of the PTEs concentrations is necessary to assess the quality and safety of bee pollen before consumption. According to the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessments; commercial pollen consumption does not pose a health risk to either children or adults for the PTEs monitored in this study. CONCLUSION: We conclude that bee pollen is an ideal indicator for the monitoring of environmental pollution of PTEs and also a valuable source of essential elements. This study highlights the need to develop standards that regulate acceptable concentrations of PTEs.

Total aflatoxin, aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A and fumonisin in dry dog food: A risk assessment for dog health.

The aim of this study was to measure total aflatoxin (AFT), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OCA) and fumonisin (FUM) concentrations in dry dog feed and to evaluate the risk to animal health posed by their increased levels. A total of 90 dry food samples, which were commercially available to the owner, were collected from different shops in Turkey. Some of the food samples were collected from open packages, from which the dry food was sold in smaller amounts. Using commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay test kits, all samples were examined for AFT, AFB1, OCA, and FUM concentrations. High-performance liquid chromatography was used for confirmation of measured parameters in 30 samples. The ELISA tests found AFT, AFB1, OCA, and FM concentrations (ng g -1) as 1.66, 0.64, 2.14, and 87.06, respectively. In terms of risk assessment, consumption of the dry foods, which are contaminated by AFT, AFB1 and OCA due possibly to the fact that the dry foods are produced from inappropriate raw material or sold in open packages in smaller amounts, poses a significant health risk for dogs. As a result, it is necessary to monitor the mycotoxin load in dry dog food as the use of raw materials of poor quality and selling the feed in smaller amounts from open packages over an uncertain time period predispose the dry feed to the growth of mycotoxin, especially when the storage conditions are favorable.

Comparison of the Algan Hemostatic Agent with Floseal in Rat Liver Laceration Bleeding Model.

OBJECTIVE: Major vascular injury is one of the most important causes of death after trauma. The effective and speedy control of the hemorrhage is crucial in reducing deaths. Many products are used for this purpose. Today, however, an ideal product has not yet been produced and there is a strong demand for such effective hemostatic products. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of Algan hemostatic agent with Floseal in the liver laceration model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 rats were used in the study. Rats were divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 7 rats. Experimental liver laceration was established. In the control group, saline-impregnated gauze was applied. Algan hemostatic agent-impregnated sponge, Algan hemostatic agent powder, and Floseal gel were applied to the experimental groups. RESULTS: There was no difference in bleeding control among the Algan hemostatic agent powder, Algan hemostatic agent-impregnated sponge, and Floseal. When compared to the control group, Algan hemostatic agent powder, Algan hemostatic agent-impregnated sponge, and Floseal were found to be very effective in bleeding control, respectively (P=.001, .012, and .002), in the experimental groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the properties of both Algan hemostatic agent powder and Algan hemostatic agent-impregnated sponge for controlling bleeding are similar to Floseal. Considering other characteristics such as Algan hemostatic agent's naturalness, easy applicability, and low cost, Algan hemostatic agent has been a promising effective hemostatic agent.

Effects of Algan Hemostatic Agent on bleeding time in a rat tail hemorrhage model.

BACKGROUND: Algan Hemostatic Agent (AHA) is a multi-herbal extract containing a standardized amount of Achillea millefolium, Juglans regia, Lycopodium clavatum, Rubus caesius or Rubis fruciosus, Viscum album, and Vitis vinifera, each of which is effective in hemostasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of AHA on bleeding time in a rat tail hemorrhage model. METHODS: Forty-eight Sprague Dawley rats (5-7 weeks old, 180-210 g) were randomly and equally allocated to six groups as follows: heparin plus saline (heparinized control), heparin plus AHA-soaked sponge, heparin plus liquid form of AHA, saline (non-heparinized control), AHA-soaked sponge and liquid form of AHA. Heparin (640 IU/kg) was administered intraperitoneally three times a day for three days in heparinized groups. For the bleeding model, the tail of rats was transected. According to the study group, either saline- or AHA-soaked sponge or liquid form of AHA was applied over the hemorrhage area. In AHA- or saline-soaked sponge groups, once the bleeding time had started, it was checked every 10 seconds. If the bleeding did not stop after 40 seconds, it was accepted as a failure. In liquid AHA group, the duration of bleeding was measured using a chronometer and defined as the time (seconds) from wounding until the bleeding stopped. RESULTS: Bleeding time in the heparinized and non-heparinized control groups was over 40 seconds. After applying the sponge form of AHA on the wound area, bleeding time was significantly shortened to less than 20 seconds in both heparinized and non-heparinized rats (p<0.001 for both). The liquid form of AHA stopped bleeding in 5.0±1.2 seconds and 8.0±1.3 seconds in heparinized and non-heparinized groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: AHA is a highly effective topical hemostatic agent in a rat tail hemorrhage model, thus may provide for a unique clinically effective option for control of bleeding during surgical operations or other emergencies.

Investigation of some metals in honey samples from West Mediterranean region of Turkey.

Analysis of elements content in honey is important for honey quality and safety and for monitoring of environmental pollution. The levels of 22 elements, aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), sodium (Na), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), silver (Ag), bismuth (Bi), gallium (Ga), indium (In), lithium (Li), thallium (Tl) and zinc (Zn), were determined in 70 samples obtained from beekeepers located in the West Mediterranean region of Turkey. Determination of elements content was carried out using ICP-OES. Chromium, Co, Cd, Ag, Bi, In and Tl were not detected in any of the tested honey samples. The most abundant metal was K which has an overall average of 764.26 mg kg-1. Higher concentrations of Pb, Ni, Mg, Na, K and Mn were found in the samples obtained from Burdur compared to other provinces. The levels of Cu were statistically lower in Antalya in comparison to other regions. No significant differences were observed in Al, Zn, Fe, Sr, Ba, Ca and Ga levels between regions. The differences in the chemistry of honey samples collected from different regions may be due to geochemical soil composition and geographical differences. Their levels were below to the European limits and the honeys are safe for human consumption.

Investigation of Heavy Metal Levels in Blood Samples of Three Cattle Breeds in Turkey.

The aim of this study is to determine seasonal changes in the blood levels of some heavy metals in three Turkey-specific cattle breed: Native Land (NL), Grizzle Race (GR), and South Anatolian Red (SR). Blood samples were collected in summer and winter seasons from a total of 180 cattle aged 12-24 months. The levels of the essential (Zn, Cu, Fe, Co etc.) and non-essential (Cd, Hg, As, Cr, Pb, etc.) heavy metals were analyzed. All heavy metal levels, except that of Co, were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in SR in both seasons compared to the other species. In all breeds, Fe and Co levels were statistically higher (p < 0.05) in the summer season while Mn level was higher (p < 0.05) in the winter season. The levels of all metals analyzed are within the internationally acceptable limits for cattle breeds.

Effect of cocoa butter and sunflower oil supplementation on performance, immunoglobulin, and antioxidant vitamin status of rats.

This study investigated the effects of cocoa butter and sunflower oil alone and in combination on performance, some biochemical parameters, immunoglobulin, and antioxidant vitamin status in Wistar rats. Forty-eight male rats were assigned to four groups, consisting of 12 rats with 3 replicates. Control received balanced rat diet without oil, cocoa butter group received 3.5% cocoa butter, sunflower oil group received 3.5% sunflower oil, the last group received 1.75% sunflower oil + 1.75% cocoa butter supplementation in the rat diet for 8 weeks. The total feed consumption in sunflower oil group was statistically lower than in the other groups. The serum creatinine level was decreased in cocoa butter group compared to control. Triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels were decreased in only sunflower oil and only cocoa butter groups as compared to control. The level of Ig M was statistically lower in cocoa butter and cocoa butter + sunflower oil groups than in control and sunflower oil groups. There were no statistically important difference in vitamin concentrations among trial groups. It was concluded that the supplementation of cocoa butter in diet decreased Ig M level, while the supplementation of cocoa butter and sunflower oil alone decreased the triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels.

Concentrations of essential and non-essential toxic trace elements in wild boar (Sus Scrofa L., 1758) tissues from southern Turkey.

Wild animals, including wild boars, are suitable for use as bioindicators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of selected essential (Co, Cu, Fe, Se, Zn) and non-essential (As, Cd, Pb) potentially toxic trace elements in various tissues (hair and hoof) of wild boars hunted in the vicinity of Antalya province in Turkey, in relation to hunting seasons. Concentrations in mg/kg on dry weight basis were determined as 0.37 ± 0.27 mg/kg for As, 0.05 ± 0.04 mg/kg for Cd, 0.24 ± 0.33 mg/kg for Co, 4.84 ± 2.48 mg/kg for Cu, 289.94 ± 165.26 mg/kg for Fe, 8.71 ± 15.68 mg/kg for Pb, 0.24 ± 0.10 mg/kg for Se, and 28.99 ± 21.41 mg/kg for Zn in the hair samples; and as 0.11 ± 0.04 mg/kg for As, 0.01 ± 0.04 mg/kg for Cd, 0.01 ± 0.01 mg/kg for Co, 1.03 ± 0.25 mg/kg for Cu, 56.88 ± 18.68 mg/kg for Fe, 0.30 ± 0.18 mg/kg for Pb, 0.11 ± 0.05 mg/kg for Se, and 17.91 ± 10.98 mg/kg for Zn in the hoof samples.

The effect of chlorpyrifos on isolated thoracic aorta in rats.

This study investigated the effect of chlorpyrifos on thoracic aorta and on the level of NO in plasma and aorta. The effect of chlorpyrifos on thoracic aorta in organ bath was determined in 10 rats. Another 45 rats were assigned to 3 groups with 15 rats each: control group 1 received distilled water, control group 2 was given corn oil, and the last group was given 13.5 mg/kg chlorpyrifos dissolved in corn oil every other day for 8 weeks orally. Chlorpyrifos (10(-10) M-10(-5) M) showed no effect on isolated thoracic aorta. Plasma AChE activity was decreased, while LDH, ALT, GGT, and AST activities were increased in chlorpyrifos group compared to control groups. Plasma NO level was increased in chlorpyrifos group compared to control groups. iNOS expression was present in all groups in the cytoplasm of the endothelia and in the smooth muscle cells of aorta. According to semiquantitative histomorphological analysis, iNOS immunopositive reactions were seen in the decreasing order in chlorpyrifos, control 2, and control 1 groups. eNOS immunopositive reactions were observed in the endothelial cell cytoplasm, rarely in the subintimal layer, and the smooth muscle cells of aorta. There were no differences among the groups in terms of eNOS immunostaining. In conclusion, chlorpyrifos induced NO production in aorta following an increase in NOS expression.