Wound healing activity of Salvia huberi ethanolic extract in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the in vivo wound healing potential of Salvia huberi Hedge (endemic to Turkey) on excision and incision wound models in diabetic rats. Method: Male Wistar albino rats, 3-4 months old and weighing 180-240g were used. The animals were randomly divided into five groups including Control, Vehicle and Fito reference, and two different concentrations (0.5% and 1% weight/weight (w/w)) of ethanol extract of Salvia huberi were investigated in both wound models on streptozocin-induced diabetic rats using macroscopic, biomechanical, biochemical, histopathological, genotoxic and gene expression methods over both seven and 14 days. Fito cream (Tripharma Drug Industry and Trade Inc., Turkey) was used as the reference drug. Results: A total of 60 rats were used in this study. Salvia huberi ointments at 0.5% and 1% (w/w) concentrations and Fito cream showed 99.3%, 99.4% and 99.1% contraction for excision wounds, and 99.9%, 97.0% and 99% contraction for incision wounds, respectively. In Salvia huberi ointments and Fito cream groups, re-epithelialisation increased dramatically by both day 7 and day 14 (p<0.05). By day 14, low hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and high glutathione (GSH) levels were observed in the Salvia huberi ointment groups. After two application periods, damaged cell percent and genetic damage index values and micronucleus frequency of Salvia huberi ointment treatment groups were lower than Control and Vehicle groups (p<0.001). A growth factor expression reached a high level by day 7 in the Control group; in Salvia huberi-treated groups it was decreased. Conclusion: The study showed that application of Salvia huberi ointments ameliorated the healing process in diabetic rats with excisional and incisional wounds and may serve as a potent healing agent.

Role of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi on some miRNA and faty acids composition in brain.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi exposure, which is continuously used in the internet connection by mobile phones, computers and other wireless equipment, on microRNA and membrane and depot fatty acid composition of brain cells. Sixteen Wistar Albino rats were divided equally into two groups such as sham and exposure. The rats in the experimental group (n = 8) were exposed to 2.4 GHz RFR emitted from a Wi-Fi generator for 24 h/day for one year. The animals in the control group (n = 8) were kept under the same conditions as the experimental group, but the Wi-Fi generator was turned off. At the end of the study, rats were sacrificed and brains were removed to analyze miRNA expression and membrane and depot fatty acids of brain cells. We analyzed the situation of ten different miRNA expressions and nineteen fatty acid patterns in this study. We observed that long-term and excessive exposure of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radiation increased rno-miR-181a-5p, phosphatidylserine (PS) and triacylglycerol (TAG) in the brain. In conclusion, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi exposure has the potential to alter rno-miR-181a-5p expression and the fatty acid percentage of some membrane lipids such as phospholipid (PL), phosphatidylserine (PS) and triacylglycerol (TAG), which are depot fats in the brain. However, the uncontrolled use of RFRs, whose use and diversity have reached incredible levels with each passing day and which are increasing in the future, may be paving the way for many diseases that we cannot connect with today.

The effects of pulsed electromagnetic field on experimentally induced sciatic nerve injury in rats.

Some experimental research indicates that low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation may accelerate regeneration in sciatic nerve injury. However, little research has examined the electrophysiological and functional properties of regenerating peripheral nerves under PEMF. The main aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of PEMF on sciatic nerve regeneration in short- and long-term processes with electrophysiologically and functionally after crushing damage. Crush lesions were performed using jewelery forceps for 30 s. After crush injury of the sciatic nerves, 24 female Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 3 groups with 8 rats in each group: SH(Sham), SNI (Sciatic Nerve Injury), SNI+PEMF(Sciatic Nerve Injury+Pulsed Electromagnetic Field). SNI+PEMF group was exposed to PEMF (4 h/day, intensity; 0.3mT, low-frequency; 2 Hz) for 40-days. Electrophysiological records (at the beginning and 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th weeks post-crush) and functional footprints (at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th weeks post crush) were measured from all groups during the experiment. The results were compared to SNI and SNI+PEMF groups, it was found that amplitude and area parameters in the first-week were significantly higher and latency was lower in the SNI+PEMF group than in the SNI group (p < 0,05). However, the effect of PEMF was not significant in the 2nd, 4th, 6th weeks. In addition, in the 1st and 2nd weeks, the SSI parameters were significantly higher in SNI+PMF group than SNI group (p < .05). These results indicate that low-frequency PEMF is not effective for long-periods of application time while PEMF may be useful during the short-term recovery period.

Comparison of the Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in a Rabbit Model of Experimentally Induced Achilles Tendon Injury.

Achilles tendon injuries are a common cause of complications including adhesions and tendon degeneration. As a result of these complications, the biomechanical properties are lost. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) recover the injured tendon structure; however, detailed studies of changes in tendon biomechanical properties are limited. We hypothesized that PEMF application would improve Achilles tendon biomechanical properties similar to ESWT. The curative effects of a PEMF 4-week application (15 Hz, 1 mT, 260 µs, 1 h/day) and ESWT (3 doses/28 days, 1st dose: 0.12 mJ/mm2 , 15 Hz, 300 impulses; 2nd dose: 0.14 mJ/mm2 , 15 Hz, 500 impulses; 3rd dose: 0.14 mJ/mm2 , 15 Hz, 500 impulses) on rabbits with Achilles tendon injury were investigated in terms of histopathological and biomechanical properties. The clinical feasibility of PEMF application was evaluated by comparing the results of both methods. Fifty New Zealand female rabbits were divided into two groups to be used in either biomechanical or immunohistochemical studies. Each of the two groups was further divided into five groups: C (Control), SH (Sham), TI (tendon injury), TI + ESWT, and TI + PEMF. Biomechanical evaluations revealed that maximum load, toughness, and maximum stress averages of the TI + PEMF group significantly increased (P < 0.05). When immunohistochemical images of the TI + PEMF group were compared with those of the TI group, the amount of fibrous tissue was less, the homogeneity of collagen fibers recovered, and collagen organization was more uniform. We conclude that both ESWT and PEMF are equally efficient for Achilles tendon recovery. PEMF application is effective and can be used in the clinic as a painless alternative treatment method. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Biochemical, Histopathologic, and Genotoxic Effects of Ethanol Extract of Salvia hypargeia (Fisch. & Mey.) on Incisional and Excisional Wounded Diabetic Rats.

Purpose: Nonhealing wounds are a serious problem of diabetic patients. Salvia species are traditionally used for the treatment of wounds. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of ointment prepared with ethanol extract obtained from the aerial parts of Salvia hypargeia, an endemic plant from Turkey, on diabetic rat incisional and excisional skin wounds. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar albino rats (n: 60) were divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced and two concentrations (0.5% and 1%) of the extract were used for ointments and applied on wounds for 7 and 14 days. Fito cream was chosen as a reference drug. Results: In excisional wounds, healing ratios of 0.5% (63.4% and 99.3%) and 1% (65.5% and 99.9%) S. hypargeia groups were higher compared to control (35.9% and 75.1%), and in incisional wounds, healing ratios of 0.5% (78.1% and 98.5%) and 1% (84.4% and 99.4%) S. hypargeia groups were higher compared to control (30.5% and 72.9%) (p < .01). Hydroxyproline (0.31 ± 0.3 and 0.34 ± 0.2) levels were lower and GSH (10.7 ± 3.1 and 7.6 ± 0.9) levels were higher in 0.5% and 1% S. hypargeia groups on the 14th day (p < .01). Histopathological results revealed re-epithelialization and formation of granulation tissue in all S. hypargeia groups. Genotoxicologic results indicated, GDI, DCP values, and MN frequency of 0.5% and 1% S. hypargeia groups did not reach to significant levels both on the 7 and 14 days. Conclusions: S. hypargeia may have a potential for therapeutic use in treatment and management of diabetic wounds with a successful topical application.

Biomechanical and Morphometric Properties of the Long Flexor Tendons of the Toes: A Cadaver Study.

BACKGROUND: We sought to show the biomechanical and morphometric properties of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon grafts harvested by specific surgical approaches and to assess the contribution of FHL slips to the long flexor tendons of the toes. METHODS: Thirteen fresh-frozen amputated feet (average age, 79 years) were dissected. The connections between the FHL and FDL tendons and the contribution of FHL slips to the long flexor tendons were classified. The biomechanical properties of the tendons and slips were measured using a tensile device. RESULTS: The connections between the FHL and FDL tendons were reviewed in two groups. Group 1 had FHL slips (11 cases) and group 2 had cross-slips (two cases). The FHL slips joined the second and third toe long flexor tendon structures. Tendon length decreased significantly from the second to the fifth toe (P < .001). Apart from the second toe tendon being thicker than that of the fourth toe (P = .02) and Young's modulus being relatively smaller in the third versus the fourth toe tendon (P = .01), biomechanical and morphometric properties of second to fourth tendons were similar. Mechanical properties of those tendons were significantly different from fifth toe tendons and FHL slips. Morphometric and biomechanical properties of FHL slips were similar to those of the fifth toe tendon. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, FHL slips were shown to have biomechanical properties that might contribute to flexor functions of the toes. During the harvesting of tendon grafts from the FHL by minimally invasive incision techniques from the distal plane of the master knot of Henry, cutting slips between FHL and FDL tendons could be considered a cause of postoperative function loss in toes.

miRNA expression profile is altered differentially in the rat brain compared to blood after experimental exposure to 50 Hz and 1 mT electromagnetic field.

Common complex diseases are a result of host and environment interactions. One such putative environmental factor is the electromagnetic field exposure, especially the occupational extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field, 50 Hz, 1 mT, whose neurobiological relevance remains elusive. We evaluated the effects of long-term (60 days) ELF-MF exposure on miRNAs previously related to brain and human diseases (miR-26b-5p, miR-9-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-106b-5p, miR-107, miR-125a-3p). A total of 64 young (3 weeks-old) and mature (10 weeks-old) male/female Wistar-Albino rats were divided into sham and ELF-MF exposed groups. After sacrifice of the animals, blood samples from rat's tail vein and brain tissues were collected. The expression levels of miRNAs were investigated with Real-Time PCR technique and TaqMan probe Technology. All miRNA expression levels of the young female rats show a significant decrease in blood according to brain samples (p < 0.05), but fewer miRNAs displayed a similar significant decrease in the blood. In conclusion, these new observations might inform future clinical biological psychiatry studies of long-term electromagnetic field exposure, and the ways in which host-environment interactions contribute to brain diseases.

Melatonin can Ameliorate Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation-Related Deterioration of Bone Quality in Rat Femur.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the radioprotective effects of melatonin on the biomechanical properties of bone in comparison to amifostine (WR-2721). Forty Sprague Dawley rats were divided equally into 5 groups namely; control (C), irradiation (R; single dose of 50 Gy), irradiation + WR-2721 (R + WR-2721; irradiation + 200 mg/kg WR-2721) radiation + melatonin 25 mg/kg (R + M25; irradiation + 25 mg/kg melatonin), and radiation + melatonin 50 mg/kg (R + M50; irradiation + 50 mg/kg melatonin). In order to measure extrinsic (organ-level mechanical properties of bone; the ultimate strength, deformation, stiffness, energy absorption capacity) and intrinsic (tissue-level mechanical properties of bone; ultimate stress, ultimate strain, elastic modulus, toughness) features of the bone, a three-point bending (TPB) test was performed for biomechanical evaluation. In addition, a bone mineral density (BMD) test was carried out. The BMD and extrinsic properties of the diaphyseal femur were found to be significantly higher in the R + M25 group than in group R (p < 0.05). A significant increase was observed in R + M50 (p < 0.05) in comparison to group R in the cross-sectional area of the femoral shaft and elastic modulus parameter. The protective effect of melatonin was similar to that of WR-2721. Thus, biomechanical quality of irradiated bone can be ameliorated by free radical scavenger melatonin.

Inhibition of Radiation-Induced Oxidative Damage in the Lung Tissue: May Acetylsalicylic Acid Have a Positive Role?

The lung is relatively sensitive to irradiation. It is shown that acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) might reduce oxidative injury and that it has a place in protection from cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential radioprotective effects of ASA. Whole-body irradiation (6 Gy, single dose) was applied to the rats. Glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the lung tissue were measured. Control (C), Radiation (R), Radiation + ASA (R + ASA; received irradiation and 25 mg/kg of ASA intraperitoneally (i.p.)), and Radiation + Amifostine (R + WR-2721; received irradiation and 200 mg/kg of WR-2721 i.p.) groups were used. The MPO levels decreased statistically significantly in the group administered ASA. Histopathologically, a radioprotective effect of ASA was more evident in the R + ASA group. ASA is an agent which has not been used as a radioprotector in the clinic yet, and it is worth supporting with more advanced studies.

Effects of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi equipment on microRNA expression in brain tissue.

PURPOSE: MicroRNAs (miRNA) play a paramount role in growth, differentiation, proliferation and cell death by suppressing one or more target genes. However, their interaction with radiofrequencies is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of radiofrequency radiation emitted from a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system on some of the miRNA in brain tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 16 Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups such as sham (n = 8) and exposure (n = 8). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 2.4 GHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation for 24 hours a day for 12 months (one year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham group except the Wi-Fi system was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and their brains were removed. miR-9-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-106b-5p, miR-107, miR-125a-3p in brain were investigated in detail. RESULTS: The results revealed that long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radiation can alter expression of some of the miRNAs such as miR-106b-5p (adj p* = 0.010) and miR-107 (adj p* = 0.005). We observed that mir 107 expression is 3.3 times and miR- 106b-5p expression is 3.65 times lower in the exposure group than in the control group. However, miR-9-5p, miR-29a-3p and miR-125a-3p levels in brain were not altered. CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz RF may lead to adverse effects such as neurodegenerative diseases originated from the alteration of some miRNA expression and more studies should be devoted to the effects of RF radiation on miRNA expression levels.

Long term and excessive use of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation alter microRNA expression in brain.

PURPOSE: We still do not have any information on the interaction between radiofrequency radiation (RF) and miRNA, which play paramount role in growth, differentiation, proliferation and cell death by suppressing one or more target genes. The purpose of this study was to bridge this gap by investigating effects of long-term 900 MHz mobile phone exposure on some of the miRNA in brain tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 14 Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups: Sham (n = 7) and exposure (n = 7). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 900 MHz RF radiation for 3 h per day (7 days a week) for 12 months (one year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham group except the generator was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and their brains were removed. rno-miR-9-5p, rno-miR-29a-3p, rno-miR-106b-5p, rno-miR-107 and rno-miR-125a-3p in brain were investigated in detail. RESULTS: Results revealed that long-term exposure of 900 MHz RF radiation only decreased rno-miR107 (adjP* = 0.045) value where the whole body (rms) SAR value was 0.0369 W/kg. However, our results indicated that other microRNA evaluated in this study was not altered by 900 MHz RF radiation. CONCLUSION: 900 MHz RF radiation can alter some of the miRNA, which, in turn, may lead to adverse effects. Therefore, further studies should be performed.

Association analysis of the functional MAOA gene promoter and MAOB gene intron 13 polymorphisms in tension type headache patients.

BACKGROUND: Monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes play an important role in the etiology of many neurological diseases. Tension type headache (TTH) treatments contain inhibitors for selective re-uptake of serotonin and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. MAO (EC 1.4.3.4) has two isoenzymes known as MAOA and MAOB. A promoter polymorphism of a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the MAOA gene seems to affect MAOA transcriptional activity in vitro. Also, G/A polymorphism in intron 13 (rs1799836) of the MAOB gene have been previously found to be associated with the variability of MAOB enzyme activity. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate a possible association of monoamine oxidase (MAOA and MAOB) gene polymorphisms in tension type headache. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MAO gene polymorphisms were examined in a group of 120 TTH patients and in another 168 unrelated healthy volunteers (control group). MAOA promoter and MAOB intron 13 polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR-based methods. RESULTS: An overall comparison between the genotype of MAOA and MAOB genes and allele frequencies of the patients and the control group did not reveal any statistically significant difference between the patients and the control group (p=0.162). CONCLUSIONS: Factors like estrogen dosage, the limited number of male patients and other genes' neurotransmitters involved in the etiology of TTH could be responsible for our non-significant results.

The effect of insulin therapy on biomechanical deterioration of bone in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats.

AIMS: To investigate the effect of insulin therapy on biomechanical properties of bone in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in rats. METHODS: A total of 28 male Wistar-Albino rats (12-week-old; 210-300g) were divided into 4 groups (n=7 for each) including control [C; no treatment], sham [Sh; distilled water i.p., for 8 weeks], diabetes [T1DM; 65mg/kg of STZ, single i.p.] and diabetes+insulin treatment [T1DM+I; 65mg/kg of STZ, single i.p.+insulin; 2-4UI/day/rat, i.p., for 8 weeks] groups. Body weight, blood glucose levels (BGLs), bone mineral density (BMD) and geometric/mechanical properties of bone tissue were evaluated. RESULTS: BGLs in diabetic rats were significantly increased compared to non-diabetic rats, while the body weights were decreased (p<0.05). Femur length and cross-sectional area of femur were significantly decreased in both T1DM and T1DM+I groups (p<0.05). The significant reduction obtained in BMD in T1DM rats compared with C and Sh (p<0.05) groups was reversed by insulin treatment (p<0.05). Displacement, absorbed energy, maximum load, ultimate stress and toughness were significantly decreased inT1DM and T1DM+I groups compared to C and Sh groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, insulin treatment seems to be ineffective in restoration of biomechanical deterioration of bone specific to STZ-induced T1DM.

Deterioration of bone quality by streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats.

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have various skeletal disorders and bone quality can be impaired in DM leading to fractures. Wistar albino male rats (270-300 g; n = 16) were assigned randomly to nondiabetic and diabetic rats (single dose intravenous injection of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin). All rats in each group were perpetuated for 8 weeks, and blood glucose levels as well as body weights were measured once weekly. Biomechanical measurements were performed at the mid-diaphysis of the left femur with tensile test. Extrinsic and intrinsic properties were measured or calculated. Bone mineral density (BMD) was also evaluated and measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Cross-sectional area of the femoral shaft was evaluated by computerized tomography. Blood glucose levels in diabetic rats were significantly increased compared to that of the nondiabetic rats, while the body and femur weights were decreased (P < 0.05). In respect to the BMD, cross-sectional area and femur length, there were no statistically significant differences between the nondiabetic and diabetic rats (P > 0.05). The maximum load, ultimate stress, and toughness endpoints in diabetic rats were significantly decreased compared to that of the nondiabetics (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the nondiabetic and diabetic rats with regard to the displacement and stiffness (P > 0.05). Femurs of diabetic rats had less absorbed energy than that in nondiabetics (P < 0.05). Ultimate strain was lower in diabetic rats than that in nondiabetics, while the elastic modulus was higher (P > 0.05). The bone quality of rats is decreased by streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The effect of long-term extremely low-frequency magnetic field on geometric and biomechanical properties of rats' bone.

Bone is composed of a mineral matrix reinforced by a network of collagen that governs the biomechanical functions of the skeletal system in the body. The purpose of the study was to investigate the possible effect of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on geometric and biomechanical properties of rats' bone. In this study, 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: two experimental and one control sham. The first and second experimental group (n=10) were exposed to 100 microT and 500 microT-MF during 10 months, 2 h a day, respectively, and the third (sham) (n=10) group was treated like experimental group except ELF-MF exposure in methacrylate boxes. After ELF-MF and sham exposure, geometric and the biomechanical properties of rats' bone, such as cross-sectional area of the femoral shaft, length of the femur, cortical thickness of the femur, ultimate tensile strength (maximum load), displacement, stiffness, energy absorption capacity, elastic modulus, and toughness of bone were determined. The geometric and biomechanical analyses showed that a significant decrease in rats exposed to 100 microT-MF in comparison to sham and 500 microT-MF exposed rats about the values of cross-sectional area of the femoral shaft (P<0.05). Maximum load increased in 100 muT-MF and 500 microT-MF exposed rats when compared to that of the sham rats (P<0.05). The cortical thickness of the femurs of MF-exposed rats (100 microT and 500 microT) were significantly decreased in comparison to that of sham groups' rats (P<0.05 and P<0.001). However, no significant differences were found in the other biomechanical endpoints between each other groups, such as: length of the femur, displacement, stiffness, energy absorption capacity, elastic modulus, and toughness of bone (P>0.05). These experiments demonstrated that 100 microT-MF and 500 microT-MF can affect biomechanical and geometrical properties of rats' bone.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine on radiation-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in rat bone marrow.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential radioprotective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. The effect of WR-2721, as a representative of clinically used radioprotector, was compared with that of NAC, using the chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) test systems in the irradiated rat's femoral bone marrow cells. We also investigated the mitotic index (MI), and the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) to normochromatic erythrocytes (NCEs). The rats (n = 16) were divided randomly and equally into four groups: Control (C), Radiation (R), R+NAC (received irradiation and 1000 mg/kg NAC) and R+WR-2721 (received irradiation and 200 mg/kg WR-2721) rats. All the irradiated groups received whole-body gamma irradiation as a single dose of 6 Gy. Group R showed higher CA and MN formation when compared to C. Group R showed higher frequency of MN formation when compared to both R+NAC and R+WR-2721. The mean MI and PCE/NCE ratios were lower in Group R when compared to those of Group C. The mean MI and PCE/NCE ratios of both R+NAC and R+WR-2721 groups were lower when compared to those of Group C. The MI in Group R was lower when compared to that of both R+NAC and R+WR-2721 groups. In this study, the results give clues about the beneficial effects of NAC against radiation-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in rat bone marrow and its effect may be comparable to that observed for WR-2721.

Effects of long-term exposure of extremely low frequency magnetic field on oxidative/nitrosative stress in rat liver.

Thirty-two adult Wistar-Albino female and male rats were used to investigate the long-term (45 days) effects of extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF; 50Hz, 1mT, 4h/day) exposure on oxidative/nitrosative stress in liver tissues of rats. The rats were divided randomly into four groups: female control (FC; n = 8) and MF-exposed female rats (F-MF; n = 8); male control (MC; n = 8) and MF-exposed male rats (M-MF; n = 8). Liver tissue from each animal was harvested and utilized for malondialdehyde (MDA) and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) detection. MDA levels were measured by MDA-TBA method, while the 3-NT levels were determined by the HPLC-UV system. There were no significant differences between the MDA levels of the control (FC; MC) and MF-exposed (F-MF; M-MF) rats (P > 0.05). In the F-MF rats, 3-NT levels were significantly increased when compared to those of the FC rats (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the 3-NT levels of the MC and M-MF rats. In conclusion, our study suggests that the long-term ELF-MF exposure may enhance the oxidative/nitrosative stress in liver tissue of the female rats and could have a deteriorative effect on cellular proteins rather than lipids by enhancing 3-NT formation.

Deterioration of bone quality by long-term magnetic field with extremely low frequency in rats.

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of long-term (45 days) magnetic field (50 Hz, 1 mT; MF) on femur biomechanical parameters of rats. Bone mineral density (BMD) and histological investigation were also evaluated. For this purpose, twenty-four 8-week-old, Wistar-Albino female and male rats were assigned randomly to female control (FC) and MF-exposed rats (F-MF); male control (MC) and MF-exposed rats (M-MF). BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Cross-sectional area of the femoral shaft was evaluated by computerized tomography. Biomechanical measurements were performed at the mid-diaphysis of the left femur with tensile test. Maximum load, displacement, stiffness, energy absorption capacity (structural properties); ultimate stress, ultimate strain, elastic modulus and toughness (material properties) were calculated. Diaphysial cortical bone thickness was measured by using histological method from the right femur. In respect to the cortical thickness of the rats' femurs, there was statistically significant interaction between the gender and group (P<0.05), while the BMD and cortical area were not (P>0.05). The BMD, cortical thickness and area values of the femurs of MF-exposed rats (F-MF, M-MF) were significantly decreased in comparison to that of the controls (FC, MC) (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the control and the MF-exposed rats in respect to the femur length (P>0.05). There were no statistically significant interaction between the gender and group with regard to the maximum load, displacement, stiffness, ultimate stress, ultimate strain, elastic modulus and toughness endpoints, while the energy absorption capacity was significant (P<0.05). Maximum load, displacement and stiffness values of MF-exposed rats were significantly decreased compared to that of the controls (P<0.05). Femurs of M-MF rats had less absorbed energy than that in controls (P<0.05). Ultimate stress and elastic modulus parameters were significantly decreased in MF-exposed rats in comparison to that of the controls (P<0.05). Ultimate strain was higher in MF-exposed rats than that in controls (P>0.05). The mean of toughness was decreased in MF-exposed rats compared to that of the controls (P>0.05). In conclusion, the bone quality of rats is decreased by magnetic field exposure.

The effect of N-acetylcysteine on biomarkers for radiation-induced oxidative damage in a rat model.

Our study aimed to investigate the potential radioprotective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) by comparing its biochemical effects with those of WR-2721, as a representative of clinically used radioprotectors, in preventing oxidative damage caused by gamma irradiation (single dose, 6Gy) in normal rat tissue. The rats (n=40) were divided randomly and equally into 4 groups:Control (C), Radiation (R), R+NAC (received irradiation and 1,000 mg/kg NAC) and R+WR-2721 (received irradiation and 200 mg/kg WR-2721) rats. Liver tissues and blood samples were harvested and utilized for reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) detection. Serum and tissue GSH levels of R rats decreased compared to those of other groups (p<0.01). Tissue MDA levels of R+NAC and R+WR-2721 rats decreased compared to R rats (p<0.01; p<0.05, respectively). Tissue MPO activities of R+NAC and R+WR-2721 rats were higher than those of R rats (p<0.001). Serum MPO levels of R+WR-2721 rats were lower than those of C rats and R rats (p<0.01, p<0.001, respectively). In conclusion, the study suggests that the radioprotective effect against radiation-induced oxidative damage of NAC may be similar to that of WR-2721.

Cytogenetic effects of extremely low frequency magnetic field on Wistar rat bone marrow.

In this study, the genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) was investigated in Wistar rat tibial bone marrow cells, using the chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) test systems. In addition to these test systems, we also investigated the mitotic index (MI), and the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) to normochromatic erythrocytes (NCEs). Wistar rats were exposed to acute (1 day for 4h) and long-term (4h/day for 45 days) to a horizontal 50Hz, 1mT uniform magnetic field generated by a Helmholtz coil system. Mitomycin C (MMC, 2mg/kg BW) was used as positive control. Results obtained by chromosome analysis do not show any statistically significant differences between the negative control and both acute and long-term ELF-MF exposed samples. When comparing the group mean CA of long-term exposure with the negative control and acute exposure, the group mean of the long-term exposed group was higher, but this was not statistically significant. However, the mean micronucleus frequency of the longer-term exposed group was considerably higher than the negative control and acutely exposed groups. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.01). The results of the MI in bone marrow showed that the averages of both A-MF and L-MF groups significantly decreased when compared to those in the negative control (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). No significant differences were found between the group mean MI of A-MF exposure with L-MF. We found that the average of PCEs/NCEs ratios of A-MF exposed group was significantly lower than the negative control and L-MF exposed groups (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). In addition, the group mean of the PCEs/NCEs ratios of L-MF was significantly lower than negative control (p<0.01). We also found that the MMC treated group showed higher the number of CA and the frequency of MN formation when compared to those in all other each groups (p-values of all each groups <0.01) and also MMC treated group showed lower MI and the PCEs/NCEs ratios when compared to those in all other each groups (p-values of all groups <0.01). These observations indicate the in vivo suspectibility of mammals to the genotoxicity potential of ELF-MF.