Synergistic effects of auraptene and 17-ß estradiol on traumatic brain injury treatment: oxidant/antioxidant status, inflammatory cytokines and pathology.

OBJECTIVE: Despite significant advances that have been made in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI), it remains a global health issue. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of 17-ß estradiol (E2) and auraptene (AUR) on TBI treatment. METHODS: In total, 70 adult male Wistar rats were divided randomly into ten main groups: Sham, TBI, TBI + DMSO, TBI + AUR (4 mg/kg), TBI + AUR (8 mg/kg), TBI + AUR (25 mg/kg), TBI + E2 group, TBI + AUR (4 mg/kg) + E2 group, TBI + AUR (8 mg/kg) + E2 group and TBI + AUR (25 mg/kg) + E2 group. Diffuse TBI was caused by the Marmarou process in male rats. The brain's tissues were harvested to check the parameters of oxidative stress and levels of inflammatory cytokine. RESULTS: The finding revealed that TBI induced a significant increase in brain edema, pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidant levels [MDA and NO], and also a decrease in the brain's antioxidant biomarkers [GPx, SOD]. We also found that E2 and AUR (25 mg/kg) significantly preserved the levels of these biomarkers. The combination of AUR concentrations and E2 showed that this treatment efficiently preserved the levels of these biomarkers. Furthermore, the combination of E2 and AUR (25 mg/kg) c could cause the most effective synergistic interaction. CONCLUSION: AUR could act synergistically with E2 to treat brain injury complications.

Anticancer Mechanisms of Berberine: A Good Choice for Glioblastoma Multiforme Therapy.

The most typical malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), seems to have a grim outcome, despite the intensive multi-modality interventions. Literature suggests that biologically active phytomolecules may exert anticancer properties by regulating several signaling pathways. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has various pharmacological applications to combat severe diseases like cancer. Mechanistically, it inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, suppresses tumor angiogenesis, and induces cell apoptosis. The antitumoral effect of berberine in GBM is increasingly recognized. This review sheds new light on the regulatory signaling mechanisms of berberine in various cancers, proposing its potential role as a therapeutic agent for GBM.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin in Thyroid Gland Disorders.

There is growing literature on the positive therapeutic potentials of curcumin. Curcumin or diferuloylmethane is a polyphenol obtained from the plant Curcuma longa. Curcumin is widely used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for various conditions. The role of curcumin in thyroid gland disorders has been demonstrated by its effects on various biological pathways, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell cycle and metastasis. In this paper, we have reviewed the recent literature on curcumin applications for thyroid dysfunction, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and discussed the molecular mechanisms of these effects. This review aims to summarize the wealth of research related to the therapeutic effect of curcumin on the thyroid gland.

Advantages and drawbacks of dexamethasone in glioblastoma multiforme.

The most widespread, malignant, and deadliest type of glial tumor is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Despite radiation, chemotherapy, and radical surgery, the median survival of afflicted individuals is about 12 months. Unfortunately, existing therapeutic interventions are abysmal. Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid, has been used for many years to treat brain edema and inflammation caused by GBM. Several investigations have recently shown that Dex also exerts antitumoral effects against GBM. On the other hand, more recent disputed findings have questioned the long-held dogma of Dex treatment for GBM. Unfortunately, steroids are associated with various undesirable side effects, including severe immunosuppression and metabolic changes like hyperglycemia, which may impair the survival of GBM patients. Current ideas and concerns about Dex's effects on GBM cerebral edema, cell proliferation, migration, and its clinical outcomes were investigated in this study.

A comparison between the effect of trans-anethole and metformin on biochemical parameters of polycystic ovary syndrome in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of trans-anethole and metformin on biochemical and hormonal changes of testosterone-induced Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female Wister rats (n=48) were randomly divided into six groups: control; PCOS; PCOS+metformin (300 mg/kg); and PCOS+trans-anethole (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg). PCOS was induced by intraperitoneal injection of testosterone (1 mg/kg/day) for 35 days. After induction of PCOS, trans-anethole and metformin were given orally for 30 days. Finally, blood sugar, insulin, lipid profile, and testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) as well as animals' weight, and water and food intake were determined. RESULTS: In all treated and untreated PCOS groups, serum testosterone levels were significantly increased compared to the control group (p<0.001 for all groups). Treatment of rats with trans-anethole or metformin significantly reduced serum levels of cholesterol, insulin, triglycerides, testosterone and DHEAS (only in PCOS+trans-anethole groups) compared to the PCOS group (p<0.01-p<0.001). Weight gain in the PCOS animals increased significantly compared to the control group (p<0.001), while in the metformin- and trans-anethole (40 and 80)-treated animals it decreased significantly compared to the PCOS group (p<0.01-p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results showed that trans-anethole significantly decreased serum levels of insulin, DHEAS and blood lipids. It can be concluded that trans-anethole ameliorates PCOS biochemical and hormonal change in PCOS rats; therefore, it might be suggested as a beneficial remedy for further clinical evaluations in PCOS patients.

Neuroprotective effects of auraptene following traumatic brain injury in male rats: The role of oxidative stress.

AIM: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is widely acknowledged as a significant risk factor for death and disability. Our goal in this experiment was to see if Auraptene (AUR) could help rats recover from TBI-induced disability by measuring of oxidative stress parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of six groups: sham, TBI, Vehicle (DMSO), TBI+ AUR (4 mg/kg), TBI + AUR (8 mg/kg), TBI + AUR (25 mg/kg). The animals were anesthetized. After that, diffuse TBI was done by Marmarou model in male rats. Then, the brain tissues were harvested. Some of oxidative stress parameters, and TNFα levels were evaluated. RESULTS: TBI-induced brain damage was significantly inhibited by AUR (25 mg/kg), as evidenced by decreased Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Nitric Oxide (NO) levels, oxidative stress inhibition and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in the brain. CONCLUSION: This study showed that probably the AUR prevents complications of TBI through decreases in brain edema, modulating oxidative stress, and reductions in the levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Anti-edema effect of Aloe vera leaf extract following traumatic brain injury: Role of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

OBJECTIVE: Based on anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera, the effect of aqueous extract of this plant on brain edema and changes in some pro-inflammatory cytokines was investigated after traumatic brain injury (TBI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: Sham, TBI, vehicle (Veh), and low dose (LA) and high dose (HA) Aloe vera. The vehicle and aqueous extract of Aloe vera were injected intraperitoneally 30 min after induction of diffuse TBI by Marmarou's method. Brain edema (brain water content), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-1ß levels in serum and brain were measured 24 hr after TBI induction. RESULTS: Increased brain edema by TBI was reduced by both LA and HA (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). IL-6 increased in the brain of TBI group compared to sham, and which was inhibited by both Aloe vera doses compared to Veh (p<0.001). The differences in the IL-6 serum levels among Veh, LA and HA groups were not significant. Increases in serum and brain IL-1ß levels were reduced only in the HA group (p<0.001). Although only in the brain, TNF-α level increased after trauma, but both LA and HA inhibited it in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively) . The amount of TGF-ß in the brain was reduced by both doses of the extract (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results indicated that Aloe vera has a neuroprotective effect induced by reducing brain edema. The probable mechanism particularly for HA is decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TGF-ß, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß.

The ameliorating approach of nanorobotics in the novel drug delivery systems: a mechanistic review.

Nanoscale robotics have the ability that it can productively transform multiple energy sources into motion and strength which reflects an expeditiously appearing and captivating area for research of robotics. In today's plethora, biomedical nanorobotics played an intricate character with numerous units of robots working at the pathological site in a coordinated manner. The synergistic action of the several nanorobotics has been employed for the fulfilment of the task such as large-scale detoxification, delivery of the large pharmacological/therapeutic efficacious payloads, etc. that is nearly unfeasible or unalterable practically by using single nanorobot. The collective intelligence of the nanorobot is advancing progressively at the nanoscale to reinforce their precision treatment potentially. Conclusively, after obtaining certain consideration regarding the nanorobotics sciences, many professionals are compendiously involving in the emerging highly efficacious therapeutic technology that encourages the scientist or designing of the tissues specific for the site-specific nanorobotic diagnostic devices. As a result, the closed and professional type between the field of Nanotechnology and Medical Sciences will provide another new highly oriented level to the domain of nanorobotics.

A Review on the Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Therapeutic Effects of Rheum ribes.

Herbal medications are typically used for the treatment of diverse diseases without significant adverse effects. The Rheum ribes (R. ribes), commonly called rhubarb, is a hardy perennial herb and is consumed all over the world. There is growing evidence of the therapeutic benefits of R. ribes. Extensive in vitro and in vivo investigations have shown that R. ribes reveals beneficial properties via different mechanisms. In the current article, various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of R. ribes have been reviewed. For this purpose, different online databases using keywords such as R. ribes, therapeutic effects, and pharmacological effects were searched until the end of December 2020. R. ribes has been suggested to be effective in the treatment of a wide range of disorders including stomachache, nausea and vomiting, hemorrhoids, and measles. Additionally, different studies have demonstrated that R. ribes possesses numerous pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral, and may also function as an expectorant. The present narrative review provides a detailed survey of scientific investigations regarding the pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects of R. ribes.

Effects of prolactin on movement disorders and APOE, GFAP, and PRL receptor gene expression following intracerebral hemorrhage in rats.

Objectives: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurs mostly in the striatum. In ICH, blood prolactin level increases 3-fold. The effects of intracerebroventricular injection (ICV) of prolactin on motor disorders will be investigated. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 32 male Wistar rats in 4 groups: sham, ICH, and prolactin with 1 µg/2 µl (P1) and 2 µg/2 µl (P2) doses. Results: The weight of animals on days 1 (P˂0.01), 3, and 7 (P˂0.05) in the sham and P2 groups increased compared with the ICH group. Neurological Deficit Score (NDS) in ICH and P1 groups decreased, and increased compared with sham and ICH groups (P˂0.001), respectively. NDS in the P1 group increased compared with the P2 group on days 1 (P˂0.0 5), 3, and 7 (P˂0.001). The duration time of rotarod in ICH and P1 groups decreased and increased compared with sham and ICH groups (P˂0.001), respectively. The duration time of rotarod in the P1 group on days 3 and 7 increased compared with the P2 group (P˂0.001). Travel distance in days 1(P˂0.01), 3(P˂0.001), and 7(P˂0.01) decreased in the ICH group. Prolactin receptor (PRL receptor) expression in ICH, P1, and P2 groups increased compared with sham and ICH groups (P˂0.001). Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression (P˂0.001) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) (P˂0.01) expression in the ICH group increased compared with the sham group. GFAP and APOE expression in the P1 group increased compared with the ICH group (P˂0.001). APOE expression in the P1 group increased compared with the P2 group (P˂0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, prolactin reduces movement disorders.

Vitamin C improves liver and renal functions in hypothyroid rats by reducing tissue oxidative injury.

Background: The effects of Vit C on liver and renal function and the tissues oxidative damage was investigated in hypothyroid rats. Materials and methods: The pregnant rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6): (1) Control; (2) Propylthiouracil (PTU; 0.005%), (3-5) PTU plus 10, 100 or 500 mg/kg b.w. Vit C. The drugs were added to the drinking water of the dams and their pups during lactation period and then continued for the offspring through the first 8 weeks of their life. Finally, 7 male offspring from each group were randomly selected. Results: Thyroxine, protein and albumin concentrations in the serum and thiol content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in renal and liver tissues of hypothyroid group was lower (all P<0.001) while, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALK-P), creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations in the serum and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and renal tissues were higher than the control (all P<0.001). All doses of Vit C increased thyroxine, protein and albumin and thiol content in in renal and liver tissues while, decreased AST, ALT and ALK-P concentration and MDA in liver and renal tissues compared to PTU group (P<0.05-P<0.001). Creatinine, BUN and SOD and CAT were improved by both 100 and 500 mg/kg of Vit C in the renal (P<0.05-P<0.001) and by 100 mg/kg in the liver (P<0.05-P<0.001). Conclusion: Vit C improved liver and renal function of hypothyroid rats which might be due to its protective effects against tissues oxidative damage.

A review of the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of auraptene.

There is a growing awareness in herbal medications as they are usually safe and devoid of significant adverse effects. Auraptene is a natural bioactive monoterpene coumarin ether and is consumed all over the world. There is growing evidence of the therapeutic benefits of auraptene. Auraptene, also known as auraptene and 7-geranyloxycoumarin, is a bioactive monoterpene coumarin from Rutaceae family, which is isolated from Citrus aurantium (Seville orange) and Aegle marmelos (bael fruit). Auraptene is a highly pleiotropic molecule, which can modulate intracellular signaling pathways that control inflammation, cell growth, and apoptosis. It has a potential therapeutic role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities as well as its excellent safety profile. In the present article, various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of auraptene were reviewed. Different online databases using keywords such as auraptene, therapeutic effects and pharmacological effects were searched until the end of September 2018, for this purpose. Auraptene has been suggested to be effective in the treatment of a broad range of disorders including inflammatory disorders, dysentery, wounds, scars, keloids, and pain. In addition, different studies have demonstrated that auraptene possesses numerous pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and anti-cancer as well as neuroprotective effects. The present review provides a detailed survey of scientific researches regarding pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects of auraptene.

Medicinal plants in traumatic brain injury: Neuroprotective mechanisms revisited.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most prevalent health problem affecting all age groups, and leads to many secondary problems in other organs especially kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and heart function. In this review, the search terms were TBI, fluid percussion injury, cold injury, weight drop impact acceleration injury, lateral fluid percussion, cortical impact injury, and blast injury. Studies with Actaea racemosa, Artemisia annua, Aframomum melegueta, Carthamus tinctorius, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Crocus sativus, Cnidium monnieri, Curcuma longa, Gastrodia elata, Malva sylvestris, Da Chuanxiong Formula, Erigeron breviscapus, Panax ginseng, Salvia tomentosa, Satureja khuzistanica, Nigella sativa, Drynaria fortune, Dracaena cochinchinensis, Polygonum cuspidatum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Rheum tanguticum, Centella asiatica, and Curcuma zedoaria show a significant decrease in neuronal injury by different mechanisms such as increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, suppressing nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin 1 (IL-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein, and IL-6 expression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of medicinal plants in central nervous system pathologies by reviewing the available literature.

Protective effect of Mumiju against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we elucidated the ameliorative effect of aqueous extract of leaves of Mumiju against acetic acid-induced experimental colitis in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The animals were randomly divided into four groups (n=7) including I: control group, II: vehicle group (injected with 2 ml acetic acid (4%) intra rectally), III and IV: treatment groups which received Mumiju (250 mg/kg) orally or intraperitoneally for 4 consecutive days after ulcer induction. Ulcer index, severity of inflammation, colonic levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and histological changes were recorded after the treatment regimen of 4 days. RESULTS: The ulcer index, severity of inflammation and colonic MDA levels were increased following intrarectal instillation of acetic acid. Also, acetic acid significantly decreased the SOD and GSH levels. Treatment with Mumiju for 4 days exhibited significantly lowered oxidative stress, while elevated of SOD and GSH levels. Regenerative-healing patterns also was seen by histopathological findings after treatment with Mumiju. CONCLUSION: The present investigation demonstrates that Mumiju could be regarded as a herb with potent therapeutic value in the amelioration of experimental colitis in laboratory animals by modulation of oxidant- antioxidant system.

The Flavone Luteolin Improves Central Nervous System Disorders by Different Mechanisms: A Review.

Development and design of agents derived from natural sources with neuroprotective properties have received considerable attention. In the literature, it has been stated that these polyphenolic molecules have low adverse impacts and high efficacy when used in pathological conditions. Dietary flavonoids as a subgroup of polyphenols are bioactive products, extracted from several types of vegetables and fruits. Luteolin (3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone, LUT) is a widespread flavone known to have antioxidant and cytoprotective properties related to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-(Nrf2) pathway. Extensive in vitro and in vivo investigations have indicated that LUT exhibits beneficial neuroprotective properties via different mechanisms. However, its psychopharmacological mechanisms are presently investigated in fewer studies. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective impacts of LUT against central nervous system (CNS) disorders by reviewing available literature. Herein, we also reviewed the studies to understand the underlying mechanisms of LUT for curing CNS disorders.

Serum Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Senile Cataract and Healthy Controls.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of oxidative stress in patients with senile cataract. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran, from 2014 to 2015. METHODOLOGY: Non-randomised sampling was conducted on 74 patients with senile cataract and 79 healthy people. The oxidative stress level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes were measured in serum. The results were analysed using SPSS software and followed by t-test analysis. P<0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: The median activity of GPx and SOD antioxidant enzymes in patients with cataract, was higher than healthy people (p=0.018 and p<0.0001, respectively). Peroxide-antioxidant (PAB) levels in patients with cataract was significantly higher than in healthy people (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that despite the high level of oxidative stress in patients, the activity rate of GPx and SOD enzymes also increased.

The prevention and treatment effects of egg yolk high density lipoprotein on the formation of atherosclerosis plaque in rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: Atherosclerosis is the main leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential preventive effect of egg yolk HDL on the atherosclerosis plaque formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rabbits were divided into five groups: A; normal diet, B; hyper-cholesterolemic diet, C; hypercholesterolemic + 400 mg/kg egg yolk HDL D; hypercholesterolemic +100 mg/kg egg yolk HDL and E; 200 mg/kg egg yolk HDL. At the end of the experiment, the lipid profiles were measured by spectrophotometric method. The histological sections of thoracic aorta also were taken and analyzed under light microscope. RESULTS: At the end of the 2(nd) and the 4(th) weeks, there was a significant increase of cholesterol level in groups B, C, and D compared to group A (P<0.05). Following HDL treatment, triglyceride (TG) levels increased significantly versus group A and also the TG level decreased significantly in group C, D, and E versus group B (P<0.01). Egg yolk HDL significantly increased HDL-C in groups C, D, and E (P<0.01) compared to groups A and B (P<0.05). The surface area of the atherosclerotic plaque was increased significantly in group B versus group A (P<0.001). Egg yolk HDL consumption reduced the plaque size significantly (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that treatment with egg yolk HDL increased serum HDL-C and decreased atherosclerotic plaque size in rabbits. Thus, egg yolk HDL may be considered as an anti-atherosclerotic treatment for cardiovascular diseases.

Beneficial Effects of Teucrium polium and Metformin on Diabetes-Induced Memory Impairments and Brain Tissue Oxidative Damage in Rats.

Objective. The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Teucrium polium and metformin on diabetes-induced memory impairment and brain tissues oxidative damage were investigated. Methods. The rats were divided into: (1) Control, (2) Diabetic, (3) Diabetic-Extract 100 (Dia-Ext 100), (4) Diabetic-Extract 200 (Dia-Ext 200), (5) Diabetic-Extract 400 (Dia-Ext 400), and (6) Diabetic-Metformin (Dia-Met). Groups 3-6 were treated by 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract or metformin, respectively, for 6 weeks (orally). Results. In passive avoidance test, the latency to enter the dark compartment in Diabetic group was lower than that of Control group (P < 0.01). In Dia-Ext 100, Dia-Ext 200, and Dia-Ext 400 and Metformin groups, the latencies were higher than those of Diabetic group (P < 0.01). Lipid peroxides levels (reported as malondialdehyde, MDA, concentration) in the brain of Diabetic group were higher than Control (P < 0.001). Treatment by all doses of the extract and metformin decreased the MDA concentration (P < 0.01). Conclusions. The results of present study showed that metformin and the hydroalcoholic extract of Teucrium polium prevent diabetes-induced memory deficits in rats. Protection against brain tissues oxidative damage might have a role in the beneficial effects of the extract and metformin.

Ulcer healing activity of Mumijo aqueous extract against acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Gastric ulcer is an important clinical problem, chiefly due to extensive use of some drugs. The aim was to assess the activity of Mumijo extract (which is used in traditional medicine) against acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aqueous extract of Mumijo was prepared. Animals were randomly (n = 10) divided into four groups: Control, sham-operated group (received 0.2 ml of acetic acid to induce gastric ulcer), Mumijo (100 mg/kg/daily) were given for 4 days postacetic acid administration, and ranitidine group (20 mg/kg). The assessed parameters were pH and pepsin levels (by Anson method) of gastric contents and gastric histopathology. Ranitidine was used as reference anti-ulcer drug. RESULTS: The extract (100 mg/kg/daily, p.o.) inhibited acid acetic-induced gastric ulceration by elevating its pH versus sham group (P < 0.01) and decreasing the pepsin levels compared to standard drug, ranitidine (P < 0.05). The histopathology data showed that the treatment with Mumijo extract had a significant protection against all mucosal damages. CONCLUSION: Mumijo extract has potent antiulcer activity. Its anti-ulcer property probably acts via a reduction in gastric acid secretion and pepsin levels. The obtained results support the use of this herbal material in folk medicine.

The effects of female sexual steroids on gastric function and barrier resistance of gastrointestinal tract following traumatic brain injury.

AIM: The aim was to assess the alteration of gastric function and barrier function of gastrointestinal (GI) tract following diffuse brain injury in varying ovarian hormone status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diffuse traumatic brain injury (TBI) was induced by Marmarou method. Rats were randomly assigned into 10 groups: Intact, sham + ovariectomized female (OVX), TBI, TBI + OVX, vehicle, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), E2 + P, estrogen receptor alpha agonist and estrogen receptor beta agonist (DPN). Endotoxin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. All the parameters were measured 5 days after TBI. RESULTS: Intragastric pressure was significantly decreased in TBI as compared to the intact group (P < 0.001) and this was lower in TBI group versus TBI + OVX group (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with steroid hormones and their agonists did not have any effect on the gastric pressure compared to TBI + OVX or vehicle groups. Inflammation, congestion, ulcer and erosion were seen in the TBI rats. All treatment groups worsen the tissue condition so that the presence of thrombosis also was seen. The trauma induction did not have any effect on the serum and intestinal endotoxin levels. DPN had caused a significant reduction in serum levels of endotoxin compared with OVX + TBI group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with sexual steroids is not useful in the treatment of GI dysfunction induced by TBI. The treatment with all sexual female hormones worsens the gastric tissue condition. Furthermore, the applied weight was not enough for releasing of endotoxin. It seems that estrogen reduced the endotoxin levels by estrogen beta receptor.