Effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and liver histopathology in experimental obstructive jaundice model

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and hepatic injury induced by obstructive jaundice in an experimental model. METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino type female rats were divided into 3 groups each including 10 rats. Only laparotomy was performed in group 1. Bile duct ligation was performed in group 2. In group 3, bile duct ligation was performed and orogastic silymarin 300 mg/kg/day dose was given for seven days. At the end of seven days, rats were sacrificed. The blood and liver tissue samples were taken to be examined biochemically and histopathologically. RESULTS: The plasma and liver levels of malondialdehyde were significantly lower in silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group. Although liver levels of GSH were significantly higher in silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group, there was no significant difference between the plasma GSH levels of these groups. In silymarin group; the enlargement of hepatocytes, dilatation of canaliculi and the edema were regressed. CONCLUSION: Silymarin diminished the harmful effects of obstructive jaundice on liver.

Effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and liver histopathology in experimental obstructive jaundice model.

PURPOSE:: To investigate the effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and hepatic injury induced by obstructive jaundice in an experimental model. METHODS:: Thirty Wistar-Albino type female rats were divided into 3 groups each including 10 rats. Only laparotomy was performed in group 1. Bile duct ligation was performed in group 2. In group 3, bile duct ligation was performed and orogastic silymarin 300 mg/kg/day dose was given for seven days. At the end of seven days, rats were sacrificed. The blood and liver tissue samples were taken to be examined biochemically and histopathologically. RESULTS:: The plasma and liver levels of malondialdehyde were significantly lower in silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group. Although liver levels of GSH were significantly higher in silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group, there was no significant difference between the plasma GSH levels of these groups. In silymarin group; the enlargement of hepatocytes, dilatation of canaliculi and the edema were regressed. CONCLUSION:: Silymarin diminished the harmful effects of obstructive jaundice on liver.

Effects of mobile phone use on brain tissue from the rat and a possible protective role of vitamin C - a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate effects of mobile phone use on brain tissue and a possible protective role of vitamin C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty female rats were divided into four groups randomly (Control, mobile phone, mobile phone plus vitamin C and, vitamin C alone). The mobile phone group was exposed to a mobile phone signal (900 MHz), the mobile phone plus vitamin C group was exposed to a mobile phone signal (900 MHz) and treated with vitamin C administered orally (per os). The vitamin C group was also treated with vitamin C per os for four weeks. Then, the animals were sacrificed and brain tissues were dissected to be used in the analyses of malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant potential (AOP), superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and 5'nucleotidase (5'-NT). RESULTS: Mobile phone use caused an inhibition in 5'-NT and CAT activities as compared to the control group. GSH-Px activity and the MDA level were also found to be reduced in the mobile phone group but not significantly. Vitamin C caused a significant increase in the activity of GSH-Px and non-significant increase in the activities of 5'-NT, ADA and CAT enzymes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that vitamin C may play a protective role against detrimental effects of mobile phone radiation in brain tissue.

Peritoneal hydatid cyst perforation: a rare cause of emergency abdominal surgeries.

INTRODUCTION: In hydatid cyst disease, perforation and spontaneous fistula formation are rare, yet very serious, complications. In this study we describe five cases of hydatid cyst disease in which the cysts perforated. METHODS: In this retrospective study we evaluated five patients who were surgically treated for perforated hydatid cysts between 2002 and 2006. All patients were admitted to a local hospital with acute abdominal symptoms. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients (four males and one female) was 39 years. The perforations occurred spontaneously in four patients, and were the result of trauma in one. Three of the hydatid cysts were located in the liver and two in the spleen. Only one patient had a recurrent hydatid cyst. Diagnostic tools included ultrasonography (n=5), computerized tomography (n=1), and diagnostic peritoneal lavage (n=1). The cysts were treated by radical (n=2) or conservative (n=3) methods. There was no postoperative morbidity or mortality, and no recurrences of hydatid disease after follow-up (mean: 14 months). CONCLUSION: Cyst perforation in the peritoneal cavity is a serious complication of hydatid disease and should be treated immediately. The literature suggests that recurrences may be related to the operative technique, the location of the cyst, and inadequate irrigation of the peritoneal cavity with scolicidal agents. The findings of this study suggest that if treated promptly, cyst perforation can be successfully treated.

Effect of honey on intestinal morphology, intraabdominal adhesions and anastomotic healing.

In the present study, attempts have been made to determine the effects of honey on intestinal morphology, postoperative adhesions, and the healing of colonic anastomoses in the rats after colonic resection and anastomosis. Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into three groups each including 12 animals. Colonic resection and anastomosis were performed on all animals. Rats were fed with standard rat chow in group I, standard rat chow plus 10 g/kg/day honey in group II and artificial honey including the same caloric amount with honey in group III. Adhesion scores, bursting pressures and histopathological examinations were evaluated. Colonic bursting pressures of honey group were significantly better than control and artificial honey groups. Histological analysis of anastomotic site showed that submucosa and muscularis propria were nearly filled with granulation tissue and regular fibrin matrix in honey group. There was statistically significant difference between the adhesion scores of honey vs artificial honey and control groups. The scores of histological changes of ileum in honey group were significantly different from other groups. These results indicate a protective role of honey against intraabdominal adhesions and anastomotic dehiscence.

Ultrastructural view of colon anastomosis under propolis effect by transmission electron microscopy.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of propolis administration on the healing of colon anastomosis with light and transmission electron microscopes. METHODS: Forty-eight Wistar-Albino female rats were divided into two groups and had colon resection and anastomosis. In group I, rats were fed with standard rat chow pre- and postoperatively. The rats in group II were fed with standard rat chow and began receiving oral supplementation of propolis 100 mg/kg per day beginning 7 d before the operation and continued until they were sacrificed. Rats were sacrificed 1, 3, 7 and 14 d after operation, and anastomotic bursting pressures measured. After the resection of anastomotic segments, histopathological examination was performed with light and transmission electron microscopes by two blinded histologists and photographed. RESULTS: The colonic bursting pressures of the propolis group were statistically significantly better than the control group. Ultrastructural histopathological analysis of the colon anastomosis revealed that propolis accelerated the phases of the healing process and stimulated mature granulation tissue formation and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: Bursting pressure measurements and ultra structural histopathological evaluation showed that administration of propolis accelerated the healing of colon anastomosis following surgical excision.

Honey prevents hepatic damage induced by obstruction of the common bile duct.

AIM: To examine the possible effects of honey supplementation on hepatic damage due to obstruction of the common bile duct in an experimental rat model. METHODS: The study was performed with 30 male rats divided into three groups: a sham group, an obstructive jaundice group, and an obstructive jaundice plus honey group. At the end of the study period, the animals were sacrificed, and levels of nitric oxide (NO), and NO synthase (NOS) activities were measured in liver tissues, and levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities were measured in serum. RESULTS: Blood ALT and ADA activities were significantly elevated in the jaundice group as compared to those of the sham group. In the obstructive jaundice plus honey group, blood ALT and ADA activities were significantly decreased as compared to those of the jaundice group. In erythrocytes and liver tissues, NO levels were found to be significantly higher in the obstructive jaundice plus honey group compared to those of the sham group. Additionally, NO levels were found to be significantly higher in liver tissues from the animals in the obstructive jaundice plus honey group than those of the jaundice group. CONCLUSION: Honey was found to be beneficial in the prevention of hepatic damage due to obstruction of the common bile duct.

Effect of honey on bacterial translocation and intestinal morphology in obstructive jaundice.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of honey on bacterial translocation and intestinal villus histopathology in experimental obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into three groups each including 10 animals: group I, sham-operated; group II, ligation and section of the common bile duct (BDL); group III, bile duct ligation followed by oral supplementation of honey (BDL + honey) 10 g/kg per day. Liver, blood, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and ileal samples were taken for microbiological, light and transmission electrone microscopic examination. RESULTS: Although the number of villi per centimeter and the height of the mucosa were higher in sham group, there was no statistically significant difference between sham and BDL + honey groups (P > 0.05). On the other hand, there was a statistically significant difference between BDL group and other groups (P < 0.05). The electron microscopic changes were also different between these groups. Sham and honey groups had similar incidence of bacterial translocation (P > 0.05). BDL group had significantly higher rates of bacterial translocation as compared with sham and honey groups. Bacterial translocation was predominantly detected in mesenteric lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of honey in presence of obstructive jaundice ameliorates bacterial translocation and improves ileal morphology.

The effects of scolicidal agent propolis on liver and biliary tree.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to examine the effects of propolis on the liver and biliary system when used as a scolicidal agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were divided into two groups. Propolis and 0.9% saline (NaCl) were injected into the biliary tract of the rats. Three rats from control group and four rats from propolis group died within 5 days after the procedure. Blood samples of remaining 23 rats were obtained 1 week after and at the end of the experimental study for liver function tests. Six months after the procedure, retrograde and magnetic resonance cholangiography were performed and liver, common bile duct, and duodenum were excised en bloc for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Liver function tests were slightly elevated 1 week after the procedure and were found to be normal at the end of the sixth month in both groups. No stricture in the biliary tree was found on the retrograde and magnetic resonance cholangiograms. The tissue samples of the propolis group showed no histomorphological difference from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis may be used as a scolicidal agent even in the case of cystobiliary communication with no side effects on liver and biliary tree.

Effects of honey as a scolicidal agent on the hepatobiliary system.

AIM: To examine the effects of 10% diluted honey, which has been shown to be scolicidal, on the liver and biliary system and determine whether it could be used as a scolicidal agent in the presence of biliary-cystic communication. METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were divided into two groups. Honey with 10% dilution in the study group and 0.9% saline (NaCl) in the control group were injected into the common bile ducts of rats through a 3-mm duodenotomy. The animals were sacrificed 6 mo after the procedure. Histopathological, biochemical, and radiological examinations were performed for evaluation of side effects. RESULTS: At the end of the sixth month, liver function tests were found to be normal in both groups. The tissue samples of liver and ductus choledochus of the honey group showed no histomorphologic difference from the control group. No stricture on the biliary tree was detected on the retrograde cholangiograms. CONCLUSION: According to these results, we concluded that 10% diluted honey could be used as scolicidal agent safely in the presence of biliary-cystic communication.

Use of porcine small intestinal submucosa in bladder augmentation in rabbit: long-term histological outcome.

AIM: To investigate long-term histological features of bladder augmentation using porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixteen New Zealand rabbits were used. Porcine SIS was provided by a manufactured formation derived from the pig. After partial cystectomy was carried out on the bladder, a single layer of SIS (Cook-SIS Technology, Cook Biotech Incorporated, West Lafayette, IN, USA) (2 x 5 cm) was sewn to bladder with continuous 5/0 vicryl suture material in a watertight manner. Urinary diversion was not used. The rabbits were killed 12 months later and perivesical fat was removed together with bladder. The 5-microm preparations taken from the samples were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and Mason's trichrome dye. S-100 and F8 stains were also used for immunohistochemical investigations. RESULTS: The macroscopic view of bladder was normal. SIS was indistinguishable from normal bladder wall, but the region of the graft had a slight white coloration. Microscopic observations showed the continuity of transitional epithelium of host bladder tissue on SIS material. Detrusor and serosal layers were formed and these layers were indistinguishable from host bladder. Fibroblasts were scattered among the collagen fibrils. New vessel formations were present without lymphatic proliferation. Nerve regeneration was excellent. No inflammation was observed in normal and regenerated bladder wall. CONCLUSION: At the end of 12 months, the long-term histological features of bladder augmentation with porcine SIS in a rabbit model, such as presence of new vessel formations, nerve regeneration, collagen and smooth muscle regenerations, which were indistinguishable from original bladder, and the absence of inflammation, showed that SIS seems to be a viable alternative to the use of intestine in bladder augmentation.

The ultrastructural research of liver in experimental obstructive jaundice and effect of honey.

BACKGROUND: To examine the effects of honey on oxidative stress and apoptosis in experimental obstructive jaundice model. METHOD: Thirty rats were divided into 3 groups: group I, sham-operated; group II, ligation and division of the common bile duct (BDL); group III, BDL followed by oral supplementation of honey 10 g/kg/d. Liver samples were examined under light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Hepatocyte apoptosis was quantitated using the terminal deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Plasma and blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutation activities were measured for determining the oxidative stress. RESULTS: The liver levels of MDA and GSH were significantly different between the honey and BDL groups (P = .006 and .001, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the plasma MDA and GSH levels of these groups (P > .05). In group III, significant reductions in the size of enlarged hepatocytes and the edema were demonstrated. The dilatation of the bile canaliculi dramatically turned to original dimention. By TUNEL assay, it was shown that administration of honey decreased the number of apoptotic cells. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we found that honey diminished the negative effects of BDL on the hepatic ultrastructure. We conclude that this effect might be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation Use on Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and DNA Turn-over Enzyme Activities in Erythrocytes and Heart, Kidney, Liver, and Ovary Tissues From Rats: Possible Protective Role of Vitamin C.

ABSTRACT In this study, the aim was to investigate possible effects of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) use on oxidant and antioxidant status in erythrocytes and kidney, heart, liver, and ovary tissues from rats, and possible protective role of vitamin C. For this aim, 40 Wistar albino female rats were used throughout the study. The treatment group was exposed to EMR in a frequency of 900 MHz, the EMR plus vitamin C group was exposed to the same EMR frequency and given vitamin C (250 mg/kg/day) orally for 4 weeks. There were 10 animals in each group including control and vitamin C groups. At the end of the study period, blood samples were obtained from the animals to get erythrocyte sediments. Then the animals were sacrificed and heart, kidney, liver, and ovary tissues were removed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), xanthine oxidase (XO), and adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzyme activities were measured in the tissues and erythrocytes. It was observed that MDA level, XO, and GSH-Px activities significantly increased in the EMR group as compared with those of the control group in the erythrocytes. In the kidney tissues, it was found that MDA level and CAT activity significantly increased, whereas XO and ADA activities decreased in the cellular phone group as compared with those of the control group. However, in the heart tissues it was observed that MDA level, ADA, and XO activities significantly decreased in the cellular phone group as compared with those of the control group. The results suggest that EMR at the frequency generated by a cell phone causes oxidative stress and peroxidation in the erythrocytes and kidney tissues from rats. In the erythrocytes, vitamin C seems to make partial protection against the oxidant stress.

Adenomyoepithelial Adenosis of the Breast: Clinical, Radiological, and Pathological Findings for Differential Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Myoepithelial cells are widely present in the breast, and their hyperplasia may result in a spectrum of disease ranging from myoepitheliosis to myoepithelial carcinoma. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old woman presented with a palpable mass in her right breast. Mammography and ultrasonography showed a lesion in the upper quadrant of the right breast with spiculated borders and shape. Excisional biopsy showed adenomyoepithelial adenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although considered benign, adenomyoepithelial lesions tend to recur due to inadequate excision. Therefore, possibility of recurrence and even metastasis should be considered during follow-up of patients with a diagnosis of adenomyoepithelial lesions.

Preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of testicular volume and blood flow in patients with inguinal hernias.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an inguinal hernia would have an impact on the testicular volume and blood flow by scrotal ultrasonography. METHODS: Twenty-six male patients with unilateral inguinal hernias with a mean age of 48.1 years were included in the study. Testicular volumes were calculated, and spectral parameters such as the pulsatility index and resistive index of the testicular artery at supratesticular, subcapsular, and intratesticular levels on both the side with the inguinal hernia and the contralateral side were measured by a preoperative ultrasonographic examination. Comparisons between the dependent groups were performed by a Wilcoxon or paired samples t test where appropriate. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD testicular volume on the side with the inguinal hernia was significantly higher than that on the contralateral testis (15.46+/-4.49 versus 14.54+/-3.65 mL, respectively; P<.05, Student t test). In addition, the mean resistive index of the intratesticular arteries was significantly higher on the side with the hernia compared with the contralateral side (0.66+/-0.06 versus 0.63+/-0.05; P<.05, Student t test). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that an inguinal hernia may impair testicular blood flow, which may be attributable to an intermittent mechanical compression effect on the funiculus spermaticus in the inguinal canal.

Propolis reduces bacterial translocation and intestinal villus atrophy in experimental obstructive jaundice.

AIM: To investigate the effects of propolis on bacterial translocation and ultrastructure of intestinal morphology in experimental obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino male rats were randomly divided into three groups, each including 10 animals: group I, sham-operated; group II, ligation and division of the common bile duct (BDL); group III, BDL followed by oral supplementation of propolis 100 mg/kg per day. Liver, blood, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and ileal samples were taken for microbiological, light and transmission electron microscopic examination on postoperative 7th d after sacrification. RESULTS: The mean number of villi per centimeter and mean mucosal height of the propolis group were significantly different in the BDL group (P = 0.001 and 0.012, respectively). The electron microscopic changes were also different between these groups. Sham and BDL + propolis groups had similar incidence of bacterial translocation (BT). The BDL group had significantly higher rates of BT as compared with sham and BDL + propolis groups. BT was predominantly detected in MLNs and the most commonly isolated bacteria was Escherichia coli. CONCLUSION: Propolis showed a significant protective effect on ileal mucosa and reduced bacterial translocation in the experimental obstructive jaundice model. Further studies should be carried out to explain the mechanisms of these effects.

Use of serum leptin levels for determination of nutritional status and the effects of different enteral nutrients on intestinal mucosa after minor surgery: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: We planned to evaluate the effects of different enteral nutrients on the levels of serum leptin, protein and albumin changes and also to compare their effects on mucosal morphology of small intestine. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups each including 10 animals. Group I rats were given rat chow and water. Group II rats were fed with standard enteral nutrient. Group III rats were fed with calorie enriched enteral nutrient. Group IV rats were given enteral nutrition supplemented with fiber. Group V rats were fed with immunonutrient. Serum albumin, protein, leptin levels were measured. Terminal ileum of each rat was scored. RESULTS: We found no difference in serum leptin, protein and albumin levels. The average mucosal atrophy of rats fed with standard chow was significantly different than that of rats fed with standard and calorie enriched nutrients. Feeding with nutrients supplemented with fiber and immunonutrient did not cause significant distortion in mucosal integrity when compared with feeding with standard chow. CONCLUSION: Low levels of leptin may show malnutrition but for determination of nutritional status of a patient receiving enteral nutrition, studies with long duration are required.

Effects of various enteral nutrition solutions on bacterial translocation and intestinal morphology during the postoperative period.

Bacterial translocation is the passage of bacteria or endotoxins from the gastrointestinal tract to extraintestinal sites, such as mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and bloodstream. In this study, the investigators examined the effects of various enteral nutrients on bacterial translocation and intestinal morphology during the postoperative period. Sixty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, each of which included 12 animals; cecal mobilization was performed in all groups. Group I rats were fed rat chow and water; group II was given standard enteral nutrients; group III, high-energy enteral nutrients; group IV, enteral nutrients supplemented with fiber; and group V, immunonutrients. Bacterial translocation was detected in mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and blood cultures. Changes in the terminal ileum were scored from 0 to 4 with the morphologic scoring system. Bacterial translocation was predominantly detected in mesenteric lymph nodes. Rats fed immunonutrients (group V) showed a significant reduction in bacterial translocation compared with other groups. Although minor morphologic alterations in the villi were observed in groups IV and V, the histologic scores of these groups were not statistically different from the scores of control group members. In the present study, investigators evaluated the effects of various enteral nutritional solutions on bacterial translocation and intestinal morphology during the postoperative period. Enteral diets supplemented with arginine, nucleotides, and omega-3 fatty acids were found to reduce bacterial translocation. The investigators concluded that this effect might be related to improvement in immune function resulting from the use of immunonutrients.

Unusual imaging characteristics of complicated hydatid disease.

Hydatid disease, a worldwide zoonosis, is caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus tapeworm. Although the liver and the lungs are the most frequently involved organs in the body, hydatid cysts of other organs are unusual. Radiologically, they usually demonstrate typical imaging findings, but unusual imaging characteristics of complicated cyst of hydatid disease, associated with high morbidity and mortality, are rarely described in the literature. The purpose of this study is to review the general features of hydatidosis and to discuss atypical imaging characteristics of the complicated hydatid disease in the human, with an emphasis on structure and rupture of the cystic lesion as well as ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of the disease. In our study, the available literature and images of the cases with complicated hydatidosis involving liver, lung, brain, spine and orbit were reviewed retrospectively. In hydatid disease, there are many potential local and systemic complications due to secondary involvement in almost any anatomic location in humans. Radiologically, in addition to the presence of atypical findings such as perifocal edema, non-homogenous contrast enhancement, multiplicity or septations and calcification, various unusual manifestations due to rupture or infection of the cyst have been observed in our cases with complicated hydatid disease. To prevent subsequent acute catastrophic results and the development of recurrences in various organs, it should be kept in mind that complicated hydatid cysts can cause unusual USG, CT, and MRI findings, in addition to typical ones, in endemic areas. Therefore, familiarity with atypical radiological appearances of complicated hydatid disease may be valuable in making a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Black grape and garlic extracts protect against cyclosporine a nephrotoxicity.

The aim of this study was to determine if the natural antioxidant foods, dried black grape and garlic, protect against cyclosporine nephrotoxicity. Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were given Cyclosporine A (CsA) orally for 10 days, with the antioxidant food supplementation begun 3 days before CsA treatment and continued during the study period (totaling 13 days). In each group (control, CsA alone, CsA plus black grape, CsA plus aqueous garlic extract, aqueous garlic extract alone and black grape alone), there were 7 animals. At the end of the study period, the animals were sacrificed; their kidneys were removed and prepared for biochemical and histopathological investigations. Oxidant (xanthine oxidase enzyme and malondialdehyde) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase enzymes) parameters were measured in the kidney tissues of the groups. Histopathological examinations of the tissues were also performed. It has been found that CsA creates oxidant load to the kidneys through both xanthine oxidase activation and impaired antioxidant defense system, which accelerates oxidation reactions in the kidney tissue. Supplementation with either dried black grape or aqueous garlic extract led to reduced malondialdehyde level in the kidney tissue possibly, by preventing oxidant reactions. In conclusion, the results suggest that impaired oxidant/antioxidant balance may play part in the CsA-induced nephrotoxicity, and some foods with high antioxidant power may ameliorate this toxicity, in agreement with studies with antioxidant vitamins.