The hepatoprotective effect of Aloe vera on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Aloe vera is known for its antioxidant properties. In this experimental study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of Aloe vera in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) liver injury in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups, where the sham group (n=7) underwent no medication or surgical procedures, the I/R group (n=7) was the control group that received 45 minutes of applied abdominal aorta ischemia and rats were sacrificed 24 hours after reperfusion, and the I/R+AV group (n=7) was the treatment group that was given Aloe vera (30 mg/kg) every day followed by gastric lavage for a month before applying ischemia and performing sacrifice as in the previous group. Before sacrifice, all the liver tissues were removed. Tissues were examined for histopathological investigation, iNOS immunoreactivity and tissue biochemistry, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. RESULTS: The SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px levels of the I/R+AV group were not significantly different from the sham group (p>0.05) but were significantly higher when compared to the I/R group. MDA levels of liver tissues were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the I/R+AV group as compared to the I/R group. Disrupted hepatic cords, sinusoidal dilatation, hemorrhage, cytoplasmic vacuolization of hepatocytes, and intensive iNOS immunoreactivity were detected in the I/R group. Decreased histopathological change score and iNOS immunoreactivity score were noticed in the I/R+AV group as compared to the I/R group. CONCLUSION: It was found that Aloe vera showed a hepatoprotective effect against I/R injury. Further research is required to determine the effective dose, administration method, and effects of Aloe vera for liver transplantation.

The effect of pycnogenol on lymphatic nodes and adhesion during in a peritoneal adhesion model in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of pycnogenol on peritoneal adhesions and additionally to investigate the immunohistochemical effects of free oxygen radicals and reactive lymph nodes detected in the adhesive tissue that was sampled surrounding the cecum on intra-abdominal adhesions. METHODS: Twenty-seven Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups. In group 1 (sham), laparotomy was performed and stitched up. In group 2 (control), after laparotomy was performed, punctate hemorrhage was induced by cecal abrasion in the cecum and each rat was intraperitoneally administered 2 cc of saline. In group 3 (experimental), after laparotomy was performed, punctate hemorrhage was induced by cecal abrasion in the cecum and each rat was intraperitoneally administered a sterile Pycnogenol derivative. The rats in all groups were re-laparotomized on postoperative day 7; samples were obtained from the peritoneal tissue surrounding the cecum, and the rats were sacrificed. RESULTS: In group 3, there was a statistically significant difference in terms of inflammation, lymph node size, and free oxygen radicals; these parameters tended to increase. In terms of fibrosis evaluated using H&E and MT, there was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: No positive outcomes indicating that pycnogenol reduces intra-abdominal adhesions were obtained. However, it caused severe inflammation in the tissue. Moreover, a significant increase in lymph node size was detected secondary to inflammation. Additionally, in immunohistochemical analyses conducted to detect oxidative stress, pycnogenol increased the production of free oxygen radicals in the tissue.

The effect of pycnogenol on lymphatic nodes and adhesion during in a peritoneal adhesion model in rats

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effects of pycnogenol on peritoneal adhesions and additionally to investigate the immunohistochemical effects of free oxygen radicals and reactive lymph nodes detected in the adhesive tissue that was sampled surrounding the cecum on intra-abdominal adhesions. Methods: Twenty-seven Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups. In group 1 (sham), laparotomy was performed and stitched up. In group 2 (control), after laparotomy was performed, punctate hemorrhage was induced by cecal abrasion in the cecum and each rat was intraperitoneally administered 2 cc of saline. In group 3 (experimental), after laparotomy was performed, punctate hemorrhage was induced by cecal abrasion in the cecum and each rat was intraperitoneally administered a sterile Pycnogenol derivative. The rats in all groups were re-laparotomized on postoperative day 7; samples were obtained from the peritoneal tissue surrounding the cecum, and the rats were sacrificed. Results: In group 3, there was a statistically significant difference in terms of inflammation, lymph node size, and free oxygen radicals; these parameters tended to increase. In terms of fibrosis evaluated using H&E and MT, there was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3. Conclusions: No positive outcomes indicating that pycnogenol reduces intra-abdominal adhesions were obtained. However, it caused severe inflammation in the tissue. Moreover, a significant increase in lymph node size was detected secondary to inflammation. Additionally, in immunohistochemical analyses conducted to detect oxidative stress, pycnogenol increased the production of free oxygen radicals in the tissue.

The effects of apomorphine on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

It is becoming progressively more understandable that overdose of paracetamol in both humans and animals causes severe hepatotoxicity. Apomorphine is known as a neuroprotective agent. Due to the protective effect,  apomorphine had been tested in experimental studies on different models. Findings obtained through series of expriments suggested that apomorphine may also be useful in liver toxicity. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship among the hepatoprotective mechanism of apomorphine and to determine the possible role of apomorphine on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. 30 Sprague Dawley rats (adult male) were distributed into 5 groups. Group 1 was the control group and did not receive any medication. Group 2 received only paracetamol 2 g/kg by intragastric gavage to induce hepatotoxicity. Groups 3 and 4 were given apomorphine 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection, respectively. Groups 3 and 4 were given 2g/kg  of Paracetamol. In Group 5, rats were treated with 2 mg/kg of apomorphine. Drug-treated rats were given food for the next 24 h until they were sacrified. Moreover, we also performed AST, ALT measurements in serum, MDA and SOD levels in liver tissues and histopathological analysis of the liver in all groups. Apomorphine had positive effects on both liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers and histopathological results in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Additionally, apomorphine at 2 mg/kg dose was significantly more protective as compared to 1 mg/kg as evidenced by the histopathological examination results. It was thought that apomorphine was found hepatoprotective on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity, especially at higher doses such as 2 mg/kg.

L-carnitine has a protective effect on the colonic mucosa during abdominopelvic radiotherapy in rats.

PURPOSE:: To evaluate histopathologically the radioprotective effect of L-carnitine on the colonic mucosa in rats undergoing abdominopelvic irradiation. METHODS:: Thirty-two rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: intraperitoneal administration of normal saline (group 1) or L-carnitine (300 mL/kg; group 2), followed in groups 3 and 4, respectively, by one dose of abdominopelvic radiation (20 Gy) 30 min later. Rats were sacrificed 5 days after radiation, and their descending colons were resected for histopathological evaluation of the presence and severity of damage. RESULTS:: Average damage scores did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 2 (0.13 ± 0.35 and 0.25 ± 0.46, respectively); the group 3 score was highest (10.25 ± 0.71), and the group 4 score (3.63 ± 1.41) was significantly lower than that of group 3 (both p = 0.0001). Pre-radiation L-carnitine administration significantly reduced mucosal thinning, crypt distortion, reactive atypia, inflammation, cryptitis, and reactive lymph-node hyperplasia (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:: L-carnitine had a radioprotective effect on rat colonic mucosa. L-carnitine use should be explored for patients with gastrointestinal cancer, who have reduced serum L-carnitine levels.

L-carnitine has a protective effect on the colonic mucosa during abdominopelvic radiotherapy in rats

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate histopathologically the radioprotective effect of L-carnitine on the colonic mucosa in rats undergoing abdominopelvic irradiation. METHODS: Thirty-two rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: intraperitoneal administration of normal saline (group 1) or L-carnitine (300 mL/kg; group 2), followed in groups 3 and 4, respectively, by one dose of abdominopelvic radiation (20 Gy) 30 min later. Rats were sacrificed 5 days after radiation, and their descending colons were resected for histopathological evaluation of the presence and severity of damage. RESULTS: Average damage scores did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 2 (0.13 ± 0.35 and 0.25 ± 0.46, respectively); the group 3 score was highest (10.25 ± 0.71), and the group 4 score (3.63 ± 1.41) was significantly lower than that of group 3 (both p = 0.0001). Pre-radiation L-carnitine administration significantly reduced mucosal thinning, crypt distortion, reactive atypia, inflammation, cryptitis, and reactive lymph-node hyperplasia (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: L-carnitine had a radioprotective effect on rat colonic mucosa. L-carnitine use should be explored for patients with gastrointestinal cancer, who have reduced serum L-carnitine levels.

The effect of amifostine on bacterial translocation after radiation induced acute enteritis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of amifostine on bacterial translocation and overgrowth in colonic flora after acute radiation enteritis in a rat model. METHODS: Thirty-two female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Group-1 (n=8): only normal saline was administered intraperitoneally. Group-2 (n=8): first serum saline was administered intraperitoneally and 30 minutes later 20 Gy radiation was applied to abdominopelvic region. Group-3 (n=8): only amifostine 200 ml/kg was administered intraperitoneally and radiation was not applied. Group-4 (n=8): first amifostine 200 ml/kg was administered intraperitoneally and 30 minutes later 20 Gy radiation was applied to abdominopelvic region. On the 5th day after radiation, samples of mesenteric lymph tissues and cecal contents were taken by laparotomy for microbiological culture. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal amifostine administration significantly decreased the bacterial overgrowth related to radiation in colon but did not significantly decrease the bacterial translocation. CONCLUSION: Although not providing a full protection on the damaged mucosal barrier, amifostine significantly decreased the bacterial overgrowth in the cecal content after high dose radiation. There is a need to find out appropriate amifostine dose under different radiation applications avoiding bacterial translocation in gastrointestinal system.

The effect of amifostine on bacterial translocation after radiation induced acute enteritis

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of amifostine on bacterial translocation and overgrowth in colonic flora after acute radiation enteritis in a rat model. METHODS: Thirty-two female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Group-1 (n=8): only normal saline was administered intraperitoneally. Group-2 (n=8): first serum saline was administered intraperitoneally and 30 minutes later 20 Gy radiation was applied to abdominopelvic region. Group-3 (n=8): only amifostine 200 ml/kg was administered intraperitoneally and radiation was not applied. Group-4 (n=8): first amifostine 200 ml/kg was administered intraperitoneally and 30 minutes later 20 Gy radiation was applied to abdominopelvic region. On the 5th day after radiation, samples of mesenteric lymph tissues and cecal contents were taken by laparotomy for microbiological culture. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal amifostine administration significantly decreased the bacterial overgrowth related to radiation in colon but did not significantly decrease the bacterial translocation. CONCLUSİON: Although not providing a full protection on the damaged mucosal barrier, amifostine significantly decreased the bacterial overgrowth in the cecal content after high dose radiation. There is a need to find out appropriate amifostine dose under different radiation applications avoiding bacterial translocation in gastrointestinal system.

Experimental Esophagitis Model Preventing Tracheal Aspiration.

BACKGROUND: Corrosive esophagitis injuries are a serious clinical problem with many agents used for diagnosis and treatment. Experimental esophagus burn models use a method described mainly in studies by Gehanno and Guedon, and modified by Liu and Richardson. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe a new esophagitis model that prevents tracheal aspiration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study we used 16 Wistar albino rats weighing between 220-240 g. The experimental animals were randomly divided into two groups: the model group (group M, n: 8) and control group (group C, n: 8). The necessary anesthesia was administered. Passing through a median laparotomy incision, the abdomen was entered and in group M and C the esophagus was freed and held by a suture at the gastroesophageal junction. After this procedure, about 1 cm proximal to the gastroesophageal junction, the esophagus was suspended by a suture. The esophagus segment between the two sutures was exposed to 0.1 mL 10% NaOH in group M and 0.1 mL saline in group C for 20 s. Ten days later all experimental animals were sacrificed and their esophagus removed. After dying with hematoxylin and eosine trichrome, the histopathological evaluation results for the rats in all groups were investigated with a light microscope. RESULTS: Histopathological examination indicated submucosal collagen increase, damage to muscularis mucosa and tunica muscularis and collagen deposition. In the model group, the rats had high neutrophils and tissue damage accompanied by necrosis. In the control group, the rats had minimal or no tissue damage and fibrosis was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our procedure is relatively less invasive and easy to apply with corrosive esophagitis only in the required region, and at the same time treatment medications can be easily administered.

The Effect of Systemic Carnitine Administration on Colon Anastomosis Healing in an Experimental Sepsis Model.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of L-carnitine, with its known antioxidant properties and positive effects on wound healing, on the healing of colon anastomosis in a cecal ligation and puncture sepsis model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10 (n = 10). Groups 1 and 2 had laparotomy and colon anastomosis performed. Groups 3 and 4 had cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and colon anastomosis performed. Rats in Groups 1 and 3 were given 15 mL/kg intraperitoneal 0.9% isotonic NaCl, while the rats in Groups 2 and 4 were given 100 mg/kg intraperitoneal L-carnitine. On the postoperative fifth day, the rats were sacrificed and the burst pressure of anastomosis, histopathological effects, and tissue hydroxyproline levels were investigated. RESULTS: In Groups 2 and 4, the anastomosis burst pressure and histopathological results in both noninfected abdomen and presence of peritonitis were statistically high compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Though the hydroxyproline levels were also high, there was no statistically significant difference for this parameter (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings obtained from the experimental sepsis model showed that healing of anastomosis in both the presence of peritonitis and noninfected abdomen was positively affected by the systemic administration of L-carnitine and this may contribute to the safety of anastomosis.

Theoretical calculations of a compound formed by Fe(+3) and tris(catechol).

Phenolic compounds generally have special smell, easily soluble in water, organic solvents (alcohols, esters, chloroform, ethyl acetate), in aqueous solutions of bases, colorless or colorful, crystalline and amorphous materials. Phenols form colorful complexes when they form compounds with heavy metals. In this study, the structural properties of a compound formed by catechol and Fe(+3) are investigated theoretically. The electronic and thermodynamic properties of the complex were also investigated in gas phase and organic solvents at B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The formation of Fe-tris(catechol) complex compound is exothermic, and it is difficult to obtain the complex as the temperature increases. The observed and calculated FT-IR and geometric parameters spectra are in good agreement with empirical.