Fatmagul Basarslan

Protective effects of thymoquinone on vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Aim: Oxidative stress has been implicated as a potential responsible mechanism in the pathogenesis of vancomycin (VCM)-induced renal toxicity. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ) against VCM-induced nephrotoxicity by tissue oxidant/antioxidant parameters and histological changes in rats. Materials and methods: Wistar albino rats were randomly separated into four groups consisting of seven rats per group. The groups had normal saline (control group), VCM, VCM and TQ and TQ, respectively. VCM was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 200 mg/kg and continued at 12-h intervals for 7 days. TQ was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 10 mg/kg and continued at 24 h intervals for 8 days. Animals were killed and blood samples were analyzed for the levels of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr). Kidney specimens were analyzed for levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) as well as for histopathological changes. Results: We found that the levels of serum BUN, Cr and kidney tissue MDA were increased in the VCM group. Activities of SOD and GSH-Px in kidney tissue were decreased. TQ administration ameliorated significantly these changes. Conclusion: These results indicate that the TQ produces a protective mechanism against VCM-induced nephrotoxicity and suggest a role of oxidative stress in pathogenesis.

Effects of erdosteine on cyclosporin-A-induced nephrotoxicity

Aim: In cyclosporin-A (CsA)-induced toxicity, oxidative stress has been implicated as a potential responsible mechanism. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the protective role of erdosteine against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity in terms of tissue oxidant/antioxidant parameters and light microscopy in rats. Materials and methods: Wistar albino rats were randomly separated into four groups. Group 1 rats treated with sodium chloride served as the control, group 2 rats were treated with CsA, group 3 with CsA plus erdosteine, and group 4 with erdosteine alone. Animals were killed and blood samples were analyzed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), total protein (TP), and albumin (ALB) levels. Kidney sections were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, as well as for histopathological changes. Results: In the CsA group, MDA, GSH-Px, BUN, and Cr levels were increased. The TP and ALB levels were decreased. These changes had been improved by erdosteine administration. Other biochemical parameters did not show any significant change. Conclusion: These results indicate that erdosteine produces a protective mechanism against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity and suggest a role of oxidative stress in pathogenesis.

N-Acetylcysteine prevents doxorubucine-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

This study is designed to observe the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on doxorubucine-induced cardiac toxicity in rats both histologically and biochemically. Totally 32 rats divided equally into four groups were studied. The first group received only 200 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneal (i.p.) once every 24 h for 5 days (group 1); the second group received 20 mg/kg doxorubucine (DOX) i.p. single dose plus NAC 200 mg/kg i.p. once every 24 h for 5 days (group 2); the third group received DOX 20 mg/kg DOX i.p. single dose (group 3) and the fourth group, which is also the control group, received saline (group 4). Following 24 h of the final dose, blood samples were drawn from a portal vein and heart tissue were obtained. Tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were highest in the DOX group. In the DOX-treated rats, serum TBARS, NO, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase levels were highest when compared with other groups. Except for serum superoxide dismutase levels, all other parameters differed significantly between the DOX plus NAC group and the DOX group. In the DOX plus NAC group, general architecture was preserved better than the DOX group and myofibril loss was minimal compared with the DOX group. NAC demonstrated, both biochemically and histologically, to be effective in the prevention of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rat models. Evaluation of NAC’s effect on DOX toxicity warrants further clinical trials on cancer patients.

Determination of hearing levels in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever

OBJECTIVE Familial Mediterranean Fever is the most common congenital, periodic fever condition that affects over 100,000 people worldwide. In the literature, there is limited number of studies about hearing levels in children with Familial Mediterranean Fever. In the present study, we aimed to investigate hearing levels and cochlear functions by using Distortion product Otoacoustic Emission and High Frequency Audiometry (250-20,000 Hz) in pediatric patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever. METHODS The study included 62 children with Familial Mediterranean Fever and 27 healthy children with similar age and gender. After otoscopic examination, both groups underwent audiological evaluation including High Frequency Audiometry (250-20,000 Hz) and Distortion product Otoacoustic Emissions. The results obtained were assessed among groups. In addition, these results were compared regarding colchicine use, age at the onset of disease and duration of the diseases in the Familial Mediterranean Fever group. RESULTS Of the Familial Mediterranean Fever patients, 93.5% were on colchicine therapy and mean duration of colchicine use was 19.9 ± 13.9 months. The mean age at diagnosis was 6.57 ± 2.86 years (min-max: 2-14) and mean duration of disease was 23 ± 17 months (min-max: 6-84). Pure tone audiometry values, and hearing levels between 9000 and 20,000 Hz were similar and within normal range in both groups. The Distortion product Otoacoustic Emissions responses at the frequencies of 1020, 2040, 3000, 4080 and 5040 Hz were similar for both groups. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating hearing levels at the frequencies of 18k Hz and 20k Hz in children with Familial Mediterranean Fever in the literature. In children with Familial Mediterranean Fever, Pure tone audiometry values, hearing values obtained at all frequencies from 250 to 20,000 Hz, and Distortion product Otoacoustic Emissions levels were within normal range. Furthermore, hearing levels were found to be similar to those in healthy children.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the abducens nerves in type 1 Duane's retraction syndrome.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate nervus abducens and extraocular mucles in patients with Type 1 Duane’s retraction syndrome using high-definition magnetic resonance imaging. Methods: The study included 10 patients with Type I Duane’s retraction syndrome who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and orbits. Results: Overall, 10 cases were included in the study. There were seven women and three men. The mean age was 5.2 years (1–15 years). MRI of the abducens nerve was performed in all cases. Of the cases, the left eye was involved in eight cases, whereas the right eye was involved in two cases. There was no bilateral eye involvement. Among the 10 patients clinically diagnosed as Type 1 Duane’s retraction syndrome, the abducens nerve could not be visualized in eight cases, whereas the nerve was hypoplastic in one case and bilateral abducens nerves were present in one case by MRI. The extraocular muscles were normal in all cases on T2 weighted coronal MRI of the orbits. Conclusion: Absence of abducens nerve and normal extraocular muscles was detected in patients with Type 1 Duane’s retraction syndrome at the affected side.

Effects of ebselen on radiocontrast media-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Oxidative stress is accepted as a potential responsible mechanism in the pathogenesis of radiocontrast media (RCM)-induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of ebselen against RCM-induced hepatotoxicity by measuring tissue oxidant/antioxidant parameters and histological changes in rats. Wistar albino rats were randomly separated into four groups consisting of eight rats per group. Normal saline was given to the rats in control group (group 1). RCM was given to the rats in group 2, and both RCM and ebselen were given to the rats in group 3. Only ebselen was given to the rats in group 4. Liver sections of the killed animals were analyzed to measure the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), as well as histopathological changes. In RCM group, SOD and CAT levels were found increased. In RCM-ebselen group, MDA, SOD and CAT levels were found decreased. In RCM-ebselen group, however, GSH-Px activities of liver tissue increased. All these results indicated that ebselen produced a protective mechanism against RCM-induced hepatotoxicity and took part in oxidative stress.

Evaluation of Lymphocyte Subgroups in Children With Down Syndrome

In this study, lymphocyte subgroups including blood CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, CD19, and CD16.56 values were analyzed in children with Down syndrome (DS). The study includes 85 children with DS, followed at Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Yüzüncü Yil University and 64 healthy age-matched control participants. Blood CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, CD19, and CD16.56 values were examined in both the groups. Significantly decreased blood CD3, CD4, and CD19 values were found in the study group (P < .05) when compared with the control group. In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that blood CD3, CD4, and CD19 levels were found to be decreased in children with DS. Based on these finding, we think that these decreased lymphocyte subgroups might be responsible for increased susceptibility to infections in children with DS.

Intrathoracic Rib Associated with Pulmonary Collapse in a Pediatric Patient

The ribs are essential structures of the osseous thorax that provide certain significant information and aid interpretation of radiologic images in daily routine practice. Intrathoracic rib is a rare congenital anomaly that is usually discovered incidentally, but may cause in vain interventions in case of being unaware. We herein report an intrathoracic rib in a girl whose chest X-ray was strange enough to obtain a spiral computed tomography (CT) scanning for a definitive diagnosis afterwards.

Effects of erdosteine on hemostasis An experimental study

Aim: In this study, the effects of erdosteine (ED) on the platelet function and coagulation were investigated in adult rats. Materials and Method: Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. The control rats in group I (n = 7) were given only 0.5 cc of normal saline daily through oral gavage. Group II (n = 7) rats were administered 3 mg/kg ED through oral gavage for 3 days; while group III (n = 7) rats were given 10 mg/kg ED through oral gavage for 3 days; and group IV (n = 7) rats were administered 30 mg/kg ED through oral gavage for 3 days. Prothrombin time (PT), activated prothromboplastin time (aPTT), international normalized ratio (INR), coagulation factors and complete blood counts were measured from the blood drawn. Results: There were a lot of differences between ED groups and control group, and among ED groups. The found differences were level of PT, aPTT, INR, coagulation factors, and number of platelets. Discussion: We consider that ED which is used as a mucolytic agent in child clinics may affect hemostasis and coagulation in a dose-dependent manner. ED should be used carefully by the patients with coagulation disorders, since there is no information available in the package insert and literature screening regarding the effect of ED.

Dual effects of erdosteine on hemostasis via its different metabolites in young rats

Aim: In the study, we examined erdosteine’s effects on platelet functions and coagulation. Materials and methods: A total 29 young albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Control rats (n = 6) were given saline; Group 1 rats (n = 7) were given 3 mg/kg erdosteine by oral gavage for 3 days; Group 2 rats (n = 7) were given 10 mg/kg erdosteine by oral gavage for 3 days; and Group 3 rats (n = 9) were given 30 mg/kg erdosteine for 3 days. Twenty-four hours after the final dose, blood samples were drawn from a portal vein. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and international normalized ratio (INR) were measured, and platelet counts were examined in a peripheral blood smear by light microscopy. Results: PT and INR values of Group 1 increased compared to the controls but did not change in Group 3. Hemostatic parameters were not measured in Group 2 because the blood samples in Group 2’s tubes clotted rapidly. Platelet counts of the peripheral blood from Group 2 were low but were normal in other groups. Conclusion: We have concluded erdosteine may disrupt hemostasis parameters by its different metabolites in patients. Erdosteine has dual effects on hemostasis via its different metabolites, which occur in different doses.