Halil Asci

Effects of pentoxifylline on amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

The nephrotoxicity of amikacin (AK) was prevented with pentoxifylline (PTX) in a rat model. Rats were received a single injection of AK (1.2 g/kg, i.p.) with or without PTX pretreatment (25 mg/kg, orally). Renal morphology was investigated by light microscopy. Tissue samples and trunk blood were also obtained to determine renal malondialdehyde (MDA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) levels. MDA production was found to be higher in AK group. PTX administration caused a significant decrease in MDA production. Morphological damage in rats given AK was severe in the kidney, whereas in rats given AK plus PTX, no histological changes occurred. It is concluded that PTX could be useful for reducing the nephrotoxic effects of AK.

Effects of misoprostol on cisplatin-induced renal damage in rats

Cisplatin (CP) is a potent anticancer drug. However, it has side effects on kidney such as nephrotoxicity. Abnormal production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been accused in the etiology of CP-induced nephrotoxicity. Several ROS scavengers have been reported to prevent nephrotoxicity after CP administration. In this study, we used prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) analogues misoprostol (MP) to reduce this damage. MP has gained considerable interest as a ROS scavenger. Rats were received a single injection of CP (5 mg/kg, i.p.) with or without MP pretreatment (200 mcg/kg, orally). The renal tissue morphology was investigated by light microscopy. Trunk blood was also obtained to determine lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT). CP administration increased MDA production and decreased SOD and CAT levels in the kidney tissue when compared to the control group. Morphological damage in CP administrated rats was also severe in the kidney tissue. MP treatment after CP application protected the renal tissues from CPs side effect. These findings indicate that MP has beneficial effects on CP induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Impact of 2.45 GHz microwave radiation on the testicular inflammatory pathway biomarkers in young rats: The role of gallic acid

The aim of this study was to investigate electromagnetic radiation (EMR) transmitted by wireless devices (2.45 GHz), which may cause physiopathological or ultrastructural changes, in the testes of rats. We addressed if the supplemental gallic acid (GA) may reduce these adverse effects. Six‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. Forty eight rats were equally divided into four groups, which were named: Sham, EMR only (EMR, 3 h day−1 for 30 days), EMR + GA (30 mg/kg/daily), and GA (30 mg/kg/daily) groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels increased (p = 0.001 for both) in EMR only group. TOS and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels decreased in GA treated group significantly (p = 0.001 and p = 0.045, respectively). Total antioxidant status (TAS) activities decreased in EMR only group and increased in GA treatment group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.029, respectively). Testosterone and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels decreased in EMR only group, but this was not statistically significant. Testosterone and VEGF levels increased in EMR+GA group, compared with EMR only group (p = 0.002), and also increased in GA group compared with the control and EMR only group (p = 0.044 and p = 0.032, respectively). Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and calcitonin gene releated peptide (CGRP) staining increased in tubules of the testes in EMR only group (p < 0.001 for both) and decreased in tubules of the testes in EMR+GA group (p < 0.001 for all parameters). In EMR only group, most of the tubules contained less spermatozoa, and the spermatozoon counts decreased in tubules of the testes. All these findings and the regenerative reaction, characterized by mitotic activity, increased in seminiferous tubules cells of the testes in EMR+GA group (p < 0.001). Long term EMR exposure resulted in testicular physiopathology via oxidative damage and inflammation. GA may have ameliorative effects on the prepubertal rat testes physiopathology.

The impact of alpha-lipoic acid on amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity

Abstract Amikacin (AK) is an antibacterial drug, but it has remarkable nephrotoxic and ototoxic side effects due to increase in reactive oxygen radicals. This study was established to determine the possible protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a powerful antioxidant, on AK-induced nephrotoxicity. Three different groups of rats (n = 6) were administered saline (control), AK (1.2 g/kg, intraperitoneally), ALA (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and AK combination (ALA one day before the AK for five days). Renal function, oxidative stress markers and histological changes were evaluated at the end of the experiment. Malondialdehyde was increased as an indicator of free radical formation in AK-induced group and decreased with ALA treatment. While catalase activity was increased significantly, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were not statistically significant increased with ALA treatment. The result showed that AK enhanced levels of urea, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in serum significantly. Administration of ALA reduced these levels of biochemical markers. Histopathological observations were confirmed by biochemical findings. In conclusion, ALA is suggested to be a potential candidate to ameliorate AK-induced nephrotoxicity.

The impact of high fructose on cardiovascular system Role of α-lipoic acid

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of α-lipoic acid (α-LA) on oxidative damage and inflammation that occur in endothelium of aorta and heart while constant consumption of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The rats were randomly divided into three groups with each group containing eight rats. The groups include HFCS, HFCS + α-LA treatment, and control. HFCS was given to the rats at a ratio of 30% of F30 corn syrup in drinking water for 10 weeks. α-LA treatment was given to the rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day orally for the last 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were killed by cervical dislocation. The blood samples were collected for biochemical studies, and the aortic and cardiac tissues were collected for evaluation of oxidant–antioxidant system, tissue bath, and pathological examination. HFCS had increased the levels of malondialdehyde, creatine kinase MB, lactate dehydrogenase, and uric acid and showed significant structural changes in the heart of the rats by histopathology. Those changes were improved by α-LA treatment as it was found in this treatment group. Immunohistochemical expressions of tumor necrosis factor α and inducible nitric oxide synthase were increased in HFCS group, and these receptor levels were decreased by α-LA treatment. All the tissue bath studies supported these findings. Chronic consumption of HFCS caused several problems like cardiac and endothelial injury of aorta by hyperuricemia and induced oxidative stress and inflammation. α-LA treatment reduced uric acid levels, oxidative stress, and corrected vascular responses. α-LA can be added to cardiac drugs due to its cardiovascular protective effects against the cardiovascular diseases.

Medical students' participation in and perception of unprofessional behaviors: comparison of preclinical and clinical phases

We aimed to compare reported observations, participation in, and perceptions of unprofessional behaviors across preclinical and clinical medical students using a 23-item questionnaire that asked participants whether they witnessed or participated in the behavior and considered it unprofessional. Overall, 111 preclinical (year 3) and 104 clinical (year 4) students responded. For all of the behaviors, significant positive correlations were present between participation and affirmative perceptions. Participation rates for several unprofessional behaviors (14 of 23 items) were higher in the clinical phase. Clinical students more frequently perceived unprofessional behaviors as appropriate (17 of 23 items) compared with preclinical students. In conclusion, both preclinical and clinical medical students in our setting commonly witness unprofessional behaviors. Clinical students participate in and tend to rationalize these behaviors more frequently than preclinical students do.

Neuroprotective Effects of Pregabalin on Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion

BACKGROUND Stroke is one of the most common causes of death and the leading cause of disability in adults. Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury causes cerebral edema, hemorrhage, and neuronal death. AIMS In post-ischemic reperfusion, free radical production causes brain tissue damage by oxidative stress. Pregabalin, an antiepileptic agent was shown to have antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of pregabalin on ischemia and reperfusion in rat brain injury. STUDY DESIGN Animal experimentation. METHODS Male Wistar rats weighing (250-300 g) were randomly divided into six groups, each consisting of 6 rats: control (C), pregabalin (P), ischemia (I), pregabalin + ischemia (PI), ischemia + reperfusion (IR) and ischemia + reperfusion + pregabalin (PIR). Rats were initially pre-treated with 50 mg/kg/d pregabalin orally for two days. Then, animals that applied ischemia in I, PI, IR and PIR groups were exposed to carotid clamping for 30 minutes and 20 minutes reperfusion was performed in the relevant reperfusion groups. RESULTS NR2B receptor levels were significantly lower in the PIR group in comparison to the IR group. In the PIR group, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level had statistically significant decrease compared with IR group. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels were also significantly increased in the PIR group compared with I, IR and control groups. In the PI and PIR groups, catalase (CAT) levels were also significantly increased compared with I and IR groups (p=0.03 and p=0.07, respectively). CONCLUSION Pregabalin may protect the damage of oxidative stress after ischemia + reperfusion. This result would illuminate clinical studies in the future.

Lens and cornea lesions of rats fed corn syrup and the protective effects of alpha lipoic acid

Abstract Objective: To examine the pathological findings that occurred in the lens and cornea and biochemical findings in the lens of rats fed with corn syrup and the protective effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA). Materials and methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group I served as the control group. Group II was used as the study group; the rats were treated with 30% corn sugar solution for 10 weeks. Group III was the treatment group. Corn syrup was given by the oral route to the rats during the study, and ALA (100 mg/kg) was added to the treatment 4 weeks after the study began. At the end of the experiment, central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured in all rats with an ultrasonic pachymeter. Then the right eyes of the rats were enucleated for histopathological examination of the cornea and lens. The left lenses were homogenized for biochemical analyses. Results: The lenses of the rats treated with corn syrup revealed severe damage; many lens fibers appeared swollen and ruptured with large vacuoles near the lens epithelium. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a parameter of oxidative stress, increased but not significantly in Group II; however. ALA treatment decreased MDA levels significantly. Antioxidant enzyme and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly decreased in Group II, and ALA treatment increased these activities; however, the increase was not significant. Changes were observed in the cornea such as epithelial alterations, subepithelial vacuolizations, collagen fibers loss in the stromal layer, interruptions in the subepithelial basement membrane and central corneal thickening. Conclusions: Corn syrup can cause severe damage in rat lenses and corneas. However, ALA ameliorates the effect of corn syrup-related lesions on the cornea and lens.

Pathology of cigarettes on the reproductive system and ameliorative effects of alpha lipoic acid: A rat model study

Cigarette smoking (CS) has some detrimental effects that occur via oxidative stress (OS). The aim of this work was to demonstrate the pathological and immunohistochemical effects of CS and the protective effects of a strong antioxidant alpha lipoic acid (ALA) on CS-induced genital system changes in a rat model. Twenty-eight female rats were randomly allocated to three groups as control, CS-exposed, and CS-exposed and ALA-treated. Reproductive tract organs were collected for biochemical and pathological examinations. In the CS group, OS markers increased in the tissues of both the ovary and fallopian tubes. Decreased follicle numbers in the ovary, marked cilial loss in the fallopian tubes, and pathologic changes in the uterus were observed in the CS group. Positive calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP), caspase 3α, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) immunoreactions were observed in uterine tissues and HIF-1α immunoreactions in tubal and uterine epithelial cells of the CS group. ALA reversed all these findings effectively. CS has negative effects on the female reproductive system via HIF-1α in tuba uterina and HIF-1α, HIF-2α, TNF-α, caspase 3, and CGRP in the uterus, and ALA could protect against the negative effects of CS on the female reproductive system.

Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dönem-3 Öğrencilerinin Farmakoloji Eğitimine Etki Eden Faktörlerin İncelenmesi

Giris: Teorik bilgi yuku nedeniyle ogrenilmesi zor olarak kabul edilen farmakoloji dersi, gunumuzde klinik pratige gecis dersi olarak da algilanmakta ve bu nedenle farmakoloji egitiminde entegratif stratejiler uzerinde calisilmaktadir. Amac: Suleyman Demirel Universitesi Tip Fakultesi ogrencilerinin farmakoloji egitimlerini etkileyen faktorlerin niteliksel bir calisma ile incelenmesi amaclandi. Gerec ve Yontem: Calismamizda 6 arastirmaci ile bir arastirma ekibi olusturuldu ve ekip tarafindan farmakoloji egitimi ile ilgili 5 acik uclu soru hazirlandi. Tip fakultesi donem 3 ogrencilerinden 121’i (%47) calismaya katildi. Bulgular: Farmakoloji dersi ile ilgili teorik bilgi yuku fazlaligi ve ezberleme ihtiyaci gibi dersin dogasi ile ilgili gorusler on plandaydi. Ogrenciler, calisma stratejileriyle ilgili olarak derse katilmanin onemini net olarak ifade etti. Farmakoloji dersinin gunluk hayata etkisiyle ilgili soruda, buyuk cogunluk ilac kutusu ve prospektus okuma davranisi tarifledi. Dersin isleyisi ile ilgili soruda klinige yonelik ders anlatimi ve pratik uygulama ihtiyaci ortaya kondu. Tartisma: Farmakoloji dersi gibi ogrenilmesi zor olarak algilanan dersler, ogretim uyelerinin aktif cabasiyla ogrencide olumlu izlenim birakabilmektedir. Dersin verimliliginin arttirilmasi ve derse aktif katilimin saglanmasi amaciyla prospektus okuma ve recete yazma beceri uygulamalari, kucuk gruplarda vakalarin tartisildigi oturumlar veya ozel calisma modulleri planlanabilir. Bu tur uygulamalarin klinik egitim doneminde de tekrarlanmasi teorik farmakoloji bilgisinin klinik bilgiyle entegrasyonunun saglanmasi ve teorik yukun azaltilmasi acisindan onemlidir.