Mehmet Fatih Sönmez

Stimulation of Bone Formation by Dietary Boron in an Orthopedically Expanded Suture in Rabbits

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of dietary boron on bone regeneration in rabbits in response to expansion of the midpalatal suture during different retention periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-eight 12-week-old New Zealand white male rabbits were separated into four equal groups: group 1 (B+10) and group 2 (B-10) had retention periods of 10 days with or without boron intake, respectively. Group 3 (B+20, with boron) and group 4 (B-20, without boron) were retained for 20 days. All groups had a 5-day expansion period. For both B+ groups, boron was prepared in distilled water and given to the rabbits during their (1) nursery phase (40 days), (2) expansion phase, and (3) retention period at a dosage of 3 mg/kg daily by oral gavage. Bone regeneration in the midpalatal suture was evaluated by a bone histomorphometric method, and the mineralized area (Md.Ar), fibrosis area (Fb.Ar), mineralized area/fibrosis area (Md.Ar/Fb.Ar), bone area (B.Ar) and osteoblast number (N.Ob) parameters were evaluated. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed significant differences between groups for all investigated measurements. Md.Ar (P < .01), Md.Ar/Fb.Ar (P < .001), B.Ar (P < .01), and N.Ob (P < .01) parameters were increased and Fb.Ar (P < .01) was decreased in groups B+10 and B+20. No significant differences were observed during an additional 10-day retention period in all groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Boron has a positive effect on the early phase of bone regeneration of the midpalatal suture in response to expansion and may be beneficial in routine maxillary expansion procedures.

Effects of v-3 essential fatty acids against formaldehyde-induced nephropathy in rats:

The aim of this study was to examine the toxicity of formaldehyde (FA) on the kidney and the protective effects of v-3 essential fatty acids against these toxic effects. Twenty-one male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Rats in Group I comprised the controls, while the rats in Group II were injected every other day with FA. Rats in Group III received v-3 fatty acids daily while exposed to FA. At the end of the 14-day experimental period, all rats were killed by decapitation and the kidneys removed. Some of the kidney tissue specimens were used for determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The remaining kidney tissue specimens were used for light microscopic evaluation. The levels of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly decreased, and MDA levels were significantly increased in rats treated with FA compared with those of the controls. Furthermore, in the microscopic examination of this group, glomerular and tubular degeneration, vascular congestion and tubular dilatation were observed. However, increased SOD and GSH-Px enzyme activities, and decreased MDA levels were detected in the rats administered v-3 fatty acids while exposed to FA. Additionally, kidney damage caused by FA was decreased and structural appearance was similar to that of the control rats in this group. In conclusion, it was determined that FA-induced kidney damage was prevented by administration of v-3 essential fatty acids.

Melatonin and vitamin C attenuates alcohol-induced oxidative stress in aorta.

Epidemiological studies have shown that low to moderate doses of alcohol consumption are beneficial to cardiac health. However, chronic high doses of alcohol ingestion cause cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study was to investigate both the effects of melatonin and vitamin C and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in aorta of chronic alcoholic rats. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were used in the study. Rats were divided into four equal groups. Group I (control): rats were not fed on alcohol; Group II: rats were fed on alcohol; Group III: rats were fed on alcohol and 40 mg/kg vitamin C were injected intraperitoneally and Group IV: rats were fed on alcohol and 4 mg/kg melatonin were injected intraperitoneally. At the end of the experiment, rats were killed and aorta tissues were removed. Some parts of the aorta tissues were used for biochemical analyses and the other parts were used at histological procedures. In the control group, endothelial nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity was (++) in smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the alcohol group was stronger than control group. Chronic ethanol ingestion significantly increased (p < 0.05); and melatonin significantly decreased both the plasma and tissue malondialdehyde levels. The superoxide dismutase levels and catalase activity did not change significantly in the Vitamin C and melatonin groups (p > 0.05) compared to the control and alcohol groups. The present results indicate that chronic alcohol consumption increase lipid peroxidation and cause endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in the aorta. However, melatonin and vitamin C administration provide partial protection against alcohol-induced damage.

Melatonin and Vitamin C Ameliorate Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress and eNOS Expression in Rat Kidney

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of melatonin and vitamin C as antioxidants on renal injury in chronic alcohol consumption. Materials and methods: A total of 24 adult male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were used in the study. Rats were divided into four equal groups. Group I (control): rats were not fed on alcohol; Group II: rats were fed on alcohol; Group III: rats were fed on alcohol and 40 mg/kg vitamin C; and Group IV: rats were fed on alcohol and 4 mg/kg melatonin. Results: Light microscopic examination revealed atrophic renal corpuscles, dilatation and congestion of the peritubular vessels, and renal corpuscles with obscure Bowman’s space and a few foamy-appearing tubules due to alcohol consumption were observed. Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was localized to glomerulus, distal, and collector tubules. eNOS staining decreased in alcohol treatment group and melatonin and vitamin C encore increased expression pattern of eNOS. Alcohol consumption increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities significantly in the alcohol consumption groups compared with that in the control group, while in melatonin give group just MDA level was decreased statistically significant and SOD and CAT activities were also decreased numerically compared with the alcohol consumption groups. Conclusions: These results indicated that chronic alcohol consumption caused renal damage by increased lipid peroxidation and melatonin and vitamin C administration produced in some degree protection against alcohol-induced damage.

Effects of melatonin and vitamin C on cigarette smoke–induced damage in the kidney

This study was carried out to investigate smoke-induced structural and biochemical changes and protective effects of co-administered melatonin and vitamin C in the kidney. Twenty-four Wistar adult female rats were used in this study. Animals were divided into four groups. The first group rats were used as control. The second group of rats inhaled cigarette smoke. Smile smoke inhaling third and fourth group rats received melatonin and vitamin C, respectively. At the end of experimental study, kidney tissues and blood samples were taken under ether anesthesia. Tissues were prepared and examined by light microscopy. Malondialdehyde and glutathione levels and catalase activity were determined. By light microscopic observation, a decrease of Bowman space of some renal corpuscles, foamy-like tubules, dilatation and congestion of the peritubuler vessels, and atrophy of the some renal corpuscles were observed in group II. In groups III and IV melatonin and vitamin C relatively protected the kidney tissue against smoke intoxication. Biochemical examination showed that malondialdehyde and glutathione levels and catalase activity in group II were higher than in group I. Melatonin and vitamin C injection to group III and IV caused a decrease in malondialdehyde and glutathione levels. Catalase activity did not change in these groups. We have shown that cigarette smoke inhalation caused structural changes in the kidney. However, melatonin and vitamin C administration produced in some degree protection against smoke-induced damage.

Protective effects of grape seed extract on cadmium-induced testicular damage, apoptosis, and endothelial nitric oxide synthases expression in rats

This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on cadmium (Cd)-induced testicular apoptosis, endothelial nitric oxide synthases (eNOS) expression, and toxicity in rats. A total of 24 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, namely, control, Cd (2.5 mg/kg), Cd + GSPE (100 mg/kg/day), and GSPE. Spermatogenesis and mean seminiferous tubule diameter were significantly decreased in the Cd groups. Furthermore, the GSPE-treated animals showed an improved histological appearance in the Cd group. The immunoreactivity of eNOS and the number of apoptotic cells were increased in Cd group. Our data indicate a significant reduction of terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated 2′-deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nick end-labeling staining and a decrease in the expression of eNOS in the testes tissue of the Cd group treated with GSPE therapy. Therefore, our results suggest that GSPE acts as a potent protective agent against Cd-induced testicular toxicity in rats.

Protective effects of propolis on methotrexate-induced testis injury in rat.

Propolis is an adhesive substance which is collected and used by honeybees. Propolis is a potent antioxidant and a free radical scavenger. This study was designed to determine whether propolis could protect against dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by methotrexate-induced injury in rat testis. A total of 40 male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: group 1 was the untreated control. On the eighth day of the experiment, groups 2 and 3 received single intraperitoneal injections of methotrexate (MTX) at 20mg/kg. Groups 3 and 4 received 100mg/kg/day propolis (by oral gavage) for 15 days by the first day of the experimental protocol. Then the rats were decapitated under anesthesia, and their testes were removed. The histopathological and biochemical analysis along with apoptosis assessment of testis tissues were compared. Immunohistochemical analysis of Heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) were performed. The phenolic characterization of propolis was performed by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Methotrexate caused tended to increase in malondialdehyde level and in the number of apoptotic cells; it also caused a decrease in MSTD and JTBS, PCNA and HSP-70 expression and xanthine oxidase levels in group 2. Propolis prevented the rise in malondialdehyde, xanthine oxidase levels and HSP-70 expression and improved testicular morphology and JTBS. It was found that, methorexate gives rise to serious damage in the testes and propolis is a potent antioxidant agent in preventing testicular injury.

Effect of melatonin and vitamin C on expression of endothelial NOS in heart of chronic alcoholic rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin and vitamin C on expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in heart tissue of chronic alcoholic rats. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were used in this study. Rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as control (n = 6). The second group was treated with ethanol (%7.2) for 28 days (n = 6), which was administered in artificial isocaloric diets. The third group was given ethanol and supplemented with 40 mg/kg vitamin C [intraperitoneally (i.p.)] (n = 6). The fourth group was given ethanol and supplemented with 4 mg/kg melatonin (i.p.) (n = 6). At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and heart tissues were processed for immunohistochemistry analysis to endothelial NOS (eNOS). eNOS immunoreactivity showed heterogeneous distribution in control group. eNOS immunoreactivity was (+) in some myocytes and (++) in some others. Expression of eNOS in alcohol group was heterogeneous like control group but also stronger than that. Immunoreactivity was (+++) in myocytes near the epicardial zone and (++) in myocytes near the endocardium border. In melatonin and vitamin C-treated groups, eNOS immunoreactivity was diffuse and the intensity of reaction was (+++) in subepicardial region. However, eNOS immunoreactivity scores were weaker in these groups when compared with the alcohol group. Our results indicate that alleviation of oxidative stress by antioxidant therapy reduces reactive oxygen species-mediated nitric oxide inactivation.

Protective effect of propolis on methotrexate-induced kidney injury in the rat

Abstract Objectives Propolis is a potent antioxidant and a free radical scavenger. Pharmacological induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) has been investigated for restoring normal cellular function following an injury. In this study, effect of propolis on HSP-70 expression in methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity and direct preventive effect of propolis in this toxicity were investigated. Material and methods A total of 40 male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 was the untreated control. On the eighth day of the experiment, groups 2 and 3 received single intraperitoneal injections of methotrexate (MTX) at 20 mg/kg. Groups 3 and 4 received 100 mg/kg/day propolis (by oral gavage) for 15 d by the first day of the experimental protocol. Then the rats were decapitated under ketamine esthesia and their kidney tissues were removed. HSP-70 expression, apoptosis, and histopathological damage scores were then compared. Results MTX caused epithelial desquamation into the lumen of the tubules, dilatation, and congestion of the peritubular vessels and renal corpuscles with obscure Bowman’s space. The number of apoptotic cells (p = 0.000) and HSP-70 (p = 0.002) expression were increased in group 2. Propolis prevented the rise in number of apoptotic cells (p = 0.017), HSP-70 (p = 0.000) expression, and improved kidney morphology. Conclusions It was found that methotrexate gives rise to serious damage in the kidney and propolis is a potent antioxidant agent in preventing kidney injury.

The effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on ghrelin expression in rat testis: biochemical and immunohistochemical study

INTRODUCTION Ghrelin is a hormone which has effects on the secretion of growth hormone, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, cell proliferation and reproductive system. The present study we focused on the relation between ghrelin and GHS-R1a gene expression and the regulation of their expression in the testes of diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS 40 male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control, and sampled 4, 8 and 12 weeks after induction of diabetes by streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injection (40 mg/kg). The rats were decapitated under ketamine anesthesia and their testes were removed. Blood was obtained from heart and serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels were measured by ELISA. Tissue ghrelin and GHS-R mRNA levels were determined by qRT-PCR, while ghrelin protein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. Histopathological damage scores were also assessed. RESULTS Eight weeks after diabetes induction serum FSH level was increased, whereas LH and testosterone concentrations decreased. The ghrelin and GHS-R1a gene expression and ghrelin immunohistochemistry score first tended to increase after first four weeks of diabetes, and then tended to decrease. Ghrelin-immunopositive cells were detected in Leydig cells in all groups of rats, however, not in the germinal epithelium. Congestion of vessels and hemorrhage, formation of the vacuoles in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, desquamation of spermatids in the lumen and disorganization of seminiferous tubule germinal epithelium were observed in testis of all the diabetic rats. In addition, mean testicular biopsy score and mean seminiferous tubule diameter were getting lower in diabetic animals. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that diabetes affects ghrelin expression in rat testis.