Metehan Uzun

Revealing the History of Sheep Domestication Using Retrovirus Integrations

Sheep retroviruses can be used to map the selective preferences of early farmers and trace livestock movements across Europe. Not Just Dinner on Legs Several thousand years ago, human beings realized the virtues of domesticating wild animals as easy meat. Soon other possibilities became apparent, and as revealed in a series of papers in this issue, early pastoralists became selective about breeding for wool, leather, milk, and muscle power. In two papers, Gibbs et al. report on the bovine genome sequence (p. 522; see the cover, the Perspective by Lewin, and the Policy Forum by Roberts) and trace the diversity and genetic history of cattle (p. 528), while Chessa et al. (p. 532) survey the occurrence of endogenous retroviruses in sheep and map their distribution to historical waves of human selection and dispersal across Europe. Finally, Ludwig et al. (p. 485) note the origins of variation in the coat-color of horses and suggest that it is most likely to have been selected for by humans in need of good-looking transport. The domestication of livestock represented a crucial step in human history. By using endogenous retroviruses as genetic markers, we found that sheep differentiated on the basis of their “retrotype” and morphological traits dispersed across Eurasia and Africa via separate migratory episodes. Relicts of the first migrations include the Mouflon, as well as breeds previously recognized as “primitive” on the basis of their morphology, such as the Orkney, Soay, and the Nordic short-tailed sheep now confined to the periphery of northwest Europe. A later migratory episode, involving sheep with improved production traits, shaped the great majority of present-day breeds. The ability to differentiate genetically primitive sheep from more modern breeds provides valuable insights into the history of sheep domestication.

Major Ozonated Autohemotherapy Preconditioning Ameliorates Kidney Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Medical ozone has therapeutic properties as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, modulator of antioxidant defense system. Major ozonated autohemotherapy (MOA) is a new therapeutic approach that is widely used in the treatment of many diseases. The objective of the present study was to determine whether preischemic application of MOA would attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in rabbits. Twenty-four male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups, each including six animals: (1) Sham-operated group, (2) Ozone group (the MOA group without IRI), (3) IR group (60xa0min ischemia followed by 24xa0h reperfusion), and (4) IRu2009+u2009MOA group (MOA group). The effects of MOA were examined by use of hematologic and biochemical parameters consisting of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI). In addition, the histopathological changes including the tubular brush border loss (TBBL), tubular cast (TC), tubular necrosis (TN), intertubular hemorrhage and congestion (IHC), dilatation of bowman space (DBS), and interstitial inflammatory cells infiltration (IECI) were evaluated. In the IR group, compared to the Sham group, biochemical parameters indicating oxidative stress, NLR, IL-6, TNF-α, IMA, TOS, and OSI have increased. MOA reduced inflammation and oxidative stress parameters. Although TAS values have decreased in the IR group and increased in the MOA-pretreated group, no significant changes in TAS values were detected between the IR and MOA groups. The total score was obtained by summing all the scores from morphological kidney damage markers. The total score has increased with IR damage when compared with the Sham group (13.83xa0± 4.30 vs 1.51xa0± 1.71; pu2009=u20090.002). But, the total score has decreased significantly after application of MOA (5.01xa0± 1.49; pu2009=u20090.002; compared with the IR group). MOA preconditioning is effective in reducing tissue damage induced in kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury. The protective effect of MOA is mediated via reducing inflammatory response and regulating of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Renal histology also showed convincing evidence regarding MOA’s protective nature against kidney injury induced renal ischemia-reperfusion. Consequently, MOA might be helpful in protecting the kidneys from IR-induced damage in humans, probably through the anti-inflammatory effect and reducing the total oxidant status.

The investigation of airway management capacity of v-gel and cobra-PLA in anaesthetised rabbits

PURPOSEnTo evaluate the applicability and airway management capacity of v-gel® and Cobra PLA in rabbit anaesthesia during assisted (AV) or controlled ventilation (CV).nnnMETHODSnThis study was carried out in 44 adult New Zealand white rabbit. Baseline arterial pH, PaCO2 and PaO2 values were recorded. Anaesthesia was induced with 5 mg/kg xylasine and 35 mg/kg ketamine HCI combination. AV rabbits were assigned as; control (CG-AV; n=5), LMA (LMA-AV; n=5), cobra PLA (PLA-AV; n=5) and v-gel (v-gelAV; n=5). Rabbits have CV were also assigned as; ET (ET-CV; n=6), LMA (LMA-CV; n=6), cobraPLA (PLA-CV; n=6) and v-gel (v-gelCV; n=6). All measurements were repeated 1st, 5th, 15th and 30th mins during anaesthesia.nnnRESULTSnThe less insertion time, number of attempt and complications are recorded in v-gel applied rabbits compared to other apparatus. For arterial pH values significant differences are recorded in especially at 15th and 30th min between groups of CV (p<0.005 or p<0.001). All groups had similar results with each other during anaesthesia for PaCO2 except for LMA-CV group.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe v-gel may be used as airway device in rabbit anaesthesia undergoing AV or CV and also can be a suitable alternative to endotracheal tubes and laryngeal mask airway.

Comparison of the effects of various airway devices on hemodynamic response and QTc interval in rabbits under general anesthesia

AbstractnIn this study, we aimed to compare the effects of various airway devices on QTc interval in rabbits under general anesthesia. The subjects were randomly separated into four groups: Group ETT, Group LMA, Group PLA, Group V-gel. Baseline values and hearth rate, mean arterial pressure and ECG was obtained at the 1st, 5th and 30thxa0minutes after administration of anesthesia and placement of airway device and, QTc interval was evaluated. Difference was observed between ET group and V-gel group in the 5thxa0minute mean arterial pressure values (pxa0<xa00.05). It was observed that QTc intervals at the 1st and 5thxa0minute in the ET group significantly increased when compared with the other groups (pxa0<xa00.05). Again, it was observed that QTc interval of ET group at the 15th and 30th minute was longer when compared with PLA and V-gel groups (pxa0<xa00.05). It was also observed that QTc interval of LMA Group at the 5thxa0minute after intubation significantly increased when compared with V-gel group (pxa0<xa00.05). It was observed that HR values of ETT group at the 1st, 5th and 15thxa0minutes after intubation increased with regards to PLA and V-gel groups (pxa0<xa00.05). It was determined that the 30thxa0minute hearth rate of ETT group was higher when compared to V-gel group (pxa0<xa00.05). Conclusion: In our study we observed that V-gel Rabbit affected both hemodynamic response and QT interval less than other airway devices.

The effects of melatonin administration on KCNQ and KCNH2 gene expressions and QTc interval in pinealectomised rats

Melatonin is a hormone secreted from the pineal gland and has different cardiovascular effects. KCNQ genes expressed in aorta related with vascu- lar tone and KCNH2 gene characterised in left ventricle associated with QT duration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on the regulation of the blood pressure and the relationships between the expressions of aorta KCNQ1-5, left ventricle KCNH2 genes and the QTc interval. For that purpose, 42 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were devided into six groups; SHAM, SHAM+L-NAME, PLT, PLT+L-NAME, PLT+MEL and PLT+L-NAME+MEL. Pinealectomy operation was applied in PLT groups. L-NAME was added in drinking water (40 mg/kg/day) and melatonin was given subcutanously (5 mg/kg/day). The blood pressure, heart rate (HR) and QTc interval values were recorded on 0, 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st days of experiment. Left ventricle and thoracic aorta samples were obtained to investigate the changes of gene expression levels of KCNQ1-5 and KCNH2, respectively. The increased blood pressure and HR were observed in SHAM+L-NAME, PLT, and PLT+L-NAME groups compared to MEL and SHAM groups (p<0.05). On the other hand, the long QTc interval was recorded in PLT and all L-NAME groups compared to others (p<0.05). The decreases in KCNH2 gene expression levels were observed in groups have QTc prolongation. In conclusion, PLT operation could cause an increasing in blood pressure, HR and QTc duration, melatonin was able to prevent these increasings and could change KCNQ and KCNH2 gene expresion profiles. Further molecular studies are required to evaluate these effects.

Comparison of effects of sugammadex and neostigmine on QTc prolongation in rabbits under general anesthesia

PURPOSEnTo compare the effects of sugammadex and neostigmine, used to antagonize the effects of rocuronium, on the QTc interval.nnnMETHODSnThis study used 10 adult New Zealand white rabbits of 2.5-3.5 kg randomly divided into two groups: sugammadex group (Group S, n:5) and neostigmine group (Group N, n:5). For general anesthesia administering 2 mg/kg iv propofol and 1 mcg/kg iv fentanyl, 0.6 mg/kg iv rocuronium was given. Later to provide reliable airway for all experimental animals V-Gel Rabbit was inserted. The rabbits were manually ventilated by the same anesthetist. After the V-Gel Rabbit was inserted at 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 27, 30 and 40 minutes measurements were repeated and recorded. At 25 minutes after induction Group N rabbits were given 0.05 mg/kg iv neostigmine + 0.01 mg/kg iv atropine. Group S were administered 2 mg/kg iv sugammadex.nnnRESULTSnComparing the QTc interval in the rabbits in Group S and Group N, in the 25th, 27th and 30th minute after muscle relaxant antagonist was administered the QTc interval in the neostigmine group rabbits was significantly increased (p<0.05).nnnCONCLUSIONnWhile sugammadex, administered to antagonize the effect of rocuronium, did not significantly affect the QTc interval, neostigmine+atropine proloned the QTc interval.

Blood gas analyzer utility in evaluating oxygen kinetics of the aqueous humor

PURPOSEnTo measure the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) and carbon dioxide (PCO2) and the pH of aqueous humor (AH) and arterial blood samples from rabbits using a blood gas analyzer.nnnMETHODSnTwenty New Zealand rabbits were anesthetized intramuscularly with ketamine and xylazine and were then allowed to breathe room air. Using a gas blood analyzer, arterial blood and AH samples were analyzed for PO2, PCO2, and pH.nnnRESULTSnThe mean arterial blood pressure was 87.14 ± 15.0 mmHg. The mean blood and AH PO2 were 95.18 ± 11.76 mmHg and 88.83 ± 9.92 mmHg, the mean blood and AH PCO2 were 25.86 ± 5.46 mmHg and 29.50 ± 5.36 mmHg, and the mean blood and AH pH were 7.38 ± 0.06 and 7.33 ± 0.09, respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONnnnnCONCLUSIONSnThe blood gas analyzer was easily employed to evaluate the aqueous humor in rabbits. When comparing the results of studies evaluating aqueous PO2, care should be taken to determine the methods used in these studies.

Adalimumab mitigates ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis and resolution of inflammation: Adalimumab in ovarian torsion

Ovarian torsion is a rare but an important reason of acute lower abdominal pain in women and associated with serious morbidity and mortality, if not treated promptly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an antitumor necrosis factor‐α antibody on ovarian torsion in a rat model of ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Effects of Melatonin on Blood Pressure, Oxidative Stress and Placental Expressions of TNFα, IL-6, VEGF and sFlt-1 in RUPP Rat Model of Preeclampsia

Effects of Melatonin on Blood Pressure, Oxidative Stress and Placental Expressions of TNFa, IL-6, VEGF and sFlt-1 in RUPP Rat Model of Preeclampsia Metehan Uzun, Meryem Gencer, Hakan Turkon, Rahime Ozlem Oztopuz, Ufuk Demir, and Mehmet Akif Ovali Department of Physiology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biochemistry, Department of Biophysics, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Medicine, Canakkale, Turkey

Melatonin attenuates caspase-dependent apoptosis in the thoracic aorta by regulating element balance and oxidative stress in pinealectomized rats

The aim of this study was to explain the possible mechanisms by which melatonin deficiency results in cardiovascular injury and to investigate the effects of melatonin administration on important signalling pathways and element equilibrium in the thoracic aorta (TA). For this purpose, we analysed the cellular and molecular effects of melatonin deficiency or administration on oxidative stress, DNA damage, molecular chaperone response, and apoptosis induction in TA tissues of pinealectomised rats using ELISA, RAPD, qRT-PCR, and Western blot assays. The results showed that melatonin deficiency led to an imbalance in essential element levels, unfolded or misfolded proteins, increased lipid peroxidation, and selectively induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in TA tissues without significantly affecting the Bcl-2/BAX ratio (2.28 in pinealectomised rats, 2.73 in pinealectomised rats treated with melatonin). In pinealectomised rats, the genomic template stability (80.22%) was disrupted by the significantly increased oxidative stress, and heat shock protein 70 (20.96-fold), TNF-α (1.73-fold), caspase-8 (2.03-fold), and caspase-3 (2.87-fold) were markedly overexpressed compared with the sham group. Melatonin treatment was protective against apoptosis and inhibited oxidative damage. In addition, melatonin increased the survivin level and improved the regulation of element equilibrium in TA tissues. The results of the study indicate that melatonin deficiency induces TNF-α-related extrinsic apoptosis signals and that the administration of pharmacological doses of melatonin attenuates cardiovascular toxicity by regulating the increase in the rate of apoptosis caused by melatonin deficiency in TA tissue of Sprague-Dawley rats.