Sezen Kocarslan

Thymoquinone protects end organs from abdominal aorta ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model

Introduction Previous studies have demonstrated that thymoquinone has protective effects against ischemia reperfusion injury to various organs like lungs, kidneys and liver in different experimental models. Objective We aimed to determine whether thymoquinone has favorable effects on lung, renal, heart tissues and oxidative stress in abdominal aorta ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods Thirty rats were divided into three groups as sham (n=10), control (n=10) and thymoquinone (TQ) treatment group (n=10). Control and TQ-treatment groups underwent abdominal aorta ischemia for 45 minutes followed by a 120-min period of reperfusion. In the TQ-treatment group, thymoquinone was given 5 minutes. before reperfusion at a dose of 20 mg/kg via an intraperitoneal route. Total antioxidant capacity, total oxidative status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in blood serum were measured and lung, kidney, and heart tissue histopathology were evaluated with light microscopy. Results Total oxidative status and oxidative stress index activity in blood samples were statistically higher in the control group compared to the sham and TQ-treatment groups (P<0.001 for TOS and OSI). Control group injury scores were statistically higher compared to sham and TQ-treatment groups (P<0.001 for all comparisons). Conclusion Thymoquinone administered intraperitoneally was effective in reducing oxidative stress and histopathologic injury in an acute abdominal aorta ischemia-reperfusion rat model.

Curcumin and dexmedetomidine prevents oxidative stress and renal injury in hind limb ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model

Abstract Curcumin and dexmedetomidine have been shown to have protective effects in ischemia–reperfusion injury on various organs. However, their protective effects on kidney tissue against ischemia–reperfusion injury remain unclear. We aimed to determine whether curcumin or dexmedetomidine prevents renal tissue from injury that was induced by hind limb ischemia–reperfusion in rats. Fifty rats were divided into five groups: sham, control, curcumin (CUR) group (200 mg/kg curcumin, n = 10), dexmedetomidine (DEX) group (25 μg/kg dexmedetomidine, n = 10), and curcumin–dexmedetomidine (CUR–DEX) group (200 mg/kg curcumin and 25 μg/kg dexmedetomidine). Curcumin and dexmedetomidine were administered intraperitoneally immediately after the end of 4 h ischemia, just 5 min before reperfusion. The extremity re-perfused for 2 h and then blood samples were taken and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS) levels, and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured, and renal tissue samples were histopathologically examined. The TAC activity levels in blood samples were significantly lower in the control than the other groups (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). The TOS activity levels in blood samples were significantly higher in Control group and than the other groups (p <  0.01 for all comparison). The OSI were found to be significantly increased in the control group compared to others groups (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Histopathological examination revealed less severe lesions in the sham, CUR, DEX, and CUR–DEX groups, compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Rat hind limb ischemia–reperfusion causes histopathological changes in the kidneys. Curcumin and dexmedetomidine administered intraperitoneally was effective in reducing oxidative stress and renal histopathologic injury in an acute hind limb I/R rat model.

Effects of Lycopene Alone or Combined with Melatonin on Methotrexate-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats.

Methotrexate (Mtx), used for its anticancer and immunsuppresive properties, is known to be a nephrotoxic agent. We aimed to investigate the effects of lycopene (Lyc) alone or combined with melatonin (Mel) on Mtx- induced nephrotoxicity since both of these agents have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Nephrotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal administration of methotrexate at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Treatment both with Lyc alone and Lyc combined with Mel provided significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1-beta and ceruloplasmin levels in Mtx administered rats. Hovewer, Lyc combined with Mel provided a significant reduction also in NO levels. Hstopathological examination showed that there was an obvious improvement in the degenerative changes compared to Mtx administrated group with the Lyc combined Mel group giving best protection. In conclusion Lyc alone and combined with Mel provided significant improvement against renal damage caused by Mtx, preseumably via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Trophoblastic E-cadherin and TGF-beta expression in placenta percreta and normal pregnancies

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether trophoblastic transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and E-cadherin expression levels have a role in placenta percreta (PP) aetiopathogenesis. Methods: This study was carried out in the Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pathology Departments of Harran University Medicine School. Forty-four women who underwent caesarean section for PP and other obstetric reasons were included in this study. PP was defined as the detection of placental invasion during the histopathological examination of the hysterectomy specimen, which passes the uterine wall as a whole layer and involves the uterine serosa. Placental tissue samples were collected from all pregnant patients to evaluate TGF-β and E-cadherin expression levels. Results: No significant difference was found in demographic features, including age, gestational week, number of pregnancies and body mass index, among the groups. Immunohistochemical staining against E-cadherin, a cell adhesion molecule, showed significantly reduced staining in PP patients (p = 0.048). TGF-β staining was also low in PP patients, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.107). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that a decrease in trophoblastic E-cadherin expression may have an important role in PP aetiopathogenesis.

The effects of lycopene on intestinal injury due to methotrexate in rats

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lycopene (Lyc) on methotrexate (Mtx)-induced intestinal damage in rats. Method: Twenty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four equal groups: control, Mtx, Lyc, and Mtx-L. Control group: Rats were given only the vehicle. Lyc group: Rats were given Lyc (10 mg/kg) with corn oil by oral gavage for 10 days. Mtx group: Rats were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of 20 mg/kg of Mtx and given corn oil by oral gavage. Mtx-L group: Rats were treated with Lyc (10 mg/kg) for 10 days after a single dose of Mtx (20 mg/kg). All of the rats were euthanized using terminal anesthesia, and the intestinal tissues were removed for histological examination and for pro-inflammatory cytokine measurement (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)), total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI). Results: Mtx administration increased histopathological damage and increased TNF-α, IL-1β, TOS, TAC, and OSI levels in the small intestine tissues. Lyc therapy applied to the Mtx-L group provided significant improvement in all parameters of histopathological damage to the small intestine and significantly reduced the levels of IL-1β, TOS, and OSI in the intestinal tissues. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Lyc might be useful for protecting intestinal damage induced by Mtx in rats by reducing the increased oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β) levels.

Asymptomatic cervical mature teratoma in a child: an unusual presentation.

Sir, Teratomas originate from multipotent primitive germ cells, leading to different tissues that are foreign to the anatomical site of origin. They are embryonic tumours and appear in about 1:20,000-40,000 live births. Teratomas may develop in any part of the body; however, the sacrococcygeal region is the most common location [1]. Only 1.5% to 5.5% of all paediatric teratomas occur at the cervical region. Although cervical teratomas are generally benign, they can be fatal due to respiratory distress, if not excised [2]. We aimed to present the case of a 2-year-old female with a cervical teratoma without airway obstruction. A 2-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with a slowly enlarging cervical tumour first noticed during the neonatal period. There were no symptoms of distress in this patient during the fetal period. Surgical treatment was planned at the second month; however, the patient was not operated on due to an acute pulmonary infection. At that point the patient was treated for the pulmonary infection and discharged from the hospital. Clinical follow-up was not done and, thus far, there were no symptoms with regard to the cervical mass. Currently, upon physical examination, the tumour was determined to be 5x4 cm in diameter, and palpated in the left anterior region of the neck. The mass was immobile and had an elastic consistency. There was no indication of respiratory distress. The results of the hematological tests and thyroid function tests were within normal limits. The preoperative appraisal of the patient consisted of X-rays, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the extent of the tumour. Cervical x-rays revealed minimal tracheal deviation, and calcification was not observed in the tumour. US showed a multiloculated cystic mass with internal septations. The MRI showed the presence of a 31x53x46 mm mass with cystic components, located in the left lobe of the thyroid, and extending from the submandibular region to the mediastinal entry. The cystic fluids were shown to be of low intensity on the Tl-weighted MRI, and of high intensity on the T2-weighted MRI [Table/Fig-1]. Complete surgical excision of the tumour was carried out, and upon macroscopic examination, the tumour was 5x3x2.5cm in diameter and composed of many cystic lumina containing gelatinous fluid and solid areas. Upon histopathological examination, all of the components of the tumour were mature, and glial tissue, cartilage, striated muscle, enteric type mucosa and bronchial epithelium were observed [Table/Fig-2]. The tumour was diagnosed as a mature teratoma. [Table/Fig-1]: (a,c) MRI of the cervical region demonstrating a mass with cystic and solid compartments, which is high intensity on the T2-weighted MRI, and (b) low intensity on the Tl-weighted MRI [Table/Fig-2]: (A)Microscopic photograph of the tumour showing glial tissue, respiratory (B) and enteric type mucosa (H&E x100 and x200,respectively) Cervical teratomas are primitive germ cell neoplasms with a poor clinical outcome. The pathogenesis is not well established; however, it has been reported that cervical teratomas arise from the embryonic thyroid anlage. Teratomas occurring in the cervical region are rare entities, which were first described by Hess in 1854 [3]. A study of teratomas by Gonzalez-Crussi reported that only 3.4% of the cases were in the cervical region [4]. They are usually solitary; although, multifocality has also been reported [1]. In our case, the tumour presented as a solitary mass and multifocality was not detected. Teratomas may enlarge and compromise the airway, and although histopathologically benign, they may be fatal at the time of birth due to airway obstruction. These require immediate surgical treatment. Large tumours may cause cervical hyperextension, esophageal obstruction and polyhydramnios. Polyhydramnios is reported in about 19% of the cases. The degree of airway obstruction and polyhydramnios relate to the size of the tumour [1]. In our case, compression related findings, such as respiratory distress, esophageal obstruction and polyhydramnios, were not present, probably due to the small size of the tumour. They may contain cartilage, bone, fatty tissue, skin, hair, glial tissue and components of the respiratory or digestive tract [1,5]. In our case, all of the components of the tumour were mature, and glial tissue, bone, cartilage, striated muscle and bronchial epithelium were observed. In conclusion, congenital cervical teratomas are extremely rare neoplasm. Although they are usually benign in origin, these tumours are associated with a high mortality rate due to respiratory distress and require immediate surgical excision. Our case is rare in the literature due to the fact that it is clinically asymptomatic.

What is the role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in placenta percreta?

This study compared the placental expression of the matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) enzyme, which is thought to play a key role in the penetration of trophoblastic cells, in third‐trimester placenta percreta (PP) patients with that of women with normal pregnancies.

A Giant Mature Cystic Teratoma Mimicking a Pleural Effusion

The vast majority of teratomas originating from more than a single germ layer are benign. Often, such teratomas are initially asymptomatic. Later symptoms are caused by the weight per se of the teratoma and include chest pain, cough, dyspnea, and/or recurrent attacks of pneumonia. A mediastinal teratoma is treated by total surgical resection of the mass. Here, we report a case of giant mature cystic teratoma mimicking a pleural effusion in the thorax at the 7-month-old female patient with a symptom of persistent pulmonary infection and tachypnea.

Anti-inflammatory effect of lycopene on endotoxin-induced uveitis in rats

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy of lycopene, a dietary carotenoid and potent antioxidant, against ocular inflammation and oxidative stress in an experimental uveitis model. Methods: Endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by a single subcutaneous injection of 200 μg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Induction of EIU was preceded by daily intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg lycopene for three consecutive days (Lycopene + LPS group) or equivolume vehicle (Vehicle + LPS group). A positive control group received 1 mg/kg dexamethasone pretreatment (DEX + LPS), and a negative control group received daily vehicle injection but no LPS (Vehicle Control). Twenty-four hours after LPS or final vehicle administration, eyes were enucleated, and aqueous humor was collected for measurement of the number of infiltrating cells, total protein concentration, and levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and oxidative stress markers. Inflammatory response severity was compared among groups clinically and histopathologically. Results: Infiltrating cell number, total protein concentration, and NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in the aqueous humor of Vehicle + LPS group rats compared to Vehicle Controls. Compared to the Vehicle + LPS group, lycopene pretreatment significantly reduced aqueous humor concentrations of oxidative stress markers, NO (0.29 ± 0.1 μM vs. 0.19 ± 0.1 μM, p=0.003), TNF-α (71.0 ± 22.3 ng/ml vs. 50.1 ± 2.1 ng/ml, p=0.043), and IL-6 (121.6 ± 3.0 pg/ml vs. 111.1 ± 5.6 pg/ml, p=0.008). Inflammatory score was also reduced (2.0 ± 0.0 vs. 0.4 ± 0.5, p=0.001). Lycopene reduced the infiltrating cell count and protein concentration, but differences did not reach significance. Most lycopene effects were equivalent to dexamethasone. Conclusions: Lycopene may aid in the clinical management of uveitis by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Evaluating the safety of intracameral bevacizumab application using oxidative stress and apoptotic parameters in corneal tissue

AIM To investigate the possible effects of intracameral bevacizumab on oxidative stress parameters and apoptosis in corneal tissue. METHODS In total, 30 rats were assigned randomly into the following three groups of 10 rats each: a sham group (Group 1; n=10), a control group [Group 2; balanced salt solution (BSS) was administered at 0.01 mL; n=10], and a treatment group (Group 3; bevacizumab was administered at 0.25 mg/0.01 mL; n=10). The total antioxidant status (TAS) and the total oxidant status (TOS) in the corneal tissue and blood samples were measured, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Additionally, corneal tissue histopathology was evaluated for caspase-3 and -8 staining and apoptotic activity. RESULTS In the blood samples, the TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were not significantly different (all P>0.05). Compared with the sham and control groups, the TOS and OSI levels in the corneal tissues were significantly different in the bevacizumab group (all P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the sham and control groups (all P>0.05). However, compared with the sham and control groups, greater immunohistochemical staining for caspases-3 and -8 and an elevated level of apoptotic activity were observed in the bevacizumab group. CONCLUSION This study revealed that intracameral bevacizumab injections seemed to be systemically safe but may have elicited local toxic effects in the corneal tissue, as indicated by the oxidative stress parameters and histopathological evaluations.