Protective Effects of Nigella Sativa on Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Qingchang Mixture Prevents the Intestinal Ischemia-reperfusion Injury through TLR4/NF-kB Pathway

OBJECT

This study aims to determine the protective effect and molecular responses of the traditional Chinese medicine Qingchang mixture on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury.

METHODS

The rat intestinal IR model was prepared. The intestinal ischemic injury was evaluated by HE staining, biochemical assay and western blot. In addition, a human hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR) in vitro model was prepared using intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6). The viability and apoptosis of IEC-6 cells were measured by CCK8 and apoptosis detection. TAK242 or PDTC was used as a small molecule inhibitor of TLR4 or NF-κB, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with the IR group, the pretreatment of the Qingchang mixture reduced the morphological damage, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and barrier function damage of the small intestine tissue. IR significantly increased the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB, while the pretreatment of the Qingchang mixture inhibited the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB. Furthermore, the pretreatment of Qingchang mixture, TAK242, or PDTC effectively improved the viability and hindered apoptosis of the HR-induced IEC-6 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Traditional Chinese medicine Qingchang mixture prevents intestinal IR injury through TLR4/NF-kB pathway.

Protective Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Saline on Experimental Intestinal Volvulus in Rats

BACKGROUND

Intestinal volvulus can cause morbidity and mortality. Surgical reduction, on the other hand, could result in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Hydrogen rich saline solution (HRSS neutralizes free radicals in the body. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HRSS in I/R injury in experimental intestinal volvulus in rats.

METHODS

Thirty rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups. All procedures were done under general anesthesia and sterile conditions in each animal. Five ml/kg of saline and HRSS were administered intraperitoneally (ip) in Sham (Group 1) and HRSS (Group 2) groups, respectively. Groups 3, 4, and 5 constituted the study groups in which volvulus was created in a 5-cm- long ileal segment 2 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. After 2 hours the volvuli were reduced and following 2 hours of reperfusion, these segments were removed. In volvulus-I/R group (Group 3) no additional procedure was done. HRSS was administered shortly before reperfusion (reduction of the volvulus) in Treatment I (Group 4) and 1 h before experimental volvulus in Treatment II (Group 5) groups. Blood and intestinal tissue samples were obtained from all rats at the 4th hour. Both tissue and blood total oxidant (TOS) and antioxidant status (TAS) levels were determined and tissue histomorphologies were studied. Oxidative stress indices (TOS ÷ TAS) (OSI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Tissue TOS and OSI levels and histomorphological injury scores were statistically lower in treatment groups than I/R group, whereas blood TOS and OSI levels were similar between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides biochemical and histomorphological evidence that HRSS prevents intestinal damage in I/R injury caused by volvulus.

Effects of Nigella sativa oil and thymoquinone on radiation-induced oxidative stress in kidney tissue of rats

Ionizing radiation leads to release of free radicals into the systemic circulation from irradiated tissues. These free radicals cause oxidative stress in distant organs. Oxidative status may be reversed by naturally occurring antioxidant agents. The aim of this study was to investigate protective and antioxidant effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and thymoquinone (TQ) in kidney tissue of rats exposed to cranial irradiation. Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: IR group received irradiation (IR) to total cranium plus saline; IR plus NSO group received IR and NSO; IR plus TQ group received IR and TQ; sham group did not receive NSO, TQ or IR; control group of TQ received dimethyl sulfoxide; control group of NSO received saline. Total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels were studied as oxidative parameters, and total antioxidant status (TAS), total sulfhydryl levels, paraoxonase (PON), ceruloplasmin (Cp) and arylesterase activities were determined as antioxidative parameters in the kidney tissue of rats. Kidney TOS, OSI and LOOH levels were significantly lower in IR plus TQ, IR plus NSO and sham groups compared to IR group (p < 0.001). TAS, PON and Cp activities in IR group were significantly lower compared to the control group (p < 0.001). PON and Cp activities were significantly higher in IR plus NSO and IR plus TQ groups compared to IR group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, free radicals generated by cranial ionizing radiation exposure cause oxidative stress in kidney. NSO and TQ exhibit protective and antioxidant effects against oxidative damage in rats.

The potential protective effect of modafinil in intestinal ischemic reperfusion-induced in rats

OBJECTIVE

Intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IR) is a pathophysiologic process that leads to oxidative stress and acute inflammatory responses. Understanding the mechanisms explaining this inflammation is essential to developing therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective outcome of modafinil (Mod) against intestinal damages caused by intestinal IR injury.

METHODS/MATERIALS

Fourty adult Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham control group; intestinal IR group; Mod pre-treated IR group and Mod post-treated IR group. Mod in a dose of 10 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally once daily for 7 days pre or post IR treatment.

RESULTS

Mod significantly attenuated the IR induced elevations in intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) levels, caspase-3 activity. However, a significant increase in TAC was reported as compared with the IR group but its post-treated IR group was highly protective. Mod post-treatment down-regulated the IR induced cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) over-expression. Distorted mucosa with loss of surface epithelial cells, epithelial separation oedematous lamina propria and inflammatory cellular infiltration detected by histopathological examination of intestinal tissue, were markedly ameliorated by Mod post-treatment. On the other hand, Mod pre-treatment showed less protection against intestinal IR in rats.

CONCLUSION

Current study suggests that Mod post-treatment ameliorated intestinal damages, so it can be considered a potential therapeutic agent to protect against the major clinical challenge of intestinal injury resulting from IR.

Experimental study on prophylactic effects of vardenafil in ischemia-reperfusion model with intestinal volvulus injury in rats

AIM

An experimental study was performed to evaluate the effects of Vardenafil on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in an experimental volvulus model by histochemical and biochemical methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided in five groups (n = 7). In Group 1, a 5 cm segment of small intestine 2 cm proximal to cecum was excised to have a control group. In the second group, 5 cm segment of small intestine 2 cm proximal to cecum was rotated 360° clockwise direction and sutured with 4/0 polyglactin to generate an experimental model of volvulus. At the end of 2 h of ischemia, the same intestinal segment was sampled. In group 3, after achieving ischemia similar to group 2, two hours of reperfusion injury was obtained by removing the sutures. Rats in Group 4 received vardenafil after 1.5 h of ischemia and then 2 h of reperfusion. And finally, in Group 5, vardenafil was administered 2 h before laparotomy and 5 cm of intestine was removed without I/R injury. Intestinal segments were evaluated for total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) with biochemical and histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

Serum TOS levels and OSI were not significantly different between groups (p = 0.910, P = 0,43 respectively). The serum TAS level was decreased in group 3 as compared to vardenafil groups 4 and 5, without a statistical significance (p = 0.428). In histopathologic analysis, we found that vardenafil, partially reduced I/R injury. The villus structure was preserved but, congestion and inflammation were moderate.

CONCLUSION

Vardenafil partially reduced I/R injury histopathologically on intestine. Our study shows that it does not have statistically antioxidant effect on intestinal I/R injury in experimental model of volvulus. However, effects of vardenafil in I/R injury of liver, kidney, heart, testis, over and brain which were cited in literature were not confirmed with I/R injury on intestine.

Protective Effect of Nigella Sativa in an Animal Model of Colon Anastomosis With Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Objective:

Anastomotic leaks are one of the chief complications after gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Nigella sativa administration protects against ischemia/reperfusion injury on healing of colonic anastomosis in rats.

Method:

Thirty male Wistar albino rats, weighing between 200 and 240 g, were used in the study. They were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 for each group): Anastomosis (group 1), anastomosis and ischemia/reperfusion injury (group 2), and treatment group of anastomosis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and Nigella sativa (group 3). After 7 days, serum, plasma, and colonic tissue were obtained and then all rats were sacrificed. Tissue and serum level of total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, total thiol levels, hydroxyproline, interleukin-6, and TNF-alpha were determined and specimens were histopathologically evaluated.

Results:

In the Nigella sativa treated rats, serum hydroxyproline levels were significantly higher, while tissue levels were significantly lower than those seen in group 1 and group 2 (P = 0.007, P = 0.01, respectively). In the Nigella sativa group, the serum levels of TNF-α were significantly lower than those seen in group 1 and 2 (P = 0.001). Also, in group 3, the tissue IL-6 level was significantly higher than that seen in group 1 and group 2 (P = 0.009). The histopathologic analysis showed less edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in the Nigella sativa treated group, as well as a statistically significant difference according to the Chiu classification (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicate that Nigella sativa has a protective and therapeutic effect against ischemia/reperfusion injury on the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats.

Nigella Sativa Oil Protects the Rat Ovary from Oxidative Injury Due to Ischemia-Reperfusion

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) oil (NSO) on ovarian oxidative damage following ischemia-reperfusion injury, using a rat model of ovarian torsion.

Material/Methods

Forty-eight female albino Wistar rats were divided into six groups: (Group 1) laparotomy only; (Group 2) intraperitoneal NSO (2 ml/kg), 1 hour following laparotomy; (Group 3) 3 hours of ovarian ischemia; (Group 4) 3 hours of ovarian ischemia followed by 3 hours of reperfusion; (Group 5) 3 hours of ovarian ischemia and 2 ml/kg of NSO 1 hour before laparotomy; (Group 6) 3 hours of reperfusion after 3 hours of ovarian ischemia and 2 ml/mg of NSO 1 hour before laparotomy.

Results

The antioxidant status, ceruloplasmin level, native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide levels of the control group (Group 1) were significantly increased compared with the ovarian ischemia-reperfusion group treated with NSO (Group 6) (p=0.003, p=0.002, p=0.006, p=0.001 and p=0.003, respectively); these levels in the ovarian ischemia group (Group 3) and ischemia-reperfusion group (Group 4) were statistically similar to those of the ovarian ischemia + NSO group (Group 5) and ovarian ischemia-reperfusion + NSO group (Group 6).

Conclusions

In this preliminary rat study, administration of NSO shortly after the onset of ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury, did not significantly reduce levels of markers of oxidative injury. Further studies are required to evaluate the ovarian changes at the tissue level, and to determine the optimum dose of NSO.

Evidence of attenuation of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury following pre-treatment with methanolic extracts from Chromolena odorata in rats

BACKGROUND

Chromolena odorata is a tropical species of flowering shrub in the family Asteraceae, leaves of it have been reported to be widely used as herbal remedy for the treatment of various ailments. It is particularly reported to be useful in the healing of wounds.

METHODS

We investigated the possibility of amelioration of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rats treated with methanolic extract of C. odorata (MECO). Wistar albino rats were divided randomly into five groups of six animals each as control, IR-treated, IR+200 mg/kg MECO, IR+400 mg/kg MECO, and IR+200 mg/kg vitamin C. Pre-treatment with MECO or vitamin C was for 7 days.

RESULTS

The contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly reduced by MECO and vitamin C, while there were significant enhancements of the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), as well as the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in pre-treated rats compared to IR-treated rats. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was not significantly affected in all the groups. Histopathological examination of small intestinal mucosa revealed significant attenuation of intestinal pathology in animals pre-treated with MECO, while IR injury produced severe villi erosion, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltrations.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study highlights the antioxidant activities of MECO and its ability to inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration as mechanisms involved in its protection against IR injury in the intestine of rats, an effect that was largely comparable to that of vitamin C.

The effects of sulforaphane on the liver and remote organ damage in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion model formed with pringle maneuver in rats

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Sulforaphane on ischemia/ reperfusion (IR) injury of the liver and distant organs resulting from liver blood flow arrest.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourty Wistar rats were assigned into four groups, each included 10 rats were used. Group I as only laparatomy, Group II laparatomy and Sulforaphane application, Group III hepatic IR; and Group IV as hepatic IR and Sulforaphane application group. Animals were subjected to liver ischemia for 30 min and then reperfusion is started. 5 mg/kg Sulforaphane was applied via oral lavage 15 minutes before initiating the experimental study. Blood samples were taken from the animals for biochemical analysis at 60th minutes of the experiment in the first and second groups; 30 minutes after beginning reperfusion in the third and forth groups. Simultaneously, liver, lung and kidney tissues were sampled for biochemical and histopathological examinations.

RESULTS

The administration of sulforaphane significantly reduced the serum TOA and liver TOA levels, increased the serum TAC and liver TAC levels and also decreased The OSI and liver OSI levels. In the histopathologic examination, the injury was reduced by the administration of sulforaphane. Administration of sulforaphane did not lead to any significant changes in any parameter including histopathological parameters in both the kidney and the lung.

CONCLUSIONS

Sulforaphane reduced the liver oxidative stress from I/R injury. A histological injury in liver was reduced by sulforaphane administration. However, there were no significant effects of sulforaphane on the remote organ injuries induced by IR.

Protective effects of thymoquinone and melatonin on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND/AIM

In the present study, we aimed to compare the potential protective effects of thymoquinone and melatonin by using equivalent dose, on oxidative stress-induced ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in the intestinal tissue of rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was performed using 32 male Wistar-Albino rats (weighing 180-200 g) randomly divided into four groups: Group I, sham group; Group II, IR group; Group III, IR with melatonin group; and Group IV, IR with thymoquinone group. After laparotomy, ischemia and reperfusion were performed for 60 and 120 min, respectively, on all the groups. Intestinal tissue sections were stained using routine histological methods and examined under the light microscope. In addition, the sections were immunohistochemically stained using the TUNEL method for determination of apoptosis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the intestinal tissue were also measured.

RESULTS

The IR group had significantly elevated tissue SOD activity, GSH-Px activity, and MDA levels compared with the sham group. Administration of thymoquinone and melatonin efficiently reduced these increases. Statistically significant number of apoptotic cells was observed in the intestinal tissue of IR group rats compared with the sham group. Treatment with thymoquinone and melatonin markedly reduced the number of apoptotic cells.

CONCLUSION

The effects of melatonin and thymoquinone on IR-induced oxidative stress in rat intestines were similar. Our findings suggest that melatonin and thymoquinone protect against IR-induced injury to intestinal tissues.

The effects of luteolin on the intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential protective effect of the flavonoid Luteolin on ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in mouse intestine, which has not previously been studied. Twenty-four female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups, each consisting of 6 mice: a sham group (laparotomy, but no IR injury), a sham + Luteolin group (no IR, and Luteolin was administered intraperitoneally 30 min after laparotomy), IR group (30 min occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) then 2 hr' reperfusion), IR + Luteolin (30 min occlusion of the SMA then 2 hr' reperfusion; Luteolin was administered intraperitoneally before reperfusion). Intestine tissues were harvested from the mice for histopathological and biochemical analysis. Total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the intestinal tissues were measured using Erel's method. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated using the TOS/TAC ratio. Intestinal histological changes were significantly decreased in the IR + Luteolin group compared with the IR group (p = .037). TOS tissue levels were also significantly decreased in the IR + Luteolin group compared with the IR group (p = .005). TAC levels did not increase significantly in the IR treatment group and were not affected by Luteolin treatment (p > .05). The results of this study show that Luteolin administration provides considerable protection against IR injury in the mouse intestine.

Intraperitoneal Nigella sativa for prevention of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions in rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate intraperitoneal administration of Nigella sativa (NS) to prevent postoperative intraperitoneal adhesion (PPA) after surgical manipulation of rat uterine horn.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two forms of NS were used in the study (Volatile oil (NSVO) and the ethanolic extract (NSEE)). A total of 50 rats were randomly assigned to the sham group (n = 10), control group (n = 10), NSVO group (n = 10), NSEE group (n = 10), and the Seprafilm group(n = 10). After 14 days, rats were sacrificed. Adhesions were examined macroscopically, and degree of adhesions was scored. A part of horn was excised, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activities as well as malondialdehyde levels were evaluated, and histological score was calculated.

RESULTS

Total microscopic score of the NSEE group was significantly lower than the control group (p = .001) and was marginally significantly lower than the seprafilm group (p = .005). Collagen formation score was higher in the seprafilm group compared to the sham and NSEE groups (p < 0.001, p = .003, respectively). Apoptotic cells were lower in the NSEE group compared to the control group (p = .003) and also lower in the NSEE and NSVO groups compared to the seprafilm group (p = .001, p < .001, respectively). Only SOD activity was higher in the NSVO and seprafilm groups compared to the control group (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

NSEE form seems to have a possible effect in the prevention of PPAs. This may occur by its effect in decreasing collagen formation and by decreasing apoptosis in the injured tissues. NSVO form seems to induce SOD. Therefore, combined use of NSVO with seprafilm may increase the adhesion preventive effect of seprafilm.

Nigella sativa attenuates myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury in rats

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) represents a clinically relevant problem associated with thrombolysis, angioplasty, and coronary bypass surgery. Radical oxygen species generated during early reperfusion are the primary activator of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening which finally results in cardiomyocyte death. Nigella sativa (NS) has been shown to have antioxidant properties. The present study aimed to determine whether supplementation with NS can provide sufficient protection for the myocardium against I/R insult and any possible role on mitochondrial MPTP. Adult male Wistar rats were allocated into two groups: control group and NS-treated group receiving NS (800 mg/kg) orally for 12 weeks. Rats' isolated hearts were perfused in Langendorff preparation to determine the baseline heart beating rate, developed peak tension, time to peak tension, rate of tension development, half relaxation time, and myocardial flow rate. Ischemia was then induced by stopping the perfusion fluid for 30 min, followed by 30 min of reperfusion and recording post I/R cardiac functions. Hearts were then used for assessment of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)), since the hydrolysis of mitochondrial NAD(+) directly reflects MPTP opening in situ, and for histological examination. The NS-treated group showed enhanced post I/R contractile and vascular recovery, which was accompanied by elevated NAD(+) and decreased MDA compared to the control group. Histological examination showed marked improvement of cardiac musculature compared to the control group. In conclusion, N. sativa afforded substantial recovery of post I/R cardiac functions probably via inhibition of MPTP opening.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester alleviates mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion injury

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on intestinal mucosal injury induced by superior mesenteric occlusion.

METHODS

This experimental study was conducted on 48 male Wistar-albino rats. The animals were randomly allocated into four groups: (i) Sham-operated group, laparotomy without intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury (n = 12); (ii) Sham + CAPE group, identical to group 1 except for CAPE treatment (10 μmol/kg, intravenously) (n = 12); (iii) Intestinal IR group, 60 min of superior mesenteric ischemia followed by 3 hr of reperfusion (n = 12); and (iv) (IR + CAPE)-treated group, 10 μmol/kg injection of CAPE intravenously 30 min before the reperfusion period (n = 12). We evaluated the degree of intestinal mucosal injury on a grading scale, histopathologically, and by measuring oxidative stress markers and antioxidant parameters, biochemically. Intestinal edema was estimated by using wet/dry weight ratios. The plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels were measured. Animal survival was observed up to one week.

RESULTS

Intestinal mucosal injury scores were significantly decreased with CAPE administration (p < .05). CAPE treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress markers in the intestinal tissues (p < .05) and the plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels (p < .05), and significantly increased antioxidant parameters in the intestinal tissues (p < .05). Intestinal edema was significantly alleviated by CAPE treatment (p < .05). The survival rates of CAPE-treated IR animals were significantly higher than IR-subjected rats (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

This study clearly showed that CAPE treatment significantly alleviated the intestinal mucosal injury caused by superior mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion. Further clinical studies are required to clarify whether CAPE has a useful role in reperfusion injury during particular surgeries in which IR-induced organ injury occurs.

Nigella sativa and Its Protective Role in Oxidative Stress and Hypertension

Hypertension increases the risk for a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease. The increase in oxidative stress has been associated with the pathogenesis of hypertension. Increase of blood pressure is due to an imbalance between antioxidants defence mechanisms and free radical productions. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species reduces nitric oxide bioavailability leading to an endothelial dysfunction and a subsequent increase in total peripheral resistance. Hypertension can cause few symptoms until it reaches the advanced stage and poses serious health problems with lifelong consequences. Hypertensive patients are required to take drugs for life to control the hypertension and prevent complications. Some of these drugs are expensive and may have adverse reactions. Hence, it is timely to examine scientifically, complimentary therapies that are more effective and with minimal undesirable effects. Nigella sativa (NS) and its active constituents have been documented to exhibit antioxidant, hypotensive, calcium channel blockade and diuretic properties which may contribute to reduce blood pressure. This suggests a potential role of NS in the management of hypertension, and thus more studies should be conducted to evaluate its effectiveness.

The value of signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 and oxidative stress parameters in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the diagnostic value of signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1) and other oxidative stress parameters in the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia, which has high mortality and morbidity if not identified and treated in the early period.

METHODS

Thirty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this randomized, controlled study. Rats were divided into six groups: three control groups (Groups I, III, and V) and three ischemia groups (Groups II, IV, and VI). In the control groups, blood and tissue specimens were sampled at 30 minutes (Group I), 2 hours (Group III), and 6 hours (Group V), following a simple laparotomy. In the ischemia groups, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was ligated following laparotomy, and blood and tissue samples were sampled at 30 minutes (Group II), 2 hours (Group IV), and 6 hours (Group VI).

RESULTS

When comparing the ischemia and control groups, the differences in SCUBE-1, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels in the 30-minute period were not significant (p > 0.05); at 2 hours, SCUBE-1 levels rose rapidly, and although the desired level of significance could not be obtained with Bonferroni correction, the level was significantly higher compared to the control group at the same time interval (for SCUBE-1, Group III vs. Group IV, p = 0.006). In these periods (30 minutes and 2 hours), only total oxidative status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) values were significantly higher in the ischemia group compared to the control group (for both, p = 0.004). A pronounced rise in SCUBE-1 levels was determined with 6-hour ischemia (for SCUBE-1, Group V vs. Group VI, p = 0.004). The changes in MDA, TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were not significant (p = 0.025, p = 0.321, p = 0.006, and p = 0.037, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

SCUBE-1 levels have the potential to be used as a marker of early period injury in acute mesenteric ischemia, although it is impossible to state explicitly that they can be used for early diagnosis. The same can be said for plasma MDA and TAS levels. The authors believe that TOS and OSI levels, however, can be used in early diagnosis and as an injury marker. Moreover, OSI also exhibits a medium-strong correlation with histopathologic injury.

Ellagic acid ameliorates lung injury after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective role of antioxidant treatment with ellagic acid (EA) on lung injury after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury using biochemical and histopatological approaches.

Materials and Methods:

Forty rats were divided into four groups as control, control + EA, I/R, and I/R + EA. The control and control + EA groups were also anesthetized and subjected to laparotomy, but without clamp application. The control + EA and I/R + EA groups were given EA (85 mg/kg) orally prior to experiment. The I/R and I/R + EA groups underwent 30 minutes of intestinal ischemia and 1 hour of reperfusion. In all groups, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined. TAC, total oxidative status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in lung tissue were measured. Lung tissue histopathology was also evaluated by light microscopy.

Results:

TAC levels were higher in control, EA, and I/R + EA groups while TOS, OSI, and MDA levels were lower in these groups compared with I/R group. Serum MDA levels were significantly higher in I/R + EA group than that of control group. Lung tissue TAC levels were lower in I/R + EA group while OSI values were higher in that groups compared with EA group. Histological tissue damage was milder in the EA treatment group than in the I/R group.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that EA treatment protected the rats lung tissue against intestinal I/R injury.

Oral Nigella sativa oil ameliorates ovalbumin-induced bronchial asthma in mice

Nigella sativa oil (NSO) is used in folk medicine as a therapy for many diseases including bronchial asthma. We investigated the possible modulating effects of NSO on asthma-like phenotypes in a mouse model of bronchial asthma. BALB/c mice were actively sensitized by intraperitoneal injections of 50 μg ovalbumin (OVA) with 1mg alum on days 0 and 12. Starting on day 22, they were exposed to OVA (1% (w/v), in sterile physiological saline) for 30 min, three times every 4th day. Negative control animals were exposed to saline in a similar manner. NSO was administered orally for 31 day from day 0 to day 30. On the day of sensitization and challenge, NSO was given 30 min before the treatment. Airway function, number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13 and interferon (IFN)-γ in BALF, serum levels of total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a, and histopathological examination of lung tissues were investigated. Oral treatment with NSO showed significant decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness, the number of total leukocytes, macrophages and eosinophils, levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF, serum levels of total IgE, OVA-specific IgE and IgG1, and significant increase in BALF level of IFN-γ and serum level of OVA-specific IgG2a, indicating restoration of local Th1/Th2 balance. Furthermore, it significantly abrogated the histopathological changes of the lungs, as the images were nearly normal. These results suggest that the treatment with oral NSO could be a promising treatment for bronchial asthma in humans.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester prevents detrimental effects of remote ischemia-reperfusion injury on healing of colonic anastomoses

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate whether caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) prevents detrimental systemic effects of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury on colonic anastomotic wound healing.

METHODS

This experimental study was conducted on 48 male Wistar albino rats. The rats were randomly allocated into four groups and a left colonic anastomosis was performed in all rats: (i) sham-operated group (n = 12), laparatomy without intestinal IR injury; (ii) sham + CAPE group (n = 12), identical to Group 1 except for CAPE treatment (10 μmol/kg, intravenously); (iii) intestinal IR group (n = 12), 60 min of superior mesenteric ischemia followed by reperfusion; and (iv) IR + CAPE-treated group (n = 12) (10 μmol/kg, intravenously, 30 min before the construction of colonic anastomosis). On the postoperative day 7, the rats were subjected to relaparotomy for in vivo measurement of the colonic anastomotic bursting pressure. A colonic segment including the anastomotic site was resected for histopathological evaluation and biochemical analyses. The plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels were measured. Body weight changes were examined.

RESULTS

CAPE treatment significantly increased colonic anastomotic bursting pressures, and colonic anastomotic tissue hydroxyproline contents and antioxidant parameters (p < .05), and significantly decreased oxidative stress markers in colonic anastomotic tissues and plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels (p < .05). Histopathological scores were significantly better due to CAPE administration (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study clearly showed that CAPE treatment prevented the delaying effects of remote IR injury on colonic anastomotic wound healing. Further clinical studies are required to determine whether CAPE has a useful role in the enhancement of gastrointestinal anastomotic wound healing during particular surgeries in which IR-induced organ injury occurs.

Beneficial effects of Nigella sativa oil on intestinal damage in necrotizing enterocolitis

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the beneficial effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on rats with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups as NEC, NEC + NSO, and control. NEC was induced by enteral formula feeding, exposure to hypoxia-hyperoxia and cold stress. Pups in the NEC + NSO group were administered NOS at a dose of 2 ml/kg daily by intraperitoneal route from the first day until the end of the study. Proximal colon and ileum were excised for histopathologic, apoptosis (TUNEL) and biochemical evaluation, including xanthine oxidase (XO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malonaldehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxdase (MPO) activities.

RESULTS

Pups in the NEC + NOS group had better clinical sickness scores and weight gain compared to the NEC group (p < 0.05). In the macroscopic assessment, histopathologic and apoptosis evaluation (TUNEL), severity of bowel damage was significantly lower in the NEC + NOS group compared to the NEC group (p < 0.05). Tissue GSH-Px and SOD levels were significantly preserved in the NEC + NSO group (p < 0.05), whereas, tissue MDA, MPO levels of the NEC + NSO group were significantly lower than those in the NEC group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

NSO significantly reduced the severity of intestinal damage in NEC.

Protective and therapeutic effects of licorice in rats with acute tubular necrosis

OBJECTIVES

Various protective and therapeutic effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antihistaminic, and antibacterial effects have been depicted for licorice. However, its biological effects in the kidney are still not clear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the efficiency of licorice in rats with gentamicin (GM)-induced acute tubular necrosis.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Rats were randomized into the control group (only saline for 12 days), licorice group (licorice for 12 days), GM group (GM for 12 days), GM + licorice group, and licorice-treated GM group (licorice for 12 days after taking GM for 12 days). Blood urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels were measured and histopathological analyses of the kidneys were performed. The oxidative side of oxidant-antioxidant balance was evaluated by detecting lipid peroxidation (LPO) and total peroxide levels, and antioxidative side was determined by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in plasma and kidney tissues.

RESULTS

The oxidant-antioxidant balance seemed to be shifted to the oxidative side in the GM group when compared with the control and GM + licorice groups. In GM group, biochemical profiles showed a remarkable increase in blood uric acid, urea, and creatinine levels, and depletion of renal tissue and plasma TAC and GSH levels. In addition, histopathologic studies revealed severe acute tubular necrosis, congestion, and hyaline casts, verifying GM-induced nephrotoxicity. Licorice was effective in reduction of blood urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels, and also effective in decreasing the tubular necrosis score. Licorice treatment also significantly reduced LPO and total peroxide levels, and increased TAC and GSH levels in both renal tissue and blood. Moreover, these changes in rats subjected to the combined therapy (GM + licorice) were significantly less than those of GM group.

CONCLUSIONS

Licorice ameliorates GM-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage by scavenging oxygen free radicals, decreasing LPO, and improving antioxidant defense.

Protective effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa) oil on TNBS-induced experimental colitis in rats

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis and treatment of ulcerative colitis remain poorly understood. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa) oil on rats with colitis.

METHODS

Experimental colitis was induced with 1 mL trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in 40% ethanol by intracolonic administration with 8-cm-long cannula under ether anesthesia to rats in colitis group and colitis + black cumin oil group. Rats in the control group were given saline at the same volume by intracolonic administration. Black cumin oil (BCO, Origo "100% natural Black Cumin Seed Oil," Turkey) was given to colitis + black cumin oil group by oral administration during 3 days, 5 min after colitis induction. Saline was given to control and colitis groups at the same volume by oral administration. At the end of the experiment, macroscopic lesions were scored and the degree of oxidant damage was evaluated by colonic total protein, sialic acid, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels, collagen content, and tissue factor, superoxide dismutase, and myeloperoxidase activities. Tissues were also examined by histological and cytological analysis. Proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6], lactate dehydrogenase activity, and triglyceride and cholesterol levels were analyzed in blood samples.

RESULTS

We found that black cumin oil decreased the proinflammatory cytokines, lactate dehydrogenase, triglyceride, and cholesterol, which were increased in colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

BCO, by preventing inflammatory status in the blood, partly protected colonic tissue against experimental ulcerative colitis.

The effects of Nigella sativa against oxidative injury in a rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the putative neuroprotective effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) treatment against subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats.

METHODS

To induce SAH, rats were injected with 0.3 ml blood into their cisterna magna. Male Wistar albino rats were divided as control, vehicle-treated SAH, and NSO-treated (0.2 ml/kg, intraperitoneally) SAH groups. Forty-eight hours after SAH induction, neurological examination scores were recorded and the rats were decapitated. Brain tissue samples were taken for blood brain barrier permeability, brain water content, or determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activities.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

On the second day of SAH induction, neurological examination scores were increased in SAH groups, while SAH caused significant decreases in brain GSH content and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, which were accompanied with significant increases in MDA levels and MPO activity. The histological observation showed vasospasm of the basillary artery. On the other hand, NSO treatment markedly improved the neurological scores while all oxidant responses were prevented, implicating that NSO treatment may be of therapeutic use in preventing oxidative stress due to SAH.