Effects of irisin and exercise on adropin and betatrophin in a new metabolic syndrome model

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent public health problem. Uric acid (UA) is increased by MetS. We investigated whether administration of UA and 10% fructose (F) would accelerate MetS formation and we also determined the effects of irisin and exercise. We used seven groups of rats. Group 1 (control); group 2 (sham); group 3 (10% F); group 4 (1% UA); group 5 (2% UA); group 6 (10% F + 1% UA); and Group 7, (10% F + 2% UA). After induction of MetS (groups 3 -7), Group 3 was divided into three subgroups: 3A, no further treatment; 3B, irisin treatment; 3C, irisin treatment + exercise. Group 4, 1% UA, which was divided into three subgroups: 4A, no further treatment; 4B, irisin treatment; 4C, Irisin treatment + exercise. Group 5, 2% UA, which was divided into three subgroups: 5A, no further treatment; 5B, irisin treatment; 5C, irisin treatment + exercise. Group 6, 10% F + 1% UA, which was divided into three subgroups: 6A, no further treatment; 6B, irisin treatment; 6C, irisin treatment + exercise. Group 7, 10% F + 2% UA, which was divided into three subgroups: 7A, no further treatment; 7B, irisin treatment; 7C, irisin treatment + exercise., İrisin was administered 10 ng/kg irisin intraperitoneally on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday each week for 1 month. The exercise animals (in addition to irisin treatment) also were run on a treadmill for 45 min on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday each week for 1 month. The rats were sacrificed and samples of liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, skeletal muscles and blood were obtained. The amounts of adropin (ADR) and betatrophin in the tissue supernatant and blood were measured using an ELISA method. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect ADR and betatrophin expression in situ in tissue samples. The duration of these experiments varied from 3 and 10 weeks. The order of development of MetS was: group 7, 3 weeks; group 6, 4 weeks; group 5, 6 weeks; group 4, 7 weeks; group 3, 10 weeks. Kidney, liver, heart, pancreas and skeletal muscle tissues are sources of adropin and betatrophin. In these tissues and in the circulation, adropin was decreased significantly, while betatrophin was increased significantly due to MetS; irisin + exercise reversed this situation. We found that the best method for creating a MetS model was F + UA2 supplementation. Our method is rapid and simple. Irisin + exercise was best for preventing MetS.

Determination of M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization in Ipsilateral and Contralateral Rat Testis Tissue Following Unilateral Torsion/Detorsion

The present study investigates the changes in M1/M2 macrophage polarization resulting from unilateral testicular torsion in the bilateral testis. The study sample included 63 male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 7): Control, Sham (4 h (4 h), 24 h, 7 days (7d), 14d), and Torsion/Detorsion (T/D) (4 h, 24 h, 7d, 14d). Histopathological evaluations revealed no changes in the Sham groups, while T/D was noted to cause edema, vascular occlusion, disruption of seminiferous tubule epithelial organization, germ cell abnormalities and structural anomalies in the experimental rats, the severity and extent of which increased from 4 h to 14d after T/D. The Cosentino scores used to determine the degree of histological damage were consistent with the histopathological findings in all groups, while the Johnsen scores, as a marker of spermatogenesis, were lower in the T/D groups. Seminiferous tubule diameters and germinal epithelial thickness decreased significantly in parallel with increased tubule damage in the ipsilateral testicles. Testicular torsion significantly affected sperm motility, with significant reductions observed in the T/D 7d and T/D 14d groups. A hormone profile analysis revealed decreased testosterone levels in both the Sham and T/D groups when compared to the Controls. CD68 and CD163 immunoreactivities, as M1 and M2 macrophage surface markers, were determined in the testicular tissue using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. T/D interventions caused M1/M2 macrophage polarization changes and increased M1 macrophages, particularly in contralateral testicular tissue. The increase in M1 macrophages in contralateral testicular tissue following T/D in the present study suggests that cell processes, including macrophages, may play an important role in contralateral testicular injury.

Role of asprosin and meteorin-like peptide in progression of actinic keratosis to squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) often develops from an underlying premalignant lesion. Factors that affect the progression of actinic keratosis (AK) to invasive SCC are not fully known. Asprosin (ASP) and meteorin-like peptide (METRNL) are adipokines that are involved primarily in glucose metabolism. We investigated the expression of ASP and METRNL in AK and SCC to evaluate the role of these adipokines in the development of SCC. We used 15 SCC specimens, 12 AK specimens and 12 healthy control skin specimens. ASP and METRNL protein expression in tumor and surrounding tissue was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. ASP expression in tumor tissue was significantly greater in the SCC group than in the control and AK groups, but it did not differ significantly between the AK and control groups. A positive correlation was observed for both ASP and METRNL expressions between tumor tissue and adjacent epidermis, hair follicles, sebaceous gland, eccrine gland, inflammatory cells and vascular structures. ASP and METRNL may exert pro-tumor effects toward development of invasive SCC. The expression intensity of ASP and METRNL can be used as a biomarker of risk of progression to SCC.

Effects of Vitamin D on Asprosin Immunoreactivity Against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Background Cyclophosphamide (CP), commonly used as an anticarcinogenic drug, has the potential to induce detrimental effects on multiple tissues, including the liver. Asprosin, which is a glucogenic adipokine, induces the liver to secrete glucose, thus contributing to the maintenance of homeostasis. This study aims to investigate the immunoreactivity of asprosin in the liver tissue of rats exposed to CP administration, as well as the changes in its levels due to the supplementation of Vitamin D (Vit D). Materials and methods Four experimental groups were formed, including control, Vit D (200 IU/kg), CP (200 mg/kg), and Vit D+ CP. Histopathological analysis was carried out by employing staining methods on liver tissues. These techniques encompassed the application of hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome, and periodic acid Schiff (PAS). Through the application of spectrophotometric methods, concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and asprosin were determined. Furthermore, apoptotic cells were identified by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method, and the asprosin immunoreactivity was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results Under light microscope examination, the histopathological damage was found to be more notable in the CP group compared to the control group. Moreover, a decrease was observed in serum and tissue asprosin levels, while an increase was noted in the count of apoptotic cells, along with elevated MDA and TOS levels. However, in the CP+Vit D group, Vit D administration alleviated histopathological damage. Notably, there were significant increases in TAS and asprosin levels, accompanied by reductions in both MDA and TOS levels. Conclusions The effect of CP on liver tissue was observed to result in damage and a reduction in asprosin levels. Vit D supplementation revealed elevated asprosin levels and a distinct protective effect on the tissue. Considering the association between asprosin and liver injury induced by CP, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie the effect of asprosin on tissues. When combined with Vit D, asprosin holds promise for potential clinical applications as a therapeutic target.

Activation of Nrf-2 Transcription Factor and Caspase Pathway with Royal Jelly Reduces Fluoride Induced Testicular Damage and Infertility in Rats

This study was carried out to investigate the protective properties of royal jelly on the testicular tissue of rats with testicular damage by giving fluoride. Sperm motility, epididymal sperm density and abnormal sperm ratios were examined and visualized with a light microscope. Expression levels of Caspase-3, Bcl-2, Nrf-2, NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α and IL1-α proteins in testis tissue were determined by western blot technique. As a result of the study, MDA level, expression level of Bcl-2, NFҡB, COX-2, TNF-α and IL1-α proteins, abnormal sperm rates were found higher in Fluoride-50 and Fluoride100 groups compared to other groups. In addition GSH, Catalase enzyme levels, expression levels of Caspase-3 and Nrf-2 proteins were found to be higher in Fluoride + Royal Jelly groups compared to Fluoride-50 and Fluoride-100 groups. In addition, lower degeneration of testicular tissue was found in the histological evaluation in the Fluoride + Royal Jelly groups compared to the other groups. When the data are evaluated royal jelly provides effective protection against testicular damage. From this point of view, we hope that similar results will be obtained when royal jelly is tested on humans.

The Effects of N-acetylcysteine on Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 Channels Activation and Expression in Testicular Tissue of Diabetic Rats

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common, chronic metabolic disease that has harmful effects on many diverse tissues, including the testis. One of the ways of tissue damage is the modification of transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channels by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). In our study for the first time, it was aimed to investigate TRPM2 channel activation in testicular tissues of diabetic rats induced by streptozotosin (STZ) and to examine the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment, which is an antioxidant.

METHODS

In our study, 28 Wistar albino male rats aged 8-10 weeks were used, and animals were divided into four groups: control group, NAC group, DM group, and DM + NAC group. The experimental phase was designed as eight weeks. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level, which is an indicator for lipid peroxidation due to oxidative stress, was measured by the spectrophotometric method. The Tunel assay was used to determine apoptosis on testicular tissue. TRPM2 immunoreactivity was determined by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) was used to determine TRPM2 expression levels.

RESULTS

It was seen that MDA levels were significantly increased in the DM group and decreased after NAC treatment. Similarly, it was observed that apoptosis levels, which increased significantly in diabetic rats, decreased to the levels of the control group after treatment. It was seen that TRPM2 activation and expression levels were significantly decreased in the DM group.

CONCLUSION

 The results of this study show that NAC regulates TRPM2 activation in the testicular tissue of patients with diabetes and has tissue-protective properties.

TRPM2 may be involved in high fructose corn syrup-induced anxiety-like behavior in adult male rats

Excessive high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) consumption is known to cause oxidative stress, which induces transient receptor potential melastatin type 2 (TRPM2) channel gating. Oxidative stress-induced TRPM2 gating is suggested to play an important role in neurons, indicating a role for the TRPM2 channel in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety. We investigated the effects of HFCS and chronic immobilization stress (CIS) on TRPM2 channel immunoreactivity, anxiety, and depressive-like behaviors in adult male rats. The male rats (n=8/group) were divided into 4 groups: Control, 20% HFCS (F20), 40% HFCS (F40), and stress. The control group received tap water, and F20 and F40 groups were exposed to HFCS 20% and 40% respectively for 14 consecutive days. Rats in the stress group were subjected to immobilization stress for 3 or 6 hours daily in the first and second weeks to induce CIS. Then, light/dark tests, open field tests (OFT), and tail suspension tests (TST) were performed, respectively. In the light/dark test, the time spent in the dark chamber significantly increased in all groups vs the control group (P<0.01). In support of this result, time spent in the light chamber significantly decreased in all groups vs the control group (P<0.01). Besides, CIS significantly increased depressive-like behavior in the stress group vs the control group (P<0.05). In serum hormone levels, corticosterone (CORT) levels significantly increased in the F40 and stress groups vs the control group (P<0.01). TRPM2 immunoreactivity significantly increased in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NaC), and amygdala regions by HFCS and CIS treatments. For the first time in the present study,  showed that f increased immunoreactivity of the TRPM2 cation channels may be linked to the anxiety-like behavior induced by HFCS.

Carvacrol protects rat liver exposed to formaldehyde by regulating oxidative stress, and asprosin and subfatin hormones

Toxic doses of formaldehyde (FA) can cause oxidative damage and impair energy metabolism. Asprosin (ASP) and subfatin (SUB) are adipokines produced by adipose tissue that help regulate energy metabolism. We investigated the effects of carvacrol (CAR), an antioxidant with hepatoprotective properties, on ASP and SUB in rats exposed to FA using immunohistochemistry and biochemistry. We used 42 male Wistar albino rats divided into six groups of seven: group 1, untreated control; group 2, FA (10 ppm FA by inhalation 8 h/day, 5 days/week); group 3, CAR-20 (20 mg/kg); group 4, CAR-40; group 5, FA (10 ppm FA by inhalation 8 h/day, 5 days/week) + CAR-20 (20 mg/kg); group 6, FA (10 ppm FA by inhalation 8 h/day, 5 days/week) + CAR-40 (40 mg/kg). Levels of ASP and SUB, and total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) in blood and liver tissue were measured using ELISA. ASP and SUB immunoreactivity was assessed using immunohistochemistry. The number of apoptotic cells was determined using the TUNEL method. The number of apoptotic cells in group 2 was increased compared to group 1. TOS in group 2 was increased compared to group 1. The numbers of apoptotic cells and TOS in group 3 were decreased compared to group 1. TOS was decreased in group 6 compared to group 2, but TOS was increased compared to group 1. We found ASP and SUB immunoreactivity in the liver. All alterations were reversed by addition of CAR. It appears that FA disrupts energy metabolism and CAR ameliorates the destructive effects of FA when used at appropriate doses, although CAR might be harmful at high doses.

Vitamin D supplementation alleviates diabetic complications by increasing the amount of irisin in testicular tissues and blood of rats with experimental diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes is an important endocrinological disease that has an increasing incidence in the world and affects all biological tissues including testicles. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the histological and biochemical effects of vitamin D on irisin, apoptosis, total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) in testicular tissues of rats with experimental diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

41 male Wistar rats, 8-10 weeks old, weighing between 200-220 g, were included in the study as the following groups: control group (n=7; no treatment), sham group [only sodium citrate buffer (SCB)] [n=7; single dose 0.1 Molar (M) SCB given intraperitoneally (i.p)], vitamin D group (n=7; 50 IU/day given orally), diabetes group [n=10; single dose 50 mg/kg Streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved in 0.1 M SCB and given i.p (tail vein blood glucose level above 250 mg/dl after 72 hours)] and diabetes+vitamin D group [n=10, single dose 50 mg/kg STZ, dissolved in 0.1 M SCB and given i.p (tail vein blood glucose level above 250 mg/dl after 72 hours) and when diabetes occurs, oral vitamin D administration of 50 IU/day)]. At the end of the 8 weeks experiment, blood was drawn from the tail vein of all rats, they were sacrificed and testicular tissues were taken. While the amount of irisin in the blood and testicular tissue supernatants was analyzed with the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method, TAS and TOS measurements were analyzed with the REL method, testicular tissues were analyzed histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and with the TUNEL method.

RESULTS

When the diabetes group was compared with the control and sham groups, it was reported that the amounts of blood and tissue supernatant irisin and TAS significantly decreased and the TOS was significantly increased; a statistically significant increase in irisin and TAS of blood and tissue supernatants and a significant decrease in TOS were detected when diabetes+vitamin D and diabetes groups were compared among themselves. Similar results were obtained in the immunohistochemical studies. Tissue expressions of irisin decreased in the diabetes group compared to the control and sham groups, while the application of vitamin D increased the tissue expressions of irisin. Additionally, when the numbers of apoptotic cells were compared, it was reported that apoptotic cells in the diabetes group increased significantly compared to the control and sham groups, and vitamin D administration significantly decreased the number of apoptotic cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, vitamin D administration to diabetic rats decreased the number of apoptotic cells and increased the amount of irisin. Vitamin D had an effective role in maintaining the physiological integrity of rat testicular tissues, so vitamin D may be a potent agent to be used in the treatment of diabetes in the future.

Irisin, Angtpl8, Elabela and antioxidants alteration in rats with and without energy drink and treadmill exercise

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of energy drink supplementation and treadmill exercise on the levels of free radicals, antioxidants, Angtpl8, Elabela, and lipid metabolism in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 28 male Wistar albino rats (4 weeks old, 101.96 ± 9.75 g) were included in the study. The rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: control, exercise, supplement, and exercise+supplement groups. At the end of the study, the rats were decapitated, and blood samples were tested for levels of Angptl-8, ghrelin, leptin, irisin, SOD, CAT, TBARS, total oxidant status, and total antioxidant status using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of blood lipids including triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C were studied using spectrophotometric method in an auto analyzer.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed statistical significance in TBARS, LDL-C, irisin, Angptl-8, and Elabela levels of the exercise group; SOD and HDL-C levels of the supplement+exercise group; and total cholesterol levels in the supplement group (p < 0.05). Although there were differences between the groups in leptin, ghrelin, and CAT levels, they were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

As a result, it can be argued that treadmill exercise is important in regulating lipid metabolism and stimulating peptide hormones and receptors. Furthermore, consuming energy drinks without performing exercise or physical activity increases fat stores, and such increases in the critical organs and tissues may pose a threat to the body.

Basal blood concentrations of some orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones in obese and nonobese individuals according to blood groups

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is a serious public health problem associated with excessive food intake. Regulation of food intake in highly organized organisms is under the control of a large number of orexigenic and anorexigenic molecules. Therefore, the main purpose of this study has been to determine the relationship between obesity and some of the circulating orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides that have a role in appetite control and to determine whether the concentrations of these molecules differ according to blood groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 400 individuals of whom 100 were obese women, 100 obese men, 100 healthy men and 100 healthy women. Obese women and men were divided into 4 groups, according to their blood groups. In the control group, healthy women and healthy men were similarly divided into 4 blood groups. Each blood group within the groups, therefore, had 25 participants.

RESULTS

When leptin, nesfatin-1, obestatin and neuropeptide-Y, ghrelin and galanin levels of the control group and obese participants were compared, regardless of blood groups, leptin, nesfatin-1, obestatin and neuropeptide-Y were significantly higher, whereas only the ghrelin levels were significantly lower in obese patients. When the amounts of these hormones were measured according to gender, the situation was similar. When leptin, nesfatin-1, obestatin and neuropeptide-Y values of the control and obese participants' blood groups were compared with each other; these hormones were high in all blood groups; however, leptin levels in A blood group, nesfatin-1 levels in AB and O blood group, obestatin levels in AB blood group, neuropeptide-Y levels in A, B, AB blood groups were significantly higher. When the ghrelin levels of the blood groups in the control group and obese participants were compared, it was only significantly lower in the AB blood group. The ghrelin levels in the other blood groups of the obese individuals were again low, but not significantly so. When the distribution of hormones according to gender was evaluated, a situation parallel to the above results was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Leptin, nesfatin-1, obestatin and neuropeptide-Y and galanin levels of obese individuals were significantly higher than the control values, whereas the ghrelin values were significantly lower regardless of blood groups. Also, these hormones in blood partly varied with ABO blood groups. These different concentrations of hormones in ABO blood groups might be related with stimulation or suppression of appetite in human. However, further studies in other ethnic groups are needed to confirm these results.

Effects of N-acetyl cysteine on TRPM2 expression in kidney and liver tissues following malathion intoxication

We investigated the effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel expression in rat kidney and liver tissues following experimental malathion intoxication. We used seven groups of six male Wistar albino rats: control group, NAC, pralidoxime + atropine, malathion, malathion + pralidoxime + atropine, malathion + pralidoxime + atropine + NAC, and malathion + NAC. Single doses of 100 mg/kg N-acetyl cysteine, 40 mg/kg pralidoxime, 2 mg/kg atropine and 1/3 the lethal dose of malathion were administered. No difference in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, apoptosis or TRPM2 immunoreactivity was found in liver tissue among the groups. In kidney tissue, MDA levels, apoptosis and TRPM2 immunoreactivity were increased significantly in the malathion and malathion + NAC groups compared to the control group. We found that organophosphate intoxication did not affect MDA, apoptosis or TRPM2 immunoreactivity in rat liver during the acute period. By contrast, we found that in kidney tissue, MDA, apoptosis, and TRPM2 immunoreactivity were increased significantly following administration of malathion. Also, NAC given in addition to pralidoxime and atropine reduced MDA to control levels.

Increased Circulatory Extrarenal 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Bilaterally Nephrectomized Rats

BACKGROUND

Extrarenal 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D) locally produced by immune cells plays crucial roles in the regulation of the immune system. However, in vivo status of extrarenal 1,25-D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-D) in acute inflammatory conditions are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the extrarenal 1,25-D level in circulation in bilaterally nephrectomized rats, induced by low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHODS

Renal 1,25-D synthesis was terminated through bilateral nephrectomy in rats. The rats received intraperitoneal LPS (50 μg/kg BW) three times and the experiment was ended 24 hours after nephrectomy. Serum 1,25-D, 25-D, calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone, and calcitonin levels were measured and immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the sources of extrarenal 1,25- D synthesis.

RESULTS

Circulatory 1,25-D concentration remarkably increased in both LPS-treated and non-treated bilaterally nephrectomized rats. Elevated circulatory 1,25-D did not have hypercalcemic endocrinal effects. The increased 1,25-D level also resulted in a concurrent rapid and dramatic depletion of circulatory 25-D.

CONCLUSION

Extrarenal 1,25-D could enter into the systemic circulation and, therefore, might have systemic effects besides its autocrine and paracrine functions.

The decrease in hippocampal transient receptor potential M2 (TRPM2) channel and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 1 (CHRM1) is associated with memory loss in a surgical menopause rat model

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to investigate the association of transient receptor potential M2 (TRPM2) channel and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 1 (CHRM1) activity with the memorial functions that are deteriorated in surgical menopause.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 14 female rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: group (G)1: sham group; group (G)2: surgical menopause group, the group in which bilateral ovariectomy was performed. Fourteen days after the surgical procedure, learning and memorial tests were performed in G1 and G2 for a totally 13 days. The time required for the rats to find the cheese in the labyrinth was recorded and statistical evaluation of it was performed between groups. On the 14^th day of the memory test, the rats were decapitated and the brain tissues were fixed in 10% formalin. Hippocampal TRPM2 and CHRM1 gene expression was evaluated with RNA isolation, complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. TRPM2 and CHRM1 immunoreactivity was evaluated in hippocampal tissue with the immunohistochemical method. Histo-score was calculated regarding the diffuseness of and severity of the staining; and statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In the ovariectomized group, the mean time required for the rats to find the cheese was statistically significantly elongated (39.29 ±4.0 s vs. 29.86 ±2.6 s). When the hippocampal TRPM2 and CHRM1 gene expression and immunoreactivity were compared with the sham group, there was a statistically significant decrease in the surgical menopause group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In surgical menopause, in deterioration of memorial functions, hippocampal TRPM2 channel and CHRM1 activity plays an important role.

The combined effect of pomegranate extract and tangeretin on the DMBA-induced breast cancer model

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of pomegranate extract and tangeretin alone or in combination in DMBA-induced rat breast cancer model. A total of 68 female rats were randomly divided into 8 groups. The first 4 groups were designed as controls for cancer and treatment groups, and the control groups were composed of only control (C), Pomegranate (P), Tangeretin (T), and Pomegranate+Tangeretin (P+T) groups. The other four groups were designed as cancer and treatment groups and were composed of DMBA (D) and DMBA+Pomegranate (D+P), DMBA+Tangeretin (D+T), DMBA+Pomegranate+Tangeretin (D+P+T) groups. Tumor markers and angiogenesis parameters were studied from plasma samples obtained from rats. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and TUNEL analyses and expressions of proteins affecting apoptosis and cell cycle were determined in breast tissue samples. In the DMBA group, plasma CA15-3, CEA, VEGF, MMP-9, and NF-κB levels were significantly increased compared to the controls, but significant decreases were observed in these parameters except MMP-9 in the treatment groups. It was observed that p53 and Bax expressions significantly increased in both D+P and D+P+T groups compared to the DMBA group, and these findings were supported by Tunel and immunohistochemical findings. Cyclin D1 expressions were found to be significantly decreased only in the D+T group and supported by TUNEL and immunohistochemical findings. Immunohistochemical ER-α and Ki-67 immune reactivities were significantly decreased in all treatment groups compared to the DMBA group. Our results showed that combined application of pomegranate extract and tangeretin may be more beneficial in preventing breast cancer development.

Effects of Carnosine, Ankaferd, and Silver Sulfadiazine on an Experimental Burn Model: Roles of Irisin and HSP70

In this study, the effects of carnosine, ankaferd, and 1% silver sulfadiazine applied topically on second-degree burns were investigated and the roles of irisin and Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in this healing process were evaluated. Ninety male albino rats were used and divided into five groups. The groups were classified as control, burn, burn + carnosine (CAR), burn + ankaferd (ABS), and burn + silver sulfadiazine (SS). It was found that level of irisin increased in the first week and decreased in the second week in the burn and CAR groups. In the ABS and SS groups, the level of irisin was determined that started to increase in the first week and continued to increase in the second week. The level of HSP70 was found to increased in the first week in burn and CAR groups and decreased in the second week, but started to increase in the second week in ABS and SS groups. Both levels of irisin and HSP70 were observed to decreased in all treatment groups in the third week. In this study, it was shown that ankaferd and silver sülfadiazine treatments cause an increase in the irisin levels in the early period and a gradually increase in HSP70 levels in the later period in burns. The inflammatory response was observed to be limited in the early period in the ankaferd and sulfadiazin groups. It was concluded that these findings were effective in early wound healing in burns.

Effects of carnosine on apoptosis, transient receptor potential melastatin 2, and betatrophin in rats exposed to formaldehyde

We investigated the effects of exposure to formaldehyde on transient receptor potential melastatin 2, betatrophin, total oxidant status and total antioxidant status in rat liver and kidney tissues. We also investigated the effects of carnosine on formaldehyde treated animals. We used 28 male rats divided ramdomly into four groups of seven: untreated control group, carnosine treated group, formaldehyde treated group and formaldehyde + carnosine group. The experiment lasted for four weeks. Betatrophin levels in samples were measured uing the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and total oxidant status and total antioxidant status were measured using REL assay diagnostic kits. We detected betatrophin and transient receptor potential melastatin 2 immunoreactivity using immunohistochemistry and assessed apoptosis using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. The betatrophin and total antioxidant status levels decreased in kidney, liver and plasma following exposure to formaldehyde, while total oxidant status and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling positivity increased. Carnosine supplementation reversed histopathology and biochemical damage caused by formaldehyde. We suggest that carnosine treatment may be useful for protecting persons exposed to formaldehyde.

An investigation of saliva and plasma levels of urotensin 2 in recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on metformin treatment

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a primary disease of the carbohydrate metabolism that is characterised by absolute or relative insulin deficiency, or insulin resistance. Although life expectancy is low for diabetic patients, the prognosis has been improved in recent decades. Metformin is an oral antidiabetic that reduces insulin resistance and plasma glucose levels by decreasing glucose production in the liver. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other antidiabetic medications or insulin. Urotensin 2 (U-II), which is one of the most effective known vasoconstrictor peptides, was observed to act as a vasoconstrictor in diseases such as hypertension and heart failure, and to induce vasodilation in healthy volunteers. Some studies have proposed that the activation of the U-II system could lead to metabolic syndrome. Certain studies have determined a link between DM and U-II. However, there exist no studies on the effects of U-II in recently diagnosed type 2 DM patients after metformin treatment. This study aims to investigate the plasma and saliva levels of U-II at diagnosis and after a three-month metformin treatment in recently diagnosed type 2 DM patients, and to compare these levels to those of healthy volunteers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Our study compared 30 recently diagnosed type 2 DM patients to their states after three-month metformin treatment and 30 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

When compared with the control group, there was no significant increase in the plasma and saliva U-II levels of recently diagnosed type 2 DM patients. We determined a statistically significant increase in the plasma and saliva ureotensin-2 levels of recently diagnosed type 2 DM patients after a three-month metformin treatment (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that the patients with type 2 DM have a multifactorial aetiopathogenesis and an increase in U-II levels after metformin treatment. Metformin has no known effect on the U-II metabolism; therefore, the findings need confirmation through more clinical and experimental studies with more participants.

Effects of iloprost and sildenafil treatment on elabela, apelin-13, nitric oxide, and total antioxidant and total oxidant status in experimental enzyme-positive acute coronary syndrome in rats

Despite significant advances in medicine, mortality due to cardiovascular disease is not yet preventable. We investigated the amounts of elabela (ELA) and apelin, synthesized by cardiomyocytes, and changes of these compounds in cardiac tissue and circulation after administration of iloprost (ILO) and sildenafil (SIL) in rats with induced myocardial ischemia (MI). We also investigated a connection with circulating troponin-I, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) and nitric oxide (NO), and total anti-oxidant (TAS)/total oxidant status (TOS). We established eight study groups of five rats each. Group 1, sham, was given only physiologic serum; group 2, ILO; group 3, SIL; group 4, ILO + SIL; group 5, MI; group 6, MI + ILO; group 7, MI + SIL; group 8, MI + ILO + SIL. Troponin-I, CK, CK-MB and TAS-TOS were investigated using an autoanalyzer. NO, ELA and apelin were analyzed by ELISA. Tissue apelin and ELA expressions and localizations were determined by immunohistochemistry. The MI group compared to the control (sham) group showed that ELA, apelin, troponin-I, CK, CK-MB, NO and TOS levels were elevated significantly. Concentrations of these factors increased in MI, but decreased after ILO and SIL administration. The largest decrease of TOS was identified in the ILO + SIL group. ELA and apelin may be novel indicators of MI and administration of ILO and SIL, individually or together, may be useful for treating MI.

A promising biomarker to distinguish benign and malignant renal tumors: ELABELA

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate ELABELA (ELA) expression in benign and malignant renal tissues and expression differences in different nuclear grades of clear cell carcinomas.

Materials and Methods

Patients that underwent surgery due to renal masses between the years of 2007 and 2017 were used. Control renal tissues (n = 23), papillary RCC (n = 23), clear cell RCC (CcRCC) [Fuhrman Grade1 (n = 23), Fuhrman Grade2 (n = 23), Fuhrman Grade3 (n = 23), Fuhrman Grade4 (n = 23)], and chromophobe RCC (n = 23) were included to the study. The Independent samples t-test was used for 2-point intergroup assessments and the one-way analysis of variance and posthoctukey test was used for the others. Values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

ELA immunoreactivity was observed in proximal and distal tubules in the kidney, but not in glomeruli in control tissues. When compared with control kidney tissue, a statistically significant increase was observed in ELA immunoreactivity in renal oncocytoma. In the chromophobe RCC, ELA immunoreactivity was significantly lower than control kidney tissue, whereas papillary RCC did not show ELA immunoreactivity. However, compared with control kidney tissue, ELA immunoreactivity was not observed in Fuhrman Grade 1 and Grade 2 CcRCC. Also, there was a significant decrease at Fuhrman Grade 3 and Grade 4 CcRCC compared with control kidney tissues. In the statistical analysis of ELA immunoreactivity among the Fuhrman nuclear grades of CcRCCs, The ELA immunoreactivity was higher at Grade 4 CcRCC than Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3.

Conclusion

ELA is a usefull molecule to differentiate benign and malign renal tumors. But further broad and comprehensive studies are needed to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of ELAs on malign transformation.

Comparison of irisin hormone expression between thyroid cancer tissues and oncocytic variant cells

Objective: The incidence of thyroid cancer has been continuously increasing. The main objective of this study was to investigate irisin expression in various thyroid pathologies and to compare these expression patterns with irisin expression in healthy thyroid tissues.

Methods: The study groups consisted of 20 cases each of control thyroid tissue, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid papillary carcinoma, oncocytic papillary carcinoma, follicular thyroid carcinoma, oncocytic follicular thyroid carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Irisin expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Irisin levels in thyroid tissue supernatants were measured using ELISA.

Results: Patients with HT showed increased irisin expression compared with controls (p<0.05). In addition, mild immunoreactivity was observed in the thyroid tissues of patients with papillary carcinoma while significantly increased irisin immunoreactivity was observed tissues of patients with oncocytic papillary carcinoma (p<0.05). There was no difference in irisin immunoreactivity in thyroid tissues between patients with follicular carcinoma and controls. However, irisin immunoreactivity was higher in tissues of patients with oncocytic follicular carcinoma than in tissues of patients with follicular carcinoma (p<0.05). No irisin immunoreactivity was observed in tissues of patients with medullary carcinoma, a malignant tumor the thyroid; however, irisin expression was significantly increased in tissues of patients with anaplastic carcinoma compared with that in tissues of controls (p<0.05). Furthermore, in all thyroid tissues with irisin expression, irisin immunoreactivity was observed in follicular cells, indicating that irisin is produced by these cells.

Conclusion: Irisin is a novel potential immunohistochemical marker for differentiating oncocytic variants of papillary and FTCs from papillary and follicular thyroid cancers.

A Novel Candidate Molecule in the Pathological Grading of Gliomas: ELABELA

AIM

To investigate the possible role of ELABELA (ELA) in the histopathological grading of gliomas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively assessed pathological specimens of patients who underwent surgery for intracranial space-occupying lesions. Only primary glioma specimens were included in this study. We enrolled 11 patients histologically diagnosed with low-grade glioma and 22 patients with high-grade glioma. The ELA antibody was applied to 4?6-?m-thick sections obtained from paraffin blocks. Histoscores were calculated using the distribution and intensity of staining immunoreactivity. An independent sample t-test was used for two-point inter-group assessments, whereas one-way analysis of variance was used for the other assessments. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The histoscores of the control brain, low-grade glioma, and high-grade glioma tissues were found to be 0.08, 0.37, and 0.92, respectively. The difference in ELA immunoreactivity between the control brain tissue and glioma tissue was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In addition, a statistically significant increase was observed in ELA immunoreactivity in high-grade glioma tissues compared with that in low-grade glioma tissues (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ELA has an angiogenetic role in the progression of glial tumors. ELA, which is an endogenous ligand of the apelin receptor, activates the apelinergic system and causes the progression of glial tumors. Further studies with a large number of patients are necessary to investigate the angiogenetic role of ELA in glial tumors.

Effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid on Loss of Myelin Sheath of Sciatic Nerve in Experimentally Induced Diabetic Rats

Objectives:

Diabetic neuropathy is the most frequent chronic complication of diabetes. It may attack to sensory, motor or autonomous fibers. Varied mechanisms account for the development of diabetic neuropathy such as metabolic disorders, microvascular damages, neurotrophic support deficit, alternation in neuro-immune interactions, neural and glial cell apoptosis, and inflammation. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent lipophilic antioxidant in vitro and in vivo conditions, which plays a main role as cofactor in many mitochondrial reactions, easily absorbed from gastointestinal tract and can easily cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). Apoptosis is an important mechanism of degenerative diseases, which is induced by some factors like hyperglycemia toxicity. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that hyperglycemia affected the cell survival and induced apoptotic changes in dorsal root ganglion neurons and Schwann cells.

Methods:

In this experiment we used a total of 28 rats. 14 rats were given 180mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved by single intraperitoneally (i.p.) injection. Rats are divided into 4 groups; Control (group I), DM (group II), ALA (group III) and DM+ALA (group IV). Myelin sheaths of sciatic nerves were examined histologically for each group.

Results:

In the results of the histological examination, showed that loss of myelin sheath in sciatic nerves of rats while the group treated with ALA showed less myelin loss.

Conclusion:

This study might be suggested that ALA has a protective effect on peripheral neuronal cell damage generated with DM.

Ellagic acid impedes carbontetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats through suppression of NF-kB, Bcl-2 and regulating Nrf-2 and caspase pathway

The use of natural antioxidants instead of conventional treatments is considered effective and safe alternative therapy for hepatotoxicity. Ellagic acid (EA) is a strong antioxidant matter having protecting effect particularly on the liver. Hepatotoxic compounds can cause very heavy damage. Among these chemical hepatotoxins, CCl₄ are responsible for the trichloromethyl radical resulting from biotransformation of the liver. The aim of this study was to examine whether EA plays a protective role against to liver damage induced with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats. In this study, 36 male wistar albino (n = 36, 8 weeks old) rats were used. The rats were distributed into 4 groups, and 9 rats involved in each group. The groups were: (i) Control Group: Fed with standard diet; (ii) EA Group: Fed with standard diet + EA; (iii) CCl₄ Group: Fed with standard diet + CCl₄; (iv) CCl₄ + EA Group: Fed with standard diet + CCl₄ + EA. After 8 weeks, the rats were decapitated and the liver tissue were examined. As a result; EA application created a significant difference (p < 0.05) on caspase-3, bcl-2, NF-kB and Nrf-2 expression in the CCl₄ + EA group in comparison to CCl₄ group. Caspase-3 and Nrf-2 expression levels were increased in the CCl₄ + EA group in comparison to CCl₄ group, but bcl-2 and NF-kB expression levels were decreased. In TUNEL assay examinations, apoptotic index ratio was decreased in the CCl₄ + EA group in comparison to CCl₄ group. These results show that EA reduce liver damage ratio at wistar albino rats and also these results suggest that ellagic acid may be a potentially protective drug against to liver damage in future.

Effects of Carnosine and Vitamin E on Nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2)/nesfatin-1, Ghrelin, Adropin, and Irisin in Experimentally Induced Ovarian Torsion

INTRODUCTION

Delay in the diagnosis of ovarian torsion leads to serious histopathological changes and many problems, including infertility. Various agents have been investigated to minimize detorsion-associated potential injury. This study was performed to study the effects of carnosine and vitamin E on tissue and serum expression of Nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2)/nesfatin-1, ghrelin, adropin, and irisin to determine whether they have protective effects in cases of ovarian torsion.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Seventy-eight rats were allocated evenly into 13 groups. All rats, excluding those in the control and sham groups and Groups (G) III, IV, and V, were subjected to ovarian torsion for 12 hours. The groups were designated as follows: G-I (control), G-II (sham), G-III (vitamin E), G-IV (carnosine), G-V (carnosine + vitamin E), G-VI (torsion), G-VII (torsion + detorsion), G-VIII (torsion + vitamin E), G-IX (torsion + carnosine), G-X (torsion + carnosine + vitamin E), G-XI (torsion + detorsion + vitamin E), G-XII (torsion + detorsion + carnosine), and G-XIII (torsion + detorsion + carnosine + vitamin E). Serum levels of NUCB2/nesfatin-1, ghrelin, adropin, and irisin were measured by ELISA. Immunohistochemical methods were used to measure the expression of these hormones in ovarian tissue.

RESULTS

The levels of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity were increased in G-VII, G-XI, and G-XII (p<0.05). The immunoreactivity of ghrelin was significantly decreased in G-VI, G-IX, G-XI, and G-XII. However, adropin immunoreactivity did not differ significantly between the groups (p>0.05). The level of irisin immunoreactivity was decreased in G-VI, G-VII, and G-VIII (p<0.05). The serum levels of NUCB2/nesfatin-1, ghrelin, adropin, and irisin paralleled the tissue immunohistochemical results.

CONCLUSION

Carnosine and vitamin E protected the ovaries from ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovarian torsion. These antioxidants, especially carnosine, may be useful for the treatment of ovarian torsion.

Hepatoprotective properties for Salvia cryptantha extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury

The present study was designed to determine the possible hepatoprotective effects of Salvia cryptantha (black weed) plant extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury in rats. Animals were grouped as follows: control group (Group I), CCl4 group (Group II), olive oil group (Group III), CCl4 + S. cryphantha 200 mg/kg group (Group IV), and CCl4 + S. cryptantha 400mg/kg group (Group V). Rats were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 diluted in olive oil (50% v/v) at a dose of 1ml/kg body weight.  Bax and Caspase3 were determined by immunohistochemical staining, while apoptotic index was evaluated using TUNEL assay. Total mRNA was isolated from liver tissues, and the levels of BCL2, Caspase3, SOD, CAT, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined by using PCR, while MDA level were determined using a colorimetric assay. The antioxidant and anti-apoptotic gene transcripts were decreased in all of the control and treatment groups, while Caspase3 levels were not statistically different. The S. cryptantha plant extract treatment was also found to improve SOD, GPx, and catalase levels, while reducing the serum levels of MDA. The extract of S. cryptantha supplementation had a protective effect against CCl4-induced liver damage. S. cryptantha extract as a supplement may be useful as a hepato-protective agent to combat the toxic effects caused by CCl4 and other chemicals.

The effect of iloprost and sildenafil, alone and in combination, on myocardial ischaemia and nitric oxide and irisin levels

Aim

Insufficient oxygen supply to organs and tissues due to reduced arterial or venous blood flow results in ischaemia, during which, although ATP production stops, AMP and adenosine continue to be produced from ATP. The fate of irisin, which causes the production of heat instead of ATP during ischaemia, is unknown. Iloprost and sildenafil are two pharmaceutical agents that mediate the resumption of reperfusion (blood supply) via vasodilatation during ischaemic conditions. Our study aimed to explore the effects of iloprost and sildenafil on irisin levels in the heart, liver and kidney tissues and whether these pharmaceutical agents had any impact on serum irisin and nitric oxide levels in rats with induced experimental myocardial ischaemia.

Methods

The study included adult male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 10 months and weighing between 250 and 280 g. The animals were randomly allocated to eight groups, with five rats in each group. The groups were: sham (control), iloprost (ILO), sildenafil (SIL), ILO + SIL, myocardial ischaemia (MI), MI + ILO, MI + SIL and MI + ILO + SIL. The treatment protocols were implemented before inducing ischaemia, which was done by occluding the left coronary artery with a plastic ligature for 30 minutes. Following the reperfusion procedure, all rats were sacrificed after 24 hours, and their heart, liver and kidney tissues and blood samples were collected for analyses. An immunohistochemical method was used to measure the change in irisin levels, the ELISA method to quantify blood irisin levels, and Griess’ assay to determine nitric oxide (NO) levels in the serum and tissue. Myocardial ischaemia was confirmed based on the results of Masson’s trichrome staining, as well as levels of troponin and creatine kinase MB.

Results

Irisin levels in biological tissue and serum dropped statistically significantly in the ischaemic group (MI), but were restored with ILO and SIL administration. Individual SIL administration was more potently restorative than individual ILO administration or the combined administration of the two agents. NO level, on the other hand, showed the opposite tendency, reaching the highest level in the MI group, and falling with the use of pharmaceutical agents.

Conclusions

Individual or combined administration of ILO and SIL reduced myocardial ischaemia and NO levels, and increased irisin levels. Elevated levels of irisin obtained by drug administration could possibly contribute to accelerated wound recovery by local heat production. Sildenafil was more effective than iloprost in eliminating ischaemia and may be the first choice in offsetting the effects of ischaemia in the future.

Ghrelin and NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 expression in unilateral testicular torsion-induced rats with and without N-acetylcysteine

Testicular torsion (TT) is a common urological problem in the field of pediatric surgery. The degree and duration of torsion determines the degree of testicular damage; however, its effects on the expression of octanoylated ghrelin and nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) /nesfatin-1 synthetized from testicular tissue remain unclear. We explored the effects of experimentally induced unilateral TT on serum and contralateral testicular tissue ghrelin and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 levels, and determined whether N-acetyl cysteine (NAS) treatment had any effects on their expression. A total of 42 Wistar Albino strain rats were divided into 7 groups: Group (G) I control, GII sham, GIII 12-hour torsion, GIV 12-hour torsion + detorsion + 100 mg/kg NAS, GV 24-hour torsion, GVI 24-hour torsion + detorsion + 100 mg/kg NAS, and GVII 100 mg/kg NAS. Octanoylated ghrelin and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 concentrations were evaluated in serum using the ELISA method and in testicular tissue with immunohistochemical methods. Immunoreactivity of octanoylated ghrelin significantly increased in GI compared to GIII, GV, and GVI (p&lt;0.05). NUCB2/nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity increased in GV and GVIII relative to GI (p&lt;0.05). In the 12-hour torsion group, a significant decrease in octanoylated ghrelin levels with NAS treatment was observed; however, in the 24-hour torsion group, a significant decrease was not observed. In the 12-hour torsion + NAS treatment group, a significant change was not observed in NUCB2/nesfatin-1 expression. Following 24-hour torsion, an increase in NUCB2/nesfatin-1 levels was observed, and NAS treatment did not reverse this increase. It was determined that increases in the expression of octanoylated ghrelin and NUCB2/nesfatin-1, the latter of which was a result of TT, reflect damage in this tissue. Importantly, NAS treatment could prevent this damage. Thus, there may be a clinical application for the combined use of NAS and octanoylated ghrelin in preventing TT-related infertility.

Ghrelin action on GnRH neurons and pituitary gonadotropes might be mediated by GnIH-GPR147 system

Acylated ghrelin (AG) effect on GnRH secretion is mediated, at least in part, by GH secreta-gogue receptor (GHS-R) which is present in the GnRH neurons. As the acylation is mandatory for binding to GHS-R, unacylated isoform of ghrelin (UAG) action on gonadotropin secretion is likely to be mediated by other receptors or mediators that have not been identified yet. UAG, therefore, may act partially via a GHS-R-independent mechanism and inhibitory impact of UAG on GnRH neurons may be executed via modulation of other neuronal networks. Ghrelin and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), two agonistic peptides, have been known as important regulators of reproductive events. Potential impact of ghrelin on the activity of GnIH neurons is not exactly known. Both GnIH and ghrelin are potent stimulators of food intake and inhibitors of gonadotropin release. By binding G-protein coupled GnIH receptor (GnIH-R), GPR147, which is located in the human gonadotropes and GnRh neurons, GnIH exerts an inhibitory effect on both GnRH neurons and the gonadotropes. The GnIH-GPR147 system receives information regarding the status of energy reservoir of body from circulating peptides and then transfers them to the kisspeptin-GnIH-GnRH network. Due to wide distribution of this network in brain GnIH neurons may project on ghrelin neurons in the arcuate nucleus and contribute to the regulation of UAG's central effects or vice versa. Together, the unidentified ghrelin receptor in the hypothalamus and hypophysis may be GnIH-R. Therefore, it is reasonable that ghrelin may act on both hypothalamus and hypophysis via GnIH-GPR147 system to block gonadotropin synthesis and secretion.

Irisin immunostaining characteristics of breast and ovarian cancer cells

To determine expression pattern of irisin in tissues obtained from human ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and cervix cancer. Tissue samples obtained from subjects with breast cancer, ovarian cancer cervix cancer, simple endometrial hyperplasia, complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia. At least five sections from each subject were immunohistochemically stained with irisin antibody, and H-score method was used to evaluate irisin intensity. Tissues obtained from healthy breast tissues, proliferative phase endometrium adenomyosis and benign ovarian tumors were accepted as control. Irisin activity was not detected in control breast tissues significantly increased irisin staining was detected in invasive lobular, intraductal papillary, invasive ductal, invasive papillary, and mucinous carcinomas compared to control tissues. Also, significantly increased irisin immunoreactivity was detected in both ovarian endometriosis and mucinous carcinomas compared to benign tumors. However irisin staining was not observed at the papillary carcinoma of the ovary while sections obtained from simple and complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia, and cervix carcinoma demonstrated irisin immunoreactivity. Increased irisin immunoreactivity in tissues obtained from breast, ovary, cervix carcinomas, and endometrial hyperplasia suggest critical role of this peptide during carcinogenesis.

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.

Serum, Saliva, and Urine Irisin with and Without Acute Appendicitis and Abdominal Pain

A 112-amino-acid protein irisin (IRI) is widely expressed in many organs, but we currently do not know whether appendix tissue and blood cells express it. If appendix tissue and neutrophil cells express IRI, measuring its concentration in biological fluids might be helpful in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA), since neutrophil cells are the currently gold-standard laboratory parameters for the diagnosis of AA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the suitability of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based measurements of the proposed myokine IRI for the discrimination of patients with AA from those with acute abdominal pain (AP) and healthy controls. Moreover, immunoreactivity to IRI was investigated in appendix tissues and blood cells. Samples were collected on admission (T1), 24 hours (T2), and 72 hours (T3) postoperatively from patients with suspected AA and from patients with AP corresponding to T1–T3, whereas control subject blood was once corresponding to T1. IRI was measured in serum, saliva, and urine by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whereas in appendix tissue and blood cells, IRI was detected by immunohistohcemistry. Appendix tissue and blood cells (except for erythrocytes) are new sources of IRI. Basal saliva, urine, and serum levels were higher in children with AA compared with postoperative levels (T2) that start to decline after surgery. This is in line with the finding that IRI levels are higher in children with AA when compared with those with AP or control subject levels, most likely due to a large infiltration of neutrophil cells in AA that release its IRI into body fluids. Measurement of IRI in children with AA parallels the increase or decrease in the neutrophil count. This new finding shows that the measurement of IRI and neutrophil count can together improve the diagnosis of AA, and it can distinguish it from AP. IRI can be a candidate marker for the diagnosis of AA and offers an additional parameter to neutrophil count. The promising receiving operating curve results indicate the following sensitivities and specificities, respectively, for IRI: serum 90% and 55%, saliva 90% and 60%, and urine 90% and 50%. Serum neutrophil count gave a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 90%. This promising result now needs to be confirmed in a larger group of patients.

Adropin as a potential marker of enzyme-positive acute coronary syndrome

Aim

Enzyme-positive acute coronary syndrome (EPACS) can cause injury to or death of the heart muscle owing to prolonged ischaemia. Recent research has indicated that in addition to liver and brain cells, cardiomyocytes also produce adropin. We hypothesised that adropin is released into the bloodstream during myocardial injury caused by acute coronary syndrome (ACS), so serum and saliva levels rise as the myocytes die. Therefore, it could be useful to investigate how ACS affects the timing and significance of adropin release in human subjects

Methods

Samples were taken over three days after admission, from 22 EPACS patients and 24 age- and gendermatched controls. The three major salivary glands (submandibular, sublingual and parotid) were immunohistochemically screened for adropin production, and serum and saliva adropin levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Salivary gland cells produce and secrete adropin locally.

Results

Serum adropin, troponin I, CK and CK-MB concentrations in the EPACS group became gradually higher than those in the control group up to six hours (p < 0.05), and troponin I continued to rise up to 12 hours after EPACS. The same relative increase in adropin level was observed in the saliva. Troponin I, CK and CK-MB levels started to decrease after 12 hours, while saliva and serum adropin levels started to decrease at six hours after EPACS. In samples taken four hours after EPACS, when the serum adropin value averaged 4.43 ng/ml, the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the serum adropin concentration indicated EPACS with 91.7% sensitivity and 50% specificity, while when the cut-off adropin value in saliva was 4.12 ng/ml, the saliva adropin concentration indicated EPACS with 91.7% sensitivity and 57% specificity.

Conclusion

In addition to cardiac troponin and CK-MB assays, measurement of adropin level in saliva and serum samples is a potential marker for diagnosing EPACS.

Effects of vitamin D on kidney histology and trpv1 channels in doxorubicin-induced nephropathy

Doxorubicin (DXR) is an antineoplastic agent of the anthracycline group, and may show nephrotoxic effects in animal models and humans. We investigated changes in kidney tissue following doxorubicin treatment and the effects of vitamin D on kidney tissue and TRPV1 channels. In this study, 24 adult male Wistar Albino rats were used. The animals were divided into four groups of six animals. During the 14-day experiment period, Group I did not have any application. 200 IU/day cholecalciferol was administered orally to Group II. Group III received 10 mg/kg single dose of DXR intraperitoneally (IP); and Group IV had a single 10 mg/kg dose of IP DXR and 200 IU/day of oral cholecalciferol. At the end of the experiment, the rats were decapitated, and their kidney tissues were removed. TRPV1 expression and apoptosis were detected in the tissue section by using immunohistochemical, TUNEL and real time-PCR (RT-PCR) techniques. The findings were examined and photographed with BH2 Olympus photomicroscope. As result of immunohistochemical staining, RT-PCR and examination with light microscope, it was found that the TRPV 1 immunoreactivity of the DXR group decreased in comparison with the control group, and the vitamin D application did not reverse this effect. Apoptosis detected by the TUNEL method tended to increase in the doxorubicin group and was relatively reversed with the administration of vitamin D. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were observed to correlate with the findings of apoptosis. This study showed that vitamin D has anti- apoptotic and antioxidant effects on kidney tissue after DXR-induced injury.

Effect of carnosine, methylprednisolone and their combined application on irisin levels in the plasma and brain of rats with acute spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) might occur to anybody at any time and any age. In its treatment, methylprednisolone (MP) is a first choice worldwide, but there is still no significant breakthrough in truly beneficial treatment due to SCI's complex pathophysiology. We investigated the effect of carnosine, methylprednisolone (MP) and its combination on irisin levels in the plasma, brain and medulla spinalis tissues in SCI using a rat model. The rats were divided into 6 groups: I (Control, saline); II (sham animals with laminectomy without cross-clamping); III (SCI); IV (SCI treated with 150mg/kg carnosine); V (SCI treated with 30mg/kg methylprednisolone); and VI (SCI treated with a combination of carnosine and MP). The animals were given traumatic SCI after laminectomy, using 70-g closing force aneurysm clips (Yasargil FE 721). Irisin concentration was measured by ELISA. The distribution of irisin in brain and spinal cord tissues was examined by immunochemistry. Irisin was mainly expressed in the astrocytes and microglia of brain tissues, and multipolar neurones of the anterior horn of spinal cord tissue in rats of all groups, indicating that irisin is physiologically indispensable. MP and carnosine and the combination of the two, significantly increased irisin in plasma and were accompanied by a significant rise in irisin immunoreactivity of brain and spinal cord tissues of the injured rats compared with control and sham. This finding raises the possibility that methylprednisolone and carnosine regulate the brain and spinal cord tissues in SCI by inducing irisin expression, and may therefore offer a better neurological prognosis.

Nigella sativa improves the carbon tetrachloride-induced lung damage in rats through repression of erk/akt pathway

<p class="Abstract">The objective of this study was to examine whether <em>Nigella sativa</em> plays a protective role against the damage in the lung by administering carbon tetra-chloride (CCl₄) to rats. Male Wistar albino (n=28, 8 weeks old) rats were divided into 4 groups: a) negative control: Normal water consuming group to which no CCl₄ and N. sativa was administered; b) Positive control: Normal water consuming group to which no CCl₄ was administered but<em> N. sativa</em> was administered; c) CCl₄ Group: Normal water consuming and group to which CCl₄ was administered (1.5 mL/kg, ip); d) N. sativa plus CCl₄   group: CCl₄ and <em>N. sativa</em> administered group (1.5 mL/kg, ip). Caspase-3, caspase -9, erk, akt protein syntheses were examined via Western blotting. Malondialdehyde determination in lung tissue was made using spectrophotometer. As a results, malondialdehyde amount was decreased in the CCl₄ plus<em> N. sativa</em> group in comparison to CCl₄ group whereas caspase-3, caspase-9 was increased and erk, akt had decreased. These results show that <em>N. sativa</em> protects the lung against oxidative damage.</p><p> </p>

Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of ghrelin in an experimental glaucoma model

Damage to retinal ganglion cells due to elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) is responsible for vision loss in glaucoma. Given that loss of these cells is irreversible, neuroprotection is crucial in the treatment of glaucoma. In this study, we investigated the possible antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of ghrelin on the retina in an experimental glaucoma model. Twenty-one Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups comprising seven rats each. The rats in the control group were not operated on and did not receive any treatment. In all rats in the other groups, IOP was increased by cauterization of the limbal veins. After creation of the IOP increase, saline 1 mL/kg or ghrelin 40 μg/kg was administered intraperitoneally every day for 14 days in the vehicle control group and ghrelin groups, respectively. On day 14 of the study, the eyes were enucleated. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2) in anterior chamber fluid were measured. The retinas were subjected to immunohistochemistry staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S-100, and vimentin expression. Mean levels of MDA, NO, and NOS2 in the aqueous humor were higher in the vehicle control group than in the control group (P<0.05). Mean levels of MDA, NO, and NOS2 in the ghrelin group did not show a significant increase compared with levels in the control group (P>0.05). Retinal TUNEL and immunohistochemistry staining in the vehicle control group showed an increase in apoptosis and expression of GFAP, S-100, and vimentin compared with the control group (P<0.05). In the ghrelin group, apoptosis and expression of GFAP, S-100, and vimentin was significantly lower than in the vehicle control group (P<0.05). This study suggests that ghrelin has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects on the retina in an experimental glaucoma model.

Effect of carnosine supplementation on apoptosis and irisin, total oxidant and antioxidants levels in the serum, liver and lung tissues in rats exposed to formaldehyde inhalation

The main objective of the study has been to show whether carnosine has positive effects on liver and lung tissues of rats exposed to a range of formaldehyde concentrations, and to explore how irisin expression and antioxidant capacity are altered in these tissues by carnosine supplementation. Sprague-Dawley type male rats were divided into 8 groups with 6 animals in each: (I) Control; no chemical supplementation); (II) sham (100mg/kg/day carnosine); (III) low dose formaldehyde (LDFA) for 5 days/week; (IV) LDFA for 5 days/week and carnosine); (V) moderate dose formaldehyde (MDFA) for 5 days/week); (VI) MDFA for 5 days/week and carnosine; (VII) high dose formaldehyde (HDFA) for 5 days/week; (VIII) and HDFA for 5 days/week and carnosine. Sham and control groups were exposed to normal air. Irisin levels of the serum, liver and lung tissue supernatants were analyzed by ELISA, while the REL method was used to determine total oxidant/antioxidant capacity. Irisin production by the tissues was detected immunohistochemically. Increasing doses of FA decreased serum/tissue irisin and total antioxidant levels relative to the controls, as also to increases in TUNEL expressions, total oxidant level, oxidant and apoptosis index. Irisin expression was detected in hepatocyte and sinusoidal cells of the liver and parenchymal cells of the lung. In conclusion, while FA exposure reduces irisin and total oxidant in the serum, liver and lung tissues in a dose-dependent manner and increases the total antioxidant capacity, carnosine supplementation reduces the oxidative stress and restores the histopathological and biochemical signs.

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.

A comprehensive immunohistochemical examination of the distribution of the fat-burning protein irisin in biological tissues

Irisin was first identified in skeletal muscle cells, but its precise location has not yet been demonstrated, and there is limited information about irisin protein in other human and rat tissues. The present immunohistochemical study was undertaken to screen skeletal muscle and other tissues for irisin immunoreactivity. İrisin staining was found in the brain (neurons and neuroglia), cardiac and skeletal muscle (fibers) and skin (sebaceous glands) tissues in male rats. In both human adult and fetal skeletal muscle, the most intense immunohistochemical staining was in the perimysium and endomysium, in the peripheral nerve (epineurium) and axon and nerve sheaths spreading among the cells, in the sarcoplasma and subendomysium. Irisin was also demonstrated in the testis (seminiferous tubules, some spermatogenic cells in fetal and Leydig cells in fetal and adult testis, ductus epididymis in fetal human epididymis); pancreas (islets of Langerhans, serous acini cells, intralobular and intralobular ducts cells); liver (hepatocytes; Kupffer cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells); spleen (subcapsular region and periarterial lymphatic sheets); the stomach (gastric parietal cells, tunica muscularis cells). We conclude that the fat-burning protein irisin locally produced in peripheral and central tissues could act as a gatekeeper of metabolic energy regulation in those tissues, since this myokine converts white into brown adipose tissue, enhancing energy expenditure.

Expression changes of antioxidant, apoptotic, anti-apoptotic genes and miR-15b-34a-21-98 in over tissue by using erythromycin, quinacrine and tetracycline in non-surgical sterilization

In the present study, effects on expression of antioxidant, apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes (GSR, GRX3, SOD1, RAI-NOS, HSP7, BAX, Bcl-2, CASP3 and MDH1) of substances being used in non-surgical sterilization such as quinacrine, erythromycin and tetracycline were evaluated in over tissue. Moreover, expression of some specific mi-RNA (miR-15b, miR-21, miR34a and miR-98) that playing a role in apoptosis was determined in same tissue. Prospective comparative experimental study. Genetics and Histology laboratory. Total number of 28 Wistar albino 12-14 week old female rats with regular cycles and 200-220 grams in weight. Total RNA was isolated from tissues by using a RNA isolation kit. Gene expression levels were evaluated by Real-Time PCR method. Tubal passage and fibrosis induction in tissues was observed in the histochemical analysis. In the statistical analysis of data Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis and Mann-Whitney U test were used and p < 0.05 were accepted as significant. While the expressions of target genes found to be increased in quinacrine and erythromycin group when compared to control group, this increase was insignificant. In quinacrine group, increase in the SOD1 expression levels was only statistically significant (p < 0.05). Expression levels of miR-15b, miR-21, miR34a and miR-98 microRNAs were found to be up-regulated in all experimental groups, despite this, only the increased expression miR-34 was found as statistically significant when compared to control. Tubal blockage and fibrosis induction scores of quinacrine, erythromycin and tetracycline were significantly higher than control. Results of the present study suggest that the doses treated of quinacrine, erythromycin and tetracycline used in non-surgical sterilization effect poorly the expression of anti-oxidant, apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes, but the expression of miR-34 playing the role in apoptosis increased after treatment of these substances.

Elevated adropin: a candidate diagnostic marker for myocardial infarction in conjunction with troponin-I

Myocardial infarction (MI; "heart attack") can cause injury to or death of heart muscle tissue (myocardium) owing to prolonged ischemia and hypoxia. Troponins and CK-MB are released from heart muscle cells during MI. It has been demonstrated that energy expenditure is regulated by adropin expressed in the endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium. We hypothesized that adropin is released into the bloodstream during myocardial muscle injury caused by MI, so the serum level rises as myocytes die. Therefore, we examined the association between adropin expression and myocardial infarction in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction. Rats were randomly allocated to six groups. After treatment they were decapitated and their blood and tissues were collected for adropin measurement. Changes in adropin synthesis in rat heart, kidney and liver tissues in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI were demonstrated immunohistochemically. Serum adropin concentrations were measured by ELISA, and troponin-I, CK and CK-MB concentrations by autoanalysis. The results demonstrated that cardiac muscle cells, glomerular, peritubular and renal cortical interstitial cells, hepatocytes and liver sinusoidal cells all synthesize adropin, and synthesis increased 1-24 h after MI except in the liver cells. The findings elucidate the pathogenesis of MI, and the gradual increase in serum adropin could be a novel diagnostic marker and serve as an alternative to troponin-I measurement for diagnosing MI.

Regulatory neuropeptides (ghrelin, obestatin and nesfatin-1) levels in serum and reproductive tissues of female and male rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome

Although, the exact mechanisms underlying the development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are not still completely understood, obesity, circulated peptide hormone levels and their interaction with genetic factors are considered largely responsible. The purpose of this study is to explore how the levels of ghrelin, obestatin (OBS) and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 (NES)/NUCB2 change in serum and the reproductive tissues of female and male rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome, and whether the levels of each hormone is correlated with the hormones involved with fertility. Experiments were conducted on 5-week-old Sprague-Dawley male and female rats assigned to either a control group or a MetS group. Controls were fed standard rat food and water ad libitum, while the MetS group was fed standard food with 10% (v/v) fructose solution added to their drinking water for 12 weeks with a 12/12h photoperiod circle. Then, all animals were sacrificed after a one night fast. Peptides levels in the serum and reproductive tissues of rats were studied using the ELISA method while the immunoreactivity of reproductive system peptide hormones were shown by immunohistochemical staining method. Furthermore, the other biochemical parameters were measured using Konelab-60 equipment and infertility hormones were measured with Immulite2000. Fasting serum insulin, glucose, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) levels were statistically significantly higher, and the amount of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly lower, in the MetS groups. Serum and tissue supernatant NES levels were significantly higher in the rats with MetS than the control group. Ghrelin, OBS and NES were expressed in the cytoplasm, concentrated around the apical parts of the epithelial cells in the reproductive tissues of the rats. The amounts of ghrelin were lower in the reproductive tissues of the animals with MetS, while NES levels in the same tissues increased. Obestatin also decreased, though not in the seminal glands.