Comparative evaluation of platelet-rich plasma, autologous blood serum, and umbilical cord serum for corneal healing after penetrating keratoplasty in New Zealand rabbits

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), autologous blood serum (ABS), and umbilical cord serum (UCS) on corneal healing following penetrating keratoplasty (PK). A total of 120 New Zealand white rabbits, forty were designated as donors, while the remaining eighty rabbits were randomly divided into four groups after undergoing PRP Group (n = 20), ABS Group (n = 20), UCS Group (n = 20) and Control Group (n = 20). Corneal opacity score, corneal vascularization, corneal staining, histopathological analysis, and immunohistochemical analysis (including CD4+, CD8+, and major histocompatibility complex [MHC] II) were assessed at postoperative 1, 2, 3, and 12 weeks. The results showed that corneal opacity score and corneal vascularization did not differ significantly among the groups. However, corneal staining was found to be statistically higher in the PRP group (0.40 ± 0.60) compared to the other groups (p = 0.011). Immunohistochemical examination revealed no significant differences in CD4+, CD8+, and MHC II levels among the groups. Notably, in all groups, CD4+, CD8+, and MHC II levels were significantly higher at 12 weeks compared to other time points. PRP, ABS, and UCS demonstrated positive effects on corneal healing after PK. However, among the three products, PRP exhibited a superior healing effect compared to ABS and UCS crucial in the postoperative period following PK procedures, as they significantly impact visual quality, graft transparency, graft survival, and prevention of stromal resorption caused by infections. Despite the avascular nature of the cornea and its immune privilege, failure to resolve epithelial defects (ED) commonly observed after PK can result in irreversible scarring and ulceration, leading to graft rejection. While epithelial defects are observed in 14-100% of cases on the first postoperative day, approximately 3-7% of them persist as non-healing ED in subsequent periods. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that PRP, ABS, and UCS have a positive effect on corneal healing after PK.

Protective role of the dried white mulberry extract on the reproductive damage and fertility in rats treated with carmustine

The present study investigated the protective effect of dried white Mulberry extract (DWME) against carmustine (Crm) induced biochemical alterations and spermatological, histopathological, and fertility damage in Wistar albino rats. Male rats were divided into four groups (control, Crm, Crm + DWME, and DWME group). It was found that Crm decreased the motility. Crm decreased the concentration (not different from control group) compared to DWME groups. Total blood MDA levels were reduced during the recovery period. Also, the recovery period reduced the MDA levels in the Crm group/testicular tissue. The GSH levels in the Crm + DWME group were the highest among all groups in the testicular tissue/experiment period. In the immunohistochemical evaluation of the testicular tissue, a high level of caspase-3 was observed in the cells that underwent meiosis in the Crm group. The most pronounced DNA damage was also detected in the Crm group. The Crm + DWME group showed the highest number of offspring born during recovery period. In conclusion, dried white mulberry extract protects against the spermatological damages caused by carmustine. Moreover, recovery period played a positive effect on spermatological parameters and fertility.

Investigation of the Pathogenesis and Treatment Efficiency of Bevacizumab-Induced Hypertension in the Rat Model

Bevacizumab is known to reduce Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) to undetectable levels when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Hypertension is a frequent adverse effect of bevacizumab, although its mechanism(s) remain unclear. In this study, our aim was to examine the pathogenesis of bevacizumab-induced hypertension and to investigate the treatment efficacy of valsartan. A total of 24 Wistar Albino female rats were included in the study. Rats were divided into three groups with 8 rats in each, as follows: The control group, bevacizumab group and bevacizumab + valsartan group. Blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were measured, urine samples were collected for 24 hours statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 20 software pack. Nephrectomy specimens in bevacizumab and bevacizumab + valsartan groups exhibited varying degrees of renal injury. Although valsartan was able to reduce the bevacizumab-induced rise in blood pressure, it could not prevent the development of nephropathy. Conclusions these findings suggest that hypertension occurring secondary to bevacizumab treatment in rats may be associated with mechanisms involving renal injury.