Regression of endometrial implants by resveratrol in an experimentally induced endometriosis model in rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of resveratrol on an experimentally induced endometriosis rat model.

STUDY DESIGN

After endometriotic implants were surgically formed, rats were randomly divided into 2 groups as control group (saline treated, n = 6) and resveratrol group (10 mg/kg/d, n = 6). The inflammatory markers and histopathological changes were assessed at the end of the treatment period. Results Our results showed (1) significant reduction in the implant size (P < .0005); (2) significantly decreased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the peritoneal fluid and plasma (P < .005); and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) in the peritoneal fluid (P < .05), (3) highly significant suppression of VEGF expression in the endometriotic tissue (P < .0005); and (4) considerable histological changes in the endometriotic foci following resveratrol treatment.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol appears to be effective on the development of endometriosis through its antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Future studies with different doses of resveratrol might provide more comprehensive results regarding the treatment of endometriosis.

Amelioration of rotenone-induced dopaminergic cell death in the striatum by oxytocin treatment

Oxytocin (OT) is essentially associated with uterine contraction during parturition and milk ejection reflex. Although several studies implicate the role of OT in anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic pathways, there is a lack of data with regard to the protective effects of oxytocin in neurodegenerative models such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The present study was undertaken to investigate the neuroprotective effects of oxytocin (OT) on rotenone-induced PD in rats. Twenty adult Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with rotenone (3 μg/μl in DMSO) or vehicle (1 μl DMSO) into the left substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) under stereotaxic surgery, and PD model was assessed by rotational test ten days after drug infusion. The valid PD rats were randomly divided into two groups; Group 1 (n=7) and Group 2 (n=7) were administered saline (1 ml/kg/day, i.p.) and oxytocin (160 μg/kg/day, i.p.) through 20 days, respectively. The effects of OT treatment were evaluated by behavioral, histological and immunohistochemical parameters. Apomorphine-induced stereotypic rotations in PD rats were significantly inhibited by OT treatment (p<0.05). In addition, immunohistochemical studies clearly demonstrated the suppression of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8 and elevation of Bcl-2 and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoexpression in OT-treated rats compared to saline group. Our findings suggest that oxytocin may have cytoprotective and restorative effects on dopaminergic neurons against rotenone-induced injury. The underlying mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of apoptotic pathways.

Evaluation of long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on rat brain: a biochemical, behavioral, and histological study

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose) on rat brain. Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the study. The control group (n = 6) received regular tap water, whereas other groups received aspartame (3 mg/kg/day, n = 6,) or saccharin (3 mg/kg/day, n = 6) or sucralose (1.5 mg/kg/day, n = 6) in the drinking water. Following 6 weeks, the passive avoidance learning (PAL) test was performed to evaluate the neurobehavioral effects of sweeteners. The brains were assessed for lipid peroxides, neuron count, and Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry. Our results demonstrated that chronic intake of sweeteners significantly impaired PAL performance in all groups. Hippocampal CA1-CA3 areas revealed significantly lower neuronal count in aspartame and increased GFAP expression in all groups. Brain lipid peroxides were significantly higher in all groups. Our findings suggest that long-term consumption of artificial sweeteners may have harmful effects on cognition and hippocampal integrity in rats.

Comparison of melatonin and oxytocin in the prevention of critical illness polyneuropathy in rats with experimentally induced sepsis

BACKGROUND

Critical illness polyneuropathy is an acute neuromuscular disorder of critically ill patients and is characterized by limb and respiratory muscle weakness. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of melatonin (MEL) and oxytocin (OT) on the early stage of sepsis by recording compound muscle action potentials and measuring plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA), and total antioxidant capacity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the study. The cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure was performed to induce the sepsis model. MEL (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg), OT (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/kg), and a combination of MEL (20 mg/kg) and OT (0.8 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally in the first hour of surgery. Electromyography (EMG) studies were achieved 24 h after CLP surgery and then blood samples were collected for biochemical measurements.

RESULTS

EMG findings revealed that compound muscle action potential amplitude was significantly decreased and distal latency was prolonged in the CLP group compared with the sham group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.0005). Moreover, the animals that received CLP surgery showed significantly higher TNF-α and MDA levels and lower total antioxidant capacity values than the sham group. The administration of MEL and OT to rats significantly abolished the EMG alterations and suppressed oxidative stress and TNF-α release in CLP-induced rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The inflammatory processes and imbalance in oxidative/antioxidative status play important roles in the pathogenesis of critical illness polyneuropathy. We suggest that both oxytocin and melatonin may have beneficial effects against sepsis-induced polyneuropathy in critical illness.

The neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin on experimental Parkinson model in rats

Dopaminergic neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease (PD) results from oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity. Because erythropoietin (EPO) has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in many previous studies, present study was designed to evaluate the effect of EPO on rotenone-induced dopaminergic neuronal loss. The rats in which PD was induced by stereotaxical infusion of rotenone showed increased MDA and TNF-alpha levels and decreased HVA levels. On the other hand, EPO treatment resulted in markedly decreased MDA and TNF-alpha levels and increased HVA levels. EPO treatment in rotenone-infusion group resulted in improvement of striatal neurodegeneration and a significant increase in decreased total number of neurons and immunohistochemical TH positive neurons. Results of the present study demonstrate the neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of EPO in a rotenone-induced neurodegenerative animal model.

Neuroprotective effects of chronic administration of levetiracetam in a rat model of diabetic neuropathy

OBJECTIVE

Diabetic neuropathy (DNP) is a frequent and serious complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that leads to progressive and length-dependent loss of peripheral nerve axons. The purpose of the present study is to assess the neuroprotective effects of levetiracetam (LEV) on DNP in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM model in rats.

METHODS

Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with STZ (60mg/kg) to induce diabetes. DNP was confirmed by electromyography (EMG) and motor function test on 21st day following STZ injection. Study groups were assigned as follows; Group 1: Naïve control (n=8), Group 2: DM+1mL/kg saline (n=12), Group 3: DM+300mg/kg LEV (n=10), Group 4: DM+600mg/kg LEV (n=10). LEV was administered i.p. for 30 consecutive days. Then, EMG, motor function test, biochemical analysis (plasma lipid peroxides and total anti-oxidant capacity), histological and immunohistochemical analysis of sciatic nerves (TUNEL assay, bax, caspase 3, caspase 8 and NGF) were performed to evaluate the efficacy of LEV.

RESULTS

Treatment of diabetic rats with LEV significantly attenuated the inflammation and fibrosis in sciatic nerves and prevented electrophysiological alterations. Immunohistochemistry of sciatic nerves showed a considerable increase in bax, caspase 3 and caspase 8 and a decrease in NGF expression in saline-treated rats whereas LEV significantly suppressed apoptosis markers and prevented the reduction in NGF expression. Besides, LEV considerably reduced plasma lipid peroxides and increased total anti-oxidant capacity in diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that LEV may have therapeutic effects in DNP through modulation of anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic pathways.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma on nerve regeneration in a rat model

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether platelet-rich plasma has a regenerative effect on a sciatic nerve injury model in rats.

METHODS

A sciatic nerve cut model was created in 24 nerves of 12 rats. All nerves were repaired with epineural sutures by the same surgeon. Rats were randomly divided into two groups; platelet-rich plasma was applied to the injury site in the platelet-rich plasma group and saline only to the same area in the control group. Motor and electromyographic assessments were performed at the end of 12th postoperative week and all rats were euthanized for histological specimens.

RESULTS

Motor recovery was significantly better in the platelet-rich plasma group than the control group. The differences in electromyographic and histomorphometric findings between the groups were significant (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our experimental study demonstrated positive effects of platelet-rich plasma on nerve regeneration.

Neuroprotective Effects of Eexenatide in a Rotenone-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

BACKROUND

Several studies suggest an association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus; these 2 diseases are both known to affect the common molecular pathways. As a synthetic agonist for the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor, exenatide has been evaluated as a neuroprotective agent in multiple animal models. Rotenone models of PD have great potential for the investigation of PD pathology and motor and nonmotor symptoms, as well as the role of gene-environment interactions in PD causation and pathogenesis. Therefore, in this study, the neurochemical, behavioral and histologic effects of exenatide on a rotenone-induced rat model of PD were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen adult male rats were randomly divided into the following 3 groups (n = 6): 1 group received stereotaxical infusion of dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle, group 1) and the others received stereotaxical infusion of rotenone (groups 2 and 3). Apomorphine-induced rotation test was applied to the rats after 10 days. Thereafter, group 2 was administered isotonic saline, whereas group 3 was administered exenatide for 28 days.

RESULTS

Malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels increased in the rats with PD induced by rotenone, whereas malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels markedly decreased in the rats treated with exenatide. The apomorphine-induced rotation test scores of exenatide-treated rats were determined to be lower compared with the untreated group. Additionally, treatment with exenatide significantly reduced the loss of dopaminergic neurons in striatum.

CONCLUSIONS

These results have shown that exenatide has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in a rotenone-induced rat model of PD.

Assessment of Neurocognitive Functions in Children and Adolescents with Obesity

Obesity is linked to adverse neurocognitive outcomes including reduced cognitive functioning. We aimed to investigate the differences in neuropsychological test performance of Turkish children and adolescents with obesity and healthy peers. Study includes 147 children and adolescents ranging in age from 8 to 16 years: 92 with obesity and 55 with healthy controls. After the participants were administered the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED), they completed the battery tests of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNSVS), a neurocognitive test battery, via computer. The battery calculates seven domain scores (Memory, Psychomotor speed, Processing speed, Reaction time, Complex attention, Executive Function, Cognitive flexibility), and a summary score (Neurocognition Index [NCI]). There was a statistically significant difference between the obesity and control groups on all cognitive domains. The mean NCI score of the obesity group was 81.3 ± 10.24 compared to 97.29 ± 4.97 for the control group. The mean NCI score in the obesity group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.001). The mean scores of other domains of obese patients were also found to be significantly lower than those of the control participants (p < 0.001). The mean SCARED scores of the participants with obesity were found to be significantly higher than those of the control participants (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant relationship was found between the SCARED and the CNSVS scores. Cognitive dysfunction in children and adolescents with obesity should be taken into consideration when assessing and managing this population.

Levetiracetam attenuates rotenone-induced toxicity: A rat model of Parkinson's disease

Levetiracetam (LEV), a second-generation anti-epileptic drug, is used for treatment of both focal and generalized epilepsy. Growing body of evidence suggests that LEV may have neuroprotective effects. The present study was undertaken to investigate the neuroprotective effects of LEV on rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) in rats. Twenty-four adult Sprague-Dawley rats were infused with rotenone (3 μg/μl in DMSO) or vehicle (1 μl DMSO) into the left substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) under stereotaxic surgery. PD model was assessed by rotational test ten days after drug infusion. The valid PD rats were randomly distributed into two groups; Group 1 (n=8) and Group 2 (n=8) were administered saline (1 ml/kg/day, i.p.) and LEV (600 mg/kg/day, i.p.) through 21 days, respectively. The effects of LEV treatment were evaluated by behavioral (rotation score), biochemical (brain homovalinic acid level and oxidant/antioxidant status) and immunohistochemical (tyrosine hydroxylase) parameters. Apomorphine-induced rotations in PD rats were significantly suppressed by LEV treatment. While unilateral rotenone lesion induced a dramatic loss of dopaminergic neurons both in the striatum and SNc, LEV treatment significantly attenuated the degenerative changes in dopaminergic neurons. Furthermore, LEV significantly decreased lipid peroxide levels, a marker of lipid peroxidation, and induced glutathione levels, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity in PD rats compared with saline group. We conclude that LEV may have beneficial effects on dopaminergic neurons against rotenone-induced injury. The underlying mechanism may be associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress.

The beneficial effects of levetiracetam on polyneuropathy in the early stage of sepsis in rats: electrophysiological and biochemical evidence

ABSTRACT Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is a common complication in long (≥1 week) critical/intensive care hospitalizations. Rapidly progressing atrophy and weakness of the limb, trunk and, particularly, respiratory muscles may lead to severe morbidity or mortality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of levetiracetam (LEV) on CIP in the early stage of sepsis in rats. We simulated CIP by a surgically induced sepsis model and verified it by lower-limb electromyography (EMG) (amplitude and duration of CMAP, and distal latency). We evaluated the effects of various doses of LEV treatment (300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg i.p.) on CIP by performing electrophysiology, and determining plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde, MDA) levels, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Our data showed: (1) significant suppression of CMAP amplitude and prolongation of distal latency in the saline-treated sepsis group, and distal latency as well as CMAP amplitudes benefiting best from the 600 mg/kg LEV treatment; (2) significant rise in plasma TNF-α and MDA levels in the saline-treated sepsis group, but significant ameliorations by the 600 and 1200 mg/kg LEV treatment; (3) highly significant suppression of TAC in the saline-treated group, but profound reversals in all LEV-treated groups. We conclude that 300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg i.p. doses of post-septic treatment by LEV has possibly acted in a dose-dependent manner to both protect and restore the affected peripheral nerves' axon and myelin following surgical disturbance of the cecum to induce sepsis and consequent polyneuropathy.

Erythropoietin shows gender dependent positive effects on social deficits, learning/memory impairments, neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in the lipopolysaccharide induced rat model of autism

We aimed to evaluate the effects of EPO in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced rat model of autism in terms of social deficits, learning and memory impairments, as well as their neurochemical correlates. Sixteen female Sprague Dawley rats randomly distributed into two equel groups, then were caged with fertile males for mating. At the 10th day of pregnancy, 0.5 ml %0,9 NaCl saline was given to first group, 100 μg/kg LPS was given to second group to induce autism. On postnatal 21th day, forty-eight littermates were divided into four groups as; 8 male, 8 female controls, 16 male and 16 female LPS-exposed. Then, LPS groups were also divided in to two groups as saline (1 mg/kg/day) and EPO 600 U/kg/day groups, and animals were treated 45 days. At 50th day, after behavioral evaluations, brain levels of TNF-α, nerve growth factor (NGF) were measured. Histologically, hippocampal neuronal density and GFAP expression were assessed. Three-chamber sociability and social novelty test, passive avoidance learning test were revealed significant differences among the EPO and control groups. Histologically, hippocampal CA1 & CA3 regions displayed significant alterations regarding gliosis (GFAP-positive cells) and regarding frontal cortical thickness in EPO groups compare to controls. Biochemical measurements of the brain levels of TNF-α and NGF levels showed significant differences between controls and EPO groups. According to our findings EPO treatment has beneficial effects on ASD-like symptoms, learning and memory processes, neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in the LPS induced rat model of autism, with some gender differences through inflammatory and neurotrophic pathways.

The potential effects of anticonvulsant drugs on neuropeptides and neurotrophins in pentylenetetrazol kindled seizures in the rat

Purpose: Neuropeptides and neurotrophic factors are thought to be involved in epileptogenesis. This study aims to investigate the potential effects of anticonvulsant drugs on neuropeptides (galanin and neuropeptide Y) and neurotrophic factors (BDNF and NGF) in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-kindled seizures in the rat.Methods: Forty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the study. The animals were divided into 8 groups of six rats. Group 1 was defined as naïve control, and received no medication. Group 2 (PTZ + saline) was treated with sub-convulsive doses of PTZ (35 mg/kg) and saline i.p. for 14 days. For anticonvulsant treatments, Groups 3-8 were treated with 200 mg/kg levetiracetam (PTZ + LEV), 1 mg/kg midazolam (PTZ + MDZ), 80 mg/kg phenytoin (PTZ + PHT), 80 mg/kg topiramate (PTZ + TPR), 40 mg/kg lamotrigine (PTZ + LMT) and 50 mg/kg sodium valproate (PTZ + SV), respectively. All anticonvulsant drugs were injected 30 min prior to PTZ injection throughout 14 days. Following treatment period, behavioral, biochemical and immunohistochemical studies were performed.Results: PTZ + saline group revealed significantly decreased galanin, NPY, BDNF and NGF levels compared to control. PTZ + MDZ group had significantly increased galanin, BDNF and NGF levels compared to saline group. Also, PTZ + LEV group showed increased BDNF levels. PTZ + saline group revealed significantly lower neuron count and higher GFAP (+) cells in hippocampal CA1-CA3 regions. All anticonvulsants significantly reduced hippocampal astrogliosis whereas only midazolam, levetiracetam, sodium valproate and lamotrigine prevented neuronal loss.Conclusion: Our results suggested that anticonvulsant drugs may reduce the severity of seizures, and exert neuroprotective effects by altering the expression of neuropeptides and neurotrophins in the epileptogenic hippocampus.

Inhibitor effect of paricalcitol in rat model of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures

Vitamin D has various systemic effects on bone metabolism, modulation of the immune system, stabilization of the cell membrane, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and various other hormones. Differing from active vitamin D, paricalcitol is a relatively safe VDR agonist due to its relatively few side effects. This study has investigated the anticonvulsant effect of paricalcitol in convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into two groups: 18 for EEG recording (PTZ 35 mg/kg) and 18 for behavioral studies (PTZ 70 mg/kg). Forty-five minutes before the PTZ injection, both groups of rats were given 5 and 10 μg/kg of paricalcitol i.p., respectively. Racine convulsion scores, first myoclonic jerk time, spike percentages, and antioxidant status were evaluated in the groups. Our results showed that the Racine's Convulsion Scale (RCS) score significantly dropped in the paricalcitol-treated group, analysis of the first myoclonic jerk (FMJ) latencies demonstrated a significantly longer latency in the paricalcitol-applied group, and spike percentages at EEG recordings significantly decreased with paricalcitol. Moreover, MDA levels were lower and SOD activity were higher in the 5 μg/kg paricalcitol group compared to the saline group; these results were more prominent in 10 μg/kg paricalcitol group. Our study has demonstrated that paricalcitol has protective effects on PTZ-induced convulsions. Based on the SOD and MDA levels in our study, these effects may result from the antioxidant characteristics of paricalcitol.

Low-grade chronic inflammation induces behavioral stereotypy in rats

Schizophrenia is known to be associated with metabolic disturbances including diabetes mellitus, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. A growing body of evidence has suggested abnormal cytokine levels in schizophrenia. In the present study, we explored the effects of low-grade chronic inflammation on behavioral stereotypy in a rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In order to induce NAFLD, rats were fed with either water enriched with 30 % fructose or plain tap water for 8 weeks. Following feeding period, behavioral stereotypy was evaluated with apomorphine-induced stereotypy test. Also, levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 2 (IL-2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the liver and brain tissues were assessed biochemically. Brain homovanilic acid (HVA) was measured to evaluate the dopamine turnover. NAFLD rats showed significantly higher stereotypy score compared to controls (p = 0.016). TNF-α, IL-2, and NF-κB levels were significantly increased in NAFLD rats compared to control group. Brain HVA levels were elevated in NAFLD rats as well (p = 0.008). Moreover, NAFLD group prompted a considerable increase in brain IL-2 immunoexpression (p = 0.005). In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that low-grade chronic inflammation such as NAFLD may enhance apomorphine-induced stereotypic behavior via increasing dopaminergic activity in rats.

Exenatide, a GLP-1 analog, has healing effects on LPS-induced autism model: Inflammation, oxidative stress, gliosis, cerebral GABA, and serotonin interactions

Previous studies have established anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects of Exenatide in the central nervous system. Since these mechanisms are thought to have important roles in the pathophysiology of autism, we hypothesized that Exenatide may have healing effects in autism. We tested this hypothesis by examining the effects of Exenatide in an experimental autism model created by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure in the womb, with behavioral tests, histopathological examinations, and biochemical measurements. The autism model was created by administration of LPS (i.p) to pregnant rats on the 10th day of their pregnancy at a dose of 100 µg/kg. On postnatal 21st day, a total of four groups were formed from offspring with regard to sex distribution and treatment. After a 45-day treatment, behavioral analysis tests were performed on rats. Subsequently, the rats were sacrificed and biochemical analysis [superoxide dismutase, tumor necrotizing factor alpha, nerve growth factor, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and glutamic acid decarboxylase-67] and histopathological analysis were performed. On the 10th day of the intrauterine period, LPS exposure was found to disrupt behavioral findings, increase inflammation and hippocampal gliosis, and decrease 5-HIAA, GAD-67, and NGF, especially in male rats. However, among the rats exposed to LPS in the intrauterine period, recipients of Exenatide demonstrated significant amelioration of findings. Exenatide therapy shows positive effects on behavioral disorders in an LPS-induced autism model. This agent probably exerts its effects by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress and reducing hippocampal gliosis. In addition, Exenatide has also been shown to positively affect cerebral serotonergic and GABAergic effects.

Exogenously administered adenosine attenuates renal damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DNP) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). In the present study, we investigated the potential of adenosine as a therapeutic candidate for preventing DNP.

METHODS

Twenty-one adult male rats were included in the study. Fourteen rats were administered a single dose of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. Seven rats served as normal control group. Diabetic rats were randomly divided into two groups: one group was treated with 1 mL/kg saline/day (DM + saline) and the other group was treated with 5 mg/kg/day adenosine (DM + adenosine) for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, biochemical parameters including urea, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured in plasma samples. Also, kidneys were removed for histopathological assessment.

RESULTS

Both of plasma KIM-1 and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in DM + saline group compared to controls. However, treatment of diabetic rats with adenosine significantly decreased the plasma KIM-1 and TNF-α levels compared to DM + saline group. Significant histopathological changes were observed in diabetic rats whereas adenosine treatment effectively prevented these changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study suggest that adenosine may be a useful therapeutic agent for preventing DNP.

The investigation of therapeutic potential of oxytocin and liraglutide on vincristine-induced neuropathy in rats

The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic potential of oxytocin and liraglutide (LIR), a GLP-1 analogue, in a rat model of vincristine-induced neuropathy. Rats were injected with vincristine (VCR) at a dose of 4 mg/kg twice a week for 5 weeks. The VCR-administered rats were divided into three groups and received saline, oxytocin, or liraglutide simultaneously with VCR. After the treatment period, electrophysiological, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical investigations were performed. Electromyography (EMG) recordings demonstrated significant alterations in the VCR + saline group (p < .001). Also, motor performance was decreased in the VCR + saline group (p < .05). Histologically, the axonal diameter was decreased in all groups. VCR + saline group showed significantly increased lipid peroxidation and decreased nerve growth factor (NGF) expression. However, the administration of oxytocin and liraglutide significantly prevented the EMG alterations, lipid peroxidation, and reduction in neuronal NGF expression. On the basis of these findings, oxytocin and liraglutide may be considered as potential agents for the prevention of VCR-induced neuropathy.

Therapeutic Effects of Liraglutide, Oxytocin and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy Model: An Experimental Animal Study

Doxorubicin-induced (DXR) cardiomyopathy is a serious health issue in oncology patients. Effective treatment of this clinical situation still remains to be discovered. In this experimental animal study, we aimed to define therapeutic effects of liraglutide, oxytocin and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in DXR-induced cardiomyopathy model. 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were included to study. 32 rats were given doxorubicin (DXR) for cardiomyopathy model. DXR was administered intraperitonally (i.p.) at every other day of 2.5 mg/kg/day at six times. Eight rats were taken as normal group and no treatment was performed. 32 rats given doxorubicin were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 rats were assigned to a placebo group and was given with a 0.9% NaCl saline solution at a dose of 1 ml/kg/day i.p. (DXR + saline), Group 2 rats were given with 1.8 mg/kg/day of Liraglutide i.p. (DXR + LIR), Group 3 rats were given with 160 μg/kg/day oxytocin i.p. (DXR + OX), Group 4 rats were given with 100 μg/kg/day filgrastim i.p. (DXR + G-CSF). All medications were given for 15 days. On day 16, under anesthesia, ECG was recorded from derivation I. After that, blood samples were taken by tail vein puncture for biochemical analysis. Finally, the animals were euthanized and the heart removed and prepared for immunohistochemical examination. All three treatments were shown to ameliorate the toxic effect of doxorubicin in cardiac tissue with the best results in DXR + OX group. DXR + OX group had the most preserved tissue integrity examined by light microscopy, least immune expression level of CASPASE-3 (5.3 ± 0.9) (p < 0.001) the highest ECG QRS wave voltage amplitude (0.21 ± 0.008 mV) (p < 0.00001) least plasma MDA (115.3 ± 19.8 nm) (p < 0.001), TNF-alpha (26.6 ± 3.05 pg/ml) (p < 0.001), pentraxin-3 (2.7 ± 0.9 ng/ml) (p < 0.001), Troponin T (1.4 ± 0.08 pg/ml) (p < 0.001), pro-BNP (11.1 ± 3.6 pg/ml) (p < 0.001) levels among all three treatment groups. Consistent with previous literature, we found that OX treatment decreased oxidative, apoptotic and inflammatory activity in DXR-induced cardiomyopathy rat model as well as provided better tissue integrity and better results in clinically relevant measures of ECG assessment, plasma Troponin T and pro-BNP levels. LIR and G-CSF treatment caused similar results with less powerful effects. Our findings suggest that with the best results in OX treatment group, all three agents including LIR and G-CSF attenuates DXR-induced cardiomyopathy in this rat model.

Repeated gadoteric acid and gadobutrol exposure causes deterioration of behavior and memory functions in rats: MRI, histopathological and biochemical evidence

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) exert effects in different regions of the brain; however, studies on this topic are mostly focused on radiological outcomes of GBCA exposure. This paper is a preliminary attempt to identify whether there are changes in behavioral, cognitive, histopathological, radiological and biochemical characteristics with repeated exposure to gadobutrol and gadoteric acid. The effects of GBCAs were tested with the assessment of 4 groups -each comprised of 6 rats [controls, gadobutrol, gadoteric acid (Doteram), and gadoteric acid (Clariscan)]. Respective treatments of 0.1 ml/kg were administered for 3 weeks, followed by a recovery period of 1 week without any treatment. At the end of this regimen, behavioral tests (open field and passive learning test) were performed. Additionally, histopathological analysis of the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions (GFAP measurement and total neuron count), biochemical measurements [TNF-a, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), homovalinic acid (HVA) and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) levels], and radiological findings (MRI-region of interest) were carried out in each group. There was a significant impairment in all groups that had received gadolinium in open field and passive avoidance learning tests. Oxidative stress and inflammation markers were significantly elevated in all gadolinium groups. Additionally, increased hippocampal gliosis and decreased MRI-ROIs were observed in rats exposed to gadolinium. Chronic gadoteric acid and gadobutrol exposure causes hippocampal gliosis and elevates oxidative stress and inflammation in rats. Radiological outcomes are also consistent with these findings. Long-term studies might be required to conclude whether gadolinium deposition in the brain causes subtle neurological deficits.

Regression of experimental endometriotic implants in a rat model with the angiotensin II receptor blocker losartan

AIM

Endometriosis is a common disease in women of reproductive age, and many different treatments have been developed, although none has provided a cure. In this study, the efficacy of losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker and an antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory agent, on regression of experimental endometriotic implants in a rat model was investigated.

METHODS

Peritoneal endometriosis was surgically induced in 16 mature female Sprague-Dawley rats. The peritoneal endometriotic implant was confirmed after 28 days, and the animals were divided randomly into two groups. The control group (n = 8) was given 4 mL/day tap water by oral gavage, and the losartan group (n = 8) was given 20 mg/kg per day losartan p.o. We compared endometriotic implant size, extent and severity of adhesion, as well as plasma and peritoneal lavage fluid cytokine levels including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, plasma inflammatory factor pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) and C-reactive protein (CRP) between the treatment groups.

RESULTS

Mean surface endometriotic area, histological score of implants, adhesion formation, plasma VEGF, TNF, PTX-3 and CRP levels were significantly lower in the losartan group compared with control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the peritoneal VEGF level was lower in the losartan group than in the control group (P < 0.001), but peritoneal TNF-α was similar in both groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Losartan suppressed the implant surface area of experimental endometriosis in rats and reduced the levels of plasma VEGF, TNF-α, PTX-3 and CRP.