Effects of carvacrol on ketamine-induced cardiac injury in rats: an experimental study

AIM

We aimed to investigate the preventive effects of carvacrol against ketamine-induced cardiotoxicity biochemically and histopathologically in an experimental model.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The rats were divided into three groups; healthy control (HC), ketamine alone (KG), and ketamine + carvacrol (KCG) groups. Serum Creatine Kinase Myocardial Band (CK-MB) and Troponin I (TP I) levels were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta), and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured in the heart tissues of the rats. Heart tissues were also evaluated histopathologically.

RESULTS

In the ketamine-treated group, tissue MDA, TNF-α, IL-1beta, and IL-6 levels increased while tissue GSH and SOD levels decreased significantly compared with the control group. However, in the ketamine plus carvacrol applied group, all those alterations were significantly less pronounced, close to the healthy controls. Severe mononuclear cell infiltrations, degenerated myocytes and hemorrhage were determined in the ketamine alone administered group, and these alterations were at a mild level in the carvacrol + ketamine administered group.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged exposure to ketamine resulted in induced oxidative stress in rat heart tissue; concomitant carvacrol application could counteract the negative effects of ketamine by protecting tissues from lipid peroxidation and decreasing the inflammatory response.

Biochemical and histopathological evaluation of systemic and ocular toxicity of favipiravir in rats

Purpose: Favipiravir (FAV) used against COVID-19 is an antiviral drug that causes adverse reactions, such as hyperuricaemia, liver damage, and hematopoetic toxicity. The aim of the study was to investigate the systemic and ocular side-effects of FAV in rats, for the first time.Materials and methods: A total of 18 albino male Wistar rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into 3 groups as the healthy group (HG), the group given 50 mg/kg/day favipiravir (FAV50), and the group given 200 mg/kg/d favipiravir (FAV200). These doses were given to the experimental groups for one week. At the end of the experiment histopathological examinations were performed on the conjunctiva and sclera of the eye. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured in blood samples taken from rats. Results: Compared to HG, the MDA (1.37 ± 0.61 vs. 4.82 ± 1.40 µmol/mL), IL-1β (2.52 ± 1.14 vs. 6.67 ± 1.99 pg/mL), and TNF-α levels (3.28 ± 1.42 vs. 8.53 ± 3.06 pg/mL) of the FAV200 group were higher. The levels of tGSH (7.58 ± 1.98 vs. 2.50 ± 0.98 nmol/mL) and SOD (13.63 ± 3.43 vs. 3.81 ± 1.43 U/mL) the FAV200 group were lower than the HG (p < 0.05, for all). The degree of damage to the cornea and sclera of the FAV200 group was quite high according to HG (p < 0.001). Conclusions: FAV can cause damage to rat conjunctiva and sclera by increasing oxidant stress and inflammation at high dose.

Effect of felodipine on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats

Felodipine is a calcium channel blocker with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers have stated that oxidative stress and inflammation also play a role in the pathophysiology of gastric ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiulcer effect of felodipine on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats and compare it with that of famotidine. The antiulcer activities of felodipine (5 mg/kg) and famotidine were investigated biochemically and macroscopically in animals treated with felodipine (5 mg/kg) and famotidine in combination with indomethacin. The results were compared with those of the healthy control group and the group administered indomethacin alone. It was observed that felodipine suppressed the indomethacin-induced malondialdehyde increase (P<0.001); reduced the decrease in total glutathione amount (P<0.001), reduced the decrease superoxide dismutase (P<0.001), and catalase activities (P<0.001); and significantly inhibited ulcers (P<0.001) at the tested dose compared with indomethacin alone. Felodipine at a dose of 5 mg/kg reduced the indomethacin-induced decrease in cyclooxygenase-1 activity (P<0.001) but did not cause a significant reduction in the decrease in cyclooxygenase-2 activity. The antiulcer efficacy of felodipine was demonstrated in this experimental model. These data suggest that felodipine may be useful in the treatment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric injury.

Effects of taxifolin on tramadol-induced oxidative and inflammatory liver injury in rats: an experimental study

In this experimental study we aimed to investigate the biochemical and histopathological effects of concomitantly administered taxifolin on tramadol-induced liver damage in rats. The rats were divided into three groups; control group (CG), tramadol alone (TRG), and taxifolin + tramadol given (TTRG) groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-kB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels were measured in liver tissues. Liver tissues were also examined histopathologically. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were determined in blood samples. In tissue analyses, determinants of oxidative stress and inflammation, all were significantly higher in the TRG group compared with the control and TTRG groups. In the TTRG group, all oxidative stress and inflammation markers were significantly lower than in the TRG group. In addition, there was not any significant difference between the control and TTRG groups regarding the TOS and TAS status. Serum liver enzymes were also significantly higher in the TRG group than in the other two groups. In histopathological examinations, the control group had a normal histological appearance. Degenerative-necrotic hepatocytes and hemorrhage, which were seen at a severe level in the TRG group, were found to be moderate in the treated TTRG group. In addition, mononuclear cell infiltrations were found to be severe in the TRG group and mild in the treated TTRG group. Finally it was concluded that Taxifolin alleviated the toxic effects of tramadol on the liver including the histopathological and biochemical changes as well as the oxidative damage.

Effect of adenosine triphosphate on ribociclib-induced skin toxicity in rats

PURPOSE

Ribociclib is a CDK4/6 inhibitor approved for the treatment of breast cancer; it inhibits the activity of CDK4/6 by competitively binding to adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) binding sites. Although generally well-tolerated, ribociclib has been connected to a number of serious dermatologic complications. This study explored the effects of ATP on ribociclib-induced skin damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a rat model, ATP 25 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally in the ATP + Ribociclib (ATR) group (n = 6). Distilled water as solvent was applied to the healthy control (HC) group (n = 6) and ribociclib (RCB) group (n = 6). One hour after ATP and solvent administration, ribociclib (200 mg/kg) suspension prepared in distilled water was administered to the stomach by gavage (ATR and RCB groups). This was repeated once a day for 15 d. After that period, biochemical markers were studied in the skin tissues and histopathological evaluations were conducted.

RESULTS

In the histopathological evaluation of the RCB group, dermal necrosis, degeneration in hair follicles, and pycnosis in keratinocytes were observed. Only mild degeneration was observed in the ATR group; the HC group had a normal histological appearance. The malondialdehyde (MDA) values were significantly higher and the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total glutathione (tGSH) levels were significantly lower in the RCB group in comparison to the HC group (p < .001). ATP reduced the ribociclib-induced increases in the MDA values and decreased the SOD, CAT, and tGSH levels in the ATR group (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

ATP may be useful in the treatment of ribociclib-induced skin damage.

Molecular mechanism of the protective effect of adenosine triphosphate against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in rats

Toxic doses of paracetamol are also known to be close to therapeutic doses. This study aimed to biochemically investigate the protective effect of ATP against paracetamol-induced oxidative liver injury in rats and to examine the tissues histopathologically. We divided the animals into the paracetamol alone (PCT), ATP + paracetamol (PATP), and healthy control (HG) groups. Liver tissues were examined biochemically and histopathologically. Malondialdehyde level, AST and ALT activity in the PCT group were significantly higher than those in the HG and PATP groups (p < 0.001). The glutathione (tGSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in the PCT group was significantly lower than that in the HG and PATP groups (p < 0.001), while animal SOD activity was significantly different between the PATP and HG groups (p < 0.001). The activity of CAT was almost the same. In the group treated with paracetamol alone, lipid deposition, necrosis, fibrosis, and grade 3 hydropic degeneration were observed. No histopathological damage was observed of the ATP-treated group, except for grade 2 edema. We discovered that ATP reduces the oxidative stress caused by paracetamol ingestion and protects against paracetamol-induced liver injury at the macroscopic and histological levels.

The effects of sugammadex on gastric ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats: Biochemical and histopathological evaluation

The primary sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injuries are enzymes xanthine oxidase (XO) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NOXs) in the literature, whereby one of the main ROS producing cells via NOX activity are polymophonuclear leukocytes (PNL). Sugammadex, the effect of which we plan to research against gastric I/R damage, is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin that antagonizes the action of steroidal neuromuscular blocking drugs. Previous studies have reported that sugammadex inhibits PNL infiltration. However, it is unknown whether an inhibitory effect on XO is present. We aimed to biochemically and histopathologically investigate the effects of sugammadex on I/R-induced stomach damage in rats. The animals were divided into groups that underwent gastric ischemia-reperfusion (GIR), 4 mg/kg sugammadex + gastric ischemia-reperfusion (SGIR), and a sham operation group (SG). The effect of sugammadex was evaluated by measuring oxidant-antioxidant and PNL parameters. There was no significant difference in XO levels between the SGIR and GIR groups. In the SGIR group, sugammadex inhibited the increase in myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p < 0.001). The amount of MDA and MPO in the SGIR group was similar as in the SG group. Sugammadex significantly suppressed the decrease in tGSH levels in the SGIR group (p < 0.001). The difference between tGSH levels in the SG and SGIR groups was slight. In the SGIR group, sugammadex significantly suppressed the increase in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL1-β) levels compared to the GIR group (p < 0.001). Additionally, sugammadex corrected histopathological modifications as much as sham group. In conclusion, sugammadex may be beneficial in preventing oxidative stress.

The effect of rutin on pulmonary contusion induced by blunt trauma in rats: Biochemical and histopathological evaluation

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the possible protective effects of rutin, also called vitamin P1, against pulmonary contusion induced by blunt chest trauma in a rat model.

METHODS

Thirty male albino Wistar rats were separated into three equal groups as healthy group, trauma group, and trauma+rutin group. After anesthesia provided by intraperitoneal administration of 60 mg/kg ketamine and xylazine by inhalation at appropriate intervals, 200 g weight was dropped from 1 m height to the anterior chest wall of the animals in the trauma group (n=10) and trauma+rutin group (n=10) and pulmonary contusion was created. Thirty min after the trauma, 50 mg/kg of rutin was administered into the stomach of trauma+rutin group animals orally with gavage. The rats received rutin once daily for two days and were sacrificed 48 h later. Their lung tissues were removed and examined biochemically and histopathologically.

RESULTS

Nuclear factor-kappa B, cyclooxygenase-2, and malondialdehyde levels increased in the trauma group compared to the healthy group, and rutin administration prevented this increase. Total glutathione levels decreased in the trauma group, and rutin administration also prevented this decrease. The histopathological findings were compatible with the biochemical findings.

CONCLUSION

Our study results suggest that rutin has a protective effect on contused lung tissue in rats.

Effect of pycnogenol on ethanol-related oxidative retinal injury: an experimental study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed at determining the protective effects of Pycnogenol on ethanol-induced retinotoxicity in an experimental model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

30 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups: an untreated healthy control (HC group), a group in which only ethanol was daily administered for six weeks (EtOH group), and a group in which ethanol + 40 mg/kg Pycnogenol was daily administered orally for six weeks (PEtOH group). The same volume (0.5 ml) of distilled water as solvent was applied in the same manner to the rats in the HC and EtOH groups. With the rats in the PEtOH and EtOH groups, 32% ethanol at a dose of 5 g/kg was administered by oral gavage one hour after the application of pycnogenol or distilled water. At the end of the experimental period, tissue samples were obtained for biochemical examination of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione (tGSH) levels, and afterwards, the eyes were removed for histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Histopathological evaluations in the EtOH group showed significant destruction of retinal tissue with marked edema, decomposition and degeneration in layers, polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, dilatation and congestion in blood vessels. However, it was observed that MDA values increased and tGSH values decreased in the EtOH group. In the PEtOH group, MDA values decreased and GSH values increased. Again, degenerative changes were considerably less in this group.

CONCLUSIONS

In the light of biochemical markers and histopathological evaluations, it was observed that ethanol exposure caused a significant degeneration in the retinal tissue. It was found that Pycnogenol administration significantly reduced the destructive effects seen histopathologically. Biochemical results also coincided with other findings. It was concluded that ethanol-induced rethytosis can be prevented to a large extent by Pycnogenol administration.

Effect of taxifolin on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative and inflammatory bladder injury in rats

The role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of cyclophosphamide-related side effects has been demonstrated in previous studies. This study aimed to investigate the effect of taxifolin, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative and inflammatory bladder injury in albino Wistar rats. The taxifolin+cyclophosphamide (TCYC) group was given 50 mg/kg of taxifolin orally by gavage. Normal saline was used as a solvent for the cyclophosphamide (CYC) group and the healthy control (HC) group. One hour after taxifolin administration, 75 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide was intraperitoneally injected in the TCYC and CYC groups. This procedure was repeated once a day for 30 days. At the end of this period, biochemical markers were studied in the excised bladder tissues and histopathological evaluations were conducted. In the histopathological evaluation of the CYC group, severe epithelial irregularity, dilatation, congestion, and polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation in the vascular structures were observed. Additionally, the malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, the total oxidant status (TOS), and the oxidative stress index (OSI) values were significantly higher, and the total glutathione (tGSH) levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) were significantly lower in the CYC group in comparison to the HC group (P<0.001). Taxifolin reduced the cyclophosphamide-induced increases in the MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels and the TOS and OSI values; it decreased the tGSH and TAS levels and reduced histopathological damage (P<0.001). Taxifolin may be useful in the treatment of cyclophosphamide-induced bladder damage.

Coenzyme Q10 effect on cisplatin-induced oxidative retinal injury in rats

AIM

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on cisplatin-induced oxidative retinal damage in rats biochemically and histopathologically.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups randomly: untreated control (C group), only 2.5 mg/kg cisplatin daily administrated group for 2 weeks (CP group), 2.5 mg/kg cisplatin + 20 mg/kg orally CoQ10 daily administrated group for 2 weeks (CoQC group). At the end of experimental period, blood samples obtained before sacrification for the biochemical examination of serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), total oxidant system (TOS), total antioxidant systemic (TAS) levels and after eyes were removed for examined histopathology.

RESULTS

As a result of our study, severe histopathological damage was detected in the retinal tissue of the cisplatin group with serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant system (TOS) levels were high and total glutathione (tGSH) and total antioxidant systemic (TAS) levels were low. However, it was observed that the histopathological damage associated with cisplatin was decreased in the retinal tissue of the CoQ10 group, which inhibited the increase in blood serum MDA/TOS levels and decrease in tGSH/TAS levels.

CONCLUSION

The biochemical and histopathological results of our study were compatible with each other, so we concluded that the damage to the rat retinal tissue caused by cisplatin may be reversible with coenzyme.

Protection against experimental cisplatin-induced optic nerve toxicity using resveratrol: A rat model study

AIM

To investigate the effects of resveratrol on oxidative stress and inflammation parameters and histological alterations in cisplatin-induced optic nerve damage in a mouse model.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Thirty-six albino Wistar male rats were divided into three groups as control, 5 mg/kg cisplatin-administered (Cis) and 5 mg/kg cisplatin + 25 mg/kg resveratrol-administered (Cis + Res) animals. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed with high-dose (50 mg/kg) thiopental sodium, and their optic nerves were dissected. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB) levels, and histopathological findings were assessed using the optic nerve tissues.

RESULTS

In the Cis + Res group, the MDA, TOS, OSI, TNF-a and NFK-B levels were significantly lower and the tGSH and TAS levels were significantly higher compared with the Cis group (P = 0.001). In histological evaluations, there were dilated and congested blood vessels, destruction, oedema, degeneration, haemorrhage, and proliferating capillaries indicating the presence of inflammation and damage only in the Cis-administered group. However, in the Cis + Res group, the histological findings were very similar to the healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol is a promising neuroprotective agent for cisplatin-induced optic nerve toxicity with its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the possible therapeutic effects on other optic nerve toxicities.

The effects of thiamine pyrophosphate on ethanol induced optic nerve damage

Background

We aimed to determine the protective effects of thiamine pyrophosphate on ethanol induced optic neuropathy in an experimental model.

Methods

The rats were assigned into 4 groups, with 6 rats in each group as follows: healthy controls (HC group), only ethanol administered group (EtOH group), ethanol + thiamine pyrophosphate (20 mg/kg) administered group (TEt-20 group), and only thiamine pyrophosphate (20 mg/kg) (TPG group) administered group. To the rats in TEt-20 and TPG groups, 20 mg/kg thiamine pyrophosphate was administered via intraperitoneal route. To the rats in HC and EtOH groups, the same volume (0.5 ml) of distilled water as solvent was applied in the same manner. To the rats in TEt-20 and EtOH groups, one hour after application of thiamine pyrophosphate or distilled water, 32% ethanol with a dose of 5 g/kg was administered via oral gavage. This procedure was repeated once a day for 6 weeks. From the blood samples and tissues obtained from the rats, Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were studied. Histopathological evaluations were performed to the optic nerve tissue.

Results

Serum and tissue IL-1β, TNF-α and MDA levels were the highest in EtOH group which were significantly lower in thiamine pyrophosphate administered group (TEt-20 group) (p: 0.001). Serum and tissue reduced GSH levels were the lowest in EtOH group which were also significantly higher in TEt-20 group (p:0.001). In histopathological evaluations, in EtOH group there was obvious destruction and edema with hemorrhage and dilated blood vessels which were not present in any other groups.

Conclusions

There was an apparent destruction in ethanol administered group in histopathological analyses with an augmented level of oxidative stress markers and all those alterations were prevented with concomitant thiamine pyrophosphate administration. These protective effects of thiamine pyrophosphate are extremely important in chronic ethanol consumption. Clinical studies are warranted to define the exact role of thiamine pyrophosphate in prevention of ethanol induced optic neuropathy.

The effects of lutein on optic nerve injury induced by ethambutol and isoniazid: an experimental study

AIM

Ethambutol and isoniazid are two major effective first line agents in tuberculosis treatment having some visual adverse effects. We aimed to determine the protective effects of lutein on oxidative optic neuropathy induced by ethambutol and isoniazid in an experimental model.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Totally 24 albino Wistar male rats were assigned into 4 groups, with 6 rats in each group as follows: healthy controls (HC group), 50 mg/kg ethambutol +50 mg/kg isoniazid administered group (EI), 0.5 mg/kg lutein +50 mg/kg ethambutol +50 mg/kg isoniazid administered group (LEI-05) and only Lutein (0.5 mg/kg) (LUT group) administered group. From the blood samples and tissues obtained from the rats, Malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (GSH), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were studied. Histopathological evaluations were performed at the end of the study.

RESULTS

Serum and tissue IL-1β, TNF-α and MDA levels were the highest in EI group which were significantly lower in lutein administered group. On the other hand, serum and tissue total GSH levels were the lowest in EI group which were significantly higher in Lutein administered group. In histopathological evaluations, there were significant differences between EI group and all other three groups with edema and hemorrhage in connective tissue covering optic nerve, dilated and congested capillary, decrease in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.

CONCLUSION

Isoniazid and ethambutol induced toxic optic neuropathy although not common, may have some potential devastating effects on vision. Lutein is determined as an effective agent in prevention of isoniazid and ethambutol induced toxic optic neuropathy.

The effects of lycopene on alloxan induced diabetic optic neuropathy

AIM

To determine the effects of lycopene treatment in prevention of diabetes associated inflammatory response and oxidative stress in an experimental model. With this aim we investigated the levels of oxidative stress markers including Malondialdehyde (MDA), and total oxidative status (TOS)together with inflammatory markers including nuclear factor- kappa B (NFKB) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and antioxidants including total glutathione (TGSH), total oxidative status (TOS) and total anti-oxidative status (TAS) levels on eye tissue.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Totally 18 albino Wistar male rats (250-280 grams) assigned into three groups, with six rats in each group as follows: healthy group (HG), control group (CG), and lycopene group (LG). The diabetes was induced with alloxan administration in rats of CG and LG. Lycopene (4 mg/kg) was administered to the rats in LG once a day for 3 months. At the end of this period, the animals were sacrificed and their eyes were enucleated for histopathological evaluations. From the tissues, MDA, GSH, TOS, TAS, TNF-α and NF-κB levels were analyzed.

RESULTS

MDA, TOS, OSI, NFKB and TNF-α levels were significantly higher, while TGSH and TAS levels were significantly lower in CG compared with HG (p < 0.001). On the other hand in LG; MDA, TOS, OSI, NFKB and TNF-α levels were significantly lower, while TGSH and TAS levels were significantly higher compared with CG (p < 0.001). Regarding histopathological findings, although there was severe damage on optic nerve of rats in CG; there was only a slight damage in lycopene administered group.

CONCLUSION

For the first time in literature we determined that, lycopene was significantly effective in prevention of augmented inflammation and oxidative stress on eye tissue associated with diabetes, as well as the tissue damage on optic nerve. However, studies investigating the long-term clinical effects of lycopene on diabetic individuals are warranted.

Protective effects of Rutin against methanol induced acute toxic optic neuropathy: an experimental study

AIM

To determine the effects of Rutin on methanol induced optic neuropathy and compare the results with the effects of ethanol.

METHODS

Totally 30 rats were divided into 5 groups, with 6 rats in each group as follows: healthy controls (C), methotrexate (MTX), methotrexate+methanol (MTM), methotrexate+methanol+ethanol (MTME) and methotrexate+ methanol+Rutin (MTMR). In all rabbits except those of the control group, MTX, diluted in sterile serum physiologic, 0.3 mg/kg per oral was applied for 7d by the aid of a tube. After this procedure to the rats of MTM, MTME and MTMR groups, 20% methanol with a dose of 3 g/kg per oral was given by the aid of a tube. In MTME group, 4h after the application of methanol, 20% ethanol was applied by the same way with a dose of 0.5 g/kg. On the other hand, in MTMR group 4h after the application of methanol, Rutin, which was dissolved in distilled water, was applied by the same way with a dose of 50 mg/kg.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences in tissue 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanine (8-OHdG), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO). glutathione peroxidase (tGSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels between groups (P<0.001). In MTMR group tissue 8-OHdG, IL-1β, MDA, and MPO levels were similar with the healthy controls but significantly different than the other groups. In histopathological evaluations, in MTX group there was moderate focal destruction, hemorrhage and decrease in number of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes; in MTM group there was severe destruction and edema with decrease in number of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes; in MTME group there was mild hemorrhage, mild edema, mildly dilated blood vessels with congestion while in MTMR group, optic nerve tissue was resembling the healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

Rutin may prevent methanol-induced optic neuropathy via anti-inflammatory effects and decreasing the oxidative stress. New treatment options are warranted in this disease to avoid loss of vision in patients.

The Effect of Anakinra on Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in Rats

OBJECTIVE

Paclitaxel is used in the treatment of cancer, and it may cause interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-related peripheral neuropathic pain. While our primary aim was to investigate the analgesic efficacy of an IL-1β antagonist, a secondary outcome was to assess whether a correlation exists between analgesic effects and antioxidant activity.

METHODS

A total of 24 albino Wistar male rats were divided into the following groups: paclitaxel-control, paclitaxel+50 mg kg^-1 anakinra, paclitaxel+100 mg kg^-1 anakinra and healthy group (HG). After the normal paw pain threshold in all animal groups was measured using a Basile algesimeter, a single dose of 2 mg kg^-1 paclitaxel was intraperitoneally administered on the 1^st, 3^rd, 5^th and 7^th days. Anakinra was intraperitoneally administered following the final paclitaxel administration. The paw pain thresholds in the groups were measured before and seven days after paclitaxel administration and at the 1^st and 3^rd hours after anakinra administration. After the third hour of measurement, the rats were killed with high doses of ketamine, and the paw tissues were removed. Malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase and total glutathione levels were measured in claw tissues, and IL-1β gene expression was determined. The biochemical results were compared with the results of the HG; in the meanwhile the claw pain threshold results were compared with the results obtained after the last paclitaxel and the results obtained from the 1^st and 3^rd hours after the anakinra application.

RESULTS

The claw paw pain threshold of the rats decreased one and three hours after anakinra administration. Further, 100 mg kg^-1 anakinra had greater analgesic activity than 50 mg kg^-1 anakinra. A correlation was found between the antioxidant and analgesic activities of 100 mg kg^-1 anakinra.

CONCLUSION

Anakinra may be useful to reduce paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain; further, 100 mg kg^-1 anakinra may have greater analgesic and antioxidant activities.

The effects of thiamine and thiamine pyrophosphate on alcohol-induced hepatic damage biomarkers in rats

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the effects of thiamine and thiamine pyrophosphate on oxidative damage developing in association with hepatic injury caused by alcohol toxicity in rats and on hepatic injury markers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four groups of rats were used; control, a group receiving thiamine+ethanol, a group receiving thiamine pyrophosphate+ethanol and a healthy group. The experimental protocol was repeated over 30 days. Malondialdehyde, glutathione and DNA damage product levels in liver tissue were measured at the end of the study. Alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase, markers of liver damage, levels were determined. The results were then compared among the groups.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference between antioxidant markers and markers of liver damage was determined between the group given thiamine pyrophosphate ethanol and the group given ethanol alone (p < 0.01) No statistically significant difference was observed between the group given thiamine and ethanol and the group given ethanol alone (p > 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that thiamine pyrophosphate may have a protective effect against liver damage caused by alcohol toxicity.

Effects of hypertension and ovariectomy on rat hepatocytes. Are amlodipine and lacidipine protective? (A stereological and histological study)

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Calcium channel blockers are increasingly used for the treatment of hypertension. Menopause and hypertension are both important risk factors for liver damage and several other circulatory abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of amlodipine and lacidipine in an ovariectomy-induced postmenopausal period model and a deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced hypertensive model in rats.

METHODS

In this study, animals were divided into six groups as follows: control (Group 1), hypertension (Group 2), ovariectomy (Group 3), ovariectomy and hypertension (Group 4), ovariectomy, hypertension and amlodipine-treated (Group 5), and ovariectomy, hypertension and lacidipine-treated (Group 6). At the end of the experiment, the livers were removed and tissue samples were histologically and stereologically examined.

RESULTS

The numerical densities of the hepatocytes according to group were 0.000422, 0.00329, 0.000272, 0.00259, 0.00374 and 0.000346 μm3, respectively. Significant differences were found between values of all groups (p<0.01, Mann-Whitney U test). According to histopathological investigation, Group 3 and particularly Group 4 showed some microscopic abnormalities such as dilatation in sinusoids central veins and branches of portal vein, irregularities of the hepatocyte columns, significant mononuclear cell infiltrations, and unstained vacuoles in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes. Histological structure was protected from the destructive effects of ovariectomy and hypertension in Groups 5 and 6.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experimental results show that both hypertension and the postmenopausal period have negative effects on the number of hepatocytes and histological structure of the liver. Both amlodipine and lacidipine appear to ameliorate the hypertension and/or postmenopausal period-related decrease in hepatocyte number. We thus suggest that lacidipine and particularly amlodipine have important protective and recovering effects on the liver.

Evaluation of pain levels after Nd: YAG laser and scalpel incisions: an experimental study in rats

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain is a recognized sequel of periodontal surgery. The pain experience has been shown to peak in the first 24 hours following the procedure, and to decrease rapidly in subsequent days. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pain levels following scalpel- and laser-incision of rat hind paws.

METHODS

The study was carried out on 10 albino Wistar male rats. Rats were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I (n = 5, laser surgery), or Group II (n = 5, conventional surgery with scalpel). For measuring mechanical hyperalgesia, the nociceptive threshold of the hind paw after mechanical stimulation was quantified using a Basile algesimeter. The measurements were done before the surgery and on the postoperative 1(st), 2(nd), 3(rd), and 7(th) days.

RESULTS

While the pain levels of the groups were similar before the surgical procedures, the laser-applied rats had significantly fewer nociceptive thresholds of the hind paw after mechanical stimulation compared with the scalpel-incised rats on the postoperative 1(st), 2(nd), 3(rd), and 7(th) days. Functional complications were not observed in the laser groups at three days after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that, for soft tissue surgery, Nd: YAG lasers have often led to shorter operative times, less pain, and fewer postoperative adverse events.

Effects of nicotine and Vitamin E on Carbonic anhydrase activity in some rat tissues In Vivo and In Vitro

Effects of nicotine, nicotine + vitamin E and nicotine + Hippophea rhamnoides L. extract (HRe-1) on muscle, heart, lungs, testicle, kidney, stomach, brain and liver carbonic anhydrase (CA; EC 4.2.1.1.) enzyme activities were investigated in vivo. Groups of rats were given nicotine (0.5 mg/kg/day, i.p.), nicotine + vitamin E (75 mg/kg/day, i.g.), nicotine + HRe-1 (250 mg/kg/day, i.g.) and a control group vehicle only. The results showed that nicotine inhibited the heart, lung, stomach and liver CA enzyme activities by approximately 80% (p < 0.001), approximately 94% (p < 0.001), approximately 47% (p < 0.001) and approximately 81% (p < 0.001) respectively, and activated muscle and kidney, but had no effects on the testicle and brain CA activities. Nicotine + vitamin E inhibited the heart and liver CA enzyme activities by approximately 50% (p < 0.001), and approximately 50% (p < 0.001), respectively, and nicotine + vitamin E activated the muscle CA activity. However, nicotine + vitamin E had no effect on lung, testicle, kidney, stomach and brain CA activities. Nicotine + HRe-1 inhibited the heart and stomach CA enzyme activities by approximately 51% (p < 0.001), and approximately 32% (p < 0.002), respectively, and activated the muscle and brain CA activities, but had no effects on the lung, testicle, kidney, and liver CA activities. In vitro CA inhibition results for similar experiments correlated well with the in vivo experimental results in lungs, testicles, kidney, stomach, brain and liver tissues.

The role of sildenafil citrate in the protection of gastric mucosa from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced damage

BACKGROUND

To investigate the protective effects of sildenafil citrate (SC) on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in a rat model.

METHODS

Gastric ulcers were induced by oral ingestion of indomethacin. Thirty rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into 3 groups, and given either SC (n=10) at a dose of 50 mg/kg or omeprazole (n=10), or no treatment (n=10, the control group). In addition to the measurements of ulceration areas, the sum of gastric tissue nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) were evaluated as an indicator of gastric tissue NO level. All the measurements were done at 6th hour of oral administration of indomethacin.

RESULTS

The mean values of ulceration areas were 4.0+/-2.31, 3.0+/-2.00, and 21.4+/-8.43 in the SC, omeprazole and control groups, respectively. The mean values of ulceration areas in the SC-treated group was lower than that of the control group. The contents of NO were 32.2+/-3.05, 24.8+/-3.23 and 21.0+/-0.82 (micromol/g protein) in gastric tissue in indomethacin, SC, omeprazole and control groups, respectively, The content of NO in the SC-treated groups was significantly higher than control group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Sildenafil citrate may have a role in protecting gastric mucosa from the damage caused by indomethacin. This effect may be associated with the increased level of NO in gastric tissue.

Anti-inflammatory and side effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitors

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly used drugs in inflammatory diseases, since they are effective in management of pain, fever, redness, edema arising as a consequence of inflammatory mediator release. Studies have shown that both therapeutic and side effects of NSAIDs are dependent on cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. COX isoforms have been named constitutive (COX-1) and inducible (COX-2). COX-1 catalyzes formation of cytoprotective prostaglandins in thrombocytes, vascular endothelium, stomach mucosa, kidneys, pancreas, Langerhans islets, seminal vesicles, and brain. Induction of COX-2 by various growth factors, proinflammatory agents, endotoxins, mitogens, and tumor agents indicates that this isoform may have a role in induction of pathological processes, such as inflammation. It is well known that therapy with COX inhibitors is associated with a number of side effects including gastrointestinal erosions, and renal and hepatic insufficiency. Such critical adverse reactions are mostly dependent on COX-1 inhibition. As a result of research focused on reduction of the adverse effects of NSAIDs, selective COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib and rofecoxib have been developed. However, many data demonstrate that mechanisms of action of these drugs are multidirectional and complex. These drugs or their derivatives, which belong to the same group, have distinct pharmacological effects, side effects and potencies which implies that there may be more than two, five or even tens of COX isoforms.

Acute anti-inflammatory activity of four saponins isolated from ivy: alpha-hederin, hederasaponin-C, hederacolchiside-E and hederacolchiside-F in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema

The anti-inflammatory potential of alpha-hederin (monodesmoside) and hederasaponin-C from Hedera helix, and hederacolchisides-E and -F (bidesmosides) from H. colchica was investigated in carrageenan-induced acute paw edema in rats. Saponins and indomethacin were given orally in concentrations of 0.02 and 20mg/kg body wt. For the first phase of acute inflammation, indomethacin was found as the most potent drug. Alpha-hederin and hederasaponin-C were found ineffective, while hederacolchisides-E and -F showed slight anti-inflammatory effects on the first phase. For the second phase of acute inflammation, indomethacin and hederacolchiside-F were determined as very potent compounds. alpha-hederin was found ineffective for the second phase, either. Despite hederasaponin-C and -E were found effective in the second phase of inflammation, they were not found as effective as indomethacin and hederacolchiside-F. As a conclusion, hederasaponin-C, -E and -F, may exert their anti-inflammatory effects by blocking bradykinin or other inflammation mediators. The latter affect may occur via affecting prostaglandin pathways. Regarding the structure activity relationship, it is likely that sugars at C3 position and Rha7-Glcl-6Glc moiety at C28 position are essential for the acute anti-inflammatory effect.

Role of adrenal gland hormones in the mechanism of antiulcer action of nimesulide and ranitidine

In the present study, we investigated whether the antiulcer effects of nimesulide (100 mg kg(-1) and ranitidine (150 mg kg(-1) were dependent on the adrenal cortex hormones. The antiulcer effects of nimesulide and ranitidine were examined in the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model in rats (first experiment). The mean ulcer areas in the control and ranitidine-treated groups were 11.1 +/- 3.18, 1.4 +/- 1.11 mm2, respectively. There was not any gastric damage in nimesulide-treated group. The mean ulcer area of control group (second experiment) administered metyrapone and indomethacin was 11.8 +/- 9.9, and it measured 2.0 +/- 1.41 mm2 in ranitidine-given group, while gastric damage was not observed in nimesulide-administered group. In adrenalectomized and indomethacin-treated rats (third experiment), the mean ulcer area was 17.9 +/- 11.5 mm2 in the nimesulide group, gastric ulcer was not seen in ranitidine group. In adrenalectomized rats (fourth experiment), the mean ulcer areas were 29 +/- 14.3, 23 +/- 11.2 and 1.3 +/- 2.4 mm2 in control group given indomethacin, only nimesulide or indomethacin + ranitidine, respectively. The obtained results indicated that adrenal cortex hormones played a role in antiulcer effect of nimesulide, but not ranitidine.

Anti-inflammatory effects of selective COX-2 inhibitors

In this study, effects of rofecoxib, celecoxib, nimesulide on the acute phase of inflammation were studied in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model and their influence on the chronic phase of inflammation was evaluated in the cotton pellet granuloma tests. Additionally, effects of these drugs on capillary vascular permeability were examined in the hyaluronidase test and were compared with that of indomethacin (nonselective COX inhibitor). The results of the study demonstrated that rofecoxib, celecoxib, nimesulide, indomethacin at a dose of 10 mg kg(-1) reduced the volume of paw edema by 40.6% (p < 0.05), 21.6% (p < 0.05), 20.3% (p < 0.05), 64.0% (p < 0.05), respectively. Anti-proliferative effect of rofecoxib was of 29%, while those of celecoxib and nimesulide were of 13.5 and 21.2%, respectively. Indomethacin had an anti-proliferative effect of 44.2%. When the drugs were given at a dose of 25 mg kg(-1) rofecoxib, celecoxib, nimesulide reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema by 50.6% (p < 0.004), 27.9% (p < 0.004) and 33.0% (p < 0.004), respectively. Positive control, indomethacin, reduced the paw edema by 86.1% (p < 0.004). As a result, indomethacin, rofecoxib, celecoxib, nimesulide significantly inhibited both acute and chronic inflammation. While indomethacin, celecoxib, nimesulide significantly reduced capillary vascular permeability, the effect of rofecoxib was insignificant. We could not clarify this observation. Further studies are required to enlighten this effect of rofecoxib.

Acute and chronic antiinflammatory effects of Hedera colchica in rats

Hedera helix and Hedera colchica are the members of Araliaceae family. In the present study, we tested the possible antiinflammatory effects of crude (CSE) and purified (SPE) extracts of Hedera colchica in carrageenan- and cotton pellet-induced acute and chronic inflammation models in rats. Both CSE and SPE of Hedera colchica were found to have antiinflammatory effects. The most potent drug was found as indomethacin (90%) in the 4 h measurements, while SPE (83%) and CSE (55%) of Hedera colchica in 100 mg/kg doses were found to have quite potent effects in acute phase of inflammation, in respect to control values. For testing chronic antiinflammatory (antiproliferative) effects, cotton pellet granuloma test was conducted. SPE was found as the most potent drug in chronic phase of inflammation with an effect of 64.32%. Indomethacin was found more potent than the CSE of Hedera colchica, and potency was found as 61.2 and 58%, respectively.

Effects of Rumex patientia root extract on indomethacine and ethanol induced gastric damage in rats

The effects of an aqueous root extract from Rumex patientia (D-1) compared to COX-2 selective inhibitors on indomethacine and ethanol induced stomach ulcers were investigated. Adult male Wistar albino rats, weighing between 185-200 g were used. It was determined that D-1 does not show its gastroprotective activity via a COX enzyme in indomethacine induced ulcers. Antioxidant effects protect the gastrointestinal system. The effect of D-1 in ethanol induced ulcers may also be due to its antioxidant effect.

Effect of nimesulide, rofecoxib and celecoxib on gastric tissue glutathione level in rats with indomethacin-induced gastric ulcerations

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide and a superoxide radical scavenger and it protects thiol protein groups required for maintaining the integrity of cell against oxidation. GSH is present in the stomach at high concentrations and plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the gastric mucosa. We investigated whether oral administration of nimesulide, rofecoxib and celecoxib, selective COX-2 inhibitors, changed GSH level in the gastric tissue of indomethacin-treated rats. Thirty albino Wistar rats were used in this study. Animals were randomly assigned to five groups as follows: control group received only distilled water (group I). Nimesulide at a dose of 100 mg/kg (group II), rofecoxib at a dose of 25 mg/kg (group III) and celecoxib at a dose of 100 mg/kg (group IV) were intragastrically administered 5 min before indomethacin (25 mg/kg) treatment. Equal volume of distilled water was given to the indomethacin-administered group (group V). Indomethacin was administered intragastrically. Gastric tissue mean GSH level was significantly higher in nimesulide-given rats than in rofecoxib- and celecoxib-treated groups, there was not any significant difference between the nimesulide and control groups. Our study showed that although nimesulide prevented the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers completely, rofecoxib and celecoxib did not prevent the indomethacin-induced ulcer formation. In conclusion, we propose that nimesulide exerts a prophylactic effect on the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers by enhancing gastric GSH level.

Intraperitoneal administration of salicylate dose-dependently prevents stress-induced ulcer formation in rats

Stress has an important role in the induction of gastroduodenal injury. It was reported that oxygen free radicals played a role in the pathogenesis of this injury. Although some other antioxidant compounds and calcium channel blockers were examined in ulcer models, salicylate has not been tested for its gastroprotective effect in ulcer models by now. In the present study, intraperitoneal administration of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg of salicylate dose-dependently prevented ulcer formation in obligatory immobilization model in rats. This protective effect of salicylate was found more potent than that of ranitidine for all doses tested. As expected, peroral (by gavage) administration of salicylate at 50 mg/kg exacerbated the ulcer score, in comparison with the control.

Acute and chronic antiinflammatory profile of the ivy plant, Hedera helix, in rats

Hedera helix is a plant well-known as ivy or English ivy, and a member of the Araliaceae family. In the present study, we tested the possible antiinflammatory effects of a crude saponin extract (CSE) and a saponin's purified extracts (SPE) of Hedera helix in carrageenan- and cotton-pellet-induced acute and chronic inflammation models in rats. Both the CSE and SPE of Hedera helix were found to have antiinflammatory effects. The most potent drug screened was indomethacin (89.2% acute antiinflammatory effect), while the most potent extract screened was the CSE of Hedera helix at 100 and 200 mg/kg body wt. doses with 77% acute antiinflammatory effects. For testing chronic antiinflammatory (antiproliferative) effects, the cotton-pellet-granuloma test was conducted. Indomethacin was found to be the most potent drug in the chronic phase of inflammation, with 66% effect. The SPE of Hedera helix was more potent than the CSE in its chronic antiinflammatory effect (60% and 49%, respectively).

Anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic effects of the aqueous extract of Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm

An aqeuous extract of Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm., from which a tea is prepared and consumed as treatment for various diseases in northeastern Turkey, was tested for its anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic effects in rats. The carrageenan-induced paw edema, cotton pellet granuloma and indomethacin-induced gastric damage models were used to determine these effects. The extract exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory and strong antiulcerogenic activities.

Nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside induces neurotoxicity in cerebellar granular cell culture in rats by an independent mechanism from L-type or dantrolene-sensitive calcium channels

The effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in rat cerebellar granular cell culture were investigated in the present study. All doses of the SNP (10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 microM) were able to induce cell death compared with control values (p < 0.001 for all groups tested). Interestingly enough, a nonlinear dose-response curve was obtained for SNP-induced neurotoxicity. We also investigated the possible neuroprotective effects of nimodipine and dantrolene, alone or in combination. Both drugs failed to prevent neuronal cell death at the doses tested, either alone or in combination. Despite the fact that the most effective dose was a dantrolene concentration of 10 microM with SNP 500 microM and a concentration of 1 microM with SNP 50 microM, the differences were insignificant statistically. According to our results, SNP-induced cerebellar toxicity appears to be an independent reaction from L-type or endoplasmic reticulum calcium currents.

Effect of nimesulide on the indomethacin- and ibuprofen-induced ulcer in rat gastric tissue

In this study, we examined the effect of nimesulide and ranitidine on the indomethacin- and ibuprofen-induced ulcer. In addition, we investigated whether there was a direct chemical interaction of nimesulide and ranitidine with indomethacin, and also whether nimesulide and ranitidine neutralized the gastric acid in vitro. Our studies showed that nimesulide (100, 300, 500 mg/kg) prevented the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers completely. Ranitidine at a dose of 150 mg/kg reduced the mean ulcer area to 2.5 +/- 0.76 mm2 in the indomethacin-treated and to 2.0 +/- 0.81 mm2 in ibuprofen-treated rats. The mean ulcer areas in rats given only indomethacin and only ibuprofen were 20.3 +/- 1.58 mm2 and 9.5 +/- 1.43 mm2, respectively. There were no chemical reactions between nimesulide and indomethacin or ranitidine and indomethacin in vitro. Nimesulide and ranitidine did not neutralize the gastric acid in vitro.

Melatonin prevents ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage possibly due to its antioxidant effect

Oxygen radical release has been proposed as a pathogenic factor of the ethanol-induced acute gastric injury. Melatonin, a pineal hormone, is known to scavenge oxygen free radicals. We investigated whether parenteral administration of melatonin prevented ethanol-induced macroscopic damage, polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte infiltration, depletion of total glutathione (tGSH) concentration, and glutathione reductase (GSSG-Rd) activity in the rat gastric mucosa. We compared the effects of melatonin with those of omeprazole. Ethanol-induced mucosal damage was evaluated using three different parameters: gastric total glutathione (tGSH) concentration and glutathione reductase (GSSG-Rd) activity, the number of PMN leukocytes, and macroscopic investigation. Gatric tGSH concentration and GSSG-Rd activity decreased and the number of PMNs increased after ethanol administration. It was found that pretreatment with melatonin increased both tGSH concentration and GSSG-Rd activity. Melatonin also reduced ethanol-induced PMN infiltration in the stomach. Ethanol administration damaged the entire gastric mucosa. Melatonin significantly decreased the extent of ethanol-induced macroscopic injury. In conclusion, these findings support the conclusion that the protection conferred by melatonin in gastric ulcer is presumably due to its antioxidant activity.

Gastroprotective and antiulcerogenic effects of Rumex patientia L. extract

Gastroprotective and antiulcerogenic effects of the aqueous extract of Rumex patientia L. roots (D-1) were investigated in rats and compared to non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Whereas oral administration of high doses of NSAIDs caused stomach damage, D-1 (aqueous extract of Rumex patientia roots, 150 and 500 mg/kg) and nimesulid (100 and 300 mg/kg) did not cause any damage. In rats, the number of stress ulcers induced by the administration of 150 mg/kg of D-1 were identical to that of the control group. However, compared to the control group, the number of stress ulcers decreased 1.9 times and the size of ulceration areas decreased 1.1 times in the group treated with 500 mg/kg of D-1.

The effect of nimesulide on the indomethacin- and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

In the present study, we investigated the effects of nimesulide, indomethacin, naproxene, ibuprofen and diclofenac, at anti-inflammatory doses, on the rat gastric tissue (total number = 102). In addition, the effect of nimesulide at doses of 100, 300 and 500 mg kg(-1) on indomethacin-induced and ethanol-induced damage (ulcer) was examined. The potency of nimesulide was compared with that of ranitidine (at 150 mg kg(-1)). Results indicated that nimesulide did not produce any gastric damage. Additionally, it has a therapeutic effect on indomethacin- and ethanol-induced gastric lesions. Ulcer areas were measured in the rats given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Nimesulide (at doses of 100, 300 and 500 mg kg(-1)) and ranitidine (at a dose of 150 mg kg(-1)) treated completely indomethacin-induced ulcer. The mean ulcer area was 21.9 +/- 8.9 mm(2)in the indomethacin-given control group. Nimesulide and ranitidine reduced the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. The ulcer area was 114.3 +/- 10.3 mm(2) in the ethanol-given group and it was 4.5 +/- 4.8, 20.1 +/- 1.66, 15.16 +/- 4.05 mm(2) for nimesulide (at doses of 100, 300 and 500 mg kg(-1)), respectively, and 64.16 +/- 3.97 mm(2) for ranitidine.

An investigation of the antiinflammatory effects of an extract from Cladonia rangiformis HOFFM

In this study, the antiinflammatory effects of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of extract obtained from Cladonia rangiformis, so-called C-1, were investigated. The effects of C-1 on the acute phase of inflammation were studied in formaldehyde-induced edema. A cotton-pellet granuloma test was used to investigate the effects of C-1 on chronic inflammation. The antiedema potency of C-1 was compared with indomethacin. C-1 at the doses mentioned above showed 33.8% (p<0.005), 36.1% (p<0.005), 43.1% (p<0.001) inhibition, respectively. The corresponding antiinflammatory effect for indomethacin was determined as 72% (p<0.001). 200 mg/kg C-1 and 10 mg/kg indomethacin decreased the formation of granuloma tissue induced by cotton-pellet method at a rate of 57.3% (p<0.005) and 52.1% (p<0.005), respectively. It was seen that C-1 was more effective on chronic inflammation than on acute inflammation.

Antiulcerogenic effect of Hippophae rhamnoides L

The antiulcerogenic effect of a hexane extract (HRe-1) from Hippophae rhamnoides (Eleagnaceae) was tested on indomethacin- and stress-induced ulcer models. As a result HRe-1 was found to be active in preventing gastric injury.

Analgesic and antipyretic activities of Rumex patientia extract on mice and rabbits

The aqueous extract from the roots of Rumex patientia L. (Polygonaceae) was investigated for its analgesic and antipyretic effects on mice and rabbits. When the activities of the extract were evaluated in comparison with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), indomethacin and morphin, it was found to possess significant analgesic and antipyretic activities.

The effects of newly synthesized pyrazole derivatives on formaldehyde-, carrageenan-, and dextran-induced acute paw edema in rats

The antiinflammatory effects of 10 newly synthesized pyrazole derivatives on formaldehyde-induced rat paw edema were investigated. The most effective of them (K-3) was investigated again in dextran- and carrageenan-induced paw edema. In formaldehyde-induced paw edema, K-3 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg p.o. inhibited the edema by 48.9% (p<0.002), 68.7% (p<0.001), and 79.1% (p<0.001), respectively, 3 h after administration. In dextran-induced paw edema, the same dose of K-3 produced 27.1% (p<0.05), 46.8% (p<0.01), and 63.8% (p<0.002) inhibition, respectively. In the carrageenan-induced paw edema test, K-3 100 mg/kg decreased the inflammatory response by 52.0% after 4 h. Acute toxicity studies revealed that K-3 was nontoxic up to an oral dose of 2500 mg/kg.

The effects of dantrolene alone or in combination with nimodipine in glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in cerebellar granular cell cultures of rat pups

Despite the existence of some positive and negative reports on dantrolene in ischemic states, combined application of an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker has not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we have investigated the role of dantrolene in subsequent doses alone or in coexistence with the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist nimodipine (10(-4) M concentration) in glutamate-induced (10(-7) M) neurotoxicity in cerebellar granular cell cultures of rat pups. Glutamate induced neuronal cell death at a concentration of 10(-7) M. Despite the fact that none of the groups tested were able to reverse cell death to control values, dantrolene was found to be effective in preventing glutamate toxicity in cerebellar cultures of rat pups. The protective effect of dantrolene potentialized in combination with nimodipine at all doses tested. The most effective dose of dantrolene was found to be 10(-4)M in combination with nimodipine. As a result, both extracellular and internal calcium stores play important roles in the genesis of neuronal cell death induced by glutamate.

Effect of the aqueous extract of Rumex patientia on xylol and hyaluronidase induced capillary permeability compared to indomethacin

In this study, the effect of an aqueous extract of Rumex patientia L. (Polygonaceae) (D-1) on capillary permeability which was induced by xylol and hyaluronidase was investigated. Experiments were conducted on rabbits according to Monakova and Matusis methods. The effects of D-1 were compared to those of indomethacin, which was used as a control throughout the experiment. Both D-1 (100 mg/kg) and indomethacin (10 mg/kg) were administered orally. As a result, D-1 inhibited capillary permeability, which was induced by xylol and hyaluronidase, and it was found that it was as effective as indomethacin.

Effects of salicylic acid in glutamate- and kainic acid-induced neurotoxicity in cerebellar granular cell culture of rats

Glutamate (10(-7)m) and one of its non-NMDA receptor agonists, kainic acid (10(-4)m), were administered to rat cerebellar granular cell cultures, and the neuroprotective role of salicylic acid was examined. Glutamate induced 38.58 +/- 1.45% neuronal cell death while kainic acid induced only 21.4 +/- 2.01% despite being 1000 times more concentrated. The most effective dose for the neuroprotective effect of salicylate in glutamate-induced neurotoxicity was 10(-5)m and it had no protective effect at 10(-7)m. With kainic acid-induced toxicity, 10(-6)m salicylate had no protective effect but 10(-5)m and. 10(-4)m salicylic acid were very effective against kainic acid-induced toxicity. As an OH-trapping agent, salicylate had a protective role in NMDA and non-NMDA receptor-activated neuronal cell death. The present study gives some important clues about oxygen free radical generation having an important role in glutamate- and kainic acid-induced neurotoxicity. On the other hand, the neuroprotective effects of salicylic acid in the present study may depend on the pH alterations in salicylic acid solutions.