Investigation of the protective effect of anzer propolis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVE

Globally, stroke is the leading cause of disability and death. With the use of thrombolytic therapy, reperfusion injury, and its consequences came to the fore. We aimed to find out how anzer propolis, which can only be obtained in Turkey's Eastern Black Sea region, affected ischemia-reperfusion injury using biochemical and histological techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

32 female Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups, including a control group. Three of the groups underwent 30 minutes of induced ischemia via clamping of the common carotid artery, followed by ischemia-reperfusion injury through the release of the clamp. One group received no treatment, another received oral administration of 100 mg/kg of anzer propolis one hour before surgery, and the third group received oral administration of 40 mg/kg of acetylsalicylic acid just before surgery. Histopathological examination assessed apoptosis and tissue necrosis, while serum and brain tissue were evaluated for levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), Interlokin 1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), total antioxidant capacity (TAS), and total oxidant capacity (TOS).

RESULTS

Anzer propolis and acetylsalicylic acid significantly reduced hyperemia in vessels, vacuolization in neurons, glial cell infiltration, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positivity. The anzer propolis group had the highest NGF levels. The anzer propolis and acetylsalicylic acid groups had lower levels of TNF-a and IL-6 in the brain tissue than the ischemia-reperfusion group, while TAS levels were higher.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings obtained in this study suggest that anzer propolis has a neuroprotective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury and will have beneficial effects on neurodegeneration. We believe our findings will contribute to the clinical treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Effects of Dietary Sodium Nitroprusside and NG-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester on Growth Performance, Some Organs Development Status and Immune Parameters in Broilers

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an NO synthase inhibitor, on growth performance, organ development, and immunity in broilers. A total of 560 one-day-old mixed-gender broiler chickens (ROSS 308) were divided into one control and seven experimental groups. The experimental groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 25, 50, 100, and 200 ppm SNP, and 25, 50, and 100 ppm L-NAME in the starter and grower diets. Body weight gain increased in groups receiving 25-100 ppm L-NAME on day 21 and 100 ppm L-NAME on days 0-42. Feed intake increased in the group receiving 100 ppm L-NAME on all days. The feed conversion ratio improved in the group receiving 25 ppm L-NAME on days 0-21, whereas it worsened in groups with 100 and 200 ppm SNP on days 0-42. Serum antibody titers decreased in the 100 ppm L-NAME group on day 21. In conclusion, the supplementation of the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME to the broilers' diet had a positive effect on the performance parameters, whereas the NO donor SNP worsened these parameters, especially on days 0-21.

Dental follicle mesenchymal stem cells ameliorated glandular dysfunction in Sjögren's syndrome murine model

OBJECTIVE

Dental mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potential for use in tissue regeneration in inflammatory diseases due to their rapid proliferating, multilineage differentiation, and strong anti-inflammatory features. In the present study, immunoregulatory and glandular tissue regeneration effects of the dental follicle (DF)MSCs in Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) were investigated.

METHODS

Dental follicle (DF) tissues were obtained from healthy individuals during tooth extraction, tissues were digested enzymatically and DFMSCs were cultured until the third passage. DFMSCs were labeled with Quantum dot 655 for cell tracking analysis. The induction of the SS mouse model was performed by the injection of Ro60-273-289 peptide intraperitoneally. DFMSCs were injected intraperitoneally, or into submandibular, or lacrimal glands. Splenocytes were analyzed for intracellular cytokine (IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10) secretion in T helper cells, lymphocyte proliferation, and B lymphocyte subsets. Histologic analysis was done for submandibular and lacrimal glands with hematoxylin-eosin staining for morphologic examination.

RESULTS

The systemic injection of DFMSCs significantly reduced intracellular IFN-γ and IL-17 secreting CD4+ T cells in splenocytes (p<0.05), and decreased inflammatory cell deposits and fibrosis in the glandular tissues. DFMSCs differentiated to glandular epithelial cells in submandibular and lacrimal injections with a significant reduction in lymphocytic foci. The results showed that few amounts of DFMSCs were deposited in glandular tissues when applied intraperitoneally, while high amounts of DFMSCs were located in glandular tissues and differentiated to glandular epithelial cells when applied locally in SS murine model.

CONCLUSION

DFMSCs have the potential for the regulation of Th1, Th17, and Treg balance in SS, and ameliorate glandular dysfunction. DFMSCs can be a beneficial therapeutic application for SS.

Does Anzer Propolis Have a Protective Effect on Rabbit Spinal Cord Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury?

INTRODUCTION

In this study, Anzer propolis, which can only be obtained from the Eastern Black Sea region in Turkey, is studied for its effect on spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury.

METHODS

A total of 12 healthy male New Zealand White rabbits with an average weight of 3.0 to 3.5 kg were separated into two blind and randomized groups: the ischemia/reperfusion group (n=6) and the treatment group (n=6). Each rabbit in the treatment group was given a dose of 100 mg/kg of ethanol-dissolved Anzer propolis orally 1 hour before surgery. Blood samples were examined at the 0th hour and postoperatively at the 24^th and 48^th hours. Tissue samples were taken at the 48th hour during the sacrification.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative Tarlov scoring (P=0.012). There was a difference between the two groups in terms of the blood levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) at the 48th hour, myeloperoxidase (MPO) at the 24^th and 48^th hours, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) at the 24^th hour, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and total oxidant status (TOS) at the 48^th hour (P<0.005). There was also a difference between the two groups in terms of apoptotic index data obtained with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) method in the histopathological examination (P=0.001). In the transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis, while ischemia/ reperfusion group generally had axon-myelin separation, axoplasmic dissolution and myelin separation, the propolis treatment group had normal myelin sequencing.

DISCUSSION

In our study, after biochemical, histopathological, ultrastructural and neurological functional examination, it was demonstrated that Anzer propolis has sufficient neuroprotective effect on spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits.

Effect of myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) essential oil on oxidant-antioxidant balance in rats with propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism

Among today's health problems, metabolic diseases are at the forefront. Hypothyroidism (HT) is a disease characterized by increased TSH, decreased T3&T4 concentrations in serum, with overall metabolic slowdown. Although there are many studies in the literature about oxidative status in HT, statements in these studies are contradictory. In our study, the effect of essential oils obtained from the leaves, flowers, and roots of Myrtus communis L. on oxidative metabolism in an HT model induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) in rats was investigated. A total of 36 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups as follows: (1) Control, (2) PTU, (3) M. communis L. oil 200 (MO 200), (4) M. communis L. oil 400 (MO 400), (5) PTU + MO 200, and (6) PTU + MO 400. In our study, while oxidative status deteriorates in groups given PTU, antioxidant activity increases in groups given M. communis L. oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Essential oils are aromatic oily liquids derived from different parts of plants. M. communis L. is one of the best-known herbs in the class of aromatic and medicinal plants. This paper emphasizes the effect of M. communis L. oil on the negative oxidative state that occurs in HT conditions. The present study provides a positive effect of essential oils obtained from the M. communis L. on the oxidative state seen in HT. In light of this information, it may be beneficial to use M. communis L. oil due to its antioxidative effect in HT conditions.

Application of UN method to neutron transport equation in slab geometry using HG phase function

The steady-state one speed neutron transport equation without sources is studied in slab geometry using Henyey-Greenstein scattering function. The critical thicknesses are calculated for various c (mean number of secondary neutrons per collision) and t scattering parameters using UN method and obtained values are compared with PN method. All the numerical results for different collision scattering functions and t parameters of UN and PN methods are presented in the tables.

Criticality calculations with PN approximation for certain scattering parameters of Anlı-Güngör and Henyey-Greenstein phase functions in spherical geometry

PN approximation is applied to neutron transport equation in spherical geometry using Anlı-Güngör (AG) and Henyey-Greenstein (HG) phase functions. These phase functions are used for calculating critical radius and results of PN approximation obtained from AG and HG phase functions are compared with each other for different collision scattering function. The numerical results obtained from AG and HG phase functions are presented in the tables and these results are compared.

T 1 and U 1 approximations to neutron transport equation in one-dimensional spherical geometry

The diffusion lengths for one-speed neutrons are calculated by solving transport equation in one-dimensional spherical geometry. The pseudo-slab transport equation is obtained using a reasonable approach. The neutron angular flux is expanded in a series of both the Chebyshev polynomials of first and second kinds. Then analytic and numerical results for asymptotic relaxation length are obtained by applying first order approximations to the transport equation and they are compared with each other.

Calculation of the critical thickness for one-speed neutrons in a reflected slab with backward and forward scattering using modified T N method

The reflected critical slab problem is investigated in one-speed neutron transport theory for reflecting boundary conditions. The neutron angular flux is expanded in a series of first kind Chebyshev polynomials and isotropic, backward and forward scattering kernel is used as the scattering function. The critical sizes for one-speed neutrons in a uniform finite slab surrounded by identical reflectors from both sides are calculated for various values of the collision parameter, backward and forward scattering and reflection coefficient. Numerical values calculated for the critical slab are presented in the tables and are found to be in good agreement with literature values.

U 1 and P 1 approximations to neutron transport equation for diffusion length calculation

U 1 and P 1 approximations are used for the calculation of asymptotic relaxation length in one-dimensional neutron transport equation. The approximation methods are applied to anisotropic neutron transport equation with backward and forward scattering. The methods are based on the series expansion of the neutron angular flux in terms of the Chebyshev polynomials of second kind and Legendre polynomials. By applying the first order approximation to the transport equation, asymptotic relaxation lengths are calculated. Numerical results obtained from both methods are compared with each other.

Matrix metalloproteinase, vitamin A and methylprednisolone effects on experimentally induced amyloid arthropathy

We evaluated the role of some matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in enhancing the effect of vitamin A and the inhibiting effect of methylprednisolone on amyloid arthropathy in brown layer chicks. We used 100 one-day-old Isa brown layer chicks. The chicks were allocated to one of four groups as follows: negative control group (I), vitamin A group (II), positive control group (III) and methylprednisolone group (IV). Amyloid arthropathy was induced by injections of complete Freund's adjuvant into the left intertarsal joints of the chicks. Serum vitamin A and tissue MMP (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9) levels were measured and differences among the groups were investigated. Serum vitamin A rates (μg/dl) were: 63.57 ± 4.10, 47.13 ± 10.62, 53.26 ± 10.79, 98.48 ± 8.20 in groups I, II, III and IV, respectively (p < 0.001). MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were evaluated in tissues from the chickens with amyloid arthropathy. Methylprednisolone significantly suppressed the release of MMP-1 and MMP-2, and increased the release of MMP-9 in birds with amyloid arthropathy. In addition, vitamin A significantly increased the release of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Application of the TN method to critical slab problem for one-speed neutrons with forward and backward scattering and efficiency of reflection coefficient

The one-speed neutron transport equation which includes isotropic forward and backward scattering has been studied using the TN approximation. Critical thicknesses for different values of the reflection coefficient R and c values have been calculated. The study shows that the TN method gives nearly the same results as the PN approximation in one-dimensional geometry. The results obtained in this study are presented in tables and are compared with PN approximation results.

U1 approximation to the neutron transport equation and calculation of the asymptotic relaxation length

The U1 approximation is used to determine the asymptotic relaxation length (diffusion length) for one-speed neutrons in a homogeneous slab. The method is based on the series expansion of the neutron angular flux in terms of the Chebyshev polynomials of second kind and then calculating the diffusion length by applying the first order approximation to transport equation. Analytic and numerical results are obtained for the diffusion length and compared with the ones obtained from the method of separation of variables and simple diffusion theory (P1 approximation).

Application of the Chebyshev polynomial (T N and U N ) approximation to reflected slab geometry in the neutron transport equation and computation of critical half thicknesses

The transport of one-speed neutrons has been studied in isotropically scattering slab using ultraspherical polynomial approximation whose sub-cases are spherical harmonics approximation and Chebyshev polynomial approximation of first and second kind with reflective boundaries. An integral equation for the total flux has been derived and solved numerically for different values of c and reflection coefficients. In the solution, Marshak type vacuum boundary conditions were used. The critical thicknesses obtained by the Chebyshev polynomial method are in good agreement with literature values. Computations were made by using the TN, UN and PN approximations for comparison.

Chebyshev polynomial (TN ) approximation to neutron transport theory and application to the critical slab problem

The critical slab problem has been studied in the one-speed neutron transport equation with isotropic scattering by using the first kind of Chebyshev Polynomials. The moment criticality solutions were obtained for the uniform finite slab using Mark and Marshak type vacuum boundary conditions. The results obtained by this approximation are presented in tables which also include the results obtained by the PN method for comparison.

Efficiency of reflection coefficients in the isotropic neutron transport equation and computation of the critical-half thicknesses

The critical slab problem of the reflected isotropic one-speed neutron transport equation is solved with the Chebyshev polynomial approximation. The efficiency of the reflection coefficient, R, in the neutron transport equation is obtained for different c values. For the solution, the Mark boundary condition is used. The values obtained from this approximation are compared with results obtained by the spherical harmonics method.

Modified Chebyshev polynomial (U N ) approximation in the neutron transport theory and computation of critical half thicknesses

A general theoretical scheme for the UN method and the evolution of a general eigenvalue spectrum are described. The applicability of UN method to one dimensional slab geometry neutron transport problems is discussed. The eigenvalue spectrum is calculated for isotropic scattering with different values of the parameter c, the mean number of secondary neutrons per collision, known as the fundamental eigenvalue. Then the critical slab problem has been studied. The critical half thicknesses are computed for different values of c. For the solution, Mark and Marshak boundary conditions are used. Results are obtained for both, UN and PN approximations for comparison.

Application of the UN approximation to the neutron transport equation in slab geometry

The critical slab problem of the one-speed and one dimensional neutron transport equation for an isotropic homogeneous medium was studied by using the Chebyshev polynomial approximation, i. e. UN method. The results obtained by the UN method for various c values, using the two type boundary conditions which are known as Mark and Marshak boundary conditions, are presented in tables. The tables also include the results obtained by the PN method for comparison.

The role of chicken IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the occurrence of amyloid arthropathy

In this study, the roles of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha in amyloid arthropathic chickens with variable amounts (severe, moderate and mild) of amyloid accumulation were investigated. The presence and the levels of cytokines were evaluated in serum and in joint tissues by using ELISA and immunohistochemistry, respectively. One hundred brown layer chicks were allocated into four groups and intra-articular injections of Freund's adjuvant were used to induce amyloid arthropathy in Groups II, III and IV. Vitamin A in group II, and methylprednisolone in Group IV were added to enhance and to reduce the severity of amyloidosis, respectively. At the end of the study, a positive correlation was observed among the incidence and severity of amyloidosis, the serum amyloid A levels and the IL-1beta values both in the serum and tissues. Elevation in the tissue TNF-alpha levels in parallel with the severity of amyloidosis has also been noted. As a conclusion, IL-1beta appears to play an important role in avian AA amyloidosis either alone or in combination with TNF-alpha. Further investigation is needed for understanding the role of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in avian AA amyloidosis.

Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs: unusually located and unusual findings

Clinical, blood, serum biochemistry, and parasitological assessments were performed on four hospitalized dogs, not in good general condition, in a study carried out to determine the prevalence of general parasitic infections. Hematological and biochemical parameters and electrocardiographic recording of the animals were determined during the general clinical examinations. Four dogs were indicated to have been infected with Dirofilaria immitis by using modified Knott's method, and the microfilarial density was determined. Mild to moderate anemia and decrease in sedimentation velocity were established in dogs. Differences in other hematological and biochemical values between the dogs were determined. Right axis deviation was determined in a dog. D. immitis was encountered in the right ventricle, bronchus, and the pericardial sac at the end of the necropsy. On the other hand, in the histopathological examinations, pulmonary adenocarcinoma deriving from bronchial epithelium was identified in a dog, and microfilaria was encountered in bronchial and bronchiolar lumens, interstitium of the lungs, and bile ducts. D. immitis has not been considered in the diagnosis of dogs with pneumonia and tumors. The requirement of parasitological examination with respect to D. immitis in the diagnosis of dogs with tumor or pneumonia has been considered vital.