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The blood-testis barrier is found between the Sertoli cells and divides the seminiferous tubule epithelium into basal and adluminal compartments. The germinal cell renewal, differentiation and cell cycle progression up to the preleptotene spermatocytes stage take place in the basal compartment, however, meiosis, spermiogenesis and spermiation take place in the adluminal compertment. The blood-testis barrier consists of tight junctions as well as ectoplasmic specialisations, desmosomes and gap junctions to create specific microenvironment for the completion of spermatogenesis to form spermatozoa. The blood-testis barrier is not a static ultrastructure, it undergoes extensive restructuring during the seminiferous tubule epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis to allow the transit of preleptotene spermotocytes at the blood-testis barrier from basal compartment towards the adluminal compartment. The functions of the blood-testis barrier include preventing the transport of biomolecules into the paracellular space, forming an immunological barrier, separating cellular processes during the spermatogenic epithelial cycle, and establishing the cellular polarity of the seminiferous tubule. However, various environmental conditions, chemotherapeutic agents, toxic substances and lifestyle have degenerative effects on blood-testis barrier, resulting in testicular damage, altered sperm parameters and ultimately male infertility. The alterations in morphological and molecular organization of blood-testis barrier in different experimentally induced testis injury models are reviewed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The electromagnetic waves (EMW) emitted by commonly used mobile phones are reported to have effects on many tissues. In this study, we aimed to show the effect of EMW emitted by mobile phone with DSC 1800 carrier frequency and pulse repetition frequency of 217 Hz which has the highest SAR value 1.79 W/kg on the morphological changes of rat testis. Method: Wistar-albino rats were used in this study (n= 6 for each group) and were divided to 5 experimental groups as Control, Standby Fetal, Standby, EMW Fetal and EMW. Application of EMW was performed for 2 hours per day until the birth in fetal experimental groups and until postnatal 60th day in other experimental groups. Testes of the rats in all experimental groups were taken at postnatal 60th day under ether anesthesia. The body and testis of the rats were weighed. Testis tissues were fixed with Bouin solution and routine paraffin processing was done. Paraffin sections were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin, then, diameter and area of seminiferous tubules were measured and histopathological scoring was done. Results: While body weight of the rats was decreased in only EMW group, testis weight, seminiferous tubule area and seminiferous tubule diameter were decreased in the EMW Fetal and EMW groups. Seminiferous tubules with normal morphology were not significantly decreased in the Standby group, but, significantly decreased in the EMW Fetal and EMW groups. Degenerative and atrophic tubules were found to be significantly increased in the EMW group. Conclusion: EMW emitted by mobile phones showed adverse Conclusion: EMW emitted by mobile phones showed adverse effects on testis morphology in speaks mode. As a result, detailed studies on the blood-testis barrier that regulates spermatogenesis and Leydig cells are needed in order to show the effects of EMW on male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The electromagnetic waves (EMW) emitted by commonly used mobile phones are reported to have effects on many tissues. In this study, we aimed to show the effect of EMW emitted by mobile phone with DSC 1800 carrier frequency and pulse repetition frequency of 217 Hz which has the highest SAR value 1.79 W/kg on the morphological changes of rat testis. Method: Wistar-albino rats were used in this study (n= 6 for each group) and were divided to 5 experimental groups as Control, Standby Fetal, Standby, EMW Fetal and EMW. Application of EMW was performed for 2 hours per day until the birth in fetal experimental groups and until postnatal 60th day in other experimental groups. Testes of the rats in all experimental groups were taken at postnatal 60th day under ether anesthesia. The body and testis of the rats were weighed. Testis tissues were fixed with Bouin solution and routine paraffin processing was done. Paraffin sections were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin, then, diameter and area of seminiferous tubules were measured and histopathological scoring was done. Results: While body weight of the rats was decreased in only EMW group, testis weight, seminiferous tubule area and seminiferous tubule diameter were decreased in the EMW Fetal and EMW groups. Seminiferous tubules with normal morphology were not significantly decreased in the Standby group, but, significantly decreased in the EMW Fetal and EMW groups. Degenerative and atrophic tubules were found to be significantly increased in the EMW group. Conclusion: EMW emitted by mobile phones showed adverse Conclusion: EMW emitted by mobile phones showed adverse effects on testis morphology in speaks mode. As a result, detailed studies on the blood-testis barrier that regulates spermatogenesis and Leydig cells are needed in order to show the effects of EMW on male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in sex hormone levels may play a role in the etiology of lower urinary tract dysfunction of aging women where the possible role of testosterone is overlooked. To determine the effect of testosterone with/without estrogen replacement on histological and functional deterioration in ovariectomized rat bladder tissue. A total of 54 female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups. Except sham operated (control group), all others underwent bilateral ovariectomy. No further treatment was given to the ovariectomy-only group (OVX group). At the third week of ovariectomy treatments were started; vehicle agent (VA group), estradiol (E2 group), testosterone undecanoate (T group), and estradiol + testosterone undecanoate combination (E2 + T group) in physiological doses. Nine weeks after ovariectomy, bladder strips were harvested for isometric tension and histopathological studies. To assess the effect of testosterone/estradiol on ovariectomized rat bladder tissue function and histomorphology. OVX and VA groups showed statistically significant histological changes such as urothelial damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, increase in collagen fibers and muscular atrophy compared with the control group. Both E2 and T reversed these changes but best histomorphological restoration was observed in E2 + T group. In isometric tension studies, ovariectomy tended to increase contractile responses which were normalized after E2 treatment. In contrary to E2, T significantly increased contractile responses that were normalized with combination treatment. During relaxation studies statistically significant higher relaxation responses were observed in ovariectomized rats. Although both exogenous testosterone and estradiol tended to reverse this effect, a statistically significant difference was found only after testosterone treatment. Either estradiol or testosterone replacement alone or in combination prevents significant alterations in bladder tissue histology following ovariectomy whereas both affect the bladder tissue contractility. Thus, combination treatment appears to be the best method to restore both contractility and histomorphology of bladder tissue after ovariectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Five-day-old Wistar albino rats were injected with kainic acid (KA) or saline i.p. to investigate time-dependent alterations in morphology and number of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) immunoreactive (-ir) astrocytes and neurons in hippocampus at 15, 30, and 90 days after the injections. Sections were stained with cresyl violet for morphological evaluation and bFGF immunohistochemistry was used for quantitative evaluation of bFGF-ir cell density. Fifteen days after KA injection, there was gliosis but no neuronal loss although disorganization in CA1, CA3, CA4 pyramidal layers and neuronal loss were evident 30 and 90 days after the injection. KA injected rats demonstrated significantly increased number of bFGF-ir astrocytes throughout the hippocampus and pyramidal neurons in CA2 after 15 days and decreased number of bFGF-ir cells after 30 and 90 days. The decrease in the number of bFGF-ir astroglia and neurons in long term after KA injection may indicate a decrease in the production of bFGF and/or number of bFGF-ir cells suggesting that protective effects of bFGF may be altered during epileptogenesis in hippocampus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Statins have anti-inflammatory effects that are not directly related to their cholesterol-lowering activity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of simvastatin on the extent of tissue damage in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The rats received a single intravenous injection of 2.5mgkg−1 cisplatin. Other groups received either simvastatin (1mgkg−1) or the vehicle (ethanol:saline) intraperitoneally for 10 days beginning 5 days prior to cisplatin injection. All animals were decapitated 5 days after cisplatin administration. Trunk blood was collected and analyzed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin, and total bilirubin levels. The urine samples were used for the calculation of creatinine clearance levels. The kidney and liver samples were stored for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and collagen content or were processed for histopathological examinations. Formation of reactive oxygen species in tissue samples was monitored by using chemiluminescence method. Simvastation reduced the extent of both kidney and liver damage and preserved both kidney and liver functions (p <0.01–0.001). Increase in liver MDA level with a concomitant reduction in GSH in the cisplatin group was attenuated by simvastatin treatment (p <0.05–0.01). Increase in tissue collagen content and chemiluminescence levels in the kidney and liver samples of the cisplatin group was also reversed by simvastatin (p <0.001). In conclusion, simvastatin is beneficial in cisplatin-induced kidney and liver dysfunction and organ damage in rats via prevention of lipid peroxidation and tissue fibrosis, preservation of antioxidant glutathione, and suppression of neutrophil infiltration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction. Ovarian hormones have an important role in age-related genital arousal disorders; however, our knowledge regarding possible vaginal wall morphology and contractility changes in low-hormonal states is limited. Aims. To investigate morphological and functional alterations in the vaginal tissue in a rat ovariectomy model and to show the differences between proximal and distal vagina. Methods. Six weeks following ovariectomy, vaginal tissues were examined under light and electron microscopy. Circularly cut distal and proximal tissues were studied in the organ bath under isometric tension and compared with age-matched controls. Contractile responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS), phenylephrine, carbachol, and the effects of alpha-1 and alpha-2 blockade on EFS-induced contractility were investigated. Relaxation responses to EFS and vardenafil were investigated in precontracted strips. Main Outcome Measures. Differences between control and ovariectomy groups in terms of vaginal tissue contractility and histomorphological properties. Results. Distal vagina showed different epithelial characteristics and a better-developed muscularis compared with proximal vagina. Ovariectomy caused thinning of the epithelium, severe degeneration in epithelial architecture, and smooth muscle atrophy. Contraction and relaxation responses of distal strips were significantly lower in ovariectomized rats. Contractile responses to neuropharmacological stimulation were insignificant in proximal strips of both groups. EFS-induced contractions in distal strips diminished significantly after alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic blockade. EFS caused frequency-dependent relaxation responses in precontracted distal strips, which were significantly decreased after nitric oxide synthase inhibition. Conclusions. Ovariectomy causes significant alteration in rat vaginal tissue morphology and contractility. Contraction and relaxation responses of distal vagina are significantly greater compared with morphologically distinct proximal vagina. Alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors are the main mediators of contraction in distal rat vaginal tissue whereas nitric oxide pathway may have at least a partial role in relaxation. Main mediators of the rat vaginal tissue relaxation and the effect of ovariectomy on this regulation are yet to be defined. Önol FF, Ercan F, and Tarcan T. The effect of ovariectomy on rat vaginal tissue contractility and histomorphology. J Sex Med 2006;3:233–241. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Substance P is a neuropeptide involved in inflammation, immune regulation and stress response. Stress may induce bladder damage by stimulating inflammatory response such as mast cell activation. We here examined the role substance P during stress-induced mast cell degranulation and urothelial injury in rat bladder. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats (200–270 g) were either exposed to cold-immobilization stress or substance P (SP) intracerebroventricularly. Different doses of substance P receptor (NK1R) antagonist CP 99994 were administered peripherally or centrally before the stress exposure. From each group, samples of the bladder were examined with light and electron microscope. Stress- and SP-injected centrally, increased the number of both granulated and degranulated mast cells. Ultrastructurally, urothelial degeneration with vacuolization in the cytoplasm and dilated intercellular spaces were seen. Both central and peripheral injection of CP 99994 prevented stress-induced urothelial degeneration as well as stress-induced mast cell degranulation. In conclusion, centrally and peripherally released substance P is involved in stress-induced bladder damage. Inhibition of NK1R prevents stress-induced pathological changes of urinary bladder and NK1R antagonist can be considered for the treatment of inflammatory bladder diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of ACE inhibition on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colonic inflammation in rats by using captopril and lisinopril. In treatment groups, the rats were treated with ACE inhibitors, captopril or lisinopril (0.1 and 1 mg/kg/day; intraperitoneally). The drugs were given 5 min after induction of colitis and the treatment was continued for 3 days. Three days after the induction of colitis, all rats were decapitated. The distal colon was weighed and the mucosal lesions were scored at both macroscopical at microscopic levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and collagen content were assessed in tissue samples. Formation of reactive oxygen species in colonic samples was monitored by using chemiluminescence technique. Serum TNF-αlevel was assessed in trunk blood. Captopril treatment was found to be beneficial in all parameters, except colonic glutathione content. On the other hand, although stimulation of lipid peroxidation and increase in serum TNF-α level were successfully prevented by lisinopril, the morphology of the lesions remained unchanged. In conclusion, sulphydryl and non-sulphydryl ACE inhibitors, captopril and lisinopril do not seem to be similarly effective in TNBS-induced colitis model at least at the doses tested in our study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Nontraumatic psychological water avoidance stress has been shown to induce mucosal degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration and mast cell degranulation in stomach, ileum, colon and urinary bladder. Many skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, worsen during stress and seem to be related with infiltration and activation of mast cells releasing vasoactive and proinflammatory mediators. Melatonin is a free radical scavenger and has cytoprotective effects in inflammatory conditions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on water avoidance stress (WAS)-induced degranulation of mast cells in the dermis. Wistar rats were exposed to acute WAS (aWAS group) or chronic WAS (cWAS group). Before exposing to acute WAS, one group of animals was treated with 10mg/kg melatonin (aWAS+mel group). In the cWAS+mel group, treatment with melatonin lasted for 5 days. Dermal mast cells were stained with toluidine blue and investigated using light microscopy. Numbers of mast cells were increased in both aWAS and cWAS groups, but numbers of degranulated mast cells were increased significantly only in the cWAS group when compared to the control group. Numbers of mature granulated and degranulated mast cells were decreased in the cWAS+mel group when compared to the cWAS group. In conclusion, chronic melatonin treatment reduced WAS-induced infiltration and activation of mast cells in dermis and may provide a useful therapeutic option in stress-induced skin disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigated the role of melatonin on water avoidance stress (WAS)-induced degeneration of the gastric, ileal and colonic mucosa. Wistar albino rats were exposed to acute WAS (aWAS group) or chronic WAS (cWAS group). Before exposing animals to acute (aWAS + mel group) or chronic WAS (cWAS + mel group), 10 mg/kg melatonin was injected i.p. The stomach, ileum and colon samples were investigated under light and scanning electron microscope. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were also determined. In both aWAS and cWAS groups, the epithelium of stomach showed ulceration in some areas, dilatations of the gastric glands and degeneration of gastric glandular cells; prominent congestion of the capillaries after WAS was apperent. In the cWAS group, severe vascular congestion was observed along with degeneration of ileal and colonic epithelium. MDA levels were increased and GSH levels were decreased in all tissues in both the aWAS and cWAS groups. The morphology of gastric, ileal and colonic mucosa in both aWAS + mel and cWAS + mel groups showed that the indole significantly reduced degeneration of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Decreased MDA and increased GSH levels were observed in the WAS + mel groups. Based on the results, melatonin treatment significantly prevented WAS induced degenerative morphological and biochemical changes of gastrointestinal mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small bowel is one of the organs that can in principle be transplanted. Optimum preservation of the organ is essential for the success of transplantation. The aim of the present study is the investigation of time-related morphological changes of rat small bowel during preservation in hypothermic Euro-Collins (EC) and Ringer''s lactate (RL) solution using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate the integrity of intercellular complexes of mucosal epithelium, one of the tissues of the intestine that is most susceptible to ischemia. Small bowels were perfused with either EC, RL solution or physiological saline solution and were placed in the different preservation solutions at 4°C for 0, 3, 6 and 12 h. The results of our study suggest that both preservation solutions are suitable for short-term preservation of the small bowel although RL solution is more effective than EC solution. However, we conclude that further improvement of preservation solutions and/or techniques are needed to perform long-term preservation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: We have investigated the volume of nerve fibers in the rat urinary bladder following systematic exposure to cold-restraint stress and capsaicin treatment. Materials and Methods: Adult Wistar albino rats were either exposed to cold-restraint stress (vehicle group) or treated with capsaicin before exposure to cold-restraint stress (capsaicin group). In the control group, animals were neither exposed to cold-restraint stress nor given capsaicin. From each group, samples of bladder were prepared for morphological investigation and stereological evaluation of the volume of nerve fibers. Results: Stress exposure was associated with urothelial degeneration, a higher incidence and degranulation of mast cell profiles in the mucosa, and an increased volume of nerve fibers in the muscular layer of the bladder wall. Capsaicin treatment prevented the stress-induced degenerative changes. In the capsaicin group, the volume of nerve fibers in the muscular layer was also significantly smaller than that in the stress group. Conclusions: Exposure of adult rats to capsaicin prevented the stress-induced degeneration of the bladder and changed the volume of capsaicin-sensitive fibers in muscular layer. We conclude that capsaicin and related compounds may be useful in treating stress-induced bladder problems.Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate possible protective effects of apocynin (APO), an NADPH oxidase (NOX2) inhibitor, on cisplatin (CIS)‐induced testicular damage. Four groups of Sprague Dawley rats were used: control, APO, CIS and CIS+APO. Following a single intraperitoneal dose of CIS (7 mg/kg), either dimethyl sulfoxide or APO (25 mg/kg) was administered orally for 5 days. Testis samples were evaluated microscopically for general histopathology and ultrastructure, proliferating and apoptotic cells, and NOX2 localization. Sperm parameters were evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) activities were analysed biochemically. The CIS group had a greater number of abnormal spermatozoa, atrophic seminiferous tubules, apoptotic and NOX2‐immunoreactive cells; numerous large vacuole formations in the cytoplasm of germinal epithelial cells; degenerated intercellular tight junctions; higher MDA, 8‐OHdG and MPO levels; decreased numbers of spermatozoa; and lower proliferative index and GSH and SOD levels. All these histologic and biochemical results were better in the CIS+APO group. CIS causes testicular damage by decreasing spermatogenic cell lines and increasing NOX2 activity and apoptosis through oxidative stress. APO prevents testicular damage, possibly by its antioxidant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of an ethanolic extract of Myrtus communis subsp. communis (MC) leaves on the pancreases of rats fed with a high fat diet (HFD). Wistar albino rats were fed either with standard lab chow (Control group) or with a 45% fat diet (HFD and HFD+MC groups) for 4 months, with the MC extract (100 mg/kg) being administered by orogastric gavage to rats in the HFD+MC group during the last month. Blood and pancreas samples were collected from all experimental groups at the end of the study. Insulin and leptin levels, and the lipid profile, were analyzed in the blood serum. Pancreatic injury was assessed histologically. Insulin, nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis was assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) immunohistochemistry. In addition, oxidant/antioxidant activity was analyzed by biochemical methods. Increased body weight, serum insulin and leptin levels, blood glucose level and pancreatic tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and decreased tissue glutathione (GSH) level were observed in the HFD group compared to the Control group, in addition to dyslipidemia. An increased histopathological damage score, pancreatic islet area, insulin, TUNEL, NF-κB and α-SMA immunoreactivity were seen in animals from the HFD group compared to the Control group. However, such pathological changes were reduced in the HFD+MC group. Our data indicate further investigation of MC extract as a therapeutic adjuvant for HFD-induced pancreatic injury, acting via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, is worth carrying out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of apocynin (APO) on the factors involved in obesity-related endothelial dysfunction (ED) and atherosclerosis (AS). Materials and Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were divided into control (CNT), high-fat diet (HFD) and HFD+APO groups. HFD and HFD+APO groups were fed HFD for sixteen weeks. APO (25 mg/kg) was administered to the HFD+APO group for the last four weeks. The effects of APO on: AS-related metabolic parameters (triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, insulin and leptin), oxidative stress (OS), [ malondialdehyde, glutathione, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase-2, oxidised-low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine], low-density lipoprotein and ox-LDL uptake potential (activin receptor-like kinase-1 and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1, respectively), tissue inflammation (myeloperoxidase, monocyte-chemoattractant-protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha), ED (endothelial-nitric oxide synthase, inducible-nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide), programmed cell death (terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-dUTP-nick-end labeling, cleaved-poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase, gasdermin-D N-terminal fragment, caspase-1), smooth muscle cell transformation (alpha-smooth muscle actin), histology and ultrastructure of thoracic aorta were evaluated. Results: In obesity, APO had an ameliorative effect on metabolic parameters, OS, inflammation, ED, programmed cell death and ox-LDL uptake potential, but not on foam cell formation and LDL uptake potential. Conclusion: Apocynin may improve ED and AS in obesity by suppressing OS-linked factors involved in the early stage of AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possible protective effects of Myrtus communis L. (MC) extract on a high fat diet (HFD)-induced testicular injury in a rat model were investigated using histological and biochemical methods. Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: a standard diet control group; a HFD group; and an HFD+MC group. The HFD and HFD+MC groups were fed with a HFD for 16 weeks. MC extract (100 mg/kg) was given orally five days a week to the rats in the HFD+MC group during the last four weeks of the experiment. Leptin, triglyceride, high-density lipoproteins, cholesterol, estrogen, testosterone, LH and FSH were analyzed in blood serum. Sperm parameters were evaluated from the epididymis. Testicular morphology, proliferative, apoptotic and NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX2)-positive cells were evaluated histologically. Testicular oxidative stress parameters were analyzed biochemically. In the HFD group, lipid and hormone profiles were changed, abnormal spermatozoa, degenerated seminiferous tubules with apoptotic and NOX2-positive cells were increased in number, and sperm motility and germinal proliferative cells decreased compared to the control group. Moreover, testicular malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and myeloperoxidase levels increased, whereas glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels decreased in the HFD group compared to the control group. All these histological and biochemical features were ameliorated by MC treatment of HFD-fed rats. In conclusion, HFD caused alterations in sperm parameters and testicular morphology by increasing oxidative damage and apoptosis. MC extract may have potential protective effects by inhibiting oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Putative beneficial effects of neuropeptide W (NPW) in the early phase of gastric ulcer healing process and the involvement of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes were investigated in an acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer model. Main methods: In anesthetized male Sprague–Dawley rats, acetic acid was applied surgically on the serosa and then a COX-inhibitor (COX-2-selective NS-398, COX-1-selective ketorolac, or non-selective indomethacin; 2 mg/kg/day, 3 mg/kg/day or 5 mg/kg/day; respectively) or saline was injected intraperitoneally. One h after ulcer induction, omeprazole (20 mg/kg/day), NPW (0.1 μg/kg/day) or saline was intraperitoneally administered. Injections of NPW, COX-inhibitors, omeprazole or saline were continued for the following 2 days until rats were decapitated at the end of the third day. Key findings: NPW treatment depressed gastric prostaglandin (PG) I2 level, but not PGE2 level. Similar to omeprazole, NPW treatment significantly reduced gastric and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta levels and depressed the upregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and COX-2 expressions due to ulcer. In parallel with the histopathological findings, treatment with NPW suppressed ulcer-induced increases in myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde level and replenished glutathione level. However, the inhibitory effect of NPW on myeloperoxidase activity and NPW-induced increase in glutathione were not observed in the presence of COX-1 inhibitor ketorolac or the non-selective COX-inhibitor indomethacin. Significance: In conclusion, NPW facilitated the healing of gastric injury in rats via the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress and neutrophil infiltration as well as the downregulation of COX-2 protein and NF-κB gene expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin commonly used as a chemotheropotic agent however, it is associated with numerous side effects such as reproductive cytotoxicity. It causes spermatogenic cell death and DNA damage in spermatozoa via the formation of reactive oxygene species. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trans-trihydroxystilbene), a natural phytoalexin, is a potent antioxidant agent, present in a wide variety of dietary sources including grapes, plums and peanuts. The aim of present study to evaluate the beneficial effects of resveratrol on cisplatin induced testis damage. Male Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study and four experimental groups were formed as: 1- saline applied control, 2- resveratrol applied control, 3- cisplatin and 4- cisplatin+resveratrol groups. Following a single dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg i.p.), either saline or resveratrol (10 mg/kg, orally) was administered for 5 days. Testis samples were prepared for histopathological and ultrastructural evaluations, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were determined biochemically. Degenerated and atrophic tubules of tissue, apoptotic cells, MDA level and MPO activity were increased although proliferation index and GSH level were decreased in cisplatin group. Degenerated tight junctions between the Sertoli cells and vacuole formation in germinal epithelial cells were also revealed at this group. However, resveratrol treatment reduced degenerated and atrophic tubules, apoptotic cells, vacuole formation in germinal epithelial cells, MDA level and MPO activity and increased proliferation index and GSH level in testis. These results showed that resveratrol ameliorates cisplatin induced testis injury by the impairment of oxidative stress and apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Obesity causes male infertility problems and affects the sperm quality. Recent studies have shown that exercise has positive effects on male fertility. The present study aimed to show the effects of swimming exercise on the epididymal sperm number, motility and morphology in hight fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Materials and Methods: Four experimental groups (n=8 in each group) were formed. Standard (STD) and STD+Exercise (STD+EXC) groups were fed with standard rat diet (6% of calories as fat); HFD and HFD+Exercise (HFD+EXC) groups were fed with high fat diet (45% of calories as fat) for 18 weeks. The rats in STD+EXC and HFD+EXC groups were trained by swimming sessions (1 h per day for 5 days a week) during the last 6 weeks of the experiment. The left caudal epididymis was prepared to evaluate the number, motility and morphology of the spermatozoa. The right epididymal samples were processed for histological evaluation. Results: Normospermic parameters were seen in STD and STD+EXC groups. Sperm number and motility decreased and spermatozoa with abnormal morphology increased significantly in HFD group when compared with STD group. A large number of spermatozoa in the epididymal duct lumen and regular morphology of the fibromuscular connective tissue were observed in STD and STD+EXC groups. Most of the epididymal ducts consisted of decreased amount of spermatozoal accumulation in the HFD group. Degenerated pseudostratified columnar epithelium with vacuole formation were additional findings in this group. On the other hand, swimming exercise had an enhancement effect on sperm parameters with prominent spermatozoal accumulation in the ducts of epididymis in HFD induced obese rats. Conclusion: This study shows that HFD-induced obesity decreased the number and motility of spermatozoa, increased abnormal spermatozoa and caused disrupted epididymal morphology. We hypothesize that exercise enhanced HFD-induced spermatogenic and epididymal damages by the regulation of scrotal heat and possible inhibition of oxidative damage in the epididymis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative damage plays an important role in organ toxicities caused by methotrexate (MTX). This study aimed to determine the antioxidant effects of Panax ginseng (PxG) extract against MTX-induced liver, lung, ileum and kidney damage. Twenty-four Sprague Dawley male rats (weight 250-300 g) were used in the study. The animals were randomly separated into three groups: a) Control, b) MTX-treated (MTX) and c) MTX+PxG-treated (MTX+PxG) groups. MTX was administered intraperitoneally at 20 mg/kg, as a single dose to MTX and MTX+PxG groups. PxG was administered orally at 100 mg/kg to the MTX+PxG group for five days. Saline was given to the control and MTX groups for 5 days. At the end of the experiment, liver, lung, ileum, and kidney samples were obtained. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and tissue factor (TF) activities were determined in all tissues. In addition, histological examinations were done through light microscopy. GraphPad Prism 5v. was used for statistics, and p<0.05 were considered significant. Administration of MTX caused severe injury in tissues. Findings showed that MDA level, SOD, and GST activities were significantly normalized in the MTX+PxG group compared to the control group. A significant reduction in GSH level observed in the MTX group was reversed with PxG administration In addition, TF activity and total protein levels were found to be impaired in the MTX group, but TF activity was significantly improved in liver and lung tissues and total protein level was significantly reversed in lung and ileum in MTX+PxG group. The results of histological examinations showed that MTX-induced damage was ameliorated with the PxG administration. In conclusion, this study shows that Panax ginseng, thanks to its antioxidant properties, reversed MTX-induced tissue damage and therefore may be beneficial against side effects in patients undergoing chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy, which is routinely used to treat a wide range of oncological disorders, primarily affects the malignant tissue in the targeted area, but also have negative effects in the surrounding tissues. Pelvic radiotherapy causes early and late effects on the colon and rectum. Resveratrol (RVT) has been revealed to have a number of pharmacological effects in a variety of experimental models and clinical circumstances, therefore it has piqued the interest of scientists in recent years. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of resveratrol (RVT), a strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic agent, against toxicity of colonic and rectal tissues seen in the early and late stages after pelvic radiation. The treatment durations of the current study were designed as one week and ten weeks interval by following radiation exposure. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups (8 animals/group) as the control, radiation-early effects (Rd-E), radiation-late effects (Rd-L), and RVT-treated Rd-E (Rd-E+RVT) and RVT-treated Rd-L (Rd-L+RVT) groups. İonizing radiation was performed to the pelvic area that covers colon and rectum in single fraction of 20 Gy in a linear accelerator using with 6 MV photon energy. RVT was orally administered (10 mg/kg/day) immediately following the radiation exposure and continued daily for 1 and 10 weeks for early and late groups, respectively. Pelvic radiation caused a significant decrease in glutathione level, while malondialdehyde levels, myeloperoxidase activity and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine were increased in both Rd-E and Rd-L groups in the colon and rectum tissues. Additionally, light microscopic evaluations (H&E staining) revealed degeneration of epithelium and inflammatory cell infiltration in the colonic and rectal tissues in radiation groups. RVT treatment reversed all conducted biochemical parameters and ameliorated histomorphological changes following early and late effects of pelvic radiation in tissues. In conclusion, resveratrol may be a candidate as a radioprotector for normal tissues during and after radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is one of the causes of male infertility. Cryopreservation is valuable for the management of infertility. This study aimed to reveal the effects of cryopreservation on sperm motility, morphology, ultrastructural details and DNA fragmentation in patients with OAT. Materials and Methods: In this observational study, ejaculates were collected from 40 male volunteers of whom 20 were OAT and 20 were normospermic. The ejaculates were stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C and analysed following thawing after 1 or 3 months. Ejaculates were evaluated in terms of motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation before and after thawing. Results: Sperm motility and morphology were both affected by cryopreservation in samples from both groups. After thawing, spermatozoa with morphological abnormalities were increased significantly in both groups. Ultrastructural investigations showed alteration in integrity of the membranes and increased acrosomal defects. Post-thaw investigations revealed prominent increases in the number of DNA fragmented cells in both groups when compared to the results before freezing. OAT groups revealed a significantly higher number of DNA fragmented spermatozoa compared to the normospermic group for both time periods. Conclusion: Cryopreservation produces ultrastructural damage and induces DNA fragmentation in both normospermic and OAT groups. The damage is more severe in the OAT group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The novel peptide neuropeptide W (NPW) was originally shown to function in the control of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the putative preventive and therapeutic effects of NPW on colitis-associated oxidative injury and the underlying mechanisms for its action. Methods: Sprague–Dawley rats in the acute colitis groups received NPW (0.5, 1 or 5 µg/kg/day) injections prior to induction of colitis with acetic acid, while the chronic colitis groups were treated after the induction of colitis. In both acute and chronic colitis (CC) groups, treatments were continued for 5 days and the rats were decapitated at the 24th hour of the last injections and colon tissues were collected for assessments. Results: NPW pretreatment given for 5 days before colitis induction, as well as treating rats with NPW during the 5-day course of CC, abolished colonic lipid peroxidation. NPW treatment prevented colitis-induced reduction in blood flow, diminished neutrophil infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokine responses. NPW pretreatment only at the higher dose reduced colonic edema and microscopic score and preserved colonic glutathione stores. Elevations in cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme activity and COX-1 protein level during the acute phase of colitis as well as reduction in COX-2 were all reversed with NPW pretreatment. In contrast, NPW treatment was effective in reducing the elevated COX-2 concentration during the chronic phase. Conclusions: NPW alleviates acetic acid-induced oxidative colonic injury in rats through the upregulation of colonic blood flow as well as the inhibition of COX-2 protein expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent that causes testicular toxicity used in the cure of various types of cancer. The anti-oxidant and anti-cancer effects of Panax ginseng (PxG) have been reported in both experimental and clinical studies. This study aims to examine the healing effect of PxG on testicular damage induced by MTX. Materials and Methods: Sprague Dawley male rats (8-week-olds) were used in the study. A single dose ofMTXdissolved in saline (20 mg/kg) was given to MTX and MTX+PxG groups by intraperitoneal injection. PxG dissolved in saline (100 mg/kg) was given by orogastric gavage once a day for 5 days to the MTX+PxG group. Saline was given to the control and MTX groups orally during the experiments. After decapitation, the testis sampleswere obtained. Seminiferous tubules and basement membranewere evaluated histopathologically. Seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelium thickness were measured. Furthermore, oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-S-transferase were measured. Results: MTX treatment caused seminiferous tubule degeneration with a decrease in Johnsen's score, the seminiferous tubule's diameter, and the germinal epithelium's thickness. Parallel with the histopathological results increased testicular oxidative stress with an increase in malondialdehyde level and a decrease of endogenous anti-oxidant activity with a decrease in glutathione level and glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase activities. PxG treatment improved these histological and biochemical parameters in MTX-induced testis cytotoxicity. Conclusion: MTX treatment causes testicular damage via the oxidative processes. PxG treatment ameliorates MTX-induced testicular damage by inhibiting oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the protective effects of Myrtus communis L. (MC) extract on high fat-diet (HFD) induced heart and aorta damage by evaluating oxidative stress and the endothelial nitric oxide system (eNOS). Materials and Methods: Wistar albino male rats were divided into 3 groups (n=7) as control, HFD, and HFD+MC. Rats in HFD and HFD+MC groups were HFD fed for 16 weeks and in the last 4 weeks saline or MC (100 mg/kg) was administered orally (5 days/week). Triglyceride, cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were estimated in blood serum. Tissue oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters were evaluated biochemically. Tissue morphologies, eNOS, inducible NOS (iNOS), and NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX-2)-immunopositive and apoptotic cells were evaluated histologically. Results: Altered serum lipid profiles, degenerated heart, and aorta morphology, increased malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2- deoxyguanosine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and myeloperoxidase levels, and iNOS, NOX-2 immunopositive and apoptotic cells, decreased NO levels, eNOS-immunopositive cells in both tissues were observed in HFD group. All these parameters improved in the HFD+MC group. Conclusion: This study revealed that HFD-induced obesity increased iNOS activation and oxidative stress in the cardiac and aortic tissues of the rats. MC improved oxidant/antioxidant balance and prevented heart and aorta damage via eNOS involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Findings What is the central question of this study? Could the activation of oxytocin or oestrogen receptors be protective against myocardial injury after ovariectomy? If so, would exercising have an additional ameliorating effect?, What is the main finding and its importance? The results revealed that when accompanied by exercise, both oestrogen receptor agonists and oxytocin improved cardiac dysfunction, inhibited the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced myocardial injury in ovariectomized female rats, suggesting a new approach for protecting postmenopausal women against ischaemia-induced myocardial injury., To investigate the putative protective effects of oxytocin or oestrogen receptor agonists against myocardial injury of ovariectomized sedentary or exercised rats, female Sprague-Dawley rats assigned to sham-operated control and ovariectomized (OVX) groups were kept sedentary or undertook swimming exercise for 4 weeks and were treated with saline, an oestrogen receptor (ER) β (DPN) or ERα agonist (PPT) or oxytocin. Ovariectomy increased weight gain and anxiety in sedentary rats, whereas exercise prevented weight gain. When accompanied by exercise, both ER agonists and oxytocin inhibited weight gain and anxiety; oxytocin, in the absence or presence of exercise, increased the left ventricular diastolic dimensions and ejection fraction, whereas ER agonists also increased left ventricular diameter when given to exercised rats. Upon the induction of myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion in the OVX rats, plasma creatine kinase-(muscle-brain) was depressed by PPT and oxytocin, whereas DPN, PPT and OT reduced plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 concentrations. The increased tumour necrosis factor-α concentration in OVX rats was also suppressed by exercise or DPN, PPT or oxytocin treatments, whereas the interleukin-6 concentration was diminished by all the treatments when given in conjunction with exercise. Disorganization of cardiac muscle fibres was reduced in all exercised rats. Oestrogen receptor agonists, as well as oxytocin, in conjunction with exercise may be effective new therapeutics to protect against myocardial ischaemia in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Obesity is associated with many diseases, including urinary system disorders such as chronic kidney disease and overactive bladder syndrome. Myrtus communis L. (MC) extract has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of MC extract on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced kidney and bladder damage. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino male rats were divided into three experimental groups: control, HFD and HFD+MC. Experimental groups were fed a standard diet (control group) or HFD (HFD and HFD+MC groups) for 16 weeks. MC extract (100 mg/kg) was administered to the HFD+MC group orally during the last 4 weeks (5 days/week) of the experiment. Highdensity lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglyceride and leptin levels were measured in blood serum. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were evaluated biochemically. Kidney and bladder morphology, NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX-2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-KB)-positive and apoptotic cells were evaluated histologically. Results: Lipid profiles altered and leptin levels increased in blood serum. MDA, 8-OHdG and MPO levels increased and GSH level decreased in kidney and bladder in the HFD group. Moreover, degenerated kidney and bladder morphology, increased NOX-2 and NF-κB-positive and apoptotic cells were observed in this group. All of these biochemical and histological parameters were ameliorated in the HFD+MC group. Conclusion: HFD-induced obesity causes kidney and bladder damage by oxidative and inflammatory processes. MC extract may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and play a protective role in obesity-related kidney and bladder damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity and male infertility are problems that affect population. Exercise is a nonpharmacological way to reduce the negative health effects of obesity. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise on hormone levels, blood‐testis barrier, and inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in rats that became obese due to a high‐fat diet (HFD). Male rats received a standard diet (STD group) or a HFD (HFD group) for 18 weeks. During the final 6 weeks of the experiment, swimming exercises (1 h/5 days/week) were given to half of these animals (STD + EXC and HFD + EXC groups). Finally, blood and testicular tissues were analysed by biochemical and histological methods. Body weight, leptin, malondialdehyde, interleukin‐6, TNF‐alpha and myeloperoxidase levels, apoptotic cells and DNA fragmentation were increased, and testis weight, insulin, FSH, LH, testosterone, glutathione and superoxide dysmutase levels, proliferative cells, ZO‐1, occludin, and gap junction protein Cx43 immunoreactivity were decreased in the HFD group. All these hormonal, morphological, oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers were enhanced in the HFD + EXC group. It is thought that exercise protected testicular cytotoxicity by regulating hormonal and oxidant/antioxidant balances and testicular function, inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis, as well as preserving blood‐testis barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the impact of hormone replacement, melatonin, or exercise alone or their combination on oxidative damage and functional status of heart, brain, and aorta of ovariectomized (OVX) rats and to determine whether the signaling pathway is dependent on sirtuin-1 (SIRT1). Ovariectomized Sprague Dawley rats were orally given either a hormone replacement therapy (1 mg/kg/day,17β estradiol; HRT) or melatonin (4 mg/kg/day) or HRT + melatonin treatments or tap water, while each group was further divided into sedentary and exercise (30 min/5 days/week) groups. After the heart rate measurements and memory tests were performed, trunk blood was collected at the end of the 10th week to determine metabolic parameters in serum samples. Tissue samples of abdominal aorta, heart, and brain were taken for biochemical measurements and histopathological evaluation. Heart rates and memory performances of the OVX rats were not changed significantly by none of the applications. Melatonin treatment or its co-administration with HRT upregulated the expressions of IL-10 and SIRT1, reduced the expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α, and reduced DNA damage in the hearts and thoracic aortae of non-exercised rats. Co-administration of melatonin and HRT to exercised OVX rats reduced inflammatory response and upregulated SIRT1 expression in the aortic and cardiac tissues. The present study suggests that melatonin treatment, either alone or in combination with exercise and/or HRT, upregulates SIRT1 expression and alleviates oxidative injury and inflammation in the hearts and aortas of OVX rats. Melatonin should be considered in alleviating cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Periosteal flaps possess osteoprogenitor cells and an osteoinductive potential that can be further augmented by combination with a biodegradable scaffold; therefore, various osteoconductive and osteostimulative biomaterials are frequently combined with periosteal flaps in studies of bone prefabrication. An experimental study was designed to determine and compare the contribution of bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite to osteoneogenesis in rats when combined with a periosteal flap. Materials and Methods In 60 Sprague Dawley rats, saphenous artery periostofasciocutaneous island flaps were transposed to abdomen. In group 1, the flap was left alone, in group 2, an empty artificial pocket made of Gore-Tex (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.; Flagstaff, AZ) was sutured onto the periosteal layer, and in groups 3 and 4, the pocket was filled with bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite, respectively. Following sampling for histological analysis, a 4-point scoring system was used to grade inflammatory cell infiltration, osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and cell migration into the bioactive material. Results The combination of the periosteal flap with any of the bioactive materials resulted in significantly higher percentages of animals exhibiting osteogenesis (80% in hydroxyapatite group and 93.3% in the bioactive glass group; p = 0.0000528) and angiogenesis. Comparison of the bioactive material groups revealed that a significantly higher proportion of animals in the bioactive glass group exhibited moderate or severe inflammation (80 vs. 20%; p = 0.002814). Conclusion Periosteal flaps prefabricated with hydroxyapatite or bioactive glass in rats exhibit osteogenic capacities that are not dependent on direct bone contact or proximity to vascular bony tissue. The innate capacity of the periosteal flap when utilized alone for osteoneogenesis was found to be rather insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Dapagliflozin (DAPA), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, is an insulin-independent antidiabetic drug used to control hyperglycaemia by promoting glucose excretion from the kidney. Its adverse effects include orthostatic hypotension, dehydration and urinary tract and genital infections caused by glycosuria. DAPA is subjected to constant additional monitoring, as drug-related adverse reactions are frequently updated in line with the results of case studies, clinical trials and in vivo studies. Some antidiabetic drugs have shown potential harmful effects on the male reproductive system; however, the effects of DAPA have not been sufficiently studied in this capacity. Aiming to fill this gap in the literature, the present work investigates the toxic effects of DAPA on the male reproductive system. Materials and methods: Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (STZ) in adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. DAPA (10 mg/kg) was administered by gavage to the diabetic rats over 28 days, after which the animals were sacrificed. The biochemical, morphological and histological examinations were performed on testicle, sperm and plasma samples. Results: As a result of this study, we observed reproductive system damage in the form of induction of apoptosis in the seminiferous tubules, changes in testis and sperm parameters and oxidative damage, alongside the development of diabetes in test animals. With the exception of sperm morphological damage, the changes observed in diabetic animals treated with DAPA were similar to those of the control group. Improvements were observed in histological, hormonal and proliferative parameters in the DAPA group compared to the DC group. Conclusion: Even if DAPA is found to have antioxidant effects, it may raise abnormal sperm counts through a mechanism completely independent of these effects and thus may not have a significant toxic effect on the male reproductive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to demonstrate the possible protective effects of estrogen receptor (ER)-α and ERβ receptor subtypes in the pathogenesis of colonic and gastric oxidant damage, experimental ulcer and colitis were induced by acetic acid, and the animals were randomly divided as colitis, ulcer, and their corresponding non-ulcer and non-colitis control groups. Each group of rats was treated intramuscularly with the vehicle, selective ERα agonist propylpyrazole-triol (1 mg/kg), ERβ agonist diarylpropionitrile (1 mg/kg), non-selective ER agonist 17β estradiol (E2; 1 mg/kg), or E2 plus non-selective ER antagonist ICI-182780 (1 mg/kg). The results revealed that induction of ulcer or colitis resulted in systemic inflammation as assessed by increased levels of plasma TNF-α and IL-6 levels. In both tissues, the presence of oxidant damage was verified by histological analysis and elevated myleoperoxidase activity. In the colitis and ulcer groups, both ER agonists and the non-selective E2 reversed the oxidative damage in a similar manner. These findings indicate that estrogen acts via both ERα- and ERβ-mediated and direct antioxidant mechanisms, where both ER subtypes play equal and efficient roles in the anti-inflammatory action of estrogen, in limiting the migration of neutrophils to the inflamed tissue, reducing the release and activation of cytokines and thereby alleviating tissue damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim is to examine the possible protective effect of Cuscuta sp. extract against liver damage induced by biliary obstruction in rats. Materials and Methods: To induce biliary obstruction, the bile duct ligation (BDL) method was used. Sprague Dawley rats were allocated to 4 groups: Control (C), Cuscuta (CUS), bile duct ligation (BDL), and bile duct ligation + Cuscuta (BDL+CUS). Control and BDL rats were given physiological saline (SF), while CUS and BDL+CUS groups were administered 250 mg/kg of Cuscuta extract by oral gavage. At the end of 28th day, the rats were decapitated, serum and tissue samples were collected, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and direct and total bilirubin (DB and TB) levels were determined in blood samples. In liver tissues, transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG), hydroxyproline, and sodium-potassium ATPase (Na+/K+-ATPase) levels were determined. Results: Serum samples of rats with cholestasis had high ALT, AST, DB, and TB levels, while TGF-ß, 8-OHdG, and hydroxyproline concentrations were found to be significantly high in tissues. Hepatic Na+/K+-ATPase levels were decreased through biliary obstruction. Biochemical parameters were drastically reversed by Cuscuta care; also, this was supported histologically. Conclusion: Results showed that Cuscuta extract, through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, provided protection against oxidative injury by biliary obstruction. Also, these results confirm the traditional use of Cuscuta sp. as hepatoprotective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall aim of the present research is to evaluate for the first time the curative effect of Cotinus coggygria leaves on burn injury in an experimental burn model along with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity potential. Also, phenolic compounds of C. coggygria were characterised by LC-MS/MS. Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 g were exposed to 90°C bath for 10 s to induce burn injury, involving 30% of the total body surface area. In the treatment groups, 5% C. coggygria ethanol extract was applied topically as a cream immediately after the burn. Blood and skin tissue samples were taken after decapitation at the 4th and 48th hours following the burn procedure. Interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) were determined in serum samples, and hydroxyproline, prostoglandin E2 (PGE2), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) levels were determined in skin tissue samples. Increased levels of serum cytokines were decreased with C. coggygria treatment in both periods. MPO activity, prostaglandine (PGE2), and 8-OhdG levels increased, while hydroxyproline levels decreased due to burn damage. On the other hand, these parameters were returned to its normal levels with C. coggygria treatment. In addition, the tissue histology of animals treated with C. coggygria showed a complete epithelialization with increased collagenation. As a result, C. coggygria may be an alternative treatment approach for burns-induced skin damage and wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Smoking causes subfertility due to deterioration of spermatozoa including decreased concentration and abnormal morphology. Although evidence on the deleterious effects of smoking on spermatozoa parameters is well known, its interference with cryopreservation is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cryopreservation on sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation in non-smokers and smokers. Semen samples were obtained from 40 normospermic male volunteers of whom 20 were non-smokers and 20 smokers. Samples were analyzed in terms of motility, concentration, morphology, and DNA fragmentation before freezing and 1 and 3 months after freezing and thawing. Ultrastructural alterations were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Sperm morphology seemed to be more affected after cryopreservation in samples obtained from smokers. Ultrastructural examination showed alterations in the integrity of the membranes and increased subacrosomal swelling. Before freezing, the increase in DNA fragmentation rate in smokers was not statistically significant compared to that of non-smokers. However, after thawing, the DNA fragmentation rates were significantly high in both non-smokers and smokers compared to their respective rates before freezing. The extent of the increase in DNA fragmentation rate was significantly higher in smokers after thawing compared to that of non-smokers. In conclusion, cryopreservation causes alterations in membrane integrity and increases DNA fragmentation, thus triggering relatively negative effects on the sperm samples of smokers compared to that of non-smokers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims: To investigate the effect of sildenafil citrate (SIL) on the extent of tissue integrity, oxidant–antioxidant status and apoptosis in rats with colitis. Main methods: Colitis was induced by trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) in 40% ethanol (30mg/ml; 0.8ml) given intrarectally to Sprague–Dawley rats. Sildenafil (25mg/kg/day) was administered after the induction of colitis and the treatment was continued for 7days. Other groups received subcutaneously either N(G)-nitro- L-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 25mg/kg) or N(G)-nitro-d-arginine methyl ester (d-NAME; 25mg/kg) before SIL. After decapitation, the distal colon was scored and stored for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) level, glutathione (GSH) content, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and apoptosis. Oxidant generation was monitored by using chemiluminescence (CL). Blood was collected for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10 assays. Key findings: The macroscopic lesion score of the colitis group was reduced by SIL (p<0.01) and this effect was abolished by l-NAME (p<0.01). Increase in colonic MDA along with a concomitant decrease in GSH of the colitis group was reversed by SIL (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). l-NAME prevented the effect of SIL on GSH content (p<0.001). Sildenafil also reduced the elevated MPO of the colitis group (p<0.001) and this effect was reversed by L-NAME (p<0.01). Increase in lucigenin CL and serum TNF-α levels in the colitis group were also prevented by SIL (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). Significance: Sildenafil is beneficial in TNBS-induced rat colitis partially by nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms via the maintenance of oxidant–antioxidant status, prevention of apoptosis, superoxide production and cytokine release. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with oxidative stress that promotes production of reactive oxygen species and cytokine release. We aimed to investigate the possible protective and antioxidant effects of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) in a rat model of CRF. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned as either CRF group with 5/6 reduction in the renal mass or sham-operated control group. CRF group received either saline or AGE (250 mg/kg/day/1 mL) orally for 3 weeks. At the end of the 3 weeks, rats were decapitated and trunk blood was collected. Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and TNF-αα and IL-1ββ levels were measured in the serum samples, while malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were determined in the kidney, lung, and heart samples. CRF caused significant decreases in tissue GSH, which were accompanied with significant increases in MDA levels and MPO activities, while the circulating levels of the LDH activity, creatinine, BUN, TNF-αα, and IL-1ββ were elevated. AGE treatment alleviated CRF-induced oxidative changes in the injured tissues, while CRF-induced elevations in the blood levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and LDH were reduced. In conclusion, CRF-induced oxidative tissue injury occurs via the activation of pro-inflammatory mediators and by neutrophil infiltration into tissues and that the protective effects of garlic on CRF-induced injury can be attributed to its ability to inhibit neutrophil infiltration and pro-inflammatory mediators. These findings suggest that garlic, as a supplementary to diet, may have a potential therapeutic use in delimitating the systemic oxidant effects of CRF on remote organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sildenafil, a selective and potent inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE)5, has a relaxant effect on the smooth muscle cells of the arterioles supplying the human corpus cavernosum acting via nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of sildenafil citrate on the extent of tissue integrity, oxidant–antioxidant status and neutrophil infiltration to the inflamed organ in a rat model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Lung fibrosis was induced by intratracheal administration of 0.1ml of bleomycin hydrochloride (5mg/kg in 0.9% NaCl) under anesthesia to Sprague–Dawley rats (200–250g; n =7–8 per group). Control rats received an equal volume of saline intratracheally. In the treatment groups, the rats were treated with either sildenafil citrate (10mg/kg per day; subcutaneously) or saline for 14 days. Another group of rats were administered subcutaneously with N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 20mg/kg in 0.9% NaCl) 5min after sildenafil injections. After decapitation, the lungs were excised and taken for microscopic evaluation or stored for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and for the assessment of apoptosis. Trunk blood was collected for the assessment of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β levels. In the group with lung fibrosis, the lung tissue was characterized by microscopic lesions, increased lipid peroxidation with a concomitant reduction in GSH content, increased MPO activity and apoptosis. Serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels were higher in the lung fibrosis group compared to control values. Sildenafil reversed tissue MDA levels, MPO activity and serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and preserved GSH content although its effect on the extent of tissue lesion and apoptosis was not statistically significant. Treatment with l-NAME reversed the effect of sildenafil on GSH content. In conclusion, sildenafil citrate administration to rats with bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis seems to be beneficial via prevention of lipid peroxidation, cytokine production and/or release and neutrophil accumulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To evaluate the effect of halofuginone on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colonic injury, rats were given halofuginone (40 microg/kg, intraperitoneally) or saline 1 h before the induction of colitis, and the injections were continued twice daily for 3 days until they were decapitated. High macroscopic and microscopic damage scores, elevated colonic wet weights, colonic myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde and tissue collagen level, and luminol chemiluminescence values, and marked reduction in glutathione level of the saline-treated colitis group were all reversed by treatment with halofuginone. In conclusion, halofuginone exerts beneficial effects in TNBS-induced colonic inflammation in rats. The anti-inflammatory effects of halofuginone appear to involve suppression of neutrophil accumulation, preservation of endogenous glutathione, and inhibition of reactive oxidant generation. Halofuginone also shows antifibrotic effect via inhibition of tissue collagen production. The present data encourage possible use of the antifibrotic halofuginone as an anti-inflammatory agent in improving oxidative injury in colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Oxygen free radicals are involved in pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study was designed to assess the possible protective effect of pycnogenol (PYC) against I/R-induced oxidative renal damage. Materials and methods. Wistar albino rats were unilaterally nephrectomized and subjected to 45 min of renal pedicle occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. PYC (10 mg kg-1, i.p.) or saline was administered at 15 min prior to ischemia and immediately before the reperfusion period. At the end of the 3 h, rats were decapitated and trunk blood was collected. Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were measured in the serum samples, while proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were assayed in plasma samples. Kidney samples were taken for the determination of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels, Na+,K+-ATPase, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, and the extent of tissue injury was analyzed microscopically. Results. Ischemia/reperfusion caused a significant decrease in tissue GSH level and Na+,K+-ATPase activity, which was accompanied with significant increases in the renal MDA level and MPO activity. Similarly, serum creatinine and BUN levels, as well as LDH and IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, were elevated in the saline-treated I/R group as compared to saline-treated control group. On the other hand, PYC treatment reversed all these biochemical indices, as well as histopathological alterations that were induced by I/R. Conclusions. Findings of the present study suggest that pycnogenol exerts renoprotective effects, via its free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities, that appear to involve the inhibition of tissue neutrophil infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Sildenafil, a selective and potent inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE)5, has a relaxant effect on the smooth muscle cells of the arterioles supplying the human corpus cavernosum acting via nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of sildenafil citrate on the extent of tissue integrity, oxidant-antioxidant status and neutrophil infiltration to the inflamed organ in a rat model of acetic acid-induced colitis. Methods: Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of 1 mL of 5% acetic acid to Sprague-Dawley rats (200–250 g; n = 7–8/group). Control rats received an equal volume of saline intrarectally. In treatment groups, the rats were treated with either sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg/day; subcutaneously) or saline for 3 days. After decapitation, distal colon was weighed and scored macroscopically and microscopically. Tissue samples were used for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and oxidant production. Trunk blood was collected for the assessment of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β levels. Results: In the colitis group, the colonic tissue was characterized by lesions, increased lipid peroxidation with a concomitant reduction in GSH content, increased MPO activity and oxidant production. Serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels were higher in the colitis group compared to control values. Sildenafil reversed these inflammatory parameters nearly back to control values. Conclusions: Sildenafil citrate administration to rats with acetic acid-induced colitis seems to be beneficial via prevention of lipid peroxidation, oxidant generation, cytokine production and neutrophil accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the role of ALA treatment on the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer, rats were given ALA (35 mg/kg/day) or saline for 3 days before the induction of ulcer and the treatment was continued twice daily for 2 days (early) or 10 days (late) until they were decapitated. Gastric ulcer index, microscopic score, elevated DNA fragmentation and chemiluminescence levels of the saline-treated ulcer groups were all reduced by ALA treatment. Likewise, ALA treatment inhibited chemiluminescence levels in both early and late ulcer groups. Marked reduction in glutathione levels of the saline-treated early ulcer group was reversed by ALA treatment, while ALA treatment was effective in depressing gastric myeloperoxidase activity in the late ulcer group. In conclusion, ALA treatment shows protective role in the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric injury in rats via the suppression of neutrophil accumulation, preservation of endogenous glutathione, inhibition of reactive oxidant generation and apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The effect of L-arginine on bladder tissue structure and function in a rat bladder injury model were investigated. Methods: 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The control group received a regular diet. The L-arginine group received oral L-arginine (1 g/day). The protamine sulfate (PS) group received intravesical PS every 48 h (0.5 ml, 5 mg/ml). L-Arginine was administered to the PS+L-arginine group in addition to PS. At the end of 1 week, bladder tissues were processed for histological and functional studies. Results: The PS group revealed urothelial damage with glycosaminoglycan layer irregularity and mast cell infiltration which was not evident in the PS+L-arginine group. 120 mM potassium and electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contractions in the PS group were significantly lower than in other groups, whereas carbachol-induced contractions were not significantly different. Relaxation responses of precontracted strips to EFS and isoproterenol did not reveal a significant decrease in the PS group, whereas L-arginine significantly enhanced these responses in PS-treated animals. Conclusions: Intravesical PS causes urothelial damage and inflammation that is associated with significant changes in rat bladder tissue contractility. Oral L-arginine treatment is found to prevent these histological and contractile alterations. Our findings may indicate the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway as a possible therapeutic target in various bladder diseases associated with urothelial damage. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Various mechanisms have been proposed for the pathogenesis of postischemic hepatic injury, including the generation of reactive oxygen metabolites. Oxytocin (OT) possesses antisecretory, antiulcer effects, facilitates wound healing and has anti-inflammatory properties. Hepatic ischemia–reperfusion (I/R)-injury was induced by inflow occlusion to median and left liver lobes (∼70%) for 30min of ischemia followed by 1h reperfusion in female Sprague–Dawley rats under anesthesia. I/R group (n =8) was administered intraperitoneally either OT (500μg/kg) or saline at 24 and 12h before I/R and immediately before reperfusion. Sham-operated group that underwent laparotomy without hepatic ischemia served as the control. Rats were decapitated at the end of reperfusion period. Hepatic samples were obtained for the measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and collagen levels and histopathological analysis. Tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α) and transaminases (SGOT, SGPT) were assayed in serum samples. I/R injury caused significant increases in hepatic microscopic damage scores, MPO activity, collagen levels, transaminase, serum TNF-α levels. Oxytocin treatment significantly reversed the I/R-induced elevations in serum transaminase and TNF-α levels and in hepatic MPO and collagen levels, and reduced the hepatic damage scores. OT treatment had tendency to abolish I/R-induced increase in MDA levels, while GSH levels were not altered. These results suggest that OT has a protective role in hepatic I/R injury and its protective effect in the liver appears to be dependent on its inhibitory effect on neutrophil infiltration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The present study was designed to investigate dynein arm and microtubule defects quantitatively in patients with respiratory disease and to establish the clinical relevance of dynein arm deficiency and microtubule abnormalities. Thirty-four patients with recurrent upper and/or lower respiratory infections were included in the study. Nasal mucosal brushings were fixed in glutaraldehyde and routine electron microscopic procedures were carried out. At least 20 cross-sectioned cilia were examined from each subject. Dynein arm and microtubular abnormalities were quantified and a statistical analysis was performed. Twenty-nine percent of the patients showed dynein arm deficiency and a further 21% had possible deficiency (PD). Microtubule defects in patients with dynein arm deficiency and PD were found to be significantly increased compared to the patients with no dynein arm deficiency. The most prominent defect in the dynein arm deficiency group was a translocation of central and/or peripheral microtubules. The high percentage of translocation defect in this group of patients suggests that these defects are primary, rather than secondary to infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the possible beneficial activities of resveratrol (3,5,4′-trans-trihydroxystilbene), a natural phytoalexin, on contractility and oxidant damage after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) of the rat urinary bladder. Materials and Methods: The abdominal aorta of Sprague-Dawley rats was occluded for 60 min to induce ischemia and then allowed 60 min of reperfusion. Resveratrol (10 mg/kg) or saline was administered intraperitoneally 15 min before ischemia and immediately before reperfusion. In the sham-operated group, the abdominal aorta was left intact and the animals were treated with resveratrol or saline. The bladder samples were either used for functional studies or stored for biochemical assays. Results: In the I/R group, the isometric contractile responses of the bladder strips to carbachol (CCh; 10–8–10–4 mol/l) were lower than those of the control group and were reversed by treatment with resveratrol. Histological evaluation revealed loss of urothelial cells, detachment and loss of urothelial cells and local ulcerated areas and severe inflammatory cell infiltration in the untreated I/R group, and regeneration of luminal mucosa and a significant decrease in the density of the inflammatory cell population in the resveratrol-treated I/R group. Lipid peroxidation and the myeloperoxidase activity of the bladder tissues in the I/R group were higher than in the sham-operated group. Resveratrol treatment in the I/R group decreased these parameters compared with I/R alone. Similarly, the significant decrease in tissue glutathione level in the I/R group compared with controls was also prevented by resveratrol. Conclusion: Treatment with resveratrol almost completely reversed the low contractile responses of the rat urinary bladder to CCh and prevented oxidative tissue damage following I/R. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective . The results of previous studies suggest that statins have a direct anti-inflammatory effect that is not directly related to their cholesterol-lowering activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of simvastatin (SIM) and fluvastatin (FLU) on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colonic inflammation in rats. Material and methods . The drugs were given for 3 days (0.1 and 1 mg/kg day -1 ; intraperitoneally) after induction of colitis. The lesions in the distal colon were scored at the macroscopic and microscopic level. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and collagen content were assessed and formation of reactive oxygen species and peroxynitrite was monitored by chemiluminescence (CL) assay. Trunk blood was collected for the measurement of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level. Results .Treatment with SIM reduced the lesion score of the colitis group at macroscopic level ( p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sepsis leads to various organ damage and dysfunction. One of the underlying mechanisms is thought to be the oxidative damage due to the generation of free radicals. In this study, we investigated the putative protective role of β-glucan against sepsis-induced oxidative organ damage. Sepsis was induced by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in Wistar albino rats. Sham operated (control) and sepsis groups received saline or β-glucan (50 mg/kg, po) once daily for 10 days and 30 min prior to and 6 h after the CLP. Sixteen hours after the surgery, rats were decapitated and the biochemical changes were determined in the brain, diaphragm, kidney, heart, liver and lung tissues using malondialdehyde (MDA) content – an index of lipid peroxidation – glutathione (GSH) levels – a key antioxidant – and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity – an index of neutrophil infiltration. Serum TNF-α levels were assessed by RIA method. Tissues were also examined under light microscope to evaluate the degree of sepsis-induced damage. The results demonstrate that sepsis significantly decreased GSH levels and increased the MDA levels and MPO activity (p &#60;0.05–p &#60;0.001) causing oxidative damage. Elevated plasma TNF-α levels in septic rats significantly reduced to control levels in β-glucan treated rats. Since β-glucan administration reversed these oxidant responses, it seems likely that β-glucan protects against sepsis-induced oxidative organ injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sepsis leads to systemic hypotension, disturbed perfusion, inflammation, and tissue toxicity in vital organs. Neuropeptide W (NPW) has modulatory effects in the control of blood pressure and inflammatory processes, implicating a potential beneficial effect against sepsis-induced oxidative damage. Under anesthesia, male Sprague Dawley rats underwent cecal ligation and puncture. Immediately after surgery, either saline or TNF-alpha inhibitor (etanercept; 1 mg/kg) antibiotic (ceftriaxon; 10 mg/kg) combination or NPW (0.1, 1, or 3 μg/kg) was given subcutaneously, and injections were repeated on the 12th and 24th h. The sham-operated control group was treated with saline at the same time points. All rats were euthanized on the 25th h of surgery. Sepsis resulted in oxidative damage of the brain, heart, lung, liver, and kidney. Elevations in blood urea nitrogen and alkaline phosphatase, showing renal and hepatic dysfunction, were not evident when septic rats were treated with NPW. NPW reduced serum levels of C-reactive protein, corticosterone, and interleukin-6, while histopathologically verified tissue damage in all the studied tissues was ameliorated. NPW treatment suppressed lipid peroxidation in the heart, lung, and brain, and the depleted antioxidant GSH levels of the brain and heart were replenished by NPW. Moreover, sepsis-related neutrophil recruitment to the liver and lung was also suppressed by NPW. Although the survival rate of the rats was not significantly prolonged by NPW, most of these improvements in systemic and local inflammatory events were comparable with those reached by the etanercept and antibiotic combination, suggesting the therapeutic impact of NPW during the acute period of sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]