Search

WOS:000489127500021 Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is a pathophysiological process that is common in many clinical conditions such as shock, sepsis, mesenteric thrombosis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and bowel transplantation. Our aim in this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of carvacrol on the intestinal I/R injury in a rat model. The 30 rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): The sham-control (group 1) underwent only the separation of the superior mesenteric artery but not the occlusion. In the FR-untreated (group 2) and I/R-carvacrol-treated groups (group 3), the superior mesenteric artery was clamped for 45 min, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. 2 hours before ischemia, the group 3 of rats received an intraperitoneal injection of carvacrol at a dose of 75 mg/kg bw. At the end of the experiment, intestinal tissue samples were taken for oxidative stress assessment including superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS). In addition, the intestine sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin to evaluate morphological changes and immunohistochemical staining was performed for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) assessment. The intestinal mucosa was significantly damaged in the group 2, which was markedly attenuated after carvacrol treatment. The tissue MDA, MPO and TOS content increased significantly in the group 2, but they were reduced by carvacrol treatment. In addition, SOD and TAS activity increased markedly in group 3 as compared to group 2. Immunohistochemical staining showed that iNOS increased and eNOS decreased in group 2, which was improved in reverse direction after carvacrol treatment. Carvacrol may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of intestinal I/R injury.

Background: Inferior vena cava (IVC) ultrasound measurement is a reliable indicator used in the assessment of intravascular volume status. The aim of this study was to evaluate intravascular volume changes in pediatric patients by measuring the IVC diameter and collapsibility index (CI) in children whose oral feeding was restricted preoperatively. Material and Methods: From May 2018 to October 2018, a total of 55 pediatric patients who were scheduled for surgery were included in this prospective, observational, cohort study. Fasting and satiety IVC diameters and CIs of patients were determined by ultrasonographic evaluation twice: in the preoperative preliminary evaluation, when the patients were satiated, and before surgery, during a fasting period of 6–8 hours. Ultra-sonographic data were recorded and compared between fasting and satiety periods. Results: In the grey scale (B-mode), mean IVC diameter was significantly higher when the patients were satiated, compared to the measurements made just before surgery during the fasting period. In the M-mode, the mean IVC diameter was significantly higher only during the inspiratory phase when the patients were satiated, while during the expiratory phase it was detected to be statistically similar. Mean CI was significantly higher in the immediate preoperative period, compared to the assessment made when satiated. Conclusion: Preoperative ultrasound IVC diameter and CI measurement can be a practical and useful method for evaluating preoperative intravascular volume in children.

CETINKAYA, Ayhan/0000-0002-8212-7149 WOS: 000401303100006 PubMed: 28471232 BACKGROUND: Renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common cause of acute kidney injury. The pathologic mechanisms underlying renal I/R injury are complicated, involving reactive oxygen species, necrosis, cell apoptosis, and inflammation, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of oxymatrine (OMT) on renal I/R injury and its underlying mechanism. METHODS: Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 10): the sham-control group, the renal I/R-untreated (I/R-untreated) group, and the I/R-OMT group. Renal I/R injury were induced by clamping the left renal artery for 45 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion. At 10 min before reperfusion, the rats in the I/R-OMT-treated group rats received an intravenous injection of 40 mg/kg OMT. Renal function and histological changes were compared and the relevant parameters of oxidative stress and inflammation were detected. RESULTS: Oxymatrine pretreatment significantly decreased the level of renal dysfunction, attenuated the renal histological changes, the levels of reactive oxygen species production in renal tissue upon I/R. Additionally, OMT pretreatment could further activate the serum antioxidant enzyme activities. CONCLUSION: The beneficial effects of OMT were likely mediated by the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the increase in endogenous antioxidant activity. The results of this study indicate that oxymatrine may represent a potent anti-oxidant drug to protect the kidney against I/R injury (Fig. 5, Ref. 29). Text in PDF www.elis.sk. Scientific Research Projects Unitof Abant Izzet Baysal UniversityAbant Izzet Baysal University This work was supported by "Scientific Research Projects Unit"of Abant Izzet Baysal University.

WOS:000402475400004 PubMed: 28433070 To evaluate the effects of nicorandil in a rat kidney model of partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (PUUO). Thirty male rats were randomly divided into three groups as follows: (1) Group 1 (Sham-control), ureters of the rats were manipulated but not ligated; (2) Group 2 (PUUO-untreated), PUUO was performed with two-thirds of the left ureter embedded in the psoas muscle; and (3) Group 3 (PUUO-nicorandil treated). After PUUO was established, nicorandil (15 mg/kg/day) was administered by gastric lavage for 21 days to determine its effects on PUUO-induced histopathological-, functional-, and oxidative stress-induced changes. The serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were reduced in Group 3. The level of urinary albumin and the ratio of urinary protein/creatinine were increased in the kidneys of Group 2 but decreased in Group 3. Malondialdehyde value was decreased in Group 3 compared with Group 2. Antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) were decreased in Group 2. Nicorandil treatment caused an increase in these enzyme activities. In Group 3, leukocyte infiltration and tubular dilatation were significantly reduced. Other parameters, such as degeneration of tubular epithelium and fibrosis, also showed a marked improvement in Group 3. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in Group 2 and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in Group 3 were significantly elevated. Nicorandil can inhibit renal tubular damage and tubulointerstitial fibrosis by reducing the effects of oxidative stress after PUUO. Copyright (C) 2017, Kaohsiung Medical University. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.

Trauma is one of the foremost causes of death in children and young adults (1). A decrease in the time between trauma and hospital arrival has reduced mortality rates (2), and ambulance design is an important factor in patient and staff safety (3,4). Stretchers, chairs, and wheelchairs are the primary means of transporting patients in emergency departments (5). After a patient arrives in the emergency room, treatment priority is determined using a triage system, and a patient may receive treatment immediately or wait for days (6). Thus, emergency department stretchers must be ergonomic, safe, and reliable (7). Furthermore, it is important that patients can be easily transferred to a stretcher with a minimal amount of movement; thus, an appropriate stretcher makes the job easier for the emergency medical personnel. Stretchers must serve a number of functions, and several investigations have been undertaken to design ergonomic transport devices (8). Customer satisfaction is critical for service providers, and the provision of quality products and services is an important way to increase customer satisfaction. Customer demand for quality service has increased competition among service providers, and the demand for quality in the health sector is no different (9). Emergency departments are the hospital showcase and, as such, their services should be of the highest quality. Stretchers are an indispensable piece of emergency department equipment. Many factors play a role in the choice of stretchers. They can be expensive, particularly with added features in terms of material, utility, ergonomic design, and safety.The present study examined the relationship of stretcher ergonomics and cost with emergency department staff satisfaction and their ratings of patient safety and treatment.

WOS:000282219500004 PubMed: 20877949 Purpose: To evaluate the effects of sirolimus (SRL) on renal injury in rats with bile duct ligation. Methods: A total of 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 220-260g were used. Group 1 (Sham-control, n=7) rats were undergone laparotomy alone and bile duct was just dissected from the surrounding tissue. Group 2 rats (BDL/Untreated, n=7) were subjected to bile duct ligation and no drug was applied. Group 3 rats (BDL/SRL, n=7) received a daily dose of sirolimus (0.5 mg.day(-1)xkg(-1) dissolved 1 ml in saline) by orogastric tube for 14 days after BDL. At the end of the two-week period, biochemical and histological evaluation were processed. Results: AST, ALT, AP and TB levels values were decreased in group 3 when compared to group 2. There was no significant difference in serum levels of BUN and creatinine among all the experimental groups. Histological evaluation of the liver of BDL/Untreated group rats demonstrated marked portal fibrosis and signs of major bile duct obstruction with prominent portal and lobular inflammation. In BDL/SRL group, moderate damage was seen. Tubular injury scores were higher in the BDL subgroups; however, group 3 rats showed considerably fewer lesions in the tubules and interstitium compared to the group 2 rats. In group 2 animals, in the epithelial cells of proximal tubules presented vacuoles and hydropic changes, atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltrate in the medullar interstitium. Conclusions: Sirolimus decreased tubulointerstitial lesions in kidney induced by bile duct ligation in rats. The improve effects of sirolimus on renal morphology can be due to improved liver function or due to direct action on the kidney.

PURPOSE: Urethrocutaneous fistula and neourethral dehiscence are frequently seen complications of hypospadias surgery requiring reoperation. In this study we report the experience of one surgeon with dartos flap coverage in primary hypospadias, reoperative hypospadias and urethrocutaneous fistulas repair. METHODS: A total of 23 patients underwent hypospadias and urethrocutaneous fistulas repair from January 2006 to May 2009. Fourteen patients were operated on for primary hypospadias repair at our institution and 9 patients were admitted for hypospadias complications such as failed hypospadias repair and urethrocutaneous fistula. In all the patients, the dartos flap was dissected and transposed to cover the neourethra. Operative results were recorded. RESULTS: The primary surgical procedure was a one-stage repair in 61% (n = 14); tubularised incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty in 43% (n = 6) and a Mathieu procedure in 57% (n = 8). Urethrocutaneous fistulas complicating the previous initial hypospadias repair were anterior in 33% (n = 2), middle in 33% (n = 2) and proximal in 33% (n = 2). Repair of the fistula was successful on the first attempt in all patients. The reason for redo surgery in 3 patients was complete dehiscence and the patients had distal shaft hypospadias. CONCLUSION: Dartos flap coverage of the neourethra seems to be an effective method of reducing the fistulous complication rate following primary and secondary hypospadias repair. OBJETIVO: Fístulas uretrocutâneas e deiscências são complicações frequentes na cirurgia das hipospádias necessitando reoperações. Este estudo é baseado na experiência pessoal de um cirurgião utilizando um retalho pediculado do músculo dartos para cobertura da neouretra na correção primária de hipospádias, reoperações de hipospádias e correção de fístulas uretrocutâneas. MÉTODOS: Vinte e três pacientes foram operados sendo 14 submetidos a cirurgia primária de hipospádia e 9 a reoperações por insucesso da correção primária ou por fístulas uretrocutâneas. Em todos os pacientes, um retalho pediculado do músculo dartos foi mobilizado e utilizado para recobrir a neouretra. RESULTADOS: Para a cirurgia primária da hipospádia foi utilizada técnica de correção em um só tempo (n=14): uretroplastia tubularizada com incisão da placa (TIP) em 43% (n=6) e técnica de Mathieu em 57% (n=8). As fístulas uretrocutâneas resultantes de correções primárias anteriores eram de localização anterior em 33% (n=2), média em 33% (n=2) e proximal em 33% (n=2). A correção das fístulas uretrocutâneas resultou em sucesso em todos os pacientes. Três pacientes necessitaram de reoperação por deiscência completa e em todos a hipospádia era distal. CONCLUSÕES: O emprego do retalho pediculado do músculo dartos para recobrir a neouretra é um método eficaz que reduz a incidência de fístulas em cirurgias primárias e nas reoperações de hipospádias.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of iloprost a prostacyclin analogue on the hepatic IR injury in rats. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) were divided into four groups each containing 10 rats;(1)- controls: data from unmanipulated animals; (2) sham group: rats subjected to the surgical procedure, except for liver I/R, and given saline; (3) I/R group: rats that underwent liver ischemia for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 45 min; (4) IR/ Iloprost group: rats pretreated with iloprost (10 µg kg-1, i.v). Liver tissues were taken to determine SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA levels and for biochemical and histological evaluation. RESULTS: The plasma ALT and AST levels were increased in group 3 than in group 4. MDA values and the liver injury score decreased, while the SOD, CAT, and GSH values increased in group 4 compared to group 3. In group 3, hepatocytes were swollen with marked vacuolization. In group 4, there were regular sinusoidal structures with normal morphology without any signs of congestion. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated hepatoprotective effects of iloprost against severe ischemia and reperfusion injury in rat liver. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do iloprost, um análogo da prostaciclina nos danos causados ao fígado de ratos pela lesão de IR. MÉTODOS: Quarenta ratos machos Sprague-Dawley (250-300 g) foram distribuídos em quatro grupos de dez; - (1) grupo de controle: dados de animais não manipulados; (2) grupo "sham": ratos que sofreram intervenção cirúrgica sem I/R, aos quais foram administrados solução salina; (3) grupo I/R; animais que foram submetidos à isquemia por 45 minutos seguida de reperfusão por 45 minutos; (4) grupo I R/Iloprost: ratos previamente tratados com Iloprost ( 10µ kg-1, i.v). Tecidos hepáticos foram retirados para determinar os níveis de SOD, CAT, GSH, e MDA e para avaliação bioquímica e histológica. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de plasma ALT e AST aumentaram no grupo 3 mais do que no grupo 4. Os valores de MDA e o índice de lesões hepáticas diminuíram, enquanto os valores de SOD, CAT e GSH aumentaram no grupo 4, em comparação com o grupo3. No grupo 3, os hepatócitos se apresentaram edemaciados, e vacuolizados. No grupo 4, havia estruturas sinusoidais regulares, apresentando morfologia normal, sem sinais de congestão. CONCLUSÃO: Demonstramos os efeitos hepato-protetores do Iloprost contra a isquemia grave e o dano de reperfusão no fígado de ratos.

H, Ozturk/0000-0001-5608-5742 WOS: 000262472300012 PubMed: 19142813 Ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury remains the leading cause of acute renal failure. The purpose of this experimental study was to determine the role of dexmedetomidine on histologic alterations induced by renal I-R in rats. In the present study, thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-220 g were randomly assigned into three groups: the sham-control group (group 1, n = 10), the R/untreated group (group 2, n = 10), and the I-R/dexmedetomidine-treated group (group 3, n = 10). For group one, we performed a sham operation. The abdomen was dissected, the right kidney was harvested, and then the left renal pedicle exposed. Renal clamping was not applied. For group 2, rats underwent left renal ischemia for 60 minutes followed by reperfusion for 45 minutes. For group 3, the same surgical procedure as in group 2 was performed, and dexmedetomidine (100 g/kg, intraperitoneal) was administrated at the starting time of reperfusion. The rats were sacrificed after reperfusion, and the kidney tissue was harvested. The histopathological score in the kidney of the I-R/dexmedetomidine-treated group rats was significantly lower than that of I-R/untreated group rats. This score in I-R/untreated group rats was higher than the other two groups, which was statistically significant. In the I-R/untreated group rats, kidneys of untreated ischemia rats showed tubular cell swelling, cellular vacuolization, pyknotic nuclei, medullary congestion, and moderate to severe necrosis. Treatment with dexmedetomidine shows normal glomeruli and slight edema of the tubular cells. These findings provide the first evidence that dexmedetomidine can reduce the renal injury caused by I-R of the kidney, and may be useful in enhancing the tolerance of the kidney against renal injury.

PURPOSE: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) have been extensively used in neonates. However, insertion of these thinnest catheters is a very delicate procedure associated with a high failure rate. In our Neonatal Surgical Intensive Care Unit, we developed a very easy new PICC insertion and evaluated the neonates treated with PICCs which were inserted by using our technique as well as catheter features such as success rate, number of insertion attempts, reason for removal and complications. METHODS: Information was retrospectively collected on all 40 PICCs inserted at Kutahya Evliya Celebi Goverment Hospital and Dicle University Hospital during a 6-years period from September 2004 to September 2010. RESULTS: A total of 40 PICCs were inserted in 37 patients (26, 70% males, 11, 30% females) by using new technique. The median age of patients was 8.3 days (range 1 to 66 days) and the median weight of patients was 2365 g (range 600 to 5000 g). The vein most commonly accessed was long saphenous vein (85%). The length of PICCs in the body was 19.6 cm (range 5 cm to 30 cm). The tip was located in a central vein in all patients. Surgical abdomen was the most common cause for PICC insertion (38%). Duration of catheterization was 7.7±5.6 days (1-F 5.5 days, 2-F 8.6 days). Almost all of the PICCs were inserted successfully (40/42, success rate 95%) and in the first venipucture (36/42, 86%). Completion of therapy and removed after death were achieved with 87% of PICCs. Three minor complications were noted. Minor bleeding in the insertion site which was stopped via compression occurred in two neonates. Major complication was not seen. No deaths were directly attributed to PICCs use. CONCLUSION: The new insertion technique of the neonatal peripherally inserted central catheters may be one of the easiest and safest techniques, in comparison to previous techniques reported in the literature. OBJETIVO: Cateteres centrais de inserção periférica (PICC) têm sido usados extensivamente em neonatos. Entretanto, a inserção destes cateteres tão finos é um procedimento muito delicado associado a uma elevada taxa de falha. Em nossa Unidade de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal, nós desenvolvemos uma técnica muito fácil de inserção de PICC e avaliamos os neonatos tratados com PICCs que foram inseridos usando nossa técnica assim como características relacionadas ao cateter tais como taxa de sucesso, número de tentativas de inserção, razão de remoção e complicações. MÉTODOS: Informações foram coletadas retrospectivamente de todos os 40 PICCs inseridos no Kutahya Evliya Celebi Goverment Hospital e Dicle University Hospital durante um período de seis anos, desde Setembro de 2004 até Setembro de 2010. RESULTADOS: Um total de 40 PICCs foi inserido em 37 pacientes (26 homens, 70%, 11 mulheres, 30%) usando a nova técnica. A idade media dos pacientes foi de 8,3 dias (variando entre 1 e 66 dias) e a mediana do peso dos pacientes foi 2365g (variando entre 600g e 5000g). A veia mais comumente acessada foi a veia safena magna (85%). O comprimento mediano do PICC no corpo foi 19,6 cm (variando entre 5 cm e 30 cm). A ponta foi alocada em uma veia central em todos os pacientes. Cirurgia abdominal foi a causa mais comum de uso do PICC (38%). A duração do cateterismo foi 7,7±5,6 dias. Quase todos os PICCs foram inseridos com sucesso (40/42, taxa de sucesso de 95%) e na primeira venopunção (36/42, 86%). O término da terapia e a remoção após morte ocorreu em 87% dos PICCs. Foram observadas três complicações menores. Pequeno sangramento no local da inserção, que parou com compressão, ocorreu em dois neonatos. Complicações importantes não foram observadas. Nenhuma morte foi diretamente atribuída ao uso do PICC. CONCLUSÃO: A nova técnica de inserção periférica de cateteres centrais em neonatos pode ser um procedimento seguro e fácil, comparando com as técnicas previamente relatadas na literatura.

Introduction: In this study, we investigate the effect of montelukast on histologic damage induced by testicular torsion-detorsion in rats. Methods: Twenty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into 3 groups, each containing 7 rats. A sham operation was performed in group 1 (control). In group 2 (ischemia-reperfusion [IR]/ untreated), 1-hour detorsion of the testis was performed after 6 hours of unilateral testicular torsion. In group 3 (I-R/dextroamphetamine), after performing the same surgical procedures as in group 2, montelukast was given intraperitoneally. In all experimental rats, ipsilateral orchiectomies were performed for histological examination and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione and myeloperoxidase assays. Results: Montelukast treatment significantly decreased the I-Rinduced elevation in testes tissue MDA and glutathione levels were found to be preserved. The level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was significantly increased in the testes tissue of the IR/ untreated group. However, in I-R/montelukast treatment group significantly decreased testes tissue MPO level. Histopathologically, the in the group 2 rats, edema, congestion, hemorrhage between seminiferous tubules and necrosis of the germinal cells were predominant features in sections. However, most of the specimens in the montelukast treated group 3 showed grades-I and II injury. Additionally, the testicular injury score was lower in group 3 rats compared with group 2. Conclusion: The current findings demonstrate that the montelukast decreased the severity of testicular injury by reversing the oxidative effects of testes I-R. Introduction : Dans cette etude, nous examinons l’effet du montelukast sur les lesions tissulaires provoquees par torsion-detorsion testiculaire chez le rat. Methodologie : Vingt-et-un rats Sprague-Dawley mâles ont ete repartis en trois groupes de 7 rats. Une operation fictive a ete realisee dans le groupe 1 (groupe temoin). Dans le groupe 2 (ischemie-reperfusion / non traite), une detorsion testiculaire d’une heure a ete realisee apres 6 heures de torsion testiculaire unilaterale. Dans le groupe 3 (ischemie-reperfusion / dextroamphetamine), on a administre du montelukast par voie intraperitoneale apres les memes interventions chirurgicales que pour le groupe 2. Chez tous les rats, une orchidectomie homolaterale a ete effectuee en vue d’un examen histologique et de mesures du malonaldehyde, du glutathion et de la myeloperoxidase dans les tissus. Resultats : Le traitement par montelukast a significativement reduit l’elevation dans les tissus testiculaires provoquee par l’ischemiereperfusion, mais les taux de malonaldehyde et de glutathion sont demeures les memes. Le niveau d’activite de la myeloperoxidase (MPO) a significativement augmente dans les tissus testiculaires du groupe ayant subi l’ischemie-reperfusion sans traitement subsequent. Cependant, dans le groupe ayant subi l’ischemiereperfusion avec traitement par montelukast, le taux de MPO dans les tissus testiculaires avait significativement diminue. Selon les examens d’histopathologie, dans le groupe 2, de l’oedeme, de la congestion, des hemorragies entre les tubules seminiferes et une necrose des cellules germinales etaient les caracteristiques predominantes observees dans les coupes. Par comparaison, la plupart des echantillons du groupe 3 (traite par montelukast) presentaient des lesions de stade I et II. En outre, le score de lesions testiculaires etait plus faible dans le groupe 3 que dans le groupe 2. Conclusion : Les observations actuelles montrent que l’administration de montelukast diminue la gravite des lesions testiculaires en annulant les effets oxydatifs de l’ischemie-reperfusion des testicules.

WOS:000246884800001 PubMed: 17497436 This study was designed to determine the effect of L-arginine on hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIF-1 alpha) and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) levels considered to be involved in the development of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Unilaterally nephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 60 minutes of left renal ischeMia followed by 45 minutes of reperfusion. Group I were sham-operated animals; group 2, I-R/Untreated animals; and group 3, I-R/L-Arg-treated animals. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA eve were determined as well as examining the kidneys histologicall The treatment of rats with L-Arg produced a significant reduction in the levels of BUN, creatinine, MDA, and histopathological score compared to renal I/R groups. The Shh expression in the tubulus epithelia were intensely increased in the I-R/L-Arg group when compared to that of the Sham-control and the I-R/ untreated groups. Additionally, the HIF-fix expression in the tubulus epithelia and the interstitial spaces were intensely increased in the I-R/L-Arg group. These findings suggest that NO reduces the renal dysfunction associated with I/R of the kidney and may act as a trigger to induce Shh and HIF-1 activity.

WOS:000240646900020 PubMed: 16981272 AIM: To evaluate the effects of dexamethasone on liver damage in rats with bile duct ligation. METHODS: A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 165-205 g, were used in this study. Group 1 (sham-control, n = 10) rats underwent laparotomy alone and the bile duct,was just dissected from the surrounding tissue. Group 2 rats (untreated, n = 10) were subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) and no drug was applied. Group 3 rats (low-dose dexa, n = 10) received a daily dose of dexamethasone by orogastric tube for 14 d after BDL. Group 4 rats (high-dose dexa, n = 10) received a daily dose of dexamethasone by orogastric tube for 14 d after BDL. At the end of the two-week period, biochemical and histological evaluations were processed. RESULTS: The mean serum bilirubin and liver enzyme levels significantly decreased, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) values were significantly increased in low-dose dexa and high-dose dexa groups when compared to the untreated group. The histopathological score was significantly less in the low-close and high-dose dexa groups compared to the untreated rats. In the low-dose dexa group, moderate liver damage was seen, while mild liver damage was observed in the high-dose dexa group. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroids reduced liver damage produced by bile duct obstruction. However, the histopathological score was not significantly lower in the high-dose corticosteroid group as compared to the low-dose group. Thus, low-dose corticosteroid provides a significant reduction of liver damage without increased side effects, while high dose is associated not with lower fibrosis but with increased side effects.

WOS: 000261768200008 PubMed: 19084917 AIM: To investigate the effects of resveratrol on liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 240-290 g were randomized into four groups of ten: (1) controls: data from unmanipulated animals; (2) sham group: rats subjected to the surgical procedure, except for liver I/R, and given saline; (3) I/R group: rats underwent liver ischemia for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 45 min; (4) I-R/Resveratrol group: rats pretreated with resveratrol (10 mu mol/L, iv). Liver tissues were obtained to determine antioxidant enzyme levels and for biochemical and histological evaluation. RESULTS: Plasma aminotransferase activities were higher in the I/R group than in the I-R/Resveratrol group. Malondialdehyde levels and the hepatic injury score decreased, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in group 4 compared to group 3. In group 4, histopathological changes were significantly attenuated in resveratrol-treated livers. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that resveratrol has protective effects against hepatic I/R injury, and is a potential therapeutic drug for ischemia reperfusionrelated liver injury. (C) 2008 The WIG Press. All rights reserved.

WOS:000248382500010 PubMed: 17657839 AIM: To investigate the role of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) on the course of liver ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) in rats, and the interaction between treatment with nitric oxide donor L-Arginine-methyl ester (L-Arg) and up-regulation of Shh expression. METHODS: A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 220-240 g were used in this study. Shamcontrol group (G1, n = 10): a sham operation was performed (except for liver I/R). I/R-untreated group (G2, n = 10): rats underwent liver ischemia for 1 h followed by reperfusion for 45 min. I/R-L-Arg group (G3, n = 10): after performing the same surgical procedure as in group 2, animals were treated with L-Arg. Liver tissues were taken for determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and biochemical and histological evaluations were made. RESULTS: Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activities were higher in group 2 than in group 3. MDA values and the hepatic injury score decreased in the L-Arg treated group compared to the I/R-untreated group. In group 2, the hepatocytes were swollen with marked vacuolization. Group 3 rats showed well-preserved liver parenchyma, with hepatocytes extending from the central vein. The morphology of the hepatocytes and the sinusoidal structures was normal, without any signs of congestion. Mild Shh positive immunostaining was detected in group 2 animals. The expression of immunoreactive cells was increased markedly in liver tissue from I/R-L-Arg rats. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that Shh molecules are critical factors in the pathophysiology of inflammatory liver injury induced by I/R. In addition, NO plays an important role in the immunohistochemical expression of these molecules. (c) 2007 WJG. All rights reserved.