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We investigate role of ATP sensitive potassium (KATP) channel in cytotoxic effect of cypermethrin on rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Cytotoxicity analysis was performed at 0, 0.1, 0.5, 10, 50, and 100 µM concentrations of cypermethrin and the cell index (CI) was calculated. KATP currents were recorded using patch clamp technique for 50 and 100 µM concentrations and channel conductivity was determined by obtaining current-voltage characteristics. No cytotoxic effect was observed in the first 72 hours. At the 96th hour, only at 100 µM concentration, the CI value decreased significantly compared to control group and at 120 and 144th hours, it was observed that the CI value decreased significantly at all concentrations. Currents and conductivities were significantly decreased at 50 and 100 µM concentrations. Results gave clues that cypermethrin causes a cytotoxic effect on vascular smooth muscles and that KATP channels may have a role in the emergence of this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Radiotherapy (RT) has been used for many years as a curative or adjuvant with chemotherapy and surgery in the treatment of various thoracic malignancies. However, adverse pulmonary effects such as pneumonia and fibrosis can be life-threatening. For this reason, it is very prominent to support RT with compounds that will reduce side effects. This study examines the protective effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, against lung damage caused by radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight female Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups control (injected with saline), NAC (injected with NAC), RT (exposed to radiation) RT+NAC (injected with NAC+exposed to radiation). After three months of irradiation, rats were sacrificed and lung samples were taken for light and electron microscopic evaluation. The alveolar wall thickness, mast cell count, and hyaline membrane formation were evaluated with light microscopy. Electron microscopy was used to evaluate morphological changes in the lungs. Results: The results showed a significant increase in scores of alveolar wall thickness and hyaline membrane formation and mast cell count in the RT rats. In the RT+NAC group, administration of NAC to rats caused significant amelioration in the measured parameters. Similarly, in electron microscopic examination, it was observed that the morphological damages in the RT group were significantly reduced in the RT+NAC group. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study suggested that the use of NAC before thoracic radiotherapy may reduce the damage to the lungs due to radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, mobile phone usage duration has increased rapidly and this has raised concerns about the toxic effects of exposure to radio frequency radiation. Many studies have shown that exposure to radiofrequency radiations may be associated with effects on the endocrine, nervous, ocular, cardiovascular and reproduction systems. The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of 4.5 G compatible mobile phones radiation on intraocular pressure. A total of 32 Wistar albino male rats, 16 sham and 16 experimental groups, were used in the experiments. The rats in the experimental group were exposed to a 4.5G compatible mobile phone for 2 hours a day for 45 days. The rats in the Sham group were kept in the same environment for the same period of time with the mobile phone turned off. The specific absorption rate (SAR) value, skin temperature and intraocular pressure of rats were measured as analysis parameters. The maximum SAR value was calculated as 0.006 W/kg per 10 g of tissue. No significant difference was observed between the sham and experimental groups in terms of body temperature. Intraocular pressure decreased significantly in the ex perimental group compared to the control group. As a result of the study, it was thought that the use of 4.5 G compatible smartphones may cause a decrease in intraocular pressure and may pose a significant risk for visual function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent studies, it has been reported that ion channels play an important role in cancer formation. Therefore, it is possible that the use of pharmacological agents targeting ion channels will allow the development of new strategies for cancer treatment. In this study, we investigate the effect of imipramine on Eag1 channel expression in DU145 prostate cancer cells. Culture cells were divided into 4 groups as the control, 10, 50 and 75 µM imipramine. Eag1 channel currents and conductivity were determined by whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique and gene expression by real time‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Current records were taken before (at 0th minute, as control) and 10 min after imipramine administration to the cells. It was observed that all three doses of imipramine significantly reduced Eag1 currents and conductivity compared with the control. However, the differences between dose groups were not significant. Similarly, Eag1 channel protein expression was found to be significantly reduced for all three doses of imipramine compared with the control group, but there was no significant difference in gene expression between dose groups. Obtained results suggested that imipramine has the potential to be used as a pharmacological agent targeting the Eag1 channel in the treatment of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: A cadaveric experimental investigation aimed to show the rupture pressure of the tympanic membrane (TM) for otologists to evaluate its tensile strength. Methods: Twenty adult ears in 10 fresh frozen whole cadaveric heads (four males, six females) mean age 72.8 (SD 13.8) years (range 40--86) were studied. The tensile strength of the TM was evaluated with bursting pressure of the membrane. The dimensions of the membranes and perforations were measured with digital imaging software. Results: The mean bursting pressure of the TM was 97.71 (SD 36.20) kPa. The mean area, vertical and horizontal diameters of the TM were 57.46 (16.23) mm2, 9.54 (1.27) mm, 7.99 (1.08) mm respectively. The mean area, length and width of the perforations were 0.55 (0.25) mm2, 1.37 (0.50) mm, and 0.52 (0.22) mm, respectively. Comparisons of TM dimension, bursting pressure, and perforation size by laterality and gender showed no significant differences. The bursting pressure did not correlate (positively or negatively) with the TM or perforation sizes. Conclusions: The TM can rupture during activities such as freediving or scuba diving, potentially leading to serious problems including brain injuries. Studying such events via cadaveric studies and data from case studies is of fundamental importance. The minimum experimental bursting pressures might better be taken into consideration rather than average values as the danger threshold for prevention of TM damage (and complications thereof) by barotrauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]