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Momordica charantia (MC) is a traditional plant widely used since ancient times for wound healing. This study evaluated its potential effects on tendon healing. Adult male Wistar albino rats (n = 32, 8 rats in each group) were anesthetized, and their Achilles tendons were prepared for surgical procedures. Group 1 (Cont = control group) was not subjected to any surgery and was used as a control group for baseline values. Group 2 (PR = primary repair group) underwent primary repair (PR) with a monofilament suture after a full-thickness incision of the Achilles tendon. A full-thickness incision was also made to the Achilles tendon of group 3 (CT = collagen tube-administered group), followed by PR and collagen tube insertion. In group 4 (MC = M. charantia-administered group), 1 mL of MC extract was applied locally on the collagen tube in addition to the surgical procedure applied to group 3. The Achilles tendons were excised on the postoperative 40th day and examined stereologically, histologically, and bioinformatically. Data showed that the total volume of the collagen fibers was higher in MC and CT groups than in the PR group. The total volume of the tendon was decreased in MC and CT groups than in the Cont group. The ratios between the volumes of the collagen fibers and total tendon in the MC and CT groups were significantly different from PR, but not different from the Cont group. Additionally, MC improved tenoblastic activity, collagen production, and neovascularization. Bioinformatic interactions showed that the proteases of MC could trigger the signals playing a role on vasculogenesis, reducing inflammation, and contributing to tenoblast activation and collagen remodeling. MC extract ameliorates the healing of injured tendon and can provide satisfactory tendon repair. Further works are recommended to explore the healing capacity of MC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide concise and brief important stereological application methods and techniques for estimating biological tissues. Stereology studies the quantity of biological tissue using little practice and the low price of counting and preparing tissue slices to obtain direct and accurate results. Since their establishment, the stereological techniques underwent much improvement, thus allowing more precise analysis of target structures using various approaches. Using stereological tools, advances in stereological techniques made the target tissues or organs represented by 2D instead of 3D dimensions. Process tools estimate volume, area and length. According to the exciting tissue and aims, the stereological tools perform differently. This review summarizes various stereological tools and techniques, providing brief information about the orientation method, slicer probe method, Delesse's principle, Cavalieri principle, disector, fractionator, nucleator, virtual cycloids and saucer, which are described in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of obesity caused by a high fat diet (HFD) on rat testes and evaluated the possible protective effects of indole-3-carbinol (IND). We used 24 8–10-week-old 200 g male rats randomly assigned to 4 groups: non-obese control (NC), obese control (OC), non-obese IND group (NI), obese + IND group (OI). Testis samples were examined using stereological, immunohistochemical, biochemical and histological methods. The number of spermatogenic cells, Leydig cells, mean volume of testes and seminiferous tubules was significantly decreased in the OC group compared to the NC group, but these values were increased significantly in the OI group compared to the OC group. We found a significant increase in catalase and myeloperoxidase activities in the OC group compared to the NC group. In the OI group, catalase and myeloperoxidase levels were decreased compared to the OC group. TUNEL-positive cells also were increased in the OC group compared to the NC group (p < 0.05), but these were fewer in the OI group than the OC group. We found marked morphological changes in testicular tissues between the NC and OC groups, as well as between the OI and OC groups. We found that HFD induced obesity was detrimental to rat testes and that administration of IND ameliorated testicular changes caused by obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: Possible effects of the vagus inhibition and stimulation on the hypothalamic nuclei, myenteric plexes and the vagus nerve were investigated. Methods: The female rats divided to the inhibition (INH), stimulation (STI) and, sham (SHAM) groups were fed with high fat diet (including 40% of energy from animal fat). After nine weeks, the rats were allowed to recover for 4 weeks in INH group. In STI group, the left vagus nerve stimulated (30 Hz/500 msn/30 sec.) starting 2nd post operative day for 5 minutes during 4 weeks. Healthy female rats used as control (CONT). Then, tissue samples were analyzed by biochemical, histological and stereological methods. Results: The mean number of the neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the INH group was significantly less; but, that is significantly more in the STI group compared to the other groups. The neuronal density of ventromedial nucleus in the STI group was higher; while the density in the INH group was lower than the other groups. In the dorsomedial nucleus, neuron density of the INH group was lower than the other groups. In terms of the myenteric plexus volumes, that of the INH group was lowest. The myelinated axon number in the INH group was significantly highest. The myelin sheath thickness and axon area of the INH group was significantly lower than the other groups. Discussion: The results of the study show that the vagal inhibition is more effective than the vagal stimulation on the weight loss in the obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is strong scientific evidence that radio frequency (RF) radiation is harmful to life. Exposure to radiation may cause lung toxicity and respiratory disorders. Folic acid (FA) is one of the powerful antioxidants that minimize oxidative stress in the biological system. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the FA against the EMF-induced potential negative effects on the lung. Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were divided into the four groups; control group (Cont), electromagnetic field group (EMF), FA treated group (FA), and electromagnetic field exposure + FA treated group (EFA). After the routine histological procedures, volumes of the alveoli, bronchioles and blood vessels have been estimated by the Cavalieri principle. It was found that a significant decrease in the mean volume of alveoli, bronchioles and blood vessels in EMF group in comparison of the Cont group (p<0.01). Besides this, histopathological analysis demonstrated that there was impaired lung structure, shrunken alveoli, and increased thickness of the alveolar wall in the EMF group sections. In the EFA group, significant protective effects were observed in the structures volumes and histopathology (p<0.01). These findings corresponded with the antioxidant effect of FA treatment. Our results suggest that FA protected alveoli, bronchioles, and blood vessels against EMF-induced lung injury. Thus FA has the potential to be a therapeutic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical treatment of chest wall deformities is done with costal cartilage resection in selected patients in adolescence. In this study, we evaluated the effect of costal cartilage resections on the lung volume stereologically by using computed tomography. In this study, sixteen four weeks old New Zealand rabbits were used. Young subjects were preferred to evaluate the effect of the operation on the growth process. In order to avoid postoperative complications, only two costal cartilage resections were performed. In the surgical group the right 4th and 5th costal cartilages were resected (n=8). The group that was not operated was accepted as the control group (n=8). The growth of the subjects was followed. Computed thorax tomography (CTT) scans of all animals were performed preoperatively and at the 4th postoperative week. Estimation of pre- and postoperative lung volumes was performed with the Cavalieri's principle. In the control group followed up during growth, bilateral lung volumes were increased (15.75% and 20.62% respectively right and left lungs). In the surgical group, both the surgical side and the opposite lung volume decreased after costal cartilage resection (20.09% and 1.07% respectively right and left lungs). Even though the number of resected cartilages was limited, total lung volume decreased after costal cartilage resection. In the treatment of chest wall deformities, costal cartilage resection should be considered as the last option in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term use of cell phone emitting electromagnetic field (EMF) has increased concerns regarding histopathological change in vital organs. Our present study was aimed to investigate the effect of 900 megahertz (MHz) EMF on the rat lungs, as well as the possible efficacy of melatonin (MEL) on lung tissues. Fifteen female Wistar albino rats were randomly selected and assigned into five groups as follow: control (CONT), SHAM, EMF, melatonin (MEL) and EMF+MEL group. Subsequently, female rats were then mated, and pregnant rats underwent the experimental application for 21 days. After parturition, 6 pups (2 pups from each mother) were randomly chosen and maintained for 4 weeks. At the end of the 4th week, the lung tissues of all groups were used for the stereological analysis and histopathological examination. We found that the mean volumes of the alveoli, bronchioles and blood vessels were significantly lower in the EMF group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the EMF+MEL group, the mean volumes of the alveoli, bronchioles and blood vessels were significantly increased compared to the EMF group. Our histopathological results showed marked change in the lung tissues. We speculated that exposure to EMF caused the damage to the rat lung tissues, and that MEL administration alleviated 900 MHz EMF-induced complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Untreated traumatic tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs) may lead to permanent perforations and hearing loss. There are many materials that have been previously used for repairing the TMPs. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and histological effects of Vivosorb (Vv) and Epifilm on healing of TMPs in a rat model. Material and Methods: The posterior-inferior quadrant of the tympanic membranes (TMs) in right ears of 14 rats was perforated using a 20-g needle and then the animals were randomly divided into 2 equal groups (n = 7). The perforated right TMs were treated with either Vv (Vv group) or Epifilm (Ep group). The left TMs of 7 rats were perforated in same way and allowed to close spontaneously without any topical material applications (spontaneous closure group as sham control, SC). The left tympanic membranes of the other 7 rats were not perforated and used as normal controls (NC group). On postoperative 15th day, tympanic bullas were extracted from killed rats and examined morphometrically and histopathologically. Results: Perforation closure rate was 85.7% (6/7) in both Vv and SC groups. Perforations of Ep group closed in 7/7 (100%) ears. The thicknesses of the perforated membranes were increased in SC and especially Vv groups. Also, connective tissue fibrosis, blood clots, and epithelial degenerations were detected in SC and Vv groups. The mean fibroblastic reaction scores of Vv, Ep, and SC groups were 2.14(+), 0.57(+), and 1.71(+) respectively, on comparison with NC group. The mean neovascularization score was 1.42(+) in Vv group, 0.14(+) in Ep group, and 0.57(+) in SC group. Conclusion and Significance: Vivosorb and especially Epifilm can improve the healing process in traumatic TMPs and additionally, Epifilm might be more preferred for the treatment of TMPs because of causing lesser fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the effects of melatonin (Mel), leptin (Lep) or melatonin and leptin treatment on ovaries in control and obese rats. The animals were divided into control (NC), melatonin (NM), leptin (NL), melatonin-leptin (NML), obese (OC), obese-melatonin (OM), obese-leptin (OL), obese-melatonin-leptin (OML) groups. Body weights, peri-ovarian fat pads, volumetric parameters and numerical values of follicles were estimated. Also, the LH receptor (LHr) immune-positivity, catalase (CAT) and the myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were determined. The body weight and peri-ovarian fat pads were significantly decreased following Mel (p < .05) treatment and, especially, Lep (p < .01) treatment. But, the ovarian weights were significantly increased following Lep (p < .05) and Mel (p < .01) treatment, in particular. The ovarian and cortex volume decreased in the OC group, and the cortex volume of the OC group was significantly higher than the Ob + Mel, Ob + Lep and Ob + Mel + Lep groups (p < .01). Besides, the volume of the cortex in the NL group was significantly higher than in the other groups (except for the NC group) (p < .01). Although, the total numbers of primordial and primary follicles in NC group were significantly higher than in the OC group (p < .001), the number of the primordial and primary follicles in OC group was significantly higher than in the OL (p < .05), OM (p < .05) and, especially, the OML groups (p < .001). Likewise, the number of the secondary follicles in the OML group was significantly less than that in the OC group (p < .05). The CAT and MPO activity of the OC group was significantly higher than in the NC group (p < .05) and also granulosa cell apoptosis had increased in obese rats; but it was decreased after Lep and Mel treatment. Otherwise, Lep and, in particular, Mel increased LHr positivity. We concluded that obesity could trigger abnormal ovarian function and polycystic ovary via inducing LHr apoptosis and suppressing ovarian folliculogenesis. Also, melatonin could be better for inhibition of apoptosis and modulation of folliculogenesis than leptin. These observations suggest that melatonin may act to reduce fertility in obese patients.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Hormonal changes during reproductive cycle in obese women are particularly studied and there is not any study that evaluates the effects of melatonin and leptin, together.Whatthe results of this study add? The study has shown that obese rats have increased granulosa cell apoptosis and MPO activities but melatonin and leptin reduces the apoptosis and inflammation. Moreover, the obesity decreased, but melatonin and leptin increased LHR immunoreactivity in both the granulosa and theca cells.Whatthe implicationsareof these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The results suggest that leptin and melatonin could decrease excess body weight in obese persons. Also, these hormones modulate the ovarian turn-over by regulating developing follicles. Therefore, leptin and especially melatonin could be used as a supplement to ovulation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]