Search

Purpose: The aim of this investigate the effectiveness of the conventional physical therapy and Mulligan mobilization technique in the treatment of Cervicogenic Headache (CH) and to compare the effectiveness of these two methods. Methods: A total of 40 patients with CH were randomized into conventional physical therapy group (Group 1, n=20) and Mulligan mobilization group (Group 2, n=20). Neck lordosis, range of motion (ROM), Cervical Performance Tests, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index, Beck Depression Scale measurements were recorded at baseline and at two weeks after the treatment. Results: VAS, Neck Disability Index and Beck Depression Scale decreased and ROM, cervical performance and lordosis angle increased significantly in both groups (p=0.010). Conclusions: Both treatments were found to have positive effects on radiological and clinical findings of CH, but Mulligan mobilization technique was found to be more effective in all evaluations except neck extension and right lateral flexion ROM measurements

Aim: Shoulder joint is important for the functional capacity of the upper extremity. A big part of the functionality in this joint is created by rotator cuff muscles. Rotator cuff injuries are the primary reason for shoulder induced pain and injuries. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of kinesio-taping in addition to conventional physiotherapy methods on upper extremity function, quality of life and emotional state in patients with chronic rotator cuff syndrome. Material and Method: Our study was conducted on 92 (64 female-28 male) patients with rotator cuff syndrome (RCS). The patients were randomly grouped in two. The first group was given conventional therapy, while kinesio taping was applied to the second group twice a week in addition to conventional physiotherapy techniques. Each patient was assessed before and after treatment with DASH (the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand) scale, SF-36 (short form-36) scale, VAS (visual analogue scale) score and BECK depression inventory. Each group was compared in terms of treatment efficiency both within the group and with the other group and statistical analyses were made. Results: Statistically significant decrease was found in both groups in terms of both pre-treatment and post-treatment DASH and VAS assessments. SF-36 scores were found to increase statistically significantly. When post-treatment scores were compared, statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. No statistically significant difference was found in both groups in terms of BECK depression inventory scores. Conclusion: It was concluded that when applied in addition to conventional physiotherapy techniques in clinic, kinesio taping treatment was an effective treatment method in terms of developing upper extremity functions, increasing quality of life in patients and decreasing pain.

PubMed ID: 29859264 Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of vaginal delivery and aging on anal sphincter anatomy and function. Method: Asymptomatic thirty women were included in this prospective study. Group 1 included 10 women (age range: 18–50) who had never been pregnant. Group 2 included 10 women (age range: 18–50) who had vaginal delivery. Group 3 included 10 women over 50 who had vaginal delivery. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of resting and squeeze pressures. It was found that sphincter thickness showed statistically significant difference between the group 1 and group 3, and also group 2 and group 3. There was not statistically significant difference between the group 1 and group 2 in terms of sphincter thickness. There was a positive correlation between the age and sphincter thickness in all groups. In terms of sphincter thickness and pressure findings there was a positive correlation between the squeeze pressure and external anal sphincter thickness only in group 3. Conclusion: The vaginal delivery did not have a negative influence on the structure and function of the anal sphincter in asymptomatic women. However, it was found that anal sphincter thickness changed strongly in a positive manner with aging. © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS

The aim of this study was to compare the anthropometric and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) measurements taken from risk-free and risky groups by using the modified Mallampati score (MMS).A total of 176 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 65 in four different MMS classes were included in the study. The patients in classes MMS I and MMS II were accepted as risk-free and the patients in classes MMS III and MMS IV were accepted as risky for intubation. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed on the data to compare the anthropometric and radiological measurements taken from the risk-free and risky groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied to the parameters that had a statistically significant difference.According to the analysis results, statistically significant differences were found in the neck circumference (NC), maximum interincisal distance (MID), thyromental distance (TMD) and sternomental distance (SMD) of the anthropometric measurements of men and women between the risk-free and risky groups (P0.05). In terms of CBCT measurements, the thickness of the tongue (TT), distance between the uvula and posterior wall of pharynx (U-Ph), distance between posterior nasal spine and nasopharynx (Snp-Nph) and length of the epiglottis (LE) were found to have statistically significant differences between the risk-free and risky groups of men and women (P0.05).The NC, MID, TMD and SMD anthropometric measurements and TT, U-Ph, Snp-Nph and LE radiologic measurements were found to support MMS, which is one of the most widely used bedside intubation prediction tests. In addition to the inclusion of CBCT for intubation prediction, U-Ph and Snp-Nph radiologic measurements were added as difficult intubation markers.

Aim: The aim of this study was cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow quantification in the cerebral aqueduct using Phase-Contrast Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PCC-MRI) according to both sexes and three different age groups to obtain normative data. Material and Method: 72 volunteers with no cerebral pathology were included in this study. Subjects were divided into three age groups: 20-34 years, 35-49 years and 50-65 years including equal gender groups. CSF flow's quantitatively evaluation was performed with images that were obtained by 1.5 T Magnetic Resonance (MR) unit from cerebral aqueduct level on the semi-axial plan. Between groups, peak velocity (cm/s), average velocity (cm/s), forward volume (ml), reverse volume (ml), net forward volume (ml), and average flow over range (ml/min) values of current flowing through aqueduct and average aqueductal areas were compared. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in CSF flow parameters among different age groups and between sexes (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in average cerebral aqueduct area between the age group of 50-65 years and the other age groups (p=0.002). The average aqueductal area was higher in the age group of 50-65 years. Conclusion: Normal aqueductal CSF flow parameters evaluated with PCC-MRI don't show a significant difference by age and sex. We have achieved the lower and upper values ​​of these parameters would be useful in future clinical studies. The size of aqueductal area may also be explained by atrophy-dependent ventricular system dilatation in the elderly. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The aim of this study is the evaluation of the anatomical structures of sphenoid sinus ostium used as a reference point for transsphenoidal surgery by cone beam computed tomography. The authors' study was performed using the cone-beam computed tomography images of 16 to 82-year old 200 (112 female, 88 male) patients (Newton 5G, Verona, Italy). Septum deviation of sphenoid sinus and the distance between 2 ostia were evaluated by coronal and axial sections, respectively. Pneumatization degree of sphenoid sinus, diameter of sphenoid sinus ostium, and distance lower edge of superior turbinate to sphenoid sinus ostium were measured by using sagittal sections. The sellar type was the most common pneumatization type of sphenoid sinus in authors' study. While the C-type septum deviation was observed as the most common, T-type deviation was the least type. Sphenoid sinus ostium was bilaterally in 71.5% of individuals, and it was not found in 10% of individuals included in the study. A significant decrease was determined in diameter of the left sphenoid sinus ostium with aging. The distances between 2 sphenoid sinus ostia were 7.30 ± 2.77 mm for women and 6.09 ± 2.58 mm for men, respectively. No statistical differences were found in women and men in terms of distances between the lower edge of the right and left superior turbinate and sphenoid sinus ostium on their sides. Consequently, making detailed preoperative radiological evaluation of anatomic variations of sphenoid sinus and sphenoid sinus ostium is important in terms of guiding the surgeon in the process of a successful transsphenoidal surgery.

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the effects of formaldehyde (FA) inhalation on the humoral immunity of rats and the protective effect of Nigella sativa (NS) oil. Materials and Methods: The rats ( n = 33) were divided into five groups, with five animals in the control group (FA-free air) and seven in the other four groups. Group FA1 was exposed to FA (5 ppm), group FA + NS1 was treated with NS and exposed to FA (5 ppm), group FA2 was exposed to FA (10 ppm), and group FA + NS2 was treated with NS and exposed to FA (10 ppm). At the end of a 4-week study period, blood samples were collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of serum total immunoglobulin A (IgA), total immunoglobulin M (IgM), total immunoglobulin G (IgG), and complement 3 (C3). Results: FA inhalation significantly increased serum IgA, IgM, and C3 levels and decreased serum IgG levels compared with the control group. NS administration decreased serum IgA, IgM, and C3 levels, which were induced by FA inhalation. Conclusion: FA inhalation significantly increased acute antibody responses and C3 levels in a dose-dependent manner compared with the control group. FA inhalation decreased the secondary immune response compared with the control group. Levels of acute antibody responses and complement following exposure to FA inhalation returned to normal following treatment with NS (immunoregulatory effect). However, NS did not affect the secondary immune response.

Aim: The aim of this study was to find out and to compare the effect of cholecystectomy performed due to gallstone on the extrahepatic bile ducts morphometry in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.Material and Methods: Three groups consisting of a total of 120 individuals. Diabetic patients with cholelithiasis (DC group) consisted of 40 person, non-diabetic patients with cholelithiasis (N-DC group) consisted of 40 person and healthy group (H group) consisted of 40 person. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed on individuals with cholelithiasis.DHC (ductus hepaticus communis) diameter was measured below hepatic canal bifurcation from mucosa to mucosa by ultrasonography. The measurements were conducted in preoperative period and in the third and sixth postoperative months. Results: There were no significant differences between DC and N-DC groups in terms of DHC diameters in preoperative period and postoperative third and sixth months. In both DC and N-DC groups, DHC diameters in postoperative third and sixth months were found to show a small but statistically significant increase.Conclusion: This study showed a small but statistically significant dilatation in DHC following cholecystectomy. In addition, no statistically significant difference was found between DC and N-DC groups in terms of post- cholecystectomy DHC dilatation.

Corona mortis (CMOR) is the arterial and/or venous vascular communication(s) between the obturator and external iliac vessels. Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernioplasty can be associated with vascular complications especially during the fixation of the mesh. Theoretically, CMOR is an important nominee. But, the data in literature are insufficient about CMOR injury. Additionally, most of the studies about CMOR have been usually performed on cadavers. We aimed to reveal the preperitoneal vascular anatomy of inguinal area and provide in vivo knowledge about CMOR. The risk of arterial injury was also evaluated. The data of preperitoneal vascular anatomy of 321 patients who underwent TEP procedure between January 2005 and July 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. Mean age was 46 ± 8.9 years, 53 females vs 268 males. 391 hemipelvises were evaluated. Two types of arterial structure were identified; (1) an aberrant obturator artery forming an anastomosis with branches of ordinary obturator artery; (2) a pubic branch of inferior epigastric artery. The incidence of arterial CMOR was 28.4 % and of any arterial structure was 45.0 %. An arterial CMOR was considered as thick (≥2 mm) or thin (

The aim of this study is the evaluation of the vertebrobasilar artery system in patients with Behcet's and Neuro-Behcet's disease. For this aim; 20 adults with clinically diagnosed Behcet's disease, 20 adults with Neuro-Behcet's disease, and 19 age- and gender-matched controls were examined by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). During MRA, diameters of left vertebral artery (LVA), right vertebral artery (RVA), basilar artery (BA), and proximal segment (P1) of posterior cerebral artery between origin and junction with the posterior communicating artery were measured. In all groups, LVA was dominant than RVA (P

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic and protective effects of molsidomine (MLS) against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced renal damage in rats. Methods: Forty rats were randomly divided into five groups (control, MLS, DOX, DOX+MLS and MLS+DOX groups). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were determined from kidney tissues and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and albumin (Alb) levels also determined. Results: DOX treatment caused a significant increase in TBARS levels and a significant decrease in the GSH and CAT levels compared with the control group. In comparison, MLS administration before DOX injection caused a significant decrease in TBARS levels and also increases in GSH and CAT levels, whereas treatment of MLS after DOX injection did not show any beneficial effect on these parameters. All groups showed a significant increase in NO levels compared to the control group. There were no significant differences among the all groups for BUN and Cr levels. Serum level of Alb decreased in the DOX-treated groups when compared with control and MLS groups. The histopathological findings were in accordance with the biochemical results. MLS treatment reversed the DOX-induced kidney damage in group 4. MLS treatment before DOX injection exerted a protective effect against DOX-induced kidney damage. Conclusions: MLS shows promise as a possible therapeutic intervention for the prevention of kidney injury associated with DOX treatment. Additional studies are warranted.

Kuş, İlter (Balikesir Author), Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study is to examine the negative effects of toluene on kidney tissues and functions and to investigate the protective effects of CAPE against toluene-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. A total of 21 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of equal number in each. The rats in group I were the controls. Toluene was intraperitoneally injected into the rats in group II with a dose of 500 mg/kg. Rats in group III received CAPE daily while exposed to toluene. After 14 days of experimental period, all rats were killed by decapitation. Enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were studied in the rat kidneys. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels were measured for renal function. The CAT and SOD enzyme activities and serum creatinine levels were significantly increased in rats treated with toluene when compared with the controls. But GSH-Px activity, MDA, and BUN levels showed statistically nonsignificant changes. However, increased CAT and SOD enzyme activities and decreased serum creatinine levels were detected in the rats that received CAPE while exposed to toluene. The GSH-Px activity and MDA and BUN levels in the same group did not show statistically significant changes. The results of our study demonstrated that toluene damages kidney tissue and is a nephrotoxic substance. CAPE was able to prevent the renal damage as antioxidant, antitoxic, and nephroprotective agent.

Summary In this experimental study, harmful effects of formaldehyde (FA) inhalation on sperm concentration, sperm quality, serum testosterone levels and the rat testes were investigated. In addition, the possible protective effects of rose oil against to these harmful effects were evaluated. For this purpose, 21 albino-Wistar rats were used. The rats in Group I were used as control group. When the rats of Group II were exposed FA (10 ppm/1 h) for 35 days, the rats of Group III inhalated rose oil (1 ml/1 h) after FA. The epididymal tissues were taken for sperm analysing and the testes were removed for histological examination. In addition, testosterone levels were determined from the blood samples. Although the testosterone levels, the epididymal sperm concentration, and the progressive sperm motility significantly decreased, the abnormal sperm rate significantly increased in the Group II when compared to Group I. In the Group III, these damages were seen less. When the rats in the Group II compared with the control group, there were serious histological damages. In the Group III, it was determined that the histological changes were less than group II. It can be expressed that serious damages occurred via formaldehyde exposure in male reproductive system and that the rose oil had protective effects against these damages.

WOS:000452431300005 Objective: To explore the effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on the histopathological and biochemical changes that inhaled formaldehyde (FA) induces on the testicular tissue of rats. Methods: Thirty three adult male rats were separated into five groups as follows: C, the control group; 4FA group which received FA for 4 weeks; 13FA group which was given FA for 13 weeks; 4FA+NSO group which was administered FA plus NSO for 4 weeks; 13FA+NSO group which was treated with FA plus NSO for 13 weeks. FA was administered through inhalation for 8 h 5 days a week at a dose of 5 ppm in a special glass cage, and NSO was administered orally 1 mL/kg once daily. Rats were decapitated at the end of the experiment and testicular tissue specimens were harvested for histopathologic and biochemical assessment. Results: Compared to the C group, reduction was observed in the number of intact tubules and in the mean germinative epithelium thickness of the FA groups. Significant increase was observed in the number of intact tubules with the long-term (13 weeks) administration of NSO together with FA. Reduced glutathione peroxidase activity was found and oxidative stress index values were measured higher in the 4FA and 13FA groups versus the C group (P

Dermatoglyphics outside the normal distribution may be signal of hereditary anomaly in prenatal period. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is defined as the suspension of breathing for 10 seconds or more. Genetic predisposition can be suggesated in the OSAS. The aim of this study is to assess through dermatoglyphics whether genetic factors are effective in OSAS because skin glyphs and pharyngeal are originate from ectoderm. Our study was conducted with 134 volunteers, 68 (21 females, 47 males) individuals with OSAS and 66 (21 females, 48 males) healthy individuals. The photographs of the palms and fingertips of the right and left hands of the participants were taken with high definition cameras. These images were enlarged with computer and their dermatoglyphics were assessed. Fingertip loop types, total number of fingertip lines, total a-b line numbers and atd angles were assessed in healthy individuals and patients with OSAS. We found a statistically significant difference between the right and left hand atd values of healthy individuals and individuals with OSA. atd values can be used as an early indicator of OSAS. [Med-Science 2019; 8(1.000): 53-7]

This study was undertaken to investigate the protective effects of melatonin against formaldehyde-induced neurotoxicity in prefrontal cortex of rats. For this purpose, 21 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. The rats in Group I were used as a control, while the rats in Group II were injected every other day with formaldehyde. The rats in Group III received melatonin daily while exposed to formaldehyde. At the end of 14-day experimental period, all rats were killed by decapitation. The brains of the rats were removed and the prefrontal cortex tissues were obtained from all brain specimens. Some of the prefrontal cortex tissue specimens were used for determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The remaining prefrontal cortex tissue specimens were used for immunohistochemical evaluation. The levels of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly decreased, and MDA levels, were significantly increased in rats treated with formaldehyde compared with those of the controls. In the immunohistochemical evaluation of this group, apoptotic cells were observed. However, increased SOD and GSH-Px enzyme activities, and decreased MDA levels, were detected in the rats administered melatonin while exposed to formaldehyde. Furthermore, apoptotic changes caused by formaldehyde were decreased in these rats. The results of our study suggest that melatonin treatment prevents formaldehyde-induced neuronal damage in prefrontal cortex.

This study was aimed to investigate possible harmful effects of formaldehyde (FA) exposure on the morphology of fetus liver and kidney development during pregnancy and also to determinate possible protective role of chrysin (CH) against these harmful effects. For this aim, after pregnancy was induced, 58 female rats were divided into 6 groups. Serum physiologic (SF) was injected to the Group I rats intraperitoneally (i.p.). 20 mg/kg CH was given to the Group II via gavage. 0.1 mg/kg FA was applied to the Group III (i.p.), 1 mg/kg FA was injected to Group IV (i.p.) 0.1 mg/kg FA was given to Group V i.p., and 20 mg/kg CH was given to the same group via gavage. 1 mg/kg FA was applied to Group VI i.p., and 20 mg/kg CH was given to the same group via gavage. Fetuses were taken from each pregnant rat with cesarean section on the 20th day of the pregnancy. The morphological analyses of the fetuses, liver and kidney; biochemical and histological analyses of the liver and kidney were performed. The fetal body, liver and kidney weight of the FA groups demonstrated a statistically significant decrease the compared to control group. Also the FA-1 group were observed histopathological changes on the fetus liver and kidneys. FA exposure causes harmful effects on fetus the liver and kidneys. CH reduces the negative effect on morphological variables statistically. Although CH is insufficient to fix the histopathological changes that occur in the liver, damaging effects that occur in the kidney decreased statistically. [Med-Science 2017; 6(1.000): 73-80]

Cyclophosphamide (CYC) and doxorubicin (DOX) are among the most effective and widely used anticancer chemotherapeutic drugs. Potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic functions have recently been attributed to flavonoids. We hypothesized that Quercetin (QR) would protect against the toxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents applied prior to pregnancy. Rats were treated with the chemotherapeutic drugs CYC (27 mg/kg) and DOX (1.8 mg/kg) applied in a single intraperitoneal dose once every 3 weeks for 10 weeks. QR was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day by oral gavage. 48 h following the experimental chemotherapy exposure, female rats were transferred to cages containing male rat for mating. Fetal brain tissues were removed from fetuses extracted by cesarean section on the 20th day of gestation for evaluation of antioxidant parameters. A significant increase in superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde activity was observed in CYC and DOX treatment groups relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, carnitine acylcarnitine translocase and Glutathione activity was significantly reduced in the CYC and DOX groups relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that the use of chemotherapeutic drugs before pregnancy can result in oxidative damage to fetal brain tissue. Therefore, women who have been exposed to chemotherapy and may become pregnant should be treated with antioxidant compounds such as QR to reduce the risk of damage to fetal brain tissues.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the association between hand preference in young healthy individuals and handgrip strength (HGS), (which is accepted to be an objective measurement in the assessment of gender), 2D:4D ratio (ratio of the length of index finger to that of ring finger), eye dominance and upper limb performance. Methods: A total of 198 individuals, 111 males and 87 females, participated in our study. Oldfield Inventory was used to find out hand preference. Baseline hand dynamometer was used to find out HGS. The test developed by Rosenbach was used for determination of the dominant eye. For assessment of 2D:4D ratio, measurement was made starting from the basal fold of the finger to the fingertip. Results: According to the results of the statistical analysis, no significant difference was found between hand preference and 2D:4D (p>0.05). Statistically significant difference was found between eye dominance and hand preference (p

Kimmerle’s anomaly is a rare and serious pathology of the 1st cervical vertebra, which may sometimes lead to hardly explicable changes in vertebrobasilar circulation. Also known as ponticulus posticus (PP), this phenomenon encircles the vertebral artery and suboccipital nerve and is associated with vertigo, vertebro-basilar insufficiency, neck pain, shoulder pain and cervicogenic headache symptoms. It can also lead to migraine as a result of its interaction with dura. As the knowledge of this variant by clinicians is important for obtaining a fast result in the treatment, it should also be taken into account in surgical approaches so as not to harm the vessels and nerves in this area.

Foramen ovale (FO) serves as an important landmark for neurosurgeons in the surgical procedures of the trigeminal nerve. FO is the transition point between intracranial and extracranial structures. The information about anatomical variations of foramen ovale have surgical importance in different methods such as percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy, biopsy of cavernous sinus tumour and anaesthesia of the mandibular nerve. FO variation is quite rare. It is unknown by many researchers and clinicians. It is thought that divided FO variations emerge as a result of the ossification of pterygospinous ligament. Clinicians must know that such variation may occur in surgical operations on skull base.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of ivabradine against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats using hemodynamic parameters (electrocardiogram, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure), biochemical markers of oxidative stress, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase-MB, and histopathological analyses both in serum and tissue specimens. A total of 28 female rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: (a) control ( n = 6 rats), (b) DOX group ( n = 7 rats), (c) DOX + ivabradine–treated group ( n = 8 rats), and (d) ivabradine group ( n = 7 rats). When the means of the four groups were compared, there was only a significant difference in the level of HR ( p

In this study, the therapeutic and protective effects of montelukast against cisplatin (CP)-induced acute renal damage were investigated.Thirty-five female rats were divided into five groups as follows: (1) control, (2) montelukast (10 mg/kg daily for 10 days per-oral (p.o.), (3) CP (single dose 7 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)), (4) CP + montelukast (10 mg/kg daily for 10 days p.o., after 3 days of the injection of CP), (5) montelukast (10 mg/kg daily for 10 days p.o.) + CP (single dose 7 mg/kg i.p., after the last dose of montelukast). At the end of the experiment, malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were determined in the renal tissue. Also, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels were assayed from the trunk blood samples.CP treatment caused a significant elevation of MDA, MPO, BUN, and Cr levels when compared with the control group. Also, GSH levels were found to be reduced due to the CP treatment. Montelukast administration after CP injection ameliorated all of these parameters. Our histopathological findings (marked swelling of epithelial cells, tubular dilatation, tubular desquamation, and loss of brush border in the kidney) were consistent with the biochemical results.Montelukast treatment after CP injection exerted therapeutic effects against CP-induced acute kidney damage.

The effects of montelukast against methotrexate-induced liver damage were investigated. 35 Wistar albino female rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: group I: control; group II: montelukast (ML); group III: methotrexate (Mtx); group IV: montelukast treatment after methotrexate application (Mtx + ML); group V: montelukast treatment before methotrexate application (ML + Mtx). At the end of the experiment, the liver tissues of rats were removed. Malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and reduced glutathione levels were determined from liver tissues. In addition, the liver tissues were examined histologically. MDA and MPO levels of Mtx group were significantly increased when compared to control group. In Mtx + ML group, these parameters were decreased as compared to Mtx group. Mtx injection exhibited major histological alterations such as eosinophilic staining and swelling of hepatocytes. The glycogen storage in hepatocytes was observed as decreased by periodic acid schiff staining in Mtx group as compared to controls. ML treatment did not completely ameliorate the lesions and milder degenerative alterations as loss of the glycogen content was still present. It was showed that montelukast treatment after methotrexate application could reduce methotrexate-induced experimental liver damage.

This study was designed to investigate the harmful effects of toluene inhalation in the liver of rats and possible protective effects of melatonin on these detrimental effects. For this purpose, 21 adult male Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into three equal groups. Animals in group I were used as control. The rats in group II were exposed to toluene (3000 ppm/1 hour/day) for 4 weeks, while the rats in group III were treated with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally [ip]) plus toluene inhalation. At the end of the experimental period, liver and blood samples were taken from the decapitated animals. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin and albumin levels were determined. Liver tissue sections were stained with routine histological methods and examined under the light microscope. In addition, the sections were immunohistochemically stained using avidin-biotin-peroxidase method for determination of apoptosis. The liver tissue activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also measured. Toluene inhalation significantly increased serum ALT, AST and tissue MDA, and decreased serum albumin, but did not affect serum ALP, total bilirubin levels and tissue SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activity when compared with controls. The increases in tissue MDA and serum ALT and AST levels induced by toluene inhalation were significantly inhibited by melatonin treatment. In light microscopic observations of tissues from toluene-inhaled rats, massive hepatocyte degeneration, ballooning degeneration and mild pericentral fibrosis were observed. Bax immune reactivity was also increased significantly. Melatonin treatment decreased the balloon degeneration, fibrosis and Bax immune reactivity in the liver of toluene-inhaled rats. In view of the present findings, it is suggested that melatonin has hepatoprotective effects against toluene toxicity via primarily antioxidative properties.

An atypical femoral hernia developing through the lacunar ligament is called Laugier's hernia. Preoperative diagnosis of these atypical hernias is very difficult because of their rarity and similar clinical appearance to conventional femoral hernias. A 52-year-old female presented with right groin swelling. During laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair, a hernia sac through an opening in the lacunar ligament was diagnosed and repaired with mesh covering the inguinal floor. The surgeon should be alert to the possibility of an atypical femoral hernia when examining patients with inguinal hernias. A laparoscopic approach should be chosen instead of a conventional approach for the treatment of femoral hernias because of its high diagnostic and therapeutic capacity for all types of femoral hernia, including Laugier's.