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Background: Bone remodeling has always been the goal of surgeons for a long time. Recently, it was shown that statins that are commonly prescribed for lowering cholesterol also have beneficial effects on bone healing. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the probable effects of atorvastatin on osteogenesis in the rat femur. Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 30 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The animals were divided randomly into one control and two experiment groups. After induction of anesthesia, a hole of 2 mm in diameter was made in femur width. The control group received physiological serum but the experiment groups one and two, respectively, received 10 and 20 mg/kg/PO of atorvastatin on daily basis. After euthanizing the rats, histopathological and histomorphometrical evaluations of the bones were performed 45 days after the intervention. Results: In the control group, the defects seemed to be filled with woven bone and bone marrow, depictive of a poor osteogenic activity. In the experiment groups, many osteoblast groupings and young bone trabeculae had been formed and bone trabeculae were more organized. Histomorphometric results, showed that atorvastatin had significantly promoted bone healing in the experiment groups compared with the controls (P

Background: Hepatic insufficiency is one of the most important consequences of the diabetes mellitus. A wide variety of herbs has been described for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The aim of present study was to assess the protective effect of turmeric powder on early hepatic injuries in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 4 equal groups. Turmeric powder was added to the food regimen of turmeric treatment groups. At the end of experiment, levels of functional liver markers (AST, ALT and SALP), albumin, total bilirubin and proteins were assessed in the serum. Product of lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were also assayed in liver hemogenates. Finally, the biochemical findings were matched with histopathological verification. Results: In the diabetic rats, turmeric powder significantly decreased the levels of serum biomarkers of hepathic injury, TB, and elevated the levels of Alb and TP. Furthermore, turmeric powder significantly decreased the lipid peroxidation and elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes in the rats. Conclusion: It seems that turmeric powder has protective effect on early diabetic hepatopathy in experimentally induced diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress is recognized as a significant trigger and exacerbator of various medical conditions, particularly in the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Given that heart rate variability (HRV) offers insight into the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and has been identified as a predictive factor for increased cardiovascular mortality, exploring the correlation between stress and HRV is pertinent. We systematically reviewed trials where researchers investigated the effects of stress-reducing interventions on biomarkers and time-domain/frequency-domain parameters of HRV in CVD. Eligible studies underwent meta-analysis utilizing a random-effects model. The meta-analysis showed overall beneficial effects of stress-reducing interventions on HRV for the standard deviation of Normal-to-Normal intervals (SDNN) in short-term and 24 h assessments, as well as for the low-frequency power (LF) in short-term assessment. Overall effect sizes were notably high and showed significant p -values (short-term SDNN: MD = 6.43, p = 0.01; 24 h SDNN: MD = 10.92, p = 0.004; short-term LF: MD = 160.11, p < 0.001). Our findings highlight the significant impact of stress-reducing interventions in modulating HRV by influencing short-term SDNN and LF parameters, as well as the 24 h assessment of SDNN. These results emphasize the importance of stress-reducing measures in lowering the risk of further progression in CVD and improving patient outcomes.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents the modulatory capacity of the autonomous nervous system and influences mortality. By surveying this meta-analysis, we investigated the impact of physical activity on HRV., Methods: Databases, online journal libraries and clinical trial registries were searched for publications of randomized controlled and non-randomized controlled trials concerning adults with coronary artery disease (CAD)/ischemic heart disease (IHD), congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) joining an intervention group with physical activity or a control group with usual care or no intervention. Extracted time-domain and frequency-domain parameter of HRV were analyzed in a meta-analysis using a random effect model. Subgroup analyses concerning intervention type, study design and type of heart disease and sensitivity analysis were performed., Results: Significant results were obtained for RR-Interval (p = 0.05) and standard deviation of Normal-to-Normal intervals (SDNN) (p = 0.01) for short-term assessment and for the ratio of low-frequency power (LF) to high-frequency power (HF) (p = 0.05) for 24-hour assessment. Subgroup analyses also resulted significant: root-mean-square difference of successive normal R-R intervals (RMSSD) (p = 0.01), SDNN (p = 0.02) and HF (p < 0.01) concerning CHF., Conclusion: We were able to demonstrate the positive impact of physical activity on HRV, especially in patients with CHF. Cardiac rehabilitation exercise programs need to be individualized to identify the most beneficial method of training for improving the prognosis of patients with CVD., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 El-Malahi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Purpose: Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with the destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has the capability to cross the blood-brain barrier and promote a neuroprotective potential. This study evaluated the effects of HCQ on the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD model in rats., Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham, PD, PD + levodopa and PD + HCQ groups. The PD model was induced by a stereotactic administration of 6-OHDA into the left SN pars compacta (SNpc) and confirmed by rotation and the Murprogo's tests. HCQ (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and levodopa (12 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered once a day for 21 days. Three weeks after surgery, the behavioral tests were performed. Brain lipid peroxidation index (MDA), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels and α-synuclein protein expression in the SN were also measured., Results: The behavioral tests demonstrated that induction of PD increased the muscle rigidity and the number of rotations, which were reversed by HCQ treatment. Also, induction of PD was associated with an increase in α-synuclein protein levels and MDA and decreased TAC levels and GPx activity. However, HCQ decreased α-synuclein and MDA levels while increased TAC levels and GPx activity. In addition, histopathological data showed that HCQ protects dopaminergic neurons against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity., Conclusion: According to the results, HCQ has a beneficial effect in improving PD-related pathophysiology, in part, by mitigating oxidative stress and protecting the dopaminergic neurons in the SN.

Chronic type B aortic dissection (cTBAD) is a rare but challenging condition that requires individual treatment strategies. Especially the long-term therapy impacts prognosis. In this single-center retrospective study, we evaluated patients with cTBAD in our vascular outpatient clinic over 10 years. Follow-up consultations included contrast-enhanced, electrocardiogram-triggered, high-resolution CT angiography (CTA) covering the entire aorta. Evaluated characteristics went beyond demographic characteristics combining the treatment approach and the timing and occurrence of potential complications. We analyzed 133 patients in total (n = 92, 69.2% male) with cTBAD with a mean follow-up of 67.7 months. Most of them underwent invasive treatment (n = 102, 76.7%), the majority received thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) (n = 82, 61.7%). A total of 80 patients (60.2%) had major complications, whereas over a third was free of complications even after 5 years. Most common complications were progress of dissection and endoleaks, aneurysms of true (TL) and false lumen (FL) were more common in the later time periods. The treatment of cTBAD in terms of timing, therapy approach, and complications is still challenging for the entire aortic team. Nevertheless, the early recognition of complications permits promising treatment options and highlights the importance of frequent follow-up examinations especially within the first years.

Statement of the Problem: Oral cancer is among the ten most common cancers worldwide. It affects the life quality of patients in many ways., Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different systemic doses of Viola Odorata syrup on the prevention of 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) induced tongue dysplasia in rats., Materials and Method: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of A, B, C and D. Group A served as the control group. The rats in groups B to D received 30 ppm of 4-NQO in drinking water for 12 weeks. Additionally, the rats in groups B and C received Viola Odorata syrup at doses of 15 and 5 ml/kg, respectively, 3 times a week. Body weights were measured three times a week. At the end, the rats were euthanized and the tongue was removed. Histological evaluations for carcinogenesis were carried out under a light microscope., Results: The mean body weight of the rats in groups B, C, and D were lower than that in group A (p< 0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment, microscopically no histological changes of the tongue base epithelia were observed in the control group. The rats in group B did not show severe dysplastic changes; only mild to moderate histological changes including hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis were evident. These incidences were significantly more apparent in groups C with moderate to severe changes (p< 0.05) and group D with severe dysplastic changes (p< 0.01). Almost all rats in group D had hyperplasia and manifested all of the stages of dysplasia., Conclusion: Viola Odorata extract has dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the development of tongue induced dysplasia.

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is an antimetabolite broadly used in treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. MTX-induced hepatotoxicity limits its application. We investigated hepatoprotective effects of turmeric in MTX-induced liver toxicity., Methods: All experiments were performed on male Wistar albino rats that were randomly divided into six groups. Group one received saline orally for 30 days (control group), groups two and three received turmeric extract (100, 200 mg/kg respectively) orally for 30 days, group four received single dose, of MTX IP at day 30, groups five and six received turmeric extract 100 and 200 mg/kg orally respectively for 30 days and single dose of methoterxate IP (20 mg/kg) at day 30. Four days after MTX injection animals were sacrificed and evaluated. Blood ALT and AST (indicators of hepatocyte injury), ALP and bilirubin (markers of biliary function), albumin (reflect liver synthetic function) as well as the plasma TAS concentration (antioxidant defenses) were determined. The cellular antioxidant defense activities were examined in liver tissue samples using SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px for the oxidative stress, and MDA for lipid peroxidation. In addition, liver damage was evaluated histopathologically., Results: MTX significantly induced liver damage (P<0.05) and decreased its antioxidant capacity, while turmeric was hepatoprotective. Liver tissue microscopic evaluation showed that MTX treatment induced severe centrilobular and periportal degeneration, hyperemia of portal vein, increased artery inflammatory cells infiltration and necrosis, while all of histopathological changes were attenuated by turmeric (200 mg/kg)., Conclusion: Turmeric extract can successfully attenuate MTX-hepatotoxicity. The effect is partly mediated through extract's antinflammatory activity.

Background: Infertility is one of the major health problems., Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa on heat-induced testicular damage., Methods: Forty male mice were randomly divided into the four equal groups as Control, Heat stressed and, Heated and treated with Nigella sativa 10 % and 20 % in diet. The scrotum of mice except to the control mice were immersed for 15 min in a water bath at 43 °C. Animals in the control group were treated identically except that the water bath was maintained at 23 °C. Fifty days after the heating, blood samples were collected for testosterone levels. Testes were removed for the measurement of seminiferous tubules diameter and percentage of spermatogenesis and oxidant/antioxidant status., Results: Heating stress significantly reduced blood testosterone level and increased lipid peroxidation product and decreased antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.01). Nigella sativa treatment significantly increased blood testosterone level and decreased testis malondialdehyde level and increased antioxidant enzymes activities (p < 0.05). In the mice treated with Nigella sativa, testes illustrated normal spermatogenesis and structure., Conclusion: The results indicated that supplementation of Nigella sativa in diet improves spermatogenesis and antioxidant status after a short exposure of the mouse testis to heat (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 45).

Background: Hepatic steatosis is one of the most common causes of chronic liver injury., Objectives: This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Solanumlycopersicum (tomato) pulp on high fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis in rats., Methods: Male Wistar rats were treated in 4 experimental groups including: healthy control group given standard diet, high fat diet group for induction of hepatic steatosis, high fat diet plus Clofibrate as positive control, and high fat diet plus tomato pulp for protection of liver steatosis. Finally, the groups were compared considering serum lipid profile, serum biomarkers of liver tissue injury and liver histopathological changes. The lipid peroxidation product and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured as the indicators of antioxidation in liver., Results: Rats fed with the high fat diet showed hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, increased activities of hepatocellular enzymes, significant decline in antioxidants, and elevated lipid peroxidation indices in liver. Tomato pulp treatment significantly reduced elevated markers of liver injury and malondialdehyde level, as well as brought back the liver antioxidants and the excessive accumulation of lipids in serum towards normal., Conclusion: The results showed that tomato pulp exerted protective effects against hepatic steatosis in rats fed with high fat diet, possibly through its antioxidant actions (Tab. 5, Fig. 2, Ref. 40).

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ground black seeds on renal tubular cell apoptosis following ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats., Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 5 equal groups including Sham, I/R model and three I/R+ black seeds (5, 10 and 20%)-treated groups. I/R groups' kidneys were subjected to 60 min of ischemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Microscopically, apoptosis of tubular cells was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) method., Results: The apoptotic cells of renal tubules were increased significantly (P<0.01) in I/R group than those in sham operation group. The TUNEL positive cells in black seeds (10% and 20%) treatment groups decreased significantly (P<0.05)., Conclusion: Inhibition of apoptosis may be responsible for the protective effects of black seeds in rats with renal I/R injury.

Background and aims. The aim of the present study was to compare the inhibitory effects of two systemic doses of HESA-A on prevention of 4-NQO-induced tongue neoplasms in rats. This study evaluated weight and histopathological changes. Materials and methods. Forty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups of A, B, C and D of each 12 rats. The rats in groups B to D received 30 ppm of 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) in drinking water for 12 weeks.  When feeding with 4-NQO was initiated, the rats in groups B and C received HESA-A at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, 3 times a week. Body weights were measured three times a week. At the end, the rats were euthanized and the tongue was removed. Histological evaluations for carcinogenesis were carried out under a light microscope. Results. The mean body weights of rats in groups B, C and D were significantly lower than that in group A (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in weight changes between groups B, C and D. In the present study, after 12 weeks of treatment, Tongue specimens in groups B and C did not exhibit severe dysplastic changes; however, concurrent hyperplasia, without atypia and mild-to-moderate dysplastic changes were detected. These changes were significantly less than those in group D, with significant differences between group D and groups A, B and C (P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Conclusion. HESA-A has dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the development of neoplasms of the tongue.

Aim: The most important side effect of methotrexate (MTX) is mucositis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of turmeric extract on intestinal damage and oxidative stress in rats receiving methotrexate., Methods: Experiments were performed on male Wistar albino rats divided into six groups. First group received normal saline orally, the second group received turmeric extract (100 mg·kg(-1)) orally for 30 days, the third group received turmeric extract (200 mg·kg(-1)) orally for 30 days, the fourth group received a single dose of methotrexate (20 mg·kg(-1)) i.p. at day 30, the fifth group received turmeric extract (100 mg·kg(-1)) orally for 30 days and a single dose of methotrexate (20 mg·kg(-1)) i.p. at day 30, and the sixth group received turmeric extract (200 mg·kg(-1)) orally for 30 days and single dose of methotrexate (20 mg·kg(-1)) i.p. at day 30. Four days after methotrexate injection, animals were anesthetized, blood samples were taken to determine total antioxidant status (TAS) and jejunum samples were taken for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), aldehyde malondialdehyde (MDA), and histopathological assessment., Results: Microscopic evaluation from intestinal tissues of the MTX treated group, showed severe villus shortening and blunting, inflammatory cell infiltration and hemorrhage in lamina propria, along with epithlial cell necrosis. Levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT decreased in the MTX received group, but increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the turmeric + MTX groups. MTX increased lipid peroxidation, however, turmeric decreased peroxidation significantly (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: These results suggest that turmeric extract may protect the small intestine of rats from methotrexate-induced damage. Turmeric effects could result from its antioxidant properties., (Copyright © 2013 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Unlabelled: Objective/hypothesis A comparison of the histopathological effect of topical use of Mitomycin C and 5-Fluorouracil in preventing myringotomy closure in rats., Study Design: clinical trial. Methods and materials The study was performed on 43 rats that were divided into three groups. Study groups (A and B) and control group (C) after bilateral cold-knife myringotomy, we applied Mitomycin C (MMC) 4mg/ml to group A, 5-Fluouracil (5FU) 50mg/ml to group B, and normal saline to group C. An examination of all ears of rats was carried out by otoscope on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and then every five days up to 70 days. Each day's closed myringotomies of all groups were examined. Results The mean of post myringotomy opening time was 37, 16, and 12 days respectively in MMC, 5FU, and saline. Patency duration of MMC group was significantly long (p<0.0001), but in histopatholgical examinations, sclerosis of tympanic membrane in MMC group showed the highest patency duration (p<0.0001). Conclusion Mitomycin C significantly prolonged the duration of myringotomy patency time - longer than 5-Fluouracil and saline but with the adverse effects of tympanic membrane fibrosis., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Pathogenic role of free radicals are well known in various metabolic diseases. They originate from internal and external sources of body. Essential roles of antioxidant defense system for cellular redox regulation and free radical scavenging activity were described in this study. Many in vitro investigations have shown that turmeric (TE) and carrot seed extract (CSE) exhibits to possess antioxidant activities. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant potentials of ethanolic TE and CSE based on in vivo experiment in the rats., Methods: ANIMALS WERE ASSIGNED TO SIX GROUPS: the 1st and 2nd groups were control groups and 2nd group received 0.2 ml dimethyl sulphoxide as vehicle treated group; other four experimental groups received different doses of TE (100, 200 mg/kg b.w.) and CSE (200, 400 mg/kg b.w.) by gavages, respectively for a period of one month. The indicators of oxidative stress, lipids peroxidation, markers of hepatocyte injury and biliary function markers were measured., Results: The levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were significantly stimulated in the hepatic tissue of treatment groups. The malondialdehyde contents of liver tissue were significantly reduced in the groups fed with TE and CSE. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, in treated groups were found to be significantly decreased, whereas albumin and total protein increased as compared to the control groups (P<0.05)., Conclusion: this study showed that the regular intake of TE and CSE through the diet can improve antioxidant status and inhibit peroxidation activity in the liver tissue so that using these extracts may protect tissue oxidative stress.

Although diabetic hepatopathy is potentially less common, it may be appropriate for addition to the list of target organ conditions related to diabetes. This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective properties of green tea extract (GTE) in STZ-induced diabetes in rats. Wistar rats were made diabetic through single injection of STZ (75 mg/kg i.p.). The rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10 animals each: Group 1, healthy control; Group 2, nondiabetics treated with GTE administered orally (1.5%, w/v); Group 3, diabetics; Group 4, diabetics treated with GTE (1.5%, w/v) for 8 weeks. Serum biomarkers were assessed to determine hepatic injury. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were measured to assess free radical activity in the liver tissue. Hepatic antioxidant activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were also determined. The biochemical findings were matched with histopathological verifications. Liver MDA content and serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin in Group 3 significantly increased compared to Group 1 (P < 0.05) and significantly decreased in Group 4 compared to Group 3 (P < 0.05). Serum albumin level and GSH, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px contents of the liver in Group 3 were significantly decreased compared to Group 1 (P < 0.05) and were significantly increased in Group 4 compared to Group 3 (P < 0.05). Histopathologically, the changes were in the same direction with biochemical findings. This study proved the hepatoprotective activity of GTE in experimentally induced diabetic rats.