The effects of aging on the central nervous system steroid profiles and myelin basic protein in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aging on the central nervous system steroid and myelin basic protein (MBP) profiles. Forty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats (newborn, 1, 6, 12 and 24-monthsold) were studied. Tissues were obtained from the cerebellum and parietal, frontal, temporal cortex of the central nervous system of the rats for steroid extraction. The estradiol, progesteron, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The average levels of estradiol (pg/g), progesteron (ng/g), DHEA (ng/g) and testosterone (ng/g) in the brain tissues were respectively 24.29, 4.59, 0.27, 0.92 in the newborn-rats; 4.18 ± 1.10, 1.54 ± 0.30, 0.28 ± 0.01, 0.57 ± 0.10 in the 1 month-old-rats; 11.02 ± 1.10, 2.96 ± 0.30, 0.27 ± 0.01, 0.61 ± 0.10 in the 6 month-old-rats; 15.80 ± 1.10, 4.80 ± 0.30, 0.28 ± 0.10, 0.67 ± 0.10 in the 12 monthold- rats; 20.07 ± 1.10, 4.12 ± 0.30, 0.28 ± 0.01, 0.55±0.10 in the 24 month-old-rats. The myelin basic protein levels were determined by immunohistochemical staining and an elevation was observed in conjunction with the aging process. The results of the study indicate that the alterations in MBP, DHEA, progesterone, testosterone and estrodiol concentrations in the central nervous system of the rats during aging can be considered fundamental for future animal and human studies.     

Constricting wide abdominal burn scar and pregnancy

Abdominal burn scars and pregnancy are rare in literature. Loss of normal skin ability to stretch, scar-related uterine displacement, and maternal discomfort especially on the second half of pregnancy are the main problems. We present a case report of pregnancy with an abdominal burn scar due to scalded burn injury. Although the abdominal scar was constricting the abdominal wall severely, intensive follow-up of the pregnancy culminated in a healthy newborn via cesarean. There was enough expansion over the abdominal wall including the scar for a healthy delivery without any need for an operation. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.     

Aminoguanidine prevents testicular damage–induced‐2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) in male rats

In this study, it was aimed to determinate protective effects of aminoguanidine (AG) against reproductive toxicity caused by 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD), an environmental contaminant. Thirty‐two rats were equally divided into four groups; the first group was kept as control and given corn oil as carrier. In second and third groups, TCDD and AG were orally administered at the dose of 2 μg kg^?1 per week and 100 mg kg^?1 per day for 45 days, respectively. In fourth group, TCDD and AG were given together at the same doses. Although TCDD significantly increased the formation of TBARS, it caused a significant decline in the levels of GSH, CAT, GPx and SOD in rats. On the other hand, AG, given together TCDD, reversed TCDD effects on TBARS SOD, GSH, GPx and CAT. In addition, sperm characteristics negatively affected and histopathological deformation occurred with TCDD exposure. However, AG treatment partly prevented these toxic effects of TCDD on spermatological parameters and histopathological changes. In conclusion, TCDD exposure induces testicular damage (oxidative stress, histopathological damage and sperm parameters), and AG treatment reversed TCDD‐induced testicular damage in rats. Thus, AG may be useful for the prevention and treatment of TCDD‐induced male infertility problems.     

Association of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) promoter polymorphism (rs3808607) and cholesterol 24S-hydroxylase (CYP46A1) intron 2 polymorphism (rs754203) with serum lipids,vitamin D levels,and multiple sclerosis risk in the Turkish population

Neurological Sciences - Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have significantly lower vitamin D levels. Cholesterol is known to be the precursor for vitamin D synthesis, and cholesterol removal is...     

TNF-α Blockade Efficiently Reduced Severe Intestinal Damage in Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Objectives: To ascertain the beneficial effects of infliximab an inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) on the development of NEC in an experimental NEC rat model. Material and Methods: Thirty newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups as NEC, NEC+ infliximab, and control. NEC was induced by enteral formula feeding, exposure to hypoxia-hyperoxia and cold stress. Pups in the NEC+ infliximab group were administered infliximab at a dose of 10 mg/kg daily by intraperitoneal route from the first day until the end of the study. All pups were sacrificed on the 5th day. Proximal colon and ileum were excised for histopathologic, immunohistochemical (TUNEL and caspase-3), and biochemical evaluation, including, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), malonaldehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxdase (MPO) and TNF-α activities. Results: We observed better clinical sickness scores, weight gain, and survival rate in the NEC+ infliximab group compared to the NEC group (p < .05). Histopathological and apoptosis examination (TUNEL and immunohistochemical evaluation for caspase-3) revealed lower damage in the NEC+ infliximab group compared to the damage in the NEC group (p < .01). Tissue MDA, MPO, TNF-α levels, and TOS were significantly decreased in the NEC+infliximab group, whereas TAS was significantly increased in the NEC + infliximab group (p < .01). Conclusion: TNF-α blockade with infliximab efficiently reduced the intestinal injury and preserve the intestinal tissues from severe intestinal damage by its complex mechanisms on NEC. Therefore, it may be an alternative option for the treatment of NEC.     

Elastography to assess the effect of varicoceles on testes: a prospective controlled study

Varicoceles are the most common and treatable cause of male infertility. The pathophysiology of varicoceles primarily includes elevated temperature, adrenal hormone reflux, gonadotoxic metabolite reflux, altered testicular blood flow, antisperm antibody formation and oxidative stress. The diagnosis of a varicocele is mainly clinical. However, a Doppler ultrasound is used to obtain clinical data and to more accurately measure testicular size. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) is an additional technique to simultaneously show different areas with different densities in a colour‐coded image and a B‐mode or greyscale image. This can be used for structural analysis of testicular tissue and has become an additional method for detecting pathologic tissue alterations. We enrolled 30 patients who had clinically diagnosed with left varicoceles and male infertility (Group 1). All patients were evaluated by history taking, physical examination, a spermiogram and an endocrine profile. Thirty control patients (Group 2) were randomly chosen from patients who had applied to an andrology clinic for infertility; their physical examinations and laboratory results showed normal findings. Mean elastography results were significantly different between the groups, and significantly lower in patients who had varicoceles. The relationship between hormonal profiles and elastography parameters was calculated as statistically significant negative correlations between FSH and elasticity. Additionally, a negative correlation was determined between varicocele grade and elasticity of testes. In conclusion, our prospective study showed that ARFI imaging may be more useful than palpation for determining early damage of testicular structure by varicoceles.