Stimulatory effects of ghrelin on spontaneous contractions in the rat myometrium

WOS: 000276227500005Ghrelin, a recently isolated hormone, has been reported to have modulatory effects on smooth muscle contractility. In this study, we investigated the effects of ghrelin on spontaneous contractions in the rat uterus in vitro. Myometrium strips were removed from Wistar rats following decapitation and placed in a jacketed tissue bath. After initiation of spontaneous contractions, control contractions were recorded for 10 min and various concentrations of ghrelin were added to the tissue bath cumulatively. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for statistical analysis. Application of ghrelin augmented the spontaneous contractions in myometrial strips. The mean peak amplitudes of contractions were 2.69 +/- 0.32 g (n = 6), 2.71 +/- 0.31 g (n = 6), 2.92 +/- 0.36 g (n = 6), and 3.46 +/- 0.24 g (n = 6) under control conditions and after application of 0.01 mu M, 0.1 mu M, and 1 mu M ghrelin, respectively. The mean frequencies of contractions were 5.17 +/- 0.75 (n = 6), 5.17 +/- 0.75 (n = 6), 5.33 +/- 0.48 (n = 6), and 8.0 +/- 0.77 (n = 6) under control conditions and after application of 0.01 mu M, 0.1 mu M, and 1 mu M ghrelin, respectively. The increase in amplitude and frequency of contractions was significant only after application of 1 mu M ghrelin (P < 0.05). Data from this study demonstrated that ghrelin induces spontaneous contractions in a dose-dependent manner in the rat myometrium.Firat University Scientific ResearchFirat University [FUBAP-922]This study was financially supported by Firat University Scientific Research Projects Unit (FUBAP-922)

Efektivitas Implementasi Permainan Aung-carbon-card Pada Materi Pelajaran Senyawa Karbon

Tujuan dalam penelitian adalah mengetahui keefektifan, tingkat kemudahan dan tingkat ketertarikan siswa penggunaan media permainan Aung-Carbon-Card (ACC) dalam pembelajaran struktur senyawa karbon. Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian eksperimen. Sampel yang digunakan yakni siswa kelas X IPA-1dianggap sebagai kelompok konrol (KC), kelas X IPA-2 (E1), kelas X IPA-3 (E2) dan kelas IPA-4 (E3) dijadikan kelompok eksperimen. Sumber data penelitian ini diperoleh dari tes, angket dan observasi. Instrumen yang digunakan sebelumnya dilakukan uji instrumen untuk mengetahui validitas dan reliabilitas. Data yangdiperoleh dilakukan uji normalitas data. Uji hipotesis dilakukan dengan perhitungan uji statistik uji T two sampel independent menggunakan SPSS 17. Hasil penelitian diperoleh: 1). Pembelajaran senyawa hidrokarbon menggunakan media permainan kartu ACC lebih efektif dibuktikan pada hasil tes dengan uji T, nilai Thitung &gt; Ttabel. 2) Kartu ACC menarik perhatian siswa dalam mempelajari pokok bahasan senyawa karbon dibuktikan dengan hasil angket persentase siswa yang menyatakan permainan kartu ACC hal yang menarik. Hasil persentase E1 88%, E2 85% dan E3 74%. Hasil perhitungan terhadap respon siswa masing-masing kelas eksperimen terhadap KC Thitung &gt; Ttabel. 3). Media permainan kartu ACC dapat membantu mempermudah siswa dalam mempelajari pokok bahasan senyawa dengan hasil angket persentase siswa yang menyatakan bahwa lebih mudah memahami materi dengan menggunakan ACC E1= 76%, E2 = 85% dan E3 = 81%. 4). Media permainan kartu ACC sesuai dan tepat jika digunakan dibuktikan dengan observasi dengan nilai Thitung &gt; Ttabel

Fasting and postprandial conditions affect both fatty acids and lipid compositions in the hypothalamus and fat-soluble vitamins in the serum of male rats

WOS: 000304430200004The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of fasting and re-feeding on lipid derivative patterns in the hypothalamus, and on vitamin, cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum. Adult male Wistar albino rats were assigned (n = 6/group) as follows: normally-fed controls (CON), fasted for 24 h (24F). fasted for 48 h (48F), and fed normally for 2 d after fasting for 48 h (FAF). Biochemical measures were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Our results demonstrate that hypothalamic saturated fatty acid (C16:0, C18:0) levels were lower, and unsaturated fatty acid (C22:6 n-3, C22:4 n-6, C20:4 n-6) levels were higher. in the 48F and FAF groups than in CON (P < 0.01). In addition, hypothalamic monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) levels were lower, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels were higher, in 24F than in CON. Total hypothalamic lipids in both 24F and 48F were higher than CON, and cholesterol was elevated in the hypothalami of all experimental groups as compared to CON. Serum malondialdehyde was higher in fasted and FAF groups; 24F and 48F also had higher serum cholesterol levels, than CON (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). Serum alpha-tocoferol, retinol and vitamin C values were lower in 48F than CON (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we demonstrate that feeding state can significantly alter brain fatty acid and lipid derivative levels, and serum concentrations of cholesterol and vitamins. These changes may consequently influence lipid peroxidation, fatty acid synthase or desaturase system in hypothalamic fields. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2012.Ahi Evran UniversityAhi Evran UniversityThe authors would like to express our thanks to Dr. Selahattin Salman, Rector of the Ahi Evran University, for his critical and continued support of our work and collaboration

Linalool Improve Biochemical Damage and Fatty Acids Composition of Testes on Fasting Male Rats

WOS: 000298088500025The aim of this study was to evaluate fatty acids compositions, oxidative stress levels and some antioksidant levels in the testes of 24 h fasted rats and linalool application. Adult male Wistar albino rats were assigned as Control (C), 24 h fasted (24 h F) group and added linalool (120 mg kg(-1)) during 24 h fasted (24 h F+L) groups. After applications, the animals were killed and the testes were excised for determination of tissue malondialdehyde, Glutation Peroxidase (GSH-Px), the activity of superoxide dismutase and determination of tissue fatty acids compositions. The activites of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) in testicular tissue specimens were determined spectrophotometrically. The fatty acid compositons in the testes were analyzed as percent by gas chromatography (GC). Researchers calculated between C16:0 ( palmitic acid) and C22:6 (docosahexaenoic acid) fatty acids in the testes of all experimental groups. Treatment with fasted rats resulted in a significant reduction in C16:1 (palmitoleate) fatty acids when compared to the control rats (p0.05). SOD and GSH-Px levels in the fasted rats were statistically lower than control groups (p0.05). In addition, MDA levels in the fasted groups were higher than control groups. Besides, MDA levels in the linalool application groups were lower compared to fasted groups (p<0.05). These findings indicate that fasted state has oxidative effects on testicular tissue and linalool has protective effects on male reproductive system

DETERMINATION OF SOME TRACE ELEMENT LEVELS IN DIFFERENT SEASONS IN MUSCLE, LIVER AND BRAIN TISSUES OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS (BURCHELL, 1822)

WOS: 000381779500050African sharp-tooth catfish known as Clarias gariepinus in international literature is the most common fish species in among freshwater fishes. We investigated levels of Al, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cr elements in muscle, liver and brain of C. gariepinus in different seasons. The fishes used in experiment was obtained in Ceyhan river basin where is situated the south of Turkey. This study was divided as winter group (n=4, female fish) and summer group (n=4, female fish). The organs used in experiment that include muscle, liver and brain tissues were incised. These organs were extracted and were analyzed by AAS (Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer) for determination of elements. The accumulation of Al element in summer is lower than winter in muscle tissue, but it is higher in the brain (p<0.05). The accumulation of Mn element in summer is higher than winter in brain tissue (p<0.05). The accumulation of Fe element in summer is lower than winter in only muscle tissue (p<0.05). However, the accumulation of Cr element wasn't evaluated statistically due to below the detection limit. According to obtained results from evidences, accumulation of determined trace elements in various tissues were determined statistically differentness as seasonal. As a result, we suggest that trace element levels may be changed in C. gariepinus tissues because of the change of its habitat conditions

Effects of Selenium with Vitamin E and Melatonin on Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Damage in Rat Liver and Kidneys

WOS: 000262202000006PubMed ID: 18528643The present study was performed to determine the protective effects of melatonin alone and vitamin E with selenium combination against cadmium-induced oxidative damage in rat liver. A total of 60 male rats were equally divided into five groups, one of which acted as control receiving subcutaneous injections of physiological saline. The remaining four groups were treated with subcutaneous injections of cadmium chloride at a dose of 1 mg/kg weight. The first study group received no treatment. The second group was treated with a combination of 60 mg/kg vitamin E and 1 mg/kg sodium selenite. Group 3 was treated with 10 mg/kg melatonin, and the four group received a combination of vitamin E, sodium selenite, and melatonin at the doses mentioned above. After 1 month, the animals were killed, and liver and kidneys were excised for histopathological inspection and determination of tissue malondialdehyde and the activity of superoxide dismutase. The animals receiving no treatment showed significantly higher malondialdehyde levels and reduced activity of superoxide dismutase (p<0.05). Treatment with antioxidants resulted in a significant reduction in malondialdehyde when compared to nontreated animals (p<0.05) and increase in the enzyme activity that was almost the same as the controls. The pathological findings were also in parallel with the results of the biochemical analysis. In conclusion, all the agents tested had protective effects against cadmium-induced oxidative damage

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of essential oil and ethanol extract of Cyperus fuscus L burs from Turkey

WOS: 000443293300024Purpose: To investigate the chemical composition of the essential oil of Cyperus fuscus burs as well as the antimicrobial activities of the ethanol extracts and essential oil. Methods: Fresh burs roots of C. fuscus were collected at the flowering stage in an open area in Gudul (Ankara, Turkey). Preparation of the ethanol extract, hydrodistillation of the essential oil, GC-FID-MS analysis, and agar diffusion and MIC agar dilution assays were performed to determine various parameters for the oil and extracts. Results: The major compounds of the essential oil were dehydroaromadendrene (10.7 %), azulenone (8.5 %), alpha-selinene (7.5 %), alpha-ylangene (6.0 %) and beta-caryophyllene (5.6 %). The essential oil of Cyperus fuscus exhibited activity against Gram-negative bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 1000 to 31.25 mu l/mL. Similarly, the ethanol extract of the burs showed good antimicrobial activity with the MIC of the ethanol extracts on ranging from 1000 mu g/mL (Escherichia coli) to 250 mu g/mL (Pseudomonas. Aeruginosa, p < 0.05). However, the ethanol extract was inactive against yeast strains. Conclusion: Thus, the essential oil and ethanol extract of the studied plant can potentially be used as antimicrobial agent

Effects of Ellagic acid and Hesperetin on Levels of Some Elements in Livers of Aluminum-Induced Rats

WOS: 000328162700015Objective: Ellagic acid and hesperetin are well known as having free radical scavenging activity in some rat tissues. Aluminum is known to cause toxic effects on various organ systems. In this study, the protective role of ellagic acid and hesperetin has been investigated on macro and trace elements in liver of rats treated with AlCl3. Method: Thirty-six healthy adult male Spraque-dawley rats (240+10 g body weight) were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into six groups and Ellagic acid, Hesperetin, AlCl3, AlCl3+ Ellagic acid and AlCl3+Hesperetin were treated to each group except from the control group. Determinations of iron, calcium, copper and zinc were performed using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and determination of aluminum and manganese were carried out with Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer. Results: Levels of aluminum, calcium and iron in AlCl3 treated group were found to be increased compared to the control group (p<0.01, p<0.001). In AlCl3+ Ellagic acid and AlCl3+Hesperetin treated groups, the levels of aluminum and calcium were found as decreased (p<0.05, p<0.001). When compared to the control group, level of manganese in liver were found to be increased in ellagic acid treated group (p<0.01). The zinc level of Hesperetin group increased when compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that ellagic acid and hesperetin may have a protective role upon major and trace elements against AlCl3-induced stress conditions.FUBAP projectFirat University [1687]This research was supported by the FUBAP project (No: 1687)

Effect of Lipoic Acid on the Some Elements in Brain Tissue of DMBA-Induced Guinea Pigs

WOS: 000271098600014The oxidative stress, depending on many factors in the etiology of developing cancer caused by reactive oxygen species, plays an important role. In our study, 7, 12-dimethylbenz-[a]anthracene (DMBA) was applied in Guinea Pigs, the alpha lipoic acid (alpha-LA) has antioxidant properties was investigated protective role against to levels of macro and trace elements in brain In experiments: totally 24 adult male Guinea Pigs were randomly divided into 4 equal groups (control, DMBA, alpha-LA and DMBA+alpha-LA) containing same numbers. As a result of the analysis in Guinea Pigs brain with the aid of ICP-AES: it was found that the level of calcium from macro elements in DMBA group increased according to control group (P 0.05). As a result, it can be said that from the point of macro and trace elements, the lipoic acid (alpha-LA) was indicated neuroprotective effect for protection of important organs such as brain from the oxidative stress

MULTI-ELEMENT DETERMINATION OF MACRO AND TRACE ELEMENTS IN KIDNEY OF DMBA AND LINALOOL APPLIED GUINEA PIGS BY INDUCTIVELY-COUPLED PLASMA ATOMIC EMISSION SPECTROMETRY (ICP-AES)

WOS: 000289041100018Determination of trace elements in biological samples is important because of their vital role in metabolism, health and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by reactive oxygen species, depending on many factors in the etiology of various diseases. In our study, protective role of linalool (LIN), which has antioxidant properties in 7,12-dimethylbenz-[a]anthracene (DMBA), administered to guinea pigs was investigated in terms of some macro and trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, cadmium and manganese. Determination of these elements in kidney was performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) after microwave-assisted digestion method. Validation of the procedure was examined by using results of recovery experiments. The recovery values of the proposed procedure were found to be between 94.4-101.2%. As a result of the analysis, levels of calcium and cadmium in DMBA group increased when it was compared to control group (P0.05), they increased in DMBA+LIN and LIN groups compared to control group (P0.05). As a result, it can be concluded from the point of macro and trace elements that linalool is effective in the protection of kidney and some other important organs from oxidative stress