Effects of crt monitor-emitted radiation in rat tissues: preventive effect of vitamin C

Objective: To investigate the effects of CRT (cathode ray tube)-monitor-emitted radiation on the oxidant/antioxidant status in kidney, liver, heart, brain tissues of rats and to observe the histo pathological findings of these tissues, and to examine any protective role of vitamin C supplementation. Material and Method: The study carried out on 40 Wistar albino adult female rats. There were 10 animals in each four group (control, vitamin C, computer; and computer plus vitamin C). The computer and computer plus vitamin C groups were exposed to computer monitors while the other groups were not. Vitamin C was administered 250 mg/kg/day orally. In the kidney, liver, heart, and brain tissues, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were measured spectrophotometrically. In addition, histopathological examination is carried out. Results: In the kidney tissues, MDA levels significantly increased in the computer group compared with the computer plus vitamin C group and the control group (p<0.05). Histomorphologic changes were observed in the kidney and liver tissues of the computer group while there were no alterations in other tissues. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that CRT-monitor-emitted radiation leads to oxidative stress and cellular changes in kidney and liver tissues and the antioxidant supplementation like vitamin C could prevent these possible oxidative effects

Effect of propolis on oxidative stress and histomorphology of liver tissue in experimental obstructive jaundice

Background: Propolis is a natural product collected by honey bees from various plant sources. We aimed to determine the possible effects of propolis on oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis in experimental obstructive jaundice. Methods: Thirty rats were divided into three groups: group I, sham-operated; group II, ligation and division of the common bile duct (BDL); group III, BDL followed by oral supplementation of propolis in a daily dose of 100 mg/kg. Liver samples were examined under the light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Hepatocyte apoptosis was quantitated using the transferase-mediated uridine nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Plasma and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were measured. Results: The plasma and liver levels of MDA were significantly lower in the propolis group than in the BDL group (p 0.05). In the propolis group, the enlargement of hepatocytes, dilatation of canaliculi and the edema regressed. The regenerating and normal hepatocytes were demonstrated. In the TUNEL assay, propolis administration reduced hepatocyte apoptosis. Conclusion: Propolis showed a significant hepatoprotective effect in this experimental obstructive jaundice model. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

Ultrastructural view of a promising anti TNF-alpha agent on hepatic ischaemia reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND: Ischemia reperfusion causes injury to the liver cells during transplantation, trauma and emergency surgery. We investigated whether the anti TNF-alpha agent, etanercept, can reduce injury in an animal model of ischemia reperfusion owing to the fact that TNF-alpha plays a critical role in the process of inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into three groups: sham (Group 1), control (Group 2), etanercept (5 mg/kg) treatment (Group 3). Ischemia-reperfusion model was carried out by clamping the hepatic pedicle for 45 min and then reperfusing the liver for 60 min. Etanercept (5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 5 min prior to reperfusion. At the end of the procedures, blood and liver tissue samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological assessment. RESULTS: Control and treatment groups showed significant differences in hepatic function tests, plasma and tissue oxidative stress parameters. Samples in the control group histopathologically showed morphologic abnormalities specific to ischemia reperfusion. Histomorphologic findings in the treatment groups showed similar features as the sham group. CONCLUSIONS: Our evidence suggests that TNF-alpha plays a key role in liver ischemia reperfusion injury and etanercept may provide a novel therapeutic approach for patients undergoing liver surgical procedure

Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Diabetic Foot Wounds and Infections: Turkish Consensus Report

Study Group for Diabetic Foot Infections of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases has called for collaboration of the relevant specialist societies and the Ministry of Health to issue a national consensus report on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diabetic foot (DF) wounds and diabetic foot infections (DFIs) in Turkey. In the periodical meetings of the assigned representatives from all the parties, various questions as to pathogenesis, microbiology, assessment and grading, treatment, prevention and control of diabetic foot were identified. Upon reviewing related literature and international guidelines, these questions were provided with consensus answers. Several of the answers provided in the report are listed below: [1] Although there are many reasons for the development of DF wounds, the main reason is the combined effect of diabetes-related vascular disease and neuropathy. [2] Aerobic Gram- positive cocci are mostly responsible for superficial DFIs in patients with cellulitis and no history of antibiotic use. [3] Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the commonly encountered agents when between the toes of the patient are moist. [4] When the other potential reasons are eliminated, DFIs should be considered in presence of at least two of the classical signs of inflammation including redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and pain, or purulent discharge in the foot lesion. [5] Infections are classified into mild, moderate, or severe groups according to some criteria such as the depth and width of the wounds, and the presence of systemic findings of infection. [6] PEDIS system should be preferred as a classification system for its high predictive value in diabetes-related foot complications. [7] Culture samples from the DF wound should only be obtained when infection is clinically considered and, where possible, before starting antibiotic treatment. [8] Inflammatory biomarkers such as leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and procalcitonin may be useful in distinguishing between colonization with infection. [9] Magnetic resonance imaging is a sensitive and specific method in patients unresponsive to treatment when osteomyelitis and deep soft tissue abscesses are considered. [10] The gold standard in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis is histopathological examination. [11] To provide wound healing and to save the limb, removal of dead and infected tissue with urgent and aggressive debridement, appropriate antibiotic therapy, metabolic control, and off-loading of pressure, the diagnosis and proper treatment of peripheral arterial disease, and restoration of the foot function are necessary. [12] A lot of different factors playing a role in etiopathogenesis complicate the approach to be developed in this type of lesions, and therefore it requires a team concept. [13] In the empirical treatment, the objective should be treating only the potential agents. Adequate tissue levels, low side effects and patient compliance must be observed; effective drugs should be used in specified doses and duration. [14] Debridement is an essential and integral part of wound treatment and is an important tool allowing the formation of healthy granulation tissue. [15] When the infected tissue cannot be completely cleared with the debridement and in cases when the patient could not cope with the remaining infection load, performing a limb amputation on a safe level of infection would be lifesaving