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Publications (7)11.37 Total impact

  • Article: Immunohistochemical analysis of inducible and endothelial forms of nitric oxide synthase in cyclosporin A-induced gingival overgrowth.
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    ABSTRACT: The contribution of nitric oxide (NO) to immune response and matrix degradation in the periodontal environment suggests a role for NO and NO-synthase (NOS) activity in the pathogenesis of cyclosporin A (CsA)-induced gingival overgrowth (GO). However, current knowledge on this topic is limited to experimental animal studies. The present study was undertaken on the basis of a hypothesis whether altered nitrite/nitrate levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) immunoreactivity in gingiva of CsA-treated patients contribute to the pathogenesis of CsA-induced GO. Twenty-four CsA-medicated renal transplant patients with GO (GO+; n = 12) or without GO (GO-; n = 12), 10 gingivitis, and 10 healthy subjects were included in the study. GCF samples from two proximal sites facing interdental papilla were collected, and papilla was excised. iNOS and eNOS were determined by immunohistochemistry. GCF nitrite/nitrate levels were analyzed based on the Griess reaction. Weak iNOS immunostaining was observed in the healthy and GO- groups. In the gingivitis and GO+ groups, iNOS immunostaining significantly increased in connective tissue. Epithelial immunostaining of iNOS was localized to basal keratinocytes and the lower layer of stratum (str.) spinosum in the gingivitis group. In the GO+ group, iNOS immunostaining was differentially localized to keratinocytes of str. superficiale but considerably decreased in the str. basale. Weak eNOS immunostaining was found in the healthy and GO- groups, whereas higher immunostaining was observed in the gingivitis and GO+ groups. No intergroup differences were observed regarding nitrite/nitrate levels in GCF. CsA differentially upregulated iNOS, but not eNOS, in overgrown gingiva, which may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of CsA-induced GO.
    Journal of Periodontology 10/2009; 80(10):1638-47. · 2.60 Impact Factor
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    Article: Reversal of doxorubicin-induced vascular dysfunction by resveratrol in rat thoracic aorta: Is there a possible role of nitric oxide synthase inhibition?
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    ABSTRACT: The natural antioxidant, resveratrol has been suggested to protect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Although derangements in nitric oxide (NO) synthesis contribute to vascular endothelial dysfunction caused by doxorubicin, the effects of resveratrol on these parameters have not been evaluated yet. We investigated the impact of resveratrol on doxorubicin-induced vascular dysfunction in rat thoracic aorta with regard to NO synthesis in an experimental, prospective, controlled study. Wistar rats were assigned to 5 groups; doxorubicin (n=9), vehicle (dimethylsulphoxide) (n=8), resveratrol (n=8), doxorubicin+resveratrol (n=10), controls (n=9). Contractile and relaxant responses were evaluated on the isolated thoracic aortas. The expressions of endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) isoforms of NO-synthase were also examined histopathologically on the aortas. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA for repeated measures for the response curves and one-way ANOVA for the pD2 (-log EC50) and Emax (maximum phenylephrine contraction) values with subsequent Bonferroni test. Doxorubicin (20 mg/kg, i.p), not only decreased the contractile responses to phenylephrine (p<0.001), but also attenuated the relaxant responses to acetylcholine (ACh) (p=0.002), calcium ionophore (A23187) (p=0.002) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (p=0.007). Immunohistochemistry revealed increased (p<0.05) eNOS and iNOS protein expressions after doxorubicin treatment. Coadministration of resveratrol (10 mg/kg/i.p.) reversed the increased expression of both NOS isoforms (p<0.05). Similarly, it prevented the doxorubicin-induced attenuation in ACh- (p=0.013) and A23187- (p=0.038) induced responses. In healthy rats the antioxidant did not cause significant changes. Prevention of excessive NO formation through eNOS and iNOS overexpression by resveratrol might contribute to the reversal of vascular endothelial dysfunction associated with doxorubicin treatment.
    Anadolu kardiyoloji dergisi: AKD = the Anatolian journal of cardiology 09/2009; 9(4):260-6. · 0.44 Impact Factor
  • Article: Immunohistochemical expression of connexin 43 and occludin in the rat testis after epididymal and vasal ligation.
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    ABSTRACT: To describe the effects of epididymal and vasal ligation, in an experimental rat model, by using connexin 43 and occludin immunohistochemistry as well as transmission electron microscopy. Comparative and controlled experimental research study. University animal research and histology laboratories in Turkey. Wistar male rats in experimental and control groups. The control group underwent sham operation (n = 7). The first experimental group (n = 7) underwent unilateral epididymal ligation, whereas the second experimental group (n = 7) underwent unilateral vasal ligation to induce experimental epididymal and vasal obstruction models, respectively. All animals were then killed at 90 days. Immunohistochemical expression of connexin 43 and occludin for testicular tissues was determined after epididymal and vasal obstruction models. Ultrastructural morphological changes were examined by electron microscopy. Results of the semiquantitative analysis revealed that expressions of both occludin and connexin 43 in the rat testis were decreased in the experimental groups compared with in the sham-operated group. However, changes after vasal ligation were more prominent. Ultrastructural examination confirmed decreased intercellular communication as well as increased cellular degeneration among the ipsilateral and contralateral testicular tissues. Immunohistochemical expression of occludin and connexin 43 were decreased in the testis after vasal and epididymal ligation when compared with the sham-operated group. Ultrastructural changes indicating cell degeneration were more prominent after vasal ligation.
    Fertility and sterility 08/2008; 90(1):141-7. · 3.97 Impact Factor
  • Article: Constructive effect of exogenous melatonin against osteoporosis after ovariectomy in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: To analyze histomorphometric, densitometric and biochemical effects of melatonin on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups. Group C: control; Group I: bilateral ovariectomy (OVX); Group II: OVX + vehicle; Group III: OVX + 10 mg/kg/day melatonin (MLT); Group IV: OVX + 30 mg/kg/day MLT; Group V: sham + 10 mg/kg/day MLT. Cortex, trabecula, osteoblast and osteoclast numbers were evaluated on vertebra and femur histomorphometrically. Hydroxyproline analysis was used to determine collagen content of femur and vertebrae. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content were measured. Trabecular thickness and trabecular area of vertebra and femur and cortical thickness of femur showed remarkable decrease after OVX, but increased after MLT treatment in the OVX+MLT groups. Following OVX, no statistically significant difference was found in number of osteoblasts or osteoclasts, trabecular number or levels of hydroxyproline after treatment with MLT. OVX caused significant decrease in bone mineral density, but treatment with MLT was unable to reverse this effect. MLT may trigger microscopic changes in bone, and time of application is critical for clinical recovery. It can be effective in helping treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, it is contraindicated in women who have normal-functioning ovaries.
    Analytical and quantitative cytology and histology / the International Academy of Cytology [and] American Society of Cytology 11/2007; 29(5):317-25. · 0.41 Impact Factor
  • Article: Enteral resveratrol supplementation attenuates intestinal epithelial inducible nitric oxide synthase activity and mucosal damage in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis.
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    ABSTRACT: The release of various enzymes including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) leads to enterocyte apoptosis through free nitrogen radicals, which in turn leads to impaired mucosal barrier and bacterial translocation with resultant sepsis in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Resveratrol, a polyphenol compound from phytoalexins with antioxidant and scavenger properties, also play a critical role in modulating key enzymes in cell cycle including iNOS. We therefore hypothesized that resveratrol would prevent mucosal damage in experimental NEC in rats. Newborn rats were randomized into 3 groups: group 1 was left to breast-feed (BF), whereas group 2 (NEC) was induced by enteral formula feedings twice daily and by being subjected to hypoxia thrice. The third group (R) received the same treatment as the NEC group but the enteral feeds were supplemented with resveratrol. Rats were killed on day 4, and their terminal ileal samples were harvested for histopathologic analysis. Expression of iNOS was assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis analysis and immunohistochemistry. Band densities were quantified by using the software NIH image. The epithelial structure in group BF was normal. In the NEC group, there were marked loss of the brush border, vacuolization, and necrosis. The epithelial structure was found to be preserved in group R. Western blot analysis revealed marked elevation in the expression of iNOS protein at 130 kD molecular weight (band densities in groups BF, NEC, and R were 0.3 +/- 3.5, 3.7 +/- 2.9, and 0.6 +/- 5.1, respectively; P < .01). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that iNOS staining was significantly increased in the NEC group, whereas it remained minimal for the BF and R groups. Ileal tissue nitrate/nitrite levels for groups BF, NEC, and R were 178.3 +/- 7, 191.4 +/- 4.1, and 181 +/- 3.6 micromol/(L x g), respectively (P < .01). These findings may provide insights for the beneficial effect of enteral resveratrol supplementation on inflammatory conditions of the bowel including NEC through attenuating the release of iNOS and preservation of mucosal integrity.
    Journal of Pediatric Surgery 10/2007; 42(10):1687-94. · 1.45 Impact Factor
  • Article: Immunohistochemical profile of transforming growth factor-beta1 and basic fibroblast growth factor in sciatic nerve anastomosis following pinealectomy and exogenous melatonin administration in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: Collagen scar formation at the cut end of a peripheral nerve, an important problem in clinical practice for neurosurgeons, obstructs sprouting of axons into appropriate distal fascicles, and thereby limits the regeneration process. Researchers have attempted to control collagen accumulation and neuroma formation with various physical and chemical methods, but with limited functional success. Recently, it has been demonstrated that transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) play an important role in collagen production by fibroblasts and in Schwann cell activity. In our study, rats were divided into a control group, a melatonin-treated group, a surgical pinealectomy group, and a group treated with melatonin following pinealectomy. They then underwent a surgical sciatic nerve transection and primary suture anastomosis. At 2 months after anastomosis, the animals were sacrificed and unilateral sciatic nerve specimens, including the anastomotic region, were removed and processed for immunohistochemical study from two animals in each group. For each antibody, immunoreactivity was assessed using a semiquantitative scoring system. Strong TGF-beta1 and/or bFGF expression was observed in the epineurium of animals that underwent pinealectomy, but no or weak staining was observed in animals in the control and melatonin treatment groups. Based on these data, we suggest that both TGF-beta1 and bFGF have important roles in control of collagen accumulation and neuroma formation at the anastomotic site, and that the pineal neurohormone melatonin has a beneficial effect on nerve regeneration.
    Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 09/2006; 13(7):753-8. · 1.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: The effect of exogenous melatonin administration on trabecular width, ligament thickness and TGF-beta(1) expression in degenerated intervertebral disk tissue in the rat.
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    ABSTRACT: Intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration, a complex pathological condition of varying origins, causes low back pain. Degenerative changes in IVD tissue affect the adjacent vertebral structure, resulting in a decreased vertebral trabecular width. It has been suggested that transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta(1)) may have a role in the repair of connective tissue, as it occurs in the IVD degeneration process. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous melatonin (MEL) administration on vertebral trabecular width, ligament thickness and TGF-beta(1) expression in degenerated IVD tissue. Fifteen adult male Swiss Albino rats were divided randomly into three groups; nonoperated control, operated degeneration, and MEL treatment groups. In the operated degeneration and MEL treatment groups, cuts were made parallel to the end plates in the posterior annulus fibrosus at the fifth and tenth vertebral segments of the tail to induce IVD degeneration. In each group, TGF-beta(1) immunoreactivity and morphometry of vertebral trabecular width and anterior and posterior ligament thickness were evaluated. Histologically, disorganisation and irregularity of collagen fibres was seen in the degenerated (operated) IVD. Increased TGF-beta(1) expression in multinuclear chondrocytes was also observed as was decreased vertebral trabecular width. Importantly, the reduction of trabecular width observed in the operated degenerated group was reversed after MEL administration (p<0.0001). Similarly, TGF-beta(1) expression in multinuclear chondrocytes was dramatically increased after exogenous MEL application. Thus, there was a regression in histopathological changes after MEL treatment, with disk appearances similar to those of the control group. Based on our findings, we suggest that MEL activates the recovery process in the degenerated IVD tissue, possibly by stimulating TGF-beta(1) activity. This is the first report investigating the involvement of the pineal hormone MEL in the repair of rat IVD.
    Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 04/2006; 13(3):357-63. · 1.25 Impact Factor