Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to neurological complications through multiple pathways. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra, SN) is rich in bioactive compounds with potential neuroprotective properties. This study sought to evaluate the neural-protective potential of SN extract in STZ-diabetic rats using an integrated molecular, biochemical, and histomorphological approach. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 10/group): control (C; 0.9

Bee Bread (BB), a fermented bee product rich in antioxidant compounds, exerts protective effects against diabetes-associated small intestinal damage. This study investigated the effects of BB on small intestinal morphology, mucosal integrity, and antioxidant enzyme activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Forty Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, sham (50 mg/kg sodium citrate), diabetes (DM; 50 mg/kg STZ), BB (100 mg/kg), and Diabetes + Bee Bread (DM+BB). After 15 days, intestinal tissues were examined using histopathological, immunohistochemical (IHC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycemia (363.63 ± 14.64 mg/dL vs. 97.25 ± 2.71 mg/dL in controls at day 15; p < 0.001), weight loss, villus elongation, epithelial desquamation, and mucosal disorganization. BB supplementation reduced blood glucose levels (approximately 15%-16% in the DM+BB group), attenuated weight loss, and preserved small intestinal architecture, with significant differences in villus length among groups (p < 0.05). Mn-SOD immunoreactivity showed no significant differences among groups (p > 0.05), although redistribution was observed in diabetic tissues. CAT immunoreactivity remained weak and unchanged across groups. SEM analysis confirmed improved villus architecture and preserved goblet cell morphology following BB treatment. BB attenuated diabetes-induced small intestinal injury and preserved intestinal mucosal architecture, findings that may be associated with localized adaptive redox responses.

The study aimed to investigate the histological, biochemical, and molecular effects of ethanol extract of Ferula orientalis in rats that had undergone cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). We chose Ferula orientalis because of its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. We divided 30 female rats into five equal groups. Group 1: Sepsis group, Group 2: Sepsis + Ferula LD, Group 3: Sepsis + Ferula HD, Group 4: Sham group, Group 5: Control. The cecum was removed from the abdomen and ligated with 4/0 sutures. After that two holes were created in the distal cecum by using 16-gauge needle to the CLP model. Histopathological (H E, TUNEL, PERIODIC ACID-SCHIFF), Biochemical (SOD,CAT,GSH,MDA), and molecular (TNF–α, p53) analyses were performed. According to H E findings, neutrophil infiltration, thickening of the alveolar walls, and areas of inflammation were quite remarkable in the sepsis group. In the TUNEL staining, a high density of apoptotic cells was noted in the sepsis group, while a dose dependent decrease in a density apoptotic cells was observed depending on the dose increase when the Ferula ethanol extract was applied. Antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, and GSH) activity increased in the Ferula orientalis sepsis groups compared to the sepsis group (p < 0.05). The high-dose Ferula group showed the highest enzyme activity but had the highest level of TNF–α gene expression (p < 0.05). This suggests that Ferula may trigger different immune responses depending on the dose. The ethanol extract of Ferula orientalis improved the CLP sepsis model in rats by decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation and cell apoptosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In this study, the determination of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) levels in placenta tissue of pregnant women with preeclampsia and smoking pregnant women with preeclampsia was investigated using histological and immunohistochemical MATERIALS AND METHODS: Placenta tissues of 28 pregnant women were used in the study. The groups were formed into the categories of control, smoking, preeclampsia, and preeclampsia + smoking. Tissue samples taken at the end of delivery were fixed in 10% formalin, subjected to standard histological processing, and blocked in paraffin. Crossman's trichrome and haematoxylin-eosin staining was performed on sections taken from paraffin blocks. Immunohistochemical methods were applied to determine CTLA-4 immunoreactivity in placental tissues. RESULTS: In the groups of smoking, preeclampsia, preeclampsia + smoking, changes such as: a decreased villous tree, congestion in the villi, and deposition of fibrin in the decidua were determined. In addition, different levels of CTLA-4 immunoreactivity were ascertained in the placental tissue and amniotic epithelium of all groups. The intensity of immunoreactivity in decidua cells and stem villi was identified to decrease in other groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: It was thought that maternal immune system responses and histopathological changes in placenta tissue may cause decreased CTLA-4 immunoreactivity in smoking, preeclampsia and preeclampsia + smoking groups.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a widely used food additive, has been associated with various health concerns, including potential reproductive toxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of black garlic (BG) ethanol extract against MSG-induced ovarian damage in rats. Thirty-two female rats in estrus were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 per group): control (saline), BG (250 mg/kg BW), MSG (4 mg/g BW), and BG+MSG (combined treatment). Treatments were administered daily for 14 days. Ovarian tissues were collected for histopathological, immunohistochemical (IHC), and biochemical analyses. Histopathological examination revealed a significant reduction in cystic follicles in the BG+MSG group compared to the MSG group (p < 0.0001). IHC analysis showed decreased immunoreactivity of endothelin-1 and endothelin-2 in the BG+MSG group compared to the MSG group (both p < 0.01). Biochemical assays demonstrated significantly increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol levels in the BG+MSG group compared to the MSG group (all p < 0.05), while progesterone levels were significantly lower in the MSG group compared to the BG+MSG group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that BG ethanol extract may mitigate MSG-induced ovarian dysfunction in rats by alleviating degenerative changes in follicles and modulating hormonal levels. This study provides insights into potential natural interventions for MSG-related reproductive toxicity.

Bu çalışmada, sıçanlarda etanol ile indüklenen gastrik ülsere karşı idebenon ve krisinin koruyucu etkileri araştırılmıştır. Yirmi sekiz Sprague-Dawley erkek sıçan dört gruba ayrılmıştır: 1 ml serum fizyolojik alan kontrol grubu, gastrik ülser indüklemek için etanol (ET) (5 ml/kg) alan ET grubu ve iki tedavi grubu; biri ET'yi takiben idebenon (200 mg/kg), diğeri ET'yi takiben krisin (100 mg/kg) alan gruplar. Tedaviler oral gavaj yoluyla uygulanmıştır. Gastrik mukozal hasarı ve tedavilerin koruyucu mekanizmasını değerlendirmek için, somatostatin ve aquaporin-1 düzeylerine odaklanan histopatolojik incelemeler ve immünohistokimyasal analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Histopatolojik incelemelerde, ET ile muamele edilen grupta şiddetli dejeneratif ve nekrotik değişiklikler gözlenmiştir. Sonuçlar, tedavi gruplarında gastrik mukozal hasarın ET grubuna kıyasla önemli ölçüde azaldığını ve nekrotik lezyonların şiddetinde anlamlı bir azalma olduğunu göstermiştir. Kantitatif analiz, tedavi gruplarında somatostatin ve aquaporin-1 ekspresyonunda anlamlı bir artış olduğunu ortaya koymuştur (P < 0,05), bu da artmış gastrik mukozal savunmayı göstermektedir. İdebenon ve krisinin, ET ile indüklenen gastrik ülserlerde histopatolojik hasarı önemli ölçüde azalttığı ve somatostatin ile aquaporin-1 ekspresyonunu artırdığı bulunmuştur. Nekrotik lezyonlardaki azalma ve gastrik mukozal savunma mekanizmalarının güçlenmesi, idebenon ve krisinin gastrik ülserlerin önlenmesi ve tedavisi için terapötik potansiyel sunabileceğini düşündürmektedir.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and histomorphological characteristics in broiler chickens. A total of 320 one day old broiler chicks were allocated to four dietary treatment groups, each comprising 8 replicates of 10 chicks in completely randomized design. The groups included: a control group (no supplement), a prebiotic group (1 g/kg beta-glucan + mannan-oligosaccharide; BM), a probiotic group (1 g/kg Bacillus subtilis; BS), and a synbiotic group (0.5 g/kg beta-glucan + mannan-oligosaccharide + 0.5 g/kg Bacillus subtilis; BM + BS). The results revealed that body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) significantly increased in the BM + BS group, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved compared to the control group (P<0.001). Furthermore, slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weights, as well as heart and gizzard weights, were significantly higher in the BM + BS and BS groups (P<0.05). Histomorphological analysis showed that villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) was significantly greater in the BM + BS and BS groups, but lower in the BM group (P<0.001). Regarding meat quality, the BM + BS and BS groups showed increased brightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values (P<0.05). In conclusion, the dietary synbiotics supplementation in broiler diets was shown to enhance growth performance, improve intestinal morphology.

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of quercetin on cyclophosphamideinduced cardiotoxicity. A total of 35 female rats were used in the study, divided into five groups of seven rats each. All of the rats, except those in the control group, underwent ovariectomy and had their ovaries removed. This eliminated the potential impact of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone on the study. All rats were fed ad libitum. While the control and ovariectomy groups received no treatment, 50 mg/kg quercetin (oral) was administered to the quercetin group, 100 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (intraperitoneal) to the cyclophosphamide group, and 50 mg/kg quercetin (oral) and 100 mg/kg cyclophosphamide to the quercetin + cyclophosphamide group was applied. electrocardiography (ECG) measurements were taken before toxicity induction (day 0) and on day 5 after toxicity induction. At the end of the study, the rats were euthanized under anesthesia in accordance with ethical rules, and tissue and blood samples necessary for analysis were taken. Troponin, creatine kinase (CK), and creatinine kinase MB (CK-MB) parameters were measured in the blood samples taken. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses (desmin and vimentin) were performed on heart tissue. According to the analysis, an increase in troponin, CK, and CK-MB parameters was observed in the cyclophosphamide group, while a decrease was observed in the quercetin group. In desmin and vimentin immunoreactivity, a decrease was observed in the cyclophosphamide group, while an increase was observed in the quercetin group. In conclusion, in our study, we demonstrated that quercetin has a positive effect against cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity.

Aim: In this study, we investigated how Jervine affected gastric tissue in rats following the development of indomethacin-induced ulcers. Methods: Jervine (JER) 200 mg/kg and JER 400 mg/kg were given orally to the experimental groups 12h after the fasten period. Five minutes later, 25 mg/kg of indomethacin was administered orally to all groups except the healthy and JER 400 mg/kg groups. The experiment was concluded 6 h after the indomethacin. Results: The administration of Jervine at both doses resulted in a significant reduction of the ulcerative area compared to the Indomethacin (INDO). Indomethacin + Jervine 200 mg/kg (INDO + JER + 200 mg/kg) and Indomethacin + Jervine 400 mg/kg (INDO + JER + 400 mg/kg) groups significantly reduced apoptotic cell density compared to INDO group. Biochemically, Jervin decreased the Lipid Peroxidation (MDA) level which increased as a result of indomethacin. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione (GSH) levels, which decreased as a result of indomethacin, were found to increase. Jervine significantly downregulates p53 gene expression compared to the INDO group. Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrated the therapeutic properties of Jervine on ulcers due to its anti-apoptotic and antioxidant regulatory effects.

Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and may cause oxidative damage in the stomach tissue. Scientific studies are carried out to discover alternative bioactive phytocompounds and to reveal herbal products with pharmacological effects. In our study, we investigated whether the Ferula, which is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, used for treatment of erectile dysfunction in men, menopausal disorders, diabetes, and prevention of osteoporosis, is effective in the treatment of gastric ulcer. 36 Sprague-Dawley adolescent male rats were divided into six groups: indomethacin, indomethacin + Famotidine, indomethacin + Ferula 400 mg, indomethacin + Ferula 800 mg, Ferula 800 mg, and healthy. It was determined that ulcerative areas were decreased in the high-dose group of Ferula extract. SOD, GSH, and CAT levels increased with Ferula extract in 800 mg doses, and MDA levels decreased with Ferula extract in 800 mg doses compared to the indomethacin group. TNF-α and p53 gene expression levels were decreased in Ferula extract in low doses (600 mg) compared to the indomethacin group. We determined that Ferula was effective in gastric ulcers. Ferula orientalis plant extract may be an alternative way to prevent drug-induced gastric ulcer. This anti-ulcer effect will be used as a food supplement in the future with further studies.

We have examined some effects of administering vitamin D and extract of common nettle (Urtica dioica) to rats with experimentally induced Crohn's disease (CR). Body weight and colon length were lower in the CR group than in normal controls, whereas scores for histopathologic changes seen in sections stained by the H&E and PAS methods were lower in rats with CR than in those that also received either vitamin D (CRD) or nettle extract (CRI). Strong manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) immunoreactivity was detected in the crypt epithelium of the CR and CRI groups and in the lymphoid tissue of the CRD group. Weak catalase (CAT) immunoreactivity in the crypt epithelium in the CR, CRI, and CRD groups and strong CAT immunoreactivity in the lymphoid tissue in the CR group were also observed. Our results reveal that administering either vitamin D and common nettle extract can have augment Mn-SOD and CAT expression in colon tissues and contribute to alleviation of some complications of experimental Crohn's disease.

This research focused on exploring the therapeutic impact of black garlic ethanol extract (BGE) on the brain tissue of rats exposed to acrylamide (ACR). Twenty-four female rats were divided into four groups. Rats in the control group were given 1 ml of saline by oral gavage for 14 days. The BG group received 5 mg/200 g of BGE extract on a daily basis. The ACR group was administered 40 mg/kg of ACR daily. Rats in the BGE+ACR group received both 5 mg/200 g of BG extract and 40 mg/kg of ACR daily. Brain tissue samples were collected at the study's conclusion for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to examine the general structure of the brain tissue. Erk1/2, pERK1/2, and c-fos were analyzed immunohistochemically; Bcl-2, Caspase-3, ATF6, CREB, and NfkB-p65 protein levels were analyzed by Western blotting; and MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH, TNF-alpha, IL-1(3, and IL-6 activities and levels were analyzed using ELISA kits. It was determined that ACR application raised the levels of Erk1/2, p-ERK1/2, c-Fos, NfkB-p65, caspase-3, MDA, IL-6, IL-1-(3, and TNF-alpha, and BGE supplementation decreased this increase. ACR exposure caused a decrease in Bcl-2, ATF6, CREB, CAT, GSH, and SOD expressions, and BGE supplementation prevented or increased this decrease. Based on the findings obtained, it can be said that the ethanol extract of black garlic has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, prevents cell damage, and has positive effects on apoptosis in rat brain tissue.

Cilomilast is an oral phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor recommended for treating COPD. However, its side effects and low therapeutic index remain an unresolved problem in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cilomilast on the spleen and thymus tissues of rats. For experimental studies, 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-220g were randomly divided into three experimental groups: The procedures were repeated for 7 days for the control, sham, and cilomilast groups. Blood and tissue samples were collected from the rats under anesthesia on day 8 of the experiment for analysis. p<0.05 at a 95% confidence level was considered to indicate statistical significance. Severe tissue damage in the thymus and spleen was observed in the cilomilast group. In the thymus and spleen tissues of the control and sham groups, CD4+ + and CD8+ + cell immunopositivity were more intense, while the density of these cells was significantly reduced in the cilomilast group. In addition, glutathione (GSH) levels decreased, and nitric oxide levels increased in both tissues of the cilomilast group. However, in-silico results showed that the decrease in GSH levels is due to the enzymes gamma-glutamylcysteine synthase and glutathione synthase, which act as catalysts in the two-step GSH biosynthesis mechanism. Suppression of the immune system targets both harmful and compensatory pathways so that both beneficial mechanisms and pathological changes can be blocked. To eliminate these cilomilast-induced side effects and enable more effective clinical application, it may be recommended to develop formulations such as lipid-based inhaled forms or nano-drug delivery systems including dendrimers, reverse micelle systems, polymeric or lipid-based carriers as an alternative to conventional application.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of gallic acid (GA) against ovarian damage induced by bisphenol A (BPA) exposure in female rats. We evaluated whether GA can mitigate the adverse effects of BPA on ovarian structure, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and reproductive hormone levels. Methods: Thirty-two female rats were categorized into four groups: control, GA, BPA, and GA+BPA. Histopathological evaluations of ovarian tissue were performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The immunohistochemical analysis was conducted for inflammatory, oxidative DNA damage, and apoptotic markers (Tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFα], cyclooxygenase-2 [COX2], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1β], 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine [8-OHdG], and caspase 3). Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase levels. Furthermore, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Histopathological outcomes revealed that BPA significantly induced follicular degeneration, which was effectively mitigated by GA treatment (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis highlighted the exacerbation of inflammatory responses and oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis (TNFα, COX-2, IL-1β, 8-OHdG, and caspase 3) in BPA-exposed tissues, which were reduced in the presence of GA (P < 0.05). The assessment of oxidative stress demonstrated that GA could significantly decrease lipid peroxidation and partially restore antioxidant defense mechanisms disrupted by BPA (P < 0.05). Hormonal profiling indicated that BPA exposure altered the levels of FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone, with GA treatment showing a capacity to modulate these changes, especially in progesterone levels (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that GA exhibits protective properties against BPA-induced ovarian damage through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, alongside its ability to modulate hormonal imbalances. This research underscores the therapeutic potential of GA in safeguarding reproductive health against environmental toxicants.

In this study, the effects of vitamin D3 (Vit. D) and a stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L. (UD)) extract were examined using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods in the stomach tissues of an experimentally created rat model of CD. The CD model was created using trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The animals in the study were divided into control, TNBS, TNBS+Vit. D, and TNBS+UD groups. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanised and their stomach tissues were evaluated for necrosis, degeneration, apoptosis, and inflammation. Additionally, an immunohistochemical method was applied to determine the somatostatin (SSTR), aquaporin-1 (AQP-1), caspase-3, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) immunoreactivity in the gastric tissues. In the evaluations, degenerative and necrotic changes and mononuclear cell infiltration areas were observed in the TNBS group, but such changes could be improved with Vit. D and UD applications. The results suggest that the combination of the Vit. D and UD extract may have a protective and therapeutic role in mitigating TNBS-induced damage to the gastric tissues, potentially through the regulation of SSTR, AQP-1, caspase-3, and TNF-α expression. This indicates a promising avenue for further research and the exploration of these compounds in the context of gastrointestinal health.

We were aimed to investigate the effect of ginger essential oil (Zingiber officinale) on catalase release in rat kidney tissue by histopathological and immunohistochemically method. This study, 21 male Wistar albino rats were used. Rats were divided into three groups: control, 100 mg/kg ginger essential oil (G100), and 500 mg/kg ginger essential oil (G500). Hematoxylin-eosin staining method was used for histopathological evaluations. Immunohistochemically localization of catalase in kidney tissue was determined by streptavidin-biotin peroxidase method. As a result of histopathological evaluations, an increase in glomerulus diameter was observed in kidney tissues of G100 and G500 groups. In addition, vacuolar degeneration was observed in the proximal and distal tubule epithelial cells in the renal cortex of the G100 group. The immunoreactivity of catalase in the renal cortex region; In the control group, it is strong in the proximal tubules and weak in the mesangial cells. While moderate severity in the proximal tubules and weak in the mesangial cells in the G100 group, very weak catalase immunoreactivity was observed in the G500 group. Strong catalase immunoreactivity was detected in the proximal and collecting ducts of the kidney medulla regions of the rats in all groups. We think that ginger essential oil can be used in appropriate doses and times to reduce kidney damage caused by oxidative stress in the kidney.

Diabetic keratopathy, characterized by corneal structural changes, is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, has shown potential therapeutic benefits in various diabetic complications. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of DHA on corneal tissue in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 DM in rats. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10 per group): Control, DHA, DM, and DM + DHA. The DHA group received DHA by oral gavage at a dose of 100 mg/kg daily for 10 days. In the DM group, diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ at 50 mg/kg. Confirmation of diabetes induction was based on monitoring fasting blood glucose levels on the third day post-injection. The DM + DHA group underwent the same diabetes induction protocol with STZ and received DHA at 100 mg/kg daily via oral gavage for 10 consecutive days. Corneal tissue samples were collected at the end of the study period for histopathological, immunohistochemical, qRT-PCR, and ELISA analyses. Histopathological analysis showed significant edema, angiogenesis, and degeneration in the DM group compared to the control (p < 0.001). DHA treatment significantly mitigated these changes, approaching control levels (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry showed increased VEGFR2 and iNOS expression in the DM group, which was significantly reduced in the DM + DHA group (p < 0.01). qRT-PCR results indicated a significant decrease in Bcl-2 expression (p < 0.001) and an increase in ATF-6, IRE1, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, NLRP3, Bax, and Caspase-3 expressions in the DM group (p < 0.001). ELISA analyses revealed significantly elevated levels of inflammatory markers NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the DM group compared to the control (p < 0.001). DHA treatment significantly upregulated Bcl-2 and downregulated apoptotic and inflammatory markers (p < 0.01). DHA demonstrated significant protective effects against STZ-induced corneal damage in diabetic rats by modulating apoptotic and inflammatory pathways. These findings suggest that DHA may be a promising therapeutic agent for preventing diabetic keratopathy.

OBJECTIVE:The hepatoprotective effects of resveratrol against α-Amanitin (α-AMA)-induced liver toxicity were investigated in an experimental rat model, focusing on oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and liver function. METHODS:Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group): Control, resveratrol, α-AMA, and resveratrol+α-AMA. The resveratrol group received 20 mg/kg resveratrol orally for 7 days. The α-AMA group received 3 mg/kg α-AMA intraperitoneally on the 8th day. The resveratrol+α-AMA group received 20 mg/kg resveratrol orally (7 days) followed by 3 mg/kg α-AMA intraperitoneally on the 8th day. Liver tissues and blood samples were collected 48 h after α-amanitin administration for histopathological, immunohistochemical (NFkB, LC3B), and biochemical analyses (GSH, MDA, CAT, GPx, MPO, NOS, AST, ALT). RESULTS:α-AMA significantly increased AST and ALT levels, oxidative stress marker (MDA), and inflammatory marker (MPO), while reducing antioxidant levels (GSH, CAT, GPx) and NOS concentration (P < 0.001 for all parameters). Histopathological analysis showed severe liver damage with increased NFkB and LC3B expression. resveratrol treatment significantly reduced AST and ALT levels (P < 0.01 for both parameters), decreased MDA and MPO levels, and increased NOS concentration, GSH, CAT, and GPx levels (P < 0.05 for all parameters). Reduced NFkB and LC3B expression in the resveratrol+α-AMA group and showed histopathological improvements. CONCLUSION:Resveratrol demonstrated substantial hepatoprotective effects against α-AMA induced liver toxicity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, and improving liver function. These findings suggest that resveratrol could be a potential therapeutic agent for treating liver damage caused by potent hepatotoxins like α-AMA.

Alpha-amanitin (α-AMA), a toxic component of Amanita phalloides, causes severe hepato- and nephrotoxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of βeta-carotene (βC) against α-AMA-induced kidney damage in rats. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Control, βC (50 mg/kg/day), α-AMA (3 mg/kg), and βC+α-AMA. βC was administered orally for 7 days before α-AMA injection. Renal function, oxidative stress markers, histopathological changes, and enzyme activities were evaluated 48 h post-α-AMA administration. α-AMA significantly increased serum creatinine and urea levels, decreased glutathione and catalase activity, and increased malondialdehyde levels (P < 0.001). βC pretreatment attenuated these changes (P < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed reduced tubular degeneration in the βC+α-AMA group (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased LC3B and Beclin-1 expression in α-AMA-treated rats, indicating enhanced autophagy, partially reversed by βC. Additionally, α-AMA reduced nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and increased aldose reductase (AR) activity, both normalized by βC pretreatment (P < 0.01). βC demonstrates protective effects against α-AMA-induced nephrotoxicity through antioxidant action, modulation of autophagy, and regulation of NOS and AR pathways, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in α-AMA poisoning.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of berberine, the active compound of Berberis vulgaris plant extract, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, in an ovarian ischemia-reperfusion model by utilizing molecular, biochemical, and histopathological methods. Methods: In this experimental study, 42 adolescent female Sprague Dawley rats (6 weeks old) were divided into 7 equal groups. Under anesthesia, ischemia was induced by ligating the bilateral adnexal tissues, and after 3 h of ischemia, reperfusion was achieved by removing the adnexal ligation. Berberis vulgaris extract was administered by oral gavage 1 h after ischemia for the ischemia groups and 1 h before reperfusion for the ischemia + reperfusion groups. After 3 h of reperfusion, the experiment was terminated. Results: The administration of Berberis vulgaris extract decreased the hemorrhagic areas, reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells, and decreased CYC1 immunoreactivity levels in histopathological analysis compared to the groups subjected to ischemia or ischemia + reperfusion without the plant extract. CAT, SOD, and GSH increased due to Berberis vulgaris administration while MDA levels decreased. Berberis vulgaris also downregulated TNF-alpha levels compared to the ischemia and ischemia + reperfusion groups. Conclusion: Berberis vulgaris extract may have a protective effect against ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury. Further molecular studies are needed to clarify this protective effect.