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Effects Of Green Tea On Ace Gene Expression In Rat Liver In Ccl_4-Induced Cirrhosis, Syed Muhammad Shahid, Rozeena Shaikh, Sana Shamim, Muhammad Ismail, Tabassum Mahboob

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

This study was designed to investigate the beneficial effects of green tea administration on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression in CCl_4-induced liver cirrhosis in rats. Materials and methods: A total of 24 male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups as: Group 1, normal untreated rats; Group 2, CCl_4-induced cirrhotic rats; Group 3: CCl_4-induced cirrhotic + green tea treated rats. The beneficial effects of green tea were measured by alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin level, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), super oxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). The genomic DNA was isolated from excised tissue to …

Comparison Of The Protective Effects Of Desflurane And Propofol Anesthesia In Rats: A Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Model, Ayça Taş Tuna, Cengi̇z Beki̇r Demi̇rel, Yusuf Ünal, Aslihan Çavunt Bayraktar, Demet Yilmazer, Mustafa Kavutçu, Murat Alper, Mustafa Kerem

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

It is known that desflurane and propofol protect liver tissue via different mechanisms. The aim of this study was to compare the protective effects of these 2 agents against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Materials and methods: Rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion. Each group was further divided into 3 subgroups: ketamine, desflurane, and propofol. Thirty minutes after anesthetics were administered, the rats were subjected to 45 min of hepatic ischemia and 4 h of reperfusion. Blood samples and liver tissues were obtained in order to assess serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-\alpha), interleukin-1\beta (IL-1\beta), and malondialdehyde levels …

Sponge In The Belly; Postoperative Imaging Findings Of Oxidized Cellulose (Surgicel^®), Arzu Pampal, Gökçe Kaan Ataç, İbrahi̇m Onur Özen, Zeki̇ye Safi̇nur Keski̇n, Bi̇llur Demi̇roğullari, Sadi̇ Gündoğdu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Surgicel is an absorbable material for local haemostasis. Its existence at surgical sites is troublesome since it interferes with the radiological images of postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the postoperative appearances of intraabdominal Surgicel. Materials and methods: Twelve guinea pigs were allocated to 2 groups. Animals with intraperitoneal (n = 6) and retroperitoneal (n = 6) Surgicel pieces were scanned postoperatively. Results: The density and intensity of Surgicel were compared with adjacent tissues. All retroperitoneal haemostats were hypointense compared to tissues next to them in T1W images but hyperintense compared to muscles, and 5 were …

Diagnostic Value Of Cytokeratin 19, Hbme-1, And Galectin-3 Immunostaining Of Cell Block From Fine-Needle Aspiration Specimens In Papillary Carcinoma Of The Thyroid, Hacer Haltaş, Reyhan Bayrak, Si̇bel Yeni̇dünya, Ümran Yildirim

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the utility of immunohistochemical staining of cytokeratin 19 (CK19), HBME-1, and galectin-3 in cell block preparations of fine-needle aspiration cytology specimens as ancillary techniques for the differential diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Materials and methods: Immunohistochemical detection of CK19, HBME-1, and galectin-3 was completed in 45 thyroid aspiration cytology specimens fixed in paraffin-embedded blocks consisting of the following cytologic diagnoses: 1) 16 cases of papillary carcinoma, 2) 16 cases suspicious for papillary carcinoma, and 3) 13 cases involving nonneoplastic lesions. Results: The follicular cells in the cytologically unequivocal papillary carcinoma diagnosis group expressed diffusely positive (+++) CK19, HBME-1, …

Comparison Of The Effect Of Contrast Medium, Air, And Ozone On Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Due To Experimental Intussusception Model, Mi̇ne Fedakar Şenyücel, Ebru Şebnem Ayva, Mustafa Kemal Aslan, Özlem Boybeyi̇, Tutku Soyer, Nurkan Aksoy, Üçler Kisa, Ahmet Murat Çakmak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To compare effects of contrast medium, air, and ozone on ischemia/reperfusion injury due to intussusception. Materials and methods: Thirty Wistar rats were allocated into five groups (n = 6). In the control group (CG), 2 cm of colonic segment, 5 cm distal to ileocecal valve, was removed. Intussusception was performed at 5 cm distal to the ileocecal valve by pushing a proximal intestinal segment distally by stile in experimental groups. One hour later, in the sham-operated group (SG), manual reduction was performed. In the reduction groups, reduction of intussusception was performed by contrast medium (CMG, 1/1 diluted omnipaqueR, infusion rate …

Comparison Of Sternal Intramedullary Bleeding Prevention Strategies In Cardiac Surgery, Murat Tavlaşoğlu, Ahmet Bariş Durukan, Mustafa Kürklüoğlu, Adem Güler, Zekeri̇ye Arslan, Mehmet Ali̇ Şahi̇n, Hasan Alper Gürbüz, Leyla Güler

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Sternal intramedullary bleeding is an important contributor to postcardiac surgery hemorrhage. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of bone wax, oxidized regenerated cellulose, and electrocoagulation on sternal intramedullary hemostatic control. Materials and methods: A total of 142 patients undergoing on-pump coronary bypass surgery were prospectively studied. The patients were randomized into 3 groups; bone wax concomitant with electrocauterization, oxidized regenerated cellulose concomitant with electrocauterization, and electrocauterization alone. The amount of postoperative hemorrhage was noted at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th hours. Rates of reexploration for hemorrhage and number of units of blood and …

Effect Of Melatonin On Contractile Activity In Intraurethrally Instilled E. Coli-Induced Acute Prostatitis Rat Model, Bakhtiyar Huseynov, Nadi̇re Eser, İbrahi̇m Ati̇lla Aridoğan, Şeyda Erdoğan, Yusuf Kenan Dağlioğlu, Hacer Si̇nem Büyüknacar, Fati̇h Köksal, Cemi̇l Göçmen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate whether prostatic inflammation affects the contractile responses of prostate tissue and then whether melatonin has any restorative effect on the contractile responses in a rat model of bacterial prostatitis at early stages. Materials and methods: We evaluated the nerve-evoked, adrenergic agonist-induced or cholinergic agonist-induced contractions of isolated prostate tissue at 24 and 72 h after intraurethrally instilled Escherichia coli-treatment. We also analyzed the histological changes in the prostate. Secondarily, we investigated the effect of melatonin pretreatment (7 days, 10 mg kg^{-1} day^{-1}) on the contractile responses and the histopathologic changes. Results: The degrees of acute inflammatory cell infiltration, …

The Expression Of Cell Adhesion Molecules In Colorectal Cancer Tissue And Its Clinical Values, Dong Chen, Huiying Zhao, Feng Ye

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the role of cell adhesion molecules CD44v6 and CEA in the occurrence, development, and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials and methods: The expression of CD44v6 and CEA in 76 CRC tissues and 43 normal colon tissues was detected using an immunohistological technique. The relationship between the 2 molecules’ expression and their pathologic characteristics, especially for metastasis, was investigated. Furthermore, the relevance between the expression of CD44v6 and of CEA was also assessed. Results: Expression of CD44v6 and CEA protein in CRC tissues was higher than in paracarcinoma tissue and normal colorectal mucosa (both P < 0.001). Positive expression of CD44v6 in CRC was associated with lymph node metastasis, Dukes’ stage, and histological differentiation. Higher expression intensity of CEA in CRC was related to lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, and invasion depth. Combining analysis of CD44v6 and CEA can improve the sensitivity and specificity in evaluating the metastatic potential of CRC (P < 0.05). There was no relevance between the expression of CD44v6 and CEA in CRC (P > 0.05). Conclusion: CD44v6 …

Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Damage And The Protective Effect Of Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus L.): An Experimental Study, Di̇lek Pandir, Özlem Kara

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Bilberry is a natural antioxidant and has been utilized as a free radical scavenger to reverse the toxic effects of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bilberry on cisplatin-induced toxic effects in rat kidney. Materials and methods: Twenty-one female Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: group I (control), one dose of saline solution; group II (cisplatin), single dose of 7.5 mg/kg of cisplatin; group III (cisplatin + bilberry), single dose of 7.5 mg/kg of cisplatin and 10 days of bilberry treatment applied as 200 mg/kg of bilberry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and …

Rhodotorula Minuta Fungemia In A Ewe Lamb, C. G. Chitko-Mckown, K. A. Leymaster, M. P. Heaton, D. D. Griffin, J. K. Veatch, S. A. Jones, M. L. Clawson

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

An 8-month-old crossbred ewe, normal upon physical examination, was humanely euthanized for tissue collection. After approximately 3 weeks in tissue culture, fungi began budding out of cells obtained from the choroid plexus. After an additional 3 weeks, budding was observed in kidney cell cultures and eventually in monocyte cultures as well. Serum from the lamb was submitted to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Colorado State University for fungal diagnosis and was found negative for Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Coccidioidomycosis and Histoplasmosis. DNA was isolated from fungi collected from tissue culture supernatants and used in a set of pan-fungal PCR assays with …

Sequence-Optimized And Targeted Double-Stranded Rna As A Therapeutic Antiviral Treatment Against Infectious Myonecrosis Virus In Litopenaeus Vannamei, J. Dustin Loy, Duan S. Loy, Mark A. Mogler, Bruce Janke, Kurt Kamrud, D. L. Hank Harris, Lyric C. Bartholomay

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) is a significant and emerging pathogen that has a tremendous impact on the culture of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. IMNV first emerged in Brazil in 2002 and subsequently spread to Indonesia, causing large economic losses in both countries. No existing therapeutic treatments or effective interventions currently exist for IMNV. RNA interference (RNAi) is an effective technique for preventing viral disease in shrimp. Here, we describe the efficacy of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) applied as an antiviral therapeutic following virus challenge. The antiviral molecule is an optimized dsRNA construct that targets an IMNV sequence …

Bovine Herpes Virus 1 (Bhv-1) And Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (Hsv-1) Promote Survival Of Latently Infected Sensory Neurons, In Part By Inhibiting Apoptosis, Clinton Jones

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

α-Herpesvirinae subfamily members, including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV-1), initiate infection in mucosal surfaces. BHV-1 and HSV-1 enter sensory neurons by cell-cell spread where a burst of viral gene expression occurs. When compared to non-neuronal cells, viral gene expression is quickly extinguished in sensory neurons resulting in neuronal survival and latency. The HSV-1 latency associated transcript (LAT), which is abundantly expressed in latently infected neurons, inhibits apoptosis, viral transcription, and productive infection, and directly or indirectly enhances reactivation from latency in small animal models. Three anti-apoptosis genes can be substituted for LAT, which …

A Neurophysiological Examination Of Stress Control In Martial Artists, Jack Pemment

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The philosophies behind many martial arts often claim that by practicing martial arts individuals can gain better control over stress. We tested this idea by using controlled physical stressors to elicit an acute stress response from martial artists (n=15) and non-martial artists (n=18). To measure the extent of the stress response, we looked at changes in heart rate, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and galvanic skin level. These three measures explore both parasympathetic and sympathetic responses, and changes in these variables continue to be explored in studies of stress and reactive aggression. In addition to our physical stressors we also exposed individuals …

Decreased Neuroinflammation And Increased Brain Energy Homeostasis Following Environmental Enrichment After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Is Associated With Improvement In Cognitive Function, Teresita L. Briones, Julie Woods, Magdalena Rogozinska

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Persistent neuroinflammation and disruptions in brain energy metabolism is commonly seen in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Because of the lack of success of most TBI interventions and the documented benefits of environmental enrichment (EE) in enhancing brain plasticity, here we focused our study on use of EE in regulating injury-induced neuroinflammation and disruptions in energy metabolism in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Adult male Wistar rats were used in the study and randomly assigned to receive either: mild TBI (mTBI) using the controlled cortical injury model or sham surgery. Following surgery, rats from each group were further randomized …

Hyperglycemia Induces Differential Change In Oxidative Stress At Gene Expression And Functional Levels In Huvec And Hmvec, Hemang Patel, Juan Chen, Kumuda C. Das, Mahendra Kavdia

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Endothelial dysfunction precedes pathogenesis of vascular complications in diabetes. In recent years, the mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction were investigated to outline strategies for its treatment. However, the therapies for dysfunctional endothelium resulted in multiple clinical trial failures and remain elusive. There is a need for defining hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction with both generic and specific dysfunctional changes in endothelial cells (EC) using a systems approach. In this study, we investigated hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction in HUVEC and HMVEC. We investigated hyperglycemia-induced functional changes (superoxide (O₂‾), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production and mitochondrial membrane polarization) …

A Genome-Wide Methylation Study On Essential Hypertension In Young African American Males., Xiaoling Wang, Bonita Falkner, Haidong Zhu, Huidong Shi, Shaoyong Su, Xiaojing Xu, Ashok Kumar Sharma, Yanbin Dong, Frank Treiber, Bernard Gutin, Gregory Harshfield, Harold Snieder

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: There is emerging evidence from animal studies suggesting a key role for methylation in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. However, to date, very few studies have investigated the role of methylation in the development of human hypertension, and none has taken a genome-wide approach. Based on the recent studies that highlight the involvement of inflammation in the development of hypertension, we hypothesize that changes in DNA methylation of leukocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

METHOD & RESULTS: We conducted a genome-wide methylation analysis on 8 hypertensive cases and 8 normotensive age-matched controls aged 14-23 years and performed …

Trends Of Intestinal Parasites Prevalence In The Gaza Strip, 1998-2007: The Use Of Government Health Records, Adnan Ibrahim H. Alhindi, Mervat Al-Louh

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the amount of intestinal parasite infections over a 10-year period in the Gaza Strip. Materials and methods: Data from the Epidemiology Department, Ministry of Health were collected and analyzed statistically. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was monitored and studied for the period 1998-2007. Results: The present study shows results including the records of 471,688 patients (all ages) who had every provided 1 stool specimen to the laboratories of primary health care centers in one of the 5 governorates of the Gaza Strip. It was found that 116,261 specimens were positive for intestinal parasites, representing an overall prevalence of …

The Effect Of Hypercholesterolemia On The Contractions Of Detrusor Strips In Response To Neural Stimulation In Rats, Serkan Karai̇smai̇loğlu, Zeynep Di̇cle Balkanci, Bi̇lge Pehli̇vanoğlu, Si̇bel Bayrak, İsmai̇l Karabulut, Ayşen Erdem

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effect of hypercholesterolemia on in vitro contractions of the detrusor smooth muscle stimulated by an electrical field in rats and the relative contributions of cholinergic and noncholinergic neurotransmission. Materials and methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with standard diet (NC group) or with 4% cholesterol diet (HC group). After 4 weeks, the urinary bladder was excised under anesthesia and 4 detrusor strips were prepared. Blood samples were collected for serum lipid profile, and aortic arches were dissected for histopathological examination. In vitro contractile function of the detrusor smooth muscle was evaluated with: 1) electrical field stimulation (EFS) only, …

Effects Of Ethyl Pyruvate Administration On Female Rats’ Pyramidal Cells Of Cornu Ammonis After Brain Ischemia: A Stereological And Histopathological Study, Ayşe İki̇nci̇, Ersan Odaci, Orhan Baş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Since ethyl pyruvate (EP) is a known neuroprotective agent, this study was intended to investigate the effects of EP on pyramidal cell numbers and morphology in the hippocampus cornu ammonis after brain ischemia. Materials and methods: Female rats were divided into 5 groups: control, ischemia, ischemia + EP, incision + EP, and incision + Ringer's lactate (groups I, II, III, IV, and V, respectively). No intervention was performed in group I. Ischemia was established in groups II and III, and neck incisions were performed in groups IV and V. EP was intraperitoneally injected in groups III and IV. Ringer's lactate …

The Correlation Between Metabolic Syndrome And Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms In Females, Cevdet Serkan Gökkaya, Cüneyt Özden, Bi̇nhan Kağan Aktaş, Hüseyi̇n Ci̇han Demi̇rel, Özer Güzel, Mehmet Karabakan, Aki̇f Ersoy Erkmen, Çeti̇n Volkan Özteki̇n, Ali̇ Memi̇ş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in women. Materials and methods: A total of 155 women with LUTS were included in the study. LUTS were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) questionnaire. Besides total IPSS, voiding and storage IPSS were calculated separately. Diagnosis of MS was made according to the consensus report of the International Diabetes Foundation. The patients were classified into 3 groups: those without MS (group 1), those with 3 risk factors of MS (group 2), and those with …

Does Adma Affect The Oxidant/Antioxidant Balance In Rats?, Hasan Alaçam, Bahatti̇n Avci, Osman Şaliş, Ahmet Di̇lek, Ahmet Kozan, Cuma Mertoğlu, Mehmet Şahi̇n, Ali̇ Okuyucu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Oxidative stress might be defined as an imbalance between protein oxidation and antioxidants. Our aim was to determine in vivo whether ADMA causes oxidative damage. Materials and methods: Thirty rats were divided into 3 equal groups: a control group, a group administered 1 mg/kg ADMA, and a group administered 2 mg/kg ADMA. ADMA was administered intraperitoneally for 7 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC) content, and nitrate+nitrite concentrations were measured with serum samples. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were analyzed with plasma samples. Results: A …

Antimicrobial Susceptibilities Of Various Arcobacter Species, Ahmet Ünver, Hali̇l İbrahi̇m Atabay, Mi̇tat Şahi̇n, Özgür Çelebi̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the antimicrobial susceptibilities of various Arcobacter strains isolated from domestic geese, which have great potential for the transmission of arcobacters to humans and animals by contamination of water sources. Materials and methods: A total of 16 Arcobacter strains including A. cryaerophilus (7), A. skirrowii (7), and A. butzleri (2) were examined for their susceptibilities to 20 antibiotics using a disk-diffusion method. Results: All Arcobacter isolates tested were resistant to cloxacillin, cefazolin, optochin, vancomycin, and fusidic acid, and most were susceptible to oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol (except for A. butzleri), nitrofurantoin, amikacin, enrofloxacin, ofloxacin, erythromycin, ampicillin sulbactam, and amoxicillin (except for …

Relationship Between Urolithiasis And Diastolic Functions Of The Heart, Mehmet İnci̇, Bahadir Şarli, Ahmet Çeli̇k, Abdullah Demi̇rtaş, Numan Baydi̇lli̇, Mahmut Akpek, Mehmet Güngör Kaya

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Relationships between urolithiasis and cardiovascular disorders were evaluated in several studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether urolithiasis causes a decline in cardiac diastolic functions. Materials and methods: Seventy-seven consecutive patients and 40 age- and sex-matched controls were included in this study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed for all patients. Results: There were 77 patients (mean age: 45 ± 14 years, 64% male) in the stone-formers group and 40 patients (mean age: 43 ± 12 years, 63% male) in the control group. Peak E wave velocity (0.67 ± 0.21 to 0.85 ± 0.18, P = 0.001) and E/A ratio …

Comparison Of The Effects Of Epidural 0.5% Bupivacaine And 0.5% Levobupivacaine Administration On Anesthesia Quality, Side Effect Incidence, And Analgesia Requirement Times In Hip And Lower Extremity Surgery, Fesi̇h Kara, Hüsnü Kürşad, Mi̇ne Çeli̇k, Ayşenur Dostbi̇l, İlker İnce, Ahmet Faruk Gi̇ren, Haci Ahmet Alici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To compare the anesthetic effectiveness of epidural levobupivacaine and bupivacaine without adjuvant medication in patients who were to have elective operations on the lower extremities and hips. Materials and methods: This study was conducted on a total of 70 ASA I-II patients aged between 30 and 70 years, who underwent elective hip and lower extremity operations. The patients that received bupivacaine were assigned to Group B (n = 35) and those that received levobupivacaine to Group L (n = 35). Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the onset and regression times of the …

Influence Of Trace Elements And Their Correlation With Semen Quality In Fertile And Infertile Subjects, Vickram Sundaram, Muthugadhalli Srinivas, Jayaraman Gurunathan, Kamini Rao, Ramesh Pathy Maniyan, Sridharan Balasundaram

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

There has been increasing curiosity about the appraisal of essential trace elements present in human body fluids and their correlation to human health. Human seminal plasma contains several trace elements that have an imperative role in the normal functioning of the semen. As a result, it is very important to evaluate Zn and other trace elements present in the seminal plasma for the assessment of male infertility. The main objective of this research is to evaluate Zn concentrations and their intercorrelations with semen parameters such as sperm concentration, sperm motility, and normal morphology of the sperm, towards their contribution to …

Effects Of Intranasally Administered Dnsp-11 On The Central Dopamine System Of Normal And Parkinsonian Fischer 344 Rats, James H. Sonne

Theses and Dissertations--Neuroscience

Due to the blood-brain barrier, delivery of many drugs to the brain has required intracranial surgery which is prone to complication. Here we show that Dopamine Neuron Stimulating Peptide 11 (DNSP-11), following non-invasive intranasal administration, protects dopaminergic neurons from a lesion model of Parkinson’s disease in the rat. A significant and dose-dependent increase in an index of dopamine turnover (the ratio of DOPAC to dopamine) was observed in the striatum of normal young adult Fischer 344 rats by whole-tissue neurochemistry compared to vehicle administered controls.

Among animals challenged with a moderate, unilateral 6-hydroxy-dopamine (6-OHDA) lesion of the substantia nigra, those …

Changes In Sleep Architecture And Cognition With Age And Psychosocial Stress: A Study In Fischer 344 Rats, Heather M. Buechel

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Changes in both sleep architecture and cognition are common with age. Typically these changes have a negative connotation: sleep fragmentation, insomnia, and deep sleep loss as well as forgetfulness, lack of focus, and even dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Research has shown that psychosocial stressors, such as isolation from family and friends or loss of a loved one can also have significant negative effects on sleep architecture and cognitive capabilities. This leaves the elderly in a particularly vulnerable situation: suffering from cognitive decline and sleep dysregulation already, and more likely to respond negatively to psychosocial stressors. Taking all of these factors …

Inhibition Of Calpains By Calpastatin: Implications For Cellular And Functional Damage Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Kathleen M. Schoch

Theses and Dissertations--Physiology

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a devastating health problem based on its high incidence, economic burden, and lack of effective pharmacological treatment. Individuals who suffer an injury often experience lifelong disability. TBI results in abrupt, initial cell damage leading to delayed neuronal death. The calcium-activated proteases, calpains, are known to contribute to this secondary neurodegenerative cascade. Prolonged activation of calpains results in proteolysis of numerous cellular substrates including cytoskeletal components, membrane receptors, and cytosolic proteins, contributing to cell demise despite coincident expression of calpastatin, the specific inhibitor of calpains.

A comprehensive analysis using two separate calpastatin transgenic mouse lines was …

Sex Differences In Cell Death And Steroid Hormone Receptors In Cortical Explants, Amanda L. Trout

Theses and Dissertations--Physiology

Estrogens, such as the biologically active 17-b estradiol (E2) have many actions in the male and female brain. Not only does E2 regulate reproductive behavior in adults, it organizes and activates the brains of younger animals in a sex-specific manner. In addition, many human studies have shown E2 to provide protection against a variety of neurological disorders, including stoke. These studies have been controversial and depend largely on the type and timing of hormone replacement. Animal studies are much less controversial and clearly demonstrate a neuroprotective role for E2 following ischemic brain injury. Because much of E2 neuroprotection requires sex …

Evaluation Of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 As A Therapeutic Approach For The Treatment Of Traumatic Brain Injury, Shaun W. Carlson

Theses and Dissertations--Physiology

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a prevalent CNS neurodegenerative condition that results in lasting neurological dysfunction, including potentially debilitating cognitive impairments. Despite the advancements in understanding the complex damage that can culminate in cellular dysfunction and loss, no therapeutic treatment has been effective in clinical trials, highlighting that new approaches are desperately needed. A therapy that limits cell death while simultaneously promoting reparative mechanisms, including post-traumatic neurogenesis, in the injured brain may have maximum effectiveness in improving recovery of function after TBI. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a potent growth factor that has previously been shown to promote recovery of …