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YEGEN, BERRAK

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YEGEN

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BERRAK

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 16
  • Publication
    Melatonin protects against oxidative organ injury in a rat model of sepsis
    (SPRINGER, 2005) YEGEN, BERRAK; Sener, G; Toklu, H; Kapucu, C; Ercan, F; Erkanli, G; Kacmaz, A; Tilki, M; Yegen, BC
    Purpose. Based on the potent antioxidant effects of melatonin, we investigated the putative protective role of melatonin against sepsis-induced oxidative organ damage in rats. Methods. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in Wistar albino rats. Animals subjected to CLP and sham-operated control rats were given saline or melatonin 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally 30 min before and 6 h after the operation. The rats were killed 16 h after the operation and the biochemical changes were investigated in the liver, kidney, heart, lung, diaphragm, and brain tissues by examining malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. We also examined the tissues microscopically. Results. Sepsis resulted in a significant decrease in GSH levels and a significant increase in MDA levels and MPO activity (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) showing oxidative damage, which was confirmed by histological examination. Melatonin clearly reversed these oxidant responses and the microscopic damage, demonstrating its protective effects against sepsis-induced oxidative organ injury. Conclusion. The increase in MDA levels and MPO activity and the concomitant decrease in GSH levels demonstrate the role of oxidative mechanisms in sepsis-induced tissue damage. Melatonin, by its free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, ameliorated oxidative organ injury. Thus, supplementing antiseptic shock treatment with melatonin may be beneficial in the clinical setting.
  • Publication
    L-Carnitine ameliorates methotrexate-induced oxidative organ injury and inhibits leukocyte death
    (SPRINGER, 2006) YEGEN, BERRAK; Sener, G; Eksioglu-Demiralp, E; Cetiner, M; Ercan, F; Sirvanci, S; Gedik, N; Yegen, BC
    Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid antagonist widely used for the treatment of a variety of tumors and inflammatory diseases, affects normal tissues that have a high rate of proliferation, including the hematopoietic cells of the bone marrow and the gastrointestinal mucosal cells. To elucidate the role of free radicals and leukocytes in MTX-induced oxidative organ damage and the putative protective effect of L-carnitine (L-Car), Wistar albino rats were administered a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) followed by either saline or L-Car (500 mg/kg) for 5 days. After decapitation of the rats, trunk blood was obtained, and the ileum, liver, and kidney were removed for histological examination and for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and collagen content. Our results showed that MTX administration increased the MDA and MPO activities and collagen content and decreased GSH levels in all tissues, while these alterations were reversed in L-Car-treated group. The elevated serum TNF-alpha level observed following MTX treatment was depressed with L-Car. The oxidative burst of neutrophils stimulated by Annexin V was reduced in the saline-treated MTX group, while L-Car abolished this inhibition. Similarly, flow cytometric measurements revealed that leukocyte apoptosis was increased in MTX-treated animals, while L-Car reversed these effects. Severe degeneration of the intestinal mucosa, liver parenchyma, and glomerular and tubular epithelium observed in the saline-treated MTX group was improved by L-Car treatment. These results suggest that L-Car, possibly via its free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, ameliorates MTX-induced oxidative organ injury and inhibits leukocyte apoptosis. Thus, supplementation with L-Carnitine as an adjuvant therapy may be promising in alleviating the systemic side-effects of chemotherapeutics.
  • Publication
    Ghrelin improves burn-induced multiple organ injury by depressing neutrophil infiltration and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines
    (ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC, 2008) YEGEN, BERRAK; Sehirli, Oezer; Sener, Emre; Sener, Goeksel; Cetinel, Sule; Erzik, Can; Yegen, Berrak C.
    Mechanisms of burn-induced skin and remote organ injury involve oxidant generation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study the possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ghrelin were evaluated in a rat model of thermal trauma. Wistar albino rats were exposed to 90 degrees C bath for 10 s to induce thermal trauma. Ghrelin, was administered subcutaneously (10 ng/kg/day) after the burn injury and repeated twice daily. Rats were decapitated at 6 h and 48 h after burn injury and blood was collected for the analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and antioxidant capacity (AOC). In skin, lung and stomach tissue samples malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Na+-K+-ATPase activity were measured in addition to the histological analysis. DNA fragmentation ratio in the gastric mucosa was also evaluated. Burn injury caused significant increase in both cytokine levels, and LDH activity, while plasma ACC was found to be depleted after thermal trauma. On the other hand, in tissue samples the raised MDA levels, MPO activity and reduced GSH levels, Na+-K+-ATPase activity due to burn injury were found at control levels in ghrelin-treated groups, while DNA fragmentation in the gastric tissue was also reduced. According to the findings of the present study, ghrelin possesses a neutrophil-dependent anti-inflammatory effect that prevents burn-induced damage in skin and remote organs and protects against oxidative organ damage. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Publication
    Ghrelin ameliorates pancreaticobiliary inflammation and associated remote organ injury in rats
    (WILEY, 2006) YEGEN, BERRAK; Kasimay, Ozgur; Iseri, Sevgin Ozlem; Barlas, Afsar; Bangir, Dilek; Yegen, Cumhur; Arbak, Serap; Yegen, Berrak C.
    The present study was designed to evaluate whether ghrelin could reduce organ injury and systemic inflammation induced by pancreaticobiliary obstruction. In Sprague-Dawley rats, either the bile duct (BDL) or common pancreaticobiliary duct (PBDL) was ligated or a sham operation was applied. BDL or PBDL rats received either ghrelin (10 ng/kg) or saline intraperitoneally immediately before the surgery and once a day until the rats were decapitated at 72 h. The pancreas, liver, lung and kidney were removed for the histological analysis, and for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO). MDA and MPO levels in all the tissues, which were elevated in PBDL group (p < 0.05-0.001), were reversed back to control levels in ghrelin-treated rats. In BDL group, elevations in hepatic MDA and MPO levels (p < 0.001) were also abolished by ghrelin treatment. In contrast to saline-treated group with severe pancreatic damage, ghrelin-treated rats demonstrated a moderate pancreatic and hepatic destruction accompanied with reduced pulmonary and renal damages. The results illustrate that ghrelin protects the hepatic and pancreatic tissues, as well as remote organs against oxidative injury, by a neutrophil-dependent mechanism. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
  • Publication
    Nesfatin-1 alleviates gastric damage via direct antioxidant mechanisms
    (ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE, 2015) YEGEN, BERRAK; Kolgazi, Meltem; Cantali-Ozturk, Cigdem; Deniz, Rabia; Ozdemir-Kumral, Zarife Nigar; Yuksel, Meral; Sirvanci, Serap; Yegen, Berrak C.
    Background: Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which is known to produce serious side effects, causing ulcerative lesions. Nesfatin-1, a newly identified anorexigenic peptide, was recently shown to have neuroprotective effects. The aim of the study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of nesfatin-1 on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer. Materials and methods: After a 24-h starvation period, ulcer was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by subcutaneous administration of indomethacin (25 mg/kg), whereas control group received vehicle. Fifteen minutes after ulcer induction, rats were treated with either saline or nesfatin-1 (0.1, 0.3, or 1 mu g/kg, intraperitoneally). At the fourth hour, all rats were decapitated and their trunk blood was collected for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 measurements. Stomach samples were examined microscopically and analyzed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), luminol-, and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) levels. Results: Ulcer induction increased serum TNF-alpha; and IL-6 levels, gastric CL and MDA levels and MPO activity but decreased gastric GSH content (P < 0.05-0.001). On the other hand, 0.1 mu g/kg dose of nesfatin-1 reduced microscopic and macroscopic damage scores, decreased MPO activity and MDA levels, CL and IL-6 levels, whereas gastric GSH was replenished (P < 0.01). However, indomethacin-induced increase in TNF-alpha level was abolished at only 1 mu g/kg dose of nesfatin-1 (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Nesfatin-1 alleviated indomethacin-induced gastric injury, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects of nesfatin-1 on oxidative gastric damage could be implemented by supporting the balance in oxidant and antioxidant systems while inhibiting the generation of pro-inflammatory mediators. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Publication
    Amelioration of sepsis-induced hepatic and ileal injury in rats by the leukotriene receptor blocker montelukast
    (CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE, 2005) YEGEN, BERRAK; Sener, G; Sehirli, O; Cetinel, S; Ercan, F; Yuksel, M; Gedik, N; Yegen, BC
    Background. Sepsis is a generalized inflammatory response, which involves organ systems remote from the locus of the initial infectious insult, involves the release of cytokines and the subsequent formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effect of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor blocker, against oxidative damage in the liver and ileum of septic rats. Methods: Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture method in female Wistar albino rats. Sepsis and sham operated (control) groups received either saline or montelukast (10 mg/kg, ip) immediately after the operation and at 12 h. Twenty-four hours after the surgery, rats were decapitated and malondialdehyde (MDA) content-an index of lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH) levels-a key antioxidant, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity-an index of neutrophil infiltration, and collagen contents were determined in the liver and ileum. Formation of reactive oxygen species in liver and ileal tissue samples was monitored by using chemiluminescence (CL) technique with luminol and lucigenin probes. Both tissues were also analyzed histologically. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) level were assessed in trunk blood. Results: Sepsis resulted in decreased GSH levels, and increased MDA levels, MPO activity, CL levels and collagen contents in both the liver and the ileum (P < 0.05 - P < 0.001) indicating the presence of the oxidative damage. Similarly, serum TNF-alpha and LDH were elevated in the sepsis group as compared to control group. On the other hand, montelukast treatment reversed all these biochemical indices, as well as histopathological alterations, which were induced by sepsis. Conclusion: Findings of the present study suggest that montelukast possesses an anti-inflammatory effect on sepsis-induced hepatic and intestinal damage and protects against oxidative injury by a neutrophil-dependent mechanism. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
  • Publication
    2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (MESNA) protects against burn-induced renal injury in rats
    (ELSEVIER SCI LTD, 2004) YEGEN, BERRAK; Sener, G; Sehirli, O; Erkanli, G; Cetinel, S; Gedik, N; Yegen, B
    Animal models of thermal injury implicate oxygen radicals as causative agents in local wound response and distant organ injury following burn. In this study we investigated the putative protective effects of 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (MESNA) against oxidative kidney damage in rats with thermal injury. Under ether anaesthesia, shaved dorsum of the rats was exposed to 90 degreesC bath for 10 s to induce burn injury. Rats were decapitated either 6 or 24 h after burn injury. MESNA was administered i.p. immediately after burn injury. MESNA injections were repeated once more 12 h after the first injection in the 24 h burn group. In the control group the same protocol was applied except that the dorsum was dipped in a 25 degreesC water bath for 10 s. Kidney tissues were taken for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, protein oxidation (PO), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and collagen contents. Creatinine, urea concentrations (BUN) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in blood were measured for the evaluation of renal functions and tissue damage, respectively. Tissues were also examined microscopically. Severe skin scald injury (30% of total body surface area) caused significant decrease in GSH level, significant increase in MDA level, protein oxidation (PO), MPO activity and collagen content of renal tissue. Serum creatinine was slightly increased at the early phase of thermal trauma but not changed in 24 h groups. On the other hand BUN and LDH were significantly elevated by thermal trauma in both 6 and 24 h of burn groups. Treatment of rats with MESNA significantly increased the GSH level and decreased the MDA level, PO, MPO activity, collagen contents, BUN and LDH. Since MESNA reversed the oxidant responses seen in burn injury, it seems likely that MESNA could protect against thermal trauma-induced renal damage. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.
  • Publication
    Estrogen protects the liver and intestines against sepsis-induced injury in rats
    (ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE, 2005) YEGEN, BERRAK; Sener, G; Arbak, S; Kurtaran, P; Gedik, N; Yegen, BC
    Background and aim. Sepsis is commonly associated with enhanced generation of reactive oxygen metabolites, leading to multiple organ dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to examine the putative protective role of estradiol against sepsis-induced oxidative organ damage. Materials and methods. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture method in Wistar albino rats. Sham-operated (control) and sepsis groups received saline or estradiol propionate (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally immediately after the operation and at 12 h. Twenty-four hours after the surgery, rats were decapitated and malondialdehyde, glutathione levels, and myeloperoxidase activity were determined in the liver and ileum, while oxidant-induced tissue fibrosis was determined by collagen contents. Tissues were also examined microscopically. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase levels, and lactate dehydrogenase were measured for the evaluation of liver functions and tissue damage, respectively. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha was also assayed in serum samples. Results. In the saline-treated sepsis group, glutathione levels were decreased significantly, while the malondialdehyde levels, myeloperoxidase activity, and collagen content were increased in the tissues (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001), suggesting oxidative organ damage, which was also verified histologically. In the estradiol-treated sepsis group, all of these oxidant responses were reversed significantly (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). Liver function tests and tumor necrosis factor-a levels, which were increased significantly (P < 0.001) following sepsis, were decreased (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) with estradiol treatment. Conclusion. The results demonstrate the role of oxidative mechanisms in sepsis-induced tissue damage, and estradiol, by its antioxidant properties, ameliorates oxidative organ injury, implicating that treatment with estrogens might be applicable in clinical situations to ameliorate multiple organ damage induced by sepsis. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Publication
    Oxytocin protects against sepsis-induced multiple organ damage: Role of neutrophils
    (ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE, 2005) YEGEN, BERRAK; Iseri, SO; Sener, G; Saglam, B; Gedik, N; Ercan, F; Yegen, BC
    Background. Sepsis, commonly associated with enhanced generation of reactive oxygen metabolites, leads to multiple organ dysfunctions. The neurohypophyseal hormone oxytocin (OT), released during social contact, was recently shown to modulate the immune and inflammatory processes. We investigated the protective role of OT against sepsis-induced pelvic inflammation. Materials and methods. Under anesthesia, sepsis was induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) by cecal ligation and perforation method. Sham-operated rats served as controls. Either saline or OT (1 mg(kg) was given subcutaneously immediately after and at the 16th hour, and rats were decapitated at the 24th hour of sepsis induction. Colon, uterus, and liver samples were obtained for the histopathological analysis of damage and for the measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, indicating neutrophil infiltration, malondialdehyde (AIDA), indicating lipid peroxidation, and glutathione (GSH), a key antioxidant, levels. Results. Colonic, uterine and liver MDA levels in the sepsis group were significantly increased (P < 0.01-P < 0.001), while colonic and uterine GSH levels were decreased (P < 0.05-P < 0.01) when compared to the control group. OT treatment reversed the MDA and GSH levels back to the control levels, while hepatic GSH levels were not altered. MPO activity in the colon and liver was increased by sepsis (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) while OT treatment abolished the elevated MPO activity. Collagen levels in the uterus and liver were increased by sepsis (P < 0.01) and OT treatment reduced the collagen levels in both tissues (P < 0.01-P < 0.05). Serum TNF-alpha levels were significantly increased by sepsis (P < 0.001) and OT treatment abolished the sepsis-induced increase in TNF-alpha levels. Conclusions. OT protects against sepsis-induced oxidative damage by acting as an antioxidant agent and its protective effect in the colon and liver appears to be dependent on its inhibitory effect on neutrophil infiltration. Our results suggest that OT may have a therapeutic value in limiting sepsis-associated multiple organ damage. (C) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Publication
    THE ROLE OF 5-HT3 RECEPTORS IN THE ANTIULCER EFFECT OF CALCITONIN
    (ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC, 1994) YEGEN, BERRAK; ERIN, N; YEGEN, BC; OKTAY, S
    1. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of 5-HT3 receptors of the gastroprotective effect of salmon calcitonin (sCT) and sCT-induced changes in gastric, hepatic, brain and brainstem glutathione (GSH) and lipid-peroxidation (LP) levels in rats subjected to cold-immobilization stress. 2. Stress exposure resulted in ulcer formation and a decrease in GSH levels of the liver, brain and brainstem and an increase in gastric and hepatic LP (P < 0.05). 3. sCT prevented stress-induced gastric ulcer development (P < 0.01) and reversed the decrease in hepatic and brain GSH levels (P < 0.05). 4. In the present study, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ICS 205 930 was used. Interestingly, the effect of the blocker on GSH and LP levels of the tissues studied was similar to those of sCT. 5. ICS 205 930 dose dependently reversed the anti-ulcer effect of sCT although it did not antagonize the effect of sCT on GSH and LP levels, but it seemed to show an additive interaction for brain and brainstem GSH and gastric LP levels with sCT.