Irradiation has profound effects on the reproductive function. Our knowledge about radioprotective effects of melatonin against X-ray-induced testis damage is rudimentary. In this investigation, we hypothesized that melatonin can minimize germ-cell depletion and morphological features of cell damage in testis following X-ray irradiation (XRI). To examine these effects, and to test our hypothesis, an animal model comprised of 60 Albino rats was established. The animals were divided into five groups: Group 1, non-irradiated; Group 2, X-ray irradiated (XRI, 8 Grays); Group 3, XRI pretreated with solvent (ethanol and phosphate-buffered saline); Group 4, non-irradiated group treated with melatonin and Group 5, XRI pretreated with melatonin. The testes were evaluated for both histological (light microscopy) and ultrastructural changes (transmission electron microscopy). Histologically, there were marked depletions (66%) of the germinal epithelial cells, in XRI group (Groups 2 and 3), whereas these changes were almost absent in XRI testis of animals pretreated with melatonin (Group 5). The number of spermatogenic cells in XRI testis of animals pretreated with melatonin (Group 5) was comparable (95%) to that of non-irradiated group (Groups 1 and 4) but significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in XRI testis (34%, Groups 2 and 3). Ultrastructurally, XRI testis (Groups 2 and 3) showed features of apoptosis (condensation of the nuclei, vacuolization of the cytoplasm, increased cytoplasmic density and apoptotic bodies). These features were absent in XRI testis of animals pretreated with melatonin (Group 5). Also, this Group showed features of an increased metabolic activity (large acrosomal vesicle, prominent Golgi, increased mitotic activity, increased complement of cytoplasmic organelles and appearance of nucleoli-like bodies). There was a minimal depletion of the Sertoli and Leydig cells following XRI. Also, morphological features of apoptosis were infrequent in these cells. Administration of melatonin (MEL) prior to irradiation can protect testis against its destructive effects. The protective effects include amelioration of germ-cell depletion and apoptotic changes. The clinical ramifications of these observations mandate further studies.
Administration of melatonin prior to irradiation can protect the intestine against X-rays destructive effects, i.e. radiation enteritis. The clinical applications of these observations await further studies.
Gastric (peptic) ulcer is a major gastrointestinal disorder with high morbidity and mortality. While several drugs have been used to treat gastric ulcers, such as proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication, but hey result in adverse side effects. Therefore, development of new alternative therapies is desirable. Many recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might have an enhancing effect on the ulcerated gastric mucosa. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of MSCs in the treatment of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer, and to compare it with the normal ulcer autohealing. This work was performed on 36 adult male albino rats, divided into four groups: Group I (control group), Group II (ulcer group), Group III (autohealing group), and Group IV (stem cells-treated group). The histological changes of gastric mucosa were examined in sections stained with H&E using light microscope for expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in immunohistochemical stained sections using image analyzer. The results from MSCs-treated group revealed restoration of the normal architecture of the gastric mucosa with comparison to the autohealing group which showed excessive granulation tissue and heavy cellular infiltration with disorganized architecture of the fundic mucosa. Immunohistochemical examination showed strong expression of both VEGF and PCNA in the MSCs-treated group. So it was concluded that MSCs accelerate gastric ulcer healing when injected intraperitoneally, compared to autohealing process which showed delayed healing.
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