Kandefer, Meryem Yalvac; Sezgin, Esra Tuba; Suleyman, Bahadir; Cimen, Ferda Keskin; Memiş, Fulya; Gulaboglu, Mine; Suleyman, Halis

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), originally developed as an antimalarial agent, has been associated with hepatotoxic effects in experimental and clinical settings. Our study was designed to evaluate the effects of this agent on liver toxicity and to understand the protective roles of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Liver-52 (Liv-52), and their combination. Male Wistar rats (250–280 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 6): healthy control (C), HCQ only (H), ATP plus HCQ (AH), Liv-52 plus HCQ (LH), and ATP–Liv-52 plus HCQ (ALH). ATP (4 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once daily, whereas Liv-52 (20 mg/kg) was administered orally via gavage. One hour later, all groups except C received HCQ (120 mg/kg, orally, twice daily). All treatments were continued for seven consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured, and liver tissues were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities, along with histopathological evaluation. HCQ administration significantly increased oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated MDA levels (p < 0.01) and reduced antioxidant parameters, including GSH, SOD, and CAT (p < 0.05), accompanied by prominent histopathological damage. Treatment with ATP or Liv-52 markedly ameliorated these alterations by decreasing MDA and restoring antioxidant markers. The combination treatment was observed to exhibit the most pronounced protective effect; it significantly reduced MDA levels, improved GSH, SOD, and CAT levels more effectively, and produced significant decreases in AST and ALT values (p < 0.05).

Bulut, Seval; Altuner, Durdu; Suleyman, Bahadir; Mammadov, Renad; Ozkaraca, Mustafa; Gungor, Ali; Kuzucu, Mehmet; Hendem, Engin; Suleyman, Halis

Erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), is widely used in cancer therapy; however, hepatotoxicity limits its clinical use. This study investigated the protective effects of Liv-52, a polyherbal hepatoprotective formulation, against erlotinib-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and compared its efficacy with melatonin. The animals (n = 24, Wistar albino rats) were randomly categorized into four groups: healthy (HG), erlotinib (ERG), Liv-52 + erlotinib (LEG), and melatonin + erlotinib (MEG). Liv-52 (50 mg/kg/day, orally) and melatonin (10 mg/kg/day, orally) were administered once daily for two weeks. Erlotinib (10 mg/kg, orally) was given every other day to ERG, LEG, and MEG groups for two weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels were analyzed. Additionally, double immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate apoptotic (poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase-1 [PARP-1], apoptosis-inducing factor [AIF]), inflammatory (cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2]), and anti-inflammatory (interleukin-10 [IL-10]) biomarkers in liver tissues. Histopathological examination was also conducted to assess structural alterations. Erlotinib significantly increased MDA, ALT, AST, and LDH while decreasing tGSH, SOD, and CAT (p < 0.001). Strong immunoreactivity for PARP-1, AIF, IL-10, and COX-2, as well as severe hydropic degeneration and necrosis, was observed in ERG (p < 0.05). Both Liv-52 and melatonin significantly ameliorated biochemical, histopathological, apoptotic, and inflammatory alterations (p < 0.05). Notably, Liv-52 demonstrated superior hepatoprotective efficacy compared to melatonin. These findings indicate that Liv-52 effectively attenuates erlotinib-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and apoptotic pathways, thereby preserving liver function and structural integrity.

Bilgin, Yasin; Sari, Fatih Mehmet; Cicek, Betul; Kurt, Engin; Ozkaraca, Mustafa; Gungor, Ali; Kurt, Nezahat; Bilgin, Asli Ozbek

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complex complication of liver failure involving oxidative stress, astroglial activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and multiorgan disturbances along the gut–liver–brain axis. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of liraglutide (LIRA) in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced rat model of HE. Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to control, TAA, and TAA+LIRA 100, 200, or 400 µg/kg groups. HE was induced with TAA (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for three consecutive days, followed by subcutaneous LIRA treatment for 14 days. Serum biochemical parameters, tissue oxidative and inflammatory markers, histopathology, and Nrf2, MFN2, AKT1, mTOR, GFAP, and VEGFA immunoreactivity were evaluated. TAA caused marked hepatic and cerebral structural injury, increased serum and brain glutamine concentrations, disrupted redox homeostasis, elevated MPO activity, and increased cerebral GFAP and multiorgan VEGFA immunoreactivity. LIRA partially improved hepatic and cerebral histopathology, reduced glutamine disturbances, attenuated selected oxidative, nitrosative, and inflammatory alterations, and modulated Nrf2, MFN2, AKT1, mTOR, GFAP, and VEGFA immunoreactivity in a tissue- and dose-specific manner. The 200 µg/kg dose produced the most consistent overall improvement, whereas the 400 µg/kg dose was less favorable for several endpoints. LIRA may therefore alleviate multiorgan stress associated with experimental HE, although further studies are required to confirm functional and mechanistic relevance.

Bedir, Fevzi; Suleyman, Zeynep; Kocaturk, Huseyin; Altay, Mehmet Sefa; Keskin Cimen, Ferda; Altuner, Durdu; Babayeva, Mansura; Suleyman, Halis

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an antineoplastic agent commonly used in cancer therapy that is known for its testicular toxicity. DOX-induced testicular injury involves inflammation, reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress. Centella asiatica exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present experimental study aimed to determine the potential protective efficacy of Centella asiatica in a rat model of doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity. Rats were randomly assigned to four groups: healthy control (HC), CA, DOX, and CA + DOX (CADX). An oral dose of 200 mg/kg Centella asiatica was administered to the CA and CADX groups. The HC and DOX groups received saline. One hour later, DOX (7.5 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into the DOX and CADX groups on days 1, 4, and 7. Centella asiatica markedly attenuated the DOX-induced increase in malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, while preventing the decrease in superoxide dismutase activity in testicular tissue (p < 0.001). Centella asiatica reduced the severity of DOX-induced morphological damage in testicular tissue (p < 0.05). Moreover, it partially restored reproductive hormone function. In conclusion, Centella asiatica demonstrates significant potential in mitigating DOX-induced oxidative damage, attenuating testicular injury and preserving the functional integrity of the male reproductive system.

Koc, Ibrahim; Ogun, Erdal; Geven, Fatmagul; Guney, Kerim; Yildiz, Faruk; Kaya, Ozkan

Pyrolysis liquid (PL) derived from biomass pyrolysis exhibits biopesticidal properties and represents a promising value-added product within the sustainable circular economy framework. However, knowledge about the antimicrobial potential of PLs produced from walnut residue at different pyrolysis temperatures remains limited. We investigated the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of PLs obtained from agricultural walnut residue (Juglans regia L.) against selected plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi. PLs were produced at four temperature ranges: 200–300 °C (W-1), 300–400 °C (W-2), 400–500 °C (W-3), and 500–600 °C (W-4). Chemical characterization was performed using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), with determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Pyrolysis temperature significantly influenced the chemical profile and bioactive compound content of the PLs, with W-4 showing the highest total phenolic and flavonoid levels. Heavy metal analysis indicated minimal contamination in all samples. Antibacterial activity was observed in stock solutions, whereas diluted applications showed limited effects. The W-4 fraction showed the strongest antibacterial activity and exhibited MIC values of 12.50 µL/mL against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, and 25.00 µL/mL against Erwinia amylovora. Antifungal activity differed markedly across temperature ranges, with W-3 and W-4 displaying superior activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium dahliae, achieving complete mycelial growth inhibition at 5%, compared to 10% for W-2 and 20% for W-1. Positive controls confirmed assay validity (ciprofloxacin for antibacterial assays and cycloheximide for antifungal assays), whereas negative controls showed no inhibitory effect. Overall, higher pyrolysis temperatures, particularly 400–600 °C, enhanced the antimicrobial potential of walnut residue-derived PLs, supporting their possible use as bio-based antifungal agents for sustainable crop protection.

Admis, Mesut; Sezgin, Esra Tuba; Suleyman, Zeynep; Admis, Ozlem; Ozkaraca, Mustafa; Gungor, Ali; Aliyev, Aydin; Suleyman, Halis

Ovarian ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of tissue damage following the surgical detorsion of ovarian torsion and is characterized by excessive oxidative stress, inflammation, and progressive cellular injury. Although ranolazine has been reported to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in various experimental models, its potential protective effects against ovarian I/R injury have not yet been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate whether pretreatment with ranolazine protects ovarian tissue against experimental I/R injury in rats. Twenty-four female Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups: a healthy group (HG), sham-operated group (SOG), ovarian ischemia/reperfusion (OIR) group, and ranolazine-treated ovarian ischemia/reperfusion (ROIR) group. Ovarian ischemia was induced by 1 h of torsion followed by 6 h of reperfusion. Ranolazine (50 mg/kg) was administered 1 h before the induction of ischemia as a preventive pretreatment. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, tGSH, SOD, and CAT), pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), histopathological alterations, and the expression of COX-1, COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6 were evaluated by double immunofluorescence staining. Ovarian I/R significantly increased MDA and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels while markedly decreasing tGSH levels and SOD and CAT activities (p < 0.001). These biochemical alterations were accompanied by severe follicular degeneration, mononuclear cell infiltration, interstitial edema, decreased COX-1 immunoreactivity, and increased expression of COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6. Ranolazine treatment significantly attenuated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, preserved the antioxidant defense system, ameliorated histopathological damage, restored COX-1 immunoreactivity, and inhibited the expression of COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6. This is the first experimental study evaluating ranolazine in ovarian I/R injury. These findings suggest that preventive pretreatment with ranolazine attenuates experimental ovarian I/R injury through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Future studies are needed to determine whether similar protective effects can be achieved when ranolazine is administered after ovarian torsion or following surgical detorsion.

Karimov, Shavkatbek; Sezgin, Esra Tuba; Mammadov, Renad; Suleyman, Bahadir; Yaqudov, Kamandar; Yazici, Gulce Naz; Coban, Taha Abdulkadir; Suleyman, Halis; Bayrakceken, Kemal

Ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) is a vision-threatening disorder characterized by retinal ischemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In this study, the protective effects of anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, were investigated and compared with those of tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6 per group): sham-operated (SG), carotid artery clamping/unclamping (CUG), anakinra-treated carotid artery clamping/unclamping (ACUG), and tocilizumab-treated carotid artery clamping/unclamping (TCUG). An experimental ocular ischemic injury model induced by transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion was established by transient bilateral common carotid artery clamping followed by reperfusion. Retinal tissues were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and histopathological examinations were performed. OIS markedly increased MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels while significantly decreasing tGSH, SOD, and CAT activities. Both anakinra and tocilizumab attenuated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses; however, anakinra produced notably greater improvements in MDA, tGSH, SOD, and CAT levels. Histopathological evaluation demonstrated that both treatments reduced retinal injury, edema, vascular congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Although retinal architecture appeared slightly better preserved in the anakinra-treated group, histopathological scores were comparable between the treatment groups. These findings suggest that anakinra may attenuate oxidative and inflammatory retinal damage in this experimental ocular ischemic injury model and may provide greater biochemical protection than tocilizumab, whereas histopathological protection was comparable between treatments. Nevertheless, further experimental and clinical studies are required to confirm these findings.

Yayla, Muhammed; Binnetoglu, Damla; Toktay, Erdem; Gul, Huseyin Fatih; Akgun, Sakir; Gozcu, Sefa; Ermis, Ugur; Ozdemir Sarikaya, Bengul; Uyanik, Merve Dolunay

We aimed to investigate the potential antidiabetic effects of an ethanol extract derived from the fruit of Malus floribunda (MF) on insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis associated with diabetes. In our study, diabetes was induced through the administration of a 10% fructose solution and 40 mg/kg Streptozotocin (STZ). Once diabetes had been induced, metformin (Met) 300 mg/kg and the MF extract (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) were administered orally once daily for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, markers of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis were evaluated in the serum, muscle and liver tissues of the different groups. The MF extract significantly improved the levels of HOMA-IR, insulin receptor (InR), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4)—key components of peripheral insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes. Fructose/streptozotocin induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were mitigated by increasing Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression, which restored antioxidant levels (Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione (GSH)), significantly improved cytokine levels (Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)), and downregulated apoptotic proteins (caspase-3 and caspase-9). We demonstrated the antidiabetic effect of MF extract using a fructose/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes model. MF extract shows promise for future use in herbal medicine.

Kocaturk, Huseyin; Bedir, Fevzi; Yavuzer, Bulent; Sezgin, Esra Tuba; Mammadov, Renad; Suleyman, Bahadir; Sarigul, Cengiz; Cimen, Ferda Keskin; Altay, Mehmet Sefa; Suleyman, Halis

Metformin is widely used in type 2 diabetes, but its effects on oxidative and inflammatory pathways remain controversial. Beyond glycemic control, it may promote lactic acidosis by impairing mitochondrial metabolism and pyruvate flux. The potential renoprotective roles of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) remain poorly defined. This study aimed to evaluate whether ATP and TPP mitigate metformin-induced renal injury through biochemical and histopathological assessments. Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, ATP, TPP, metformin, ATP + metformin, and TPP + metformin. Metformin (50 mg/kg, oral), ATP (4 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), or TPP (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was administered daily for 10 days. Oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, renal histopathology, and serum creatinine, BUN, lactate, and LDH levels were evaluated. Metformin induced significant oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic disturbance, and renal injury. ATP provided partial protection, whereas TPP markedly restored redox balance, reduced inflammation, and preserved renal histology. TPP confers superior protection against metformin-induced renal injury compared with ATP by modulating oxidative, inflammatory, and metabolic pathways, highlighting its therapeutic potential in preventing metformin-related nephrotoxicity.

Ince, Ramazan; Ozgodek, Habip Burak; Kahramanlar, Agah Abdullah; Yucel, Nurinisa; Sarıgül, Cengiz; Suleyman, Halis

Surgical trauma triggers oxidative and inflammatory responses that contribute to postoperative complications. Although the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ketamine have been reported, the impact of anesthesia duration on these mechanisms remains unclear. Forty-two male Wistar rats were randomized into healthy control (HG), ketamine only (KET; 60 mg/kg, i.p.), or laparotomy plus ketamine with 0–4 additional ketamine doses at 20 min intervals (KET + L, KET + L1–L4). At 24 h, levels of MDA, tGSH, SOD, CAT, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, adrenaline and noradrenaline were measured in tail-vein blood. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test was used. Laparotomy under single-dose ketamine increased MDA and pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased tGSH, SOD, CAT, ADR, and NDR versus HG and KET (all p < 0.001). After laparotomy, repeated ketamine dosing produced graded decreases in MDA and cytokines and increases in tGSH, SOD, CAT, ADR, and NDR toward control levels; effects were most pronounced in KET + L4 (all p < 0.001). Ketamine alone did not differ significantly from HG. In rats, ketamine modulates postoperative biological stress in a duration-dependent manner; prolonging anesthesia reduces oxidative–inflammatory load and restores catecholaminergic tone. These findings strongly support revisiting dose–duration protocols and underscore the need for mechanistic and clinical studies.