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Öğe A synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue, misoprostol, ameliorates paclitaxel-induced oxidative damage in rat brain(Elsevier Science Inc, 2022) Gur, Fatih Mehmet; Bilgic, SedatThe main objective of our study was to examine the protection of misoprostol (MP) on paclitaxel (PAX) side effects in rat brains. Twenty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were provided to form 4 groups, each containing seven rats: the control group was given 1 mL of 0.9% NaCl intraperitoneally (i.p.) and 1 mL of 0.9% NaCl orally for six days. In treatment groups, each rat was injected with 2 mg/kg PAX i.p. on days 0, 2, 4, and 6 of the study, and 0.2 mg/kg/day MP was given by oral gavage for six days. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) of tissue samples were measured. In immunohistochemical analyzes, it was observed that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and cleaved caspase-3 expression in the cerebellum hippocampus and cerebral cortex were increased in the PAX group compared to the other groups. The increase in TNF-alpha and cleaved caspase-3 expression detected in PAX group rats were significantly decreased in the PAX + MP group. The results obtained in this study confirm the hypotheses that PAX can increase apoptosis in brain tissue both directly and through cytokines such as TNF-alpha. It also shows that MP can be used as a protective and therapeutic pharmacological agent against the harmful effects of PAX on brain tissue. In addition, it seems that the use of MP can improve PAX-induced brain damage by preventing oxidative damage.Öğe Effect of different pasture species on welfare and behavior of slow-growing broiler chickens in free-range production system(Springer, 2023) Bashir, Nadia; Sekeroglu, Ahmet; Tainika, Brian; Gur, Fatih Mehmet; Duman, Mustafa; Senturk, Yunus EmreThis study investigated the effect of various pasture species on the welfare and behavior of slow-growing broiler chickens in the free-range production system. After 21 days completely indoors, the birds were permitted access to outdoor pens cultivated with one of the following pasture treatments: Medicago sativa (A), Trifolium repens (WC), Lolium perenne (PR), and a mixture (Mix, A + WC + PR). The range availability was restricted between 08:30 and 16:30 daily. It was found that pasture type had a significant effect on the fluctuating asymmetry of the face and radius length (P < 0.01). Duration of tonic immobility and blood parameters did not differ among the pasture species and between sexes at 11 weeks of broiler age (P > 0.05). Pasture treatment had no significant effect on broiler behaviors (P > 0.05). However, the age of broilers had a significant effect on pecking, dustbathing, and scratching (P < 0.01). Pecking behavior was affected by the time of the day; morning and afternoon (P < 0.01). Location had a significant effect on pecking and stretching behaviors (P < 0.01). In the study, dustbathing behavior was significantly affected by the interaction between location and age (P < 0.01), age and time of the day (P < 0.01), and location, age, and time of the day (P < 0.05). Scratching behavior was significantly affected by the interaction between location and time of the day (P < 0.05) and location, age and time of the day (P < 0.01). Stretching behavior was significantly affected by the interaction between location and age (P < 0.05) and location, age and time of the day (P < 0.05). It was concluded that access to the studied pasture species does not affect the evaluated welfare traits and observed behaviors. Therefore, it is suggested that other pasture species should be investigated to identify their effect on slow-growing strains in the free-range production system.Öğe Hepato-protective effects of thymoquinone and beta-aminoisobutyric acid in streptozocin induced diabetic rats(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2022) Aktas, Ibrahim; Gur, Fatih MehmetWe investigated the hepato-protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ) and beta-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA). We used five groups of 8-week-old male rats: untreated control group, streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic group, STZ + TQ group, STZ + BAIBA group, and STZ + TQ + BAIBA group. After experimental diabetes mellitus (DM) was established using STZ, TQ was given to the STZ + TQ group, BAIBA to the STZ + BAIBA group, and TQ and BAIBA to the STZ + TQ + BAIBA group. In the STZ group, body weight, relative liver weight, and glutathione, blood albumin and insulin levels were decreased compared to the control. Also, water and food consumption, tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression, malondialdehyde, blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase levels were increased the STZ group compared to the control group. In the STZ group, sinusoid congestion and dilation, monocyte and lymphocyte infiltration and microvesicular steatosis were observed in the liver tissue. Pathological changes caused by DM were reduced significantly in the STZ + TQ, STZ + BAIBA and STZ + TQ + BAIBA groups. The protective effect of BAIBA was greater than for TQ; the greatest protective effect was observed following combined use of TQ + BAIBA. We suggest that our findings for the STZ + TQ, STZ + BAIBA and STZ + TQ + BAIBA groups were due to the antioxidant effects of TQ and BAIBA. TQ and BAIBA appear to be potential therapeutic agents for ameliorating hepatic damage due to DM.Öğe Histological and Electron Microscopical Structure of Tongue and Lingual Papillae of Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris)(Zoological Soc Pakistan, 2020) Ilgun, Ramazan; Kuru, Nilgun; Bolukbas, Ferhan; Gur, Fatih MehmetThe aim of this study was to investigate the histology of the tongue of the guinea fowl, Numida meleagris by using light and scanning electron microscopy methods. Six chicks (6-7 weeks), six layer hens (9-13 weeks) and six studs guinea fowl were used to study and determine the histological features of the tongue of the guinea fowl. Histological structures were examined using a light microscope the tissues and papillae of the tongue were examined with a the scanning electron microscope, and photos of the general histologic structures were taken. The tongue was triangular shaped, and consisted of apex, corpus, and radix sections. The dorsal and ventral surfaces of the tongue were covered by a keratinised stratified squamous epithelium. Lamina propria and submucosal layers were distinguishable underneath the epitelium. SEM observations of surface of the radix linguae revealed conical papillae and tongue caudally directed lingual papillae. Thus, in this study, the anatomy and histology of the tongue of the guinea fowl tongue were examined in detail using light and scanning electron microscopy, and the similarities and differences between the tongue of the guinea fowl and the tongue of other poultry species were investigated.Öğe Histological structure of Nannospalax xanthodon cochlea tissue(Springer, 2021) Balcioglu, Esra; Gur, Fatih Mehmet; Gur, Hatice Emel; Bilgici, Pinar; Kanklic, TeomanBecause of the growth retardation in the eyes of Nannospalax xanthodon blind mole rat, some genetic and environmental adaptations have occurred in the smelling and hearing systems so that they can communicate efficiently in the galleries underground. This study was aimed to determine the histological and morphometric structure of the unique organization of the cochlea, which plays an important role in hearing in N. xanthodon. After the decalcification process, the cochlear tissue was cut in 5 mu m thickness after routine histological procedures. Then these sections stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin and Masson trichrome methods were examined histologically. Besides, the data obtained by taking measurements with the Image J program in the basal, media, and apex regions of the cochlea were evaluated statistically. It was observed that basilar membrane length, tectorial membrane length, stria vascularis thickness, and inner-outer hair cell lengths increased, while Reissner's membrane length and basilar membrane thickness decreased. These data show that the general histological structure of the blind mole rat cochlea is similar to that of other mammals. By evaluating histomorphological findings, it was concluded that cochlea, which plays a primary role in hearing with the effect of living conditions and genetic structures, develops better in blind mole rats than other living species.Öğe Histological structure of Nannospalax xanthodon cochlea tissue (Mar,10.1007/s11756-021-00746-5, 2021)(Springer, 2021) Balcioglu, Esra; Gur, Fatih Mehmet; Gur, Hatice Emel; Bilgici, Pinar; Kankilic, TeomanA Correction to this paper has been published:Öğe Investigation of the protective and therapeutic effects of ?-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA) and Thymoquinone in the diabetic nephropathy(Ms-Editions, 2021) Aktas, Ibrahim; Gur, Fatih MehmetIn this study, against streptozotocin (STZ) induced diapetic nephropathy (DN); it is aimed to investigate the use of thymoquinone (TQ) and beta-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA) and to compare the effects of these agents. With random selection of 35 male rats, five groups (seven rats in each group) were constituted as follows: Control, STZ, STZ + TQ, STZ + BAIBA, STZ + TQ + BAIBA. In the STZ group; body weight, glutathione (GSH) and insulin levels decreased, relative kidney v.:iglu, malondialdehyde (MDA), glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels were increased. Also, in kidney tissue; histopathological changes (such as thickening of the capsular, glomerular and tubular basement membranes, increased mesangial matrix amount, increased cytoplasmic vacuolization in some of the tubular epithelial cells, increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression, and inflammatory cell infiltrations in interstitial tissue) were detected. It was observed that these changes occurring after diabetes mellitus (DM) reversed significantly in TQ, BAIBA and TQ + BAIBA groups.Öğe Macroanatomical and histological study of caecum of the guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) using light and scanning electron microscopy(Agricultural Research Communication Centre, 2018) Ilgun, Ramazan; Gur, Fatih Mehmet; Bolukbas, Ferhan; Yavuz, OrhanThe aim of this study was to investigate the macroanatomy and histology of the caecum in guinea fowl using light and scanning electron microscopy. Six adult male and six adult female guinea fowl were used as the study material. The cavum abdominis of the animals was opened under anaesthesia, and the caeca uncovered. The height and thickness of the villi were smaller in the apex and corpus caeca than in the basis caeci. The SEM image of the guinea fowl caeca showed that the villi send finger like extensions into the lumen, and the height of the villi towards the basis caeca increases and exhibits a tight structure. Thus, in this study, the anatomy and histology of guinea fowl caeca were examined in detail using light and scanning electron microscopy, and the similarities and differences with the caeca of other poultry species were investigated.Öğe Misoprostol alleviates paclitaxel-induced liver damage through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects(Korean Society Toxicogenomics & Toxicoproteomics-Kstt, 2022) Gur, Fatih Mehmet; Aktas, Ibrahim; Bilgic, Sedat; Pekince, MerveBackgrounds Anticancer drugs may damage non-target cells and tissues. One of the biggest reasons for changing or stopping chemotherapy regimens is these adverse effects. Objective This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic and protective efficacy of misoprostol (MP) against the harmful effects of paclitaxel (PAX), an anticancer drug, on normal liver tissue. Results Biochemical examinations revealed that activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and levels of triglyceride, and cholesterol and levels of tissue malondialdehyde increased significantly in the PAX group compared to the control group, and glutathione level decreased. The histological structure of the liver tissue of the control group rats was normal. Histopathological changes, such as focal microvesicular steatosis, sinusoidal dilatation, mononuclear cell infiltration, Councilman bodies, and an increase in apoptosis, were also observed in PAX group. The histopathological changes observed in the PAX group were greatly improved in the PAX + MP group. Conclusion When the obtained data were evaluated, it was concluded that the combined use of PAX with MP could reduce the cytotoxic effects of PAX on normal liver tissue, allowing cancer treatment to be continued uninterrupted and effectively.Öğe Promising the potential of ?-caryophyllene on mercury chloride-induced alteration in cerebellum and spinal cord of young Wistar albino rats(Springer, 2024) Yahyazadeh, Ahmad; Gur, Fatih MehmetMercury chloride (ME) is a chemical pollutant commonly found in the environment, which can contribute to undesirable health consequence worldwide. The current study investigated the detrimental impact of ME on the cerebellum and spinal cord tissues in 6-8-week-old female rats. We also evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of beta-caryophyllene (BC) against spinal and cerebellar changes caused by ME. Thirty-five young Wistar albino rats were randomly chosen and assigned into five groups: control (CO), olive oil (OI), ME, BC, ME + BC. All samples were analysed by means of unbiased stereological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histopathological methods. Our biochemical findings showed that SOD level was significantly increased in the ME group compared to the CO group (p < 0.05). We additionally detected a statistically significant decrease in the number of cerebellar Purkinje cells and granular cells, as well as spinal motor neuron in the ME group compared to the CO group (p < 0.05). In the ME + BC group, the number of Purkinje cells, granular cells, and spinal motor neurons was significantly higher compared to the ME group (p < 0.05). Decreased SOD activity in the ME + BC group was also detected than the ME group (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical (the tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)) and histopathological examinations also exhibited crucial information in each of the group. Taken together, ME exposure was associated with neurotoxicity in the cerebellum and spinal cord tissues. BC treatment also mitigated ME-induced neurological alteration, which may imply its potential therapeutic benefits.Öğe Protective effect of misoprostol against paclitaxel-induced cardiac damage in rats(Elsevier Science Inc, 2024) Aktas, Ibrahim; Gur, Fatih Mehmet; Bilgic, SedatObjective: One of the most critical reasons for limiting cancer treatment is the toxic effects of anti-cancer drugs on healthy tissues and organs. This study aims to investigate the possible protective effects of misoprostol (MS) against the damage that arises from paclitaxel (PT), an anti-cancer pharmacological agent, in the rat heart using histopathological and biochemical analyses. Methods: In this study, four groups, each containing seven animals, were formed by random selection from 28 Sprague Dawley female rats. Control group rats were administered 1 ml of normal saline orally and intrapertoneally (i.p.) for six days. While the PT group rats were administered PT at a dose of 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) on days 0, 2, 4, and 6, the MS group was administered MS at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg in 1 ml normal saline by oral gavage for six days. PT and MS were administered to the PT +MS group rats in the same dose and route as the previous groups. Results: Administration of PT increased serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. PT administration also decreased the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the heart tissue while increasing the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p <0.05). In histopathological examinations, pathological changes, such as edema, congestion, hemorrhage, apoptosis, and degeneration, occurred in the heart tissue of PT-treated rats. The negative changes in histopathological and biochemical parameters that occurred in the PT group were almost not observed in the PT +MS group (p <0.005). Conclusion: When the findings were evaluated, it was concluded that MS protects the heart tissue from the harmful effects of PT, probably due to its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and TNF-alpha suppressive effects.Öğe Protective effects of silymarin against paclitaxel-induced cardiac toxicity(Ms-Editions, 2024) Aktas, Ibrahim; Gur, Fatih Mehmet; Martinez, Jose L.; Bilgic, Sedat; Korkoca, HanifiIn this study, the protectivity of silymarin (SY) against the harmful effects of paclitaxel (PX) on the heart was investigated. PX was administered 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally to the PX group, 100 mg/kg SY was administered by gavage to the SY group, and both drugs were administered to the PX + SY group as other groups. Treatment with SY significantly decreased cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. In the PX group; the decrease in glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly normalized with SY administration. Histologically; heart injury was significantly reduced in the PX + SY group compared to the PX group. As a result, it was determined that SY, which has antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects, could protect the heart tissue from the toxic effects of PX.Öğe Silymarin, an antioxidant flavonoid, protects the liver from the toxicity of the anticancer drug paclitaxel(Churchill Livingstone, 2023) Gur, Fatih Mehmet; Bilgic, SedatOne of the biggest factors that negatively affect the cancer treatment plan is the toxic effects of chemotherapeutics on non-target cells and tissues. This information prompted us to investigate the protective effects of silymarin (SL), a hepatoprotective agent, against the hepatotoxic effects of the anticancer drug paclitaxel (PAC). Four groups were formed from 28 rats as control, PAC (2 mg/kg), SL (100 mg/kg) and PAC + SL (combination of PAC with SL). After completing the experimental procedures, the tissues collected after anesthesia were analyzed by Western blot, qRT-PCR, biochemical, stereological, immunohistochemical, and histopathological techniques. Administration of PAC significantly increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), Bax, cytochrome-c (cyt-c), and active caspase-3, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver tissue and decreased glutathione (GSH) levels compared with the control group. PAC also resulted in a significant increase in serum triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels compared with the control group. Pathological changes such as microvesicular steatosis, the formation of Councilman bodies, an increase in total sinusoidal volume, and a decrease in the total number of hepatocytes were observed in the liver tissue of the PAC group. Almost all analysis results in the PAC + SL group were similar to those in the control group, and no significant pathological alterations were observed in this group.The data obtained show that SL protects the liver from the harmful effects of PAC, especially thanks to its TNFa suppressor, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant effects. Based on this result, in cases where PAC is used in cancer treatment, it can be recommended to be used together with SL to prevent harmful effects on healthy liver tissue and to continue treatment uninterruptedly and effectively.Öğe The ameliorative effects of thymoquinone and beta-aminoisobutyric acid on streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy(Churchill Livingstone, 2021) Gur, Fatih Mehmet; Aktas, IbrahimDiabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiac dysfunction observed in a patient with diabetes that may lead to heart failure. No specific treatment has yet been tested in DCM. Therefore, in this study, it was investigated that the potential of thymoquinone (TYM) and beta-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA) to treat DCM. Five groups (n = 7) were formed, namely control, diabetes, TYM, BAIBA and TYM + BAIBA, with a random selection from 35 adult male rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin to all groups except the control. After establishing experimental diabetes, TYM (20 mg/kg/day) and BAIBA (100 mg/kg/day) were administered alone or in combination with other groups other than the control and diabetes groups for five weeks by gavage. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, and tissue malondialdehyde levels increased significantly, and tissue glutathione levels decreased in the diabetes group compared to the control group. An increase in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the myocardium and the rate of fibrosis and apoptosis were found in the histopathological analysis. In the TYM and BAIBA groups, all pathological changes observed in the diabetes group improved significantly. The therapeutic effects of these agents on DCM are probably due to their antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The present results suggested that TYM and BAIBA have the potential therapeutic effects on DCM that were used alone or combined.Öğe The effect of housing environment (deep litter with or without access to different plant species outdoor) on welfare and behavior across two strains of laying hens(Tubitak Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2024) Tainika, Brian; Sekero, Ahmet; Akyol, Ahmet; Abaci, Samet Hasan; Gur, Fatih MehmetThe impact of the housing environment and hen strain on the welfare and behavior of laying hens was the focus of this study. Lohmann LSL Classic (W) and Lohmann Sandy (S) were assessed under deep litter without outdoor access (DL), deep litter with access to outdoor pens covered with either Mentha piperita (MP), Petroselinum crispum (PC) or Medicago sativa (MS). Duration of tonic immobility, feather condition, footpad dermatitis, and temperatures (comb, breast region, footpad surface, and rectal) were determined at 31, 42, and 52 weeks of age. Hen's behaviors were observed at 32, 42, and 52 weeks of age. Blood parameters were assessed at 52 weeks of hen age. Duration of tonic immobility was similar between hen strains and across ages of hens (p > 0.05) but nearly reached significant levels due to the housing environment (p = 0.070). There was a significant effect of age (p < 0.001), housing environment (p < 0.001), and hen strain (p < 0.05) on total feather score. Age -related effects were observed for all the body region temperatures (p < 0.001), and only the comb and rectal temperatures differed between hen strains (p < 0.001; p < 0.05). The housing environment did not affect the body surface temperatures (p > 0.05). Blood parameters did not differ between hen strains and housing environments (p > 0.05). There was a significant effect of age, housing environment, and hen strain on the proportion of hens expressing some behaviors (p < 0.001; p < 0.05). Time of the day influenced the proportion of birds expressing wing flapping and dust bathing behaviors (p < 0.05). It was concluded that feather condition varies with the housing environment and hen strain, duration of tonic immobility may differ across housing environments, but other welfare traits remain to be refined. Also, housing environment but not strain modulates the expression of most behaviors of hens.Öğe The role of toll-like receptors in the protective effect of melatonin against doxorubicin-induced pancreatic beta cell toxicity(Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, 2019) Taskin, Eylem; Guven, Celal; Kaya, Salih Tunc; Sahin, Leyla; Kocahan, Sayad; Degirmencioglu, Arife Zuhal; Gur, Fatih MehmetAims: Doxorubicin, an anticancer drug, has a toxic effect on many tissues such as heart, pancreas, liver, kidney, and testis. The aim of current study is to investigate whether melatonin would be protective in doxorubicin-induced beta (beta) cell toxicity via HMGB1/TLR2/TLR4/MAPK/NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Main methods: Human pancreatic beta cell (1.1B4) was used in the present study. Four experimental groups were created as control, melatonin (10 mu M), doxorubicin (2 mu M) and the combination of melatonin with doxorubicin. Following 24-h treatment, Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), Toll like receptors (TLRs) including TLR2 and TLR4, pro-and anti-apoptotic protein expression levels were determined by western blotting. Total antioxidant (TAS), oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) of the cells as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined. Active caspase-8 activity was measured and TUNEL staining was performed to study apoptotic pathways. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), some protein expressions and F-actin distribution were analyzed. Key findings: Doxorubicin caused to depolarize MMP, resulting in enhancing apoptosis by activation of caspase-8 via MAPKs/NF-kappa B pathway via elevation of TOS and decreasing TAS. Also, doxorubicin destroyed F-actin distribution and elevated TLR2 and some apoptotic proteins, including Bax. However, co-treatment of melatonin with doxorubicin could reverse depolarization of MMP and inhibition of apoptosis through MAPK/NF-kappa B signaling by decreasing TOS and increasing TAS. The co-treatment reversed the alternations of TLR2, TLR4, MAPKs and apoptotic protein expressions induced by doxorubicin. Significance: Melatonin could be a good candidate against pancreatic beta cell toxicity-induced by doxorubicin through TLR2/TLR4/MAPK/NF-kappa B pathways.Öğe Thymoquinone improves testicular damage and sperm quality in experimentally varicocele-induced adolescent rats(Wiley, 2021) Gur, Fatih Mehmet; Timurkaan, Sema; Taskin, Eylem; Guven, Celal; Gur, Hatice Emel; Senturk, Meryem; Dastan, SevgiThe aim of this study was to investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of thymoquinone against the negative effects of varicocele on testicular tissue and sperm morphology. Five groups were formed by random selection from a total of 40 adult male Wistar rats (n = 8). Thymoquinone (5 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally to the varicocele-dimethyl sulfoxide-olive oil-thymoquinone (VT) group and the sham-thymoquinone group. At the end of the 60th day, all groups were anaesthetised and the left testis was removed from the body quickly. One half of the testis tissue, which was divided into two, was separated for biochemical and Western blot analysis, while the other half were fixed in Bouin's fixative. As a result of biochemical, molecular and histopathological analyses, a statistically significant increase was found in the varicocele group testicular tissues in the malondialdehyde level, apoptotic index, Bax expression, cytochrome c expression and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio compared with the sham group. In addition, histopathological changes characterised by partial or complete degeneration of the germinal epithelium were observed in the seminiferous tubules in the same group. Total oxidant status level and sperm count with abnormal morphology increased in varicocele group, whereas total antioxidant status level decreased. In the VT group, all of the biochemical, molecular and histopathological changes detected in the varicocele group were statistically significantly reduced. When the findings obtained in this study are evaluated, it can be said that thymoquinone has the potential to be used as a preventive and therapeutic pharmacological agent in the medical treatment of varicocele. Although the exact mechanism of action of thymoquinone has not been fully elucidated, the findings obtained in this study support the view that thymoquinone showed a cytoprotective effect by reducing apoptosis, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.
