Browsing by Author "Bakirhan E.G."

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A Maternal High-Fat Diet Causes Anxiety-Related Behaviors by Altering Neuropeptide Y1 Receptor and Hippocampal Volumes in Rat Offspring: the Potential Effect of N-Acetylcysteine
(2023-03-01) Tüfekci K.K.; Bakirhan E.G.; Terzi F.
The children of obese mothers are known to have a high risk of obesity and metabolic disease and are prone to developing cognitive deficits, although the underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood. This study investigated the relationship between neuropeptide Y1 receptor (NPY1R) and anxiety-like behaviors in the hippocampi of male rat offspring exposed to maternal obesity and the potential neuroprotective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). A maternal obesity model was created using a high-fat (60% k/cal) diet. NAC (150 mg/kg) was administered by intragastric gavage for 25 days in both the NAC and obesity + NAC (ObNAC) groups. All male rat offspring were subjected to behavioral testing on postnatal day 28, the end of the experiment. Stereological analysis was performed on hippocampal sections, while NPY1R expression was determined using immunohistochemical methods. Stereological data indicated significant decreases in the total volume of the hippocampus and CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG) regions in the obese (Ob) group (p < 0.01). Decreased NPY1R expression was observed in the Ob group hippocampus (p < 0.01). At behavioral assessments, the Ob group rats exhibited increased anxiety and less social interaction, although the ObNAC group rats exhibited stronger responses than the Ob group (p < 0.01). The study results show that NAC attenuated anxiety-like behaviors and NPY1R expression and also protected hippocampal volume against maternal obesity. The findings indicate that a decrease in NPY1R-positive neurons in the hippocampus of male rats due to maternal conditions may be associated with increased levels of anxiety and a lower hippocampal volume. Additionally, although there is no direct evidence, maintenance of NPY1R expression by NAC may be critical for regulating maternal obesity-induced anxiety-related behaviors and hippocampal structure.
An investigation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress in obesity exposure in the prenatal period
(2023-12-01) Tüfekci̇ K.K.; Tatar M.; Terzi̇ F.; Bakirhan E.G.
Evaluation of the protective effects of folic acid on the lung exposed to 900-MHZ electromagnetic field: A stereological and histopathological study
(2022-01-01) Tüfekçi K.K.; Bakirhan E.G.; Altunkaynak B.Z.
There is strong scientific evidence that radio frequency (RF) radiation is harmful to life. Exposure to radiation may cause lung toxicity and respiratory disorders. Folic acid (FA) is one of the powerful antioxidants that minimize oxidative stress in the biological system. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the FA against the EMF-induced potential negative effects on the lung. Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were divided into the four groups; control group (Cont), electromagnetic field group (EMF), FA treated group (FA), and electromagnetic field exposure + FA treated group (EFA). After the routine histological procedures, volumes of the alveoli, bronchioles and blood vessels have been estimated by the Cavalieri principle. It was found that a significant decrease in the mean volume of alveoli, bronchioles and blood vessels in EMF group in comparison of the Cont group (p<0.01). Besides this, histopathological analysis demonstrated that there was impaired lung structure, shrunken alveoli, and increased thickness of the alveolar wall in the EMF group sections. In the EFA group, significant protective effects were observed in the structures volumes and histopathology (p<0.01). These findings corresponded with the antioxidant effect of FA treatment. Our results suggest that FA protected alveoli, bronchioles, and blood vessels against EMF-induced lung injury. Thus FA has the potential to be a therapeutic agent.