Browsing by Author "Akakin, Dilek"

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Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Effects of Korean Ginseng Root Extract in an Experimental Model of Multiple Sclerosis
(Marmara Univ, Fac Medicine, 2025) Donmez, Muhammet Oguzhan; Sener, Goksel; Akbay, Tugba Tunali; Sivas, Guzin Goksun; Akakin, Dilek; Unlu, Hilal; Goren, Mehmet Zafer
Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterised by demyelination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Korean ginseng root extract (KGE) using a cuprizone-induced demyelination model. Materials and Methods: C57BL/6 mice were divided into control, demyelination and remyelination groups and each group was treated with KGE. Demyelination was induced with 0.2% cuprizone in the diet for four weeks. KGE (100 mg/kg) was administered by gavage during or after the cuprizone exposure. Body weight, food and water intake, and motor performance parameters were investigated. In addition, glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) malondialdehyde (MDA), oligodendrocyte transcription factor-2 (OLIG2) and myelin basic protein (MBP) levels were measured in brain samples, while MBP and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and myelin status was examined using Luxol Fast Blue staining. Results: Korean ginseng root extract prevented myelin loss, promoted remyelination, and improved motor performance. It reduced oxidative stress by increasing GSH, GST, and SOD levels while decreasing MDA. KGE also suppressed demyelination by reducing astrogliosis and restoring OLIG2 and MBP levels. Conclusion: Korean ginseng root extract exhibits neuroprotective properties during demyelination and promotes remyelination, highlighting its therapeutic potential for MS.
Citation - WoS: 1
Histological and Biochemical Effects of an Ethanolic Extract of myrtus Communis Leaf on the Pancreases of Rats Fed High Fat Diets
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2024) Kabatas, Gul Sinemcan; Ertas, Busra; Sen, Ali; Sener, Goksel; Ercan, Feriha; Akakin, Dilek
We investigated the effects of an ethanolic extract of Myrtus communis subsp. communis (MC) leaves on the pancreases of rats fed with a high fat diet (HFD). Wistar albino rats were fed either with standard lab chow (Control group) or with a 45% fat diet (HFD and HFD+MC groups) for 4 months, with the MC extract (100 mg/kg) being administered by orogastric gavage to rats in the HFD+MC group during the last month. Blood and pancreas samples were collected from all experimental groups at the end of the study. Insulin and leptin levels, and the lipid profile, were analyzed in the blood serum. Pancreatic injury was assessed histologically. Insulin, nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kappa B), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis was assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) immunohistochemistry. In addition, oxidant/antioxidant activity was analyzed by biochemical methods. Increased body weight, serum insulin and leptin levels, blood glucose level and pancreatic tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and decreased tissue glutathione (GSH) level were observed in the HFD group compared to the Control group, in addition to dyslipidemia. An increased histopathological damage score, pancreatic islet area, insulin, TUNEL, NF-kappa B and alpha-SMA immunoreactivity were seen in animals from the HFD group compared to the Control group. However, such pathological changes were reduced in the HFD+MC group. Our data indicate further investigation of MC extract as a therapeutic adjuvant for HFD-induced pancreatic injury, acting via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, is worth carrying out.
Citation - WoS: 3
Citation - Scopus: 5
cotinus Coggygria Scop. Attenuates Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats by Regulation of Inflammatory Mediators
(Springer, 2023) Sen, Ali; Ertas, Busra; Cevik, Ozge; Yildirim, Aybeniz; Kayali, Damla Gokceoglu; Akakin, Dilek; Sener, Goksel
In traditional medicine, many medicinal plants are used in the treatment of various diseases caused by inflammation. The objective of the present study is to elucidate for the first time the effects of Cotinus coggygria (CC) ethanol extract (CCE) on colonic structure and inflammation of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Colonic damage was assessed using disease activity index score, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Also, in vitro antioxidant activity of CCE was investigated by ABTS methods. Total phytochemical content of CCE was measured spectroscopically. Acetic acid caused colonic damage according to disease activity index and macroscopic scoring. CCE significantly reversed these damages. While the levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and TGF-1beta increased in tissue with UC, IL-10 level decreased. CCE increased inflammatory cytokine levels to values close to the sham group. At the same time, while markers indicating disease severity such as VEGF, COX-2, PGE2, and 8-OHdG indicated the disease in the colitis group, these values returned to normal with CCE. Histological research results support biochemical analysis. CCE exhibited significant antioxidant against ABTS radical. Also, CCE was found to have a high content of total polyphenolic compounds. These findings provide evidence that CCE might be benefit as a promising novel therapy in the treatment of UC in humans due to high polyphenol content and justify the use of CC in folkloric medicine for treatment of inflamed diseases.