Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of low-density pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) treatment on growth factors/collagen production, histological, biomechanical, and function of rats with Achilles tendon injury. Materials and methods: A total of 44 Wistar Albino rats were used in the study between April 2017 and June 2018. The rats were randomized to two treatment groups. Group 1 (n=6) received LIPUS treatment (0.3 Watt/cm2; 1 MHz, 1:5 pulse mode) and Group 2 (n=6)received sham ultrasound (US) treatment following Achilles tendon surgery. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and collagen gene expression levels were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction. The histological evaluation was performed with the Bonar scoring system. The tensile strength was measured by biomechanical testing and the function was evaluated with the Achilles Functional Index (AFI). Results: Although TGF-β1 expression and tensile strength evaluation showed a tendency to improve in favor of the LIPUS group, no statistically significant difference was found (p=0.065 and p=0.053, respectively). The COL3 gene expression in the LIPUS group and the COL1 expression in the sham US group were significantly higher. Bonar scores and AFI scores showed a statistically significant improvement in the LIPUS group, compared to the sham US group. Conclusion: Our study results show that LIPUS yields positive effects on tendon histology and functional status in repaired Achilles tendon in rats.

Endometrial carcinoma, the most common malignancy of the female genital tract, remains challenging to treat despite early-stage dominance. Surgical interventions and irradiation are insufficient for advanced endometrial cancer. Our aim was to investigate to explore the in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects of boric acid (BA) on endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines (Ishikawa and HEC-1B cell lines), providing experimental evidence for the potential application of boric acid as an anticancer drug. Time- and dose-dependent cell viability was determined with the XTT cell proliferation test. Differences in mRNA levels were determined by RT-PCR using cDNAs and SYBR green assay. Colony formation and the effect of BA on wound healing were evaluated. Immunocytochemistry and TUNEL tests were performed to evaluate apoptosis. BA increased the expression of Caspase 3 and Bax in HEC-1B and Ischikawa cell lines. It was determined that BA significantly decreased the number of colonies in both cell lines (p < 0.05). In HEC-1B and Ishikawa cell lines, there was an increase in cell migration in the control group at 16 and 24 h. The apoptotic index was higher in the BA group, although it was not statistically significant. According to immunohistochemistry results, Caspase 3 and Bax expression in HEC-1B and Ishikawa cell lines were statistically increased in BA group. The expression of Bcl-2 was decreased statistically with BA treatment in both cell lines (p = 0.0001). BA treatment inhibited cell migration and colony formation, which are important for carcinogenesis, in endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines. This inhibition was shown to occur through the apoptotic pathway.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on vascular response and fracture healing duringrecovery. Methods: In this experimental animal study, a total of 63 male Wistar albino rats (200-250 g) were randomly assigned to 3 groups: TBI with tibia fracture (TBI+Fx, n=21), tibia fracture only (Fx only, n=21), and a control group (n=21). Traumatic brain injury was induced in the motor cortex using a controlled impact device, followed by the tibia fracture. The severity of TBI was assessed using rotarod tests. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 7, and 21 post-fracture, while brain and tibia samples were taken on day 21 following decapitation. Levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7) were quantified using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Fracture healing was assessed through micro-CT and histopathological analysis. Aortic segments were evaluated for contractile response and relaxation in isolated organ baths. Results: Micro-CT analysis revealed significantly greater bone volume (BV) (P=.02) and trabecular number (P=.038) in the TBI+Fx group. Histopathological healing scores were also significantly higher in the TBI+Fx group compared to the Fx only group (P=.019). Potassium chloride (KCl) induced contractile responses were greater in the Fx only group than in the TBI+Fx group (P < .05). Acetylcholine (ACh) induced relaxation was diminished in both Fx and TBI+Fx groups compared to controls (P < .01), whereas sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced relaxation was significantly greater in the TBI+Fx group than in the Fx only and control groups (P < .05). On day 21, arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels were significantly higher in the Fx only group compared to the TBI+Fx group (P=.034), with no significant differences observed on days 1 and 7. Plasma Ang 1-7 levels were significantly elevated in the Fx only group on day 21 compared to the TBI+Fx group (P < .05). Conclusion: Traumatic brain injury was associated with accelerated fracture healing, as evidenced by increased BV, trabecular thickness, and histopathological healing scores. Additionally, TBI appeared to modulate vascular function, possibly via mechanisms involving nitric oxide and calcium signaling. These findings suggest that neuroendocrine changes following TBI may enhance fracture healing, offering potential clinical insights for managing polytrauma patients. Cite this article as: Yucens M, Nadir Aydemir A, Fatma Bolukbası Hatip F, et al. Effects of traumatic brain injury on vascular response and fracture healing: annb experimental study in a rat model. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc., 2025;59(3):133-140.