Background/Objectives: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is largely driven by severe oxidative stress and calcium dyshomeostasis. We examined the targeted antioxidant and therapeutic effects of zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) on contractile dynamics, oxidative damage, calcium turnover, and apoptosis/fibrosis in aged female rats with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Thirty-two aged female Wistar rats were divided into Control, Control + ZnSO₄, Diabetes (DM), and DM + ZnSO₄ groups. DM was induced via high-fat diet and 30 mg/kg streptozotocin. After a 4-week complication period, treatment groups received 10 mg/kg/day ZnSO₄ (i.p.) for 6 weeks. Left ventricular papillary muscle contraction, oxidative/antioxidant markers (MDA/GSH), and gene expressions (SIRT1, GLUT4, SERCA2a, RyR2, Cav1.2, PLN) were evaluated. Myocardial architecture, fibrosis, and apoptosis were analyzed immunohistochemically. In DM rats, contractile force (CF) and velocities (±dF/dtmax) significantly declined. Results: Concurrently, SIRT1, GLUT4, SERCA2a, RyR2, Cav1.2, and antioxidant GSH decreased, while oxidative lipid damage (MDA), PLN, Caspase-3 activity, Collagen I, and fibrosis increased (p < 0.001). ZnSO₄ treatment in diabetic rats acted as a potent antioxidant modulator; it restored redox balance, activated the SIRT1/GLUT4 pathway, protected calcium-handling proteins from oxidative degradation, and significantly improved contractile dynamics. It also preserved myocardial architecture by reducing apoptosis and fibrosis. In healthy rats, ZnSO₄ caused mild stress and early fibrosis. Conclusions: In conclusion, while inducing mild stress in healthy myocardium, zinc supplementation provides robust antioxidant protection in diabetic hearts. It activates SIRT1, suppresses oxidative damage, maintains calcium homeostasis, and restores contractile dynamics, demonstrating strong antioxidant therapeutic potential against DCM.

Background: The skin is a crucial barrier between the body and the external environment; however, its natural healing ability may be compromised in deep injuries. This study aimed to explore the topical therapeutic effects of phonophoresis of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, a potassium (K+) channel blocker) applied to sutured wound tissue using ultrasound (US/phonophoresis). Methods: This study utilized phonophoresis to enhance the transdermal delivery of 4-AP in 49 male Sprague-Dawley rats. An incision was created in the right facial area of each rat and closed with four separate sutures. The animals were randomly assigned to seven groups (n = 7): Control, Sham, US, 4-AP, and three groups receiving different doses of 4-AP (Low (L), Medium (M), and High (H)) + US. 4-AP was administered topically via the transdermal route in a hydrogel with DMSO. Results: The results showed that 4-AP alone was not sufficiently effective, but the 4-AP + US group showed a 17.9-fold increase in EGFR expression and a 26.2-fold increase in VEGFR expression. The increase in MMP9 activity (28-fold) was in line with the immunohistochemical findings and morphological measurements. Overall, the medium dose appeared to offer a better balance between the rate and quality of recovery. Conclusions: This study presents a regenerative treatment strategy with promising therapeutic effects, promoting tissue restoration through the topical effects of phonophoresis on angiogenesis, proliferation, and tissue remodeling in surgically sutured wounds via US-induced cavitation and 4-AP-mediated ion channel modulation.

COVID-19 affects the olfactory system and the hippocampus, leading to severe olfactory and cognitive impairments. This study aimed to quantify volumetric changes in the olfactory bulbs and hippocampus in patients with COVID-19, and to investigate these differences in relation to loss of smell and taste. This stereological MRI study included 60 COVID-19 (+) participants and 54 non-COVID-19 participants. Using OsiriX software, the volumes of the olfactory bulb and hippocampus were manually measured from 3T MRI images. Compared with controls, participants with loss of smell and taste had smaller olfactory bulb volumes. This decrease was especially noticeable in the left olfactory bulb of female patients. Furthermore, the right hippocampal volume in male patients with loss of smell and taste was significantly decreased. These findings suggest that atrophy of the olfactory bulb and hippocampus may be specific to certain regions and sexes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Stereological MRI assessments can effectively identify these changes. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of these changes and their impact on patient management.

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is known to exacerbate neural degeneration and impair regenerative capacity following injury. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Garcinia kola and curcumin on spinal cord morphology and neural structure in a diabetic sciatic nerve injury model. Methods: Spinal cord tissues were obtained from male Wistar albino rats subjected to sciatic nerve transection and diabetes induction in a previously established experimental model. Animals had been assigned to five experimental groups (n = 7 per group): control group, transected sciatic nerve group, transected sciatic nerve + diabetes mellitus (DM), transected sciatic nerve + diabetes mellitus + curcumin (DM + Cur), and transected sciatic nerve + diabetes mellitus + Garcinia kola (DM + GK). Curcumin (300 mg/kg/day) and Garcinia kola (200 mg/kg/day) were administered orally. All animals were sacrificed at three months post-injury. Cervical (C3–C5) spinal cord segments were processed for histological evaluation, and quantitative assessments were performed using unbiased stereological methods to estimate neuronal and structural parameters. Microscopic analyses were conducted to assess morphological alterations. Results: Diabetes combined with sciatic nerve transection induced marked structural alterations in the spinal cord, including reductions in neuronal density and disruption of tissue organization. The DM group showed a significantly lower number of motor neurons than the other groups; similarly, it showed a significant decrease in soma area compared to the Cont and Sham groups. Conclusions: Both the curcumin and Garcinia kola treatment groups exhibited partial preservation of spinal cord morphology. This study provides evidence that Garcinia kola and curcumin exert protective effects not only at the peripheral nerve level, but also in the spinal cord following diabetic nerve injury.