Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potential splenic tissue damage induced by radiotherapy (RT) and the potential protective effect of different doses of dexmedetomidine on this damage at the histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical levels. Materials and Methods: In our study, Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, Radiotherapy (RT; 8 Gy), RT + Dexmedetomidine 100 µg/kg (RT-D100), and RT + Dexmedetomidine 200 µg/kg (RT-D200). A single dose of 8 Gy radiotherapy was administered to each RT group. Spleen tissues were examined histologically with hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemically with anti-Caspase-3, anti-TGF-β1, and anti-TGF-β3 using light microscopy. TBARS and total thiol levels were also analyzed to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity. Results: Histopathological results showed a significant decrease in white pulp diameter, decreased cellular density, and increased congestion in the red pulp in the RT group. Significant fibrosis, sinusoidal dilatation, vacuolization, and amyloid deposition were detected in the white pulp in the RT group. Regarding anti-caspase-3 immunoreactivity, strong positivity increased in the red pulp in the RT group, while a significant increase was observed in the white pulp in both the RT-D100 and RT groups. While the proportion of TGF-β1 immunopositive cells did not change significantly in the RT group, they increased significantly in both dexmedetomidine groups (especially RT-D200). TGF-β3 expression increased significantly only in the RT-D100 group. In biochemical analyses, TBARS levels increased significantly in the RT-D100 group. Total thiol levels decreased in the RT group and increased in the dexmedetomidine-treated groups. Conclusions: While RT caused histopathological damage and increased oxidative stress in spleen tissue, dexmedetomidine reduced this damage in a dose-dependent manner. The different immunohistochemical profiles of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 suggest that these cytokines may have different functions in the spleen. 100 µg/kg dexmedetomidine stimulates a regenerative response through TGF-β3, while 200 µg/kg dexmedetomidine may provide immune regulation and antioxidative defense through TGF-β1.

Moleküler biyolojideki gelişmeler, yalnızca mevcut bilgileri derinleştirmekle kalmayıp biyolojik sistemlerin incelenmesinde yeni araştırma sorularını da gündeme getirmektedir. Moleküler Biyolojide Çağdaş Yaklaşımlar, farklı araştırma alanlarından elde edilen bilimsel birikimi bir araya getirerek moleküler mekanizmaların anlaşılmasına yönelik güncel yaklaşımları ele almaktadır. Eser, bilim insanlarına mevcut bilgileri farklı perspektiflerden değerlendirme, yöntemsel gelişmeleri izleme ve gelecekteki araştırmalara yön verebilecek bilimsel tartışmaları keşfetme olanağı sunmaktadır. Aynı zamanda hem akademisyenler ve öğrenciler hem de bilimin geleceğine yön veren moleküler dünyayı keşfetmek isteyen tüm araştırmacılar için vazgeçilmez bir rehber niteliğindedir.

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.