Abstract This study was aimed at determining the effects of corn and wheat glutens on the histopathological and immunohistochemical structure of the ovarian tissue, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and lipid profile in rats. Twenty-day-old 24 female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to three groups, and were raised until 185 days of age. Three study groups, named as Wheat, Corn and Soybean Groups, were established and fed on wheat gluten, corn gluten and soybean meal, respectively, as a protein source. At the end of the trial, ovarian tissue specimens and serum samples were taken from the animals, and analyzed. Compared to Soybean Group, in Wheat Group, of the ovarian histopathological parameters investigated, values pertaining to the primordial, primary, secondary, and Graafian follicles and corpora lutea (CL) were numerically smaller, and for the immunohistochemical parameters investigated, in the transglutaminase 2 (TGM2), gliadin, IgA, IgM, CD4 and CD8 were immunopositivity higher (P>0.05). It was determined that, in Wheat Group, ovarian tissue LH levels had significantly decreased, whilst serum FSH levels had significantly increased (P<0.05). Wheat Group also displayed reduced ovarian tissue cholesterol levels and increased serum monoacylglycerol levels (P<0.05). In result, it was ascertained that wheat and corn glutens had limited effects on the histopathological and immunohistochemical structure of the ovarian tissue, but showed distinct effects on ovarian tissue LH and serum FSH levels.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effects of melatonin on antioxidant capacity, inflammation and apoptotic cell death (through expression of cleaved-caspase 3) in lung tissue samples of diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (control group) was made up of healthy rats. Group 2 (diabetes group) received streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days.Group 3 (diabetes plus melatonin group) received streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days and then they received melatonin at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day between 28thand 35thdays of the study. Results: Tissue MDA and MPO levels were found to be significantly higher in diabetes group compared to control group (p<0.05) whilst administration of melatonin was found to significantly lower this increase down to normal levels (p<0.05). Bronchus associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) was more severe in diabetics whereas administration of melatonin alleviated this hyperplasia. Cleaved caspase 3 activity was severe in hyperplastic BALT in diabetic rats however in lowered down to moderate level when melatonin was administered. Conclusion: The melatonin caused an increase in antioxidant capacity and decreased the expression of cleaved-caspase 3.