Browsing by Author "Ozturk, Volga"

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Effects of Varenicline as an Adjunct to Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Therapy in Acute Nerve Injury
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2026) Ozturk, Volga; Rusen, Yasemen Adali; Ertener, Ozge; Seval-Celik, Yasemin; Dastan, Ali Engin; Ozgenc, Serhat; Baris, Elif
Introduction: Acute nerve injury (ANI) leads to significant neuropathic pain and functional impairment. Current treatments, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like meloxicam, provide symptomatic relief but have limited neuroregenerative effects. Varenicline, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, has demonstrated neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Aim: This study evaluates the effects of varenicline as an add-on therapy to meloxicam in a rat model of ANI. Methods: Eighteen female Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: Control (CONT), Sham (SHAM), Acute Nerve Injury + Meloxicam (ANI+Melox), and Acute Nerve Injury + Meloxicam + Varenicline (ANI+Melox+VAR). Varenicline (2.5 mg/kg, s.c.) was administered alongside meloxicam (2 mg/kg, s.c.). Functional recovery, histopathological changes, and biochemical markers, including prostaglandins (PGE2, PGI2), substance P, IL-6, levels, were assessed after 30 days. Results: Varenicline and meloxicam co-treatment significantly reduced inflammatory and pain biomarkers including prostaglandins, interleukin-6 and substance P, compared to meloxicam alone. Histopathological evaluation revealed enhanced Schwann cell proliferation, reduced fibrosis, and increased Bands of B & uuml;ngner formation, suggesting nerve regeneration. Conclusion: Varenicline, as an adjunct to meloxicam, enhances neuroprotection, reduces inflammation, and promotes histological and biochemical indicators of regeneration in rats with acute sciatic nerve injury. Future studies should explore its long-term effects and potential as a monotherapy for peripheral nerve injuries.
Citation - WoS: 1
Citation - Scopus: 1
Investigation of Changes in Blood Choline Levels in Individuals Diagnosed With Osteoporosis: a Case-Control Study
(Springernature, 2025) Ozturk, Volga; Baris, Elif
ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare blood choline levels and its correlations with bone mineral density (BMD) calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in patients with osteoporosis and healthy controls.BackgroundOsteoporosis is a condition marked by reduced bone density and a higher risk of fractures, posing a major health concern. Cholinergic activity promotes bone formation, while its inhibition may contribute to bone loss.MethodsBlood choline levels in 64 female participants, 38 with osteoporosis and 26 healthy controls. were measured using ELISA, and BMD was assessed via Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). Additional biochemical markers, including calcium, vitamin D, and PTH, were analyzed.ResultsBlood choline levels were significantly lower in the osteoporosis group compared to controls. Moderate correlations were observed between choline levels and BMD, as well as weak correlations with calcium, vitamin D, and PTH in patients with osteoporosis.ConclusionLower choline levels in osteoporosis patients suggest a potential link between cholinergic deficiency and the disease, emphasizing the need for further research into cholinergic therapies for osteoporosis.