OBJECTIVES: In this study we investigated the probable protective effects of thymoquinone on amikacin-induced ototoxicity in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy rats were divided into four groups (amikacin, amikacin+thymoquinone, thymoquinone, and no treatment). Thymoquinone was fed to the rats via oral gavage in a dose of 40 mg/kg/day throughout the study period of 14 days. Amikacin was given by the intramuscular route in a dose of 600 mg/kg/day. Audiological assessment was conducted by the distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests, administered to all rats at the beginning of the study, and also on days 7 and 15. Biochemical parameters were calculated at the termination of the study to evaluate the oxidative status. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in DPOAE values and significant increases in ABR thresholds of the amikacin group on days 7 and 15, as compared to the amikacin+thymoquinone group. While ABR thresholds of the amikacin group increased significantly on days 7 and 15 as compared to their initial values, there were no significant differences between the initial and the 7th and 15th day values of ABR thresholds in the amikacin+thymoquinone group. Total oxidant status and oxidative stress index values of the amikacin+thymoquinone group were significantly lower than those of the amikacin group. Total antioxidant status values of the amikacin+thymoquinone group were significantly higher than those of the amikacin group. CONCLUSION: Our study has demonstrated that the ototoxic effect brought forth by amikacin could be overcome with the concurrent use of thymoquinone.
Amikacin ; Animals ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats*

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence rate of bacteremia following toothbrushing with toothpastes composed of several antibacterial agents and compare the results with the conventional oral hygiene maintaining methods in orthodontic patients. METHODS: This clinical study included 100 adult orthodontic patients who were divided into 4 groups. Each group comprised of 25 patients, wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. In the first group, bacteremia was assessed after toothbrushing without using any toothpaste. In the second group, a 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse was used before brushing with no toothpaste. In the third group, subjects brushed with a commonly used toothpaste which did not include an additional antimicrobial agent. The fourth experimental group used toothpaste which included tea tree oil, clove oil, peppermint oil and bisabolol as antimicrobial elements. Pre- and post-brushing blood samples were obtained using a strict aseptic technique. All samples were microbiologically evaluated using blood culture bottles. RESULTS: Toothbrushing in orthodontic patients yielded to an increase in the occurrence rate of bacteremia when using normal toothpaste or no toothpaste at all. CONCLUSIONS: The use of chlorhexidine mouthwash before toothbrushing, and brushing with antimicrobial toothpaste did not show a statistically significant difference in preventing the occurrence of bacteremia (p > 0.05).
Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bacteremia ; Chlorhexidine ; Clove Oil ; Humans ; Mentha piperita ; Oral Hygiene ; Orthodontic Appliances ; Plant Oils ; Sesquiterpenes ; Tea Tree Oil ; Toothbrushing ; Toothpastes