Serum adropin as a predictive biomarker of erectile dysfunction in coronary artery disease patients.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with various comorbidities and an early diagnosis and treatment is necessary to avoid the development of these comorbidities. Unfortunately, there is no biochemical marker that can be used for early diagnosis of ED. Nitric oxide (NO) is released by nerve and endothelial cells in the corpora cavernosa of the penis and is believed to be the main vasoactive chemical mediator of penile erection. Adropin is a regulatory peptide which has effects on NO bioavailability and energy homeostasis. We hypothesized that adropin may contribute to the pathogenesis of ED because of the presence of both metabolic effects and the influence on NO bioavailability. To confirm this hypothesis, we investigated the relationship between ED and serum adropin and NO levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-five ED patients were enrolled for this study and the patients were divided into two groups according to angiographic scoring. Serum NO and adropin levels were measured by the Griess reaction and ELISA method, respectively. RESULTS: Serum adropin and NO levels were found to be lower in the group which has higher angiographic score and the difference in NO was statistically significant. Also, adropin has a significant correlation between IIEF scores in ED patients. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in the literature investigating the levels of adropin in ED patients having coronary artery disease. The adropin molecule shows a promising future in clarifying the etiopathogenesis of ED. More comprehensive and multicenter studies are needed to reveal the role of adropin in ED and the effects of treatment on this molecule.

Serum nesfatin-1 levels are decreased in pregnant women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate serum nesfatin-1 levels at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy in women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes and determine the association of nesfatin-1 with several metabolic parameters. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy and 30 healthy pregnant women matched in age and gestational week were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were analyzed using ELISA, and the relationship between nesfatin-1 and several metabolic parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Serum nesfatin-1 levels were found to be lower in women with gestational diabetes compared to the pregnant women in the control sample (p = 0.020). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that nesfatin-1 was lower in participants with gestational diabetes independently from gestational age, BMI, HOMA-IR, fasting plasma glucose, and age. In correlation analysis, the only variable that was found to have a statistically significant correlation with nesfatin-1 was gestational age (p = 0.015, r = 0.30). CONCLUSION: Lower nesfatin-1 levels in women with gestational diabetes compared to the control group at 24-28 weeks of gestation draws attention to nesfatin-1 levels in gestational diabetes and motivates further research in this area.

Serum nesfatin-1 levels are decreased in pregnant women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate serum nesfatin-1 levels at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy in women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes and determine the association of nesfatin-1 with several metabolic parameters. Subjects and methods Forty women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy and 30 healthy pregnant women matched in age and gestational week were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were analyzed using ELISA, and the relationship between nesfatin-1 and several metabolic parameters were assessed. Results Serum nesfatin-1 levels were found to be lower in women with gestational diabetes compared to the pregnant women in the control sample (p = 0.020). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that nesfatin-1 was lower in participants with gestational diabetes independently from gestational age, BMI, HOMA-IR, fasting plasma glucose, and age. In correlation analysis, the only variable that was found to have a statistically significant correlation with nesfatin-1 was gestational age (p = 0.015, r = 0.30). Conclusion Lower nesfatin-1 levels in women with gestational diabetes compared to the control group at 24-28 weeks of gestation draws attention to nesfatin-1 levels in gestational diabetes and motivates further research in this area.

Effects of quercetin on methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

OBJECTIVE: This experimental study was conducted to elucidate the possible protective/therapeutic effects of quercetin against methotrexate (Mtx)-induced kidney toxicity with biochemical and histopathological studies. METHODS: Twenty-four adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups, as follows: control group (saline intraperitoneally (i.p.), 9 days), Mtx group (20 mg/kg i.p., single dose), Mtx + quercetin group (50 mg/kg quercetin was orally administered 2 days before and 6 days after Mtx administration) and only quercetin group (50 mg/kg oral, 9 days). Structural changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff stainings. Apoptotic changes were investigated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and caspase-3 antibody. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in tissue and plasma samples. RESULTS: Mtx compared with the control group, there was significant increase in nephrotoxic tissue damage findings, in addition to apoptotic index (APOI) and caspase-3 expression ( p < 0.05). Mtx + quercetin group revealed significantly lower histopathological damage and APOI and caspase-3 expression decreased when compared to Mtx group. MDA levels were increased in Mtx group compared to others, and by the use of quercetin, this increase was significantly reduced. SOD levels were higher in Mtx group than others. This increase was evaluated as a relative increase arising from oxidative damage caused by Mtx. CONCLUSION: As a result, Mtx administration may involve oxidative stress by causing structural and functional damage in kidney tissue in rats. Quercetin reduced the Mtx-induced oxidative stress through its antioxidant properties and so quercetin may be promising to alleviate Mtx-induced renal toxicity.

Structural Changes in the Cerebrum, Cerebellum and Corpus Callosum in Migraine Patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the relationship among the cerebrum, cerebellum and corpus callosum in migraine patients. METHODS: This work was conducted with cooperation of the Turgut Özal Medical Faculty, Department of Anatomy and Neurology. Migraine patients were divided into four groups: new patients; 1-5 years; 5-10 years; and, more than 10 years. All patients (n=75) and control subjects (n=20) underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and brain images were processed by ONIS and Image J. Data were analyzed using the planimetric method. RESULTS: Cerebrum, cerebellum and corpus callosum volume were calculated for all subjects. The footprints of the callosum were as follows: healthy control subjects, new patients and 1-year patients: 12.8%, 5 years: 11.7% and more than 10 years: 10.7%. The cerebrum volume was as follows: healthy control subjects: 1152 cm3, 5-10 years: 1102 cm3 and more than 10 years: 1002 cm3. DISCUSSION: The results of our study showed atrophy in the cerebrum, cerebellum and corpus callosum of chronic migraine patients. This atrophy was greater in the patients with aura migraines. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that a migraine is an episodic disease that seriously affects the CNS.

Effect of One Unit Blood Donation on Appetite-Related Biomarkers.

PURPOSE: It is commonly reported that blood donation (BD) leads to an increase in appetite. To investigate this claim, a questionnaire was offered to 306 people who had a history of BD at least once in their life. Following a positive outcome from the questionnaire, we further investigated the impact of BD on appetite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The questionnaire study consists of a 5-question survey with VAS was performed on 399 volunteers. Later, 108 volunteers were enrolled in a laboratory study. Blood samples were withdrawn before and after BD. Leptin, ghrelin, neuropeptide-Y (NPY), and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) levels were measured by ELISA kits. VAS assessment was also performed on all participants before and after BD. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the level of leptin but the levels of ghrelin, NPY and α-MSH were unchanged. A significant change in VAS value in terms of appetite was also observed. CONCLUSION: The elevation of appetite after BD is predominantly psychological. Hormonal changes may contribute to the control of hypothalamic hunger and satiety centers.

Are progranulin levels associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and its possible metabolic effects in adolescents and young women?

PURPOSE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an important disease that may alter metabolic balances of the whole body. Progranulin is a growth factor which is related to epithelial, neuronal growth and oogenesis. Here, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of the levels of Progranulin in the clinical setting of PCOS, and its metabolic effects. METHODS: Forty-one adolescents and young women with PCOS and 39 age and body mass index matched adolescents and young women as a control group who attended to the youth center of a tertiary referral center were included in this cross-sectional case-control study. Progranulin levels, indices of insulin sensitivity, lipidemic markers, metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Progranulin levels in patients with PCOS (7.48 ± 1.93 ng/mL) were significantly higher than in the control group (6.25 ± 1.98 ng/mL) (p = 0.006). Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, LH/Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratios, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with PCOS were significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05, for all). The MetS was present in 8 (19.5 %) of the patients in the study group and in 1 (2.3 %) of the patients in the control group (p = 0.029). There was significant inverse correlation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and progranulin levels of patients diagnosed with PCOS (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Progranulin may be a novel biomarker for cardiovascular risk in patients with PCOS, thus these cases should be directed to close follow-up for possible cardiovascular diseases. Future larger studies should focus on this entity.

One more health benefit of blood donation: reduces acute-phase reactants, oxidants and increases antioxidant capacity.

BACKGROUND: One of the most important problems in finding blood donors is the inadequacy of volunteer number. To overcome this problem, one of the solutions we suggest is innovating new health benefits of blood donation. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of blood donation on oxidative status markers and acute-phase reactants. METHODS: A total of 96 healthy volunteers were recruited into the study. Blood samples were withdrawn 5 min before and 24 h after the blood donation. Serum nitric oxide, malondialdehyde levels, and activity of superoxide dismutase and myeloperoxidase were measured spectrophotometrically. Serum levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein and pentraxin-3 as acute-phase reactants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS: We found statistically significant lower pentraxin-3 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels and higher superoxide dismutase activity and nitric oxide level 24 h after blood donation in serum of blood donor when compared with before blood donation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that blood donation affected oxidative status and acute-phase reactants in donors. Blood donation removes oxidants and decreases oxidative stress by elevating antioxidant enzyme such as superoxide dismutase. This is one more health benefit or reason why we should donate blood. Further large-scale studies should evaluate this mechanism and compare the same effect of wet cupping therapy.

Levels of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and platelet-activating factor in recurrent pregnancy loss patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with thrombosis that may contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (habitual abortion), specifically differences in serum levels of platelet-activating factor and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (carboxypeptidase B2) between women with a history of recurrent miscarriage and those with no recurrent miscarriage history. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-controlled, prospective study design was adopted to compare women with a history of two or more first-trimester miscarriages (n = 42) with those with no history of recurrent miscarriage (n = 36). Participants were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Turgut Ozal University Hospital. Platelet-activating factor and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor levels in serum samples were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Platelet-activating factor levels were significantly (p = 0.018) higher in the recurrent miscarriage group. There was no difference in levels of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor expression between the groups. CONCLUSION: Platelet-activating factor is significantly higher in serum of patients with a history of recurrent miscarriage than in those without such a history, with potential implications for placental function and fetal growth, which could be relevant to miscarriage recurrence. Larger studies are indicated to further examine these findings.

The effect of positive end-expiratory pressure on inflammatory cytokines during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate effects of the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) application of 10 cm H2O on the plasma levels of cytokines during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 40 patients who presented to the Department of General Surgery, Medical Faculty, Turgut Özal University, Ankara, Turkey scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy operation during a 10 month period from September 2012 to June 2013. Forty patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy operation were randomly divided into 2 groups; ventilation through zero end-expiratory pressure (ZEEP) (0 cm H2O PEEP) (n=20), and PEEP (10 cm H2O PEEP) (n=20). All patients were ventilated with 8 ml/kg TV. Levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL 10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 were measured in the pre- and post-operatively collected samples. RESULTS: Blood samples of 30 patients' were analyzed for plasma cytokine levels, and 10 were excluded from the study due to hemolysis. Post-operative plasma IL-6 levels were observed to be significantly higher than the pre-operative patients (p=0.035). Post-operative plasma TGF-ß1 levels in the PEEP group was found significantly higher compared with the pre-operative group levels (p=0.033). However, there were no significant differences in the pre- and post-operative plasma cytokine levels between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The application of PEEP of 10 cm H2O, which has known beneficial effect on respiratory mechanics, does not have any effect on systemic inflammatory response undergoing pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery.

The Effects of Valsartan and Amlodipine on the Levels of Irisin, Adropin, and Perilipin.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and obesity are two major threats for public health. Up to the present, antihypertensive medications have been used to lower blood pressure, which seem to provide a better life with lower morbidity and mortality rates. Their effect on etiopathogenesis of hypertension is now an area of developing research. The association between hypertension and obesity also suggests the link between antihypertensive agents and energy hemostasis. We aimed to investigate the effects of antihypertensive treatment on the irisin, adropin, and perilipin levels in patients with essential hypertension and to compare them with healthy volunteers in terms of their effect on energy hemostasis. METHODS: In total, 85 newly diagnosed patients with untreated essential hypertension were admitted to the outpatient clinic. Patients were randomized to one of the following treatment protocols: amlodipine or valsartan for a 12 week period. 42 patients were randomized into the valsartan group and 43 patients into the amlodipine group. Serum perilipin, irisin, and adropin levels were measured before and after drug treatment by ELISA kits. RESULTS: We discovered that the hypertensive patients have lower levels of perilipin and higher levels of adropin compared with the control group. Both amlodipine and valsartan increased the levels of perilipin, irisin, and adropin after 12 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in regulating energy balance, perilipin, irisin, and adropin, could be of pathogenic importance in obesity-induced hypertension. Hence, ongoing trials need to elucidate this mechanism.

Cilostazol attenuates spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pretreatment effect of cilostazol on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury. DESIGN: Prospective, interventional study. SETTING: Research laboratory, single institution. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits. INTERVENTIONS: Twenty-four rabbits were divided into 3 equal groups: group I (sham), group II (ischemia-reperfusion, control group), and group III (cilostazol, administered orally 30 mg/kg/day for 3 days before the surgery). Spinal cord ischemia was induced by clamping the aorta both below the left renal artery and above the iliac bifurcation for 30 minutes. Seventy-two hours postoperatively, the motor function of the lower limbs was evaluated in each animal according to the modified Tarlov score. Spinal cord and blood samples were taken for histopathologic and biochemical analyses at the 72nd hour of reperfusion. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All rabbits in the ischemia-reperfusion group (group II) showed severe neurologic deficits. The median (IQR) Tarlov scores postoperatively at 72 hours in groups I, II, and III were 5.0(-), 2.0(1.0), and 4.5(1.0), respectively. Administration of cilostazol resulted in a significant reduction in motor dysfunction when compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group (p<0.001). In the ischemia-reperfusion group, serum and tissue glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly less compared with the sham group (group I) (p<0.05). Serum and tissue glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels in the cilostazol-treated group (group III) were higher compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group (p<0.05). In the cilostazol-treated group, serum and tissue malondialdehyde levels were lower compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group (p<0.05). Histopathologic analysis found decreased neuronal injury in the cilostazol group when compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that pretreatment with cilostazol significantly ameliorated neurologic functional outcome and attenuated neuronal histopathologic injury after transient aortic occlusion in rabbits.

Wet-cupping removes oxidants and decreases oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVES: Wet-cupping therapy is one of the oldest known medical techniques. Although it is widely used in various conditions such as acute\chronic inflammation, infectious diseases, and immune system disorders, its mechanism of action is not fully known. In this study, we investigated the oxidative status as the first step to elucidate possible mechanisms of action of wet cupping. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wet cupping therapy is implemented to 31 healthy volunteers. Venous blood samples and Wet cupping blood samples were taken concurrently. Serum nitricoxide, malondialdehyde levels and activity of superoxide dismutase and myeloperoxidase were measured spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Wet cupping blood had higher activity of myeloperoxidase, lower activity of superoxide dismutase, higher levels of malondialdehyde and nitricoxide compared to the venous blood. CONCLUSION: Wet cupping removes oxidants and decreases oxidative stress.

Investigation of trace elements in pterygium tissue.

PURPOSE: In this study, we compare the concentrations of the essential trace elements chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) in both pterygium and normal conjunctiva and investigate the role they play in the development of pterygium. METHODS: Included in the study were 38 patients with pterygium and 38 control patients in matching age groups who had been operated on for strabismus or cataracts and in whom conjunctiva samples were collected from the nasal limbus area. All conjunctiva samples were kept at -80 °C until the performance of the biochemical investigations. The B, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn and Se levels in the samples were then measured. The levels of all tissue trace elements were determined by using Agilent 7500a Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA). RESULTS: Cr, Mn, Zn and Se levels are significantly lower in the study group as compared to those of the control group (p < 0.001 for all four values). Regarding the level of B, there was no significant difference between the groups. The Cu levels of almost all subjects in the control group and all subjects in the pterygium group were under the detection limit. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that remarkable differences in Mn, Zn, Se and Cr levels exist in pterygium tissues. Further investigation of electrolyte composition of the conjunctiva is needed to understand the genesis and developmental mechanism of pterygium.

Effects of the aged garlic extract on spinal cord injury model in rat.

BACKGROUND: Aged garlic extract (AGE) is a potent antioxidant agent with an established neuroprotective effect in cerebral ischemia. However, the potential protective effect of AGE in spinal cord injury (SCI) is still unknown. METHODS: Spinal cord trauma was applied to 19 adult male Wistar rats using the clip compression method. Animals were divided into three groups. Animals in the AGE group were administered 250 mg/kg per day of AGE diluted in tap water orally by gavage for 15 days prior to trauma. After spinal cord trauma, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels of the AGE group were compared with the animals in the control and SCI groups. The animals were examined by inclined plane 24 hours (h) after the trauma. At the end of the experiment, spinal cord tissue samples were harvested for pathological evaluation. RESULTS: Regarding tissue MDA and SOD levels after trauma, animals in the AGE group demonstrated decreased MDA levels and increased SOD levels when compared with the SCI group. However, these results were no better than in the control group. The AGE group demonstrated better pathological findings than the SCI group. The result regarding the functional finding was similar. CONCLUSION: AGE demonstrated neuroprotective effects in SCI. Further studies with different experimental settings are required to achieve conclusive results.

Can bile acids be an etiological factor for laryngeal carcinoma?

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to show the accumulation of bile acids in laryngeal tissues of laryngeal carcinoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study compared the total bile acid level in the hypopharyngeal tissue, tumor tissue, and blood of 21 primary laryngeal carcinoma patients (study group) to that in the hypopharyngeal tissue and blood of 15 patients with benign laryngeal lesions (control group). RESULTS: The total bile acid level was significantly higher in the tumor and hypopharyngeal tissues of the study group than in the hypopharyngeal tissues of the control group; however, the difference in the blood total bile acid level between the 2 groups was not significant. CONCLUSION: Bile acids in reflux material accumulate in the laryngeal tissue in laryngeal carcinoma patients; therefore, bile acids should be considered a carcinogenic factor in the etiology of laryngeal carcinoma because of their mutagenicity due to DNA breaking, as they cause chronic inflammation due to intracellular accumulation.

Ultrastructural changes in the liver after experimental spinal cord injury in rats: effects of methylprednisolone, immunoglobulin g and albumin.

AIM: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is routinely treated with standardized methyl prednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) dose, so it is reassuring to find its effects on liver. We also evaluated the effects of albumin and immunoglobulin G (Ig G) therapies on liver if they are used in case of experimental SCI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rats were allocated into six groups as control, trauma, vehicle, MPSS, Ig G and albumin consisting 8 rats for each. The rats with SCI were assigned to 30mg/kg MPSS, 5 mg/kg albumin and 400 mg/kg Ig G treatments. Tissue samples from liver were obtained for light and electron microscopy examinations and determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. RESULTS: Trauma increased MPO activity and caused cellular changes of liver tissue. Both albumin and Ig G treatments decreased MPO activity significantly. The light and electron microscopic evaluations showed remarkable preservation of liver ultra-structure with all treatments including MPSS. CONCLUSIONS: SCI resulted in neutrophil infiltration and changes in ultrastructure of liver. It was revealed that MPSS has no detrimental effects on liver. Although all treatments preserved liver tissue structure, Although all treatments preserved liver tissue structure, Ig G and albumin treatments also prevented neutrophil infiltration. To provide protection from secondary liver injury after SCI, use of albumin and Ig G treatments may be beneficial.

Increased lipid peroxidation and impaired enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanism in thyroid tissue with multinodular goiter and papillary carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the oxidant/antioxidant status of thyroid tissue in patients with multinodular goiter, papillary carcinoma and to compare with their nonpathologic tissues. METHODS: We studied 41 patients with multinodular goiter who underwent surgical treatment. The patients were divided into three groups according to clinical diagnosis. Malondialdehyde, selenium, total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase of thyroid tissue samples were determined in 14 toxic multinodular goiters, 18 non-toxic multinodular goiters, and 9 papillary carcinomas. RESULT: Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and selenium were found lower but malondialdehyde was higher in both nodule and cancerous tissues compared with those of control ones. The level of malondialdehyde in non-toxic multinodular goiters group was higher than toxic multinodular goiters group in nodule tissues. CONCLUSIONS: It can be stated that the lipid peroxidation is increased and enzymatic free radical defense system was significantly impaired in patients with both multinodular goiters and papillary carcinomas.