Vitamin D levels in children and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies showed that vitamin D deficiency may lead to dysfunctional changes in the brain and may be associated with neuropsychiatric diseases. AIMS: The present study aims to investigate vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels in children and adolescents diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and compared them to healthy controls. Additionally, the correlation of OCD symptom severity with serum vitamin D level will be analyzed. METHODS: A semi-structured interview form (K-SADS-PL) was used to diagnose OCD and other comorbidities in accordance with DSM-IV criteria. In addition, all participants were assessed with clinical interviews based on DSM-5 OCD diagnostic criteria. Children's Yale Brown Obsession Compulsion Scale (CY-BOCS) and Children's Depression Inventory were used in the clinical evaluation. RESULTS: Vitamin D levels were lower in patients diagnosed with OCD (15.88 ± 6.96 ng/mL) when compared to healthy controls (18.21 ± 13.24 ng/mL), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = .234). Serum calcium, serum phosphate and serum alkaline phosphatase levels were not different between the groups. A negative correlation was found between serum 25OH-D3 levels and obsession scale scores in CY-BOCS. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the first study that evaluated vitamin D levels in OCD patients without comorbidity. The vitamin D levels of newly diagnosed OCD cases were lower but not statistically different than healthy controls. Furthermore, the study does also not support the presence of a significant association between serum vitamin D levels and OCD.

Iron Deficiency Parameters in Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

The aim of this study is to compare iron deficiency parameters in patients with stimulant-naive attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and healthy controls, to investigate whether there are differences among the ADHD presentations, and to evaluate the relationship between ADHD symptom severity and serum ferritin levels. In addition, ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive (ADHD-PI) patients with restrictive hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms were evaluated as a separate group with "restrictive inattention presentation" (ADHD-Rest) and were compared with other groups. Patients with ADHD-Rest are typically defined as having six or more symptoms of inattention and fewer than three symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. A total of 200 ADHD cases consisting of 100 ADHD-Combine (ADHD-C) and 100 ADHD-PI and a total of 100 healthy control cases were included in the study. The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version was performed in a semi-structured interview during the diagnosis. The Turgay DSM-IV-Based Child and Adolescent Behavior Disorders Screening and Rating Scale, the Conners' Rating Scale-Revised: Long Form (Parent-Teacher) (CPRSR:L, CTRS-R:L) were used for clinical evaluation. Hemogram, serum iron, iron binding capacity and serum ferritin levels were assessed. There were no significant differences between the ADHD patients and the healthy control cases in terms of iron deficiency parameters. Further, there were no significant differences among the ADHD presentations in terms of the same parameters, nor were there any significant differences when the groups were examined after the identification of the ADHD-Rest. The CPRS-R:L Hyperactivity and the CTRS-R:L Hyperactivity scores were negatively correlated with serum ferritin level in the ADHD group. To our knowledge, our current study is the first to compare serum ferritin levels in ADHD-Rest with other presentations of ADHD, and included the largest number of patients that were classified by ADHD presentations. Elucidation of these findings is important for both the etiology and treatment of ADHD.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in neutropenic patients secondary to chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Neutropenia is a serious adverse event that necessitates dosage reduction in patients receiving chemotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in neutropenic patients after chemotherapy both during the neutropenic period and after successful treatment of neutropenia with filgrastim. METHODS: We studied paraoxonase (PON1), arylesterase (ARE), malondialdehyde (MDA), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in addition to routine biochemical and hematologic parameters. SPSS 12.0 was used for statistical evaluation of data (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: In our study, PON1, HDL, and LDH levels during the period of active neutropenia were statistically significantly higher than these levels were after resolution of neutropenia (P<0.05); MDA and ALP levels were statistically significantly lower during the period of active neutropenia (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, free oxygen radicals (FOR) were increased and antioxidant parameters were decreased with resolution of neutropenia. This is probably due to FOR produced by the increased number of neutrophils rather than tumor burden.

The effect of acute allergic reactions on diastolic heart function.

PURPOSE: Diastolic heart failure is characterized by the presence of heart failure symptoms despite preserved systolic function. Cytokines released during allergic reactions may impair diastolic heart function, either through their direct toxic effects or by inducing coronary artery spasm. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute allergic reactions on diastolic heart function. METHODS: Fifty patients, randomly selected from those who were admitted to the emergency room between May 2010 and December 2010 with the complaints of rash and itching, and who were subsequently diagnosed with allergic reactions based on the clinical and laboratory findings, were included in the study as the allergy group. Thirty healthy volunteers, in whom the diagnosis of allergy was ruled out based on the clinical and laboratory data, were use as the control group. Diastolic heart functions were evaluated in patients presenting with allergic reaction as well as in control subjects. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of basal systolic functions, diameters of the cavities and wall thicknesses, and biochemical parameters. Color M mode flow progression velocities, E ratios, E/A ratios and mitral lateral annulus tissue Doppler velocities measured by echocardiography at Day 0 and Day 5 were significantly altered in the allergy group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Impairment in diastolic functions was observed following acute allergic reactions. Acute allergic reactions could be a cause of mortality and morbidity if they lead to the development of diastolic heart failure.

Altered Arginine/Agmatine Pathway and Polyamines in Adolescents Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.

Objective: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common in childhood, but its etiopathogenesis is still unclear. Published neurochemical studies mostly focus on monoaminergic system, however, the pathophysiology of MDD cannot be explained by monoamine hypothesis only, medications that have effect on monoamines cannot have effect needed in all patients. We aimed to investigate the poliamine pathway of L-arginine metabolism which is proceeding by way of agmatine in adolescents with MDD. Methods: Our study involved 45 patients with MDD (case group), and 44 healthy controls (control group) between the ages of 13-17. Sociodemographic data form, Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version-DSM-5-Turkish, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were applied to all subjects. All subjects were evaluated in terms of the levels of serum agmatine, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine. Results: The levels of agmatine and spermine were significantly higher and putrescine and spermidine were significantly lower in case group compared with healthy controls. There was significant negative correlation with the levels of putrescine and spermidine between BDI scores, and there was significant positive correlation between the levels of spermine and BDI scores. No correlation found between the levels of agmatine and BDI scores. Conclusion: These differences that the levels of agmatine and polyamines in the MDD group seem to be a field that worth researching. In the future, the evaluation of the arginine/polyamine metabolism in MDD with larger sample and longitudinal studies is going to capable to contribute to a better understanding of the disorder.

Effects of trimetazidine in acute pancreatitis induced by L-arginine.

BACKGROUND: In acute pancreatitis, oxygen free radicals (OFRs) and cytokines have been shown to play a role in the failure of pancreatic microcirculation and the development of local tissue damage. We studied the effects of trimetazidine (TMZ), a potent antioxidant and anti-ischemic agent, on acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Rats were randomized into 3 groups: a control group (n = 15), a study group (n = 15) in which acute pancreatitis was induced with with L-arginine, and a treatment group (n = 15) in which pancreatitis was induced and treated with TMZ intraperitoneally. The rats were followed for 24 hours. At the 24th hour we determined serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), amylase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin 1-β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and the pancreatic tissues were analyzed histopathologically. RESULTS: The AST (p < 0.001), ALT (p < 0.01), amylase (p < 0.001), LDH (p < 0.01), TNF-α (p < 0.01), IL-1ß (p < 0.001) and IL-6 (p < 0.001) levels, and pancreatic tissue edema (p < 0.01), hemorrhage (p < 0.05), acinar cell necrosis (p < 0.001) and level of perivascular inflammation (p < 0.01), were significantly lower in the treatment group than the study group. CONCLUSION: Trimetazidine markedly decreases biochemical and histopathologic changes during the early stages of acute pancreatitis, thus preserving the pancreas histologically.

CONTEXTE: Dans la pancréatite aiguë, les radicaux libres de l'oxygène et les cytokines contribuent à l'insuffisance de la microcirculation pancréatique et à l'endommagement des tissus localement. Nous avons étudié les effets de la trimétazidine (TMZ), un puissant agent antioxydant et anti-ischémique, sur la pancréatite aiguë. MÉTHODES: Des rats ont été assignés aléatoirement à 1 de 3 groupes : un groupe témoin (n = 15), un groupe (n = 15) dans lequel la pancréatite aiguë a été induite au moyen de L-arginine et un groupe (n = 15) dans lequel la pancréatite a été induite, puis traitée par TMZ par voie intrapéritonéale. Les rats ont été suivis pendant 24 heures. À la 24e heure, nous avons mesuré les taux sériques d'aspartate aminotransférase (AST), d'alanine aminotransférase (ALT), d'amylase, de lacticodéshydrogénase (LDH), d'interleukine 1-ß (IL-1ß), d'interleukine 6 (IL-6) et de facteur de nécrose tumorale α (TNF-α), et les tissus pancréatiques ont été soumis à un examen histopathologique. RÉSULTANTS: Les taux d'AST (p < 0,001), d'ALT (p < 0,01), d'amylase (p < 0,001), de LDH (p < 0,01), de TNF-α (p < 0,01), d'IL-1ß (p < 0,001) et d'IL-6 (p < 0,001), de même que l'oedème tissulaire (p < 0,01), les saignements (p < 0,05), la nécrose des cellules acineuses (p < 0,001) et le degré d'inflammation périvasculaire (p < 0,01) pancréatiques,étaient significativement moindres dans le groupe traité que dans le groupe non traité. CONCLUSIONS: La trimétazidine atténue nettement les modifications biochimiques et histopathologiques qui accompagnent les premiers stades d'une pancréatite aiguë, ce qui permet de préserver le pancréas au plan histologique.

The assessment of oxidative stress on patients with chronic renal failure at different stages and on dialysis patients receiving different hypertensive treatment.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the oxidative stress in predialysis, hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis patients and to test the effects of antihypertensive drugs and volume control on oxidative stress parameters. The study was composed of five groups as follows: control group (n = 30), predialysis group (n = 30), peritoneal dialysis group (n = 30), hemodialysis group, (normotensive with strict volume control, n = 30), hemodialysis group (normotensive with medication, n = 30). Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and routine biochemical parameters were studied in all patients. Hemodialysis patients with strict volume control (HDvc) had lower levels of MDA than other patient groups (p < 0.001), and CAT, SOD values had highest level other patient groups (p < 0.001). The treatment of hypertension with strict volume control in chronic renal failure patients causes less damage to the antioxidant capacity.

Vitamin D Insufficiency in Children with Chronic Neurological Diseases: Frequency and Causative Factors.

Objective: Vitamin D insufficiency/rickets is a metabolic bone disease that leads to insufficient mineralization of bone. Chronic neurological diseases, including cerebral palsy (CP), convulsive disorders, neural tube defects, myopathy, immobility, lack of sun exposure, inadequate nutrition, and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can cause vitamin D insufficiency and osteopenia in children. Materials & Methods: In this study, the authors searched the frequency and causative factors of vitamin D insufficiency in children with chronic neurological diseases such as CP, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, mental motor retardation, epilepsy, neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases, meningitis-encephalitis sequelae, neural tube defects, paralysis, and paresis. This cross-sectional study included 108 children (forty-five (41.6%) females; sixty-three (58.4%) males), aged between one and 18 years with chronic neurological diseases, and a control group of thirty age-matched healthy children (16 (53.3%) females; 14 (46.7%) males. Results: Vitamin D levels were significantly lower, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p<0.05). The patient group was divided into four subgroups: (i) Epilepsy (n=41; 38%), (ii) Neural tube defects (n=14; 13%), (iii) CP (n=21; 19%), and (iv) other diseases (neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases, meningitis sequelae, intracranial hemorrhage, psychomotor retardation, hypoxic-ischemic. encephalopathy) (n=32; 30%) to identify any differences in the measured levels. In the patient group, eighty-three (76.9%) had vitamin D deficiency, and 17 (15.7%) had vitamin D insufficiency, while in the control group, twenty-one (70%) had vitamin D insufficiency. The use of AEDs had no significant effect on serum Ca, P, ALP, PTH, or vitamin D levels (p>0.05), and serum Ca levels were significantly higher in ambulant patients than in non-ambulant patients (p<0.05). Vitamin D levels were significantly higher in the non-ambulant than in the ambulant patients (p<0.05). No rickets was determined in the control group, while in the patient group, nine (8.3%) had level-1 rickets, six (5.6%) had level-2 rickets, and two (1.9%) had level-3 rickets. Conclusion: Children with chronic neurological diseases have low serum vitamin D levels, and vitamin D prophylaxis is essential in this group.

The impact of tacrolimus on growth factors in experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of intravitreal tacrolimus on an animal model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and on growth factors implicated in its pathogenesis. METHODS: Twenty-one guinea pigs were randomly assigned to one of three groups of seven animals each: no-PVR/saline group (no PVR/intravitreal saline-injected group), PVR/saline group (dispase-induced PVR group, treated with control injections of intravitreal saline), and PVR/tacrolimus group (treatment group, dispase-induced PVR group treated with intravitreal tacrolimus injections). At the end of the experiment, eyes were enucleated and the identification of the stages of PVR was carried out. While a halves of the enucleated globes were evaluated histopathologically for PVR formation, the retinas of the other halves of globes were used for the preparation of retinal homogenates. The transforming growth factor-ß, platelet-derived growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor levels in homogenized retina tissues were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: When assessing the average PVR stages in terms of severe PVR rates, the PVR/tacrolimus group had significantly improved when compared with the PVR/saline group. The PVR/tacrolimus group demonstrated significantly decreased levels of transforming growth factor-ß, platelet-derived growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor when compared with the PVR/saline group and also demonstrated significant improvement in epiretinal membrane formation and retinal fold in the presence of histopathologic levels. The difference in degradation of photoreceptor cells between the PVR/tacrolimus and the PVR/saline groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that intravitreal tacrolimus application may suppress PVR development and that tacrolimus may merit investigation for the prophylaxis of PVR.

Increased Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor, Nerve Growth Factor, Glial-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Galanin Levels in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and the Effect of 10 Weeks Methylphenidate Treatment.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the levels of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and galanin in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: The study included 58 cases with ADHD and 60 healthy controls. Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL) together with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria were used for diagnostic evaluation. Sociodemographic data form and Conners' Parent/Teacher Rating Scale-Revised:Long Form were applied to all cases. The serum levels of BDNF, NGF, GDNF, and galanin were evaluated in all subjects. Afterwards, methylphenidate was started in the ADHD group. ADHD cases were reevaluated in terms of the serum levels of BDNF, NGF, GDNF, galanin at the 10th week of treatment. Results: Before the treatment, the levels of BDNF, NGF, GDNF, galanin were significantly higher in the ADHD group compared to the control group. The levels of BDNF, NGF, GDNF, galanin were found to be significantly lower after treatment in ADHD group compared to pre-treatment. No correlation was between scale scores and the serum levels of BDNF, NGF, GDNF, galanin. Conclusion: The levels of neurotrophic factors and galanin were thought to be parameters worth evaluating in ADHD. Further studies on the subject with longer-term treatments and larger sample groups are required.

Altered Arginine/Nitric Oxide Pathway in Children Diagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and the Effect of 10 Weeks Methylphenidate Treatment.

Objective: In this study, we investigated the levels of arginine, nitric oxide (NO), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and adrenomedullin that are presumed to play a role in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) etiology, and to compare the findings with healthy controls. Methods: Thirty ADHD patients and thirty healthy control subjects aged 6-12 years were included in the study. Sociodemographic data form, Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version; Conners' Parent/Teacher Rating Scale-Revised: Long Form; Children's Depression Inventory; and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children were applied to all cases. All participants included in the study were evaluated in terms of their serum arginine, NO, ADMA, and adrenomedullin levels. Subsequently, methylphenidate treatment was started in ADHD patients and blood parameters were tested again in the tenth week of treatment. Results: At the start of the study, arginine and ADMA levels were significantly higher and NO and adrenomedullin levels were significantly lower in the ADHD group compared to the control group. Post-treatment arginine and ADMA levels were found to be significantly lower than in the pre-treatment period. There were no significant differences in NO and adrenomedullin levels before and after treatment. There was no correlation between scale scores and blood parameters. Conclusion: These variations in the blood parameters of the ADHD group seem to be worth further investigation. Studies to be conducted with larger sample groups after longer-term treatment may provide new information about the alterations in neurobiological processes related to ADHD etiology and treatment.

Determination of urinary N-acetyl-ß-D glucosaminidase (NAG) levels in experimental blunt renal trauma.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the applicability of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D glucosaminidase (NAG) levels in the diagnosis and follow-up in blunt kidney injury. METHODS: Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. In the Sham group, left kidney exploration was made. In the Trauma group, after left kidney exploration, a 20 g weight was dropped onto the kidneys. Urine was collected for analysis with strip and determination of urinary NAG and creatinine (Cr) levels at baseline and 0-6, 12-24, 24-36 and 36-48 postoperative hours. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. RESULTS: Macroscopic examinations of traumatized kidneys revealed grade II and III injury, and histopathological examinations showed relevant changes. Macroscopic hematuria was observed in all traumatized rats. Urinary NAG/Cr levels in the Trauma group were found to be significantly higher than their base levels at 0-6, 12-24, 24-36, and 36-48 hours. In the Sham group, only the level of NAG/Cr at 0-6 hours was significantly higher. The increase in NAG/Cr levels at 0-6 hours was significantly higher in the Trauma group than in the Sham group. CONCLUSION: After isolated blunt renal trauma, urinary NAG levels increase in the early stage. However, more detailed clinical studies are needed to develop NAG levels as a criterion in the follow-up of blunt renal trauma.

Effects of sildenafil citrate on pancreatic and lung complications in an experimental L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis model.

AIM: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of sildenafil citrate on acute pancreatitis and pulmonary complications of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, we used 21 male Wistar-Albino rats weighing between 185 and 230 g. The rats were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 rats (control group, n = 7) were administered intraperitoneal 0.9% NaCl injection. Group 2 (study group, n = 7) and Group 3 (treatment group, n = 7) rats were given 100 mg/100 gr L-arginine twice, with an interval of 1 h to create acute pancreatitis. Group 3 was also administered intraperitoneal 10 mg/kg/day sildenafil citrate in 2 equal doses, 30 min and 12 h after creation of AP. The pancreas and lungs of all rats were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and examined histopathologically. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin (IL) 1α (IL-1α), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO) and ADMA levels were measured in blood samples. RESULTS: In the treatment group, levels of amylase, AST, ALT, LDH, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and NO were lower. In addition, pancreas and lung oedema, and perivascular inflammation were significantly less on histopathological examination when compared to the study group (p < 0.001). The ADMA level was significantly higher in the treatment group when compared to the control and study groups. There was no acinar cell necrosis or haemorrhage in the treatment group. However, the difference was not regarded as statistically significant because sufficient acinar cell necrosis and haemorrhage could not be created in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil citrate significantly decreases various biochemical and histopathological changes in the early phase of acute pancreatitis and protects pancreatic tissue.

A preliminary study of human paraoxonase and PON 1 L/M55-PON 1 Q/R 192 polymorphisms in Turkish patients with coronary artery disease.

Paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated enzyme with antioxidant function protecting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from oxidation. PON 1 has two amino acid polymorphisms in coding region; L/M 55 and Q/R 192. These polymorphisms modulate paraoxonase activity of the enzyme. PON 1 activity decreases in coronary artery disease (CAD). In the present study, distribution of PON 1 L/M 55 and Q/R 192 polymorphisms and the effect of these polymorphisms on the activities of PON 1, and on the severity of CAD in 277 CAD (+) patient and 92 CAD (-) subjects were examined. PON 1 L/M 55 and Q/R 192 genotypes were determined by PCR, RFLP and agarose gel electrophoresis techniques. Genotype distributions and allele frequencies for PON 1 Q/R 192 polymorphism were not significantly different between controls and CAD (+) patient group (p > 0.05), but in genotype and allele distribution of PON 1 L/M55 polymorphism, there was significantly difference among groups (p < 0.05). Genotype distributions for both polymorphisms were not significantly different between subgroups of single-vessel disease (SVD), double-vessel disease (DVD) and triple-vessel disease (TVD). Serum PON 1 activity was lower in CAD (+) group than in controls and this was also statistically significant (p < 0.001). In both groups, the highest PON activities were detected in LL and RR genotypes. In summary, our results suggest that there is an association between the PON 1 L/M 55 polymorphism of paraoxonase and CAD in Turkish patients but not with PON 1 Q/R 192 polymorphism. However, it is hard to correlate these polymorphisms and severity of CAD.

Increased Serum Hepcidin Levels in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the serum hepcidin levels in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients that were newly diagnosed with no history of psychotropic drugs. METHODS: A total of 70 ADHD patients and 69 healthy controls were enrolled in our study. During the diagnosis, the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime version were applied. The sociodemographic data form, Turgay DSM-IV-Based Child and Adolescent Behavior Disorders Screening and Rating Scale, and Conners' Rating Scales-Revised: Long Form were used for the clinical evaluation. Serum hepcidin levels were measured and compared between the groups. RESULTS: No significant difference between the groups in terms of age (p=0.533) and gender (p=0.397) was determined. In addition, the groups did not differ significantly for the other sociodemographic variables recorded. Serum hepcidin levels were found to be significantly higher in the patients with ADHD than healthy controls (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the total serum hepcidin levels in ADHD patients. Our study findings may suggest that high levels of hepcidin may cause iron dysregulation in ADHD patients. However, further studies are required to establish a definite conclusion.

The effects of intraperitoneal sildenafil administration on healing of left colonic anastomoses and intra-abdominal adhesion formation in the presence of intra-abdominal infection.

PURPOSE: The objective of this pilot study was to establish an animal model for intra-abdominal infection and to examine the effect of sildenafil on anastomotic healing of the left colon and intra-abdominal adhesion formation. METHODS: Fourteen Winstar rats underwent colonic transsection and primary anastomosis after performing intra-abdominal infection. Rats were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 7): intra-abdominal infection, resection, and anastomoses; Group 2 (n = 7): intra-abdominal infection, resection, anastomoses, and sildenafil. Anastomotic bursting pressures, hydroxyproline levels, histopathologic grading, and abdominal adhesions were accessed on the postoperative Day 7. RESULTS: Anastomotic healing was found to be improved in terms of a bursting pressure (P = 0.02). Histopathological examination revealed an increase in angiogenesis (P = 0.007). Moreover, intra-abdominal adhesions were significantly less in rats given sildenafil (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Sildenafil may improve anastomotic healing of the left colon and diminishes peritoneal adhesion formation in the presense of abdominal infection.

Epigallocatechin gallate attenuates experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by high fat diet.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In the present study, we examined the preventive role of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in an experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis model induced by a high fat diet. METHODS: The study included 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were equally divided into three groups. The first group was fed on a standard rat diet, the second group on a high fat diet (HFD), and the third group on a HFD + EGCG. The study concluded after 6 weeks. Histopathological examination was performed. Plasma and tissue MDA levels, glucose, insulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels were studied. Insulin resistance was calculated by the homeostasis model of insulin resistance method. RESULTS: Steatosis, inflammation, ballooning degeneration, and necrosis increased significantly in the HFD group, compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Steatosis and inflammation decreased in the HFD + EGCG group, in comparison to the HFD group (P < 0.05, for each). There was a significant decline in ALT (P < 0.01), triglyceride (P < 0.01), insulin (P < 0.05), and glucose (P < 0.05) levels in the HFD + EGCG group, when compared to the HFD group. Plasma and liver MDA levels in the HFD + EGCG group were lower than those of the HFD group; the difference was significant (P < 0.01 for each). Glutathione levels in the HFD + EGCG group was significantly higher those in the HFD group. CYP 2E1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression decreased in the HFD + EGCG group, in comparison to the HFD group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: EGCG reduces the development of experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by a high fat diet. It seems to exercise this effect through its effect on lipid metabolism and antioxidant characteristics.

Serum leptin and cholesterol values in violent and non-violent suicide attempters.

Earlier studies have linked lipid metabolism to suicide and impulsive-aggressive behaviors. We previously reported that suicide attempters had significantly lower leptin and cholesterol levels than controls. Since lower cholesterol levels have been related to violence alone, we decided to evaluate serum total cholesterol and leptin levels in violent and non-violent suicide attempters. In the present study, 19 violent, 16 non-violent suicide attempters, and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were compared for serum total cholesterol and leptin levels. Violent suicide attempters had significantly lower total cholesterol and leptin levels compared with those with non-violent suicide attempts. Our results suggest that low serum cholesterol and leptin levels are related to the following two dimensions of suicide attempts: suicidality and violence.

Antioxidant enzyme and malondialdehyde levels in patients with social phobia.

A growing body of reports have indicated that free radicals are involved in the etiopathogenesis of some neuropsychiatric disorders. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate whether antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase; SOD, glutathione peroxidase; GSH-Px, and catalase; CAT) activity levels and malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation, were associated with social phobia (SP). Eighteen patients diagnosed with SP and 18 healthy controls were enrolled. A clinical evaluation and measurements of MDA, SOD, GSH-Px and CAT were performed. Additionally, all patients were assessed with the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAC). The mean MDA, SOD, GSH-Px and CAT levels in the patient group were significantly higher than those in the control group. There was a positive correlation between LSAC scores and MDA, SOD, GSH-Px and LSAC levels, and between the duration of illness, and MDA, SOD and CAT levels in the patient group. In conclusion, our results suggest that there may be a relationship between increased antioxidant enzyme levels and MDA, and SP.

Serum pro-hepcidin levels in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Hepcidin is a principal iron regulatory hormone and its expression is stimulated by cytokines. The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of the prohormone form of hepcidin, pro-hepcidin, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study included 72 RA and 28 SLE patients and 33 healthy controls (HC). Serum iron status, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6 and pro-hepcidin levels were determined. Pro-hepcidin levels in the RA group was higher than SLE and HC groups (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, respectively). Pro-hepcidin levels did not correlate with disease activity scores, cytokine levels and serum iron status in the RA and SLE groups, while it correlated with TNF-alpha, IL-6 and ferritin levels in the HC group (r = 0.459, p < 0.01, r = 0.374, p < 0.05, r = -0.603, p < 0.01, respectively). Pro-hepcidin levels show extremely wide variations within the groups as do iron status and cytokines. Despite these wide variations correlation analysis do not reveal anything.