Neuropeptide W facilitates chronic gastric ulcer healing by the regulation of cyclooxygenase and NF-κB signaling pathways.

AIMS: Putative beneficial effects of neuropeptide W (NPW) in the early phase of gastric ulcer healing process and the involvement of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes were investigated in an acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer model. MAIN METHODS: In anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats, acetic acid was applied surgically on the serosa and then a COX-inhibitor (COX-2-selective NS-398, COX-1-selective ketorolac, or non-selective indomethacin; 2 mg/kg/day, 3 mg/kg/day or 5 mg/kg/day; respectively) or saline was injected intraperitoneally. One h after ulcer induction, omeprazole (20 mg/kg/day), NPW (0.1 µg/kg/day) or saline was intraperitoneally administered. Injections of NPW, COX-inhibitors, omeprazole or saline were continued for the following 2 days until rats were decapitated at the end of the third day. KEY FINDINGS: NPW treatment depressed gastric prostaglandin (PG) I2 level, but not PGE2 level. Similar to omeprazole, NPW treatment significantly reduced gastric and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta levels and depressed the upregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and COX-2 expressions due to ulcer. In parallel with the histopathological findings, treatment with NPW suppressed ulcer-induced increases in myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde level and replenished glutathione level. However, the inhibitory effect of NPW on myeloperoxidase activity and NPW-induced increase in glutathione were not observed in the presence of COX-1 inhibitor ketorolac or the non-selective COX-inhibitor indomethacin. SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, NPW facilitated the healing of gastric injury in rats via the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress and neutrophil infiltration as well as the downregulation of COX-2 protein and NF-κB gene expressions.

The effect of newly initiated exercise training on dynamic thiol / disulphide homeostasis in sedentary obese adults.

We studied dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis, an indicator of oxidative stress, to investigate the effects of newly initiated exercise training on sedentary obese adults. Seventeen sedentary obese adults and 15 normal-weight controls were included in the sample for this study. The obese adults were given a physical exercise training program that lasted twelve weeks. Before and after the exercise training program, blood samples were collected, and serum thiol/disulphide parameters were measured by using a novel technique. Before the start of the exercise training, it was observed that thiol/disulphide homeostasis was impaired, and this impairment was positively correlated with body mass index in sedentary obese adults because of the higher reactive oxygen species production in adipose tissue. However, while the obese participants' body mass index significantly decreased, the thiol/disulphide homeostasis parameters in the obese adults did not change over time as calculated at the baseline and compared to the calculation after the twelve weeks of exercise training. Despite a decrease in body mass index that occurred after the twelve weeks of exercise training, there was a lack of improvement in the obesity-induced impairment of thiol/disulphide homeostasis, which suggests that a newly initiated exercise training program may lead to oxidative stress.

Colostrum immunoglobulins and oxidative capacity may be affected by infant sex and maternal age and parity

Background/aim: The aims of this study were to determine the levels of the total antioxidant status (TAS), the total oxidant status (TOS), the oxidative stress index (OSI), and the concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and M (IgM) in colostrum, and evaluate relationships between these parameters and maternal age, maternal parity, and infant sex. Materials and methods: The analysis was performed in serum samples of colostrum which were collected from 90 mothers on the first day of lactation between 10:00 and 12:00 AM Results: The measurements established that no significant association existed between the TAS level of colostrum and parity, maternal age, or infant sex. However, mothers 18 to 30 years of age had significantly lower colostrum TOS and OSI levels compared with mothers older than 30 years of age. IgA and IgM values of the colostrum of primiparous mothers were significantly higher than those of multiparous mothers, whereas no correlations existed with the age of the mother. Additionally, significantly higher colostrum IgA and IgM values were observed in female infants fed colostrum compared with male infants. Conclusion: In conclusion, sex-based hormonal changes in mothers during pregnancy may be associated with the different colostral immunoglobulin levels for male and female infants.

Assessment of the effect of laser irradiations at different wavelengths (660, 810, 980, and 1064 nm) on autophagy in a rat model of mucositis.

It is known that high-dose radiation has an effect on tissue healing, but tissue healing does not occur when low dose radiation is applied. To clarify this issue, we compare the treatment success of low dose radiation with programmed cell death mechanisms on wounded tissue. In this study, we aimed to investigate the interactions of low and high-dose radiation using an autophagic mechanism. We included 35 adult Wistar-Albino rats in this study. All animals were injected with 100 mg/kg of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the first day and 65 mg/kg of 5-FU on the third day. The tips of 18-gauge needles were used to develop a superficial scratching on the left cheek pouch mucosa by dragging in a linear movement on third and fifth days. After mucositis formation was clinically detected, animals were divided into five groups (n = 7). Different wavelengths of laser irradiations (1064 nm, Fidelis Plus, Fotona, Slovenia; 980 nm, FOX laser, A.R.C., Germany; 810 nm, Fotona XD, Fotona, Slovenia; 660 nm, HELBO, Medizintechnik GmbH, Wels, Austria) were performed on four groups once daily for 4 days. The laser irradiation was not performed on the control group. To get the tissue from the left cheek at the end of fourth day from all animals, oval excisional biopsy was performed. Molecular analysis assessments of pathological and normal tissue taken were performed. For this purpose, the expression analysis of autophagy genes was performed. The results were evaluated by normalization and statistics analysis. We found that Ulk1, Beclin1, and Atg5 expression levels were increased in the rats when the Nd:YAG laser was applied. This increase showed that a 1064-nm laser is needed to activate the autophagic mechanism. However, in the diode applications, we found that Beclin1, Atg10, Atg5, and Atg7 expressions numerically decreased. Atg5 is responsible for the elongation of autophagosome. Becn1 is a control gene in the control mechanism of autophagy. The reduction of the expression of these genes leads us to think that it may depend on the effect of drug (5-FU) used to form model. Expressions of therapeutic genes increase to ensure hemostasis, but in our study, expressions were found to decrease. More detailed studies are needed.

Evaluation of TRPM (transient receptor potential melastatin) genes expressions in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.

In the present study, the expression levels of TRPM1, TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPM5, TRPM6, TRPM7, and TRPM8 genes were evaluated in heart tissues after ischemia/reperfusion (IR). For this study, 30 albino male Wistar rats were equally divided into three groups as follows: Group 1: control group (n:10), Group II: ischemia group (ischemia for 60 min) (n:10) and Group III: IR (reperfusion 48 h after ischemia for 60 min and reperfusion for 48 h). The expression levels of the TRPM genes were analyzed by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. When compared to the ischemia control, the expression levels of TRPM2, TRPM4, and TRPM6 did not change, whereas that of TRPM7 increased. However, TRPM1, TRPM3, TRPM5, and TRPM8 were not expressed in heart tissue. Histopathological analysis of the myocardial tissues showed that the structures that were most damaged were those exposed to IR. The findings showed that there is a positive relationship between TRPM7 expression and myocardial IR injury.

Investigation of the Rho-kinase 2 gene Thr431Asn polymorphism in migraine.

BACKGROUND: Migraine has a complex etiology determined by genetic and environmental factors, but the molecular mechanisms and genetics of this disease have not yet been fully clarified. AIM: This case/control study was designed to analyze the genotype distributions and allele frequencies for the Rho-kinase 2 (ROCK2) gene Thr431Asn polymorphism among the migraine patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 155 migraine patients and 155 healthy age and sex matched controls were included in this study. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid from migraine patients and controls was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Neither genotype distributions nor the allele frequencies for the Thr431Asn polymorphism showed a significant difference between the groups. In addition, there were no marked differences in genotype and allele frequencies for the migraine without aura and migraine with aura subgroups when compared with control group. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that the ROCK2 gene Thr431Asn polymorphism is not a risk factor for the migraine in the Turkish population.

Tumor-specific mutation and downregulation of ING5 detected in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Our previous study showed high frequency of allelic loss at chromosome 2q37 region in oral cancer. This location contains several candidate tumor suppressor genes such as PPP1R7, ILKAP, DTYMK and ING5. We previously showed 3 members of inhibitor of growth (ING) family, ING1, ING3 and ING4 as tumor suppressor gene in head and neck cancer. As ING5 shows high homology with other members of ING genes including highly conserved carboxy-terminal plant homeodomain and nuclear localization signal, we first picked up ING5 and examined it as a possible tumor suppressor in oral cancer. For this aim, mutation and mRNA expression status of ING5 in paired normal and oral squamous cell carcinoma samples were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing. Three missense mutations located within leucine zipper like (LZL) finger and novel conserved region (NCR) domains in ING5 protein were detected, probably abrogating its normal function. We also found 5 different alternative splicing variants of ING5. Then, we examined mRNA level of ING5 by quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, which demonstrated decreased expression of ING5 mRNA in 61% of the primary tumors as compared to the matched normal samples. In conclusion, tumor-specific mutation and downregulation of ING5 mRNA suggested it as a tumor suppressor gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Biochemical assessments of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, pyridoxal--5-phosphate oxidative stress index and total antioxidant status in adolescent professional basketball players and sedentary controls.

Physical training is known to increase the antioxidant defence system and reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress. However, intense physical aerobic and anaerobic training with competition, such as those imposed on young professional basketball players can induce an increase of oxidative stress, which can be implicated with overtraining. The aim of this study was to test the effect of training and competition load on oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and vitamin levels in basketball players. Oxidative Stres Index (OSI 1), Total Peroxide (TPx) antioxidant (vitamin E, A and The total antioxidant status (TAC 1)), biochemical lipid parameters, as well as training results were measured. Results showed that all plasma vitamin levels were significantly higher in basketball players (vitamin A: 1.61 +/- 0.05 mmol/l, vitamin E: 26.45 +/- 0.72 mmol/l, vitamin B6: 10.58 +/- 0.7 mgr/l) than sedentary controls (vitamin A: 1.22 +/- 0.04 mmol /l, vitamin E: 19.24 +/- 0.73 mmol/l, vitamin B6: 6.0 +/- 0.35 mgr/l) (p < 0.01). In addition TAC 1 was 2.06 +/- 0.02 and 1.89 +/- 0.01 mmol Trolox eq/L in basketball players and controls, respectively (p < 0.01). Conversely OSI was 0.89 +/- 0.09 arbitrary unit and 0.88 +/- 0.071 arbitrary unit in basketball players and controls, respectively (p > 0.05). However, total plasma peroxide level (TPx) of basketball players and controls was not statistically different (18.55 +/- 2.07 and 17.18 +/- 1.61 micromol H2O2/L, respectively; p > 0.05). We conclude that physical exercise increase antioxidant levels and cause balance of the homeostasis. Training can not have positive or negative effects on oxidative stress depending on training load. The results suggested that oxidative stress and antioxidant measurement are significant in the biological follow-up of young basketball players.

Effects of regular physical exercise on skin blood flow and cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese subjects / Efeitos do exercício físico regular sobre o fluxo sanguíneo da pele e nos fatores de risco cardiovascular em indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade

Objective: it is well known that low omentin levels and reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) are outgrowth of obesity. Besides, in obese subjects, microvascular dysfunction can be an initial stage of cardiovascular diseases. This situation can be evaluated with skin laser­Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Methods: in this study we investigated the effects of 12 weeks moderate physical exercise on microvascular reactivity and plasma levels of omentin and NO in 25 overweight and obese subjects. Control group was composed of 28 sedentary participants who were neither obese nor overweight. Microvascular reactivity was handled by measurement of skin blood flow from the ring finger of the right hand with LDF, which is a non­invasive method for evaluation. With this method, it was aimed to examine the post­occlusive reactive hyperemia response of the patients. None of the participants in both groups have never followed a regular exercise schedule in their life span. Results: with regular exercise, there was a statistically significant decrease in glucose (p=0.008), cholesterol (p=0.05), and triglyceride (p=0.048) levels, while body mass index, high­density lipoprotein, and low­density lipoprotein levels did not change significantly in overweight/obese group. Also, the omentin level significantly increased (p=0.01), but NO level did not change significantly. Moreover, the amount of change in omentin and NO levels measured before and after the physical exercise were significantly correlated (r=0.57). Considering the microcirculation, rest flow (p=0.001) and peak flow value of LDF (p=0.001) increased after the physical exercise. Conclusion: our study shows that moderate physical exercise affects microvascular reactivity and plasma levels of omentin in overweight and obese subjects.

Objetivo: sabe-se que níveis baixos de omentina e a reduzida biodisponibilidade de óxido nítrico (NO) são consequências da obesidade. Além disso, a disfunção microvascular pode ser um estágio inicial de doenças cardiovasculares em indivíduos obesos. Essa situação pode ser avaliada com a fluxometria de pele laser-Doppler (LDF). Métodos: foram investigados os efeitos do exercício físico moderado por 12 semanas na reatividade microvascular e nos níveis plasmáticos de omentina e NO em 25 indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade. O grupo controle foi composto por 28 participantes sedentários que não eram obesos nem com sobrepeso. A reatividade microvascular foi obtida pela medida do fluxo sanguíneo da pele do dedo anelar da mão direita com LDF, que é um método não invasivo de avaliação. Com este método, objetivou-se examinar a resposta da hiperemia reativa pós-oclusiva dos pacientes. Os participantes de ambos os grupos nunca seguiram um cronograma regular de exercícios em sua vida. Resultados: com o exercício regular houve diminuição estatisticamente significativa dos níveis de glicose (p=0,008), de colesterol (p=0,05) e de triglicerídeos (p=0,048), enquanto o índice de massa corporal e os níveis de lipoproteínas de alta e baixa densidade não se alteraram significativamente no grupo com sobrepeso/obesidade. Além disso, o nível de omentina aumentou significativamente (p=0,01), mas o nível de NO não apresentou modificações significas. Observou-se, também, que as modificações nos níveis de omentina e NO mensurados antes e após o exercício físico foram significativamente correlacionados (r=0,57). Em relação à microcirculação, os valores do fluxo de repouso (p=0,001) e do valor de fluxo de pico e da LDF (p=0,001) aumentaram após o exercício físico. Conclusão: nosso estudo mostra que o exercício físico moderado afeta a reatividade microvascular e os níveis plasmáticos de omentina em indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade.

The effects of Nigella sativa oil, thymoquinone, propolis, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester on radiation-induced cataract.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and radioprotective effects of propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), Nigella sativa oil (NSO), and thymoquinone (TQ) against ionizing radiation-induced cataracts in lens after total cranium irradiation of rats with single dose of 5-Gy cobalt-60 gamma rays. METHODS: A total of 74 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 8 groups to test the radioprotective effectiveness of Nigella sativa oil, thymoquine, propolis, or caffeic acid phenethyl ester administered by either orogastric tube or intraperitoneal injection. Appropriate control groups were also studied. RESULTS: Chylack's cataract classification was used in the study. At the end of the tenth day, cataracts developed in 80 % of the rats in the radiotherapy group. After irradiation, cataract rate dropped to 20 % in NSO, 30 % in propolis, 40 % in CAPE, and 50 % in TQ groups and was limited to grade 1 and grade 2. Cataract formation was observed the least in NSO group and the most in TQ group. In the irradiated (IR) group, superoxide dismutase activity was lower, while glutathione peroxidase and xanthine oxidase activities and malondialdehyde level were higher compared with the other groups. Total superoxide scavenger activity and nonenzymatic superoxide scavenger activity were not statistically significant in IR group compared with the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings obtained in the study might suggest that propolis, CAPE, NSO, and TQ could prevent cataractogenesis in ionizing radiation-induced cataracts in the lenses of rats, wherein propolis and NSO were found to be more potent.

Effects of Y-27632, a selective Rho-kinase inhibitor, on myocardial preconditioning in anesthetized rats.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of Y-27632, a selective Rho-kinase inhibitor, on ischemic preconditioning (IP) and carbachol preconditioning (CP) in anesthetized rats. Administration of Y-27632 (0.1 mg/kg) produced slight, but not significant, reduction in mean arterial blood pressure and suppressed the total number of ventricular ectopic beats (VEBs). IP, induced by 5 min coronary artery occlusion and 5 min reperfusion, decreased the incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) from 100 (n=30) to 25% (n=24) and abolished the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) (40% in control group) during 30 min of ischemia. The incidences of VT and VF in Y-27632+IP group were found to be similar to IP group. Carbachol (4 microg/kg/min for 5 min) induced marked depressions in mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate and attenuated the total number of VEBs, but significant reductions in VT and VF incidences were noted in Y-27632+CP group. Y-27632 infusion for 5 min abolished VF occurrence. Marked reductions in plasma lactate levels were observed in all treatment and preconditioning groups. IP led to marked decrease in malondialdehyde levels. Decreases in infarct size were also observed with all groups when compared to control. These results suggest that infusion of Y-27632 was able to produce cardioprotective effects on myocardium against arrhythmias, infarct size or biochemical parameters and mimic the effects of ischemic preconditioning in anesthetized rats. Therefore, it is likely that inhibition of Rho-kinase is involved in the signaling cascade of myocardial preconditioning.

In vivo effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and apoptotic changes in rats.

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) has been reported to induce apoptotic cellular death in myocardium. This study tested the hypothesis that caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), one of the active components of propolis, may ameliorate myocardial apoptosis and oxidative myocardial injury. Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: (i) sham operated, (ii) I/R, (iii) I/R+CAPE, and (iv) I/R+glutathione (GSH). CAPE (10 micromol/kg) was infused iv 10 min before occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (30 min) followed by reperfusion (120 min). GSH (5 mg/kg) was infused iv after the occlusion and immediately before reperfusion. The TdT-mediated in situ nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method was used to evaluate apoptotic activity. I/R resulted in myocardial apoptosis, alterations of antioxidant status, elevation of serum creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, evidence of lipid peroxidation, and elevated nitric oxide levels, compared to the sham-operation group. No apoptotic cells were found in the myocardial tissue of sham-operated rats. The TUNEL-positive myocardial cells averaged 60%, 30%, and 40% in the I/R, I/R+CAPE, and I/R+GSH groups, respectively. This study demonstrates that pretreatment with CAPE provides cardio-protection from I/R injury. The I/R+CAPE group showed reduced apoptosis, attenuated NO production, elevated myocardial superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and diminished serum CK and AST activities, compared to the I/R group.

Effects of Leptin on Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Many clinical conditions such as shock, sepsis, mesenteric thrombosis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and bowel transplantation can cause intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. This study was designed to determine the effects of leptin on intestinal IR injury. Thirty rats were divided into three groups, each containing ten rats: group A (IR group), group B (treatment group), and group C (sham group). After 1 h of intestinal ischemia, the clamp was removed in order to perform reperfusion. In group B, 100 mg/kg leptin was administered subcutaneously 30 min before reperfusion. In groups A and C, 0.1 ml physiologic saline was injected. In group A, serum and tissue nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly decreased, and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased compared to sham group (p < 0.05). Histopathologic injury was significantly lower in sham group compared to group A. In group B, serum and tissue malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), but serum and tissue NO levels were significantly increased compared to group A (p < 0.05). Histopathologic injury was significantly lower in group B compared to group A (p < 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrated that leptin decreases intestinal IR injury by increasing NO production, rearranging mucosal blood flow, and inhibiting polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration.

The possible pathophysiological role of plasma nitric oxide and adrenomedullin in schizophrenia.

Evidence is accumulating for a possible role of nitric oxide (NO) in schizophrenia. Adrenomedullin (AM) induces vasorelaxation by activating adenylate cyclase and also by stimulating the release of NO. AM immune reactivity is present in the brain consistent with a role as neurotransmitter. We aimed to examine plasma levels of nitrite (a metabolite of NO) and AM in schizophrenic patients. Eighty-two patients with schizophrenia and 21 healthy control subjects were included in this study. DSM-IV diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia was established on the basis of independent structured clinical interviews and review of records by two qualified psychiatrists which included the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and The Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS). Total nitrite and AM have been studied in plasma. The mean values of plasma nitrite and AM levels in schizophrenic group were significantly higher than control values, respectively (P=0.03, P<0.0001). AM levels of schizophrenic patients were three fold higher than controls. In correlation analyses, there were statistically significant positive correlations between AM level and SAPS-delusion subscale (r=0.27, P=0.04); SAPS-bizarre behavior subscale (r=0.28, P=0.03) and SAPS-total (r=0.36, P=0.005). There is no correlation between total nitrite and AM levels (r=0.11, P=0.31). Both NO and AM may have a pathophysiological role in schizophrenia, and clinically symptomatology and prognosis of schizophrenia. This subject needs further study including treatment response and subtypes of schizophrenia.

Effectiveness of palosuran in bleomycin-induced experimental scleroderma.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease characterized by skin and internal organ involvement. There is progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix components in the skin and involved organs. Tissue fibrosis is the prominent reason for mortality, and still, there is no satisfactory treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of urotensin-II (U-II) antagonist palosuran in an animal model of scleroderma. We also planned to measure U-II, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) levels, as well as the association of these levels with dermal thickness. Twenty-four male mice were included in this study and they were divided into three groups--group 1: control group, group 2: fibrosis group, and group 3: fibrosis + palosuran treatment group. Fibrosis + palosuran treatment in group 3 reduced ET-1, U-II, and TGF-ß1 levels. In total, the diminished values were statistically significant in the ET-1 and TGF-ß1 levels (p < 0.05). Dermal thickness was higher in the fibrosis group, when compared with the other groups. There was no significant relationship between dermal thickness and ET-1, U-II, or TGF-ß1 levels (p > 0.05). It is believed that U-II is an important mediator in SSc, and its antagonism with palosuran could be a new treatment choice in SSc.

Effect of pistachio diet on lipid parameters, endothelial function, inflammation, and oxidative status: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have suggested that nuts have favorable effects beyond lipid lowering. We aimed to investigate effect of the Antep pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) on blood glucose, lipid parameters, endothelial function, inflammation, and oxidation in healthy young men living in a controlled environment. METHODS: A Mediterranean diet was administered to normolipidemic 32 healthy young men (mean age 22 y, range 21-24) for 4 wk. After 4 wk, participants continued to receive the Mediterranean diet but pistachio was added for 4 wk by replacing the monounsaturated fat content constituting approximately 20% of daily caloric intake. Fasting blood samples and brachial endothelial function measurements were performed at baseline and after each diet. RESULTS: Compared with the Mediterranean diet, the pistachio diet decreased glucose (P<0.001, -8.8+/-8.5%), low-density lipoprotein (P<0.001, -23.2+/-11.9%), total cholesterol (P<0.001, -21.2+/-9.9%), and triacylglycerol (P=0.008, -13.8+/-33.8%) significantly and high-density lipoprotein (P=0.069, -3.1+/-11.7%) non-significantly. Total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratios decreased significantly (P<0.001 for both). The pistachio diet significantly improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation (P=0.002, 30% relative increase), decreased serum interleukin-6, total oxidant status, lipid hydroperoxide, and malondialdehyde and increased superoxide dismutase (P<0.001 for all), whereas there was no significant change in C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels. CONCLUSION: In this trial, we demonstrated that a pistachio diet improved blood glucose level, endothelial function, and some indices of inflammation and oxidative status in healthy young men. These findings are in accordance with the idea that nuts, in particular pistachio nuts, have favorable effects beyond lipid lowering that deserve to be evaluated with prospective follow-up studies.

Therapeutic effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis.

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic role of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in a rat model of cerulean-induced acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: Seventy male Wistar albino rats were divided into seven groups. Acute edematous pancreatitis was induced by subcutaneous cerulein injection (20 microg/kg) four times at 1-h intervals. CAPE (30 mg/kg) was given by subcutaneous injection at the beginning (CAPE 1 group) and 12 h after the last cerulein injection (CAPE 2 group). Serum amylase, lipase, white blood cell count, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels were measured, and pancreatic histopathology was assessed. RESULTS: In the AP group, amylase and lipase levels were found to be elevated and the histopathological evaluation showed massive edema and inflammation of the pancreas, with less fatty necrosis when compared with sham and control groups. Amylase and lipase levels and edema formation decreased significantly in the CAPE therapy groups (P < 0001); especially in the CAPE 2 group, edema was improved nearly completely (P = 0001). Inflammation and fatty necrosis were partially recovered by CAPE treatment. The pathological results and amylase level in the placebo groups were similar to those in the AP group. White blood cell count and TNF-alpha concentration was nearly the same in the CAPE and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: CAPE may be useful agent in treatment of AP but more experimental and clinical studies are needed to support our observation of beneficial effects of CAPE before clinical usage of this agent.

The beneficial effect of propolis on cerulein-induced experimental acute pancreatitis in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress have a central role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources and has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. The present work aimed to investigate the therapeutic role of ethanolic extract of propolis on a cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis model in rats. METHODS: Seventy male Wistar albino rats were used in the study. Acute edematous pancreatitis was induced by subcutaneous cerulein injection (20 microg/kg) four times at one-hour intervals. Ethanolic extract of propolis 300 mg/kg was given subcutaneously at the beginning of the procedure (ethanolic extract of propolis-1 group) or 12 h after the last cerulein injection (ethanolic extract of propolis-2 group). Serum amylase and lipase levels, white blood cell count and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were measured and pancreatic tissue was evaluated histologically. RESULTS: In the acute pancreatitis group, serum amylase and lipase levels were found to be elevated and the histopathological evaluation of the tissue revealed massive edema and inflammation with less fatty necrosis when compared to the sham and control groups. Serum amylase and lipase levels and edema formation were significantly decreased in the ethanolic extract of propolis-treated groups (p<0.001). In the ethanolic extract of propolis-2 group, in particular, tissue edema was improved markedly (p=0.001). Tissue inflammation and fatty necrosis were decreased with ethanolic extract of propolis treatment; however, the improvement was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with ethanolic extract of propolis improved the biochemical and histopathological findings in a rat model of experimental pancreatitis. Although our findings suggest that ethanolic extract of propolis might be considered an effective agent for the treatment of acute pancreatitis, this notion should be supported with further experimental and clinical investigations.

The effect of progesterone on total brain tissue sialic acid levels in experimental epilepsy.

Epilepsy, the most common neurological disorder worldwide, changing cellular interactions and connectivity may have effects on sialic acid levels. A total of 80 mice were separated into 8 groups: the sham, control, pentylentetrazole (PTZ), PTZ plus progesterone, five dose progesterone, single dose progesterone, kindling, and kindling plus progesterone groups. Brains of each mice were extracted and were divided into five parts. The sialic acid levels were significantly different between the groups and also in the subgroups. The results suggested that progesterone may have an anti-seizure effect by decreasing sialic acid levels in mice. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of progesterone on sialic acid levels and its role in the epilepsy pathogenesis.

Effect of strontium ranelate on fracture healing in rat tibia.

OBJECTIVES: Various anti-osteoporotic agents are available for clinical use. In contrast to other anti-osteoporotic drugs, strontium ranelate has anti-resorptive and bone-forming effects (dual action). Our objective in the present study is to investigate the efficacy of strontium ranelate (SR) on fracture healing in rat tibia. METHODS: Forty-two male Wistar rats randomized into two groups (groups 1 and 2, n=21 for each). Left tibiae of all animals were broken in a closed manner using a manual three-point bending technique through mid-tibia following deep anesthesia with ketamine. The animals in group 1 were fed 25g/day specially produced food containing 450mg/kg SR starting from the first post-operative day. Group 2 were given 25g/day normal food. The animals were sacrificed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th post-operative weeks (each week 7 animals were sacrificed from each group) and the broken tibiae were removed. The tibiae were examined first radiographically and second, histopathologically. RESULTS: Radiologically, callus maturity and bone union increased with time in both groups. But no significant differences were found regarding callus maturity and bone union in weekly comparisons (p=0.52, p=0.19, p=0.74). CONCLUSIONS: Histopathologically, it was seen that the fractures remarkably healed steadily in both groups on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th post-operative weeks. But no significant differences were found regarding the progression of fracture callus in weekly comparison (p=1.0, p=0.52, p=1.0). In the present study, we were unable to find any beneficial or harmful effects of strontium ranelate on fracture healing.