Circulating levels of apoptotic markers and oxidative stress parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-controlled descriptive study.

CONTEXT: Apoptotic dysregulation plays a role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate circulatory apoptotic markers and oxidative stress in patients with PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four women with PCOS, and 44 healthy women as controls were enrolled in the study. Oxidative stress parameters and caspases levels were measured in serum. RESULTS: The caspase 9 level was significantly lower and related with oxidant status in patients with PCOS, while the circulating levels of caspases 3 and 7 were statistically similar in both groups. DISCUSSION: This study is the first report demonstrating the circulating levels of apoptotic markers and their relationship with oxidant status in PCOS. CONCLUSION: The circulating caspase 9 and oxidant status might contribute to apoptotic dysregulation in PCOS.

Increased S100B Levels in Cannabis Use Disorder.

BACKGROUND: It has been determined that cannabis has adverse effects on brain tissue, and that increased S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B) blood levels are markers of neuronal damage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the S100B levels in cannabis use disorder. METHOD: Thirty-two patients with cannabis use disorder and 31 matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Appropriate blood samples were taken from the enrolled subjects, and the serum S100B protein levels were measured with an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for the quantification of the protein. FINDINGS: We found significantly increased S100B protein levels in patients with cannabis use disorder. The mean serum concentration of S100B was 0.081 ± 0.018 µg/l in patients with cannabis use disorder, and 0.069 ± 0.018 µg/l in the control group (p = 0.008). INTERPRETATION: Our data suggest that elevated S100B protein levels might indicate neuronal damage in the brains of people with cannabis use disorder.

The Value of Serum Prolidase Activity in Progression of Microalbuminuria in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Prolidase is a cytosolic exopeptidase that plays a pivotal role in collagen turnover. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is associated with structural changes in glomerular basement membrane accompanied with increased amounts of collagen. Prolidase is known to be abundant in kidney and collagen accumulation is increased in DN, so we aimed to determine the value of serum prolidase activity (SPA) in predicting the progression of nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Thirty type 2 DM patients having microalbuminuria (microalbuminuric group), 30 type 2 DM patients without albuminuria (normoalbuminuric group), and 28 healthy controls (control group) were enrolled. Study groups had similar age, sex distribution, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Metabolic parameters, SPA and urinary microalbumin were determined. SPA was significantly higher in microalbuminuric group when compared with normoalbuminuric and control groups (P = 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Triglyceride levels were significantly higher and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower in microalbuminuric group compared to control group (Both P < 0.05). SPA showed a negative correlation with HDL-C level and a positive correlation with urinary albumin excretion (r = -0.219, P < 0.05 and r = 0.39, P < 0.001 respectively). In regression analysis, albumin excretion was the sole parameter influencing SPA. CONCLUSION: SPA appears to be higher in type 2 DM patients having microalbuminuria compared to patients without microalbuminuria and healthy controls. The pathophysiological role and the significance of SPA in predicting DN need to be further evaluated.

Assessment of Apoptotic Activity Dysregulation and Oxidative Stress in the Development of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Case-Controlled Descriptive Analysis.

AIM: In the present study, we aimed to assess whether oxidative stress and apoptotic activity play a role in the development of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS: The study group included patients with EOC (n = 26) and benign ovarian tumour (BOT) (n = 25), while 30 healthy women were employed as a control group. Venous blood samples were drawn to evaluate oxidative stress parameters and serum M30/M65 antigen levels before surgery. In addition, blood samples were taken for the second time on postoperative day 8 to analyse whether the postoperative tumour load was decreased. RESULTS: When the groups were assessed regarding oxidative stress, the highest values were detected in patients with EOC. Serum M30/M65 levels were found to be higher in patients with EOC when compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). A significant decrease was determined in the M30/M65 levels of serum samples taken on postoperative day 8 from the patients in the EOC and BOT groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that dysregulation of apoptotic activity could be effective in the development of ovarian tumoural tissue, whereas oxidative stress could be effective in malignant transformation.

Serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, oxidative and antioxidative parameters in operating room personnel.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of occupational exposure to anaesthetic gases on myeloperoxidase activity, oxidative and antioxidative parameters in operating room personnel. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey, in May 2011, and comprised equal number of operating room and non-operating room personnel. Serum myeloperoxidase activity, sulfhydryl group levels, lipid hydroperoxide levels and catalase activity were determined. SPSS 11 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: There were 64 subjects; 32(50%) each in the two groups. Myeloperoxidase activity and lipid hydroperoxide levels were significantly higher in operating room personnel than in the non-operating room personnel (p<0.001; p<0.001), while catalase activity and sulfhydryl group levels were significantly lower (p<0.009; p<0.003). Catalase activity negatively correlated with lipid hydroperoxide levels in operating room personnel (r=-0.293; p=0.018). Myeloperoxidase activity negatively correlated with sulfhydryl group levels in operating room personnel (r=-0.267; p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Operating room personnel exhibited higher oxidative stress, which may be due to the oxidative effect of anaesthetic gases.

Investigation of the role of 8-OHdG and oxidative stress in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to determine levels of serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as an indicator of oxidant-induced DNA damage and oxidant status in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma before and after surgery. This study included 25 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and age-matched 27 healthy controls. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), and 8-OHdG levels were measured. 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in the preoperative papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) group compared with the healthy control group (p < 0.001) and were significantly lower after operation in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (p = 0.004). Oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were significantly higher in both preoperative and postoperative PTC patients compared with the healthy control group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). TOS levels were higher in the preoperative and postoperative PTC groups compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). TAS levels was lower in the preoperative PTC groups compared to the healthy control group (p = 0.011). Serum LOOH levels were higher in both preoperative and postoperative PTC groups compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Correlation analysis yielded that serum 8-OHdG levels were positively correlated with OSI and LOOH levels in patients with PTC before surgery (r = 0.668, p < 0.001; r = 0.446, p = 0.025, respectively) and had a negative correlation with TAS levels (r = -0.616, p = 0.001). We have shown severe oxidative DNA damage and impaired antioxidant status in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Assessment of both serum S-100B protein and neuropeptide-Y levels in childhood breath-holding spells.

OBJECTIVE: Breath-holding spells are common paroxysmal events in children. Although the spells have a benign prognosis in the long term, they may be complicated by loss of consciousness, tonic-clonic movements, and occasionally seizures. Hence, this study aimed to measure the levels of serum S-100B proteins and neuropeptide-Y in the blood of children who experience breath-holding spells. METHODS: The study groups consisted of 45 patients (13 females, 32 males) with breath-holding spells and a control group of 32 healthy individuals (12 females, 20 males). The serum S-100B levels were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. The neuropeptide-Y levels in the serum were measured with RayBio® Human/Mouse/Rat Neuropeptide Y ELISA kits. RESULTS: The mean serum S-100B protein level of the breath-holding spells group was 56.38 ± 13.26 pg/mL, and of the control group, 48.53 ± 16.77 pg/mL. The mean neuropeptide-Y level was 62.29 ± 13.89 pg/mL in the breath-holding spells group and 58.24 ± 12.30 pg/mL in the control group. There were significant differences between the groups with respect to serum S-100B protein levels (p = 0.025), while there was no statistically significant difference in neuropeptide-Y levels between the breath-holding spells group and the control group (p = 0.192). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that frequent and lengthy breath-holding may lead to the development of neuronal metabolic dysfunction or neuronal damage which is most likely related to hypoxia. In light of these findings, future studies should be conducted using biochemical and radiological imaging techniques to support these results.

Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in patients with papillary thyroid cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activities and oxidative stress status, and the changes in their levels after total thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with PTC and 27 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were obtained from the PTC patients before and 3 months after the operation. Preoperative and postoperative serum samples from PTC patients and healthy controls were analyzed for paraoxonase (PON), arylesterase (ARE) activities, and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) and -SH (total free sulfhydryl) levels. RESULTS: The preoperative PON, ARE and -SH levels of the patients with PTC were significantly lower compared to those of the control group (p = 0.033, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively), while LOOH levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001). The levels of PON and ARE decreased significantly in patients with PTC after the operation (p = 0.038, p = 0.023, respectively), while LOOH and -SH levels remained unchanged (p = 0.117, p = 0.487, respectively). PON and ARE levels showed a positive correlation with -SH (r = 0.211, p = 0.065; r = 0.471, p < 0.001, respectively) and a negative correlation with LOOH (r = - 0.391, p < 0.001, r = - 0.486, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Serum PON1 activity is decreased in patients with PTC, and serum PON1 is positively correlated with -SH, a well-known antioxidant, and negatively correlated with LOOH, an oxidant. PON1 activity is significantly decreased after total thyroidectomy.

Evaluation of prolidase activity and oxidative status in patients with knee osteoarthritis: relationships with radiographic severity and clinical parameters.

We investigated serum prolidase activity and oxidative/antioxidative status in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and evaluated its relationships with radiographic severity and clinical parameters. The study population consisted of 137 patients with knee OA and 134 healthy volunteers. The severity of knee OA was classified according to the Kellgren-Lawrence criteria. Each patient was also evaluated clinically according to the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Serum prolidase activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Oxidative status was assessed by measuring serum lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) and total oxidative status (TOS). Antioxidative status was assessed by measuring serum-free sulfhydryl groups (-SH = total thiol) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Serum prolidase activity was significantly lower in the knee OA group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The serum prolidase activities decreased with the severity of knee OA. Furthermore, serum LOOH, TOS, and OSI levels of the knee OA group were significantly higher than those of the controls (p < 0.001 for all), whereas TAC and -SH levels did not differ between the two groups (p > 0.05). In a multiple regression analysis, WOMAC score was independently associated with serum prolidase activity (ß = -0.340, p < 0.001). Decreased serum prolidase activity and elevated LOOH, TOS, and OSI levels may be associated with knee OA, and serum prolidase activity may be a useful adjunctive indicator of the progression of knee OA in follow-up.

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Activity is Associated With Both Paraoxonase Activity and Aortic Stiffness in Hypertensive Patients.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate relationship between gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity with paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and aortic stiffness (AS) parameters such as pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx). METHODS: Measurements were obtained from 324 patients with newly diagnosed essential hypertension (mean age: 55.0 ± 8.2 years). The patients were divided into two groups according to their median GGT values. PWV and AIx were calculated using the single-point method via the Mobil-O-Graph® ARCsolver algorithm. RESULTS: PWV, Aix, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) values were higher and PON1 activity values were lower in GGThigh group compared with GGTlow group (P < 0.05, for all). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that GGT activity was independently associated with PWV (ß = 0.496, P < 0.001) and PON1 activity (ß = -0.343, P < 0.001) as well as hs-CRP (ß = 0.334, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results may support that increased GGT activity would be associated with both impaired antioxidant system and increased AS in hypertensive patients.

Comparison of tissue prolidase enzyme activity and serum oxidative stress level between pregnant women with placental abruption and those with a healthy pregnancy.

PURPOSE: Although placental abruption is an acute condition, it is thought that the underlying pathology is chronic vasculopathy. Collagen is one of the important components of vascular structure, and there is a correlation between collagen turnover and prolidase enzyme activity (PEA). Thus, our aim was to assess whether there is a difference in serum oxidative stress level and PEA between pregnant women with placental abruption and those with a healthy pregnancy. METHODS: The study group consisted of 36 pregnant women who underwent caesarean section with a diagnosis of placental abruption, while the control group comprised 36 pregnant women who underwent caesarean section due to obstetric reasons. Venous blood samples were drawn from all patients before caesarean section. In addition, tissue samples were obtained during caesarean section to evaluate tissue PEA. RESULTS: No significant differences in demographic characteristics were detected between groups (p > 0.05). Oxidative stress parameters, such as total oxidant status and oxidative stress index, were found to be significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.001). Placental tissue PEA was found to be significantly higher in pregnant women with placental abruption (557.21 ± 135.41 vs. 426.68 ± 131.57 U/g, p < 0.001). In addition, a significant positive correlation was detected between PEA and oxidative stress parameters (r = 0.332, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that elevated tissue PEA and serum oxidative stress levels are closely related to placental abruption. Thus, we think that increased collagen turnover may have a significant role in the aetiopathogenesis of placental abruption.

Does sildenafil have protective effects against ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective activity of sildenafil treatment against ischemia-reperfusion damage created experimentally in rat ovaries. METHODS: For this study, 42 female Wistar rats were used, and the rats were separated randomly into six groups consisting of seven rats each: sham, torsion, torsion-detorsion, torsion-detorsion + saline, torsion-detorsion + sildenafil 0.7 mg/kg and torsion-detorsion + sildenafil 1.4 mg/kg. With the exception of the sham group, an ovarian torsion procedure was implemented in all other groups for 2 h. Then, a detorsion procedure was implemented to the groups for 2 h, with the exception of the torsion group. Medications were given intraperitoneally, one-half hour before the detorsion procedure in the saline, 0.7 and 1.4 mg/kg sildenafil groups. Finally, 2 ml of blood samples was drawn for markers of oxidative stress, while the ovaries which were torsioned for the histological examination were extracted from all rats. RESULTS: According to the histopathological damage scores, the least damage was seen in the sham group and the most damage was seen in the torsion-detorsion group. The sildenafil treatment appeared to be effective in decreasing tissue damage; however, there were no differences between the dosages. Additionally, it was determined that the oxidative stress levels were higher in the torsion-detorsion group, while the sildenafil treatment caused a significant decrease in the oxidative stress levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study showed that the sildenafil treatment can be effective in preventing tissue damage and oxidative stress induced by the ischemia-reperfusion created in rat ovaries.

Does moxifloxacin alter oxidant status in the cornea? An experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: In this experimental study, we investigated the possible effects of intracameral moxifloxacin on oxidative stress parameters and endothelial cell morphology in corneal tissue. METHODS: In total, 30 rats were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 rats: the sham group (Group 1, n = 10); the control group (Group 2), where balanced salt solution (BSS) was administered at a dose of 0.01 cc (n = 10); and the treatment group (Group 3), where moxifloxacin was administered at a dose of 0.05 mg/0.01 cc (n = 10). Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) in corneal tissue and blood samples were measured and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Also, corneal tissue histopathology was evaluated with caspase-3 and caspase-8 staining. Apoptotic activity was also evaluated. RESULTS: In blood samples, TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were not statistically significantly different (all p > 0.05). Compared with the sham and control groups, TOS and OSI levels in cornea tissue were significantly different in the moxifloxacin group (all p < 0.05). However, compared with the control group, no statistically significant difference was found in the sham group (all p > 0.05). Compared with the sham and control groups, apoptotic activity was higher in the moxifloxacin group, in both immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 and caspase-8. CONCLUSIONS: Intracameral moxifloxacin injection seems to be safe systemically, but it may have toxic effects on corneal tissues, as suggested by oxidative stress parameters and a histopathological evaluation.

Prolidase activity in chronic plaque psoriasis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, T-cell-mediated and hyperproliferative skin disease characterized by erythematous, squamous, sharply circumscribed and infiltrated plaques. The metabolisms of the collagen proteins undergo considerable changes due to the acceleration of their turnovers as a result of increased prolidase activity in psoriasis patients. AIM: To determine the level of prolidase activity in psoriasis patients and evaluate its relationship with the oxidative system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The serum prolidase enzyme activity, total antioxidant levels and total oxidant levels of 40 psoriasis patients and a control group including 47 healthy individuals were analyzed by using their serum samples, and their oxidative stress indices were calculated. RESULTS: The prolidase levels (p < 0.01), total oxidant levels (p < 0.01) and oxidative stress index levels (p < 0.001) of the patient group were higher than the corresponding parameters in the control group. The total antioxidant level was low (p < 0.01). Although a positive correlation was found between the prolidase and total antioxidant levels and the total oxidant level, no correlation was found between prolidase and the oxidative stress index. CONCLUSIONS: It has been determined that the activity of the prolidase enzyme increases due to the increased collage turnover in psoriasis patients. Increased serum oxidant levels and oxidative stress indices values may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Serum paraoxonase-1 activity in children: the effects of obesity and insulin resistance.

Oxidative stress (OS) is important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is an enzyme found in the circulation associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL-associated enzyme PON1 has an important role in the attenuation of atherogenic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. The aim of this study was to determine PON1 and arylesterase (AREST) enzyme levels in relation to insulin resistance (IR) or obesity among children and adolescents. The study included healthy school children and adolescents. Blood was drawn for the determination of blood glucose, lipid, PON1 and AREST enzyme levels. Overall, we observed a positive correlation between PON1 enzyme activity and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (r = 0.189, P = 0.014). The correlation appeared to be more significant in boys (r = 0.271, P = 0.009). For subjects with IR and obesity, PON1 enzyme activity did not correlate with HDL-C levels (r = 0.038, P = 0.790), instead PON1 levels correlated negatively with BMI (r = -0.309 and P = 0.026). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to find the predictors of log PON1 activity. HDL-C level was the strongest predictor of PON1 activity in the lean control group, while BMI appeared to be the strongest predictor in the subjects with obesity or IR. In conclusion, determinants of PON1 enzyme activity are variable in children and adolescents based on IR and obesity. Future studies will shed light on the underlying mechanisms and biomarkers of OS in children and may reveal possible targets for therapeutic intervention.

Increased prolidase activity and oxidative stress in PCOS.

AIM: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been considered to have a role in various pathological processes, including inflammatory response, cardiovascular disease and recently also in ovarian dysfunction. Since prolidase could be accepted as a matrix metalloproteinase, on the biochemical level, we aimed to evaluate serum prolidase activity and oxidative-antioxidative status in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three PCOS patients and 28 healthy nonhyperandrogenic women were studied. Levels of prolidase activity, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL) were calculated. RESULTS: Levels of prolidase activities, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, LH, PRL, and T were significantly higher in PCOS group than in the control group. Total antioxidant status levels were lower in PCOS group than healthy group, but it was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between PCOS and control groups in term of FSH. CONCLUSION: Women with PCOS have increased serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress. It might be hypothesized that elevated serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk in PCOS and/or menstrual irregularities associated with this syndrome.

Does prolidase indicate worsening of hepatitis B infection?

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B infection is a health problem that affects more than 400 million people all over the world. We aimed to evaluate the usability of prolidase enzyme that plays an important role in collagen synthesis. Prolidase levels increase in hepatic damage, which can be used as diagnostic parameters in the progressions to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection by evaluating it in different clinical forms of hepatitis B infection. METHODS: A total of 69 patients who presented to our clinic with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, 72 patients with inactive hepatitis B infection (IHB), and 45 healthy volunteers were included into this study. Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and prolidase levels of patients were measured. Hepatic biopsy was performed in patients with CHB infection. Prolidase levels were evaluated in three different groups, and its correlations with fibrosis were investigated. RESULTS: Prolidase was different between all groups (P < 0.001). Prolidase level was found to be higher in CHB and IHB compared to the control group. There was no correlation between this enzyme, fibrosis, and histological activity index. CONCLUSION: In this present study, it is shown that prolidase levels increase in hepatitis B infection. It may be used as a biochemical marker in the chronic hepatitis B.

Oxidative stress in chronic otitis media.

Chronic otitis media usually presents with a benign tumor-like lesion of the temporal bone known as a cholesteatoma. The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma has not yet been fully explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes in patients with cholesteatomatous and noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media and in healthy subjects. A prospective controlled trial was performed on cholesteatomatous and noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media patients in a tertiary referral center in a university hospital. A total of 75 subjects, including 25 cholesteatomatous and 25 noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media patients and 25 healthy subjects participated in this study. Serum total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were significantly increased in the patient groups with or without cholesteatoma compared with the control group. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) levels and Paraoxonase and arylesterase activity were significantly lower in the patient groups with or without cholesteatoma compared with the control group. Serum TOS and OSI levels were lower in the noncholesteatomatous group, whereas serum TAS levels were higher compared with the cholesteatomatous group. Serum arylesterase activity was significantly lower in the noncholesteatomatous group compared with the control group. The results of this study reveal that in cholesteatoma cases, the oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme imbalance were more significant than in cases of chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma.

Oxidant/antioxidant status in cases of snake bite.

BACKGROUND: Snake bites are an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, especially in rural areas. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase (PON), arylesterase (ARLY), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) and total sulfhydryl group (-SH) levels in patients with snake venom poisoning. METHODS: The study included 49 patients with snake bite envenomation (Group 1) and 39 healthy volunteers as the control group (Group 2). Plasma PON, ARLY, Cp, and MPO activity and LOOH and -SH levels were measured. Laboratory measurements of 20 patients with snake bite envenomation (Group 3) were performed again after treatment. RESULTS: PON and ARLY activity and -SH levels were significantly decreased in Group 1 compared with those in Group 2. Cp and MPO activity and LOOH levels were significantly elevated in Group 1 compared with those in Group 2. PON and ARLY activity were significantly elevated in Group 3 compared with those in Group 1. Cp and MPO activity and LOOH levels were significantly decreased in Group 3 compared with those in Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with snake bite envenomation had increased oxidants (MPO and LOOH) and decreased antioxidants (PON, ARLY, and -SH). Results obtained in this study demonstrate that snake bites are associated with a shift to oxidative status. Therapy with antioxidants can lead to an increase in the antioxidant defense system, and thus improvements in clinical symptoms.

Oxidative status and serum prolidase activity in tubal ectopic pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the oxidative status and serum prolidase activity in tubal ectopic pregnancy and to see if there was any association between them. MATHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted during 2009 and 2010 at the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Clinical Biochemistry under the Faculty of Medicine, Harran University, Turkey. It comprised 40 patients with tubal ectopic pregnancies and 42 women with healthy pregnancies. Serum prolidase activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Oxidative status was determined using total antioxidant capacity. SPSS 11.5 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Total antioxidant capacity levels were lower in the ectopic pregnancy group than the healthy group (p < 0.018), whereas total oxidant status, oxidative stress index and prolidase activity were higher (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ectopic pregnancy may be associated with increased serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress, and this association may help to provide a better understanding about the pathogenesis of ectopic pregnancy.