Simultaneous uroflowmetry and urinalysis with single specimen - A prospective evaluation of automatic urine strip analyzer of ORUBA INALYS: Uroflowmetry-urinalysis combined device.

Objective: To evaluate the consistency of the urinalysis results performed with the ORUBA INALYS device, (Oruba, Ankara, Turkey) which can perform urinalysis and uroflowmetry simultaneously, with the analysis results performed with the SYSMEX UC3500 automated urine chemistry analyzer (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan). Material and methods: In this prospective study, urinalysis of 50 male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated. The parameters of glucose, pH, urobilinogen, bilirubin and ketone, leukocyte, protein, and blood were measured with ORUBA INALYS, and the same urine specimens collected from ORUBA INALYS by a special setup were sent to the laboratory for urinalysis with Sysmex UC-3500 to assess the concordance of the results between two devices. Results: Urinalysis results in ORUBA INALYS device in terms of glucose, pH, urobilinogen, bilirubin, and ketone parameters were shown to achieve 100% agreement within ±1 category with SYSMEX UC3500 whereas these values were slightly decreased to 88%, 96%, and 98% for leukocyte, protein, and blood, respectively. Among the calculable weighted kappa values for the test parameters, the highest value was found for glucose and followed by blood, pH, leukocyte, and specific gravity respectively. Conclusion: Significant consistency of the urinalysis results obtained from ORUBA INALYS with those obtained from device SYSMEX UC3500 shows the reliability of the urinalysis performed with ORUBA INALYS. ORUBA INALYS could minimize costs and workload, provide time save and reduce plastic waste.

Uncertainty of measurement for 14 immunoassay analytes: application to laboratory result interpretation.

Laboratory tests are an integral part of clinical decision making. Therefore, measurement uncertainty comes into prominence in the context of the accuracy of the laboratory result. This study aims to investigate measurement uncertainty of 14 immunoassay analytes, to compare them with different quality goals and to utilize them in the result interpretation. Measurement uncertainties of 14 immunoassay analytes were estimated by using internal and external quality control data by using Nordtest approach. Expanded uncertainties (U) were compared with allowable total error (TEa%), permissible relative deviation in the external quality assessment (PRDEQA%) and permissible expanded uncertainty for external quality assessment (pUEQAS%). Uncertainties were incorporated into the calculation of reference change values (RCV) and uncertainty adjusted reference intervals. RCVs of 14 analytes were calculated by three different methods reported by Harris, Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), and National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC). Measurement uncertainties of TSH, estradiol, LH, progesterone, prolactin, and vitamin B12 were within defined allowable limits. Uone-sided FT3 and Uone-sided ferritin exceeded defined TEa% but UFT3 and Uferritin were found below the limits of pUEQAS%. Measurement uncertainties of FT4, cortisol, DHEAS, FSH, testosterone, and folate did not meet the specification limits. Recently defined permissible expanded uncertainty promises new targets to compare estimated measurement uncertainty. Measurement uncertainty should be applied to the laboratory result interpretation within the scope of RCV and reference interval to obviate misdiagnosis. Furthermore, we suggest that laboratories should inform clinicians about the tests with high uncertainties to assist them making the right clinical diagnosis. Abbreviations CLSI: Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute; CV: coefficient of variation; CVA: analytic coefficient of variation; CVG: inter-individual coefficient of variation; CVI: intra-individual coefficient of variation; DHEAS: dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; FT3: free triiodothyronine; FT4: free thyroxine; k: coverage factor; LH: luteinizing hormone; LRL: lower reference limit; MD: minimal difference; NPAAC: National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council; PRDEQA%: permissible relative deviation in the external quality assessment; pUEQAS%: permissible expanded uncertainty for external quality assessment; RCV: reference change value; RCV': uncertainty-adjusted reference change value; TSH: thyroid-stimulating hormone; Rw: within-laboratory reproducibility; RMSbias: root mean square of biases; u(Cref): the uncertainty of nominal values; u(bias): uncertainty component for bias; uc: combined standard uncertainty; TEa%: allowable total error; U: expanded uncertainty; Uone-sided%: one sided estimation of expanded measurement uncertainty using coverage factor "1.65"; URL: upper reference limit.

Effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and liver histopathology in experimental obstructive jaundice model

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and hepatic injury induced by obstructive jaundice in an experimental model. METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino type female rats were divided into 3 groups each including 10 rats. Only laparotomy was performed in group 1. Bile duct ligation was performed in group 2. In group 3, bile duct ligation was performed and orogastic silymarin 300 mg/kg/day dose was given for seven days. At the end of seven days, rats were sacrificed. The blood and liver tissue samples were taken to be examined biochemically and histopathologically. RESULTS: The plasma and liver levels of malondialdehyde were significantly lower in silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group. Although liver levels of GSH were significantly higher in silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group, there was no significant difference between the plasma GSH levels of these groups. In silymarin group; the enlargement of hepatocytes, dilatation of canaliculi and the edema were regressed. CONCLUSION: Silymarin diminished the harmful effects of obstructive jaundice on liver.

Effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and liver histopathology in experimental obstructive jaundice model.

PURPOSE:: To investigate the effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and hepatic injury induced by obstructive jaundice in an experimental model. METHODS:: Thirty Wistar-Albino type female rats were divided into 3 groups each including 10 rats. Only laparotomy was performed in group 1. Bile duct ligation was performed in group 2. In group 3, bile duct ligation was performed and orogastic silymarin 300 mg/kg/day dose was given for seven days. At the end of seven days, rats were sacrificed. The blood and liver tissue samples were taken to be examined biochemically and histopathologically. RESULTS:: The plasma and liver levels of malondialdehyde were significantly lower in silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group. Although liver levels of GSH were significantly higher in silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group, there was no significant difference between the plasma GSH levels of these groups. In silymarin group; the enlargement of hepatocytes, dilatation of canaliculi and the edema were regressed. CONCLUSION:: Silymarin diminished the harmful effects of obstructive jaundice on liver.

The effect of 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation of a 3G mobile phone on the parotid gland of rats.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation on the parotid gland of rats in short and relatively long terms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Groups A and B served as the control groups (for 10 days and 40 days, respectively), and each group included six rats. Groups C and D were composed of nine rats each, and they were the exposure groups. The rats were exposed to 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted by a generator, simulating a third generation mobile phone for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 10 or 40 days. Following exposure, the rats were sacrificed and parotid glands were removed. Histopathological and biochemical examinations were performed. RESULTS: Although there were no histopathological changes in the control groups except for two animals in group A and three animals in group B, the exposure groups C (10 days) and D (40 days) showed numerous histopathological changes regarding salivary gland damage including acinar epithelial cells, interstitial space, ductal system, vascular system, nucleus, amount of cytoplasm and variations in cell size. The histopathological changes were more prominent in group D compared to group C. There was statistically significant different parameter regarding variation in cell size between the groups B and D (p=0.036). CONCLUSION: The parotid gland of rats showed numerous histopathological changes after exposure to 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation, both in the short and relatively long terms. Increased exposure duration led to an increase in the histopathological changes.

Aqueous extract from taxus baccata inhibits adenosine deaminase activity significantly in cancerous and noncancerous human gastric and colon tissues.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible effects of aqueous taxus baccata extract on adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in cancerous and noncancerous human tissues and to clarify mechanism(s) of its anticancer potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cancerous and noncancerous human gastric and colon tissues were used in the study. The extracts were prepared in distilled water. Before and after treatment with the extracts, ADA activities in the tissue homogenates were measured. RESULTS: ADA activity was found to be higher in gastric tissue compared with colon tissue, but no differences were found between ADA activities of cancerous and noncancerous tissues for both as well. In the plant extract studies, it was found that taxus extract significantly inhibited ADA activity both in cancerous and noncancerous gastric and colon tissues. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that aqueous extract from taxus baccata inhibits ADA activities in both gastric and colon tissues significantly. It is suggested that in addition to other proposed mechanisms, accumulated adenosine due to the inhibition of ADA enzyme might also play part in the anticancer properties of taxus species.

The protective effect of diosmin on hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury: an experimental study.

Liver ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is an important pathologic process leading to bodily systemic effects and liver injury. Our study aimed to investigate the protective effects of diosmin, a phlebotrophic drug with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, in a liver IRI model. Forty rats were divided into 4 groups. Sham group, control group (ischemia-reperfusion), intraoperative treatment group, and preoperative treatment group. Ischemia reperfusion model was formed by clamping hepatic pedicle for a 60 minute of ischemia followed by liver reperfusion for another 90 minutes. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured as antioaxidant enzymes in the liver tissues, and malondialdehyde (MDA) as oxidative stress marker, xanthine oxidase (XO) as an oxidant enzyme and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) as antioaxidant enzyme were measured in the liver tissues and the plasma samples. Hepatic function tests were lower in treatment groups than control group (p<0.001 for ALT and AST). Plasma XO and MDA levels were lower in treatment groups than control group, but plasma GSH-Px levels were higher (p<0.05 for all). Tissue MDA levels were lower in treatment groups than control group, but tissue GSH-Px, SOD, CAT and XO levels were higher (p<0.05 for MDA and p<0.001 for others). Samples in control group histopathologically showed morphologic abnormalities specific to ischemia reperfusion. It has been found that both preoperative and intraoperative diosmin treatment decreases cellular damage and protects cells from toxic effects in liver IRI. As a conclusion, diosmin may be used as a protective agent against IRI in elective and emergent liver surgical operations.

The effect of oral honey and pollen on postoperative intraabdominal adhesions.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We evaluated the effect of oral usage of honey and pollen, either separately or together, on postoperative intraabdominal adhesions. METHODS: Forty rats were randomly separated into 4 groups of 10 rats each. Abrasion was performed on the cecum, and a patch of peritoneum located opposite to the cecal abrasion was completely dissected. Group 1 rats received no treatment; Group 2 rats received 4 g/kg/day honey; Group 3 rats received 4 g/kg/day pollen; and Group 4 rats received 4 g/kg/day honey and pollen mixed in equal amounts, in addition to the standard feeding for postoperative 21 days. All the rats were sacrificed on the 21st day. Following the adhesion scoring, tissue specimens of the peritoneum and bowel were subjected to histopathological investigation. The tissue and blood specimens were also taken for biochemical analysis to investigate the antioxidant capacity. RESULTS: Adhesion scores were significantly different between the control and other groups. No dense adhesion was observed in the treatment groups. Tissue malondialdehyde levels were significantly different between the control and honey and honey+pollen groups. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione-peroxidase levels were significantly different between the control and other groups. Catalase levels were different between the control and honey groups. Plasma antioxidant levels were different between the control and other groups. The pathological scores for fibrosis and inflammation were significantly different between the control and other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Honey and pollen were found to be effective in preventing postoperative intraabdominal adhesions, and these effects were thought to be a result of their antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Effects of mobile phone use on brain tissue from the rat and a possible protective role of vitamin C - a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate effects of mobile phone use on brain tissue and a possible protective role of vitamin C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty female rats were divided into four groups randomly (Control, mobile phone, mobile phone plus vitamin C and, vitamin C alone). The mobile phone group was exposed to a mobile phone signal (900 MHz), the mobile phone plus vitamin C group was exposed to a mobile phone signal (900 MHz) and treated with vitamin C administered orally (per os). The vitamin C group was also treated with vitamin C per os for four weeks. Then, the animals were sacrificed and brain tissues were dissected to be used in the analyses of malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant potential (AOP), superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and 5'nucleotidase (5'-NT). RESULTS: Mobile phone use caused an inhibition in 5'-NT and CAT activities as compared to the control group. GSH-Px activity and the MDA level were also found to be reduced in the mobile phone group but not significantly. Vitamin C caused a significant increase in the activity of GSH-Px and non-significant increase in the activities of 5'-NT, ADA and CAT enzymes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that vitamin C may play a protective role against detrimental effects of mobile phone radiation in brain tissue.

Impact of chlorhexidine mouth rinse use on postextraction infection via nitric oxide pathway.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Nitric oxide (NO) has been linked to inflammatory reactions, tissue destruction, host defense, and wound healing in oral diseases. It is known that arginase enzyme controls the synthesis of NO through arginine depletion. This study evaluated the arginase-NO pathway alteration in response to tissue injury after dental extraction surgery and the effect of postoperative use of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate rinse (CHX). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 28 individuals who had impacted mandibular third molars. They were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was comprised of 13 individuals who used postoperative CHX (0.2%) rinse, while group B included 15 individuals who did not use postoperative CHX rinse. For each patient, periodontal inflammatory status was evaluated. Salivary and gingival tissue samples were obtained before and 1 h and 1 week after the surgery to determine the NO level and arginase activity using spectrophotometric methods. RESULTS: NO level of tissue samples displayed an insignificant decrease in both groups postoperatively. However, arginase activity of tissue samples was significantly higher in group B compared to group A 1 week after surgery (p

Effects of computer monitor-emitted radiation on oxidant/antioxidant balance in cornea and lens from rats.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the possible effects of computer monitor-emitted radiation on the oxidant/antioxidant balance in corneal and lens tissues and to observe any protective effects of vitamin C (vit C). METHODS: Four groups (PC monitor, PC monitor plus vitamin C, vitamin C, and control) each consisting of ten Wistar rats were studied. The study lasted for three weeks. Vitamin C was administered in oral doses of 250 mg/kg/day. The computer and computer plus vitamin C groups were exposed to computer monitors while the other groups were not. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in corneal and lens tissues of the rats. RESULTS: In corneal tissue, MDA levels and CAT activity were found to increase in the computer group compared with the control group. In the computer plus vitamin C group, MDA level, SOD, and GSH-Px activities were higher and CAT activity lower than those in the computer and control groups. Regarding lens tissue, in the computer group, MDA levels and GSH-Px activity were found to increase, as compared to the control and computer plus vitamin C groups, and SOD activity was higher than that of the control group. In the computer plus vitamin C group, SOD activity was found to be higher and CAT activity to be lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that computer-monitor radiation leads to oxidative stress in the corneal and lens tissues, and that vitamin C may prevent oxidative effects in the lens.

Oxidant stress due to non ionic low osmolar contrast medium in rat kidney.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Contrast media may cause contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in risk group. This study was taken up to establish possible effects of non ionic low osmolar contrast medium administration on oxidant/antioxidant status and nitric oxide (NO) levels in rat kidney tissues. METHODS: Fourteen female, 14 wk old Wistar-albino rats were divided into 2 groups of 7 rats each (control and contrast groups). Non ionic low osmolar contrast medium was administered iv to the animals in the contrast group. The day after, animals were sacrificed and malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO levels and activities of antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT)] and oxidant [xanthine oxidase (XO)] enzymes were measured in kidney tissues. Serum creatinine levels were measured to evaluate kidney functions. RESULTS: Contrast medium administration caused an increase in MDA levels and a decrease in NO levels in kidney tissues. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that non ionic low osmolar contrast medium administration leads to accelerated oxidant reactions and decreased NO level in rat kidney tissues. Further studies need to be done to assess the role of these changes in CIN.

Plasma paraoxonase activity in patients with systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized vascular damage and fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relation between systemic sclerosis and paraoxonase which is an antioxidant enzyme on the HDL. METHODS: Twenty nine patients with SSc and 16 healthy subjects (control group) participated in the study. Plasma cholesterol levels, anti-centromere antibody (ACA) levels and paraoxonase (PON) activities were measured. RESULTS: Lower level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was observed in ACA negative SSc patients than in controls. Paraoxonase activity in ACA positive patients was however found to increase relative to control and ACA negative patient groups. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that low HDL level in ACA negative SSc patients might be one of the factors leading to some vascular problems, and increased PON activity in ACA positive SSc group might have some role in the limitation of cutaneous sclerotic process observed in these patients. However, these preliminary findings need to be confirmed with a larger sample.

High-cholesterol diet increases xanthine oxidase and decreases nitric oxide synthase activities in erythrocytes from rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a high-cholesterol diet on oxidant/antioxidant status and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in erythrocytes from rats. Sixteen Sprague-Dawley-type albino male rats were used in the study. The rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: the control group (group 1) was fed a standard rat diet, and the treated group (group 2) was fed a high-cholesterol diet (4% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid, and 0.5% thiouracil) in addition to standard pellet rat diet for 3 months. At the end of the study period, blood samples were obtained from the rats under ether anesthesia. Oxidant (malondialdehyde level, sensitivity to oxidation value, and xanthine oxidase [XO] activity) and antioxidant parameters (antioxidant potential value, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities) were studied in erythrocyte preparations. Activities of erythrocyte NOS and arginase enzymes and serum total cholesterol levels were also measured. We observed that serum total cholesterol levels, erythrocyte XO activities, and sensitivity to oxidation values significantly increased in group 2 (cholesterol fed) compared with the control group (group 1). Erythrocyte NOS activities were also found to decrease in group 2. In conclusion, our results suggest that cholesterol feeding causes an increase in XO activity and a decrease in NOS activity in the erythrocytes from rats. The increase in XO activity may render the erythrocyte membranes sensitive to oxidant stress, and the decrease in NOS activity in the erythrocytes may increase cardiovascular disease risk via reduced endothelial relaxation.

Honey prevents hepatic damage induced by obstruction of the common bile duct.

AIM: To examine the possible effects of honey supplementation on hepatic damage due to obstruction of the common bile duct in an experimental rat model. METHODS: The study was performed with 30 male rats divided into three groups: a sham group, an obstructive jaundice group, and an obstructive jaundice plus honey group. At the end of the study period, the animals were sacrificed, and levels of nitric oxide (NO), and NO synthase (NOS) activities were measured in liver tissues, and levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities were measured in serum. RESULTS: Blood ALT and ADA activities were significantly elevated in the jaundice group as compared to those of the sham group. In the obstructive jaundice plus honey group, blood ALT and ADA activities were significantly decreased as compared to those of the jaundice group. In erythrocytes and liver tissues, NO levels were found to be significantly higher in the obstructive jaundice plus honey group compared to those of the sham group. Additionally, NO levels were found to be significantly higher in liver tissues from the animals in the obstructive jaundice plus honey group than those of the jaundice group. CONCLUSION: Honey was found to be beneficial in the prevention of hepatic damage due to obstruction of the common bile duct.

Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in erythrocytes from patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the erythrocytes from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients diagnosed as having SSc and 16 volunteer healthy subjects (as control group) participated in the study. Fasting blood samples were obtained from the patients and healthy subjects in anticoagulated tubes (with EDTA), and the erythrocytes were separated. The MDA and NO levels were measured in the erythrocyte sediments by the spectrophotometric method. RESULTS: The levels of MDA and NO were elevated in the erythrocyte sediments of the patients as compared to those of the control group (1.037 +/- 0.125 vs. 0.951 +/- 0.114 mumol/g Hb, respectively, p = 0.047 for MDA, and 0.340 +/- 0.071 vs. 0.209 +/- 0.074 mmol/g Hb, respectively, p < 0.001 for NO). A weak positive correlation was also observed between MDA and NO levels (r = 0.30, p = 0.15 in the patient group, and r = 0.27, p = 0.49 in the control group). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show higher levels of MDA and NO in the erythrocytes of patients with SSc than normal subjects.

Ionic high-osmolar contrast medium causes oxidant stress in kidney tissue: partial protective role of ascorbic acid.

It has been known that contrast medium may cause contrast-induced nephropathy in risk groups. This study sought to establish possible effects of ionic high-osmolar contrast medium administration with or without antecedent cisplatin treatment on oxidant/antioxidant status in rat kidney tissues, as well as to investigate a possible protective role of antioxidant ascorbic acid in this regard. Thirty-five female, 14-week-old Wistar-albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into five groups of seven rats (sham, contrast, contrast + ascorbic acid, contrast + cisplatin, and contrast + cisplatin + ascorbic acid). Ascorbic acid was given in a dose of 250 mg/kg/day orally throughout the study period, and cisplatin (10 mg/kg) as a single i.v. dose on the fourth day. Ionic high-osmolar contrast medium (3 gr/kg iodine as a single dose) was administered by i.v. route on the fifth day. After the animals were sacrificed on the sixth day, their kidney tissues were removed surgically to be used in the analyses. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and activities of antioxidant (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] and catalase [CAT]) and oxidant (xanthine oxidase [XO]) enzymes were measured in these samples. Serum urea and creatinine levels were measured to evaluate kidney functions. Histopathological investigation of the tissues was also performed. It was observed that contrast medium administration caused increases in MDA levels in the kidney tissues, either alone or together with antecedent cisplatin treatment. However, ascorbic acid prevented the increases in MDA levels in the kidney tissues. Histopathological findings revealed that ionic high-osmolar contrast medium administration alone led to mild acute structural damage, but contrast medium administration together with antecedent cisplatin usage caused severe tubular necrosis. Ascorbic acid supplementation prevented these changes, to a great extent. The results suggest that ionic high-osmolar contrast medium administration, either alone or together with antecedent cisplatin treatment, leads to accelerated oxidative reactions in rat kidney tissues, and ascorbic acid protects in part the kidney tissues against this oxidant stress.

Effects of aqueous green tea extract on activities of DNA turn-over enzymes in cancerous and non-cancerous human gastric and colon tissues.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate possible effects of green tea extract on the activities of DNA turn-over enzymes, namely adenosine deaminase (ADA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) in gastric and colon tissues from patients with stomach and colon cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six cancerous and 6 non-cancerous adjacent human gastric tissues, and 7 cancerous and 7 non-cancerous adjacent colon tissues obtained surgically were treated with aqueous green tea extract at 3 different concentrations for 1 hour, and then ADA and XO activities were measured. RESULTS: In all of the tissues, XO activities were found to elevate after treatment with green tea extract. Additionally, ADA activity was found to be inhibited in the cancerous gastric tissues by the green tea extract. Elevated XO and reduced ADA activities due to treatment with green tea extract may lower salvage pathway activity and lead to inhibition in carcinogenesis. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that green tea may support the medical treatment of stomach and colon cancer.

Effects of garlic consumption on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in elderly subjects.

BACKGROUND: The oxidative stress theory of aging is one of the most widely acknowledged theories of aging. The intake of fruits and vegetables with antioxidant power is associated with a reduced incidence of many chronic diseases of aging. OBJECTIVE: The effects of ingesting garlic on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters of elderly subjects were investigated in this study. METHODS: 13 subjects (mean age 70.69 +/- 4.23) participated in the study. They ingested garlic at the daily dose of 0.1 g/kg b.w. for 1 month. Before and after this period, fasting blood samples were obtained, and oxidant [malondialdehyde (MDA) and xanthine oxidase (XO)] and antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT)] parameters were studied in erythrocytes, and MDA levels were studied in plasma samples obtained from the subjects. Routine blood biochemical parameters were also measured in blood samples. RESULTS: In the plasma fraction and erythrocyte hemolysate, MDA levels were found to be significantly lower, but erythrocyte GSH-Px and SOD activities were significantly higher in the second samples relative to the first ones. XO activity was found to be lower in the second samples, but this decrease was not statistically meaningful. LDL cholesterol was found to be significantly lower in the second samples relative to the first ones. CONCLUSION: Our results show that ingestion of garlic leads to significantly lowered plasma and erythrocyte MDA levels and to increased activities of some antioxidant enzymes, which indicates that consumption of garlic decreases oxidation reactions. It is quite possible that reduced peroxidation processes due to garlic consumption may play a part in some of the beneficial effects of garlic in elderly subjects.

Activities of xanthine oxidase and superoxide dismutase enzymes in rat intestinal tissues in sepsis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to elucidate a possible source of oxidant stress in experimental sepsis. METHODS: For this aim, 32 Sprague-Dawley type rats were used in the study. After all the animals underwent laparotomy, nonlethal cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) technique was used to create an experimental sepsis model in two groups (CLP-6 and CLP-48 groups). Rats in the other groups (Sham operated) were used as controls. Animals in the control-6 and CLP-6 groups were killed 6 hours after the beginning of the study whereas the other animals were killed 48 hours after the beginning. Part of the terminal ileum of each animal was removed to be used in the measurements of xanthine oxidase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities. RESULTS: Xanthine oxidase activity in the CLP-48 group was found to increase significantly as compared with that of the control-48 group, but superoxide dismutase activity did not change. No significant changes, however, were observed between analysis parameters in the terminal ileum tissues when obtained 6 hours after the beginning of sepsis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that increased xanthine oxidase activity is one of the leading factors for the oxidant stress in the late phase of sepsis.