The role of pentraxin 3 and oxidative status in the prognosis of multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a bone marrow malignancy characterized by plasma cell proliferation. It was aimed to investigate pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels, oxidative/antioxidative status, and their correlation in MM. In the study, four groups were established, including newly diagnosed MM (NDMM), MM in remission (Rem-MM), relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) patients, and a healthy control group. PTX3 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were assessed with an autoanalyzer. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated using the formula: OSI (arbitrary unit) = TOS (µmol H2O2 Eq/L)/TAS (mmol Trolox Eq/L) × 100. The study involved comparing PTX3, TAS, TOS, and OSI levels among these four groups. PTX3 levels were significantly elevated in NDMM and RRMM groups compared to controls and the Rem-MM group (NDMM vs control; p < 0.001, NDMM vs Rem-MM; p < 0.001, RRMM vs control; p < 0.001, and RRMM vs Rem-MM; p = 0.006). TAS was higher in NDMM and RRMM groups versus controls (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively), and TOS was higher in rem-MM group versus NDMM and control groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.016, respectively). OSI was higher in the Rem-MM group than in NDMM and RRMM groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed associations between MM groups and PTX3 levels. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed high specificity (90%) and sensitivity (79%) for PTX3 in NDMM at a >0.56 ng/mL cut-off value. This study suggests that PTX3 levels may have diagnostic and prognostic potential in MM and its relationship with oxidative stress requires further exploration.

A comparison of the mixed and sequential use of acetaminophen and dexketoprofen in painful vaso-occlusive crises.

PURPOSE: Opioids are widely used to treat painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) in sickle cell disease (SCD). However, due to opioids' significant adverse effect profiles, the search for alternative therapies continues from the past to the present. The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of acetaminophen and dexketoprofen in the treatment of painful VOC. METHODS: This study is a single-center, prospective, non-randomized, single-blinded, controlled study. The study comprised two groups: the first administered acetaminophen and dexketoprofen mixed group, while the second received them sequential group. Opioids were used in patients with persistent pain despite these analgesics. Demographic and laboratory information, pain scores, opioid requirement, dose amount, side effects, and length of hospital stay of the patients were recorded. RESULTS: The study comprised 56 (100%) patients with painful VOC, 29 (51.8%) from the mixed group, and 27 (48.2%) from the sequential group. Opioid use was seen in 16 (55.2%) patients in the mixed group and 21 (77.8%) patients in the sequential group (p = 0.074). The median amount of opioid used was significantly lower in the mixed group than in the sequential group (p < 0.001). Also, the median length of hospital stay was significantly lower in the mixed group than in the sequential group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that administering acetaminophen and dexketoprofen in the mix for the treatment of painful VOC in patients with SCD may be a more efficient approach compared to sequential administration. This approach appears to reduce opioid usage and shorten hospital stays.

The Leucine-Rich α2-Glycoprotein-1 Levels in Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

INTRODUCTION: Angiogenesis is considered important in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM), as well as in the targeted treatment of the disease. Leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) is a protein that participates in angiogenesis and its effect on solid organ tumors has been investigated recently. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between MM and LRG1. METHODS: The MM patients who admitted to Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Hematology Clinic between September 2021 and October 2022 were included in the study. The study consists of a total of 4 groups: newly diagnosed MM (NDMM), relapsed refractory MM (RRMM), MM in remission (Rem-MM), and control group. Demographic data were retrieved from hospital records. Blood samples of our study groups were centrifuged at 1,500 × g for 10 min and serum was collected. LRG1, IL-6, IL-8, TGF-ß1, HIF-1α, FGF-2, and VEGF levels were analyzed in all groups by ELISA method, and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 112 individuals, including NDMM (n: 27), RRMM (n: 18), Rem-MM (n: 42), and control group (n: 25), were enrolled in the study. Based on the analyses, the NDMM group exhibited significantly elevated levels of LRG1 (p < 0.001), TGF-1 (p < 0.001), and HIF-1α (p = 0.046, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003 compared to the RRMM, Rem-MM, and control groups, respectively) compared to the other groups. LRG1 levels were positively correlated with creatinine (r: 0.363, p = 0.001), calcium (r: 0.344, p = 0.001), total protein (r: 0.473, p < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r: 0.547, p < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (r: 0.321, p = 0.003), beta-2-microglobulin (r: 0.312, p = 0.017), IL-6 (r: 0.478, p < 0.001), IL-8 (r: 0.240, p = 0.03), TGF-ß1 (r: 0.521, p < 0.001), and HIF-1α (r: 0.321, p = 0.003) levels and were negatively correlated with hemoglobin (r: -0.512, p < 0.001) and albumin (r: -0.549, p < 0.001) levels. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed the association of LRG1 with the highest AUC value of 0.959 (95% CI: 0.904-1, p < 0.001) and the optimal cut-off value of 534.95 ng/mL (sensitivity: 93% and specificity: 99%) in the NDMM group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: In this study, providing data for the first time on LRG1 levels in the setting of MM. LRG1 levels were found to be significantly higher in NDMM patients and in our study discriminate this patient population from RRMM, Rem-MM, and normal controls. Therefore, LRG1 seems to a potential biomarker that should be evaluated in future studies addressing the diagnosis, staging, follow-up, prognosis, and treatment target of MM.

International Forum: The Turkish perspective on apheresis activity: The Turkish apheresis registry report.

Therapeutic apheresis is an extracorporeal treatment that selectively removes abnormal cells or harmful substances in the blood that are associated with or cause certain diseases. During the last decades the application of therapeutic apheresis has expanded to a broad spectrum of hematological and non-hematological diseases due to various studies on the clinical efficacy of this procedure. In this context there are more than 30 centers performing therapeutic apheresis and registered in the apheresis database in Turkey. Herein, we, The Turkish Apheresis Registry, aimed to analyze some key articles published so far from Turkey regarding the use of apheresis for various indications.

The effect of pre-conditioning immunoglobulin and absolute lymphocyte count on the outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The prevention of mortality and morbidity related to the increasingly used allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), along with the effects of pre- and post-transplant immune status on transplant outcomes, have become the focus of the studies conducted on this subject in recent years. In parallel, this study was designed to investigate the effects of pre-conditioning immunoglobulin (pre-conditioning-Ig) and pre-conditioning absolute lymphocyte count (pre-conditioning-ALC) levels on transplant outcomes. METHODS: This study was designed as a retrospective, observational and cross-sectional study. The objective of the study is to investigate the effects of pre-conditioning-Ig and ALC levels primarily on the rate of patients with febrile neutropenia (FEN) and the duration of FEN and length of hospital stay (LoS), and secondarily on acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia, and mortality in the acute leukemia patients who underwent allo-HCT. RESULTS: A total of 104 acute leukemia patients, of whom 55 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 49 had acute myeloid leukemia (AML), were included in the study. Compared to the AML group, the median pre-conditioning-IgG, IgA, and IgM levels were found to be significantly lower in the ALL group (11.3 vs. 6.6, p < 0.001; 1.8 vs. 0.9, p < 0.001; and 0.7 vs. 0.4, p < 0.001; respectively). But, there was no significant difference between the groups in pre-conditioning-Ig and ALC levels and transplant outcomes. However, subgroup analysis revealed that high pre-conditioning-ALC levels were significantly correlated with aGVHD levels (Odds Ratio: 1.02; p = 0.034) and low pre-conditioning-IgM levels were significantly correlated with increased mortality rate (Hazard Ratio: 0.08; p = 0.042) in AML patients. CONCLUSION: The significant difference determined between the ALL and AML groups in pre-conditioning-Ig levels was not reflected on the effects of pre-conditioning-Ig and ALC levels on transplant outcomes. However, we observed that pre-conditioning-IgM and ALC levels have an impact on transplant outcomes in AML patients.

Predictive Role of Blood Cellular Indices and Their Relationship with Endogenous Glycosaminoglycans as Determinants of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Pulmonary Embolism.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we profiled the levels of blood cellular indices, endogenous glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and inflammatory biomarkers in a cohort comprised of pulmonary embolism (PE) patients, to determine their inter-relationships. Identification of this relationship may provide insight to the complex pathophysiology of PE and the predictive role of blood cellular indices in acute PE patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma samples from PE patients and healthy controls were analyzed for thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, VEGF, IFN-É£, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1ß, MCP-1, EGF, D-dimer, CRP and MMP-9) using biochip array and ELISA methods. The endogenous GAG levels were quantified using a fluorescence quenching method. The data regarding the blood cellular indices were collected through the review of patient medical records and analyzed to demonstrate their relationship. RESULTS: The levels of inflammatory biomarkers and endogenous GAGs were elevated in acute PE patients compared to controls (P < .05). Most of the blood cellular indices have shown significant differences in acute PE patients compared to controls (P < .05). The levels of inflammatory biomarkers, endogenous GAGs and the blood cellular indices have shown significant associations in correlation and multivariable analysis. While NLR, PLR and SII were significantly predicting the 30-day mortality, PNR, ELR and EMR were not sufficient to predict 30-day mortality in acute PE. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the increased thrombo-inflammatory response is associated with the release of GAGs and the changes in blood cellular indices. The predictive role of the blood cellular indices for mortality is dependent on their relationship with the inflammatory response.

Elastographic evaluation of the effect of sickle cell anemia on testicles: a prospective study.

To quantitatively determine testicular tissue stiffness values using shear wave elastography (SWE) in males that have sickle cell anemia (SCA) and to evaluate the relationship between elastography results and semen analysis parameters and hormone levels. Fifty patients diagnosed with SCA and followed up in the hematology outpatient clinic were evaluated in the urology outpatient clinic as the study group. In addition, there were 88 patients without any SCA-related complaints in the control group. We compared these groups with respect to their values, spermiogram parameters, testicular volume, and SWE values. Among patients in the SCA group, 28% had impaired sperm parameters. When testicular elastography was assessed, the testicular volumes were materially lower in the SCA group in comparison to the control group [right testicular volume: 14.76 (12.77-18.12) and 19.68 (15.12-24.18), respectively, p < 0.001; left testicular volume: 14.11 (11.06-17.32) and 16.59 (13.38-20.13), respectively, p = 0.015]. Additionally, the left testis central stiffness and the left testis inferior stiffness were significantly higher in the SCA group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). The age and hydroxyurea use had a worse effect on sperm parameters in patients with SCA (odds ratio: -0.161 and -1.914, standard deviation: 0.071 and 0.921, and p = 0.024 and p = 0.038, respectively). We consider that the technique utilized in this study for SWE values is fast and can be adopted as a reliable diagnostic tool and follow-up practice in routine clinical practice to evaluate the acuteness of damage to the testicles in patients having SCA.

Acute and chronic impact of smoking on salivary and serum total antioxidant capacity.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate increased oxidative stress in saliva of smokers along with their serum. METHODS: The case-control study was conducted from September to December 2008 in the Department of Biochemistry of the Medical School, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey. A blood sample and saliva samples before and after smoking were collected from the smokers, while blood and saliva samples were taken from the controls. All samples were taken concurrently. The samples were measured for total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant stress, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and total sulfhydryl groups. Levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were also measured on saliva samples. SPSS 13 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 54 subjects in the study, 27(50%) were smokers with a mean age of 28.4 ± 5.42 years, and 27 (50%) were controls with a mean age of 29.7 ± 8.03 years. Total oxidant stress, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were found higher in the serum samples of smokers (p < 0.05), and the levels of total sulfhydryl groups in smokers were lower compared with the controls (p < 0.05). Among the smokers, salivary malondialdehyde levels were higher before and after smoking (p < 0.05), glutathione peroxidase levels were lower than the controls, and salivary nitric oxide levels after smoking were higher than both those of the control group and the levels before smoking (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both acute and chronic increased oxidative conditions may be a significant sign of the destructive effects of smoking. The investigation of disorders in smokers concerning oxidative stress will be beneficial in terms of novel approaches and treatment modalities.

Oxidative stress in patients with thyroidectomy and thyroparathyroidectomy under replacement therapy.

Several studies have demonstrated an imbalance between free radicals and the antioxidative system in individuals with thyroid dysfunction. However, oxidative stress has not been evaluated in patients with thyroidectomy and thyroparathyroidectomy, who are under replacement therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress using malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and catalase levels in patients with thyroidectomy and thyroparathyroidectomy. Nineteen patients with thyroidectomy, 20 patients with thyroparathyroidectomy, and 20 controls with no history of thyroid or parathyroid disease or surgery were included in the study. Serum malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and catalase levels were examined. Levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were elevated, and catalase levels decreased in patients with thyroidectomy and thyroparathyroidectomy compared with controls (p value for all the parameters: p<0.001). Free tetraiodothyronine was a potential predictor of malondialdehyde in the patient groups (p: 0.002). Catalase was negatively correlated with nitric oxide (p<0.01) and malondialdehyde (p<0.01). The results of the current study demonstrated that oxidative stress increased in patients with thyroidectomy and thyroparathyroidectomy despite the application of replacement therapies.

[Plasma levels of interleukin-10 and nitric oxide in response to two different desflurane anesthesia flow rates]. / Níveis plasmáticos de interleucina-10 e óxido nítrico em resposta a duas taxas de fluxo em anestesia com desflurano.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated interleukin-10 and nitric oxide plasma levels following surgery to determine whether there is a correlation between these two variables and if different desflurane anesthesia flow rates influence nitric oxide and interleukin-10 concentrations in circulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients between 18 and 70 years and ASA I-II physical status who were scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were allocated into two groups to receive two different desflurane anesthesia flow rates: high flow (Group HF) and low flow (Group LF). MEASUREMENTS: Blood samples were drawn at the beginning (t0) and end (t1) of the operation and after 24h (t2). Plasma interleukin-10 and nitric oxide levels were measured using an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay and a Griess reagents kit, respectively. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were assessed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to interleukin-10 levels at the times of measurement. Interleukin-10 levels were increased equally in both groups at times t1 and t2 compared with preoperative concentrations. For both groups, nitric oxide circulating concentrations were significantly reduced at times t1 and t2 compared with preoperative concentrations. However, the nitric oxide value was lower for Group HF compared to Group LF at t2. No correlation was found between the IL-10 and nitric oxide levels. CONCLUSION: Clinical usage of two different flow anesthesia forms with desflurane may increase interleukin-10 levels both in Group HF and Group LF; nitric oxide levels circulating concentrations were significantly reduced at times t1 and t2 compared with preoperative concentrations; however, at 24h postoperatively they were higher in Group LF compared to Group HF. No correlation was detected between interleukin-10 and nitric oxide levels.

Plasma levels of interleukin-10 and nitric oxide in response to two different desflurane anesthesia flow rates.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated interleukin-10 and nitric oxide plasma levels following surgery to determine whether there is a correlation between these two variables and if different desflurane anesthesia flow rates influence nitric oxide and interleukin-10 concentrations in circulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients between 18 and 70 years and ASA I-II physical status who were scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were allocated into two groups to receive two different desflurane anesthesia flow rates: high flow (Group HF) and low flow (Group LF). MEASUREMENTS: Blood samples were drawn at the beginning (t0) and end (t1) of the operation and after 24h (t2). Plasma interleukin-10 and nitric oxide levels were measured using an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay and a Griess reagents kit, respectively. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were assessed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to interleukin-10 levels at the times of measurement. Interleukin-10 levels were increased equally in both groups at times t1 and t2 compared with preoperative concentrations. For both groups, nitric oxide circulating concentrations were significantly reduced at times t1 and t2 compared with preoperative concentrations. However, the nitric oxide value was lower for Group HF compared to Group LF at t2. No correlation was found between the IL-10 and nitric oxide levels. CONCLUSION: Clinical usage of two different flow anesthesia forms with desflurane may increase interleukin-10 levels both in Group HF and Group LF; nitric oxide levels circulating concentrations were significantly reduced at times t1 and t2 compared with preoperative concentrations; however, at 24h postoperatively they were higher in Group LF compared to Group HF. No correlation was detected between interleukin-10 and nitric oxide levels.

Plasma levels of interleukin-10 and nitric oxide in response to two different desflurane anesthesia flow rates / Níveis plasmáticos de interleucina-10 e óxido nítrico em resposta a duas taxas de fluxo em anestesia com desflurano / Niveles plasmáticos de interleucina-10 y óxido nítrico en respuesta a 2 tasas de flujo en anestesia con desflurano

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated interleukin-10 and nitric oxide plasma levels following surgery to determine whether there is a correlation between these two variables and if different desflurane anesthesia flow rates influence nitric oxide and interleukin-10 concentrations in circulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients between 18 and 70 years and ASA I-II physical status who were scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were allocated into two groups to receive two different desflurane anesthesia flow rates: high flow (Group HF) and low flow (Group LF). MEASUREMENTS: Blood samples were drawn at the beginning (t 0) and end (t 1) of the operation and after 24 h (t 2). Plasma interleukin-10 and nitric oxide levels were measured using an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay and a Griess reagents kit, respectively. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were assessed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to interleukin-10 levels at the times of measurement. Interleukin-10 levels were increased equally in both groups at times t 1 and t 2 compared with preoperative concentrations. For both groups, nitric oxide circulating concentrations were significantly reduced at times t 1 and t 2 compared with preoperative concentrations. However, the nitric oxide value was lower for Group HF compared to Group LF at t 2. No correlation was found between the IL-10 and nitric oxide levels. CONCLUSION: Clinical usage of two different flow anesthesia forms with desflurane may increase interleukin-10 levels both in Group HF and Group LF; nitric oxide levels circulating concentrations were significantly reduced at times t 1 and t 2 compared with preoperative concentrations; however, at 24 h postoperatively they were higher in Group LF compared to Group HF. No correlation was detected between interleukin-10 and nitric oxide levels. .

OBJETIVO: este estudo investigou os níveis plasmáticos de interleucina-10 e óxido nítrico após cirurgia para determinar se há correlação entre essas duas variáveis e se diferentes taxas de fluxo de anestesia com desflurano influenciam as concentrações de interleucina-10 e óxido nítrico na circulação. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: quarenta pacientes, entre 18 e 70 anos de idade, estado físico ASA I-II, programados para tireoidectomia foram incluídos no estudo. INTERVENÇÕES: os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos para receber dois fluxos diferentes de anestesia com desflurano: fluxo alto (Grupo FA) e fluxo baixo (Grupo FB). MENSURAÇÕES: amostras de sangue foram colhidas no início (t 0 ) e final (t 1 ) da cirurgia e após 24 h (t 2 ). Os níveis plasmáticos de interleucina-10 e óxido nítrico foram medidos usando um ensaio imunossorvente ligado à enzima um estojo de reagentes de Griess, respectivamente. Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e respiratórios foram avaliados. RESULTADOS: não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois grupos em relação aos níveis de interleucina-10 níveis nos tempos de medição. Os níveis de interleucina-10 aumentaram igualmente em ambos os grupos nos tempos t 1 e t 2 em comparação com as concentrações no pré-operatório. Em ambos os grupos, as concentrações circulantes de óxido nítrico estavam significativamente reduzidas nos tempos t 1 e t 2 em comparação com as concentrações no pré-operatório. No entanto, o valor de óxido nítrico foi menor no Grupo FA que no Grupo FB no t 2 . Não houve correlação entre os níveis de IL-10 e óxido nítrico. CONCLUSÃO: o ...

OBJETIVO: este estudio investigó los niveles plasmáticos de interleucina-10 y óxido nítrico después de la cirugía para determinar si hay alguna correlación entre esas 2 variables y si diferentes tasas de flujo de anestesia con desflurano influyen en las concentraciones de interleucina-10 y óxido nítrico en la circulación. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: cuarenta pacientes, entre 18 y 70 años de edad, estado físico ASA I-II, programados para tiroidectomía se incluyeron en el estudio. INTERVENCIONES: los pacientes se dividieron en 2 grupos para recibir 2 flujos diferentes de anestesia con desflurano: flujo alto (grupo FA) y flujo bajo (grupo FB). MEDICIONES: se extrajeron muestras de sangre al inicio (t 0 ) y al final (t 1 ) de la cirugía y después de 24 h (t 2 ). Los niveles plasmáticos de interleucina-10 y óxido nítrico fueron medidos usando un ensayo de inmunoabsorción conectando un kit de reactivos de Griess, respectivamente. Se evaluaron los parámetros hemodinámicos y respiratorios. RESULTADOS: no hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los 2 grupos con relación a los niveles de interleucina-10 en los tiempos de medición. Los niveles de interleucina-10 aumentaron igualmente en ambos grupos en los tiempos t 1 y t 2 en comparación con las concentraciones en el preoperatorio. En ambos grupos, las concentraciones circulantes de óxido nítrico estaban significativamente reducidas en los tiempos t 1 y t 2 en comparación con las concentraciones en el preoperatorio. Sin embargo, el valor de óxido nítrico fue menor en el grupo FA que en el grupo FB en el t 2 . No hubo correlación entre los niveles de interleucina-10 y óxido nítrico. CONCLUSIÓN: el uso clínico de 2 flujos diferentes en anestesia con desflurano puede aumentar los ...

Citrate, oxalate, sodium, and magnesium levels in fresh juices of three different types of tomatoes: evaluation in the light of the results of studies on orange and lemon juices.

Fruit and vegetable juices containing citrate may be recommended as an alternative in mild to moderate level hypocitraturic calcium stone formers who cannot tolerate pharmacological treatment. Tomato has been proved a citrate-rich vegetable. Tomato juice usage as citrate sources in hypocitraturic recurrent stone formers were evaluated in the light of the results of studies on orange and lemon juices. Ten 100 ml samples were prepared from three different tomato types processed through a blender. These samples were examined in terms of citrate, oxalate, calcium, magnesium, and sodium contents. No difference was detected between the parameters tested in three different tomato juices. Fresh tomato juice may be useful in hypocitraturic recurrent stone formers due to its high content of citrate and magnesium, and low content of sodium and oxalate. As the three different types of tomatoes did not differ in terms of citrate, magnesium, sodium, and oxalate content, they may be useful for clinical use if also supported by clinical studies.

The effect of varicocele on seminal plasma and serum inhibin-B levels in adolescent and adult men.

INTRODUCTION: In the present study, the relationship between serum/seminal plasma and serum FSH and seminal parameters was evaluated in adults and adolescent varicocele patients and compared with normal fertile cases. METHODS: A total of 50 adult patients with varicocele (Group-1) and 50 adolescents with varicocele (Group-2) were enrolled into the study. Fifty fertile cases without any scrotal pathology were accepted as control group (Group-3). Serum gonadotropin, sex steroids and serum and seminal plasma inhibin-B levels were measured, and semen analysis was performed after 2 and 5 days of sexual abstinence. All parameters were compared among three groups by using one-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences among three groups on seminal parameters due to disturbed spermatogenesis in patients with varicocele (P < 0.05). However, there were not statistical differences between serum and seminal plasma Inhibin-B levels among groups. In varicocele patients, serum inhibin-B levels showed negative and significant correlation only with FSH levels (r = -0.253, P = 0.011). On the contrary, neither serum nor seminal plasma inhibin-B levels showed significant correlation with seminal parameters. CONCLUSION: While varicocele affects different mechanisms in the regulation of spermatogenesis in testes, serum and seminal plasma inhibin-B have not any role in decreased spermatogenesis in varicocele.

The effects of topotecan on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels in rabbit liver tissue.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the possible influence of topotecan therapy on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in rabbit liver tissue, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) were investigated. METHODS: A total of 24 adult, healthy New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups (n = 8). Topotecan was administered intravenously via the ear vein for 3 days at 0.25 mg/kg/day for the low-dose group and 0.50 mg/kg/day for the high-dose group; physiological saline was used for the control group. All animals were sacrificed on day 15. Livers were removed and homogenised. The homogenate supernatant was used for measurement of TBARS levels, and SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT enzyme activities (expressed as IU/mg protein). RESULTS: There were significant differences in the TBARS level and GSH-Px activity between control and the topotecan treatment groups. TBARS level of topotecan treatment groups was higher than control (89% and 126%, respectively, P = 0.001). It was also significantly higher in the high-dose group than the low-dose group (20%; P = 0.011). GSH-Px activity was lower in the low- and high-dose topotecan groups than the control (42% [P = 0.002] and 65% [P = 0.001], respectively). Enzyme activity was lowest in the high-dose group and the difference was also significant when compared with the topotecan groups (40%; P = 0.001). Although there was some decrease in SOD and CAT activities in the topotecan-treated groups, differences from the control group were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that topotecan treatment results in an increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities in healthy liver tissue from rabbits. We believe that the addition of antioxidants to topotecan therapy may reduce the harmful effects of topotecan on liver tissue.

Efficacy of topotecan treatment on antioxidant enzymes and TBA-RS levels in submandibular glands of rabbits: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of topotecan (Hycamtin), a topoisomerase I inhibiting anticancer agent, on antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) and TBA-RS values of the submandibular glands of the rabbits. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The study was conveyed in two groups (Group I, II) and control with a total of 24 rabbits. Eight rabbits in group I received intravenous (i.v.) topotecan (0.25 mg/kg once daily) for 3 days. Eight rabbits in group II received i.v. topotecan (0.5 mg/kg once daily) for 3 days. On the 15th day after administration of topotecan, submandibular glands were removed and levels of the SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px and the TBA-RS in the submandibular glands of the rabbits were examined. RESULTS: SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px values were significantly higher in high-dose topotecan group compared to control group (P < 0.05). SOD and TBA-RS values were significantly higher in high-dose topotecan group compared to low-dose topotecan group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that, to prevent the hazardous effects of oxygen free radicals due to topotecan, antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px were increased. The higher levels of the TBA-RS values in group II showed that permanent damage was present because of high-dose topotecan administration in the submandibular glands of the rabbits.

Peroxidation in muscle and liver tissues from fish in a contaminated river due to a petroleum refinery industry.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible effects of the wastewater water contamination of a petroleum industry on the oxidant/antioxidant status of muscle and liver tissues from fish in the Kizilirmak River, Kirikkale, Turkey. The antioxidant/oxidant parameters were analyzed in the muscle and liver tissues from fish in 10 km of the river above and below the industry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and susceptibility to oxidation (SO) values were measured in the liver and muscle tissues as indexes of oxidation, and antioxidant potential (AOP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase(CAT) activities were measured as indexes of antioxidant status. There was significant oxidation in the muscle tissue of the fish obtained in the river downstream of the industry compared to those obtained upstream of the industry. Although there were no meaningful differences between the SOD and GSH-Px activities, the AOP value and CAT activities were found to be reduced in the muscle tissues from the fish obtained downstream. In the liver tissues, the SOD and GSH-Px activities were found to be increased in the fish obtained downstream but no differences were observed in the MDA, SO, AOP, and CAT values. Our results suggest that some contaminants from the petrochemical industry cause oxidation in fish muscle tissues by impairing the antioxidant system. However, because no peroxidation was observed in the liver tissue from the downstream fish, it is possible that liver tissues have a stronger antioxidant capacity than muscle.

Oxidative stress in patients with chronic renal failure: effects of hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate blood oxidative status of patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and possible effects of hemodialysis on the development of oxidative stress in blood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidation resistance (OR) values were measured in blood plasma, erythrocyte hemolysate and erythrocyte membrane fractions of 33 patients with CRF and of 12 healthy controls. Of the 33 patients, 17 subjects were under hemodialysis treatment. RESULTS: MDA levels were found to be increased in all blood fractions of the patients. OR values were unchanged in erythrocyte hemolysates but decreased in plasma and erythrocyte membrane fractions of the CRF patients. Moreover, erythrocyte MDA levels were determined to be higher in hemodialyzed patients compared with both controls and non-hemodialyzed patients. OR values were lower in all blood fractions of the hemodialyzed patients relative to controls and non-hemodialyzed patients. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that there is a significant oxidative stress (expressed as peroxidation) in blood samples from patients with CRF, which is further exacerbated by hemodialysis.

Effects of cigarette smoking with different tar content on erythrocyte oxidant/antioxidant status.

In this study, the effects of cigarettes with differing tar content on erythrocyte oxidant/antioxidant status was investigated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of oxidant status and superoxide radical scavenger activity (SSA) as an indicator of antioxidant status were measured in erythrocytes from 20 smokers and 10 non-smoker controls. Ten of the 20 smoking subjects smoked five cigarettes with full flavour low tar (FFLT with 12 mg tar) and the others smoked five cigarettes with full flavour high tar (FF with 23 mg tar) over 1 hour. Initial blood samples from both groups at fasting, followed by further samples from smokers at 1.5 hours and 3 hours after smoking. Initial erythrocyte MDA level and SSA activity were found to be higher in the smoking groups compared to non-smokers. Furthermore, both parameters were significantly higher at the 1.5-hour and 3-hour erythrocyte samples when compared to initial values in the FFLT group. However, there were no statistically significant differences between SSA values established at different times in FF group. Results suggest that smoking causes oxidant load in the erythrocytes. Although a compensatory mechanism (i.e. increased SSA activities) develops in the FFLT group after smoking, this cannot prevent peroxidation reactions (i.e. increased MDA levels) in the erythrocytes. As to the types of cigarettes, both seem to have oxidant potential, but oxidation degree in the FFLT group is higher than that of FF group. These results suggest that antioxidant supplementation to smokers might be beneficial to decrease cellular oxidation damages.