Comparative Analysis of Right vs. Left Radial Access in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Impact on Silent Cerebral Ischemia.

Background and Objectives: Silent cerebral ischemia (SCI) is defined as a condition that can be detected by biochemical markers or cranial imaging methods but does not produce clinical symptom. This study aims both to compare the frequency of SCI in PCIs performed with right transradial access and left transradial access and to evaluate the influencing factors. Materials and Methods: A prospective, single-center study included 197 patients undergoing PCI via transradial access between November 2020 and July 2022. The patients were categorized into right radial and left radial groups. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) values were measured and recorded before and 18 h after the procedure. A post-procedure NSE level higher than 20 ng/dL was defined as SCI. Results: SCI occurred in 60 of the 197 patients. NSE elevation was observed in 37.4% (n = 37) of the right radial group and in 23.5% (n = 23) of the left radial group (p = 0.032). Patients with SCI had higher rates of smoking (p = 0.043), presence of subclavian tortuosity (p = 0.027), and HbA1c (p = 0.031). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the level of EF (ejection fraction) (OR: 0.958 95% CI 0.920-0.998, p = 0.039), right radial preference (OR: 2.104 95% CI 1.102-3.995 p = 0.023), and smoking (OR: 2.088 95% CI 1.105-3.944, p = 0.023) were observed as independent variables of NSE elevation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PCI via right radial access poses a greater risk of SCI compared to left radial access. Anatomical considerations and technical challenges associated with right radial procedures and factors such as smoking and low ejection fraction contribute to this elevated risk.

Investigation of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in vitro inflammation model at molecular level.

In our study, we aimed to create an inflammation model in endothelial and macrophage cell lines and to examine the changes in the expression of hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide gated (HCN) channels at the molecular level. HUVEC and RAW cell lines were used in our study. 1 µg/mL LPS was applied to the cells. Cell media were taken 6 h later. TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 concentrations were measured by ELISA method. Cell media were cross-applied to cells for 24 h after LPS. HCN1/HCN2 protein levels were determined by Western-Blot method. HCN-1/HCN-2 gene expressions were determined by qRT-PCR method. In the inflammation model, a significant increase in TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-2 levels was observed in RAW cell media compared to the control. While no significant difference was observed in IL-4 level, a significant decrease was observed in IL-10 level. While a significant increase in TNF-α level was observed in HUVEC cell medium, no difference was observed in other cytokines. In our inflammation model, an 8.44-fold increase in HCN1 gene expression was observed in HUVEC cells compared to the control group. No significant change was observed in HCN2 gene expression. 6.71-fold increase in HCN1 gene expression was observed in RAW cells compared to the control. The change in HCN2 expression was not statistically significant. In the Western-Blot analysis, a statistically significant increase in HCN1 level was observed in the LPS group in HUVEC cells compared to the control; no significant increase in HCN2 level was observed. While a statistically significant increase in HCN1 level was observed in the LPS group in RAW cells compared to the control; no significant increase in HCN2 level was observed. In immunofluorescence examination, it was observed that the level of HCN1 and HCN2 proteins in the cell membrane of HUVEC and RAW cells increased in the LPS group compared to the control group. While HCN1 gene/protein levels were increased in RAW and HUVEC cells in the inflammation model, no significant change was observed in HCN2 gene/protein levels. Our data suggest that the HCN1 subtype is dominant in endothelium and macrophages and may play a critical role in inflammation.

Assessment of silent brain injury in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention due to chronic total occlusion.

Objective: Silent brain infarcts (SBI) are thromboembolic complications associated with cardiac surgery, diagnostic angiography, and percutaneous interventions. Serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is the proven biomarker for measuring neuronal damage. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of SBI, defined as elevated NSE after coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) intervention and elective coronary stenting. Design: The study population consisted of two patient groups: the CTO group included consecutive patients with coronary CTO intervention, and the control group consisted of patients who underwent elective coronary intervention. NSE blood levels were measured before and 12-18 h after the procedure. NSE blood levels of >20 ng/mL were considered SBI. Results: A total of 108 patients were included in the study. Of these, 55 (50.9%) had SBI after the procedure. The SBI rate was 59.7% in the CTO group and 39.1% in the control group. Patients with SBI were more likely to have diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, higher HbA1c, higher total stent length, and longer procedural time. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CTO procedure (odds ratio [OR]: 3.129; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.246-7.858; p < 0.015) and diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.185-7.291; p < 0.020) are independent predictors of SBI. Conclusion: Our data suggest that SBI occurs more frequently after CTO intervention than after non-CTO intervention. Intervention complexity and patient clinical characteristics may explain the increased incidence.

Aqueous humor and serum levels of 4-hydroxynonenal and 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine in pseudoexfoliation syndrome and glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the aqueous humor (AH) and serum levels of 4-hydroxynenal (4-HNE) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG) in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG) with each other and with age- and sex-matched control group. METHODS: This prospective study included 66 patients divided into three groups: PES (n = 24), PEG (n = 21), and a control group (n = 21). 4-HNE and 8-OhdG levels were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Aqueous and serum 4-HNE levels were significantly higher in the PEG (466.52 ± 62.12 pg/mL and 313.47 ± 47.41 pg/mL) and PES (290.69 ± 63.63 pg/mL and 201.53 ± 39.57 pg/mL) groups than the control group (144.02 ± 39.58 pg/mL and 99.10 ± 16.96 pg/mL; p < 0.001, for all). Both aqueous and serum levels of 4-HNE in the PEG group were significantly higher than in the PES group (p < 0.001, for both). Similar to 4-HNE, the AH 8-OhdG levels were higher in the PEG group (21.18 ± 2.23 ng/mL) compared to the PES (14.90 ± 3.37 ng/mL) and control (4.86 ± 1.94 ng/mL) groups (p < 0.001, for all). Serum 8-OhdG levels were significantly higher in the PEG and PES groups than the control (p < 0.001, for both); however, there was no significant difference between the PES and PEG groups (p = 0.097). There were strong significant correlations between the aqueous and serum levels of 4-HNE (p < 0.001, r = 0.857) and 8-OhdG (p < 0.001, r = 0.807) among all the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Aqueous humor and serum levels of 4-HNE and 8-OhdG increased in the PES and PEG patients. These findings are potentially significant and add to the growing body of evidence concerning oxidative stress in PES and PEG.

Clinical and biochemical evaluation of oral irrigation in patients with peri-implant mucositis: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of an oral irrigator and an interdental brush in patients with peri-implant mucositis clinically and biochemically at different time points (at baseline and at the 2nd, 4th, and 12th weeks). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients with at least one implant with peri-implant mucositis were included in the present study (n = 45). The patients were divided into three groups: oral irrigator + toothbrush (OI group, n = 15), interdental brush + toothbrush (IB group, n = 15), and toothbrush only (control) (C group, n = 15). The modified plaque index (mPlI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline and at the 2nd, 4th, and 12th weeks. The levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were also determined in the peri-implant crevicular fluid samples biochemically. RESULTS: The mSBI and t-PA at the 2nd week (p = 0.003; p = 0.003); the mPlI, mSBI, BOP, t-PA, and PAI-1 at the 4th week (p < 0.05; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.015; p = 0.011); and the mPlI, mSBI, IL-1ß, t-PA, and PAI-1 at the 12th week (p < 0.05; p < 0.001; p = 0.013; p < 0.001; p = 0.002) were significantly lower in the OI group compared with those in the C group. Meanwhile, PAI-1 at the 2nd week, mSBI at the 4th week, and t-PA at the 12th week were significantly lower in the OI group compared with those in the IB group (p < 0.001; p = 0.011; p = 0.003). At the 2nd, 4th, and 12th weeks, all other parameters were not statistically different in the three groups. CONCLUSION: The clinical indexes (such as mSBI and BOP) that play an important role in the diagnosis of peri-implant mucositis showed the lowest means (although limited) in the OI group at all evaluation time points. Moreover, when the clinical and biochemistry results were interpreted altogether, it became apparent that the OI group exhibited similar or more effective results than the IB group in resolving peri-implant mucositis. In light of the foregoing, this study concluded that the use of an oral irrigator can be as effective as an interdental brush in interdental cleaning. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this study, it is suggested that the regular use of an oral irrigator along with a toothbrush could be an appropriate alternative to other oral hygiene products such as dental floss and interdental brush for the management of peri-implant mucositis by preventing the accumulation of dental plaque (NCT03844035).

Idebenone Ameliorates Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease in Rats Through Decreasing Lipid Peroxidation.

Oxidative stress is considered one of the mechanisms responsible for neurodegenerative diseases, especially for Parkinson's disease. Since oxidative stress causes pathological changes in neuronal structures antioxidant compounds gained significant attention the last decades. Although several antioxidant compounds showed neuroprotective actions in Parkinson's disease models, only a few of them demonstrated protective effects against loss of striatal dopaminergic neurons. Idebenone is an analog of the well-known antioxidant compound coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Clinical safety of idebenone is well described, and due to its high antioxidant capacity currently used to treat Freidrich's ataxia and Alzheimer's disease. Like Parkinson's disease, these diseases are characterized by oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial balance in neurons. However, knowledge about the effects of idebenone on Parkinson's disease is limited. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate and delineate the possible effects of idebenone in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease models. Idebenone (200 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the decrease of striatal expression of NAD(P)H dehydrogenase[quinone]-1, which is an essential element for mitochondrial respiration. Idebenone decreased the striatal levels of the lipid peroxidation products and increased the expression of glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPx-4), which is primarily known for lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Furthermore, idebenone mitigated motor impairment and increased tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neuron survival. Together our results thus indicate that that idebenone has protective effects against a rotenone insult with pleiotropic actions on the cellular oxidative enzymes and lipid peroxidation.

The receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE) pathway in COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) with lung involvement frequently causes morbidity and mortality. Advanced age appears to be the most important risk factor. The receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE) pathway is considered to play important roles in the physiological aging and pathogenesis of lung diseases. This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between COVID-19 and RAGE pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 23 asymptomatic patients and 35 patients with lung involvement who were diagnosed with COVID-19 as well as 22 healthy volunteers. Lung involvement was determined using computed tomography. Serum soluble-RAGE (sRAGE) levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The sRAGE levels were significantly higher in the asymptomatic group than in the control group. Age, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and ferritin levels were higher and the sRAGE level was lower in the patients with lung involvement than in the asymptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, patients with high sRAGE levels were younger and had asymptomatic COVID-19. Patients with low sRAGE levels were elderly patients with lung involvement, which indicates that the RAGE pathway plays an important role in the aggravation of COVID-19.

Increased levels of interleukin-32 isoforms alpha, beta, gamma, and delta in the gingival crevicular fluid and plasma of the patients with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Interleukin (IL)-32, which has been recently reported to be associated with periodontitis, has been suggested to have pleiotropic effect due to its 9 different isoforms. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of IL-32α, IL-32ß, IL-32γ, IL-32δ isoforms in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and plasma before and after non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with periodontitis (P). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven P and 27 periodontally healthy controls (C) were recruited in this study. Non-surgical periodontal treatment was performed to periodontitis patients. GCF and plasma sampling and clinical periodontal parameters were evaluated before and 1 month after treatment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the levels of IL-32α, IL-32ß, IL-32γ, IL-32δ isoforms in GCF and plasma samples. RESULTS: The levels of IL-32α, IL-32ß, IL-32γ, and IL-32δ in plasma and GCF were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis than healthy controls (P < .001). In P group, plasma and GCF IL-32α, IL-32ß, IL-32γ, and IL-32δ levels after non-surgical periodontal treatment were lower when compared to baseline (P < .001). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between GCF and plasma IL-32α, IL-32ß, IL-32γ, and IL-32δ levels in all groups at baseline and after treatment (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The study supported that there was a relationship between elevated levels of IL-32 isoforms and periodontitis. Also, our novel findings suggest that the pro-inflammatory role of IL-32 in the periodontitis may be originated from IL-32α, IL-32ß, IL-32γ, and IL-32δ isoforms.

Comparison of gingival crevicular fluid and serum human beta-defensin-2 levels between periodontal health and disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2), an antimicrobial peptide that takes roles in inflammatory diseases, in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of one hundred and one individuals, 59 controls and 42 patients with CP, participated in this study. Clinical index measurements were recorded during the periodontal examination, and radiographic evaluation was also performed. The serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were taken from all of the participants, and the hBD-2 levels were determined biochemically by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: In our study, hBD-2 GCF levels in CP (stages II-IV periodontitis based on the new 2018 classification of periodontal diseases) group (2.77 ng/30 s) were higher than in the periodontally healthy (2.51 ng/30 s; p = .047) individuals. In contrast, serum hBD-2 levels in CP (2.92 ng/ml) were lower compared with those in healthy controls (7.75 ng/ml, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Interestingly, our results showed that while higher hBD-2 GCF levels are associated with CP, lower serum hBD-2 levels were detected in CP.

The effects of metformin treatment on the ovaries and uterus of offspring.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of metformin treatment at different dosage levels on the ovaries and uteruses of rat offspring in the course of the intrauterine period. METHODS: Saline, metformin (100 mg/kg/day), and metformin (200 mg/kg/day) were administered via oral gavage between the 6th and 15th days of gestation to the 9 pregnant rats (n = 3/group). After birth, 5 female offspring were separated from each group and perfused on the 60th day of postnatal development. The cortex and medulla volumes of the ovaries, the thicknesses of epithelium and endometrium of the uteruses and the total oocyte number density were estimated. In addition, the estradiol levels in blood samples were measured by the ELISA method. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the groups regarding the number of oocytes, the volumes of ovarian cortex, medulla, primary and secondary follicles (p > .05). In comparison with the control group, the volume of the tertiary follicle, the thickness of the uterus epithelium, and the estradiol level were significantly decreased in Metformin 200 group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The gestational exposure to high dose metformin may result in decreased estradiol production and subsequently decreased endometrial thickness of offspring rats.

Decreased prostate-specific membrane antigen levels in the seminal plasma of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane glycoprotein with glutamate carboxypeptidase activity. However, its precise function in the prostate, prostasomes and seminal plasma with regard to male fertility remains unknown. This study was conducted to investigate the seminal plasma PSMA levels in fertile men and patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) and to analyse its association with sperm parameters. Twenty fertile men and twenty patients admitted at the urology clinic of our institution with the diagnosis of OAT were included in the study. Following semen analysis, seminal plasma was isolated from semen ejaculates. PSMA concentrations in the seminal plasma were determined by ELISA. The correlations between seminal PSMA concentrations and semen parameters were statistically analysed. Seminal plasma PSMA concentration was significantly lower in OAT patients compared to fertile controls (p < .01). In fertile men, PSMA concentration was significantly correlated with the sperm concentration (r = -.481, p < .05), whereas in the patient group no statistically significant correlation was found between the sperm parameters and seminal PSMA level. This is the first study in the literature to investigate PSMA levels in the seminal plasma from infertile men. Decreased levels of seminal plasma PSMA might suggest a role for compromised prostasome function in the pathogenesis of OAT syndrome.

Tofacitinib enhances remyelination and improves myelin integrity in cuprizone-induced mice.

AIM: Demyelination and subsequent remyelination are well-known mechanisms in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology. Current research mainly focused on preventing demyelination or regulating the peripheral immune system to protect further damage to the central nervous system. However, information about another essential mechanism, remyelination, and its balance of the immune response within the central nervous system's boundaries is still limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we tried to demonstrate the effect of the recently introduced Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) inhibitor, tofacitinib, on remyelination.Demyelination was induced by 6-week cuprizone administration, followed by 2-week tofacitinib (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) treatment. RESULTS: At the functional level, tofacitinib improved cuprizone-induced decline in motor coordination and muscle strength, which were assessed by rotarod and hanging wire tests. Tofacitinib also showed anti-inflammatory effect by alleviating the cuprizone-induced increase in the central levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α). Furthermore, tofacitinib also suppressed the cuprizone-induced increase in matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9 and MMP-2 levels. Additionally, cuprizone-induced loss of myelin integrity and myelin basic protein expression was inhibited by tofacitinib. At the molecular level, we also assessed phosphorylation of STAT-3 and STAT-5, and our data indicates tofacitinib suppressed cuprizone-induced phosphorylation in those proteins. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights JAK/STAT inhibition provides beneficial effects on remyelination via inhibition of inflammatory cascade.

SAHA attenuates rotenone-induced toxicity in primary microglia and HT-22 cells.

Rotenone is an industrial and environmental toxicant that has been strongly associated with neurodegeneration. It is clear that rotenone induces inflammatory and oxidative stress; however, information on the role of histone acetylation in neurotoxicity is limited. Epigenetic alterations, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress play a role in the progression of neurodegeneration and can be caused by exposure to environmental chemicals, such as rotenone. Histone modifications, such as methylation and acetylation, play an important role in mediating epigenetic changes. Therefore, we here investigated the effects of histone acetylation on rotenone-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in both primary mouse microglia and hippocampal HT-22 cells using the pan-histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA). Our results showed that SAHA suppressed the inflammatory response by decreasing nuclear factor kappa B and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Additionally, SAHA inhibited the rotenone-induced elevation of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α levels in both cell lines. Furthermore, SAHA improved the rotenone-induced antioxidant status by mitigating the decrease in cellular glutathione levels. Additionally, SAHA prevented the rotenone-induced increase in the HDAC activity in microglial and hippocampal HT-22 cells. Together, our results showed that SAHA reduced rotenone-induced inflammatory and oxidative stress, suggesting a role for histone deacetylation in environmental-related neurotoxicity.

The Role of Delivery Route on Colostrum Melatonin and Serum Il-6 Levels: a Prospective Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: the aim of this study was to determine whether maternal serum IL-6 and postnatal melatonin levels change with the mode of delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a prospective controlled study was performed on pregnant women (17-43 years) over 37 weeks of pregnancy. Patients were divided into three groups according to the route of delivery: Group 1) 30 women delivering by vaginal route; Group 2) 30 delivering by iterative cesarean section (CS); Group 3) delivering by emergency CS. Maternal serum IL-6 levels were measured before and after delivery, and maternal colostrum melatonin levels after delivery, and the results between the 3 groups compared. RESULTS: pre-delivery and post-delivery maternal serum IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients who delivered vaginally than in patients who delivered by the abdominal route (p<0.01). Maternal colostrum melatonin levels of patients after delivery were significantly higher in patients who delivered vaginally (32.88±7.16 ng/L) than in patients who delivered by elective and emergent cesarean deliveries (24.86±2.40 ng/L and 23.73±4.03 ng/L, respectively) (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: These data support, should there ever be a further need, the benefit of vaginal delivery over cesarean section, in which cytokine and melatonin levels are reduced compared to vaginal delivery.

The assessment of the serum levels of TWEAK and prostaglandin F2α in COVID ­ 19

Background/aim: It is claimed that aberrant immune response has a more important role than the cytopathic effect of the virus in the morbidity and mortality of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to investigate the possible roles of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)/Fn14 pathway and leukotrienes (LT) in uncontrolled immune response that occurs in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Materials and methods: This study included 25 asymptomatic patients and 35 patients with lung involvement who were diagnosed with COVID-19 as well as 22 healthy volunteers. Lung involvement was determined using computed-tomography. Serum TWEAK, LTE4, and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) levels were determined. Results: Compared with the healthy control group, TWEAK, LTE4, and PGF2α levels were higher in the group of SARS-CoV-2 infection without lung involvement. In the group of SARS-CoV-2 infection with lung involvement, age, fibrinogen, sedimentation, C-reactive protein and ferritin, TWEAK, LTE4, and PGF2α levels were higher, and lymphocyte levels were lower compared with the asymptomatic group. Conclusions: In the study, TWEAK and LTE4 levels increased in cases with COVID-19. These results support that TWEAK/Fn14 pathway and LT may involved in the pathology of aberrant immune response against SARS-CoV-2. Inhibition of each of these pathways may be a potential target in the treatment of COVID-19.

The effects of platelet-rich-plasma gel application to the colonic anastomosis in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: An experimental rat model.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has cytotoxic effects on tumour cells but also negative impacts on anastomotic healing. Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) is used for wound care but data about effects on gastrointestinal anastomosis are limited. In this experimental study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PRP application on colon anastomosis in rats those received HIPEC with cisplatin. Five rats were sacrificed to obtain PRP gel. Thirty rats were divided into three groups; Group 1: control group, Group 2: colon anastomosis and HIPEC with cisplatin, and Group 3: colon anastomosis enhanced by PRP and HIPEC with cisplatin. The rats were re-operated on postoperative day seven and anastomotic bursting pressure (ABP) was recorded. Also, tissue samples were taken for hydroxyproline assessment and histopathological examination. There were significant differences in ABP between Groups 2 and 3, and also those groups had lower ABP compared with the control group. Group 3 had significantly higher hydroxyproline levels and had better histopathological findings than group 2. According to our findings, we suggest that PRP application improves the anastomotic healing by increasing anastomotic bursting pressure, hydroxyproline levels, and decreasing inflammatory response. Further clinical studies are needed to prove our hypothesis.

Does transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsy of the prostate lead to possible further metastasis via circulating tumor cells?

Background/aim: We evaluate whether transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy might lead to spillage of tumor cells into peripheral blood as a result of disruption of the epithelial barrier and ultimately result in metastasis. Materials and methods: Eighty-eight patients underwent TRUS-guided prostate needle biopsy due to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) increase or abnormal digital rectal examination at the Samsun Research and Training Hospital (Samsun, Turkey) between April 2016 and September 2018. Approximately 10 mL of whole blood was collected from patients before, 1 week after, and 1 month after biopsy. Samples were analyzed for CD117 positivity and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) levels using flow cytometry. Patients with pathologically determined prostate cancer and without CD117 positivity before biopsy were included in the study. The study group thus consisted of 55 patients. Results: Subjects' PSA levels ranged from 2.3 to 40.0 ng/mL (median: 7.9 ng/mL), and their Gleason score was a median of 7 (range: 5­9). PSMA levels ranged between 9.3 ng/mL and 118.5 ng/mL and CD117 antigen levels between 0 and 5. We detected no CD117- positive cells in blood samples collected 7 days or 1 month after biopsy. Conclusion: We detected no circulating tumor cells in the peripheral circulation following biopsy. Prostate needle biopsy seems to be a safe method in terms of spillage of tumor cells into blood circulation as a possible cause of further metastasis.

Protective effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on organophosphate poisoning.

In this study, we aimed to study the possible preventive effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a dietary omega-3 fatty acid, on toxicity caused by chlorpyrifos (CPF). Six groups of Sprague Dawley rats (200-250 g) consisting of equal numbers of males and females (n = 8) were assigned to study. The rats were orally given for 5 days. The control group was administered pure olive oil, which was the vehicle for CPF. The CPF challenge groups were administered oral physiological saline, pure olive oil, or DHA (50, 100 and 400 mg/kg dosages) for 5 days. The animals were weighed on the sixth day and then administered CPF (279 mg/kg, subcutaneously). The rats were weighed again 24 h following CPF administration. The body temperatures and locomotor activities of the rats were also measured. Blood samples, brain and liver tissues were collected for biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. A comparison with the control group demonstrated that CPF administration increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in blood, brain and liver, while it reduced catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) concentrations ( p < 0.05-0.001). Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) increased only in the brain ( p < 0.001). DHA reduced these changes in MDA and AOPP values ( p < 0.05-0.001), while it increased CAT, SOD and GPx concentrations ( p < 0.05-0.001). Similarly, DHA prevented the decreases in body weight, body temperature and locomotor activities caused by CPF at 100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg dosages ( p < 0.05-0.001). Similar to the physiological and biochemical changes, the histopathological damage scores, which increased with CPF ( p < 0.05-0.01), decreased at all three dosages of DHA ( p < 0.05-0.01). Our findings suggest that DHA, by supporting the antioxidant mechanism, reduces toxicity caused by CPF.

Which Ischemic Stroke Subtype Is Associated with Hyperhomocysteinemia?

BACKGROUND: Stroke is still a major global health problem in both developed and developing countries. Defining stroke subtype and underlying etiologies is a major step to choose the best method for prophylaxis. Homocysteine is an endothelial toxin and elevated levels have been associated with stroke risk. In this study, we hypothesized that serum total homocysteine level may be related with specific atherothrombotic ischemic stroke subtypes and aimed to find if high serum homocysteine levels are correlated with any specific ischemic stroke subtype. METHODS: Patients with ischemic stroke and aged between 18 and 65 are included. Ischemic stroke subtype is defined according to Causative Classification System. Hospital records are examined retrospectively to define patient demographics, ischemic stroke subtype, vascular risk factors, serum homocysteine, B12, and folic acid levels. RESULTS: A total of 262 patients were included. Serum homocysteine level was elevated (≥16 µmol/L) in 99 patients (37.79%). The rate of patients with hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly more common in strokes due to intracranial stenosis (72.41%) (odds ratio 8.138; 95% confidence interval 2.366-27.989; P < .01) than extracranial large artery stenosis (52.00%), craniocervical arterial dissections (35.71%), cardioembolic strokes (27.87%), and lacunar infarctions (25.00%) after adjustment for other risk factors. High homocysteine levels were significantly more common in men and smokers (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of serum homocysteine are correlated with ischemic strokes due to intracranial large artery stenosis in young and middle-aged patients. This association may have an implication in stroke prophylaxis for intracranial atherosclerosis by using homocysteine-lowering therapies.

Influence of α-tocopherol and α-lipoic acid on bisphenol-A-induced oxidative damage in liver and ovarian tissue of rats.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commonly used material in daily life, and it is argued to cause oxidative stress in liver and ovarian tissue. α-Lipoic acid (ALA) and α-tocopherol (ATF), two of the most effective antioxidants, may play a role in preventing the toxic effect. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the beneficial effects of ALA, ATF, and that of ALA + ATF combination on oxidative damage induced by BPA. Female Wistar rats were divided into five groups (control, BPA, BPA + ALA, BPA + ATF, and BPA + ALA + ATF). BPA (25 mg/kg/day), ALA (100 mg/kg/day), and ATF (20 mg/kg/day) were administered for 30 days. The levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liver malondialdehyde (L-MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (L-GPx), and ovarian malondialdehyde (Ov-MDA) and nitric oxide (Ov-NO) were significantly higher in the BPA-treated groups compared with the control group. The levels of AST and ALT decreased in the BPA + ALA, BPA + ATF, and BPA + ALA + ATF groups compared with the BPA group. Similarly, BPA + ALA or BPA + ATF led to decreases in L-MDA and Ov-MDA levels compared with the BPA group. However, the BPA + ALA + ATF group showed a significant decrease in L-MDA levels compared with the BPA + ALA group and the BPA + ATF group. The levels of L-GPx decreased in the BPA + ATF and the BPA + ALA + ATF groups compared with the BPA group. The administration of ATF and ALA + ATF significantly decreased the Ov-NO levels. This study demonstrates that BPA causes oxidative damage in liver and ovarian tissues. ALA, ATF, or their combination were found to be beneficial in preventing BPA-induced oxidative stress.