Hyperbaric oxygen therapy affects insulin sensitivity/resistance by increasing adiponectin, resistin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-I in rats

Background/aim: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) causes insulin sensitivity, but the reason for this is not known yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of HBOT on insulin sensitivity via resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-I (PAI-I), and adiponectin. Materials and methods: The study was designed using HBOT and control groups, with eight rats in each group. After 20 days of HBOT under 2.5 atmospheres for 90 min, the fasting insulin (FI), resistin, PAI-I, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance scores (HOMA­IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the plasma were measured. The resistin, PAI-I, and adiponectin mRNA expression levels were also measured in the adipose tissue. Results: Compared to the control group, the FI, FPG, and HOMA-IR scores were significantly lower in the HBOT group, whereas the HDL-C and QUICKI scores were found to be higher. In addition, the resistin, adiponectin, and PAI-I mRNA expression levels were also higher in the HBOT group. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the HBOT had regulated the FI, FPG, and HDL-C associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Moreover, the study showed that HBOT causes insulin sensitivity by raising adiponectin.

Effect of a high sucrose and high fat diet in BDNF (+/-) mice on oxidative stress markers in adipose tissues.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a high fat and a high sucrosediet in wild type and BDNF (+/-) mice on oxidative stress in epididymal and subcutaneousadipose tissues by measuring different markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes. Wild type (WT) and BDNF (+/-) male mice were divided into six groups receiving fed control diet (CD), high sucrose diet (HSD), or high fat diet (HFD) for four months. Levels of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) increased in the HFD-fed BDNF (+/-) mice, while 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) levels increased in the CD and HFD-fed BDNF (+/-) groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in subcutaneous tissue compared to epididymal adipose tissue, independently of diet type. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced by HFD (p < 0.05), butglutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was increased by HSD in epididymal adipose tissuein BDNF (+/-) mice (p < 0.05). GSH-Px activities was increased by CD and HFD in subcutaneous adipose tissue of BDNF (+/-) (p < 0.05). SOD2 and GSH-Px3 expressions were only decreased by HSD in epididymal and subcutaneous adipose tissues of BDNF (+/-) mice (p < 0.05). In conclusion, reduced BDNF may increase OS in epididymal adipose tissue, but not in subcutaneous adipose tissue following HSD and HFD.

Investigation of N-acetylcysteine on contralateral testis tissue injury by experimental testicular torsion: long-term effect.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate long-term effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on contralateral testes by experimental testicular torsion using histopathologic and biochemical parameters. METHODS: Eighteen rats were randomized and divided into 3 groups. In group 1, the control group (C), laparotomy was performed and the left and right testes were excised 2 months later. In group 2, the torsion and detorsion group (T), the torsion was performed by rotating the left testis 720° to clockwise direction, and then 4 hours later, detorsion was performed; 2 months later, contralateral testes were removed. In group 3, the NAC adding torsion and detorsion group (T+NAC), the torsion was performed by rotating the left testis 720° to clockwise direction, and then 4 hours later, detorsion was performed. N-acetylcysteine was given intraperitoneally 30 minutes before detorsion and following 5 days after detorsion. RESULTS: GPx activities were increased in the T and T+NAC groups compared with the control (P = .008 and P = .016, respectively). Seminiferous tubule diameter thickness is decreased in the torsion group compared with the control group and decreased in the T+NAC group compared with the torsion group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: In the long term as implied from the histopathologic findings, NAC has beneficial effects against contralateral testis tissue injury induced by testicular torsion.

Malondialdehyde and CA II autoantibody levels are elevated in children with undescended testes.

PURPOSE: In the pathogenesis of sub-fertility/infertility and testicular cancer related to undescended testes, oxidative stress, inflammation and autoimmunity are important factors. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine serum oxidative stress markers and carbonic anhydrase (CA) II autoantibodies in boys with undescended testes (UDT), and to investigate the relationship between these parameters. METHODS: Serum CA II autoantibody titers, malondialdehyde (MDA), ischemia modified albumin (IMA), protein carbonyl content and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels were measured in 59 boys with UDT and 30 healthy subjects. RESULTS: MDA levels were significantly higher in the UDT group compared with the control group (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference between serum IMA, sCD40L or protein carbonyl levels. CA II autoantibody titers in the UDT group were significantly higher compared with those of the control group (p = 0.048). A weak positive correlation was determined between anti-CA II antibody titers and MDA and IMA levels (p = 0.041, p = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: MDA is the most reliable and decisive biochemical marker displaying oxidative damage in undescended testes, and an autoimmune response may be triggered by oxidative stress against CA II during the UDT process.

Effects of resveratrol on methotrexate-induced testicular damage in rats.

This study investigated the probable protective effects of resveratrol (RES), an antioxidant, against methotrexate- (MTX-) induced testis damage. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, RES, MTX, and MTX + RES groups. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. Plasma and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in tissue, testicular histopathological damage scores, and testicular and epididymal epithelial apoptotic index (AI) were evaluated. The MTX group had significantly higher plasma and tissue MDA levels and significantly lower SOD and CAT activity than those of the control group. In the MTX + RES group, plasma and tissue MDA levels decreased significantly and SOD activity rose significantly compared to the MTX group. The MTX group had significantly lower Johnsen's testicular biopsy score (JTBS) values than those of the control group. JTBS was significantly higher in the MTX + RES group than in the MTX group. AI increased in the testis and epididymis in the MTX group and significantly decreased in the MTX + RES group. Our results indicate that RES has protective effects against MTX-induced testis damage at the biochemical, histopathological, and apoptotic levels.

The regulation of adipokines related to obesity and diabetes is sensitive to BDNF levels and adipose tissue location.

PURPOSE: The role of BDNF in adipose tissue metabolism is poorly understood. We investigated the effects of decreased levels of BDNF on the expression of major adipokines in different fat depots (e.g., subcutaneous and epididymal) of mouse groups fed three different diet protocols. METHODS: BDNF heterozygous (+ / -) mice were used to evaluate the effect of reduced BDNF levels. Six groups of C57BL/6 J breed wild type (WT) and BDNF (+ / -) mice were formed. These groups were fed, respectively, a control diet (CD), a high-fat diet (HFD), and a high-sucrose diet (HSD) for 4 months. Serum samples and adipose tissues were used for biochemical assays. The serum concentrations and tissue expression levels of leptin, adiponectin, and resistin were measured. RESULTS: Compared to the CD-fed WT group (control group), serum leptin and leptin expression levels were found to be higher in all experimental groups. Serum adiponectin levels were lower in the BDNF (+ / -) groups and HFD-fed WT group than in the control group. Epididymal adiponectin expression was found to be lower in the HFD-fed BDNF (+ / -) group and higher in HSD-fed groups than in the control group. Compared to the control group, adiponectin expression increased in the WT groups in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Serum resistin levels were elevated in the HFD-fed groups. Resistin expression in epididymal adipose tissue was lower in the CD-fed and HFD-fed groups than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: BDNF levels and diet differentially affect the expression of adipokines in different fat tissues in the body. BDNF may play a protective role in obesity and diabetes.

Investigation of the relationship between oxidative stress and SCUBE1 levels in high fat diet-induced obese rats

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate signal peptide-Cub-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) levels and oxidative stress (OS) in a high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rat model. Materials and methods: Fourteen rats were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1, the control group, was given a standard diet (10% calories of fat) and Group 2, the obese group, was given a HFD (60% calories of fat), both for 70 days. Rats were then sacrificed and serum samples were collected. Serum glucose and triglyceride concentrations were determined using an autoanalyzer. Serum SCUBE1, adiponectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities were determined using colorimetric methods. Results: Final body weight was higher in the obese group (P = 0.007). Serum malondialdehyde concentrations were also higher in the obese group (P = 0.021). Serum glutathione peroxidase activities were higher in the control group (P = 0.028). Serum SCUBE1 levels were also higher in the control group (P = 0.038). Conclusion: There may be no connection between the measured OS parameters and SCUBE1. Differences in SCUBE1 levels may therefore be evaluated independently from OS in obesity.

The effect of delivery type on uncoupling protein-2 levels.

OBJECTIVE: Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are carrier proteins located in the mitochondrial inner membrane that disturb the proton gradient by re-transporting protons and that thus inhibit ATP synthesis. UCP-2 is found in in several tissues, particularly the brain. This study was performed to examine the effects of mode of delivery on UCP-2 in humans. METHODS: The study was performed prospectively. Cord blood specimens were collected for measurement of blood gasses, full-blood count, total and direct bilirubin levels and UCP-2. UCP-2 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results were expressed as nanogram per milliliter. RESULTS: The study was performed with 120 healthy term babies, 60 born by normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD) and 60 by cesarean/section (C/S). There was significant difference in UCP-2 levels between the two groups. UCP-2 levels were significantly higher in the cases born by NSVD then in the cases born by C/S. CONCLUSION: This study showed that a correlation exists between mode of delivery and UCP-2 in humans. As UCP-2 is described as playing a significant role in the formation of nerve cells and deficiency of this protein during development of the brain may lead to behavioral problems extending to adulthood, we think that increasing UCP-2 levels through normal delivery will protect all organs, and particularly the brain, against oxidative damage and play a role in preventing organ dysfunctions.

Effects of resveratrol on doxorubicin induced testicular damage in rats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the likely protective effect of resveratrol (RES) on doxorubicin (DOX) induced testicular damage. Rats were divided into five groups: control, RES, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), DOX and DOX+RES. At the end of treatment, the rats were sacrificed. Plasma testosterone levels, oxidative status, epididymal sperm parameters and testicular apoptosis were evaluated. MDA levels, GP-x and GSH activities were higher in the DOX group than in the control group. MDA levels were lower in the DOX+RES group than in the DOX group. The DOX group exhibited a significant decrease in plasma testosterone levels, sperm concentration and motility, and a significant increase in abnormal sperm rate and TUNEL (+) cells in the testis. A significant increase was observed in plasma testosterone levels and sperm concentration and motility, and a significant decrease in the abnormal sperm rate and TUNEL (+) cells in the DOX+RES group compared to the DOX group. A marked improvement in severe degenerative alterations in the germinative epithelium was also observed following treatment with RES. In conclusion, RES makes a positive contribution to fertility by exhibiting anti-apoptotic and antiperoxidative effects against DOX-induced testicular damage.

The relationship between iron status and thyroid hormones in adolescents living in an iodine deficient area.

BACKGROUND: Iron may be only one of many nutritional factors that influence thyroid hormone metabolism in iodine-deficient areas. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of iron status on thyroid hormone profile in adolescents living in a mild iodine-deficient area in Turkey. SUBJECTS: Three hundred and thirty school-aged children with mean age 14 years were examined. METHODS: Free triiodothyronine, free tetraiodothyronine and thyrotropin levels were analyzed by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. Hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume were measured with a Hemocounter. Iron and total iron binding capacity concentration were determined by colorimetric photometric methods. Ferritin level was determined by immunoturbidimetry. RESULTS: Thyroid hormone levels of the children with anemia were not significantly different compared to children without anemia. No significant correlation was found between thyroid hormones and iron status. CONCLUSION: The thyroid hormone profile was not significantly affected in this area. This survey showed no correlation between iron status and thyroid hormone levels.

Relationship between pretreatment levels of serum Cyfra 21.1, CEA and PET metabolic parameters in NSCLC.

OBJECTIVE: No investigation has been conducted on the association between PET findings and serum Cyfra 21.1 and CEA levels in nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLC). The purpose of this study is to find out if the serum levels of Cyfra 21.1 and CEA are related to metabolic parameters by FDG PET in patients with NSCLC who had not received treatment. METHODS: Seventy-six NSCLC patients, who were admitted for initial staging by FDG PET/CT, were included in the study. Serum Cyfra 21.1 and CEA levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. FDG-PET images were analyzed with visual and quantitative methods. Standard uptake values (SUV), metabolic tumor volumes (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis were calculated for primary lesion (T) and whole-body lesions (primary and metastatic) (WB). RESULTS: Serum Cyfra 21.1 and CEA level was significantly higher in patients with locoregionally advanced disease (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively) and metastatic disease (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively) compared to those with localized disease. The serum ln-Cyfra-21.1 was significantly correlated with all volumetric tumor parameters (p < 0.001) and slightly with ln-SUVmean.WB (p < 0.05). There was no relationship between CEA levels and any PET metabolic parameters (p > 0.05). In multiple linear regression analysis incorporating ln-MTV.WB and ln-SUVmean.WB as independents, ln-MTV.WB correlated significantly and positively with ln-Cyfra-21.1 (ß = 0.744, p < 0.001), whereas ln-SUVmean.WB did not significantly predict ln-Cyfra-21.1 (ß = 0.019, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the existence of a significant relationship between total tumor burden and the serum Cyfra 21.1 level in NSCLC patients who had not received treatment. However, it requires further confirmation in operated NSCLC patients.

Lipid peroxidation levels and total oxidant/antioxidant status in serum and saliva from patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis. Oxidative stress index: a new biomarker for periodontal disease?

BACKGROUND: In this study, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), which is a significant product of lipid peroxidation (LPO), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), and the oxidative stress index (OSI), a novel value as a marker of periodontal disease activity, are investigated in serum and saliva from patients with chronic (CP) and generalized aggressive (GAgP) periodontitis. METHODS: A total of 98 patients (33 with CP, 35 patients with GAgP, and 30 periodontally healthy controls) enrolled in the study. After clinical measurements and sample collection, the MDA level, TOS, and TAOC were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and a novel automatic colorimetric method. The OSI was calculated as [(TOS/TAOC) × 100]. RESULTS: Although the salivary MDA levels and serum and salivary TOS and OSI values were significantly higher in the periodontitis groups than in the control group (P <0.05), the serum and salivary TAOC levels were significantly lower, and no significant difference in serum MDA levels was found (P >0.05). Furthermore, oxidative stress parameters were higher in the GAgP group than in the CP group (except the serum and salivary MDA levels and serum TAOC). Significant positive and negative correlations were observed between periodontal parameters and the MDA levels and TOS, TAOC, and OSI values (except serum MDA) (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that an increased TOS and decreased TAOC, rather than LPO, play important roles in the pathology of periodontitis and are closely associated with clinical periodontal status. Furthermore, the OSI may be a useful and practical parameter for evaluating periodontal disease activity.