The investigation of the effects of vitamin A, vitamin E, and ß-carotene plus vitamin E on some fertility parameters in ewes.

This study was aimed at investigating the effects of vitamin A (VITA), vitamin E (VITE), and combined ß-carotene plus vitamin E (ßCAR+VITE) injections on some fertility parameters in ewes. Estrus synchronization was performed by treating the ewes with intravaginal FGA sponges impregnated with 30 mg of fluorogestone acetate. On the days of the insertion and withdrawal of the intravaginal sponges, groups VITA, VITE, and ßCAR+VITE were administered with 500 000 IU of vitamin A, 50 mg of vitamin E, and a combination of ß-carotene plus vitamin E, respectively. The ewes in the control group (C) were maintained for control purposes. Statistically significant differences were determined between groups VITA and ßCAR+VITE, groups VITE and ßCAR+VITE, and groups C and ßCAR+VITE, as well as groups VITE and C, groups VITA and C for the multiple birth rates. While significant differences were determined between groups VITA and C, groups VITE and C, and groups ßCAR+VITE and C for the lambing rates, it was ascertained that the ratio of newborn lambs to delivered ewes (litter size) significantly differed between groups VITA and ßCAR+VITE, groups VITA and C, groups VITE and ßCAR+VITE, groups VITE and C, and groups ßCAR+VITE and C. The highest MDA level and lowest GSH level were determined on day 20 after mating in the control group. In conclusion, it is suggested that both multiple birth rates and litter size can be increased by the combined administration of ß-carotene and vitamin E.

Ortho-hydroxy bioactive schiff base compounds: Design, comprehensive characterization, photophysical properties and elucidation of antimicrobial and mutagenic potentials.

Preparation and comprehensive characterization of three Schiff base ligands; with trimethoxy substitution (1E,1'E)-N,N'-(naphthalene-1,5-diyl)bis(1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanimine, 1, with ortho-hydroxy substitution 6,6'-((1E,1'E)-(naphthalene-1,5-diylbis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(2-methoxyphenol), 2 and 3,4-bis(((E)-2-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzylidene)amino)benzoicacid, 3 and their Ni(II), Cu(II), Co(II), Zn(II), Fe(II), Mn(II) complexes have been reported. Their spectral properties were studied in solution and solid-state by a combination of different analytical techniques; FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermal analysis. Diamagnetic and paramagnetic natures of the complexes were also determined by magnetic susceptibility measurements in solid-state. Promising photophysical properties were observed as; Amax. were recorded at 226 nm for 2; at 795 nm for 2-Ni, at 782 nm for 2-Cu, at 784 nm for 2-Co, at 702 nm for 2-Zn, at 784 nm for 2-Fe, at 702 nm for 2-Mn and at 289 nm for 3, at 786 nm for 3-Ni, at 797 nm for 3-Cu, at 746 nm for 3-Co, at 794 nm for 3-Zn, at 699 nm for 3-Fe, at 781 nm for 3-Mn ; and Imax were also recorded at; 380, 490, 725 nm for 2 and 2-Metal; 375 nm, 510 nm, 725 nm for 3 and 3-Metal when excitated at 220 nm. Antibacterial activities against different microorganisms; Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 70603, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43,300 (MRSA), Salmonella enteritidis ATTC 13076, Sarcina lutea ATCC 9341, Bacillus cereus ATTC 11778, and antifungal activities against Candida albicans NRRL Y-417 of the compounds 1, 2, 3, 2-Cu, 2-Fe, 3-Zn, 3-Fe were determined. Mutagenic properties of the compounds were also studied and according to the results 2-Cu and 3 have been found non-mutagenic in Ames test but also they have strong antimicrobial potential against pathogen microorganisms. For 2-Cu MIC values were ranging between 0.39 and 0.024 mg/ml and the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (0.024 mg/ml) was determined against E. coli. The 3 numbered compound revealed strong antimicrobial activity at doses of ranging between 0.39 and 0.097 mg/ml and E. coli was the most sensitive bacterium against this chemical.

Time dependent impact of perinatal hypoxia on growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3.

Hypoxic-ischemia (HI) is a widely used animal model to mimic the preterm or perinatal sublethal hypoxia, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. It causes diffuse neurodegeneration in the brain and results in mental retardation, hyperactivity, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and neuroendocrine disturbances. Herein, we examined acute and subacute correlations between neuronal degeneration and serum growth factor changes, including growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) after hypoxic-ischemia (HI) in neonatal rats. In the acute phase of hypoxia, brain volume was increased significantly as compared with control animals, which was associated with reduced GH and IGF-1 secretions. Reduced neuronal survival and increased DNA fragmentation were also noticed in these animals. However, in the subacute phase of hypoxia, neuronal survival and brain volume were significantly decreased, accompanied by increased apoptotic cell death in the hippocampus and cortex. Serum GH, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 levels were significantly reduced in the subacute phase of HI. Significant retardation in the brain and body development were noted in the subacute phase of hypoxia. Here, we provide evidence that serum levels of growth-hormone and factors were decreased in the acute and subacute phase of hypoxia, which was associated with increased DNA fragmentation and decreased neuronal survival.

Role of cyclooxygenase 2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthetase in preclinical atherosclerosis.

Cyclooxygenase-2 and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase enzymes may have a role in developing preclinical atherosclerosis. Designed groups were as follows: smoke exposed rats before and during pregnancy, only before pregnancy, and controls. Cross-sectional samples of abdominal aorta were examined immunohistochemically. Cyclooxygenase-2 and eNOS expression was evaluated semi-quantitatively through staining extent (focal, diffuse) and staining intensity. Diffuse COX-2 expression was detected in study groups. Endothelial NO synthase expression was diffuse in study groups. COX-2 and eNOS may contribute to the formation of preatherosclerotic lesions in offspring of rats exposed to cigarette smoke through inflammatory response.

Passive smoke exposure of female rats caused aortic atherosclerotic precursor lesions in their offspring.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and degree of preclinical atherosclerosis in pups of pregnant rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Abdominal aorta examined for atherosclerotic lesions and intimal medial thickness of the abdominal aorta was measured by image analysis. The study groups showed endothelial cellular losses, marked intimal injuries, elastic fiber damages, mononuclear cellular infiltration, and irregularities in internal elastic membrane, with pronounced damages as integrity losses and local fragmentations. The results provide evidence for development of an atherosclerotic process in the neonatal period, even in prenatal stage, long before the formation of smoke-related cardiovascular diseases.

Bilateral renal hypoplasia and cystic dysplasia: a new phenotype of Thomas syndrome or a new syndrome?

Thomas syndrome is a rare syndrome including Potter sequence, renal anomalies, heart defects, cleft palate with other oropharyngeal anomalies. Here, we report a newborn with Potter sequence, bilateral renal hypoplasia and cystic dysplasia, multiple cardiovascular malformations, long large ears, frontal bossing, small lips, partial simple toe syndactyly, and cleft palate. To our best knowledge, this patient may be considered as a new variant of Thomas syndrome or a new syndrome.

The relation between delivery type and tau protein levels in cord blood.

BACKGROUND: The perinatal morbidity risk is higher in operative deliveries than normal vaginal deliveries. 'Tau protein' is a cytoskeletal component that is predominantly expressed in axons of neurons. The aim of this study was to investigate whether delivery type, particularly the forceps application, had any effect on cord blood tau levels. METHODS: Ninety babies born in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine of Ankara Etlik Maternity and Women's Health Teaching Hospital, Ankara, Turkey were involved in the study. The babies were divided into three groups according to delivery type: Group 1: normal vaginal delivery (NVD); Group 2: caesarean section; Group 3: forceps application. Cord blood samples were drawn from umbilical veins of the babies soon after the birth. RESULTS: The cord blood tau protein levels in the caesarean section group (79 pg/mL [45-223]) were found to be significantly lower than those of NVD (135 pg/mL [44-627]) and forceps (175 pg/mL [17-418]) groups (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: We have shown that forceps applications uncomplicated with perinatal asphyxia did not affect the cord blood tau protein level significantly. Tau levels in caesarean section group were significantly lower than the other two groups. Caesarean section in this manner might be considered especially in conditions of risk of perinatal asphyxia to avoid hypoxia.

Evaluation of effects of s-methyl isothiourea and melatonin on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

The present study was designed to evaluate whether the administration of s-methylisothiourea and melatonin has protective potential in intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Ileal specimens were obtained to determine the levels of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl content, levels of antioxidant enzymes and evaluation of histologic changes. Combination of s-methylisothiourea and melatonin, led to a statistically significant increase in activities of antioxidant enzymes with a decrease in malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl content and intestinal mucosal injury scores. It was shown; combination of SMT and melatonin may exert more promised results.

A rare cause of neonatal hypercalcemia: Neonatal severe primary hyperparathyroidism: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal severe primary hyperthyroidism is an extremely rare disorder that occurs in the first six months of life. Early recognition and prompt surgical intervention are of vital importance for survival and to avoid neurological sequel. Hypotonia, lethargy, respiratory distress, and growth and developmental delay occur in association with elevated serum parathormone levels and hypercalcemia (Gannon et al., 2014). Definitive therapy involves total parathyroidectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: We are presenting a patient with Neonatal severe primary hyperparathyroidism, who successfully underwent total parathyroidectomy. The patient had been followed up with medical therapy until he was seven months old, with no adequate clinical response to medical therapy. Parathormone levels rapidly declined following total parathyroidectomy, and the parathormone level fell to zero after removal of the ectopic tissue with a second surgery, and the patient was discharged with full recovery. DISCUSSION: Sestamibi scintigraphy might not always show an ectopic parathyroid gland. In such conditions, confirmation of parathyroid glands excised with total parathyroidectomy by frozen biopsy is not sufficient to terminate surgery. Intraoperative parathormone monitoring is particularly important at this point. Persistently elevated parathormone levels should suggest a remnant parathyroid tissue at the surgical site or an ectopic parathyroid gland that needs to be excised. CONCLUSION: Neonatal severe primary hyperparathyroidism is a life-threatening condition. Early surgery is life-saving in cases in whom medical therapy fails to control the disease.

The effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the newborn rat hyperoxic lung injury.

Objective: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is an important cause of morbidity in preterms. Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease while omega-3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we examined the effects of supplementary omega-3 fatty acids on hyperoxic lung injury.Methods: Experimental hyperoxic lung injury induced newborn 3-day-old rats were monitored in a confined hyperoxic environment with an oxygen concentration of 90-95% for a 2-week period. Rats were divided into three groups as placebo, low-dose Omega-3, and high-dose Omega-3. During the 2-week study period, low and high-dose Omega-3 groups were given 300 and 600 mg/kg/day omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) respectively, while those in placebo received the same amount of serum physiologic. At the end of the 2-week study, lungs of all the rats were removed and morphologic evaluation under light microscopy was performed. Mean cord length (Lm), alveolar surface area (SA), and alveolar wall thickness (Wt) were calculated to find out whether a statistically significant difference between groups existed.Results: Similar alveolar development was observed between groups. No difference was seen between mean Lm values. Although the alveolar surface area was found to be higher in high-dose omega-3 group, the difference was not considered to be statistically significant. While the widest alveolar wall thickness was observed in the placebo group, alveolar wall thickness difference between high-dose omega-3 group and placebo group was found to be statistically significant (placebo Wt=17,8 ± 2.3 µm, low-dose omega -3 Wt=15,6 ± 2,5 µm, high-dose omega -3 Wt=14,2 ± 2 µm) (p < .05).Conclusions: Omega-3 fatty acids were observed to prevent alveolar wall thickness to some extent, though with no noticeable effect on hyperoxic lung injury.

Protective effect of sulfhydryl-containing antioxidants against ischemia/reperfusion injury of prepubertal rat intestine.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Reactive oxygen species generated during reperfusion of the tissue are known to play an important role in the basic pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the protective effects of three sulfide-based antioxidants, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), erdosteine (ERD), and alpha-lipoic acid (LA), on I/R injury of the small intestine tissue. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 100-150 g were divided into five groups (n = 8 for each): control (sham operated), I/R, I/R + NAC, I/R + ERD, and I/R + LA. Intestinal ischemia was provided by occluding the superior mesenteric artery via a special microvascular clamp; ischemia for 30 min and reperfusion for 3 days were carried out. Ileal specimens were obtained to determine the tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl contents (PCO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and histological changes. RESULTS: The rats subjected to intestinal I/R exhibited an increase in tissue MDA and PCO; the levels could hardly be ameliorated in the treatment groups. SOD and GPx activities were significantly decreased in the I/R group, whereas their reduction was less expressed in the treatment groups. Additionally, the histopathological injury scores of the disulfide-treated groups were lower than those of the I/R group. CONCLUSION: All of the sulfhydryl-containing antioxidants used in this study exhibited a significant role in attenuating intestinal I/R injury; however, the outcome of the LA-treated group was significantly marked than that of the others.

Enteral glutamine and/or arginine supplementation have favorable effects on oxidative stress parameters in neonatal rat intestine.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the effects of enteral glutamine and arginine supply on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels in the small intestine of healthy breast-fed rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 40 newborn Sprague-Dawley rats born to 5 mother rats. Newborn rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Starting from day 1 until day 21, group I received only breast milk; group II received breast milk and 200 mg/kg/day oral glutamine; group III received breast milk and 200 mg/kg/day oral arginine; and group IV received breast milk, 200 mg/kg/day glutamine, and 200 mg/kg/day arginine. Malondialdehyde levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase activities were measured. RESULTS: The lowest malondialdehyde levels were found in group II (P = 0.0001). Superoxide dismutase activity was found to be significantly higher in group II than group I (P < 0.001). Of the 4 groups, GPx activity was highest in group IV. GPx activity in group II was significantly higher than in group I (P = 0.001) or group III (P = 0.001). GPx activity was higher in group IV than in group I (P = 0.001) or group III (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Enteral glutamine alone or in the presence of arginine has favorable effects on oxidative stress not only in experimental models of hypoxia-reoxygenation, but also in healthy newborn rats. This suggests that in premature neonates with insufficient oxidative resistance, glutamine and arginine supplementation may help prevent necrotizing enterocolitis.

Perinatal risk factors affecting the maternal and fetal asymmetric dimethylarginine levels.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal risk factors, neonatal demographic features and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in a randomly selected group of pregnancies during delivery. The subjects were categorized into five groups as having: no maternal risk factor, maternal hypertension, gestational diabetes, maternal smoking history, and meconium staining. Blood samples were taken from the mothers before delivery and from the umbilical vein after delivery. Mean ADMA levels were significantly lower in the cord blood when compared with maternal levels in all groups. Mean ADMA level of neonates in the meconium staining group was found to be significantly higher than in the other groups (p<0.001). Maternal age, delivery type, parity and sex did not show any effect on cord blood ADMA levels. Overall, umbilical vein ADMA levels are modulated independent of several maternal features and risk factors. Although these factors are interrelated and it is difficult to interpret the relevant data separately, the most significant factor affecting umbilical vein ADMA levels seems to be perinatal hypoxia as in the case of meconium staining.

Effects of aminoguanidine and melatonin on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats: An assessor-blinded, controlled experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated during reperfusion of tissue are characteristic of intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (IIR) injury. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess whether the administration of aminoguanidine (AG), a selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and/or melatonin has protective potential in IIR injury. METHODS: Male Wistar albino rats (age, 3-4 weeks; weight, 100-150 g) were divided in a nonrandom fashion into 5 groups of equal size: group 1, IIR injury + AG 100 mg/kg; group 2, IIR injury + melatonin 10 mg/kg; group 3, IIR injury + AG 100 mg/kg + melatonin 10 mg/kg; group 4, sham operation; and group 5, IIR injury alone. Sixty minutes of intestinal ischemia and 4 hours of reperfusion were carried out in all but the sham-operation group. Ileal specimens were obtained from all rats to determine the extent of histologic changes, measure tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC), and assess the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Specimens were also assessed and scored by a pathologist blinded to the experiment and the data. RESULTS: Forty rats were divided into 5 groups of 8 each; all 40 survived until study end. In the IIR injury-alone group, mean (SD) MDA concentration and PC content were significantly higher than that of the sham-operation group, and SOD and GPx activity were significantly lower: MDA concentration, 0.86 (0.03) versus 0.54 (0.01) mmol/g protein, respectively; PC content, 0.60 (0.02) versus 0.34 (0.01) mmol/g protein; SOD activity, 104.33 (43.14) versus 2954.72 (109.55) U/g protein; and GPx activity, 10.44 (0.63) versus 24.34 (1.77) U/g protein (all, P < 0.001). Administration of AG, melatonin, and the AG/melatonin combination was associated with significantly higher SOD (1802.31 [102.35], 1776.50 [58.41], and 1924.28 [98.10] U/g protein, respectively) and GPx (17.36 [1.23], 15.96 [1.08], and 18.06 [1.72] U/g protein) activity and significantly lower MDA concentration (0.62 [0.02], 0.64 [0.02], and 0.56 [0.01] mmol/g protein) and PC content (0.53 [0.03], 0.51 [0.01], and 0.49 [0.02] mmol/g protein) compared with the IIR injury-alone group (P < 0.001). Mean intestinal mucosal injury scores were significantly lower in the 3 treatment groups (2.12 [0.35], 1.75 [0.46], and 1.12 [0.35]) compared with the IIR injury-alone group (3.87 [0.35]; all, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, AG, melatonin, or both administered in combination were associated with improvements in oxidative markers in this rat model of IIR injury.

Acinetobacter septicus sp. nov. association with a nosocomial outbreak of bacteremia in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Acinetobacter species other than Acinetobacter baumannii have rarely been reported to be associated with nosocomial outbreaks of bloodstream infections. Within a period of 1 week, seven Acinetobacter-like isolates were recovered from peripheral blood and catheter specimens of five patients at a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a tertiary hospital in Turkey. All five patients had placement of central venous catheters and had received total parenteral nutrition before the onset of bacteremia. Two of the five patients died. Medical devices, tap water, aerators, water samples, various surfaces, intravenous fluids, and the hands of health care workers in the NICU were sampled and were culture negative for the bacterium. All seven of the isolates had identical biochemical reactions, antimicrobial susceptibility results, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, indicating a clonal nosocomial outbreak. A panel of standard biochemical reaction profiles and three phenotypic commercial identification systems failed to identify these isolates. Phenotypically, the isolate differed from Acinetobacter ursingii by its hemolysis on sheep blood agar and its negative citrate utilization. Sequences of the full 16S rRNA gene, which contained at least three different gene copies with polymorphic sequences between nucleotide positions 70 and 206, were determined from the first recovered isolate. The complete 1,529- to 1,531-bp 16S rRNA gene sequences and partial 801-bp rpoB gene sequences had similarities of 99.5% and 97.2%, respectively, to an A. ursingii isolate. The DNA-DNA similarities of the strain against the type strain of A. ursingii were 64.7 and 68.7%, which were lower than the recommended threshold value of 70% for the definition of bacterial species. These data indicate that a novel Acinetobacter organism caused the nosocomial outbreak of bacteremia in the NICU unit. We propose the designation of Acinetobacter septicus sp. nov. for these isolates, with isolate AK001 as the type strain.

Evaluation of the relationship between C677T variants of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene and hyperhomocysteinemia in children receiving antiepileptic drug therapy.

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a sulfur-containing amino acid involved in methionine metabolism. Elevated plasma Hcy concentration is a possible risk factor for vascular disease. Folate and vitamin B-12 are vitamins that are necessary for remethylization of Hcy to methionine. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is the key enzyme in remethylation of Hcy to methionine and supplies the required 5-methyltetrahydrofolate as the methyl donor for this reaction. It is well known that some antiepileptic drugs (AED) can lead to hyperhomocysteinemia by affecting the levels of folate and vitamin B-12. The C677T variant of MTHFR gene can also lead to hyperhomocysteinemia particularly when serum folate level is decreased. In this study, we investigated the levels of serum folate, vitamin B-12 and Hcy in epileptic patients receiving carbamazepine (CBZ) or valproic acid (VPA) as monotherapy, and we also evaluated the probable contribution of the C677T variant of MTHFR gene in hyperhomocysteinemia. A total of 93 patients with idiopathic epilepsy receiving CBZ or VPA as monotherapy were included in this study. CBZ and VPA groups consisted of 29 and 64 patients, respectively. The control group comprised 62 healthy children. We measured serum folate, vitamin B-12 and Hcy levels in each group. We found that mean serum folate level was statistically lower and mean Hcy level was higher in epileptic patients receiving CBZ or VPA when compared with those of controls'. We also determined the C677T variants of MTHFR gene (as normal, heterozygote or homozygote) in epileptic patients. We compared the variant groups for serum folate, vitamin B-12 and Hcy levels and found no significant differences among them. In conclusion, C677T variants of MTHFR gene have no contribution in hyperhomocysteinemia in epileptic patients receiving CBZ or VPA.

Screening for retinopathy of prematurity in a tertiary care newborn unit in Turkey: frequency, outcomes, and risk factor analysis.

PURPOSE: To report the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: Data of neonates with a gestational age of 34 weeks or less were analyzed and the predictors on the development of ROP were determined by using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 318 neonates, the frequency of ROP was 37.1% for any stage and 7.2% for stage 3 or greater. Treatment was needed in 16.1% of neonates with ROP. No treatment was required in neonates with a gestational age of greater than 32 weeks. Oxygen therapy, sepsis, gestational age of 32 weeks or less, and birth weight of less than 1,250 g were determined as the independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Although frequency of ROP in Turkey is similar to that in the United States, the rate of severe ROP necessitating treatment seems to be higher in Turkey. Neonates with a gestational age of 32 weeks or less, a birth weight of less than 1,250 g, sepsis, and oxygen therapy may have a greater risk of developing ROP and screening should be intensified in the presence of these risk factors.

Serum and liver tissue biotinidase enzyme activity in rats which were administrated to valproic acid.

Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug widely used and well-tolerated by most of patients. Its non-dose-dependent side effects seen mostly are the temporary gastrointestinal disturbances including anorexia and nausea, and hepatoxicity. As to its dose-dependent side effects are the weight loss, tremor, skin eruption and the alopecia. In this study we aimed to put forward the biotinidase deficiency considered as a possible cause of alopecia in the rats administered with valproic acid, and the correlation between liver and serum biotinidase enzyme activities (BEA) and transaminases, albumin and serum valproic acid levels. In our study, 4 groups of which one of them was a control group, each consisting of 15 male Wistar rats was organized. 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg/day of VPA, and distilled water, two divided doses per day, were administered per orally to VPA-1, VPA-2, VPA-3, and control group, respectively, in 60 days. Their serum and liver biotinidase enzyme activities, serum AST, ALT, albumin, and valproic acid levels were measured. Alopecia was seen in the subjects of 6.6% of VPA-1, 13.3% of VPA-2, and 26.6% of VPA-3. Significant difference in the liver tissues BEA was noted only between VPA-3 and the control group. Reductions were observed both in the liver tissues BEA and the serum BEA levels, which are inversely proportional to the VPA doses. A positive correlation between the liver biotinidase enzyme activities and the serum valproic acid levels, and the negative correlation between the liver tissues biotinidase activities and the serum valproic acid levels were noted, respectively. As a conclusion, the partial alopecia which is an initial symptom of reduced biotinidase activity may also be created depending on the reduction of biotinidase activity during valproic acid therapy. The alopecia which may further be observed in the patients receiving valproic acid therapy may be prevented by means of administration of biotin in a dose of 10 mg/day.

The effect of the pre-pregnancy weight of the mother and the gestational weight gain on the bilirubin level of term newborn.

OBJECTIVE: Jaundice is a problem in newborns. There are many maternal and infant-related factors affecting neonatal jaundice. The maternal pre-pregnancy weight, maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain may have an effect on the newborn bilirubin levels. We research the effect of the maternal pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain on the bilirubin levels of the newborn infants in the first 2 weeks prospectively. METHODS: Term and healthy infants who were born between 38 and 42 weeks in our clinic were included in the study. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMIs were calculated. Babies were divided into three groups according to their mothers' advised amount of gestational weight gain. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) values of the newborns were measured in the 2nd, 5th and 15th postnatal days. RESULTS: In our study, the 5th and 15th day capillary bilirubin level of the babies with mothers who gained more weight than the advised amount during pregnancy were found statistically significant higher compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). Similarly, the hematocrit level of the babies with mothers who gained more weight than the advised amount were found statistically significant higher compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the babies with mothers who gained more weight than the advised amount were under risk for newborn jaundice. Therefore, these babies should be monitored more closely for neonatal jaundice and prolonged jaundice.