The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Curcumin in Middle Ear Infection.

AIM: To investigate and analyze the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of curcumin in experimentally induced middle ear infection. METHOD: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats with otomicroscopic examination findings within normal limits were included in the study. Study groups were established after Streptococcus pneumoniae was inoculated into the middle ear cavity of all rats. No medication was administered to Group 1, the control group. Group 2 was administered 50 mg/kg/day amoxicillin intraperitoneally. Group 3 was administered 50 mg/kg/day amoxicillin together with 30 mg/kg/day curcumin intraperitoneally. Blood specimens and temporal bones were collected on the 10th day of medication from the 22 rats in which acute otitis media developed. Serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities and malondialdehyde levels were measured. Inflammatory cell infiltration, vascular proliferation, and epithelial proliferation were assessed histopathologically in middle ear mucosa specimens, and the results were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde levels in the group given curcumin were significantly lower than those of the control group, while serum glutathione peroxidase activity was also lower compared to that of the control group. No significant difference was observed among the groups in terms of superoxide dismutase activity. Although there were no significant findings in terms of histopathological data, epithelial proliferation in the groups receiving antibiotherapy was suppressed compared to the control group. Similarly, curcumin was observed to have a positive effect on inflammatory cell infiltration. No significant changes were observed in terms of vascular proliferation. CONCLUSION: With its wide and safe dose range, curcumin represents grounds for optimism in terms of anti-inflammatory treatment in acute otitis media.

The effect of sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine and escitalopram on testicular tissue and oxidative stress parameters in rats.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on testicular tissue and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 male Wistar albino rats, 5.5-6 months old, were equally divided at random into five groups: group 1 was the control group, group 2 received sertraline 10mg/kg (p.o), group 3 was administered fluoxetine 10mg/kg (p.o), group 4 received escitalopram 10mg/kg (p.o), and group 5 (n = 8) was administered paroxetine 20mg/kg. Each dose was administered orally for two months. Johnsen's criteria were used to categorize spermatogenesis. Johnsen's method assigns a score of 1 to 10 to each tubule cross-section examined. In this system, a Johnsen score of 9 and 10 indicates normal histology. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were evaluated. Serum MDA levels were also measured. RESULTS: The mean Johnsen scores were 9.36 ± 0.33, 9.29 ± 0.32, 8.86 ± 0.48, 9.10 ± 0.56, and 8.33 ± 0.90 in control group, sertraline group, fluoxetine group, escitalopram group, and paroxetine group, respectively. The Johnsen score was significantly lower for paroxetine group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The mean FSH level increased only in the sertraline group. With the exception of the fluoxetine group, the testosterone levels were lower in all groups compared with the control group. The total testosterone level was significantly lower in the sertraline group compared with the control group [40.87 (22.37-46.8) vs. 15.87 (13.53-19.88), p < 0.01]. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the MDA and LH levels (p = 0.090 and p = 0.092). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that SSRIs have a negative effect on testicular tissues. This negative impact is markedly greater in the paroxetine group. To determine the exact mechanism of action of these drugs on testicular tissue, well-designed randomized controlled clinical studies are needed on a larger population.

Protective effect of paraoxonase 1 gene variant L55M in retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To determine if the paraoxonase 1 L55M and paraoxonase 1 Q192R gene polymorphisms have an effect on the risk of having a retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: This case-control prospective study included 120 patients with RVO and 84 control subjects. All subjects were screened for age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, body mass index, fibrinogen, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein. Subjects were also questioned about their smoking habits. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes from EDTA anticoagulated blood. Genotyping of the paraoxonase 1 L55M and paraoxonase 1 Q192R polymorphisms was performed using real-time PCR. RESULTS: The frequency of the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) 55 LL genotype was significantly lower in patients with RVO than in the control subjects (28% versus 55%; p = 0.005). Logistic regression analyses were also conducted. After adjusting for gender, diabetes, hypertension, plasma fibrinogen levels, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the lower LL genotype was found to be an independent predictor of RVO (ß = 1.755; odds ratio = 5.783; p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval = 2.579-12.967). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with a lower frequency PON1 55 LL genotype had a higher risk of RVO. These results indicate that paraoxonase gene polymorphisms may be a possible risk factor for RVO. We suggest that the LL genotype may have a protective role in the pathogenesis of RVO in the Turkish population.

Association of MMP2-1306C/T and TIMP2G-418C polymorphisms in retinal vein occlusion.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are large groups of zinc-dependent proteases that play an important role in many diseases and pathological processes such as cancer, angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, and vascular disease. Also, it was found that the expression of MMPs was high during the initial period of thrombosis in a rat model of traumatic deep vein thrombosis. Moreover, the presence of metalloproteinase activity and endogenous inhibitor activity in vitrectomy samples are associated with neovascularization of several retinal diseases such as exudative age related maculopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and central retinal vein occlusion. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible association of the matrix metalloproteinase 2-1306C/T (rs 243865) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase 2 G-418C (rs 8179090) polymorphisms with the risk of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid anticoagulated blood. Genotyping of the MMP2-1306C/T and TIMP2G-418C polymorphisms were performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The MMP2-1306 T allele carriers (CT + TT) had a significantly increased risk of RVO compared with the CC homozygotes (p < 0.001, odds ratio = 4.78; 95% CI = 2.85-8.09). After adjusting for hypertension, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia, MMP2-1306 T allele carriers (CT + TT) also had a significantly increased risk of RVO (B = 1.453; p < 0.001; odds ratio = 4.275; 95% CI:2.529-7.224). MMP2-1306C/T, but not TIMP2G-418C, gene variants are a risk factor for the development of retinal vein occlusion.

Association of paraoxonase 1 L55M and Q192R single-nucleotide polymorphisms with age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To determine if paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene polymorphisms have an effect on the risk of having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: The study population consisted of 142 patients who were diagnosed with either exudative or atrophic AMD and 138 sex- and age-matched controls without AMD. Genotyping of the PON1 L55M and Q192R single-nucleotide polymorphisms was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and commercially produced kits. A full ophthalmic evaluation was performed in each subject, and all subjects were screened for hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking history. RESULTS: The PON1 MM and QQ genotypes were less frequent in patients with AMD than in control subjects (MM: 4 vs. 13%, P = 0.015; QQ: 15 vs. 27%, P = 0.020). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was also conducted. After adjusting for age, gender, and the prevalence of smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia, the MM and QQ genotypes (MM/QQ vs. LL + LM/QR + RR) were found to be associated with a decreased risk of AMD (MM: odds ratio = 0.24, P = 0.007, 95% confidence interval: 0.09-0.68; QQ: odds ratio = 0.46, P = 0.013, 95% confidence interval: 0.25-0.85). CONCLUSION: The authors found that subjects with the PON1 MM and QQ genotypes had a lower risk of AMD.

Evaluation of effects of repeated sevoflurane exposure on rat testicular tissue and reproductive hormones.

CONTEXT: Evaluation of inhalation anesthetics on sperm and reproductive hormones are extremely important. OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the effects of sevoflurane used as an inhalation anesthetic on sperm morphology and reproductive hormones in rat testes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Wistar-Albino male rats were divided into five groups of eight rats each. The control group received 2 L/min oxygen for seven days, 2 h/day while sevoflurane treatment S1 received 1 minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) sevoflurane + 2 L/min oxygen for seven days, 2 h/day, and sevoflurane S2 received 1 MAC sevoflurane + 2 L/min oxygen for seven days, 2 h/day followed by seven days of no treatment. Sevoflurane treatment S3 received 1 MAC sevoflurane + 2 L/min oxygen for 14 days, 2 h/day and sevoflurane treatment S4 received 1 MAC sevoflurane + 2 L/min oxygen for 14 days, 2 h/day, with no treatment for the following seven days. All rats were examined histologically after experimental procedures. Rat luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), and inhibin levels were measured. RESULTS: Histological injury scores were significantly higher in S2, S3, and S4 receiving sevoflurane in comparison to the control group (p = 0.001, <0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Sperm motility and concentration decreased in S3 and S4 compared to the control group (p = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively). Significant differences were detected among all groups for serum LH, FSH, T, and inhibin serum concentrations (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Testicular and sperm morphology, and reproductive hormones were affected by chronic exposure to sevoflurane. However, more randomized, controlled, and well-designed clinical studies with larger population are needed to confirm of these results.

The apoptotic effect of a high dose of toluene on liver tissue during the acute phase: an experimental study.

The aim of this study is to investigate the acute toxic effects of high-dose toluene and its mechanisms on the liver tissue of toluene-treated rats. In this study, 16 adult male Wistar albino rats (200-220 g) were divided into two equal groups. Group I was used as a control group, while group II was exposed to high dose of toluene, 5200 mg/kg (6 ml/kg per gavage). After the 3-hour experimental period, blood samples and liver tissues were taken from the euthanized animals. Serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels were assayed. Liver tissues were fixed in 10% neutral formalin, then embedded in paraffin and sectioned (5 µm thickness). Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological examination. A terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was also done for the determination of apoptosis in liver tissues. For the determination of Bax and caspase-3 immunoreactivity, the sections were stained using avidin-biotin-peroxidase immunohistochemical method. The level of plasma transaminase was found to be increased in toluene administered rats. Additionally, slight degeneration of hepatocyte and mononuclear cell infiltration was observed in the liver tissue sections and a high (+++) immunoreactivity for Bax and caspase-3 protein was observed in the toluene group. This study showed that the high dose of toluene triggers apoptosis in the liver of rats via the mitochondrial pathway in acute period.

Predictive value of the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 G-1639A and C1173T single nucleotide polymorphisms in retinal vein occlusion.

BACKGROUND: To determine if vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 gene polymorphisms have an effect on the risk of having a retinal vein occlusion. DESIGN: Case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: The study population consisted of 68 patients who were newly diagnosed with retinal vein occlusion and 66 sex-matched controls. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes from ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid-anticoagulated blood. Genotyping of the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 G-1639A (rs 9923231) and C1173T (rs 9934438) single nucleotide polymorphisms was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and commercially available kits. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A full ophthalmological evaluation was performed in each subject, and all subjects were screened for hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes. The genotypes of the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 single nucleotide polymorphisms were determined. RESULTS: The vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 GG and CC genotypes were more frequent (41% vs. 21%; P = 0.021), and the combined GA/AA and CT/CC genotypes were less frequent in patients with retinal vein occlusion than in control subjects. After adjusting for hypertension, age, plasma fibrinogen levels and prevalence of diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia, the GG and CC genotypes were found to be an independent predictor of retinal vein occlusion (B = 2.28; odds ratio = 9.79; P = 0.003; 95% confidence interval: 2.22-43.24). CONCLUSION: It was found that subjects with the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 GG and CC genotypes had a higher risk of retinal vein occlusion.

Pain levels associated with renal colic and primary dysmenorrhea: a prospective controlled study with objective and subjective outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the degree of pain associated with renal colic and primary dysmenorrhea using objective and subjective measurements. METHODS: In total, 60 subjects participated in this study. There were 20 subjects in the renal colic group (average age 24.45 ± 2.35 years), 20 subjects in the primary dysmenorrhea group (average age 23.75 ± 1.86 years), and 20 subjects in the control group (average age 24.20 ± 2.57 years). The serum chromogranin A (CgA) values were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the mean pain score was assessed by means of a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for each individual. RESULTS: The serum CgA level was 19.83 ± 19.61 ng/ml for the renal colic group, 13.45 ± 8.52 ng/ml for the primary dysmenorrhea group and 12.45 ± 7.76 ng/ml for the control group. The mean VAS score for pain was 7.95 ± 1.54 for the renal colic group and 7.05 ± 1.50 for the primary dysmenorrhea group. CONCLUSIONS: Primary dysmenorrheic pain is as intense as renal colic pain. Emergency room physicians should display the same degree of care and attention for the treatment of patients with primary dysmenorrhea as they do for patients with renal colic, and rapidly initiate an effective treatment for these patients.

Effect of pentoxifylline and 5-fluorouracil/triamcinolone on laryngotracheal stenosis developing as a complication of tracheostomy: study in rats.

We aimed to investigate the prophylactic effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on laryngotracheal stenosis in tracheotomised rats by evaluating blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase activities and by histopathological evaluation of laryngotracheal segment. Randomized prospective single-blind study. Standard vertical tracheotomy was performed on 24 rats. Then, the animals were randomly divided into three groups. Intraperitoneal PTX administered to group A (study group) for 10 days. 5-FU was injected in paratracheal tissues in group B (study group) for 10 days. In group C (control group), intraperitoneal saline was administered for 10 days. After 10 days, tracheal cannules were removed. For biochemical analysis, two blood samples were obtained. Three weeks later, all animals were euthanized and trachea specimens were harvested. Stenosis index and mean wall thickness in PTX group were lower as compared to other groups but the difference was statistically insignificant. Minimum inflammation and fibrosis plus maximum epithelial regeneration were seen in PTX group. In addition, GPx activity was at highest level in PTX group and a statistically significant difference was found between control and PTX groups (P = 0.024) though the difference between remaining groups was statistically insignificant (P = 0.121). Superoxide dismutase activity was highest in PTX group but no statistically significant difference was found between the three groups (P = 0.305). The administration of PTX increases GPx activity and it may have some effect on tracheal scar formation which develops following tracheostomy.

Clinical and laboratory findings of tularemia: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to define demographic characteristics and clinical and laboratory findings of the patients with tularemia and to assess the treatment outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 58 consecutive patients (26 males, 32 females; mean age 37±22 years; range 6 to 80 years) with tularemia were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, physical examination findings and treatment outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Forty patients (86.2%) had glandular tularemia; seven (12.1%) had oropharyngeal tularemia, and one (1.7%) patient had oculoglandular tularemia. The most common symptoms were swollen neck lymph nodes high fever and sore throat. Fifty seven patients (98.2%) had swollen neck lymph nodes; 39 (67.2%) patients had high fever (67.2%) and 36 (62.1%) patients had sore throat. Complete recovery was obtained in 45 patients (77.6%), while 13 (22.4%) were unresponsive to the treatment. The most frequent laboratory findings were high level of C-reactive protein (CRP) and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Mean leukocyte counts, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea and creatinine levels were within normal range in all patients. CONCLUSION: Tularemia should be differentiated from upper respiratory tract infections and cervical lymphadenopathy. The most commonly used hematological and biochemical assays do not provide significant benefits for the diagnosis of tularemia. However, increased level of ESR and CRP at one month may support the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may prevent therapeutic failure.

The relationship between inflammation and slow coronary flow: increased red cell distribution width and serum uric acid levels.

OBJECTIVES: The underlying mechanism of slow coronary flow (SCF) has yet to be elucidated. Increased red cell distribution width (RDW) and uric acid level may be indicative of an underlying inflammatory state. We aimed to investigate RDW and serum uric acid levels in patients with normal coronary arteries and SCF without stenosis. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 46 consecutive patients (25 males, 21 females; mean age 54 ± 11 years) with angiographically normal coronary arteries but having SCF in all three coronary arteries. The control group consisted of 40 patients (18 males, 22 females; mean age 54 ± 9 years) with angiographically normal coronary arteries without SCF. In both groups, RDW and serum uric acid levels were measured and compared. RESULTS: In the SCF group, TIMI frame counts measured in the left anterior descending coronary artery, left circumflex coronary artery, and right coronary artery were significantly higher compared to the control group (p<0.05). Patients with SCF exhibited significantly higher RDW (13.4 ± 1.6% vs. 12.6 ± 1.2%, p=0.01) and serum uric acid levels (5.3 ± 1.6 mg/dl vs. 4.7 ± 1.3 mg/dl, p=0.01) compared to controls. In logistic regression analysis, uric acid [Exp(B)=1.612, 95% CI 0.206-5.35, p=0.021] and RDW [Exp(B)=1.496, 95% CI 0.403-4.72, p=0.030] were found as independent predictors of SCF. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that patients with SCF have significantly increased RDW and serum uric acid levels. This may help throw more light on the pathophysiological basis of SCF.

The association of plasma vitamin A and E levels with coronary collateral circulation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if plasma levels of vitamin A and E have an association with coronary collateral development. METHODS: A total of 189 patients who underwent coronary angiography and had total occlusion in at least one major epicardial coronary artery were enrolled in the study. To classify coronary collateral circulation (CCC), the Rentrop scoring system was used. Patients were classified as having poor CCC (Rentrop grades 0-1) or good CCC (Rentrop grades 2-3), and all patients were also screened for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and smoking history. RESULTS: There were no differences in plasma vitamin A and E levels between the two groups (vitamin A: 2.37 ± 0.65 vs. 2.35 ± 0.78, p = 0.253; vitamin E: 47.1 ± 12.8 vs. 44.6 ± 15.1, p = 0.082), and plasma vitamin A and E levels were not associated with CCC. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were significantly higher in patients with poor CCC (4.68 ± 2.52 vs. 3.89 ± 1.78, p = 0.001). The higher frequency of diabetes and higher serum hs-CRP levels were found to be an independent predictor for poor CCC (odds ratio = 2.44, p = 0.006; odds ratio = 1.24, p = 0.007, respectively). And a higher frequency of total occluded RCA was found to be a positive predictor for good CCC (odds ratio = 2.36, p = 0.06) in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We found that serum hs-CRP levels, presence of diabetes, and total occlusion of RCA have an effect on coronary collateral development. We found no correlation between plasma vitamin A and E levels and CCC.

Protective effects of thymoquinone and melatonin on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In the present study, we aimed to compare the potential protective effects of thymoquinone and melatonin by using equivalent dose, on oxidative stress-induced ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in the intestinal tissue of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed using 32 male Wistar-Albino rats (weighing 180-200 g) randomly divided into four groups: Group I, sham group; Group II, IR group; Group III, IR with melatonin group; and Group IV, IR with thymoquinone group. After laparotomy, ischemia and reperfusion were performed for 60 and 120 min, respectively, on all the groups. Intestinal tissue sections were stained using routine histological methods and examined under the light microscope. In addition, the sections were immunohistochemically stained using the TUNEL method for determination of apoptosis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the intestinal tissue were also measured. RESULTS: The IR group had significantly elevated tissue SOD activity, GSH-Px activity, and MDA levels compared with the sham group. Administration of thymoquinone and melatonin efficiently reduced these increases. Statistically significant number of apoptotic cells was observed in the intestinal tissue of IR group rats compared with the sham group. Treatment with thymoquinone and melatonin markedly reduced the number of apoptotic cells. CONCLUSION: The effects of melatonin and thymoquinone on IR-induced oxidative stress in rat intestines were similar. Our findings suggest that melatonin and thymoquinone protect against IR-induced injury to intestinal tissues.

The protective effect of single dose tadalafil in contrast-induced nephropathy: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the most common causes of acute renal failure in hospitalized patients. The direct toxic effect of contrast media; ischemic damage caused by reactive oxygen species; increased perivascular hydrostatic pressure; high viscosity and changes in the activity of vasoactive substances play important roles in the pathogenesis. Tadalafil inhibits the phosphodiesterase enzyme which destroys nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes renal vasodilatation, increases renal medullar blood flow and mediates the removal of free oxygen radicals. Drugs that increase levels of nitric oxide are expected to reduce the development of contrast nephropathy due to contrast media. We aimed to test the hypothesis that tadalafil reduces the development of contrast nephropathy due to contrast toxicity. METHODS: A total of 24 female Wistar albino rats, three groups of eight, were included in the study. After 48 hours of dehydration, contrast media (meglumine diatrozoate, 6 mL/kg) was administered to the first group, and contrast media with tadalafil (10 mg/kg) was administered to the second group. The third group served as the control group. Blood and tissue samples were taken 48 hours after this procedure. RESULTS: Serum cystatin C, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values were significantly lower in the contrast with tadalafil group compared to the group given only contrast. Serum and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly lower in the contrast with tadalafil group than in the contrast only group. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the protective effect of tadalafil in the prevention of CIN in rats.

The role of MMP2 (-1306C>T) and TIMP2 (-418 G>C) promoter variants in age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To investigate the possible association between the matrix metalloproteinase 2 (-1306C>T) (rs 243865) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (-418 G>C) (rs 8179090) polymorphisms and the risk of age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: This case-controlled prospective study included 144 age-related macular degeneration patients and 172 control subjects. All subjects were screened for age, gender, hypertension (HT), diabetes (DM), and body mass index (BMI). Serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and smoking were also determined. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid anticoagulated blood. Genotyping of the MMP2 (-1306C>T) and TIMP2 (-418 G>C) polymorphisms was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Genotype distributions or allelic frequencies of MMP2 (-1306C>T) and TIMP2 (-418 G>C) did not significantly differ between patients with AMD and control subjects. Similarly, no significant differences in either genotype distributions or allelic frequencies of MMP2 (-1306C>T) and TIMP2 (-418 G>C) were found between dry and wet AMD. CONCLUSION: MMP2 (-1306C>T) and TIMP2 (-418 G>C) promoter variants are unlikely to have a major role in age-related macular degeneration risk susceptibility.

Investigating the effect of aromatherapy in patients with renal colic.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of rose essential oil as a supplementary and adjunctive therapy for the relief of renal colic, specifically because rose essential oil is soothing and can act as a muscle relaxant. MATERIALS: Eighty patients who were diagnosed with renal colic in the emergency room were included in the study, with ages ranging from 19 to 64 years. Half of the patients (n=40) were treated with conventional therapy (diclofenac sodium, 75 mg intramuscularly) plus placebo (physiological serum, 0.9% NaCl), while the other half (n=40) were given aromatherapy (rose essential oil) in addition to conventional therapy. In each patient, the severity of pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (0 [no pain] to 10 [very severe pain]). FINDINGS: The VAS values prior to the start of therapy, and 10 and 30 minutes after therapy were 8.18 ± 1.36, 5.60 ± 2.02, and 3.75 ± 2.08 for the conventional therapy plus placebo group, while for the conventional therapy plus aromatherapy group, the VAS values were 8.63 ± 1.03, 4.25 ± 1.72, and 1.08 ± 1.07, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the starting VAS values of the two groups, but the VAS values 10 or 30 minutes after the initiation of therapy were statistically lower in the group that received conventional therapy plus aromatherapy. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that rose essential oil therapy in addition to conventional therapy effectively reduces renal colic pain.

Age-related changes of aquaporin expression patterns in the postnatal rat retina.

Previous studies revealed that the rat retina contains numerous membrane-located water channels, the aquaporins (AQPs). Protein expression patterns of AQP1-4, 6 and 9 were examined by immunohistochemistry. In the present study, we investigated the immunolocalization of AQP1-4, 6 and 9 during postnatal development in the rat retina and examined the effect of age on the tissue distribution of these channels. AQP1, 3, 4, 6 and 9 showed gradually increased expression in rat retinas from postnatal week 1 to week 12, and decreased in the 40-week-old rat retinas. AQP2 expression was barely seen in the first week in rat retinas and displayed a significant increase from week 1 to week 4, however no significant alteration of AQP2 was observed after 4weeks of development. AQP1 and 4 immunoreactivities were present in the inner limiting membrane (ILM), the ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner nuclear layer (INL) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the 4-, 12- and 40-week-old rat retinas. The RPE, OLM and ILM showed a remarkable expression of AQP1-4, 6 and 9 in the 4, 12 and 40-week-old rat retinas. The reduced expression of AQPs in aged rat retinas may indicate the involvement of AQPs in the pathogenesis of age-related retinal diseases.

[Comparing efficiencies of diclofenac sodium and paracetamol in patients with primary dysmenorrhea pain by using Visual Analog Scale]. / Primer dismenore agrili hastalarda diklofenak sodyum ve parasetamol tedavi etkinliklerinin Vizüel Analog Skala kullanilarak karsilastirilmasi

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of diclofenac sodium to paracetamol using a visual analog scale in the patients presenting to the emergency room with primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: Group I (n=40) patients were diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea and treated with paracetamol (1 gr intravenous) and Group II (n=40) patients were diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea and treated with diclofenac sodium (75 mg intramuscular). In both groups, patients were 19-30 years old. In all groups, the intensity of the pain was ranked from 0 (no pain) to 10 (intolerable) using VAS. The VAS scores were compared between treatment groups. RESULTS: Between two groups, there was no statistically significant difference in age, mean arterial pressure and pulse values. The initial VAS values of the first group were higher than that of 2nd group. Following treatment, in the 10th and 30th minutes, the VAS values were lower in Group I than Group II (p=0.00). The VAS values of each group were significantly different from each other on the 10th and 30th minutes. VAS values at the 10th and 30th minutes were lower compared to the initial values and the values in the 30th minute were lower relative to the 10th minute (p=0.00) in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION: We can suggest that paracetamol is more efficient than diclofenac sodium in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

Acute cardiotoxic effects of high dose toluene: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the acute cardiotoxic effects of high dose toluene and its damage mechanisms on heart tissue in the acute period. METHODS: Twenty adult male Wistar Albino rats (200-220 g) were used in this controlled experimental animal study. Animals were divided into two equal groups: a control group (Group 1) and a high dose (6 mL/kg/gavage) toluene-administered group (Group 2). Arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) values were measured at 30th, 60th and 90th minutes after toluene was administered. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples and heart tissues were taken from the rats. Serum troponin T levels were assayed. Heart tissue sections were stained using routine histological methods and examined under a light microscope. In addition, the sections were immunohistochemically stained using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method to determine caspase-3 immunoreactivity and TUNEL to detect apoptosis. To compare the apoptotic index, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. For comparisons between the two groups, the independent t- test was used. In addition, time-based changes of intra-group parameters were evaluated using paired t tests. RESULTS: BP and HR values were low in toluene-treated rats compared to the control group. Troponin T levels were increased in toluene-administered animals as compared with controls [Toluene group: 0.140 (0.010-2.000) ng/mL vs control group: 0.010 (0.010-0.010) ng/mL, p=0.01]. Histopathologic examination of heart tissue sections showed congestion and edema in toluene administrated rats. Higher TUNEL positivity and (+++) immunoreactivity for caspase-3 protein were observed in the toluene group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that high doses of toluene cause apoptosis and may lead to impairment of cardiac function in the acute period.