Investigation of the Effects of Glutens on Serum Interleukin-1 Beta and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Levels and the Immunohistochemical Distribution of CD3 and CD8 Receptors in the Small Intestine in Male Rats

Abstract While the role of cytokines in celiac disease has been investigated in detail, cytokine release in the event of the exposure of healthy subjects to glutens has only recently been studied. This study was aimed at determining the effects of corn and wheat glutens, incorporated as protein sources into the diet, on serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels and the immunohistochemical distribution of CD3 and CD8 receptors in the small intestine in male rats. The study material comprised 24 twenty-day-old male Wistar albino rats, which were randomly assigned in equal numbers to three groups (2 rats/replicate and 4 replicates/group). The feed rations provided to all three groups contained high levels of proteins, which were soybean meal, corn gluten and wheat gluten in the control, corn and wheat groups, respectively. The in Control, Corn and Wheat groups serum IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha levels respectively 55.83 - 46.37; 81.65 - 61.95 and 81.65-61.31 was determined but these differences were statistically insignificant. Furthermore, immunohistochemical examination demonstrated a mathematical increase to have occurred in the distribution of the CD3 and CD8 receptors in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum samples of the corn and wheat groups. In result, based on the findings obtained in this study, we suggest that the long-term feeding of rats on high levels of gluten causes systemic adverse effects.

Restless Legs Syndrome in Gun Factory Workers Exposed to Solvents.

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder characterized by a complaint of an almost irresistible urge to move the legs. Aims: We investigated whether long-term low-level exposures to solvents affects the development of restless legs syndrome. Methods: 388 workers were questioned for RLS, psychological distress and somatic symptoms. Results: The prevalence of RLS was not different in workers exposed to solvents than in those without (n: 192; 5.2% vs. n: 196; 5.6%, p = 0.8, respectively). Exposure to solvents was not associated with an increased risk of RLS. In solvent-exposed group, there was positive correlation between daytime sleepiness, frequent awakening, kicking during sleep, sleep duration, time spent in bed, apnea and snoring scores. Alcohol consumption were related to higher kicking during sleep and difficulty falling asleep scores. The RLS percentages were 7/173 (4.0%) for daytime working subjects; and 2/16 (12.5%) for shift-workers. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to low doses of solvents doesn’t affect the development of RLS.