Developing Endemicity of Schistosomiasis, Corsica, France.

Urogenital schistosomiasis was diagnosed in a man from Germany who had never traveled outside Europe. He likely acquired the infection in Corsica, France, but did not swim in the Cavu River, which was linked to a previous outbreak. This case highlights that transmission of schistosomiasis in Corsica is ongoing.

RLEP LAMP for the laboratory confirmation of leprosy: towards a point-of-care test.

BACKGROUND: Nucleic acid-based amplification tests (NAAT), above all (q)PCR, have been applied for the detection of Mycobacterium leprae in leprosy cases and household contacts with subclinical infection. However, their application in the field poses a range of technical challenges. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), as a promising point-of-care NAAT does not require sophisticated laboratory equipment, is easy to perform, and is applicable for decentralized diagnosis at the primary health care level. Among a range of gene targets, the M. leprae specific repetitive element RLEP is regarded as highly sensitive and specific for diagnostic applications.  METHODS: Our group developed and validated a dry-reagent-based (DRB) RLEP LAMP, provided product specifications for customization of a ready-to-use kit (intended for commercial production) and compared it against the in-house prototype. The assays were optimized for application on a Genie® III portable fluorometer. For technical validation, 40 "must not detect RLEP" samples derived from RLEP qPCR negative exposed and non-exposed individuals, as well as from patients with other conditions and a set of closely related mycobacterial cultures, were tested together with 25 "must detect RLEP" samples derived from qPCR confirmed leprosy patients. For clinical validation, 150 RLEP qPCR tested samples were analyzed, consisting of the following categories: high-positive samples of multibacillary (MB) leprosy patients (> 10.000 bacilli/extract), medium-positive samples of MB leprosy patients (1.001-10.000 bacilli/extract), low-positive samples of MB leprosy patients (1-1.000 bacilli/extract), endemic controls and healthy non-exposed controls; each n = 30.  RESULTS: Technical validation: both LAMP formats had a limit of detection of 1.000 RLEP copies, i.e. 43-27 bacilli, a sensitivity of 92% (in-house protocol)/100% (ready-to-use protocol) and a specificity of 100%. Reagents were stable for at least 1 year at 22 °C. Clinical validation: Both formats showed a negativity rate of 100% and a positivity rate of 100% for high-positive samples and 93-100% for medium positive samples, together with a positive predictive value of 100% and semi-quantitative results. The positivity rate for low-positive samples was 77% (in-house protocol)/43% (ready-to-use protocol) and differed significantly between both formats.  CONCLUSIONS: The ready-to-use RLEP DRB LAMP assay constitutes an ASSURED test ready for field-based evaluation trials aiming for routine diagnosis of leprosy at the primary health care level.

Prenatal exposure to artificial food colorings alters NMDA receptor subunit concentrations in rat hippocampus.

Exposure to artificial food color additives (AFCAs) has been implicated in the etiology of certain childhood hyperactivity and learning disabilities. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) are involved in learning and memory. We administered a mixture of AFCAs (erythrosine, ponceau 4R, allura red AC, sunset yellow FCF, tartrazine, amaranth, brilliant blue, azorubine, and indigotine) to female rats during gestation to investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to AFCAs on neurobehavior, spatial learning, and memory in their offspring. We also investigated whether AFCAs modulate NR2A, NR2B, and α7 nAChR protein levels in their offsprings' hippocampi. Although spatial learning and memory were not altered, the offspring of rats exposed to AFCAs exhibited decreased motivation and increased despair-related behavior. NR2A and NR2B protein levels were significantly reduced in female offspring in the experimental group (p < 0.05), whereas α7 nAChR level was not significantly altered. Our results suggest that prenatal exposure to AFCAs may lead to sex-dependent alterations in glutamatergic signaling which may continue into adolescence.

Calorie restriction protects against apoptosis, mitochondrial oxidative stress and increased calcium signaling through inhibition of TRPV1 channel in the hippocampus and dorsal root ganglion of rats.

The TRPV1 channel is activated in neurons by capsaicin, oxidative stress, acidic pH and heat factors, and these factors are attenuated by the antioxidant role of calorie restriction (CR). Hence, we investigated the hypothesis that the antioxidant roles of CR and food frequency (FF) may modulate TRPV1 activity and apoptosis through inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative stress in hippocampal (HIPPON) and dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGN). We investigated the contribution of FF and CR to neuronal injury and apoptosis through inhibition of TRPV1 in rats. We assigned rats to control, FF and FF + CR groups. A fixed amount of food ad libitum was supplemented to the control and FF groups for 20 weeks, respectively. FF + CR group were fed the same amount of food as the control group but with 20% less calories during the same period. In major results, TRPV1 currents, intracellular Ca2+ levels, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial depolarization, PARP-1 expression, caspase 3 and 9 activity and expression values were found to be increased in the HIPPON and DRGN following FF treatment, and these effects were decreased following FF + CR treatment. The FF-induced decrease in cell viability of HIPPO and DRGN, and vitamin E concentration of brain, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin A, and ß-carotene values of the HIPPO, DRGN, plasma, liver and kidney were increased by FF + DR treatment, although lipid peroxidation levels in the same samples were decreased. In conclusion, CR reduces FF-induced increase of oxidative stress, apoptosis and Ca2+ entry through TRPV1 in the HIPPON and DRGN. Our findings may be relevant to the etiology and treatment of obesity following CR treatment.

Enzymatic behavior of laccase following interaction with γ-CD and immobilization into PCL nanofibers.

This study examines the effects of CD use on enzymatic activity, following enzyme immobilization into nanofibers. There is almost no research available on the change in enzyme activity following interaction with cyclodextrin and electrospun nanofiber mats together. Laccase enzyme was immobilized into nanofibrous structures by various techniques, with and without γ-CD addition, and the enzymatic activity of the laccase was analyzed. SEM, XRD, and FTIR analyses were used for the characterization of the resulting structures. Our results showed that cyclodextrin use has a positive effect on the enzyme's activity, and increases its stability. The enzymes treated by cyclodextrin showed activation after complex formation trials, and no activation loss or enzyme denaturation was detected. Our conclusions were supported by the enzyme activity test results, which also showed that immobilization by encapsulation methods gave better activity results than layering methods. Another important finding concerned the laccase's stable characteristics that helped to maintain its enzyme activation after the freeze drying process. Among all test groups, the best activity result was recorded by laccase-γ-CD complex encapsulated PCL nanofibers with 96.48 U/mg.

The effects of walnut supplementation on hippocampal NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B of rats.

OBJECTIVES: Walnuts contain numerous selected dietary factors that have an impact on brain functions, especially learning and memory formation in the hippocampus. Hippocampal N-methyl d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are involved in the formation of cognitive functions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular effects of walnut supplementation on the hippocampal expressions of NMDARs involved in cognitive functions and lipid peroxidation levels in rats. METHODS: The male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 months old, n = 24) were fed with a walnut-supplemented diet (6% walnut diet, n = 12) and a control diet (rat food, n = 12) as ad libitum for 8 weeks. At the end of this period, NMDAR subunits NR2A and NR2B in the hippocampi were assayed by western blotting. Lipid peroxidation levels were measured using the thiobarbituric acid. RESULTS: The expression of NR2A and NR2B was elevated in the walnut-supplemented rats compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the levels of lipid peroxidation in the walnut-supplemented group were significantly decreased compared with the control group. DISCUSSION: We suggested that walnut supplementation may have protective effects against the decline of cognitive functions by regulating NMDAR and lipid peroxidation levels in the hippocampus. The study provides evidence that selected dietary factors (polyunsaturated fatty acids, melatonin, vitamin E, and flavonoids) within walnut may help to trigger hippocampal neuronal signal transduction for the formation of learning and memory.

Are there any remarkable effects of prenatal exposure to food colourings on neurobehaviour and learning process in rat offspring?

OBJECTIVE: Artificial food colourings and additives (AFCAs) have long been discussed to have adverse effects on cognition and behaviour in children. In this study, our aim was to assess the probable side effects of prenatal exposure to colouring food additives on neurobehaviour and spatial learning process. METHODS: We administered 'no observable adverse effect levels' (NOAELs) of common used AFCAs as a mixture (erythrosine, Ponceau 4R, Allura Red AC, Sunset yellow FCF, tartrazine, Amaranth, Brilliant Blue, Azorubine and Indigotine) to female rats before and during gestation and tested their effects on spatial working memory and behaviour in their offspring. Effects of AFCAs on spatial working memory were evaluated by Morris water maze, behavioural and locomotor effects by open-field and forced-swim tests. RESULTS: Prenatal exposure to commonly used AFCAs had no adverse effects on spatial working memory; however, assessment of interaction of sex and AFCAs on 'latency to locate the visible platform', which was used as a measure of motivation, showed a significant interaction (P < 0.05) on female rats. In addition, AFCAs caused an increase in anxiolytic like effect in the open-field test (P < 0.05) and an increase in mobility time (P < 0.05) in the forced-swim test. We also detected a significant interaction of sex and AFCAs on forced-swim test parameters (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: These findings indicated that prenatal exposure to NOAELs of AFCAs resulted in implicit adverse effects that caused an increase in motility and a decrease in motivation and anxiety in offspring in sex-related manner.

Effect of cholecalciferol replacement on vascular calcification and left ventricular mass index in dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oral cholecalciferol treatment on vascular calcification, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and other cardiac functions in dialysis patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: A six-month course of oral cholecalciferol treatment was recommended to dialysis patients with vitamin D insufficiency. While 26 patients were given cholecalciferol treatment, 17 patients who could not tolerate to therapy received standard therapy. Initial biochemical parameters were measured, and they were measured again after 6 months of treatment. Echocardiographic measurements were also performed, and the vascular calcification score (VCS) was calculated at baseline and at the 6th month. RESULTS: The cholecalciferol replacement group showed no significant change in LVMI and VCS values (p > 0.05). However, while LVMI was similar between groups at initial evaluation, it was lower in the cholecalciferol group at the 6th month when compared to the standard treatment group (141.8 ± 40.2 g/m(2) vs. 166.3 ± 31.4 g/m(2); p = 0.04). Likewise, left ventricular diastolic diameters (48.8 ± 5.1 mm vs. 47.5 ± 4.6 mm; p = 0.023) and left atrial diameters (41.2 ± 8.9 mm vs. 38.9 ± 8.1 mm; p = 0.006) decreased in the cholecalciferol group. Additionally, significant increases were observed in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and albumin levels, with a significant decrease in serum C-reactive protein levels. CONCLUSION: A lesser increase in left ventricular mass and better diastolic functions was observed in dialysis patients after 6 months of cholecalciferol treatment.

Effect of pesticide exposure on platelet indices in farm workers.

We aimed to assess the effect of exposure to pesticide on platelet indices including mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in farm workers. The study group consisted of 40 farm workers (4 females, 36 males; mean age 42.6 ± 9.8 years). An age-, gender- and body mass index-matched control group was composed of 38 healthy volunteers (8 females, 30 males; mean age 46.1±8.9 years). Platelet indices were assessed in farm workers exposed to pesticides. MPV values were significantly lower in farm workers than in those of controls (6.3 ± 1.1 vs. 7.6 ± 0.7 fL, respectively; p < 0.001). Platelet count was significantly lower in farm workers than those of controls (155.7 ± 35.7 vs. 271.3 ± 96.2 × 10(9)/L, respectively; p < 0.001). PDW was significantly lower in farm workers than in those of controls (8.9% ± 2.0% vs. 15.8% ± 0.8%, respectively; p < 0.001). We have found that MPV and other platelet indices were significantly lower in farm workers exposed to pesticides than those of controls. Our findings suggest that MPV may be a sensitive indicator of a pesticide-exposure effect.

Effects of maternally exposed colouring food additives on cognitive performance in rats.

Artificial food colourings and additives (AFCAs) have long been suggested to adversely affect the learning and behaviour in children. In this study, we aimed to provide additional data to clarify the possible side effects of colouring additives on behaviour and memory. We administered acceptable daily intake values of AFCAs as a mixture (Eritrosin, Ponceau 4R, Allura Red AC, Sunset Yellow FCF, Tartrazin, Amaranth, Brilliant Blue, Azorubin and Indigotin) to female rats before and during gestation and then tested their effects on behaviour and on spatial working memory in their offspring. Effects on spatial learning and memory were evaluated by Morris water maze, behavioural effects were evaluated by open-field test and forced swim test. Our results showed that commonly used artificial food colourings have no adverse effects on spatial working memory and did not create a depressive behaviour in offspring. But they showed a few significant effects on locomotor activity as AFCAs increased some parameters of locomotor activity.

Oxidative and Inflammatory Parameters in Children and Adolescents With ADHD.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims that oxidative stress and inflammation status in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to their healthy peers. METHOD: Thirty ADHD and healthy controls were included in this study. ADHD diagnosis according to the DSM-V and Conners' teacher and parent rating scale by a structured psychiatric interview. Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and total and native thiol levels were determined using photometric methods. Presepsin, Interleukin (IL) 1-ß, IL-6, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured with commercial ELISA kits. RESULTS: We showed that TOS and oxidative stress index were significantly higher in the ADHD group, and TAS was lower than in the control group (p<.001). Similarly, IL1-ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were statistically higher in the ADHD group. Backward LR regression analysis reveals that TOS and IL-6 predicted ADHD. CONCLUSION: TOS and IL-6 levels may play a role in the pathogenesis of ADHD.

The Role of Oxidative Status in the Pathogenesis of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, Pseudoexfolyation Syndrome and Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant system in the etiopathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation and progression of pseudoexfoliation syndrome to glaucoma. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 20 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, 20 with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, 20 with primary open-angle glaucoma, and 20 without pseudoexfoliation and glaucoma as a control group, who underwent cataract or glaucoma surgery between December 2020 and March 2021 in the Health Sciences University Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, 80 patients were included in the study. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure with applanation tonometry, detailed anterior and posterior segment examinations with biomicroscopy were performed in all patients included in the study. Approximately 0.1 cc of anterior chamber fluid was taken from all patients at the beginning of surgery. Total Oxidant Status (TOS) and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) levels were measured by keeping the samples taken in the deep freezer of the cornea bank at -80 degrees, transferring them with cold chain transport rules, and examining them with automatic measurement method in the laboratories of the Medical Biochemistry Department of the University of Health Sciences. Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) value was calculated to measure the degree of oxidative stress. RESULTS: TAS averages of the control and POAG groups were found to be statistically significantly higher than the PES and PEG groups (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001). No significant difference was observed between the other groups (p > 0.05). The TOS averages of the control and POAG groups were found to be statistically significantly lower than the PES and PEG groups (p = 0.003, p = 0.0001; p = 0.01, p = 0.001), no statistically significant difference was observed between the other groups (p > 0.05). The OSI mean of the control and POAG groups was found to be statistically significantly lower than the PES and PEG groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.0001; p = 0.002, p = 0.0001), no statistically significant difference was observed between the other groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Increased TOS and OSI and decreased TAS levels in the aqueous humour of patients with PES and PEG suggest that increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidative defense system play a role in the etiopathogenesis of the disease.

Distinct Food Triggers for Migraine, Medication Overuse Headache and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an under-diagnosed common health problem that impairs quality of life. Migraine and IBS are comorbid disorders that are triggered by foods. We aim to investigate IBS frequency in medication overuse headache (MOH) patients and identify food triggers and food avoidance behavior. METHODS: Participants who completed the cross-sectional, observational and online survey were included (n = 1118). Demographic data, comorbid disorders, medications used, presence of headache, the diagnostic features of headache and IBS, migraine related subjective cognitive symptoms scale (MigSCog), consumption behavior of patients regarding 125 food/food additives and food triggers were asked about in the questionnaire. RESULTS: Migraine and MOH diagnoses were made in 88% and 30.7% of the participants, respectively. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the main overused drug (89%) in MOH patients. IBS symptoms were present in 35.8% of non-headache sufferers, 52% of migraine patients and 65% of MOH patients. Specific food triggers for MOH patients were dopaminergic and frequently consumed as healthy foods such as banana, apple, cherry, apricot, watermelon, olive, ice cream and yogurt. MigSCog scores were significantly higher in episodic migraine and MOH patients when IBS symptoms coexisted. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of IBS was higher in MOH patients compared to migraine patients. Coexistence of IBS seems to be a confounding factor for cognitive functions. MOH specific triggers were mostly dopaminergic foods, whereas migraine specific food triggers were mostly histaminergic and processed foods. Personalized diets focusing on food triggers and interference with leaky gut must be integrated to MOH and migraine treatment to achieve sustainable management of these disorders.

Processed meat products and snacks consumption in ADHD: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been linked to "unhealthy" food consumption, but the studies in this area are insufficient. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between ADHD/related symptoms and processed meat products and snack consumption. METHODS: This study was conducted on 390 children aged between 6 and 17 with 169 ADHD (38 Girls, 131 Boys) and 221 healthy controls (93 Girls, 128 Boys). Food consumption was evaluated by a modified food frequency questionnaire, including 18 food containing processed meat products and snacks. ADHD symptoms were evaluated by the teacher and parent Turgay DSM-IV-Based Child and Adolescent Disruptive Behavioral Disorders Screening and Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-Scale) and Conners' Rating Scale (CPRS, CTRS). RESULTS: Children with ADHD consumed more processed meat products, milk-based desserts, and chocolate-sweets than controls (p<0.05). A positive correlation was observed between the ADHD symptom scores and the consumption amount of all snacks, the amount of chocolate-sweets consumption, the frequency of consumption of sujuk, chocolate, jelly beans, sweets, cakes, and chocolate spread (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Children with ADHD consume more foods rich in saturated fat and sugar than their healthy peers. Processed food consumption of children with ADHD may be associated with ADHD symptoms.

Oxidative stress in the blood of farm workers following intensive pesticide exposure.

The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress in workers who formulate organophosphate, synthetic pyrethroid and carbamate pesticides. In this survey, blood erythrocytes from a group of 94 pesticide-formulating workers (at least 5-years experience in pest-control in apple and cherry production) and 45 control subjects were examined for oxidative stress parameters. The control group was composed of 45 healthy people living in the same region with no exposure to pesticides. Lipid peroxidation level, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in erythrocytes were analysed as biomarkers of oxidative stress. In addition, the acetylcholinesterase activity was measured as a biomarker of toxicity. Results indicated that chronic exposure to organophosphate, synthetic pyrethroid and carbamate pesticides were associated with increased activities of catalase, SOD and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (p < 0.05). Acetylcholinesterase activity did not show any significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). It is concluded that human chronic exposure to pesticides may result in stimulated antioxidant enzymes.

Salivary glands of fetuses are adversely affected by artificial food colorings in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Artificial food colorings, as types of food additives, are widely used at present in daily life. We aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to artificial food colorings during the intrauterine period on the salivary glands in adulthood. METHODS: A total of 30 Wistar albino female pregnant rats were included in this study. The treatment group was given a mixture of nine artificial food colorings at no observed adverse-effect-level doses. Neither mothers nor offspring were fed with food colorings after delivery. When the offspring became adults, they were sacrificed, and the possible histopathological and immunohistochemical effects of artificial food colorings on the salivary glands were investigated. In these glands, anti-matrix metallopeptidase 2 (anti-MMP2), anti-MMP9, anti-tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (anti-TIMP1), anti-TIMP2, and anti-TIMP3 were examined. RESULTS: The expressions of anti-MMP2, anti-TIMP1, anti-TIMP2, and anti-TIMP3 parameters were found to be higher in treatment groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was suggested that intrauterine exposure of synthetic food colorings may lead to deterioration of the tissue structure of the salivary glands in adulthood, thereby increasing susceptibility to chronic illnesses including malignancy and chronic inflammation. Therefore, pregnant women should give importance to their nutrition in terms of foods containing synthetic colorings.

Food additives and microbiota.

The use of food additives in food production is inevitable in this modern world. Although only a safe amount of food additives is approved, their safety has always been questioned. To our knowledge, the effects of food additives on microbiota have not been investigated in a detailed manner in the literature so far. In this review, the effects of artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, emulsifiers, food colorants, flavor enhancers, thickeners, anticaking agents, and preservatives on microbiota were reviewed. Even though most of the results illustrated negative outcomes, few of them showed positive effects of food additives on the microbiota. Although it is difficult to obtain exact results due to differences in experimental animals and models, said the findings suggest that nonnutritive synthetic sweeteners may lead to glucose intolerance by affecting microbiota and a part of sugar alcohols show similar effects like probiotics.

Assessment of Pain, Anxiety, and Cortisol Levels During the Initial Aligning Phase of Fixed Orthodontic Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed pain and anxiety using psychological testing instruments (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, visual analog scale) and a physiological testing instrument (salivary cortisol hormone level) after the insertion of orthodontic appliances and during the initial alignment phase of orthodontic treatment. METHODS: The study group involved two groups matched according to age and gender. Group 1 used 0.016-, 0.016×0.016-, and 0.16×0.22-inch and Group 2 used 0.014-, 0.016-, and 0.016×0.016-inch superelastic nickel-titanium archwires in the initial alignment phase of treatment. Pain and anxiety instruments were applied, and saliva samples were collected from the patients before and after molar band insertions, and bracket and initial archwire placement, and 7 days after the initial bonding and archwire replacements. RESULTS: Cortisol levels and state anxiety scores revealed statistically significant differences within groups (p<0.01, p<0.05). No significant differences were found between Group 1 and Group 2 in cortisol hormone levels, anxiety scores, or pain measurements (p>0.05). Although not statistically significant, the most severe pain was measured in the posterior teeth after band insertion and in the anterior teeth after the first archwire insertion (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Orthodontic appliances and the initial alignment phase of orthodontic treatment affect patients' anxiety and cortisol hormone levels. Both archwires were equally effective with regard to perceived pain, anxiety, and stress hormone levels.

May nesfatin-1 be a state marker in major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation?

The best known effects of nesfatin-1 are on appetite and metabolic regulation. Moreover, several research suggest that nesfatin-1 play a role in stress responses. This molecule may be involved in the pathophysiology of mood disorders and suicidal behavior. We compared nesfatin-1 levels between depressed patients with suicidal ideation (n = 32, mean ±â€¯SD, 1,40 ±â€¯0.11), without suicidal ideation(n = 31, 1.46 ±â€¯0.14) and healthy controls (n = 32, 1.52 ±â€¯0.13). Suicidal ideation was assessed with the Suicide Probability Scale, Scale for Suicide Ideation and depressive symptoms were evaluated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Blood samples were collected to measure serum nesfatin-1levels by using ELISA method. The study revealed that serum nesfatin-1 levels were significantly lower in MDD with suicidal ideation than in healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). There were a negative correlation between the scores of suicidal ideation and nesfatin-1 levels in MDD with SI group (r = -0.215; p = 0.016). In the future, nesfatin-1 levels may one day be applied in predicting and monitoring patients' suicide risk. Further prospective studies are required to elucidate this potential association.

Effect of long-term fluoride exposure on lipid peroxidation and histology of testes in first- and second-generation rats.

This experiment was designed to investigate the histological and lipid peroxidation effects of chronic fluorosis on testes tissues of first- and second-generation rats. Sixteen virgin female Wistar rats were mated with eight males (2:1) for approximately 12 h to obtain first-generation rats. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups: controls and fluoride-given group, each of which containing five rats. Pregnant rats in the fluoride-given group were exposed to a total dose of 30 mg/l sodium fluoride (NaF) in commercial drinking water containing 0.07 mg/l of NaF throughout the gestation and lactation periods. After the lactation period, the young animals (first generation, F1) were exposed to the same dose of NaF in drinking water for 4 months. At the end of the 4 months of experimental period, nine randomly chosen male rats (F1) were killed and testes tissues were taken for histopathological and biochemical analysis. The remaining eight female rats were mated with four males (2:1) for approximately 12 h to obtain second-generation rats. Six female were identified as pregnant and treated with similarly throughout the gestation and the lactation periods. After the lactation period, the young male animals (second generation, F2) were also treated in the same way for 4 months. At the end of the 4 months of experimental period, nine randomly chosen male rats (F2) were killed and testes tissues were collected for histopathological and biochemical analysis. The rats in the control group were applied the same procedure without NaF administration. In biochemical analysis of the fluoride given F1 and F2 rats, it has been found that plasma fluoride levels and testes thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels were significantly increased when compared with the control group. In F1 and F2 rats, similar histopathological changes were observed. In both groups, spermatogenesis was severely reduced. Spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes were normal, however, there was a widespread degeneration in other spermatogenic cell lines of the seminiferous epithelium. The histological structures of the Sertoli and interstitial Leydig cells were normally observed. It is concluded that chronic fluorosis exposure leads to a remarkable destruction in testes tissues of F1 and F2 rats via lipid peroxidation.