Relationship between genetic polymorphisms MTHFR (C677T, A1298C), MTR (A2756G) and MTRR (A66G) genes and multiple sclerosis: a case-control study.

Recent studies have reported elevated plasma homocysteine and reduced folate and vitamin B levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between MS and the following four DNA polymorphisms: MTR A[2756]G, MTHFR C[677]T, MTHFR A[1298]C and MTRR A[66]G. The DNA polymorphisms were genotyped in 80 patients with confirmed MS and 80 healthy control age- and gender-matched subjects using PCR-RFLP approach. Our results show that the frequency of the T/T genotype homozygotes for the MTHFR C[677]T polymorphism was significantly higher in patients than in controls (p = 0.04, OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.23-8.17). In turn, the A/A genotype of the MTHFR A[1298]C polymorphism was more frequent in controls than in patients (41.3% vs. 32.5%, p = 0.04). There were no differences in distribution of genotypes for the MTR A[66]G and MTR A[2756]C polymorphisms between patients with MS and controls (p > 0.05). Our findings suggested that the MTHFR C[677]T and MTHFR A[1298]C gene polymorphisms might be associated with MS as genetic factors influencing the risk of the disease.

Affective Temperament Profiles in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Association with Mood Disorders.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to screen for bipolarity and to investigate the affective temperaments of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the possible association between the clinical and demographic characteristics of MS patients and temperament profiles. METHODS: A total of 65 patients with MS and 66 healthy volunteers completed the 32-item hypomania checklist (HCl-32), the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), and the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) tests. The HCl-32, MDQ, and TEMPS-A scores were compared between the patients and healthy volunteers. RESULTS: MS patients had significantly higher scores for the depressive, cyclothymic, irritable, and anxious domains of the TEMPS-A scale than the control group, whereas relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) patients had higher MDQ and TEMPS-A hyperthymia scores than secondary progressive MS patients. MS patients who were being treated with interferon beta 1-b therapy had significantly higher MDQ scores than those being treated with interferon beta 1-a, glatiramer acetate, or who were without medication. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were positively correlated with TEMPS-A depressive and hyperthymic temperaments. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that higher scores for affective temperament in MS patients indicate subclinical manifestations of mood disorders. Higher hyperthymia scores and manic symptoms detected in the RRMS group could shed light on the relationship between bipolarity and MS. Thus, the screening of bipolarity and affective temperament profiles in MS patients could help clinicians predict future mood episodes and decrease their impact on disease severity.

[A Case of Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease That Developed With Psychiatric Symptoms]. / Psikiyatrik Bulgularla Baslayan Sporadik Creutzfeldt-Jakob Hastaligi Olgusu.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a fairly rare prion sickness characterized by rapidly progressive dementia and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The diversity of clinical characteristics of the disease causes difficulties during diagnosis. The first finding of the disease might be psychiatric symptoms. The male patient who was diagnosed with CJD after dementia, ataxia, and myoclonus developed rapidly following psychiatric symptoms, was presented in order to draw attention to the onset with psychiatric symptoms in CJD.

Parotid Abscess with Involvement of Facial Nerve Branches.

Facial nerve paresis is only rarely seen with benign diseases of the parotid gland. A 22-year male had muscle loss in the preauricular region of the right side of his face that extended towards the mandibular angle for the last 6 months. The neurological examination did not reveal any pathology other than right preauricular region muscle atrophy that was limited by the mandibular angle. The Electroneuronography (EnoG) provided a ratio of 55.38%, compared the affected side to left side. Ultrasonography of the defined region showed two mass lesions 13.5 x 7 mm and 10 x 5 mm in size in the anteromedial section of the right parotid gland that were close to each other, without internal calcific foci, and heterogenous hyperechogenic structure without internal vascularization. Fine needle aspiration obtained many polymorphonuclear leukocytes, cell debris, a few mononuclear inflammatory cells and many crystalloid structures. The lesion was diagnosed as a parotid abscess. Antibiotic treatment was started for the parotid gland abscess.

The prevalance of epilepsy among college students in Canakkale, Turkey.

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of epilepsy among students of the Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University. This cross sectional epidemiological study was performed on 4762 of 19,988 Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University students in the academic year 2007-2008. Participants that answered "epilepsy" to the question "Do you have any disease diagnosed by a doctor?" in a questionnaire including 4 subgroups were identified. Data were transferred to the Epi-Info Version 6.0 statistics program and controlled data were analyzed in the SPSS 15.0 statistics program. There were 53.1% of female and 46.9% of male students, mean age 20.4 ± 2.1 (range 17-43) years. Twelve (0.25%) students had epilepsy diagnosis, eight (66.7%) female and four (33.3%) male, mean age 20.8 ± 1.8 years. In our study, epilepsy was detected in 0.25% of students (n = 12). Age specific prevalence studies related to epilepsy epidemiology are extremely rare, especially in university students with average intelligence. Thus, we considered that it would be epidemiologically significant to share the results of our cross sectional study with all those involved in epilepsy epidemiology and management.

Neuroprotective effect of p-coumaric acid in rat model of embolic cerebral ischemia.

OBJECTIVES: Stroke poses a crucial risk for mortality and morbidity. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of p-coumaric acid on focal cerebral ischemia in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely Group I (control rats), Group II (ischemia rats), Group III (6 hr ischemia + p-coumaric acid rats) and Group IV (24 hr ischemia + p-coumaric acid rats). Cerebral ischemia was induced via intraluminal monofilament occlusion model. In all groups, the brain was removed after the procedure and rats were sacrificed. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and nuclear respiratory factor-1 were measured in the ischemic hemisphere. The histopathological changes were observed in the right hemisphere within the samples. Functional assessment was performed for neurological deficit scores. RESULTS: Following the treatment, biochemical factors changed significantly. Histopathologically, it was shown that p-coumaric acid decreased the oxidative damage. The neurological deficit scores of p-coumaric acid-treated rats were significantly improved after cerebral ischemia. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that p-coumaric acid is a neuroprotective agent on account of its strong anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic features. Moreover, p-coumaric acid decreased the focal ischemia. Extra effort should be made to introduce p-coumaric acid as a promising therapeutic agent to be utilized for treatment of human cerebral ischemia in the future.

Neuroprotective effects of daidzein on focal cerebral ischemia injury in rats.

Daidzein, a plant extract, has antioxidant activity. It is hypothesized, in this study, that daidzein exhibits neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia. Rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were intraperitoneally administered daidzein. Biochemical and immunohistochemical tests showed that superoxide dismutase and nuclear respiratory factor 1 expression levels in the brain tissue decreased after ischemia and they increased obviously after daidzein administration; malondialdehyde level and apoptosis-related cysteine peptidase caspase-3 and caspase-9 immunoreactivity in the brain tissue increased after ischemia and they decreased obviously after daidzein administration. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and luxol fast blue staining results showed that intraperitoneal administration of daidzein markedly alleviated neuronal damage in the ischemic brain tissue. These findings suggest that daidzein exhibits neuroprotective effects on ischemic brain tissue by decreasing oxygen free radical production, which validates the aforementioned hypothesis.

The protective effect of syringic acid on ischemia injury in rat brain.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Brain ischemia and treatment are important topics in neurological science. Free oxygen radicals and inflammation formed after ischemia are accepted as the most significant causes of damage. Currently there are studies on many chemopreventive agents to prevent cerebral ischemia damage. Our aim is to research the preventive effect of the active ingredient in syringic acid, previously unstudied, on oxidative damage in cerebral ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (no medication or surgical procedure), sham group (artery occlusion), artery occlusion + syringic acid group sacrificed at 6 h, and artery occlusion + syringic acid group sacrificed at 24 h. Obtained brain tissue from the right hemisphere was investigated histopathologically and for tissue biochemistry. RESULTS: Superoxide dismutase and nuclear respiratory factor 1 values decreased after ischemia and they increased after syringic acid treatment, while increased malondialdehyde levels after ischemia were reduced after treatment. Caspase-3 and caspase-9 values increased after ischemia and decreased after treatment; this reduction was more pronounced at 24 h. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that syringic acid treatment in cerebral ischemia reduced oxidative stress and neuronal degeneration. In the light of the biochemical and histopathologic results of the present study, we think that syringic acid treatment may be an alternative treatment method.

The Neuroprotective Effect of Glycyrrhizic Acid on an Experimental Model of Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats.

Cerebral ischemia is still one of the most important topics in neurosciences. Our study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective and anti-oxidant effects of glycyrrhizic acid on focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Twenty-four rats were divided equally into three groups. A middle cerebral artery occlusion model was performed in this study where sham and glycyrrhizic acid were administered intraperitoneally following middle cerebral artery occlusion. Group I was evaluated as control. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF1) levels were analyzed biochemically on the right cerebral hemisphere, while ischemic histopathological studies were completed to investigate the anti-oxidant status. Biochemical results showed that SOD and NRF1 levels were significantly increased in the glycyrrhizic acid group compared with the sham group while MDA levels were significantly decreased. On histopathological examination, cerebral edema, vacuolization, degeneration, and destruction of neurons were decreased in the glycyrrhizic acid group compared with the sham group. Cerebral ischemia was attenuated by glycyrrhizic acid administration. These observations indicate that glycyrrhizic acid may have potential as a therapeutic agent in cerebral ischemia by preventing oxidative stress.

Effects of Tannic Acid on the Ischemic Brain Tissue of Rats.

Many studies of brain ischemia have shown the role played by massive ischemia-induced production of reactive oxygen species, the main mechanism of neuronal death. However, currently, there is no treatment choice to prevent cell death triggered by reactive oxygen species. In our study, we researched the effects of tannic acid, an antioxidant, on the ischemic tissue of rats with induced middle cerebral artery occlusion. The animals were divided into three groups of eight animals. The sham group were only administered 10 % ethanol intraperitoneally, the second group had middle cerebral artery occlusion induced and were given 10 % ethanol intraperitoneally, while the third group had middle cerebral artery occlusion with 10 mg/kg dose tannic acid dissolved in 10 % ethanol administered within half an hour intraperitoneally. The rats were sacrificed 24 h later, and brain tissue was examined biochemically and histopathologically. Biochemical evaluation of brain tissue found that comparing the ischemic group with no treatment with the tannic acid-treated ischemia group; the superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were higher, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were lower, and nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) was higher in the tannic acid-treated group. Histopathological examination showed that the histopathological results of the tannic acid group were better than the group not given tannic acid. Biochemical and histopathological results showed that tannic acid administration had an antioxidant effect on the negative effects of ischemia in brain tissue.

Tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 10 and interleukin 6 gene polymorphisms of ischemic stroke patients in south Marmara region of Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is an important cause of adult mortality and morbidity; however its pathogenesis is still unknown. Several studies have examined to determine the role of genetic polymorphism of proinflammatory cytokines in the occurence of stroke. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between three polymorphisms; including tumour necrosis alpha (TNFα)-238 GA, interleukin( IL-10)-1028 GA (rs1800896), IL-6-(rs1800795) and ischemic stroke in a Turkish population. METHODS: Forty two stroke patients and 48 healhty controls were genotyped using PCR analysis for TNFα-238 G/A, IL-10-1028 GA and IL-6-rs1800795 AG polymorphisms. RESULTS: The frequency of the CC and CG, GG genotype of IL-6 gene (rs1800795) were statiscially significiantly higher in IS patients than controls (for C/C genotype, P=0.03, OR=4.3; 95% CI: 1.13 to 16.29 and for C/G genotype, P=0.04, OR=3.6; 95% CI: 1.03 to 12.95, for G/G genotype, P=0.02, OR=0.25; 95% CI: 0.07-0.85 respectively). CONCLUSION: Il-6 CC genotyped was found strongly associated with ischemic stroke than other two polymorpisms TNF-α and IL-10 in our population.

Neuroprotective effect of humic Acid on focal cerebral ischemia injury: an experimental study in rats.

Stroke is still a major cause of death and permanent neurological disability. As humic acids are well-known antioxidant molecules, the purpose of this study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of humic acid in a focal cerebral ischemia model. Twenty-four rats were divided equally into three groups. A middle cerebral artery occlusion model was performed in this study where control (group II) and humic acid (group III) were administered intraperitoneally following an ischemic experimental procedure. Group I was evaluated as sham. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) levels were analyzed biochemically on the right side of the ischemic cerebral hemisphere, while ischemic histopathological studies were completed on the left side to investigate the antioxidant status. Biochemical results showed that SOD and NRF-1 levels were significantly increased in the humic acid group (III) compared with the control group (II) while MDA levels were significantly decreased. On histopathological examination, cerebral edema, vacuolization, degeneration, and destruction of neural elements were decreased in the humic acid group (III) compared with the control group (II). Cerebral ischemia was attenuated by humic acid administration. These observations indicate that humic acid may have potential as a therapeutic agent in cerebral ischemia by preventing oxidative stress.

Evaluation of platelet distribution width and mean platelet volume in patients with carotid artery stenosis.

Platelets contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Platelet activation has been linked with increased mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW). We investigated the association between PDW, MPW, and the degree of carotid artery stenosis (CS). Patients (n = 229) were divided into 3 groups according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria. Demographic and clinical features were collected retrospectively. Correlation analysis showed a positive association between PDW and the degree of CS. However, there was no significant correlation between CS and MPV. Moreover, we observed that PDW and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were independent predictors of the degree of CS. This study showed that PDW, not MPV, is related to the degree of CS. Platelet distribution width could be a useful biomarker for CS. Whether targeting PDW will be of clinical benefit remains to be established.

A wandering intravascular scalpel fragment after lumbar discectomy: a case report.

Vascular complications after lumbar discectomy are rarely seen. We present a unique and potentially life-threatening postoperative complication from this procedure. A 27-year-old man was admitted to our emergency vascular unit 1 day after a lumbar discectomy, during which a scalpel blade fragmented and a part was lost. Radiological images of the patient were performed and a broken scalpel blade was located anterior to the sacrum. An anterior laparotomy was performed which identified a mass within the left iliac vein that migrated suddenly to the inferior vena cava. An emergency angiography was performed, by which time the scalpel blade had ascended to the right-sided inferior pulmonary artery. It was subsequently removed via a right lateral thoracotomy.

Sleep disturbance among women with chronic pelvic pain.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of chronic pelvic pain (CPP), a debilitating condition, on sleep quality. METHODS: The present case-control study enrolled women older than 18 years attending the Gynecology Clinic of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Hospital, Çanakkale, Turkey, with CPP between August 2011 and August 2012. The control group was selected from women attending the clinic for another complaint. Sleep quality was evaluated via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and differences between the groups were compared by t and χ(2) tests. RESULTS: During the study period, 157 women were enrolled. Seventy-two had CPP symptoms, and 85 attended the clinic for other complaints. Poor sleep quality was found in 80% (n = 58) of the women with CPP, and 55% (n = 47) of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Women with CPP were found to have poor sleep quality. Sleep education should be recommended in psychiatry and neurology clinics to increase the awareness of sleeping problems among these women.

The neuroprotective effect of Sulindac after ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the neuroprotective effects of Sulindac on the hippocampal complex after global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: Thirty one Sprague-Dawley rats were used, distributed into group I (sham) n:7 were used as control. For group II (n:8), III (n:8) and IV (n:8) rats, cerebral ischemia was performed via the occlusion of bilateral internal carotid artery for 45 minutes and continued with reperfusion process. 0.3 mL/kg/h 0.9 % sodium chloride was infused intraperitoneally to the Group II rats before ischemia, 5µg/kg/h/0.3 ml sulindac was infused intraperitoneally to the Group III rats before ischemia and 5µg/kg/h/0.3 ml sulindac was infused intraperitoneally to the Group IV rats after ischemia and before reperfusion process. The levels of MDA, GSH and MPO activity were measured in the left hippocampus tissue. The hippocampal tissue of all group members were taken for histopathological study. RESULTS: The MDA and MPO levels increased from group I (control) to group II (I/R) (P<0.05) and decreased from group II (I/R) to group III (presulindac + I/R) and IV (postsulindac + I/R) (P<0.05). Beside these, the GSH levels decreased from group I (control) to group II (I/R) (P<0.05) and increased from group II (I/R) to group III (presulindac + I/R) and IV (postsulindac + I/R) (P<0.05).The number of apoptotic neurons increased from group I (control) to group II (I/R) (P<0.05) and decreased from group II (I/R) to group III (presulindac + I/R) and IV (postsulindac + I/R) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The Sulindac may have neuroprotective effects on ischemic neural tissue to prevent the reperfusion injury after ischemia.

Radioprotective effects of Nigella sativa oil against oxidative stress in liver tissue of rats exposed to total head irradiation.

OBJECTIVE: Many cancer patients treated with radiotherapy suffer severe side effects during and after their treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of irradiation and the addition of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on the oxidant/antioxidant system in the liver tissue of irradiated rats. METHODS: A total of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into three groups of equal numbers. The control group received neither NSO nor irradiation but received 1-ml saline orally. The irradiation group (IR) received total head 5 gray (Gy) of gamma irradiation as a single dose, plus 1-ml saline orally. The IR plus NSO group received both total head 5 Gy of gamma irradiation as a single dose and 1 g/kg/day NSO orally through an orogastric tube starting one hour before irradiation and continuing for 10 days. RESULTS: While liver tissue total oxidant status (TOS), lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) level, and oxidative stress index (OSI) were significantly increased in the IR group compared to the control group, total antioxidant status (TAS), sulfhydryl (-SH) levels, and PON activity were significantly decreased. Cp activity in the IR plus NSO and IR groups was higher than in the control group. ARYL activity in the IR plus NSO supplemented group was higher than that in other groups. CONCLUSIONS: NSO reduces oxidative stress markers and has antioxidant effects, which also augments the antioxidant capacity in the liver tissue of rats.

The neuroprotective effect of Sulindac after ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

To investigate the neuroprotective effects of Sulindac on the hippocampal complex after global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Thirty one Sprague-Dawley rats were used, distributed into group I (sham) n:7 were used as control. For group II (n:8), III (n:8) and IV (n:8) rats, cerebral ischemia was performed via the occlusion of bilateral internal carotid artery for 45 minutes and continued with reperfusion process. 0.3 mL/kg/h 0.9 % sodium chloride was infused intraperitoneally to the Group II rats before ischemia, 5μg/kg/h/0.3 ml sulindac was infused intraperitoneally to the Group III rats before ischemia and 5μg/kg/h/0.3 ml sulindac was infused intraperitoneally to the Group IV rats after ischemia and before reperfusion process. The levels of MDA, GSH and MPO activity were measured in the left hippocampus tissue. The hippocampal tissue of all group members were taken for histopathological study. The MDA and MPO levels increased from group I (control) to group II (I/R) (P<0.05) and decreased from group II (I/R) to group III (presulindac + I/R) and IV (postsulindac + I/R) (P<0.05). Beside these, the GSH levels decreased from group I (control) to group II (I/R) (P<0.05) and increased from group II (I/R) to group III (presulindac + I/R) and IV (postsulindac + I/R) (P<0.05).The number of apoptotic neurons increased from group I (control) to group II (I/R) (P<0.05) and decreased from group II (I/R) to group III (presulindac + I/R) and IV (postsulindac + I/R) (P<0.05). The Sulindac may have neuroprotective effects on ischemic neural tissue to prevent the reperfusion injury after ischemia.