Evaluation of the Post-Mortem Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase Activities and Malondialdehyde Level in Renal and Brain Tissues: Is it Possible to Estimate Post-Mortem Interval Using these Parameters?

BACKGROUND: Estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is one major area of interest in forensic medicine. We investigated changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rat brain and renal tissues in the PMI and examined the potential changes which may be useful for an estimation of time of death. METHODS: Forty albino female rats were used in this study. The rats were sacrificed and divided into five groups: Group 1: 0 hour, Group 2: 6 hours, Group 3: 12 hours, Group 4: 24 hours, and Group 5: 48 hours. The rats were housed at room temperature (22 degrees C ± 2 degrees C) for the defined period for each group, and their brains and kidneys were excised. RESULTS: The postmortem MDA levels were significantly different between groups for both renal and brain tissues (p = 0.003; p = 0.007). The diagnostic adequacy of MDA was calculated. Regarding SOD and GSH-Px, we were not able to obtain any date that would be useful for the prediction of PMI. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, it is possible that an estimation of the PMI can be made using postmortem MDA levels. Regarding SOD and GSH-Px, we were not able to obtain any data that would be useful for the prediction of PMI.

The reference intervals of thyroid stimulating hormone in healthy individuals with normal levels of serum free thyroxine and without sonographic pathologies.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to investigate the reference intervals for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in healthy individuals with normal levels of serum free thyroxine (fT4) and without sonographic pathologies, and determine the effects of age, gender, and residence on the TSH reference intervals. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This research was a population-based study conducted in 70 regions. The random sampling method was used to select the 1095 subjects of the study among inhabitants aged 18 and above. Patients who had a previous history of thyroid disease and had been taking medication were excluded from the study as this may have affected their fT4 or TSH levels. In addition, subjects who had serum fT4 without a reference range and abnormal ultrasonography findings were also excluded. A total of 408 subjects were used for establishing the reference intervals for TSH. RESULTS: The data for TSH in the study group were not normally distributed according to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov index. The geometric mean was 1.62 mIU/L, the median was 1.40 mIU/L, and the 95% reference intervals were 0.38-4.22 mIU/L. The median TSH level was higher in females compared to males (p < 0.05). In the female subjects 2.5th percentile of TSH was lower and 97.5th percentile was higher than those of males. The reference intervals of TSH were of lower values in subjects over 50 years old (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Studies suggest that determination of the TSH reference intervals may differ due to environmental influences or due to age, gender, and race. It is suggested that the lower limit of normal TSH for the adult Turkish population would be 0.38 mIU/L and the upper limit similar to the traditional value of 4.2 mIU/L. If each clinician uses their population-specific reference interval for TSH, thyroid function abnormalities can be accurately estimated.

Oxidative stress status in patients with acute urticaria.

BACKGROUND: The conflicting information related to oxidative stress status in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria has been reported in several studies. However, the association between acute urticaria (AU) and oxidative stress has not been investigated exhaustively. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of the oxidative stress in the patients with AU by determining the oxidant/antioxidant activity in AU and to establish its clinical significance. METHODS: About 50 patients with AU, (10 males, 40 females) and 30 unrelated healthy controls (4 males, 26 females) were enrolled into the study. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), serum NO and protein carbonyls levels in the plasma were measured spectrophotometrically at samples. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase was observed in serum Cu-ZnSOD activities of the patients when compared with that of the controls (p < 0.001), while a statistically significant decrease was observed in GSH-Px activities of the patients according to the controls (p = 0.002). Serum MDA and NO levels were significantly higher in patients with AU when compared with control group (p < 0.001 for both of them). The levels of protein carbonyls were significantly lower in patients with AU when compared with control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It seems there is an oxidative burden in the patients with AU. Cutaneous oxidative stress may play a role in pathogenesis of the disease.

Oxidative stress status in patients with melasma.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired skin disease characterized clinically by development of gray-brown macules or patches. The lesions have geographic borders and most often seen on face and less frequently on the neck and forearms. Pathogenesis has not been completely understood yet. Although the disease constitutes a very disturbing cosmetic problem, it has not obtained an efficient treatment. There were not any studies in the literature that evaluates the role of oxidative stress in melasma. OBJECTIVES: The evaluation of the role of oxidative stress in melasma. METHODS: Fifty melasma patients and 50 healthy volunteers were included in the study. The diagnosis was made clinically and the patients were evaluated by Melasma Area Severity Index. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities and malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, protein carbonyl levels were measured both in the melasma group and the control group. RESULTS: SOD and GSH-Px enzyme activities were significantly higher in the patient group in comparison with the control group (p < 0.001). Protein carbonyl levels were significantly lower in the patient group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results show that the balance between oxidant and anti-oxidants was disrupted and the oxidative stress increased in melasma. These results improve the understanding of etiology-pathogenesis of the disease and its treatment.

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.

The frequency of antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides and rheumatoid factor in healthy population: a field study of rheumatoid arthritis from northern Turkey.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic and an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane that affects approximately 1 % of the total world population. Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a widely used auto antibody in diagnosis of the RA and found positive in 50-80 % of the patients but with a lower specificity. On the other hand, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) is the latest serological marker with a specificity around 98 %. This field survey was conducted in different regions to investigate the frequency of RF and anti-CCP and also frequency of RA in a northern province of Turkey. This study was conducted in 70 local areas (12 urban and 58 rural) in the province of Tokat, which is located in northern Turkey. The population of Tokat was reported to be 828,000 at the last census and about 530,000 individuals aged > 18 years old. The study population of 941 subjects (462 male and 479 female; urban 501 and rural 440) was selected by random sampling method among 530,000 individuals. Of the 941 healthy controls assigned to the study, 479 of them were female (51 %) and 462 of them were males (49 %), and median age of all participants was 41 ± 17. Twenty-six subjects were RF positive (2.8 %), and 9 patients were anti-CCP positive (1 %). The presence of both RF and anti-CCP antibodies has also been shown in two patients (0.2 %). In conclusion, we demonstrated that the frequency of RA was 0.53 %, RF presence was 2.8 %, and anti-CCP presence was 1 % in total 941 healthy subjects enrolled into study.

Antioxidant effects of propofol on tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: This experimental study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effects of propofol anesthesia at induction doses in a rat skeletal muscle ischemia/reperfusion injury model. METHODS: Twenty-six rats were randomly divided into three groups to receive one of the following interventions: sham operation (n = 6), ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (n = 10), or propofol administration in addition to I/R injury (n = 10). I/R injury was attained by 2-h clamping of femoral artery followed by 3-h perfusion. Then blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical analysis and histopathologic examination. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities and nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in both plasma and muscle tissue. In addition, catalase (CAT) activity and protein carbonyl (PC) content were measured in muscle tissue. RESULTS: I/R group had significantly higher SOD activity (9.05 versus 5.63 and 6.18 U/mL, P < 0.05) and NO level (46.77 versus 30.62 and 33.90 µmol/L, P < 0.05) compared with sham-operated group and I/R plus propofol group. In addition, GSH-Px activity of the I/R group was significantly higher than sham-operated group (1.26 versus 1.05 U/mL, P < 0.05). I/R group had significantly higher tissue activities of CAT (0.11 versus 0.06 and 0.04 k/g protein, P < 0.05) and SOD (0.12 versus 0.08 and 0.07 U/mg protein, P < 0.05) compared with the sham and I/R plus propofol group. Histopathologic examination showed that I/R plus propofol group had significantly lower degeneration (P = 0.021) and inflammation (P = 0.028) scores compared with I/R group. CONCLUSION: Propofol anesthesia seems to enhance the antioxidant capacity against tourniquet induced ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Oxidative status in the lungs associated with tobacco smoke exposure.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress has a critical role in inflammatory responce against tobacco smoke (TS). Testing exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples is one of the methods used for assessment of airway inflammation caused by TS. We aimed to investigate oxidative stress in the lungs associated with TS and to evaluate the effect of this stress with pulmonary function tests (PFTs). METHODS: We included 69 subjects as three groups into the study (Group I; 26 smokers, Group II; 21 passive smokers, Group III; 22 non-smokers without TS exposure). Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), nitrite/nitrate [index of nitric oxide (NO) production], vitamin C, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured in EBC samples collected using a condenser and PFTs were performed. RESULTS: The levels of MDA, 8-OHdG, SOD and GSH-Px were higher in smokers. NO levels gradually increased from Group I to Group III. MDA levels were lower in Group III than Group II. The levels of vitamin C were similar in all groups. We determined negative correlation between 8-OHdG levels and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and maximum mean expiratory flow (MMEF), and a positive correlation between SOD levels and FEV1. CONCLUSIONS: TS exposure affected the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity of lungs. Preventing environmental TS exposure might decrease oxidative damage. Increased levels of 8-OHdG and SOD levels could be assessed as an early sign of airway damage.

Does mitomycin-C increase collagen turnover as a modulator of wound healing in tracheostomyzed rats?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effect of mitomycin-C in the wound healing process on collagen synthesis in tracheostomyzed rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen healthy, in both sexes, mean weight of 270 g (range 250-300 g), Wistar-Albino type rats underwent tracheotomy and tracheal mucosa was damaged with micro-scissors on both sides of tracheostomyzed area. The rats were divided into two groups: The experimental group (group 1) received immediate topical application of mitomycin-C 0.2 mg/ml; the control group (group 2) received saline solution. The rats were sacrificed after a period of one month. Subsequently, the tracheostomyzed region was excised and vertically divided into the two parts. The level of hydroxyproline in the dry tissue was measured in one part of the tissue. Fibroblast count was performed in the other part of the tracheostomyzed region using the stereological method. RESULTS: The hydroxyproline level was much higher in the mitomycin-C group when compared to the control group (p<0.05). In contrary, the number of fibroblasts was lower in the mitomycin-C group than control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: When used in wound healing, mitomycin-C may increase collagen synthesis or quicken the wound healing process after one month.

Association between elevated aminotransferase levels and the metabolic syndrome in Northern Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: Elevated aminotransferase levels(ATLs) are alert the physicians for liver-affecting disease and may reflect liver injury. We aimed to determine the prevalence of elevated ATLs and the association of elevated ATLs with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a northern province of Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Elevated ATLs were evaluated among 1,095 individuals of the Tokat Prevalence Study which have been described in detail elsewhere. 1,095 participants had been selected by a simple random sampling method among 530,000 inhabitants in 70 (12 urban and 58 rural) areas in the province of Tokat which is located in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. RESULTS: The prevalence of elevated serum ALT, AST, and ALT and/or AST were found as 11%, 7.2%, and 13.3%, respectively. Increased BMI, fatty liver, and MetS were higher in our general population with elevated ATLs. After exclusion of individuals with hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, 132 individuals with elevated ATLs (91 male and 41 female) were evaluated. MetS was found in 59 participants and its prevalence was markedly higher in females with elevated ATLs (p < 0.0001). When the males with elevated ATLs were evaluated, the ALT levels of the persons who have no risk of MetS (p =0.007) and the persons who have one risk of MetS (p = 0.001) were lower than the persons with MetS. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated ATLs are common and it's an important cause is MetS in Northern Turkey.

Increased oxidative stress in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant/oxidant status of serum in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). METHODS: Forty-seven patients with PEX and 32 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were determined by using a novel automated method. RESULTS: A significant increase in serum TOS (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in serum TAC (p < 0.0001) were observed in PEX patients compared to control subjects. CONCLUSION: TAC decreases while the oxidative stress increases in PEX.

Ameliorative effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on histopathological and biochemical changes induced by cigarette smoke in rat kidney.

It was aimed to investigate the histopathological and biochemical changes in kidney tissues of rats exposed to cigarette smoke and possible protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on these changes. Twenty one male Wistar albino rats were divided into three equal groups. Animals in group I were used as control. Rats in group II were exposed to cigarette smoke and rats in group III were exposed to cigarette smoke and daily administration of CAPE. At the end of the 60-day experimental period, all the animals were sacrificed by decapitation. The serum samples obtained from the animals were studied for uric acid, creatinine and blood urine nitrogen (BUN) levels. Following routine histological procedures, kidney tissue specimens were examined under a light microscope. In addition, dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) contents were determined spectrophotometrically in tissue samples. It was found that serum uric acid and BUN levels of the rats exposed to cigarette smoke alone were elevated, although serum creatinine levels did not significantly change. Furthermore, renal SOD, GSH-Px, NO and MDA levels were significantly increased. These increases in serum BUN, and renal SOD, GSH-Px, NO and MDA levels were significantly inhibited by CAPE treatment. In light microscopic observations of tissues from rats exposed to smoke, mesangial cell proliferation in the renal corpuscles, dilatation and congestion in the peritubular capillaries and degenerative alterations in the proximal tubules were noted. There were also atrophic renal corpuscles. However, these histopathological changes were partially disappeared in the rats exposed to cigarette smoke plus CAPE. The present findings indicate that cigarette smoke causes impairment in renal structure and function, which can be prevented by CAPE administration.

[The relation between nitric oxide levels in exhaled breath condensate and asthma control questionnaires in asthma patients]. / Astimli olgularda yogunlastirilmis soluk havasinda nitrik oksit seviyeleri ile astim kontrol ölçekleri arasindaki iliskinin degerlendirilmesi.

The goal of asthma treatment is to achieve clinical control. The aim of this study was to compare the role of measurement of nitric oxide and its products in exhaled breath condensate and asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), level of asthma control (LAC) according to GINA guidelines and bronchial provocation test (BPT) in assessing asthma control in cases with stable asthma. Thus, 47 patients with the diagnosis of stable asthma and 42 individuals in the control group were enrolled in the study. The mean ages of the patient and the control groups were 44 +/- 11 and 47 +/- 11 years, respectively. While there was no significant relation between LAC and levels of nitric oxide, nitrite and nitrate, there was a significant relation between ACQ and mini quality of life questionnaire (p< 0.001). In the group with positive BPT, ACQ scores and absolute serum eosinophil values were significantly higher (p< 0.05), and FEV(1)/FVC and PEF percentages were significantly lower than those of the group with negative BPT (p< 0.05). Reversibility was significantly higher in participants with positive BPT than in those with negative BPT (11.2 +/- 7.4 and 6.9 +/- 6.6, respectively; p< 0.05). There was no significant relationship between nitric oxide, nitrite, nitrate in the exhaled breath condensate and ACQ, LAC, BPT and pulmonary function tests (p> 0.05). In conclusion, it was found that the levels of exhaled breath condensate nitric oxide, nitrite and nitrate were not sufficient for determining the level of asthma control in patients with stable asthma. It was concluded that the currently available asthma control questionnaires may be adequate for assessing asthma control.

Increased frequency of familial Mediterranean fever in northern Turkey: a population-based study.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a systemic relapsing autoinflammatory disorder occurring in populations originating from the Mediterranean basin, mainly Turks, Levantine Arabs, Sephardic Jews, Druze, and Armenians. The prevalence of FMF shows considerable geographical variation. In Turkey, the prevalence rates were reported as 0.0027-0.25%. This field survey was conducted in different regions to investigate the frequency of FMF in a northern province of Turkey. This study was conducted in 70 areas (12 urban and 58 rural) in the province of Tokat, which is in northern Turkey. The population of Tokat was reported to be 828,000 at the last census in Turkey in 2000, about 530,000 for individuals aged >18 years ( http://www.die.gov.tr ). Mean age of 1,095 (541 male and 554 female; urban 555 and rural 540) subjects was 41 +/- 17 (range 18-95 years). FMF frequency in this study was 1/123 (0.82%, 95 CI: 0.40-1.61). Mean age of patients were 27 years (20-41) and mean age of symptoms were 16.3 years (11-23). In conclusion, the frequency of FMF in this study was 1/123 (0.82%) which was higher than expected. This rate is the highest frequency of FMF reported from Turkey. Further large sample studies are needed to define to true prevalence of FMF in Turkey.

Familial Mediterranean fever gene mutations in the inner northern region of Turkey and genotype-phenotype correlation in children.

AIM: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of fever, polyserositis and rash. The aim of this study was to determine the most common mutations and clinical features, and their relationships. METHODS: The medical records of 78 patients were evaluated retrospectively. All of the patients had been diagnosed with FMF according to Tel Hashomer criteria between January 2005 and May 2008 in general paediatric clinics of the School of Medicine at Gaziosmanpasa University. Twelve mutations were detected in the 78 patients by polymerase chain reaction-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The patients were classified into three groups according to allele status. RESULTS: The most prominent clinical symptoms were abdominal pain (95%), fever (90%), arthritis (33%) and pleuritis (31%). Seventeen different genotypes were identified. The mutations were homozygous in 25 (32%) patients, compound heterozygous in 28 (36%) patients and heterozygous in 22 (28%) patients. No mutation was detected in three (4%) patients. The most frequent mutations were M694V (55%), M680I (16%), E148Q (10%) and P369S (4%). The mean symptom severity score was highest in the homozygous group, and high levels of C-reactive protein were also detected in this group. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to clinical criteria, molecular studies for detecting disease-causing mutations are needed to establish the diagnosis of FMF. FMF patients who were homozygous for MEFV gene mutations had a higher symptom severity score and higher incidence of appendectomy. The broad spectrum of mutations may reflect intercultural interactions of ethnic groups in Anatolia. Nation-wide studies may help to determine the relationships among demographic, clinical and genetic features of FMF.

Total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status in patients with major depression: impact of antidepressant treatment.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) are associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and to evaluate the impact of antidepressant treatment on TAC and TOS in MDD. METHODS: Fifty-seven MDD patients and 40 healthy controls participated in the study. Serum TAC and TOS were measured both in patients and controls using Erel's methods. Patients were treated with antidepressant drugs for 12 weeks. The treatment course was evaluated using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) in all patients. RESULTS: TOS and oxidative stress index (OSI) were higher (P = 0.0001 for both) and TAC was lower (P = 0.0001) in the MDD group compared with those of the controls. After 3 months of antidepressant treatment, TOS and OSI were decreased and TAC was increased compared with the pretreatment values (P = 0.0001, for all). Furthermore, there were significant positive correlations between the severity of the disease and serum TOS and OSI (r = 0.584, P = 0.0001; r = 0.636, P = 0.0001, respectively). A negative correlation was found between the severity of the disease and serum TAC (r = -0.553, P = 0.0001) at the pre-treatment stage. CONCLUSION: Treatment administered for 3 months to MDD patients increases TAC while decreasing TOS and OSI.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the Black Sea Region, Turkey, and investigation of the related factors with chronic kidney disease.

We aimed to assess the prevalence of CKD in the Black Sea Region, Turkey, and to evaluate any relationship between age, gender, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and CKD. This study was conducted in 70 different areas in Tokat Province in the Black Sea Region, in the northern part of Turkey. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated from the serum creatinine using MDRD formulas. CKD-defined estimated GFR was lower than 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). A total of 1,079 persons were included in this study (mean age 41.4+/-17 years [range: 18-95 years], 49.4% males, 50.6% living in an urban area). Of the 1,079 individuals, 5.28% were diabetic, 22.9% were obese, and 37.8% were hypertensive. CKD was found in 62 of them (5.75%). The prevalence of CKD was 5.58% in non-diabetics and 8.77% in diabetics. No significant differences were found between two groups. The prevalence of CKD was 3.77% in non-hypertensive individuals and 8.82% in hypertensive patients, and 4.46% in non-obese and 9.31% in obese. The evident significant differences were found between groups (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The prevalence of CKD increased with age within our population. A salient observation was the markedly higher prevalence of CKD in females than males (p = 0.046). There was an inverse correlation between eGFR and age (r = 0.529, p < 0.0001). The overall prevalence of CKD was 5.75% in general population. The prevalence of CKD increased with age within our population. Age, gender, obesity and hypertension were found to be significant risk factors for development of CKD in our population.

Association of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) L55M and PON1 Q192R gene polymorphisms and risk of psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Although there have been significant advances for clarifying the pathogenesis of psoriasis, exact pathogenic mechanism of the disease is still unknown. Oxidative stress is considered to be a new etiopathogenetic key factor in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, as a result of the studies performing the association between psoriasis and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity. In this study, we aimed to examine the possible associations between the both PON1 L55M and PON1 Q192R polymorphisms and psoriasis susceptibility and disease progression in Turkish population. METHODS: The study group consisted of 100 unrelated patients with psoriasis and 153 unrelated healthy controls with no psoriatic lesions in their personal history or on clinical examination. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes from EDTA-anticoagulated blood using the High Pure Polymerase Chain Reaction Template Preparation Kit. To identify PON1 L55M and Q192R single-nucleotide polymorphisms, genotyping was performed using commercially synthesized primers and fluorescently labeled probes and the LightCycler 480 II Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction System. The genotyping method was based on methods developed previously for genotyping both PON1 55 and 192 polymorphisms using LightCycler real-time polymerase chain reaction technology, which relies on fluorescence resonance energy transfer. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the PON1 L55M genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the psoriasis patients and the control group. There was a statistically significant difference between distributions of the genotype or allele frequencies of the PON1 Q192R of the patient groups and control subjects (P=0.0018 and P=0.0001, respectively). PON192Q/R polymorphisms have been found to be associated with susceptibility to psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report simultaneously investigating the possible associations between the PON1 L55M and PON1 Q192R polymorphisms and psoriasis susceptibility and disease progression in Turkish population. We provide evidence that PON1 Q192R polymorphisms may have an effect on the risk of psoriasis in the Turkish population.

Levels of oxidative stress parameters and the protective effects of melatonin in psychosis model rat testis.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of melatonin on antioxidant enzyme levels and histopathologic changes in dizocilpine (MK-801)-induced psychosis model rat testis. METHODS: A total of 24 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into three groups with 8 in each. Group I was used as control. Rats in Group II were injected with MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg body weight i.p. for 5 days). In addition to MK-801, melatonin (50 mg/kg body weight i.p. once a day for 5 days) was injected into the rats in Group III. The testes were harvested bilaterally for biochemical and histopathological examinations. Antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and nitric oxide (NO) levels in testicular tissues were analyzed using spectrophotometric analysis methods. Histopathological examinations of the testes were also performed. RESULTS: MK-801 induced testicular damage, which resulted in significant oxidative stress (OS) by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. The malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and NO levels were increased in testicular tissues of rats. Treatment with melatonin led to significant decrease in oxidative injury. Administration of melatonin also reduced the detrimental histopathologic effects caused by MK-801. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that MK-801 cause OS in testicular tissues of rats and treatment with melatonin can reduce the harmful effects of MK-801.

Serum alpha-1-antitriypsin levels in patients with pseudoexfolative syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the levels of serum alpha 1-antitrypsin in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and healthy control subjects without PEX. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-four patient with PEX and 40 healthy control subjects (84 subjects total) were enrolled into the study. Serum ATT levels were measured using nephelometry. RESULTS: The mean serum AAT concentration in PEX group was significantly higher than in the controls (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Serum AAT levels were found to be increased in patients with PEX. Increased serum AAT levels in PEX may explain the role of inflammation in this group of patients.