Wound healing activity of Salvia huberi ethanolic extract in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the in vivo wound healing potential of Salvia huberi Hedge (endemic to Turkey) on excision and incision wound models in diabetic rats. Method: Male Wistar albino rats, 3-4 months old and weighing 180-240g were used. The animals were randomly divided into five groups including Control, Vehicle and Fito reference, and two different concentrations (0.5% and 1% weight/weight (w/w)) of ethanol extract of Salvia huberi were investigated in both wound models on streptozocin-induced diabetic rats using macroscopic, biomechanical, biochemical, histopathological, genotoxic and gene expression methods over both seven and 14 days. Fito cream (Tripharma Drug Industry and Trade Inc., Turkey) was used as the reference drug. Results: A total of 60 rats were used in this study. Salvia huberi ointments at 0.5% and 1% (w/w) concentrations and Fito cream showed 99.3%, 99.4% and 99.1% contraction for excision wounds, and 99.9%, 97.0% and 99% contraction for incision wounds, respectively. In Salvia huberi ointments and Fito cream groups, re-epithelialisation increased dramatically by both day 7 and day 14 (p<0.05). By day 14, low hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and high glutathione (GSH) levels were observed in the Salvia huberi ointment groups. After two application periods, damaged cell percent and genetic damage index values and micronucleus frequency of Salvia huberi ointment treatment groups were lower than Control and Vehicle groups (p<0.001). A growth factor expression reached a high level by day 7 in the Control group; in Salvia huberi-treated groups it was decreased. Conclusion: The study showed that application of Salvia huberi ointments ameliorated the healing process in diabetic rats with excisional and incisional wounds and may serve as a potent healing agent.

Inflammation and diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between inflammation in the vitreous and diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Vitreous samples from 21 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), 21 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and 21 nondiabetic patients with idiopathic epiretinal membranes (control) were studied. The interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and adiponectin levels in the vitreous were detected in all samples with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Samples were stored at -80 °C until analyzed. Results: The TNF-α levels in the vitreous were not statistically significant between all groups (p>0.005). The mean IFN-γ levels were statistically significantly higher in patients with PDR (70.98 pg/ml) and patients with NPDR (46.61 pg/ml) than in nondiabetic patients (22.02 pg/ml). There was a difference in the IFN-γ levels in the vitreous between patients with PDR and patients with NPDR (p<0.005). The MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentrations in the vitreous were not different between all groups (p>0.05). There was a correlation between the IFN-γ and TNF-α levels. We investigated the statistically significantly decreased levels of adiponectin in the proliferative (p<0.05) and nonproliferative (p<0.05) diabetic eyes compared to the nondiabetic eyes. Conclusions: Increased levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α in the vitreous were found in patients with diabetes compared to nondiabetic patients. Decreased levels of adiponectin in the vitreous were found in patients with diabetes compared to nondiabetic patients. The data support the hypothesis that inflammation is associated with diabetic retinopathy.

Cross-sectional study: long term follow-up care for pediatric cancer survivors in a developing country, Turkey: current status, challenges, and future perspectives

Aim: The main purpose of this study is to determine the current status of long-term follow-up (LTFU) for childhood cancer survivors and the challenges of LTFU for pediatric cancer survivors at pediatric oncology institutions in Turkey. Material and methods: A questionnaire was e-mailed to the directors of 33 pediatric oncology centers (POCs) registered in the Turkish Pediatric Oncology Group (TPOG). Of these 33 active TPOG institutions, 21 participated in the study and returned their completed questionnaires. Results: Only 1 of the 21 participating centers had a separate LTFU clinic. The remaining centers provided LTFU care for childhood cancer survivors at the pediatric oncology outpatient clinic. Of these centers, 17 (80.9%) reported difficulty in transition from the pediatric clinic to the adult clinic, 14 (66.6%) reported insufficient care providers, and 12 (57.1%) reported insufficient time and transportation problems. As neglected late effects, 16 (76.1%) centers reported psychosocial and getty job problems and 11 (52.3%) reported sexual and cognitive problems. None of the centers had their own LTFU guidelines for their daily LTFU practice Conclusion: This study was the first to gain an overview of the needs of POCs and the gaps in survivorship services in Turkey. The results from this study will help to develop a national health care system and national guidelines for pediatric cancer survivors.

Wound Healing Effect of Kaempferol in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Flavonoids have previously been suggested to play a role in wound healing. To date, however, limited information is available on the wound healing effect of kaempferol (KM), which belongs to the class of flavonoids. The objective of this study was to determine the wound healing effects of KM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The wound healing effects of KM with two different concentrations (0.5% and 1% [weight/weight, w/w]) were evaluated in incisional and excisional wound models on diabetic and nondiabetic rats by macroscopic, biomechanical, biochemical, and histopathological analyses. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. The KM ointments were prepared using a mixture of glycol stearate:propylene glycol:liquid paraffin (3:6:1); 0.5 g of the ointments were topically applied on the wounded areas once a day for 7 and 14 d. On days 0, 7, and 14, wounds were photographed, and macroscopic examination of the wounds was performed. After 7 and 14 d, hydroxyproline levels, biomechanical analysis, and histopathological parameters (reepithelialization, thickness of granulation tissue, angiogenesis, presence of inflammation, deposition of collagen, presence of fibrosis, degree of dermal inflammation, and number of mast cells) were assessed. RESULTS: The best wound healing effect was observed in the diabetic excisional and nondiabetic incisional wounds (92.12% and 94.17%, respectively) treated with 1% (w/w) KM ointment for 14 d according to macroscopic examination. The nondiabetic excisional (14th day) and incisional (7th day) wounds treated with 1% (w/w) KM ointment showed statistically higher levels of hydroxyproline than the control groups (2.84 and 2.07 µg/mg, respectively, P < 0.01). Reepithelialization scores of KM-treated diabetic and nondiabetic excisional wounds on both 7 and 14 d (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) and incisional wounds on the day 14 (P < 0.05) were significantly higher than controls. The maximum tensile strength was observed in nondiabetic and diabetic groups (0.92 and 0.82 g/s, respectively) treated with 0.5% (w/w) KM ointment on day 14. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, KM appears to be an effective topical wound healing agent in the treatment of both nondiabetic and diabetic wounds.

Homozygous c.130-131 ins A (pW44X) mutation in the HAX1 gene as the most common cause of congenital neutropenia in Turkey: Report from the Turkish Severe Congenital Neutropenia Registry.

BACKGROUND: Severe congenital neutropenia is a rare disease, and autosomal dominantly inherited ELANE mutation is the most frequently observed genetic defect in the registries from North America and Western Europe. However, in eastern countries where consanguineous marriages are common, autosomal recessive forms might be more frequent. METHOD: Two hundred and sixteen patients with severe congenital neutropenia from 28 different pediatric centers in Turkey were registered. RESULTS: The most frequently observed mutation was HAX1 mutation (n = 78, 36.1%). A heterozygous ELANE mutation was detected in 29 patients (13.4%) in our cohort. Biallelic mutations of G6PC3 (n = 9, 4.3%), CSF3R (n = 6, 2.9%), and JAGN1 (n = 2, 1%) were also observed. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment was given to 174 patients (80.6%). Two patients died with infectious complications, and five patients developed myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloblastic leukemia. The mean (± mean standard error) follow-up period was 129.7 ± 76.3 months, and overall survival was 96.8% (CI, 94.4-99.1%) at the age of 15 years. In Turkey, severe congenital neutropenia mostly resulted from the p W44X mutation in the HAX1 gene. CONCLUSION: In Turkey, mutation analysis should be started with HAX1, and if this is negative, ELANE and G6PC3 should be checked. Because of the very high percentage of consanguineous marriage, rare mutations should be tested in patients with a negative mutation screen.

Assessment of Humoral Immunity to Hepatitis B, Measles, Rubella, and Mumps in Children After Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Cancer survival rates and longevity of patients after therapy have significantly improved during the last few decades. Therefore, lasting protection against infections should be provided. PROCEDURE: A total of 162 children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, solid tumors, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma were enrolled in the study. Antibody levels against hepatitis B virus was assessed both at the time of diagnosis and within 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. However, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) antibodies levels were measured just within 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. RESULTS: Anti-HBs antibody titers had decreased below the protective level after treatment in 25 of 96 patients having protective antibody levels for hepatitis B virus before therapy. In 66 patients without pretreatment protective levels of antibody, in spite of the immunization during chemotherapy, only 6 of them were found to be anti-HBS positive after treatment. In 153 patients previously vaccinated with MMR, 19 had protective antibody titers after treatment. MMR seropositivities were negatively correlated to age as expected. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that a significant number of children lose preexisting humoral immunity against MMR and hepatitis B after completion of chemotherapy.

Seven Patients With Transcobalamin Deficiency Diagnosed Between 2010 and 2014: A Single-Center Experience.

Transcobalamin deficiency (OMIM 275350) is a rare autosomal recessive disease presenting with nonspecific clinical features in early infancy. We report the clinical and laboratory manifestations of 7 children diagnosed with transcobalamin deficiency. All patients were admitted between 2 and 4 months of age with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hyperhomocysteinemia. The most common complaints at admission were pallor, weakness, and poor feeding. Genetic analysis was performed in 5 patients and it revealed the same homozygous mutation. We initially treated all patients with intramuscular injections of a maximum of 1 mg cyanocobalamin (CN-Cbl) daily and with a final dose of 1 mg per week. Hemoglobin and platelet counts significantly decreased upon decrease or cessation of CN-Cbl therapy. The patients were reevaluated between 2 and 4 years of age and all had delay in speech and walking. In conclusion, 1 mg of intramuscular CN-Cbl every week suffices for hematological improvement but not for normal neurological development in patients who all had relapse due to decrease or cessation of treatment.

Effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety arising from intrathecal therapy or bone marrow aspiration in children with cancer.

Cancer and its treatment are stressful and reduce the quality of life in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of massage therapy on pain and anxiety arising from intrathecal therapy or bone marrow aspiration in children with cancer. We conducted a controlled pretest/posttest quasi-experimental study at a paediatric oncology unit in Turkey. Twenty-five children were enrolled in this study. Their pain and anxiety were determined using a visual analogue scale. When the pretest and posttest pain and anxiety levels of the groups were compared, no statistically significant difference was found (P > 0.05). It was determined that pain and anxiety levels in the experimental group decreased significantly. This study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness in children of massage in reducing pain and anxiety arising from intrathecal therapy or bone marrow aspiration.

Advanced Stage T-Cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in an 11-Month-Old Infant and Related Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: Importance of Transthoracic Echocardiography.

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is rare in infants. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common cause of SVCS in children. Swelling in the face and neck are the most common clinical symptoms associated with this syndrome. However, these clinical findings are also observed in allergic diseases, which therefore often leads to misdiagnosis. Here, we reported the importance of echocardiography in diagnosing SVCS in an infant with advanced stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Parenteral glutamine supplementation has no effect on chemotherapy-induced toxicity in children with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

PURPOSE: Protecting patients from the acute and/or chronic toxicity of antineoplastic therapy has become a major concern of oncology centers around the world. Glutamine has been used as a multisystemic protective agent to minimize the side effects arising from the treatment of childhood cancers. In this study, the effect of intravenous glutamine supplementation was investigated in children receiving chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. METHODS: Twelve children, of 48 to 120 months of age, and who had non-Hodgkin lymphoma were enrolled in the study. Thirty chemotherapy courses were given in combination with glutamine, and 31 chemotherapy courses were given without glutamine. Glutamine was given intravenously for 7 days, at a dose of 0.4 g/kg/d. Patients were evaluated in each course with regard to gastrointestinal, mucosal, and hematological toxicities. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the hematological parameters between the 2 groups. The requirements for red blood cells and platelets during the chemotherapy courses were similar in both groups (P=0.64 and 0.40, respectively). Patients supplemented with glutamine developed mucositis in 21 of 30 courses (70%) and patients without glutamine supplements developed mucositis in 23 of 31 courses (74%). The mean duration of mucositis and the mean mucositis score in each course were similar between the 2 groups. In addition, gastrointestinal system and hepatic toxicity did not differ between groups. The mean duration of febrile neutropenia and the length of hospitalization were also similar in both groups (P=0.09 and 0.13, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Parenteral glutamine supplementation has no effect on mucositis, fever and febrile neutropenia, length of hospitalization, red blood cell, and platelet requirements, and hematological, gastrointestinal, and hepatic toxicities in children receiving severe chemotherapy.

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome: report of three cases in the same family.

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by cathepsin C gene mutation leading to the deficiency of cathepsin C enzymatic activity. The disease is characterized by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, periodontopathy and precocious loss of dentition, and increased susceptibility to infections. Pyogenic liver abscess is an increasingly recognized complication. Three cases of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome in the same family are presented here. Two of the three siblings presented with characteristic manifestations of the syndrome. The third case had died previously due to liver abscess prior to a diagnosis of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome.

Neuroprotective effects of adrenomedullin in experimental traumatic brain injury model in rats.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injuries cause damages in the brain in several ways, which include cell death because of edema, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, shear stress, and ischemia. In this study, we investigated the effects of adrenomedullin (AM) on oxidative stress and inflammation after head traumas in a rat model. METHODS: Eighteen male adult Wistar albino rats were randomized into three groups (n=6). No traumas were applied to the con-trol (C) group. Traumas were applied in line with Marmarau trauma model in the trauma group. The rats in the AM treatment group were treated with post-traumatic 12 µg/kg i.p. AM in addition to the trauma group. The rats were followed for 7 days in all groups and were then sacrificed. Brain tissues and blood samples were taken. RESULTS: In the trauma group, both tissue and serum MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were significantly increased compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the AM-treated group, serum TNF-α levels were significantly decreased compared to the trauma group (p<0.05). In the trauma group, both tissue and serum GSH levels were significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the trauma group, serum Vitamin D3 levels were significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the AM-treated group, both tissue and serum GSH levels were significantly increased compared to the trauma group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that AM has neuroprotective effects on traumatic brain injury in a rat model.

Fluorometric determination of acid proteinase activity in Candida albicans strains from diabetic patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most frequent disorders in obstetrics and gynaecology. Approximately three-quarters of all adult women experience at least one episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis during their life span. Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the rate of vaginal colonisation and infection with Candida species. The secreted acid proteinase might be especially relevant in the pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis. The aim of this study was to determine the acid proteinase activity in the samples of Candida albicans from diabetic patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis by a fluorometric method. Vaginal swabs were taken from 33 women (aged between 22 and 57 years) having symptoms of vaginitis. Patients were divided into three groups: control group, controlled diabetic group and uncontrolled diabetic group. The proteinase activity in the culture supernatants was determined by a modified fluorometric method. Acid proteinase activities were significantly increased in the uncontrolled diabetic group in comparison with both the control group and the controlled diabetic group (P < 0.05). Acid proteinase may play an important role in C. albicans pathogenesis in diabetic patients. Improving glucose control may reduce the risk of Candida colonisation and potentially symptomatic infection, among women with diabetes and hence may be useful even for weaker enzyme activity measurements.

Resolution of pulmonary hypertension with low-molecular-weight heparin, steroid, and prostacyclin analogue therapy: could it be early-phase pulmonary veno-occlusive disease?

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare cause of pulmonary hypertension. The authors present a case of neuroblastoma with progressive dyspnea, hypoxemia, and pulmonary hypertension. A computed tomography scan of the chest revealed septal thickening and diffuse micronodules. The patient was diagnosed as PVOD and was successfully treated with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and corticosteroid.

Clinical features and treatment results in preterm infants with intracardiac thrombus.

INTRODUCTION: Thrombus incidence is higher among neonates, especially in preterm infants, due to the associated additional risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical recordings of premature infants who had been diagnosed as having intracardiac thrombus between January 2016 and January 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. We use recombinant tissue plasminogen activator when the thrombus is relatively large compared to left atrium, pedunculated, mobile, or snake shaped. RESULTS: A total of 13 premature patients were diagnosed as having intracardiac thrombus during the 3-year period. All were diagnosed during echocardiographic studies. Low molecular weight heparin was administered in four patients. In three, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator was started with low dose (0.01 mg/kg/h) and increased gradually to 0.06 mg/kg/h. In three, recombinant tissue plasminogen activators were started with standard dose (0.5 mg/kg/h). In one recombinant tissue, plasminogen activator was started with low dose (0.01 mg/kg/h) and increased to standard dose. Two patients died before treatment, three patients died during treatment, follow-up was not available for two patients, and thrombus completely resolved in six patients. DISCUSSION: In preterm babies with risk factors, intracardiac thrombus should be kept in mind during all echocardiographic studies. In our patients, low and standard dose regimens were used, and the treatment results were similar.

Fluid Rate Is Important As Much As Fluid Tonicity: An Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE: There is no study evaluating the effect on plasma osmolality of both fluid tonicity and high fluid rate at the same time. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the change in the plasma osmolality by different fluid tonicity and rate, and to suggest the safest and the most appropriate fluids based on the plasma osmolality for medical situations requiring fluid therapy with high or maintenance rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into seven groups (six rats in each group): [D5] D5 administered at 100 ml/kg/24h; [D5150] D5 administered at 150 ml/kg/24h; [D5(½)100] D5 0.45% NaCl administered at 100 ml/kg/24h; [D5(½)150] D5 0.45% NaCl administered at 150 ml/kg/24h; [D5(1)100] D5 0.9% NaCl administered at 100 ml/kg/24h; [D5(1)150] D5 0.9% NaCl administered at 150 ml/kg/24h; [Control group] non-treated control rats. Intracardiac blood samples were collected from all the groups at the end of 24 h. RESULTS: [D5(1)150] and [D5(½)100] were the group closest to the control group in terms of both sodium (P = .937; P = .699, respectively) and effective osmolality (P = 1, P = .818, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that 0.9% NaCl and 0.45% NaCl solutions might be the safest and the most appropriate fluids to maintain normal plasma osmolality in medical situations requiring fluid therapy with high or maintenance rates, respectively.

Impact of Curcumin on Ovarian Reserve After Tubal Ligation: an Experimental Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tubal ligation (TL) via modified Pomeroy method on ovarian reserve and to determine the role of curcumin (Curcuma longa [Indian saffron]) against ovarian reserve decrement after TL. Forty-eight albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: (1) Control group: a sham operation was performed (n = 12), (2) Tubal ligation group: TL was performed (n = 12), (3) TL+DMSO group: 1 mL/day dimethyl sulfoxide was used for 50 days after TL, (4) TL+Curc group: 100 mg/kg/day curcumin dissolved in DMSO was administrated for 50 days after TL. Pre-operatively and on post-operative day 50, blood samples were collected for AMH evaluation, and oophorectomy was performed for histological and immunohistochemical examinations of ovaries in all groups. No difference in the basal AMH levels was found among the groups (p = 0.249). Compared to the basal, AMH levels were lower in the control, TL, and TL+DMSO groups (p = 0.003, p = 0.004, and p < 0.001, respectively) but not different in the TL+Curc group (p = 0.503) on post-operative day 50. No significant differences in the number of primary, preantral, antral, atretic follicles, and corpus luteum among the groups (p > 0.05) were found. The percentage of granulosa cells stained for caspase-3 in antral follicles and the corpus luteum was higher in the TL+Curc group than in the control and TL groups ([antral follicles; p < 0.01 for both groups], [corpus leteum; p = 0.009 and 0.002 for the control and TL groups, respectively]). It seems that TL does not decrease ovarian reserve and curcumin might have a positive effect on ovarian reserve in the setting of TL.

Biochemical, Histopathologic, and Genotoxic Effects of Ethanol Extract of Salvia hypargeia (Fisch. & Mey.) on Incisional and Excisional Wounded Diabetic Rats.

Purpose: Nonhealing wounds are a serious problem of diabetic patients. Salvia species are traditionally used for the treatment of wounds. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of ointment prepared with ethanol extract obtained from the aerial parts of Salvia hypargeia, an endemic plant from Turkey, on diabetic rat incisional and excisional skin wounds. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar albino rats (n: 60) were divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced and two concentrations (0.5% and 1%) of the extract were used for ointments and applied on wounds for 7 and 14 days. Fito cream was chosen as a reference drug. Results: In excisional wounds, healing ratios of 0.5% (63.4% and 99.3%) and 1% (65.5% and 99.9%) S. hypargeia groups were higher compared to control (35.9% and 75.1%), and in incisional wounds, healing ratios of 0.5% (78.1% and 98.5%) and 1% (84.4% and 99.4%) S. hypargeia groups were higher compared to control (30.5% and 72.9%) (p < .01). Hydroxyproline (0.31 ± 0.3 and 0.34 ± 0.2) levels were lower and GSH (10.7 ± 3.1 and 7.6 ± 0.9) levels were higher in 0.5% and 1% S. hypargeia groups on the 14th day (p < .01). Histopathological results revealed re-epithelialization and formation of granulation tissue in all S. hypargeia groups. Genotoxicologic results indicated, GDI, DCP values, and MN frequency of 0.5% and 1% S. hypargeia groups did not reach to significant levels both on the 7 and 14 days. Conclusions: S. hypargeia may have a potential for therapeutic use in treatment and management of diabetic wounds with a successful topical application.

Anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of α-lipoic acid on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbits.

PURPOSE: Radical oxygen species produced after injury counteracts antioxidant activity and frequently causes severe oxidative stress for the tissues. Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful metabolic antioxidant with immunomodulatory effects which provides neuroprotection. The aim of this study is to investigate the neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic effects of alpha-lipoic acid on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion. METHODS: Twenty-four adult, male, New Zealand rabbits were divided into sham (n = 8), control (n = 8), and treatment groups (n = 8). The abdominal aorta was clamped for 30 min by an aneurysm clip, approximately 1 cm below the renal artery and 1 cm above the iliac bifurcation in control and treatment groups. Only laparotomy was performed in the sham group. Twenty-five cubic centimeters of saline in control group and 100 mg/kg lipoic acid were administered intraperitoneally in the treatment group after closure of the incision. The animals were killed 48 h later. Spinal cord segments between L2 and S1 were harvested for analysis. Levels of nitric oxide, glutathione, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, and superoxide dismutase were analyzed as markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Caspase-3 activity was analyzed to detect the effect of lipoic acid on apoptosis. RESULTS: In all measured parameters of oxidative stress, administration of lipoic acid significantly demonstrated favorable effects. Both plasma and tissue levels of nitric oxide, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and advanced oxidation protein products significantly changed in favor of antioxidant activity. There was no significant difference between the plasma superoxide dismutase levels of the groups. Histopathological evaluation of the tissues also demonstrated significant decrease in cellular degeneration and infiltration parameters after lipoic acid administration. However, lipoic acid has no effect on caspase-3 activity. CONCLUSIONS: Although further studies considering different dose regimens and time intervals are required, the results of the present study prove that alpha-lipoic acid has favorable effects on experimental spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The effect of diabetes on vitreous levels of adiponectin and inflammatory cytokines in experimental rat model.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common eye diseases faced by diabetic patients. It is a slow-progressing complication that results from damage to the blood vessels of the retina. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of adiponectin and inflammatory cytokines in the vitreous of diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 3-4-month-old male albino Wistar rats (180-240 g). The animals were divided into 2 groups (n = 40 in each group): the diabetes group and the control group. A single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg/kg) in citrate buffer (0.1 M; pH 4.5) was intraperitoneally (ip.) injected into the diabetes group rats. A single dose of citrate buffer was injected ip. into the control group rats. All subjects were sacrificed under intramuscular (im.) Na-thiopental (50 mg/kg) anesthesia. The rats' eyelids were opened with an eye speculum and vitreous samples were collected with 20G needles 4 mm posterior to the limbus. The levels of vitreous adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interferon γ (INF-γ), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 were determined using a solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The levels of adiponectin, TNF-α, INF-γ, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in the rat vitreous were significantly higher in the diabetes group than in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated adiponectin, TNF-α, and INF-γ levels in the vitreous may be diagnostically useful in diabetic retinopathy, and inflammatory cytokines in the vitreous may be pathogenically important in this concentration.