Association between antioxidants and mild acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The mechanisms underlying acute pancreatitis have not been well elucidated. Over the last 20 years, there has been increasing awareness regarding the role played by oxidative stress in acute pancreatitis, but it is less well defined in human clinical trials. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between antioxidants and acute pancreatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional trial on patients with mild acute pancreatitis. The study population consisted of 53 patients with mild acute pancreatitis and 55 healthy controls. Serum paraoxonase, arylesterase activity, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and thiol levels were measured, and oxidative stress index was calculated. RESULTS: Paraoxonase, arylesterase activity, thiol and total antioxidant status levels were significantly lower in the acute pancreatitis group than in the control group (p = .024, p < .001, p < .001, p = .010, respectively). Oxidative stress index and total oxidant status levels were higher in the acute pancreatitis group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = .135, p = .253, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that decreased antioxidant levels are associated with mild acute pancreatitis. No association was observed between mild acute pancreatitis and total oxidant status.

Serum cystatin C is not an appropriate marker for kidney involvement in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate serum cystatin C (cysC) levels in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients, and evaluate its correlation with renal involment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six pSS patients and 65 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled into the study. Serum cysC, urea, serum creatinine (SCr), creatinine clearance (CrCl), glomerular filtration rates (GFR), Na, K, Mg, Ca, uric acid, P, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-La/SS-B, antinuclear antibodies, 24-h urinary poteinuria and microalbuminuria were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean serum cysC levels did not differ between the patients and healthy controls (P > 0.05). Nine patients with pSS had proteinuria over 150 mg (and microalbuminuria over 30 mg) per 24 h. In patients with proteinuria, serum cysC levels correlated with serum K (r = 0.279, P = 0.024), ESR (r = 0.405, P = 0.001) and the disease duration (r = 0.235, P = 0.04), respectively. Patients with positive anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies had higher SCr levels compared to those with negative serology (r = 0.292, P = 0.009, and r = 0.259, P = 0.022, respectively). Nine patients with proteinuria and anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-La/SS-B positivity tended to have lower K and Mg levels which suggests subclinical renal tubular acidosis. CONCLUSION: There were no associations between serum cysC levels and renal involvement in patients with pSS. However, in patients with proteinuria, serum cysC levels were correlated with acute-phase reactants, suggesting an association with disease activity in terms of degree of inflammation.

The Oxidant and Antioxidant Status in Pityriasis Rosea.

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis rosea (PR) is usually an asymptomatic and self-limiting papulosquamous skin disease with acute onset. The etiology has not been clarified yet. Recently, increased oxidative stress was found to play a role in etiopathogenesis of multiple cutaneous diseases with T cell-mediated immune response. However, there are no studies demonstrating the oxidative stress status in PR. AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the status of oxidative stress (OS) and paraoxonase (PON) 1/arylesterase enzyme activities in PR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study included 51 patients with active PR lesions, and 45 healthy volunteers. Serum levels of total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and PON1/arylesterase (ARES) activity were determined and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated in all patients and controls. RESULTS: TAS levels and ARES activities in the patient group were significantly lower than the control group. On the other hand, TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher in patients compared with controls. There was no significant correlation between the duration of disease and TAS, TOS, OSI levels, and ARES activities. CONCLUSION: A systemic oxidative stress exists in PR, which suggests that OS may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of disease.

Effects of preoperative nutritional support on colonic anastomotic healing in malnourished rats.

OBJECTIVE: It has been proven that malnutrition increases postoperative morbidity and mortality, and it may also negatively affect wound healing in the gastrointestinal tract. In the literature, there is only one study evaluating the effects of preoperative nutritional support on colonic anastomotic healing under malnourished conditions. In order to improve the data on this topic, an experimental study was planned to evaluate the effects of preoperative nutritional support on colonic anastomotic healing in malnourished rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 18 male Wistar albino rats divided into 3 groups. The control (C) group was fed ad libitum for 21 days. The malnutrition (M) group and preoperative nutrition (P) group were given 50% of the daily food consumed by the rats in Group C for 21 days to induce malnutrition. At the end of 21 days, Group P was fed ad libitum for 7 days (preoperative nutritional support). Colonic transection and end-to-end anastomosis was performed at 21 days in Group C and Group M and at 28 days in Group P. The rats were sacrificed at postoperative 4 days, anastomotic bursting pressure was measured, and samples were taken to analyze tissue hydroxyproline levels. RESULTS: Anastomotic bursting pressure was significantly higher in Group C than in Group M and Group P (p<0.05), and it was significantly higher in Group P than in Group M (p<0.05). Tissue hydroxyproline levels in Group P were found to be significantly higher than those in Group M and Group C (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: One week of preoperative nutritional support increases collagen synthesis in the colon and positively affects anastomotic healing under malnourished conditions.

Comparison of serum oxidant and antioxidant parameters in familial Mediterranean fever patients (FMF) with attack free period.

OBJECTIVE: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory, autosomal recessive, inherited disease characterized by recurrent self-limiting attacks of serosal surfaces. The imbalance of oxidants/antioxidants may play a role in such attacks. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum paraoxonase (PON1) activity, PON1 phenotype, and other parameters in patients with FMF and healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 120 FMF patients with an attack-free period (AFP) and 65 healthy subjects were included in this study. The serum PON1 activity, stimulated paraoxonase (SPON) activity, PON1 phenotype (representing Q192R polymorphism; QQ, QR, RR), arylesterase activity, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP), total thiols (TTL), and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and cystatin-c (CYS-C) levels were measured. RESULTS: For the QQ phenotype, the median TTL and AOPP levels of the control group were 264.50 (57.75) mol/L and 21.26 (21.17) mmol/L, respectively, whereas the median TTL, AOPP levels of the patients were 309.00 (47.00) mol/L and 12.98 (6.96) mmol/L, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the patients and controls with the QQ phenotype in terms of TTL and AOPP (p< 0.001 and p= 0.004, respectively). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the QQ and QR+RR phenotypes with respect to TAC, TOS, OSI, or the other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The FMF patients with AFP had higher TTL and lower AOPP levels than the controls. However, other oxidant and antioxidant parameters were similar among the patients during AFP and the controls.

Storage at -80°C preserves the antioxidant capacity of preterm human milk.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It is essential to establish optimum parameters for maintaining the quality of stored milk until the moment of consumption with minimal deterioration of its properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidation status (TOS) of fresh and freeze-stored samples (at -80°C) of preterm human milk (HM). METHODS: Samples of colostrum were collected from 98 healthy women within the first 4 days after delivery. The total milk volume collected (6 ml) was divided in two aliquot parts: 3 ml for the fresh analysis which was done immediately after the extraction and 3 ml for storage under freezing conditions at -80°C for three months. The antioxidant status and oxidative stress of the fresh and stored breast milk were assessed via determination of TAC and TOS levels. RESULTS: The mean gestational age and the birth weight of the infants were 31.26 ± 2.93 weeks and 1620 ± 581.91 g; respectively. There were no significant correlations between maternal age, route of delivery and milk oxidative stress. There was no significant difference between the levels of TAC, TOS and the oxidative stress index in fresh and freeze-stored samples of colostrum in preterm HM (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Freeze storage of preterm HM at -80°C for three months preserves the antioxidant capacity without changing oxidative status of HM, which could be noteworthy for the preterm infant nutrition.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and paraoxonase phenotypes in pseudoexfoliation syndrome and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to determine whether total oxidant and antioxidant status, total thiol levels and activities of serum paraoxonase 1, an HDL-associated antioxidant enzyme, are related with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PG). METHODS: Serum samples from 32 PEX, 30 PG, and 32 control subjects were collected at the Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara. Basal paraoxonase (PON1), salt stimulated paraoxonase (stPON1), arylesterase (ARE), and total thiol levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined on an autoanalyzer. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated using the TAS and TOS values. PON1 phenotypes were calculated from the ratio of stPON1 to ARE. Continuous variables were compared by independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA, except for age which was compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were compared using Fisher's exact test (PON1 phenotypes) or chi-square test (gender). RESULTS: TAS levels were significantly lower in PEX and PG patients compared to controls. TOS, OSI and total thiol levels did not differ significantly among the study groups, although there was a trend towards lower TOS and total thiol levels in patients compared to controls. PON1 activities were significantly higher in PEX patients (131.37 +/- 81.20 U/L) compared to controls (95.53 +/- 55.65 U/L; p = 0.046). The PON1 phenotype which is known to have high activity towards the substrate paraoxon, but low antioxidant activity (BB phenotype) was observed significantly more in PEX patients compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: PON1 phenotypes and lack of antioxidants might play an important role in the development of PEX/ PG.

Effects of phototherapy using different light sources on oxidant and antioxidant status of neonates with jaundice.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Neonates have limited antioxidant protective capacity. It has recently been demonstrated that phototherapy used for treatment of neonatal jaundice produces oxidative stress. Various phototherapy devices using different light sources are available for phototherapy. We aimed to investigate the effects of phototherapy applied with different light sources on the global oxidant/antioxidant status in neonates. METHODS: Term and late-preterm (≥35 weeks) newborn infants hospitalized to receive phototherapy for non-hemolytic jaundice in the 2-9 days of life were enrolled. Infants who received conventional phototherapy with fluorescent lamps were defined as group 1, intensive light emitting diode (LED) phototherapy as group 2, and fiberoptic phototherapy as group 3. The serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured before and 24 h after phototherapy. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. RESULTS: Twenty nine patients were included in each group. At the beginning of phototherapy serum TAC, TOS and OSI levels were similar in all groups. After phototherapy serum TAC decreased significantly in all three groups (p < 0.001). Total oxidant status increased significantly in group 1 (p < 0.001) and group 2 (p = 0.001) whereas a statistically insignificant increase was observed in group 3 (p = 0.057). After phototherapy OSI increased significantly in group 1 (p < 0.001), group 2 (p = 0.001), and group 3 (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: As indicated by increased OSI, oxidant/antioxidant balance is disturbed in favor of oxidants after blue fluorescent light, LED and fiberoptic phototherapy.

Total serum oxidant/antioxidant status and arylesterase activity in recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder of the oral mucosa with unknown etiology. Oxidative stress (OS) is suggested to play a main role in the etiopathogenesis in RAS. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we hypothesize that a systemic OS is present in patients with RAS. METHODS: Forty-four patients with active RAS lesions and 38 healthy controls were being included in the study. Serum total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and paraoxonase 1 arylesterase (ARES) activity were being determined. RESULTS: RAS patients had significantly lower TAS levels and higher TOS and OSI values than controls. The patients had a lower ARES activity when compared to healthy controls. No correlations were observed between OS parameters and age, gender, duration of disease or frequency of RAS attacks per month. CONCLUSION: A systemic OS is determined with an imbalance in oxidant/antioxidant status and lower ARES activity in RAS. Systemic OS may have an important role in the pathogenesis of RAS formation.

Effect of the systemic use of methotrexate on the oxidative stress and paraoxonase enzyme in psoriasis patients.

Previous studies have indicated that oxidative stress contributes in the efficacy and toxicity of methotrexate (MTX) treatment. The present study aims to investigate the systemic MTX treatments impact on the total oxidant and antioxidant status of the patients with psoriasis. A total of 26 psoriasis patients were included in the study. Serum total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and serum paraoxonase enzyme (PON) levels were measurement of all patients, and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) were calculated before and after 8 weeks of MTX therapy. Psoriasis Area Severity Index scores of the patients decreased significantly after MTX treatment. While the serum concentrations of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and high density lipoprotein decreased significantly, the serum ALT levels of the patients increased significantly after MTX treatment. There was no statistically significant alteration in serum levels of PON, TAS, TOS, and OSI after the MTX therapy. The oxidative stress emerging with 8-week MTX treatment is not significantly increased in the patients. In parallel with the decreasing inflammation by MTX treatment in patients with psoriasis, a decrease in oxidative stress (OS) is also expected. However, the expected reduction in OS might have been precluded by MTX-induced OS, which resulted in no significant difference between pre- and post-treatment values of OS parameters in our study. There is a possibility that the 8-week results may change with longer treatment durations and higher cumulative doses.

The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on oxidant and anti-oxidant status of human milk.

OBJECTIVE: Human milk (HM) has antioxidant constituents which protect newborns against oxidative damage. We aimed to evaluate whether maternal consumption of herbal tea containing fenugreek had any effects on global oxidant and antioxidant capacity of HM. METHODS: Volunteer mothers 18-35 years of age without any antenatal or perinatal risk factors were randomly assigned to receive galactagogue herbal tea (Humana still-tee®, Herford, Deutschland) 3 cups/d or same amount of water as placebo. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and the oxidative stress index (OSI) of breast milk samples taken in the 1st day and 7-10 d were compared between groups. RESULTS: Herbal tea (n = 40) and placebo (n = 40) groups had similar TAC, TOS and OSI values in the 1st day samples. TAC, TOS and OSI values in the breast milk samples taken on 7-10th day were also similar. OSI increased significantly in 7-10 day samples compared to 1st day in each group, while TAC and TOS levels did not differ. CONCLUSION: Galactagogue herbal tea containing fenugreek has no detectable effect on global oxidant and antioxidant status of HM. OSI increases in course of lactation compared to colostrums irrespective of galactagogue use.

The effects of chronic periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis on serum and gingival crevicular fluid total antioxidant/oxidant status and oxidative stress index.

BACKGROUND: Chronic periodontitis (CP) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) appear to share many pathologic features. Oxygen metabolism has an important role in the pathogenesis of both CP and RA. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between these two chronic inflammatory diseases with regard to antioxidant and oxidant status. METHODS: A total of 80 participants were divided into four groups of 20 each: group RA-CP (patients with RA and CP), group RA (periodontally healthy patients with RA), group CP (systemically healthy patients with CP), and group C (periodontally and systemically healthy volunteers) were included in the study. After assessment of periodontal measurements, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were taken at one incisor, premolar, and molar tooth and stored with serum samples at -80°C for the antioxidant/oxidant assay. RESULTS: Although all clinical measurements in groups RA-CP and CP were statistically higher compared to those of C and RA groups (P <0.001), there were no differences between CP and RA-CP groups (P >0.05). GCF total oxidant status (TOS) values of CP and RA-CP groups were higher than those of the RA group (P <0.05). GCF oxidative stress index (OSI) values of the RA-CP group were higher than those of the RA group (P <0.05). There were no differences among the groups in terms of serum TOS and OSI values (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Local OSI values in groups with patients with CP were higher, whereas systemic OSI values showed no difference among the groups. The presence of RA seems not to affect local and systemic OSI values in patients with CP.

Relationship between total thiol status and thrombocytopenia in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum total thiol level and total oxidant status (TOS) and thrombocytopenia among patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Eighty-three subjects and 56 controls were enrolled in the study. Thiol levels were measured with the DTNB method and TOS was measured with the Erel's method among subjects and controls. Thiol levels were lower in subjects than controls and TOS levels were higher in subjects than controls. There was a significant correlation between total thiol levels and platelet counts (r = 0.84, p < 0.0001) among subjects. Further investigations are needed into the link between total thiol level and TOS and the pathogenesis of hemorrhage in CCHF.

Oxidative stress increases in carbon monoxide poisoning patients.

OBJECTIVE: Carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in toxicological cases. In this study, we aimed to find out more about the pathophysiology of COP by investigating the effects of COP on oxidative stress parameters such as total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS). METHODS: Eighty-eight patients admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with acute COP and 35 healthy adults as control group were included in this study. Blood samples were collected from all COP patients at the time of initial emergency department evaluation to determine the oxidative stress parameters. Then, serum levels of total antioxidant status and total oxidant status levels were measured. RESULTS: A total of 88 patients poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO; mean age 37.1 ± 18.2 years; 54'% women) were enrolled. TOS and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in COP patients were increased when compared to control group (p = 0.001). TOS, oxidative stress index (OSI) and COHb levels in COP patients were significantly lower after the treatment. (respectively, p = 0.016; p = 0.023; p = 0.001). On the other hand, no statistical differences were observed in TAS levels of study and control group as well as there were no changes with treatment. CONCLUSION: Measurements of TOS, TAS and OSI levels may be useful markers to find out the pathophsiology of COP.