Knowledge, attitudes, and opinions of Turkish private school principals regarding substance abuse.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the knowledge, attitude, and opinion of private school principals in Kocaeli, Turkey regarding substance abuse. METHODS: Data of this descriptive study was collected by questionnaires in December 2008. The questionnaire, developed based on Turkey's "substance abuse regulations," was applied to the principals of private schools in Kocaeli affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. A survey was conducted and risk factors for these schools were determined. The data was analysed with Pearson correlation test, Spearmen correlation test and Kruskal-Wallis one way analysis used. RESULTS: Principals of 27 of 31 schools were reached. Six (22.2 %) were women; 21 (77.8 %) were men. Average age was 43.37 +/- 10.08 years. Average years of teaching was 21.55 +/- 10.77 years. Mean period as a school principal was 9.42 +/- 9.36 years. Seventy-one percent of the principals who participated in the survey were non-smokers. CONCLUSION: The majority of principals considered substance abuse as a problem in Turkey and believed it to be more among primary and high school students.

The effects of somatostatin and ursodeoxycholic acid in preventing the ischemic injury of the liver following Pringle maneuver in obstructive jaundice-rat model.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In our study, the effects of somatostatin (SS) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on ischemic liver injury were studied in (obstructive) jaundice-rat model. METHODOLOGY: For this purpose, jaundice was produced in the first four groups by binding of their choleducts. We performed just laparotomy to the other four groups of animals. To groups 1 and 5, SS was given 15 mcg/kg/day intraperitoneally, and to groups 2 and 6, UDCA was given 20 mg/kg/day enterally. No drugs were given to any other group. At the end of one week, a procedure with ischemia of the liver for 60 minutes followed by reperfusion for 2 hours, was performed to each rat except for groups 4 and 8. Following this procedure, they were sacrificed. The blood samples were taken to measure SGOT, SGPT, ALP, LDH, total and direct bilirubin levels, while liver biopsies were taken for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: Under normothermic conditions, following 60-minute liver ischemia period, no irreversible histopathological changes were detected. However, increases in liver necrosis parameters were noted biochemically. SS and UDCA were thought to be effective in preventing the injury by decreasing the liver enzymes levels to a significant degree. The damage of the hepatic ischemic injury was found to be more meaningful and prominent in liver with jaundice. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was noted that SS and UDCA decrease the effects of cholestatic hepatic injury especially and improve the condition.

Bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats with induced hyperthyroidism: the effect of estrogen replacement.

We aimed to investigate whether or not the estrogen is playing any role in the effect of thyroid hormones on bone metabolism. The rats were divided into five groups. In the first group L-thyroxine-induced hyperthyroid rats were ovariectomized (OVX) while the OVX rats were administered L-thyroxine in the second group. 17beta-Estradiol (E2) was replaced in OVX rats in Group III. L-thyroxine and E2 were simultaneously administered to OVX rats in Group IV. The fifth group received sham operation. Blood samples taken from the tail vein of rats were analyzed for plasma T3, T4, TSH and serum interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha, calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), parathyroid [corrected] hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (t-ALP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP) and E2. The levels of cytokines, t-ALP and b-ALP increased but PTH decreased, while there was no change in Ca and P levels in L-thyroxine-administrated rats. However, the levels of cytokines, Ca, P, PTH, t-ALP and b-ALP did not change in L-thyroxine-administered OVX rats. In OVX rats, the cytokines, t-ALP and b-ALP increased while Ca, P remained the same, but PTH decreased. L-thyroxine administration to OVX rats did not change the cytokines, Ca, P, PTH, t-ALP and b-ALP levels. The replacement of E2 in OVX rats decreased the cytokines, t-ALP and b-ALP values, increased PTH levels while there was no change in Ca and P. L-thyroxine and E2 administration to OVX rats increased the cytokines, t-ALP and b-ALP levels and decreased PTH, but Ca and P remained the same. In sham-operated rats, there was no change in all parameters compared to initial values. This study suggests that estrogen may play a role in the effects of thyroid hormones on bone metabolism.

Serum cystatin C level as a potentially good marker for impaired kidney function.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic significance of serum cystatin C levels in clinical practice. DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum (99m)Tc-DTPA clearance was compared with serum cystatin C, creatinine, beta(2)-microglobulin levels and creatinine clearance in a group of patients aged 42.61 +/- 7.55 years with glomerular filtration rates of 10-60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (n = 52) and healthy controls aged 43.90 +/- 12.06 years (n = 52). RESULTS: No effect of sex on serum cystatin C levels was observed, but average levels increased with age. No significant difference was evident between the mean cystatin C levels of three blood samples taken at 1 month intervals from healthy subjects. Reference clearance was correlated with creatinine clearance (r = 0.957), cystatin C (r = 0.828), beta(2)-microglobulin (r = 0.767) and creatinine (r = 0.682). 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) was chosen as the borderline for receiver-operating characteristics analysis. The values for the cut-off point, sensitivity, specificity and the area under curve were determined for cystatin C as 1.36 mg/L, 98%, 99% and 0.99 +/- 00.1, respectively; for creatinine, the values were 103 micromol/L, 80%, 100% and 0.97 +/- 0.01, respectively, and for beta(2)-microglobulin, the values were 2.51 mg/L, 86%, 92% and 0.94 +/- 0.02, respectively. CONCLUSION: Serum cystatin C level can be used as a marker for renal damage.

The role of nitric oxide on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats following chronic ethanol intake.

This experimental study was designed to examine the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats following chronic ethanol treatment. Chronic ethanol intake was produced by gradual substitution (within 3 weeks) of tap water in diet with 5,10,15 and finally 20% of ethanol. Thereafter, the rats were maintained under these conditions for a duration of 4 months. The rats were divided into two groups. The first group received sham operation (SHAM) and the rats in Group II were ovariectomized (OVX). Five weeks after the SHAM and ovariectomy, the rats were treated with ethanol for 4 months. After this period of ethanol administration, the NOS inhibitor N(W)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was given for three weeks along with ethanol to the same rats. Serum interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, NO, calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25 HydroxyvitaminD3 [25(OH)D3], alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels were measured in different stages of the experiment. IL-1beta, IL-6, TNFalpha and NO levels increased after ethanol administration in SHAM and OVX rats. The decrease in serum Ca was significant while the changes in P, PTH and 25 (OH)D3 levels were not. ALP and b-ALP levels were significantly decreased; ALT, AST and GGT levels were significantly increased. In ovariectomized and SHAM rats, administration of L-NAME together with ethanol, produced a significant increase in IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNFalpha levels. In this group, Ca and P levels were significantly increased, PTH and 25 (OH)D3 levels were significantly decreased. Also, there was a significant decrease in ALT, AST, ALP, b-ALP, and GGT levels. NO increase due to alcohol intake may function as a protective mechanism preventing bone resorption in cases of estrogen insufficiency.

Potential effects of L-NAME on alcohol-induced oxidative stress.

AIM: Nitric oxide (NO) is a highly reactive oxidant synthesized from L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). NO may cause injury through the generation of potent radicals. Nw- nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) is a non-selective inhibitor of NOS. We aimed to evaluate whether L-NAME treatment had protective effects against oxidative stress in rats intragastrically fed with ethanol during a 4 wk-period. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 3 equal groups: group 1 (control group-isocaloric dextrose was given), group 2 (6 g/kg.d ethanol-induced group) and group 3 (both ethanol 6 g/kg.d and L-NAME 500 mg/L in drinking water-given group). Animals were sacrificed at the end of 4 wk-experimental period, and intracardiac blood and liver tissues were obtained. Biochemical measurements were performed both in plasma and in homogenized liver tissues. Alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), NO, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: ALT and AST in group 2 (62 U/L and 128 U/L, respectively) were higher than those in group 1 (24 U/L and 38 U/L) and group 3 (37 U/L and 81 U/L) (P<0.001 for both). Plasma and tissue levels of MDA in group 2 (4.66 micromol/L and 0.55 nmol/mg protein) were higher than in group 1 (2.65 micromol/L and 0.34 nmol/mg protein) and group 3 (3.43 micromol/L and 0.36 nmol/mg protein) (P<0.001 for both). Plasma and liver tissue levels of NO in group 2 (54.67 micromol/L and 586.50 nmol/mg protein) were higher than in group 1 (34.67 micromol/L and 435.33 nmol/mg protein) and group 3 (27.50 micromol/L and 412.75 nmol/mg protein) (P<0.001 for both). Plasma and liver tissue SOD activities in group 2 (15.25 U/mL and 5.38 U/ mg protein, respectively) were lower than in group 1 (20.00 U/mL and 8.13 U/ mg protein) and group 3 (19.00 U/mL and 6.93 U/ mg protein) (P<0.001 for both). Plasma and liver tissue CAT activities in group 2 (145 U/mL and 37 U/ mg protein, respectively) were lower than in group 1 (176 U/mL and 73 U/mg protein) and group 3 (167 U/mL and 61 U/mg protein) (P<0.001 for both). Meanwhile, erythrocytes and liver tissue levels of GSH in group 2 (4.12 mg/g Hb and 5.38 nmol/mg protein, respectively) were lower than in group 1 (5.52 mg/g Hb and 4.49 nmol/mg protein) and group 3 (5.64 mg/g Hb and 4.18 nmol/mg protein) (P<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that L-NAME may produce a restorative effect on ethanol-induced liver damage via decreasing oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant status.

Plasma malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, sE-selectin, fibronectin, endothelin-1 and nitric oxide levels in women with preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), fibronectin, endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in women with preeclampsia and to find out the relations of diastolic blood pressure with these variables. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a case-control study consisting of randomly selected 34 healthy pregnant women and 35 patients diagnosed as preeclampsia. Lipoperoxidation was ascertained by the formation of MDA. SOD activity was determined by the method of Sun et al. Plasma concentration of NO was estimated using colorimetric assay. Plasma ET-1 and sE-selectin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A nephelometric method for fibronectin quantitation was used. RESULTS: The mean plasma level of MDA was significantly higher and SOD was significantly lower in preeclamptic pregnancies (P<0.001). Plasma concentrations of fibronectin, sE-selectin and ET-1 were significantly increased, whereas NO was significantly decreased in women with preeclampsia than normotensive women (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Increased plasma levels of MDA, fibronectin, sE-selectin, ET-1, and decreased plasma levels of NO and SOD in preeclamptic patients suggest that poorly perfused fetoplacental unit is the origin of oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxides.

N-acetylcysteine attenuates alcohol-induced oxidative stess in rats.

AIM: To investigate free-radical scavenger effect of n-acetylcysteine in rats intragastrically fed with ethanol. METHODS: Twenty-four rats divided into three groups were fed with ethanol (6 g/kg/day, Group 1), ethanol and n-acetylcysteine (1 g/kg, Group 2), or isocaloric dextrose (control group, Group 3) for 4 weeks. Then animals were sacrificed under ether anesthesia, and intracardiac blood and liver tissues were obtained. Measurements were made in both serum and homogenized liver tissues. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was measured by TBARS method. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were studied by commercial kits. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: ALT and AST in Group 1 (154 U/L and 302 U/L, respectively) were higher than those in Group 2 (94 U/L and 155 U/L) and Group 3 (99 U/L and 168 U/L) (P=0.001 for both). Serum and tissue levels of MDA in Group 1 (1.84 nmol/mL and 96 nmol/100 mg-protein) were higher than that in Group 2 (0.91 nmol/mL and 64 nmol/100 mg protein) and Group 3 (0.94 nmol/mL and 49 nmol/100 mg-protein) (P<0.001 for both). On the other hand, serum GSH-Px level in Group 1 (8.21 U/g Hb) was lower than that in Group 2 (16 U/g Hb) and Group 3 (16 U/g-Hb) (P<0.001). Serum and liver tissue levels of SOD in Group 1 (11 U/mL and 26 U/100 mg-protein) were lower than that in Group 2 (18 U/mL and 60 U/100 mg protein) and Group 3 (20 U/mL and 60 U/100 mg-protein) (P<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Ethanol-induced liver damage was associated with oxidative stress, and co-administration of n-acetylcysteine attenuates this damage effectively in rat model.

N-acetylcysteine attenuates alcohol-induced oxidative stress in the rat.

AIM: There is increasing evidence that alcohol-induced liver damage may be associated with increased oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate free-radical scavenger effect of n-acetylcysteine in rats intragastrically fed with ethanol. METHODS: Twenty-four rats divided into three groups were fed with ethanol (6 g/kg/day, Group 1), ethanol and n-acetylcysteine (1 g/kg, Group 2), or isocaloric dextrose (control group, Group 3) for 4 weeks. Then animals were sacrificed under ether anesthesia, intracardiac blood and liver tissues were obtained. Measurements were performed both in serum and in homogenized liver tissues. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was measured by TBARS method. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were studied by commercial kits. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: ALT and AST in Group 1 (154 U/L and 302 U/L, respectively) were higher than those in Group 2 (94 U/L and 155 U/L) and Group 3 (99 U/L and 168 U/L) (P=0.001 for both). Serum and tissue levels of MDA in Group 1 (1.84 nmol/mL and 96 nmol/100 mg-protein) were higher than Group 2 (0.91 nmol/mL and 64 nmol/100 mg-protein) and Group 3 (0.94 nmol/mL and 49 nmol/100 mg-protein) (P<0.001 for both). On the other hand, serum GSH-Px level in Group 1 (8.21 U/g-Hb) was lower than Group 2 (16 U/g-Hb) and Group 3 (16 U/g-Hb) (P<0.001). Serum and liver tissue levels of SOD in Group 1 (11 U/mL and 26 U/100 mg-protein) were lower than Group 2 (18 U/mL and 60 U/100 mg-protein) and Group 3 (20 U/mL and 60 U/100 mg-protein) (P<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that ethanol-induced liver damage is associated with oxidative stress, and co-administration of n-acetylcysteine attenuates this damage effectively in rat model.