Year-long and seasonal differences of PM2.5 chemical characteristics and their role in the viability of human lung epithelial cells (A549).

Fine particulate matters-PM2.5 in the air can have considerable negative effects on human health and the environment. Various human cell-based studies examined the effect of PM2.5 on human health in different cities of the world using various chemical parameters. Unfortunately, limited information is available regarding the relationship between toxicity and chemical characteristics of PM2.5 collected in Istanbul, Türkiye, located in one of the most populated cities in the world. To investigate the chemical characteristics and cytotoxicity of PM2.5 in Istanbul, samples were collected for 12 months, then potentially toxic metals, oxidative potential, and particle indicators (e.g., functional groups and elements) were determined, and the cytotoxicity of PM2.5 on human A549 lung alveolar epithelial cells was examined. The mean PM2.5 mass concentration was 24.0 ± 17.4 µg m-3 and higher in cold months compared to other seasons. Moreover, the results of the metals, elemental, and functional groups indicated that seasonal and monthly characteristics were influenced by the regional anthropogenic sources and photochemistry input. The cytotoxicity results also showed that the viability of A549 cells was reduced with the exposure of PM2.5 (30-53%) and higher cytotoxicity was obtained in summer compared to the other seasons due to the impact of the metals, elements, and oxidative characteristics of PM2.5.

A Comparative Study on the Interaction Between Protein and PET Micro/Nanoplastics: Structural and Surface Characteristics of Particles and Impacts on Lung Carcinoma Cells (A549) and Staphylococcus aureus.

The interaction between particles and proteins is a key factor determining the toxicity responses of particles. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the interaction between the emerging pollutant polyethylene terephthalate micro/nanoplastics from water bottles with bovine serum albumin. The physicochemical characteristics of micro/nanoplastics were investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, dynamic light scattering, and x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy after exposure to various concentrations and durations of protein. Furthermore, the impact of protein-treated micro/nanoplastics on biological activities was examined using the mitochondrial activity and membrane integrity of A549 cells and the activity and biofilm production of Staphylococcus aureus. The structural characteristics of micro/nanoplastics revealed an interaction with protein. For instance, the assignment of protein-related new proton signals (e.g., CH2, methylene protons of CH2O), changes in available protons s (e.g., CH and CH3), crystallinity, functional groups, elemental ratios, zeta potentials (-11.3 ± 1.3 to -12.4 ± 1.7 to 25.5 ± 2.3 mV), and particle size (395 ± 76 to 496 ± 60 to 866 ± 82 nm) of micro/nanoplastics were significantly observed after protein treatment. In addition, the loading (0.012-0.027 mM) and releasing (0.008-0.013 mM) of protein also showed similar responses with structural characteristics. Moreover, the cell-based responses were changed regarding the structural and surface characteristics of micro/nanoplastics and the loading efficiencies of protein. For example, insignificant mitochondrial activity (2%-10%) and significant membrane integrity (12%-28%) of A549 cells increased compared with control, and reductions in bacterial activity (5%-40%) in many cases and biofilm production specifically at low dose of all treatment stages (13%-46% reduction) were observed.

Exposure to phagolysosomal simulated fluid altered the cytotoxicity of PET micro(nano)plastics to human lung epithelial cells.

The occurrence of micro(nano)plastics into various environmental and biological settings influences their physicochemical and toxic behavior. Simulated body fluids are appropriate media for understanding the degradation, stability, and interaction with other substances of any material in the human body. When the particles enter the human body via inhalation, which is one of the avenues for micro(nano)plastics, they first come into contact with the lung lining fluid under neutral conditions and then are phagocytosed under acidic conditions to be removed. Therefore, it is important to examine the physicochemical transformation and toxicity characteristics after interaction with phagolysosomal simulant fluid (PSF). Here, we focused on exploring how the physicochemical differences (e.g. surface chemistry, elemental distribution, and surface charge) of micro(nano)plastics under pH 4.5 phagolysosome conditions impact cytotoxicity and the oxidative characteristics of lung epithelia cells. The cytotoxicity of lung epithelia cells to those treated with PSF and non-treated micro(nano)plastics was tested by various viability indicators including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), MTT, and LDH. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity background was examined through the oxidative processes (e.g. reactive oxygen species, antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and reduced glutathione). The results showed that all tested surface physicochemical characteristics were significantly influenced by the phagolysosome conditions. The staged responses were observed with the treatment duration, and significant changes were calculated in carbonyl, carbon-nitrogen, and sulfonyl groups. Moreover, the negativity of the zeta potentials declined between exposure of 2-40 h and then increased at 80 h compared to control owing to the chemical functional groups and elemental distribution of the plastic particles. The tested viability indicators showed that the micro(nano)plastics treated with PSF were cytotoxic to the lung epithelia cells compared to non-treated micro(nano)plastics, and SOD was the dominant enzyme triggering cytotoxicity due to the particle degradation and instability.

Characterizing the interaction between micro(nano)plastics and simulated body fluids and their impact on human lung epithelial cells.

Micro(nano)plastics are considered an emerging threat to human health because they can interact with biological systems. In fact, these materials have already been found in the human body, such as in the lungs. However, limited data are available on the behavior of these materials under biological conditions and their impact on human cells, specifically on alveolar epithelial cells. In this study, micro(nano)plastics were exposed to various simulated biological fluids (artificial lysosomal fluids and Gamble's solution) for 2-80 h. Pristine and treated plastic particles were characterized based on their surface chemistry, zeta potentials, and elemental composition. Various toxicological endpoints (mitochondrial membrane potential, lactate dehydrogenase, protein, and antioxidant levels) were examined using A549 lung carcinoma cells. The surface characteristics of the treated micro(nano)plastics and the toxicological endpoints of A549 cells were found to be influenced by the simulated biological media, specifically with high concentrations of the treated micro(nano)plastics and increasing exposure under biological conditions. Moreover, the toxicological endpoints were strongly linked to the chemistry of plastics and included multiple processes in response to the plastics; different biological pathways were obtained in artificial lysosomal fluid and Gamble's solution.

Evaluation of Relationship Between SOD1 50-bp Deletion Gene Polymorphism, Cu, Zn Level, and Viscosity in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Patients with Vertebral Fractures.

Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of bone loss, causing low bone mineral density (BMD) and associated osteoporotic fractures. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of SOD1 50-bp insertion(Ins)/deletion(Del) polymorphism that is involved in oxidative stress metabolism, Cu and Zn element concentrations, and plasma viscosity level, with postmenopausal osteoporosis and related vertebral fractures. The study included 167 voluntary individuals. The 50-bp Ins/Del polymorphism of SOD1 was determined by allele-specific PCR. Plasma Cu and Zn levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The plasma viscosity was determined using the Harkness Capillary Viscometer device. In our study, the distribution of SOD1 promoter 50-bp Ins/Del polymorphism did not indicate a significant difference between the groups and in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients with and without fractures (p > 0.05). The Ins/Ins genotype was found to be common in individuals in both groups. The Cu and Zn levels of the study group were found to be between the normal reference values (p > 0.05). It was determined that plasma viscosity increased significantly in the group of osteoporotic patients and in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis with fractures (p < 0.01). In addition, plasma viscosity was found to significantly increase in patients with Ins/Ins genotype and fractures (p < 0.01). Postmenopausal osteoporosis and associated vertebral fracture were found not to be directly related to SOD1 50-bp polymorphism and Cu and Zn element levels. Plasma viscosity levels were found to increase due to the increase in oxidative stress products. Further studies are needed to clarify the roles and relationships of SOD genes and trace elements in the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis and vertebral fracture.

Association of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) serum level and gene rs10247158 polymorphism with anthropometric, biochemical parameters and food consumption in overweight/obese patients.

AIM: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a role in xenobiotic metabolism, which can be also activated by dietary patterns and components. AhR ligands in circulation are reported to induce weight gain, glucose intolerance and suggested to contribute to the development of obesity. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship of the AhR gene and its polymorphisms with obesity and food consumption. METHODS: The study was conducted with 117 individuals of whom 52 had a body mass index (BMI) of <25 (normal weight) and 65 had a BMI of ≥25 (overweight/obese). The distribution of the serum level and polymorphism (rs10247158) of the participants were determined in venous blood samples using the ELISA and PCR method. Body composition and skinfold thickness of the individuals were measured and their food consumption records were analysed in the BeBiS program. RESULTS: The serum AhR, HOMA-IR, fasting blood glucose and basal insulin levels were found to be significantly higher (P < .001); however, no relationship was found between AhR polymorphisms in the overweight/obese individuals. In the overweight/obese group, the serum AhR level had a negative correlation with potassium, coffee and alcohol consumption and a positive correlation with suprailiac skinfold thickness. Dietary patterns expected to be related with increased serum AhR levels, such as fat and derivatives, were not observed in overweight/obese group; on the other hand, there was a negative correlation in normal group. CONCLUSION: In our study, the serum AhR levels of the overweight/obese individuals were found to be significantly higher. Some dietary patterns were determined to be correlated with serum AhR levels in overweight/obese group. However, the results need to be confirmed for ethnic differences and larger samples.

TAS1R2 rs35874116 and TRPM5 rs886277 polymorphisms are not related with risk of obesity.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is one of the most serious public health problems due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. The taste perception is a powerful factor affecting food acceptance and may be one of the causes of tendency to obesity. Genetic variations in TAS1R2 and TRPM5 genes that affect taste preferences may cause inter-individual differences in food selection and thus increase the risk of obesity. We hypothesised that genetic variations in TAS1R2 and TRPM5 genes may contribute to obesity phenotypes by influencing food intake and body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study is to analyse the association of TAS1R2 rs35874116 and TRPM5 rs886277 polymorphisms with BMI and obesity. METHODS: A total of 186 people were enrolled in this study, 54 of whom were normal weight (BMI = 18.50-24.99 kg/m2 ), 15 overweight (BMI = 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 ) and 117 obese people (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 ). Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood with the Blood DNA Isolation kit. TAS1R2 rs35874116 and TRPM5 rs886277 polymorphisms were detected by using the Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR genotyping system (KASP). KASP genotyping assays are based on competitive allele-specific PCR and enable bi-allelic scoring of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at specific loci. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies between normal and overweight/obese, but there was a trend towards a smaller increase in BMI in TAS1R2 rs35874116 GA heterozygotes (OR = 1.827), GG (OR = 1.364) homozygotes genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Although TAS1R2 and TRPM5 genes were associated with taste preferences in previous studies, we found out that TAS1R2 rs35874116 and TRPM5 rs886277 variants are not associated with obesity. The functional potency of the genetic variants within TAS1R2 and TRPM5 may be different between ethnic groups and this requires further investigations.

Investigation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, Zinc, and Vitamin B12 Levels in Chronic Gastritis with Helicobacter pylori Infection.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is known as the most common cause of worldwide common chronic gastritis. Pathogenic mechanisms caused by H. pylori in diseases are still not fully understood. In addition, it has been reported that H. pylori can alter gene expressions in infected tissues and affect transcription factor activation. It is reported that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is a cytoplasmic transcription factor, functions in the immune system and plays a role in immune cells in barrier organs such as the gastrointestinal system, skin, and lungs. H. pylori infection affects the absorption of micronutrients such as trace elements, minerals, and vitamins by disrupting gastric secretion and acidification functions. Zinc (Zn) trace element is thought to be able to modulate the induction of AhR-responsive genes in endothelial cells. Although it is emphasized that trace elements are related with gastritis, relationship between Zn and AhR is not fully known, especially in chronic gastritis accompanied by H. pylori infection. In this study, serum levels of AhR, Zn, and AhR antagonist vitamin B12 were determined in chronic gastritis with H. pylori infection. Fifty volunteers diagnosed with H. pylori positive and negative chronic gastritis were included in this study. Collected from individuals participating were 5 ml of venous blood samples, and their serums were separated. AhR serum level of the study group was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Zn concentrations in serum samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. When AhR and Zn serum levels were compared in H. pylori positive and negative chronic gastritis patients, it was found that AhR serum level of H. pylori positive chronic gastritis patients increased but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.595). However it was determined Zn and B12 serum levels were statistically significantly decreased (p < 0.001). This study has a crucial importance since to be the first one investigating relationship between serum AhR, Zn, and vitamin B12 levels in the pathogenesis of H. pylori gastritis in adults. Examination of AhR, Zn and B12 levels in H. pylori positive gastritis patients contributes to elucidating molecular mechanism of the disease.

In Vitro and in Silico Assessment of the Potential of Niaouli Essential Oil as a Quorum Sensing Inhibitor of Biofilm Formation and its Effects on Fibroblast Cell Viability

Abstract Essential oils (EO), as new bioactive compounds, have been used for pharmaceutical applications. In this study, EO of Niaouli was found to have a high content in 1,8-cineole (58.53%). Furthermore, pinene, α-terpineol, nerolidol and ledene were found to be its components with an abundance of above 2%. Niaouli EO also had effects as inhibitor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm formation (p<0.05). In the molecular docking study, this effect was explored. The natural ligand OdDHL, the bound ligand TP-1 (Triphenyl-1), the major component 1,8-cineole and the other components with significant abundance were docked against the binding region of the LasR protein. The docking study exhibited that 1,8-cineole together with the other components investigated could inhibit LasR competitively. Its effect on cell viability was also analyzed by MTT assay. Although dose-dependent cell viability effect was observed for all hours (p<0.05), IC50 value was above 100 μg/mL. Therefore, Niaouli can be assessed safely for dermatological applications because of its low toxicity on fibroblast cells and may be considered as potential quorum sensing inhibitor because of its inhibition effect on biofilm formation.

Genetic variation in NOD1/CARD4 and NOD2/CARD15 immune sensors and risk of osteoporosis.

The present study was aimed to investigate the relationship between NOD1/CARD4 and NOD2/CARD15 gene polymorphisms and osteoporosis in the Turkish population. The first time we thought that the functional polymorphisms in NOD1/CARD4 and NOD2/CARD15 genes might have triggered the development of osteoporosis. The objective of our study was to determine the relationship between NOD1/CARD4 and NOD2/CARD15 SNPs and osteoporosis. The NOD1/CARD4 (rs5743336) and NOD2/CARD15 (rs2066847) SNPs were analyzed by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 94 healthy controls and 164 subjects with osteoporosis. PCR products were digested with restriction enzymes AvaI for NOD1/CARD4 and ApaI for NOD2/CARD15. We found that NOD1/CARD4 genotype distribution of AA, GA and GG were 15, 44 and 41% for patients and 17, 46 and 37% for controls, respectively. NOD2/CARD15 mutation was found only in three patients (1.8%) as heterozygote. The results did not show any statistical difference between NOD1/CARD4 and NOD2/CARD15 genotype distribution of patients and healthy groups (χ2 = 1.740, P=0.187; χ2 = 1.311, P=0.519). However, the most frequent AG genotype (46%) of NOD1/CARD4 was observed in healthy controls, GG genotype (44%) of NOD1/CARD4 was observed as the most frequent in osteoporotic patients. NOD2/CARD15 WT/WT genotype, the most frequent genotype, was observed in both groups. Statistical analysis revealed that NOD1/CARD4 and NOD2/CARD15 polymorphisms are not associated with osteoporosis. However, a definite judgement is difficult to be made due to restricted number of patients and small size of control group. Further research is sorely warranted in this direction.

Is there any association between osteoporotic vertebral fracture and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit-1 polymorphism in Turkish society? A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the relationship between osteoporotic vertebral fractures and 9041 Guanine/Adenine and 3673 Guanine/Adenine polymorphisms related to the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit-1 (VKORC1) gene in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis was investigated. METHOD: DNA was isolated from blood samples collected from 150 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Genotyping of the two polymorphic regions (9041 Guanine/Adenine and 3673 Guanine/Adenine) in VKORC1 was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The presence of radiographic fractures among the 150 patients was ascertained by using the Genant method. RESULT: At least one fracture was detected in 98 patients, and no fracture was observed in 52 patients on radiological images. We found no association between the 9041 Guanine/Adenine (p=0.283) and 3673 Guanine/Adenine (p=0.232) polymorphisms of the VKORC1 gene and the development of secondary postosteoporotic fractures in our study. CONCLUSION: There was no relationship between osteoporotic vertebral fracture and VKORC1 gene polymorphism in a postmenopausal Turkish population.

Is there any association between osteoporotic vertebral fracture and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit-1 polymorphism in Turkish society? A pilot study

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the relationship between osteoporotic vertebral fractures and 9041 Guanine/Adenine and 3673 Guanine/Adenine polymorphisms related to the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit-1 (VKORC1) gene in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis was investigated. METHOD: DNA was isolated from blood samples collected from 150 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Genotyping of the two polymorphic regions (9041 Guanine/Adenine and 3673 Guanine/Adenine) in VKORC1 was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The presence of radiographic fractures among the 150 patients was ascertained by using the Genant method. RESULT: At least one fracture was detected in 98 patients, and no fracture was observed in 52 patients on radiological images. We found no association between the 9041 Guanine/Adenine (p=0.283) and 3673 Guanine/Adenine (p=0.232) polymorphisms of the VKORC1 gene and the development of secondary postosteoporotic fractures in our study. CONCLUSION: There was no relationship between osteoporotic vertebral fracture and VKORC1 gene polymorphism in a postmenopausal Turkish population.

miRNA-146a, miRNA-155 and JNK expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells according to grade of knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease characterized by joint pain and a progressive loss of articular cartilage. OA known as a non-inflammatory disease. Despite this the recent studies are shown synovitis and low inflammation to have a role in OA pathophysiology. The aim of this study to determine the roles of a potential therapeutic targets miRNA-146a, miRNA-155 and JNK expression levels in OA patients. Peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) were extracted from OA patients and healthy subjects. The expression levels of miRNA-146a, miRNA-155 and JNK were quantified using by real-time PCR assay. According to study results a statistically significant increase was observed only in miRNA-155 expression level (p=0,039). However, miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 expressions increased in the progressive stages (grade 3 and grade 4) in OA patients. Our data suggests that correlation of miRNAs regulating and signal pathways can play an important role in OA pathogenesis and disease progression.

Susceptiveness of Vitamin K epOxide Reductase Complex Subunit 1 Gene Polymorphism in Essential Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Essential hypertension (EH) is defined as a worldwide public health problem and one of the important risk factors for development of human coronary artery disease. Increased peripheral arterial resistance is one of the distinguishing characteristics of EH. The extracellular deposition of calcium in the arterial wall is defined as vascular calcification, which results in aortic stiffness and elevation of blood pressure. Regulation of vascular calcification is physiologically limited by γ-carboxylated proteins that regulate mineralization. Any deficiencies related to mineralization influence vascular calcification. As a result of vitamin-K deficiency or any problem associated with the vitamin K epOxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) gene, Glu cannot be transformed to Gla and calcification initiates in blood vessels, myocardium, and cardiac. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the potential association of VKORC1 polymorphisms with the risk of EH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 100 individuals diagnosed with EH and 100 healthy individuals involved in the study. 3673G/A (rs9923231) and 9041G/A (rs7294) polymorphisms in the VKORC1 gene were determined by the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the rs7294 polymorphisms ratios of the case and control groups, but significant differences weren't found in distribution of the rs9923231 alleles. Finally it was determined that the GG genotype provides a 3.97-fold increased risk for EH compared to the AA genotype for the rs7294 polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the VKORC1 gene rs7294 polymorphism is important for the development of EH.

[Drug carrier nanosystems in malignant pleural mesothelioma]. / Malign plevral mezotelyomada ilaç tasiyici nanosistemler.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), the incidence increased with each passing day, is an important lethal disease due to the limited survive with available treatment methods and with the lack of a standard treatment. Response and survive rates of cytotoxic agents which is used in MPM treatment are not good enough. Therefore, treatment studies of MPM seem to quite important and urgent. In cancer therapy, convensional chemotherapeutic agent applications, due to the lack of selectivity, lead to systemic toxicity. Besides the limited solubility of the agent used, the distribution between the cells is weak. It is very difficult to the pass through cellular barriers, particularly, drug resistance may develop to the treatment. All of these reasons lead to failure in the treatment process. Because of the fact that cytotoxic drugs either kill the rapidly growing and dividing cells or make them disfunctional by showing toxic effect on them, to avoid the side effects and to make an inherent effect for cytotoxic drug of active ingredient given for treatment on tumor, different studies have been under investigation. At the present time, nanocarriers as one of these solutions seem to have an important place. Nanocarriers are promising for the development of therapeutic effectiveness and safety. It seems that use of the nanocarrier in the treatment of mesothelioma has a potential, as effective alternative a method, with improve of the drug efficacy and reduce of toxicity in normal tissues.

The Effects of Monosodium Glutamate and Tannic Acid on Adult Rats.

BACKGROUND: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely-used flavor enhancer and stabilizer in ready-made or packaged foods. The excessive use of MSG has been shown to increase oxidative stress in different organ systems and causes glucose metabolism disorders, obesity, and coronary diseases. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the antioxidant activity of tannic acid was investigated experimentally with respect to its protective effects against overdosed MSG-induced oxidative stress in rats. The study took place in Turkey in August 2013. METHODS: Four groups (n = 7) of three- to four-month-old Sprague-Dawley female rats were used in this study. The first group was the control, who were administered saline. The second group received tannic acid (50 mg/kg, 3 days) intraperitoneally (i.p.). The third group received MSG (2 g/kg, 7 days) i.p., and the fourth group received both tannic acid (50 mg/kg, 3 days, pretreatment) and MSG (2 g/kg, 7 days) i.p. The animals were euthanized ten days later. Blood was collected for determining the hematological values and blood glucose levels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in the brain, liver, and kidney homogenates, and in the erythrocyte hemolysate. Histopathological examination of the brain, liver, and kidneys was conducted through hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS: The data showed that the tannic acid treatment statistically decreased the MDA levels in the brain tissues of the group administered MSG and tannic acid (P < 0.001) when compared to the corresponding values of the control group. The SOD activities in the blood hemolysates of the MSG and tannic acid group increased when compared to the corresponding values for the MSG group (P < 0.01). Additionally, we found that pretreatment with tannic acid reduced blood glucose levels in comparison to the levels of the MSG group (P = 0.029). The results of our study show that tannic acid pretreatment in adult rats decreased blood glucose levels and oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: In the literature, it was observed that short-term MSG exposure does not cause significant histological changes in the kidneys, liver, or brain cortex. These findings should be re-evaluated in additional long-term studies.

Impact of tannic acid on blood pressure, oxidative stress and urinary parameters in L-NNA-induced hypertensive rats.

Hypertension is a major health problem with increasing prevalence around the world. Tannic acid is water-soluble polyphenol that is present in tea, green tea, coffee, red wine, nuts, fruits and many plant foods. It has been reported to serve as an antioxidant or a pro-oxidant depending on the type of cells and its concentration. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of tannic acid on systolic blood pressure, oxidative stress and some urinary parameters in the rat model of essential hypertension. Blood pressures of all rats were measured using the tail-cuff method. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N (omega)-nitro-L-arginine was administered orally at a dose of 0.5 g/l/day for 15 days to rats in order to create an animal model of hypertension. Tannic acid was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 15 days. Superoxide dismutase, catalase activity and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in blood plasma and homogenates of heart, liver and kidney. In order to evaluate renal functions, urine pH, urine volume, urine creatine, uric acid, and urea nitrogen values were measured. Compared with the hypertension group, a decrease in MDA concentrations of heart tissue (p < 0.01), urea nitrogen values (p < 0.01) and urine volumes (p < 0.001) were established in hypertension + tannic acid group. There was also a decrease in blood pressure values (20th and 30th days) of this group, but there was no a statistical difference according to hypertension group. The findings of our research show the effect of tannic acid in lowering blood pressure in hypertensive rats.

Relationship between plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) gene polymorphisms and osteoporosis in Turkish women.

OBJECTIVE: The development of osteoporosis is associated with several risk factors, such as genetic structures that affect bone turnover and bone mass. The impact of genetic structures on osteoporosis is not known. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 regulates the bone matrix and bone balance. This study assessed the correlation between plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphisms and osteoporosis in a population of Turkish women. METHODS: A total of 195 postmenopausal female patients who were diagnosed with osteoporosis (Group I) based on bone mineral density measurements via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and 90 females with no osteoporosis (Group II) were included in this study. Correlations between PAI-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphisms and osteoporosis were investigated through the identification of PAI-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphism genotypes using the polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: No significant differences in the genotype and allele frequency of 4G/5G plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 polymorphisms were observed between the two groups, and both groups exhibited the most frequently observed 4G5G genotype. CONCLUSION: No correlation between the development of osteoporosis in the female Turkish population and 4G/5G plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 gene polymorphisms was observed.

Relationship between plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) gene polymorphisms and osteoporosis in Turkish women

OBJECTIVE: The development of osteoporosis is associated with several risk factors, such as genetic structures that affect bone turnover and bone mass. The impact of genetic structures on osteoporosis is not known. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 regulates the bone matrix and bone balance. This study assessed the correlation between plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphisms and osteoporosis in a population of Turkish women. METHODS: A total of 195 postmenopausal female patients who were diagnosed with osteoporosis (Group I) based on bone mineral density measurements via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and 90 females with no osteoporosis (Group II) were included in this study. Correlations between PAI-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphisms and osteoporosis were investigated through the identification of PAI-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphism genotypes using the polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: No significant differences in the genotype and allele frequency of 4G/5G plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 polymorphisms were observed between the two groups, and both groups exhibited the most frequently observed 4G5G genotype. CONCLUSION: No correlation between the development of osteoporosis in the female Turkish population and 4G/5G plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 gene polymorphisms was observed.

The effects of combined application of autogenous fibroblast cell culture and full-tissue skin graft (FTSG) on wound healing and contraction in full-thickness tissue defects.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the effects of culture grown fibroblasts on contraction and dermal regeneration when used concurrently with full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) in full-thickness wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into two groups. In the first group, wound contraction was evaluated visually. Two full thickness tissue defects were produced on the back of the seven rats. The skin harvested from these areas was prepared as a full-thickness graft and sutured back to their original beds. Just before the last suture, autogenous fibroblast suspension was applied between the graft and the bed in area 1, and area 2 served as control. The surface area of grafts were calculated and compared with "Image J" program. In the second group, contraction and dermal regeneration were evaluated histologically. Three full-thickness tissue defects were produced on the back of seven rats. Area 1 and 2 were prepared as described above and area 3 was left to secondary healing. On the 14th and 30th days, punch biopsies were harvested from the center of the areas 1-3. Preparations were examined under light microscopy. RESULTS: Wound contraction was significantly less in area 1 on day 14 (p<0.01). Histologically neovascularization, fibroblast density and collagen synthesis were more evident in cultured fibroblast applied areas on day 14. However epithelialization did not show any difference between areas both on days 14 and 30. On day 30, area 1 still a higher degree of fibroblast intensity than the other areas but neovascularization and collagen synthesis were not different than the other areas. CONCLUSION: According to the data obtained from the study, cultured fibroblasts, particularly with a dermal support, do not regress when transplanted to a living tissue. They contribute to the wound healing process; reduce the contraction of the wound; and support collagen synthesis and neovascularization.