Effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and/or sildenafil citrate in experimental colon anastomosis model.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the healing effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSC) and sildenafil citrate alone or in combination of colon anastomosis experimental model. METHODS: A total of 40 female Wistar rats were randomly distributed to four groups: Control (without any intervention post-anas-tomosis), stem cell (AT-MSC injection on the anastomosis site), SIL (oral gavage of 10 mg/kg sildenafil citrate), and stem cell + SIL (AT-MSC injection and oral administration of sildenafil citrate) groups. Rats were euthanized 5 days post-anastomosis. Intra-abdominal adhesion status and anastomotic burst pressure were measured to assess anastomotic healing. Hydroxyproline and TNF-α level, neu-trophil leukocyte infiltration, epithelial regeneration, and necrosis in the anastomosis tissue were examined. RESULTS: Anastomosis leakage and anastomosis burst pressure were not different among the groups. Treatment with sildenafil, stem cell, and stem cell + SIL reduced the degree of perianastomotic adhesions compared to control (p<0.05). A significant increase was noted in hydroxyproline in the stem cell and stem cell + SIL groups (p=0.001). AT-MSC injection alone or in combination with sildenafil citrate reduced the TNF-α concentration at the anastomosis site (p=0.001). Histopathological examination revealed that all treatments enhanced the clearance of the necrotic debris, reduced leukocytes infiltration, and accelerated the retraction of anastomo-sed ends except control (p=0.001). Epithelial regeneration was more pronounced in the stem cell group than other groups (p=0.001). Macrophage density was lower in groups treated with the SIL or stem cell groups than the control and stem cell + SIL groups (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Sildenafil citrate and/or AT-MSC in the anastomosed rats promoted the anastomosis healing that was more pro-nounced in groups receiving stem cell injections.

Comparison of immunoglobulin E anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis and chronic spontaneous urticaria.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disease of unknown etiology and autoimmunity has been thought to be an etiological factor. Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) may play a role in the pathogenesis of certain cases of urticaria. The aim of this study is to investigate IgE-anti-TPO in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria and in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. METHODS: A total of 175 subjects were included in this study. 59 patients had chronic spontaneous urticaria without history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, while 58 patients had Hashimoto's thyroiditis without history of urticaria. The control group consisted of 58 participants without history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and urticaria. Serum IgE-anti-TPO levels were analyzed by site-directed IgE capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique. We used this technique by modifying it. RESULTS: IgE-anti-TPO antibodies were detected in all three groups and in all subjects. There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of IgE-anti-TPO levels. Although total IgE and IgE-anti-TPO levels were higher in the IgG-anti-TPO positive chronic spontaneous urticaria, there was no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: IgE-anti-TPO antibodies do not play a pathogenic role in the majority of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

The effect of hypothermia in a rat testicular torsion/detorsion model.

BACKGROUND: Testicular torsion is an emergent condition. The protective effect of medical hypothermia in ischemia/reperfusion injury is well defined. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the late results of hypothermia through a rat testicular torsion/detorsion model compatible with human testicular torsion. STUDY DESIGN: Rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 7): (1)Sham (S) group, (2)T/D group: right testis was torted for 1-h, (3)T/D + H30 group: hypothermia at 4 °C was applied for 30 min before detorsion, (4)T/D + H90 group: hypothermia at 4 °C was applied for a total of 90 min (30 min before and 1-h after detorsion), (5)H group: hypothermia at 4 °C was applied to right testis for 90 min. Testicular diameters at preoperative period and 8th postoperative week were measured. Biochemically, MPO, NO, 3-NT and 4-HNE in testicular tissue and serum levels of NO, PGF 2α, 3-NT, 8-OHdG and 4-HNE were studied. Histopathologic examination and TUNEL assay were also performed. RESULTS: Biochemical and macroscopical parameters of both T/D + H30 and T/D + H90 groups were statistically different from group T/D with respect to protective effects of hypothermia. Johnsen's score was also statistically different in group T/D + H90. DISCUSSION: Hypothermia can easily be applied with ice bags both in perioperative period. This is the first study evaluating the effect of hypothermia applied postoperatively. Tissue level of protein oxidation marker (3-NT) and serum levels of DNA damage (8-OHdG), lipid peroxidation (4-HNE), protein oxidation (3-NT) and oxidative stress (PGF-2α) markers were measured for the first time. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothermia has been shown to be macroscopically, biochemically and histopathologically beneficial in the long-term experimental testicular torsion model.

Elevated Melatonin Levels in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Relationship to Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress.

Objective: The aim of this article is to measure serum antioxidant melatonin, the oxidants of nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde levels to calculate the serum oxidant-antioxidant balance based on the nitric oxide/melatonin and malondialdehyde/melatonin ratios in children with ADHD. Method: The serum melatonin, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and the nitric oxide/melatonin and malondialdehyde/melatonin ratios were calculated and compared between the children with ADHD (n = 103) and healthy control participants (n = 73). Results: Serum melatonin and nitric oxide levels were higher, and the nitric oxide/melatonin and malondialdehyde/melatonin ratios were lower in ADHD children than the control group. Melatonin was found to be significantly high, and the malondialdehyde/melatonin ratio was found to be significantly low in children with a positive ADHD family history. Conclusion: The serum oxidant-antioxidant balance was impaired in children with ADHD. Within the ADHD group, higher melatonin levels were determined in the children with a positive family history.

Gut mucosa in the rats exposed temporary mechanical obstruction fed with probiotic.

BACKGROUND: Created a model in the rats, to prevent mucosal damage and related effects in the patients, who were operated due to mechanical obstruction. Some groups fed fodder with probiotics, some groups fed with standard fodder. It is objected that the damage of gut mucosa and related effects on how to expose the differences of the groups. METHODS: In this study, 48 female Wistar-albino type rats are separated into five groups randomly. In the first operation, rats' terminal ileum was tied up with silk except for the control group. Two groups 24, the other two groups 48 hours later operated again and terminal ileum obstructions were removed. During that time, each one of those 24 and 48 hours of obstructed groups were fed with probiotic. Twenty-four hours later, the control group and other groups were operated for the third time for sampling. Terminal ileum, liver, spleen, MLN (Mesenteric lymph node) and blood samples were taken. RESULTS: The research group, which was obstructed and fed with probiotics during 48 hours, was significantly observed in increased mucosa cell loss and mucosal edema. Bacterial translocation was found more common in groups without probiotics. Tissue GR (Glutathione reductase) and erythrocyte CAT (Catalase) were lower in the group of 24 hours obstructed and given probiotics. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the high rate of mucosal edemas in the groups that are fed with probiotics can be seen as damage, but we think that probiotics are consonant with the strength of the mucosal barrier. Thus, in the groups fed with probiotics, it is possible that bacterial translocation is seen less, and some antioxidative enzymes are found less. Further studies are needed to investigate the benefits of probiotics in patients operated for obstruction.

The association between chronic spontaneous urticaria and HLA class I and class II antigen

Background/aim: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a chronic disease with an unknown etiology. In human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, the association of class I and class II antigens with autoimmune diseases has been identified and HLA antigens that have a tendency to or can prevent chronic urticaria have been studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between chronic spontaneous urticaria and HLA class I and class II antigens. Materials and methods: A total of 80 subjects, 40 patients with CSU and 40 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. DNA sample isolation from blood was primarily done by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique for the first time. Using HLA SSP Typing Kit (ROSE Cat. No: 800118) PCR technique, HLA-A, B, C, DRB and DQB alleles from DNA samples were analyzed. Results: The mean age was 36.80 ± 9.48 years and the duration of the disease was 4.26 ± 5.18 years. Among the HLA class I and class II antigens, HLA-A was detected significantly more often in the control group (P = 0.039). HLA-DRB1 was more often detected in the CSU group but no statistical difference (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It can be considered that HLA-DRB1 may have a tendency to CSU, while HLA-A might prevent the disease.

Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Patients with Endometrial Cancer.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), in relation with metabolic profile and clinicopathologic features of patients with endometrial cancer. A total of 47 women with endometrial cancer and 45 controls were eligible for the study. Clinicopathologic features and metabolic profile as well as serum copper and zinc levels were evaluated in each subject. Patients with endometrial cancer (Cu mean 3.72 ± 2.15 mg/L, median 3.54 [0.41-9.16] mg/L and Zn mean 1.83 ± 0.71 mg/L, median 1.77 [0.71-4.02] mg/L) exhibited lower Cu and Zn levels than those of controls (Cu mean 6.06 ± 1.79 mg/L, median 6.32 [2.95-9.05] mg/L and Zn mean 2.48 ± 0.89 mg/L, median 2.23 [1.23-4.54] mg/L) (p < 0.001). Cu/Zn ratio was also higher (0.85 ± 1.96 vs. 2.57 ± 0.73) in controls as compared with patients with endometrial cancer. While Cu levels showed no significant correlation with age, body mass index, gravidity, and parity, a positive correlation was found between Zn levels and parity. When cancer patients were evaluated on their own, both Cu and Zn levels showed positive correlation with age. Additionally, the cancer patients with myometrial invasion > 1/2 exhibited lower Cu levels compared with the cancer patients with myometrial invasion < 1/2. The data of the present study suggested that women with endometrial cancer are characterized by altered serum Cu and Zn levels as compared with controls. Imbalance of these trace element levels might be associated with endometrial cancer among Turkish patients.

Increased TSLP, IL-33, IL-25, IL-19, IL 21 and amphiregulin (AREG) levels in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory disease. The surrogate indicating biomarkers in patients with CRSwNP need further evaluation. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and amphiregulin (AREG) cytokines in patients with CRSwNP. METHODS: Sinonasal tissue samples were collected from 33 patients with CRSwNP and 29 controls. Levels of AREG, IL-19, IL-21, IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP in nasal polyp and control sinonasal tissues were determined following the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: We found that AREG, IL-19, IL-21, IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP levels were significantly higher in the CRSwNP group compared to the control group (p < 0.000; p < 0.000; p < 0.000; p < 0.000; p < 0.003; p < 0.021, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that AREG, IL-19, IL-21, IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP were significantly increased in tissue samples of CRSwNP patients and may be considered as molecular indicators and targets for therapeutic developments for patients with CRSwNP.

Ozone Partially Decreases Axonal and Myelin Damage in an Experimental Sciatic Nerve Injury Model.

AIM: To investigate the effects of ozone in experimental acute sciatic nerve injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight male rats were divided into four groups (n = 7): control (C), ozone (O), injury (SNI), and treatment with ozone after injury (SNI + Ozone). Sciatic nerve injury was generated by compressing the right sciatic nerve for 90 s using a Yasargil aneurysm clip in groups SNI and SNI + Ozone. A 70 µg/ml concentration of ozone was given four times (once a day at 1st, 24th, 48th, and 72th h) at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg to groups O and SNI + Ozone after injury by an intraperitoneal injection. Nerve conduction velocities of all rats were measured by in vivo electrophysiological tests at the end of the day 4. Then, plasma malondialdehyde, total oxidant and antioxidant status were measured and also axonal and myelin changes in sciatic nerves of histopathological examination were performed. The data were analyzed by Kolmogorov Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Chi square test. p <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The proximal and distal latency difference were higher and nerve conduction velocity were lower in SNI group than C and O groups, and the myelin structure was found to be broken in group SNI compared to groups C and O. However, the amplitude of the compound action potential, the nerve conduction velocity were significantly higher in group SNI + Ozone than in group SNI. Moreover, myelin injury was significantly lower in group SNI + Ozone compared to group SNI. Total oxidant status in group SNI was significantly higher than in groups C, O, and SNI + Ozone. But, total antioxidant status in group SNI was significantly lower than in groups C, O, and SNI + Ozone. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the administration of ozone at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg after peripheral nerve injury in rats reduces myelin and axonal injury.

The predictive value of the inflammatory markers P-selectin and MCP1 in determining the length of stay and 30-day survival in the differentiation of sepsis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Sepsis is the leading disease that is diagnosed late and still has a mortal course in emergency departments. The primary factors that will reduce both morbidity and mortality are early diagnosis and an early treatment approach. Therefore, in this study, P-selectin and MCP1 levels, which are known to be markers of inflammation, were examined in patients being followed up in intensive care. METHODS: Patients evaluated with a preliminary diagnosis of sepsis in the emergency intensive care unit between September 2015 and August 2016 were classified as having sepsis or infection according to the Q- SOFA criteria, and the P- selectin values were compared. RESULTS: In the sepsis group, GCS was determined as 13 (12-13), SBP 90 (80-110), tachypnea 24 (22-26), lactate 3.8 (0.6-16.0), MAP 70 (60-77), and LOS 16 days (9.5-20.3). In the ROC analysis, the sensitivity of P-selectin and MCP1 in the differentiation of patients with and without sepsis was 95.7%, and 73.8%, and the specificity was 97.8% and 73.8%, respectively. According to the cutoff values, the sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of patient mortality were 71.4% and 65.6% in P- selectin and 78.6% and 65.6% in MCP1. CONCLUSIONS: The P-selectin and MCP1 values in the emergency department can differentiate sepsis patients according to the Q-SOFA criteria and showed 30-day mortality at a significant level. Therefore, in patients with suspected sepsis in an emergency department, MCP1 can be of benefit to physicians in their decisions regarding LOS and transfer to intensive care.

Second trimester maternal serum-amniotic fluid nitric oxide and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in relation to uterine artery Doppler indices in pregnancies with normal outcome.

The aim of the present study was to explore the possible relations of maternal serum and amniotic fluid nitric oxide (NO) and of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) concentrations with uterine artery Doppler indices (UtADs) in a healthy second trimester obstetric population. In this regard, the levels of NO and VEGF-A were measured in maternal sera and the amniotic fluid samples were in 36 subjects who were in their early second trimester of pregnancy. The mean levels for VEGF-A were 110.3 ± 31.5 pg/ml in maternal serum and 149.6 ± 31.3 pg/ml in amniotic fluid. Mean levels for NO were 5.7 ± 4.7 µmol in maternal serum and 12.9 ± 3.4 µmol in amniotic fluid. UtADs were measured concurrently with the sample collections. The mean value for uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) was 1.3 ± 0.4. The measurements were then analysed for possible correlations, whereby no correlation was found between UtAD and maternal serum levels of either molecule (p = .828 and p = .662 for VEGF-A and NO, respectively). However, a positive correlation was found between the NO levels in the amniotic fluid compartment and UtAD (r = 0.432, p = .009 for PI). Therefore, a correlation of UtAD with amniotic fluid NO can be expected in pregnancies with a normal outcome. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) are important vasoactive molecules that play significant roles in early angiogenesis and placentation. What the results of this study add? There is a positive correlation between the amniotic fluid NO levels and the uterine artery Doppler indices (UtADs) in the second trimester of pregnancies with normal outcomes. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? A correlation between amniotic fluid NO levels and UtAD may indicate a normal trophoblastic invasion. Disturbance of this balance may be expected in certain adverse pregnancy outcomes. Additional studies are needed to further explore the molecular signs of early abnormal placentation and their clinical reflection.

The association between clinically suspect arthralgia and adipokines in obese patients.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a moderate low-grade chronic inflammatory condition. The cause of low-grade inflammation in obese patients who have clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) may be the subject of debate in clinical practice. Our aim is to determine whether inflammation is associated with obesity or rheumatic disease, and the association between leptin, chemerin, visfatin and inflammatory markers in obese patients with/without musculoskeletal symptoms. METHODS: Seventy-four obese patients who admitted to our rheumatology clinic with CSA were enrolled. The control group consisted of 40 obese patients who have no rheumatic symptoms. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated in kg/m2 with body weight ratio to height squared, and obesity was defined as BMI 30 or above. Age, gender, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), leptin, chemerin, and visfatin were evaluated. The relationship between all parameters was assessed by Spearman correlation, Wilcoxon Signed-rank, and paired t-tests. RESULTS: There were no significant differences for age, gender, ESR and CRP between obese patients with CSA and control group. The mean TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 concentrations were 60.8 pg/mL, 39.9 pg/ml, and 26.2% in obese patients with CSA, respectively. ESR, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß concentrations were higher in these patients compared to obese patients without any rheumatic symptoms. The mean WHR and waist circumference were 0.8±0.1 and 107.1±13.4 cm, respectively in patients with CSA. IL-6 correlated with WHR and waist circumference, positively. There were significant differences for adipokines such as chemerin, visfatin, but not for leptin between both group. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between pro-inflammatory cytokines and visfatin, chemerin. CONCLUSION: Visfatin and chemerin correlated with inflammation and may be useful indicators of undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis in obese patients with CSA.

Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit oxidative stress in a rat model of liver regeneration.

PURPOSE: Lipid peroxidation and consequent reactive oxygen species in the setting of oxidative stress have crucial roles in liver regeneration, which may adversely affect the regeneration itself and lead to liver failure. The aim of the current study is to investigate whether omega-3 fatty acid supplementation inhibits oxidative stress in an experimental model of liver regeneration. METHODS: Forty rats were allocated to four groups. Rats in group A received a sham operation. Rats in group B were subjected to right portal vein ligation (RPVL) and saline infusion. Rats in groups C and D were subjected to RPVL and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with an all-in-one admixture containing a soybean oil based lipid emulsion. Rats in group D were additionally supplemented with omega-3 fatty acid infusion. Oxidative stresses in the blood and liver were measured by glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide. RESULTS: Omega-3 supplementation to the TPN solution significantly corrected alterations in the blood and tissue concentrations of oxidants and anti-oxidants during regeneration (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to the TPN solution revealed promising results in removal of oxidative stress that emerges during liver regeneration.

Bone mineral density and vitamin D status in children with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and cerebral palsy with epilepsy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) disorders and possible risk factors in patients with epilepsy only (EO), cerebral palsy only (CPO), and cerebral palsy-epilepsy (CP + E). METHODS: A total of 122 patients [EO (n = 54), CPO (n = 30), CP + E (n = 38)] and 30 healthy children were evaluated. BMD was only measured in patient groups, not in control subjects. BMD of lumbar vertebrae was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). An abnormal BMD was defined as low or low normal BMD. RESULTS: Low BMD rate in EO, CPO, and CP + E group was 3.7, 50, and 39.5 %, respectively. Abnormal BMD values were significantly related to inadequate dietary Ca intake (p = 0.017), severe intellectual disability (p < 0.001), and immobility (p = 0.018). In multivariate regression analysis, the risk of abnormal BMD was higher (3.9-fold) in patients not able to walk independently than the others (p = 0.029). However, serum Ca-Vitamin D levels, insufficient exposure to sunlight, low BMI, and use of AED were not correlated with abnormal BMD. CONCLUSION: Abnormal BMD is a common problem in patients with CP and CP + E. Abnormal BMD was related to the severity of CP, but not to vitamin D levels or AED treatment.

Efficacy of simvastatin in reducing postoperative adhesions after thyroidectomy: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate whether simvastatin had any impact on the prevention of adhesion formation after thyroidectomy in a rat model. METHODS: This study was performed in 66 Wistar albino rats randomized into three experimental groups. A right hemithyroidectomy was carried out in all the rats. Simvastatin was administered locally at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg and 0.8 mg/kg. Control rats received a saline solution only. Changes during the 1st week, 1st month and 3rd month were evaluated. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed by using a scoring system. RESULTS: The severity of adhesions in low-dose simvastatin group was significantly less than the control and high-dose groups during the 1st and 3rd month (p < .05). In addition, adhesions were less in the high dose group during the 3rd month, when compared to the control group (p < .05). Moreover, fibrosis and fibroblast scores, which represent adhesions, were significantly lower in low-dose and high-dose groups at 3rd month, compared to controls (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: We investigated the influence of simvastatin application on post-thyroidectomy adhesion formation in rats. Whether adhesions, causing technical difficulties during neck redo surgery, can be reduced by the use of simvastatin in human, needs to be studied.

Relationship between asymmetric dimethylarginine and endothelial dysfunction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), endothelial dysfunction caused by the inflammatory process increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) leads to vascular dysfunction, whereas atherosclerosis and increased ADMA is associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors. Flow-mediated Dilation (FMD) is a radiological method to demonstrate endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we assessed the availability of ADMA as a marker for endothelial dysfunction in RA patients. ADMA can be used as a simple and cheaper method for the determination of endothelial dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients (1 male, 39 female) diagnosed with RA according to the classification criteria and 29 healthy volunteers (2 males, 27 females) were included in this study. ADMA was studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman's correlation tests were used for analytical analysis, and p<0.05 was considered as the level of statistical significance. RESULTS: In our study, ADMA levels were significantly higher in RA patients. The ADMA level was inversely correlated with FMD. Although high levels of both C-reactive protein and ADMA were detected in patients with high disease activity, there was no statistically significant difference between these parameters (p=0.18). There were statistically significant negative correlations between FMD and age and disease duration (p=0.01, p=0.01). However, there were no statistically significant correlations with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, and disease activity score (p=0.68). In RA patients, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between disease duration and ADMA, whereas a negative correlation was found between FMD and ADMA (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results support the hypothesis that ADMA may be used in the assessment of endothelial dysfunction in patients with RA. It will be cost-effective when commonly used. ADMA may be used in the assessment of endothelial dysfunction in patients with RA.

Evaluation of Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance in Children with Atopic Dermatitis: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS) has been reported in many allergic and inflammatory skin diseases, including urticaria, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis (AD). Melatonin is a hormone secreted from the pineal gland and is a potent antioxidant. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to measure serum antioxidant melatonin, oxidants of nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde levels to calculate the serum oxidant-antioxidant balance based on the NO/melatonin and malondialdehyde/melatonin ratios and to determine the correlation with the disease severity in children with AD. METHODS: Seventy-three children with AD and 67 healthy controls were included in the study. The clinical diagnosis of AD was based on the diagnostic criteria of Hanifin-Rajka. The severity of AD was evaluated by the scoring AD (SCORAD) index, and atopy was determined by skin prick tests (SPTs) with commercial extracts. The OS-related parameters of serum melatonin, NO, malondialdehyde, and the NO/melatonin and malondialdehyde/melatonin ratios were calculated and compared with the results of healthy controls. RESULTS: Serum melatonin levels were higher (p < 0.0001) and serum NO levels and the NO/melatonin and malondialdehyde/melatonin ratios were lower in children with AD than in healthy controls (p = 0.045, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). There was no difference between children with AD and healthy controls in terms of serum malondialdehyde levels (p = 0.119). Serum melatonin levels were significantly lower in severe AD than in mild AD (p = 0.012). However, in terms of serum melatonin levels, there was no difference between mild and moderate AD (p = 0.742) and moderate to severe AD (p = 0.301). There was no significant difference in serum NO and malondialdehyde levels and NO/melatonin and malondialdehyde/melatonin ratios among children with mild, moderate, and severe AD (p > 0.05). A negative correlation was found between serum melatonin levels and the SCORAD index (r = -0.252, p = 0.031), and a positive correlation was found between NO/melatonin and malondialdehyde/melatonin ratios (r = 0.511, p < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant relationship between age (≤24 or >24 months), disease duration (≤6 or >6 months), and sex for the OS-related parameters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The serum oxidant-antioxidant balance was impaired in children with AD. Serum melatonin levels were higher in children with AD; however, this was negatively correlated with disease severity. Serum NO levels and NO/melatonin and malondialdehyde/melatonin ratios were lower in children with AD than in healthy controls. Melatonin might be used as a promising antioxidant to evaluate disease severity in children with AD. Thus, further studies are needed to clarify the role of melatonin in AD pathogenesis.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status in Children during Predialysis, or Treated By Peritoneal Dialysis or Hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this study was to evaluate nutritional status of children with stage 3-4 CKD and treated by peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis using anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters and bioelectrical impedance analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 52 patients and 46 healthy children. RESULTS: In anthropometric evaluation, the children with CKD had lower values for standard deviation score for weight, height, body mass index, skinfold thickness and mid-arm circumference than those of healthy children (p < 0.05). The fat mass (%) and the body cell mass (%) measurements performed by bioelectrical impedance analysis were lower compared with the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is considered that bioelectrical impedance analysis measurement should be used with anthropometric measurements, which are easy to perform, to achieve more accurate nutritional evaluation in children.

Platelets and platelet-derived growth factor in closure of the ductus arteriosus.

The crucial role of platelets in the permanent closure of the ductus arteriosus has recently been elucidated in an animal model; however, clinical studies investigating the impact of platelet count on ductal patency have conflicting results. Our aim is to compare platelet count, indices and serum platelet-derived growth factor levels in preterms with and without ductal patency. Preterms with a gestational age of 27-30 weeks followed up during a twelve-month period in the neonatal intensive care unit of Adnan Menderes University Hospital were enrolled. Infants underwent echocardiographic evaluation starting on the second day and subsequently assessed every other day until ductal closure was achieved, or upon clinical signs of reopening. Platelet-derived growth factor was measured on the second and fifth days of life. Eleven very low birth weight infants who subsequently required medical treatment for patent ductus arteriosus were compared with twenty-three infants with closed ductus. Although platelet count and indices were similar, median serum plateletderived growth factor levels on day 5 were significantly lower among babies who subsequently required medical treatment for ductal patency (874.6 vs 1099.6 pg/ml). The current study points out a possible association between serum platelet-derived growth factor levels and ductal closure. Our results suggest that platelet-derived growth factor may play a role in ductal closure independent from platelet count and might be used as an adjunct surrogate for prediction of future need for treatment for hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.

Effects of Tempol on Experimental Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis Model in Rats.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the effects of Tempol on local organ damage in an experimental acute pancreatitis model. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted on 40 male Wistar- albino rats. The animals were randomly allocated into four groups: (i) Sham-operated group, laparotomies and cannulations of the pancreatic duct without acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) (n=10); (ii) Sham + Tempol group, identical to group 1 except for intravenous tempol treatment for 4 hours (n = 10); (iii) ANP group, glycodeoxycholic acid was infused into the pancreatic duct and cerulein was infused intravenously for 6 hours for development of ANP (n=10); and (iv) ANP + Tempol treated group, in addition to the procedure in group 3, rats were administered tempol intravenously for 4 hours (n = 10). Injury of the pancreas was evaluated histopathologically. Malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels of the pancreatic tissue, blood gas analysis, leukocyte and hematocrit levels were measured. Wet/dry weight of pancreatic tissue was also measured. RESULTS: Serum amylase levels, pancreatic tissue malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels, wet/dry weight ratio, pancreatic edema, acinar necrosis, fat necrosis and hemorrhage, inflammation and perivascular infiltration were significantly lower in the ANP + Tempol group compared with the ANP group. CONCLUSION: Tempol infusion reduced local organ damage due to acute necrotizing pancreatitis in this experimental study. These findings demonstrate that tempol has protective effects on local organ damage due to acute necrotizing pancreatitis in rats.