The evaluation of miR-1181 and miR-4314 as serum microRNA biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

AIM: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most ominous tumor of gynecological cancers due to its poor early detection rate and unfavorable prognosis. To date, there is no reliable screening method for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer at an early stage. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules, and their main function is to regulate gene expression. The present study compared the serum miR-1181 and miR-4314 levels in patients with EOC and healthy controls to measure the diagnostic and prognostic value as candidate biomarkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected serum samples from a total of 135 participants (69 patients with EOC and 66 healthy controls). Relative expressions of miR-1181 and miR-4314 were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (qPCR). RESULTS: The present study revealed that both serum miR-1181 and miR-4314 levels in patients with EOC were significantly increased compared to healthy controls for each marker. In addition, there was a significant relationship between miR-1181 and miR-4314 overexpressions and the stage and prognosis of the disease. Finally, patients with high expression levels of miR-1181 and miR-4314 had significantly shorter survival rates than those with low expression levels. CONCLUSION: The current study proposed that serum miR-1181 and miR-4314 could discriminate the EOC patients from healthy controls. In addition, both miR-1181 and miR-4314 may be predictive biomarkers for ovarian cancer prognosis. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings of the present study.

The effect of glycine on oxidative stress, inflammation and renin-angiotensin system in kidneys and aorta of cyclosporine-administered rats.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosuppressive drug, used in organ transplantations. Oxidative stress, inflammation and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation play an important role in CsA-toxicity. Glycine (Gly) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, Gly was investigated for its protective role against CsA-induced toxicity. CsA (20 mg/kg/day; subcutaneously) was administered to rats along with Gly injection (250 or 1000 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) for 21 days. Renal function markers [serum urea and creatinine and urinary protein and kidney injury molecule levels and creatinine clearance values] together with histopathological examinations were performed. Oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species, thiobarbutiric acid reactive substances, advanced oxidation products of protein, glutathione, ferric reducing anti-oxidant power and 4-hydroxynonenal levels), and inflammation (myeloperoxidase activity) were determined in kidney tissue. The RAS system [angiotensin II (Ang II) levels, and mRNA expressions of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin II type-I receptor (AT1R)] and NADPH-oxidase 4 (NOX4) were measured in kidney and aorta. CsA caused significant disturbances in renal function markers, increases in oxidative stress and inflammation parameters and renal damage. Serum angiotensin II levels and mRNA expressions of ACE, AT1R and NOX4 elevated in the aorta and kidney of CsA-rats. Gly, especially its high-dose, alleviated renal function markers, oxidative stress, inflammation and renal damage in CsA-rats. Moreover, serum Ang II levels and mRNA expressions of ACE, AT1R and NOX4 decreased significantly in aorta and kidney in CsA-rats due to Gly treatment. Our results indicate that Gly may be useful for the prevention of CsA-induced renal and vascular toxicity.

The effect of hydrogen sulfide on ischemi̇a /reperfusion injury in an experimental testicular torsion model.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular torsion is an acute pediatric surgical emergency requiring rapid diagnosis to prevent the permanent ischaemic damage of the testicles. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) have shown to cure tissue damage and has a role in the prevention of I/R damage. We aimed to evaluate the effect of H2S in testicular torsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen male, Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups. The sham group which is applied surgical stress. The ischemia/reperfusion group (I/R) which detorsion performed 1 h later than testicular torsion application. I/R + NaHS treatment group, NaHS solution was injected intraperitoneally for 1 week. On the 7th day of the detorsion all left testes were fixed in Bouin solution and sent to Pathology Department for histopathological examination. All right testes were washed with normal saline, dried in a sterile way and stored in - 80 °C deepfreeze up to the date of biochemical processes. Testicular tissues were obtained for the detection of myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), AOPP (advanced oxidation protein product) for oxidant markers and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD),glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities for antioxidant markers and histopathological exploration. RESULTS: The effects of NaHs administration on oxidation were evaluated by determination of testicular MPO, MDA and AOPP levels. Increased testicular MPO (58.6%) activity was observed in the I/R group compared to the sham group. Following NaHS treatment, MPO (26.7%) activity was significantly decreased in rats exposed to I/R injury (Figure 1). MDA levels did not alter. Increases in AOPP (20.9%) levels were observed in the I/R group. NaHS treatment resulted in significant decreases in AOPP (25.1%) levels in testes tissues of rats exposed to I/R injury. The effects of NaHS treatment on antioxidant system FRAP, SOD, GSH and GSH-Px activities were evaluated. GSH levels were significantly increased in the IR + NaHS group compared to the I/R group. In histopathological examination degeneration of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic cells were observed in the I/R group. After NaHS treatment, normal spermatogenic activity with many spermatozoa in the lumen of most seminiferous tubules were observed in the I/R injured rats. According to Johnsen's scoring (JS), the I/R group was significantly decreased compared to the sham group. JS values for the I/R + NaHS group were significantly increased compared to the I/R group. CONCLUSION: Our study supports that ischemia/reperfusion injury plays an important role in the testicular torsion injury, and it is a pioneer study showing that H2S may have a potential for therapeutic effect. The limitation of this work is this is an experimental study with limited number of animals. According to the results of our study, hydrogen sulfide treatment has beneficial effects on biochemical and histopathological results of testicular injury in testic torsion.

The effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on liver damage, oxidative stress, and advanced glycation end products in experimental nonalcoholic- and alcoholic- fatty liver disease

Background/aim: Oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation are proposed as effective mechanisms in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). 1,25(OH)2D3 was proposed to have antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antiglycation properties. In this study, the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment on oxidative stress parameters and AGEs levels together with hepatic histopathology was investigated in high fructose (HFr) or ethanol (EtOH)-treated rats. Materials and methods: Rats were treated with fructose (30%) or ethanol (5-20%) in drinking water with and without 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment (5 µg/kg two times a week) for 8 weeks. Insulin resistance (IR), oxidative stress parameters, AGEs, triglyceride (TG), and hydroxyproline (Hyp) levels together with histopathology were investigated in the liver. Results: 1,25(OH)2D3 decreased hepatic reactive oxygen species, lipid and protein oxidation products together with histopathological improvements in HFr- and EtOH-treated rats. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment was observed to decrease significantly serum and hepatic AGEs in HFr group, and hepatic AGEs in EtOH group. Conclusion: Our results clearly show that 1,25(OH)2 D3 treatment may be useful in the alleviation of hepatic lesions by decreasing glycooxidant stress in both NAFLD and ALD models created by HFr- and EtOH-treated rats, respectively.

The protective effect of resveratrol against cyclosporine A-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity.

The immunosuppressive agent cyclosporine A (CsA) has hepatotoxic potential. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation is among the causes leading to hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol (RES) on CsA-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were treated with RES (10 mg/kg/day; i.p.) for 14 days. CsA (25 mg/kg/day; s.c.) was given during the last seven days together with RES. Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities together with hepatic histopathological examinations were performed. ROS, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), ferric reducing antioxidant power, and glutathione levels as well as superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured in the liver tissue. RES ameliorated histopathological changes and decreased hepatic ROS, TBARS, and AOPP levels significantly. However, antioxidant parameters did not change in CsA-treated rats. Our results indicate that RES treatment may be effective in decreasing CsA-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity.

Carnosine decreased oxidation and glycation products in serum and liver of high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

High-fat diet (HFD) and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats provide useful animal model for type II diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) play a role in the development of diabetic complications. Carnosine (CAR) has anti-oxidant and anti-glycating properties. We investigated the effects of CAR on oxidation and glycation products in HFD+STZ rats. Rats were fed with HFD (60% of total calories from fat) for 4 weeks, and then a single dose of STZ (40 mg/kg; i.p.) was applied. Rats with blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dl were fed with HFD until the end of the 12th week. CAR (250 mg/kg body weight; i.p.; five times a week) was administered to the rats for the last four weeks. CAR significantly decreased serum triglyceride (TG) (57.7%), cholesterol (35.6%) levels and hepatic marker enzyme activities of HFD+STZ rats. It significantly reduced serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) (23.7%), AGEs (13.4%) and advanced oxidized protein products (AOPP) (35.9%) and hepatic TG (59%), ROS (26%), malondialdehyde (MDA) (11.5%), protein carbonyl (PC) (19.2%) and AGE (20.2%) levels. Liver steatosis and hepatocyte ballooning were also significantly reduced. However, CAR treatment did not alter serum glucose and blood glycated haemoglobin and hepatic anti-oxidant enzyme activities/mRNA expressions in HFD+STZ rats. Our results indicate that CAR decreased accumulation of oxidation and glycation products, such as MDA, AGE, AOPP and PC in the serum and liver and ameliorated hepatic dysfunction in HFD+STZ rats. This effect may be related to its anti-oxidative, anti-glycating, and anti-lipogenic potential.

Antiglycation and anti-oxidant efficiency of carnosine in the plasma and liver of aged rats.

AIM: Increases in oxidative stress and advanced glycation end-products (AGE) formation play an important role in the pathogenesis of aging. Carnosine (CAR; ß-alanyl-L-histidine) has anti-oxidant and antiglycating properties. We investigated the effect of CAR supplementation on AGE levels, and protein and lipid oxidation products in the serum and liver tissue in aged rats. METHODS: Young (3 months-of-age) and aged (20 months-of-age) rats were injected with CAR (250 mg/kg/daily; i.p.; 5 days per week) for 2 months. At the end of this period, AGE, protein carbonyl, advanced oxidized protein products, and malondialdehyde levels were determined in the serum and liver tissue. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species formation and ferric reducing anti-oxidant power values were measured. RESULTS: AGE, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and advanced oxidized protein products levels, and reactive oxygen species formation were higher in the serum and liver tissue of aged rats compared with young rats. CAR treatment was observed to significantly decrease AGE, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and advanced oxidized protein products levels, and reactive oxygen species formation in the serum and liver of aged rats. CONCLUSIONS: These results clearly show that CAR might be useful for decreasing glycoxidant stress in aged rats. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2610-2614.

Effect of Carnosine on Renal Function, Oxidation and Glycation Products in the Kidneys of High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

High fat diet (HFD) and low dose of streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats provide an animal model for type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of diabetic complications. Carnosine (CAR) has antioxidant and antiglycating properties. We investigated effects of CAR on renal function, oxidation and glycation products in HFD+STZ-rats. Rats were fed with HFD (60% of total calories from fat) for 4 weeks and then a single dose STZ (40 mg/kg; i.p.) was applied. Rats with blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dL were fed with HFD until the end of the 12th week. CAR (250 mg/kg body weight; i.p.; 5 times a week) was administered to rats for the last 4 weeks. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), glucose, lipids, and andrenal function tests in serum as well as reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, advanced oxidation protein products, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), antioxidant power, and antioxidant enzyme activities and their mRNA expressions in kidneys were determined. CAR treatment did not alter glucose and HbA1c, but it decreased serum lipids, creatinine, and urea levels in HFD+STZ rats. Oxidation products of lipids and proteins and AGEs levels decreased, but antioxidant enzyme activities and their mRNA expressions remained unchanged due to CAR treatment. Our results indicate that CAR treatment alleviated renal function and decreased accumulation of oxidation and glycation products in kidneys in HFD+STZ-rats.

Can Ultrasound Imaging Predict the Success of an Experimental Steatofibrosis Model?

Our goal was to evaluate the role of ultrasound (US) imaging in an experimental 2-hit steatofibrosis rat model. Nineteen female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups: control group (n = 6) and high-fat diet carbontetrachloride (HFD-CCl4) group (n = 13) that was fed with HFD for 14 weeks. Ultrasound was performed to evaluate liver steatosis. The HFD-CCl4 group rats were divided further into 2 subgroups: HFD rats with liver steatosis [US (+) group; n = 6] and without steatosis [US (-) group; n = 7]. All rats in the subgroups were administered with CCl4. In both US (+) and US (-) subgroups, steatosis score, fibrosis score, triglyceride, and hydroxyproline contents were markedly higher compared with the control group. When compared with the US (-) group, triglyceride and hydroxyproline contents were significantly higher in the US (+) group, whereas steatosis and fibrosis scores were not different. Ultrasound imaging may be useful to assess the success of a 2-hit experimental steatofibrosis model.

Vascular endothelial growth factor G+405C polymorphism may contribute to the risk of developing papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a mediator implicated with cell proliferation, differentiation and migration, and monocyte/macrophage chemotaxis. In present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between VEGF gene polymorphisms (G+405C, T-460C, and A-2578C) and PTC susceptibility. METHODS: DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes of 127 patients with PTC and 203 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed by real-time PCR. Association of genotypes with susceptibility of PTC was analyzed with multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age, gender and smoking status. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In G+405C polymorphism, the frequencies of C allele (related with increased VEGF production) and combined CG+CC genotype were found to be higher (3.5 and 5-fold, respectively) among patients with PTC than controls (P<.001). However, VEGF T-460C and A-2578C polymorphisms are not associated with PTC risk. There was no relationship between VEGF polymorphisms and clinical/laboratory parameters of PTC. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that there was a strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) between -460/-2578 (D'=.89, r2 =.79), weak LD between +405/-460 (D'=.422, r2 =.035), and +405/-2578 (D'=.43, r2 =.038) locuses. Additionally, the +405/-460/-2578 GTA haplotype was found to be protective, whereas CTA haplotype to be related with increased PTC risk. As a conclusion, we suggest that VEGF G+405C polymorphism is associated with increased risk of PTC.

High-fat diet plus carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis is alleviated by betaine treatment in rats.

Steatosis, the first lesion in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), may progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Steatosis predisposes the liver to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cytokines. Betaine (BET) has antioxidant, antiinflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. However, the effects of BET on liver fibrosis development are unknown. Rats were treated with high-fat diet (60% of total calories from fat) for 14weeks. Carbon tetrachloride (0.2mL/kg; two times per week; i.p.) was administered to rats in the last 6weeks with/without commercial food containing BET (2%; w/w). Serum liver function tests and tumor necrosis factor-α, insulin resistance, hepatic triglyceride (TG) and hydroxyproline (HYP) levels and oxidative stress parameters were determined along with histopathologic observations. Alpha-smooth muscle-actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and type I collagen (COL1A1) protein expressions and mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) were evaluated. BET decreased TG and HYP levels, prooxidant status and fibrotic changes in the liver. α-SMA, COL1A1 and TGF-ß1 protein expressions, MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 mRNA expressions diminished due to BET treatment. BET has an antifibrotic effect and this effect may be related to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory actions together with suppression on HSC activation.

Betaine treatment decreased oxidative stress, inflammation, and stellate cell activation in rats with alcoholic liver fibrosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of betaine (BET) on alcoholic liver fibrosis in rats. Fibrosis was experimentally generated with ethanol plus carbon tetrachloride (ETH+CCl4) treatment. Rats were treated with ETH (5% v/v in drinking water) for 14 weeks. CCl4 was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) 0.2mL/kg twice a week to rats in the last 6 weeks with/without commercial food containing BET (2% w/w). Serum hepatic damage markers, tumor necrosis factor-α, hepatic triglyceride (TG) and hydroxyproline (HYP) levels, and oxidative stress parameters were measured together with histopathologic observations. In addition, α-smooth muscle-actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and type I collagen (COL1A1) protein expressions were assayed immunohistochemically to evaluate stellate cell (HSC) activation. mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) were also determined. BET treatment diminished TG and HYP levels; prooxidant status and fibrotic changes; α-SMA, COL1A1 and TGF-ß protein expressions; MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA expressions in the liver of fibrotic rats. In conclusion, these results indicate that the antifibrotic effect of BET may be related to its suppressive effects on oxidant and inflammatory processes together with HSC activation in alcoholic liver fibrosis.

The Evaluation of Endothelin-1 and Endothelin Receptor Type A Gene Polymorphisms in Patients with Vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Endothelin-1 (EDN1) and EDN receptor type A (EDNRA) are implicated in melanocyte functions. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study examines the role of EDN1 (G5665T and T-1370G) and EDNRA (C + 70G and G-231A) polymorphisms as a risk factor for vitiligo, and evaluates the relationship between genotypes and clinical characteristics of vitiligo patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed genotype/allele distributions of EDN1 and EDNRA polymorphisms in 100 patients with vitiligo and 185 healthy controls by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: There was no notable risk for vitiligo afflicted by studied polymorphisms. However, the presence of EDNRA +70 variant G allele was found to be related with decreased risk for development of generalized type of vitiligo (odds ratio [OR]: 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.21-0.86, pcorr = 0.03) and showed protective effect against associated diseases seen in vitiligo (OR: 0.49, 95% CI = 0.27-0.88, pcorr = 0.034). Haplotype analysis demonstrated a strong (disequilibrium coefficient = 0.73, r (2) = 0.405) linkage disequilibrium between EDN1 G5665T and T-1370G polymorphisms. The EDN1 5665/-1330 TT haplotype was over represented significantly in controls than in patients (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The studied polymorphisms do not seem to be a major risk for vitiligo. Haplotype analysis denoting protective effects against vitiligo may indicate an indirect interaction in the course of vitiligo. In addition, EDNRA + 70 polymorphism is protective against generalized type of vitiligo and associated diseases.

Blueberry treatment attenuated cirrhotic and preneoplastic lesions and oxidative stress in the liver of diethylnitrosamine-treated rats.

Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer normally develops in stages that progress from cirrhosis and carcinoma. Increased oxidative stress is suggested to play a role in DEN-induced carcinogenicity. Blueberries (BB) contain high antioxidant capacity. We investigated the effect of BB supplementation on development of DEN-induced cirrhosis and neoplastic lesions in the liver. Rats were injected with DEN (200 mg/kg; i.p.) three times with an interval of 15 days at 4, 6, and 8 weeks and sacrificed 8 weeks after the last DEN injection. They were also fed on 8% BB (w/w) containing chow for 16 weeks. Hepatic damage markers in serum were determined together with hepatic histopathological examinations. Hydroxyproline (HYP), malondialdehyde (MDA), diene conjugate (DC), protein carbonyl (PC), and glutathione (GSH) levels, and CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, and their mRNA expressions were measured. Protein and mRNA expressions of glutathione transferase-pi (GST-pi) were evaluated as a marker of preneoplastic lesions. BB supplementation decreased hepatic damage markers in serum and hepatic MDA, DC, and PC levels, but SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities and their mRNA expressions remained unchanged in DEN-treated rats. BB attenuated cirrhotic changes and decreased hepatic HYP levels and GST-pi expressions. Our results indicate that BB is effective in decreasing development of DEN-induced hepatic cirrhosis and preneoplastic lesions by acting as an antioxidant (radical scavenger) itself without affecting activities and mRNA expressions of antioxidant enzymes.

Olive leaf extract decreases age-induced oxidative stress in major organs of aged rats.

AIM: Olive leaf (Olea europaea L.) extract (OLE) is a powerful anti-oxidant rich in polyphenols. As oxidative stress plays an important role in aging, we investigated the effect of OLE on oxidative stress in the liver, heart and brain of aged rats. METHODS: Young (age 3 months) and aged (age 20 months) Wistar rats were used. Aged rats received OLE (500 and 1000 mg/kg/day) in drinking water for 2 months. Malondialdehyde (MDA), diene conjugate (DC), protein carbonyl (PC), glutathione (GSH), vitamin E and vitamin C levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione transferase (GST) activities were determined. RESULTS: MDA, DC and PC levels increased in tissues of aged rats. GSH levels decreased in the liver, but not in the heart and brain. There was no change of other anti-oxidant parameters in tissues. Hepatic SOD and GSH-Px protein expressions also remained unchanged. OLE treatment caused decreased tissue MDA, DC and PC levels, and increased hepatic GSH levels in aged rats. Other anti-oxidant parameters, hepatic SOD and GSH-Px protein expressions did not alter in aged rats by OLE treatment. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that OLE seems to be useful for decreasing oxidative stress in examined tissues by acting as an anti-oxidant itself without affecting the anti-oxidant system.

Effect of blueberry pretreatment on diethylnitrosamine-induced oxidative stress and liver injury in rats.

Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) treatment increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, necrosis and proliferation in the liver. Blueberries (BB; Vaccinium corymbosum L.) contain polyphenols and other active components and have high antioxidant capacities. We investigated the effect of BB pretreatment on DEN-induced liver injury and oxidative and nitrosative stress in male rats. Rats were fed with 5% and 10% BB containing diet for six weeks and DEN (200mg/kg; i.p.) was applied two days before the end of this period. Liver function tests were determined in serum and histopathological evaluation was performed in the liver tissue. Apoptosis-related proteins, Bax and B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expressions were also examined. Oxidative and nitrosative stress were evaluated in the liver by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, diene conjugate, protein carbonyl and nitrotyrosine levels, and glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione transferase (GST) activities. Pretreatment with high dose of BB reduced apoptotic, necrotic and proliferative changes in the liver induced by DEN. Dietary BB also decreased hepatic lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and nitrotyrosine levels together with increased GST activity. In conclusion, BB may have an inhibiting effect on acute liver injury by reducing apoptosis, necrosis, proliferation, oxidative and nitrosative stress in DEN-treated rats.

Effects of carnosine plus vitamin E and betaine treatments on oxidative stress in some tissues of aged rats.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in aging. Effects of several antioxidants on age-related oxidative stress have been investigated. Carnosine (CAR) and betaine have antioxidant actions. The combination of CAR with vitamin E(CAR+E) increases its antioxidant efficiency. We investigated the effects of CAR+E and betaine treatments on oxidative and antioxidative status in liver, heart and brain tissues of aged rats. Experiments were carried out on young (5 months)and aged (22 months) male Wistar rats. Aged rats were given CAR (250 mg/kg; i.p.; 5 days per week) and vitamin E (200mg/kg; i.m.; twice per week) or betaine (1% w/v) for two months. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and diene conjugate (DC)levels and antioxidants were measured. MDA and DC levels were higher in tissues of aged rats than young rats. Glutathione(GSH) levels decreased in liver, but not heart and brain. There were no changes in vitamin E and vitamin C levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione transferase (GST) activities in tissues of aged rats. CAR+E treatment was observed to decrease MDA and DC levels in tissues of aged rats. However, betaine decreased only hepatic MDA and DC levels. Both CAR+E and betaine increased hepatic GSH and vitamin E levels, but these treatments did not affect antioxidant enzyme activities. These results suggest that CAR+E treatment seems to be useful to decrease oxidative stress in liver, heart and brain tissues, but betaine is only effective in liver tissue of aged rats.

Analysis of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a progressive depigmenting disorder characterized by the loss of functional melanocytes from the epidermis. The etiopathogenesis of vitiligo is still unclear. Vitamin D has both stimulatory and protective effects on melanocytes and acts through its nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) on target cells. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to vitiligo. METHODS: 98 patients with vitiligo and 216 age- and sex-matched controls recruited from dermatology outpatients attending the same department were included in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes using a DNA isolation kit. The VDR polymorphisms of BsmI, ApaI, TaqI, FokI and Cdx2 were investigated by rapid capillary PCR with melting curve analysis. Differences in genotype distributions and allele frequencies in vitiligo cases versus controls were compared for statistical significance using χ(2) test. RESULTS: Subjects with TaqI polymorphism had a 2.23-fold increased risk of developing vitiligo. Furthermore, a haplotype analysis showed that BsmI/ApaI/TaqI/FokI/Cdx2 GCCCG was significantly overrepresented in the vitiligo patients in comparison with controls (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: This study showed that VDR TaqI gene polymorphism and the haplotype BsmI/ApaI/ TaqI/FokI/Cdx2 GCCCG may be considered as novel risk factors in vitiligo.