Obesity as a modifying factor of periodontal therapy outcomes: local and systemic adipocytokines and oxidative stress markers.

OBJECTIVES: Adipocytokines and oxidative stress (OS) are involved in the pathogenesis of both obesity and periodontitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate periodontal therapy outcomes in terms of serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of adipocytokines and OS markers in obese patients with periodontitis, in order to have an insight into the association between obesity and periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 39 patients (20 obese, 19 non-obese) with periodontitis were included in this study. Clinical periodontal parameters were assessed; serum and GCF levels of adipocytokines and OS markers were evaluated by ELISA at baseline and 3 months after non-surgical periodontal therapy. RESULTS: Significant improvements in clinical periodontal parameters were observed in both groups at 3 months (p < 0.01). While serum levels of TNF-α, leptin, and total oxidant status (TOS) in the obese group were higher at baseline (p < 0.01), leptin levels remained higher at 3 months despite a significant decrease (p < 0.01). Although NSPT improved GCF levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) and TOS in both groups, they were significantly different between the groups after therapy (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that leptin, TNF-α, and TOS contribute to systemic inflammatory and oxidative state in patients with obesity. Despite improvements in clinical periodontal parameters, obesity might be a modulating factor in the development and progression of periodontal disease in terms of some adipocytokines and OS markers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Since the global burden of both obesity and periodontitis is continuously increasing, the management of these inflammatory diseases has become more important. The current study contributes to our understanding of the role of OS and adipocytokines on the relationship between obesity and periodontitis by response to periodontal treatment.

Long-term effects of orchiopexy and orchiectomy on the testes of rats with testicular torsion.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemia/reperfusion injury occurs after testicular torsion, levels of free oxygen radicals and inflammatory cytokines are increased in both the torsional and contralateral testis, leading to testicular injury. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated whether orchiopexy or orchiectomy after testicular torsion was superior in terms of fertility potential in the long term. STUDY DESIGN: Following 720°, 4 h left testicular torsion, orchiectomy or orchiopexy was performed on 84 rats, which were then sacrificed and evaluated for testicular function at day 1, at 3 months and 6 months (n = 14 per group). An additional 14 rats were in the control group. RESULTS: Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels were significantly lower in the orchiopexy group than the orchiectomy and control groups after 3 months. However, there were no significant differences in hormone parameters among the three groups after 6 months. The hormone levels, Johnsen score, seminiferous tubule diameter, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression at 3 and 6 months were not significantly different between the orchiectomy group and controls. Histopathological analyses at 3 and 6 months indicated significant decreases in Johnsen score and seminiferous tubule diameter in the ipsilateral testis in the orchiopexy group. At 3 months, the level of iNOS expression in the contralateral testis was significantly lower in the orchiopexy group than in other groups. At 6 months, however, it was not significantly different between the orchiopexy and control groups. There were no significant differences in iNOS expression at 3 or 6 months in the orchiectomy group compared to controls. DISCUSSION: The ipsilateral testis in the orchiopexy group began to atrophy at 3 months, and the degree of atrophy became more evident at 6 months. The level of iNOS expression was low in the bilateral testis at 3 months in the orchiopexy group, and sperm in the contralateral testis were not yet functionally healthy. The level of iNOS expression in the ipsilateral testis decreased further at 6 months in the orchiopexy group, while that in the contralateral testis returned to the normal level. CONCLUSION: Testicular functions were restored faster after orchiectomy compared to orchiopexy following testicular torsion. However, follow-up of the rats for 6 months demonstrated that orchiopexy or orchiectomy procedures conducted on the testicular torsion had no effect on future fertility potential after 4 h of torsion.

The Prevalence of Pain in the First 24 Hours After Surgery: A Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and severity of postoperative pain in the first 24 hours after surgery and to emphasize the importance of postoperative pain assessment. DESIGN: A descriptive study. METHODS: This study was carried out on May 21, 2019 with 898 patients who had completed the postoperative 24th hour in the surgical clinics of 10 training and research hospitals in Istanbul, the capital of Turkey. Point prevalence was used in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researchers and the Revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Nonparametric tests were used for data without normal distribution (Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test, P < .05). Two-group comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The Kruskal Wallis-H test was used for the comparison of three or more groups. Statistical significance was set as P < .05. FINDINGS: The three main types of surgery were general surgery with 31.8%, gynecologic surgery with 12.9%, and orthopedic surgery with 12.7%. The mean lowest level of pain felt by the patients included in the study in the first 24 hours was 3.90 ± 2.94, and the mean highest level of pain was 6.38 ± 4.45. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pain is a subjective phenomenon and may be affected by factors such as type of surgery, previous experience of surgery, duration of surgery, the length of the surgical incision, the type of anesthesia, the quality of postoperative care, individual characteristics and experiences, and fear anxiety; thus, the experience of pain may vary from person to person.

Examination of androgenetic alopecia with serum biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss and affects approximately 50% of the male population. AIMS: In the present study, to investigate microinflammation, perifollicular fibrosis, and oxidative stress in AGA cases, some serum biomarker levels were measured and evaluated. PATIENTS/METHODS: Serum samples were drawn from patients (n = 58) and control (n = 30) groups referring to Atatürk Training and Investigation Hospital Dermatology Outpatient clinic. In serum samples, NF-κB, TNF-α, TGF-ß1, thioredoxin, nitric oxide, TOS, TAS, and thiol disulfide homeostasis (native thiol, total thiol, disulfide) were measured and evaluated. RESULTS: In patients with AGA, NF-κB (P = .005), TNF-α (P = .008), TGF-ß1 (P = .028), thioredoxin (P = .004), nitric oxide (P < .001), and TOS (P < .001) serum levels were found to be significantly higher than those in control group, while TAS (P = .003), native thiol (P < .001), total thiol (P < .001), and disulfide (P < .001) serum levels were found to be significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the present study, it was concluded that in that AGA androgens lead to oxidative stress by increasing free oxygen radicals, which accelerates hair loss by causing microinflammation and fibrosis. The recognition of the effect of androgens and associated factors on the hair follicle cycle is essential for the development of new and effective treatment methods.

Combinatorial effect of zoledronic acid and irradiation on the prevention of DMBA-induced precancerogenic changes in the mammary tissues of rats.

BACKGROUND: At present, the rates of breast cancer are continuously increasing, with over a million new cases being diagnosed worldwide each year. Hence, the development of new breast cancer chemopreventive drugs with acceptable efficacy and toxicity that are suitable for use for a protracted period of time is urgently needed. The present study investigated the potential preventive effects of zoledronic acid [ZOL] and radiotherapy [RT], both alone and in combination, on precancerogenic changes on the breast tissues of females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene [DMBA] at the acute phase. Fifty female rats were divided into seven groups: Control group [I]; ZOL, group [II]; RT, group [III]; DMBA, group [IV]; DMBA + RT, group [V]; DMBA + ZOL, group [VI]; and DMBA + ZOL + RT, group [VII]. RESULTS: The treatment of DMBA-exposed rats with ZOL and RT, both alone and in combination, successfully upregulates the transcriptional levels of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, p21, and BRCA 1 in mammary tissues, which may account for the elevated apoptotic activities observed and the eventual inhibition of tumor growth. The administration of RT and ZOL both alone and in combination was found to be effective for inhibiting the DMBA-induced precancerogenic changes on breast tissues and modulating the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins in the acute phase. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of RT and ZOL was more effective than either agent alone. Our results suggest that the administration of ZOL and irradiation in combination can offer maximal protection against DMBA-induced mammary precancerogenic changes.

Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Some Inflammatory Factors in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVES: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective option for several psychiatric conditions, including treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of action of ECT. The link between inflammatory system and schizophrenia is the focus of recent studies. However, the impact of ECT on inflammatory functioning in this disorder remains elusive. Whether ECT could modulate inflammatory factors in patients with schizophrenia was examined. METHODS: Plasma levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation were analyzed in 20 schizophrenic patients, mainly with resistant to antipsychotic medication disorders, and in 20 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Disease severity was evaluated using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. All patients were followed with measurement of the inflammatory factors before and after ECT treatment and compared with the controls. RESULTS: Patients with schizophrenia had markedly raised NF-κB and but decreased TGF-ß levels compared with healthy controls. On the other hand, no significant differences were found for the levels of IL-4 and MPO levels. The clinical improvement during repeated ECT was accompanied by a gradual and significant increase in IL-4 and TGF-ß level, but MPO and NF-κB activation were left unaffected. Increases in TGF-ß were negatively correlated with the change in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores after ECT. CONCLUSIONS: It is shown that ECT, while increasing the anti-inflammatory response such as the levels of IL-4 and TGF-ß, it did not affect the levels of MPO and NF-κB activation in this study.

Evaluation of salivary total oxidant-antioxidant status and DNA damage of children undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and the 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and their interrelationship in the saliva of children undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty children were randomly divided into three groups. The attachments were bonded to all of the teeth using three different orthodontic composites: Transbond XT, Kurasper F, and GrenGloo. The salivary levels of TOS, TAS, and 8-OHdG were determined three times, as follows: before treatment (T1) and at 1 month (T2) and 3 months (T3) following appliance placement. All data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in TOS, TAS, and 8-OHdG within the same time periods among the three different orthodontic composites (P > .05). TAS in all composite groups decreased over time. These decreases were found to be significant for Kurasper F and GrenGloo at the T1-T3 and T2-T3 time periods (P < .05). In all composite groups 8-OHdG decreased between T1 and T2 (P < .05). However, 8-OHdG in all composite groups increased from T2 to T3. These differences in 8-OHdG were significant in Kurasper F and GrenGloo (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Fixed orthodontic appliances bonded with the tested composites did not increase the cytotoxicity markers in saliva.

Apricot attenuates oxidative stress and modulates of Bax, Bcl-2, caspases, NFκ-B, AP-1, CREB expression of rats bearing DMBA-induced liver damage and treated with a combination of radiotherapy.

We evaluated the ability of apricot to attenuate apoptosis and oxidative stress developed during the process of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and radiotherapy in the liver of rats bearing liver damage. Fifty female Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups; (i) normal control rats; (ii) rats fed with standard diet with apricot (20%), (ii) rats fed with standard diet and administrated 6 gray radiotherapy with Co 60 device applied to a single fraction, (iv) rats fed with standard diet and administered intraperitoneally DMBA (20mg/kg), (v) rats fed with standard diet and administered DMBA and 6 gray radiotherapy, (vi) rats fed with standard rat diet and administered DMBA and supplemented apricot, (vii) rats fed with standard diet supplemented apricot administered DMBA and radiotherapy (RT) for 6weeks. Expression of Bax, caspase 3, and glutathione activity decreased in the liver but liver expression of NF-κB, AP-1, CREB, Bcl-2 and ALT, AST, 5'NT, MDA, NO levels increased in DMBA-induced liver damage rats. In conclusion, the results suggest that apricot supplementation and irradiation given in combination, offer maximum protection against DMBA-induced hepatic carcinogenesis.

Preventive effects of resveratrol against azoxymethane induced damage in rat liver.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, due to modern lifestyles and exposure to chemical carcinogens, cancer cases are steadily increasing. From this standpoint, azoxymethane (AOM), a chemical carcinogen which causes de novo liver damage, and resveratrol, which is an antioxidant found in foods and protects against oxidative stress damage, are of interest. We here aimed to evaluate whether resveratrol could protect the liver tissues from the effects of AOM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 4 groups, each consisting of seven rats, the first receiving only AOM (2 times per week, 5 mg/kg), group 2 AOM and resveratrol (2 times a week, 20 mg/kg), group 3 assessed only as a control and group 4 administered only resveratrol. At the end of the seventh week, the rats were sacrificed. Rat liver MDA, NO, GSH levels were analyzed biochemically, as well as the tissues being evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: MDA and NO increased in AOM group as signs of increased oxidative stress. The group concomitantly administered resveratrol was been found to be significantly decreased in MDA and NO levels and increased in GSH activity. However, there were no significant findings on histopathological evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: In the light of these results, resveratrol appears to exert protective effect on oxidative stress in the liver tissue due to deleterious effects of chemical carcinogens.

Effects of verapamil, nifedipine, and daflon on the viability of reverse-flow island flaps in rats.

Reverse-flow flaps are preferable in reconstructive surgery due to their several advantages. However, they may have venous insufficiency and poor blood flow. In this study, effects of various pharmacological agents on the viability of reverse-flow flaps were investigated. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Superficial epigastric artery- and superficial epigastric vein-based reverse-flow island flaps were preferred. The rats were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 was considered as the control group. Group 2 was given verapamil 0.3 mg/kg per day, group 3 nifedipine 0.5 mg/kg per day, and group 4 Daflon 80 mg/kg per day for 7 days. On day 7, viable flap areas were measured, angiography was performed, serum nitric oxide levels were evaluated, and histopathological examination was done.The mean flap viability rate was 67.59% (±13.12259) in group 1, 77.38% (±4.12506) in group 2, 74.57% (±3.44780) in group 3, and 85.39% (±4.36125) in group 4 (P = 0.001). The mean nitric oxide level was 31.66 µmol/dL (±2.42212) in group 1, 51.00 µmol/dL (±2.96648) in group 2, 34.00 µmol/dL (±2.96648) in group 3, and 47.66 µmol/dL (±2.80476) in group 4 (P = 0.001). On angiography, there were vessel dilations and convolutions in group 2; capillaries became noticeable, and anastomotic vessels extended toward the more distal part of the flaps in group 4. Histological examinations showed severe inflammation in group 3 and minimal inflammation and venous vasodilatation in group 2.Verapamil and Daflon in therapeutic doses significantly increased the viability of reverse-flow island flaps. However, nifedipine did not make a significant contribution to the flap viability. The results of this study will contribute to the literature about the hemodynamics of reverse-flow island flaps and guide further studies on the issue.

The effect of regular exercise and massage on oxidant and antioxidant parameters.

This experimental study aimed to determine the effects of the combined application of regular exercises and massage on the values of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric Oxide (NOx), Glutathione (GSH), Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Twenty five sedentary women (32-50 years) who did not have the habit of getting regularly massages or exercising and participated voluntarily in the study. The subjects were randomly separated into three groups: control group (CG, n = 9), exercise group (EG, n = 8), and massage and exercise group (MEG, n = 8). The basic result of this study was that a statistically significant decrease was observed in the post-test MDA values of both EG and MEG subjects. Moreover, when the GSH and SOD values are compared to CG, a statistically significant increase was determined in the values of both EG and MEG. As a result, the findings show that regular physical activities and massage manipulations significantly decrease MDA, increase SOD and GSH activities, and result in no change in NOx and ADA activities supports the assumption that regular physical activity has positive health effects.

Protective effects of resveratrol on salivary gland damage induced by total body irradiation in rats.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: One of the most common acute side effects of irradiation is xerostomia, which results from damage to the salivary gland cells by direct ionization. Resveratrol is a natural compound with profound anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential protective effects of resveratrol on injury to the salivary glands of rats that were exposed to total body irradiation. STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study at the Inonu University School of Medicine. METHODS: Twenty-nine female rats were randomized into four groups: group 1, high-dose (100 mg/kg) resveratrol group (n = 7); group 2, low-dose (10 mg/kg) resveratrol group (n = 7); group 3, control (vehicle) rats (n = 7); and group 4, sham-irradiation group (n = 8). The medications were administered as single doses, and the rats were exposed to total body irradiation 24 hours after the treatment. The animals were sacrificed the following day, and the parotid and submandibular glands were excised. Salivary gland histology and the tissue levels of glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were investigated. RESULTS: The rats in group 1 showed significantly decreased acinar loss and less ductal damage and cell necrosis than those of the control group (P < .05). Antioxidant GSH levels were significantly increased by high doses of resveratrol treatment. The tissue activities of MDA in both the parotid and submandibular glands were significantly reduced in group 1. Low-dose resveratrol treatment did not significantly alter the tissue levels of MDA. CONCLUSIONS: Resveratrol at relatively high doses can reduce the irradiation-dependent salivary gland damage, suggesting that this natural antioxidant may be effectively used to lessen the side effects related to salivary gland dysfunction that is induced by irradiation.

Acute and chronic effects of electroconvulsive treatment on oxidative parameters in schizophrenia patients.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment alternative for schizophrenia. Previous studies have already indicated the possible effects of oxidative stress in this disorder. However, there have been no previous studies evaluating the effects of ECT on the oxidative stress in these patients. We therefore aimed to investigate the acute and chronic effects of ECT on serum levels of oxidant and antioxidant molecules in schizophrenia patients (n=28). The serum MDA and CAT levels of the patients with schizophrenia were higher than that of the controls before ECT (n=20) but there was no significant difference in the serum NO and GSH levels of the patient groups compared to the controls. We found that the NO levels of the patients were higher than the controls in the group experiencing their first episode but not in the chronic group. There was a significant clinical improvement in the patients in terms of BPRS, SANS and SAPS reduction after the 9th ECT, but not the 1st ECT. Serum MDA levels were significantly reduced compared to the baseline after the 9th ECT session although there was no significant difference after the 1st session. Separate evaluation of the patient groups revealed that the significant MDA decrease following ECT was in the patients experiencing their first episode and not in the chronic group. No significant difference was noted in the serum levels of other oxidant and antioxidant molecules after either the 1st or 9th ECT session. These results suggest that ECT does not produce any negative effect on oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine level in hyperglycemic gestation.

We aimed to evaluate plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations and its relation with insulin sensitivity/resistance indices in pregnant women with different degrees of carbohydrate intolerance. This study included a two step approach; 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) followed by 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used for diagnosis of carbohydrate intolerance within 24-28th weeks of gestation. Pregnant women with positive GCT but negative OGTT (AGCT group, n=30) and gestational diabetics (GDM group, n=58) were compared to healthy pregnant controls (n=50). Plasma ADMA concentration and its relationship with glucose and insulin levels and insulin sensitivity/resistance indices (HOMA-IR, QUICKI, ISIOGTT) were evaluated. Both AGCT and GDM groups were found to have similarly higher plasma ADMA levels than control subjects (3.60±1.21; 4.00±1.70; 2.65±0.82 µmol/l, respectively, P=0.001). ADMA was significantly but slightly correlated with insulin sensitivity/resistance indices and moderately correlated with 2-h insulin level. The 2-h insulin value of the OGTT was the independent influencing constant for ADMA (R=0.57, P=0.0001). In conclusion, plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine level was higher in cases with abnormal glucose challenge test but normal OGTT as well as in gestational diabetics, compared to pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance. The elevated ADMA level in pregnant women with carbohydrate intolerance may possibly be due to elevated insulin level.

Evaluation of asymmetric dimethylarginine, nitric oxide levels and associated independent variables in obese and lean patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in obese and lean patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and find out their relation with hormonal and metabolic parameters. METHODS: Twenty-two obese, 18 lean patients with PCOS and 11 obese, 24 lean healthy control patients were enrolled prospectively. Plasma ADMA and NO levels and arginine/ADMA ratio were evaluated on 3rd day of menstrual cycle after at least 10 h overnight fasting. RESULTS: Plasma ADMA, NO levels and arginine/ADMA ratio were similar in the groups. ADMA level did not correlate with the hormonal and metabolic parameters in patients with PCOS. However, NO correlated inversely with fasting insulin (r =  -0.353, p = 0.041) and homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r =  -0.379, p = 0.027). Arginine/ADMA ratio also correlated inversely with fasting insulin (r =  -0.339, p = 0.050). In multinomial regression analysis the risk of low NO was associated independently with high fasting insulin (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.001-1.42, p = 0.049) and high HOMA-IR in patients with PCOS (OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.03-4.98, p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance may be the underlying mechanism of endothelial dysfunction through NO pathway in PCOS.

Vitreous vascular endothelial growth factor level during gestation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the vitreous VEGF level alterations and its correlation with its plasma level if any, in gestation. METHODS: The blood and vitreous sampling procedures were performed before, during (20-23 days of gestation), and after gestation (2 months after birth) from seven White New Zealand rabbits. Blood samples were centrifuged then supernatants and vitreous samples were stored at -80 degrees C until assay. Measurements of serum and vitreous VEGF(165) were done by ELISA. RESULTS: The median plasma and vitreous VEGF(165) concentrations were 36.61 pg/ml (range 19.17-40.30), 14.92 pg/ml (range 8.95-15.20); 58.30 pg/ml (range 32.60-11.53), 20.51 pg/ml (range 11.94-21.26); and 35.30 pg/ml (range 27.30-39.60), 13.05 pg/ml (range 9.33-16.04) before, during and after gestation, respectively. Both the plasma and the vitreous VEGF(165) concentration during gestational period were significantly higher than pre-gestational period (P = 0.028, P = 0.018) and post-gestational period (P = 0.043, P = 0.028). The intravitreal VEGF(165 )concentrations appeared to correlate with plasma VEGF(165) levels (r = 0.940, P = 0.002) only in the gestational period. CONCLUSION: Vitreous VEGF levels increase in positive correlation with plasma VEGF during pregnancy. Further prospective studies are needed to support this finding.

Oral L-arginine protects against cyclosporine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Cyclosporine A (CyA) leads to liver injury, probably by causing the production of free radicals and resulting in nitric oxide (NO) deficiency. We evaluated CyA-mediated liver damage histopathologically to determine the possible beneficial effects of L-arginine (L-Arg). In this study, 7 groups of Sprague-Dawley rats; (1) Control group; (2) 0.9% NaCl group; (3) CyA group: 7.5mg/kg/day; (4) L-Arg group: 2g/lt/day; (5) l-NAME (N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) group: 5mg/100ml/day; (6) CyA+L-Arg group: L-Arg (2g/lt/day)+CyA (7.5mg/kg/day); and (7) CyA+L-NAME group: CyA (7.5mg/kg/day)+L-NAME (5mg/100ml/day) were included. At the end of the treatments, animals were killed and hepatic tissues were treated for morphological (hematoxylin and eosin) and biochemical (NO and malondialdehyde, MDA) analyses, and serum was processed for biochemical (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total protein) study. The results indicated that CyA-induced hepatotoxicity was characterized by sinusoidal dilatation, hepatocellular vacuolization, neutrophilic infiltration and hepatocellular necrosis. These findings were less pronounced in the CyA+L-Arg group than CyA alone group. L-NAME group showed moderate changes. The CyA+L-NAME (Group 7) had more severe changes. We found changes in tissue NO and MDA levels. We think that the tissue damage caused by CyA is mild and reversible at the period when biochemical parameters are just starting to become abnormal and that L-Arg may have a protective effect against CyA damage on liver.

Activity of adenosine deaminase in mothers who have conceived a fetus with central nervous system malformations.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in women who had been pregnant with a child suffering from central nervous system (CNS) anomaly. METHODS: The study group comprised 68 women who had been pregnant with an affected child, and 68 controls matched for age, gestational age and body mass index. Maternal venous blood was collected for measurement of ADA levels. We defined the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and area under receiver-operating characteristic curve for ADA. RESULTS: Plasma ADA activity was significantly higher in the study group (12.3 U/L, range 1.7-33.3) compared to the median value of 3.3 U/L (range 1.1-34.4) in normal pregnancies (P<0.05). The cut-off point of ADA >5.9 U/L was associated with the highest combination of specificity (58.8%) and sensitivity (86.8%). CONCLUSION: ADA activity in women who have conceived a fetus with CNS malformations was significantly higher than that in normal pregnant women.

Do sodium channel blockers have neuroprotective effect after onset of ischemic insult?

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral ischemia causes a series of pathophysiologic events that may result in cerebral infarct. Some neurons are more vulnerable to ischemia, particularly pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region. Pharmacologic intervention for treatment of cerebral ischemia aims to counteract secondary neurotoxic events or to interrupt the progression of this process. In the present study, we compare the neuroprotective effects of sodium channel blockers (mexiletine, riluzole and phenytoin) and investigate whether they have neuroprotective effect when given after ischemic insult. METHODS: A transient global cerebral ischemia model was performed in this study by clipping bilateral common carotid arteries during 45 minutes. Riluzole (8 mg/kg), mexiletine (80 mg/kg) and phenytoin (200 mg/kg) were injected into the rats intraperitoneally 30 minutes before or after reperfusion. Lipid peroxidation levels and cerebral water contents were evaluated 24 hours after ischemia. Histopathologic assessment of hippocampal region was determined 7 days after ischemia. RESULTS: Riluzole, mexiletine and phenytoin treatment after global ischemia significantly decreased water content of the ischemic brain (p<0.05 for each). No significant difference was observed in cerebral edema among the drug treatment groups (p>0.05). When pre-treatment and post-treatment groups were compared with each other, only riluzole pre-treatment group revealed better result for cerebral edema (p<0.05). Pre-treatment with these drugs revealed significantly better results for the malonyldialdehyde (MDA) level and the number of survival neuron on the hippocampal region than the post-treatment groups. CONCLUSION: It is demonstrated that riluzole, mexiletine and phenytoin are potent neuroprotective agents in the rat model of transient global cerebral ischemia, but they are more effective when given before onset of the ischemia.

Serum amyloid A levels are increased in pre-eclampsia.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine serum amyloid A (SAA) levels in normal pregnant and pre-eclamptic women. METHODS: SAA levels were measured in 25 normotensive and 25 pre-eclamptic pregnant women by enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay. RESULTS: In pre-eclampsia, SAA level and C-reactive protein (CRP) averaged 28.2 (7.2-135) ng/l and 21 (6.13-91) mg/l, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of normal pregnancy (7.8 [4.65-24.6] ng/l and 6.05 [0.3-19] mg/l, respectively) (p < 0.05). In addition, SAA level was positively correlated to CRP (r = 0.468, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Marked increases of both SAA level and CRP in pre-eclampsia, and their inter-relation, may at least in part contribute to the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.