Relationship between Oxidative Stress Markers and Presence of Chronic Total Occlusion in Coronary Artery Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between chronic total occlusion (CTO) development and oxidative stress markers in stable coronary artery patients. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Cardiology Clinic, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University Medical Faculty, between January 2018 and December 2019. METHODOLOGY: Patients, who underwent coronary angiography for stable chest pain, were consecutively included. The study group consisted of those with CTO and the control group from those without CTO. Serum total oxidant/anti-oxidant, dynamic thiol/disulfide, antioxidant (ascorbate, alfa-tocopherol, beta-carotene) vitamin levels, and routine biochemistry tests of the patients were compared. RESULTS: The study group (24 men, 5 women, mean age 63.79 ± 9.21 years) and control group (23 men, 6 women, mean age 61.38 ± 8.20 years) consisted of 29 patients each. The oxidative stress markers (total thiol, native thiol, disulfide, reduced thiol ratio, oxidized thiol ratio, thiol oxidation-reduction ratio, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and vitamin E) were found to have similar values between the groups. However, of the anti-oxidative vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin C/vitamin E ratio were significantly lower in the CTO group and predicted a CTO lesion (AUC: 0.084, p<0.001, 95% CI: 0.007-0.162; AUC: 0.285, p=0.005, 95% CI: 0.154-0.416 and AUC: 0.181, p <0.001, 95% CI: 0.062-0.299, respectively). CONCLUSION: The lower serum vitamin C and vitamin A levels and low vitamin C/vitamin E ratio may be useful in predicting the risk of CTO in stable patients with non-critical stenosis in coronary angiography. KEY WORDS: Chronic total occlusion, Oxidative balance, Stable coronary artery disease, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin C / vitamin A ratio.

The effect of Farnesoid X receptor agonist tropifexor on liver damage in rats with experimental obstructive jaundice.

PURPOSE: To investigate experimentally the effects of Tropifexor, a farnesoid X receptor agonist, on liver injury in rats with obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Forty healthy Wistar albino female rats were divided randomly in selected groups. These groups were the sham group, control group, vehicle solution group, Ursodeoxycholic acid group and Tropifexor group. Experimental obstructive jaundice was created in all groups, except the sham one. In the blood samples obtained, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels were established and recorded. Additionally, liver malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase and catalase enzyme activity in the tissue samples were studied. Histopathological analysis was also performed. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found between the control group and the Tropifexor group when AST, ALT and ALP values were compared. However, it was found that the Tropifexor group had statistically significant decreases in the values of GGT, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin (p < 0.05). Additionally, Tropifexor decreased the median values of malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase, but this difference was not statistically significant compared to the control group. Finally, the Tropifexor group was statistically significant in recurring histopathological liver damage indicators (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tropifexor reduced liver damage due to obstructive jaundice.

Effects of Propofol versus Sevoflurane on Postoperative Pain and Neuroendocrine Stress Response in Oocyte Pickup Patients.

Background: Pain aggravates the autonomic response to stress and raises neuroendocrine stress hormone levels. We compared the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on postoperative pain and neuroendocrine stress hormones. A prospective, randomized, and controlled trial was conducted with 60 patients. Methods: We randomly allocated patients to groups P (remifentanil/propofol, n = 30) and S (remifentanil/sevoflurane, n = 30). Preoperative blood samples were taken to measure serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), glucagon, cortisol, aldosterone, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. Intraoperatively and postoperatively, clinical parameters were monitored at different time points. The hormone levels were again measured in the follicular fluid and blood postoperatively. Result: Demographic data were similar. The preoperative serum aldosterone levels were significantly higher in group P (p=0.001). Preoperative and postoperative serum ACTH, glucagon, cortisol, and PGE2 levels were significantly different in group P (p=0.009, p=0.004, p=0.029, and p=0.002); serum ACTH, glucagon, and PGE2 levels increased while serum cortisol levels decreased postoperatively. In group S, serum CRH and aldosterone levels, both increased in the postoperative period compared to the preoperative (p=0.001, p=0.006). Postoperatively, glucagon and PGE2 levels were both higher in group P than group S (p=0.019, p=0.015). In postoperative follicular fluid, glucagon and PGE2 levels were higher in group P, while cortisol levels were higher in group S (p=0.001, p=0.007, and p=0.001). Conclusion: The effects of anesthetic agents were different. In group P, in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation, ACTH, glucagon, and PGE2 increased postoperatively, while cortisol decreased. In group S, aldosterone and CRH increased postoperatively. Glucagon and PG E2 were higher in group P than S, postoperatively.

The effect of Farnesoid X receptor agonist tropifexor on liver damage in rats with experimental obstructive jaundice

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate experimentally the effects of Tropifexor, a farnesoid X receptor agonist, on liver injury in rats with obstructive jaundice. Methods: Forty healthy Wistar albino female rats were divided randomly in selected groups. These groups were the sham group, control group, vehicle solution group, Ursodeoxycholic acid group and Tropifexor group. Experimental obstructive jaundice was created in all groups, except the sham one. In the blood samples obtained, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels were established and recorded. Additionally, liver malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase and catalase enzyme activity in the tissue samples were studied. Histopathological analysis was also performed. Results: No statistical difference was found between the control group and the Tropifexor group when AST, ALT and ALP values were compared. However, it was found that the Tropifexor group had statistically significant decreases in the values of GGT, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin (p < 0.05). Additionally, Tropifexor decreased the median values of malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase, but this difference was not statistically significant compared to the control group. Finally, the Tropifexor group was statistically significant in recurring histopathological liver damage indicators (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Tropifexor reduced liver damage due to obstructive jaundice.

Effects of music therapy on pain and oxidative stress in oocyte pick-up: A randomized clinical trial / Efeitos da musicoterapia sobre dor e estresse oxidativo na aspiração folicular: estudo clínico randomizado

Abstract Background and objective: The aim was to investigate the effects of Turkish classical music on pain and oxidative stress in patients undergoing oocyte pick-up. Methods: The study was a randomized, controlled trial. The groups included Group NM (Non-Music), control group; Group PM, which comprised patients who listened to music before the operation; and Group CM, which comprised patients who listened to music both before and during the operation. Blood was drawn prior to the operation to measure the oxidative stress values. Pain, hemodynamic parameters, oxidative stress values were assessed postoperatively. Results: The number of patients requiring additional propofol was higher in Group PM than in Groups NM and CM (p = 0.003). The postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score were lower in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM (p = 0.001, p = 0.007) in the 1st and 60th minutes. The postoperative VAS score was lower in Group CM than in Group NM (p = 0.045) in the 5th minute. The postoperative additional analgesic requirements were lower in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM (p = 0.045). The postoperative blood glutathione peroxidase values were significantly higher in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM (p = 0.001). The postoperative catalase values were significantly higher in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM (p = 0.008 and p < 0.001). The preoperative malondialdehyde values were significantly lower in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM. The preoperative nitric oxide values were higher in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM (p < 0.001), whereas the postoperative nitric oxide values were lower in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Turkish classical music has beneficial effects on pain and oxidative stress in oocyte pick-up patients.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos da música clássica turca sobre a dor e o estresse oxidativo em pacientes submetidas a aspiração folicular. Método: Estudo randomizado controlado. Os grupos foram: grupo controle NM, sem música; Grupo PM, com pacientes que ouviram música antes da cirurgia; e Grupo CM, com pacientes que ouviram música antes e durante a cirurgia. Foi coletado sangue antes da cirurgia para avaliar os valores de estresse oxidativo. Dor, parâmetros hemodinâmicos e valores de estresse oxidativo foram avaliados após a cirurgia. Resultados: O número de pacientes que necessitaram de propofol adicional foi mais alto no Grupo PM do que nos grupos NM e CM (p = 0,003). A pontuação da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) pós-operatória foi mais baixa nos Grupos PM e CM do que no Grupo NM (p = 0,001; p = 0,007), no 1° e 60° minutos. A pontuação da EVA pós-operatória foi mais baixa no Grupo CM do que no grupo NM (p = 0,045) no 5° minuto. A necessidade de analgesia pós-operatória adicional foi mais baixa nos Grupos PM e CM do que no Grupo NM (p = 0,045). Os valores pós-operatórios de glutationa peroxidase no sangue foram significantemente mais altos nos Grupos PM e CM do que no Grupo NM (p = 0,001). Os valores pós-operatórios de catalase foram significantemente mais altos nos Grupos PM e CM do que no Grupo NM (p = 0,008 e p≤ 0,001). Os valores pré-operatórios de malondialdeído foram significantemente mais baixos nos grupos PM e CM do que no Grupo NM. Os valores pré-operatórios de óxido nítrico foram mais altos nos grupos PM e CM do que no Grupo NM (p≤ 0,001), ao passo que valores pós-operatórios de óxido nítrico foram mais baixos nos grupos PM e CM do que no Grupo NM (p≤ 0,001). Conclusão: Música clássica turca exerce efeito benéfico sobre a dor e estresse oxidativo em pacientes na aspiração folicular.

[Effects of music therapy on pain and oxidative stress in oocyte pick-up: a randomized clinical trial]. / Efeitos da musicoterapia sobre dor e estresse oxidativo na aspiração folicular: estudo clínico randomizado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the effects of Turkish classical music on pain and oxidative stress in patients undergoing oocyte pick-up. METHODS: The study was a randomized, controlled trial. The groups included were Group NM (Non-Music), control group; Group PM, which comprised patients who listened to music before the operation; and Group CM, which comprised patients who listened to music both before and during the operation. Blood was drawn prior to the operation to measure the oxidative stress values. Pain, hemodynamic parameters, oxidative stress values were assessed postoperatively. RESULTS: The number of patients requiring additional propofol was higher in Group PM than in Groups NM and CM (p=0.003). The postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score were lower in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM (p=0.001, p=0.007) in the 1st and 60th minutes. The postoperative VAS score was lower in Group CM than in Group NM (p=0.045) in the 5th minute. The postoperative additional analgesic requirements were lower in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM (p=0.045). The postoperative blood glutathione peroxidase values were significantly higher in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM (p=0.001). The postoperative catalase values were significantly higher in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM (p=0.008 and p ≤0.001). The preoperative malondialdehyde values were significantly lower in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM. The preoperative nitric oxide values were higher in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM (p ≤0.001), whereas the postoperative nitric oxide values were lower in Groups PM and CM than in Group NM (p ≤0.001). CONCLUSION: Turkish classical music has beneficial effects on pain and oxidative stress in oocyte pick-up patients.

Synthesis of 2-Substituted Benzothiazole Derivatives and Their In Vitro Anticancer Effects and Antioxidant Activities Against Pancreatic Cancer Cells.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest malignancies characterized by strong resistance to almost all chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anticancer effect, enzymatic antioxidant activity [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of synthesized benzothiazole compounds against adenocarcinoma cancer cells (PANC-1). 2-((1S,2S)-2-((E)-4-nitrostyryl)cyclopent-3-en-1-yl)benzo[d]thiazole and 2-((1S,2S)-2-((E)-4-fluorostyryl) cyclopent-3-en-1-yl)benzo[d]thiazole containing 2-substituted benzothiazole group were synthesized in two steps. PANC-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of benzothiazole compounds (5, 25, 50. 75 and 100 µM) for 48 h and their cytotoxicity effects were determined by the MTT assay. To determine whether these compounds induced apoptosis, PANC-1 cells were treated with increasing concentrations of the synthetic products. Our study showed that the synthesized compounds have antiproliferative effects against PANC-1 cells and reduced cell viability. These compounds induced apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells and at the same time reduced the activity of SOD and GPx and reduced TAC. On the basis of these findings, these synthesized benzothiazole compounds may be considered as a potential therapeutic drug against human PANC-1 cancer cells.

Evaluation of Malondialdehyde, Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Activity in Fetal Cord Blood of Depressed Mothers.

OBJECTIVE: The umbilical cord consists of two arteries and one vein and it functions in the transport between the maternal and fetal circulation. Biochemical analysis of fetal cord blood (FCB) during delivery could be beneficial in terms of understanding the fetal environment. In this study, we aimed to investigate oxidative parameters like malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels in FCB during delivery. METHODS: We collected FCB samples during caesarean section. Our study included 33 depressed mothers and 37 healthy controls. We investigated MDA, SOD, and CAT levels in FCB samples. RESULTS: We found no significant difference between groups in terms of MDA (p=0.625), SOD (p=0.940), and CAT (p=0.413) levels. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals probable protective effects of the placenta from oxidative stress. Future studies should include larger samples.

Depression in pregnancy is associated with decreased glutathione peroxidase activity in fetal cord blood.

The investigation of fetal cord blood (FCB) during child delivery has created a novel topic in the field of psychiatric research. The umbilical vein receives nutrients and oxygen from the mother's circulation and transports them to the fetal circulation. Investigating fetal cord blood during delivery is beneficial for understanding the fetal environment. Depression in pregnancy is associated with medical and emotional burdens. In this study, we aimed to investigate glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the FCB of depressed mothers and healthy controls. Our study included 45 depressed mothers and 59 healthy controls. The FCB samples were collected from the umbilical vein during delivery. We found that Gpx levels were significantly decreased in the FCB of depressed mothers than healthy controls, medians were 0.14 U/ml and 0.16 U/ml respectively, Z: -3.567 and p < 0.001. MPO levels were similar in both groups, medians were 1.0 U/L and 1.2 U/L respectively, Z: -1.837 and p:0.066. Depression in pregnancy may be associated with decreased antioxidant levels, and this condition may cause an oxidative load, which may lead to improper brain development. Future studies should be performed in larger samples to clarify our preliminary results.

Probable preventive effects of placenta from oxidative stress; Evaluation of total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index in fetal cord blood during the delivery.

Depression in pregnancy may have negative effects on birth outcomes. It may also effect the intrauterine environment of the fetus. The umbilical cord is the conduit between the fetus and placenta, and functions in the transport between fetus and mother. Investigating biochemical parameters in fetal cord blood (FCB) during delivery may be helpful to understanding to what the fetus is exposed to, at least in the last trimester. In this study, we aimed to investigate total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in the FCB of depressed mothers and healthy controls during delivery. Our study included 33 depressed mothers and 37 healthy controls. TAS, TOS, and OSI were measured according to Erel's method. We found that TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were similar in patients and healthy controls; however, the birth weights of depressed patients were significantly lower than those of healthy controls. Our results suggest that the placental barrier may prevent from oxidative stress. Future studies should include blood samples collected simultaneously from mothers during delivery.

Trace elements in nasal polyps.

The aim of our study is to evaluate the status of selenium and zinc in nasal polyp tissues and to investigate the possible role of trace elements and antioxidants including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in nasal polyps. In this study, the antioxidant enzyme and trace element levels measured in polyp tissues of 37 patients were compared with the levels measured in conchal mucosa of 27 control cases. The antioxidant enzyme and trace element levels in tissues were measured with graphite and flame spectrophotometry methods using Shimatsu UV.1601 spectrophotometer and Perkin Elmer atomic spectrometer. The mean tissue zinc and selenium levels were, respectively, 2.55 µg/g and 30.03 pg/g in patient group, 4.37 µg/g and 44.95 pg/g in control group. The mean tissue SOD and GSH-Px levels were, respectively, 4.27 and 0.69 U/mg protein in patient group, 7.09 and 0.77 U/mg protein in control group. When the measured levels in patients and control cases were compared, there were statistically significant differences between zinc, selenium, and SOD levels (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference between GSH-Px levels (P = 0.465). In conclusion, it has been revealed that the levels of zinc, selenium, and SOD in nasal polyps were significantly lower, and it may be concluded that this may have a role in the development of nasal polyps.

Malondialdehyde level and adenosine deaminase activity in adenoid tissue of patients with OME and obstructive adenoid hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine and compare adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in adenoid tissue of patients with or without otitis media with effusion (OME). METHODS: The study included 30 patients undergoing adenoidectomy due to obstructive adenoid hypertrophy (OAH) or OME. Tissue MDA level was measured by the method of Okawa with modification and tissue ADA activity by the method of Giusti. We measured, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as well. RESULTS: In patients with OAH, mean tissue MDA level and ADA activity were 4.13 ± 0.90 nmol/mg Pr and 0.39 ± 0.04 U/mg Pr, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of OME group (1.43 ± 0.41 nmol/mg Protein and 0.22 ± 0.04 U/mg Pr, respectively) (P<0.05). SOD and CAT activities were found to be increased in patients with OAH when compared to the OME group but they did not reach statistically significant level (P=0.06 and 0.05 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed the presence of measurable ADA activity in adenoid tissue, and also significant increases in both tissue MDA level and ADA activity in OAH tissue when compared to adenoid tissue of the patient with OME. However, the significance of changes in MDA and ADA activation in the pathogenesis of OAH requires further study.

Protective effects of zofenopril on testicular torsion and detorsion injury in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of zofenopril on torsion/detorsion-induced biochemical and histopathological changes in experimental testicular ischemia or reperfusion injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 prepubertal male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into five groups, including 7 rats in each group: Group I (sham, S), sham operation; group II (torsion/detorsion-early orchiectomy, T/D-E), 2 hours ischemia and 4 hours reperfusion; group III (torsion/detorsion-late orchiectomy), T/D-L), 2 hours ischemia and 5 days reperfusion; group IV (zofenopril-early orchiectomy, Z-E), 2 hours ischemia, 4 hours reperfusion, and a single dose of zofenopril; and group V (zofenopril-late orchiectomy, Z-L), 2 hours ischemia, 5 days reperfusion, and 5 doses of zofenopril. We determined the tissue levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities. Histopathologically, mean seminiferous tubule diameter measurements were used. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde (3.490 ± 0.89 versus 1.729 ± 0.25 in early period; 3.837 ± 1.694 versus 1.694 ± 0.47 in late period) and nitric oxide levels (3.507 ± 0.44 versus 2.853 ± 0.54 in early period; 4.010 ± 0.72 versus 2.446 ± 0.29 in late period) significantly reduced and glutathione peroxidase (0.012 ± 0.001 versus 0.017 ± 0.001 in early period; 0.013 ± 0.002 versus 0.018 ± 0.001 in late period) and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities (58.030 ± 5.97 versus 70.773 ± 3.85 in early period; 57.421 ± 7.81 versus 76.329 ± 4.09 in late period) significantly increased in the testis tissue in zofenopril pretreated groups compared to group T/D both in early and late period (P < .05). The mean seminiferous tubule diameter was significantly better in pretreated group (210.33 ± 17.32) than group T/D (185.02 ± 22.45) only in late period (P < .05), but not in early period (209.38 ± 30.40 versus 208.21 ± 13.57; P > .05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with zofenopril decreased damage in ipsilateral testis caused by ischemia/reperfusion, and clinical application of zofenopril might be a new approach for the treatment of testicular torsion in addition to conventional detorsion.

Interstitial lung disease in coppersmiths in high serum copper levels.

Coppersmith is a worker who uses copper most commonly for the production of kitchen appliances in Turkey. This is an ancient occupation practiced for centuries in Turkey. Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of parenchymal lung diseases among coppersmiths in Kahramanmaras city in Turkey. Thirty coppersmiths were included to the study, and they all signed an informed consent. Demographics, spirometric test results and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans, and blood samples were obtained. Laboratory analysis of the serum samples showed that serum copper levels of the subjects were 0.93 +/- 0.14 mg/L. Serum copper level in control group was found as 0.70 +/- 0.14 mg/L, and it was significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Of 30 coppersmiths, 17 HRCT findings are abnormal and seen with diffuse parenchymal interstitial lung disease pattern-ten (58.8%) respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease, five (29.4%) nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, and two (11.8%) usual interstitial pneumonia. The most prevalent HRCT pattern was micronodular pattern in workers. This is the first field study reporting the radiologic findings of coppersmiths and effect of the occupation on lung diseases.

The protective effect of erythropoietin on the acute phase of corrosive esophageal burns in a rat model.

INTRODUCTION: An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of erythropoietin on the acute phase of esophageal burn damage induced by sodium hydroxide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standard esophageal alkaline burn was produced by the application of 10% sodium hydroxide to the distal esophagus in an in vivo rat model. Fifty-six female rats were allocated into three groups: Group BC (baseline control, n = 8) rats were uninjured and untreated, Group PC (positive control, n = 24) rats were injured but untreated and Group EPO (erythropoietin-treated, n = 24) rats were injured and given subcutaneous erythropoietin (1,000 IU/kg per day), 15 min, 24, and 48 h after administration of the NaOH solution. Six animals from Group PC and six from Group EPO were killed at 4, 24, 48, and 72 h after application of NaOH to the esophagus. All of animals in Group BC were killed 4 h after exposure to 0.9% NaCl. Oxidative damage was assessed by measuring levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in homogenized samples of esophageal tissue. Histologic damage to esophageal tissue was scored by a single pathologist blind to groups. RESULTS: MDA levels in the BC and EPO groups were significantly lower than those in the PC group (p < 0.05). CAT and SOD activities, and NO levels in the BC and EPO groups were significantly higher than in the PC group (p < 0.05). Esophageal tissue damage measured at 4, 24, 48, and 72 h after NaOH application was significantly less in the EPO group than in the PC group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When administered early after an esophageal burn induced by 10% sodium hydroxide in this rat model, erythropoietin significantly attenuated oxidative damage, as measured by biochemical markers and histologic scoring.

Retinal oxidative stress induced by intraocular hypertension in rats may be ameliorated by brimonidine treatment and N-acetyl cysteine supplementation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of brimonidine and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on retinal oxidative status under ocular hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ocular hypertension is produced in right eyes of 60 rats through intraocular injection of sodium hyaluronate. The left eyes received intracameral saline as sham. Twenty right eyes (brimonidine group) received topical brimonidine twice a day for a week. Other 20 eyes received intraperitoneal NAC (NAC group) once a day. Another group of 20 eyes were followed without any drugs but only intracameral sodium hyaluronate (sodium hyaluronate group) into right eyes. RESULTS: Intraocular injection of sodium hyaluronate increased intraocular pressure for a week and caused retinal peroxidation and decreased glutathione peroxidase and catalase levels. Brimonidine and NAC treatment reversed the retinal oxidative stress created by high intraocular pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Brimonidine and NAC supplementation provide antioxidative properties to retina and decrease retinal damage induced by ocular hypertension.

Oxidative stress in migraine with and without aura.

Migraine is the most common neurological disorder, but the molecular basis is still not completely understood. An impairment of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism might play a role in the pathophysiology. The goal of this study was to investigate the differences in oxidative stress status with the measurement of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the migraine patients with or without aura and attack. There were 56 patients (46 female, 10 male) in the migraine group and 25 matched healthy subjects in the control group. The patients comprised 37 with migraine without aura (MWoA], 19 with migraine with aura (MWA), and 22 with headache attack. The MDA levels of patients in the migraine group were significantly higher than that in the control group. The SOD activity was significantly higher in the MWA as compared to MWoA. There was no significant correlation between these levels and headache attack period. Conclusively, in this preliminary study, we had found increased oxidative stress in the migraine patients especially the patients with MWA. Further knowledge about this issue may contribute the cause and complications of migraine and may be essential for development of treatment approaches.

Intraperitoneal EMLA (lidocaine/prilocaine) to prevent abdominal adhesion formation in a rat peritonitis model.

OBJECTIVE: The accelerative effect of EMLA (eutectic mixture of lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%) in the wound healing process is known. We hypothesised that post-operative peritoneal adhesions may be reduced with intra-peritoneal EMLA administration in a model of bacterial peritonitis. STUDY DESIGN: Bacterial peritonitis was induced in 24 rats by cecal ligation and puncture. The rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Group 1 (n=6)) received EMLA intraperitoneally, group 2 (n=6) received 2% lidocaine hcl solution intraperitoneally, the third group received one dose (100 mg/kg) of ceftriaxone sodium (Rocephin, Roche, 1 g) intraperitoneally one day after cecal ligation and puncture procedure, and in control group (group 4, n=6), no fluid or medicine was introduced into the abdomens of the rats. All animals were killed 14 days later in order to assess the adhesion score. Tissue antioxidant levels were measured in 1 g tissue samples taken from the abdominal wall. RESULTS: The adhesion score was significantly lower in the EMLA group than in the lidocaine and control groups. The catalase levels were higher in the lidocaine and control groups than in EMLA group. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal EMLA inhibited the formation of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions without compromising the wound healing in this bacterial peritonitis rat model. EMLA also decreased the oxidative stress during peritonitis (Tab. 1, Fig. 7, Ref. 27). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine on carboplatin-induced ototoxicity and nitric oxide levels in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) given 30 minutes before carboplatin administration on carboplatin-induced ototoxicity and nitric oxide (NO) levels in a rat model. STUDY DESIGN: Animal study. METHODS: Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups that each contained six animals. Intraperitoneal injection of physiologic saline was performed in group 1 twice with an interval of 30 minutes. Group 2 was treated with a single bolus administration of carboplatin at a dose of 256 mg/kg 30 minutes after the intraperitoneal injection of physiologic saline. Group 3 was treated with a single bolus administration of carboplatin at a dose of 256 mg/kg 30 minutes after the intraperitoneal injection of NAC at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Pretreatment and posttreatment distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were performed in rats from all groups. Then, the animals were sacrificed on the fourth day, and cochlear tissue NO and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were measured. RESULTS: The comparison of pre- and posttreatment DPOAE responses did not demonstrate any significant changes for groups 1 and 3. Results of group 2 showed a decrease of the DPOAE amplitude. Cochlear NO levels were significantly higher in rats treated with carboplatin than in controls and in those treated with carboplatin plus NAC (P < .05). Cochlear GSH-Px levels were higher in rats treated with carboplatin plus NAC than in those treated with carboplatin, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .079). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that carboplatin at higher doses induced hearing loss and increased NO levels in the cochlea of rats. NAC appears to have a protective effect against carboplatin-induced ototoxicity, which may be related to its inhibitory effect on NO production.