Genetic influence on urinary vitamin D binding protein excretion and serum levels: a focus on rs4588 C>A polymorphism in the GC gene.

Introduction: Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) plays a crucial role in vitamin D transport and metabolism. The rs4588-A polymorphism of the GC gene, encoding VDBP, has been associated with altered serum VDBP and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between urinary VDBP excretion and serum VDBP and 25OHD levels in individuals with and without the rs4588-A allele. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 109 children (mean age: 11.96 years) to explore the impact of rs4588-A on vitamin D metabolism and urinary VDBP excretion. Biochemical analyses determined serum 25OHD and VDBP levels, and urinary VDBP-to-creatinine ratio (u-VDBP/Cr). Genotyping for rs4588 SNP was performed using LightSNiP assay. Statistical analyses included correlation, linear regression, and comparison between allele groups. Results: Participants carrying the rs4588-A allele exhibited lower serum 25OHD levels compared to non-carriers (median (IQR): 11.85 (3.5) vs. 12.86 (4.9), p = 0.023). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in serum VDBP levels (126.34 ± 59.3 in rs4588-A vs. 136.49 ± 51.3 in non-rs4588-A, p = 0.141) or in u-VDBP/Cr (median (IQR): 0.4 (0.35) in rs4588-A vs. 0.386 (0.43) in non-rs4588-A, p = 0.189) between the two allele groups. A significant inverse correlation between u-VDBP/Cr and serum VDBP levels was found only in rs4588-A carriers (r = -0.367, p = 0.024). No such correlation was observed in non-carriers or the entire cohort. A linear regression analysis confirmed the impact of u-VDBP/Cr on serum VDBP levels in rs4588-A carriers (B = -0.269, t = -2.185, p = 0.035). Conclusion: Individuals with the rs4588-A allele in the GC gene had lower serum 25OHD levels. An inverse correlation between urinary VDBP excretion and serum VDBP levels was observed, suggesting a partial role of the renal pathway in altered serum VDBP and 25OHD levels linked to the rs4588-A allele.

Evaluation of Serum Creatinine Levels with Reference Change Value in Patients Receiving Colistin Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the serum creatinine (SCr) levels with the reference change value (RCV) in patients receiving colistin treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively recorded the SCr levels of 47 patients receiving colistin treatment before treatment and on days 3 and 7 after treatment. RCV was calculated with the asymmetrical RCV formula (Z = 1.64, P < .05). Percent (%) increase in the SCr results of the patients was compared with RCV and values exceeding RCV were regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: The RCV was calculated as 15.6% for SCr. Compared with pretreatment values, SCr value on day 3 was 32/47 and on day 7 it was 36/47; as these results exceeded RCV, they were considered statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Use of RCV in the interpretation of results between serial measurements will provide a more rapid and sensitive method when making decisions.

Evaluation of von Willebrand factor and protein/creatinine ratio in idiopathic sudden hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of von Willebraund Factor (vWF) in plasma and the protein/creatinine ratio in urine in patients with idiopathic sudden acute hearing loss, which we think to be caused by epithelial dysfunction. MATERIALS-METHODS: Thirty patients with a sudden hearing loss and thirty healthy individuals were included in the study. Before the treatment, blood and urine were collected from the patients and the control group to investigate the levels of the protein/creatinine ratio and the levels of vWF. The test results of the patients group were compared with those of the control group. RESULTS: We found that the levels of vWF increased in the patient group, which was statistically significant (P<.05). The protein/creatinine ratio in the urine increased in the patient group, but this was not statistically significant (P>.05). In addition, we found that the vWF and urine protein/creatin ratio of the patients who benefited from treatment were lower than those who did not benefit. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that sudden sensorineural hearing loss may result from endothelial dysfunction. However, more studies that include more patients are needed in order to support this.

The efficacy of a wearable hemodialysis with tentative equipment in chronic renal failure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find an effective and simple method by which outpatient hemodialysis can be performed using diffusion and ultrafiltration methods with different procedures on a model. METHODS: A solution containing high-level urea and creatinine similar to the blood values of patients with chronic renal failure was used, with the expectation of clearing it as in hemodialysis using a model with the designed system. The product values at the beginning and end of the process were determined, and the cleaning rates were calculated. RESULTS: The clearance rates obtained in the serum were 79.2% for urea and 93.7% for creatinine. Greater than 65% clearance rates were detected in all products except calcium and magnesium. Statistical significance was found in all products (P < 0.05) except magnesium (P = 0.065). CONCLUSIONS: Using this method, we achieved a clearance rate greater than the desired clearance rates (65%) in hemodialysis.

The ischemia modified albumin and mean platelet volume levels in patients with Behçet's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with endothelial dysfunction. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a marker used in the detection of diseases associated with oxidative stress, vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and ischemia. Mean platelet volume (MPV) signifies the platelet function and activity. AIM: To show whether MPV and IMA are useful in revealing the oxidative stress and the risk of thrombosis in patients with BD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with BD and 28 healthy volunteers as a control group over 18 years of age were included in the study. Serum IMA and MPV levels were analyzed in both groups. RESULTS: The mean MPV values were identified as 0.86 ±0.15 and 0.82 ±0.08 (in the BD and control groups, respectively; p = 0.188) and the mean IMA values were 9.39 ±0.73 and 9.17 ±1.09 (in the BD and control groups, respectively; p = 0.275). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. The IMA values of BD patients who were in the active phase were significant as compared to inactive BD patients and control groups (p = 0.041). The IMA and MPV values of the thrombotic patients, non-thrombotic patients and control groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia-modified albumin may be a helpful marker of possible complications during an active period of BD.

The correlation between the psoriasis area severity index and ischemia-modified albumin, mean platelet volume levels in patients with psoriasis.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), a novel ischemia marker, and mean platelet volume (MPV), a determinant of platelet activation, have been reported as elevated markers in cardiovascular risk factors such as atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and dyslipidemia. As psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease having comorbidities, IMA and MPV can help determine the risk factors for psoriasis. AIM: To investigate the correlation between the psoriasis area severity index (PASI), IMA and MPV levels in patients with psoriasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, case-control study was performed between January 2014 and December 2014 at the University hospital in Çanakkale, Turkey. Forty-five patients with psoriasis and 44 healthy volunteers over 18 years of age were included in the study. In the psoriasis patient group, clinical features and PASI scores were recorded. Serum IMA and MPV concentrations were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The mean IMA values were 0.85 ±0.15 and 0.79 ±0.09 (in the psoriasis patients and control groups, respectively), and there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.048). Ischemia-modified albumin levels were not correlated with PASI scores (r = 0.024; p = 0.889) but were correlated with disease duration (r = 0.323; p = 0.048). There was no statistically significant difference between the MPV values of the two groups (8.98 ±1.14 and 9.19 ±1.28 in the psoriasis patients and control groups, respectively) (p = 0.435). CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia-modified albumin may be used as a marker for detecting oxidative stress in patients with psoriasis, especially those with a long disease duration.

Nitric oxide and asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) levels in an experimental hydronephrotic kidney caused by unilateral partial ureteral obstruction.

AIM: Our aim is to measure asymmetric dimethyl arginine and nitric oxide levels in rats with induced unilateral acute ureteral obstruction to research the effects on the kidney. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 21 adolescent (average age 6 weeks) Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing between 240-290g divided at random into 3 groups. Group-1: Control group (n=6): underwent no procedures. Group-2: Sham group (n=6): underwent the same procedures as the experimental group without ureter and psoas muscle dissection. Group-3: Group with induced partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (n=9). All rats were sacrificed after 12 weeks. Superoxide dismutase enzyme activity and nitrite and nitrate salt levels were measured in renal tissue. Plasma nitrite-nitrate and ADMA levels were examined. RESULTS: In the experimental group histopathological changes observed included renal pelvis dilatation, flattened papillae, sclerotic glomerulus and fibrosis. In the experimental group tissue SOD and blood ADMA levels were higher than the control and sham groups (p<0.05) while tissue NO and plasma NO values were lower than in the sham and control groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress and disruption of NO synthesis play an important role in renal function and histopathological changes after obstructive renal disease. To prevent renal complications developing after obstructive nephropathy we believe that a new strategy may be research on reducing ADMA.

Nitric oxide and asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) levels in an experimental hydronephrotic kidney caused by unilateral partial ureteral obstruction

ABSTRACT Aim Our aim is to measure asymmetric dimethyl arginine and nitric oxide levels in rats with induced unilateral acute ureteral obstruction to research the effects on the kidney. Material and Methods The study included 21 adolescent (average age 6 weeks) Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing between 240-290g divided at random into 3 groups. Group-1: Control group (n=6): underwent no procedures. Group-2: Sham group (n=6): underwent the same procedures as the experimental group without ureter and psoas muscle dissection. Group-3: Group with induced partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (n=9). All rats were sacrificed after 12 weeks. Superoxide dismutase enzyme activity and nitrite and nitrate salt levels were measured in renal tissue. Plasma nitrite-nitrate and ADMA levels were examined. Results In the experimental group histopathological changes observed included renal pelvis dilatation, flattened papillae, sclerotic glomerulus and fibrosis. In the experimental group tissue SOD and blood ADMA levels were higher than the control and sham groups (p<0.05) while tissue NO and plasma NO values were lower than in the sham and control groups (p<0.05). Conclusion Oxidative stress and disruption of NO synthesis play an important role in renal function and histopathological changes after obstructive renal disease. To prevent renal complications developing after obstructive nephropathy we believe that a new strategy may be research on reducing ADMA.

Correlation of ischemia-modified albumin levels and histopathologic findings in experimental ovarian torsion.

OBJECTIVES: Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels significantly increased and may be used as a diagnostic marker in ovarian torsion. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there was any correlation between IMA levels and histopathologic changes in experimental ovarian torsion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen Sprague-Dawley rats, each weighing 220-250 g were divided randomly into 2 groups; in Group 1, the control group (n = 7), only laparotomy was performed and in Group 2, the experimental group (n = 7), ovarian torsion was performed. Ischemia was performed for 3 h; following the ischemia period, the torsion was relieved by detwisting the adnexa and then the ovarian I/R protocol was applied for 3 h. Blood samples were taken from all of the rats to measure the IMA levels and the ovaries were surgically removed for histologic examination. A blinded pathologist examined and scored the samples. RESULTS: The median (minimum-maximum) IMA values were 921.00 (870.00-966.00) ABSUs in the ovarian torsion group and 853.00 (782.00-869.00) ABSUs in the control group. The difference was statistically significant. In the correlation analysis, a significant and strong correlation was found between IMA levels and histopathologic changes (Spearman's rho = +0.987, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Positive correlation was found between the IMA levels and the histopathologic severity of the disease. This finding is important for both diagnosis of the disease and patient follow-up. As a new marker in ovarian torsion, IMA may also indicate the severity of the ovarian histopathology.

Increased Levels of Serum Ischemia Modified Albumin in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate oxidant/antioxidant status by determining serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels with oxidative/antioxidant parameters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared to the controls. METHODS: The serum concentrations of IMA, IMA/albumin ratio (IMAR), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in 40 AS patients and 35 healthy controls. RESULTS: Mean serum IMA, IMAR, MDA, TOS, and OSI levels were increased in patients with AS when compared to the control group (p < 0.05 for all). Serum levels of SOD and GPx were significantly lower in the patient group than in the healthy subjects (p < 0.001 for both). Serum TAC levels were decreased in patients with AS compared to the controls but the statistical difference was not significant. Serum IMA levels were found to be positively correlated with BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and ASDAS-CRP (r = 0.356, r = 0.370, r = 0.412, r = 0.353, respectively, and p < 0.05 for all). IMAR values showed significant correlations with BASFI, BASMI, and ASDAS-CRP (r = 0.351, p = 0.026; r = 0.400, p = 0.010; and r = 0.379, p = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Depletion in antioxidant systems and overproduction of free radicals leading to formation of the oxidative stress may play a role in the development of AS. Increased levels of IMA might provide important contributions to the underlying oxidative stress in AS.

Protective effect of syringic acid on kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The objective of the present study was to determine whether preischemic administration of syringic acid (SA) would attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Rats were divided into three groups: Sham group; IR group; and IR + SA group. The effects of SA were examined using biochemical parameters including serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The apoptosis status and histopathological changes were evaluated. After calculating the score for each histopathological change, the total score was obtained by summing all the scores. In the SA group, MDA, IMA, TOS, and OSI decreased significantly compared to the IR group. After SA administration, the increase in GPx activity was found to be significant. Apoptosis decreased significantly in the SA group compared with the IR group. The total score significantly decreased after administration of SA. Taken together, our findings suggest that SA preconditioning is effective in reducing tissue damage induced in kidney IRI. Renal histology also showed convincing evidence regarding the protective nature of SA.

Myelin basic protein and ischemia modified albumin levels in acute ischemic stroke cases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate early diagnostic effects of serum myelin basic protein (MBP) and ischemic modified albumin (IMA) levels in patients with ischemic stroke. METHODS: Fifty patients who presented to an emergency service with acute ischemic stroke between June 2013 to March 2014 were evaluated with the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty four healthy cases were included as control group. All patients' serum IMA and MBP level were assessed. RESULTS: Mean IMA value was 0.52±0.25 cases with acute ischemic stroke and serum IMA levels were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.01). No statistical significance was observed between acute ischemic stroke group and control group related to the MBP serum levels (P>0.05). Statistically significant correlation was detected between the volumes of diffusion restriction on MRI and NIHSS score (P=0.002, r=0.43) and IMA (P=0.015, r=0.344) levels. CONCLUSIONS: We have found that serum IMA levels are elevated in acute ischemic stroke cases and these levels are correlated with the ischemic tissue volume. MBP levels do not increase in early period of stroke cases.

Serum Ischemia-Modified Albumin Levels in Experimental Model of Acute Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To establish whether the Ischemia-Modified Albumin (IMA), a new parameter of oxidative stress, has diagnostic role in experimental acute pancreatitis. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Experimental Animal Center, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey, from May to September 2013. METHODOLOGY: Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups (n=8 each): Sham and AP groups. AP was induced by ligation of pancreatic duct. Serum IMA, amylase, lipase, AST, ALT and CRP were determined. The severity of pancreatitis was scored by a blinded pathologist under microscope. RESULTS: Serum IMA levels in the AP group increased significantly compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There was also a strong positive correlation between amylase and IMA levels. CONCLUSION: The present study showed in a rodent model that serum IMA might serve as an additional marker to monitor inflammation during pancreatitis.

Renoprotective Effect of Humic Acid on Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: An Experimental Study in Rats.

Humic acid is an antioxidant molecule used in agriculture and livestock breeding, as well as in medicine. Our aim was to investigate the potential renoprotective effects of humic acid in a renal ischemia reperfusion model. Twenty-one rats were randomly divided into three equal groups. Intraperitoneal serum or humic acid was injected at 1, 12, and 24 h. Non-ischemic group I was evaluated as sham. The left renal artery was clamped in serum (group II) and intraperitoneal humic acid (group III) to subject to left renal ischemic reperfusion procedure. Ischemia and reperfusion time was 60 min for each. Total antioxidant status, total oxidative status, oxidative stress index, and ischemia-modified albumin levels were analyzed biochemically from the serum samples. Kidneys were evaluated histopatologically and immunohistochemically. Biochemical results showed that total oxidative status, ischemia-modified albumin, and oxidative stress index levels were significantly decreased, but total antioxidant status was increased in the humic acid group (III) compared with the ischemia group (II) On histopathological examination, renal tubular dilatation, tubular cell damage and necrosis, dilatation of Bowman's capsule, hyaline casts, and tubular cell spillage were decreased in the humic acid group (III) compared with the ischemia group (II). Immunohistochemical results showed that apoptosis was deteriorated in group III. Renal ischemia reperfusion injury was attenuated by humic acid administration. These observations indicate that humic acid may have a potential therapeutic effect on renal ischemia reperfusion injury by preventing oxidative stress.

Relationship between raised intraocular pressure and ischemia-modified albumin in serum and humor aqueous: a pilot study in rabbits.

AIM: We evaluated the relationship between increased intraocular pressure (IOP), ischemia-modified albumin levels in serum (IMA-s) and in humor aqueous (IMA-HA) in rabbits. METHODS: Twenty-five albino New Zealand rabbits weighing between 2.0 and 2.8 kg were used in this pilot study. With permission from Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University Animal Ethics Committee, the IOP of both eyes of each rabbit were recorded with a Tonopen (Tono-Pen XL, Reichart Inc., Depew, NY, USA) after the application of topical proparacaine 0.5% HCl anesthesia. Blood (4 mL) was collected from the marginal ear vein and an intracameral injection of 2.3 mg/mL sodium hyaluronate and subconjunctival dexamethasone was given in the right eye. Anterior chamber aqueous fluid was obtained using a limbal approach with a 27 gauge needle from both eyes. The left eyes were used as controls. IOP was measured on the 1(st), 3(rd) and 10(th) day after the initial injection, with Tonopen, IMA-s levels and IMA-HA examined simultaneously. RESULTS: Before the injections, IOP was 11.4±3.0 mm Hg in the right eye and 11.3±3.1 mm Hg in the left eye (P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between IMA-s levels before the IOP increase (IMA-s0) and IMA-s levels on the 1(st) and 3(rd) days after the increase in IOP (P=0.012 and P=0.01, respectively). No difference was observed between IMA-s0 and serum IMA levels on the 10(th) day (IMA-s10) after IOP increase (P=0.989). IMA-HA in the right eye in the first day after the injection was positively correlated with IOP (r=0.748; P=0.02). No other correlation is found between any other parameter with IMA-HA levels at any test time. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between IMA-s values and IOP on the 1(st) and 3(rd) days (r=0.398, P=0.04 and r=0.382, P=0.04, respectively). There was no correlation between IMA-s levels and increased IOP on the 10(th) day after IOP increase (r=0.026, P=0.902). CONCLUSION: IMA may be an important indicator of acute damage caused by diseases involving ischemic damage to the eye, especially in case of increased intraocular pressure.

Capsaicin inhibits cell proliferation by cytochrome c release in gastric cancer cells.

Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the principal pungent component in hot peppers. The role of capsaicin in carcinogenesis is quite controversial. Although some investigators suspect that capsaicin is a carcinogen, co-carcinogen, or tumor promoter, others have reported that it has chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and chemosensitizing activities of capsaicin alone and on 5-flourouracil (5-FU)-treated gastric cancer cells. In this study, the gastric cancer cell line HGC-27 was used and capsaicin used as a chemosensitizer and 5-flourouracil (5-FU) was used as chemotherapeutic. Cytotoxicity and chemosensitizing activities were analyzed with MTT assay; supernatant levels of LDH and glucose were detected as biochemical markers of cell viability; cytochrome c and AIF were evaluated with western blot; and additionally, wound-healing assays were employed. Results suggested that capsaicin had significant anticancer abilities; such capsaicin were capable of causing multifold decreases in the half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 value of 5-FU. The continuing controversy surrounding consumption or topical application of capsaicin clearly suggests that more well-controlled epidemiologic studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of capsaicin use. In summary, the present study demonstrated that capsaicin has the potential to be used for treating gastric carcinoma with 5-FU in vitro.

Association between serum inhibin-B levels and coronary artery disease in aging males.

INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerosis is a systemic disorder. It is a frequent leading cause of coronary artery disease (CAD). Similarly, atherosclerotic vascular alterations could lead to testicular arterial blood flow reduction and impairment of testicular function with age. Inhibin-B has been validated as a valuable serum marker of testicular functions and its correlation with testicular volume was shown in some studies done before. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between serum inhibin-B levels and CAD in elderly men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and March 2010, fifty-two 50-80-year-old consecutive patients with Gensini score over 20 and ejection fraction (EF) > 50% were included in the study as the CAD group. Fifty healthy men without any cardiac disease history were recruited as the control group. All patients in the CAD group who had indications for coronary artery angiography underwent selective coronary artery angiography. RESULTS: Inhibin-B, total testosterone and testicular volume levels were found to be significantly lower in the CAD group in comparison with the control group (p = 0.004, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, although no correlation was found in CAD patients between Gensini score and inhibin-B or testicular volume, inhibin-B levels and testicular volume were significantly lower in patients with CAD than in healthy men. In order to fully assess the relationship between serum inhibin-B levels and CAD, multi-centered prospective and longitudinal studies must be done in elderly male patients.

Do 100- and 500-µT ELF magnetic fields alter beta-amyloid protein, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde in rat brains?

Several studies still state that presently accepted safety standards for extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) do not provide adequate protection, and therefore the standards are still open to question. To help resolve this question, the aim of this study was to illuminate the interaction between biomolecules and ELF-MFs by investigating the effect of ELF-MFs on beta-amyloid protein (BAP), protein carbonyl (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat brain. For this study, 30 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, which were divided into two experimental groups and a sham exposed group. Rats in two experimental groups were exposed to 100- and 500-µT ELF-MFs (50 Hz) for 2 h/day for 10 months, which are the generally accepted safety standards for public and occupational exposures. The same procedures were applied to the rats in the sham group, but with the generator turned off. The results of this study showed that neither ELF-MFs used in this study altered BAP level significantly (p>0.05). However, PC and MDA levels were increased by the exposure to 100- and 500-µT ELF-MFs (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, both PC and MDA levels were altered by long-term exposure to either 100 or 500 µT ELF-MF. However, many further and more comprehensive studies will be required to elucidate the interaction mechanisms between ELF-MFs exposure and living organisms.

Effect of 900 MHz radio frequency radiation on beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde in the brain.

Recently, many studies have been carried out in relation to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (RF) emitted from a mobile phone on the brain. However, there is little data concerning possible mechanisms between long-term exposure of RF radiation and biomolecules in brain. Therefore, we aimed to investigate long-term effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation on beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde in the rat brain. The study was carried out on 17 Wistar Albino adult male rats. The rat heads in a carousel were exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from a generator, simulating mobile phones. For the study group (n: 10), rats were exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days a week) for 10 months. For the sham group (n: 7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. In this study, rats were euthanized after 10 months of exposure and their brains were removed. Beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde levels were found to be higher in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation. However, only the increase of protein carbonyl in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). In conclusion, 900 MHz radiation emitted from mobile/cellular phones can be an agent to alter some biomolecules such as protein. However, further studies are necessary.

Alterations of hematological variations in rats exposed to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (50 Hz).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of in vivo exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on whole blood parameters (hematological parameters) in rats. METHODS: Forty eight female Wistar rats, obtained from the Medical Science Application and Research Center, Dicle University, Turkey in 2004 were divided into four separate groups: two exposed groups (0.97 mT, 50 and 100 days, 3h/day) and two controls (sham). RESULTS: Eosinophil, hemoglobin and MPV levels significantly decreased in rats that were exposed to EMF for 50 days. When the data for rats exposed for 50 days and 100 days were compared, it was found that MPV levels in rats exposed for 100 days were significantly lower. There was no significant difference in total leukocyte, neutrofil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts, or in erythrocyte, Hct, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT and PDW levels between the exposed and sham-exposed groups. ELF-EMF exposure had no effect on body weight. Also, liver weight did not show any significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the applied ELF-EMF exposure may induce slight but statistically significant alterations in some hematological parameters of rats, within the physiological range.