The preventive effects of natural plant compound carvacrol against combined UVA and UVB-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in skin damage of rats.

The skin is constantly exposed to a variety of environmental stressors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Exposure of the skin to UV radiation causes a number of detrimental biological damages such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The ER stress response is a cytoprotective mechanism that maintains homeostasis of the ER by increasing the capacity of the ER against the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER. Carvacrol (CRV) is a monoterpenoid phenol found in essential oils with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. We investigated for the first time in the literature the potential protective role of CRV against combined UVA and UVB-induced skin damage by targeting the ER stress pathway in a rat model. For this purpose, expressions of Grp78, Perk, Atf6, Ire-1, Chop, Xbp1, Casp12, elF2α, and Traf2 genes related to ER stress were analyzed by RT-PCR and protein expression levels of GRP78, ATF6, CHOP, and XBP1 were determined by ELISA assay in tissue sections taken from the back of the rats. As a result of analysis, it was seen that the expression levels of aforementioned ER stress genes increased significantly in the UVA + UVB irradiated group compared to the control group, while their expression levels decreased markedly by supplementation of CRV in UVA + UVB + CRV group. With regard to expressions of foregoing proteins, their levels escalated notably with UVA + UVB application and decreased markedly by CRV supplementation. In conclusion, present study revealed that CRV ameliorates UVA + UVB-induced ER stress via reducing the expression of mRNA as well as proteins involved in the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway and inducing apoptosis as evidenced from high Caspase12 level.

The relationship between Fc epsilon receptor-1α and ß (FCER1A and FCER1B) gene polymorphisms in patients with chronic urticaria using omalizumab.

Introduction: Chronic urticaria requires well-defined treatment strategies in order to achieve a maximum treatment response and maintain the quality of life. Since 2014, omalizumab has been used in chronic urticaria. However, many studies showed that some patients are resistant to omalizumab. Aim: To determine the effects of single nucleotide changes in the FCER1A and FCER1B genes, which are thought to be related to resistance mechanisms, in our population of patients who have not responded to omalizumab treatment. Material and methods: We included 100 patients with chronic urticaria who were treated with omalizumab and 50 healthy individuals. Frequently observed gene polymorphisms, FCER1A (rs2251746) and FCER1B (rs569108), were examined in peripheral blood samples. The regions of rs2251746 and rs569108 gene polymorphisms were amplified using fluorescently labelled probes through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The analysis was performed bioinformatically via the SNP genotype profiling program. Results: There was no statistically significant relationship between FCER1A (rs2251746) and FCER1B (rs569108) gene polymorphisms in patients and their clinical, demographic characteristics, and the resistance to treatment (p > 0.05). In our study, the mean patient age was found to be higher in the CT group (44.71 ±12.5 years) compared to the TT group (37.34 ±11.5 years) only in the rs2251746 polymorphism (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In our study, there was no significant relationship between FCER1A and FCER1B gene polymorphisms and resistance to omalizumab therapy. Further, multicentre, large-scale studies are needed to support our results.

A benzimidazolium salt induces apoptosis and arrests cells at sub-G1 phase in epithelial ovarian cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer, also known as a silent killer, is the deadliest gynecological cancer in women worldwide. Epithelial ovarian cancers constitute the majority of ovarian cancers, and diagnosis can be made in advanced stages, which greatly reduces the likelihood of treatment and lowers the survival rate. For the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancers, the search for synthetic agents as well as agents of natural origin continues. The effects of 1-(2-cyanobenzyl)-3-(4-vinylbenzyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-3-ium chloride (BD), a benzimidazole derivative, were investigated on epithelial ovarian cancer cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: In our study, the effects of BD on proliferation, colony formation, cell death by apoptosis and the cell cycle in A2780 and A2780 Adriamycin (ADR) ovarian cancer cell lines were investigated. Proliferation was examined with cell viability analysis, colony formation and apoptosis with Annexin V staining and cell cycle analyses with PI staining, respectively. As a result of the analyses, BD inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation, induced apoptosis and cell death at 48 h in A2780 and A2780 ADR cells at 10.10 and 10.36 µM concentrations, respectively. In addition, A2780 and A2780ADR cells were arrested in the Sub-G1 phase of the cell cycle. CONCLUSIONS: BD suppresses cancer cell progression by showing antiproliferative effects on ovarian cancer cells. Further analyses are required to determine the mechanism of action of this agent and to demonstrate its potential as a suitable candidate for the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Histopathological Changes in Liver and Heart Tissue Associated with Experimental Ultraviolet Radiation A and B Exposure on Wistar Albino Rats.

This study aims to evaluate the influences of ultraviolet radiation A and B (UVA + B) exposure on the liver and heart organs of albino rats. Female Wistar Albino rats, whose hair of the dorsal skin was shaved, were exposed to a combined UVA + B radiation for 2 h/day, for 4 weeks in order to be compared with the control group. Histopathological findings in vital organs (liver and heart) were evaluated. Tissues were fixed in 10% buffered formalin (pH = 7.2) and embedded in paraffin. The histopathological findings were examined on the H&E stained sections with light microscopy. The results show that the liver and the heart were injured in the UVA + B group. Liver tissue in the UVA + B group showed minimal vacuolation, enlargement of hepatocytes and bile duct proliferation, and the heart tissue showed hibernomas; uniform large cells resembling brown fat with coarsely granular to multivacuolated cytoplasm that is eosinophilic or pale with a small central nucleus. The number of hibernoma cases was significantly higher in the UVA + B group compared with the control group (P = 0.021). The control group showed normal liver and heart histology with normal adipose tissue in the pericardium. As a result, UVA + B exposure has toxic effects, especially on the liver and the heart of Wistar albino rats. UV radiation may cause such adverse effects in humans. Therefore, protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation is of significant importance for skin and organs.

Evaluation of the relationship of IL-17A and IL-17F gene polymorphisms with the response to treatment in psoriatic patients using biological drugs: a case-control study in patients in Eastern Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: IL-17A and IL-17F cytokines have important roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. AIM: To examine the associations of IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-17F rs763780 variants with the development of psoriasis and whether these polymorphisms affect the responsiveness of biological agents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our case-controlled study, which included 83 psoriatic patients who were treated with different biological agents and 69 healthy controls, we genotyped IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-17F rs763780 variants using TaqMan probes. RESULTS: We did not observe statistically significant changes in genotype frequencies of IL-17A rs2275913 (p = 0.922) and IL-17F rs763780 (p = 0.621) variants between patient and control groups. Although we did not find any association between these polymorphisms and the development of psoriasis, statistical analyses showed that individuals with the IL-17A AA genotype had shorter disease duration (9.09 ±6.82, p = 0.020) and AA genotype frequency was higher in patients who used single conventional treatment (34.6%; p = 0.025). IL17A/rs2275913 variant in terms of disease duration, it was observed that individuals with AA genotype had a shorter disease duration (less than 10 years) (p = 0.009). For patients with PASI90 and PASI100 response, the IL-17A AA genotype was significantly higher (p = 0.015). On the other hand, we did not detect any statistically significant correlation between variants and response to biological agents. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, we may suggest that rs2275913 variant seems to be associated with disease duration, use of single conventional treatment and responsiveness of PASI90 and PASI100 however both variants have no effect on the susceptibility to psoriasis in the population of Eastern Turkey.

Novel Fluorine Boron Hybrid Complex as Potential Antiproliferative Drugs on Colorectal Cancer Cell Line.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer in both sexes; it is considered to be the third leading death factor among other types of cancer. This study aimed to examine the cytotoxicity of a new fluorine boron hybrid complex [L(BF2)2] on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29), based on the potency of the half-metal based complexes to initiate apoptosis. METHODS: Based on this data, the impact of it in different concentrations on HT-29 cancerous cells was determined by apoptosis (ELISA, DNA fragmentation laddering, AO/EB staining), cytotoxicity (MTT) and genotoxicity (comet assay). We also calculated the cellular Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) by measuring the Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) and Total Oxidant Status (TOS). RESULTS: Firstly, [L(BF2)2] was examined in view of cytotoxic effect in seven various cell lines (HELA, DU-145, PC3, DLD-1, ECC, PNT1-A and HT-29), and then it was found that the applied complex had a mighty antiproliferative action on HT-29 cells. Thus, the most effective IC50 value turned out to be 26.49 µM in HT-29 cell line. The present study found a tremendous efficacy of [L(BF2)2] on HT-29 cells, especially in terms of damage to cancer cells' DNA, and consequently caused a series of reactions leading to programmed cell death. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the [L(BF2)2] as a novel fluorine boron hybrid complex can induce the apoptosis of HT-29 colorectal cancerous cell line and is a possible candidate for future cancer studies.

Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Role of Novel Synthesized Cu(II) Complex with 3-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)Triaz-1-en-1-yl) Benzenesulfonamide in Common Cancer Models.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Chemotherapeutic treatment options are often ineffective due to the development of resistance in cancer cells. Therefore, developing new anti-cancer agents is crucial for cancer treatment. Some triazine derivatives, their complexes and Copper(II) have anti-cancer effects on cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to determine the anti-proliferative effect of the novel synthesized Cu(II) complex with 3-(3-(4-fluorophenyl)triaz-1-en-1-yl) benzene-sulfonamide compound on the common cancer cell lines HeLa, MDA-MB-231, A2780 and MCF7. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Common cancers cell lines were treated with copper complexes. Cell viability and apoptotic gene expression were examined. RESULTS: Novel synthesized copper complex led to decreased viability of all cell lines. It also induced apoptosis via increasing the expression of caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax and p53 proteins and decreasing ERK expression. CONCLUSION: The novel synthesized copper complex has a significant inhibitory effect on the viability of cancer cell lines and can be considered as an antitumor agent for further studies.

The apoptotic, cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of novel binuclear boron-fluoride complex on endometrial cancer.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common types of gynecologic cancer of the female genital tract; it considered being the fourth leading death factor among other types of cancer. Therefore, developing new anti-cancer agents are crucial for cancer treatment. Based on the potential of Schiff based complexes for the induction of apoptosis, Schiff base compounds, and their metal complexes displayed excellent anticancer properties. In this current study, antiproliferative activity of [L(BF2)2] as a novel binuclear boron-fluoride complex was examined to preliminary research in eight different cell lines, HELA, DU-145, PC3, DLD-1, ECC-1, PNT1-A, HT-29, and MCF-7, it was found to have a potent, suppressive effect on human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line ECC-1. Based on this data, later investigated its apoptotic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic properties on human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line ECC-1 in different concentrations. Apoptotic and cytotoxic tests such as single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay), DNA fragmentation laddering, acridine orange test for DNA damage, and ELISA for apoptotic measurement was performed. We also gauged the oxidative status by evaluating total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS). Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated too. As a result [L(BF2)2] has been found to have a marvelous effect on ECC-1 cells, especially in damaging their DNA and cause a series of reactions lead to apoptosis. Taken together, it suggests that the [L(BF2)2] complex can induce the apoptotic pathway of endometrial cancer cells and is a possible candidate for future cancer treatment studies.

Protective Effects of Selenium, N-Acetylcysteine and Vitamin E Against Acute Ethanol Intoxication in Rats.

The aim of this study was to determine possible protective influences of selenium (Se), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and vitamin E (Vit E) against acute ethanol (EtOH) intoxication. Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups: I (control), II (EtOH), III (EtOH + Se), IV (EtOH + Vit E), V (EtOH + NAC), and VI (EtOH + mix). Except group I, EtOH was given the other pretreated (groups III, IV, V, and VI) and untreated groups (group II). Compared with the EtOH group, serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase-MB levels were significantly decreased in all pretreated groups, whereas slightly diminished amylase and lipase were observed. Compared with the control group, a remarkably lower total antioxidant status (TAS), but higher total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were seen in brain, liver, and kidney tissues. The values of these parameters were less affected from EtOH-exposed brain tissue of EtOH + NAC and liver of EtOH + mix groups. Both significant decrease of catalase activity and marked increases of adenosine deaminase and myeloperoxidase were determined only in liver tissue of the EtOH group. Activities of these enzymes were restored in almost all pretreated groups. Moreover, an increase of xanthine oxidase activity was prevented in brain tissue of pretreated groups. In histopathological examination of the liver, hydropic degeneration, sinusoidal dilatation, mononuclear cell infiltration, and marked congestion, which were seen in the EtOH group, were prevented in all pretreated groups. Relative protection against acute EtOH toxicity, in both single and combined pretreatments of Se, NAC, and Vit E supplementation, was probably through antioxidant and free radical-neutralizing effects of foregoing materials.

Serum antioxidant enzymes activities and oxidative stress levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke: influence on neurological status and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is well believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke. Reports on antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with stroke are conflicting. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate serum antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke within 1st, 5th, and 21st day after stroke onset and also the relationship between these results and the clinical status of patients. METHODS: The current study comprised 45 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 30 healthy controls. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase activities were measured spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Serum MDA levels were significantly higher in acute ischemic stroke patients within 24 h after stroke onset than controls (p < 0.05), whereas serum catalase activity was significantly lower (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in GSH-Px and SOD activities. Serum catalase and SOD activities were significantly lower in fifth day than those of controls (both, p < 0.05) but GSH-Px activity and MDA levels did not change (p > 0.05). Serum SOD activity was significantly lower in 21st day compared to SOD activity of controls (p < 0.05) but MDA levels, GSH-Px, and CAT activities did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that acute ischemic stroke patients have increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant enzymes activities. These findings indicated that an imbalance of oxidant and antioxidant status might play a role in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke.

Rosacea and exposure to tandoor heat: Is there an association?

BACKGROUND: Particularly in eastern and southeastern regions of Turkey, women use tandoor ovens to bake bread and as a result are exposed to excessive heat. Exposure to heat for long periods may lead to the initiation or exacerbation of rosacea. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between exposure to heat from a tandoor and rosacea. METHODS: A total of 350 female patients with various dermatological diseases were included in this study. These patients were divided into two groups comprising a control group and a group of tandoor users. Subjects in both the control and tandoor-user groups were screened to identify clinical and other characteristics, and symptoms and findings of rosacea and other dermatological disorders. RESULTS: The frequency of rosacea was significantly (P < 0.001) higher and that of acne markedly (P < 0.001) lower in the tandoor-user group than in the control group. Incidences of temporary and persistent types of erythema and telangiectasia, which are considered to be among the symptoms and findings of rosacea, were also significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the tandoor-user group than the control group. Frequencies of asthma and ex-smoker status differed significantly (P < 0.001 and P < 0.002, respectively) between the tandoor-user and control groups. Furthermore, the period of exposure to tandoor heat was positively correlated with the frequency of telangiectasia (r = 0.321, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed a strong association between exposure to tandoor heat and rosacea. Further studies including higher numbers of patients are required to confirm our results.

Anthocyanin-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx counteracts UVC-caused impairments in rats.

CONTEXT: Ultraviolet radiation (UV) was reported to cause oxidative stress. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) calyx is commonly used in traditional Asian and African medicines and possesses strong antioxidant capacity due to its anthocyanin (ANTH) content. OBJECTIVE: This study researched the possible protective role of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract (HSCE) in UVC exposure of rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Levels of serum enzymes, renal function tests, and some oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers of skin, lens, and retina tissues were monitored. Rats were exposed to UVC 4 h daily for 40 d and simultaneously received HSCE containing 2.5, 5, and 10 mg doses of ANTH in drinking water. RESULTS: Significant (p < 0.05) increases in the levels of serum aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, and uric acid were noted after UVC exposure. In skin, lens, and retina tissues, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation escalated markedly (p < 0.05) whereas total antioxidant status, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase decreased dramatically (p < 0.05) related to UVC. Co-administration of HSCE with each ANTH dose significantly (p < 0.05) reversed aforementioned parameters (except total oxidant status) almost in all tissues. The LD50 of HSCE in rats was determined to be above 5000 mg/kg. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our data revealed that HSCE has a remarkable potential to counteract UVC-caused impairments, probably through its antioxidant and free radical-defusing effects. Therefore, HSCE could be useful against some cutaneous and ocular diseases in which UV and oxidative stress have a role in the etiopathogenesis.

Beneficial influence of topical extra virgin olive oil application on an experimental model of penile fracture in rats.

Penile fracture (PF) is known as a traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea of corpus cavernosum. In this study, we aimed to investigate the healing influence of topical extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on PF through evaluating levels of some oxidative stress biomarkers for the first time. Histopathological evaluation was also realized. A total of 18 male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into three groups of six rats each as control group, in PF (alone) group, and PF + EVOO group. Experimental PF was formed via incising from the proximal dorsal side of the penis in the rats of all groups except control. While in PF (alone) group, fracture was formed and the incision was primarily closed, in PF + EVOO group in addition to foregoing processes, EVOO was also administrated topically twice a day for 3 weeks. At the end of the experiment, all rats were killed and penectomy was carried out. While malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, lipid hyroperoxide, and total oxidant status significantly (p < 0.05) increased, reduced glutathione and total free sulfhydryl groups markedly (p < 0.05) decreased in PF (alone) group when compared with PF + EVOO group. Levels of these parameters were reversed to nearly normal values by topical EVOO application. Protection by EVOO is further substantiated via the improved histological findings in PF + EVOO group as against degenerative changes in the rats of PF (alone) group. Our data revealed that EVOO has protective effect in penile cavernosal tissue through probably its antioxidant, free radical defusing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.

Oral isotretinoin therapy of acne patients decreases serum paraoxonase-1 activity through increasing oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVES: There are only a few earlier studies suggesting relationship between isotretinoin treatment and oxidative stress however, their results are conflicting. Therefore we aimed to concretize the influence of isotretinoin treatment on oxidant/antioxidant status together with paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity for the first time. METHODS: The study was performed on serum samples obtained from 35 acne vulgaris patients before and after three months of isotretinoin treatment. PON1 activity, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI) and some routine biochemical parameters were monitored. RESULTS: Dramatically decreased PON1 activity (p < 0.001), increased TOS level and OSI value (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001; respectively) as well as slightly diminished TAC level were noted in posttreatment stage. Moreover significant increases were observed in lactate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase activities and levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio respectively (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) while marked decrease was seen in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that decreased PON1 activity and increased oxidative stress may have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of isotretinoin's side effects. Further studies on a large number of patients are needed to verify these results.

Roles of the Oxidative Stress and ADMA in the Development of Deep Venous Thrombosis.

Venous thromboembolism has multifactorial origin and occurs in the context of complex interactions between environmental and genetic predisposing factors. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the physiopathology of venous thrombosis. Current study examined the role of oxidative stress and asymmetric dimethylarginine in the development of DVT with the parameters such as serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase, ADMA, homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 levels. Serum MDA levels were found significantly (P < 0.005) high in patients with DVT compared with control group. Additionally, serum B6 levels were found significantly (P < 0.009) low in patients with DVT compared with healthy volunteers. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the other parameters (P > 0.05). This study showed that patients with DVT have increased oxidative stress compared with the healthy volunteers whereas there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of serum ADMA levels. Thus serum ADMA levels seemed to be not related with development of DVT.

The influence of shift work on cognitive functions and oxidative stress.

Shift work influences health, performance, activity, and social relationships, and it causes impairment in cognitive functions. In this study, we investigated the effects of shift work on participants' cognitive functions in terms of memory, attention, and learning, and we measured the effects on oxidative stress. Additionally, we investigated whether there were significant relationships between cognitive functions and whole blood oxidant/antioxidant status of participants. A total of 90 health care workers participated in the study, of whom 45 subjects were night-shift workers. Neuropsychological tests were administered to the participants to assess cognitive function, and blood samples were taken to detect total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status at 08:00. Differences in anxiety, depression, and chronotype characteristics between shift work groups were not significant. Shift workers achieved significantly lower scores on verbal memory, attention-concentration, and the digit span forward sub-scales of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R), as well as on the immediate memory and total learning sub-scales of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). Oxidative stress parameters were significantly associated with some types of cognitive function, including attention-concentration, recognition, and long-term memory. These findings suggest that night shift work may result in significantly poorer cognitive performance, particularly working memory.

Assessment of the serum paraoxonase activity and oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

OBJECTIVES: Several studies have indicated that recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is associated with oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase (PON) activity and oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with RAS. DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with RAS and 31 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum PON1 and arylesterase activities, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index were determined. RESULTS: Serum total antioxidant capacity levels, PON1, and arylesterase activities were significantly lower in RAS than controls (P < 0.001), while total oxidant status levels and oxidative stress index were significantly higher (P < 0.001). PON1 activity had a significant correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol only (r = 0.482, P < 0.05), while there were no correlations with other lipids (P > 0.05) in patients with RAS. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that RAS is associated with decreased PON1 activity and increased oxidative stress that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RAS. Further studies on a larger number of patients are needed to verify these results.

Serum paraoxonase activity and oxidative status in subjects with alopecia areata.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have suggested that oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA) but these reports are limited and conflicting. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity and oxidative status in subjects with AA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine subjects with AA and 39 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum PON1 activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined. RESULTS: Serum TAC levels and PON1 activity were significantly lower in the subjects with AA than controls (p = 0.038, p = 0.001, respectively), whereas TOS levels and OSI were significantly higher (both, p = 0.001) in the subjects with AA. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that reduced PON1 activity may be related to increased oxidant and decreased antioxidant levels. These data indicated that oxidant/antioxidant imbalance may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of AA.

Therapeutic potential of some plant extracts used in Turkish traditional medicine on streptozocin-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to impair many physiological functions. Some reports claim that medicinal plants can reduce these alterations caused by DM. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of aqueous-methanol extracts of Urtica dioica, Thymus vulgaris (TV), Myrtus communis (MC), Scolymus hispanicus (SH) and Cinnamomun zeylanicum (CZ) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 DM in rats. Diabetes was induced via a single i.p. injection of STZ (65 mg/kg body weight). After 1 week to allow for development of diabetes, each plant extract was administered to diabetic rats separately at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days. The results showed that only SH extract significantly (P < 0.05) amended fasting blood glucose level. The lipid profile was ameliorated especially by supplementations of TV, MC and CZ extracts. Almost all plant extract treatments markedly (P < 0.05) increased reduced glutathione content and decreased lipid peroxidation levels of erythrocyte, plasma, retina and lens tissues. They also significantly (P < 0.05) amended erythrocyte catalase activity, levels of marker serum enzymes (except amylase), urea and blood urea nitrogen when compared to diabetic rats treated with nothing. Furthermore, none of the plant extracts counteracted body weight loss of diabetic rats. Our data revealed that the aforementioned plant extracts have remarkable potential to counteract DM-caused alterations, probably through their antioxidant and free radical-defusing effects.