Apelin, Omentin-1, and Vaspin in patients with essential hypertension: association of adipokines with trace elements, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative damage markers.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension (HT) is a disease associated with endothelial dysfunction which is related to some adipokines and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. AIMS: Our aim was to investigate roles of apelin, omentin-1, and vaspin in essential HT and to evaluate their relationships with other pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, trace elements, and oxidative stress. We also investigated these parameters to determine asymptomatic target organ damage period and grading essential hypertension. METHODS: One hundred fifty-three patients diagnosed with essential hypertension and 45 healthy controls were included in the study. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure > 90 mm Hg or current use of an antihypertensive medication. The patients who had secondary HT, other chronic metabolic, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases were excluded. History and physical exam including detailed cardiovascular examination were performed in all participants. Adipokines, cytokines, trace elements, lipid peroxidation, and ischemia-modified albumin levels were measured in blood samples by biochemical methods. RESULTS: Vaspin, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, selenium, and zinc levels were significantly lower in the HT group compared to healthy controls while omentin-1, TNF-α, copper, iron, MDA, SOD, and IMA-C levels were significantly higher in HT patients compared to controls. Multiple ordinal regression revealed that TNF-α, IL-10, and body mass index of patients were statistically significant independent predictors (P = 0.024, P = 0.019, and P = 0.032, respectively) for grading of HT. IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly higher in patients with asymptomatic target organ damage, compared to patients without asymptomatic target organ damage (P = 0.032 and P = 0.015, respectively). Our findings suggest that adipokines apelin, omentin, and vaspin may be involved in hypertension by a complex interaction with the anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines, trace elements, and oxidative stress pathways.

Salt stress induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-responsive genes in a grapevine rootstock.

Grapevines, although adapted to occasional drought or salt stress, are relatively sensitive to growth- and yield-limiting salinity stress. To understand the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and identify genes commonly regulated by both stresses in grapevine, we investigated transcript profiles in leaves of the salt-tolerant grapevine rootstock 1616C under salt- and ER-stress. Among 1643 differentially expressed transcripts at 6 h post-treatment in leaves, 29 were unique to ER stress, 378 were unique to salt stress, and 16 were common to both stresses. At 24 h post-treatment, 243 transcripts were unique to ER stress, 1150 were unique to salt stress, and 168 were common to both stresses. GO term analysis identified genes in categories including 'oxidative stress', 'protein folding', 'transmembrane transport', 'protein phosphorylation', 'lipid transport', 'proteolysis', 'photosynthesis', and 'regulation of transcription'. The expression of genes encoding transporters, transcription factors, and proteins involved in hormone biosynthesis increased in response to both ER and salt stresses. KEGG pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes for both ER and salt stress were divided into four main categories including; carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, signal transduction and lipid metabolism. Differential expression of several genes was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis, which validated our microarray results. We identified transcripts for genes that might be involved in salt tolerance and also many genes differentially expressed under both ER and salt stresses. Our results could provide new insights into the mechanisms of salt tolerance and ER stress in plants and should be useful for genetic improvement of salt tolerance in grapevine.

Polymorphism of the Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) Gene Affects the Circulating Oxytocin Receptor Levels in Late-Term Pregnancy in a Turkish Population.

INTRODUCTION: Postterm and late-term pregnancies still remain a serious health problem, and underlying exact mechanisms are not fully elucidated. These mechanisms are influenced by many factors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma oxytocin and oxytocin receptor levels and oxytocin receptor polymorphisms in term and late-term pregnant women. METHODS: Sixty-eight singleton pregnant women with late-term pregnancy and 83 singleton pregnant women with term parturition were included in this study. A comparison was performed between pregnancies and neonates born at term (37 0/7 and 41 6/7 weeks' gestation). Plasma oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, estradiol, and progesterone levels were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays and qPCR ProbesMaster were used to investigate the polymorphisms of rs237911, rs2228485, rs53576, and rs2254298. RESULTS: There was not any difference in gene distributions of 4 common single-nucleotide polymorphisms of oxytocin receptor of rs237911, rs2228485, rs53576, and rs2254298 between subjects in late-term and term pregnancy groups. With rs53576 of the GG genotype, serum oxytocin levels were 21.50 ± 10.69 (ng/L) in the late-term group and 62.71 ± 18.01 (ng/L) in the term group (p = 0.049). Oxytocin receptor levels in the late-term and term pregnancy groups of the GG genotype were 17.92 ± 8.15 (pg/mL) and 45.77 ± 11.66 (pg/mL), respectively (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the rs53576 oxytocin receptor single-nucleotide polymorphism is associated with late-term pregnancy through acting by direct modulation of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor levels.

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) Q192R and L55M polymorphisms, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and lipoprotein-a levels in Turkish patients with pregnancy-related disorders.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PON1Q192R and L55M single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) and its association with the maternal levels of lipid parameters in gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) and preeclampsia(PE). Ninety-nine pregnant with GDM, 97 pregnant with PE and 98 healthy pregnant were included in the study. No statistically significant difference was observed in the alleles or in the genotypes frequencies of SNPs between groups. In GDM patients, total cholesterol was higher in MM genotype of L55M gene (p < .05); Lp(a) were lower in LM genotype of the gene compared to their respective control (p < .05). In PE, HDL-C levels were higher in LM genotype (p < .05); LDL-C levels were lower in MM genotype of the gene compared to their respective control (p < .05). In PE patients, malondialdehyde(MDA) were higher in QQ genotype compared to their respective control (p < .05). Triglyceride levels were higher in PE patients with QR genotype compared with GDM patients with QR genotype (p < .05). Our results indicated that lipid profiles, Lp(a) and MDA levels showed significant differences in GDM and PE pregnants. These findings support the importance of the lipid profile, oxidized lipid and Lp(a) in different genotypes of L55M and Q192R in Turkish pregnant women with PE/GDM suggesting their roles in etiopathogenesis in these pregnancy-related disorders.

Monitoring of platelet function parameters and microRNA expression levels in patients with prostate cancer treated with volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy (RT) may result in platelet activation and thrombosis development. To the best of our knowledge, the potential effect of volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), a novel radiotherapy technique, on platelet function and microRNA (miRNA/miR) expression has not been previously investigated. The present study aimed to determine the effect of VMAT on the alterations in platelet function parameters and miRNA expression levels. A total of 25 patients with prostate cancer and 25 healthy subjects were included in the present study. Blood samples were collected from the patient group on the day prior to RT (pre-RT), the day RT was completed (post-RT day 0), and 40 days following the end of therapy (post-RT day 40). Platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV) value, platelet aggregation, plasma P-selectin, thrombospondin-1, platelet factor 4, plasma miR-223 and miR-126 expression levels were measured. A significant decrease in platelet count in the post-RT day 0 group was measured in comparison with the pre-RT and the post-RT day 40 groups. Pre-RT MPV values were higher than those of the post-RT day 0 and the post-RT day 40 groups. No significant differences were observed in the levels of platelet activation markers or miR-223 and miR-126 expression levels between the RT groups. Although RT may result in a reduction in platelet and MPV counts, the results of the present study indicate that platelet activation markers are not affected by VMAT. Therefore, it is possible that no platelet activation occurs during VMAT, owing to the conformal dose distributions, improved target volume coverage and the sparing of normal tissues from undesired radiation.

Association of NFKB1A and microRNAs variations and the susceptibility to atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis (AT) is a chronic immuno-inflammatory disease characterized by inflammatory mediators and immune activation in arterial wall. Although NF-κB and microRNAs are involved in the atherosclerotic lesions, the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of atherosclerosis with NFKB1-rs28362491, NFKBIA-rs696, pre-miRNA-146a-rs2910164 and pre-miRNA-499-rs3746444 polymorphisms as well as the analysis of their single and combined effects on its susceptibility in a Turkish population. We analysed the distribution of NFKB1-94 ins/del ATTG (rs28362491), NFKBIA (rs696), pre-miR-146a (rs2910164) and pre-miR-499 (rs3746444) genetic polymorphisms using PCR-RFLP assay in 150 atherosclerotic patients and 145 healthy controls in a Turkish population. The data revealed no significant differences in the distribution of the genotype and alleles of rs28362491 ,whereas AA genotype of rs696 lead to a higher risk for atherosclerotic patients. TT genotype and T allele of pre-miR-499 rs3746444 were found to be associated with atherosclerosis risk. In addition, significant differences were found between atherosclerotic patients and control subjects, concerning pre-miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism. The subjects carrying the GG genotype and G allele of rs2910164 were found to have an increased risk against AT. The results of combined genotype analysis, showed no notable differences between the multiple comparisons of rs28362491- rs696 whereas rs28362491-rs2910164 ins/ins/GG is associated with increased AT risk. The combined genotypes of rs28362491/rs3746444 ins/ins/TT, revealed a significant protective effect on AT. These findings indicate that genetic polymorphisms of NFKB1A rs696, pre-miR-146a rs2910164 and pre-miR-499 rs3746444 may represent novel markers of AT susceptibility.

LOX-1 gene variants and maternal levels of plasma oxidized LDL and malondialdehyde in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the maternal levels of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and LOX-1 3'UTR188C/T and K167N single nucleotide polymorphisms in pregnant Turkish women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: 116 pregnant women with GDM and 120 healthy pregnant women from the same geographic region were included in the study. Polymerase chain reaction-based restriction analysis was used to identify 3'UTR188C/T and K167N polymorphisms of the LOX-1 gene. Plasma ox-LDL and MDA levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and spectrophotometric method in all study subjects, respectively. RESULTS: Our results indicated that the distribution of the LOX-1 3'UTR188C/T and K167N genotypes and alleles did not differ significantly among subjects with or without GDM (p > 0.05). TT and NN genotype carriers are associated with some glucose metabolism parameters (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences among plasma ox-LDL and MDA levels with regard to LOX-1 3'UTR188C/T and K167N polymorphisms in GDM group and control subjects (p > 0.05). According to the combined genotype analysis of LOX-1 3'UTR 188 TT and K167N NN polymorphisms, plasma MDA and ox-LDL levels were significantly different between women with GDM and healthy subjects either with or without combined TT/NN genotype carriers (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, ox-LDL and MDA levels were increased in GDM pregnant women and healthy pregnant women either with or without combined TT/NN genotype carriers, for our Turkish sample, these genotype carriers appear to be related with increased oxidative stress in patients with GDM.

Midkine in vitamin D deficiency and its association with anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies.

OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN: The growth factor midkine (MK) is a protein that is involved in cancer, inflammation, immunity. Vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator. Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) is reported in autoimmune disorders, some of which are among the causes of vitamin D deficiency. The objective of this study was to investigate a possible association of MK and ASCA with vitamin D deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 208 adults presented to internal medicine outpatient clinic for history and physical examination has been studied. Serum biochemistry, vitamin D, MK, ASCA-IgG and -IgA, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, PDGF, VEGF were obtained. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency was 74.2%. Serum MK level was significantly higher in vitamin D-deficient compared to vitamin D-sufficient individuals (1138.1 ± 262.8 vs 958.6 ± 189 pg/mL, respectively; P < 0.009). Serum MK levels were also significantly higher in both ASCA-IgG and -IgA positives compared to negatives (1318.5 ± 160.3 vs 1065.5 ± 256.1, P = 0.008 and 1347.7 ± 229.7 vs 1070.1 ± 250.9 pg/mL, P = 0.011, respectively). Vitamin D was significantly lower in ASCA positives (P = 0.044).Vitamin D showed positive correlation with IL-1ß (r 0.338, P < 0.009) and negative correlation with VEGF (r -0.366, P < 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: MK was significantly elevated in vitamin D deficiency and associated with ASCA positivity which was significantly increased in vitamin D deficiency. These findings suggested that molecular mechanism of vitamin D deficiency may be related with some inflammatory processes.

Comparison of Before and After Varicocelectomy Levels of Trace Elements, Nitric Oxide, Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Malondialdehyde in the Seminal Plasma and Peripheral and Spermatic Veins.

Increased oxidative damage has been suggested to play an important role in the spermatogenesis and sperm function changes in patients with varicocele. However, changes in levels of nitric oxide (NO), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), malondialdehyde (MDA), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in blood and seminal plasma, and semen quality, are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the NO, ADMA, Fe, Cu, Zn and MDA levels from seminal plasma and peripheral and spermatic vein blood samples of patients with varicocele before and after varicocelectomy. In this before and after comparative study, 29 consecutive patients attending a training hospital in Tekirdag, Turkey, were recruited. MDA and NO levels were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The levels of ADMA were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Trace element level was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The levels of MDA in the seminal plasma and peripheral and spermatic vein samples were observed to decrease significantly in the comparison of before and after phases of the study group (p = 0.022, p = 0.001 and p = 0.034, respectively). Also, the levels of NO in the seminal plasma and spermatic vein samples decreased significantly in the comparison of before and after phases of the study group (p = 0.025 and p = 0.001, respectively), while the levels of ADMA in seminal plasma and spermatic vein samples increased significantly in the comparison of before and after phases of the study group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in the levels of trace elements and sperm count (p > 0.05). Oxidative stress is significantly higher in the spermatic vein and seminal plasma samples of patients with varicocele before varicocelectomy. In conclusion, these events may be evaluated accordingly for the potentially beneficial treatment methods.

The Circulating Levels of Selenium, Zinc, Midkine, Some Inflammatory Cytokines, and Angiogenic Factors in Mitral Chordae Tendineae Rupture.

Chordae tendineae rupture process is associated with increased production of inflammatory and angiogenesis mediators in connective tissues, which contributes to chronic inflammation and pathogenesis of degenerative chordae. A few trace elements are known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether zinc, selenium, midkine (MK), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels are associated with inflammation and angiogenesis processes in the context of a potential etiology causing aggravation of mitral regurgitation and/or ruptured chordae tendineae. Seventy-one subjects comprising 34 patients with mitral chordae tendineae rupture (MCTR) and 37 healthy controls diagnosed on the basis of their clinical profile and transthoracic echocardiography were included in this study. The levels of GSH, MK, selenium, and zinc were found to be lower in the patients group when compared to control group. There were no significant difference in plasma TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF-A, and PDGF-BB levels between two groups. There were positive significant correlations between MK and GSH, MK, and selenium levels in patients with MCTR. According to our data in which selenium, zinc, MK, and GSH decreased in MCTR patients, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and trace element levels may contribute to etiopathogenesis of mitral regurgitation and/or ruptured chordae tendineae.

Diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with myeloproliferative disorders.

BACKGROUND: Myeloproliferative disorders are characterized by proliferation of 1 or more lineage of hematologic cells. Rapid proliferation of cells may lead to depletion of vitamin B12, which may be falsely elevated by conventional assays in these disorders. We evaluated vitamin B12 status with conventional vitamin B12 assay and levels of serum methylmalonic acid (MMA), serum holotranscobalamin (holoTC), and plasma homocysteine in myeloproliferative disorders. METHODS: In 58 patients who had myeloproliferative disorders and normal serum creatinine levels, we measured levels of vitamin B12, MMA, holoTC, and homocysteine. Correlations were evaluated between these tests, with MMA as the reference standard for vitamin B12 deficiency. RESULTS: Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 69%, despite high serum vitamin B12 levels. Levels of holoTC of 40.6 pmol/L or less and homocysteine of greater than 14 mol/L were the best cutoff levels with sensitivity values of 75% and 70%, specificity values of 80% and 68%, and positive predictive values of 88% and 80%. Logistic regression showed that cutoff values of holoTC of 40.6 pmol/L or less and homocysteine of greater than 14 mol/L resulted in odds ratio 15.5 for low versus high holoTC, and odds ratio 5.4 for high versus low homocysteine, to confirm vitamin B12 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had myeloproliferative disorders had a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, despite high serum vitamin B12 levels. Therefore, vitamin B12 status should be evaluated in patients with myeloproliferative disorders. Holotranscobalamin level may be the best initial test and may replace vitamin B12 assay to accompany MMA and homocysteine levels.

The association of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1) K167N and 3'UTR188CT polymorphisms with maternal plasma soluble LOX-1 levels and preeclampsia risk in Turkish population.

PURPOSE: To investigate the main effect of polymorphisms in genes involved in endothelial pathophysiological mechanisms, LOX-1 K167N and 3'UTR188CT single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in relation to preeclampsia (PE) risk and possible interactions between the gene polymorphisms and plasma oxLDL and soluble LOX-1 (sLOX-1) levels on PE in Turkish population. METHODS: LOX-1 K167N and 3'UTR188CT polymorphisms were studied in 113 pregnant women with preeclampsia and 96 healthy pregnant women by the PCR-RFLP techniques. sLOX-1 and oxLDL levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in all study subjects. RESULTS: Patients having LOX-1 3'UTR188CT (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.89-6.67, P = 0.001) or 3'UTR188CC (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.25-7.38, P = 0.012) genotype had a significantly higher risk of PE than those with 3'UTR188TT genotype. Also, patients having K167N KK (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.33-5.61, P = 0.005) genotype had a significantly higher risk of PE than those with K167N NN genotype. LOX-1 3'UTR188TT and LOX-1 K167N NN genotype carriers were associated with significantly increased serum sLOX-1 level (P = 0.001). We further investigated the potential combined effect of these polymorphic variants on risk of PE development. According to the combined genotype analysis of LOX-1 3'UTR188TT and K167N NN polymorphisms, sLOX-1 and oxLDL levels also showed significant differences between PE patients and controls with or without combined TT/NN genotype carriers. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that higher plasma sLOX-1 and oxLDL concentrations, and the LOX-1 3'UTR188C>T and LOX-1 K167N gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with risk of developing preeclampsia. Plasma sLOX-1 may be a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of preeclampsia.

The relationship between copper, homocysteine and early vascular disease in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

This study investigates copper (Cu) levels and vascular dysfunction in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 44 subjects with PCOS, diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria, and 42 healthy subjects matched for body mass index and age. Comparison of serum Cu, homocysteine, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) was carried out between PCOS patients and the control group. Clinical study was done in Namik Kemal University School of Medicine. The CIMT and concentration of Cu in PCOS patients was significantly higher than the healthy controls. FMD levels in PCOS patients were significantly lower than those in controls. In PCOS patients, CIMT was correlated with estrogen and Cu levels. However, FMD was correlated with age and Cu levels. Among these contributing factors, Cu levels were correlated with a change in CIMT and FMD. CIMT and FMD in PCOS patients were related to Cu levels as well as several cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, increased Cu levels may be responsible for the increased risk of early vascular disease in women with PCOS.

Visfatin, Leptin, and TNF-α: Interrelated Adipokines in Insulin-Resistant Clinical and Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

PURPOSE: This study is designed to evaluate the interrelationships among adipokines-visfatin, leptin, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)- and insulin resistance (IR) in overt (n = 40) and subclinic hypothyroid (n = 25) patients and compare our findings with sex and body mass index-matched healthy controls (n = 25). METHODS: Serum visfatin, leptin, and TNF-α levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and C-reactive protein by immunoturbidimetry. Thyroid status (TSH, FT3, FT4) and lipid status (triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol) parameters were measured. IR was determined by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) and McAuley (McA) indices. RESULTS: HOMA-IR (p < 0.05) and McA indices (p < 0.01) revealed the presence of IR in overt hypothyroid patients. C-reactive protein, TNF-α, leptin, and visfatin levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001) in overt hypothyroid patients than euthyroid control group. Subclinic hypothyroid patients were observed to have significantly higher leptin and visfatin levels (p < 0.05) than euthyroid control group. In overt hypothyroid patients, we found plasma visfatin to be significantly positively correlated with HOMA-IR index (r = 0.336, p < 0.05) and body mass index (r = 0.445, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with McA index (r = -0.574, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the presence of IR in overt hypothyroid patients by HOMA and McA indices. Increased levels of visfatin, leptin, and TNF-α in overt and subclinic hypothyroid patients and the correlations among these adipokines highlighten their crucial role in the IR-associated disorders.

Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, lipid profile, and oxidative damage in experimental ischemic colitis model.

Objective. In the present study, since PON1 is known as an HDL-associated antioxidant enzyme that inhibits the oxidative modification of LDL and oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of mesenteric ischemia, we investigated the changes in PON1 activity and lipid profile in an experimental ischemic colitis model. Methods. Forty male Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups: the control group (N = 15) and the experimental group (N = 25). All animals were anesthetized with ether and ketamine anesthesia to undergo a midline laparotomy. Ischemic colitis was induced by marginal vessel ligation in the splenic flexura (devascularization process). A sham laparotomy was performed in the control group. All animals were sacrificed on the seventh postoperative day. Oxidative stress marker (malonyldialdehyde, MDA), lipid profile, and paraoxonase (PON-1) and arylesterase activities were determined. Histopathological evaluation was done under light microscopy, after sectioning and staining with hematoxyline and eosin. Statistical analysis was conducted using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test, and P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results. There was a significant decrease in both serum and tissue PON1 activity in ischemic colitis group (P < 0.01, for each). Similarly, arylesterase levels showed a parallel decrease in both tissue and serum of the experimental group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, retrospectively). MDA, an oxidative stress marker, was seen to increase in the experimental group (P < 0.01, tissue; P < 0.05, serum). In experimental group, there was a significant rise in serum total cholesterol and LDL levels (P < 0.001, for each). However, HDL level decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Triglycerides did not show any change between the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions. PON1 and arylesterase play an important role in the pathophysiology of ischemic colitis.

Calcium dobesilate may improve hemorheology in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Calcium dobesilate is an angioprotective agent that has positive effects on hemorheological parameters. It is an antioxidant that increases endothelial-derived vasodilator substance secretion, there are none that analyze its effects during the postoperative period of patients undergoing myocardial revascularization. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the effects of calcium dobesilate on hemorheological parameters, such as reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde in patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing myocardial revascularization in the postoperative period. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-four patients operated for coronary heart disease were included in this study. Hemorheological, oxidant and antioxidant parameters were measured two days after surgery and after a period of treatment with calcium dobesilate. Then, 500 mg of calcium dobesilate was given twice a day to one group of 68 patients for three months. The control group was composed of 66 patients who did not receive this medication. RESULTS: The increase in the erythrocyte deformability index was found to be significant compared with both the pretreatment values and with the 1st and 2nd values of the control group after calcium dobesilate administration, whereas there were no significant changes in blood viscosity, glutathione (GSH) or malondialdehyde (MDA) values after the calcium dobesilate administration. The same improvement in the CCS class was observed in patients regardless of they received the calcium dobesilate treatment. CONCLUSION: In the present investigation, the same improvement in the CCS class was observed in patients regardless of they received the calcium dobesilate treatment. Improvements with calcium dobesilate were statistically significant only in the increase in erythrocyte flexibility.

Calcium dobesilate may improve hemorheology in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting / Dobesilato de cálcio pode melhorar hemorreologia em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica

BACKGROUND: Calcium dobesilate is an angioprotective agent that has positive effects on hemorheological parameters. It is an antioxidant that increases endothelial-derived vasodilator substance secretion, there are none that analyze its effects during the postoperative period of patients undergoing myocardial revascularization. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the effects of calcium dobesilate on hemorheological parameters, such as reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde in patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing myocardial revascularization in the postoperative period. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-four patients operated for coronary heart disease were included in this study. Hemorheological, oxidant and antioxidant parameters were measured two days after surgery and after a period of treatment with calcium dobesilate. Then, 500 mg of calcium dobesilate was given twice a day to one group of 68 patients for three months. The control group was composed of 66 patients who did not receive this medication. RESULTS: The increase in the erythrocyte deformability index was found to be significant compared with both the pretreatment values and with the 1st and 2nd values of the control group after calcium dobesilate administration, whereas there were no significant changes in blood viscosity, glutathione (GSH) or malondialdehyde (MDA) values after the calcium dobesilate administration. The same improvement in the CCS class was observed in patients regardless of they received the calcium dobesilate treatment. CONCLUSION: In the present investigation, the same improvement in the CCS class was observed in patients regardless of they received the calcium dobesilate treatment. Improvements with calcium dobesilate were statistically significant only in the increase in erythrocyte flexibility.

ANTECEDENTES: O dobesilato de cálcio é um agente angioprotetor que tem efeitos positivos sobre os parâmetros hemorreológicos. É um antioxidante que aumenta a secreção endotelial derivada da substância vasodilatadora, não há nada que analisar os seus efeitos durante o período pósoperatório de pacientes submetidos a revascularização do miocárdio. OBJETIVO: Nosso objetivo foi determinar os efeitos de dobesilato de cálcio sobre os parâmetros hemorreológicos, tais como glutationa reduzida e malondialdeído em pacientes com doença cardíaca isquêmica submetidos a revascularização do miocárdio no pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: Cento e trinta e quatro pacientes operados por doença cardíaca coronária foram incluídos neste estudo. Parâmetros de oxidante, hemorreológicos e de antioxidantes foram medidos dois dias após a cirurgia e após um período de tratamento com o dobesilato de cálcio. Em seguida, 500 mg de dobesilato de cálcio foi administrado duas vezes por dia para um grupo de 68 pacientes durante três meses. O grupo controle foi composto por 66 pacientes que não receberam essa medicação. RESULTADOS: O aumento do índice de deformabilidade dos eritrócitos foi considerado significativo comparado com ambos os valores pré-tratamento e com os 1º e 2º valores do grupo controle após a administração dobesilato de cálcio, enquanto que não houve alterações significativas na viscosidade do sangue, na glutationa (GSH) ou malondialdeído (MDA) após a administração dobesilato de cálcio. A mesma melhoria na classe CCS foi observada em pacientes independentemente de terem recebido tratamento com dobesilato de cálcio. CONCLUSÃO: Na presente investigação, a mesma melhora na classe CCS foi observada em pacientes independentemente de terem recebido o tratamento com dobesilato de cálcio.

Association of Pb, Cd, and Se concentrations and oxidative damage-related markers in different grades of prostate carcinoma.

Prostate cancer is known to be affected by the heavy metal levels and oxidative damage of the body, yet there are very few studies which look into the way it occurs. The aim of this study was to determine whether blood and tissue lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and selenium (Se) levels are associated with oxidative damage in the context of prostate cancer progression and development. Seventy-nine patients comprising 25 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), 23 patients with malignant prostatic carcinoma (malign Ca), 16 patients with low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (LGPIN), and 15 patients with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) diagnosed on the basis of their clinical profile, transrectal ultrasonography, and histopathology were included in this study. Cd and Pb levels in whole blood were found to be increased in patients with HGPIN compared with the BPH group; also, the levels of Cd in whole blood and tissue were found to be increasing in patients with malign Ca, unlike BPH patients. Moreover, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma and tissue were significantly increased in malign Ca, LGPIN, and HGPIN than those in BPH. However, the levels of tissue Pb were found to be decreasing in BPH, unlike the malign Ca and HGPIN patients, and the levels of tissue protein carbonyls in malign Ca were significantly lower than those in HGPIN. The levels of tissue reduced glutathione (GSH) in malign Ca were significantly lower than those in BPH. Additionally, the levels of Se in serum and tissue in LGPIN were significantly lower than those in BPH. The serum Se levels in HGPIN were also significantly lower than those in BPH and malign Ca groups. Furthermore, the concentrations of serum Se in LGPIN were significantly lower than those in malign Ca. From the Pearson correlation analysis, there were significant positive correlations between tissue Cd and MDA levels in malign Ca, LGPIN, and HGPIN and between the tissue Pb and tissue MDA and protein carbonyl levels in malign Ca. Blood Pb and tissue Pb were also significantly positively correlated with plasma MDA and protein carbonyl levels in malign Ca. In addition, blood Pb was significantly positively correlated with tissue MDA and protein carbonyl levels in malign Ca, and a significant positive correlation was also found between blood Cd and plasma protein carbonyls and tissue MDA in LGPIN. We observed that altered prooxidant-antioxidant balance and heavy metal levels may lead to an increase in oxidative damage and may consequently play an important role in prostate carcinogenesis. These findings indicate that changes in the levels of Pb, Cd, Se, MDA, protein carbonyls, and GSH in the blood and/or tissue are related to the prostatic carcinoma development and progression, although triggering one of the mentioned changes is unknown; therefore, further study is required to determine the exact steps of the process and clarify the roles of different substances in order to obtain a more detailed explanation of the phenomenon.

The role of oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses in Buerger disease and atherosclerotic peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

The aim of this study was to determine the status and the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses in patients with Buerger disease and atherosclerotic peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Seventy-three subjects resembling each other in general characteristics were involved in the study: 21 with lower extremity PAOD (mean age 53.05 +/- 10.8 years, 17 men and four women), 22 with Buerger disease (mean age 38.59 +/- 6.4 years, 19 men and three women), and 30 healthy volunteers (mean age 38.59 +/- 6.4 years, 22 men and eight women). We measured the levels of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), paraoxonase (PON1), protein carbonyls, arylesterase, nitric oxide (NO), serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and MDA, glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GSH-red), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes. Plasma protein carbonyls, serum ox-LDL, and plasma and erythrocyte MDA were significantly high in the Buerger disease group compared to the PAOD and control groups (p < 0.001). Plasma PON1 levels and GSH and GSH-px levels in erythrocytes in the Buerger disease group were significantly low compared to the PAOD and control groups (p < 0.001). GSH-red, SOD, and CAT levels in erythrocytes in the Buerger disease group were significantly lowcompared to the PAOD group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). NO levels were significantly lower in the PAOD group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity is more seriously impaired in Buerger disease than PAOD.

Significance of the counteracting oxidative and antioxidative systems in the pathogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the parameters of oxidative and antioxidative systems in laryngeal carcinoma for their effects on pathogenesis. METHODS: Blood and plasma samples from 30 patients with laryngeal carcinoma were compared with 15 smokers who were otherwise healthy. The tumour tissue samples of the 30 patients were compared with the adjacent non-tumour-bearing mucosal tissue in which carcinoma was ruled out histologically. Although malondialdehyde was used as the main indicator of oxidative stress, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase activities were accepted as indicators of the antioxidative defense mechanism. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde was significantly higher in the plasma and blood of patients when compared with those of the control group. Glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity levels were measured in blood, and these parameters were significantly higher in the control group (p < .001). All results were found to be statistically significant (p < .001). The malondialdehyde level was also found to be significantly higher (p < .01) in the tumour tissue sample. Among the parameters of the tissue antioxidative defense mechanism, superoxide dismutase levels were determined to be significantly higher (p < .001) in the tumour when compared with the levels in adjacent healthy tissue. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the glutathione and catalase activities of the tumour and non-tumour-bearing tissues (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Although the parameters of the oxidative system appear to increase, the antioxidative variants seem to be reduced in laryngeal carcinoma, with one exception: superoxide dismutase has been found in higher amounts in tumour tissue. These results may reflect the effect of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma.