Dexpanthenol ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiovascular toxicity by regulating the IL-6/HIF1α/VEGF pathway.

Introduction: Lipopolysaccharide (Lps) is an essential component responsible for the virulence of gram-negative bacteria. Lps can cause damage to many organs, including the heart, kidneys, and lungs. Dexpanthenol (Dex) is an agent that exhibits anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and stimulates epithelialization. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Dex on Lps-induced cardiovascular toxicity. Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: control, Lps (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), Dex (500 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), and Lps + Dex. The control group received saline intraperitoneally (i.p.) once daily for three days. The Lps group received saline i.p. once daily for three days and a single dose of Lps i.p. was administered on the third day. The Dex group received Dex i.p. once daily for three days and saline on the third day. The Lps + Dex group received Dex i.p. once daily for three days and a single dose of Lps i.p. on the third day. Heart and aortic tissues were taken for biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and genetic analysis. Results: Lps injection caused histopathological changes in both heart and aortic tissues and significantly increased total oxidant status and oxidative stress index levels. Interleukin-6, and Tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA expressions were significantly altered in heart and aorta, likely do to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of Dex. Furthermore, Dex affected Caspase-3 and Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α staining patterns. Conclusions: Our results show that Dex treatment has a protective effect on Lps-induced cardiac and endothelial damage in rats by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Immunochemical identification of the mammalian peptide hormone obestatin from tea plant (Camellia sinensis).

This study determines obestatin-like substances from the young shoots of the tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (Theaceae)]. Proteins were extracted from the vegetative tea leaves using the QB (Quick Buffer) buffer as an extraction buffer. Obestatin-like substances in tea extract were investigated using an indirect home-made enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Human obestatin-like immunoreactive substances from tea extract were isolated and characterized by tricine-sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (tricine-SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting techniques. Immunochemical results showed that there are strong human obestatin-like immunoreactive substances (0.048±0.0064ng/mg protein) in vegetative tea leaves. This finding was completely unexpected since this hormone was considered to be present solely in animals. Furthermore, a single obestatin-like immunoreactive protein band of 13kDa was identified by tricine-SDS-PAGE and Western blotting of extract of vegetative tea leaf proteins. Present investigation is the first report of presence of obestatin-like immunoreactive substances in plants. It is concluded that obestatin-like bioactive peptides derived from plants can affect gastrointestinal tract structures as endogenous obestatin does and hence play a role in appetite regulation and body weight gain.

Ramelteon and mechanism of its restorative effect in an experimental lung disease model.

Methotrexate (MTX) is an anticancer agent widely used in clinical practice for various oncological, rheumatological, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. However, the side effects of MTX limit its usage for treatment. In addition, diffuse alveolar damage, interstitial pneumonia, fibrosis, and pleural reactions may be encountered in MTX-induced pulmonary toxicity. Ramelteon (RML), a melatonin receptor agonist, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects are shown by several studies. This study aimed to show the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects of RML and its effect on the airway surface liquid volume homeostasis via aquaporins (AQP) in MTX-induced lung injury. Thirty-two female Wistar Albino rats were grouped into four groups as control, MTX (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, a single dose), MTX + RML, and RML (10 mg/kg, via oral gavage, for seven days) groups. Once the experiment ended, the rats' lung tissues were taken for biochemical, genetic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations. MTX significantly increased oxidative stress index and total oxidative status, and decreased total antioxidant status levels by 202.0%, 141.4%, 20.2%, respectively, relative to the control (p ˂ 0.001 for all). AQP-1/5, which is an indicator of lung damage, was also found to decrease significantly (p ˂ 0.001). In addition, a significant increase was observed in interleukin-1ß, interferon-beta, and caspase-8 expressions and histopathological changes as a result of immunohistochemical and histochemical examinations (p ˂ 0.001). RML treatment ameliorated all these changes and significantly regressed lung damage. Our results suggest that RML might be used as a lung-protective agent in various models of lung and tissue injury.

Does puberty affect oxidative stress levels and antioxidant activity of saliva in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances?

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare patients' oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant status with fixed orthodontic appliances during the pubertal and postpubertal growth periods. METHODS: Saliva samples of 20 pubertal (mean age: 12.94 ± 0.34 years) and 20 postpubertal (mean age: 16.34 ± 0.45 years) patients were collected just before the application of fixed orthodontic appliances (T0), 4-5 h (T1), and 7 days (T2) after the initial orthodontic activation. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), 8­hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the saliva were examined. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), least significant difference (LSD) pairwise comparison, and independent sample t­tests were used to analyze the differences between the time points and growth periods, respectively. RESULTS: MPO levels in the saliva of patients in the pubertal period showed a significantly higher increase within the first days of treatment (T2-T1) than in patients in the postpubertal period (p < 0.05). The SOD antioxidant enzyme activity decreased in the samples from T0 to T1 in the patients in the pubertal and postpubertal groups and returned to baseline values (T0) at T2 (p < 0.01). No significant differences in the other biochemical parameters between groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing the pubertal and postpubertal groups, orthodontic force application with fixed orthodontic appliances did not change the final levels (on day 7) of antioxidant status or oxidative stress markers, except for MPO in saliva.

Serum Claudin-5, but not Zonulin, May Be Associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research was to assess serum zonulin and claudin-5 concentrations to show whether or not their eventual changes in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) could have etiopathogenetic importance. There was no research in the literature assessing serum zonulin and claudin-5 levels in OCD to the best of our understanding. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this study, we assumed that there may be a deterioration in serum zonulin and claudin-5 levels in OCD patients and this may affect the severity of the disease. Thirty-six OCD patients and 35 healthy controls were included in this study. The patients were administered Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Yale-Brown Obsession Compulsion Scale (Y-BOCS) to determine the severity of depression and OCD, respectively. Venous blood samples were collected, and serum zonulin and claudin-5 levels were measured. RESULTS: The mean serum claudin-5 level was significantly higher without a significant difference between age, sex, and body mass index, whereas serum zonulin level was not different from the control group in OCD patients. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the current research indicates that claudin-5 is enhanced in OCD patients and this finding may contribute to the role of blood-brain barrier in the pathogenesis of OCD.

Maternal prenatal stress and depression-like behavior associated with hippocampal and cortical neuroinflammation in the offspring: An experimental study.

Prenatal stress can negatively impact neonatal health, growth, and bonding with the mother. However, molecular basis of these modifications is not completely understood. The aim of this experimental study was to test the hypothesis that intrauterine stress exposure may contribute to subsequent depression-like comorbidities associated with neuroinflammation. Wistar Albino nulliparous female rats were divided into two groups (each, n = 6): controls and pregnancy stress (Days 1 through 21). Two live rat pups (one female and one male) from each term delivery were randomly selected, and depression-like behavior tests were performed on Postpartum Days 30-34, followed by euthanasia on Day 35. NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway gene expressions in the hippocampus and immunohistochemical caspase 3 (cas-3), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) staining in the temporal and prefrontal cortices were evaluated. Compared with controls, exposure to prenatal stress was associated with increased depression and anxiety-like behavior, hippocampal NLRP3 inflammasome activation (p = 0.022 and p = 0.035 for female and male pups, respectively), neuronal degeneration and increased cas-3, mTOR, and TRPM immunostaining in the prefrontal and temporal cortices of both female and male offspring (p < 0.05 for all comparisons except p < 0.01 for cas-3 in the male cortex and female temporal cortex). Exposure to antenatal stress can lead to depression-like behavior in the infant, mainly driven by hippocampal NLRP3 inflammasome activation, cortical neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Future perspectives include NLRP3-targeted therapies with anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects against adverse prenatal effects of maternal stress.

Serum zonulin levels in type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic kidney disease.

INTRODUCTION: Recent data have shown that diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is associated with abnormal gut microbiota composition. Zonulin is a physiological tight junction modulator and an intestinal permeability marker. In this study we aimed to investigate serum levels of zonulin and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and different levels of albuminuria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety patients with T2DM and 30 healthy controls (HC) aged between 18 and 65 years were enrolled in the study. T2DM patients were divided into three groups as patients with normoalbuminuria (n = 30), microalbuminuria (n = 30), and macroalbuminuria (n = 30). Serum zonulin and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA method. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in terms of age, gender, serum ALT, LDL-C, HDL-C, and zonulin levels (p > 0.05). Significant differences between groups were present for the duration of diabetes (p < 0.001), body mass index (p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), creatinine (p < 0.001), uric acid (p = 0.037), triglyceride (p = 0.003), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), glycated haemoglobin (p < 0.001), and IL-6 (p < 0.001) levels. IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria groups compared to the HC group, but no significant difference was determined between the HC and normoalbuminuria group. In patients with diabetic kidney disease, a significant positive correlation was found between zonulin with IL-6 and proteinuria (rho = 0.296, p = 0.008; rho = 0.190, p < 0.047, respectively). The serum IL-6 level was positively correlated with microalbuminuria and proteinuria (rho = 0.451, p < 0.001; rho = 0.425, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the serum zonulin level is not a promising biomarker to assess the severity of DKD in patients with long-standing T2DM.

Diagnostic value of serum pentraxin 3 level in children with acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Early diagnosis of appendicitis is important in children because any delay in treatment substantially leads to complicated appendicitis. In this study, we aimed to test the diagnostic value of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) level in children with acute appendicitis and to investigate whether there is a relationship between the progression of the disease and PTX3 level. METHODS: This prospective study included 70 children. They were divided into three groups as follows: group 1 (appendicitis; n=37), group 2 (abdominal pain; n=25), group 3 (control; n=8). Demographic data, medical history, the time from the onset of symptoms to blood sampling, operative and pathological findings of the patients were noted, and white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and PTX3 values were measured. RESULTS: The mean WBC, CRP and PTX3 values were found to be significantly increased in the appendicitis group (p<0.001). PTX3 has the highest diagnostic value (AUC=0.828), specificity (88%) and positive predictive value (90%) in the appendicitis group. WBC values did not show a significant correlation with the time periods (p=0.999). The mean CRP level of the appendicitis group in 24-48 hours was found to be higher than in 0-24 hours, but this was marginally significant (p=0.068). On the other hand, PTX3 value was significantly correlated with the time periods (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that PTX3 is a valuable inflammatory biomarker in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and also documented that PTX3 is useful for predicting the progression of the disease.

FABP4 levels in hypothyroidism and its relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between serum fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) levels and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in patients with hypothyroidism. aterials and methods: Forty subclinical hypothyroidism patients, 40 overt hypothyroidism patients, and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Blood pressure, body mass index, CIMT, fasting blood sugar, creatine, alanine aminotransferase, lipid parameters, insulin, free thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO), thyroglobulin antibody (anti-TG), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), and FABP4 levels of all participants were measured. Results: Serum FABP4 levels were significantly higher in patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism than healthy controls (HCs) (P = 0.044 and P = 0.014, respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of FABP4 levels between patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism (P = 0.641). Serum TSH levels and serum FABP4 levels were positively correlated (r = 0.201, P = 0.039). CIMT was found to be higher in patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism than in HCs (P = 0.042 and P < 0.001, respectively). No correlation was found between CIMT and FABP4 levels (r = 0.038, P = 0.702). There was a positive correlation between CIMT and TSH, anti-TPO, anti-TG, triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol levels. It was found that high TG levels were an independent factor that increased CIMT (r = 0.382, r2 = 0.146). Conclusion: In patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism, the level of FABP4 increases and this increase is correlated with the increase in TSH level. It is thought that FABP4 does not play a role in atherosclerosis development in patients with hypothyroidism without metabolic disorder.

Platelet indices (mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width) have correlations with periodontal inflamed surface area in coronary artery disease patients: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The plausible mechanisms regarding the relationship between periodontitis and coronary artery disease (CAD) has long been the focus of studies. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that higher periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) values have positive correlations with increased complete blood parameters in patients with CAD. METHODS: Patients who underwent coronary angiography with a suspicion of CAD between the ages 30 to 75 years were included. Clinical periodontal parameters (probing depth [PD], clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing) were recorded, and the participants were divided into four groups after the coronary angiography: group 1: CAD (+) with periodontitis (n = 20), group 2: CAD (+) without periodontitis (n = 20), group 3: CAD (-) with periodontitis (n = 21), group 4: CAD (-) without periodontitis (n = 16). Complete blood counts were analyzed regarding the differences and correlations between the investigated parameters. RESULTS: CAD (+) P (+) individuals had significantly higher platelet distribution width (PDW) values than the other groups (P < 0.0125). Positive lower correlations were found between PISA scores and mean platelet volume (MPV, P = 0.021, rho = 0.264), PISA and PDW (P = 0.240, rho = 0.036) in the whole study group; and moderate correlation between PD and red blood cell distribution width (RDW, P = 0.049, rho = 0.445) in CAD (-) groups with/without periodontitis were found. Age was found to predict CAD with o lower OR (1.17, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study highlight some blood parameters (PDW, RDW, and MPV) in CAD patients with/without periodontitis in terms of the relationship between inflammatory diseases and their significant low and moderate correlations with PISA values.

Circulation levels of acute phase proteins pentraxin 3 and serum amyloid A in atherosclerosis have correlations with periodontal inflamed surface area.

Objectives One of the plausible mechanisms in the relationship between periodontitis and coronary artery disease (CAD) is the systemic inflammatory burden comprised of circulating cytokines/mediators related to periodontitis. This study aims to test the hypothesis that periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) is correlated with higher circulating levels of acute phase reactants (APR) and pro-inflammatory cytokines/mediators and lower anti-inflammatory cytokines/mediators in CAD patients. Material and Methods Patients aged from 30 to 75 years who underwent coronary angiography with CAD suspicion were included. Clinical periodontal parameters (probing depth - PD, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing - BOP) were previously recorded and participants were divided into four groups after coronary angiography: Group 1: CAD (+) with periodontitis (n=20); Group 2: CAD (+) without periodontitis (n=20); Group 3: CAD (-) with periodontitis (n=21); Group 4: CAD (-) without periodontitis (n = 16). Serum interleukin (IL) -1, -6, -10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, serum amyloid A (SAA), pentraxin (PTX) 3, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured with ELISA. Results Groups 1 and 3 showed periodontal parameter values higher than Groups 2 and 4 (p<0.0125). None of the investigated serum parameters were statistically significantly different between the study groups (p>0.0125). In CAD (-) groups (Groups 3 and 4), PISA has shown positive correlations with PTX3 and SAA (p<0.05). Age was found to predict CAD significantly according to the results of the multivariate regression analysis (Odds Ratio: 1.17; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.08-1.27; p<0.001). Conclusions Although age was found to predict CAD significantly, the positive correlations between PISA and APR in CAD (-) groups deserve further attention, which might depend on the higher PISA values of periodontitis patients. In further studies conducted in a larger population, the stratification of age groups would provide us more accurate results.

The effect of ozone treatment on remote organ myocardial injury in an aortic ischemia-reperfusion model.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the effect of ozone on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury occurring after occlusion - reperfusion of infrarenal abdominal aorta in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar albino rats (weighing 200-250 g) were randomized into four equal groups. The control (sham) group underwent laparotomy and dissection of the infrarenal abdominal aorta without occlusion. Intraperitoneal ozone was applied for 10 days 1 mg/kg/day in the control+ozone group. Afterwards, control+ozone group underwent laparotomy and dissection of the infrarenal abdominal aorta without occlusion. Aortic ischemia-reperfusion and aortic ischemia-reperfusion+ozone groups underwent dissection of the infrarenal abdominal aorta, followed by achieving ischemia and reperfusion by cross-clamping the infrarenal abdominal aorta for 60 minutes and removing the cross-clamp for 60 minutes, respectively. The tissue levels of malondialdehyde and activity levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and myeloperoxidase were measured in the myocardial specimens. The tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6 and troponin-I levels were measured in the plasma. A histopathological examination of the myocardial specimens was undertaken. RESULTS: Biochemical analysis showed that aortic ischemia-reperfusion significantly increased (p<0.05 vs. control) while ozone significantly decreased (p<0.05 vs. aortic ischemia-reperfusion) the myocardial tissue levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase and level of plasma troponin-I. Histologically, in the aortic ischemia-reperfusion group, myocardial disorganization, myofiber swelling and myofiber eosinophilia in the myocardial tissue samples were significantly increased compared to the control group (p<0.05 vs. control). However, histopathological changes in the aortic ischemia-reperfusion+ozone group decreased compared to the aortic ischemia-reperfusion group. CONCLUSION: The results of this experimental study indicate that ozone attenuates myocardial injury and oxidative stress that develop after infrarenal aortic ischemia-reperfusion through three markers; (i) decreased tissue superoxide dismutase and catalase levels, (ii) d ecreased p lasma t roponin-I l evels, a nd (iii) reduced histopathological changes, albeit not statistically significant.

Circulation levels of acute phase proteins pentraxin 3 and serum amyloid A in atherosclerosis have correlations with periodontal inflamed surface area

Abstract Objectives One of the plausible mechanisms in the relationship between periodontitis and coronary artery disease (CAD) is the systemic inflammatory burden comprised of circulating cytokines/mediators related to periodontitis. This study aims to test the hypothesis that periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) is correlated with higher circulating levels of acute phase reactants (APR) and pro-inflammatory cytokines/mediators and lower anti-inflammatory cytokines/mediators in CAD patients. Material and Methods Patients aged from 30 to 75 years who underwent coronary angiography with CAD suspicion were included. Clinical periodontal parameters (probing depth - PD, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing - BOP) were previously recorded and participants were divided into four groups after coronary angiography: Group 1: CAD (+) with periodontitis (n=20); Group 2: CAD (+) without periodontitis (n=20); Group 3: CAD (-) with periodontitis (n=21); Group 4: CAD (-) without periodontitis (n = 16). Serum interleukin (IL) −1, −6, −10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, serum amyloid A (SAA), pentraxin (PTX) 3, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured with ELISA. Results Groups 1 and 3 showed periodontal parameter values higher than Groups 2 and 4 (p<0.0125). None of the investigated serum parameters were statistically significantly different between the study groups (p>0.0125). In CAD (-) groups (Groups 3 and 4), PISA has shown positive correlations with PTX3 and SAA (p<0.05). Age was found to predict CAD significantly according to the results of the multivariate regression analysis (Odds Ratio: 1.17; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.08-1.27; p<0.001). Conclusions Although age was found to predict CAD significantly, the positive correlations between PISA and APR in CAD (-) groups deserve further attention, which might depend on the higher PISA values of periodontitis patients. In further studies conducted in a larger population, the stratification of age groups would provide us more accurate results.

The protective effect of Capparis ovata in acute hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To investigate the efficiency of Capparis ovata as a protective agent against acute paracetamol toxicity of the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups: 1) paracetamol, 2) Capparis ovata + paracetamol, 3) Capparis ovata, and 4) control. Groups 2 and 3 were given Capparis ovata and Groups 1 and 4 distilled water for 8 days. On day 8, 3000 mg kg-1 paracetamol was administered orally to Groups 1 and 2. Samples were taken on day 9. AST, ALT, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, GGT, and ALP levels were assessed. Lipid peroxidation markers and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) levels were measured in the blood and liver. Liver tissues were evaluated histologically. RESULTS: AST, ALT, and total bilirubin levels were lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (P < 0.05). TBARS levels were lower in Groups 2 (P = 0.000), 3 (P = 0.001), and 4 (P = 0.001) than in Group 1. Degenerative findings were lower in the Capparis ovata + paracetamol group than in the paracetamol group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that Capparis ovata has a protective effect on the liver, both histopathologically and biochemically, against paracetamol-induced liver injury.

Effect of Curcumin on Systemic T Helper 17 Cell Response; Gingival Expressions of Interleukin-17 and Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor γt; and Alveolar Bone Loss in Experimental Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and is reported to have many biologic activities. The current study examines effect of curcumin on: 1) systemic T helper 17 (Th17) cell response; 2) gingival expressions of interleukin (IL)-17 and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor (ROR) γt; and 3) alveolar bone loss (ABL) in experimental periodontitis. METHODS: Thirty-eight male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups: 1) group 1 = periodontitis; 2) group 2 = periodontitis with curcumin treatment; 3) group 3 = periodontally healthy with curcumin treatment; and 4) group 4 = periodontally healthy. Curcumin was administered via oral gavage (30 mg/kg/d) for 15 days. After sacrifice via exsanguination, the following serum levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: 1) IL-1ß; 2) IL-6; 3) IL-17A; 4) IL-23; and 5) transforming growth factor- ß. Morphometric evaluation of ABL was conducted and expression levels of IL-17 and RORγt in gingival tissues were evaluated immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Group 2 had significantly lower ABL than group 1 (P <0.0125). Highest expression levels of IL-17 and RORγt were observed in group 1 and were significantly higher than those in all other groups (P <0.0125). The only serum biochemical parameter significantly different among groups was level of IL-23 (P <0.05). Serum IL-23 levels were higher in groups 1 and 2 than groups 3 and 4 (P <0.0125); however, they were not significantly different for groups 1 and 2 (P >0.0125). CONCLUSION: Curcumin seems to be a promising host modulatory agent in periodontal disease pathogenesis regarding IL-17/IL-23 axis, with a decreasing effect on ABL and gingival expressions of IL-17 and RORγt.

Evaluation of lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage in patients with periodontitis and hyperlipidemia.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), as a lipid peroxidation marker, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), as an oxidative DNA damage marker, in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and hyperlipidemia. METHODS: A total of 74 individuals were divided into four age- and sex-matched groups: 18 patients with hyperlipidemia and CP (HLp), 18 periodontally healthy patients with hyperlipidemia (HLh), 19 systemically healthy individuals with CP (Cp), and 19 systemically and periodontally healthy controls (Ch). Clinical periodontal parameters were measured, and serum lipids, MDA, and 8-OHdG levels were assessed in blood samples. RESULTS: 8-OHdG, MDA, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and percentage of sites bleeding on probing (BOP) were significantly higher in the HLp group than the Cp group. In the hyperlipidemic group, BOP was significantly correlated with total cholesterol, the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 8-OHdG levels. A significant correlation between 8-OHdG and MDA was also observed in the hyperlipidemia group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, serum MDA and 8-OHdG were found to be highest in the HLp group. The increased levels of MDA and 8-OHdG in HLp patients may be a result of a harmful oxidative status in association with hyperlipidemia and periodontitis.

Plasma 8-isoPGF2α and serum melatonin levels in patients with minimal cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease.

BACKGROUND/AIM: F2α-isoprostane is accepted as an oxidative stress indicator and melatonin shows neuroprotective effects by antioxidative and antiamyloidogenic influences. By measuring these in patients diagnosed with minimal cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer-type dementia, we intended to demonstrate whether the measurement of these markers contributes to early diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) in the MCI stage or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups (n = 63) were created: the AD group, MCI group, and control group. Serum melatonin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay method, and plasma total 8-isoPGF2α levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay method. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the melatonin levels between the MCI group and AD group (P = 0.009), and in 8-isoPGF2α levels between the AD group and control group (P = 0.022). A negative correlation between mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores and 8-isoPGF2a levels (r = -0.459, P < 0.001) and positive correlation between MMSE scores and melatonin levels (r = 0.317, P = 0.011) were found. CONCLUSION: Although the plasma 8-isoPGF2α and serum melatonin levels in MCI were not found to be good early diagnostic markers to indicate risk of AD, results were found to support the role of oxidative stress in AD.

Effects of Subchronic Treatment with Ibuprofen and Nimesulide on Spatial Memory and NMDAR Subunits Expression in Aged Rats.

Several studies point to an important function of cyclooxygenase (COX) and prostaglandin signaling in models of synaptic plasticity which is associated with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Cyclooxygenase gene is suggested to be an immediate early gene that is tightly regulated in neurons by NMDA dependent synaptic activity. Nonsteroid Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) exert their antiinflammatory effect by the inhibion of COX have controversial effects on learning and memory. We administered ibuprofen as a non-selective COX-2 inhibitor and nimesulide as a selective COX-2 inhibitor for 8 weeks for determining the cognitive impact of subchronic administration of NSAIDs to aged rats. Wistar albino rats (16 mo, n = 30) were separated into control (n = 10), ibuprofen (n = 10) and nimesulide (n = 10) treated groups. First we evaluated hippocampus-dependent spatial memory in the radial arm maze (RAM) and than we evaluated the expression of the NMDAR subunits, NR2A and NR2B by western blotting to see if their expressions are effected by subchronic administration with these drugs. Ibuprofen and nimesulide treated rats completed the task in a statistically significant shorter time when compared with control group (p < 0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference between groups about choice accuracy data in RAM. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was detected for the protein expressions of NR2A and NR2B of the subjects. Oral administration of ibuprofen and nimesulide for 8 weeks showed no impairment but partly improved spatial memory.

Effects of apple cider vinegars produced with different techniques on blood lipids in high-cholesterol-fed rats.

Red delicious apples were used to produce natural apple cider with and without inclusion of maceration. Traditional surface and industrial submersion methods were then applied to make vinegar from apple ciders. Apple cider vinegar samples produced with inclusion of maceration in the surface method had the highest total phenolic content, chlorogenic acid, ORAC, and TEAC levels. Cholesterol and apple vinegar samples were administered using oral gavage to all groups of rats except the control group. Apple cider vinegars, regardless of the production method, decreased triglyceride and VLDL levels in all groups when compared to animals on high-cholesterol diets without vinegar supplementation. Apple cider vinegars increased total cholesterol and HDL and LDL cholesterol levels and decreased liver function tests when compared to animals on a high-cholesterol diet without vinegar supplementation. A high-cholesterol diet resulted in hepatic steatosis. VSBM and VSB groups significantly decreased steatosis.