Hypoxia causes important changes of extracellular matrix biomarkers and ADAMTS proteinases in the adriamycin-induced renal fibrosis model.

AIM: Renal fibrosis is a common cause of renal dysfunction with chronic kidney diseases. This process is characterized by excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM) or inhibition of ECM degradation. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) proteinases, which are widely presented in mammals, have very critical roles in ECM remodelling. We aimed to study the role of ADAMTS proteinases and some of the ECM markers in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis and to investigate the effects of hypoxia on these biomarkers. METHODS: In addition to the control group, Adriamycin (ADR) treated rats were divided into four groups as ADR, sham and two hypoxia groups. Renal nephropathy was assessed biochemical assays, pathological and immunohistochemical staining methods. The expression of ADAMTSs and mRNA were determined using Western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively. RESULTS: Renal dysfuntion and tissue damage in favour of ECM accumulation and renal fibrosis were observed in the ADR group. This was approved by remarkable changes in the expression of ADAMTS such as increased ADAMTS-1, -12 and -15. In addition, it was found that hypoxia and duration of hypoxia enhanced markers of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the rat kidney tissues. Also, expression differences especially in ADAMTS-1, -6 and -15 were observed in the hypoxia groups. The variable and different expression patterns of ADAMTS proteinases in the ADR-induced renal fibrosis suggest that ADAMTS family members are involved in the development and progression of fibrosis. CONCLUSION: The expression changes of ADAMTS proteinases in kidney and association with hypoxia have potential clues to contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment options of renal fibrosis.

Protective Effect of Selenium Against Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity in an Experimental Design.

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of several types of malignant solid tumors but its clinical use is associated with ototoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of selenium administration on lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) and cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats. Healthy wistar albino rats (n = 21) were randomly divided into 3 groups: control (C), cisplatin (Cis), cisplatin and selenium (Cis+Se). Cisplatin was administered for 3 days to Cis and Cis+Se groups. Cis+Se group received selenium 5 days before cisplatin injection and continued for 11 consecutive days. Hearing thresholds and lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels of the rats were recorded before injections and at the end of experimental protocol. The cochleas of animals were harvested for histologic and immunuhistochemical examinations. In biochemichal analyses, pretreatment with selenium prevented the elevation of MDA levels in Cis+Se group rats. Moreover, animals in Cis+Se group had better hearing threshold levels than animals in cis group. Samples obtained from the animals in Cis group revealed extensive loss of the normal microarchitecture of the organ of Corti. On the other hand, animals in Cis+Se group exhibited a preservation of the morphology of the organ of Corti and outer hair cells. In the immunohistochemical examinations of cochlear tissues stained with anti-caspase-3, a higher degree of immunopositivity was found in the Cis group. When Cis+Se group and Cis group were compared, significantly less immunopositivity occurred in the Cis+Se group (P < 0.05). Thus, it appears that pretreatment with selenium may reduce cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats.

Effects of curcumin on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat model.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a significant problem following reperfusion treatment for ovarian torsion. It is generally caused by reactive oxygen species-induced damage. Antioxidant agents, such as curcumin, may protect ovaries from this adverse effect. The aim of the present randomized, controlled study was to evaluate the short-term protective effect of curcumin on a rat model of ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury. A total of 30 female Wistar albino rats, weighing 160-230 g, were divided into 2 groups depending upon the time of unilateral, left ovary ischemia/reperfusion (group 1, 2 h ischemia/2 h reperfusion and group 2, 4 h ischemia/4 h reperfusion). These groups were subdivided into 3 subgroups (sham, control and curcumin). The sham subgroups were not subjected to ischemia/reperfusion. Control and curcumin subgroups were performed under ischemia for 2 h plus 2 h reperfusion or 4 h ischemia plus 4 h reperfusion. Curcumin, 200 mg/kg, was intraperitoneally administered simultaneously with reperfusion to the curcumin subgroups. Serum nitric oxide (NO), NO synthase (NOS), xanthine oxidase (XO), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and histological scores were measured and compared between subgroups. For group 1, no significant differences were observed between NO, NOS, XO, TAS or TOS. The left ovary histological grade was significantly higher in the control and curcumin subgroups compared with the sham subgroup (P=0.036). For group 2, TOS was significantly higher in the control group compared with the sham and curcumin groups (P=0.023). However, TAS was also significantly higher in the control subgroup compared with the other 2 subgroups (P=0.005). Left ovary histological grade was significantly higher in the control and curcumin subgroups compared with the sham subgroup (P=0.038). No significant differences were observed between NO, NOS or XO between the group 2 subgroups. The results showed that curcumin exerted no major significant protective effect on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat ovary.

The effect of positive end-expiratory pressure on inflammatory cytokines during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate effects of the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) application of 10 cm H2O on the plasma levels of cytokines during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 40 patients who presented to the Department of General Surgery, Medical Faculty, Turgut Özal University, Ankara, Turkey scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy operation during a 10 month period from September 2012 to June 2013. Forty patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy operation were randomly divided into 2 groups; ventilation through zero end-expiratory pressure (ZEEP) (0 cm H2O PEEP) (n=20), and PEEP (10 cm H2O PEEP) (n=20). All patients were ventilated with 8 ml/kg TV. Levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL 10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 were measured in the pre- and post-operatively collected samples. RESULTS: Blood samples of 30 patients' were analyzed for plasma cytokine levels, and 10 were excluded from the study due to hemolysis. Post-operative plasma IL-6 levels were observed to be significantly higher than the pre-operative patients (p=0.035). Post-operative plasma TGF-ß1 levels in the PEEP group was found significantly higher compared with the pre-operative group levels (p=0.033). However, there were no significant differences in the pre- and post-operative plasma cytokine levels between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The application of PEEP of 10 cm H2O, which has known beneficial effect on respiratory mechanics, does not have any effect on systemic inflammatory response undergoing pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery.

Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) Could Be Better Predictor than C-reactive Protein (CRP) for Liver Fibrosis in Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis(NASH).

BACKGROUND-AIM: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. The aims of this study were to assess Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and their association with liver histology in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), chronic hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV). MATERIAL-METHODS: We studied 38 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven NASH, 19 patients with HCV, 45 patients with HBV, and 35 healthy controls who were similar for age and gender. The stage of fibrosis was measured using a 6-point scale. RESULTS: NLR was significantly higher in NASH patients compared to controls, HBV, and HCV patients (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). NLR was positively associated with NAFLD activity scores (r=0.861, p<0.001). NLR was associated with hepatocyte ballooning degeneration (r=0.426, p=0.024), lobular inflammation(r=0.694, p<0.001), steatosis(r=0.498, p=0.007), and fibrosis stage(r=0.892, p<0.001) in NASH patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that NLR was significantly associated with liver fibrosis and NAS (ß=0.631, p<0.001 for liver fibrosis; ß=0.753, p<0.001 for NAS in the multivariate model); however, CRP had no association with liver fibrosis and NAS CONCLUSION: NLR is a promising and inexpensive inflammation marker that correlates with histological grade and fibrosis stage in NASH patients.

Gut satiety hormones and hyperemesis gravidarum.

UNLABELLED: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is described as unexplained excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Some gut hormones that regulate appetite may have important role in etiopathogenesis of HG and weight changes during pregnancy. In this study, levels of gut satiety hormones were evaluated in pregnant women with HG. METHODS: This prospective case-control study was conducted in 30 women with HG and 30 healthy pregnant women without symptoms of HG. Fasting venous blood samples were taken from all subjects for measurement of plasma gut hormone levels; obestatin (pg/mL), peptide YY (PYY), pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and cholecystokinin (CCK). RESULTS: Plasma PYY and PP levels were significantly higher in HG group. The most important parameter in diagnosis of HG was plasma PP level. Simple use of PP level led to the diagnosis 91.1 % of HG cases correctly. The single most important parameter in the prediction of HG was also PP level. CONCLUSION: Anorexigenic gut hormones might have important role in etiopathogenesis of hyperemesis gravidarum and weight changes during pregnancy.

Galectin-3 as a new biomarker of diastolic dysfunction in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Galectin-3 (gal-3) is an emerging prognostic biomarker in heart failure (HF). Clinical and experimental studies suggest that gal-3 is an important mediator of HF. Here we aimed to examine the relationship between gal-3 and diastolic dysfunction in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: We examined the relationship between plasma gal-3 levels and left ventricular diastolic function. Plasma gal-3 was measured in 87 subjects with chronic HD and in 45 healthy controls using biochemical evaluations. Conventional echocardiography and pulsed tissue Doppler assessment were performed in all patients. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) was defined as E' < 8 cm/s. The E/E' ratio was used as the main determinant of LVDD grade. RESULTS: The mean gal-3 concentrations were: 16.05 ng/ml (13.89-19.75) in healthy controls; 14.54 ng/ml (10.85-17.65) in HD patients with normal diastolic function; and 23.30 ng/ml (20.12-26.87) in HD patients with LVDD (p < 0.01). Plasma gal-3 levels correlated with E/E' (r = 0.933, p < 0.01), left atrial volume index (r = 0.713, p < 0.01), and E' (r = -0.685, p < 0.01). ROC analysis showed that the best gal-3 cut-off point for the diagnosis of LVDD was 20.12 ng/ml with a sensitivity of 67.6 % and specificity of 84.6 % (AUC = 0.803). CONCLUSION: We suggest that gal-3 may be a promising biomarker for the detection of LVDD in HD patients.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Children With Newly Diagnosed Idiopathic Epilepsy.

Several studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and epilepsy. This study includes 60 newly diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy patients and 101 healthy controls (between the ages of 5 and 16). Each group was also divided into two subgroups according to seasonal changes in terms of months of longer versus shorter daylight. We retrospectively evaluated the levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, and 25-OH vitamin-D3 in the study participants. Levels below 20 ng/ml were defined as vitamin D deficiency and levels of 20-30 ng/ml as insufficiency. There were no significant differences in age, gender distribution and levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone between the groups. The level of 25-OH vitamin-D3 in the patient group was significantly lower when compared to the control group (p < 0.05) (14.07 ± 8.12 and 23.38 ± 12.80 ng/ml, respectively). This difference also held true when evaluation was made according to seasonal evaluation (12.38 ± 6.53 and 17.64 ± 1.14 in shorter daylight and 18.71 ± 9.87 and 30.82 ± 1.04 in longer daylight).

The effect of isotretinoin on retinol-binding protein 4, leptin, adiponectin and insulin resistance in acne vulgaris patients.

BACKGROUND: The effect of isotretinoin (ISO) on adipokines and insulin resistance has been investigated in a few studies, and the results are conflicting. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ISO treatment on insulin resistance and adipokines. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with acne vulgaris and a control group of 30 healthy volunteers were included in our study. Screening for the biochemical parameters was performed just before the initiation and after 3 months of ISO treatment. RESULTS: In the acne group, basal leptin levels were significantly lower (p = 0.003) and basal adiponectin levels significantly higher (p = 0.008) compared with the control group. After ISO treatment, leptin levels (p = 0.0005) decreased and adiponectin levels (p = 0.003) increased significantly. However, measurements of fasting blood glucose, insulin, C peptide, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance and BMI did not differ after ISO treatment. CONCLUSION: ISO may affect leptin and adiponectin levels. It does not, however, affect insulin resistance and RBP4 levels.

Borax partially prevents neurologic disability and oxidative stress in experimental spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the potential effects of borax on ischemia/reperfusion injury of the rat spinal cord. METHODS: Twenty-one Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups: sham (no ischemia/reperfusion), ischemia/reperfusion, and borax (ischemia/reperfusion + borax); each group was consist of 7 animals. Infrarenal aortic cross clamp was applied for 30 minutes to generate spinal cord ischemia. Animals were evaluated functionally with the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scoring system and inclined-plane test. The spinal cord tissue samples were harvested to analyze tissue concentrations of nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase activity, xanthine oxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity, and total oxidant status and to perform histopathological examination. RESULTS: At the 72nd hour after ischemia, the borax group had significantly higher Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan and inclined-plane scores than those of ischemia/reperfusion group. Histopathological examination of spinal cord tissues in borax group showed that treatment with borax significantly reduced the degree of spinal cord edema, inflammation, and tissue injury disclosed by light microscopy. Xanthine oxidase activity and total oxidant status levels of the ischemia/reperfusion group were significantly higher than those of the sham and borax groups (P < .05), and total antioxidant capacity levels of borax group were significantly higher than those of the ischemia/reperfusion group (P < .05). There was not a significantly difference between the sham and borax groups in terms of total antioxidant capacity levels (P > .05). The nitric oxide levels and nitric oxide synthase activity of all groups were similar (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Borax treatment seems to protect the spinal cord against injury in a rat ischemia/reperfusion model and improve neurological outcome.

Cilostazol attenuates spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pretreatment effect of cilostazol on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury. DESIGN: Prospective, interventional study. SETTING: Research laboratory, single institution. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits. INTERVENTIONS: Twenty-four rabbits were divided into 3 equal groups: group I (sham), group II (ischemia-reperfusion, control group), and group III (cilostazol, administered orally 30 mg/kg/day for 3 days before the surgery). Spinal cord ischemia was induced by clamping the aorta both below the left renal artery and above the iliac bifurcation for 30 minutes. Seventy-two hours postoperatively, the motor function of the lower limbs was evaluated in each animal according to the modified Tarlov score. Spinal cord and blood samples were taken for histopathologic and biochemical analyses at the 72nd hour of reperfusion. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All rabbits in the ischemia-reperfusion group (group II) showed severe neurologic deficits. The median (IQR) Tarlov scores postoperatively at 72 hours in groups I, II, and III were 5.0(-), 2.0(1.0), and 4.5(1.0), respectively. Administration of cilostazol resulted in a significant reduction in motor dysfunction when compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group (p<0.001). In the ischemia-reperfusion group, serum and tissue glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly less compared with the sham group (group I) (p<0.05). Serum and tissue glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels in the cilostazol-treated group (group III) were higher compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group (p<0.05). In the cilostazol-treated group, serum and tissue malondialdehyde levels were lower compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group (p<0.05). Histopathologic analysis found decreased neuronal injury in the cilostazol group when compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that pretreatment with cilostazol significantly ameliorated neurologic functional outcome and attenuated neuronal histopathologic injury after transient aortic occlusion in rabbits.

Levels of ischemia-modified albumin in transient tachypnea of the newborn.

AIM: The aim of the article is to evaluate ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in infants with transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) and to find out its relation to the disease severity. Patients and METHODS: Infants with > 37 weeks of gestation, without any respiratory and cardiac symptoms and without any maternal health problems, and diagnosed as TTN were allocated as the study group. Patients with obvious retractions, grunting, hypercarbia (Pco 2 > 60 mm Hg) or hypoxia (oxygen saturation < 88% with Fio 2 of 0.60) were managed with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). During the postnatal 0 to 24 hours, blood samples were collected in 2 mL for IMA. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were diagnosed TTN, and allocated as the study group. Of the 47 patients, 43 patients without respiratory symptoms were enrolled as the control group. IMA levels in TTN were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05). In addition, IMA levels were significantly increased in the nasal CPAP group versus supplemental oxygen therapy groups (p < 0.05). IMA levels were determined to be significantly higher in the > 3 days of oxygen therapy group (p < 0.05). IMA levels with a cutoff point of 0.87 ABSU, sensitivity of 81.1% and specificity of 69.8% predicted TTN (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.85; p < 0.05). IMA levels with > 0.98 ABSU, 78% sensitivity, and 86% specificity indicated the prediction of CPAP requirement (AUC = 0.86; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: IMA levels were significantly higher in infants with diagnosed TTN. Therefore, IMA may be used as a new marker for predicting TTN and disease severity.

Effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody during early fetal development in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody Bevacizumab during early fetal development in rats. METHODS: Presumed-pregnant rats received single intraperitoneal injection of Bevacizumab (0-20 mg/kg) on gestational day (GD) 3, 7, and 14 (n = 2 rats/group). After Study 1 (dose range finding study), Study 2 performed with intraperitoneal 20 mg/kg bevacizumab or saline on GD 7 (n = 6 rats/group including the Study 1). Blood samples were collected 3 and 7 d after the injection. Uterus and ovarian tissues were obtained 7 d after the injection. Number of gestational sacs (GS), size of GS and fetus, serum rat ß chorionic gonadotropin (ß-CG), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) for immunohistochemical assessment of angiogenesis were evaluated. RESULTS: Number of GS, size of GS, and fetus were lower in the study group than the control group. Serum rat ß-CG levels were significantly increased in the control group and significantly decreased in the study group. Staining densities for PECAM in vascular structures in both corpus luteum and placenta were lower in the study group than the control group. CONCLUSION: Anti-VEGF antibody has an inhibitory effect on pregnancy development and caused litter death.

Ischemia-modified albumin may be a novel marker for the diagnosis and follow-up of necrotizing enterocolitis.

AIM: We investigate the efficacy of serial ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) measurements in diagnosis and follow-up of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and compare its effectiveness with C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), in NEC. METHODS: Preterm infants, whose gestational age and weight matched each other, were grouped as control (n = 36) and NEC (n = 37). IMA, CRP, IL-6 levels were measured on the third day of life for the control group and on the day of diagnosis (first day), third, and seventh days of NEC. RESULTS: IMA, CRP, and IL-6 levels were significantly increased in NEC patients compared to the control group (P < 0.001) on the follow-up. IMA levels were significantly higher in infants with stage-III NEC than those in infants with stage-II NEC on the first, third, and seventh days (P < 0.001). The area under curve for IMA (0.815 at diagnosis, 0.933 at the third day, 0.935 at the seventh day) were significantly higher than CRP and IL-6 at all days for predicting perforation in infants with NEC (P < 0.001). Similarly, the area under curve for IMA (0.952 at diagnosis, 0.929 at the third day, 0.971 at the seventh day) was significantly higher than CRP and IL-6 at all consequent days of diagnosis for predicting mortality in infants with NEC (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ischemia-modified albumin was found to be superior to CRP and IL-6 in both diagnosis and follow-up of NEC.

Assessment of early atherosclerotic findings in patients with nasal polyposis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate early markers of atherosclerosis in patients with nasal polyposis (NP) through measurements of carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and serum paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity. METHODS: Forty-five patients with NP were included in the study group and 45 healthy individuals in the control group. The diagnosis of patients with NP was predicated on anterior rhinoscopy, endoscopic nasal examination and coronal paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT). Measurements of CIMT and FMD of the brachial artery were performed by high-resolution ultrasonography. Serum PON-1 activity was evaluated by measuring the rate of paraoxon hydrolysis. RESULTS: Mean CIMT values were found to be increased in the NP group compared to the control group. However, mean FMD % values and serum PON-1 activity were significantly lower in the NP group compared to the control group. Moreover; the endoscopic polyps' scores and paranasal sinus CT scores were positively correlated with CIMT and negatively correlated with FMD % values and PON-1 activity. Disease duration also was positively correlated with CIMT and negatively correlated with FMD % values. CONCLUSION: Impaired FMD, increased CIMT and decreased serum PON-1 activity may be considered to be risk factors for accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with NP who may have subclinical atherosclerosis and be at risk for cardiovascular events in the future.

Investigation of trace elements in pterygium tissue.

PURPOSE: In this study, we compare the concentrations of the essential trace elements chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) in both pterygium and normal conjunctiva and investigate the role they play in the development of pterygium. METHODS: Included in the study were 38 patients with pterygium and 38 control patients in matching age groups who had been operated on for strabismus or cataracts and in whom conjunctiva samples were collected from the nasal limbus area. All conjunctiva samples were kept at -80 °C until the performance of the biochemical investigations. The B, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn and Se levels in the samples were then measured. The levels of all tissue trace elements were determined by using Agilent 7500a Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA). RESULTS: Cr, Mn, Zn and Se levels are significantly lower in the study group as compared to those of the control group (p < 0.001 for all four values). Regarding the level of B, there was no significant difference between the groups. The Cu levels of almost all subjects in the control group and all subjects in the pterygium group were under the detection limit. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that remarkable differences in Mn, Zn, Se and Cr levels exist in pterygium tissues. Further investigation of electrolyte composition of the conjunctiva is needed to understand the genesis and developmental mechanism of pterygium.

Serum transaminase elevation in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis: seven years' experience.

BACKGROUND: There are no studies on clinically significant transaminase elevation due to rotavirus gastroenteritis in the literature. Also, there are significant discrepancies among previous studies regarding the prevalence of increased serum transaminase levels in rotavirus infection. METHODS: Patients investigated for rotavirus by stool antigen testing, who were followed between January 2005 and May 2012, were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their rotavirus results: rotavirus-positive acute gastroenteritis (RPAG) and rotavirus-negative acute gastroenteritis (RNAG) groups. RESULTS: A total of 4317 children who presented with acute gastroenteritis were assessed. The study was completed with 642 patients who met the inclusion criteria. In the RPAG group (n = 272), elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was found in 42 (15.4%) patients and elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in 69 (25.4%), while in the RNAG group (n = 370), these numbers were 25 (6.8%) and 44 (11.9%), respectively. The elevated ALT and AST levels were found to be significantly higher in the RPAG group than in the RNAG group (both p < 0.001). The prevalence of elevated transaminase levels was found to be similar with respect to gastroenteritis severity score (p > 0.05). The high serum transaminase levels normalized uneventfully in all patients in the RPAG and RNAG groups during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, our results clearly signify a liver influence in rotavirus infections. Therefore, rotavirus infections should be kept in mind when evaluating the aetiology of transaminase elevation in patients with acute gastroenteritis.

Effects of computer monitor-emitted radiation on oxidant/antioxidant balance in cornea and lens from rats.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the possible effects of computer monitor-emitted radiation on the oxidant/antioxidant balance in corneal and lens tissues and to observe any protective effects of vitamin C (vit C). METHODS: Four groups (PC monitor, PC monitor plus vitamin C, vitamin C, and control) each consisting of ten Wistar rats were studied. The study lasted for three weeks. Vitamin C was administered in oral doses of 250 mg/kg/day. The computer and computer plus vitamin C groups were exposed to computer monitors while the other groups were not. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in corneal and lens tissues of the rats. RESULTS: In corneal tissue, MDA levels and CAT activity were found to increase in the computer group compared with the control group. In the computer plus vitamin C group, MDA level, SOD, and GSH-Px activities were higher and CAT activity lower than those in the computer and control groups. Regarding lens tissue, in the computer group, MDA levels and GSH-Px activity were found to increase, as compared to the control and computer plus vitamin C groups, and SOD activity was higher than that of the control group. In the computer plus vitamin C group, SOD activity was found to be higher and CAT activity to be lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that computer-monitor radiation leads to oxidative stress in the corneal and lens tissues, and that vitamin C may prevent oxidative effects in the lens.

Oxidant stress due to non ionic low osmolar contrast medium in rat kidney.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Contrast media may cause contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in risk group. This study was taken up to establish possible effects of non ionic low osmolar contrast medium administration on oxidant/antioxidant status and nitric oxide (NO) levels in rat kidney tissues. METHODS: Fourteen female, 14 wk old Wistar-albino rats were divided into 2 groups of 7 rats each (control and contrast groups). Non ionic low osmolar contrast medium was administered iv to the animals in the contrast group. The day after, animals were sacrificed and malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO levels and activities of antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT)] and oxidant [xanthine oxidase (XO)] enzymes were measured in kidney tissues. Serum creatinine levels were measured to evaluate kidney functions. RESULTS: Contrast medium administration caused an increase in MDA levels and a decrease in NO levels in kidney tissues. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that non ionic low osmolar contrast medium administration leads to accelerated oxidant reactions and decreased NO level in rat kidney tissues. Further studies need to be done to assess the role of these changes in CIN.