Effect of melatonin on antioxidant capacity, inflammation and apoptotic cell death in lung tissue of diabetic rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of melatonin on antioxidant capacity, inflammation and apoptotic cell death (through expression of cleaved-caspase 3) in lung tissue samples of diabetic rats. METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (control group) was made up of healthy rats. Group 2 (diabetes group) received streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days.Group 3 (diabetes plus melatonin group) received streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days and then they received melatonin at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day between 28thand 35thdays of the study. RESULTS: Tissue MDA and MPO levels were found to be significantly higher in diabetes group compared to control group (p<0.05) whilst administration of melatonin was found to significantly lower this increase down to normal levels (p<0.05). Bronchus associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) was more severe in diabetics whereas administration of melatonin alleviated this hyperplasia. Cleaved caspase 3 activity was severe in hyperplastic BALT in diabetic rats however in lowered down to moderate level when melatonin was administered. CONCLUSION: The melatonin caused an increase in antioxidant capacity and decreased the expression of cleaved-caspase 3.

Effect of melatonin on antioxidant capacity, inflammation and apoptotic cell death in lung tissue of diabetic rats

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effects of melatonin on antioxidant capacity, inflammation and apoptotic cell death (through expression of cleaved-caspase 3) in lung tissue samples of diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (control group) was made up of healthy rats. Group 2 (diabetes group) received streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days.Group 3 (diabetes plus melatonin group) received streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days and then they received melatonin at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day between 28thand 35thdays of the study. Results: Tissue MDA and MPO levels were found to be significantly higher in diabetes group compared to control group (p<0.05) whilst administration of melatonin was found to significantly lower this increase down to normal levels (p<0.05). Bronchus associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) was more severe in diabetics whereas administration of melatonin alleviated this hyperplasia. Cleaved caspase 3 activity was severe in hyperplastic BALT in diabetic rats however in lowered down to moderate level when melatonin was administered. Conclusion: The melatonin caused an increase in antioxidant capacity and decreased the expression of cleaved-caspase 3.

Assessment of Renal and Hepatic Tissue-Protective Effects of N-Acetylcysteine via Ammonia Metabolism: A Prospective Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND The present study sought to assess the renal and liver protective effect of N-acetylcysteine through NH3 and urea metabolism in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting were divided into 2 groups so as to receive (Group 1, n=35) or not receive (Group 2, n=35) 900 mg/day of n-acetylcysteine for 7 days before the operation starting from their admission to the service by a pulmonologist with the purpose of treating COPD until the day of surgery. Both groups were subjected to the same anesthesia protocol. Blood samples were taken preoperatively, within the first 15th minute following cessation of the cardiopulmonary bypass, at postoperative 24th hour, and at postoperative 48th hour. Blood tests included ammonia (NH3), lactate, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), troponin I (Tn I), and creatinine kinase-muscle brain (CKMB). RESULTS There was a significant difference between the groups' NH3 and lactate levels after cardiopulmonary bypass, postoperative 24th hour, and postoperative 48th hour (respectively, NH3: 39.0±8.8 vs. 55.4±19.6 and 40.1±8.4 vs. 53.2±20.2 mcg/dl, lactate: 1.7±0.9 vs. 2.1±1.2 and 1.2±0.5 vs. 1.8±1.4 mmol/L; p<0.01). Creatinine and BUN levels in Group 2 were found to be significantly higher at the postoperative 48th hour compared to the levels of Group 1 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS N-acetylcysteine pretreatment appears to improve renal and hepatic functions through regulation of ammonia and nitrogen metabolism and reduction of lactate in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. We found that N-acetylcysteine improved kidney and/or liver functions.

The effect of diabetes on ovaries in a rat model: the role of interleukin-33 and apoptosis.

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a novel cytokine involved in diabetes mellitus (DM) but its role in diabetic ovarian injury is unknown. As IL-33 is modulated by apoptosis, we aimed at investigating the effect of diabetes on ovaries in terms of evaluating apoptosis and IL-33 in a rat model. In this prospective experimental study, 16 female, nonpregnant Sprague-Dawley albino rats (12 weeks, 220-240 g) were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 included eight healthy nondiabetic rats as controls and group 2 included eight rats in which diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). After overt DM occurred (blood glucose >400 mgr/dl), all animals were euthanized and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Bilateral oophorectomy was performed for histopathological examination. Serum levels of IL-33 and ovarian IL-33 and caspase-3 immunoexpressions were assessed. Immunoexpressions of caspase-3 and IL-33 were significantly higher in ovarian stromal cells of the diabetic rats compared to the controls. Also, in diabetic group, serum IL33 levels were significantly higher than the control group. In conclusion, increased IL-33 was observed both in serum and ovaries of STZ-induced diabetic rats as well as increased apoptosis in these diabetic rats. IL-33 may contribute to the apoptosis in diabetic ovarian injury.

Determinants of Chronic Total Occlusion in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease.

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a common finding in 40% of the patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of CTO in patients with PAD. The study included a total of 211 nonanemic patients with PAD. All patients were categorized according to the Fontaine classification. In lower extremity angiography cohorts, CTO- patients were designated as group 1 and CTO+ patients were designated as group 2. Patients with CTO had significantly higher red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, uric acid, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein compared to patients without CTO ( P ≤ .001, P = .036, P ≤ .001, and P = .015, respectively). Albumin, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin were significantly lower in the patients with CTO compared to patients without CTO ( P = .023, P ≤ .001, and P = .049, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RDW, uric acid, and total bilirubin were independent predictors of CTO in patients with PAD. We demonstrated that increased RDW and uric acid levels and lower total bilirubin values were independently associated with CTO in patients with PAD.

Comparison of TIVA and Desflurane Added to a Subanaesthetic Dose of Propofol in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Evaluation of Haemodynamic and Stress Hormone Changes.

Introduction. Increased levels of stress hormones are associated with mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Aim. To compare total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and desflurane added to a subanaesthetic dose of propofol. Material and Methods. Fifty patients were enrolled in this study. Fentanyl (3-5 mcg/kg/h) was started in both groups. Patients were divided into two groups. The PD group (n = 25) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) desflurane anaesthesia in addition to propofol infusion (2-3 mg/kg/h), while P group (n = 25) received propofol infusion (5-6 mg/kg/h) only. Biochemical data, cortisol, and insulin levels were measured preoperatively (T0), after initiation of CPB but before cross-clamping the aorta (T1), after removal of the cross-clamp (T2), and at the 24th postoperative hour (T3). Results. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure levels were significantly higher in PD group than those in P group in T1 and T2 measurements (p ≤ 0.05). CK-MB showed a significant decrease in group P (p ≤ 0.05). When we compared both groups, cortisol levels were significantly higher in PD group than P group (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion. Stress and haemodynamic responses were better controlled using TIVA than desflurane inhalation added to a subanaesthetic dose of propofol in patients undergoing CABG.

Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Its Detection Using Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important complication of cardiac surgery due to its high mortality. The aim of the present study was to detect the factors leading to AKI in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) and also to determine the optimal timing for detecting AKI using the biomarker neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 375 patients who underwent CABS were reviewed in this case-control study. Ejection fraction (EF), common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) and cross-clamp (C-C) time of the patients were recorded. Blood samples were taken from all patients on preoperative day 1 as well as 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 h and 7 days after operation. Biochemical parameters were studied in patients with and without AKI. RESULTS: According to the Risk Injury Failure Loss End Stage criteria, 24 patients had renal risk, 17 had injury and 4 had failure. Postoperative 24-hour serum creatinine levels indicated the risk of renal dysfunction for only 4 patients in the AKI group. CCA-IMT, C-C time, haematocrit (HCT) and preoperative interleukin-6 levels were significantly higher in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group. Postoperative 6- and 12-hour NGAL levels in the AKI group correlated with postoperative 36-hour serum creatinine levels. The optimal cut-off values for postoperative 6- and 12-hour NGAL test were 310 and 283 ng/ml, respectively. The area under the curve was higher in the 12-hour NGAL test (p < 0.0086). CONCLUSION: The number of stenotic coronary arteries, EF, CCA-IMT and HCT are all important risk factors. Early postoperative NGAL results were highly specific for the early recognition of AKI.

The retrieval of atrial septal defect closure device embolized into aortic arch.

Percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure has become an increasingly simplified procedure over the past decade. The device embolization is seen rarely but it can be fatal. Although percutaneous retrieval is feasible, surgical removal might be preferred when the endothelialization status of the device is unknown. We report a comlication of such closure in a 43-year-old woman: embolization of the ASD occluder device into aortic arch 12 months after implantation. We removed the device surgically and closed the ASD.

N-butyl cyanoacrylate in the treatment of venous insufficiency--the effect of embolisation with ablative polymerisation.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this multicentre prospective observational study was to evaluate the early results of a new non-thermal embolisation method using N-butyl cyanoacrylate in venous insufficiency. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 181 patients with a varicose vein diagnosis were treated with the VariClose: Vein Sealing Systems at four different centres. The protocol included physical and colour Doppler ultrasonography examination, venous clinical severity score and quality of life assessment before and after the procedure on days 1 and 7 and at months 1, 3 and 6. Clinical recovery was evaluated by comparing the venous clinical severity score and the quality of life assessment before and after the procedure. RESULTS: In total, 215 embolisation procedures were successfully completed on 181 patients (110 female) with a mean age of 37.6 ± 13.2 years (range 18-72 years). The 215 procedures consisted of 25 bilateral applications on 206 great saphenous veins and 9 small saphenous veins. The average pre-interventional diameter of great saphenous veins was 6.5 ± 1.4 mm (4.3-14 mm), and the mean diameter of small saphenous veins was 5.2 ± 1.3 mm (3.8-8.6 mm). The average length of the sealed vein segments was 31.6 ± 6.1 cm (23-70 cm), and the average N-butyl cyanoacrylate usage for the patient was 0.9 ml (0.7-2.1 ml). The procedural occlusion rate was 100%. Post-operative pain was observed in 11 patients (6.1%), and thrombophlebitis was observed in 1 patient (0.5%). No total recanalisation was observed. Five (2.7%) partial recanalisations were observed at the 6 month follow-up. The 6 month total occlusion rate was 97.2%. CONCLUSIONS: This new tumescent-free non-thermal embolisation method can be applied safely with high success rates.

Melatonin Attenuates Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Diabetic Rats: The Role of Interleukin-33 and Oxidative Stress.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and oxidative stress (OxS) contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Patients with DKD were found to be more prone to CIN. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a proinflammatory cytokine, but its role in DKD and CIN is unknown. METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were enrolled. The first group was comprised of healthy rats (HRs), whereas the other four groups were made up of diabetic rats (DRs), diabetic rats with contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN + DRs), melatonin-treated diabetic rats (MTDRs), and melatonin-treated CIN + DRs (MTCIN + DRs). All groups except the HRs received 50 mg/kg/day streptozotocin (STZ). CIN + DRs were constituted by administrating 1.5 mg/kg of intravenous radiocontrast dye on the 35th day. MTDRs and MTCIN + DRs were given 20 mg/kg/day of intraperitoneal injection of melatonin (MT) from the 28th day for the constitutive seven days. RESULTS: We observed increased IL-33 in the kidney tissue following induction of CIN in DRs. To determine whether MT is effective in preventing CIN, we administered MT in CIN + DRs and demonstrated that kidney tissue levels of OxS markers, inflammatory cytokines, and IL-33 were significantly diminished in MTCIN + DRs compared with other groups without MT treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Inhibition of IL-33 with MT provides therapeutic potential in DKD with CIN.

Effects of Fentanyl and Morphine on Shivering During Spinal Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Endovenous Ablation of Varicose Veins.

BACKGROUND We sought to investigate the effect of morphine and fentanyl on shivering when used adjunctively with bupivacaine during spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing varicose vein surgery on an outpatient basis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included a total of 90 patients, aged 25-45 years, ASA I-II, scheduled to undergo endovenous laser ablation under spinal anesthesia for lower extremity venous insufficiency/varicose vein disease. Patients were randomly allocated into 3 groups: Group M (morphine group) received 5 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 0.1 mg morphine, Group F (fentanyl group) received 5 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 25 µg fentanyl, and Group C (control group) received 5 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + physiologic saline. The level of sensory blockade was assessed with pin-prick test and the level of motor blockade was assessed with Bromage scale at 5-min intervals. Shivering grade and time to first postoperative analgesic requirement was recorded. RESULTS Level and time of sensory block showed a slight but insignificant increase in the Morphine Group and Fentanyl Group. Time of postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly longer in patients who received morphine (p<0.05). Shivering was significantly less common in patients who received morphine and fentanyl than in patients who are in the Control Group (p<0.02). CONCLUSIONS Morphine or fentanyl may be used as adjunctives to spinal anesthesia to prevent shivering in patients undergoing venous surgery.

Is the Preoperative Administration of Amiodarone or Metoprolol More Effective in Reducing Atrial Fibrillation: After Coronary Bypass Surgery?

This study examined the influence of preoperative administration of amiodarone and metoprolol in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.The study comprised 251 patients who underwent CABG surgery at our hospital between January 2012 and May 2014. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: amiodarone therapy group (n = 122 patients) and metoprolol therapy group (n = 129 patients).In the amiodarone group, the patients received amiodarone tablet orally 1 week before coronary bypass surgery and during the postoperative period. In the metoprolol group, the patients received metoprolol tablet orally 1 week before surgery and during the postoperative period. The AF development rate was retrospectively evaluated between the first 3 days and 4 weeks after surgery.AF developed in 14 patients in the amiodarone group and 16 patients in the metoprolol group 4 weeks after the operation (P = 0.612).No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of intensive care unit and hospital stay. Furthermore, hospital charges were similar in both groups (P = 0.741).The results of the logistic regression analysis showed age, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, and aortic cross-clamping time to be predictors for postoperative AF.This study demonstrates that amiodarone and metoprolol have similar effects in prevention of AF after cardiac surgery. However, larger-scale studies need to be conducted to substantiate these findings.

Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy for acute symptomatic lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy performed by using a rotational thrombectomy device for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis. METHODS: Between April 2012 and November 2014, 17 patients with acute deep vein thrombosis underwent pharmacomechanical thrombolysis. The thrombectomy device was used in a single-session technique for patients with lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis. After the procedure, the effect of thrombolysis was evaluated in 3 grades venographically. Grade I showed lysis of under 50%, and grade III showed complete lysis. RESULTS: Ten patients (58.8%) had an iliofemoral thrombosis and 7 (41.2%) had a femoropopliteal venous thrombosis. At the end of the pharmacomechanical thrombectomy procedure, 12 patients (70%) had complete (grade III) thrombus resolution. Grade I and II lysis were noted in 2 (12%) and 3 (18%) patients, respectively. Additionally, four (23.5%) required an additional lytic infusion as a result of residual thrombi. The overall grade III, II, and I thrombus resolution rates, including the supplemental thrombolysis, were 82.2% (n = 14), 12% (n = 2), and 5.8% (n = 1), respectively. There was no mortality. CONCLUSION: Based on the present data, use of the Cleaner thrombectomy device may prove to be a safe and feasible single-session pharmacomechanical thrombectomy method for the treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis. To prove the effectiveness of this type treatment, a more extensive large-scale studies are needed.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine and allopurinol combination to protect spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury induced by aortic cross-clamping in rat model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this experimental study was to determine whether combination of N-acetylcysteine and allopurinol can reduce the ischemia/reperfusion injury of spinal cord in a rat model. METHODS: Twenty-seven Spraque Dawley rats, all male, weighing between 220 to 370 (mean 325) gr were used in the study. 27 rats were divided into three groups: sham group, control group and experimental group. Abdominal aortic occlusion between the renal arteries and iliac bifurcations was carried out for 60 min with proximal and distal clip in control and experimental groups. Hindlimb motor functions were evaluated at 24, and 48 h using the Tarlov Scale. Besides, spinal cord samples were taken for determination of superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities as antioxidant enzymes, and malondialdehyde as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and xanthine oxidase levels as source hydroxyl radical for biochemical studies. Also, histopathological evaluation was made from cord tissue samples. RESULTS: The experimental group subjects had better neurological functions than control group subjects. In experimental group; superoxide dismutase and catalase levels increased, while malondialdehyde and xantine oxidase levels decreased as compared with control group. Histopathological examination showed that experimental group had less cell degeneration, hemorrhage, edema and inflammation loss than control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers that combined use of N-acetylcysteine and allopurinol might help protect the spinal cord against ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Posterobasal left ventricular aneurysms: surgical treatment and long-term outcomes.

This retrospective study analyzes short- and long-term outcomes in 18 patients who underwent repair of posterobasal left ventricular aneurysm from January 1993 through December 2009. As concomitant procedures, mitral reconstruction was performed in 4 patients, ventricular septal defect repair in 2 patients, and coronary artery bypass grafting in 17 patients. In regard to surgical technique, 10 patients underwent patch repair and 8 underwent closure by linear suture. The in-hospital mortality rate was 11% (2 patients). An intra-aortic balloon pump was placed postoperatively in 1 patient. One patient underwent reoperation for mediastinitis and 2 for bleeding. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 82%, 76%, and 52%, respectively. Posterobasal left ventricular aneurysm repair can be performed with low short-term mortality rates and good long-term outcomes. It must be judged whether a linear repair or patch repair is better, in accordance with aneurysm size and the concomitant operative procedure, if any.

Treatment of left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis: stent or surgery.

BACKGROUND: Drug-eluting stents have emerged as a solution to the problem of restenosis after bare-metal stent implantation, as an alternative to off-pump coronary bypass, for isolated left anterior descending coronary artery lesions at short-term follow-up. However, long-term follow-up is yet to be defined. METHODS: From January to December 2004, 64 consecutive patients underwent myocardial revascularization: 31 by drug-eluting stents and 33 by off-pump coronary bypass. The primary endpoint was angiographic outcome, and the secondary endpoint was clinical outcome at 5 years. RESULTS: There was no early or late mortality in either group. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the stent group (2.5 ± 2.1 vs. 7.1 ± 4.9 days, p = 0.003). Long-term patency was higher and major adverse cardiac events (recurrence of angina and revascularization of target vessel) were encountered less frequently in the coronary bypass group, although not significantly. CONCLUSION: The 5-year follow-up showed no significant difference between the off-pump coronary bypass and stent groups for the primary and secondary endpoints. As a significant difference between treatment options is lacking, decision-making for appropriate treatment in this group of patients requires the collaboration of cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons and an individual approach, to achieve successful long-term outcomes.