Effects of recurrent sevoflurane anesthesia on cognitive functions with streptozotocin induced Alzheimer disease.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of recurrent sevoflurane anesthesia on cognitive functions in Alzheimer Disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into 4 groups as followed: control (Group C), sevoflurane (Group S), Alzheimer's (Group A) and Alzheimer's + sevoflurane (Group AS)]. Cognitive functions were evaluated with Radial Arm Maze Test (RAMT). Alzheimer model was created by administering 3 mg/kg (10 µl) STZ. Sevoflurane was administered to S and AS groups. Serum samples and hippocampus tissues were analyzed. RESULTS: In RAM test, the entry-exit data were significantly decreased in A and AS groups. After the 2nd and 3rd administration of anesthesia, the numbers were significantly decreased in Group S. Glial-fibrillary-acidic protein levels were significantly higher in AS compared to the C and S groups. The brain tissue caspase 3 activity was less than 1% in all rats in the Group C, 3 % in 2 rats and 1 % in 1 rat in the Group AS. In A and AS group, serum catalase, myeloperoxidase and ferroxidase activities were found to be higher than in the other groups and myeloperoxidase activity was higher in the AS than in the A Group. Serum native thiol, total thiol and disulfide levels were found to be significantly different in the A and AS groups. CONCLUSION: Sevoflurane anesthesia negatively affected the cognitive functions (Tab. 5, Fig. 10, Ref. 51).

Medial olivocochlear suppression in musicians versus non-musicians.

The medial olivocochlear efferent (MOCE) branch synapses with outer hair cells (OHCs), and the efferent pathway can be activated via a contralateral acoustic stimulus (CAS). The activation of MOCE can change OHC motile responses and convert signals that are capable of controlling the sensitivity of the peripheral hearing system in a frequency-specific manner. The aim of this study was to examine the MOCE system activity in professional musicians using transient evoked otoacoustic emission test and CAS. Musician group showed stronger suppression in all frequency bands in the presence of CAS.

Effects of dexmedetomidine and thymoquinone on erythrocyte deformability in lower limb ischemia reperfusion injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine and thymoquinone on erythrocyte deformability in lower limb ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar albino rats were equally divided into 5 groups (n = 6); randomized control group (Group C), diabetes control group (Group DC), DIR group (Group DIR), DIR group with thymoquinone 25 mg.kg‒1 intraperitoneally (Group DIRT) and Group DIR with dexmedetomidine 100 µg.kg‒1 intraperitoneally (Group DIRD). Erythrocyte packs were prepared from heparinized blood samples and deformability measurements were performed. RESULTS: IR significantly increased the relative resistance, a marker of erythrocyte deformability when compared to control group (p < 0.05). There were significant differences among the groups in comparisons with ANOVA test (p < 0.0001). Comparisons of the groups DIRD and DIRT revealed similar results (p = 0.824). The values of Group DIR were significantly higher than those of the control, DC, DIRD and DIRT groups (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.002, respectively). The values of the DC, DIR, DIRD and DIRT groups were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.0001, all). CONCLUSION: Erythrocyte deformability may cause more problems in microcirculation. Dexmedetomidine and thymoquinone may be useful in reducing the adverse effects of this type of injury (Fig. 1, Ref. 41).

Effect of different doses of pregabalin on skeletal muscle ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

AIM/INTRODUCTION: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of pregabalin have been shown previously. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of different doses of pregabalin on skeletal muscle IR injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (Control, Ischaemia-Reperfusion (IR), IR-Pregabalin 50 mg, IR-Pregabalin 200 mg). Following IR, serum Ischemia Modified Albumin (IMA) and tissue Paraoxonase (PON) were studied and gastrocnemius muscle tissue was removed for histopathologic examination. RESULTS: Interstitial inflammation was higher in the IR group than in the control and Pregabalin 200 mg groups (p = 0.037, p = 0.037, respectively). Congestion was higher in the IR group than in the control, Pregabalin 50 and 200 mg groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.004, respectively). PON was lower in the IR group than in the Control, Pregabalin 50 and 200 mg groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.007, p = 0.015, respectively). IMA was higher in the IR group than in the Control, Pregabalin 50 and 200 mg groups (p < 0.0001, all). CONCLUSION: We think that administration of pregabalin, more prominent at 200 mg, can reverse the injury that occurs in the skeletal muscle of IR-induced rats. Pregabalin can be safely used for analgesia in cases of IR (Tab. 2, Fig. 9, Ref. 41).

Spontaneous otoacoustic emission recordings during contralateral pure-tone activation of medial olivocochlear reflex.

We hypothesized that cochlear frequency discrimination occurs through medial olivocochlear efferent (MOCE)-induced alterations in outer hair cell (OHC) electromotility, which is independent from basilar membrane traveling waves. After obtaining informed consent, volunteers with normal hearing (n = 10; mean age: 20.6 ± 1.2 years) and patients with unilateral deafness (n = 10; mean age: 30.2 ± 17.9 years) or bilateral deafness (n = 8; mean age: 30.7 ± 13.8 years) underwent a complete physical and audiological examination, and audiological tests including transient evoked otoacoustic emission and spontaneous otoacoustic emission (TEOAE and SOAE, respectively). SOAE recordings were performed during contralateral pure-tone stimuli at 1 and 3 kHz. SOAE recordings in the presence of contralateral pure-tone stimuli showed frequency-specific activation out of the initial frequency range of SOAE responses. Basilar membrane motion during pure-tone stimulation results from OHC activation by means of MOCE neurons rather than from a traveling wave. Eventually, frequency-specific responses obtained from SOAEs suggested that OHC electromotility may be responsible for frequency discrimination of the cochlea independently from basilar membrane motion.

Investigation of the N-terminal coding region of MUC7 alterations in dentistry students with and without caries.

Human low-molecular weight salivary mucin (MUC7) is a small, secreted glycoprotein coded by MUC7. In the oral cavity, they inhibit the colonization of oral bacteria, including cariogenic ones, by masking their surface adhesions, thus helping saliva to avoid dental caries. The N-terminal domain is important for low-molecular weight (MG2) mucins to contact with oral microorganisms. In this study, we aimed to identify the N-terminal coding region of the MUC7 gene between individuals with and without caries. Forty-four healthy dental students were enrolled in this study; 24 of them were classified to have caries [decayed, missing, filled-teeth (DMFT) = 5.6] according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and 20 of them were caries-free (DMFT = 0). Simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and gingival index (GI) were used to determine the oral hygiene and gingival conditions. Total protein levels and salivary total protein levels and salivary buffer capacity (SBC) were determined by Lowry and Ericsson methods. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells of all the participants and genotyping was carried out by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing method. No statistical differences were found between two groups in the terms of salivary parameters, oral hygiene and gingival conditions. We detected one common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that leads to a change of asparagine to lysine at codon 80. This substitution was found in 29.0 and 40.0%, respectively, of the groups with and without caries. No other sequence variations were detected. The SNP found in this study may be a specific polymorphism affecting the Turkish population. Further studies with extended numbers are necessary in order to clarify this finding.

Vitamin C ameliorates high dose Dexmedetomidine induced liver injury.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether vitamin C has protective effects on rat liver tissue treated with different dexmedetomidine doses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty five wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (Control (0.9% NaCl intraperitoneally (i.p.), Dexmedetomidine 5 µg.kg(-1) (i.p.), Dexmedetomidine 5 µg.kg(-1) i.p. plus Vitamin C (100 mg.kg(-1)), Dexmedetomidine 10 µg.kg(-1) i.p. and Dexmedetomidine 10 µg.kg(-1) i.p. plus Vitamin C (100 mg.kg(-1)). Histopathological liver injury, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and tissue Malondialdehyde levels were investigated. RESULTS: Hepatocyte degeneration was significantly higher in D10 group than those in other study groups (p < 0.0001, p = 0.002, p < 0.0001, p = 0.005, respectively). Similarly, liver tissue sinusoidal dilatation and hepatocyte necrosis were significantly higher in D10 group than those in other groups (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.002, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, p = 0.046, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Tissue MDA levels in D10 group were significantly higher than those in control, D5+Vit C and D10+Vit C groups (p = 0.028, p = 0.004, p = 0.031, respectively). SOD enzyme activity in D10 group was significantly lower than in control, D5+Vit C and D10+Vit C groups (p < 0.0001, p = 0.023 and p = 0.031, respectively). CONCLUSION: High dose dexmedetomidine can induce hepatic injury and oxidative stress in rats while pre-treatment with vitamin C may be effective in protecting liver tissue against this newly recognized undesirable dexmedetomidine effect (Tab. 2, Fig. 5, Ref. 30).

Edaravone ameliorates the adverse effects of valproic acid toxicity in small intestine.

Valproic acid (VPA) is a drug used for the treatment of epilepsy, bipolar psychiatric disorders, and migraine. Previous studies have reported an increased generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in the toxic mechanism of VPA. Edaravone, a free radical scavenger for clinical use, can quench free radical reaction by trapping a variety of free radical species. In this study, effect of edaravone on some small intestine biochemical parameters in VPA-induced toxicity was investigated. Thirty seven Sprague Dawley female rats were randomly divided into four groups. The groups include control group, edaravone (30 mg(-1) kg(-1) day(-1)) given group, VPA (0.5 g(-1) kg(-1) day(-1)) given group, VPA + edaravone (in same dose) given group. Edaravone and VPA were given intraperitoneally for 7 days. Biochemical parameters such as malondialdehyde, as an index of lipid peroxidation(LPO), sialic acid (SA), glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, myeloperoxidase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and tissue factor (TF) activities were determined in small intestine samples by colorimetric methods. Decreased small intestine antioxidant enzyme activities, increased LPO and SA levels, and increased activities of ALP and TF were detected in the VPA group. Based on our results edaravone may be suggested to reverse the oxidative stress and inflammation due to VPA-induced small intestine toxicity.

Investigation of the effects of propofol and vitamin C administration on erythrocyte deformability in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitis.

PURPOSE: In the current study we aim to investigate the effects of vitamin C and profol on red blood cell deformability in diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty- eight Wistar Albino rats were included in the study after streptozocin (60 mg/kg) treatment for 4 weeks of observation for diabetes presence. Twenty-eight rats were allocated to 4 groups. In group DP (n = 7) 150 mg.kg-1 of propofol was injected intraperitoneally. In group DP-vit C (n = 7) rats 100 mg/kg of vitamin C (Ascorbic acid, Redoxon® 1000 mg/5 mL - Roche) were applied one hour before administrating 150 mg.kg-1 of propofol, while rats in control group (n = 7), and diabetic control group (n = 7) received intraperitoneally physiological saline. Deformability measurements were achieved by using erythrocyte suspensions with hematocrit level of 5 % in PBS buffer. RESULTS: Erythrocyte deformability was significantly higher in diabetic control group than in control and vitamin C plus propofol groups (p = 0.00, p = 0.025, respectively). Erythrocyte deformability indexes were found similar in control group and vitamin C plus propofol group (p = 0.949). Relative resistance was increased in diabetic rat model. CONCLUSIONS: Erythrocyte deformability was damaged in rats with diabetes. This injury might lead to further problems in microcirculation. Application of propofol did not alter red cell deformability in diabetic rats. Vitamin C supplementation seems to reverse those negative effects and variations in erythrocyte deformability (Fig. 2, Ref. 57).

Prognostic factors affecting lymph node involvement in cervical cancer.

AIM: Clinical and histopathological factors that affect lymph node involvement in cervical cancer and the prognostic importance of these factors were evaluated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 179 patients were diagnosed with cervical cancer between January 2001 and June 2010 and were included in this study. The patients' charts were evaluated retrospectively and information was collected by reaching 89 patients and asking questions. RESULTS: When the prognostic factors that affect pelvic lymph node involvement were evaluated, increased tumor size and increased invasion depth, presence of lymphovascular area involvement, and an advanced stage were observed to statistically significantly increase pelvic lymph node involvement. No relationship was found between tumor histology and grade; parametrial, endometrial, vaginal involvement, and pelvic lymph node involvement. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of prognostic factors in cervical cancer plays an important role in determining the morbidity and mortality and the treatment strategies.

Comparison of the efficacy of different concentrations and volumes of levobupivacaine in axillary brachial plexus blockade.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the same dosage but different concentrations and volumes of levobupivacaine used for axillary block on the onset and intensity of the block. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients were randomly allocated into three groups. The patients in Group 5, Group 7.5 and Group 3.75 were administered 45 mL of levobupivacaine (5 mg/mL), 30 mL of levobupivacaine (7.5 mg/mL) and 30 mL of levobupivacaine (7.5 mg/mL) mixed with 30 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution, respectively. The onset and intensity of sensory and motor blocks distributed through 4 nerves, duration of analgesia, and total analgesic consumption within 24 hr were recorded. RESULTS: Onset of sensory block on median and radial nerves in Group 3.75 was found to be significantly longer compared to Group 5 and Group 7.5 (P<0.05). Onset of motor block on radial nerves in cases in Group 3.75 was significantly longer compared to those in Group 7.5 (P<0.01). In Group 3.75 the intensity of sensorial blockade at the median ulnar and radial nerves and the intensity of motor blockade at the radial and musculocutaneous nerves were significantly lower than in the other two groups. The duration of analgesia in the patients of Group 5 was significantly shorter compared to those in Groups 7.5 and 3.75 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Decreasing the concentration and increasing the volume of levobupivacaine without changing its dosage prolongs the duration of analgesia, although it delays the onset and decreases the intensity of sensory and motor block in axillary block.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on erythrocyte deformability during ischemia-reperfusion injury of liver in diabetic rats.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on erythrocyte deformability during IR injury of liver in diabetic rats. METHODS: Twenty- eight Wistar Albino rats were included in the study after a 4 week streptozocin (65 mg/kg) treatment to observe the existence of diabetes. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental groups: GroupC and DC (sham-control group): The abdomen was dissected with a median laparotomy and the liver was collected. GroupDIR: The liver was collected after IR following the abdominal median laparotomy. GroupDIRD: The liver was collected after IR following the abdominal median laparotomy and 30 min of infusion of dexmedetomidine 100 µg/kg ip The deformability measurements were performed in erythrocyte suspensions containing Htc 5% in PBS buffer. RESULTS: The deformability index was significantly increased in diabetic rats, however it was similar in the GroupC and DIRD. It was significantly increased in the GroupDIR when compared to the GroupC, DIRD and DC. The relative resistance was increased in IR models. CONCLUSION: Erythrocyte deformability was damaged in rats having diabetes and IR injury. This injury might lead to further problems in microcirculation. It was shown that dexmedetomidine may be useful in enhancing the adverse effects of this injury (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 41).

The effects of low-high doses of dexmedetomidine on erythrocyte deformability in rats.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine is an anesthetic agent frequently used for sedation, intensive care units, and general anesthesia. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of two different doses of dexmedetomidine on erythrocyte deformability in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 21 male rats, with 7 rats in each study group and the control group. The rats in the study groups were administered dexmedetomidine (low dose 5 µg.kg-, high dose 10 µg.kg-) intraperitoneally, and the rats in the control group were administered physiological saline. Erythrocyte packs were prepared using heparinized total blood samples. Deformability measurements were done by erythrocyte suspensions in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) buffer. A constant flow filtrometer system was used to measure erythrocyte deformability, and the relative resistance was calculated. RESULTS: Use of a high dose dexmedetomidine resulted in an increase in relative resistance, which is an indicator for erythrocyte deformability in control rats (p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: High dose dexmedetomidine via negative change in erythrocyte deformability may cause a functional deterioration in blood flow and tissue perfusion. Our results showed that low dose dexmedetomidine protects erythrocyte deformability better than the high dose (Fig. 1, Ref. 23).

Does vitamin C prevent the effects of high dose dexmedetomidine on rat erythrocyte deformability?

PURPOSE: Dexmedetomidine is an anesthetic agent frequently used for sedation at the intensive care units and during general anesthesia. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether vitamin C prevents the effect of high dose dexmedetomidine on erythrocyte deformability in rats. METHODS: The study was performed on 21 male rats, with 7 rats in each study groups and the control group. The rats in the study groups were treated with intraperitoneal dexmedetomidine (10 µg/kg) and intraperitoneal dexmedetomidine plus Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) (100 mg/kg ascorbic acid administered 1 hour before administration of 10 µg/kg dexmedetomidine), respectively. Intraperitoneal physiological saline was administered in the control group. Erythrocyte packs were prepared using heparinized total blood samples. Deformability measurements were done by erythrocyte suspensions in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) buffer. A constant flow filtrometer system was used to measure erythrocyte deformability and the relative resistance was calculated. RESULTS: Erythrocyte deformability was significantly higher in dexmedetomidine group than in control and vitamin C plus dexmedetomidine groups (p=0.003, p=0.013, respectively). Erythrocyte deformability indexes were found similar in the control group and in the vitamin C plus dexmedetomidine group (p=0.383). CONCLUSIONS: High dose dexmedetomidine may cause functional deterioration in blood flow and tissue perfusion with negative effects in erythrocyte deformability. Vitamin C supplementation seems to reverse those negative effects and variations in erythrocyte deformability. However, our preliminary results should be confirmed in wider serious of experimental and clinical trials (Fig. 1, Ref. 27).

Expression of GSTM4 and GSTT1 in patients with Tinea versicolor, Tinea inguinalis and Tinea pedis infections: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Several skin diseases are believed to be associated with oxidative stress. Defence against reactive oxygen species in the skin involves a variety of antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) catalysing the reaction between reduced glutathione, and a variety of exogenously and endogenously derived electrophilic compounds. The mammalian soluble GSTs are divided into five main classes: alpha (A), mu (M), pi (P), theta (T) and zeta (Z). AIM: To investigate the expression of GSTM4 and GSTT1 in lesional and nonlesional skin of patients with dermatophytoses and Tinea versicolor infection. Methods. Expression of GSTM4 and GSTT1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry for dermatophytoses in 15 patients with T. versicolor, 15 patients with Tinea pedis and 8 patients with Tinea inguinalis, and compared with healthy controls (n = 9). After written consent was signed by each participant, punch biopsies were excised from the centre of the lesional skin sites in patients and from the normal skin sites in controls. The relationships between expression of GSTM4 and GSTT1 isoenzymes and fungal infections were also examined. RESULTS: When the normal and infected tissue of these cases were compared according to their staining intensity, GSTM4 expression was found to be stronger in control epithelium than in the epithelium of patients with T. pedis, T. inguinalis or T. versicolor (P < 0.05). By contrast, expression of GSTT1 was stronger in the epithelium of patients infected with any of the three dermatophytes than in control epithelium (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant relationship between presence of T. versicolor, T. inguinalis and T. pedis and expression of GSTM4 and GSTT1.

Biofortification and localization of zinc in wheat grain.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency associated with low dietary intake is a well-documented public health problem, resulting in serious health and socioeconomic problems. Field experiments were conducted with wheat to test the role of both soil and foliar application of ZnSO4 in Zn concentration of whole grain and grain fractions (e.g., bran, embryo and endosperm) in 3 locations. Foliar application of ZnSO4 was realized at different growth stages (e.g., stem elongation, boot, milk, dough stages) to study the effect of timing of foliar Zn application on grain Zn concentration. The rate of foliar Zn application at each growth stage was 4 kg of ZnSO4·7H2O ha(-1). Laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS was used to follow the localization of Zn within grain. Soil Zn application at a rate of 50 kg of ZnSO4·7H2O ha(-1) was effective in increasing grain Zn concentration in the Zn-deficient location, but not in the locations without soil Zn deficiency. In all locations, foliar application of Zn significantly increased Zn concentration in whole grain and in each grain fraction, particularly in the case of high soil N fertilization. In Zn-deficient location, grain Zn concentration increased from 11 mg kg(-1) to 22 mg kg(-1) with foliar Zn application and to 27 mg kg(-1) with a combined application of ZnSO4 to soil and foliar. In locations without soil Zn deficiency, combination of high N application with two times foliar Zn application (e.g., at the booting and milk stages) increased grain Zn concentration, on average, from 28 mg kg(-1) to 58 mg kg(-1). Both ICP-OES and LA-ICP-MS data showed that the increase in Zn concentration of whole grain and grain fractions was pronounced when Zn was sprayed at the late growth stage (e.g., milk and dough). LA-ICP-MS data also indicated that Zn was transported into endosperm through the crease phloem. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the timing of foliar Zn application is of great importance in increasing grain Zn in wheat, especially in the endosperm part that is the predominant grain fraction consumed in many countries. Providing a large pool of Zn in vegetative tissues during the grain filling (e.g., via foliar Zn spray) is an important practice to increase grain Zn and contribute to human nutrition.

Salivary lipid peroxidation and total sialic acid levels during healthy gestation and postpartum: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated salivary lipid peroxidation (LPO) as an oxidative stress marker and salivary total sialic acid (TSA) as an inflammatory response during gestation and postpartum. DESIGN AND METHODS: Salivary LPO and TSA levels, using the Ledwozyw and Warren methods respectively, were obtained in healthy pregnant women followed up during gestation and 6-8 weeks postpartum, and in healthy non-pregnant controls. All were with good oral health. RESULTS: LPO was significantly higher than controls during all trimesters and postpartum and in the second trimester than in the third trimester and postpartum. TSA in the second trimester was significantly higher than in any other group. First trimester levels were significantly higher than postpartum . Oral health indices remained within normal levels for the duration. CONCLUSION: The salivary LPO profile followed plasma gestation and postpartum profiles in the literature but the salivary TSA differed in that after the 2nd trimester, rather than persisting, it decreased.

Association between dental-oral health in young adults and salivary glutathione, lipid peroxidation and sialic acid levels and carbonic anhydrase activity.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between salivary oxidative stress and dental-oral health. Healthy young adults, matched for gender and age, with (N = 21, 10 men, mean age: 20.3 +/- 1 years) and without (N = 16, 8 men, mean age: 21.2 +/- 1.8 years) caries were included in this study. The World Health Organization (WHO) caries diagnostic criteria were used for determining the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index. The oral hygiene and gingival status were assessed using the simplified oral hygiene index and gingival index, respectively. Unstimulated salivary total protein, glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation and total sialic acid levels, carbonic anhydrase activity, and salivary buffering capacity were determined by standard methods. Furthermore, salivary pH was measured with pH paper and salivary flow rate was calculated. Simplified oral hygiene index and gingival index were not significantly different between groups but DMFT scores were significant (P < 0.01). Only, GSH values were significantly different (P < 0.05) between groups (2.2 and 1.6 mg/g protein in young adults without caries and with caries, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between DMFT and GSH (r = -0.391; P < 0.05; Pearson's correlation coefficient). Our results suggest that there is an association between caries history and salivary GSH levels.

Association between dental-oral health in young adults and salivary glutathione, lipid peroxidation and sialic acid levels and carbonic anhydrase activity

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between salivary oxidative stress and dental-oral health. Healthy young adults, matched for gender and age, with (N = 21, 10 men, mean age: 20.3 ± 1 years) and without (N = 16, 8 men, mean age: 21.2 ± 1.8 years) caries were included in this study. The World Health Organization (WHO) caries diagnostic criteria were used for determining the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index. The oral hygiene and gingival status were assessed using the simplified oral hygiene index and gingival index, respectively. Unstimulated salivary total protein, glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation and total sialic acid levels, carbonic anhydrase activity, and salivary buffering capacity were determined by standard methods. Furthermore, salivary pH was measured with pH paper and salivary flow rate was calculated. Simplified oral hygiene index and gingival index were not significantly different between groups but DMFT scores were significant (P < 0.01). Only, GSH values were significantly different (P < 0.05) between groups (2.2 and 1.6 mg/g protein in young adults without caries and with caries, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between DMFT and GSH (r = -0.391; P < 0.05; Pearson's correlation coefficient). Our results suggest that there is an association between caries history and salivary GSH levels.

The role of mean inspiratory effort on daytime sleepiness.

This study has investigated the role of average maximum inspiratory effort in excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). Fifteen patients diagnosed with UARS and 32 patients with OSAS, with >5.5 h total sleep time (TST) during 8 h of nocturnal polygraphic recordings, were included in the study. Demographical data, polysomnographical data and data about daytime sleepiness, including Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), were evaluated. In order to compute the average maximum inspiratory effort from oesophageal pressure (Poes) measurements, maximum Poes was obtained from 20 representative obstructive respiratory events (obstructive apnoeas, hypopnoeas or flow limitations) for each sleep stage in both supine and side positions. From Poes measurements during sleep, the increase in Poes (deltaPoes) during respiratory events was also calculated. The average maximum Poes, deltaPoes, respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and arousal index were significantly correlated with ESS in OSAS patients. In patients with UARS, the only significant correlation was obtained between average maximum Poes and ESS. The MSLT score did not show any significant correlation with arousal index, number of stage variations, RDI, average Poes, deltaPoes, minimum oxygen saturation (Sa,O2) and percentage of TST with an Sa,O2 <90% in both UARS and OSAS patients. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that average maximum Poes correlates best with the variance in ESS for OSAS patients. In conclusion, the data from this study indicate the possible important role of average inspiratory effort in determining subjective sleepiness in both obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and upper airway resistance syndrome patients.