Dermatoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on sodium valproate-induced skin damage in rats.

Valproic acid is an antiepileptic drug associated with skin-related issues like excessive hair growth, hair loss, and skin rashes. In contrast, Moringa oleifera, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, is gaining popularity worldwide for its medicinal properties. The protective properties of M. oleifera extract against skin-related side effects caused by valproic acid were investigated. Female rats were divided into control groups and experimental groups such as moringa, sodium valproate, and sodium valproate + moringa groups. A 70% ethanolic extract of moringa (0.3 g/kg/day) was given to moringa groups, and a single dose of sodium valproate (0.5 g/kg/day) was given to valproate groups for 15 days. In the skin samples, antioxidant parameters (such as glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity), as well as oxidant parameters representing oxidative stress (i.e. lipid peroxidation, sialic acid, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and total oxidant capacity), were examined. Additionally, boron, hydroxyproline, sodium-potassium ATPase, and tissue factor values were determined. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was also carried out for protein analysis in the skin samples. The results showed that moringa could increase glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, sodium-potassium ATPase, and boron levels, while decreasing lipid peroxidation, sialic acid, nitric oxide, total oxidant capacity, reactive oxygen species, hydroxyproline, and tissue factor levels. These findings imply that moringa possesses the potential to mitigate dermatological side effects.

Biochemical and Histological Effects of Moringa oleifera Extract against Valproate-Induced Kidney Damage.

Valproic acid is an effective treatment for generalized seizure and related neurological defects. Despite its efficacy and acceptability, its use is associated with adverse drug effects. Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in phytochemical and nutritional components. It has excellent antioxidant and ethnobotanical benefits, thus popular among folk medicines and nutraceuticals. In the present study, 70% ethanol extract of moringa leaves was assessed for its in vivo biochemical and histological effects against valproate-induced kidney damage. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I: control animals given physiological saline (n = 8); Group II: Moringa extract-administered group (0.3 g/kg b.w./day, n = 8); Group III: valproate-administered animals (0.5 g/kg b.w./day, n = 15); and Group IV: valproate + moringa extract (given similar doses of both valproate and moringa extract, n = 12) administered group. Treatments were administered orally for 15 days, the animals were fasted overnight, anesthetized, and then tissue samples harvested. In the valproate-administered experimental group, serum urea and uric acid were elevated. In the kidney tissue of the valproate rats, glutathione was depleted, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase) disrupted, while oxidative stress biomarker, inflammatory proteins (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6), histological damage scores, and the number of PCNA-positive cells were elevated. M. oleifera attenuated all these biochemical defects through its plethora of diverse antioxidant and therapeutic properties.

Evaluating boron levels in Turkish mineral waters: a comparative study of three analytical techniques.

Turkey is abundant in natural mineral water sources, thanks to its location on the Alpine-Himalayan belt. Natural mineral water is drinking water characterized by its natural mineral, trace elements, and carbon dioxide content. Because of quite insufficient data, the boron content in bottled natural mineral waters in Turkey was analyzed by three different methods and compared: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique, carminic acid, and azomethine-H methods, in this study. The boron levels in mineral waters ranged from a minimum of 0.05 mg/L to a maximum of 8.61 mg/L. It was also safe by the upper limit level estimated by the World Health Organisation. As boron plays a beneficial role in human physiology, consuming natural mineral water may offer a positive contribution to public health by supporting boron intake in our country. The other outcome of our research was that the spectrophotometric carminic acid method can yield results similar to those obtained using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique since the boron level of Turkish mineral water was within the limits level of the carminic acid method. However, the result of the azomethine-H method was found not to be suitable. Cross-sensitivity with other elements in mineral water might have caused this.

Reversal of Valproate-Induced Major Salivary Gland Changes By Moringa Oleifera Extract in Rats.

This study aimed to explore the potential protective impacts of Moringa oleifera extract on major alteration in salivary glands of rats exposed to sodium valproate (VA). Groups were defined as control, control+moringa extract, sodium valproate, and sodium valproate+moringa extract. Antioxidant and oxidant status, activities of digestive and metabolic enzymes were examined. VA treatment led to various biochemical changes in the salivary glands, including decreased levels of antioxidants like glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase (except for sublingual superoxide dismutase). Conversely, a decrease in alpha-amylase, alkaline and acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, protease, and maltase activities were observed. The study also demonstrated that VA induces oxidative stress, increases lipid peroxidation, sialic acid, and nitric oxide levels in the salivary glands. Total oxidant capacity was raised in all glands except in the sublingual gland. The electrophoretic patterns of proteins were similar. Moringa oleifera extract exhibited protective properties, reversing these VA-induced biochemical changes due to its antioxidant and therapeutic attributes. This research suggests that moringa extract might serve as an alternative treatment approach for individuals using VA and experiencing salivary gland issues, although further research is necessary to confirm these findings in human subjects.

Petroselinum crispum Extract Prevents Scopolamine-Induced Lens Damage in Rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs especially in advanced ages. It reduces the quality of life of both the patient and their relatives. In addition to its primary effects, AD causes metabolic defects and tissues are damaged due to these effects. Oxidative stress damages cells by disrupting antioxidant/oxidant balance in many tissues, especially due to AD. In individuals with AD and the elderly, lens tissue is damaged due to oxidative stress and may cause vision loss. Therefore, it is very important to investigate herbal products that both prevent/cure AD and reduce AD-related oxidative stress, as they may have fewer side effects. In this study, the protective effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) extract on lens tissues of an experimental AD model induced by scopolamine were examined and evaluated through biochemical parameters. The result of biochemical experiments and principal component analysis, was observed that parsley extract had a therapeutic effect by reducing oxidative stress in lens tissues of experimentally induced AD rats. It can be suggested that the phenolic and flavonoid-rich content of parsley extract may have caused the reduction of oxidative damage in lens tissues and can be used to protect lens tissue against oxidative stress due to AD disease.

Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on valproate-induced oxidative damage in muscle.

Valproic acid (VPA) is a drug used for the treatment of epilepsy worldwide. Depending on usage, it can cause complications such as coagulopathies, hepatotoxicity, and encephalopathy. Moringa oleifera has been shown to have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective activities. The current study investigated the effects of Moringa leaves extract (70% ethanol) on antioxidant systems against valproate-induced oxidative damage in muscle tissues of rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I: control group; Group II: animals given only Moringa extract; Group III: animals that received only sodium valproate; Group IV: animals administered with sodium valproate + Moringa extract. Moringa extract and sodium valproate were administered orally. Muscle tissues were collected after sacrificing the animals. Biochemical analysis of muscle tissue homogenates of the valproate group revealed elevated levels/activities of lipid peroxidation, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, reactive oxygen species, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, sialic acid, protein carbonyl, nitric oxide, and myeloperoxidase. While glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant status, aryl esterase and sodium/potassium ATPase were decreased. The administration of Moringa extract reversed these biochemical changes. These results indicate that Moringa leaves extract had a protective effect on muscle tissues against valproate-induced damage.

Hepatoprotective effects of parsley (Petroselinum Crispum) extract in rats with bile duct ligation.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of parsley extract (Petroselinum Crispum; PC) against oxidative liver damage caused by bile obstruction in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bile duct ligation (BDL) method was used to induce liver injury in rats. The rats were divided into the three groups each consisting of 8 rats; Sham-operated control (C), bile duct ligated + saline treated (BDL), and BDL + PC treated groups. PC extract was given at a dose of 2 g/kg orally for 28 days. Aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanin amino transferase (ALT), and bilirubin levels were analyzed in sera. In order to determine free radicals in liver injury, luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescence tests used. Oxidative stress was evaluated through superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, Na+/K+-ATPase and 8-hydroxy guanosine levels. Furthermore, inflammation marker myeloperoxidase, apoptosis marker caspase-3, and fibrosis markers TGF- ß and hydoxyproline were investigated. The liver tissues were also examined for histological evaluations. RESULTS: While PC treatment decreased AST and ALT levels which increased with BDL, oxidant damage parameters also decreased with this treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study, which is the first research for PC extract on cholestasis induced liver damage, demonstrated that PC extract could be a potential therapeutic agent against liver fibrosis and need further studies.

Oxidative brain and cerebellum injury induced by d-galactosamine: Protective effect of S-methyl methionine sulfonium chloride.

The objective of this study was to examine the protective effects of S-methyl methionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC) against galactosamine (GalN)-induced brain and cerebellum injury in rats. A total of 22 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Group I (n = 5), intact animals; Group II (n = 6), animals received 50 mg/kg/day of MMSC by gavage technique for 3 consecutive days; Group III (n = 5), animals injected with a single dose of 500 mg/kg of GalN intraperitoneally (ip); and Group IV (n = 6), animals injected with the same dose of GalN 1 h after MMSC treatment. After 6 h of the last GalN treatment (at the end of the experiments), all animals were killed under anesthesia, brain and cerebellum tissues were dissected out. Reduced glutathione, total antioxidant status levels, and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-related enzymes), aryl esterase, and carbonic anhydrase activities remarkably declined whereas advanced oxidized protein products, reactive oxygen species, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index levels, and myeloperoxidase, acetylcholinesterase, lactate dehydrogenase, and xanthine oxidase activities were significantly elevated in the GalN group compared with intact rats. In contrast, the administration of MMSC to GalN groups reversed these alterations. In conclusion, we may suggest that MMSC has protective effects against GalN-induced brain and cerebellar toxicity in rats.

Investigation of possible neuroprotective effects of some plant extracts on brain in bile duct ligated rats.

This study aimed to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of bitter melon (BM), chard, and parsley extracts on oxidative damage that may occur in the brain of rats with bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced biliary cirrhosis. It was observed that lipid peroxidation (LPO), sialic acid (SA), and nitric oxide (NO) levels increased; glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT) activity, and tissue factor (TF) activity decreased significantly in the BDL group. However, in groups with BDL given BM, chard, and parsley extracts LPO, SA, NO levels decreased; GSH levels and CAT activities increased significantly. No significant differences were observed between groups in total protein, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and boron. Histological findings were supported by the biochemical results. BM, chard, and parsley extracts were effective in the regression of oxidant damage caused by cirrhosis in the brain tissues. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Bitter melon (BM), chard, and parsley have antioxidant properties due to their bioactive compounds which are involved in scavenging free radicals, suppressing their production, and stimulating the production of endogenous antioxidant compounds. Since BM, chard, and parsley extracts were found to be effective in the regression of oxidant damage caused by cirrhosis in the brain tissues, these plant extracts may be an alternative in the development of different treatment approaches against brain damage in cirrhosis. At the same time, these species have been used as food by the people for many years. Therefore, they can be used safely as neuroprotective agents in treatment.

Zinc Supplementation Restores Altered Biochemical Parameters in Stomach Tissue of STZ Diabetic Rats.

The stomach is among the organs grossly affected organ by diabetic complications. The present study was aimed at investigating the protective role of zinc on stomach of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus. Female Swiss albino rats were divided in four experimental groups: Group I, control; group II, control + zinc sulfate; group III, STZ-induced diabetic animals; and group IV, STZ-diabetic + zinc sulfate. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ, at a dose of 65 mg/kg body weight. Zinc sulfate (100 mg/kg body weight) was given daily by gavage for 60 days to groups II and IV. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, and the tissues were taken. In the diabetic group, hexose, hexosamine, fucose, and sialic acid levels, as well as tissue factor, adenosine deaminase, carbonic anhydrase, xanthine oxidase, lactate dehydrogenase, prolidase activities, advanced oxidized protein products, homocysteine, and TNF-α levels were increased in the stomach tissue homogenates. Whereas, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, paraoxonase, and aryl esterase activities were decreased in the diabetic group. The administration of zinc reversed all the deformities. These findings suggest that zinc has protective role in ameliorating several mechanisms of STZ-induced diabetic stomach injury.

Protective role of zinc in liver damage in experimental diabetes demonstrated via different biochemical parameters.

Diabetes mellitus is a serious worldwide metabolic disease, which is accompanied by hyperglycaemia and affects all organs and body system. Zinc (Zn) is a basic cofactor for many enzymes, which also plays an important role in stabilising the structure of insulin. Liver is the most important target organ after pancreas in diabetic complications. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective role of Zn in liver damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus. There are four experimental groups of female Swiss albino rats: group I: control; group II: control + ZnSO4 ; group III: STZ-induced diabetic animals and group IV: STZ-diabetic + ZnSO4 . To induce diabetes, STZ was injected intraperitoneally (65 mg/kg). ZnSO4 (100 mg/kg) was given daily to groups II and IV by gavage for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, rats were killed under anaesthesia and liver tissues were collected. In the diabetic group, hexose, hexosamine, fucose, sialic acid levels, arginase, adenosine deaminase, tissue factor activities and protein carbonyl levels increased, whereas catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and Na+ /K+ -ATPase activities decreased. The administration of Zn to the diabetic group reversed all the negative effects/activities. According to these results, we can suggest that Zn has a protective role against STZ-induced diabetic liver damage.

Antibacterial and photodynamic effects of some plant extracts for cavity disinfection.

BACKGROUND: In current dental treatments, with the aim of a preventive approach,it is argued that removing only the infected layer of dentin is sufficient for cavity preparation. However it is impossible to be sure that the infected layer was completely removed. In addition, the cause of secondary caries and post operative sensitivities has been reported as residual bacteria in some studies. The aim of this study is to investigate the antibacterial and photo-active properties of Cotinus coggygria Scop., Rumex cristatus DC., Beta vulgaris L.var.cicla and Eruca sativa aqueous extracts, and to investigate their usefulness for cavity disinfection in dentistry. METHOD: The aqueous solutions of plant extracts were prepared to be at a maximum concentration and the Streptococcus mutans solutions mixed with phosphate buffered saline to give 108 cfu/mL. A 430-480 nm wavelength light source was used for the irradiation. Three different applications were made: extract + Streptococcus mutans mixture exposed to ligh; extract + Streptococcus mutans mixture that was not exposed to light and S. mutans exposed to light. RESULTS: No antibacterial effect was found for the second and third applications. In the first application, however, irradiation with extract + Streptococcus mutans mixture reduced the number of microorganisms in the beginning by 99% for only Rumex cristatus DC. extract (log 2). CONCLUSION: Rumex cristatus DC. extract can be used as an alternative in photo-active disinfection of cavities in dentistry.

Synthesis and elastase inhibition activities of novel aryl, substituted aryl, and heteroaryl oxime ester derivatives.

Fifteen novel aryl, substituted aryl and heteroaryl γ-hydroxy- (2a-e), γ-methoxyimino- (3a-e), and γ-benzyloxyimino- (4a-e) butyric acid methyl esters were investigated for their enzyme inhibition, and the synthesis of 10 compounds (3a-e, 4a-e) is given in this study. The other five compounds (2a-e) were synthesized before in another study. Compounds 3a-e and 4a-e were synthesized in this work as original compounds and characterized by 1 H and 13 C NMR, IR, mass, and elemental analyses. Their (E/Z)-isomerisation ratios were analyzed by 1 H and 13 C NMR. All of them are of pure (E)-configuration. Due to the literature survey, the elastase inhibition activity was not studied for these compounds. Elastase inhibition ability was investigated in this work for five γ-hydroxy- (2a-e), five γ-methoxy- (3a-e), and five γ-benzyloxyimino- (4a-e) butyric acid methyl esters. All these 15 compounds showed elastase inhibition activity. Compound 2b was the best one and exhibited a better activity than the standard ursolic acid whereas compound 2a worked like the standard. All these compounds can be novel elastase inhibitor agents in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Postoperative Mortality after Hip Fracture Surgery: A 3 Years Follow Up.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To determine mortality rates and predisposing factors in patients operated for a hip fracture in a 3-year follow-up period. METHODS: The study included patients who underwent primary surgery for a hip fracture.The inclusion criteria were traumatic, non-traumatic, osteoporotic and pathological hip fractures requiring surgery in all age groups and both genders. Patients with periprosthetic fractures or previous contralateral hip fracture surgery and patients who could not be contacted by telephone were excluded. At 36 months after surgery, evaluation was made using a structured telephone interview and a detailed examination of the hospital medical records, especially the documents written during anesthesia by the anesthesiologists and the documents written at the time of follow-up visits by the orthopaedic surgeons. A total of 124 cases were analyzed and 4 patients were excluded due to exclusion criteria. The collected data included demographics, type of fracture, co-morbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, anesthesia techniques, operation type (intramedullary nailing or arthroplasty; cemented-noncemented), peroperative complications, refracture during the follow-up period, survival period and mortality causes. RESULTS: The total 120 patients evaluated comprised 74 females(61.7%) and 46 males(38.3%) with a mean age of 76.9±12.8 years (range 23-95 years). The ASA scores were ASA I (0.8%), ASA II (21.7%), ASA III (53.3%) and ASA IV (24.2%). Mortality was seen in 44 patients (36.7%) and 76 patients (63.3%) survived during the 36-month follow-up period. Of the surviving patients, 59.1% were female and 40.9% were male.The survival period ranged between 1-1190 days. The cumulative mortality rate in the first, second and third years were 29.17%, 33.33% and 36.67% respectively. The factors associated with mortality were determined as increasing age, high ASA score, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, malignancycementation and peroperative complications such as hypotension (p<0.05). Mortality was highest in the first month after fracture. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed higher mortality rates in patients with high ASA scores due to associated co-morbidities such as congestive heart failure, malignancy and Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. The use of cemented prosthesis was also seen to significantly increase mortality whereas no effect was seen from the anesthesia technique used. Treatment of these patients with a multidiciplinary approach in an orthogeriatric ward is essential. There is a need for further studies concerning cemented vs. uncemented implant use and identification of the best anesthesia technique to decrease mortality rates in these patients.

Survey of postoperative residual curarization, acute respiratory events and approach of anesthesiologists / Pesquisa de curarização residual no pós-operatório, eventos respiratórios agudos e abordagem de anestesiologistas

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: residual paralysis following the use of neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) without neuromuscular monitoring remains a clinical problem, even when NMBDs are used. This study surveys postoperative residual curarization and critical respiratory events in the recovery room, as well as the clinical approach to PORC of anesthesiologists in our institution. METHODS: This observational study included 415 patients who received general anesthesia with intermediate-acting NMBDs. Anesthesia was maintained by non-participating anesthesiologists who were blinded to the study. Neuromuscular monitoring was performed upon arrival in the recovery room. A CRE was defined as requiring airway support, peripheral oxygen saturation <90% and 90-93% despite receiving 3 L/min nasal O2, respiratory rate >20 breaths/min, accessory muscle usage, difficulty with swallowing or speaking, and requiring reintubation. The clinical approach of our anesthesiologists toward reversal agents was examined using an 8-question mini-survey shortly after the study. RESULTS: The incidence of PORC was 43% (n = 179) for TOFR <0.9, and 15% (n = 61) for TOFR <0.7. The incidence of TOFR <0.9 was significantly higher in women, in those with ASA physical status 3, and with anesthesia of short duration (p < 0.05). In addition, 66% (n = 272) of the 415 patients arriving at the recovery room had received neostigmine. A TOFR <0.9 was found in 46% (n = 126) of the patients receiving neostigmine. CONCLUSIONS: When routine objective neuromuscular monitoring is not available, PORC remains a clinical problem despite the use of NMBDs. The timing and optimal antagonism of the neuromuscular blockade, and routine objective neuromuscular monitoring is recommended to enhance patient safety.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A paralisia residual após o uso de bloqueadores neuromusculares (BNMs) sem monitoração neuromuscular continua sendo um problema clínico, mesmo quando BNMs são usados. Este estudo pesquisou a curarização residual pós-operatória e os eventos respiratórios críticos em sala de recuperação, bem como a abordagem clínica da CRPO feita pelos anestesiologistas em nossa instituição. MÉTODOS: Este estudo observacional incluiu 415 pacientes que receberam anestesia geral com BNMs de ação intermediária. A manutenção da anestesia foi feita por anestesiologistas não participantes, "cegos" para o estudo. A monitoração neuromuscular foi realizada no momento da chegada à sala de recuperação. Um ERC foi definido como necessidade de suporte ventilatório; saturação periférica de oxigênio <90% e 90-93%, a despeito de receber 3 L/min de O2 via cânula nasal; frequência respiratória >20 bpm; uso de musculatura acessória; dificuldade de engolir ou falar e necessidade de reintubação. A abordagem clínica de nossos anestesiologistas, em relação aos agentes de reversão, foi avaliada usando um miniquestionário de oito perguntas logo após o estudo. RESULTADOS: A incidência de CRPO foi de 43% (n = 179) para a SQE <0 e 15% (n = 61) para a SQE <0,7. A incidência de SQE <0,9 foi significativamente maior em mulheres, pacientes com estado físico ASA III e com anestesia de curta duração (p < 0,05). Além disso, 66% (n = 272) dos 415 pacientes que chegam à sala de recuperação haviam recebido neostigmina. Uma SQE <0,9 foi encontrada em 46% (n = 126) dos pacientes que receberam neostigmina. CONCLUSÃO: Quando a monitoração neuromuscular objetiva de rotina não está disponível, a CRPO continua sendo um problema clínico, a despeito do uso de BNMs. O momento e o antagonismo ideais do bloqueio neuromuscular e a monitoração neuromuscular objetiva de rotina são recomendados para aumentar a segurança do paciente.

Zinc supplementation ameliorates glycoprotein components and oxidative stress changes in the lung of streptozotocin diabetic rats.

Zinc (Zn) is a component of numerous enzymes that function in a wide range of biological process, including growth, development, immunity and intermediary metabolism. Zn may play a role in chronic states such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Zn acts as cofactor and for many enzymes and proteins and has antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. Taking into consideration that lung is a possible target organ for diabetic complications, the aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of zinc on the glycoprotein content and antioxidant enzyme activities of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat tissues. Female Swiss albino rats were divided into four groups. Group I, control; Group II, control + zinc sulfate; Group III, STZ-diabetic; Group IV, diabetic + zinc sulfate. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (65 mg/kg body weight). Zinc sulfate was given daily by gavage at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight every day for 60 days to groups II and IV. At the last day of the experiment, rats were sacrificed, lung tissues were taken. Also, glycoprotein components, tissue factor (TF) activity, protein carbonyl (PC), advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP), hydroxyproline, and enzyme activities in lung tissues were determined. Glycoprotein components, TF activity, lipid peroxidation, non enzymatic glycation, PC, AOPP, hydroxyl proline, lactate dehydrogenase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase and prolidase significantly increased in lung tissues of diabetic rats. Also, glutathione levels, paraoxonase, arylesterase, carbonic anhydrase, and Na(+)/K(+)- ATPase activities were decreased. Administration of zinc significantly reversed these effects. Thus, the study indicates that zinc possesses a significantly beneficial effect on the glycoprotein components and oxidant/antioxidant enzyme activities.

Comparison of the effect of rocuronium dosing based on corrected or lean body weight on rapid sequence induction and neuromuscular blockade duration in obese female patients.

OBJECTIVES: To compare onset time, duration of action, and tracheal intubation conditions in obese patients when the intubation dose of rocuronium was based on corrected body weight (CBW) versus lean body weight (LBW) for rapid sequence induction.  METHODS: This prospective study was carried out at Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey between August 2013 and May 2014. Forty female obese patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia were randomized into 2 groups. Group CBW (n=20) received 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium based on CBW, and group LBW (n=20) received 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium based on LBW. Endotracheal intubation was performed 60 seconds after injection of muscle relaxant, and intubating conditions were evaluated. Neuromuscular transmission was monitored using acceleromyography of the adductor pollicis. Onset time, defined as time to depression of the twitch tension to 95% of its control value, and duration of action, defined as time to achieve one response to train-of-four stimulation (T1) were recorded. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the groups in intubation conditions or onset time (50-60 seconds median, 30-30 interquartile range [IQR]). Duration of action was significantly longer in the CBW group (60 minutes median, 12 IQR) than the LBW group (35 minutes median, 16 IQR; p less than 0.01). CONCLUSION: In obese patients, dosing of 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium based on LBW provides excellent or good tracheal intubating conditions within 60 seconds after administration and does not lead to prolonged duration of action.

Survey of postoperative residual curarization, acute respiratory events and approach of anesthesiologists.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: residual paralysis following the use of neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) without neuromuscular monitoring remains a clinical problem, even when NMBDs are used. This study surveys postoperative residual curarization and critical respiratory events in the recovery room, as well as the clinical approach to PORC of anesthesiologists in our institution. METHODS: This observational study included 415 patients who received general anesthesia with intermediate-acting NMBDs. Anesthesia was maintained by non-participating anesthesiologists who were blinded to the study. Neuromuscular monitoring was performed upon arrival in the recovery room. A CRE was defined as requiring airway support, peripheral oxygen saturation <90% and 90-93% despite receiving 3 L/min nasal O2, respiratory rate > 20 breaths/min, accessory muscle usage, difficulty with swallowing or speaking, and requiring reintubation. The clinical approach of our anesthesiologists toward reversal agents was examined using an 8-question mini-survey shortly after the study. RESULTS: The incidence of PORC was 43% (n = 179) for TOFR < 0.9, and 15% (n = 61) for TOFR < 0.7. The incidence of TOFR < 0.9 was significantly higher in women, in those with ASA physical status 3, and with anesthesia of short duration (p < 0.05). In addition, 66% (n = 272) of the 415 patients arriving at the recovery room had received neostigmine. A TOFR < 0.9 was found in 46% (n = 126) of the patients receiving neostigmine. CONCLUSIONS: When routine objective neuromuscular monitoring is not available, PORC remains a clinical problem despite the use of NMBDs. The timing and optimal antagonism of the neuromuscular blockade, and routine objective neuromuscular monitoring is recommended to enhance patient safety.

Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) extract improved hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and surfactant-associated protein alterations in rat lungs.

CONTEXT: Chard is used as an antidiabetic agent by the diabetic patients in Turkey. OBJECTIVE: The effect of chard extract [Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla (Chenopodiaceae)] on the antioxidant system and the expression of surfactant-associated proteins (SP) in the lungs of hyperglycemic rats were examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hyperglycemia was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) provided intraperitoneally. Fourteen days after the rats were rendered hyperglycemic, the chard (2 g/kg/d), insulin (6 U/kg/d), and chard plus insulin (as mentioned above) were administered to rats for 45 d. On day 60, rats' lungs were removed. Oxidative stress parameters and SP expression were assayed. RESULTS: The lungs of hyperglycemic rats were characterized by the induced lipid and protein oxidation, elevated myeloperoxidase and xanthine oxidase activities, decreased glutathione levels, and reduced tissue factor and antioxidant enzymes activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase). Chard treatment alone and chard treatment combined with insulin were capable of achieving a regression of pulmonary oxidative stress, by inhibiting lipid and protein oxidation, and restoring the antioxidant system of hyperglycemic rats. SP-A expressions were significantly unchanged in all groups, whereas pro-SP-C and SP-D expressions were reduced in hyperglycemic rats. Pro-SP-C and SP-D levels were increased by chard and insulin administrations alone and combined in hyperglycemic rats. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: All treatments have a positive effect on the surfactant and antioxidant systems of the lungs of hyperglycemic rats. The best therapeutic effect was provided by treatment with chard extract alone in the compensation of hyperglycemic symptoms.

The role of ghrelin on apoptosis, cell proliferation and oxidant-antioxidant system in the liver of neonatal diabetic rats.

Ghrelin is a multifunctional peptide hormone which stimulates appetite and regulates glucose metabolism and adipogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ghrelin has protective effects in the liver of streptozocin (STZ) diabetic rats or not. Wistar-type neonatal rats were divided into four groups: I. Controls, II. Ghrelin administrated controls, III. STZ-diabetic rats, and IV. Ghrelin administrated diabetic rats. On the second day after birth, 100 mg/kg STZ was administered intraperitoneally in a single dose to induce diabetes in rats. 100 µg/kg/day ghrelin was administrated to rats subcutaneously for 4 weeks. Ghrelin administration improved histopathologic changes in STZ-diabetic liver. Obestatin immunoreactivity has been shown in livers of neonatal rats. The immunoreactivity of obestatin increased in diabetic rats and a decline was observed in ghrelin administrated diabetic rats. Caspase 8 and 3 immunoreactivities increased in diabetic rats; however, ghrelin administration differently affected caspases 8 and 3 immunoreactivities. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunoreactivities decreased in diabetic rats and in ghrelin administrated diabetic rats. Serum alanine (P < 0.05) and aspartate transaminase (P < 0.0001) and serum alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.0001) activities were decreased in ghrelin administrated diabetic rats compared to the diabetic rats. Gamma glutamyl transferase activity (P < 0.001) decreased in ghrelin administrated diabetic rats compared to the diabetic rats. The response of antioxidants including glutathione levels, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were altered in ghrelin administrated diabetic rats. Our findings indicate that ghrelin administration affects hepatic functions in neonatal diabetic rats and might be considered as a therapeutic agent.