Short-interval postconditioning protects the bowel against ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Objective Acute mesenteric ischaemia leads to intestinal damage. Restoration of blood flow results in further damage to tissue, which is called reperfusion injury. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of short-interval postconditioning and to determine the optimal interval for reperfusion in an experimental rat model of intestinal ischaemia. Methods Forty adult male Wistar rats were grouped as follows: sham (Sh), ischaemia + reperfusion (IR), ischaemia + postconditioning for 5 seconds (PC5), ischaemia + postconditioning for 10 seconds (PC10), and ischaemia + postconditioning for 20 seconds (PC20). For postconditioning, 10 cycles of reperfusion (5, 10, or 20 seconds) interspersed by 10 cycles of 10 seconds of ischaemia were performed. Blood glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were measured. Intestinal tissue damage was assessed histopathologically. Results GR levels were significantly higher in the PC5 group than in the IR group (37.7 ± 9.0 vs. 18.5 ± 2.0 min/g Hb). GPx levels were significantly higher in the PC10 group than in the IR group (43.2 ± 9.2 vs. 15.9 ± 4.6 U/g Hb). The histopathological score was significantly lower in the PC5 group (1.1 ± 0.1) than in the IR group (2.1 ± 0.2). Conclusion Short-interval postconditioning reduces reperfusion injury in the ischaemic bowel and the optimal interval for reperfusion is 5 seconds. The long-term effects of short-interval postconditioning and the optimal reperfusion interval in intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion in rats need to be investigated.

Protective effects of citicoline on TNBS-induced experimental colitis in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of citicoline on the development of colitis and antioxidant parameters in rats subjected to tribenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. Twenty four Wistar Albino female rats were divided into four subgroups (n=6) (control, colitis control, colitis + 50 mg/kg citicoline, colitis + 250 mg/kg citicoline). Colitis was induced using an enema of TNBS and ethanol; following which citicoline was administrated for 3 days and effects of citicoline was subsequently evaluated. Based on microscopic damage scores, there was no difference between rats of the TNBS-colitis and 50 mg/kg citicoline treated groups, whereas treatment with 250 mg/kg citicoline, caused significant reduction in colon injury compared to that observed in rats of TNBS-colitis group. In terms of the biochemical analyses, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and IL-6 levels in rats from 250 mg/kg citicoline group were significantly different from that TNBS-colitis group. The levels of MPO, MDA, GSH and IL-6 in control rats were also significantly different those of rats in the TNBS-colitis group. Citicoline may have a positive protective effect on the inflammatory bowel disease treatment process and could, therefore, be used as an adjunct therapy in colitis. These effects of citicoline may exist through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanism.

The effect of pioglitazone on antioxidant levels and renal histopathology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Objective. Diabetic nephropathy is the most commonly seen cause of chronic renal failure, and oxidative stress is important in etiology. In the present study, favorable effects (if any) of the treatment with a thiazolidinedione group drug, pioglitazone, on antioxidant enzyme levels in the renal tissue, renal histopathology, and inflammatory cytokine levels have been investigated. Method. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups as the control, diabetic control, and 10 and 30 mg pioglitazone-administered diabetic groups. After 4 weeks, antioxidant enzyme levels in renal tissues and inflammatory markers were investigated. Results. Blood glucose levels did not differ between the diabetic control and drug-administered groups. In pioglitazone-administered rats, histopathological findings such as tubular dilation, necrotic tubular epithelium, glomerular focal necrosis, and vascular consolidation were observed at a lesser extent than the diabetic control group. Any difference was not detected between the diabetic groups with respect to the levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, nitric oxide, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Conclusion. Pioglitazone regressed development of histopathological lesions such as glomerular focal necrosis, tubular epithelial necrosis, tubular dilation, and vascular wall consolidation. However, any favorable effect on antioxidant enzyme levels in renal tissues and inflammation markers was not detected.

The clinical importance of bone metabolic markers in detecting bone metastasis of lung cancer.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of bone metabolic markers in clinical evaluation of bone metastasis of lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five male patients with lung cancer were included in this trial, 77% of whom were diagnosed as having non-small cell lung cancer and 20% were small cell lung cancer. The presence of bone metastasis was investigated by whole-body bone scintigraphy via Tc-99m mostly (80%) and, in some cases, PET/CT (positron emission tomography and computerized tomography) which was performed for staging. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteocalcin were measured in serum of the patients as markers of bone formation. N-terminal telopeptide (NTX) and ß-form of C terminal telopeptide (ß-CTX) were studied as bone destruction markers. RESULTS: The cases were divided into two groups according to the presence of bone metastasis. Twenty-three patients (35%) had bone metastasis. Serum levels of total ALP, BALP and NTX were significantly higher in the group with bone metastasis (p < 0.05). Osteocalcin and ß-CTX levels were not significantly different between two groups. According to ROC-curve analysis, at the threshold value of 22.38 µg/L, the sensitivity of BALP was 60.87% and the specificity was 69.05%. Similarly, at the threshold value of 25.69 nmol BCE, the sensitivity of NTX was 90.24% and the specificity was 43.4%. CONCLUSION: Bone metabolic markers are considered noninvasive, useful and cost-effective. However, more prospective studies are needed in order to use them for evaluation of bone metastasis in lung cancer.

The effects of short-interval postconditioning in preventing testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

AIM: Testicular torsion can lead to testicular damage. During reperfusion, tissue damage is more severe. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of short-interval postconditioning and determine the optimal time of reperfusion for postconditioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five adult male rats were divided into 5 subgroups: Sh (sham operated), TD (torsion + detorsion), PC5 (torsion + postconditioning 5 seconds), PC10 (torsion + postconditioning-10 seconds), PC20 (torsion + postconditioning 20 seconds). Torsion was created by rotating the left testis counterclockwise 1080° and the testis fixed to the scrotum with 3 sutures. Torsion was maintained for 4 hours. The testicular artery was visualized, and before detorsion of the testis, an atraumatic vessel clamp was applied to prevent reperfusion in all study groups. Then, detorsion of the testis was performed. In the TD group, the clamp was released just after detorsion; in the PC5 group, the clamp was released for 5 seconds and closed for 10 seconds (10 times); in the PC10 group, the clamp was released for 10 seconds and closed for 10 seconds (10 times); and in the PC20 group, the clamp was released for 20 seconds and closed for 10 seconds (10 times). Then, all testes were reperfused for a 1-hour period in all study groups. After this period, the rats were sacrificed, and the left testes were removed and evaluated histopathologically and biochemically. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Tissue malondialdehyde levels were 79.3 ± 10.6, 231.7 ± 102.3, 71.3 ± 12.6, 73.8 ± 13.7, and 124.3 ± 48.0 nmol/g tissue in the Sh, TD, PC5, PC10, and PC20 groups, respectively. Tissue malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in the PC5 and PC10 groups (P < .05) compared to the other groups. However, mean histopathologic grade was lower in all postconditioning groups compared to the control group, but the difference was significant only in the PC5 group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that short-interval postconditioning can reduce reperfusion injury in ischemic tissue and the optimal mode of short-interval postconditioning is 5 seconds × 10 times. This technique seems easily applicable, and a similar technique may be used during testicular surgery.

Effects of early initiated oestrogen replacement therapy on plasma homocysteine levels in women in surgically induced menopause.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate and to compare the effects on serum homocysteine levels of early initiated oral and transdermal oestrogen replacement therapies (ERTs) given to women without a uterus who had undergone surgically induced menopause. Homocysteine levels are considered one of the predictors of cardiovascular disease risk. METHODS: This study included 45 women with surgical menopause. Of 45 women, 15 received oral ERT, (oestradiol hemihydrate 2 mg/day, Estrofem®), 15 received transdermal ERT (oestradiol hemihydrate 0.1% gel 1.5 mg/day, Estreva®) and 15 received no hormone therapy. Blood samples were collected from all women to measure homocysteine levels at the mean time of 15 weeks after surgical menopause. Obtained results of the groups were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and time elapsing since menopause between the three groups. The duration of ERT was not significantly different between the therapy groups. There was no significant difference in homocysteine levels between the groups (p>0.05). No significant correlation was found between weight, BMI and homocysteine levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering that homocysteine is a predictor of risk for cardiovascular disease, the results of this study showed that early initiation of ERT in healthy surgically induced menopausal women neither protects nor deteriorates cardiovascular disease.

Protective effects of leflunomide on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury: leflunomide against intestinal ischemia-reperfusion.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of leflunomide, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, against intestinal IR injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty female Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups: control (n = 5), drug control (n = 7), sham operated (n = 7), IR alone (n = 7), IR plus vehicle (IR + vehicle, n = 7) and IR plus 20 mg/kg leflunomide (IR + Leflunomide, n = 7). While rats were pretreated intragastrically with leflunomide (20 mg/kg) and vehicle in three doses prior to the experiment, respectively, in the IR + Leflunomide and IR + vehicle groups, no additional application was done in the IR alone group. Intestines were exteriorized, and the superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 45 min ischemia, and then the clamp was removed for 120 min reperfusion. After the experiment, the intestines were removed for biochemical and histological examinations. Additionally, blood samples were taken for measurements of antioxidant parameters. RESULTS: The intestinal IR significantly increased the MDA level and MPO activity; however, treatment with leflunomide reversed those findings (P < 0.05). The CAT activity of the IR + Leflunomide group was significantly higher than in the IR groups (P < 0.05). The SOD activity was increased in the intestinal IR group, and leflunomide treatment reversed that, too (P <0.05). The light microscopic findings showed that IR caused mucosal necrosis and leflunomide treatment reduced the morphological alterations associated with IR (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intestinal IR injury may be reversed by the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of leflunomide.

Antioxidant status in patients with osteoporosis: a controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate serum antioxidant enzymes and nitric oxide (NO) levels in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (OP) and in healthy controls; and to determine the relationship between these enzymes, NO and clinical parameters in this present study. METHODS: Forty-five postmenopausal women fulfilling OP diagnostic criteria of World Health Organization (WHO) and 42 postmenopausal healthy women without OP were enrolled. Patients in the study population were selected among individuals that were not pre-diagnosed or pre-treated for OP. Patients with metabolic bone diseases, fracture history, which were smokers, alcohol users and taking antioxidant drug treatment, were excluded from the study. Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) results, body mass indices and demographic data were recorded. Erythrocyte catalases (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) enzyme activities and erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) levels, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by spectrophotometer whereas plasma nitrite+nitrate (NOx) levels were measured by ELISA microplate-reader. RESULTS: Patients had significantly lower GR (P<0.01) enzyme activity and higher levels of MDA (P<0.01) and NO (P<0.01) than non osteoporotic healthy controls. There was no significant difference between both groups in erythrocyte GSH levels and CAT activities. Total femoral BMD measurements significantly correlated with MDA levels (P=0.001). There was no significant relationship between other antioxidants and lumbar or femoral BMD. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress may play an important role in postmenopausal bone loss and therefore it might be considered when pathogenesis of postmenopausal OP has been investigated.

[Investigation of the relationship between serum nitric oxide levels, HBV-DNA and ALT levels in chronic hepatitis B patients]. / Kronik hepatit B hastalarinda serum nitrik oksit düzeyi ile HBV-DNA ve ALT düzeyleri arasindaki iliskinin arastirilmasi.

It has been reported that increased nitric oxide (NO) production by the hepatocytes during chronic inflammatory processes, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum levels of NOx (nitrite + nitrate) with the viral load and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. A total of 93 CHB patients (67 male, 26 female; mean age: 47.3 +/- 10.9 years) and 53 healthy control subjects (17 male, 36 female; mean age: 58.6 +/- 2.1 years) followed-up during 2006-2007 period were included to the study. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) serologic markers, viral load and ALT levels were studied by chemiluminescence method (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, USA), by real-time polimerase chain reaction (PCR) (ABI PRISM 7700, Applied Biosystem, CA), and by Aeroset System (Abbott Laboratories, USA), respectively. NOx levels were determined by a method which was based on the reduction of nitrate to nitrite by cadmium. Mean levels of ALT and HBV-DNA of the patients were found as 98.7 +/- 138.4 IU/I and 1.6 x 10(9) +/- 4.0 x 10(9) copies/ml, respectively. In the evaluation of mean levels of NOx in patient and control groups, the difference was found statistically significant (30.6 +/- 21.7 micromol/l and 23.7 +/- 5.2 micromol/l, respectively; p< 0.05). In view of the relationship between the parameters, a positive correlation was detected between viral load and ALT levels (r= 0.768; p< 0.001), besides the significant correlations between NOx and viral load, and NOx and ALT (r= 0.346, p= 0.001 and r= 0.314, p= 0.002, respectively). As a result, although the NOx levels in chronic hepatitis patients were found higher than those in the control group, and significant correlations were detected between NO, viral load and ALT, the exact role of NO in the disease pathogenesis and outcome needs to be studied further at cellular level.

Serum antioxidants and nitric oxide levels in fibromyalgia: a controlled study.

We proposed to assess antioxidant status and nitric oxide in fibromyalgia (FM) patients in comparison to healthy controls. Additionally, the association between the serum antioxidant levels and clinical findings in FM patients was also investigated. Thirty-seven FM patients and 37 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Severity of fatigue and pain were determined by Visual Analogue Scale. Functional capacity in daily living activities was evaluated by fibromyalgia impact questionnaire. Serum NO, catalase and glutathione were measured. Serum glutathione and catalase levels were significantly lower in FM patients than controls. However, no significant difference was seen in serum NO levels between the two groups. A significant correlation was evident between serum NO level and pain. Additionally, the correlation between glutathione level and morning stiffness was found to be significant. These findings support other studies, we assume that these two antioxidants might have impact on the pathogenesis of FM disease.

Adiponectin as a biomarker of systemic inflammatory response in smoker patients with stable and exacerbation phases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Adiponectin is an adipose tissue-derived specific protein that has a role in energy homeostasis, that has a protective role against the development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis and that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated serum adiponectin as a biomarker of systemic inflammatory response and its relation with leptin, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and nitric oxide (NO) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 36 male patients with COPD (15 stable and 21 exacerbated) and 17 age and sex-matched healthy subjects. The adiponectin and leptin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum CRP levels were measured using the nephelometric method. ESR was determined using the Westergren method and NO by the cadmium reduction method. RESULTS: Adiponectin levels in COPD patients were significantly higher than those in control subjects (p<0.001), whereas there were no differences in leptin or NO levels. Serum levels of CRP, ESR and adiponectin were significantly higher in the exacerbated COPD patients compared to the stable group (p<0.001, p = 0.033 and p = 0.024, respectively), whereas the differences in leptin and NO levels were not significant. Serum levels of adiponectin were not correlated with FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC, dyspnoea score, BMI or other inflammatory parameters in the stable COPD group. CRP and ESR correlated negatively with FEV(1) in the stable COPD group. CONCLUSIONS: Adiponectin may be a marker of low-grade systemic inflammatory response in COPD. A further rise in serum adiponectin in the exacerbation period denotes that this may also be a biomarker of the exacerbation phase as well as CRP and ESR.

Protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

AIM: Intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IR) causes tissue injury in two ways, starting a pro-inflammatory cascade and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, against intestinal IR injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into five groups: Sham, IR, IR plus ethanol (vehicle), IR plus 10 mg/kg (IR + 10CAPE), and 30 mg/kg CAPE (IR + 30CAPE) at the 30-min ischemic period. Intestines were exteriorized and the superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 45-min ischemia and then the clamp was removed for 120-min reperfusion. After the experiment, the intestines were removed for biochemical and light microscopic examinations. Additionally, blood samples were taken for plasma TNF-alpha measurement. RESULTS: The TBARS levels of the IR and IR + Ethanol groups were higher than the Sham group (P < 0.05). Both CAPE treatments decreased TBARS levels in comparison with the IR group (P < 0.05). In both CAPE-treated groups, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were increased compared to all other groups, which was similarly the case for the CAT activity compared to the Sham and IR + Ethanol groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between GSH levels of all study groups. The TNF-alpha levels of the IR and IR + Ethanol groups were non-significantly increased compared to the Sham group (P > 0.05). The TNF-alpha levels of 10 and 30 mg/kg CAPE groups were non-significantly decreased compared to the IR group (P > 0.05). The tissue MPO activities of the IR and IR + Ethanol groups were higher than the Sham group (P < 0.05). The MPO activities of the IR + 10CAPE and IR + 30CAPE groups were not significantly different from the Sham group (P > 0.05). There was necrosis of mucosa in the IR and IR + Ethanol groups in light microscopic evaluations. Those changes were significantly reversed by 30 mg/kg CAPE treatment. CONCLUSION: The intestinal IR injury may be reversed by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of the CAPE. However, 30 mg/kg CAPE treatment may be more efficient in preventing intestinal IR injury in rats.

Lung function and IFN-gamma levels in the sera of silica-exposed workers.

Excessive exposure to respirable particles of crystalline silica is an occupational health problem in developing countries and can cause a variety of pulmonary diseases, such as silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and malignancy, in susceptible hosts. In addition to the well-documented role of pulmonary macrophages, lymphocytes occasionally have been suggested to influence the pneumoconiotic process, but their potential role is not clearly understood. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a lymphocyte cytokine, is recognized as the most important cytokine in converting macrophages from a resting to an activated state. The aim of the present study was to investigate serum IFN-gamma levels and pulmonary function changes in silica-exposed workers and in silicosis. Twenty-seven silica workers (aged 35.6 +/- 8.2 years with 5.11 +/- 2.98 years exposure duration) and 18 unexposed office workers (aged 33.8 +/- 12 years) were included in the study. Mean spirometry parameters and smoking history were comparable to the values of the office workers, but COPD prevalence was higher in the silica-exposed group, and the age-adjusted ratio was more sensitive than fixed quotient criteria for airway obstruction. We found silicosis in 4 silica workers. The mean serum IFN-gamma level was increased in silica-exposed workers (10.22 +/- 22.68 pg/mL) although it was undetectable in all office workers and even in the workers with silicosis. Evaluating pulmonary function tests (PFT) using an age-adjusted quotient may prevent underestimation of airflow limitation, especially in the young population with risk factors. Although serum IFN-gamma may increase initially in response to silica, low levels of IFN-gamma in later stages may be considered a risk factor for silicosis because this cytokine downregulates the fibroblast responses to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and decreases collagen production. Additional research to determine the exact role of this potent cytokine may offer insight into the pathogenesis of silicosis.

The effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on TNBS-induced colitis in ovariectomized rats.

AIM: The aim of this investigation was to examine the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on the development of colitis and antioxidant parameters in bilateral ovariectomized rats subjected to trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one Wistar Albino ovariectomized female rats were divided into four subgroups (n = 5 or 6) (colitis control, vehicle control, CAPE 10 and 30 mg/kg, respectively). Colitis was induced using an enema of TNBS and ethanol, following which CAPE was administrated for 3 days to induce colitis and effect of CAPE was subsequently evaluated. RESULTS: Based on microscopic damage scores, there was no difference between rats of the TNBS-colitis and the vehicle-treated groups, whereas treatment with CAPE 10 and 30 mg/kg, respectively, caused a significant reduction in colon injury compared to that observed in rats of the TNBS-colitis and vehicle-treated groups. The histologies of both treatment groups were not significantly different. In terms of the biochemical analyses, myeloperoxidase levels in rats from the CAPE 10 and 30 mg/kg groups were significantly different from that of the colitis control rats; however, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH) were only significantly different from the levels found colitis control rats in rats administered 10 mg/kg. The levels of MDA, GSH and SOD in rats given CAPE were also significantly different from those of rats in the vehicle control group. These results were consistent with histological findings. CONCLUSION: CAPE may have a positive effect on the inflammatory bowel disease treatment process and could, therefore, be used as an adjunct therapy in colitis. These effects of CAPE may occur through antiinflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.

Melatonin ameliorates blood-brain barrier permeability, glutathione, and nitric oxide levels in the choroid plexus of the infantile rats with kaolin-induced hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is a disabling disease for children, but current data concerning the effects of melatonin on ventricular enlargement are still limited. We have investigated the changes in the choroid plexuses (CPs) of ventricles and blood-brain barrier (BBB) of hydrocephalic rats. Forty-five Swiss Albino rats at age 2 weeks were divided into three equal groups: control, hydrocephalus, and melatonin-treated hydrocephalus groups. Hydrocephalus was induced by kaolin injection into the cisterna magna of all pups except control group and melatonin was given at a daily dose of 0.5 mg/100 g body weight for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, one animal from each group was examined using a gamma camera to study the disruption of BBB due to hydrocephalus. All animals were then killed for assay of glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO), as well as histological study of the CPs during the hydrocephalus. We observed an increased BBB activity was found in hydrocephalus group, while melatonin reversed these changes. It was found that NO concentration was elevated in hydrocephalus group and melatonin partly abolished the increased levels of NO. In contrast, GSH levels were significantly decreased in hydrocephalus group, while melatonin increased the tissue GSH level (p<0.01). Histologically, there was a significant alteration in the CPs of the ventricles of hydrocephalic animals, but it was regressed after melatonin treatment in consistent with the gross morphological changes related to hydrocephalus. In conclusion, our results clearly demonstrated for the first time the neuroprotective effects of melatonin upon hydrocephalus-induced CP changes in infantile rats, but further studies are needed to suggest melatonin as a candidate protective drug in children.

The protective effects of amifostine on adriamycin-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats.

Free oxygen radicals and lipid peroxidation are responsible for adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity. Amifostine is a scavenger of free radicals and may function as a selective cytoprotective agent. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of amifostine on adriamycin-induced lipid peroxidation and the levels of protective enzymes in the heart. Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to three groups: pretreated, untreated, and control (n=10 in each group). Rats were pretreated with an intraperitoneal injection of amifostine (200 mg/kg) 30 min before the injection of adriamycin. The pretreated rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of adriamycin (10 mg/kg) and were sacrificed after 72 h. Likewise, rats received intraperitoneal injection of adriamycin (untreated) or saline (control). The hearts were removed for the analyses of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase. MDA levels were increased (p<0.005) in the heart tissues of untreated rats compared to control, while GSH and catalase levels were decreased (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively) in untreated animals. In amifostine-preatreated group, MDA levels were lower (p<0.01), and GSH and catalase levels were higher (p<0.05 for both) than the untreated group. GSH levels were even higher in the amifostine-pretreated group compared to control (p<0.01), although catalase levels were significantly lower in the pretreated group (p<0.05). These results indicate that amifostine decreases adriamycin-induced lipid peroxidation and increases the levels of the protective enzymes in the heart tissue. Therefore, amifostine may ameliorate the adriamycin-induced acute cardiotoxicity.

Relationship between seminal plasma interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels with semen parameters in fertile and infertile men.

The levels of two proinflammatory cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), were investigated in seminal plasma (SP) of proven fertile (n=24) and infertile (n=55) men to evaluate the relationship between diagnosis and semen parameters in a prospective study. Infertile men were divided into four groups as follows: (1) varicocele (n=23), (2) 3 months after varicocelectomy (post-varicocele, n=14), (3) male accessory gland infection (MAGI, n=10) and (4) bilateral testicular atrophy (n=8). IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels were similar in the SP of fertile and infertile men. There was a strong correlation between the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in all groups (P<0.001). IL-6 levels were not correlated with seminal parameters (P>0.05). TNF-alpha levels were negatively correlated with the sperm motility and morphology (P<0.05), but there was no correlation with total sperm counts (P>0.05). The mean levels of IL-6 in the SP of the MAGI group was higher than in the other groups but did not reach statistical significance. No variation was found in the SP levels of the proinflammatory cytokines studied between the varicocele and the post-varicocele groups. Our results suggest that IL-6 and TNF-alpha are involved in male fertility. However, their measurement in SP seem to be unsuitable for routine infertility work, perhaps with the exception of men with inflammatory genital diseases.