Is serum homocysteine level a biomarker of suicide attempts: A preliminary study.

Suicide is a global public health concern, and understanding its multifaceted determinants is crucial for effective prevention. This study was designed to find an answer to the question of whether serum homocysteine level can be a biomarker of suicide attempts. This preliminary study involving 90 participants (45 suicide attempt cases and 45 controls) was conducted at Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital. Biochemical analyses were performed to assess serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and ROC analysis, were employed to explore differences between groups and assess the diagnostic potential of homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine levels were found in individuals who attempted suicide compared to the control group (p= <0.001). Additionally, lower levels of vitamin B12 (p=<0.001) and folic acid (p=<0.001) were observed in the suicide attempt group. ROC analysis indicated a significant diagnostic potential for homocysteine in predicting suicide attempts (AUC = 0.845, sensitivity = 91%, specificity = 71%). This study establishes a significant association between high homocysteine levels and suicide attempts, accompanied by lower vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. The findings suggest a potential link between disturbances in homocysteine metabolism and suicidal tendencies, urging further research to establish causation and explore therapeutic implications. Consideration of the study's limitations and directions for future research are warranted.

Evaluation of homocysteine, vitamin, and trace element levels in women with gallstones.

OBJECTIVE: It was aimed to examine the changes in homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12, which metabolize homocysteine from the body, and trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium, nickel) that affect the structure of tissues and epithelium in female patients with gallstone disease. Moreover, it was aimed to investigate the contribution of these selected parameters to the etiology of the disease and their usability in treatment according to the findings obtained. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients, including 40 female patients (Group I) and 40 completely healthy female individuals (Group II) were included in this study. Serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate, zinc, copper, selenium, and nickel levels were evaluated. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used in the analysis of vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine levels, and the ICP-MS method was used in the analysis of trace element levels. RESULTS: Homocysteine levels in Group I were statistically significantly higher than in Group II. In terms of vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium, Group I levels were found to be statistically significantly lower than group II. There was no statistically significant difference between Group I levels and Group II in terms of copper, nickel, and folate. CONCLUSION: It was suggested that homocysteine, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium levels should be determined in patients with gallstone disease and that vitamin B12, which is especially important in the excretion of homocysteine from the body, and zinc and selenium, which prevent the free radical formation and protect from its effects, should be added to the diets of these patients.

Protective effects of rosmarinic acid against azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer in rats.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is increasing gradually and has been become one of the most common cancers worldwide. Hence, it is important to discover cheap, naturally occurring compounds to be effective in suppressing the devastating effect of colon-related tumors. Rosmarinic acid (RA), one of the compounds of plant origin, possesses attractive features for use as an agent for cancer prevention and treatment. This study investigated the ability of RA to prevent azoxymethane (AOM)-induced rat colon carcinogenesis by evaluating the effect of RA on tumor formation and circulatory oxidant-antioxidant status. Moreover, plasma levels of adiponectin (APN) monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The animals were divided into three groups: Control, AOM, and AOM + RA. Rats were fed a modified pellet diet (15.8% peanut oil was added to the standard diet) during the experimental period. Colon cancer was formed by applying 15 mg/kg AOM intraperitoneal once a week for 4 weeks in both the CRC group and AOM + RA group. Besides AOM, AOM + RA group received 5 mg/kg body weight RA orally every day during the study. The results showed that adenocarcinoma rates formed 87.5% of the AOM group. With treatment of RA, a reduction in the incidence of adenocarcinoma was observed in the AOM + RA group. The plasma MCP-1, IL-6, and TO levels were significantly higher, APN and TAS levels were significantly lower in the AOM group with respect to controls. In addition, there was a significant increase in TAS levels in the RA treatment group compared to the AOM group. These findings suggested that RA may be beneficial in preventing AOM-induced colon carcinogenesis formation.

Is there any potential anticancer effect of raloxifene and fluoxetine on DMBA-induced rat breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the world and the incidence is increasing alarmingly. It was aimed to determine the effect of raloxifene (RAL) and fluoxetine (FLX) on selected parameters in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinoma. Thirty-two female Wistar albino rats were assorted into four groups: DMBA (group I), DMBA+RAL (group II), DMBA+FLX (group III), and DMBA+RAL+FLX (group IV). Mammary tissue vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) levels were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The tissue VEGF levels were lower in group IV compared with DMBA group. Decreased M-CSF levels were observed in all therapeutic groups rather than the DMBA group, but the most effective decrease was found in group IV. Compared with the DMBA group, MMP-9 levels were statistically significantly decreased in group II and group IV. However, TIMP-1 levels were higher in the whole therapeutic groups rather than the DMBA group and the most effective increase was observed in group IV. Results of the present study suggest that combined therapy of RAL with FLX might lead to a better outcome targeting breast tumor.

The therapeutic effects of thalidomide and etanercept on septic rats exposed to lipopolysaccharide.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of thalidomide and etanercept on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis in a rat model. METHODS: Thirty male Wistar Albino rats were divided into 5 groups: Control, LPS, LPS+Thalidomide, LPS+Etanercept, and LPS+Thalidomide+Etanercept. The control group was given a 1 mL intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 0.9% saline solution. For endotoxic treatment, the rats were injected with a single i.p. dose of LPS (Escherichia coli 0111: B4 (5 mg/kg). Thalidomide (0.5 mg/kg) and etanercept (1 mg/kg) were administered i.p. to the therapeutic groups. Hepatic tissue tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured using appropriate methods. RESULTS: In vivo results exhibited elevated liver tissue TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, PDGF, MDA, and TOS levels in the LPS-treated animals compared with the controls. The analysis of liver tissue supported the findings of biochemical alterations and indicated a therapeutic role for thalidomide and etanercept. Treatment of septic animals with these agents resulted in a remarkable decrease in the selected proinflammatory cytokines, angiogenic factors, and reactive oxygen parameters. CONCLUSION: Restoration of cytokine balance and oxidant status to normal levels following treatment with selected therapeutic agents suggests that thalidomide and etanercept can help to avoid the potentially devastating effects of sepsis.

The emerging role of leptin, Adiponectin and Visfatin in Ischemic/Hemorrhagic stroke.

Introduction: Adipose tissue acts as an active endocrine organ and may be involved in the biological mechanism of stroke. Adipokines can serve as key messenger of central energy and metabolic homeostasis and can contribute to the crosstalk between adipose tissue and brain. Recent research has offered vague data on the relationships between adipose tissue, adipokines, and vascular disorders. We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum leptin, adiponectin and visfatin levels and functional outcomes in patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular diseases. Methods: Thirty-five patients with acurte intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), 35 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 18 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. A sandwich ELISA was developed to measure the presence of serum adiponectin, leptin and visfatin levels. Results: Serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, leptin, visfatin levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were higher and serum adiponectin levels were lower in patients at admission compared with healthy volunteers. Conclusion: According to the novel study, it was suggested that elevated serum leptin as well as visfatin and decreased adiponectin levels may be a sign of cerebrovascular disease and as part of the response occurring in stroke patients.