Acute and Chronic Pretreatment With Atenolol Attenuates Intestinal Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Hypercholesterolemic Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of preinjury atenolol (acute v chronic) on apoptosis, contractility, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in hypercholesterolemic rats undergoing intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. DESIGN: Prospective, experimental animal study. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Male Wistar rats (n = 32). INTERVENTIONS: Rats were divided into the following 4 groups: 1 group was fed a normal diet (ND) (group ND+NoAT [no atenolol]), and the other 3 groups were fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-group HCD+NoAT, group HCD+ChAT (chronic atenolol, 3 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks), and group HCD+AcAT (acute atenolol, 1.5 mg/kg, given 5 minutes before intestinal clamping). All rats underwent I/R injury. The superior mesenteric artery was clamped for 60 minutes, then opened for 120 minutes (reperfusion). Apoptotic cells and stimulated contractions of ileal segments were examined. Tissue markers of intestinal I/R injury were examined. Intestinal malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and nitrate/nitrite levels were measured. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The chronic atenolol group had fewer apoptotic cells and higher superoxide dismutase activity compared with the other groups. Intestinal contraction was higher in both atenolol pretreatment groups compared with the NoAT groups. Chronic and acute atenolol resulted in lower ileal levels of malondialdehyde and immunolabeling-positive cells (intestinal inducible nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-1, and interleukin-8) after I/R injury compared with the no atenolol groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both chronic and acute pre-I/R injury treatment with atenolol attenuated I/R injury in this hypercholesterolemic rat model. These findings should encourage future studies of atenolol in hypercholesterolemic patients undergoing procedures with a high risk of intestinal ischemia.

Assessment of serum chemerin, vaspin and omentin-1 levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine serum chemerin, vaspin and omentin-1 in overweight and normal weight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and investigate the possible relationship between these adipokines and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: This cross sectional study enrolled women with PCOS and healthy women. Serum chemerin, vaspin and omentin-1 were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. RESULTS: Forty patients with PCOS and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. In the PCOS group, 18 women were overweight (body mass index [BMI] = 25.0-29.9 kg/m(2)) and 22 had normal weight (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2)). Chemerin, total cholesterol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and free androgen index (FAI) were significantly higher; and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and sex hormone binding globulin were significantly lower in overweight PCOS patients compared with normal weight PCOS patients. A positive correlation was found between chemerin and BMI, triglyceride, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and FAI in the PCOS group. There was no difference in serum chemerin, vaspin and omentin-1 between PCOS patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Circulating chemerin was increased in overweight compared with normal weight PCOS patients. The most predictive variables for circulating chemerin in PCOS patients were BMI, FAI and age.

Melatonin and L-carnitin improves endothelial disfunction and oxidative stress in Type 2 diabetic rats.

Vascular dysfunction is thought to play a major role in the development of diabetic cardiovascular disease. The roles of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and dyslipidemia will be considered. Melatonin as well as L-carnitine were shown to possess strong antioxidant properties. Diabetes induced with high fat diet (for 8 weeks) and multipl low doses intraperitoneal injection of STZ (twice, 30mg/kg/d i.p). The diabetic animals were randomly assigned to one of the experimental groups as follows: Control group (C), high fat diet (HFD), STZ-induced diabetic group (HFD+STZ) , HFD+STZ diabetic group received melatonin (10mg/kg/d i.p), HFD+STZ diabetic group received L-carnitine (0.6g/kg/d i.p), and HFD+STZ diabetic group received glibenclamide (5mg/kg/d, oral). The serum fasting blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL- cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were tested. Acetylcholine induced endothelium-dependent relaxation and sodium nitroprusside induced endothelium-independent relaxation were measured in aortas for estimating endothelial function. Also, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) levels activities were determined in rat liver. According to our results melatonin and L-carnitine treatment decreased fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL levels. MDA levels significantly decreased with the melatonin treatment whereas SOD levels were not significantly changed between the groups. The results suggest that especially melatonin restores the vascular responses and endothelial dysfunction in diabetes.

Olive Leaf Extract Improves the Atherogenic Lipid Profile in Rats Fed a High Cholesterol Diet.

Coronary heart disease because of atherosclerosis is still the most common cause of mortality. Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol are major risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the olive leaf extract on serum lipid profile, early changes of atherosclerosis and endothelium-dependent relaxations in cholesterol-fed rats. For this purpose, rats were fed by 2% cholesterol-enriched or standard chow for 8 weeks. Some rats in each group were also fed orally by olive leaf extract at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg/day. Atorvastatin at dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight daily was also given as positive control. After 8 weeks, lipid profiles of rat serums were analyzed. Antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and degree of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde levels) were also measured in the hearts isolated from rats. In addition, expression of adhesion molecules and endothelium-dependent relaxations of isolated thoracic aortas of rats were evaluated. Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were found to be increased in cholesterol-fed rats, and both doses of olive leaf extract and atorvastatin significantly decreased those levels. In conclusion, because the olive leaf extract attenuates the increased cholesterol levels, it may have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis.

Are human adenovirus-5 and 36 associated with obesity in children?

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the association between adenovirus-5- and adenovirus-36-specific antibodies and obesity in children and to investigate their relationship with serum lipid and leptin levels. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on a total of 120 children who were divided into subgroups according to body mass index percentile as obese (≥ 95th percentile) or nonobese (<95th percentile). The presence of adenovirus-36 and adenovirus-5-neutralizing antibodies was investigated by using the serum neutralization assay. Serum leptin levels were determined by microenzyme immonoassay; high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels were measured by chemiluminescence method. RESULTS: The presence of adenovirus-5-specific antibodies was 28.3% and 6.6% in the obese children and in non-obese children, respectively (P = 0.02). The frequency of adenovirus-36-specific antibodies was significantly greater (P = 0.018) in the obese children (26.6%) than in the non-obese children (10.0%). Serum leptin level of the obese group were significantly higher than that of the non-obese group (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the association between obesity and the presence of specific antibodies to adenovirus-36 and adenovirus-5 in children. Our research has the feature of being the first national study to indicate the relationship between adenovirus-36 and human obesity as well as the first international study to indicate the relationship between adenovirus-5 and human obesity.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment in the experimental spinal cord injury model.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Spinal cord trauma is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Although no known treatment for spinal cord injury exists, a limited number of effective treatment modalities and procedures are available that improve secondary injury. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment has been used to assist in neurologic recovery after cranial injury or ischemic stroke. PURPOSE: To report the findings on the effectiveness of HBO treatment on rats with experimental traumatic spinal cord injury. Improvement was evaluated through motor strength assessment and nitrite level assay testing. STUDY DESIGN: We randomly distributed 40 rats among 5 groups of 8 rats each: sham incurable trauma, induced trauma, HBO treatment begun at the 1st hour, HBO treatment begun at the 6th hour, and HBO treatment begun at the 24th hour. METHOD: The HBO treatment was administered to rats in three of the groups and conducted in two 90-minute sessions, under an absolute atmospheric pressure of 2.4 at 100% oxygen for 5 days. In the motor strength evaluations, all the rats were observed during the inclined plane test and clinical motor examination on the first, third, and fifth days. In addition, the nitrite levels of spinal cord tissues on the sixth day were also studied. RESULTS: Results from the inclined plane levels and motor strength test from all the three groups undergoing HBO treatment were higher than those from Group 2. It was also determined that early HBO treatment resulted in higher recovery rates (groups 3 and 4). The highest levels were seen in the group in which the HBO treatments were started in the first hour (Group 3). It was noted that nitrite levels of rats in the group exposed to trauma increased, compared with the sham group, but increased levels also diminished after HBO treatments. Again, the greatest decrease in nitrite levels was evident in the group where the HBO treatment was started the earliest (Group 3). CONCLUSIONS: Prompt HBO treatment after trauma significantly contributed to the clinical, histopathologic, and biochemical recovery of the rats.

The effects of lornoxicam on neuroprotection following diffuse traumatic brain injury in rats.

AIM: In this study, the effects of lornoxicam on the prevention of secondary brain injury via the apoptotic pathway were studied in a rat model of head injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty adult male Wistar albino rats were anesthetized, and experimental closed head trauma was induced by allowing a 450 g weight to fall two meters onto a metallic disk fixed to the intact skull. After head injury, the rats were randomly divided into two groups: Group I (n=15) rats were administered 2 mL saline intraperitoneally (controls); Group II (n=15) rats were administered 2 mL 1.3 mg kg-1 lornoxicam intraperitoneally. Brain tissue samples were divided into two pieces by interhemispheric incision for biochemical and histological analysis. RESULTS: TUNEL positivity was seen in neuroglia cells of the brain cortex in both groups. While the immunoreactivities of caspase 8, 9 and Fas/ Fas ligand were similar in both groups, the immunoreactivity of caspase 3 was greater in Group I than Group II. MDA was significantly lower in Group II than in Group I (p < 0.05). The decrease in SOD level was higher in Group I than Group II. CONCLUSION: Lornoxicam did not prevent apoptosis in this rat model of brain trauma but causes a decrease.

Elevated glucose level at 30 minutes during an oral glucose tolerance test in obese adolescents: a new disorder of glucose tolerance.

We observed glucose levels >140 mg/dL measured at 30 minutes (min) during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in some obese patients. We aimed to investigate the significance of this finding by comparing lipid profiles, insulin resistance indices, and systemic inflammatory mediators between obese adolescents with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and elevated glucose levels at 30 min. The study involved 80 obese (body mass index >95(th) percentile for age and sex) adolescents (48 female, 32 male) between 11 and 16 years of age. Depending on OGTT results, patients were divided into NGT and IGT groups. The third group was recruited from the NGT group as having glucose levels > 140 mg/dL at 30 minutes. Lipid profiles, [interleukin-6 (IL-6)], neopterin, and lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2)] were assessed. Neopterin and Lp-PLA2 levels were significantly higher in obese adolescents with elevated glucose levels at 30 min. compared with those in both NGT and IGT groups (p=0.013, and 0.004, respectively). In these adolescents, IL-6 levels were significantly higher only than the NGT group (p=0.01). In logistic regression analysis, IL-6, neopterin and Lp-PLA2 levels were detected to be related to high blood glucose levels at 30 min (OR 1.11, p=0.01; OR 9.03, p=0.013; OR 1.01, p=0.004 respectively). Obese adolescents with elevated glucose levels at 30 min. demonstrated higher inflammatory mediators levels, which were atherosclerotic indicators, than obese adolescents with NGT and IGT. These results suggest that glucose levels >140 mg/dL measured at 30 min during an OGTT may be a new disorder of glucose tolerance in obesity.

Effects of physical exercise on lung injury and oxidant stress in children with asthma

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of exercise training on oxidative stress and markers of lung inflammation in children with asthma. Methods Thirty children aged 8-13 years diagnosed with asthma were enrolled in the study as well as 13 healthy children. One group received only pharmacological treatment and the other group was also enrolled in an exercise programme. Venous blood and 24-hour urine samples were obtained from the children enrolled in the study at the beginning and end of the study. Leukotriene E4 and creatinine levels were measured in the urine and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP-9), endothelin-1(ET-1), malnodialdehyde (MDA), IgE and specific IgE levels were measured in blood samples. Results Leukotriene E4, MDA and MMP9 levels decreased significantly with treatment in both groups (p<0.001). However, ET-1 levels decreased significant only in the exercise group (26.5±3.6 vs 21.3±2.4pg/ml respectively, p=0.001). Moreover, ET-1 levels were found to be significantly lower in the exercise group compared to the only pharmacotherapy group (24.2±3.1 vs 21.3±2.4pg/ml, p=0.007). Conclusions Positive influences of exercise training in children with asthma may be mediated by decrease in ET-1 levels(AU)

Is genetic screening necessary for determining the possibility of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of an association with some genetic polymorphisms involved in venous thromboembolism (VTE) gene variations (FVL, FV H1299R, FII G20210A, MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, PAI-1 4G/5G, ß-fibrinogen -455 G → A, FXIII Val34Leu and GpIIIa HPA-1a) in cancer patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Among 78 cancer patients, 28 who had proven first episode of VTE were selected as the patient group, with 50 control samples selected from age-, sex- and body mass index-matched healthy volunteers (healthy group). The differences in frequency of genetic polymorphisms were found to be statistically insignificant between these two groups. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis after adjustment for age, sex, smoking and hypertension showed no difference. The screened mutations of these genes were not significantly associated with VTE risk. CONCLUSION: There is no possible benefit from genetic screening tests regarding VTE in cancer patients.

Inflammatory marker levels in obese adolescents with glucose intolerance: increased chitotriosidase activity.

OBJECTIVES: Existence of low grade persistent inflammation in obese children may increase the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular events. The aim was to determine whether glucose intolerance has an influence on inflammatory markers in obese adolescents. DESIGNS AND METHODS: 45 obese adolescents (mean BMI: 30.34±5.42 kg/m²) were grouped as normal or impaired glucose tolerance. IL-6 and CRP levels were analyzed by commercially available kits. Chitotriosidase activity was measured by a fluorescence method and neopterin levels were determined by ELISA. Data were expressed as mean±SD. RESULTS: IL-6 and CRP levels were similar in the two groups. Serum neopterin levels were not different between the groups. The chitotriosidase activity was significantly higher in the IGT group than NGT (124.33±51.97 µmol/L/h vs 84.50±53.99 µmol/L/h, p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Serum chitotriosidase activity is increased in obese adolescents with impaired glucose tolerance.

Effects of physical exercise on lung injury and oxidant stress in children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of exercise training on oxidative stress and markers of lung inflammation in children with asthma. METHODS: Thirty children aged 8-13 years diagnosed with asthma were enrolled in the study as well as 13 healthy children. One group received only pharmacological treatment and the other group was also enrolled in an exercise programme. Venous blood and 24-hour urine samples were obtained from the children enrolled in the study at the beginning and end of the study. Leukotriene E4 and creatinine levels were measured in the urine and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP-9), endothelin-1(ET-1), malnodialdehyde (MDA), IgE and specific IgE levels were measured in blood samples. RESULTS: Leukotriene E4, MDA and MMP9 levels decreased significantly with treatment in both groups (p < 0.001). However, ET-1 levels decreased significant only in the exercise group (26.5 ± 3.6 vs 21.3 ± 2.4 pg/ml respectively, p = 0.001). Moreover, ET-1 levels were found to be significantly lower in the exercise group compared to the only pharmacotherapy group (24.2 ± 3.1 vs 21.3 ± 2.4 pg/ml, p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Positive influences of exercise training in children with asthma may be mediated by decrease in ET-1 levels.

The effects of L-arginine on liver damage in experimental acute cholestasis an immunohistochemical study.

Obstructive jaundice damages critical functions in the liver. Nitric oxide modulation would influence liver damage induced by biliary obstruction, and little is known about it Acute cholestasis was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in two groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats. L-Arginine or serum physiologic was administered to treatment and control group. Histopathological and immunohistochemical iNOS expression was investigated in hepatic tissue. Plasma enzyme activities were increased in acute cholestasis, and that L-arginine treatment partially but significantly prevented the elevation of these markers of liver damage (P < .05). Also histopathology scoring showed that the liver injury was prevented and immunohistochemical iNOS activity was increased significantly in L-arginine group (P < .05). This study shows that, after 7 days of biliary obstruction, liver damage is well established and exogenous L-arginine treatment partially but significantly prevented the liver injury in acute cholestasis.

The beneficial effects of physical exercise on antioxidant status in asthmatic children

Background: The pathogenesis of asthma involves both airway inflammation and an oxidant / antioxidant imbalance. It is demonstrated in asthmatic adults that exercise programmes improve lung function, a mechanism yet to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of physical exercise on antioxidant status in asthmatic children which may lead to a meliorated lung function. Methods: The study enrolled thirteen control and thirty asthmatic children. The asthmatic group was subdivided into two: the first group receiving only pharmacological treatment (n = 15) and the second receiving pharmacological treatment with exercise programme (n = 15) for 8 weeks. Blood samples were drawn from the subjects before and after treatment periods. As oxidant stress markers blood levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total nitric oxide (NO), and as antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities were assessed. Results: Before any treatment was initiated, MDA and NO levels in the asthmatic group were significantly higher than the controls (3.40 ± 0.96 nmol / ml vs 2.46 ± 0.58 nmol / ml, and 12.53 ± 2.10 vs 9.40 ± 1.39 micromol/L, respectively). Both SOD (p = 0.0001) and GSH-Px (p = 0.023) activities were significantly lower in the asthmatic group. Pharmacological treatment and exercise programme together significantly improved lung performance and decreased the levels of oxidant stress markers, in concordance with a significantly increase in antioxidant enzyme activity measures when compared to the pharmacological treatment. Conclusion: Structured exercise programme in asthmatic children resulted in better lung function, which may be attributed to its effect on antioxidant status (AU)

The relationship between angiotensin converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and age-related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND: To assess the role of serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels and ACE insertion /deletion (I/D) genetic polymorphism in Turkish age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients and control subjects. METHODS: This prospective study consisted of 78 patients with AMD and 68 control subjects. The I/D polymorphism of the ACE was carried out by polymerase chain reaction. Serum ACE levels were determined by using the ELISA method. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean serum values of ACE between the control and patient groups (p = 0.107). The genotypic frequencies of ACE polymorphism in the control and patient groups were not significantly different either (p = 0.218). CONCLUSION: We could not show a significant role of serum ACE levels and ACE I/D genetic polymorphism in the etiopathogenesis of AMD in the Turkish population, and our findings did not support the idea that serum ACE levels and ACE DD genotype were risk factors for AMD.

Oxidative stress impairs endothelial nitric oxide levels in Behçets' disease.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease (BD) is an inflammatory vasculitis. Endogenous nitric oxide (NO), produced by endothelial cells, has pleiotropic effects such as vasodilatator, antiplatelet, antiproliferative. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced at sites of endothelial inflammation. ROS target polyunsaturated lipids, which results in malondialdehyde (MDA) production. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the oxidative stress in BD patients by measuring MDA and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels and to establish a possible relationship with respect to NO levels regarding disease activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 55 BD patients (30 active/25 inactive) and 20 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Blood samples were drawn following an overnight fasting. TAS and MDA levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Serum nitrite (NO(2-)) and nitrate (NO(3-)) levels were measured to estimate NO production. Data were expressed as mean ± SD. RESULTS: TAS levels were significantly lower in BD patients than the controls (1.19 ± 0.34 vs. 3.29 ± 0.89 mmol/L). In the active BD group, MDA levels (0.36 ± 0.19 nmol/mL) were significantly higher than both the inactive BD group (0.25 ± 0.18 nmol/mL) and controls (0.18 ± 0.41 nmol/mL). NO levels were significantly lower in the active group compared to the inactive group (18.0 ± 2.80 vs. 19.40 ± 2.70 µmol/L). MDA levels correlated negatively with NO levels in the active group. CONCLUSION: Decreased NO levels mediated by increased oxidative stress significantly contribute to endothelial dysfunction observed in BD.

The beneficial effects of physical exercise on antioxidant status in asthmatic children.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of asthma involves both airway inflammation and an oxidant/antioxidant imbalance. It is demonstrated in asthmatic adults that exercise programmes improve lung function, a mechanism yet to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of physical exercise on antioxidant status in asthmatic children which may lead to ameliorated lung function. METHODS: The study enrolled thirteen control and thirty asthmatic children. The asthmatic group was subdivided into two: the first group receiving only pharmacological treatment (n=15) and the second receiving pharmacological treatment with exercise programme (n=15) for 8 weeks. Blood samples were drawn from the subjects before and after treatment periods. As oxidant stress markers blood levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total nitric oxide (NO), and as antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities were assessed. RESULTS: Before any treatment was initiated, MDA and NO levels in the asthmatic group were significantly higher than the controls (3.40±0.96 nmol/ml vs 2.46±0.58 nmol/ml, and 12.53±2.10 vs 9.40±1.39 micromol/L, respectively). Both SOD (p=0.0001) and GSH-Px (p=0.023) activities were significantly lower in the asthmatic group. Pharmacological treatment and exercise programme together significantly improved lung performance and decreased the levels of oxidant stress markers, in concordance with a significantly increase in antioxidant enzyme activity measures when compared to the pharmacological treatment. CONCLUSION: Structured exercise programme in asthmatic children resulted in better lung function, which may be attributed to its effect on antioxidant status.

The effect of tadalafil on anastomotic healing in ischemic small intestine in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of tadalafil on anastomotic healing in an ischemic small intestine. METHODS: Standardized transection and anastomosis in the small intestine were performed in 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into four equal groups (n = 12): group 1, normal anastomosis; group 2, ischemic anastomosis; group 3, normal anastomosis+tadalafil treatment; group 4, ischemic anastomosis+tadalafil treatment. Ischemia was established by ligating 2 cm of mesentery on either side of the anastomosis. Tadalafil was given to the rats once a day at dose of 5 mg/kg. The anastomotic bursting pressures and hydroxyproline concentrations were measured on postoperative day 4. A histopathological evaluation of the anastomoses was also performed. RESULTS: The bursting pressure and hydroxyproline concentration in group 2 were significantly lower than those in the other groups. There was no difference in the hydroxyproline concentration among groups 1, 3, and 4. While there was no difference between groups 3 and 4, the bursting pressures were significantly higher in groups 3 and 4 than in group 1. The histopathological evaluation revealed no significant differences in inflammatory cell infiltration, vascularization, or anastomotic collagen deposition among the groups. CONCLUSION: Tadalafil treatment improved the anastomotic bursting pressure and the hydroxyproline concentration in both normal and ischemic small intestine anastomosis.

Antibiotic treatment is superior to ursodeoxycholic acid on total parenteral nutrition associated hepatic dysfunction.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the apoptotic mechanisms, oxidative stress, and mechanisms of effect of antibiotics and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-associated liver injury. METHODS: Four groups of young rabbits were used in the study as follows: Group 1 (n: 7): TPN + Metronidazole (30 mg/kg IV) + Gentamicin (6 mg/kg IV); Group 2 (n: 7): TPN + UDCA (15 mg/kg per oral); Group 3 (n: 6): TPN only; and Group 4 (n: 7): Control group. After 10 days, the animals were killed and livers were removed. Hepatic apoptosis, apoptotic proteins, malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were studied in liver, and direct bilirubin values were assessed in the blood samples. RESULTS: Direct bilirubin increased with TPN, and antibiotic combination, as the most effective group, significantly lowered its levels (p < 0.01). MDA values also showed significant differences in comparisons between G1 and G3 (p < 0.05) and G1-G4 (p < 0.01). An increased number of apoptotic cells was detected particularly in G2 and G3, whereas the lowest levels, other than in the control group, were found in G1. All TUNEL-positive cell number data were statistically significant except between G2 and G3(p < 0.05). Caspase-3 and Bax immunoreactivities were greatest in G2. Significant differences were shown in caspase-3 immunoreactivity between the groups (p < 0.01), except between G1 and G3 (p > 0.05). All comparisons between the groups were significant for Bax (p < 0.01). In contrast, Bcl-2 immunoreactivity was moderate and highest in G1: comparisons between G1 and the other groups demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.01). Fas-L immunoreactivity was greatest in G2, and all comparisons between the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Metronidazole and gentamicin combination is effective on TPN-induced liver injury by the Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic pathway, total anti-apoptotic effect and by decreasing bilirubin levels. Oxidative injury in the liver increased with therapy. UDCA seems less effective on TPN-associated liver injury.

The imbalance of enzymatic antioxidants in cholesteatoma.

CONCLUSION: Depletion of enzymatic antioxidants was observed in cholesteatoma. However, a relationship between activity of enzymatic antioxidants and the extent of bone erosion was not found. OBJECTIVES: To measure the level of major enzymatic antioxidants in cholesteatoma, and to investigate the relationship between the level of enzymatic antioxidants and the extent of bone erosion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cholesteatoma and skin samples were obtained during otologic surgeries. All cases were grouped according to the number of bone erosion sites. Samples were examined biochemically and the levels of enzymatic antioxidants were measured. The results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included in the study. The mean level of superoxide dismutase in cholesteatoma and skin was 45.87 U/mg and 71.04 U/mg, respectively. When the catalase level was evaluated, the mean level was 5.04 U/g in cholesteatoma and 11.62 U/g in skin. The mean level of glutathione peroxidase in cholesteatoma and skin was 12.13 IU/g and 236.74 IU/g, respectively. All the results of cholesteatoma and skin samples were compared through non-parametric tests and statistically significant differences were found. However, a statistically significant difference between the levels of enzymatic antioxidants and the extent of bone erosion was not observed.