C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide levels in COVID-19 patients: A prospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a viral infection mediated by coronavirus-2 that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). The disease may affect biochemical parameters and electrolytes. C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide (CTX-I) is released during mature bone resorption and is a biomarker for predicting bone resorption. OBJECTIVES: As the pandemic progressed, understanding the effects of COVID-19 disease remained critical. Inflammatory responses triggered by the virus can result in a bone metabolism regulation imbalance. As such, this study aimed to analyze serum levels of CTX-I, calcium (CA), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), C-reactive protein (CRP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in COVID-19 patients to investigate the relationship between bone resorption and the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 56 individuals with COVID-19 (divided into mild, moderate and severe subgroups depending on disease severity) and 25 healthy adults as a control group. Serum CTX-I concentrations were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, CRP, Ca, Mg, P, and ALP levels were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer. RESULTS: Serum CTX-I levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a positive weak relationship was detected between CRP and CTX-I (r = 0.303, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased serum CTX-I levels in the patient group caused COVID-19-driven bone degradation, though serum CTX-I levels did not differ according to disease severity.

Investigating the individual and combined effects of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C on CLP-induced cardiac injury in rats.

Sepsis-induced cardiac injury represents a major clinical challenge, amplifying the urgency for effective therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to delve into the individual and combined prophylactic effects of Vitamin C (Vit C) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against inflammatory heart injury in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced polymicrobial sepsis rat model. Thirty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control, CLP, Vitamin C, CoQ10, and Vit C + CoQ10, each consisting of six rats. Treatments were administered orally via gavage for 10 days prior to the operation. Eighteen hours post-sepsis induction, the animals were euthanized, and specimens were collected for analysis. The study examined variations in oxidative (TOS, OSI, MDA, MPO) and antioxidative markers (TAS, SOD, CAT, GSH), histopathological changes, inflammatory cytokine concentrations (TNF-α, IL-1ß), nitric oxide (NO) dynamics, and cardiac indicators such as CK-MB. Impressively, the combined regimen markedly diminished oxidative stress, and antioxidative parameters reflected notable enhancements. Elevated NO levels, a central player in sepsis-driven inflammatory cascades, were effectively tempered by our intervention. Histological examinations corroborated the biochemical data, revealing diminished cardiac tissue damage in treated subjects. Furthermore, a marked suppression in pro-inflammatory cytokines was discerned, solidifying the therapeutic potential of our intervention. Interestingly, in certain evaluations, CoQ10 exhibited superior benefits over Vit C. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential therapeutic promise of Vit C and CoQ10 combination against septic cardiac injuries in rats.

The effect of high-intensity intermittent and moderate-intensity continuous exercises on neurobiological markers and cognitive performance.

BACKGROUND: The effects of exercise on cognitive functions and general brain health have been increasingly studied. Such studies conducted among athletes are very important to understanding the effects of different exercise methods on biochemical parameters and cognitive performance. The present study aimed to compare the neuroprotective effects of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) based on biochemical parameters and cognitive performance in athletes. METHODS: A total of twenty-eight elite male boxing athletes aged > 18 years, with at least eight years of training experience, who successfully achieved national and international levels were included in this study. The elite athletes participating in the study were aged 24.43 ± 4.72 years, 14.45 ± 5.89 years of training experience, had a body weight of 74.64 ± 7.82 kg, and had a height of 177 ± 7.15 cm. Athletes who consumed any stimulants during the testing or supplementation phase, nutritional supplements, or steroids that may have affected hormone levels or sports performance in the last three months were excluded from this study. Venous blood samples were obtained, and cognitive performance tests (Stroop tests) were applied (i) immediately after high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE), (ii) one hour after HIIE, (iii) immediately after moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE), and (iv) one hour after MICE. Serum BDNF, S100B, and NSE levels were measured after each session. RESULTS: Serum BDNF levels were significantly (F = 2.142, P < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.589) greater in the HIIE group (5.65 ± 1.79 ng/mL) than in the control group (1.24 ± 0.54 ng/mL) and MICE group (3.38 ± 1.29 ng/mL) for the samples obtained immediately after exercise. Serum S100B levels were significantly (F = 3.427, P < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.427) greater in the HIIE group (71.92 ± 23.05 ng/L) than in the control group (47.39 ± 15.78 ng/L), however there was no significant difference between the HIIE and MICE groups (59.62 ± 28.90 ng/L) in the samples obtained immediately after exercise. Serum NSE levels were significantly (F = 1.475, P < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.312) greater in the HIIE group (14.57 ± 2.52 ng/mL) than in the control group (9.51 ± 3.44 ng/ML mL), however there was no significant difference between the HIIE and MICE groups (59.62 ± 28.90 ng/L) in the samples obtained immediately after exercise. Compared with control groups, both HIIE and MICE improved cognitive performance demonstrated by the Stroop test results. Again, HIIE was superior to MICE in terms of Stroop task reaction time and error rate (incongruent task) scores. CONCLUSION: HIIE and MICE have favorable effects on improving cognitive performance and neuroprotection in an athlete population. HIIE is considered to be superior to MICE in improving neuroprotection and cognitive performance. Our study has remarkable results demonstrating the benefits of HIIT on neuroprotection and cognitive performance. HIIE is recommended instead of MICE, especially in sports where cognitive performance is more important.

A study on the possible neurotoxic effects of CUMYL-4CN-BINACA in Sprague Dawley rats.

Substances such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol cross the blood-brain barrier. Detecting the damage of these substances in the brain provides important data in drug abuse studies. The aim of the study is to define the neurotoxicity of a novel synthetic cannabinoid (CUMYL-4CN-BINACA) in the Sprague-Dawley rats. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, behavioral, and biochemical examinations were performed to determine the acute and subacute toxicity of the cannabinoid. Three cannabinoid doses were administered for 2 days in the acute exposure groups and 14 days in the subacute exposure groups. Observations were made for 14 days and various changes such as mortality, injury, and illness were recorded daily. No mortality was determined. Serious pathological changes such as neurodegeneration, focal plague formation, vacuolation, edema, congestion, and fibrosis were observed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the brain in a dose-dependent manner. Brain tissue caspase-3 activity showed that the cannabinoid triggered apoptosis in the rat brain. The detected cellular oxidative stress (higher lipid peroxidation and lower antioxidant enzyme activity) also supported neurotoxicity. Significant behavioral abnormalities were also observed in the acute groups, while no behavioral changes were detected in the subacute groups. This study showed for the first time that CUMYL-4CN-BINACA adversely affects the rat brain. It can be estimated that the abuse of the cannabinoid may harm human health in the same way.

Flavonoid-Rich Sambucus nigra Berry Extract Enhances Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway Activation and Exerts Antiulcerative Effects In Vivo.

Sambucus nigra (SN) berry extract is characterized by high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of SN berry extract against indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcer in rats and the mechanism involved. SN berry extract alleviated IND-induced gastric ulcers, as shown by assessing pathological manifestations in the gastric mucosa. These protective effects are attributed to attenuated oxidative damage to the gastric mucosa, correlated to increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), enhanced glutathione (GSH) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and upregulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 cascade. Moreover, oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS), were downregulated in SN-extract-treated animals. Furthermore, SN berry extract suppressed gastric mucosal inflammation by downregulating interleukin (IL)-33, IL-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels, and attenuating myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The protective effects of SN berry extract were similar to those exerted by esomeprazole (ESO), an acid-secretion-suppressive drug. In conclusion, SN berry extract has antiulcerative effects, alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Protective effect of melatonin and ascorbic acid combination on sepsis-induced lung injury: An Experimental study.

This study investigated the synergistic protective effects of melatonin (MEL) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C, ASA) in treating sepsis-induced lung injury in rats. Rats were divided into five groups: control, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), CLP + MEL, CLP + ASA and CLP + MEL + ASA. The effects of MEL (10 mg/kg), ASA (100 mg/kg) and their combination on oxidative stress, inflammation and histopathology were evaluated in septic rats' lung tissues. Sepsis-induced oxidative stress and inflammation were evident through increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI); decreased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); and elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 ß (IL-1ß) in the lung tissue. Treatment with MEL, ASA and their combination significantly improved antioxidant capacity and reduced oxidative stress, with the combination treatment being more effective. The combination treatment also significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-1ß levels and improved peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), arylesterase (ARE) and paraoxonase (PON) levels in the lung tissue. Histopathological examination showed reduced oedema and lymphocyte infiltration with a lung tissue appearance similar to the control group. Immunohistochemical staining for caspase 3 demonstrated reduced immune positivity in the treatment groups. In conclusion, this study supports the potential synergistic protective effects of MEL and ASA in treating sepsis-induced lung injury. The combination therapy could effectively reduce oxidative stress, inflammation and improve antioxidant capacity in septic rats, suggesting a promising strategy for treating sepsis-induced lung injury.

Discovery of new 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles: in silico ADME profiling, molecular docking and biological evaluation studies.

In this work, eight new 1,2,3-triazoles (6a-h) were synthesized from acetylenes' "click" reaction with p-substituted azide derivatives. The structures of the compounds were characterized using standard analytical and spectroscopic methods (elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H(13C)NMR). The anticancer, antioxidant, α-amylase, ADME, molecular docking studies of synthesized triazoles were investigated. According to α -amylase enzyme inhibition results, all compounds except 6c (IC50: 2299 µg/mL) were found to have a higher IC50 value than the standard drug acarbose (IC50: 891 µg/mL). Compound 6g (IC50: 68 µg/mL) exhibited 13 times higher activity than standard acarbose. All compounds, except 6e, have been shown to have greater DPPH radical scavenging capabilities than BHT and ß-carotene standards. According to ABTS radical scavenging studies, all compounds showed higher scavenging activity than ascorbic acid and Trolox. To determine the anticancer activity of the synthesized compounds, they were screened against the Hela cell line, and the results were compared with standard cisplatin (IC50: 16.30 µg/mL). Compound 6a (IC50: 49.03 µg/mL) was determined to have moderate activity relative to cisplatin. The compounds were examined comprehensively for ADME characteristics and did not violate any drug-likeness rule. ADME data showed that all physicochemical and pharmacological parameters of the compounds remained within defined limits as specified in Lipinski's rules (RO5) and put forth a high bioavailability profile. The molecular docking findings show that all molecules have a high affinity by exhibiting polar and apolar contact with essential residues in the binding pocket of α-amylase.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Does Single or Combined Caffeine and Taurine Supplementation Improve Athletic and Cognitive Performance without Affecting Fatigue Level in Elite Boxers? A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

In previous studies, the effect of single or combined intake of caffeine (CAF) and taurine (TAU) on exercise performance was investigated. However, the potential synergistic effect on physical and cognitive performance after fatigue induced by anaerobic exercise is unknown. The effects of single and combination CAF and TAU supplementation on the Wingate test in elite male boxers and to evaluate balance, agility and cognitive performance after fatigue are being investigated for the first time in this study. Twenty elite male boxers 22.14 ± 1.42 years old were divided into four groups in this double-blind, randomized crossover study: CAF (6 mg/kg of caffeine), TAU (3 g single dose of taurine), CAF*TAU (co-ingestion of 3 g single dose of taurine and 6 mg/kg of caffeine) and PLA (300 mg maltodextrin). The findings are as follows: co-ingestion of CAF*TAU, improved peak (W/kg), average (W), minimum (W) power, time to reach (s), and RPE performances compared to the PLA group significantly (p < 0.05). Similarly, it was determined that a single dose of TAU, created a significant difference (p < 0.05) in peak power (W/kg), and average and minimum power (W) values compared to the CAF group. According to the balance and agility tests performed after the Wingate test, co-ingestion of CAF*TAU revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to the PLA group. In terms of cognitive performance, co-ingestion of CAF*TAU significantly improved the neutral reaction time (ms) compared to the TAU, CAF and PLA groups. As a result, elite male boxers performed better in terms of agility, balance and cognitive function when they consumed a combination of 6 mg/kg CAF and 3 g TAU. It has been determined that the combined use of these supplements is more effective than their single use.

High Serum Progranulin Levels in COVID-19 Patients: A Pilot Study.

In this study, we aimed to determine whether the progranulin level in serum predicts the course and severity of the disease in COVID-19 (+) patients and whether it can be used as a biomarker in these patients. Therefore, we sampled 61 people infected with COVID-19, and the cases were divided into the following groups: asymptomatic, noncomplicated, moderate, and severe. Concentrations of progranulin, TNF-α, IL-6 from in serum obtained from all participants were measured using commercially available ELISA kits, as well as WBC, PLT, NE, LY, ALT, AST, Hb, PCT, and CRP were examined with clinical analyzer. All measurements obtained for the patient samples were compared with those of 20 healthy individuals. The serum progranulin concentration was statistically higher in the COVID-19 (+) patient group than in the control group of healthy individuals [112.6 ± 54.8, 0.0 (0.0-54.2 pg/ml, respectively p = 0.000)]. ROC analysis was performed to evaluate the progranulin potential as a biomarker for COVID-19 (+) patients. A larger AUC (0.931 ± 0.08) value and a more significant p-value for progranulin than for CRP (p = 0.000) was detected. As a result, we believe that progranulin reaches high levels in the COVID-19 disease and may be a determinant in diagnosis and prognosis, and may be a better biomarker than CRP.

Serum BDNF and Selenium Levels in Elite Athletes Exposed to Blows.

Background and Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the combined acute and long-term effects of exposure to blows and exercise on serum BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and selenium levels. Materials and Methods: Serum BDNF and selenium levels were determined in 40 male elite athletes before and after vigorous exercise (training match) with a probability of exposure to blows and in 10 sedentary men subjected to exercise (Astrand running protocol). Results: Serum BDNF levels were found 11.50 ± 3.50 ng/mL before exercise and 14.02 ± 3.15 ng/mL after exercise in the athlete group (p = 0.02), and 12.18 ± 4.55 ng/ mL and 11.74 ± 2.48 ng/ mL before and after exercise in the sedentary group, respectively (p = 0.873). Serum BDNF (pre-exercise, baseline) levels were slightly lower in the athlete group than those in the sedentary group (11.50 ± 3.50 and 12.18 ± 4.55 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.796). Pre-exercise serum selenium levels in athletes were significantly higher compared to those of sedentary participants (130.53 ± 36.79 and 95.51 ± 20.57 µg/L, respectively, p = 0.011). There was no difference in selenium levels after exercise (124.01 ± 29.96 µg/L) compared to pre-exercise (130.53 ± 36.79 µg/L) in the athlete group (p = 0.386). Similarly, there was no difference in selenium levels after exercise (113.28 ± 25.51 µg/L) compared to pre-exercise (95.51 ± 20.57 µg/L) in the sedentary group (p = 0.251). Conclusions: BDNF results show that even if athletes are exposed to blows, they may be protected from the long-term effects of blows thanks to the protective effect of their non-sedentary lifestyle. Regular exercise may have a protective effect on maintaining serum selenium levels in athletes even exposed to blows chronically.

Evaluation of Serum Trace Element Levels and Biochemical Parameters of COVID-19 Patients According to Disease Severity.

While the COVID-19 disease progresses mildly or asymptomatically in some people, its progression is severe and symptomatic in others, and it is an issue that requires a scientific response regarding the disease. The present study includes 60 people infected with COVID-19, and the cases were divided into the following groups: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe. Serum Zn, Se, and Cu levels of these groups were analyzed by ICP-MS. All measurements in the patients were compared with those of 32 healthy individuals. When the patient group is compared with the control group, the serum Zn and Se concentrations were statistically low (p < 0.001) in the patient group. Serum Zn level decreased significantly in 4 different patient groups compared to the control group. Although the serum Se level decreased in all four patient groups compared to the control group, the change in Se level was statistically significant only in the severe and mild patient groups. This study examined serum Zn, Se concentrations, and biochemical parameters in patients with different severity of COVID-19, compared them with healthy individuals, and revealed new targets for diagnosis and treatment by revealing those data that may be important.

Effects of oral care with glutamine in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients.

PURPOSE: The study was designed as a randomized, controlled, experimental study aiming to determine the effects of oral care with glutamine in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients admitted to neurosurgical intensive care unit. METHODS: The universe consisted of patients who are admitted to neurosurgical intensive care unit between January 2014 and August 2015, while the sample consisted of 88 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were randomly selected. The study group received oral care with 5% glutamine, whereas the control group received oral care with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution. DATA COLLECTING TOOLS: All date was acquired using Patient Information Form, Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation scale (APACHE II), Beck Oral Assessment Scale (BOAS), Mucosal Plaque Score (MPS) and Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS). One-way ANOVA test was used for comparing parameters with normal distribution between groups along with descriptive statistical methods. Kruskal-Wallis Test was used for comparing parameters without normal distribution between groups. RESULTS: In the control group, mean BOAS score was 9.33±1.8 mean MPS score was 3.68±0.87 and mean CPIS score was 4.07±1.78. In the study group, mean BOAS score was 10.16±2.78, mean MPS score was 3.93±1.04 and mean CPIS score was 3.78±2.25. There was no statistically significant difference in mean scores at 1st day, 3rd day, 5th day and discharge (p>0.05). However, BOAS, MPS, CPIS and APACHE II scores was significantly lower at discharge than 1st day in both groups. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in using 5% glutamine or 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution for oral care for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Similar studies with bigger sample size and longer term should be conducted for better results.