HIIT serves as an efficient training strategy for basketball players by improving blood fluidity and decreasing oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: A challenge for coaches and athletes is to find the best combination of exercises during training. Considering its favorable effects, HIIT has been very popular recently. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate anthropometric features, performance, erythrocyte deformability, plasma viscosity (PV) and oxidative stress in response to acute and long-term (6 weeks) HIIT in adolescent basketball players. METHODS: 22 sportsmen between the ages of 14-16 were included. Tabata protocol was applied to the HIIT group in addition to their routine training program 3 days/week, for 6 weeks. Erythrocyte deformability was determined using an ectacytometer (LORCA), PV with a rotational viscometer. Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured by kits. RESULTS: HIIT for 6 weeks induced an improvement in performance tests and waist circumference. 6 weeks of HIIT resulted in a decrement, while the last exercise session yielded an increment in RBC deformability. PV and TOS of HIIT groups were decreased on the 6th week. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that, HIIT in addition to the routine exercise program is beneficial for improving performance and blood fluidity as well as decreasing oxidative stress in basketball players. Therefore, HIIT seems as an efficient training strategy for highly-trained individuals.

Effects of Autologous Serum and Platelet-Rich Plasma on Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Regeneration: A Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of autologous serum (AS) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on human corneal endothelial cell (HCEC) proliferation and apoptosis in comparison to Y-27632 as the commonly studied Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. METHODS: The human corneal endothelial primary cell line was used for this study. As the treatment groups, HCECs were incubated with AS, PRP, and Y-27632, whereas the control group received no treatment. Cell proliferation (measured by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine [BrdU] incorporation) and apoptosis (based on the caspase-3 level) were compared between the control, Y-27632, AS, and PRP groups. RESULTS: In the Y-27632, AS, and PRP groups, the ratios of BrdU-incorporated cells were significantly higher (115±0.2%, 125±0.2%, 122±0.4% at 24 hr, and 138±2.4%, 160±0.2%, 142±0.2% at 48 hr, respectively) than in the control group (100±18.4% at 24 hr, 100±1.1% at 48 hr) ( P <0.05 for all). Furthermore, AS provided a higher HCEC proliferation ratio compared with the Y-27632 group at 24 and 48 hr ( P <0.05 for all). Caspase-3 was significantly lower in the AS group (60.3±3.3%) than in the control (100±2.3%), Y-27632 (101.9±5.2%), and PRP (101±6.8%) groups ( P <0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated for the first time that AS and PRP promoted HCEC proliferation and AS significantly decreased apoptosis in HCECs. A superior effect on HCEC proliferation was also observed with AS compared with Y-27632. Future "autologous" regenerative therapeutic options for corneal endothelial failure may involve the utilization of AS and PRP owing to their accessibility, simplicity in preparation, immunologic compatibility, and donor-free nature.

Investigation of fructose consumption on hippocampal insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, and metabolic effects in rats.

Objectives: The detrimental effects of high fructose consumption on metabolic health have been extensively studied. However, limited research has focused on the impact of fructose intake on neuroprotective mechanisms, specifically the expression of insulin receptor (INSR) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in the hippocampus. Understanding the effects of fructose on these neuroprotective molecules can provide valuable insights into the potential role of fructose in hippocampal dysfunction. The goal of this study is to aim at the basal plasma levels of lipid profile, insulin, GLP-1, and HOMA-IR, as well as the mRNA and protein expression of neuroprotective molecules such as INSR and GLP-1R in Wistar rats fed a high fructose diet. Materials and Methods: Rats were separated into control (C) and high fructose (HF) groups. The HF group was given 20% fructose water to drink for 16 weeks. Results: Fructose ingestion significantly increased abdominal fat (C=1.24±0.08 g, HF=1.79±0.19 g, P<0.05) and plasma triglyceride levels (C=179.22±22.85 µg/ml, HF=242.45±14.45 µg/ml, P<0.05), but had no statistically significant effect on body weight and plasma HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, insulin, and GLP-1 levels (P>0.05). Although INSR mRNA expression in the hippocampus was significantly lower in the HF group compared to the control group (P<0.05), GLP-1R mRNA expression did not differ significantly across the groups (P>0.05). Furthermore, whereas INSR and GLP-1R protein levels in the experimental group were on a declining trend, this trend was not substantially different (P>0.05). Conclusion: These data suggest that fructose consumption may be harmful to the hippocampus by lowering the expression of INSR.

Investigating the Activity of Indole-2-on Derivative Src Kinase Inhibitors Against Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells.

BACKGROUND: Src family tyrosine kinases play a potential role in Bcr-Abl-induced leukemogenesis. Src kinase inhibitors are reported as selective inhibitors of chronic myeloid leukemia. OBJECTIVE: Since Src kinase inhibitors have an inhibitive effect on chronic myeloid leukemia, indole derivatives (C-1, C-2, C-3) previously found as potent inhibitors of Src kinase were tested against chronic myeloid leukemia in this study. METHODS: Cell viability of K562 and R/K562 cells, antiproliferative and antioxidant effects, and inhibition profiles of Bcr-Abl kinase of indole derivatives were determined compared to dasatinib and imatinib. RESULTS: The results showed that compounds affected cell proliferation and decreased the levels of Bcr/Abl. These results confirmed that the antileukemic activity of compounds was related to Bcr/Abl expression. Docking studies also presented that compounds are inhibitors of both Src and Abl kinases. Calculation of drug-like properties showed that compounds could be potential drug candidates. CONCLUSION: Among indole-2-on derivatives, previously identified as Src kinase inhibitors, C-2 has been discovered to be a strong anticancer drug that is active against susceptible and resistant K562 cell lines and induces apoptosis.

Swimming exercise restores damaging effects of fructose-enriched diet on the liver in rats.

Fructose-enriched diet (FED) is increasing worldwide. The study aims to investigate oxidative, histopathological, and immunohistochemical effects of fructose-enriched diet and swimming exercise on liver tissue in rats. Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Group I (Control), Group II (FED), Group III (FED+Exercise), and Group IV (Control+Exercise). MDA levels and enzyme activities of SOD and CAT were measured in liver tissue. Also, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations (caspase-3, RANKL, TNF-α, and HSP-70) were performed on the liver tissue. MDA levels and SOD activities were found to be significantly higher in Group III compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). SOD activity was found to be lower in Group II compared to Group I (p = 0.035). CAT activities did not differ significantly between groups. While degeneration was noticed in Group II, normal tissue architecture was observed in other groups. Caspase-3, RANKL, and TNF-α expressions were higher in Group II than in the other groups, while HSP-70 expression was lower (p < 0.05). Fructose-enriched diet increases oxidative damage, degeneration, inflammation, and necrosis in the liver. In addition, a fructose-enriched diet is damaging to the liver by increasing the expressions of caspase 3, TNF-α, and RANKL and decreasing the expression of HSP-70. Swimming exercise largely restores these effects.

Verbascoside potentiates the effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on the induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress via the Abl-mediated MAPK signalling pathway in chronic myeloid leukaemia.

Verbascoside (Verb) may exhibit potential antitumour activities in leukaemia. The present study investigated the effect of Verb, in combination with imatinib (IM), dasatinib (Das), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and TNF, on cell survival, Abl expression, apoptosis, oxidative stress and the MAPK pathway in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) cells. Cell viability was determined using the WST-8 assay in K562 and R-K562 cells treated with Verb and/or IM, Das, LPS and TNF. Apoptosis and DNA damage in CML cells was detected by caspase-3 and comet analysis. The protein levels of Abl (Phospho-Tyr412), and total/phosphorylated p38, JNK and ERK in CML cells were analysed using a Colorimetric Cell-Based Assay. Oxidative stress was examined using total antioxidant and oxidant status assays. Treatment with Verb and/or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), LPS and TNF resulted in a significant decrease in the Tyr-412 phosphorylation of Abl in K562 and R-K562 cells. In addition, cotreatment with Verb and IM or Das additively induced apoptosis by activating caspase-3 levels in both cell lines. Activation of p38 and JNK can result in growth arrest and cell death, whereas ERK stimulation results in cell division and differentiation. The present study demonstrated that cotreatment with Verb and TKIs suppressed phosphorylated-ERK1/2, whereas the levels of phosphorylated-p-38 and phosphorylated-JNK were significantly elevated by Verb and/or IM, Das, LPS and TNF, thus suggesting that Abl and Src inhibition could be involved in the effects of Verb on MAPK signalling in R-K562 cells. Furthermore, Verb elevated reactive oxygen species levels additively with TKIs in both cell lines by increasing the oxidant capacity and decreasing the antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, anti-leukemic mechanisms of Verb may be mediated by Abl protein and regulation of its downstream p38-MAPK/JNK pathway, caspase-3 and oxidative stress in CML cells.

Hemorheology and oxidative stress in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer following I-131 ablation/metastasis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Although radioiodine theraphy (RAIT) is thought to affect blood cells and oxidative stress, hemorheological alterations following dose-dependent RAIT remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of RAIT on hemorheological and oxidative stress parameters in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC). METHODS: Totally 31 DTC patients (mean age 46.32±11.15 years) and 26 healthy controls (mean age 50.50±6.22 years) were included. Venous blood samples were collected from each patient before and after treatment (7th day, 1th month and 6th month). Erythrocyte aggregation-deformability and oxidative stress parameters were determined. p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Erythrocyte deformability of the patients determined at 16.87 and 30 Pascal were significantly lower than healthy individuals. Erythrocyte aggregation index (AI) of the patients was higher, whereas erythrocyte aggregation half-time (t½) was lower compared to control. Erythrocyte deformability values and AI were not significantly different from the pre- and post-radioiodine treatment groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the oxidative stress parameters before and after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients were in a worse hemorheological condition compared to healthy individuals. After RAIT, RBC deformability and aggregation were not affected and no significant change in oxidative stress parameters was detected.

Oxidative Stress and Genotoxicity in Pterygium: A Systemic Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a systemic investigation on oxidative stress and DNA damage in patients with primary pterygium. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study included 32 patients with primary pterygium (60.1±2.0 years of age) and 33 age- and sex-matched (58.8±2.2 years of age) control subjects (P>0.05). A commercial kit was used for measuring serum total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS). The comet assay was performed after lymphocyte isolation from venous blood to quantitate DNA damage. Tail length (TL), tail intensity (TI), and tail moment (TM) were used for statistical analysis as parameters of DNA damage. RESULTS: In the pterygium group, TOS and TAS were significantly higher when compared with those of the control group (P=0.019 and P=0.005, respectively). In terms of DNA damage, patients with pterygium had higher TL, TI, and TM than in the control subjects (P<0.0001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Although current literature focuses on local factors in pterygium pathogenesis, patients with pterygium seem to have increased systemic oxidative status (and compensatory antioxidant response) and genotoxicity, which might create a predisposition for pterygium development.

Hemorheological alterations following an acute bout of nordic hamstring exercise in active male participants1.

BACKGROUND: The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) has been proven to be an effective preventive technique for hamstring injuries. Hemorheological parameters (erythrocyte deformability and aggregation) play a critical role in exercise influencing oxygenation. Although previous studies presented hemorheological alterations induced by different types of exercise, changes in red blood cell (RBC) deformability and aggregation following NHE remain unknown. Present study was designed to explore possible alterations in hemorheological and oxidative parameters after an acute bout of NHE. METHODS: 10 healthy, male, active students (mean age 19.9±0.23, BMI: 21.56±0.54) participated to the study. They performed a single session of seven-repetitions of NHE followed by a familiarisation period. Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after the exercise from the antecubital vein. Hemorheological parameters were measured by an ektacytometer. RESULTS: NHE did not change deformability, hematocrit and oxidative stress but, increased RBC aggregation index (AI, p = 0.011) and decreased RBC aggregation half time (t½, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that, increased RBC aggregation following an acute bout of NHE may result in increased plasma skimming and thus ease the flow of blood.

Impaired Blood Rheology in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Understanding of the pathophysiologic manifestations of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is still evolving. The aims of the present study were to determine the alterations in blood rheology, and to investigate the relationship between those alterations and laboratory parameters in PAH. METHODS: The study included 21 consecutive treatment-naive patients with PAH and 32 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Patients were categorised in class II (n=6), class III (n=13), and class IV (n=2). All subjects underwent right-heart catheterisation. Erythrocyte deformability and aggregation were measured by an ektacytometer. RESULTS: Haemodynamic variables were as follows: the mean right atrial pressure: 9.94±5.76mmHg; the average pulmonary vascular resistance: 5.66±3 WU; Fick cardiac index: 4.15±2.75l/min/m2; and mixed venous O2 saturation: 64.59±12.53%. The average 6-minute walk distance was 351.09±133.08m. Erythrocyte deformability measured at 0.95, 3.00, and 5.33Pa was significantly lower, erythrocyte aggregation index (AI) was higher, and aggregation half-time (t1/2) was lower in PAH. AI and fibrinogen were positively correlated with NT pro-BNP (AI-NT pro-BNP: r=0.579; fibrinogen-NT pro-BNP: r=0.591). t1/2 was negatively correlated with NT pro-BNP (t1/2-NT pro-BNP: r=-0.648). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in erythrocyte aggregation and the decrease in deformability may theoretically increase the flow resistance and may be of haemodynamic significance. The association between erythrocyte aggregation and NT pro-BNP may indicate that erythrocyte aggregation increases with disease progression. These alterations contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology and could serve as markers of disease presence.

Increased erythrocyte aggregation following an acute bout of eccentric isokinetic exercise does not exceed two days.

BACKGROUND: Isokinetic exercise is used to reduce strength imbalance and to enhance performance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a single bout of eccentric isokinetic exercise on hemorheology (erythrocyte deformability and aggregation), total oxidant/antioxidant status (TOS/TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) in active individuals. METHODS: The study comprises 11 active, healthy, male subjects (mean age of 19.45 ± 0.31 years, BMI 22.05 ± 0.51 kg/m2). They performed single, unilateral eccentric contractions of knee flexors and extensors with dominant leg on a dynamometer. Isokinetic hamstring, quadriceps strength were recorded at eccentric (30, 120° s-1) angular velocities. Eight active age-matched healthy male subjects were included as a control group, who did not receive exercise. Blood samples were obtained before, immediately after and two days after the exercise session. Hemorheological parameters were measured by an ektacytometer. TOS/TAS were determined using a commercial kit. RESULTS: A session of eccentric isokinetic exercise did not affect erythrocyte deformability and oxidative stress indices, whereas red blood cell (RBC) aggregation was increased initially and returned to pre-exercise levels after two days following exercise. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that, increased RBC aggregation following an acute bout of isokinetic exercise may result in increased plasma skimming that augments tissue perfusion and clearance of metabolites within a period of two days following exercise.

Contribution of Heme Oxygenase 2 to Blood Pressure Regulation in Response to Swimming Exercise and Detraining in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

BACKGROUND We aimed to determine the effects of exercise followed by detraining on systolic blood pressure (SBP), heme oxygenase 2 (HO-2) expression, and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) concentration in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) to explain the role of carbon monoxide (CO) in this process. MATERIAL AND METHODS Animals were randomized into exercised and detrained groups. Corresponding sedentary rats were grouped as Time 1-2. Swimming of 60 min/5 days/week for 10 weeks was applied. Detraining rats discontinued training for an additional 5 weeks. Gene and protein expressions were determined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Aorta HO-2 histological scores (HSCORE) of hypertensive rats were lower, while SBP was higher. Swimming caused enhancement of HO-2 immunostaining in aorta endothelium and adventitia of SHR. Exercise induced elevation of blood COHb index in SHR. Synchronous BP lowering effect of exercise was observed. HO-2 mRNA expression, HSCORE, and blood COHb index were unaltered during detraining, while SBP was still low in SHR. CONCLUSIONS CO synthesized by HO-2 at least partly plays a role in SBP regulation in the SHR- and BP-lowering effect of exercise. Regular exercise with short-term pauses may be advised to both hypertensives and individuals who are at risk.

Hemorheological dysfunction in cardiac syndrome X.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is often described as angina or angina-like chest pain with a normal coronary arteriogram, yet the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The aim of the current study was to determine alterations in blood rheology (erythrocyte aggregation and deformability, plasma viscosity - PV) in patients with CSX. METHODS: The study comprised 26 CSX patients (55.77 ± 12.33 years) and 37 age- and sex-matched (56.32 ± 11.98 years) healthy controls. Erythrocyte aggregation and deformability were measured by an ektacytometer and PV with a rotational viscometer. RESULTS: Erythrocyte deformability measured at 1.69 and 3.00 Pa was lower in the CSX patients compared to the controls (p = .0001 and .017, respectively). Erythrocyte aggregation index (AI) (72.758 ± 7.65 vs. 66.483 ± 6.63, p = .002) and PV measured at a shear rate of 375 s-1 (1.932 ± 0.225 vs. 1.725 ± 0.331, p = .019) were significantly higher in patients with CSX. When AI, RDW and erythrocyte deformability measured at 1.69 Pa were evaluated together, it was observed that the increase in AI and RDW augments the risk of having CSX (OR: 1.2 and 2.65, respectively), while the rise in deformability decreases this risk (OR = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Hemorheological impairments are associated with CSX.

Impaired Hemorheology in Exacerbations of COPD.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow limitation. Cardiovascular-related comorbidities are established to contribute to morbidity and mortality especially during exacerbations. The aim of the current study was to determine alterations in hemorheology (erythrocyte aggregation, deformability) in newly diagnosed COPD patients and their response to medical treatment and to compare with values of COPD patients with exacerbations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 13 COPD patients, 12 controls, and 16 COPD patients with exacerbations. The severity of COPD was determined according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines. Red blood cell (RBC) deformability and aggregation were measured by an ektacytometer. RESULTS: RBC deformability of COPD patients with exacerbations was decreased compared to the other groups. Erythrocyte aggregation and plasma fibrinogen of COPD patients determined during exacerbations were higher than control. CONCLUSION: Decreased RBC deformability and increased aggregation associated with exacerbations of COPD may serve as unfavorable mechanisms to worsen oxygenation and thus clinical symptoms of the patient. Treatment modalities that modify rheological parameters might be beneficial.

Increased erythrocyte aggregation in patients with primary open angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: The rationale of this study is to determine alterations in blood rheology (erythrocyte aggregation and deformability) and relationship between structural measurements obtained from optical coherence tomography (OCT) in different stages of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: This prospective controlled study comprised 23 POAG patients (glaucoma group) and 23 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (control group). Elongation index (EI), which is the indicator of erythrocyte deformability and erythrocyte aggregation was measured using an ektacytometer. Optic nerve head (ONH) morphology and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness were evaluated using a spectral domain (SD) OCT. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the elongation index values (p > 0.05). On the other hand, erythrocyte aggregation amplitude (AMP) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly higher in the glaucoma group than in the control group (p = 0.015, p = 0.003 respectively). A significant correlation was also found between the elongation index and retinal nerve fibre layer (average and superior) thickness (p < 0.05) in patients with late glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with POAG, erythrocyte aggregation appears to be higher. It can be speculated that higher erythrocyte aggregation and deformability may be involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma by affecting microperfusion of the optic nerve head and retina. Modification of rheological parameters in patients with glaucoma may be considered as an adjuvant future therapy in glaucoma management, whereas further studies in larger groups are needed.

Impaired Hemorheological Parameters and Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Children with Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is defined as elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration associated with normal serum-free thyroxine levels. Effects of hypothyroidism on hemorheology had widely attracted the attention of researchers during the last decade. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine alterations in hemorheological parameters and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in children with SH. METHODS: Fifty-three SH children and 31 healthy controls were enrolled. Erythrocyte deformability and aggregation were determined by an ektacytometer and plasma viscosity (PV) by a cone-plate rotational viscometer. CIMT was evaluated sonographically. RESULTS: Erythrocyte deformability of the SH group measured at 0.53 and 1.69-30 Pa was lower than that of the control group. The erythrocyte aggregation index, aggregation half time and PV were not different between the groups. However, the aggregation amplitude and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were significantly higher in SH compared to the control group. There was a negative correlation between TSH and deformability values measured at 5.33-30.0 Pa. CIMT in patients with SH was significantly higher than in the control group (p = 0.001; SH = 0.48 ± 0.04 mm, control group = 0.43 ± 0.03 mm). CONCLUSION: Impaired hemorheology and increased CIMT are well-known risk factors for developing cardiovascular pathologies. The results of the current study suggest the treatment of children with SH in order to avoid early circulatory problems.

Increased erythrocyte aggregation and oxidative stress in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Hemorheological properties are important determinants of tissue oxygenation. Although hemorheological alterations in various lung diseases have been well-defined, no information is available about the effects of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) on hemorheological parameters. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate hemorheological parameters (erythrocyte deformability, aggregation, and plasma viscosity -PV) and associated oxidative stress indices in patients with IIP. METHODS: The study enrolled 31 patients (9 Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 10 non-specific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP), 12 Cryptogenic Organising Pneumonia (COP) and 33 healthy controls. Erythrocyte deformability and aggregation were measured by an ektacytometer. PV was determined by a cone-plate rotational viscometer and oxidative stress via a commercial kit. RESULTS: Erythrocyte aggregation, total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) of IIP patients were higher than controls whereas erythrocyte deformability, PV and total antioxidant status (TAS) were unaltered. CONCLUSIONS: Increment of oxidative stress in IIP seems to depend on enhancement of oxidants, rather than alteration of antioxidants. The issue that, elevated erythrocyte aggregation may further impair tissue oxygenation by disturbing microcirculation in IIP, may be considered in the follow up and development of new treatment protocols for this disease.

Detraining reverses exercise-induced improvement in blood pressure associated with decrements of oxidative stress in various tissues in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of moderate intensity swimming exercise (10 weeks) followed by detraining (for five and 10 weeks) on oxidative stress levels of heart, lung, kidney, and liver tissues and systolic blood pressure (SBP) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR and control rats were randomized into sedentary, exercised, detrained (5 weeks) and late-detrained (10 weeks) groups. Corresponding sedentary rats were grouped as time 1-2-3. Exercise of 60 min, 5 days/week/10 weeks was applied. Detraining rats underwent the same training protocol and then discontinued training during next 5, 10 weeks. SBP was measured by tail-cuff method. Tissue total oxidant/antioxidant status was measured using a commercial kit and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Exercise training slightly decreased tissue OSI of SHR and reduced SBP of both groups. Tissue OSI of SHR were higher than WKY and aging resulted in increment of oxidants in groups. detraining yielded time-dependent increments in oxidative stress of all tissues and SBP of both rat groups. Although short-term cessations may be tolerated, our results emphasize the importance of exercising as a way of life for cardiovascular well-being in hypertensives or in individuals who are genetically under risk of hypertension.

Investigation of hemorheological parameters at the diagnosis and follow up of children with iron deficiency anemia and mixed anemia.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and vitamin B12 deficiency coexisting with IDA which is called as mixed anemia (MA) on hemorheological parameters, to compare them with each other and healthy controls, and to assess the changes in hemorheological parameters after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 32 IDA patients (mean age:6.3 ± 5.3 years), 30 MA patients (mean age:7.2 ± 5.4 years), and 31 healthy controls (mean age:7.1 ± 5.2 years) were enrolled. Erythrocyte deformability and aggregation were determined by an ectacytometer, plasma and whole blood viscosities by a cone-plate rotational viscometer. Differences between IDA and MA, and healthy controls were compared. Hemorheological parameters were repeated in the patient groups after treatment and compared with the initial results. RESULTS: In both of the patient groups, erythrocyte deformability, whole blood and plasma viscosities were found to be significantly decreased before treatment, compared with the controls. After treatment these parameters were found to be increased significantly. There were no significant differences in these parameters between the IDA and MA group. Additionally, no statistically significant alteration was found in erythrocyte aggregation measurements of both patient groups. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that IDA and MA have similar effects on hemorheological parameters. When vitamin B12 deficiency accompanies IDA which is called as MA, no further alterations occur in hemorheological parameters. The adequate treatment of these anemias not only corrects the hematological parameters, but also by helping to normalize the hemorheological parameters, may contribute to the regulation of microvascular perfusion.

Investigation of hemorheological parameters at the diagnosis and the follow-up of nutritional vitamin B12 deficient children.

We aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin B12 deficiency on hemorheological parameters, and the changes in these parameters following vitamin B12 treatment. 33 patients (mean-age:7 ± 5.7 years) diagnosed as nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency, and 31 age and sex matched controls (mean-age:7.1 ± 5.2 years) were enrolled. Erythrocyte deformability and aggregation were determined by an ectacytometer, plasma and whole blood viscosities by a cone-plate rotational viscometer. The differences between patients and controls were compared. Hemorheological parameters were repeated in the patient group following vitamin B12 treatment, and the results were compared with the initial results. In vitamin B12 deficiency, erythrocyte deformability and whole blood viscosity were found to be significantly decreased, eythrocyte aggregation was found to be significantly increased compared with the controls. Plasma viscosity was found to be decreased in deficiency but this decrease was not statistically significant. In patient group, erythrocyte deformability, whole blood and plasma viscosities were found to be significantly increased and erythrocyte aggregation was significantly decreased, after treatment. This study indicates that vitamin B12 deficiency has important effects on hemorheological parameters and adequate treatment of deficiency not only corrects the hematological parameters, but also by helping to normalize the hemorheological parameters, may contribute to the regulation of microvascular perfusion.