Evaluation of intestinal necrosis with laser Doppler in experimental mesenteric ischemia model.

BACKGROUND: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is responsible for one in a thousand emergency hospital admissions in America and Europe and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Current diagnostic and treatment methods fall short of desired outcomes, often resulting in delayed diagnoses and difficulties in detecting ischemic bowel tissue during treatment. This study evaluates the diagnostic value of commonly used biochemical markers in clinical practice-creatine kinase, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-alongside blood flow measurements using laser Doppler in a rat model of experimental mesenteric ischemia. We also compare these markers with pathological ischemia scoring. METHODS: Rats were divided into five groups: control, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, and 4 hours. Mesenteric ischemia was induced for the respective durations in each group. After these periods, we measured blood flow using laser Doppler. We also collected blood samples and intestinal biopsies for biochemical parameter analysis. These values were assessed in relation to intestinal viability using the Chiu ischemia scoring system. RESULTS: Blood flow measurement with laser Doppler correlated with both the duration and severity of bowel ischemia. No significant relationship was found between CRP levels and the duration of ischemia. However, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly higher in ischemia lasting into the third and fourth hours. CONCLUSION: Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels may be useful biomarkers in patients with suspected acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). Blood flow measurements using laser Doppler can accurately identify intestinal loops for resection during surgery.

Sinapic Acid Attenuated Cisplatin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation with GPX4-Mediated NF-kB Modulation.

The use of cisplatin is severely limited by the risk of developing cardiovascular complications. Sinapic acid may reduce cisplatin's side effects. The anti oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and peroxynitrite-scavenging properties of sinapic acid could provide protection against the cardiotoxicity caused by cisplatin. To induce toxicity in rats, cisplatin was administered for a period of 5 weeks. Animal electrocardiograms were obtained after cisplatin toxicity had taken effect. Blood samples and heart tissues were then harvested from the anesthetized animals. The ELISA technique was used to evaluate the level of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative and nitrosative stress indicators in the heart tissue and serum. A real-time PCR was used to analyze GPX4 and NF-κB expression in the heart tissue. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome were also utilized. Electrocardiograms data showed an increase in QRS and QT intervals. Biochemically, cisplatin increased oxidative, nitrosative, and proinflammatory cytokine levels. Animals exposed to cisplatin had histopathological findings in the heart tissue, according to the results of histological assessment. Sinapic acid reduced TNF-alpha, interleukin-6, malondialdehyde, and ischemia-modified albumin. Sinapic acid also reduced oxidative and nitrosative stress. Furthermore, Sinapic acid restored lengthy QT and QRS. Cisplatin-treated rats had higher NF-κB activation than controls. This effect was successfully inhibited by sinapic acid. Histopathologically, tissues treated with sinapic acid were less damaged than tissues treated with cisplatin. In conclusion, our results suggest that sinapic acid exhibited a protective effect against the cardiotoxicity induced by cisplatin. These effects may be caused by the overexpression of GPX4 and the downregulation of NF-KB, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

An Investigation of The Effect of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts on Wound Healing in an Experimental Diabetic Mouse Model.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Extracellular Vesicles (EV) secreted from mouse embryonic fibroblasts EV on wound healing of full-thickness skin defect in a diabetic mouse model. The study included both in vitro and in vivo experimental studies 82 mice. In the in vitro stage of the experimental study, hysterectomy was performed on two mice between the 13-14th days of pregnancy and then EV was isolated by cell culturing. VEGF, IL-6, and TNF-α biomarkers were examined in tissue homogenate. Moreover, tissue taken from wound area was also subjected to histopathologic scoring. EV augmented the effect of VEGF. Therefore promoted angiogenesis increases the transport of cells, essential oxygen and nutrients in the wound area. Extracellular vesicles isolated from mouse embryonic fibroblasts have been found to accelerate wound healing in diabetes. The findings obtained from this experimental study indicate that EV isolated from mouse embryonic fibroblasts accelerate the wound healing process in experimentally induced-diabetes in mice.

Boric acid improves the behavioral, electrophysiological and histological parameters of cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in rats.

Boric acid (BA) has been used in many diseases because it increases the amount of reduced glutathione in the body and reduces oxidative damage. This study aims to investigate the effects of boric acid in cisplatin-induced neuropathy, in which oxidative stress is also effective in its pathophysiology. In this study, 8-10 weeks old, 170-190 g Wistar Albino rats were used. Each group contained seven rats (n = 35). Experimental groups consist of control, sham, neuropathy, treatment, and boric acid groups. For the neuropathy model, a single dose of cisplatin (3 mg/kg, i.p) was administered once a week for five weeks, and for the treatment group, boric acid was administered daily (100 mg/kg, intragastric) for five weeks. After drug administration, the rotarod test to evaluate motor performance, the tail-flick and hot/cold plate tests to evaluate sensory conduction states, the von Frey filament test to evaluate the mechanical allodynia, and the adhesive removal test to assess sensorimotor function were performed. The sciatic nerve's motoric conduction velocity was also assessed electrophysiologically. Oxidative stress parameters were also assessed biochemically in sciatic nerve tissue and serum. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate the sciatic nerve tissue histopathologically. The motor conduction velocity of the sciatic nerve, impaired by cisplatin, was increased considerably by boric acid (p < 0.05). It also reduced the latency time of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP), which was increased by cisplatin. (p < 0.05). The von Frey filament test results demonstrated increased pain sensitivity of the cisplatin group increased, and mechanical allodynia was observed. Boric acid significantly alleviated this condition (p < 0.05). In the cold plate, adhesive removal, and rotarod tests, boric acid attenuated the adverse effects of cisplatin (p < 0.05). Biochemically, BA reduced the level of MDA, which was raised by cisplatin, and significantly increased the level of SOD, which was lowered by cisplatin (p < 0.05). Histopathologically; BA reduced neuronal degeneration and vacuolization caused by cisplatin. As a consequence, it has been determined that boric acid alleviates the adverse effects of cisplatin. BA reduced the destructive effect of cisplatin by reducing oxidative stress, and this effect was verified electrophysiologically, behaviorally, and histopathologically.

Comparison of the StaRRsed Interliner device with Westergren method in erythrocyte sedimentation rate measurement.

INTRODUCTION: With recent advances in technology, many manual tests are being replaced by automated devices due to a wide range of advantages. One of these tests is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test that is used to determine inflammatory activity. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement between the Starrsed Interliner sedimentation device and the gold standard method, that is the Westergren method, used in ESR measurement. METHODS: One hundred fifty-one patients who presented to Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine, Sahinbey Training and Research Hospital were included in this study. ESR values were measured simultaneously within 2 hours using the ESR analyzer Starrsed Interliner device and the gold standard method of measuring ESR, that is the Westergren method, from blood samples collected from the same patients in EDTA and citrate tubes. RESULTS: Agreement between the results from the Starrsed Interliner device and the Westergren method was evaluated using the Intraclass Correlation method. Consequently, a poor correlation was observed at values <20 mm/h, a moderate correlation was observed at values 20 to 80 mm/h and >80 mm/h, and an excellent correlation was observed when all results were considered. Method comparison was conducted according to the Passing-Bablok regression analysis (y = -1.50 + 0.75x) (P < .0001). The mean difference between the two methods was 10.1 according to the Bland-Altman analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the advantages of the Starrsed Interliner device, such as lower laboratory workloads, lower costs and turnaround time, the difference between the two methods, as found in this study, may lead to different clinical interpretations for results in some patient.

The effect of tramadol on oxidative stress total antioxidant levels in rats with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effect of tramadol on renal tissue in rats with induced renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R injury), and its effects on oxidative stress. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty adult, male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were selected as subjects. Rats were randomized into 3 groups: group 1, sham; group 2, renal I/R injury; and group 3, renal I/R+Tramadol. In order to obtain ischemia in groups 2 and 3, renal artery was clamped for 1 h. Total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analyzed using biochemical assays in the serum samples. RESULTS: TOS values were measured as 1.68±0.4 in group 1, 3.35±1.0 in group 2, and 3.49±0.9 in group 3. When group 1 was compared with group 2 and group 3, the TOS values of group 1 were significantly lower (p<0.05), whereas there was no difference between group 2 and group 3 (p>0.05). TAC values were measured as 1.65±1.4 in group 1, 1.85±0.1 in group 2, and 2.79±0.6 in group 3. The antioxidant status of group 1 was not significantly different from that of group 2 (p>0.05), whereas there was a significant difference between group 1 and group 3 (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tramadol has positive effects on antioxidant levels in renal I/R injury. We think that tramadol may be used in patients who underwent renal surgery and have I/R injury risk. There is a need for studies on this subject including human series.

Mullerian inhibiting substance, sex hormone binding globulin and sex hormone levels in stimulant-naïve, first-diagnosed prepubertal boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: comparison with matched healthy controls as well as before and after oros-methylpenidate treatment.

Objectives: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with strong male predominance. Since Müllerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) produces sex-linked bias in animal studies, we aimed to investigate the role of MIS, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and sex hormone levels in boys with ADHD.Methods: We compared prepubertal, psychostimulant-naïve boys with ADHD with age-matched healthy control boys (HCs). Patients were re-evaluated after 30 days of methylphenidate treatment assessing ADHD severity, and serum MIS, testosterone, estradiol, and albumin concentrations.Results: Compared to 30 HCs, with ADHD (n = 49, age = 6.9 ± 0.2 years) had lower SHBG (p = .014), and higher free testosterone (p = 0.006) and bioavailable testosterone (p = .002) percentages. Methylphenidate improved ADHD measures (all p < .0001) and abnormal baseline hormonal levels, increasing SHBG levels (p = .024), and lowering free (p = .001) and bioavailable testosterone (p = .016) percentages so that only free testosterone percentages remained higher versus HCs post-treatment (p = .02).Conclusions: Compared to age- and sex-matched HCs, prepubertal, stimulant-naïve boys with ADHD had significantly lower SHBG and higher free and bioavailable testosterone percentages, suggesting a possible contribution of sex hormones to ADHD. Osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate treatment for 30 days significantly improved ADHD symptoms and abnormal sex hormone levels, normalizing SHBG and bioavailable testosterone percentages that were similar to HCs while free testosterone remained elevated versus HCs.Key pointsCompare to healthy matched controls prepubertal stimulant-naïve boys with ADHD had significantly lower SHBG and higher free and bioavailable testosterone percentages, suggesting a possible effect on sex hormones to ADHD.After 30-day methylphenidate treatment, ADHD symptoms significantly improved, and SHBG and bioavailable testosterone percentages normalized which were similar to HCs, while free testosterone remained elevated versus HCs.We found a negative relationship between MIS levels and hyperactivity scores in ADHD boys. This finding suggests that MIS may contribute to hyperactivity symptoms, either directly by affecting behavior or indirectly by affecting sex hormone levels.

Colostrum immunoglobulins and oxidative capacity may be affected by infant sex and maternal age and parity

Background/aim: The aims of this study were to determine the levels of the total antioxidant status (TAS), the total oxidant status (TOS), the oxidative stress index (OSI), and the concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and M (IgM) in colostrum, and evaluate relationships between these parameters and maternal age, maternal parity, and infant sex. Materials and methods: The analysis was performed in serum samples of colostrum which were collected from 90 mothers on the first day of lactation between 10:00 and 12:00 AM Results: The measurements established that no significant association existed between the TAS level of colostrum and parity, maternal age, or infant sex. However, mothers 18 to 30 years of age had significantly lower colostrum TOS and OSI levels compared with mothers older than 30 years of age. IgA and IgM values of the colostrum of primiparous mothers were significantly higher than those of multiparous mothers, whereas no correlations existed with the age of the mother. Additionally, significantly higher colostrum IgA and IgM values were observed in female infants fed colostrum compared with male infants. Conclusion: In conclusion, sex-based hormonal changes in mothers during pregnancy may be associated with the different colostral immunoglobulin levels for male and female infants.

Idarubicin-bromelain combination sensitizes cancer cells to conventional chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: The primary cytotoxic effects of anticancer drugs like idarubicin, a chemotherapeutic agent, are not limited to neoplastic cells; they also produce similar effects in normal cells. In this study, we hypothesized that the combination of idarubicin-bromelain could make cancer cells more susceptible to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To test our hypothesis, the optimal concentrations of idarubicin and bromelain were combined and incubated in the HL-60 cancer cell line and normal human mononuclear leukocytes (PBMC) for 24, 48, and 72 hr. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were evaluated by measurement of ATP cell viability test, DNA damage, Caspase-3, Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB), and DAPI fluorescent dyes in both cell types. RESULTS: The combination of idarubicin-bromelain significantly reduced cell proliferation in the more potent HL-60 compared to PBMC in all incubation times (P<0.05). DNA damage and Caspase-3 levels (except for 24 hr) were also higher in the HL-60 cell line in comparison with PBMC and were statistically significant (P<0.05). The percentages of apoptotic images obtained by DAPI and AO / EB morphological examination were increased in both cells, depending on the combination dose. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, it can be concluded that idarubicin combined with bromelain produces more cytotoxic effects in low concentrations in comparison with when it was used per se in the HL-60 cells. Conversely, it was found that this combination in PBMC caused less cytotoxicity and less genotoxicity. Taken together, it can be said that this new combination makes cancer cells more sensitive to conventional therapy.

Relationship of fibroblast growth factor 21, sirtuin 1, visfatin, and regulators in children with short stature.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is mainly secreted by the liver. It is a factor that is not fully understood in relation to growth. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a deacetylase protein. It is thought that may have an effect on the release and function of GH and IGF-1. Visfatin is synthesized from adipose tissue as primary. It may be prognostic marker associated with growth factors. As a result of our work, FGF21 is not associated with short stature but levels of SIRT1 and visfatin are associated with short stature. The decrease in visfatin value in the short-stature group is thought to be due to an insufficient amount of adipose tissue, which is important for growth and development. SIRT1 might decrease GH effect by increasing STAT5 deacetylation in the liver and we think that the result of this reduction of SIRT1 would negatively impact IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 production.

The acute effects of interval exercise on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in volleyball players.

BACKGROUND: Volleyball is briefly described as an "interval" sport with both aerobic and anaerobic components. Exercise may influence antioxidant/prooxidant balance, which leads to differences in oxidative stress status between athletes in different sport disciplines, but the results of the previous studies are inconsistent. In this study, we aimed to determine the acute effects of exercise on oxidative stress parameters such as serum total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels in volleyball players. METHODS: Thirteen male volleyball players from the same team participated in this study. The volleyball game lasted approximately 95 minutes including warm-up and cool-down periods. Blood samples were taken before the warm-up and after the cool down. Serum TOS and TAS levels were measured. Oxidative stress index (OSI), a predictor of antioxidant/prooxidant balance (TOS/TAS), was also calculated. RESULTS: The following data were revealed as median: TOS 6.84 µmol H2O2 Eq/L (95% CI: 5.80-8.13) and 5.15 (95% CI: 4.20-6.02); TAS 1.96 mmol Trolox Eq/L (95% CI: 1.91-2.08) and 1.95 (95% CI: 1.86-2.00); and OSI indexes, 3.31 (arbitrary unit) (95% CI: 2.84-4.00) and 2.64 (95% CI: 2.26-3.18) before and after the match with respectively. Serum TOS and OSI levels were significantly lower after volleyball match when compared to before (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum TAS levels (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In individuals who exercise active sports, TOS level has been found to be decreased while TAS level has not been affected significantly after volleyball match. Our results suggested that volleyball training may not cause oxidative stress in these players. Regular physical exercise especially, volleyball training may provide adequate protection against exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Relationship between liver injury and serum cytokeratin 18 levels in asymptomatic hepatitis B virus carriers and in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Apoptosis represents a well-known mechanism of cell death involved in most chronic liver injuries. Our aim was to investigate the serum fragment level of cytokeratin 18 (CK18), M30, in asymptomatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers and patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and to evaluate the relationship between serum M30 levels and the severity of hepatic injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Asymptomatic HBV carriers (n=169), patients with CHB (n=100), and healthy control subjects (n=43) were enrolled in the study. Serum CK18 (M30) levels were analysed in all subjects. Liver biopsy for histopathological assessment was performed in asymptomatic HBV carriers and in patients with CHB infection. RESULTS: Serum CK18 (M30) levels were significantly higher in asymptomatic HBV carriers (198.77±77.62U/L) than in healthy control subjects (146.92±40.18U/L). Patients with CHB (283.02±147.45U/L) had significantly higher CK18 (M30) levels than asymptomatic HBV carriers (p=0.001). The diagnostic efficacy of CK18 (M30) levels in distinguishing patients with HBeAg-negative CHB from asymptomatic HBV carriers was found to be moderate (c-statistics: 0.695), and the diagnostic cut-off value of CK18 (M30) was 262U/L (specificity: 85%, sensitivity: 48%, positive likelihood ratio: 3.35, and negative likelihood ratio: 0.60). There was a positive correlation between serum CK18 (M30) levels and histological activity index scores in asymptomatic HBV carriers and patients with CHB. CONCLUSIONS: Serum CK18 (M30) levels may be a valuable indicator in distinguishing asymptomatic HBV carriers from patients with HBeAg-negative CHB when considered together with ALT and HBV-DNA levels.

Role of serum levels of irisin and oxidative stress markers in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes.

Irisin regulates glucose levels, lipid levels, insulin sensitivity, and low-grade inflammation. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic complication of pregnancy, and is associated with increased rates of perinatal problems. Oxidative stress biomarkers have a role in the pathogenesis of patients with GDM. In total, 94 patients were included in our study including 46 control patients and 48 patients with GDM. Fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR, total oxidative stress (TOS), irisin, and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels of the patients were measured. Serum OGTT, OSI, irisin HOMA, TOS, and insulin levels were statistically significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. This was the first study to investigate the relation between serum irisin levels and oxidative stress markers in patients with GDM. The results revealed that irisin is an oxidative stress marker and a metabolic protective hormone.

Evaluation of oxidative metabolism and oxidative DNA damage in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

AIMS: There are limited published data about the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In addition, oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage have not been investigated together in OCD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage in patients with OCD. METHODS: Forty-two patients with OCD who were diagnosed in the Psychiatry Clinic of Gaziantep University and 38 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Serum 8-hydroxideoxiguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant status, total oxidant status evaluation and oxidative stress index calculation were conducted in Gaziantep University Biochemical Laboratory. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index levels between the patients and control group. However, 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in OCD patients than controls (P = 0.022). In addition, 8-OHdG levels were significantly lower in patients who took treatment than in patients who were newly diagnosed (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we found that oxidative DNA damage increased in OCD patients even though oxidative stress was normal. In addition, DNA damage was lower in patients who were treated compared to those without treatment.

Relationship between soluble intercellular adhesion molecules and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood-oneset psychiatric disease, characterized by excessive overactivity, inattention, and impulsiveness. In recent studies, it is emphasized that inflammation may have a role in ADHD. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there are associations between ADHD and serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecules (s-ICAMs) which have important role in inflammatory diseases. We also measured the levels of these molecules after treatment with oros-methylphenidate. METHODS: Twenty-five patients diagnosed with ADHD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR criteria and 18 healthy volunteer controls were included in this study. The levels of sICAMs were measured in the serum of the patients and healthy volunteers by ELISA kit as described. RESULTS: The levels of sICAM-1 and sICAM-2 were significantly higher in patients compared with controls. The level of sICAM-2 was decreased significantly in group treated with oros-methylphenidate. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study pointing out the relationship between sICAMs and ADHD. The changes in sICAM-2 level may have a role in the effect mechanism of oros-methylphenidate, used for the treatment of ADHD.

Increased oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage in non-remission schizophrenia patients.

Increasing evidence shows that oxidative stress plays a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. But there is not any study which examines the effects of oxidative stress on DNA in schizophrenia patients. Therefore we aimed to assess the oxidative stress levels and oxidative DNA damage in schizophrenia patients with and without symptomatic remission. A total of 64 schizophrenia patients (38 with symptomatic remission and 26 without symptomatic remission) and 80 healthy volunteers were included in the study. 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured in plasma. TOS, oxidative stress index (OSI) and 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in non-remission schizophrenic (Non-R-Sch) patients than in the controls. TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher in remission schizophrenic (R-Sch) patients than in the controls. TAS level were significantly lower and TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher in R-Sch patients than in Non-R-Sch patients. Despite the ongoing oxidative stress in patients with both R-Sch and Non-R-Sch, oxidative DNA damage was higher in only Non-R-Sch patients compared to controls. It is suggested that oxidative stress can cause the disease via DNA damage, and oxidative stress plays a role in schizophrenia through oxidative DNA damage.

An assessment of antioxidant status in patients with carbon monoxide poisoning.

BACKGROUND: Carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. This study was to investigate the levels of serum paraoxonase (PON), arylesterase (ARYL), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and sulfhydryl (-SH) in the treatment of COP, and to further understand the pathophysiology of COP. METHODS: This prospective study comprised 107 individuals with COP (group 1) and 50 healthy volunteers (group 2). Serum, plasma, and erythrocyte samples were taken on admission from all participants with COP. This process was repeated in the 90(th) and 180(th) minutes of treatment. Samples were taken from the control group only once. The levels of plasma PON, ARYL, Cp activity and -SH were measured in both groups. RESULTS: Age, gender, and carboxyhemoglobin level were not correlated with PON, ARYL, Cp, and -SH levels. PON, ARYL, and -SH levels were significantly decreased in group 1 compared with group 2. Conversely, Cp was significantly elevated in group 1 in contrast to group 2. Although ARYL was lower on admission in patients with COP than that was observed in the 90(th) and 180(th) minutes (P<0.001), Cp was higher on admission than at the other time points (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Participants with COP had decreased levels of antioxidants (PON, ARLY, and -SH). COP represses the antioxidant system.

A multicenter nationwide reference intervals study for common biochemical analytes in Turkey using Abbott analyzers.

BACKGROUND: A nationwide multicenter study was organized to establish reference intervals (RIs) in the Turkish population for 25 commonly tested biochemical analytes and to explore sources of variation in reference values, including regionality. METHODS: Blood samples were collected nationwide in 28 laboratories from the seven regions (≥400 samples/region, 3066 in all). The sera were collectively analyzed in Uludag University in Bursa using Abbott reagents and analyzer. Reference materials were used for standardization of test results. After secondary exclusion using the latent abnormal values exclusion method, RIs were derived by a parametric method employing the modified Box-Cox formula and compared with the RIs by the non-parametric method. Three-level nested ANOVA was used to evaluate variations among sexes, ages and regions. Associations between test results and age, body mass index (BMI) and region were determined by multiple regression analysis (MRA). RESULTS: By ANOVA, differences of reference values among seven regions were significant in none of the 25 analytes. Significant sex-related and age-related differences were observed for 10 and seven analytes, respectively. MRA revealed BMI-related changes in results for uric acid, glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyltransferase. Their RIs were thus derived by applying stricter criteria excluding individuals with BMI >28 kg/m2. Ranges of RIs by non-parametric method were wider than those by parametric method especially for those analytes affected by BMI. CONCLUSIONS: With the lack of regional differences and the well-standardized status of test results, the RIs derived from this nationwide study can be used for the entire Turkish population.

Evaluation of oxidant and antioxidant status and relation with prolidase in systemic sclerosis.

PURPOSE: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and organs; it is associated with diffuse fibroproliferative microangiopathy and autoimmune background. The studies have shown that the production of excessive free radicals and increased collagen synthesis by the fibroblasts play an important role in the pathophysiology of SSc. Prolidase is an important marker in collagen turnover. We aimed to compare total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and prolidase levels of SSc patients and healthy controls. We also investigated the relationship between prolidase and oxidative stress. METHODS: A total of 38 SSc patients and 33 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Serum TAS, TOS, and prolidase activity were evaluated in the groups. RESULTS: It was found that the TOS and OSI levels of patients were higher than those in the control group (P = 0.012 and 0.015, respectively), whereas TAS was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.451). Prolidase activity was lower in patients than in controls (P = 0.008). There was a weak correlation between prolidase and OSI in patients. It was found that TAS was lower by marginal significance in the patients with lung and gastrointestinal tract (GT) involvement than the patients without those (P = 0.067 and 0.059, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that oxidative stress is increased in SSc. TAS is decreased in patients with lung and GT involvement. These results support that antioxidant treatment may be useful in SSc, especially in patients with lung and GT involvement. Antioxidant treatment may prevent organ involvement in SSc. TAS may be a marker that predicts the risk of involvement of a specific organ. In addition, prolidase may be a marker of SSc.

Palosuran treatment effective as bosentan in the treatment model of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and fatal disorder that any valuable advance in the management of diseases has crucial importance. The present study aimed to compare the Endothelin1 (ET1) inhibitor bosentan which is regarded as standard therapy with different dose regimens of palosuran which is urotensin-II (UII) inhibitor and explore the discrepancy for mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), UII, ET1 levels, and pulmonary vascular pathology. Seventy rats were randomly divided into seven groups of ten animals each: group 1 (control group) received the vehicle subcutaneously, instead of monocrotaline (MCT) and vehicle; group 2 (MCT group) received subcutaneous MCT and vehicle; and group 3 (MCT + palosuran 30 mg) received subcutaneous MCT and palosuran. Other groups consist of group 4 (MCT + palosuran 100 mg), group 5 (MCT + bosentan 30 mg), group 6 (MCT + bosentan 100 mg), and group 7 (combination therapy). Serum ET1, UII, mPAP levels, and pulmonary arteriolar pathology of different diameter vessels of all groups have been measured and recorded. The ET1 and UII levels of untreated rats (group 2) were significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, mPAP levels of group 2 were significantly higher than the other groups (p = 0.001). Finally, 50-125-µm diameter of arteriole wall thickness was found to be significantly thicker in monocrotaline group compared to groups 4 and 6 (p < 0.001). Statistical differences of wall thickness/diameter ratios of arteries and arterioles larger than 125 was found to be significant between group 5, group 6, and the control group (p < 0.001). UII inhibitor is at least as effective as standard therapy bosentan. Findings of this study consolidate that palosuran could be a new future promising therapeutic option in PAH.