Oleuropein exhibits anticarcinogen effects against gastric cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Oleuropein (OLE), the main phenolic compound of the olive fruit and leaves, has many heathful effects. Gastric cancer is the most fatal malignancy in many parts of the world and it is generally related to harmful dietetic factors. The anticarcinogenic role of OLE in gastric cancer has not been studied sufficiently yet. In this study, we aimed to research the cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic effects of OLE on gastric adenocancer (AGS) cells in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS: A standard cell line derived from gastric adeno cancer (AGS) cells was employed, and its performance following a 24-hour exposure to OLE at various doses was examined. The ATP cell viability assay, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate assay (H2DCF-DA) and alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay (Comet Assay) were used to study the cytotoxicity, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and genotoxicity respectively. The induction of apoptosis was discovered using flow cytometry. OLE reduced AGS cells viability about 60% at maximum concentration (500 µmol/L) and also resulted in approximately 100% DNA damage and about 40% apoptosis with necrosis in AGS cells depending on the increased doses. Cell viability was also significantly decreased in relation to increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (p < 0.05 - 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Oleuropein has shown significant anticarcinogen effects against gastric adenocancer (AGS) cells in vitro. Oleuropein, a nutrient rich in olive and olive oil, seems to be both protective and therapeutic against gastric cancer and may be a new chemotherapeutic agent in the future.

Oxidative Stress Level in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: One of the antioxidant mechanisms is the dynamic balance between thiol and disulfide, which, in subarachnoid hemorrhage and other chronic diseases, is disrupted in favor of the latter. The two most commonly used oxidative stress (OS) biochemical markers are the oxidative stress index (OSI) value, which indicates the total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) balance, and the thiol-disulfide (TDS) value, which indicates the total thiol (TT) and native thiol (NT) balance. High OS levels require further investigations. We aimed to investigate the OS level in aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) patients. METHODS: In this clinical prospective study, blood samples were collected from 50 consecutively treated patients with aSAH and 50 volunteers. Serum TOS, TAS, TT, and NT levels were measured using Erel's method via a spectrophotometer. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, Fisher grades, length of hospital stay (LOS), and the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores were recorded. Consequently, the OSI and TDS values were calculated in all participants. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed in the TAS, TOS, OSI, and TDS values between the aSAH patients and the controls. The TT and NT values were significantly lower in aSAH patients than in the controls. A correlation was identified between the OSI values and the GCS scores. Although a correlation was observed between the TDS values and the LOS, no correlation was found between the OSI and the TDS values. CONCLUSION: The OSI and TDS, which are OS indicators, might serve as the additional objective nominal data to evaluate the treatment efficacy and follow-up for SAH patients. Moreover, decreasing the OSI values and increasing the TT values can be used as improvement indicators in the treated aSAH patients. If we can reduce the OS at the early stage of SAH, it could improve the prognosis by reducing both the morbidity and mortality rates. Further randomized investigations are required to prove the findings in this prospective study.

Serum SCUBE-1 Levels and Return of Spontaneous Circulation Following Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Adult Patients.

Background SCUBE 1-has been used as a biomarker for the diagnoses of myocardial infarction, stroke, mesenteric ischemia, and gastric cancer in some recent studies. In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum SCUBE-1 levels and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in patients who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Methods Patients over 18 years of age who were not pregnant and received CPR were divided into two groups: those who achieved ROSC and those who died. There were 25 patients in each group. SCUBE-1 and other routine biochemical parameters were studied in blood samples taken at the time of admission. Results There was no significant difference between the age and gender distribution of the patients between the two groups. The SCUBE-1 value of the ROSC group was significantly higher than that of the non-survivor group ( p ˂ 0.05). At a cut-off value of 9 ng/mL, SCUBE-1 had a sensitivity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 65.8%, specificity of 48%, and a negative predictive value of 100% in predicting ROSC. Conclusions The SCUBE-1 values were found to be significantly higher in the ROSC group compared with the non-survivor group.

Clinical Significance of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Leukocyte, Fibrinogen, C-Reactive Protein, and Pentraxin 3 Values in Thyroid Nodules.

Objectives: Thyroid nodules (TN) are common. Genetic and environmental factors as well as chronic inflammation play a role in occurrence of these nodules. The key point in diagnostic assessment is to rule out malignancy. Biomarkers that can show the possibility of malignancy continue to be investigated. We evaluated the relationship between sedimentation rate, leukocyte, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) inflammatory markers and characteristics and cytology of TN. Methods: This study included a nodular goiter group with 55 persons and control group with 58 persons. Participants' gender, age, family history, thyroid function tests, sedimentation, leukocyte, fibrinogen, CRP, and PTX3 serum levels were recorded. The number of nodules, the largest nodule diameter, nodular echogenicity, and nodule structures were examined on ultrasonography (US) and thyroid biopsy was performed. Results: The number of TN in patients was between 1 and 4. The number of patients with two TN was higher (47.3%, n=26). Nodule diameters differed between 3 and 62 (mean 21) mm. In thyroid biopsy, papillary thyroid cancer was detected in 25.5% (n=14) of the patients. The number of nodules on US increased as CRP values increased (p=0.013). In addition, the number of nodules on US decreased as fibrinogen values increased (p=0.003). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of sedimentation, leukocyte, and PTX3 values. Conclusion: The number of TN was positively correlated with CRP and negatively correlated with fibrinogen levels. However, there was no difference between benign and malignant differentiation and biomarkers. CRP values that correlate with the increase in the number of nodules can be used in prognosis and clinical follow-up.

Oxidative stress in maternal milk and cord blood in gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Reduced antioxidant defenses may reflect a poor protective response against oxidative stress and this may be implicated in progression of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia plays a major role in micro and macrovascular complications, which imply endothelial dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: Our aim in this study was to investigate the association between GDM and oxidative stress markers measured in plasma, with regard to revealing changes to total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) among mothers showing impairments in oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study at a university hospital in Turkey. METHODS: The study group consisted of 50 mothers with GDM, and 59 healthy mothers served as controls. Umbilical cord blood samples were taken from all mothers during delivery and breast milk samples on the fifth day after delivery. TAC, TOS, thiol and disulfide levels were measured. RESULTS: No statistically significant relationship between the blood and milk samples could be found. An analysis on correlations between TAC, TOS and certain parameters revealed that there were negative correlations between TOS and total thiol (r = -0.386; P < 0.001) and between TOS and disulfide (r = -0.388; P < 0.001) in milk in the control group. However, these findings were not observed in the study group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that a compensatory mechanism of oxidative stress was expected to be present in gestational diabetes mellitus and that this might be ameliorated through good glycemic regulation and antioxidant supplementation.

Oxidative stress in maternal milk and cord blood in gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Reduced antioxidant defenses may reflect a poor protective response against oxidative stress and this may be implicated in progression of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia plays a major role in micro and macrovascular complications, which imply endothelial dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: Our aim in this study was to investigate the association between GDM and oxidative stress markers measured in plasma, with regard to revealing changes to total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) among mothers showing impairments in oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study at a university hospital in Turkey. METHODS: The study group consisted of 50 mothers with GDM, and 59 healthy mothers served as controls. Umbilical cord blood samples were taken from all mothers during delivery and breast milk samples on the fifth day after delivery. TAC, TOS, thiol and disulfide levels were measured. RESULTS: No statistically significant relationship between the blood and milk samples could be found. An analysis on correlations between TAC, TOS and certain parameters revealed that there were negative correlations between TOS and total thiol (r = -0.386; P < 0.001) and between TOS and disulfide (r = -0.388; P < 0.001) in milk in the control group. However, these findings were not observed in the study group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that a compensatory mechanism of oxidative stress was expected to be present in gestational diabetes mellitus and that this might be ameliorated through good glycemic regulation and antioxidant supplementation.

Assessment of serum endocan levels in patients with beta-thalassemia minor.

OBJECTIVE: Beta-thalassemia minor is a blood disease caused by a hereditary decrease in beta-globin synthesis, frequently leading to hypochromic microcytic anemia. Formerly called endothelial cell-specific molecule 1, endocan is a proteoglycan released by vascular endothelial cells in many organs. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between the beta-thalassemia minor patients and the healthy control group in terms of serum endocan level. METHODS: The study was performed in a total of 80 subjects. They were divided into two groups, the beta-thalassemia minor group (n=40) and the healthy control group (n=40). Serum endocan levels, age, sex, body mass index value, and tobacco use data of these groups were compared. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups in terms of age, sex, and body mass index values (p>0.05). Endocan levels were measured to be 206.85±88.1 pg/mL in the beta-thalassemia minor group and 236.1±162.8 pg/mL in the control group with no significant difference between the groups in terms of serum endocan levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, there was no change in endocan level in beta-thalassemia minor. This might be because serum endocan levels are affected by multi-factorial reasons. Serum endocan levels may be altered secondarily to decreased beta-globin chain, increased sympathetic activity due to anemia, or platelet dysfunction induced by oxidative stress in beta-thalassemia minor. Further multicenter studies involving more patients are necessary to demonstrate this.

Assessment of serum endocan levels in patients with beta-thalassemia minor

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Beta-thalassemia minor is a blood disease caused by a hereditary decrease in beta-globin synthesis, frequently leading to hypochromic microcytic anemia. Formerly called endothelial cell-specific molecule 1, endocan is a proteoglycan released by vascular endothelial cells in many organs. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between the beta-thalassemia minor patients and the healthy control group in terms of serum endocan level. METHODS: The study was performed in a total of 80 subjects. They were divided into two groups, the beta-thalassemia minor group (n=40) and the healthy control group (n=40). Serum endocan levels, age, sex, body mass index value, and tobacco use data of these groups were compared. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups in terms of age, sex, and body mass index values (p>0.05). Endocan levels were measured to be 206.85±88.1 pg/mL in the beta-thalassemia minor group and 236.1±162.8 pg/mL in the control group with no significant difference between the groups in terms of serum endocan levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, there was no change in endocan level in beta-thalassemia minor. This might be because serum endocan levels are affected by multi-factorial reasons. Serum endocan levels may be altered secondarily to decreased beta-globin chain, increased sympathetic activity due to anemia, or platelet dysfunction induced by oxidative stress in beta-thalassemia minor. Further multicenter studies involving more patients are necessary to demonstrate this.

Dry Eye and Dry Nose Caused by the Effect of Allergic Rhinitis on Tear and Nasal Secretion Osmolarity.

OBJECTIVE: Allergic rhinitis is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction of immunoglobulin E in the rhino-ocular mucosa. This study was planned to demonstrate in patients with allergic rhinitis to evaluate changes in tear, nasal secretions, and blood osmolarity compared to healthy individuals. METHOD: Forty allergic rhinitis patients, 25 patients with acute upper respiratory tract infections, and 26 healthy participants were included in the study. Positive patients with allergic symptoms and skin prick test results were included in the allergic rhinitis group. Tear, nasal secretion, and blood osmolarity values were examined for the 3 groups. RESULT: In patients with allergic rhinitis, tear and nasal secretion osmolarity values were significantly higher in patients with acute upper respiratory tract infections and those of the healthy participants (P = .001, P = .038). In blood osmolarity measurements, there was no statistical difference between the groups (P = .489). In patients with allergic rhinitis, Schirmer test results were significantly shorter than patients who had acute upper respiratory tract infection and those of the healthy participants (P = .001, P = .001). Patients with allergic rhinitis and acute upper respiratory tract infections had significantly shorter Schirmer test results than in healthy participants (P = .001, P = .001). CONCLUSION: Tear osmolarity was increased in allergic rhinitis patients, and this was thought to lead to dry eye findings. In the presence of allergic rhinitis, nasal secretions were found more hyperosmolar than tears. Nasal secretion osmolarity was higher in allergic rhinitis patients than in patients with acute upper respiratory tract infections and control group.

Protective and therapeutic effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate in a rat tongue cancer model created experimentally using 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide.

BACKGROUND: Tongue tumors, which are oropharyngeal tumors, are increasing in frequency. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) is a powerful antioxidant and antitumoral agent. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the protective and therapeutic effects of PDTC in a tongue cancer model induced with 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 40 rats in the trial and assigned them randomly to 5 groups. Group 1 (cancer, n = 7): 4-NQO (0-12 weeks); group 2 (protection, n = 8): 4-NQO (0-12 weeks) + PDTC (300 mg/kg/day, 0-12 weeks); group 3 (therapy-high dose, n = 10): 4-NQO (0-12 weeks) + PDTC (600 mg/kg/day, weeks 12-30); group 4 (therapy-low dose, n = 10): 4-NQO (0-12 weeks) + PDTC (300 mg/kg/day, weeks 12-30); and group 5 (control). Cardiac blood samples were taken to analyze oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI)). Histopathological assessment was performed under a light microscope. RESULTS: The results of the histopathological assessment showed that the model we used in group 1 was successful, which was consistent with the literature. The PDTC dose administered in group 2 could not prevent tumor formation. Group 3 demonstrated that PDTC in high doses is effective as a therapeutic agent. Group 4 indicated that PDTC in low doses has no therapeutic effect. The results of the biochemical assessment showed that in group 3, TOS and OSI values were significantly lower than in groups 1, 2 and 4. No significant difference was found in the TOS and OSI values between groups 5 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated histopathologically that in an experimentally generated tongue cancer model, application of 600 mg/kg/day of PDTC led to a significant reduction in the size of the tumor. This was supported by the biochemical parameters.

Serum Renin Levels in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the serum renin levels of patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with ISSNHL and 24 asymptomatic healthy volunteers were included in the study. Subjects underwent pure-tone audiometry and serum renin levels were measured. RESULTS: There were 14 women (mean age:42.35 ± 9.53) and 10 men (mean age:43.8 ± 6.87) in the patient group. There were 14 women (mean age:42.4 ± 4.7) and 10 men (mean age:41.4 ± 4.59) in the control group. ISSNHL was detected on the right side in 13 patients and on the left side in 11 patients. Serum renin levels of the patients and controls were 788.01 ± 327.8 and 282.37 ± 107.73 pg/mL, respectively. The serum renin levels were found to be significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (P ≤ .001). There was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between serum renin level and the severity of hearing loss (r = 0.77; P = .001). CONCLUSION: Serum renin levels of patients with ISSNHL were higher than controls. There was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between serum renin level and the severity of hearing loss.

Serum SUR1 and TRPM4 in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in neuronal injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 4 (TRPM4) receptors play an important role in the pathogenesis of several neural injuries, such as neural edema, spinal cord damage, stroke, and neuronal damage in aSAH. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of serum SUR1 and TRPM4 levels with the neurological status within the first 15 days after aSAH. In this prospective study, blood samples were collected from 44 consecutive patients on the 1st, 4th, and 14th days after aSAH. Serum SUR1 and TRPM4 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Glasgow coma scale and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scores upon presentation and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score on the 14th day were recorded. Serum SUR1 and TRPM4 levels on the 1st, 4th, and 14th days were significantly higher in patients with aSAH than in normal individuals. This increase in the levels varied among the 1st, 4th, and 14th days. On the first day, a correlation was observed between serum SUR1, but not TRPM4, levels and the WFNS score. Moreover, on the 14th day, an association of serum SUR1 and TRPM4 levels with the GOS score was noted. Serum SUR1 and TRPM4 levels were significantly upregulated in the peripheral blood samples. Further study is warranted to establish the utility of SUR1 and TRPM4 as biomarkers in patients with aSAH.

Total oxidant and antioxidant status and paraoxonase 1 levels of children with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Background/aim: To evaluate total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) levels in children with noncystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis (BE), and to compare these levels with those of healthy controls. The study parameters were also evaluated according to some demographic, anthropometric, and clinical characteristics, as well as lung functions. Materials and methods: Enrolled in the study were 118 children with non-CF BE and 68 healthy controls. Serum TOS, TAC, and PON1 levels were determined. Lung function tests were performed by spirometry. Results: Serum TOS was higher in the patients [median 9.54 (IQR 25­75 = 7.05­13.30) µmol H2O2 Eq/L] than in the healthy subjects [6.64 (5.45­9.53) µmol H2O2 Eq/L] (P < 0.001). TAC was higher in patients with non-CF BE [1.07 (1.0­1.07) mmol Trolox Eq/L] than in the healthy controls [0.87 (0.77­0.98) mmol Trolox Eq/L] (P < 0.001). In addition, serum PON1 levels were significantly higher in the patients [106.5 (42.5­154.2) U/L] than in the controls [47.7 (27.5­82.1) U/L] (P < 0.001). The patients with low FEV1 had decreased TAC when compared to those who had normal FEV1 in non-CF BE. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that compared with the control group the children with non-CF BE had elevated oxidative status, antioxidant defenses parameters, and PON1 values.

Oxidative stress and phenotype frequencies of paraoxonase-1 in teratozoospermia.

Oxidative stress causes infertility in men by affecting especially sperm morphology. The aim of the study was to examine the frequencies of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) phenotypes and the serum PON1, arylesterase, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index, catalase and thiol levels in teratozoospermic infertile men and normospermic fertile men. The study included 184 teratozoospermic infertile men and 72 normospermic fertile men. The double substrate method was employed to determine the phenotype distribution of PON1. The evaluation of sperm morphology was made in accordance with the Kruger's criteria. TAS, catalase and thiol levels were determined to be significantly lower in teratozoospermic infertile men compared to normospermic fertile men. A significant change was not observed in the levels of TOS, PON1 and arylesterase. There was a positive correlation between catalase and thiol levels and sperm morphology. While there were significantly more teratozoospermic men with AA phenotypes compared to normospermic men, there were significantly more persons with AB and BB phenotypes in normospermic men than in teratozoospermic men. As far as we know, such a study was conducted for the first time and suggests that PON1 phenotypic distribution may play a significant role in sterile males because of impaired sperm morphology.

Evidence for an association of serum melatonin concentrations with recognition and circadian preferences in patients with schizophrenia.

Melatonin, a neuro-differentiation factor, may play a role in the neurodevelopmental origins of schizophrenia. Cognitive impairment and decreased melatonin are reported in schizophrenia; however, the relationship between them remains unclear. We hypothesised that patients with schizophrenia would have lower concentrations of circulating melatonin than healthy controls and that melatonin levels would be associated with cognitive impairment. This study included 47 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy controls (HC). Serum melatonin concentrations were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scales (PANSS), The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Stroop and Oktem verbal memory processes (VMPT) tests were applied. Patients with schizophrenia had lower levels of melatonin compared to the HC group (p = 0.016), also after controlling for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.024). In patients with schizophrenia, melatonin concentrations were associated with higher BMI (rho = 0.34, p = 0.01) and lower MEQ score (rho = -0.29, p = 0.035). The patient sample was split into low and high melatonin categories by using the median melatonin concentration in HC as the cut-off. Patients in the low melatonin group had poorer performance in VMPT-Recognition (p = 0.026) and Stroop-Colour Error (p = 0.032). Notwithstanding its limitations, the findings of this exploratory study suggest that decreased serum melatonin concentrations observed in schizophrenia might also be associated with cognitive impairment and circadian preferences. Future studies are required to investigate the role of melatonergic pathways in patients with schizophrenia.

In the Experimental Model of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia, The Correlation of Blood Diagnostic Parameters with the Duration of Ischemia and their Effects on Choice of Treatment.

Purpose/Aim: Acute mesenteric ischemia is a syndrome characterized by sudden onset abdominal pain followed by intestinal necrosis. Morbidity and mortality increase with delayed diagnosis. Even with the latest radiological diagnostic methods, early diagnosis and initiation of treatment can be delayed. Using an experimental model, here we aim to determine the relationship between the laboratory parameters used to detect acute mesenteric ischemia and the duration of irreversible ischemia. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups, all of which underwent general anesthesia: (i) Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection with laparotomy was performed, and blood samples and intestinal segment samples were taken after 2 hr (Sham group); (ii) volvulus of one-third of the small intestines was performed manually by laparotomy, and blood samples and intestinal segment samples were taken after 2 hr (Volvulus group); (iii) SMA was ligated with laparotomy, and blood samples and intestinal segment samples were taken after 2 hr (SMA+ligated 2-hr group); (iv) SMA was ligated with laparotomy, and blood samples and intestinal segment samples were taken after 4 hr (SMA+ligated 4-hr group); and (v) SMA was ligated with laparotomy, and blood samples and intestinal segment samples were taken after 6 hr (SMA+ligated 6-hr group). Results: The mean lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities of the SMA+ligated 2-hr and SMA+ligated 6-hr groups were statistically higher than the control group (p = .004). Compared to the Sham and Volvulus groups, the mean lactate level of the SMA+ligated 6-hr group was significantly higher (p = .004). Compared to the Sham and Volvulus groups, the mean D-dimer levels of the SMA+ligated 4-hr and SMA+ligated 6-hr groups were significantly higher (p = .004 and .003, respectively). By histopathological evaluation, we found that pathological damage increased as the ischemia lengthened. Conclusions: Mesenteric ischemia leads to an irreversible loss of intestinal perfusion and an increase in parameters of ischemia. Irreversible tissue damage occurs after 4 hr of ischemia and peaks after 6 hr, whereas parameters of ischemia (D-dimer, LDH, and L-Lactate levels) are highest at 2 hr after the onset of ischemia.

Raftlin, presepsin levels and thiol-disulphide homeostasis in acute appendicitis: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate some of the new inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in acute appendicitis. METHODS: This clinical pilot study was conducted at the emergency department of Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey, between January and July 2015, and comprised patients with definitive diagnosis of acute appendicitis and as many healthy controls. Venous blood was collected to assess white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, raftlin, presepsin, total thiol, native thiol and disulphide levels. Alvarado scores of patients were determined at the time of admission. Surgical excisions were sent for pathological examination. The results of histopathology of appendectomy specimens were categorised as non-perforated or perforated appendicitis. RESULTS: There were130 subjects with 65(50%) patients and 65(50%) controls. Serum raftlin, presepsin, white blood count, C-reactive protein and disulphide levels were higher, and the total and native thiol levels were significantly lower in patients compared to controls (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the non-perforated and perforated appendicitis patients regarding all the measured parameters (p>0.05) except mean Alvarado scores which were higher in perforated than non-perforated appendicitis (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were significantly different in acute appendicitis patients compared to healthy controls.

Comparison of the biochemical and radiological criteria for lumbar disc degeneration.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between radiological degeneration criteria on lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and both the keratan sulfate (KS) and chondroitin sulfate (ChS) levels was examined in disc material taken from patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery. To examine whether the biochemical and radiological degeneration criteria testing the reliability of radiological degeneration findings agreed and to evaluate the contribution of the KS/ChS ratio to disc form (protruding or extruding). METHODS: This was a prospective experimental cohort study. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, KS and ChS levels were measured in the degenerate nucleus pulposus taken from 71 patients with a diagnosis of LDH who underwent surgery. The degeneration levels and disc form (protruding or extruding) were determined according to the Pfirrmann five-stage grading system on preoperative T2-weighted lumbar MRIs. According to the Pfirrmann system, 28 patients were grade III and 43 were grade IV. The relationship between radiological criteria and the KS/ChS ratio was statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The KS levels (p=0.046) and the KS/ChS ratio (p=0.001) were significantly higher in grade IV patients than in grade III patients. However, there was no difference between the KS and ChS levels and the KS/ChS ratio when patients were classified as protruding or extruding according to their disc structure. Disc structure and biochemical degeneration indicators were not correlated. CONCLUSIONS: The KS level and the KS/ChS ratio were high in patients with marked radiological degeneration on lumbar MRI, demonstrating the sensitivity and reliability of the Pfirrmann five-stage grading system for showing radiological degeneration.

Oxidative/antioxidative status, lymphocyte DNA damage, and urotensin-2 receptor level in patients with migraine attacks.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the potential roles of plasma lymphocyte DNA damage, the urotensin-2 receptor (UTS2R), and oxidative changes in patients with varying degrees of migraine-related disability who were in the ictal phase and presented to our emergency department. METHODS: This study enrolled 40 consecutive adult patients with migraine attack and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The same health care professional determined the headache-related disability of each patient's migraine attack using the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS); patients were divided into three groups based on MIDAS score. Plasma lymphocyte DNA damage; UTS2R, malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) levels; total oxidant status (TOS); total antioxidant status (TAS); and the oxidative stress index (OSI) were used as predictors of early oxidative changes. RESULTS: Plasma lymphocyte DNA damage, TOS, MDA levels, and OSI values were significantly higher in patients with migraine compared to controls. Conversely, TAS and CAT and UTS2R levels were markedly lower in patients with migraine compared to controls. Comparisons of the patient groups by MIDAS score revealed significant differences in plasma lymphocyte DNA damage and CAT levels but no differences in TOS, MDA levels, OSI, TAS, or UTS2R levels. MIDAS scores were positively correlated with the degree of lymphocyte DNA damage, but neither of these factors was significantly related to CAT levels. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that lymphocyte DNA damage and changes in oxidative/antioxidative status may reflect an enhanced oxidative damage and an ineffective antioxidant defense system in migraineurs during headache attacks. In addition, lymphocyte DNA damage levels may be an indicator of the degree of migraine-related disability as assessed by MIDAS score.

Do Low Serum UCH-L1 and TDP-43 Levels Indicate Disturbed Ubiquitin-Proteosome System in Autism Spectrum Disorder?

INTRODUCTION: The mechanism of ubiquitination-related abnormalities causing neural development problems is still unclear. We examined the association between autism and serum transactive response DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) and ubiquitin c-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) levels, both of which are members of the ubiquitin-proteosome system. METHODS: We measured serum levels of TDP-43 and UCH-L1 in 24 children with autism and 24 healthy children. Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was used to assess symptom severity at admission. RESULTS: The mean serum TDP-43 and UCH-L1 levels in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were found to decrease compared to healthy controls (p<0.001, 506.21±780.97 ng/L and 1245.80±996.76 ng/L, respectively; 3.08±5.44 ng/mL and 8.64±6.67 ng/mL, respectively). A positive correlation between serum TDP-43 levels and UCH-L1 levels was found in the ASD group (r=0.947, n=24, p<0.001). The CARS score of children with ASD was 48.91 points (standard deviation [SD]: 5.82). CONCLUSION: Low serum levels of UCH-L1 and TDP-43 may reflect disturbed ubiquitination in autism.