Imparting of Nearly Superparamagnetic Properties to Cryogel Scaffolds With Mesoporous MNPs for Magneto-Sensitive Tissue Engineering Strategies.

This work reports the assembly of mesoporous iron oxide nanoparticles (meso-MNPs) with cryogel scaffolds composed of chitosan and gelatin. Meso-MNPs with a particle size ranging from 2 and 50 nm, a surface area of 140.52 m2 g-1, and a pore volume of 0.27 cm3 g-1 were synthesized on a porous SiO2 template in the presence of PEG 6000 followed by leaching of SiO2. Different ratios of meso-MNPs were successfully incorporated into chitosan:gelatin cryogels up to an amount equivalent to the entire amount of polymer. The morphological structure and physicochemical properties of the cryogels were directly affected by the amount of MNPs. VSM curves showed that all composite cryogels could be magnetized by applying a magnetic field. In the context of the safety of magnetic cryogel scaffolds for use in biomedicine, it is important to note that all values are below the exposure limit for static magnetic fields, and according to cytotoxicity data, scaffolds containing meso-MNPs showed nontoxicity with cell viability ranging from 150% to 275%. In addition, microbial analysis with gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria showed that the scaffolds exhibited activity against these bacteria.

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.

Urinary angiotensinogen level is increased in renal transplant recipients with masked hypertension and is correlated with left ventricular mass index and albuminuria in these patients.

Activation of the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an independent risk factor for the development of proteinuria and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) more commonly seen in masked hypertensives. It has been reported that urinary angiotensinogen (UAGT) level provides a specific index of the intrarenal RAS status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between UAGT and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) with masked hypertension (HT). A total of 116 non-diabetic-treated hypertensive RTRs were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: masked hypertensives and controlled hypertensives. Forty-two (36.2%) of RTRs had masked HT. Mean UACR and LVMI levels were higher in RTRs with masked HT than in RTRs with controlled HT (P < 0.001). UAGT level was also higher in masked hypertensives compared to controlled hypertensives (P < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that UAGT was positively correlated with UACR (ß = 0.024, P = 0.001) and LVMI (ß = 0.082, P = 0.001) in masked hypertensives. Consequently, masked HT was considerably frequent (36.2%) in treated hypertensive RTRs and high UAGT levels accompanied by high albuminuria and LVMI levels were seen in these patients. Overproduction of the UAGT may play a pivotal role in the development of LVH and proteinuria in masked hypertensives.

Urinary angiotensinogen level is correlated with blood pressure level and proteinuria in patients with masked hypertension.

Urinary angiotensinogen (UAGT) level is an index of the intrarenal-renin angiotensin system status and is significantly correlated with blood pressure (BP) and proteinuria in patients with hypertension (HT). We aimed to investigate the possible relationship between UAGT levels and albuminuria in masked hypertensives. A total of 96 nondiabetic treated hypertensive patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: masked hypertensives (office BP <140/90 mmHg and ambulatory BP ≥130/80 mmHg) and controlled hypertensives (office BP <140/90 mmHg and ambulatory BP <130/80). The mean UAGT/UCre level and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) of masked hypertensives were higher than those of controlled hypertensives (7.76 µg/g vs 4.02 µg/g, p < 0.001 and 174.21 mg/g vs 77.74 mg/g, p < 0.001, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between UAGT/UCre levels and ambulatory systolic BP and diastolic BP levels in patients with masked HT, but this was not found with office SBP or DBP levels. Importantly, UAGT/UCre levels showed a significant positive correlation with UACR in both groups, but correlation of the UAGT levels with UACR was more pronounced in masked hypertensives (r = 0.854, p < 0.001 vsr = 0.512, p < 0.01). As a result, UAGT level was increased in patients with masked HT, which was associated with an elevation in albuminuria. Overproduction of the UAGT may play a pivotal role in development of proteinuria.

The radioprotective effect of Nigella sativa on nitrosative stress in lens tissue in radiation-induced cataract in rat.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and radioprotective effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and thymoquinone (TQ) against ionizing radiation-induced cataracts in lens after total cranium irradiation (IR) of rats with a single dose of 5 gray (Gy). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-four Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the experiment. The rats were randomly divided into six groups. Group A received total cranium IR plus NSO (1 g kg(-1) d(-1)) orally through an orogastric tube. Group B received total cranium IR plus TQ (50 mgkg(-1) d(-1)) daily by intraperitoneal injection. Group C received 5 Gy of gamma IR as a single dose to total cranium plus 1 ml saline. Group D1 just received 1 ml saline. Group D2 just received dimethyl sulfoxide. Group D3 did not receive anything. RESULTS: At the end of the 10th d, cataract developed in 80% of the rats in IR group only. After IR, cataract rate dropped to 20% and 50% in groups which were treated with NSO and TQ, respectively, and was limited at grades 1 and 2. Nitric oxide synthase activity, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite levels in the radiotherapy group were higher than those of all other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results implicate a major role for NSO and TQ in preventing cataractogenesis in ionizing radiation-induced cataracts in the lenses of rats, wherein NSO were found to be more potent.

Investigation into effects of tocilizumab and epoetin beta in rats with experimental sciatic nerve injury model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of tocilizumab (TCZ), epoetin beta (EPO), and their combination on nerve regeneration in a sciatic nerve injury model. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into (-) negative control, sham, TCZ, EPO ((+) positive control), and TCZ+EPO groups. The TCZ group received TCZ (8 mg/kg intraperitoneal) immediately after surgery. On day 14th, the EPO group received EPO (5000 IU/kg, intraperitoneal); the TCZ+EPO group received TCZ (8 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), EPO (5000 IU/kg, intraperitoneal), and TCZ (8 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) post-surgery. Motor and sensory functions were assessed pre and post-surgery. Lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated biochemically in the serum, and sciatic nerve tissue was evaluated histopathologically using haematoxylin-Eosin and Masson trichrome staining. CONCLUSIONS: TCZ and EPO decreased nerve injury effects by increasing motor and sensory conduction velocities of the sciatic nerve. Biochemically, TCZ and EPO significantly increased Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione peroxidase 4 levels while decreasing Lipid Peroxidation levels (p=0.001). Histopathologically, neuronal degeneration following nerve injury was decreased in the groups receiving TCZ and EPO (p=0.001). EPO and TCZ attenuate the adverse effects of nerve injury. However, the TCZ+EPO treatment favoured biochemical activities over tissue and functional activities. This has been confirmed functionally, biochemically, and histopathologically.

Protective effect of Arum maculatum against dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis in rats.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine that is characterized by diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain and mucosal ulceration. UC is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, but long-term use of these drugs can cause adverse effects. Arum maculatum is used as a traditional treatment for digestive system disorders, but its use for treatment of UC has not been investigated rigorously. We investigated the possible protective effect of a methanol extract of A. maculatum against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced experimental UC in rats. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were 32.919 ± 1.125 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 52.045 ± 7.902 µg rutin equivalent (RE)/mg, respectively. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for the extract was 105.76 µg/ml according to the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay. Effects of A. maculatum extract on UC induced by DSS were assessed both macroscopically and histologically. We also investigated effects of A. maculatum extract on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the oxidative stress index (OSI) in normal rats and rats with UC. We found that treatment with A. maculatum extract protected the colon against DSS induced UC in a dose-dependent manner.

Improvement of cognitive deficit of curcumin on scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease models.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that curcumin may be useful in diseases with cognitive dysfunction because it slows the progression and leads to the improvement of cognitive functions. In this study, the protective effects of curcumin on scopolamine-induced rat models of cognitive impairment were evaluated. METHODS: 21 male Wistar Albino rats, 1 year old, 200±25 grams, were included in the study. They were divided into three groups (n: 7 in each group); the untreated control group, scopolamine group, and the group treated with curcumin and then exposed to scopolamine. Animals were evaluated for behavioral tasks with the Morris Water Maze test. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), total oxidative status (TOS), and total antioxidative status (TAS) were measured in hippocampal tissues. CRP levels were measured in serum specimens. RESULTS: We found that the length to reach the platform was the highest in the scopolamine group, and the lowest in the curcumin group (p<0.001). Time to reach the platform was the longest in the scopolamine group, and the shortest in the curcumin group (P=0.002). The length to reach the platform was the highest in the scopolamine group, and the lowest in the control group in the probe test (p<0.001). IL-6 levels were higher in the scopolamine group than the curcumin group (P=0.017) and the control group (P=0.005). CONCLUSION: We revealed that curcumin provides a protective effect on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment mimicking Alzheimer's disease. The use of curcumin for the protection of cognition in individuals at risk of developing AD may be considered.

Protective effects of dexpanthenol and y-27632 on stricture formation in a rat model of caustic esophageal injury.

BACKGROUND: This experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of dexpanthenol (converted in the body to pantothenic acid) and Y-27632 (a selective Rho-kinase inhibitor) on stricture formation after caustic (alkaline) esophageal injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty male Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated into six groups. In group 1 (sham) the distal esophagus was isolated and cannulated but no caustic injury was induced. In all remaining groups, a caustic esophageal burn was induced with 50% sodium hydroxide solution for 90 s and drug treatment was given by daily intraperitoneal injection, beginning 24 h after injury and continuing for 21 d. In group 2 (controls), animals were treated with 0.9% saline; in groups 3 and 4, with 50 and 500 mg/kg/d of dexpanthenol, respectively; and in groups 5 and 6, with 0.3 and 3 mg/kg/d of Y-27632, respectively. Rats were sacrificed 22 d after caustic injury and the distal esophagus was isolated for histopathology and biochemical investigation. RESULTS: Stenosis index and collagen deposition scores were significantly lower in both the dexpanthenol and Y-27632 treated groups (P<0.05). Dexpanthenol and Y-27632 treatment markedly depressed esophageal tissue malondialdehyde and hydroxyproline levels. CONCLUSION: In this experimental model of caustic esophageal stricture, dexpanthenol and Y-27632 significantly attenuated esophageal stricture formation. These findings indicate that inhibition of Rho-kinase or dexpanthenol administration may offer novel therapeutic approaches in the treatment of caustic esophageal injury.

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.

Effect of periodontitis on oxidative stress parameters in patients with rheumatic heart valve disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of periodontitis on oxidative stress parameters by investigating serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values in patients with rheumatic heart valve disease (RHVD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised 76 patients, who were divided into four groups: chronic periodontitis with RVHD (RV-CP), periodontally healthy with RVHD (RV-C), systemically healthy with chronic periodontitis (CP), and systemically and periodontally healthy (C). Demographic, periodontal, and echocardiographic parameters were measured. Serum and GCF oxidative stress parameters were evaluated based on the OSI. RESULTS: Similar serum oxidative stress parameters were found in all study groups (P ≥ 0.05). The GCF TAOC values of the C group were significantly higher than those of the other groups (P = 0.001). The GCF OSI values of the C group were significantly lower than those of the other groups (P = 0.001). The GCF TOS and OSI values of the RV-CP group were significantly higher than those of the CP and C groups (P = 0.001). The GCF TOS value of the RV-C group was significantly higher than those of the CP and C groups (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Altered local oxidative stress profile was associated with the presence of periodontitis. Rheumatic heart valve disease may increase oxidative stress in individuals with chronic periodontitis.

Antioxidant defense in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and C type.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine erythrocyte glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and serum total antioxidant response levels in a large chronic viral hepatitis group who had no antiviral treatment, and also the relationship of these parameters with viral load, fibrosis score, and necro-inflammation of the liver. METHODS: 200 patients who were diagnosed with chronic viral hepatitis and 107 healthy subjects were included in this study. Antioxidant parameters were measured spectrophotometrically. The viral load was assayed using a polymerase chain reaction technique. Histopathologic findings in the liver were scored as necro-inflammatory activity and fibrosis according to Ishak-Knodell score. RESULTS: Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities, glutathione, and serum total antioxidant response levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls (p < 0,001). Additionally, no significant correlation was found between these markers and viral load, necro-inflammation, and fibrosis of the liver in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest the insufficiency of an antioxidant barrier in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, but the decrease in antioxidant systems was not correlated with viral load, necro-inflammatory activity, and fibrosis score in the liver.

Prognostic value of pleural effusion, CA-125 and NT-proBNP in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Acute decompensated heart failure (HF) is a serious complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The CA-125 and NT-proBNP levels have been shown in some studies to predict the outcome, however, the prognostic value of other simple clinical parameters such as pleural effusion has not been established yet. AIM: To assess the prognostic value of pleural effusion regarding in-hospital and 6-month follow-up outcome in patients with acute decompensated HF and the relationship between pleural effusion and CA-125 and NT-proBNP levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: The CA-125 and NT-proBNP levels were measured at baseline and the presence of pleural effusion was examined on chest radiograms. One hundred patients were prospectively followed until the occurrence of cardiac death, defined as death from worsening HF or sudden cardiac death, or completion of follow-up period. There were 27 deaths over the course of 6 months of follow-up. An insignificant trend towards higher values of CA-125 was found in patients with pleural effusion. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that there was no relationship between pleural effusion and in-hospital outcome as well as mortality during 6-month follow-up. The CA-125 and NT-proBNP levels predicted mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that only CA-125 was an independent predictor of the 6-month outcome (RR: 1.2; 1.04-1.4; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute decompensated HF, accompanying pleural effusion did not predict mortality or rehospitalisation during the 6-month follow-up. The increased CA-125 level was found to be an independent predictor of poor outcome, irrespective of pleural effusion.

Nigella sativa oil and thymoquinone reduce oxidative stress in the brain tissue of rats exposed to total head irradiation.

Purpose: To evaluate the antioxidant and radio-protective effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and thymoquinone (TQ) on radiation-induced oxidative stress in brain tissue.Materials and methods: Fifty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups to test the radio-protective effectiveness of Nigella sativa oil and thymoquine administered by either orogastric tube or intraperitoneal injection. Appropriate control groups were also studied.Results: Brain antioxidant capacity, as measured by the levels of total superoxide scavenger activity (TSSA), non-enzymatic superoxide scavenger activity (NSSA), superoxide dismutase, paraoxonase (PON) activities, total antioxidant status and total sulfhydryl (-SH) group, were lower in the irradiation (IR) only group while xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels were higher in the group compared with all other groups. Brain glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity significantly decreased in the IR only group when compared with the control groups. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was lower in the IR only, NSO plus IR, TQ plus IR groups when compared with the control group of TQ. Arylesterase (ARYL) activity was not statistically significant in the IR only group compared with all other groups.Conclusions: The results suggest that Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and its active component, TQ, clearly protect brain tissue from radiation-induced oxidative stress.

Cardiac damage in acute organophosphate poisoning in rats: effects of atropine and pralidoxime.

Anticholinesterase poisoning is an important health problem in our country, and a complete understanding of its underlying mechanisms is essential for the emergency physician. Thus, we aimed to investigate the cardiac biochemical parameters and mortality in dichlorvos-induced poisoning in rats. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups as control (corn oil), dichlorvos, atropine, pralidoxime, and atropine+pralidoxime groups. Immunohistochemical analyses of apoptosis and inducible nitric oxide synthase showed no change in cardiac tissue for all of the groups. Serum cholinesterase levels were suppressed with dichlorvos, and these reductions were inhibited with atropine and/or pralidoxime pretreatment. Serum levels of creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin I, myoglobin, and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide were not affected with poisoning. Malondialdehyde and glutathione levels were not statistically significant between the groups. Although serum nitric oxide levels in the dichlorvos group were lower than those in the control group, cardiac nitric oxide levels in the atropine+pralidoxime group were markedly higher than those in the dichlorvos group. Atropine, pralidoxime, and atropine+pralidoxime pretreatments markedly reduced the mortality. In conclusion, our results implied that measured cardiac markers especially N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide may not contribute to the early (first 6 hours) diagnosis of cardiotoxicity in dichlorvos-induced poisoning in rats. These results also showed that acute dichlorvos administration did not cause significant cardiac damage, and oxidative stress does not play a marked role in dichlorvos-induced poisoning. Besides, cardiac nitric oxide may produce protective effect on myocardium with atropine+pralidoxime therapy in rats.

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.

Low-dose and short-term cyclosporine treatment in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria: a clinical and immunological evaluation.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 2.5 mg/kg/day cyclosporin (CsA) treatment in patients with severe chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) and the impact of CsA treatment on several cytokines involved in the etiopathogenesis of CIU. Twenty-seven CIU patients and 24 healthy control subjects were included in the study. The autologous serum skin test (ASST) for autoantibodies and urticaria activity scoring (UAS) were measured for the evaluation of the clinical severity and the response to therapy, and the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-2 receptor, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-5 were measured. The mean UAS score was 32.07 +/- 7.05 and 6.22 +/- 3.84 before and after CsA treatment, respectively. The serum IL-2 receptor, TNF-alpha and IL-5 levels of patients before CsA treatment were statistically higher than those of the control group (P = 0.001), and after 4 weeks of CsA therapy the mean IL-2R, TNF-alpha and IL-5 levels were significantly decreased. The data from this study demonstrate that CsA therapy is efficient and safe for CIU patients. Increase in clinical efficacy and marked decreases in serum cytokine levels suggest that inhibition of cytokine generation is involved in the action of the drug in this clinical setting.

Markers of bone turnover in patients with lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Bone metastases may change the primary treatment modality, especially if the bone is the only site of metastasis in patients considered to be in the early stage of lung cancer. It is usually diagnosed by imaging techniques. However, the diagnostic yields of imaging methods are limited. Some bone markers such as propeptides of type-1 collagen, pyridinoline cross-links and deoxypyridinoline (D-PYD) cross-links, serum osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase are thought to be useful in the detection of bone metastasis in lung cancer. Thus, we aimed to determine the clinical usefulness of bone turnover markers in the assessment of bone metastases in patients with lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Urinary D-PYD, calcium, and serum osteocalcin, calcium and total alkaline phosphatase (T-ALP) were measured in 60 lung cancer patients. Patients were evaluated by technetium 99 (99Tc) bone scintigraphy. The comparisons of measured values in patients with and without bone metastasis were done by using appropriate statistical methods. RESULTS: Fifty-four males and six females were included into study. Twenty-two patients had bone metastases, while 38 did not. Forty-two patients were nonsmall-cell lung cancer, whereas 18 were small-cell carcinoma. Urinary D-PYD level was the unique value that was statistically significantly higher in patients with bone metastases than that level in patients without bone metastasis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that urinary measurement of D-PYD might be helpful in detecting bone metastasis in lung cancer. The high urinary D-PYD level may be an early sign of occult metastases in patients with no bone metastasis assessed by scintigraphic techniques.

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.

Effects of chronic trimetazidine treatment on myocardial preconditioning in anesthetized rats.

Trimetazidine is a widely used anti-ischemic agent, but effects of its chronic treatment on myocardial preconditioning in anesthetized animals have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 15-day treatment of trimetazidine on ischemic preconditioning and carbachol-induced preconditioning in anesthetized rats. Ischemic preconditioning, induced by 5 min of coronary artery occlusion and 5 min of reperfusion, significantly decreased the total number of ventricular ectopic beats, the incidence of ventricular tachycardia and abolished the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) during 30 min of ischemia. Trimetazidine (10 mg/kg/day, i.p. for 15 days and 10 mg/kg, i.v.) itself attenuated these arrhythmia parameters with no marked effect on hemodynamic effects. In the presence of trimetazidine, anti-arrhythmic effects of ischemic preconditioning were present. Carbachol infusion induced preconditioning with a marked depression of mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate and the total number of ventricular ectopic beats. No VF was observed in carbachol-induced preconditioning. The marked reductions in arrhythmia parameters that induced carbachol-induced preconditioning were also preserved in the presence of trimetazidine. Arrhythmia scores and myocardial infarct size were reduced significantly with ischemic preconditioning or carbachol-induced preconditioning and were not modified by trimetazidine. Lactate and malondialdehyde levels were suppressed significantly with preconditioning or trimetazidine + preconditioning groups. These results show that chronic treatment of trimetazidine protects the heart against ischemia-induced arrhythmias, reduces myocardial infarct size, plasma lactate and malondialdehyde levels, and preserves the effects of ischemic and pharmacological preconditioning in anesthetized rats.