In vivo anti-ulcerogenic effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal lesions.

CONTEXT: Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) (Malvaceae), is a medicinal plant widely used in Turkish traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as ulcers and gastritis. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we evaluated the gastroprotective effect of okra against ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were treated with 500, 250 or 100 mg/kg okra; 20 mg/kg famotidine (Fam); and 75 mg/kg quercetin (Que). Following a 60 min period, all the rats were given 1 mL of ethanol (80%). One hour after the administration of ethanol, all groups were sacrificed. RESULTS: At 5000 mg/kg, the extract produced (okra) no signs of toxicity in animals. Okra 500, 250, 100, Fam 20 and Que 75 inhibited ulcer formation by 81.0, 67.5, 67.0, 76.3 and 72.4%, respectively. Okra 500 significantly decreased edema, hemorrhage and inflammation scores compared with the ethanol group (p < 0.05). The oxidant levels decreased significantly in the all study groups compared within ethanol group (p < 0.001). Serum ß-carotene and retinol levels significantly increased 40.2 and 45.4% in the okra 500 group. In okra 500, 250 and Fam 20 groups, apoptosis significantly decreased (p < 0.001), while okra 500, 250 and Fam 20 groups showed a higher percentage of cell proliferation compared with the ethanol group (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our in vivo data indicate that okra has a gastroprotective effect against ethanol and could reduce the gastric ulcer as seen from biochemical and histopathological results. We suggest that okra could be a possible therapeutic antiulcer agent.

Kinetics of pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite dissolution by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the dissolution kinetics of pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite. Crushed minerals were reacted with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (25 °C). The kinetics of dissolution was investigated by monitoring pH and Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) ion concentrations in the leaching solutions. Pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite dissolution by A. ferrooxidans was found to be a chemically controlled process. With bacteria, the dissolution rates of the minerals increased in the order of pyrrhotite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite. The number of cells attached to mineral surfaces increased in the same order. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was found to enhance the dissolution rates of the minerals. The acid-insoluble trait of pyrite and acid-soluble trait of the other 2 minerals affected the pH changes in the leaching solutions.

Measuring calcium, potassium, and nitrate in plant nutrient solutions using ion-selective electrodes in hydroponic greenhouse of some vegetables.

Generally, the life cycle of plants depends on the uptake of essential nutrients in a balanced manner and on toxic elements being under a certain concentration. Lack of control of nutrient levels in nutrient solution can result in reduced plant growth and undesired conditions such as blossom-end rot. In this study, sensitivity and selectivity tests for various polyvinylchloride (PVC)-based ion-selective membranes were conducted to identify those suitable for measuring typical concentration ranges of macronutrients, that is, NO(3-), K(+), and Ca(2+), in hydroponic solutions. The sensitivity and selectivity of PVC-membrane-based ion-selective sensors prepared with tetradodecylammoniumnitrate for NO(3-), valinomycin for K(+), and Ca ionophore IV for Ca(2+) were found to be satisfactory for measuring NO(3-), K(+), and Ca(2+) ions in nutrient solutions over typical ranges of hydroponic concentrations. Potassium, calcium, and nitrate levels that were utilized by cucumber and tomato seedlings in the greenhouse were different. The findings show that tomato plants consumed less amounts of nitrate than cucumber plants over the first 2 months of their growth. We also found that the potassium intake was higher than other nutritional elements tested for all plants.

Desferrioxamine reduces oxidative stress in the lung contusion.

Our hypothesis in this study is that desferrioxamine (DFX) has therapeutic effects on experimental lung contusions in rats. The rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): control, control+DFX, contusion, and contusion+DFX. In the control+DFX and contusion+DFX groups, 100 mg/kg DFX was given intraperitoneally once a day just after the contusion and the day after the contusion. Contusions led to a meaningful rise in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in lung tissue. MDA levels in the contusion+DFX group experienced a significant decline. Glutathione levels were significantly lower in the contusion group than in the control group and significantly higher in the contusion+DFX group. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the contusion group were significantly lower than those in the control group. In the contusion+DFX group, SOD and GPx levels were significantly higher than those in the contusion group. In light microscopic evaluation, the contusion and contusion+DFX groups showed edema, hemorrhage, alveolar destruction, and leukocyte infiltration. However, histological scoring of the contusion+DFX group was significantly more positive than that of the contusion group. The iNOS staining in the contusion group was significantly more intensive than that in all other groups. DFX reduced iNOS staining significantly in comparison to the contusion group. This study showed that DFX reduced oxidative stress in lung contusions in rats and histopathologically ensured the recovery of the lung tissue.

Oxidant/antioxidant system markers and trace element levels in children with nutritional rickets.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the oxidative stress and trace element levels in vivo in patients with nutritional rachitism associated with vitamin D deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of 30 patients, 18 males and 12 females, were included in the study. Age, sex, medical history, vital, and physical examination findings of each patient documented at presentation were recorded. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and 25-OH vitamin D levels, as well as oxidant and antioxidant system parameters and trace element levels were studied. After being diagnosed with rachitism, the patients were administered a single dose of 300,000 IU vitamin D by intramuscular injection. The same analyses were repeated post-treatment. Thirty children with normal anthropometric measurements were included as the control group. The analyses described above were performed only once for the control group. RESULTS: Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and 25-OH vitamin D levels were different between the controls and children in the patient group (p<0.001). Analysis of trace element levels demonstrated markedly lower pretreatment zinc levels for the patient group compared to the controls, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). Comparison of pretreatment oxidant and antioxidant system markers between the patient and control groups demonstrated higher values for vitamin C, ß-carotene, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase in the control group, whereas MDA was higher in the patient group. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated increased oxidative stress, reduced antioxidant defence system in patients with nutritional rachitism, with reduced oxidative stress and a pronounced improvement in the antioxidant system with vitamin D treatment.

Tissue trace and major element levels in organophosphate insecticide fenthion (Lebaycid) toxicity in rats: prophylactic and therapeutic effect of exogenous melatonin.

Organophosphate compounds are very toxic chemicals and used in widespread applications. The present study was designed to examine the role of exogenous melatonin against organophosphate toxicity in tissues (brain, heart, jejunum, kidney, liver, lung, muscle and pancreas) trace and major element levels of rats. Trace and major element concentrations in the tissues were measured in the sham group, the control group, prophylaxis with the melatonin group and therapy with the melatonin group (TM) by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Statistically significant differences among the experimental groups were detected for some tissue trace and major element concentrations. In the brain tissue, the Al, Mn and Se concentrations in the sham group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). In the heart tissue, the Cu, Mn and Se concentrations in the sham group were significantly increased than those in the control group (p<0.05). In the kidney tissue, trace and major element concentrations in the TM group were significantly lower than those in the sham group (Fe and Mn; p<0.05, Cu, Mo, Ni, Ti, V and Zn; p<0.01). In the liver, Mg, Al, Zn and Ca concentrations in the TM group were significantly higher than those in the fenthion-treated control group (p<0.01). In the muscle tissue, element concentrations in the TM group were significantly lower when compared with the sham groups (Ca and Si; p<0.01). The Al, Cr, Mo, Ni, Si and Zn element concentrations were markedly decreased in the control group as compared with the TM group in the pancreas tissue (p<0.01). In conclusion, according to the results of the present study the major findings are that the fenthion-treated rat's tissue element levels were effected and the melatonin may normalize the altered levels of some trace and major elements of the tissues in organophosphate toxicity.

Bio-element status in children with acute rheumatic fever: before treatment and after clinical improvement.

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune multisystem disease. Bio-elements are required in different quantities by an organism to maintain its physiologic function. Monitoring the status of bio-elements is critical in human health. This study aimed to determine possible changes in levels of bio-elements in children with ARF before and after treatment. Levels of trace and major elements in children with ARF were investigated. The study included 33 children with ARF (17 boys and 16 girls) and 20 healthy control children (11 boys and 9 girls). The ages ranged from 5 to 16 years (mean 11.4 ± 3.82 years) in the study group and from 6 to 15 years (mean, 10.7 ± 3.22 years) in the control group. Trace and major element concentrations (total of 14 elements) in the serum were measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Before treatment, the levels of the major elements potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) in children with ARF were higher than in the control group, whereas the calcium (Ca) level was lower. Before treatment, the levels of trace elements iron (Fe), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), and barium (Ba) were lower, whereas the copper (Cu), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), gallium (Ga), and strontium (Sr) levels were higher in the serum of the patients with ARF than in the control patients. The major findings show that the homeostasis of some trace and major elements were altered in the children with ARF and that these alterations may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Investigation of oxidant and antioxidant pathway changes in acute rheumatic fever.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of oxidant stress in the clinical process and pathogenesis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 33 children with ARF and 20 healthy control subjects. The diagnosis of ARF was established according to the Jones Criteria. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, retinol and beta-carotene levels were measured as markers of oxidative stress together with some antioxidant markers. RESULTS: Our study includes 33 (19 male, 14 female) children with ARF and 20 (11 male, 9 female) healthy control subjects. The mean age ranged between 5-16 years and 5-15 years in the study and control groups, respectively. MDA was measured as 2.1 +/- 0.9 nmol/mL in the control group, 3.3 +/- 2.7 nmol/mL in the study group before treatment, and 2.1 +/- 1.2 nmol/mL after treatment. Blood GSH levels were 48.2 +/- 12.7 mg/dL in the control group, 24.7 +/- 16 mg/dL in the study group before treatment, and 40.6 +/- 21.3 mg/dL in the study group after treatment. MDA and GSH levels prior to the treatment were found to be significantly high and low as compared with the levels of the control group, respectively (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). After treatment, statistically important decrements and increments were determined in the levels of MDA (P < 0.05) and GSH (P < 0.01), respectively. Furthermore, alpha-tocopherol, retinol and beta-carotene levels prior to treatment in the study group, were significantly lower in comparison with control group levels (P = 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: We suggested that tissue damage in ARF may not only occur in the presence of increased oxidative stress, but also as a consequence of decreased antioxidant markers.

Protective effect of Matricaria chamomilla on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in rats.

The antiulcerogenic and antioxidant properties of Matricaria chamomilla L. (Compositae) hydroalcoholic extract (MCE) on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury were investigated in rats. After the induction of gastric mucosal injury, all groups were sacrificed; the gastric ulcer index was calculated, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in whole blood and gastric tissue, and serum ascorbic acid, retinol, and beta-carotene levels were measured in all groups. Pretreatment with MCE at some doses significantly reduced gastric lesions. Again, some doses of MCE significantly reduced the MDA, and significantly increased GSH levels in gastric tissue or whole blood. Serum beta-carotene and retinol levels were significantly higher in the 200 mg/kg MCE-administered group with respect to control. As a result, MCE clearly has a protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions, and this effect, at least in part, depends upon the reduction in lipid peroxidation and augmentation in antioxidant activity.

Does dexmedetomidine reduce secondary damage after spinal cord injury? An experimental study.

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the possible protective effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Twenty-two New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups: sham (no drug or operation, n = 6), Control [SCI + single dose of 1 mL saline intraperitoneally (i.p), after trauma; n = 8] and DEX (SCI + 1 microg/kg dexmedetomidine in 1 mL, i.p, after trauma, n = 8). Laminectomy was performed at T10 and balloon angioplasty catheter was applied extradurally. Four and 24 h after surgery, rabbits were evaluated by an independent observer according to the Tarlov scoring system. Blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), tissue samples from spinal cord were taken for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. After 4 h of SCI, all animals in control or DEX treated groups became paraparesic. On the other hand, 24 h after SCI, partial improvements were observed in both control and DEX treated groups. Traumatic SCI leads to increase in the lipid peroxidation and decreases enzymatic or nonenzymatic endogenous antioxidative defense systems. Again, SCI leads to apoptosis in spinal cord. DEX treatment slightly prevented lipid peroxidation and augmented endogenous antioxidative defense systems in CSF or spinal cord tissue, but failed to prevent apoptosis or neurodeficit after traumatic SCI. Therefore, it could be suggested that treatment with dexmedetomidine does not produce beneficial results in SCI.

Dantrolene can reduce secondary damage after spinal cord injury.

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the possible protective effects of dantrolene on traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups: Sham (no drug or operation, n = 8), Control (SCI + 1 mL saline intraperitoneally (i.p.), n = 8), and DNT (SCI + 10 mg/kg dantrolene in 1 mL, i.p., n = 8). Laminectomy was performed at T10 and balloon catheter was applied extradurally. Four and 24 h after surgery, rabbits were evaluated according to the Tarlov scoring system. Blood, cerebrospinal fluid and tissue sample from spinal cord were taken for measurements of antioxidant status or detection of apoptosis. After 4 h SCI, all animals in control or DNT-treated groups became paraparesic. Significant improvement was observed in DNT-treated group, 24 h after SCI, with respect to control. Traumatic SCI led to an increase in the lipid peroxidation and a decrease in enzymic or non-enzymic endogenous antioxidative defense systems, and increase in apoptotic cell numbers. DNT treatment prevented lipid peroxidation and augmented endogenous enzymic or non-enzymic antioxidative defense systems. Again, DNT treatment significantly decreased the apoptotic cell number induced by SCI. In conclusion, experimental results observed in this study suggest that treatment with dantrolene possess potential benefits for traumatic SCI.

The effects of Panax ginseng and Spirulina platensis on hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium in rats.

Cadmium is an environmental and industrial cumulative pollutant that affects many organs, specially the liver. The protective effect of Spirulina platensis and Panax ginseng on cadmium-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity was evaluated in adult female Wistar albino rats. At the end of the 1-month experimental period, all animals were fasted for 12h and liver samples were taken for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. S. platensis and P. ginseng treatments showed marked decrease lipid peroxidation and increase of the endogenous antioxidants levels. The cadmium-induced histopathological changes were also minimized with the tested extracts. These results suggest that S. platensis and P. ginseng might play a role in reducing the toxic effect of cadmium and its antioxidant properties seem to mediate such a protective effect.

Altered antioxidant status and increased lipid peroxidation in children with acute gastroenteritis admitted to a pediatric emergency service.

Acute gastroenteritis is a common illness worldwide and has a great impact on children. Our aim was to examine possible alterations in the antioxidant defense in pediatric gastroenteritis. To comprehensively examine the reaction of the antioxidant system, all possible components of the system were measured. The whole blood malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione, serum beta-carotene, retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, catalase, ceruloplasmin, albumin, total bilirubin, uric acid, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase levels were studied. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde levels were found to be increased; however, beta-carotene, retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, reduced glutathione, and albumin levels were observed to be significantly decreased. Catalase activity remained unchanged, whereas some of the other non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ceruloplasmin, total bilirubin, and uric acid levels were increased compared to the control group. We have shown an association between antioxidant levels and gastroenteritis in children. Further study is needed to assess whether antioxidant supplementation will be beneficial as an adjunct to conventional relevant therapy of the disease.

High levels of oxidative stress in patients with advanced lung cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate oxidative stress status in different stages and histological types of lung cancer. METHODS: Forty-nine lung cancer patients, who had not received any therapy, and 20 healthy subjects were chosen for the study. Lung cancer patients were divided into those with early stage or advanced stage disease. The tumour type was adenocarcinoma in 24 patients, squamous cell carcinoma in 21 and large cell carcinoma in four. We measured serum nitrite, nitrate, ascorbic acid, retinol, beta-carotene and ceruloplasmin levels, and whole-blood malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione levels and catalase activity in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma and healthy subjects. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between the patient group and the control group were detected for all biochemical parameters. Mean malondialdehyde, nitrite, nitrate and ceruloplasmin levels and catalase activity were significantly higher in the group with advanced stage disease than in the control group. Mean beta-carotene, ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione levels were significantly lower in the group with advanced stage disease than in the control group. Mean malondialdehyde and nitrite levels were significantly higher in the patients with squamous cell carcinoma than in those with adenocarcinoma, and mean malondialdehyde level was also significantly higher in patients with squamous cell carcinoma than in those with large cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that with advancing stage of lung cancer, the levels of oxidative stress increase, while levels of antioxidant molecules decrease. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma have higher oxidative stress as reflected by higher levels of malondialdehyde and nitrite.

Beneficial effects of Foeniculum vulgare on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in rats.

AIM: To examine the anti-ulcerogenic and antioxidant effects of aqueous extracts of Foeniculum vulgare (FVE) on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats. METHODS: FVE was administered by gavage at doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg, and famotidine was used at the dose of 20 mg/kg. Following a 60 min period, all the rats were given 1 mL of ethanol (80%) by gavage. One hour after the administration of ethanol, all groups were sacrificed, and the gastric ulcer index was calculated; whole blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), serum nitrate, nitrite, ascorbic acid, retinol and beta-carotene levels were measured in all the groups. RESULTS: It was found that pretreatment with FVE significantly reduced ethanol-induced gastric damage. This effect of FVE was highest and statistically significant in 300 mg/kg group compared with the control (4.18 +/- 2.81 vs 13.15 +/- 4.08, P < 0.001). Also, pretreatment with FVE significantly reduced the MDA levels, while significantly increased GSH, nitrite, nitrate, ascorbic acid, retinol and beta-carotene levels. CONCLUSION: FVE has clearly a protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesion, and this effect, at least in part, depends upon the reduction in lipid peroxidation and augmentation in the antioxidant activity.

Antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of erdosteine in a rat model of ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the protective effect of erdosteine, an antiapoptotic and antioxidant agent, on torsion-detorsion evoked histopathological changes in experimental ovarian ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen female Wistar albino rats were used in control, IR, and IR+Edosteine (IR-E) groups, (n=6 in each). The IR-E group received the erdosteine for seven days before the induction of torsion/retorsion, (10 mg/kg/days). The IR and IR-E groups were exposed to right unilateral adnexal torsion for 3 hr. Three hours later, re-laparotomy was performed, and the right ovaries were surgically excised. Oxidant and antioxidants levels were determined in serum. The ovarian tissue samples were received and fixed with 10% neutral buffered formalin. The sections were stained with H&E, anti-PCNA, and TUNEL. RESULTS: The IR group were showed severe acute inflammation, polynuclear leukocytes and macrophages, stromal oedema and haemorrhage. Treatment with erdosteine in rats significantly retained degenerative changes in the ovary PCNA (+) cell numbers were significantly decreased in the IR and IR-E groups unlike the control group. However, its numbers were significantly increased in the IR-E group unlike the IR group. TUNEL (+) cell numbers were significantly increased in the IR group unlike the control and the IR-E groups. In erdosteine treated group, TUNEL (+) cells were detected significantly less than the IR group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, erdosteine maybe a protective agent for ovarian damage and decreasing lipid peroxidation products and leukocytes aggregation after adnexal torsion in animals.

In vivo radioprotective effects of Nigella sativa L oil and reduced glutathione against irradiation-induced oxidative injury and number of peripheral blood lymphocytes in rats.

Radiotherapy is one of the most common therapies for treating human cancers. Several studies have indicated that irradiation induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play an important role in radiation damage of the cell. It has been shown that Nigella sativa L. (NS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) have both an antiperoxidative effect on different tissues and a scavenger effect on ROS. The purpose of this study was to determine the antioxidant and radio-protective roles of NS and GSH against irradiation-induced oxidative injury in an experimental model. The NS group was administrated NS (1 mL/kg body weight), the GSH group was injected GSH (150 mg/kg body weight) and the control group was given physiologic saline solution (1 mL/kg body weight) for 30 consecutive days before exposure to a single dose of 6 Gy of radiation. Animals were sacrificed after irradiation. Malondialdehyde, nitrate, nitrite (oxidative stress markers) and ascorbic acid, retinol, beta-carotene, GSH and ceruloplasmin (nonenzymatic antioxidant markers) levels and peripheral blood lymphocytes were measured in all groups. There were statistically significant differences between the groups for all parameters (P < 0.05). Whole-body irradiation caused a significant increase in blood malondialdehyde, nitrate and nitrite levels. The blood oxidative stress marker levels in irradiated rats that were pretreated with NS and GSH were significantly decreased; however, non-enzymatic antioxidant levels were significantly increased. Also, our results suggest that NS and GSH administration prior to irradiation prevent the number of alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase peripheral blood T lymphocytes from declining. These results clearly show that NS and GSH treatment significantly antagonize the effects of radiation. Therefore, NS and GSH may be a beneficial agent in protection against ionizing radiation-related tissue injury.

Relationship between antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in children with acute hepatitis A.

AIM: To investigate in children with acute hepatitis A. According to our knowledge, there are no data about the blood levels of malondialdehyde (MDA, an indicator of oxidative stress) and nonenzymic antioxidants in children with acute hepatitis A. METHODS: Whole blood MDA and reduced glutathione (GSH), serum beta-carotene, retinol, vitamin E and vitamin C levels were studied in 19 (10 females, 9 males) children with acute hepatitis A and in 29 (13 females, 16 males) healthy control subjects. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between patients and controls for all parameters (P < 0.05). Lipid peroxidation marker MDA was significantly elevated (P < 0.001), while antioxidants beta-carotene, retinol and GSH were significantly decreased (all P < 0.001) in patients compared to healthy subjects. In addition, alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid levels were significantly lower in patients when compared to age and sex matched controls (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that hepatitis A virus induces oxidative stress in children with hepatitis A. This finding could be taken into consideration to improve the therapeutic approach in acute hepatitis A.

Oxidant and antioxidant levels in children with acute otitis media and tonsillitis: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent episodes of acute otitis media (AOM) and acute tonsillitis (AT) are a common problem in infectious disorders during childhood and are major cause of morbidity in children. The organism maintains defense systems including nonenzymatic antioxidants such as Vitamins A, E and C and reduced glutathione (GSH) against reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, lipid peroxidation status and nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity were investigated in children with AOM and AT. Our aim was to compare the lipid peroxidation and responses of the body's antioxidant status in the closely associated infections such as AOM and acute tonsillitis. METHODS: The study included 23 (14 males, 9 females) children with AOM, 27 (14 males, 13 females) with AT and 29 (16 males, 13 females) healthy control subjects. The ages of the study and control subjects were between 2 and 7 years. Serum beta-carotene, retinol, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and whole blood malondialdehyde (MDA) (as an indicator of lipid peroxidation) and GSH levels were studied in all subjects. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups for all parameters (P<0.05). All of the antioxidant vitamins such as beta-carotene, retinol, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C levels were observed to be significantly decreased in the both patient groups. Nevertheless, GSH levels were also decreased in the patient groups. MDA levels were found to be higher in children with AOM and AT than in the healthy control subjects. When compared the AOM and AT groups, there was statistically significant difference between the groups for whole blood MDA (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Even though they seem to react in a similar way against ROS, in the cases of AOM and AT, it is possible to see the different approaches in these tissues for the oxidative stress.

Effects of sphingosylphosphorylcholine against oxidative stress and acute lung injury induced by pulmonary contusion in rats.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate effects of exogenous sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) administration on acute lung injury induced by pulmonary contusion in rats. METHODS: Eight animals were included in each of the following five groups: control, contusion, contusion phosphate-buffered solution (PBS), contusion SPC 2, contusion SPC 10. SPC was administered 3 days at a daily two different doses of 2 µm/ml and 10 µm/ml intraperitoneally. The severity of lung injury was determined by the neutrophil activation and histological and immunohistochemical changes in the lung. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) were determined to evaluate the oxidative status in the lung tissue. RESULTS: Treatment with 2 µM SPC inhibited the increase in lung MDA and NO levels significantly and also attenuated the depletion of SOD, GPx, and GSH in the lung injury induced by pulmonary contusion. These data were supported by histopathological findings. The inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) positive cells and apoptotic cells in the lung tissue were observed to be reduced with the 2 µM SPC treatment. But, the 10 µM SPC treatment did not provide similar effects. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these findings suggested that 2 µM SPC can attenuate lung damage in pulmonary contusion by prevention of oxidative stress, inflammatory process and apoptosis. All these findings suggest that low dose SPC may be a promising new therapeutic agent for acute lung injury.