Association between serum total antioxidant status and coronary microvascular function in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Coronary microvascular impairment may cause myocardial ischemia and systolic dysfunction in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 41 patients with IDC and 33 healthy control subjects. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), serum interleukin (IL)-6 levels, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were assayed and coronary flow reserve (CFR) was measured in all subjects via echocardiography. RESULTS: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were significantly higher in patients with IDC than in the control group (3.42 ± 2.14 vs. 1.91± 1.40, p = 0.001). Serum TAS was statistically lower in patients with IDC than in controls (1.23 ± 0.16 vs. 1.77 ± 0.12, p < 0.001). CFR was statistically and significantly lower in the IDC group (2.10 ± 0.39 vs. 3.09 ± 0.49, p < 0.001). The IDC group was subsequently subdivided into two groups according to CFR values, as CFR ≥ 2 and CFR < 2. HsCRP (4.30 ± 2.42 vs. 2.58 ± 1.42, p = 0.01), TNF-α (16.67 ± 8.08 vs. 10.97 ± 1.63, p = 0.01), and IL-6 (7.54 ± 6.16 vs. 3.14 ± 1.10, p = 0.05) values were significantly higher in the CFR < 2 group compared with the higher CFR group. TAS (1.3 ± 0.16 vs. 1.14 ± 0.10, p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the CFR < 2 group. CFR correlated significantly with hsCRP, TAS, red cell distribution width (RDW), IL-6, and TNF-α. CONCLUSION: Plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels are increased in patients with IDC. CFR was impaired as a reflection of impaired coronary microvascular dysfunction in association with increasing plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels and hsCRP levels.

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes in rat fat tissue related to the local hCG injection.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, it has been observed that weight loss is accelerated by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone preparation used for hypothalamic dysfunction in obesity treatment in both sexes. hCG is also used for in vitro fertilization and in treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Our aim was to observe the ultrastructural changes caused by local injections of hCG made for purpose of weight loss and to present them to inform those receiving such therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study, 10 obese female, 10 male obese, 10 non-obese female and 10 non-obese male rats were used. In each group, single dose of subcutaneous hCG injection has been applied to 7 rats for 5 weeks in 5 days of the week, and placebo has been applied to the remaining 3 rats. Following the injection, the tissues were evaluated morphologically, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally. RESULTS: Leptin immunoreactivity was similar in all groups. When the adipose tissue samples were examined under electron microscope, they were observed to exhibit normal structure with organelles located around the nuclei and nucleoli, and no distinctive features were found among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Administering hCG in addition to diet had no advantage on weight reduction in rats.

The effect of histamine on kidney by fasting in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate ultrastructural and apoptotic changes occurring in the kidneys in fasting individuals and to examine the effects of histamine treatment at the electron-microscopic and immunohistochemical levels. METHODS: Eighteen adult Wistar male rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=6 for each). Control group (1), fasting group (12 h) (2), and fasting+histamine injection (0.5 mg/kg) (3) group. Expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 was determined in the tissue sections using immunohistochemical techniques. Quantitative data were obtained using H-SCORE, and statistical evaluations were then performed. The ultrastructure of the kidney tissues was examined using transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Weak caspase-3 and caspase-9 expression was observed in the renal tubules and glomeruli in the control group, while immunoreactivity was more intense in the fasting group (p<0.05). In the fasting+histamine group, caspase-3 and caspase-9 immunostaining was significantly positive in both renal tubules and glomeruli (p<0.05). At electron microscopic evaluation, degenerative changes were seen in the glomeruli of the fasting group, as well as partial vacuolization and disruption at the basal foldings in the tubular epithelial cells. In the fasting+histamine group, in addition to significant dilatation of all glomerular capillaries, there were degenerative changes in all tubular and canalicular epithelial cells in the proximal tubules. CONCLUSIONS: Fasting, an important metabolic stress factor, accompanied by histamine treatment may cause significant disruptions in the kidneys, particularly in the glomerular capillaries and proximal and distal tubules (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 34).

The protective effects of hesperidin pretreatment on kidney and remote organs against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, Hesperidin was investigated to prove whether it prevents damage to the kidney and lung tissues of rats undergoing renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups of rats were set, including eight subjects each as Group 1 (control), Group 2-RIR (renal ischemia reperfusion), Groups 3 and 4 as pretreatment groups (50 HES, 100 HES). RESULTS: According to our results, Hesperidin pretreatment improved the biochemical and histopathological parameters in kidney and lung tissues of rats with ischemia-reperfusion injury. Besides, a 100 mg/kg dose of Hesperidin was found to be more beneficial to the rats than 50 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that Hesperidin is protective against renal and lung tissues of rats that underwent ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Effect of melatonin and n-acetylcysteine on hepatic injury in rat induced by methanol intoxication: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Methanol intoxication leads liver injury; in contrast melatonin and n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) are known to have protective effects on liver. AIM: We aimed to investigate the ultrastructural effects of melatonin and NAC on livers of methanol intoxicated rats and compare potential protective effects of melatonin and NAC on their liver ultrastructure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six adult male Wistar rats were carried out and were randomized to eight groups that have seven rats each: Control groups (C 6h, C 24h), treated with intragastric (i.g.) 1.0 ml saline; Methanol groups (M 6h, M 24h), treated with a dose of 3 g/kg i.g. methanol; Melatonin plus methanol groups (MEL+M 6h, MEL+M 24h), treated with dose of 10 mg/kg i.p melatonin immediately, following with a dose of 3 g/kg i.g. methanol; NAC plus methanol groups (NAC+M 6h, NAC+M 24h), treated with dose of 150 mg/kg, following with a dose of 3 g/kg i.g. methanol. 24 h group rats were given the same dose of melatonin and NAC 12 h after intoxication. Electron microscopy was used to evaluate histological changes in liver tissue at both 6th and 24th hour. RESULTS: Histopathological damage was found to be higher in methanol-induced intoxicated rats compared with the controls. Extensive tubules of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, increased mitochondria, increased primary lysosomes and some marked openings of bile canaliculus were distinguished. Melatonin administration prevents liver injury especially in early hours and although not as effective as melatonin, NAC also prevents liver injury. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin is much more efficient than NAC, as well as significantly greater hepatoprotective effect against the liver injury secondary to the methanol intoxication.

Mucinous cystadenomas in liver: management and origin.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous cystadenomas of the liver are rare cystic neoplasms. The aim of this study was to assess management of a consecutive series of patients who underwent laparotomy for a suspected cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. Secondly, the origin of ovarian stroma (OS) in mucinous liver cystadenomas was examined during early embryonic development. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with mucinous liver cystadenomas or cystadenocarcinoma between 1994 and 2009 were included. Pathology specimens of patients who had undergone resection were reviewed for OS. Furthermore, in human embryos, morphology of the peritoneal epithelium and the position of the gonads in relation to the embryonic liver, pancreas and spleen were examined. RESULTS: 15 surgically treated patients (13 female, 2 male) with hepatic tumors were eventually diagnosed with mucinous liver cystadenomas (12) or cystadenocarcinomas (3). OS was present in all female patients with mucinous cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. The 2 male patients were rediagnosed as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) or cystadenocarcinoma with features of IPMN. In human embryos, preceding their 'descent', the gonads are situated directly under the diaphragm, dorsal to the liver, the tail of the pancreas and the spleen, but separated from these organs by the peritoneal cavity. In contrast to the peritoneal epithelium elsewhere, the cells covering the gonads show an activated morphology. CONCLUSION: For the diagnosis of mucinous liver cystadenoma, the presence of OS is prerequisite. This may be explained by the common origin of cystadenoma and OS in epithelial cells that cover the embryonic gonads in early fetal life.

Effects of co-administered melatonin, fructose and bisphenol A (BPA) on rat epididymis and sperm characteristics.

Consumption of fructose-rich food and exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals continue to increase. High fructose consumption is associated with increased incidence of dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperuricemia and insulin resistance. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental contaminant that exhibits estrogen-like activity; it impairs reproductive organs, sperm production, spermatogenesis and fertility. We investigated the possible ameliorative effects of melatonin on rat epididymis and sperm characteristics following exposure to fructose and BPA. We used 42 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into seven groups. Group 1, control group, was treated with 25 mg/kg sesame oil + 25 mg/kg 0.1% ethanol. Group 2 was treated with 10% aqueous fructose. Group 3 was treated with 25 mg/kg BPA. Group 4 was treated with 10% fructose and 25 mg/kg BPA. Group 5 was treated with 10% fructose and 20 mg/kg melatonin. Group 6 was treated with 25 mg/kg BPA and 20 mg/kg melatonin. Group 7 was treated with 10% fructose, 25 mg/kg BPA and 20 mg/kg melatonin. After 60 days, epididymal tissue was removed and analyzed using histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Sperm were counted, and sperm motility and viability were investigated. Administration of BPA caused significant damage to both epididymal tissue and sperm quality; melatonin reduced the damage, but did not prevent it completely.

The effect of pretreatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers on cardioversion success and acute recurrence of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) may be activated during atrial fibrillation (AF). It is unclear whether RAS inhibition may facilitate cardioversion from AF and may prevent acute recurrence of AF (ARAF). We thus investigated the effect of pretreatment with RAS blockers on cardioversion success and ARAF in patients with AF scheduled for elective cardioversion. METHODS: This observational study included 356 patients with AF undergoing elective pharmacological or electrical cardioversion. Of these patients, 135 were not included based on exclusion criteria and the remaining 221 patients were divided into RAS group (n = 116, 69 male) or non-RAS group (n = 105, 58 male) based on precardioversion use of any RAS blocker. RESULTS: Hypertension, coronary heart disease and heart failure were more frequent in the RAS group. Cardioversion from AF was more successful in the RAS group than in the non-RAS group (%92 vs. %82, p = 0.026). The rate of ARAF was lower in RAS group compared with that in non-RAS group (17% vs. 31%, p = 0.026). In multivariate analysis, pretreatment with RAS blockers in addition to shock number and enlarged left atrium, independently predicted ARAF (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15-0.75, p = 0.008). Independent predictors of cardioversion success were shock number and left atrial dilatation, but not use of RAS blocker. CONCLUSION: Precardioversion use of RAS blockers may reduce ARAF following successful cardioversion of AF, but did not improve electrical cardioversion.

Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis in patients resected for presumed malignant bile duct strictures.

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin (Ig) G(4)-related lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis has been described in the context of autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking distal cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of this entity in benign bile duct strictures in patients resected for presumed hilar cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: Of 185 patients who had undergone resection of proximal bile ducts on suspicion of hilar cholangiocarcinoma between January 1984 and June 2005, 32 (17.3 per cent) had a benign bile duct stricture on histopathological examination. After re-evaluation, further immunohistochemical analysis was performed on specimens from patients with features of autoimmune-like disease. RESULTS: The periductal stroma in 15 patients showed features of autoimmune-like disease (diffuse, moderate to severe lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with marked fibrosis). Abundant IgG(4)-positive plasma cell infiltration around the bile duct lesions was seen in two of these. Although not significant, patients with features of autoimmune-like disease on histological changes showed a higher incidence of recurrent biliary complications than those without (P = 0.250). CONCLUSION: Features of autoimmune-like bile duct disease were seen in almost half (15 of 32) of patients with benign hilar strictures resected for presumed hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Frank IgG(4)-related sclerosing disease was found in only two of the 15 patients with autoimmune-like bile duct disease.

Incidence and management of bile leakage after partial liver resection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Bile leakage after partial liver resection still is a common complication and is associated with substantial morbidity and even mortality. METHODS: A total of 234 consecutive liver resections without biliary reconstruction, performed between January 1992 and December 2004, were analyzed for postoperative bile leakage. RESULTS: Postoperative bile leakage occurred in 6.8% of patients (16/234). In univariate analysis, male gender (p = 0.037), major liver resection (p = 0.004), right-sided hepatectomy (p = 0.005), prolonged operation time (p = 0.001), intraoperative blood loss >500 ml (p = 0.009), red cell transfusion (p = 0.02), tumor size (p = 0.026), duration of vascular occlusion (p = 0.03) and surgical irradicality (p = 0.001) were risk factors. No independent risk factors were associated with bile leakage after liver resection. Bile leakage originated from the resection plane in 10 patients (63%). Endoscopic biliary decompression was performed in 9 patients as initial treatment, and percutaneous drainage of the bile collection was used in 4 patients. Bile leakage resolved spontaneously in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Bile leakage is a persisting complication and in this study occurred in 6.8% of patients after partial liver resection. Percutaneous drainage of bile collection with or without endoscopic biliary decompression are effective interventions in the management of most cases of bile leakage.

Adhesive strength of fibrinogen-coated collagen patch or liquid fibrin sealant in an experimental liver resection model in pigs.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of sealing bile ducts by determining the adhesive strength of 2 different sealing agents, i.e. a fibrinogen-coated collagen patch (TachoSil) and a liquid fibrin sealant (Tissucol), in an experimental partial liver resection model in pigs. METHODS: Pigs underwent laparotomy and partial resection of the left medial liver lobe. A 16-Ch silicon catheter was introduced into the common bile duct. Pigs were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n = 4 each). In group 1, TachoSil was applied on the resection surface, and in group 2 Tissucol was applied. After 2 h, pressure in the intrabiliary system was gradually increased. RESULTS: No significant differences in the hemostasis times between TachoSil and Tissucol were observed (210.0 +/- 12.9 vs. 208.8 +/- 14.2 s; p = 0.9506). The pressure that could be resisted with Tissucol was significantly lower compared to TachoSil (77.0 +/- 8.6 vs. 131.8 +/- 16.3 mm Hg; p = 0.0405). CONCLUSIONS: The application of TachoSil on the resection surface is equally effective in obtaining hemostasis and in sealing of biliary ducts as Tissucol. The adhesive strength of TachoSil on the resection surface, however, is superior to Tissucol.

Effects of intravenous N-acetylcysteine on periprocedural myocardial injury after on-pump coronary artery by-pass grafting.

AIM: Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in patients undergoing coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG) involves the reperfusion-induced conversion of reversible injured myocardial and endothelial cells. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has a potential being the minimization of the impact of reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intravenous NAC on periprocedural myocardial injury after CABG. METHODS: The population of this prospective-randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study consisted of 40 patients undergoing on-pump CABG. All the patients were treated with standard medical therapy and eligible patients were randomized to NAC group (N.=19; intravenous infusion for 1 hour before the procedure at a dose of 50 mg/kg, followed by intravenous infusion for 48 hours after the operation at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day) and placebo (saline) group (N.=21). The study drug and placebo infusions were set to infuse at the same rate. RESULTS: Demographic and procedural variables were similar in the both groups (All P>0.05). Creatine kinase MB isoform (CK-MB) mass levels did not significantly differ between the groups at both preoperative and postoperative periods. Similarly, cTnT levels were similar in the groups at all periods. Eight patients in the NAC group and 7 in the placebo group had increased CK-MB >3 times normal value. However, only 3 patients in the NAC group experienced CK-MB>5 times normal value. CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicated that periprocedural use of NAC as intravenously did not attenuate myocardial damage after on-pump CABG surgery.

Effects of limited food intake and vitamin C supplementation on pancreatic glucagon and insulin in guinea pigs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of limited food intake (LFI) (24, 48 and 120 h) and a single i.p. dose of vitamin C supplementation (500 mg/kg) on serum glucose and C-peptide levels, and pancreatic insulin and glucagon levels in guinea pigs. The highest serum glucose levels were found after vitamin C supplementation plus LFI for 48 h (LFI 48). Serum C-peptide levels were not significantly affected by food limitation (LFI 24, LFI 48, or LFI 120) as compared with controls, but when vitamin C was supplemented, the C-peptide levels were moderately enhanced. Immunohistochemical findings on pancreatic islets showed increased staining intensity for both insulin and glucagon when vitamin C was supplemented. In addition, the alpha and beta cells were stimulated, particularly by vitamin C supplementation plus LFI 120. Based on these findings, vitamin C supplementation may have a beneficial effect on the alpha and beta cells.

Heavy metal removal from waste waters by ion flotation.

Flotation studies were carried out to investigate the removal of heavy metals such as copper (II), zinc (II), chromium (III) and silver (I) from waste waters. Various parameters such as pH, collector and frother concentrations and airflow rate were tested to determine the optimum flotation conditions. Sodium dodecyl sulfate and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide were used as collectors. Ethanol and methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) were used as frothers. Metal removal reached about 74% under optimum conditions at low pH. At basic pH it became as high as 90%, probably due to the contribution from the flotation of metal precipitates.

Our experience with transanal endorectal pull-through in Hirschsprung's disease.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional results, complications, the problems caused, and the outcomes of the transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) operation in Hirschsprung's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The 22 patients who were operated for Hirschsprung's disease with TEPT between November 2003 and September 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were evaluated for age, gender, operational findings, duration of hospitalization and functional outcomes after the operation. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients, sixteen males (72.7 %) and 6 females (27.3 %) aged 23 days to 11 years (mean 19.3 +/- 6.9 months), were operated using TEPT over a 34-month period. The mean length of the resected aganglionic segment was 23 +/- 2.4 cm; the shortest segment was 7 cm and the longest 40 cm. The postoperative hospital stay was 3 - 10 days, oral feeding was started at 1 - 4 days, the first bowel movement was at 1 - 7 days and the number of daily movements for patients in whom the colostomy was closed was 2 - 5. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 18 +/- 2.4 months (1 - 33 months). Two patients (9 %) were hospitalized once for enterocolitis. One patient had a constipation problem that resolved with medical treatment. One patient needed colostomy for anastomosis leakage on the 5th postoperative day, followed by a redo pull-through using a posterior sagittal approach. None of the patients had a continence problem. No urethral damage was observed and there were no abscesses at the muscular cuff. We observed that mucosal dissection was more difficult in the rectal biopsy area. CONCLUSIONS: Although only recently accepted, TEPT has quickly found a place in clinical practice as it is based on an operational technique whose results are well identified and accepted and with which there is extensive experience. It seems that TEPT has the advantages of having no additional problems compared to the classical techniques with respect to complications and functional outcomes while providing better patient comfort and cosmetic outcomes. We conclude that TEPT may be preferred in appropriate cases and will evolve to become a more practical and effective technique.

Outcome of primary peritoneal drainage for perforated necrotizing enterocolitis: comparison between laparotomy and drainage.

Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract in neonates is still associated with high mortality rates. Laparotomy is usually required to treat gastrointestinal perforation, however peritoneal drainage under local anesthesia has been also described as an alternative mode of treatment. In our institute, laparotomy was the first choice for the management of gastrointestinal perforation in neonates until 1999. Because of the high mortality rates in this group of patients, our policy has since changed to the use of primary peritoneal drainage instead. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of primary peritoneal drainage (PPD) and primary laparotomy (PL) procedures in the management of gastrointestinal perforation due to necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates. Between 1994 - 1998, ten babies with intestinal perforation underwent PL, whereas fifteen newborns with similar findings were treated with PPD between 1999 and 2003. Eight (80 %) of the patients died in the PL group prior to 1999. In the PPD group 8 (53.3 %) of babies required no further treatment and were discharged without any complications. Four (26.7 %) patients in this group needed laparotomy later, and three (75 %) of them survived. In conclusion, we believe that PPD is more effective than PL for the management of perforated necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates. Laparotomy can be used in particularly unresponsive cases after primary peritoneal drainage.

Antioxidant and triglyceride-lowering effects of vitamin E associated with the prevention of abnormalities in the reactivity and morphology of aorta from streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Antioxidants in Diabetes-Induced Complications (ADIC) Study Group.

In this study, we evaluated the effects of vitamin E on the vascular reactivity and structure of thoracic aorta from streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. Plasma glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations in rats were increased markedly by STZ-diabetes. The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactivity level as an index of lipid peroxidation was higher in both plasma and aorta of STZ-diabetic rats compared with controls. The rings of thoracic aorta with or without endothelium were mounted in organ chambers for measurement of isometric tension and were contracted by a single dose (10-5 mol/L) and then cumulative doses of noradrenaline ([NA] 10(-9) to 10(-5) mol/L). Pretreatment with methylene blue (MB) or removal of the endothelium resulted in a similar degree of enhancement in NA-induced contraction of control rings. STZ-diabetes increased the fast and slow components of NA-induced contraction in all experiments. The maximal contractile response of aorta to NA was also augmented by STZ-diabetes, whereas the sensitivity (pD2) remained unaltered. STZ-diabetes resulted in significant increases in the maximum contractile response and sensitivity of aorta to KCl. STZ-diabetic rats showed a significant reduction in the percentage of endothelial response (PER). A group of diabetic rats was treated from the time of diabetes induction with a 0.5% dietary supplement of vitamin E. Vitamin E supplementation of STZ-diabetic rats eliminated accumulation of lipid peroxides and returned plasma triglycerides toward normal levels. Diabetes-induced abnormal contractility and endothelial dysfunction were significantly but not completely prevented by vitamin E treatment. The endothelium-independent relaxation response to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was not affected by diabetes or vitamin E treatment. Electron microscopic examination of thoracic aorta revealed that normal tissue organization was disrupted in STZ-diabetic rats, and that vitamin E treatment can protect the morphological integrity of aorta against STZ-diabetes. The results suggest the following: (1) The increased triglycerides/lipid peroxides may be an important reason for morphological or functional disruption of endothelium and enhanced activation of contractile mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle in STZ-diabetic rats. Both contribute to an increased responsiveness of diabetic aorta to vasoconstrictor agents. (2) Vitamin E treatment of STZ-diabetic rats can prevent the development of abnormal contractility and structure and endothelial dysfunction in aorta. (3) The triglyceride- and/or lipid peroxidation-lowering effect of vitamin E may be crucial for the protective effect of this vitamin on the vasculature.

Is there a relation between duration of cyclosporine usage and right and left ventricular function in renal transplant patients? Tissue Doppler Echocardiography study.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to investigate the effect of cyclosporine (CsA), which is commonly used in renal transplant patients and causes myocardial fibrosis and elevated arterial tension, on cardiac function. METHODS: Sixty-six renal transplant patients (RTPs) and 25 healthy controls were included in the study. Renal transplantation patients were divided according to time of CsA exposure: group 1 (0 to 36 months); group 2 (36 to 72 months) and group 3 (> 72 months). Systolic peak velocity (Sm, mitral; St, tricuspid) and mitral early (e)/late (a) (Me/a) and tricuspid e/a (Te/a) waves of the right and the left ventricles were measured by pulse-wave (PW) Doppler used for tissue Doppler imaging of both ventricles as well as the ventricle free wall near to the lateral tricuspid and the posterior mitral leaflets. The measurements included conventional diastolic early (E) and late (A) waves and deceleration time (DT) of the E wave, isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) of both ventricles, as well as left ventricular systolic ejection fraction (EF). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to demographic, clinical, and most biochemical characteristics. Left ventricular EF was normal in all groups; there were no statistically significant differences. IVRT and DT of left ventricle and right ventricle DT values were similar among RTPs. On the other hand, values were found to be increased in RTP groups compared with the control group. E/A ratio, Me/a Te/a of both ventricles were similar among RTPs. However, these values were found to be decreased in RTP groups compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Although left ventricular systolic functions were normal in all groups, there were statistically significant impairments of biventricular diastolic function parameters among renal transplant recipients compared with the control group.

Effect of EGF dosage forms on alkali burned corneal wound healing of mice.

The local treatment effects of EGF forms on alkali burned mice corneal wounds were identified. The corneal wounds were induced by 0.5 M NaOH solution on the corneal surfaces of the mice. The local epidermal growth factor solutions (100 ng/ml) and gel form in 0.2 per cent w/w carbopol 940 (100 ng/ml) were dropped in 5 microliters aliquots into the eye twice a day. The corneal wounds were measured for 15 days at 7-day intervals and examined histologically at the end of 15th day of the experimental period. The results indicated that topical epidermal growth factor treatment in solution improved the healing of alkali burned corneal wounds when compared with epidermal growth factor delivered in a polymer system.

Double staining of skeleton using microwave irradiation.

The fetal skeleton double staining method is used to reveal developmental abnormalities in the skeletal system. We used alizarin red S and alcian blue successfully with microwave irradiation for skeletal double staining. The fixation time was reduced from 4-7 days to 2-2.5 min and the staining time was reduced from 4 days to 23 min.