Interaction between hypertension and periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: The possible association between hypertension and periodontitis and the effect of hypertension on periodontal treatment were investigated by evaluating salivary and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) interleukin (IL)-6 and C reactive protein (CRP) levels. METHODS: Forty-two healthy individuals without any previously diagnosed systemic disease [10 periodontally healthy (control) and 10 periodontitis (CP)] and subjects with hypertension [13 periodontally healthy (HP) and 9 with periodontitis (CP + HP)] participated in the study. GCF and saliva samples were obtained at baseline and 4 weeks after Phase I periodontal treatment. Biochemical parameters were analyzed using ELISA. RESULTS: Before the periodontal treatment, significantly higher GCF IL-6 and CRP levels were detected in CP + HP and CP groups compared to HP and control groups (p < 0.01). Salivary CRP level in CP + HP group was found to be higher than the control group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant gingival and plaque index measurements (p < 0.01) might suggest a possible effect of hypertension on periodontal status. Periodontal treatment significantly improved the clinical indices; however, biochemical parameters did not change after the treatment. CONCLUSION: The association of hypertension with periodontitis through local salivary and GCF inflammatory mediators might be possible in disease process.

Could urinary nerve growth factor and bladder wall thickness predict the treatment outcome of children with overactive bladder?

OBJECTIVE: Bladder wall thickness (BWTh) measurements and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) /creatinine (Cr) values, as noninvasive tools, were found to predict daytime voiding problems in children with overactive bladder (OAB). The goal of this research was to examine if bladder wall thickness together with urine NGF/Cr could be a clinical utility in treatment outcome of OAB in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 children with OAB, (Group 1; n=40) and healthy normal controls (Group 2; n=20), aged 6-14 years old were involved in this prospective study. Children were evaluated with detailed history and physical examination, including neurologic examination, and were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire and a 3-day bladder diary with the aid of their parents. Uroflowmetry was performed in all cases. Urinary nerve growth factor levels were measured by the ELISA and BWTh was measured trans-abdominally by one uro-radiologist specialized in pediatric ultrasonography. Urinary NGF levels were normalized by urinary creatinine levels and compared among all subgroups. Children with OAB received urotherapy as first line treatment at least for three months. 18 children refractory to urotherapy received anticholinergic therapy defined as group 3. RESULTS: The median age of the study group was 10 (range 6 to 16). After urotherapy, 22 children had similar BWTh and NGF/Cr values compared to controls. (2.75 ± 1.15; 2.40 ± 1.00 mm; p=0.86 and 1.02 ± 0.10; 0.78 ± 0.15; p=0.12, respectively). After anticholinergic treatment, BWTh levels (2.25 ± 0.90; 2.40 ± 1.00 mm; p=0.94) and NGF/Cr values (0.95 ± 0.10; 0.78 ± 0.15; p=0.42, respectively) had no significantly difference compared to controls (Group 2). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, bladder wall thickness was found to have sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 84.2% (3,20 AUC ,913; 95 %) and NGF/Cr had sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 92.1% (1,595; AUC ,947; 95 %) in predicting treatment outcome in children with OAB. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder wall thickness measurements and NGF/Cr values, as noninvasive tools, could guide outcomes in the treatment of children with overactive bladder.

Determination of pentraxin 3 levels in diagnosis of appendicitis in children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine whether pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels can be used in the diagnosis of appendicitis in children. METHODS: Fifteen children under 18 years old, who gave blood samples for reasons other than inflammatory conditions, and 40 children who were proved to have appendicitis (non-perforated or perforated) between August 2017 and January 2018, were enrolled in the study. Patients were classified into subgroups: group 1 (healthy children without any sign of inflammation, n = 15), group 2 (non-perforated appendicitis, n = 25), and group 3 (perforated appendicitis, n = 15). RESULTS: The median PTX3 value was 1.01 ng/mL (minimum value: 0.82, maximum: 1.28) in the control group. The median PTX3 values prior to surgery were 20.68 ng/mL (minimum: 1.02, maximum: 28.471) and 1.46 (minimum: 1.05, maximum: 23.421) ng/mL for non-perforated appendicitis and perforated appendicitis respectively. The PTX3 levels were significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1 (P < 0.01). According to receiver operating characteristics analysis the cut-off value of PTX3 levels at admission for appendicitis was 1.30 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 100% (area under the curve, 0.939; P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Pentraxin 3 levels were significantly higher in children with appendicitis than in healthy children. Children with high PTX3 levels complaining of right lower quadrant pain may support a diagnosis of appendicitis. Future studies should be conducted to evaluate changes in PTX3 levels by comparing children with appendicitis versus acute abdominal pain in larger populations to further determine the value of PTX3 in the diagnosis of appendicitis in children.

Levels of Cytokines in Gingival Crevicular Fluid during Rapid Maxillary Expansion and the Subsequent Retention Period.

OBJECTIVE: To monitor the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on bone metabolic activities during and after 3 months of retention. STUDY DESIGN: Fifteen patients with a mean age of 12.9 ± 0.6 years were treated with a bonded expansion device, activated 2 turns per day. The retention period was 3 months. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline and after retention. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected from maxillary first molars from the compression sides at baseline, then at 1 and 10 days and after retention. Tension side samples were obtained at baseline and after retention. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-ß1), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were specifically measured. RESULTS: Periodontal parameters increased significantly after retention relative to baseline values. Levels of IL-1ß, TGF-ß1 and PGE2 increased on day 10, and decreased after retention on the compression side. NO levels were elevated on day 10, and remained higher after retention on the compression side. Tension side cytokine levels remained higher relative to baseline values after retention. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate the importance of ongoing adaptive bone activities after 3 months of retention with RME, which should be considered questionable as an effective retention period.

Viburnum opulus: could it be a new alternative, such as lemon juice, to pharmacological therapy in hypocitraturic stone patients?

OBJECTIVE: Citrate, potassium, and calcium levels in Viburnum opulus (V. opulus) and lemon juice were compared to evaluate the usability of V. opulus in mild to moderate level hypocitraturic stone disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: V. opulus and lemon fruits were squeezed in a blender and 10 samples of each of 100 ml were prepared. Citrate, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and pH levels in these samples were examined. RESULTS: Potassium was found to be statistically significantly higher in V. opulus than that in lemon juice (p = 0.006) whereas sodium (p = 0.004) and calcium (p = 0.008) were found to be lower. There was no difference between them in terms of the amount of magnesium and citrate. CONCUSIONS: Because V. opulus contains citrate as high as lemon juice does and it is a potassium-rich and calciumand sodium-poor fluid, it can be an alternative to pharmaceutical treatment in mild-to-moderate degree hypocitraturic stone patients. These findings should be supported with clinical studies.

Heart-type fatty acid binding protein level in familial Mediterranean fever.

OBJECTIVES: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder and the most frequent periodic syndrome characterized by recurrent attacks of polyserositis. Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (h-FABP) is an intracellular molecule engaged in the transport of fatty acids through the myocardial cytoplasm and a rapid marker of myocardial injury. FMF is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by ongoing inflammatory activity. Inflammation also plays an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis in some rheumatic diseases. We aimed to investigate markers of atherosclerosis in patients with FMF by the measurement of serum h-FABP and malondialdehyde levels (MDA). STUDY DESIGN: Forty consecutive patients with FMF and twenty healthy volunteers were selected to participate in the study. The diagnosis of FMF was based on Tel-Hashomer criteria. Serum h-FABP and MDA levels were determined to examine the association. RESULTS: The mean h-FABP level in FMF patients was significantly higher than the normal population (4.89±0.83 vs. 3.06±2.13 ng/ml, p<0.01). The mean platelet volume was significantly higher in FMF patients than in the normal group (8.87±0.99 vs. 8.22±0.45 fl, p=0.04). Serum MDA levels were the same between the groups (1.08±0.66 vs. 1.08 ± 0.33 nmol/ml, p=0.99). h-FABP and MDA levels were the same in FMF patients with an acute attack and during an attack free period. CONCLUSION: Our results show that h-FABP increases in patients with FMF. Higher h-FABP levels may lead to increased atherosclerotic propensity in FMF, independent of the oxidative stress status of these patients.

Citrate, oxalate, sodium, and magnesium levels in fresh juices of three different types of tomatoes: evaluation in the light of the results of studies on orange and lemon juices.

Fruit and vegetable juices containing citrate may be recommended as an alternative in mild to moderate level hypocitraturic calcium stone formers who cannot tolerate pharmacological treatment. Tomato has been proved a citrate-rich vegetable. Tomato juice usage as citrate sources in hypocitraturic recurrent stone formers were evaluated in the light of the results of studies on orange and lemon juices. Ten 100 ml samples were prepared from three different tomato types processed through a blender. These samples were examined in terms of citrate, oxalate, calcium, magnesium, and sodium contents. No difference was detected between the parameters tested in three different tomato juices. Fresh tomato juice may be useful in hypocitraturic recurrent stone formers due to its high content of citrate and magnesium, and low content of sodium and oxalate. As the three different types of tomatoes did not differ in terms of citrate, magnesium, sodium, and oxalate content, they may be useful for clinical use if also supported by clinical studies.

Oxidant stress due to non ionic low osmolar contrast medium in rat kidney.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Contrast media may cause contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in risk group. This study was taken up to establish possible effects of non ionic low osmolar contrast medium administration on oxidant/antioxidant status and nitric oxide (NO) levels in rat kidney tissues. METHODS: Fourteen female, 14 wk old Wistar-albino rats were divided into 2 groups of 7 rats each (control and contrast groups). Non ionic low osmolar contrast medium was administered iv to the animals in the contrast group. The day after, animals were sacrificed and malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO levels and activities of antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT)] and oxidant [xanthine oxidase (XO)] enzymes were measured in kidney tissues. Serum creatinine levels were measured to evaluate kidney functions. RESULTS: Contrast medium administration caused an increase in MDA levels and a decrease in NO levels in kidney tissues. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that non ionic low osmolar contrast medium administration leads to accelerated oxidant reactions and decreased NO level in rat kidney tissues. Further studies need to be done to assess the role of these changes in CIN.

Effects of garlic consumption on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in elderly subjects.

BACKGROUND: The oxidative stress theory of aging is one of the most widely acknowledged theories of aging. The intake of fruits and vegetables with antioxidant power is associated with a reduced incidence of many chronic diseases of aging. OBJECTIVE: The effects of ingesting garlic on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters of elderly subjects were investigated in this study. METHODS: 13 subjects (mean age 70.69 +/- 4.23) participated in the study. They ingested garlic at the daily dose of 0.1 g/kg b.w. for 1 month. Before and after this period, fasting blood samples were obtained, and oxidant [malondialdehyde (MDA) and xanthine oxidase (XO)] and antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT)] parameters were studied in erythrocytes, and MDA levels were studied in plasma samples obtained from the subjects. Routine blood biochemical parameters were also measured in blood samples. RESULTS: In the plasma fraction and erythrocyte hemolysate, MDA levels were found to be significantly lower, but erythrocyte GSH-Px and SOD activities were significantly higher in the second samples relative to the first ones. XO activity was found to be lower in the second samples, but this decrease was not statistically meaningful. LDL cholesterol was found to be significantly lower in the second samples relative to the first ones. CONCLUSION: Our results show that ingestion of garlic leads to significantly lowered plasma and erythrocyte MDA levels and to increased activities of some antioxidant enzymes, which indicates that consumption of garlic decreases oxidation reactions. It is quite possible that reduced peroxidation processes due to garlic consumption may play a part in some of the beneficial effects of garlic in elderly subjects.

Activities of xanthine oxidase and superoxide dismutase enzymes in rat intestinal tissues in sepsis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to elucidate a possible source of oxidant stress in experimental sepsis. METHODS: For this aim, 32 Sprague-Dawley type rats were used in the study. After all the animals underwent laparotomy, nonlethal cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) technique was used to create an experimental sepsis model in two groups (CLP-6 and CLP-48 groups). Rats in the other groups (Sham operated) were used as controls. Animals in the control-6 and CLP-6 groups were killed 6 hours after the beginning of the study whereas the other animals were killed 48 hours after the beginning. Part of the terminal ileum of each animal was removed to be used in the measurements of xanthine oxidase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities. RESULTS: Xanthine oxidase activity in the CLP-48 group was found to increase significantly as compared with that of the control-48 group, but superoxide dismutase activity did not change. No significant changes, however, were observed between analysis parameters in the terminal ileum tissues when obtained 6 hours after the beginning of sepsis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that increased xanthine oxidase activity is one of the leading factors for the oxidant stress in the late phase of sepsis.

Effects of aqueous green tea extract on activities of DNA turn-over enzymes in cancerous and non-cancerous human gastric and colon tissues.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate possible effects of green tea extract on the activities of DNA turn-over enzymes, namely adenosine deaminase (ADA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) in gastric and colon tissues from patients with stomach and colon cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six cancerous and 6 non-cancerous adjacent human gastric tissues, and 7 cancerous and 7 non-cancerous adjacent colon tissues obtained surgically were treated with aqueous green tea extract at 3 different concentrations for 1 hour, and then ADA and XO activities were measured. RESULTS: In all of the tissues, XO activities were found to elevate after treatment with green tea extract. Additionally, ADA activity was found to be inhibited in the cancerous gastric tissues by the green tea extract. Elevated XO and reduced ADA activities due to treatment with green tea extract may lower salvage pathway activity and lead to inhibition in carcinogenesis. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that green tea may support the medical treatment of stomach and colon cancer.

Ionic high-osmolar contrast medium causes oxidant stress in kidney tissue: partial protective role of ascorbic acid.

It has been known that contrast medium may cause contrast-induced nephropathy in risk groups. This study sought to establish possible effects of ionic high-osmolar contrast medium administration with or without antecedent cisplatin treatment on oxidant/antioxidant status in rat kidney tissues, as well as to investigate a possible protective role of antioxidant ascorbic acid in this regard. Thirty-five female, 14-week-old Wistar-albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into five groups of seven rats (sham, contrast, contrast + ascorbic acid, contrast + cisplatin, and contrast + cisplatin + ascorbic acid). Ascorbic acid was given in a dose of 250 mg/kg/day orally throughout the study period, and cisplatin (10 mg/kg) as a single i.v. dose on the fourth day. Ionic high-osmolar contrast medium (3 gr/kg iodine as a single dose) was administered by i.v. route on the fifth day. After the animals were sacrificed on the sixth day, their kidney tissues were removed surgically to be used in the analyses. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and activities of antioxidant (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] and catalase [CAT]) and oxidant (xanthine oxidase [XO]) enzymes were measured in these samples. Serum urea and creatinine levels were measured to evaluate kidney functions. Histopathological investigation of the tissues was also performed. It was observed that contrast medium administration caused increases in MDA levels in the kidney tissues, either alone or together with antecedent cisplatin treatment. However, ascorbic acid prevented the increases in MDA levels in the kidney tissues. Histopathological findings revealed that ionic high-osmolar contrast medium administration alone led to mild acute structural damage, but contrast medium administration together with antecedent cisplatin usage caused severe tubular necrosis. Ascorbic acid supplementation prevented these changes, to a great extent. The results suggest that ionic high-osmolar contrast medium administration, either alone or together with antecedent cisplatin treatment, leads to accelerated oxidative reactions in rat kidney tissues, and ascorbic acid protects in part the kidney tissues against this oxidant stress.

Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in erythrocytes from patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the erythrocytes from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients diagnosed as having SSc and 16 volunteer healthy subjects (as control group) participated in the study. Fasting blood samples were obtained from the patients and healthy subjects in anticoagulated tubes (with EDTA), and the erythrocytes were separated. The MDA and NO levels were measured in the erythrocyte sediments by the spectrophotometric method. RESULTS: The levels of MDA and NO were elevated in the erythrocyte sediments of the patients as compared to those of the control group (1.037 +/- 0.125 vs. 0.951 +/- 0.114 mumol/g Hb, respectively, p = 0.047 for MDA, and 0.340 +/- 0.071 vs. 0.209 +/- 0.074 mmol/g Hb, respectively, p < 0.001 for NO). A weak positive correlation was also observed between MDA and NO levels (r = 0.30, p = 0.15 in the patient group, and r = 0.27, p = 0.49 in the control group). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show higher levels of MDA and NO in the erythrocytes of patients with SSc than normal subjects.

Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation Use on Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and DNA Turn-over Enzyme Activities in Erythrocytes and Heart, Kidney, Liver, and Ovary Tissues From Rats: Possible Protective Role of Vitamin C.

ABSTRACT In this study, the aim was to investigate possible effects of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) use on oxidant and antioxidant status in erythrocytes and kidney, heart, liver, and ovary tissues from rats, and possible protective role of vitamin C. For this aim, 40 Wistar albino female rats were used throughout the study. The treatment group was exposed to EMR in a frequency of 900 MHz, the EMR plus vitamin C group was exposed to the same EMR frequency and given vitamin C (250 mg/kg/day) orally for 4 weeks. There were 10 animals in each group including control and vitamin C groups. At the end of the study period, blood samples were obtained from the animals to get erythrocyte sediments. Then the animals were sacrificed and heart, kidney, liver, and ovary tissues were removed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), xanthine oxidase (XO), and adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzyme activities were measured in the tissues and erythrocytes. It was observed that MDA level, XO, and GSH-Px activities significantly increased in the EMR group as compared with those of the control group in the erythrocytes. In the kidney tissues, it was found that MDA level and CAT activity significantly increased, whereas XO and ADA activities decreased in the cellular phone group as compared with those of the control group. However, in the heart tissues it was observed that MDA level, ADA, and XO activities significantly decreased in the cellular phone group as compared with those of the control group. The results suggest that EMR at the frequency generated by a cell phone causes oxidative stress and peroxidation in the erythrocytes and kidney tissues from rats. In the erythrocytes, vitamin C seems to make partial protection against the oxidant stress.

Nitric oxide and arginase levels in peri-implant tissues after delayed loading.

OBJECTIVE: Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized from the conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline by NO synthase (NOS). Arginase can compete with NOS for the common substrate L-arginine, and thus inhibit NO production. NO levels and arginase ezyme might affect the bone remodeling cycle around implants. The aim of this studywas to investigate NO and arginase levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF), and saliva. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with one or more implants (Straumann®; Institute Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) restored with fixed crown prostheses were included in the study. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded from six sites of each tooth and implant at baseline and at months 1, 3, and 6 after loading. The saliva, GCF, and PISF were collected at baseline and at months 1, 3, and 6 after loading. NO level and arginase enzyme were evaluated in GCF, PISF, and saliva. RESULTS: Arginase and NO levels in saliva did not change significantly from baseline to months 1, 3, and 6. However, both PISF NO and arginase levels showed an increased pattern from baseline to month 6. NO levels were significantly higher at months 3 and 6, compared to baseline, while PISF arginase levels increased significantly from baseline to months 3 and 6. CONCLUSION: NO and arginase enzyme measurements in saliva, GCF, and PISF may be beneficial in the determination of current peri-implant tissues. In particular, PISF might provide more information than saliva.

The effect of periodontal therapy on neopterin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels in chronic periodontitis patients with and without acute myocardial infarction: a case-control study.

The presence of neopterin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is a marker for local and acute immune activation, and the presence of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) in GCF is accepted as a marker for chronic vascular inflammation. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate effects of periodontal treatment on GCF levels of neopterin and VCAM-1 in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared with systemically healthy CP patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty subjects (20 CP patients with AMI, 20 healthy CP patients, and 20 healthy controls) were included. GCF samples were analyzed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months, and the probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing, gingival (GI) and plaque (PI) indices were recorded. We determined neopterin and VCAM-1 levels (concentration and total amount) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No significant differences were seen between the AMI+CP and CP groups for PI, GI, GCF levels of neopterin and VCAM-1 at baseline. RESULTS: The number of teeth with 5 mm≤CAL<7 mm and CAL≥7 mm were significantly increased in the AMI+CP group at baseline. There were no significant differences between the AMI+CP and CP for PI, CAL, GCF volumes, and the AMI+CP group had the highest clinical improvement in the number of teeth with 5 mm≤CAL<7 mm at the sixth month. There were significant positive correlations between clinical periodontal inflammation and the presence of neopterin and VCAM-1 in GCF prior to and following periodontal treatment, and between the GCF volume and clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that the total amount and concentration of neopterin and VCAM-1 in GCF seemed to be closely associated with periodontal disease severity in CP patients with AMI. Moreover, the results of our study demonstrate that the past periodontal status is potentially correlated between groups, with similar periodontal disease severity.

Therapeutic Evaluation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Antagonist Etanercept against Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats: Ultrastructural, Pathological, and Biochemical Analyses.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of etanercept (ETA) on histopathological and biochemical changes after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar albino rats were distributed into three groups (n = 12 each). Control group rats were not subjected to trauma. Trauma group rats were subjected to TBI only. ETA group rats were subjected to TBI plus ETA (5 mg/kg intraperitoneal [i.p.]). The groups were further subdivided into those sacrificed in the hyperacute stage (1 h after TBI) (control-1, trauma-1, and ETA-1 groups) and the acute stage (6 h after TBI) (control-6, trauma-6, and ETA-6 groups). Tissue levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, malondialdehyde, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were analyzed. Histopathological and ultrastructural evaluations were also performed. RESULTS: i.p. administration of ETA at 1 and 6 h significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine expression, attenuated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, prevented apoptosis, and increased antioxidant defense mechanism activity in comparison to trauma group. Histopathological and ultrastructural abnormalities were significantly reduced in ETA-treated rats compared to closed head injury trauma groups. CONCLUSIONS: ETA significantly improves neural function and prevents post-TBI histopathological damage in rats.

Could urinary nerve growth factor and bladder wall thickness predict the treatment outcome of children with overactive bladder?

ABSTRACT Objective: Bladder wall thickness (BWTh) measurements and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) /creatinine (Cr) values, as noninvasive tools, were found to predict daytime voiding problems in children with overactive bladder (OAB). The goal of this research was to examine if bladder wall thickness together with urine NGF/Cr could be a clinical utility in treatment outcome of OAB in children. Patients and Methods: A total of 60 children with OAB, (Group 1; n=40) and healthy normal controls (Group 2; n=20), aged 6-14 years old were involved in this prospective study. Children were evaluated with detailed history and physical examination, including neurologic examination, and were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire and a 3-day bladder diary with the aid of their parents. Uroflowmetry was performed in all cases. Urinary nerve growth factor levels were measured by the ELISA and BWTh was measured trans-abdominally by one uro-radiologist specialized in pediatric ultrasonography. Urinary NGF levels were normalized by urinary creatinine levels and compared among all subgroups. Children with OAB received urotherapy as first line treatment at least for three months. 18 children refractory to urotherapy received anticholinergic therapy defined as group 3. Results: The median age of the study group was 10 (range 6 to 16). After urotherapy, 22 children had similar BWTh and NGF/Cr values compared to controls. (2.75 ± 1.15; 2.40 ± 1.00 mm; p=0.86 and 1.02 ± 0.10; 0.78 ± 0.15; p=0.12, respectively). After anticholinergic treatment, BWTh levels (2.25 ± 0.90; 2.40 ± 1.00 mm; p=0.94) and NGF/Cr values (0.95 ± 0.10; 0.78 ± 0.15; p=0.42, respectively) had no significantly difference compared to controls (Group 2). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, bladder wall thickness was found to have sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 84.2% (3,20 AUC, 913; 95 %) and NGF/Cr had sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 92.1% (1,595; AUC, 947; 95 %) in predicting treatment outcome in children with OAB. Conclusions: Bladder wall thickness measurements and NGF/Cr values, as noninvasive tools, could guide outcomes in the treatment of children with overactive bladder.

A comparison of effects of sequential transdermal administration versus oral administration of estradiol plus norethisterone acetate on serum NO levels in postmenopausal women.

AIM: To compare the effects of sequential transdermal administration versus oral administration of estradiol plus NETA on serum nitric oxide (NO) levels in postmenopausal women (PMW). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty postmenopausal subjects without any prior hormone replacement therapy (HRT) usage were enrolled in this study. All participants were healthy, ambulatory, non-smoker and had similar life styles with dietary habits. HRT was given to participants according to desired HRT administration, in group A (n=50); oral estradiol hemi-hydrate (2 mg)/norethisterone acetate (1 mg), and in group B (n=30); transdermal combined patch comprising estradiol (0.05 mg) alone and estradiol (0.05 mg)/norethisterone acetate (0.25 mg), were given sequential for 12 months. Serum NO levels were studied using Total Oxide Assay Kit (Assay Designs, Inc.) according to manufacturer's instructions prior to and after 12 months from the HRT treatment. RESULTS: The mean serum NO levels prior to the HRT in groups A and B was 0.48+/-0.46 (range, 0.27-0.76 nmol/mL) nmol/mL and 0.47+/-0.48 nmol/mL (range, 0.29-0.693 nmol/mL) (p>0.05). The mean serum NO levels after the HRT in groups A and B was 0.53+/-0.33 nmol/mL (range, 0.29-2.10 nmol/mL) and 2.91+/-0.50 nmol/mL (range, 2.10-3.67 nmol/mL) (p<0.05). A significant difference was found between mean serum NO levels prior to and after the treatment in group B (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Transdermal sequential combined HRT with estradiol hemi-hydrate/NETA was found to be superior to sequential combined oral HRT in increasing serum NO levels.

Reduced antioxidant potential & sensitivity to oxidation in plasma low density lipoprotein fraction in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate LDL oxidation in the ethiopathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus a disease caused due to severe insulin dysfunction, is associated with lipid and protein metabolic disorders. METHODS: A total of 90 type 2 diabetes patients were grouped according to their glycoted haemoglobin (HbA1c) values as regulated (<5.7%), poorly regulated (5.7 - 7.7%) and unregulated (>7.7%). Further, a healthy control group of 37 individuals was included for comparison in terms of sensitivity of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation and measurements of antioxidant potential (AOP). A heparin - citrate precipitation method was used to obtain LDL from the serum samples of patients and control groups. The LDL fractions were exposed to oxidation with CuSO4 and sensitivity to oxidation was evaluated. Ten patients each from regulated and unregulated groups, and 10 healthy controls were examined for antioxidant potential. RESULTS: The sensitivity of LDL fraction to oxidation was significantly lower in all diabetic groups compared to the control group. AOP was significantly decreased in unregulated diabetic group compared to the control group. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that oxidant stress increases in diabetes mellitus and oxidant defense systems weaken during the chronic course of the illness. Due to decreased antioxidant potential, that probably shortens the LDL oxidation lag phase, the sensitivity to oxidation appears to be lower in diabetes mellitus patients.