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hypertensive rats. SOD activity in the plasma and aorta of SHR rats did not change with treatment. Red wine extract treatment had no significant effect on SOD activity in WKY rats. SOD1 protein expression was not significantly changed by treatment. Most of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes, which play a key role in the antioxidant defense system, need cofactors, e.g. trace elements, for their proper functions. In addition to high polyphenol content, Alibernet wine extract contains a number of trace elements such as zinc (Zn), which are known as co-factors of the SOD enzyme. Since AWE treatment did not affect the level of SOD1 protein expression we assume the increase in SOD activity is presumably due to the elevated level of Zn in red wine extract. Conclusion: In conclusion we suggest some targeted effects of minerals and red wine polyphenols on SOD activity in the heart.

of this study was to evaluate the impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program in patients who underwent a transthoracic esophagectomy. Methods: Between 2007 and 2010, 80 patients who underwent a transthoracic esophagectomy were put enrolled into the ERAS program which included early postoperative enteral nutrition and mobilization (Group A). The program was started on the first postoperative day (POD 1). This group was compared with a group of 80 patients who had been treated between 2002 and 2005 and had received the traditional post-operative regimen, including total parenteral nutrition (Group B). Mobilization was initiated on POD 2 in the Group B patients. Routine postoperative broncoscopy for toiletting sputum were performed in all patients in Group B, but only done when considered to be necessary in Group A. The outcome measures comprised the mortality rate, morbidity rate, postoperative pneumonia, surgical site infection (SSI), and length of postoperative hospital stay. This was a retrospective cohort study using historical controls. Differences between groups were examined for statistical significance using the chi-square, Fisher’s exact test or the Mann Whitney U-test. Results: The mortality rate was zero in both groups. The morbidity, postoperative pneumonia and SSI rates were 44%, 7% and 23%, and 75%, 16% and 41%, in Groups A and B, respectively (P= 0.001, 0.048, and 0.01). The length of postoperative hospital stay was reduced in Group A in comparison to that in Group B (median 22.2 versus 26.8 days; P= 0.03). Conclusion: The ERAS program after transthoracic esophagectomy was found to reduce the morbidity rate, especially infectious complications. Routine postoperative broncoscopy was found to be unnecessary in most patients.

Rationale: Malnutrition at the hospitals is a very important issue for geriatric patients. There are many factors affecting nuttritional status and depression is one of the most important factors for malnutrition in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between depression and nutritional status in our internal medicine clinic. Methods: All the 65-year-old patients hospitalized in Internal Medicine Department from April 1st, 2010 to June 1st, 2010 were enrolled in the study. Laboratory results were determined from their hospital records retrospectively. Hospitalization and discharge times were noted. All the patients were followed for 4 weeks. Each patient’s nutritional status was assessed and the short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale [1] (GDS) was applied within the first 72 hours after admission and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of hospitalization nutritional status was reassessed with MNA-SF. Results: 27 65-year-old patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age and Body Mass Index were 73.40±6.70 years and 26.96±5.67 kg/m2. Mean MNA-SF scores at admission, 1st week, 2nd week, 4th week were 8.85±3.12, 9.72±2.91, 7.37±2.66, 8.00±1.41. GDS scores were 10. There was negative relation between GDS scores and MNA-SF scores at admission (P= 0.02). Conclusion: Depression was associated with undernutrition but not length of hospital stay. Depression has to be evaluated in hospitalized elderly patients.