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Purpose To compare the central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and tear insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels between patients with acromegaly and a control group and to evaluate the possible effect of tear IGF-1 and duration of the disease on CCT and IOP. Methods We included 31 patients with acromegaly (study group) and 40 age- and sex-matched controls in the study. Patients with acromegaly were divided into 2 subgroups based on disease status (active/inactive). All participants underwent complete ophthalmologic evaluation including CCT and IOP values. Basal tear samples were collected from both groups and tear IGF-1 levels were measured. The CCT, IOP, and tear IGF-1 levels were compared between groups and subgroups and the association between tear IGF-I levels and ocular parameters (CCT, IOP) and disease duration were also evaluated. Results Central corneal thickness, IOP, and tear IGF-1 levels did not show a significant difference between study and control groups. We also did not find a significant difference in terms of CCT, IOP, or tear IGF-1 levels between subgroups of patients. Correlation analysis did not show an association between the duration of disease and tear IGF-1 levels with CCT or IOP. Conclusions There was no significant difference in tear IGF-1 levels between patients with acromegaly and controls. Additionally, there was no correlation between disease duration and tear IGF-1 levels with CCT or IOP levels. This lack of association may suggest that tear IGF-1 levels might not have an effect on CCT or IOP findings in patients with acromegaly.

WOS: 000383902000015 PubMed: 27435174 Aim: Contrast medium-induced nephropathy is one of the major complications of intravenous contrast medium use. But its pathogenesis is unclear. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is defined as the transformation of the primer epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells. EMT in tubular cells might cause tubulointerstitial damage. In this study, we investigated whether or not EMT has a role in radiocontrast-induced nephropathy. Radiocontrast medium might be triggering reversible EMT via serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK 1). We investigated the effect of different concentrations of the contrast agent iopromide on human proximal tubule cell (HK-2) culture by measuring the level of SGK1, snail family zinc finger 1 (SNAIL1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1).Methods: We conducted a scratch assay and qPCR. HK-2 cells were cultured in the petri dishes/flasks and starved with serum-free medium. The 40, 20, and 10mg/mL doses of iopromide were administrated to cells. The scratches were photographed immediately and again at the 20th hour. The levels of gene expression of SGK1, SNAIL1, CTGF, and COL1A1 were measured using the real-time qPCR system at the end of the 24th hour.Results: Iopromide caused the breaking of intercellular connections, the disappearance of the cobblestone appearance of cells, and the migration of cells at the 20th hour in the scratch assay. It also increased the expression of SGK1, SNAIL1, CTGF, and COL1A1 genes.Conclusion: Our study concluded that certain important markers of EMT increase in different concentrations of the contrast agent. High osmolality might trigger EMT. The relationship between contrast agent and EMT has not been defined before. Further in vivo and in vitro studies are required. research foundation of Ondokuz Mayis University [PYO.TIP.1901.13.046] This study was supported by the research foundation of Ondokuz Mayis University [PYO.TIP.1901.13.046].

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children is one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Therefore, it is very important for clinicians to detect the presence and severity of pneumonia. Proadrenomedullin (Pro-ADM) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) are thought to have potential for CAP evaluation in children. We sought to investigate the value of Pro-ADM and IL-1β levels for severity assessment and outcome prediction in children with CAP.A total of 66 hospitalized CAP patients were included in a prospective observational study. Complete blood count, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), Pro-ADM and IL-1β levels were studied in blood samples obtained from the patients upon admission. Respiratory Clinical Score (RCS) was performed to determine the respiratory distress and severity.The comparison of data with laboratory-severity groups: serum CRP, Pro-ADM and IL-1β levels increased in parallel with the disease severity. Pro-ADM was the best biomarker for severity stratification. Logistic regression analysis revealed that RCS6 points and Pro-ADM values1.75 nmol/L combination had the most significant results (OR: 15.38, 95% CI 1.35-166.66,Serum Pro-ADM and IL-1β levels may offer additional risk/severity stratification in children with CAP. In addition, they may be helpful in predicting the development of complications, requirements for ntensive care unit admission, and intervention procedures.

WOS: 000374903500025 PubMed: 26419593 Metastasis occurs due to migration of the cells from primary tumor toward other tissues by gaining invasive properties. Since metastatic invasion shows a strong resistance against conventional cancer treatments, the studies on this issue have been focused. Within this context, inhibition of migration and determination of the relationships at the gene level will contribute to treatment of metastatic cancer cases. We have aimed to demonstrate the impact of TGF-beta 1 and fluvastatin on human breast cancer (MCF-7) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep3B) cell cultures via Real-Time Cell Analyzer (RTCA) and to test the expression levels of some genes (NDRG1, SGK1, TWIST1, AMPKA2) and to compare their gene expression levels according to RTCA results. Both of cell series were applied TGF-beta(1) and combinations of TGF-beta(1)/fluvastatin. Primer and probes were synthesized using Universal Probe Library (UPL, Roche) software, and expression levels of genes were tested via qPCR using the device LightCycler 480 II (Roche). Consequently, fluvastatin dose-dependently inhibited migration induced by TGF-beta 1 in both groups. This inhibition was accompanied by low level of SGK1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and high levels of NDRG1 and AMPKA2 mRNA. Thus, we conclude that fluvastatin plays an important role in reducing resistance to chemotherapeutics and preventing metastasis.

ozkaya, ozan/0000-0002-0198-1221 WOS: 000340259600020 PubMed: 24845105 Cisplatin is one of the commonly used anticancer drugs and nephrotoxicity limits its use. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible protective effect of creatine supplementation on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: Group I: Cisplatin (n = 20) (7 mg/kg cisplatin intraperitoneal (i.p.) single dose), group II: Cisplatin + creatine monohydrate (n = 20) (7 mg/kg cisplatin i.p. single dose and 300 mg/kg creatine p.o. daily for 30 days starting on first day of cisplatin injection), group III: Control group (n = 20) (Serum physiologic, 2.5 mL/kg i.p.). Sacrifications were performed at first week and 30th day. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels, histopathological evaluation, mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) common deletion rates, and body weights of rats were evaluated. A significant decrease in body weight, higher values of kidney function tests, histopathological scores, and mtDNA deletion ratios were observed in group I compared to control group at days 7 and 30 (p

Guvenc, Tolga/0000-0003-1468-3415 WOS: 000332484300008 PubMed: 24122261 Aspiration pneumonitis refers to acute chemical lung injury caused by aspiration of sterile gastric contents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of quercetin (QC) in acid aspiration-induced lung injury in rats. Twenty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were used and divided into the following groups (n = 7): sham (aspirated normal saline, S), hydrochloric acid (aspirated HCl), S plus treatment with QC (S + QC), and HCl plus treatment with QC (HCl + QC). After aspiration, the treatment groups received QC 60 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally once a day for 7 days. As a result of acid aspiration, an increase was observed in the levels of serum clara cell protein-16 (CC-16) and advanced oxidation protein products, whereas there was a decrease in serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels. There was a significant decrease in peribronchial inflammatory cell infiltration, alveolar septal infiltration, alveolar edema, and alveolar exudate scores, except in the alveolar histiocytes in the HCl + QC group. The expression of nitric oxide synthase, which increased after aspiration in the HCl group, showed a statistically significant decrease after the QC treatment. After the treatment with QC, an increase in the serum SOD level was observed, whereas a significant decrease was determined in the serum CC-16 level relative to that of the aspiration group (HCl). The antioxidant QC is effective in the treatment of lung injury following acid aspiration and can be used as a serum CC-16 biomarker in predicting the severity of oxidative lung injury.

OZET Roziglitazon; Tip II diabet tedavisinde kullanilan tiazolidinedion grubu bir ilactir. Bu grup ilaclar, karbonhidrat ve lipid metabolizmasini kontrol eden genlerin ekspresyonu¬nun duzenlenmesinde gorev alan peroksizom proliferator aktive reseptor-gama (PPAR-gama)’nin ligandi olarak rol oynarlar. Telomer; kromozom uclarinda bulunan ozellesmis DNA ve protein kompleksinden olusmaktadir. Omurgalilarda telomerik DNA, TTAGGG gibi, guaninden zengin dizelerden olusur. Normal hucrelerde, her DNA replikasyon per¬yodunda, telomer 50–150 baz kisalir. Tamir edilemeyen oksidatif DNA hasari da bu te¬lomer kisalmasina katkida bulunabilir. Literaturde, roziglitazonun telomer uzunluguna etkisini gosteren bir calisma bulunmamaktadir. Bu nedenle, calismamizda roziglitazonun telomer uzunluguna etkisini arastirmayi amacladik. Calismada 7–8 haftalik, 248-275 g arasinda, 16 tane erkek Sprague-Dawley cinsi rat kullanildi. Ratlar; her grupta dort tane olacak sekilde dort gruba ayrildi ve 14 gun boyunca 0, 0,5, 1,0 ve 2,0 mg/kg dozlarinda roziglitazon oral yoldan uygulandi. Rat karaciger, ince bagirsak, pankreas dokulari ve lenfositlerinden genomik DNA izolasyonu yapildi. Numunelerde genom sayisini belir¬leyebilmek icin tek kopya gen olarak 36B4 geni secildi. 36B4 genine spesifik primerle¬rin kullanildigi Q-PCR ile bir rat dokusundaki genom kopya sayisi bulundu. Rat genom standardi olarak kullanilan bu numune tum numunelerdeki genom sayisini bulmak icin kullanildi. Tum numunelerde telomer (T) ve 36B4 (S) icin kantitatif PCR yapildi. Iki ca¬lismada ile elde edilen urunler birbirine oranlarak her numune icin T/S orani daha sonra da bir kalibrator numune kullanilarak relatif T/S orani hesaplandi. Ayrica 10,2 kb telo¬mer standardi kullanarak numunelerin telomer uzunluklari kilobaz olarak da hesaplandi. Farkli roziglitazon dozlari verilen numuneleri kontrol grublari ile karsilastirildigimizda telomer uzunlugu acisindan istatistiksel olarak anlamli bir fark bulamadik (p>0,05). Bu sonuc, roziglitazonun farkli rat dokularinda telomer kisalmasina yol acmadigini gostermektedir. Research on the effect of rosiglitazon on telomere dynamics with molecular methods in rats ABSTRACT Rosiglitazone that is a drug for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus, belong to the class of thiazolidinediones. Drugs of this class act as ligands for the peroxisome prolif¬erator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma), which is involved in the regulation of genes controlling carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Telomeres are composed of spe¬cialized DNA and protein complexes. Telomeric DNA consist of guanine-rich sequences, such as TTAGGG in vertebrates. In normal cells, telomeres shorten by ~50–150 bp with each round of DNA replication. In addition to this, unrepaired oxidative DNA damage can also contribute to telomere shortening. There is no study that shows the effect of rosiglitazone on telomere length in literature. Because of this, we aimed to research on the effect of rosiglitazone on the telomere length in our study. We used sixteen male Sprague- Dawley rats that at 7-8 weeks of age and weighing 248–275 g in our study. The rats were divided into four groups, four rats in each group, and dosed once a day for 14 days by oral gavage with doses of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg rosiglitazone. Genomic DNA was extracted from rat liver, small intestine, pancreas tissue and lymphocytes. The 36B4 genewas chosen as single copy gene for determine the number of genom in the samples. The number of genome copies were found in a rat tissue by qPCR that is used the 36B4 gene-specific primers. This sample, that is used as rat genom standarts, was used for find the number of genome in all samples. The qPCR was performed for telomere (T) and 36B4 (S) in all samples. The T / S ratio was calculated by the ratio of the products derived from two studies to each other, and then the relative T / S ratio was calculated by using a calibrator sample for each sample. In addition, telomere lengths of the samples were also calculated as kilobase by using 10,2 kb long telomere standard. We did not found statistically any significant difference between doses of rosiglitazone and control groups for telomere length (p>0.05). This result has showed that rosiglitazone doesn’t lead to telomere shortening. J. Exp. Clin. Med., 2011; 28:162-167

Summary Background. Several different laser types are used in cutaneous surgery. The neodymium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Nd:YAG) and frequency-doubled Nd:YAG (KTP, potassium titanyl phosphate) lasers are widely used in dermatology. Objectives. To investigate the possible genotoxic effects on fibroblasts of irradiation with a 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser and a 532-nm KTP laser. Methods. Fibroblast cell cultures were exposed to each of the lasers, using 10-mm spot size at 60 ms pulse duration with 10, 20, 40 J/cm2 and 3, 6, 12 J/cm2 fluences, respectively. Fibroblasts in passages 1–6 were used. During laser irradiation, 96-well microplate cultures were kept on a cooling block and transported on ice and in the dark, and processed immediately for single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay (also known as a comet assay). Results. DNA damage was determined by computerized assessment of comet assay. There was increasing damage with increasing numbers of passages. For the Nd:YAG laser, the greatest damage occurred on passages 5 and 6, whereas the greatest damage appeared at passages 3 and 4 for KTP and returned to baseline at passages 5 and 6. Damage also increased with each dose increment for both wavelengths. At the highest dose for both wavelengths (Nd:YAG 40 J/cm2 and KTP 12 J/cm2), damage was higher with the Nd:YAG laser. Conclusions. Different patterns of cellular damage were seen for different cell-culture passages, treatment doses, and laser wavelengths. These dose ranges are generally used for the treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions and for rejuvenation purposes. As replicative ageing or cell senescence is one of the critical factors determining the extent of cell damage induced by laser therapy, these results may have important implications for clinical practice.

Rosiglitazone (RSG), a member of the thiazolidinedione class of antidiabetic agents, improves glycemic control by increasing insulin sensitivity. The therapeutic mode of action of RSG involves its activity as a highly selective and potent agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-g. Although other drugs in this class have displayed unacceptable hepatotoxicity, RSG was approved for human use. The package insert indicates that RSG has minimal genotoxicity, but information on the genotoxicity of RSG is not available in the published literature. In this study, we used the single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)/Comet assay to investigate the DNA damage in peripheral blood and liver cells of rats treated with RSG. Sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into four groups, and dosed daily by oral gavage with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg/day RSG. The rats dosed with 2.0 mg/ kg/day RSG received an � 10-times the area under the curve concentration of the maximum recommended human daily dose. After 14 days of treatment, the rats were euthanized, and peripheral blood and liver were collected and processed for the Comet assay. A dose-dependent increase in DNA damage (as assessed by % tail DNA and Olive Tail Moment) was observed in the hepatocytes of RSG-treated groups, with significant increases detected between rats treated with all the doses of RSG and the control, and between rats treated with different RSG doses (P < 0.05 – P < 0.0001). In contrast, DNA damage was detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes only in rats treated with the higher RSG doses (1.0 and 2 mg/kg/day). Taken together, the data indicate that RSG is able to induce primary DNA damage in rats, with greater damage being detected in liver cells than lymphocytes. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 47:718–724, 2006. V C 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Guven, Mustafa/0000-0001-8643-9775; silan, coskun/0000-0002-8352-6571; Silan, Coskun/0000-0002-8352-6571 WOS: 000357666000023 PubMed: 25687639 Cerebral ischemia is still one of the most important topics in neurosciences. Our study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective and anti-oxidant effects of glycyrrhizic acid on focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Twenty-four rats were divided equally into three groups. A middle cerebral artery occlusion model was performed in this study where sham and glycyrrhizic acid were administered intraperitoneally following middle cerebral artery occlusion. Group I was evaluated as control. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF1) levels were analyzed biochemically on the right cerebral hemisphere, while ischemic histopathological studies were completed to investigate the anti-oxidant status. Biochemical results showed that SOD and NRF1 levels were significantly increased in the glycyrrhizic acid group compared with the sham group while MDA levels were significantly decreased. On histopathological examination, cerebral edema, vacuolization, degeneration, and destruction of neurons were decreased in the glycyrrhizic acid group compared with the sham group. Cerebral ischemia was attenuated by glycyrrhizic acid administration. These observations indicate that glycyrrhizic acid may have potential as a therapeutic agent in cerebral ischemia by preventing oxidative stress.

WOS: 000344075800003 PubMed: 25335733 N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is defined as metastasis suppressor and can be downregulated in many types of cancers, and reported to be an indication of tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinomas. Several in-vivo and in-vitro studies have demonstrated that iron chelators such as Desferrioxamine (DFO) and 1-10 Phenanthroline (PHEN) are effective antitumor agents. It is suggested that these chelators deliver their antitumor activity by acting on the NDRG1 gene expression. It remains unclear why NDRG1 gene expression affects the tumors differently, or becomes affected differently. We consider that this different effect might be caused by variants. Based on this information, we developed specific primers and probes for NDRG1 mRNA variants using bioinformatics analysis, and investigated how DFO and PHEN affected the dynamics of NDRG1 variant on the cell lines of Human Breast Adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) that demonstrate opposite action for the relationship NDRG1-metastasis. We administrated various doses of DFO and PHEN into the cells to monitor cell vitality and proliferation with Real time Cell Analyzer. We analyzed the gene expression levels of study groups with Quantitative RT-PCR as well as relative gene expression. Variants of NDRG1 mRNA were transcriptionally regulated after HepG2 and MCF-7 cells were treated by iron chelators, resulting in domination of NDRG1 mRNA Variant 1 (V1) in the HepG2 calls and domination of NDRG1 mRNA Variant 2 (V2) in the MCF-7 cells. Anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects were observed in the MCF-7 cells whereas an increased proliferation was present in the HepG2 cells. Ondokuz Mayis UniversityOndokuz Mayis University; [OMU PYO. TIP.1904.11.028.26] This study was supported by Ondokuz Mayis University. The Project number was OMU PYO. TIP.1904.11.028.26.

WOS: 000342857700003 PubMed: 25134376 Background: To evaluate the predictive powers of serum surfactant protein D (SP-D) levels as a biomarker of lung damage in tuberculosis and lung diseases. Methods: This study prospectively included 137 subjects who applied to our hospital. We measured serum SP-D levels from patients with active tuberculosis (TB) (n = 35), chronic obstructive disease (COPD) patients experiencing acute exacerbations (n = 30), patients with pneumonia (n = 45), and control subjects (n = 27). Results: The mean age of all patients was 54.89 +/- 18.81 years (15 to 100 years); males accounted for two-thirds (70.1%) of the cases. Serum SP-D levels were higher in patients with pnemonia, tuberculosis, and COPD than in control patients (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Serum SP-D levels in patients with pneumonia, tuberculosis, and COPD were higher than in the control group and mean serum SP-D levels were associated with pulmonary injury scores in patients with pneumonia, severity of COPD attack, and the extent of radiological lung involvement in patients with pneumonia and TB. Conclusions: Serum SP-D may be a useful biomarker of the severity of pneumonia, COPD, and tuberculosis.

AYGUN, CANAN/0000-0002-7955-5943 WOS: 000339860800004 PubMed: 25008013 Background: Previous studies have shown the relationship between in utero lung development and vitamin D [25(OH)D], but there have been no studies to investigate whether vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm babies. Objectives: In this study, we investigated if 25(OH)D deficiency is a risk factor for RDS. Methods: One hundred fifty-two preterm newborns, born at 29-35 weeks gestational age, were included in the study following informed consent from the parents. Peripheral blood samples were collected within the first 24 hours of life and 25(OH)D levels were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Demographic characteristics of the babies and the diagnosis of RDS were recorded. Results: In 64% of preterm infants, 25(OH)D levels were compatible with severe deficiency (

Background: A nationwide multicenter study was organized to establish reference intervals (RIs) in the Turkish population for 25 commonly tested biochemical analytes and to explore sources of variation in reference values, including regionality. Methods: Blood samples were collected nationwide in 28 laboratories from the seven regions (?400 samples/region, 3066 in all). The sera were collectively analyzed in Uludag University in Bursa using Abbott reagents and analyzer. Reference materials were used for standardization of test results. After secondary exclusion using the latent abnormal values exclusion method, RIs were derived by a parametric method employing the modified Box-Cox formula and compared with the RIs by the non-parametric method. Three-level nested ANOVA was used to evaluate variations among sexes, ages and regions. Associations between test results and age, body mass index (BMI) and region were determined by multiple regression analysis (MRA). Results: By ANOVA, differences of reference values among seven regions were significant in none of the 25 analytes. Significant sex-related and age-related differences were observed for 10 and seven analytes, respectively. MRA revealed BMI-related changes in results for uric acid, glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and ?-glutamyltransferase. Their RIs were thus derived by applying stricter criteria excluding individuals with BMI >28 kg/m2. Ranges of RIs by non-parametric method were wider than those by parametric method especially for those analytes affected by BMI. Conclusions: With the lack of regional differences and the well-standardized status of test results, the RIs derived from this nationwide study can be used for the entire Turkish population. © by De Gruyter 2014., Applied Scientific Research Fund: :24256003:2012-2014 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Acknowledgments: This study was supported by Research Fund of Uludag Universty (UAP(T)-2011/48), IFCC C-RIDL, Scientific Research Fund (No:24256003:2012-2014) provided by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Abbott Diagnostics and Becton Dickinson. We had invaluable input from the IFCC C-RIDL and the Turkish National Biochemical Association. We are very grateful to Uludag University Central Laboratory, We are thankful to David Ambruster from Abbott Diagnostics for his kind cooperation to realize this study. The final manuscript was edited with generous support by Prof. A. Myron Johnson.

WOS: 000344349600003 PubMed: 24505052 The main purpose of this study was to assess the role of S100B protein, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the evaluation of hypoxic brain injury in acute carbon monoxide (CO)-poisoned patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients with acute CO poisoning who referred to the emergency department in a 1-year period. Serum levels of S100B protein, NSE, and GFAP were determined on admission. A total of 55 CO-poisoned patients (mean age +/- standard deviation, 45 +/- 20.3 years; 60% women) were included in the study. The control group consisted of 25 healthy adults. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they were conscious or unconscious. The serum levels of S100B, NSE, and GFAP were higher in patients than that in the control group. There was no significant difference between unconscious and conscious patients with respect to these markers. There was a statistically significant difference between the conscious and unconscious patients and the control group in terms of S100B and NSE levels. There was also a statistically significant difference between the unconscious patients and the control group in terms of GFAP levels. Increased serum S100B, NSE, and GFAP levels are associated with acute CO poisoning. These biomarkers can be useful in assessing the clinical status of patients with CO poisoning. Scientific Research Council of Ondokuz Mayis UniversityOndokuz Mayis University [PYO.TIP.1901.12.036] This study was supported by the Scientific Research Council of Ondokuz Mayis University with the number of PYO.TIP.1901.12.036.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare and progressive lung disease with a high mortality rate. The treatment regimens still fail to recover the disease. Leflunomide (LEF) is an immunomodulatory agent with antiproliferative activity that is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of the study is to investigate the potential therapeutic efficacy of LEF in bleomycin (BLM) induced pulmonary fibrosis.A total of 21 male, adult wistar albino rats were used. The animals were divided into three groups as control, BLM and BLM plus LEF groups (n=7). In BLM group, mice were treated with intratracheal instillation of BLM (2.5 U/kg). Control group received the same volume of saline instead of BLM. In LEF group, in addition to BLM, LEF (10 mg/kg, daily) was administrated by oral gavage. The effect of LEF on pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis was studied by measurements of serum clara cell protein-16 (CC-16), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels and lung tissue contents of IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB by immunhistochemical examinations.LEF significantly increased the level of CC-16 and decreased the level of AOPP (P=0.042 and P=0.003 respectively). Lung tissue contents of IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB significantly decreased in LEF group compared to BLM group by immunhistochemical examinations (P0.001).LEF reduces oxidative stress factors, alveolar inflammation and attenuates lung injury and fibrosis.

WOS: 000324374700060 PubMed: 23683570 Purpose: To investigate predictive powers of S100B and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who have with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) for prognosis. Methods: Ninety-nine patients diagnosed with ICH were included in the study. The blood samples were drawn on the day of admittance to ICU and again on the third day. Duration of stay in the ICU and mortality were recorded. Results: A positive correlation was determined between the values of S100B and cfDNA from both the analysis and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores. For all patients, there was a positive correlation between the duration of stay in the ICU and the values of S100B and cfDNA on the third day. The levels of both S100B and cfDNA in patients who died in the ICU were significantly higher than of those who survived on the day of admittance. Conclusions: Both S100B and cfDNA values can be used as markers to predict the prognosis of ICU patients with ICH. However, S100B is more powerful for predicting the prognosis. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Ondokuz Mayis University Scientific Research FoundationOndokuz Mayis University This study was supported by the Ondokuz Mayis University Scientific Research Foundation.

Yuksel, Serkan/0000-0001-9501-4568 WOS: 000325413800004 PubMed: 23301552 Hypertension terms "dipper" and "non-dipper" are propounded by the change that occurs during ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring. The purpose of this study is to present whether the serum urotensin II levels are different in patients with dipper and non-dipper hypertension and to put forward the effects causing this difference, if there are any. Patients recently diagnosed with hypertension were included in the study. With ambulatory BP monitoring, 81 patients with high BP were divided into two groups, dipper (n = 40) and non-dipper (n = 41). Serum urotensin II levels were analyzed by ELISA method. Serum urotensin II levels were higher in patients with non-dipper hypertension than in patients with dipper hypertension (204 [106-533] vs. 140 [96-309], P = .004). There was a positive correlation between total systolic BP and serum urotensin II levels (r = 0.408 and P = .009), but the relation in the non-dipper hypertension group was not significant (r = 0.194 and P = .2). In conclusion, serum urotensin II levels were higher in non-dipper HT patients than dipper HT patients. This higher urotensin II level might be responsible for poor prognoses.

Our purpose in this study was to analyze telomere length and telomerase activity before and after eradication treatment in gastric mucosa in patients positive for H. pylori.There were two groups: a control group (n=17) and a study group (n=21). For H. pylori eradication, the patients were administrated proton pump inhibitor (PPI) + clarithromycin + amoxicillin or PPI + metronidazole + tetracycline + bismuth for 14 days. Telomere length was analyzed with RT-PCR and telomerase activity with PCR-ELISA on biopsy specimens from the antrum. The result p0.05 was considered significant.Prior to eradication, there was no significant difference between telomere lengths of the patient and control groups (2481.2±1823 and 2958.9±1345.7 bp, p=0.11, respectively). The telomere length of the study group became longer after eradication (before 2481.2±1823bp, after 3766.3±1608.8bp, p=0.01). Telomerase activity was not detected in either the patient or the control group.An increase in telomere length was observed with H. pylori eradication. This finding may indicate the importance of H. pylori eradication to avoid the development of gastric cancer.

PP-302 Although there have been a number of studies about coronary slow flow (CSF), the pathophysiologic mechanism still has not been fully understood. There are many proposed mechanisms such as; microvascular vasomotor dysfunction, diffuse atherosclerosis, inflammation, small vessel occlusion