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Aim of the study: Vitamin D deficiency is known to be associated with disease severity, unresponsiveness to treatment, and morbidity among patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and C, autoimmune hepatitis, and alcoholic hepatitis. This study aims to research vitamin D levels in patients suffering from cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic phases of hepatitis D. Material and methods: 170 individuals in total were included in the study in the form of two groups: the first group of 100 patients with chronic hepatitis D (CHD), 30 of whom had cirrhosis, and the second control group of 70 individuals with similar characteristics to those of the first group in terms of age, type, and seasonal sampling. Levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured in the serum collected from patients and the control group. Results: The lowest 25(OH)D levels were identified in patients with cirrhotic CHD. When these levels were compared with those of the control group, they were found to be significant (15.30 +/- 6.92 and 18.90 +/- 8.30 ng/ml, respectively, p = 0.04). 25(OH)D deficiency (< 10 ng/ml) was detected at significantly higher rates in patients with both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic CHD compared to the healthy controls (30%, 25%, and 8.5%, respectively, p = 0.01). A significant correlation was established between 25(OH)D levels and bilirubin in patients with CHD (r = 0.252, p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis showed that chronic hepatitis D (odds ratio [OR] = 3.608, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-9.89, p = 0.013) and age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.08, p = 0.033) were associated with vitamin D deficiency. Conclusions: Frequency of 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency is higher in patients with CHD. The identification of vitamin D levels and the replacement of any deficiency may create a positive effect on disease progression, morbidity, and mortality levels.

Aim: To investigate the hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of gallic acid (GA) against obstructive cholestasis (OC) -induced liver damage in rats. Methods: Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=10) was the sham-operated group. In group 2 and group 3, hepatoduodenal ligament dissection was performed after laparotomy. Once the common bile duct was made apparent, it was ligated with 4/0 silk surgical suture and cut between both sutures. Group 2 (n=10) was the control group. Group 3 (n=10) was the GA group. GA (50 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage daily for 10 days. At the end of the experiment on day 10, the rats were anesthetized. Fibrosis, inflammation, ductal proliferation and necrosis were evaluated histopathologically. Serum levels of AST, ALT, TBIL, DBIL, LDH and GGT levels were determined. In the serum and liver, TAS, TOS, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL 10 levels were evaluated. Results: When group 2 and group 3 were compared histopathologically, fibrosis and inflammation were significantly lower in group 3. In group 3, all LFTs (except DBIL), liver and serum IL-6, IL-1, TOS, MDA, and TNF-α levels were significantly lower than group 2, whereas IL-10 and TAS values were increased. Conclusion: Findings of this research indicate that GA may be effective against OC-induced liver damage in a rat model. We presume that the beneficial effects of GA are closely associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, we think that using GA can save us time before resorting to the surgical method.

Aim This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the level of serum signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein (SCUBE)-1, SCUBE-2 and SCUBE-3 and clinical findings and ultrasonographic skin thickness in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Material and methods Thirty patients who met the American College of Rheumatology/European League against Rheumatism 2013 SSc classification criteria and 44 healthy volunteers who were compatible with the patient group in terms of age and gender were included in the study. Serum SCUBE levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ultrasonographic skin thickness measurements were simultaneously performed. Results No significant difference was found between the serum SCUBE levels of SSc patients and serum SCUBE levels of the control group. A negative correlation was detected between serum SCUBE-1 level and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ). While a positive correlation was detected between serum SCUBE-2 level and the Duruoz Hand Index and serum C4 level, a negative correlation was determined with the forced vital capacity (FVC) value. A negative correlation was determined between serum SCUBE-3 level and echocardiographic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). A correlation could not be determined between serum SCUBE levels and ultrasonographic skin thickness. However, a positive correlation was observed between ultrasonographic skin thickness and the modified Rodnan skin score. Conclusion In this study, a correlation was observed between serum SCUBE levels and some clinical and laboratory parameters (FEV1 , FVC, PAP, C4, and Duruoz Hand Index) in SSc patients. New clinical studies are needed to better understand the contribution of these molecules in the progression and pathogenesis of SSc.

Aim To investigate whether serum levels of neopterin and inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and oxidative status indicators were altered in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) compared to asymptomatic pregnant women. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed including 30 pregnant women with HG (mean age: 30.67 ± 6.68) and 30 asymptomatic pregnant women (mean age: 28.00 ± 5.30). Demographic features, obstetric history, and the Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis/Nausea (PUQE) index were noted. Complete blood count, serum biochemical assay and measurement of CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, total antioxidant status and total oxidative status (TOS) levels were taken and compared between groups. Results White blood cell count (P = 0.013), platelet count (P = 0.015), TOS (P < 0.001), and PUQE score (P < 0.001) were remarkably higher in HG pregnancies. On the other hand, serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase, (P < 0.001), sodium (P < 0.001), potassium (P < 0.001), chloride (P < 0.001) and TAS (P < 0.001) were higher in the control group. There was no difference in the levels of neopterin, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6. In patients with HG, a positive correlation was detected between TOS and serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase, while TNF-α, IL-6 and neopterin were positively correlated with hemoglobin levels. Conclusion Our results demonstrated no association between inflammation and HG. Elucidation of the pathophysiology and complex interaction between various inflammatory processes in HG necessitates further trials on larger series.

The etiology of Behçet's disease (BD) has not been fully elucidated. However, immunological and environmental factors, endothelial dysfunction (ED), and genetic susceptibility have been proposed to play a role. In this study, we aimed to evaluate epicardial fat thickness (EFT) together with serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in BD patients with ocular involvement. Thirty-six ocular BD patients (17 active and 19 inactive ocular involvement), and 35 age and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled to this cross-sectional study. All patients underwent examinations with transthoracic echocardiography and carotid Doppler ultrasound. Serum ADMA levels, CIMT, EFT, and NLR were compared between groups, and their association with disease activity was evaluated. Behçet's disease patients had higher WBC counts, neutrophil counts, NLR, CIMT, EFT values, and serum ADMA levels than do healthy controls. The other biochemical, hematological, and echocardiographic parameters were comparable between the two groups. Behçet's disease duration was positively correlated with EFT and CIMT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that increased serum ADMA concentration and CIMT are independently associated with BD. Neutrophil counts, NLR, and serum ADMA level were higher, and lymphocyte count was lower in patients with active ocular BD compared to those of inactive ocular BD group. Carotid intima media thickness, serum ADMA level, EFT, and NLR were increased in ocular BD patients compared to healthy subjects. In addition, both serum ADMA level and NLR were associated with disease activity of ocular involvement. Increase in disease duration was associated with increase in CIMT and EFT which suggests that anatomical changes occur in time during the disease course. Increased CIMT, serum ADMA level, EFT, and NLR may provide new clues about the role of ED and inflammation in the etiopathogenesis of BD.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphometric and immunohistochemistry in umbilical cords from patients with severe pre-eclampsia with and without haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. The patient and control groups were similar according to baseline obstetric characteristics. White blood cell count in patients with HELLP syndrome and the control group was significantly increased among patients with HELLP syndrome (p < 0.001). Morphometric examination and endothelial core length were significantly different between the groups. In the umbilical cord cross-section of the HELLP group, endothelial cell degeneration in the vessel wall and basement membrane thickening were observed. In the muscle layer of blood vessels, the following disorders were found: increased collagen fibres in the muscle cell, hyperplasia and separation of muscle fibres as well as edema in the intermediate connective tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that endothelial cells, basal membrane and fibroblast cells in the HELLP group expressed high levels of CD44. Vessel wall and amniotic epithelial basement membrane thickening were observed in the HELLP group. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) was expressed. Fibroblast and smooth muscle cells were fusiform and showed a positive reaction to immunohistochemical staining of α-actin smooth muscle.

Aim: To investigate the effect of melatonin on ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovary. Material and Method: A total of 24 Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The rats were first numbered randomly and then randomly divided into four equal groups: sham, torsion, detorsion and melatonin groups. In group I (n = 6) sham, as well as in group II ovary torsion was not performed and no drug was administered. In group III, 1 hour of ischemia and 2 hours of reperfusion were performed and no drug was given. In group IV, melatonin was dissolved in 1% ethanol just before use. Melatonin was injected 1 hour before torsion to the torsion plus melatonin group. Right ovaries were surgically removed in all groups. Result: Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. We suggested that administration of melatonin would be in treating ovaries from torsion/detorsion induced damage in humans. The histopathological changes such as vascular congestion, edema, hemorrhage, and follicular degeneration were found to be decreased in the melatonin + ischemia-reperfusion group. Ischemia-reperfusion group: PECAM-I expression is positive in vessel of the stromal area. The follicles and interfolicular area infiltrated with CD68 positive cells were increased in a time of ischemia-reperfusion exposure dependent manner. Conclusions: Melatonin after ischemia-reperfusion CD31 and CD68 expressions is weak, due to the reduction of the inflammatory effects and hemorrhage is thought that melatonin is effective.

Despite recent advances in antibiotic therapy, sepsis remains a major clinical challenge in intensive care units. Here we examined the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Ecballium elaterium (EE) on brain, and explored its therapeutic potential in an animal model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) [induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)].Thirty rats were divided into three groups of 10 each: control, sepsis, and treatment. Rats were subjected to CLP except for the control group, which underwent laparatomy only. The treatment group received 2.5 mg/kg EE while the sepsis group was administered by saline. Twenty-four hours after laparotomy, animals were sacrificied and the brains were removed. Brain homogenates were prepared to assess interleukin 1beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS). Brain tissue sections were stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to semi-quantitatively examine the histopathologic changes such as neuron degeneration, pericellular/perivascular edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in the cerebral cortex.We found a statistically significant reduction in brain tissue homogenate levels of TNF-α 59.5 ± 8.4/50.2 ± 6.2 (p = 0.007) and TOS 99.3 ± 16.9/82.3 ± 7.8 (p = 0.01) in rats treated with EE; although interleukin 6 levels were increased in the treatment group compared to the sepsis group, this was not statistically significant. Neuronal damage (p = 0.00), pericellular/ perivascular edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (p = 0.001) were also significantly lower in the treatment group compared to those in the sepsis group.These data suggest that Ecballium elaterium contains some components that exert protective effects against SAE in part by attenuating accumulation of proinflammatory cytokines, which may be important contributors to its anti-inflammatory effects during sepsis.Keywords: Sepsis associated, encephalopathy; Ecballium, elaterium; Sepsis; TNF-α; TOS

Sefer Varol, Hasan Hüseyin Özdemir, Mehmet Uğur Çevik, Yaşar Altun, Ibrahim Ibiloğlu, Aysun Ekinci, Aslıhan Okan Ibiloğlu, Metin Balduz, Demet Arslan, Recep Tekin, Fesih Aktar, Mehmet Ufuk Aluçlu Department of Neurology, FacultyofMedicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey Background: Deltamethrin (DLM) is a broad-spectrum synthetic dibromo-pyrethroid pesticide that is widely used for agricultural and veterinary purposes. However, human exposure to the pesticide leads to neurotoxicity. Glutamine is one of the principal, free intracellular amino acids and may also be an antioxidant. This study was undertaken in order to examine the neuroprotective and antioxidant potential of L-glutamine against DLM toxicity in female Wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: The rats were divided into the following groups (n=10): Group I: control (distilled water; 10mL/kg, po one dose), Group II: L-glutamine (1.5g/kg, po one dose), Group III: DLM (35mg/kg, po one dose), and Group IV: DLM (35mg/kg, po one dose) and L-glutamine (1.5g/kg, po one dose after 4hours). Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 levels and apoptosis were evaluated in brain tissue. Results: DLM-treated animals had a significant increase in brain biochemical parameters, as well as TOS and TAS. Furthermore, the histopathological examination showed neuronal cell degeneration in the cerebral tissue. L-Glutamine treatment decreased the elevated brain levels of TOS and neuronal cell degeneration. There was no difference in tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels between the groups. Conclusion: L-Glutamine may reduce the toxic effects of DLM in the cerebral tissue through antioxidant properties. Keywords: deltamethrin, L-glutamine, rat

Senem Yaman Tunc,1 Elif Agacayak,1 Neval Yaman Goruk,2 Mehmet Sait Icen,1 Abdulkadir Turgut,1 Ulas Alabalik,3 Cihan Togrul,4 Cenap Ekinci,5 Aysun Ekinci,6 Talip Gul1 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Dicle University, 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Diyarbakir Memorial Hospital, 3Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, 5Department of Histology and Embryology, 6Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of honokiol on experimental ischemia/reperfusion injury of rat ovary.Materials and methods: A total of 40 female Wistar albino rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into five groups as follows: sham (Group I), torsion (Group II), torsion + detorsion (Group III), torsion + detorsion + saline (Group IV), and torsion + detorsion + honokiol (Group V). Bilateral adnexa in all the rats except for those in the sham group were exposed to torsion for 3hours. The rats in Group IV were administered saline, whereas the rats in Group V were administered honokiol by intraperitoneal route 30minutes before detorsion. Tissue and plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were determined. Ovarian tissue was histologically evaluated. Data analyses were performed by means of Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U-test (Bonferroni correction) in SPSS 15.0 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).Results: The torsion and detorsion groups had higher scores in vascular congestion, hemorrhage, and inflammatory cell infiltration compared with the sham group (P

Objectives: We investigated whether pomegranate extract plays a protective antioxidant role against mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion injury (IR), which can lead to a systemic response and damage distant organs, such as the lung, liver, and kidney. Methods: Forty female Wistar-Albino rats were separated into four groups: laparotomy, laparotomy + PG, mesenteric IR, and mesenteric IR and pomegranate (IR + PG). In the laparotomy + PG and IR + PG groups, pomegranate (225 mg/kg) was given by oral gavage at the beginning of the study. Ischemia was induced for 30 minutes, and reperfusion was subsequently allowed for 60 minutes in the IR and IR + PG groups. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant activity (AOA) levels were evaluated in blood samples. Additionally, all tissues were removed for the measurement of AOA and total oxidant status as well as for subsequent histopathological evaluation. The oxidative stress index was calculated. Results: Histopathological changes in all organs were significantly higher in the IR group and significantly lower in the IR + PG group vs. the other groups. Serum MDA levels were significantly lower in the IR + PG group than in the IR group. No significant difference was found in AOA levels of the groups. Discussion: These data may explain the positive protective effects of pomegranate based on the histopathologic findings in ischemic conditions in an intestinal IR injury model.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Ecballium elaterium (EE) on sepsis-induced lung injury.A total of 30 male rats were divided into three groups as follows: control, sepsis, and treatment groups (sepsis + EE) with each group containing 10 rats. A rat model of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used. In the treatment group, rats were injected intraperitoneally with 2.5 mg/kg EE after CLP. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values after a 24-hr period were measured via cardiac puncture. Animals were harvested after the procedure and biochemical analysis was done and histopathological changes of the tissue sections of lungs were examined thereafter.A statistically significant decrease was observed in the IL-6 (p.05), TNF-α (p.05), and TOS (p.01) levels in the sera of the treatment group compared to those of the sepsis group. Following the treatment, the TOS (p = .01) and OSI (p.05) levels in the lung tissue of rats indicated a statistically significant decrease compared to those of the sepsis group. The histopathological follow-up undertaken after the administration of the EE treatment to septic rats showed significantly lower values of alveolar wall thickness (p.001), interstitial edema (p = .018), and neutrophil infiltration (p = .047).EE treatment may have beneficial effects on sepsis-induced lung injury, and therefore has potential for clinical use.

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury may occur after large tumor resection and liver transplantation procedures. Nitric oxide was shown to have protective effects on ischemia/reperfusion injury. Nebivolol is a compound that has been reported to improve nitric oxide release. We evaluated the effects of nebivolol in a rat liver ischemia/reperfusion model.A total of 40 rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 each). Group I underwent only laparotomy, Group II was administered nebivolol and then underwent laparotomy, Group III underwent laparotomy and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion, and Group IV was administered nebivolol and then underwent laparotomy and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion. Serum AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine levels, and TAS and TOS levels of liver, lung, and kidney tissues were determined. Histopathological determination was also performed.Nebivolol significantly reduced liver function tests in group IV, but it did not improve renal functions. Oxidative stress and abnormal histopathological findings were found to be reduced in liver tissue in group IV. Although the oxidative stress was increased after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion, nebivolol could not reduce the oxidative stress in kidney tissue. There were no significant differences between group III and group IV in terms of the histopathological changes in kidney tissue. There were no significant differences in lung tissue between the groups.The results of this study suggest that nebivolol has protective effects on liver but not on distant organs in a hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury model. These experimental findings indicate that nebivolol may be useful in the treatment of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

En los ultimos anos, los trastornos relacionados con el desarrollo y la funcion del tracto reproductivo masculino han aumentado, lo que genera una disminucion importante en el volumen de semen y el conteo de espermatozoides. Se examinaron los efectos de niveles bajos en proteinas y estrogeno en el comportamiento sexual y la maduracion testicular en ratas macho. Tambien se examinaron FSH, LH y los niveles de testosterona y el dano histologico de tejido testicular. Las ratas macho fueron sometidas al tratamiento y administracion estandar a largo plazo con estradiol por vias oral y parenteral. El numero de montajes, eficiencia de copulacion y latencias de eyaculacion para el grupo de dieta de proteinas parenteral (DPP) fue significativamente menor que los del grupo con una dieta baja en proteinas (PBD) y de proteina oral baja (POB) grupos (P

Objectives: Ellagic acid is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound. The aim of this study is to investigate in vitro effects of ellagic acid on the proliferation and viability of rat C6 glioma cell lineage depending on dose and time and also is to evaluate ultrastructural changes in C6 glioma spheroids. Materials and methods: Effects of ellagic acid on rat C6 glioma cell line were investigated by using two-dimensional models of tumor cell culture depending on dose and time. The effects of Ellagic acid was evaluated as cell proliferation, cell viability, and synthesis phase of cell cycle, and cell structure at 24th, 48th, 72nd hours. Cell structure was evaluated at 24th and 72nd hours in three dimensional cell culture spheroid models. Results: Reducing effect of ellagic acid on cell proliferation and cell viability was seen in two dimensional cultures (p0. 05). Electron micrographs in which three dimensional cell culture spheroid models was investigated, structural changes was found to be different from the control group. Conclusions: In the evaluation of effects of ellagic acid on rat C6 glioma cells using two-dimensional culture models, it was observed that ellagic acid caused reduced cell viability, deterioration in cell structure and prevented cell proliferation., Amaç: Elajik asit bitkilerden elde edilen polifenolik bir bileşiktir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, elajik asidin sıçan C6 glioma hücre dizilerinde proliferasyon ve yaşama yeteneği üzerine in vitro etkilerini doz ve zamana bağlı olarak araştırmak ve C6 glioma küremsi cisimlerinde oluşan elektronmikroskopik değişiklikleri değerlendirmektir. Gereç ve yöntem: Elajik asidin sıçan C6 glioma hücre dizisi üzerine etkileri doz ve zamana bağlı olarak iki boyutlu tümör hücre kültürü kullanılarak araştırıldı. Elajik asidin etkileri için üç boyutlu hücre kültürü küremsi modellerinde; hücre çoğalması, hücre yaşamsallığı, hücre döngüsünün sentez fazı ve hücre yapılarının 24, 48 ve 72. saatlerdeki durumu değerlendirildi. Bulgular: İki boyutlu hücre kültürlerinde hücre yaşama yeteneği ve hücre çoğalması üzerinde elajik asidin baskılayıcı etkisi görüldü (p0.05). Üç boyutlu hücre kültürü küremsi modellerinde, elektronmikroskopik incelemede kontrol grubundan farklı yapısal değişiklikler bulundu. Sonuç: İki boyutlu kültür modelleri kullanıldığında, elajik asidin sıçan C6 glioma hücre kültürleri üzerine olan etkilerinin değerlendirilmesi sonucunda; elajik asidin hücre yaşayabilirliğini azalttığı, hücre yapısında bozulmalara neden olduğu ve hücre çoğalmasını engellediği bulundu.

Paraoxonase-1, a high-density lipoprotein linked enzyme complex, was shown to be decreased in several cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to explore whether serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities differ in dipper and non-dipper prehypertensive subjects compared to healthy controls. Sixty prehypertensive subjects and 30 controls were enrolled. All subjects underwent echocardiographic assessment and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). According to the blood pressure (BP) course on ABPM, prehypertensive subjects were categorized into two: non-dipper prehypertensive (NDPH) and dipper prehypertensive (DPH) groups. Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were detected spectrophotometrically. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were significantly lower in patients with NDPH compared to both DPH and control groups. Both paraoxonase and arylesterase activities showed significant negative correlations with BP and left ventricular mass index. We have demonstrated that NDPH subjects have lower paraoxonase and arylesterase activities compared to DPH subjects and normotensives. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in the development of overt hypertension in prehypertensive subjects.