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We investigated the etiopathogenetic role of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) (Ala-9Val) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (Pro 197 Leu) gene polymorphisms in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar I disorder (BD). Eighty patients with MDD, 82 patients with BD (total 162 patients) and 96 healthy controls were enrolled in this study and genotyped using a Real Time-Quantitative Polymer Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR)-based method. The patients with BD and MDD and the controls had a similar distribution of the genotypes and alleles in the Ala-9Val MnSOD gene polymorphism. Comparison of the MDD group and control group regarding the Pro 197 Leu GSH-Px gene polymorphism revealed similar genotype distribution but different allele distribution. The BD group and control group were similar both for genotypes and for alleles when compared regarding the Pro 197 Leu GSH-Px gene polymorphism. The combined analysis (MDD plus BD) also failed to find any association between the Ala-9Val MnSOD and Pro 197 Leu GSH-Px gene polymorphism. Although small statistical power of the current study the significant difference between patients with depression and the control group for the Pro 197 Leu GSH-Px polymorphism indicates that the distribution of these alleles may have a contribution in the physiopathogenesis of depression. One of the limitation of the current study is that the sample size is too small. Understanding of the exact role of Pro 197 Leu GSH-Px polymorphism in the development of depression needs to further studies with more sample size and high statistical power., (© 2013 Association of Basic Medical Sciences of FB&H. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objectives: In this study, it was aimed to investigate thyroid functions, sonographic characteristics of thyroid gland, relation of thyroid functions, and cardiovascular risk factors in adult population living in northern Turkey., Design and Settings: The study was conducted in 70 areas (12 urban and 58 rural) in the province of Tokat in northern Turkey from 2005 to 2006., Patients and Methods: The study included about 530000 inhabitants of 18 years and older. Demographic characteristics and thyroid sonographic findings were noted for each subject, and blood samples were collected for measuring serum lipids and thyroid function tests., Results: A total of 1095 subjects (541 males, 554 females) were included, and their mean age (SD) was 41.4 (17) years. Mean thyrotropin (TSH) and free T4 levels (SD) were 1.5 (1.6) micro IU/mL and 1.2 (0.1) ng/dL, respectively, in males, and 2.2 (6.6) micro IU/mL and 1.2 (0.3) ng/dL, respectively, in females (P < .05). According to mean TSH levels, the prevalence of overt hypothyroidism, overt hyperthyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, and subclinical hyperthyroidism was detected as 1.6%, 0.5%, 2.7%, and 4.9%, respectively. Nodular goiter, multi-nodular goiter, and thyroid heterogeneity were determined as 13.8, 32.1, and 15.6%, respectively. The correlation between cardiovascular risk factors and serum TSH levels was not statistically significant (P > .05). The age was independently and significantly associated with serum TSH levels (P < .0001)., Conclusion: In terms of high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and nodular goiter, thyroid diseases must be concluded as a public health problem, and accurate and effective strategies must be identified.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic and an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane that affects approximately 1 % of the total world population. Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a widely used auto antibody in diagnosis of the RA and found positive in 50-80 % of the patients but with a lower specificity. On the other hand, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) is the latest serological marker with a specificity around 98 %. This field survey was conducted in different regions to investigate the frequency of RF and anti-CCP and also frequency of RA in a northern province of Turkey. This study was conducted in 70 local areas (12 urban and 58 rural) in the province of Tokat, which is located in northern Turkey. The population of Tokat was reported to be 828,000 at the last census and about 530,000 individuals aged > 18 years old. The study population of 941 subjects (462 male and 479 female; urban 501 and rural 440) was selected by random sampling method among 530,000 individuals. Of the 941 healthy controls assigned to the study, 479 of them were female (51 %) and 462 of them were males (49 %), and median age of all participants was 41 ± 17. Twenty-six subjects were RF positive (2.8 %), and 9 patients were anti-CCP positive (1 %). The presence of both RF and anti-CCP antibodies has also been shown in two patients (0.2 %). In conclusion, we demonstrated that the frequency of RA was 0.53 %, RF presence was 2.8 %, and anti-CCP presence was 1 % in total 941 healthy subjects enrolled into study.

Aim. We aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of weight loss and melatonin on the obesity-induced oxidative damage in rat testes. Materials and Methods. 28 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 7 rats: control group (Group 1), obesity group (Group 2), obesity + MLT group (Group 3), and weight loss group (Group 4). Rats were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Bilateral orchiectomy was performed and 5 cc blood samples were obtained from all of the rats. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) levels were analysed in the testicular tissues and serum. Spermatogenesis was evaluated with the Johnsen scoring system. Results. The testicular tissue and serum levels of MDA, PC, and SOD activity were increased in the obesity group in comparison to the sham operated group (P < 0.05). Weight loss and melatonin treatment ameliorated MDA, PC, and SOD levels in testicular tissue and serum significantly (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of mean Johnsen score (P = 0.727). Conclusion. Experimentally created obesity caused oxidative stress and both melatonin and weight loss reduced oxidative stress parameters in rat testes.

Purpose: To determine if the paraoxonase 1 L55M and paraoxonase 1 Q192R gene polymorphisms have an effect on the risk of having a retinal vein occlusion (RVO)., Methods: This case-control prospective study included 120 patients with RVO and 84 control subjects. All subjects were screened for age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, body mass index, fibrinogen, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein. Subjects were also questioned about their smoking habits. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes from EDTA anticoagulated blood. Genotyping of the paraoxonase 1 L55M and paraoxonase 1 Q192R polymorphisms was performed using real-time PCR., Results: The frequency of the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) 55 LL genotype was significantly lower in patients with RVO than in the control subjects (28% versus 55%; p = 0.005). Logistic regression analyses were also conducted. After adjusting for gender, diabetes, hypertension, plasma fibrinogen levels, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the lower LL genotype was found to be an independent predictor of RVO (β = 1.755; odds ratio = 5.783; p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval = 2.579-12.967)., Conclusions: Subjects with a lower frequency PON1 55 LL genotype had a higher risk of RVO. These results indicate that paraoxonase gene polymorphisms may be a possible risk factor for RVO. We suggest that the LL genotype may have a protective role in the pathogenesis of RVO in the Turkish population.

Purpose: This experimental study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effects of propofol anesthesia at induction doses in a rat skeletal muscle ischemia/reperfusion injury model., Methods: Twenty-six rats were randomly divided into three groups to receive one of the following interventions: sham operation (n = 6), ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (n = 10), or propofol administration in addition to I/R injury (n = 10). I/R injury was attained by 2-h clamping of femoral artery followed by 3-h perfusion. Then blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical analysis and histopathologic examination. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities and nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in both plasma and muscle tissue. In addition, catalase (CAT) activity and protein carbonyl (PC) content were measured in muscle tissue., Results: I/R group had significantly higher SOD activity (9.05 versus 5.63 and 6.18 U/mL, P < 0.05) and NO level (46.77 versus 30.62 and 33.90 μmol/L, P < 0.05) compared with sham-operated group and I/R plus propofol group. In addition, GSH-Px activity of the I/R group was significantly higher than sham-operated group (1.26 versus 1.05 U/mL, P < 0.05). I/R group had significantly higher tissue activities of CAT (0.11 versus 0.06 and 0.04 k/g protein, P < 0.05) and SOD (0.12 versus 0.08 and 0.07 U/mg protein, P < 0.05) compared with the sham and I/R plus propofol group. Histopathologic examination showed that I/R plus propofol group had significantly lower degeneration (P = 0.021) and inflammation (P = 0.028) scores compared with I/R group., Conclusion: Propofol anesthesia seems to enhance the antioxidant capacity against tourniquet induced ischemia-reperfusion injury., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) promotes cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells in atheroma plaques. In addition, HDL-C has anti-inflammatory and endothelium-protective properties. Despite that the only prerequisite for collateral development is shown to be the degree of coronary artery stenosis, there are significant differences even among patients with a similar degree of coronary artery disease., Objective: We designed this study to investigate a possible association between HDL-C and coronary collateral circulation (CCC)., Materials and Methods: All study participants had at least one occluded major coronary artery. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from patients' medical records. To classify CCC, we used Rentrop classification. The patients were then classified as having poor CCC (Rentrop grades 0-1) or good CCC (Rentrop grades 2-3). We performed t test and the χ test in comparing groups and multivariate logistics regression analysis to determine the predictors of CCC. The study population consisted of 151 patients (mean age, 63.7 ± 9 years; 76.2% male)., Results: Forty-nine patients had poor CCC and 102 patients had good CCC. The proportion of previous myocardial infarctions, serum triglycerides, and low HDL-C levels were more frequent in the poor CCC group (P = 0.026, P = 0.015, and P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that low HDL-C is a predictor of CCC (B = 1.456; P < 0.001; odds ratio, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.964-9.369)., Conclusion: We found that low HDL-C frequency was more frequent in the poor CCC group than the good CCC group, and HDL-C was a predictor of CCC.

Stroke is an emerging major health problem often resulting in death or disability. Hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure and diabetes are well established risk factors. Endothelial dysfunction associated with these risk factors underlies pathological processes leading to atherogenesis and cerebral ischemic injury. While mechanisms of disease are complex, endothelial dysfunction involves decreased nitric oxide (NO) and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). At physiological levels, ROS participate in regulation of cellular metabolism. However, when ROS increase to toxic levels through imbalance of production and neutralization by antioxidant enzymes, they cause cellular injury in the form of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and DNA damage. Central nervous system cells are more vulnerable to ROS toxicity due to their inherent higher oxidative metabolism and less antioxidant enzymes, as well as higher content of membranous fatty acids. During ischemic stroke, ROS concentration rises from normal low levels to a peak point during reperfusion possibly underlying apoptosis or cellular necrosis. Clinical trials and animal studies have shown that natural compounds can reduce oxidative stress due to excessive ROS through their antioxidant properties. With further study, we may be able to incorporate these compounds into clinical use with potential efficacy for both the treatment and prevention of stroke., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To investigate the association between prognosis of rectal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and expression of sensitive-to-apoptosis (SAG), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-X(L)) and Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer (Bak)., Methods: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of proteins of interest, namely SAG, Bcl-X(L), Bak and β-actin, in rectal carcinoma patients who had a follow-up period of 3 years after CRT. Biopsy specimens were excised from the rectal tumor preceding CRT., Results: SAG, Bcl-X(L) and Bak proteins showed significant correlations with each other. In multivariate analysis, patients with high vs low SAG expression showed a statistically significant difference in 2-year survival rates: 56% vs 73%, respectively (P = 0.056). On the other hand, there were no significant correlations between the expression levels of all three genes and metastatic rates or tumor responses to CRT. Mean overall survival in the patients with elevated SAG expression was 27.1 mo ± 3.9 mo [95% confidence interval (CI): 19.3-34.9], and in patients with reduced expression, it was 32.1 mo ± 2.5 mo (95% CI: 27.3-36.9). The corresponding values for Bcl-X(L) were 28.0 mo ± 4.1 mo (95% CI: 19.9-36.1) and 31.7 mo ± 2.9 mo (95% CI: 26.0-37.5), and those for Bak were 29.8 mo ± 3.7 mo (95% CI: 22.5-37.2) and 30.6 mo ± 2.4 mo (95% CI: 25.5-35.0), respectively., Conclusion: Two-year survival rates significantly correlated with low SAG expression, and SAG may be a candidate gene for good prognosis, independent of therapeutic response of different individuals.

Background: Oxidative stress has a critical role in inflammatory responce against tobacco smoke (TS). Testing exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples is one of the methods used for assessment of airway inflammation caused by TS. We aimed to investigate oxidative stress in the lungs associated with TS and to evaluate the effect of this stress with pulmonary function tests (PFTs)., Methods: We included 69 subjects as three groups into the study (Group I; 26 smokers, Group II; 21 passive smokers, Group III; 22 non-smokers without TS exposure). Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), nitrite/nitrate [index of nitric oxide (NO) production], vitamin C, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured in EBC samples collected using a condenser and PFTs were performed., Results: The levels of MDA, 8-OHdG, SOD and GSH-Px were higher in smokers. NO levels gradually increased from Group I to Group III. MDA levels were lower in Group III than Group II. The levels of vitamin C were similar in all groups. We determined negative correlation between 8-OHdG levels and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), and maximum mean expiratory flow (MMEF), and a positive correlation between SOD levels and FEV₁., Conclusions: TS exposure affected the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity of lungs. Preventing environmental TS exposure might decrease oxidative damage. Increased levels of 8-OHdG and SOD levels could be assessed as an early sign of airway damage.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of mitomycin-C in the wound healing process on collagen synthesis in tracheostomyzed rats., Materials and Methods: Fourteen healthy, in both sexes, mean weight of 270 g (range 250-300 g), Wistar-Albino type rats underwent tracheotomy and tracheal mucosa was damaged with micro-scissors on both sides of tracheostomyzed area. The rats were divided into two groups: The experimental group (group 1) received immediate topical application of mitomycin-C 0.2 mg/ml; the control group (group 2) received saline solution. The rats were sacrificed after a period of one month. Subsequently, the tracheostomyzed region was excised and vertically divided into the two parts. The level of hydroxyproline in the dry tissue was measured in one part of the tissue. Fibroblast count was performed in the other part of the tracheostomyzed region using the stereological method., Results: The hydroxyproline level was much higher in the mitomycin-C group when compared to the control group (p<0.05). In contrary, the number of fibroblasts was lower in the mitomycin-C group than control group (p<0.05)., Conclusion: When used in wound healing, mitomycin-C may increase collagen synthesis or quicken the wound healing process after one month.

It was aimed to investigate the histopathological and biochemical changes in kidney tissues of rats exposed to cigarette smoke and possible protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on these changes. Twenty one male Wistar albino rats were divided into three equal groups. Animals in group I were used as control. Rats in group II were exposed to cigarette smoke and rats in group III were exposed to cigarette smoke and daily administration of CAPE. At the end of the 60-day experimental period, all the animals were sacrificed by decapitation. The serum samples obtained from the animals were studied for uric acid, creatinine and blood urine nitrogen (BUN) levels. Following routine histological procedures, kidney tissue specimens were examined under a light microscope. In addition, dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) contents were determined spectrophotometrically in tissue samples. It was found that serum uric acid and BUN levels of the rats exposed to cigarette smoke alone were elevated, although serum creatinine levels did not significantly change. Furthermore, renal SOD, GSH-Px, NO and MDA levels were significantly increased. These increases in serum BUN, and renal SOD, GSH-Px, NO and MDA levels were significantly inhibited by CAPE treatment. In light microscopic observations of tissues from rats exposed to smoke, mesangial cell proliferation in the renal corpuscles, dilatation and congestion in the peritubular capillaries and degenerative alterations in the proximal tubules were noted. There were also atrophic renal corpuscles. However, these histopathological changes were partially disappeared in the rats exposed to cigarette smoke plus CAPE. The present findings indicate that cigarette smoke causes impairment in renal structure and function, which can be prevented by CAPE administration.

Introduction: Elevated aminotransferase levels(ATLs) are alert the physicians for liver-affecting disease and may reflect liver injury. We aimed to determine the prevalence of elevated ATLs and the association of elevated ATLs with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a northern province of Turkey., Materials and Methods: Elevated ATLs were evaluated among 1,095 individuals of the Tokat Prevalence Study which have been described in detail elsewhere. 1,095 participants had been selected by a simple random sampling method among 530,000 inhabitants in 70 (12 urban and 58 rural) areas in the province of Tokat which is located in the Black Sea Region of Turkey., Results: The prevalence of elevated serum ALT, AST, and ALT and/or AST were found as 11%, 7.2%, and 13.3%, respectively. Increased BMI, fatty liver, and MetS were higher in our general population with elevated ATLs. After exclusion of individuals with hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, 132 individuals with elevated ATLs (91 male and 41 female) were evaluated. MetS was found in 59 participants and its prevalence was markedly higher in females with elevated ATLs (p < 0.0001). When the males with elevated ATLs were evaluated, the ALT levels of the persons who have no risk of MetS (p =0.007) and the persons who have one risk of MetS (p = 0.001) were lower than the persons with MetS., Conclusions: Elevated ATLs are common and it's an important cause is MetS in Northern Turkey.

Objectives: Our purpose was to investigate the effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury on traumatized lungs., Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Wistar rats were used in the study. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. In the control group (group 1), only anesthesia and ventilation were used. In group 2, only lung ischemia-reperfusion injury was instituted. In group 3, only blunt chest trauma was instituted. And in group 4, lung ischemia reperfusion injury, consisting of 24 hours after the constitution of blunt chest trauma, was used. Lung damage and systemic inflammation parameters were evaluated., Results: All parameters (alveolar degeneration grades, alveolar macrophage and lymphocyte counts, antioxidant enzyme activities, cytokine levels, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid albumin level) were higher in all groups than they were in the control group (P < .05). Only tissue malondialdehyde, tissue interleukin-8, and serum glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly higher in the lung ischemia-reperfusion group than they were in the trauma group (P < .05). The trauma + ischemia reperfusion group showed no significant difference when compared with the only ischemia-reperfusion or only trauma groups in any parameters (P > .05)., Conclusions: The findings showed that lung trauma does not aggravate the deleterious effects of lung ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant/oxidant status of serum in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX)., Methods: Forty-seven patients with PEX and 32 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were determined by using a novel automated method., Results: A significant increase in serum TOS (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in serum TAC (p < 0.0001) were observed in PEX patients compared to control subjects., Conclusion: TAC decreases while the oxidative stress increases in PEX., (Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The goal of asthma treatment is to achieve clinical control. The aim of this study was to compare the role of measurement of nitric oxide and its products in exhaled breath condensate and asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), level of asthma control (LAC) according to GINA guidelines and bronchial provocation test (BPT) in assessing asthma control in cases with stable asthma. Thus, 47 patients with the diagnosis of stable asthma and 42 individuals in the control group were enrolled in the study. The mean ages of the patient and the control groups were 44 +/- 11 and 47 +/- 11 years, respectively. While there was no significant relation between LAC and levels of nitric oxide, nitrite and nitrate, there was a significant relation between ACQ and mini quality of life questionnaire (p< 0.001). In the group with positive BPT, ACQ scores and absolute serum eosinophil values were significantly higher (p< 0.05), and FEV(1)/FVC and PEF percentages were significantly lower than those of the group with negative BPT (p< 0.05). Reversibility was significantly higher in participants with positive BPT than in those with negative BPT (11.2 +/- 7.4 and 6.9 +/- 6.6, respectively; p< 0.05). There was no significant relationship between nitric oxide, nitrite, nitrate in the exhaled breath condensate and ACQ, LAC, BPT and pulmonary function tests (p> 0.05). In conclusion, it was found that the levels of exhaled breath condensate nitric oxide, nitrite and nitrate were not sufficient for determining the level of asthma control in patients with stable asthma. It was concluded that the currently available asthma control questionnaires may be adequate for assessing asthma control.

Objectives: To compare serum vitamin D levels and bone mineral density (BMD) values in patients with fibromyalgia and healthy controls., Background: The so far available reports of low levels of vitamin D and low BMD values in patients with fibromyalgia are inconsistent., Methods: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels and BMD values were measured in thirty women with fibromyalgia and compared with thirty age-matched healthy women. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were also measured. All participants completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS). Pain severity was assessed with visual analog scale (VAS)., Results: Mean serum 25-OHD levels did not differ between the groups (fibromyalgia 10.57 +/- 10.46, controls 10.87 +/- 5.52 ng/l; p=0.89); nor did the frequency of vitamin D deficiency (25-OHD < or = 20 ng/l) in each group (fibromyalgia 86.7%, controls 96.7%; p=0.353). Although, mean serum PTH level was found significantly higher in fibromyalgic patients than in controls (p=0.014), only one patient and two of controls had barely elevated PTH levels. There was no relationship between vitamin D level and FIQ score (p=0.707) or HADS (p=0.824) or pain VAS (p=0.414). BMD values in the patients with fibromyalgia were comparable to those in controls at both, the lumbar spine (p=0.866) and femur neck (p=0.61)., Conclusion: Neither vitamin D levels nor BMD values are different between women with and without fibromyalgia. In this cross-sectional study, mean serum PTH level was found higher in the fibromyalgic patients than in controls. Nevertheless, in order to confirm the findings of this preliminary study it is still necessary to perform a controlled longitudinal study (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 35). Full Text in free PDF www.bmj.sk.

Objectives: Serum ferritin is one of the markers indicating hemophagocytosis that may have a role in the pathogenesis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). This study was designed to determine any correlation between serum ferritin and routine diagnostic laboratory markers of CCHF, and to investigate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and disease severity., Methods: Sixty-six patients with CCHF admitted to the hospital during the spring and summer months of 2006 and 2007 were included in the study. Serum ferritin levels were measured in sera obtained during the initial days of hospitalization. Data from 53 patients showing decreasing platelet counts over the first three days were used for further analysis and these patients were divided into two groups according to disease severity: group A included severe cases with lowest platelet counts < or =20x10(9)/l and group B included mild cases with lowest platelet counts >20x10(9)/l., Results: Forty patients (60.6%) were male (mean age 43+/-17 years). Three patients died, thus the fatality rate was 4.5%. Fifty-one patients (77.3%) had abnormal serum ferritin levels, with levels above 500 ng/ml in 62.1%. There was a significant negative correlation between ferritin levels and concordant platelet counts (p<0.001; r=-0.416) and ferritin was also found to be positively correlated with aspartate aminotransferase (p<0.001; r=0.625), alanine aminotransferase (p<0.001; r=0.479), and lactate dehydrogenase (p<0.001; r=0.684). Group A had higher ferritin levels than group B (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that a ferritin level of > or =1862ng/ml had a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 83.8% in differentiating severe cases from mild ones., Conclusions: Increased serum ferritin levels may suggest a significant role of hemophagocytosis in the pathogenesis of CCHF and may be a useful marker for diagnosis, disease activity, and prognosis., (Copyright 2009 International Society for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate oxidative damage to the macromolecules, including protein, lipid, and DNA, in association with total oxidation status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD)., Materials and Methods: Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an index of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl (PC) as a marker of protein oxidation, 8-hydroxy-29-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as an indicator of oxidative DNA damage along with TOS, TAC were measured by specific methods in 47 patients with exudative AMD and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects., Results: Significantly higher MDA, PC, 8-OHdG, TOS, and lower TAC levels were detected in the serum of patients with exudative AMD compared with their controls (p < 0.001)., Conclusion: The results indicate that an imbalance between TOS and TAC leads to not only increased lipid damage, but also protein and DNA damage. These first reported results suggest that protein and DNA damage might also play a role in the pathogenesis of AMD.

Objectives: It has been shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the onset and progression of osteoarthritis. We investigated cartilage destruction and oxidative stress parameters in the blood and synovial fluid of knee joints of rabbits exposed to varying periods of immobilization., Methods: Twenty-eight mature New Zealand albino male rabbits were divided into four groups equal in number. In three groups, the knees were immobilized with a rigid cast for 3, 6 and 9 weeks, respectively. The cartilaginous tissue of the femoral condyles and tibial plateau were analyzed with respect to total count, total volume, and numerical density of chondrocytes using stereohistological methods. Antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px), and oxidative stress parameters including nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in the plasma and synovial fluid., Results: Compared to the control group, total count and total volume of chondrocytes in the femoral condyle and tibial plateau showed significant decreases, while numerical density showed a significant increase at 3 weeks of immobilization. Subsequent immobilization periods resulted in significant decreases in all these parameters, being most remarkable compared to the control group at the end of nine weeks (p<0.001). In plasma and knee joint synovial fluid, all antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) and oxidative stress parameters (NO and MDA) showed consistent increases compared to the control group throughout the immobilization period (p<0.001)., Conclusion: Increased levels of ROS in the blood and synovial fluid might result in cartilage destruction and ROS may be one of the potential factors involved in the etiopathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Prolonged joint immobilization should be avoided in the treatment of orthopedic diseases.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) are associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and to evaluate the impact of antidepressant treatment on TAC and TOS in MDD., Methods: Fifty-seven MDD patients and 40 healthy controls participated in the study. Serum TAC and TOS were measured both in patients and controls using Erel's methods. Patients were treated with antidepressant drugs for 12 weeks. The treatment course was evaluated using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) in all patients., Results: TOS and oxidative stress index (OSI) were higher (P = 0.0001 for both) and TAC was lower (P = 0.0001) in the MDD group compared with those of the controls. After 3 months of antidepressant treatment, TOS and OSI were decreased and TAC was increased compared with the pretreatment values (P = 0.0001, for all). Furthermore, there were significant positive correlations between the severity of the disease and serum TOS and OSI (r = 0.584, P = 0.0001; r = 0.636, P = 0.0001, respectively). A negative correlation was found between the severity of the disease and serum TAC (r = -0.553, P = 0.0001) at the pre-treatment stage., Conclusion: Treatment administered for 3 months to MDD patients increases TAC while decreasing TOS and OSI.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a systemic relapsing autoinflammatory disorder occurring in populations originating from the Mediterranean basin, mainly Turks, Levantine Arabs, Sephardic Jews, Druze, and Armenians. The prevalence of FMF shows considerable geographical variation. In Turkey, the prevalence rates were reported as 0.0027-0.25%. This field survey was conducted in different regions to investigate the frequency of FMF in a northern province of Turkey. This study was conducted in 70 areas (12 urban and 58 rural) in the province of Tokat, which is in northern Turkey. The population of Tokat was reported to be 828,000 at the last census in Turkey in 2000, about 530,000 for individuals aged >18 years ( http://www.die.gov.tr ). Mean age of 1,095 (541 male and 554 female; urban 555 and rural 540) subjects was 41 +/- 17 (range 18-95 years). FMF frequency in this study was 1/123 (0.82%, 95 CI: 0.40-1.61). Mean age of patients were 27 years (20-41) and mean age of symptoms were 16.3 years (11-23). In conclusion, the frequency of FMF in this study was 1/123 (0.82%) which was higher than expected. This rate is the highest frequency of FMF reported from Turkey. Further large sample studies are needed to define to true prevalence of FMF in Turkey.

Radiation-induced enteritis is a well-recognized sequel of therapeutic irradiation. Therefore we examined the radioprotective properties of Punica granatum peel extract (PPE) on the oxidative damage in the ileum. Rats were exposed to a single whole-body X-ray irradiation of 800 cGy. Irradiated rats were pretreated orally with saline or PPE (50 mg/kg/day) for 10 days before irradiation and the following 10 days, while control rats received saline or PPE but no irradiation. Then plasma and ileum samples were obtained. Irradiation caused a decrease in glutathione and total antioxidant capacity, which was accompanied by increases in malondialdehyde levels, myeloperoxidase activity, collagen content of the tissue with a concomitant increase 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (an index of oxidative DNA damage). Similarly, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6) and lactate dehydrogenase were elevated in irradiated groups as compared to control. PPE treatment reversed all these biochemical indices, as well as histopathological alterations induced by irradiation. Furthermore, flow cytometric measurements revealed that leukocyte apoptosis and cell death were increased in irradiated animals, while PPE reversed these effects. PPE supplementation reduced oxidative damage in the ileal tissues, probably by a mechanism that is associated with the decreased production of reactive oxygen metabolites and enhancement of antioxidant mechanisms. Adjuvant therapy of PPE may have a potential to support a successful radiotherapy by protecting against radiation-induced enteritis.

Background/aims: Viral hepatitides are considered a major health problem worldwide. There are only a few studies relevant to the epidemiology of these types of infection in the normal healthy population. In this study, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C as well as the frequency of isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity among a normal healthy population in a northern province of Turkey., Methods: This study was conducted in 70 areas (12 urban and 58 rural) in the province of Tokat, which is in the Black Sea region of Turkey, with about 530,000 inhabitants 18 years and older. All urban regions and some rural regions selected by a cluster sampling method were included in the study. The study population of 1,095 subjects (541 male and 554 female; urban 555 and rural 540) was selected by a random sampling method among 530,000 individuals. All individuals were tested for HBsAg, anti- HBs, anti-HBc IgG, anti-HCV, and alanine aminotransferase., Results: The mean age of all participants was 41.4+/-17 years (range, 18-95). HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc IgG only, isole and anti-HCV were detected in 60 (5.5%), 250 (22.8%), 132 (12.1%), and 23 (2.1%) individuals of the 1,095 total participants, respectively. We did not find statistically significant differences between hepatitis B and C markers for men versus women or those living in rural versus urban areas. The rate of HBsAg positivity in individuals with a history of marriage to close relatives was higher., Conclusions: We found that the seroprevalences of hepatitis B and C in a northern province of Turkey are similar to the averages reported in other studies that were conducted in a different region of our country. The history of marriage to close relatives was associated with hepatitis B.

We aimed to assess the prevalence of CKD in the Black Sea Region, Turkey, and to evaluate any relationship between age, gender, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and CKD. This study was conducted in 70 different areas in Tokat Province in the Black Sea Region, in the northern part of Turkey. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated from the serum creatinine using MDRD formulas. CKD-defined estimated GFR was lower than 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). A total of 1,079 persons were included in this study (mean age 41.4+/-17 years [range: 18-95 years], 49.4% males, 50.6% living in an urban area). Of the 1,079 individuals, 5.28% were diabetic, 22.9% were obese, and 37.8% were hypertensive. CKD was found in 62 of them (5.75%). The prevalence of CKD was 5.58% in non-diabetics and 8.77% in diabetics. No significant differences were found between two groups. The prevalence of CKD was 3.77% in non-hypertensive individuals and 8.82% in hypertensive patients, and 4.46% in non-obese and 9.31% in obese. The evident significant differences were found between groups (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The prevalence of CKD increased with age within our population. A salient observation was the markedly higher prevalence of CKD in females than males (p = 0.046). There was an inverse correlation between eGFR and age (r = 0.529, p < 0.0001). The overall prevalence of CKD was 5.75% in general population. The prevalence of CKD increased with age within our population. Age, gender, obesity and hypertension were found to be significant risk factors for development of CKD in our population.

The present study was undertaken to determine whether resveratrol (RVT) could ameliorate ionizing radiation-induced oxidative injury. After a 10-days pre-treatment with RVT (10 mg/kg/day p.o.), rats were exposed to whole-body IR (800 cGy) and the RVT treatment was continued for 10 more days after the irradiation. Irradiation caused a significant decrease in glutathione level, while malondialdehyde levels, myeloperoxidase activity and collagen content were increased in the liver and ileum tissues. Similarly, plasma lactate dehydrogenase and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and leukocyte apoptosis were elevated, while antioxidant-capacity was reduced in the irradiated rats as compared with the control group. Furthermore, Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity was inhibited and DNA fragmentation was increased in the ileal tissues. Resveratrol treatment reversed all these biochemical indices, as well as histopathological alterations induced by irradiation. In conclusion, supplementing cancer patients with adjuvant therapy of resveratrol may have some benefit for a more successful radiotherapy.

Aim: This study was designed to investigate effect of gradual detorsion on testicular ischemia reperfusion injury., Materials and Methods: A total of 21 male rats were divided into 3 groups, each containing 7 rats. Torsion was created by rotating the left testis 720 degrees in a clockwise direction. Group 1 underwent sham operation. Group 2 (sudden detorsion) served as a torsion/detorsion group, receiving 2 hours torsion and 2 hours detorsion. In group 3, 360 degrees detorsion was done for 20 minutes after 720 degrees torsion for 2 hours. Then, testis was done full detorsion for 100 minutes. At the end of the experiments (fourth hour), left orchiectomy was performed to measure the tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase and to perform histologic examination in testes., Results: The MDA levels of testis tissues were significantly increased in the sudden detorsion group as compared with the sham group. We found decrease of the MDA level in gradual detorsion group, but it was not a statistically significant amount. Significant decrease was found in the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the sudden detorsion group as compared with the sham and gradual detorsion groups. Histologic examinations were in accordance with the testicular tissue MDA levels., Conclusion: In the light of our biochemical and histopathologic findings, we can say that gradual detorsion has a trend to decrease the degree of testicular reperfusion injury in the rat torsion/detorsion model.

Objectives: Screening of family members of children with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) has been carried out to detect new potential patients and to analyze the type of inheritance other than autosomal recessive., Methods: Marenostrin encoding fever gene mutational analysis has been performed in 83 subjects - including 19 newly diagnosed children with FMF and their family members., Results: Fourteen additional patients with FMF were diagnosed by screening family members. Pseudo-dominant and true dominant inheritances were detected in two families respectively, while the rest of the patients exhibited autosomal recessive mode of inheritance., Conclusion: Screening the family members of newly diagnosed FMF patients provides the opportunity to reveal undiagnosed new cases and to understand the mode of inheritance.

The objective of our study was to elucidate serum levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in Behcet's disease (BD) patients with active and inactive period. The multicenter study included 53 patients with active (n = 28) and inactive (n = 25) BD (mean age, 34.3 +/- 9 years; 15 men and 38 women) satisfying the International Study Group criteria and 26 healthy controls (mean age, 34.4 +/- 6.1 years; seven men and 19 women) matched for age and gender from a similar ethnic background. Serum natriuretic peptides levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay kit. Mean serum ANP concentrations in the active patients (4.01 +/- 1.21 ng/ml) were significantly lower than in the healthy controls (5.76 +/- 1.99 ng/ml, p = 0.004). Mean serum BNP levels were found to be significantly higher in both the active (6.19 +/- 2.97 ng/ml) and inactive (6.49 +/- 2.88 ng/ml) BD groups compared with the control group (3.82 +/- 1.1 ng/ml, p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively). Mean serum CNP concentrations in the active patients (0.49 +/- 0.12 ng/ml) were significantly lower than in the inactive patients (0.65 +/- 0.2 ng/ml, p = 0.017) and the healthy controls (0.8 +/- 0.27 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Our results suggest that changes in natriuretic peptide levels may be associated with vasculitis that play role in the etiopathogenesis of the BD.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of melatonin on antioxidant enzyme levels and histopathologic changes in dizocilpine (MK-801)-induced psychosis model rat testis., Methods: A total of 24 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into three groups with 8 in each. Group I was used as control. Rats in Group II were injected with MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg body weight i.p. for 5 days). In addition to MK-801, melatonin (50 mg/kg body weight i.p. once a day for 5 days) was injected into the rats in Group III. The testes were harvested bilaterally for biochemical and histopathological examinations. Antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and nitric oxide (NO) levels in testicular tissues were analyzed using spectrophotometric analysis methods. Histopathological examinations of the testes were also performed., Results: MK-801 induced testicular damage, which resulted in significant oxidative stress (OS) by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. The malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and NO levels were increased in testicular tissues of rats. Treatment with melatonin led to significant decrease in oxidative injury. Administration of melatonin also reduced the detrimental histopathologic effects caused by MK-801., Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that MK-801 cause OS in testicular tissues of rats and treatment with melatonin can reduce the harmful effects of MK-801.

Purpose: To evaluate the levels of serum alpha 1-antitrypsin in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and healthy control subjects without PEX., Material and Methods: Forty-four patient with PEX and 40 healthy control subjects (84 subjects total) were enrolled into the study. Serum ATT levels were measured using nephelometry., Results: The mean serum AAT concentration in PEX group was significantly higher than in the controls (p=0.0001)., Conclusion: Serum AAT levels were found to be increased in patients with PEX. Increased serum AAT levels in PEX may explain the role of inflammation in this group of patients.

Conclusions: Although antibiotics are the mainstays for treatment of sinusitis, they do not specifically treat tissue damage due to free radicals. We propose that antioxidant, anti-infective, immunomodulator vitamin A may be a useful addition in the management of sinusitis., Objectives: Acute sinusitis is one of the most common diseases in humans. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and essential for immunity, cellular differentiation, and maintenance of respiratory and gastrointestinal epithelial surfaces, growth, reproduction, and vision. The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic role of vitamin A on healing of acute sinusitis., Materials and Methods: This was a prospective controlled animal trial. Experimental sinusitis was induced by blocking the right nose and inoculating Streptococcus pneumoniae into the right maxillary sinuses. Left maxillary sinuses were used as controls. Rabbits were divided in to two groups. At 48 h after inoculation, group I received only parenteral ampicillin-sulbactam (50 mg/kg), group II was treated with parenteral ampicillin-sulbactam (50 mg/kg) and parenteral a dose of 100,000 IU vitamin A in palmitate form. All animals were sacrificed on the 10th day. Mucosal samples were excised from the infected and control sinuses for histopathologic examination, for measurement of activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT), and for evaluation of levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO)., Results: All the infected sinuses displayed signs of inflammation, but there was no statistically significant difference between the study and control groups. In our study, epithelial integrity as well as NO and MDA levels were better in the group receiving both antibiotic and vitamin A than the group receiving antibiotic alone. Nevertheless, SOD activity was significantly increased in the group receiving only antibiotics, compared with the control mucosal SOD activity. There was no difference between the groups as regards CAT and GSH activity.

Oxygen-derived free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle injury after ischemia-reperfusion. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, an active component of propolis extract, exhibits antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and alpha-tocopherol (vit E) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in a rat hind limb ischemia/reperfusion model. For this purpose, ischemia was induced in anesthetized rats by unilateral (right) femoral artery clipping for 2 h followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Four groups were studied: sham, I/R, I/R+CAPE and I/R+vit E. Drugs were administered intraperitoneally after 1 h of ischemia and I/R rats received saline vehicle. After 2 h of reperfusion, venous blood was sampled and the right gastrocnemius muscle was harvested. Plasma and tissue were assayed for malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites. Tissue was also assayed for catalase (CAT) activity. Both tissue and plasma NO levels, MDA levels, SOD activities was significantly increased in I/R groups compared to control groups. The two treated groups showed decreased MDA and NO in both muscle and plasma compared to the I/R group. No differences were noted in muscle tissue SOD in three I/R groups, but SOD activity were increased in the plasma of I/R+CAPE and I/R+vit E groups compared with I/R group. Whereas tissue CAT activity was not changed among groups. Our results indicate that CAPE has antioxidant properties similar to those of vit E in this model and may attenuate the harmful effects of hind limb I/R in skeletal muscle.

The aim of this study was to investigate the histological and biochemical changes in liver of rats exposed to cigarette smoke and effects of caffeic acid phenetyl ester (CAPE) on these changes. For this purpose, 21 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Animals in Group I were used as control. Rats in Group II were exposed to cigarette smoke and rats in Group III were exposed to cigarette smoke and injected daily with CAPE. At the end of the 60-days experimental period, all rats were killed by decapitation and blood samples were obtained. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin levels and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px ), malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were determined. Following routine histological procedures, liver tissue specimens were examined under a light microscope. The levels of ALT, AST, total bilirubin, SOD, GSH-Px and MDA were significantly increased in rats exposed to cigarette smoke compared with those of the controls. Light microscopic examination of liver specimens from rats exposed to cigarette smoke revealed mononuclear cell infiltration and that some of the hepatocytes had a hyperchromatic nucleus and enlarged sinusoids. The rats which were treated with CAPE along with cigarettes had partially attenuated histological changes associated with cigarette exposure. In conclusion, the damage inflicted by cigarette in the rat liver can be partially prevented by CAPE administration., ((c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

MK-801 was shown to be one of the most neurotoxic non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists. It is known that repeated injection of MK-801 was proposed in an animal model in psychosis. The aims of this study are to investigate the contributing effect of oxidative stress in MK-801-induced experimental psychosis model, and to show that prevention of oxidative stress may improve prognosis. Furthermore, there is evidence that oxygen free radicals play an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In this study, Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups: 1st group: Control, 2nd group: MK-801, 3rd group: MK-801+CAPE (Caffeic acid phenethyl ester) group. MK-801 was given intraperitoneally at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 5 days. CAPE was given to the treatment group while exposed to MK-801. In control group, saline was given intraperitoneally at the same time. After 7 days, rats were killed by decapitation. Prefrontal cortex (PFC) of rats was removed for biochemical and histological analyses. As a result, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), nitric oxide (NO) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and xanthine oxidase (XO) and adenosine deaminase (AD) enzyme activities were found to be increased significantly in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of MK-801 group (p<0.0001) compared to control group. In CAPE treated rats, prefrontal tissue MDA, PC, NO levels and, GSH-Px, XO, AD enzyme activities were significantly decreased when compared to MK-801 groups (p<0.0001) whereas catalase (CAT) enzyme activity was not changed. Moreover, in the light of microscopic examination of MK-801 groups, a great number of apoptotic cells were observed. CAPE treatment decreased the apoptotic cell count in PFC. The results of this study showed that MK-801-induced neurotoxicity caused oxidative stress in PFC of rats. This experimental study may also provide some evidences for the new treatment strategies with antioxidants in schizophrenia.

We evaluated the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on antioxidant enzyme levels and histopathologic changes in dizocilpine (MK-801) induced schizophrenic rat testis. A total of 30 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into three groups. Group-I was used as control. Rats in the Group-II were intraperitoneally injected with MK-801, whereas those in Group-III were intraperitoneally injected with CAPE in addition to MK-801. The testes were collected for biochemical and histopathological examinations. Antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and nitric oxide levels in testicular tissues were analyzed with spectrophotometric methods. Induction of schizophrenia resulted in a significant oxidative stress by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. Tissue malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels were also increased. Treatment with CAPE led to significant decrease in oxidative injury. Administration of CAPE reduced the detrimental histopathologic changes caused by MK-801. The results showed that experimentally induced schizophrenia caused oxidative stress in testes of rats and treatment with CAPE reduced these harmful effects.

Objectives: We determined serum nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and sought correlations with TNM staging, tumor localization, and tumor grade., Patients and Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 36 patients (mean age 63 years; range 37 to 80 years) with head and neck SCC prior to treatment and from 20 healthy individuals (mean age 56 years; range 30 to 72 years) as controls. Tumor staging was based on the criteria of the American Joint Committee of Cancer staging system in 2002. Thirteen patients had stage I-II, and 23 patients had stage III-IV tumors and all had well- or moderately-differentiated SCC (grade 1-2). Serum NO levels were analyzed by a spectrophotometric method based on the determination of total nitrite levels in serum and compared between the patient and control groups., Results: The mean serum NO levels were 20.08+/-1.40 micromol/l and 13.57+/-0.99 micromol/l in cancer patients and controls, respectively (p=0.001). There were no correlations between NO levels and age, sex, tumor stage, localization, and histological grade., Conclusion: These data suggest that head and neck SCC is associated with increased serum NO levels, which may play a role in tumor growth.

The aims of this study are to investigate the contribution effect of oxidative stress in MK-801-induced experimental psychosis model, and to show that prevention of oxidative stress may improve prognosis. Because oxidative damage has been suggested in the neuropathophysiology of schizophrenia, the possible protecting agents against lipid peroxidation are potential target for the studies in this field. For this purpose, Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups: the first group was used as control, MK-801 was given to the rats in the second group and MK-801+omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) was given to the third group. MK-801 was given intraperitoneally at the dose of 0.5mg/(kgday) once a day for 5 days in experimental psychosis group. In the second group, 0.8g/(kgday), omega-3 FA (eicosapentaenoic acid, 18%, docosahexaenoic acid, 12%) was given to the rats while exposed MK-801. In control group, saline was given intraperitoneally at the same time. After 7 days, rats were killed by decapitation. Prefrontal brain area was removed for histological and biochemical analyses. As a result, malondialdehyde (MDA), as an indicator of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl (PC), as an indicator of protein oxidation, nitric oxide (NO) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities as antioxidant enzymes, and xanthine oxidase (XO) and adenosine deaminase (AD) activities as an indicator of DNA oxidation was found to be increased significantly in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of MK-801 group (P<0.0001) compared to control group. In omega-3 FA treated rats, prefrontal tissue MDA, PC and NO levels as well as SOD, GSH-Px, XO, and AD enzyme activities were significantly decreased when compared to MK-801 groups (P<0.0001) whereas catalase (CAT) enzyme activity was not changed. Moreover, in the light of microscopic examination of MK-801 groups, a great number of apoptotic cells were observed. omega-3 FA supplementation decreased the apoptotic cell count in PFC. The results of this study revealed that oxidative stress and apoptotic changes in PFC may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MK-801-induced neuronal toxicity. This experimental study also provides some evidences for the protective effects of omega-3 FA on MK-801-induced changes in PFC of rats.

There is a great evidence that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathophysiology of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in skeletal muscle. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a component of honeybee propolis. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenger properties. The aim of this study is to determine the protective effects of CAPE against I/R injury in respect of protein oxidation, neutrophil in filtration, and the activities of xanthine oxidase (XO) and adenosine deaminase (AD) on an in vivo model of skeletal muscle I/R injury. Rats were divided into three equal groups each consisting of six rats: Sham operation, I/R, and I/R plus CAPE (I/R+CAPE) groups. CAPE was administered intraperitoneally 60 min before the beginning of the reperfusion. At the end of experimental procedure, blood and gastrocnemius muscle tissues were used for biochemical analyses. Tissue protein carbonyl (PC) levels and the activities of XO, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and AD in I/R group were significantly higher than that of control (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.005, respectively). Administration of CAPE significantly decreased tissue PC levels, MPO and XO activities in skeletal muscle compared to I/R group (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK), XO and AD activities were decreased in I/R+CAPE group compared to I/R group (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.001). The results of this study revealed that free radical attacks may play an important role in the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle I/R injury. Also, the potent free radical scavenger compound, CAPE, may have protective potential in this process. Therefore, it can be speculated that CAPE or other antioxidant agents may be useful in the treatment of I/R injury as well as diffused traumatic injury of skeletal muscle.

A stone in the hydrocele sac is very rarely encountered, whereas the occurrence of multiple stones in the hydrocele cavity has not been reported before. Numerous intrascrotal stones were encountered in the hydrocele sac of a patient during operation and has prompted us to report this case.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common chronic pain syndrome with an unknown etiology. Recent years added new information to our understanding of FM pathophysiology. Researches on genetics, biogenic amines, neurotransmitters, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones, oxidative stress, and mechanisms of pain modulation, central sensitization, and autonomic functions in FM revealed various abnormalities indicating that multiple factors and mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of FM. Oxidative stress and nitric oxide may play an important role in FM pathophysiology, however it is still not clear whether oxidative stress abnormalities documented in FM are the cause or the effect. This should encourage further researches evaluating the potential role of oxidative stress and nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of FM and the efficacy of antioxidant treatments (omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, vitamins and others) in double blind and placebo controlled trials. These future researches will enhance our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of this disorder.

We proposed to assess the oxidant/antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) in untreated fibromyalgia (FM) patients and controls. The effect of amitriptyline (A, 20 mg daily) and sertraline (S, 100 mg daily) treatment on patients' superoxide dismutase (SOD), xanthine oxidase (XO), adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzyme activities, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and NO levels was investigated. Thirty female patients with primary FM and age-matched 16 healthy female controls were included. Patients received an 8-week course of treatment with either A or S. FM patients had higher serum levels of TBARS (particularly malondialdehyde) and lower levels of nitrite compared to controls whereas enzyme activities were similar. A and S significantly improved Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) pain scores, Hamilton anxiety and depression rating scales. But neither A nor S had significant effects on measured oxidative stress parameters, except SOD activity that was significantly reduced after S treatment. Total myalgic scores negatively correlated with XO activity, and depression scales negatively correlated with levels of TBARS. Our results indicate that patients with FM are under oxidative stress. These findings represent a rationale for further research assessing the effect of free radical scavengers or antioxidant agents like vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids on peripheral and central mechanisms in FM.

This study was carried out to determine if Ginkgo Biloba Extract (GBE or Egb 761) exerts a beneficial effect against cisplatin-induced renal failure in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups. The first group (control) received orally 1 mL/kg/day of 0.9% saline by an oral carrier vehicle on days 1 to 10. The second group was injected with 7 mg/kg cisplatin intraperitoneally (i.p.) on the fourth day, once only. The third group (vit E+cisplatin) was administered 10 mg/kg/day i.p. vit E on 1 to 10 days with one dose of i.p. cisplatin (7 mg/kg) injection on the fourth day. The fourth group (GBE+cisplatin) was given GBE orally at 100 mg/mL/kg started on the first day up to the tenth day with one dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg) injection on the fourth day. Cisplatin was found to lead a statistically significant increase in plasma BUN and creatinine levels, as well as urine micro total protein (MTP) levels, leading to acute renal failure (ARF) in rats. Renal xanthine oxidase (XO) activities increased in all groups (statistically significant in cisplatin + GBE-treated rats; P < 0.001). Adenosine deaminase (AD) activities were increased in cisplatin-treated rats, and decreased in cisplatin+GBE-treated (P < 0.041) and cisplatin+vit E-treated (P < 0.005) rats, compared to controls. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were increased in the kidney tissue of cisplatin-treated rats. Vit E improved plasma creatinine and urine MTP levels, together with tissue MDA, NO levels, and MPO activities. But GBE had no statistically significant effect on those parameters. These results indicate that increased XO, AD and MPO activities, as well as MDA and NO levels play a critical role in cisplatin nephrotoxicity. GBE has been shown to protect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Aim: To show the oxidative stress after cigarette smoke exposure in rat testis and to evaluate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)., Methods: Twenty-one rats were divided into three groups of seven. Animals in Group I were used as control. Rats in Group II were exposed to cigarette smoke only (4 x 30 min/d) and rats in Group III were exposed to cigarette smoke and received daily intraperitoneal injections of CAPE (10 micromol/kg x d). After 60 days all the rats were killed and the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide-dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the level of malondialdehyde were studied in the testicular tissues of rats with spectrophotometric analysis., Results: There was a significant increase in catalase and superoxide-dismutase activities in Group II when compared to the controls, but the levels of both decreased after CAPE administration in Group III. GSH-Px activity was decreased in Group II but CAPE caused an elevation in GSH-Px activity in Group III. The difference between the levels of GSH-Px in Group I and Group II was significant, but the difference between groups II and III was not significant. Elevation of malondialdehyde after smoke exposure was significant and CAPE caused a decrease to a level which was not statistically different to the control group. A significantly increased level of NO after exposure to smoke was reversed by CAPE administration and the difference between NO levels in groups I and III was statistically insignificant., Conclusion: Exposure to cigarette smoke causes changes in the oxidative enzyme levels in rat testis, but CAPE can reverse these harmful effects.

The purpose of this study was to investigate iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) levels of aqueous humor, lens, and serum in nondiabetics and diabetics and to determine the effects of diabetes on Fe, Zn, and Cu contents in the lens. Fe, Zn, and Cu contents of aqueous humor, lens, and serum samples of 19 patients (9 nondiabetic patients with a mean age of 62.3 +/- 5.4 yr, and 10 diabetic patients with a mean age of 59.5 +/- 5.9 yr) were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry using a prospective study design. The lens levels of Cu in diabetic patients were significantly higher compared with nondiabetic patients (p = 0.02); however; there was no difference in the other elements (Zn, Fe; p = 0.28, p = 0.74, respectively). The levels of Fe, Zn, and Cu in the aqueous humor and serum of diabetic patients were not found to be statistically significant when compared to nondiabetics (p = 0.46, p = 0.11, p = 0.18, and p = 0.22, p = 0.43, p = 0.72, respectively). These results demonstrate that increased Cu content of the lens presumably has a greater association with the development of lens opacification in diabetics than Zn and Fe content.

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an antioxidant agent, on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity through adenosine deaminase (AD), xanthine oxidase (XO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in liver tissue of rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: control group (n = 6), cisplatin group (n = 9) and CAPE + cisplatin group (n = 8). All the chemicals used were applied intraperitoneally. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the activities of the above-mentioned enzymes in the liver tissue. NO level and XO activity were found to be increased in the cisplatin group compared to the control group. NO level was found to be decreased in the cisplatin + CAPE group in comparison with the cisplatin group. There was no significant change in the activity of XO between the cisplatin and cisplatin + CAPE groups. The activity of SOD was lower in the cisplatin group than both the control and cisplatin + CAPE groups. There was no significant change in the activity of CAT between the control and cisplatin groups. CAT activity was increased in the cisplatin + CAPE group compared to the cisplatin group. The AD activity and MDA level remained unchanged in all groups. The results obtained suggested that CAPE significantly attenuated the hepatotoxicity as an indirect target of cisplatin in an animal model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been suggested to play an important role in physiopathology of schizophrenia. The major intracellular antioxidant enzymes, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase in the cytoplasm and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) in the mitochondria, rapidly and specifically reduce superoxide radicals to hydrogen peroxide. Polymorphisms in the genes encoding antioxidant enzymes should therefore result in predisposition to schizophrenia. The present study was performed to assess whether there is a genetic association between a functional polymorphism (Ala-9Val) in the human Mn-SOD gene in schizophrenic patients (n=153) and healthy controls (n=196) using a PCR/RFLP method. Significant differences in the genotypic distribution between schizophrenics and controls were observed. Genotypic distribution with 14 (9.2%) Ala/Ala, 106 (69.3%) Ala/Val and 33 (21.6%) Val/Val subjects in schizophrenia was different from those of controls with 46 (23.5%), 83 (42.3%) and 67 (34.2%), respectively (p<0.0001). When the patients with schizophrenia were divided into the subgroups as disorganized, paranoid and residual, there was a significant difference in genotypic distribution among the subgroups (chi2=11.35, df=4, p=0.023). This association between -9Ala Mn-SOD allele and schizophrenia suggests that -9Ala variant may have a contribution in the physiopathogenesis of schizophrenia. Further investigations are warranted in larger populations with other susceptible genes that might be associated with schizophrenia.

Phospholipids located in the cellular membrane play a critical role in the fluid-mosaic model of membrane structure and membrane function. Evidence is mounting for the role of abnormal phospholipid metabolism in some neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. As an important essential fatty acid (EFA), omega-3 (omega-3) fatty acid series are found in large amounts in fish oil. The aim of this experimental study was to assess the changes of some of the oxidant and antioxidant parameters in the hypothalamus of rats fed with omega-3 EFA diet (0.4 g/kg/day) for 30 days. Eight control rats and nine rats fed with omega-3 were decapitated under ether anesthesia, and hypothalamus was removed immediately. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme activities in the hypothalamus were measured. SOD activity was significantly decreased in omega-3 EFA treated group compared to control group (p < 0.014). Tissue MDA and NO levels were also decreased in omega-3 EFA treated group compared to control rats (p < 0.0001). Xanthine oxidase activity was found to be increased in omega-3 EFA treated rats when compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). Taken together, this preliminary animal study provides strong support for a therapeutic effect of omega-3 EFA in some neuropsychiatric disorders in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) are recently accused to be an important physiopathogenetic factor.

Background: Superoxide dismutases (SOD) play an important role in the protection of cells and extracellular space from the products of oxidative stress. Two allelic variants have been described for the SOD2 gene (Ile58Thr involves a C to T substitution at nucleotide residue 339 and Ala-9Val involves a T to C substitution at nucleotide residue 1183). The enzyme proteins encoded by the different alleles have been suggested to have different activity patterns., Methods: The SOD2 polymorphism was determined using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and RFLP techniques with restriction endonuclease NgoM IV., Results: The most available results were obtained from with 20 pmol primer final concentration in PCR reaction. A total of 20 pmol seems the cost-effective primer concentration with maximum quality. There were no difference between the band quality of 1-5 units of restriction endonucleases. On the other hand, short and long incubation times seem to be similar in order to obtain sharp bands on agarose gel., Conclusions: We have extended a method of SOD2 polymorphism (Ala-9Val) in mitochondrial sequence. This method provides the ability to genotype of SOD2, and it represents a fast, reliable, cost-effective and semi-automated methodology to determine SOD2 polymorphism in order to perform large-scale population studies., (Copyright 2004 Elsevier B.V.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the optimum dosage of erdosteine to ameliorate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Three different doses of erdosteine at 25, 50 and 75 mg kg(-1) were studied in rats. Intraperitoneal administration of 7 mg kg(-1) cisplatin led to acute renal failure, as indicated by kidney histology and increases in plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. At 5 days after cisplatin injection the BUN level was increased significantly from 15.1 +/- 4.3 to 126.7 +/- 152.6 mg dl(-1) and plasma creatinine levels increased from 0.37 +/- 0.005 to 1.68 +/- 1.9 mg dl(-1). When the rats were administered 50 and 75 mg kg(-1) erdosteine 24 h before cisplatin injection that was continued until sacrifice (total of 6 days), the BUN and creatinine levels remained similar to control levels and the grade of histology was similar. Erdosteine at doses of 50 and 75 mg kg(-1) ameliorates cisplatin-induced renal failure. The optimum dose of erdosteine may be 50 mg kg(-1) in this study., (Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)