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BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to determine whether pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels can be used in the diagnosis of appendicitis in children. METHODS Fifteen children under 18 years old, who gave blood samples for reasons other than inflammatory conditions, and 40 children who were proved to have appendicitis (non-perforated or perforated) between August 2017 and January 2018, were enrolled in the study. Patients were classified into subgroups: group 1 (healthy children without any sign of inflammation, n = 15), group 2 (non-perforated appendicitis, n = 25), and group 3 (perforated appendicitis, n = 15). RESULTS The median PTX3 value was 1.01 ng/mL (minimum value: 0.82, maximum: 1.28) in the control group. The median PTX3 values prior to surgery were 20.68 ng/mL (minimum: 1.02, maximum: 28.471) and 1.46 (minimum: 1.05, maximum: 23.421) ng/mL for non-perforated appendicitis and perforated appendicitis respectively. The PTX3 levels were significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1 (P

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

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

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

Objectives: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an au- tosomal recessive disorder and the most frequent periodic syndrome characterized by recurrent attacks of polyserositis. Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (h-FABP) is an intracellu- lar molecule engaged in the transport of fatty acids through the myocardial cytoplasm and a rapid marker of myocardial injury. FMF is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by ongo- ing inflammatory activity. Inflammation also plays an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis in some rheumatic diseases. We aimed to investigate markers of atherosclerosis in patients with FMF by the measurement of serum h-FABP and malondialdehyde levels (MDA). Study design: Forty consecutive patients with FMF and twenty healthy volunteers were selected to participate in the study. The diagnosis of FMF was based on Tel-Hashomer criteria. Serum h-FABP and MDA levels were determined to examine the association. Results: The mean h-FABP level in FMF patients was sig- nificantly higher than the normal population (4.89±0.83 vs. 3.06±2.13 ng/ml, p

Although the precise mechanism by which ischemia/reperfusion injury occurs in the spinal cord remains unclear, it is evident that free oxygen radicals and apoptosis play major roles in the destruction of membrane lipids, damage to DNA and cell death. The apoptotic process involves activation of the caspase-3 cascade. Although it is widely used as a protective agent against cell injury, it is unknown whether mesna (2-mercaptoethane sulfonate) ameliorates neuronal ischemic injury. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mesna on caspase-3 activity in a rabbit model. Adult rabbits underwent spinal cord ischemic injury via occlusion of the abdominal aorta for 20 min. Twenty-four hours after ischemia, spinal cord samples were obtained and tissue caspase-3 activity was measured. Rabbits that had been given a single dose of 150 mg/kg mesna had decreased caspase-3 activity in the spinal cord following ischemia/reperfusion injury, indicating a protective effect. However, caspase-3 activity was lower in rabbits given methylprednisolone than in those given mesna, indicating that methylprednisolone has the stronger protective effect of the two agents.

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

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

Suture materials are widely used in urological surgery especially in regions that are in contact with urine. In this study, we aimed to compare polyglactine 910, chromed catgut and polydioxanone sutures according to stone formation and inflammation, congestion and foreign body reaction that occur on bladder mucosa. Cystotomy procedure was performed, in three groups of Wistar female rats, with 4/0 polyglactine 910, 4/0 chromed catgut and 4/0 polydioxanone sutures. All groups were divided into two sub-groups with 4 and 8-week follow up periods. Rats were treated with 20 mg kg(-1) day(-1) Ofloxacin (i.p.) daily until the seventh post-operative day. Urinary pH, leucocyte esterase and nitrite levels were determined. All rats were killed at the end of the follow-up period and stone formation on sutures and degrees of tissue reactions (inflammation, congestion and foreign body reaction) on bladder mucosa were compared. Tissue reactions were evaluated by the same pathologist (S. K.). Chi-square and Student's t test were used in statistical analysis (p0.05). There was no significant difference between the mean weights of the groups. Leucocyte esterase and nitrite were negative in urine analyses. There was no significant difference between urinary pH levels of the groups with 4 and 8 weeks follow-up (p0.05). Although the difference between the degrees of congestion in groups was not statistically significant (p0.05), there were statistically significant differences between the degrees of inflammation and foreign body reaction in groups. Although the duration of urinary contact of suture is the main factor in stone formation on suture material, tissue reaction on mucosa and the physical structure of suture also affect this formation. We observed lower degrees of inflammation and foreign body reaction with 4/0 polydioxanone and no stone formation. We believe that polydioxanone may be useful and reliable in urological surgery due to these properties.

Soybean (Glycine max), mistletoe (Viscum album) and red clover (Trifolium pratence) have been argued to have anti-cancer effects. In the present study it was aimed to investigate possible effects of these plant extracts on the activities of DNA turn-over enzymes, namely adenosine deaminase (ADA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) in cancerous and non-cancerous gastric and colon tissues. For this aim, 6 cancerous and 6 non-cancerous adjacent human gastric tissues, and 7 cancerous and 7 non-cancerous adjacent colon tissues were obtained by surgical operations. Our results suggest that aqueous soybean, mistletoe and red clover extracts may exhibit anti-tumoral activity by depleting hypoxanthine concentration in the cancer cells through XO activation, which may lead to lowered salvage pathway activity necessary for the cancer cells to proliferate in the cancerous colon tissue. Some foods like soybean, mistletoe and red clover may provide nutritional support to medical cancer therapy through inhibiting and/or activating key enzymes in cancer metabolism (Tab. 4, Ref. 33).

To investigate the effects of ingesting Fructus vitis minuta (black grape) on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in elderly subjects. Materials and methods: Thirteen subjects (mean age 74.67 ± 0.58) participated in the study. They consumed 1 g/kg body weight per day of dried black Maraş grapes for 1 month. Before and after these periods, fasting blood samples were obtained, and oxidant (as MDA) and antioxidant (as SOD) parameters were studied in erythrocytes. Also, plasma samples were obtained from the subjects. Results: In the erythrocyte hemolysate, MDA (malondialdehydes) levels and SOD (superoxide dismutase) activities were found to be lower (P < 0.01) in the second samples compared to the first ones. Conclusion: We think that because free radical production was decreased SOD activities were not increased. Our results show that reduced peroxidation processes caused by Maraş grape consumption suggest that grape consumption has beneficial effects in elderly subjects.

To investigate the possible effects of aqueous garlic extract on the oxidant/antioxidant status and apoptosis in 32D (wild type mouse myeloid cell = normal) and 32Dp210 (BCR-ABL fusion gene (+) mouse myeloid cell = Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia cells) cell lines. Materials and methods: Aqueous garlic extract (10% w/v) was added into the cell line media with 2 different final concentrations (0.4% and 1%). At 0 h and at 24, 48, and 72 h later, the oxidant (malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme activity) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities) parameters were measured in the cell lines. Results: It was observed that the garlic extract caused no change in the XO and antioxidant enzyme activities, but it increased the MDA level in the 32D cell line. However, significant increases were found in the MDA level, XO, and antioxidant enzyme activities in the 32Dp210 cell line treated by the garlic extract. Additionally, it was shown that garlic extract had antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on both cell lines. The most effective apoptotic dose was found to be 0.4% (w/v), and at this concentration the death risk of the 32Dp210 cell line was calculated at 2.08 times higher than that of the 32D cell line. Conclusion: It has been suggested that garlic directly causes oxidant stress in the 32D cell line owing to its own oxidant ingredients, and that the oxidant stress created by garlic in the 32Dp210 cell line might occur through increased XO activity and/or its oxidant ingredients. Additionally, antioxidant enzyme activities were found to increase in the 32Dp210 cell line; it would seem that this compensatory change could not prevent the oxidant stress created. We think that the oxidant potential of garlic extract might play a part in its possible anticancer potential, previously supposed by several investigators.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of light-emitting diode photomodulation (LED PBM) on implant osseointegration by measuring implant stability changes by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and measuring interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), prostaglandin-E-2 (PGE(2)), and nitric oxide (NO) levels in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF). Background data: Light therapy modulates various biological events and allows improved wound healing in ischemic and wounded tissues. Methods: Fifteen patients (8 control, 7 LED) participated in the study. In the LED group, LED device at a wavelength of 626 nm in the near-infrared (NIR) region (treatment array area: 4.80 cm(2); average intensity: 38.5 mW/cm(2); total power: 185 mW; total energy: 222 J; average density: 46.2 J/cm(2)) was applied for 20 min over the surgical area during 3 weeks, three times in a week, starting from the operation day. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were recorded at the time of operation, and 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. PICF samples were collected in postoperative weeks 4 and 12 and IL-1 beta, TGF-beta, PGE(2), and NO levels were evaluated. Clinical indices were recorded around implants in postoperative weeks 4 and 12. Results: In the control group, significant reduction of ISQ values from week 2 to week 12 were demonstrated. In the LED group, baseline ISQ values were maintained during the study and no significant changes were observed. Changes in biochemical parameters were found to be similar between groups over time. However, in the LED group, a negative correlation was found between PGE(2) and ISQ values. Conclusions: LED application to surgical area has a positive effect on the osseointegration process, and implant stability can be maintained.

Objective: To evaluate the levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL) in tension (mesial) and pressure (distal) sides during continuous orthodontic force. Methods: Eighteen canine teeth of 9 adults (5 female, 4 male; age range 17.5-18.9 yrs) with different Angle classifications were included. After first premolar extractions, the maxillary canines were tipped distally by sentalloy closed coil springs with a continuous force of 200 g. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was sampled from mesial and distal gingival crevices of each canine separately at baseline, 1 hour(h), 24 h, 168 h, and 1 month after force application. OPG and RANKL levels were analyzed by ELISA. Results: Concentration of OPG showed an increase in mesial side, while there was a decrease in distal side at 1 h, demonstrating a statistically significant difference (p

There are many studies demonstrating deteriorated ventricle and endothelium functions in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients. As FMF is an autoinflammatory disease with an ongoing inflammatory activity and inflammation plays an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis in some of the rheumatic diseases, we aimed to investigate the early markers of atherosclerosis in patients with FMF by the measurements of serum paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity, mean platelet volume (MPV) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level.This study is a cross-sectional, observational study. Forty consecutive patients with FMF and twenty healthy volunteers were selected to form the study population. The diagnosis of FMF was based on Tel-Hashomer criteria. Serum PON-1 activity, MPV and MDA level were determined to examine their association with FMF. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis.The mean PON-1 activity in FMF patients was significantly lower than in the healthy population (141.46±38.29 vs. 179.62±10.73 U/l, p0.01). Serum MDA levels were the same between the groups (1.08±0.66 vs. 1.08±0.33 nmol/mL, p=0.99). MPV was higher in FMF patients than in the control l group (8.87±0.99 vs. 8.22±0.45 fl, p=0.04). PON, MPV and MDA levels were the same in FMF patients with acute attack and attack -free period.Our results show that PON-1 activity is lower in patients with FMF. Reduced PON-1 activity and increased MPV, independent of the oxidative stress status of these patients, may lead to increased atherosclerotic propensity in FMF.AMAÇ: Ailevi Akdeniz Ateşi (AAA) hastalarında bozulmuş ventrikül ve endotel fonksiyonlarını gösteren pek çok çalışma bulunmaktadır. AAA devamlı enflamatuvar aktivite ile seyreden bir otoenflamatuvar hastalık olduğundan ve bazı romatizmal hastalıklarda enflamasyon ateroskleroz gelişimi ve ilerlemesinde önemli rol oynadığından, AAA hastalarında serum paraoksonaz-1 (PON-1) aktivitesi, ortalama trombosit hacmi (OTH) ve malondialdehit (MDA) seviyesi ölçerek aterosklerozun erken belirteçlerini araştırmayı amaçladık. YÖNTEM: Bu çalışma kesitsel ve gözlemsel bir çalışmadır. Kırk AAA'lı hasta ve yirmi sağlıklı gönüllü çalışma topluluğunu oluşturmak için seçildi. AAA tanısı Tel-Hashomer kriterlerine göre konuldu. AAA, MDA seviyesi, OTH ve PON-1 aktivitesi arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmak için serum PON-1 aktivitesi ve MDA seviyesi ve OTH ölçüldü. İstatistiksel analiz için Student’s t-testi, Mann-Whitney U testi, Pearson korelasyon analizi kullanıldı. BULGULAR: AAA hastalarında ortalama PON-1 aktivitesi normal bireylere göre önemli olarak daha düşüktü (141.46±38.29 karşın 179.62±10.73 U/L, p0.01). Gruplar arasında serum MDA seviyeleri aynıydı (1.08±0.66 karşın 1.08±0.33 nmol/mL, p=0.99). OTH normal bireylere göre önemli olarak daha yüksekti (8.87±0.99 vs. 8.22±0.45 fl, p=0.04). AAA hastalarında akut atak sırasında ve ataksız dönemlerde PON-1 aktivitesi, MDA seviyeleri ve OTH aynıydı. SONUÇ: Sonuçlar göstermektedir ki AAA hastalarında PON-1 aktivitesi düşüktür. Azalmış PON-1 aktivitesi ve artmış OTH bu hastalarda, oksidatif stres durumundan bağımsız olarak, AAA'de artmış ateroskleroz yatkınlığına işaret ediyor olabilir.

Batislam, Ertan/0000-0002-7493-4573 WOS: 000279897900001 PubMed: 20113185 Fruit and vegetable juices containing citrate may be recommended as an alternative in mild to moderate level hypocitraturic calcium stone formers who cannot tolerate pharmacological treatment. Tomato has been proved a citrate-rich vegetable. Tomato juice usage as citrate sources in hypocitraturic recurrent stone formers were evaluated in the light of the results of studies on orange and lemon juices. Ten 100 ml samples were prepared from three different tomato types processed through a blender. These samples were examined in terms of citrate, oxalate, calcium, magnesium, and sodium contents. No difference was detected between the parameters tested in three different tomato juices. Fresh tomato juice may be useful in hypocitraturic recurrent stone formers due to its high content of citrate and magnesium, and low content of sodium and oxalate. As the three different types of tomatoes did not differ in terms of citrate, magnesium, sodium, and oxalate content, they may be useful for clinical use if also supported by clinical studies.

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

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

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

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

Batislam, Ertan/0000-0002-7493-4573; WOS: 000254842400012 PubMed: 18342167 OBJECTIVES To detect citrate levels in fresh tomato juice, to reveal whether it can be studied for prevention of recurrent hypocitraturic nephrolithiasis. METHODS Juices of tomato, orange, lemon, and mandarin were extracted and blended with a hand blender, and 10 samples of 100 mL were taken from each. Citrate, oxalate, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and pH levels were examined in these. The same variables were re-evaluated after the samples were stored at +4 degrees C for 1 week. RESULTS In fresh tomato juice, higher citrate and magnesium levels as well as lower sodium and oxalate levels were detected as compared with the other juices. No differences were observed with regard to all variables among fresh orange, lemon, and mandarin juices. The level of citrate in the fresh tomato juice was higher at a statistically significant level than that in tomato juice that was stored for 1 week. The amount of oxalate increased in stored tomato juice. CONCLUSIONS Fresh tomato juice is considered a rich source of citrate. Furthermore, a high level of magnesium and a low level of sodium and oxalate content were detected in fresh tomato juice, the usability of which in recurrent hypocitraturic nephrolithiasis can be investigated in clinical studies.

Aim Possible effects of garlic (Allium sativum) and black grape (Fructus vitis minuta) with known antioxidant potential on adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities were investigated in cancerous and noncancerous human bladder tissues.

The effects of apple consumption on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters of elderly subjects were investigated in this study. Fifteen elderly subjects (mean age 71.86 +/- 4.17) participated in the study. They consumed an apple a day for 1 month. Before and after this period, fasting blood samples were obtained, and oxidant (malondialdehyde [MDA]) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], catalase [CAT], and antioxidant potential [AOP]) parameters were studied. MDA and AOP levels were studied in plasma, and SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activities and MDA levels were measured in the erythrocytes. In the erythrocytes, GSH-Px and SOD activities were found to be higher (p < .001 and p < .01), but MDA levels were lower in the second samples relative to the first ones. In the plasma, AOP value was found to be higher in the second samples relative to first ones (p < .001). No differences were found, however, between the routine blood parameters such as total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. The results show that consumption of apple leads to significant increases in the activities of some antioxidant enzymes and in the antioxidant potential values of the blood, and that decreases oxidation reactions in the body in significant amount. It is quite possible that reduced peroxidation processes owing to consumption of this fruit may play a part in some of their beneficial effects in the elderly subjects.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a high-cholesterol diet on oxidant/antioxidant status and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in erythrocytes from rats. Sixteen Sprague-Dawley-type albino male rats were used in the study. The rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: the control group (group 1) was fed a standard rat diet, and the treated group (group 2) was fed a high-cholesterol diet (4% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid, and 0.5% thiouracil) in addition to standard pellet rat diet for 3 months. At the end of the study period, blood samples were obtained from the rats under ether anesthesia. Oxidant (malondialdehyde level, sensitivity to oxidation value, and xanthine oxidase [XO] activity) and antioxidant parameters (antioxidant potential value, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities) were studied in erythrocyte preparations. Activities of erythrocyte NOS and arginase enzymes and serum total cholesterol levels were also measured. We observed that serum total cholesterol levels, erythrocyte XO activities, and sensitivity to oxidation values significantly increased in group 2 (cholesterol fed) compared with the control group (group 1). Erythrocyte NOS activities were also found to decrease in group 2. In conclusion, our results suggest that cholesterol feeding causes an increase in XO activity and a decrease in NOS activity in the erythrocytes from rats. The increase in XO activity may render the erythrocyte membranes sensitive to oxidant stress, and the decrease in NOS activity in the erythrocytes may increase cardiovascular disease risk via reduced endothelial relaxation. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The aim of this study was to compare short-term effects of smoking cessation on blood oxidant/antioxidant status, cholesterol levels, and paraoxonase activity. Sixteen healthy, asymptomatic long-term cigarette smokers (mean age: 35 +/- 9 yr) participated in the study in the smoking cessation program. After and before smoking cessation, subjects were examined for oxidant/antioxidant status, cholesterol level, paraoxonase activity, breath carbon monoxide levels, and blood carboxyhemoglobin values. When compared to previous values, subjects were revealed statistically significant decreases in malondialdehyde and carbon monoxide levels 4 wk after smoking cessation. The ratio of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was found to be increased. Significantly increased to paraoxonase activity was also observed in the blood samples obtained after cigarette cessation period. It was concluded that all these changes observed after smoking cessation might be of importance in the reduction of cardiovascular risk parameters in the smokers.

In this study, it was aimed to investigate oxidant/antioxidant status in placenta and in blood and cord blood samples from pregnant women supplemented with iron during pregnancy.For this purpose, 27 pregnant women at admission for delivery participated in the study. Fifteen of them did not take iron tablets and the others took oral iron supplements during pregnancy. Following delivery, part of the placenta and blood and cord blood samples were taken from the mothers. In these samples, oxidant parameters (malondialdehyde [MDA] levels and xanthine oxidase [XO] activities) and antioxidant parameters (antioxidant potential [AOP] values, superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT] and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] activities) were studied.It was found that MDA level and SOD activities increased significantly in the placentas from the iron-supplemented group as compared with those from the control group. We also observed that activities of SOD and XO enzymes in maternal erythrocytes, XO in cord blood erythrocytes and GSH-Px activities in cord blood plasma decreased significantly. However, activities of CAT and GSH-Px enzymes in cord blood erythrocytes and MDA levels in maternal plasma increased in the iron-supplemented group as compared with those from the control group.Increased MDA levels in the maternal plasma and the placenta in the iron-supplemented group suggests that iron supplementation may contribute to increased oxidative stress in women taking iron supplements during pregnancy.

Objectives It has been demonstrated that immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA) increases the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation products in vitro and in vivo studies, but its possible toxic effects in ovary tissue have not been defined yet. This study was designed to elucidate possible relation between CsA treatment and oxidant/antioxidant status in rat ovary tissue and, to determine if antioxidant supplementation is beneficial. Methods CsA and black grape extracts were given to rats orally for 10 days. In each group (control, CsA, CsA plus black grape and black grape alone), there were 7 animals (28 rats in total). After the animals were sacrificed, their ovaries were removed to be used in the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and xanthine oxidase (XO) enzymes. Results In the control, CsA plus black grape and black grape alone groups, MDA levels were significantly lower than CsA group. Xanthine oxidase activities were significantly higher in CsA and CsA plus black grape groups than control group. In addition, XO activity was significantly lower in black grape alone group than all the other groups including control group. There were no significant differences in the activities of SOD and CAT enzymes between the groups Conclusion The results suggest that CsA leads to oxidant stress and peroxidation in rat ovary tissues mainly due to increased XO activity. It has been suggested that this oxidant stress and peroxidation reactions can be prevented by antioxidant food supplementation like black grape.

Background and Aim: The effects of cholesterol supplementation on antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated in hepatic tissue taken from Sprague Dawley rats. Methods and Reults: The study involved 14 male Sprague Dawley rats: seven fed a normal laboratory diet and seven a normal diet plus cholesterol (3.6 g/kg/day) for three months, during which blood samples were obtained to measure serum cholesterol levels. At the end of the 3-month period, the livers were surgically removed in order to measure antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and paraoxonase-1). At the end of the study period, serum total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the cholesterol-fed group than the control group. There were no significant between-group differences in hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, but there was a significant decrease in hepatic paraoxonase-1 activity in the cholesterol-fed group. Conclusions: Cholesterol supplementation significantly decreases paraoxonase-1 activity in rat liver tissue without changing the activities of other antioxidant enzymes. These results suggest that cholesterol significantly suppresses hepatic paraoxonase-1 synthesis. It seems that the decreased paraoxonase-1 activity in the plasma HDL-fraction of atherosclerotic patients is associated with suppressed liver synthesis. A reduction in paraoxonase-1 activity may therefore lead to the more intensive exposure of LDL to oxidant attacks.

Aim: To compare the effects of sequential transdermal administration versus oral administration of estradiol plus NETA on serum nitric oxide (NO) levels in postmenopausal women (PMW). Materials and methods: Eighty postmenopausal subjects without any prior hormone replacement therapy (HRT) usage were enrolled in this study. All participants were healthy, ambulatory, non-smoker and had similar life styles with dietary habits. HRT was given to participants according to desired HRT administration, in group A (n = 50); oral estradiol hemi-hydrate (2 mg)/norethisterone acetate (1 mg), and in group B (n = 30); transdermal combined patch comprising estradiol (0.05 mg) alone and estradiol (0.05 mg)/norethisterone acetate (0.25 mg), were given sequential for 12 months. Serum NO levels were studied using Total Oxide Assay Kit (Assay Designs, Inc.) according to manufacturer’s instructions prior to and after 12 months from the HRT treatment. Results: The mean serum NO levels prior to the HRT in groups A and B was 0.48± 0.46 (range, 0.27–0.76 nmol/mL) nmol/mL and 0.47 ± 0.48 nmol/mL (range, 0.29–0.693 nmol/mL) (p > 0.05). The mean serum NO levels after the HRT in groups A and B was 0.53 ± 0.33 nmol/mL (range, 0.29–2.10 nmol/mL) and 2.91± 0.50 nmol/mL (range, 2.10–3.67 nmol/mL) (p < 0.05). A significant difference was found between mean serum NO levels prior to and after the treatment in group B ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Transdermal sequential combined HRT with estradiol hemi-hydrate/NETA was found to be superior to sequential combined oral HRT in increasing serum NO levels. © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

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