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Effects of sleep deprivation (SD), nicotine, and selenium (Se) on wound healing were studied in 50 male rats (Sprague-Dawley strain). Full-skin-thickness burns were produced in animals. Then, SD, nicotine, and Se administrations were applied to animals in different groups. Wound healing was assessed by pathological analysis of wound by counting fibroblasts, capillary vessels, polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PNLs), and by measuring radiolabeled immunoglobulin G (IgG) amount in wound area by radio-pharmaceutical and immunoscintigraphic procedures. The number of fibroblasts and capillary vessels were higher in control and Se groups than in sleep deprivation and nicotine groups, and the number of PNLs and the radiolabeled polyvalent IgG levels were higher in SD and nicotine groups than in control and Se groups. The results suggest that SD and nicotine may delay wound healing and that Se supplementation may accelerate wound healing by preventing nicotine-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.

The effects of vitamin E and Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Elaeagnaceae) extract (HRe-1) on nicotine-induced oxidative stress in rat liver were investigated. Four groups, eight rats each, were used in this study, and the supplementation period was 3 weeks. The groups were: nicotine (0.5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal (i.p.)); nicotine plus vitamin E (75 mg/kg/day, intragastric (i.g.)); nicotine plus HRe-1 (250 mg/kg/day, i.g.); and the control group. The malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and total and non-enzymatic superoxide scavenger activities were measured spectrophotometrically in supernatants of the tissue homogenates. Nicotine increased the malondialdehyde level in liver tissue compared with control. This nicotine-induced increase in lipid peroxidation was prevented by both vitamin E and HRe-1. Superoxide dismutase activity was higher in the nicotine plus vitamin E-supplemented group compared with nicotine and control groups. Glutathione reductase activity was higher in the nicotine group compared with the control group. However, glutathione peroxidase activity in the control group was higher than the levels in the nicotine, and the nicotine plus HRe-1 supplemented groups. The nitric oxide level was higher in the nicotine group compared with all other groups. Total and non-enzymatic superoxide scavenger activities and glutathione S-transferase activity were not affected by any of the treatments. Our results suggest that Hippophae rhamnoides extract as well as vitamin E can protect the liver against nicotine-induced oxidative stress.

The aim of the present experimental study was to determine and to compare the effects of vitamin E and of selenium on the blood flow to a wound region in rats, using the xenon-133 (133Xe) clearance technique. Burn wounds were made on the right thighs of rats followed by oral administration of vitamin E or selenium for a period of 10 days. The effect of vitamin E and of selenium individually on blood flow in the wound region was assessed before and after oral administration using the 133Xe clearance technique. Both vitamin E and selenium significantly increased the blood flow in the wound region (P

Effects of nicotine, and nicotine+vitamin E on glutathione reductase (Glutathione: NADP(+) oxidoreductase, EC 1.8.1.7) activity in the muscle, heart, lungs, testicles, kidney, stomach, brain and liver tissues were investigated in vivo and also in vitro. The groups were: nicotine [0.5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal (i.p.)]; nicotine+vitamin E [75 mg/kg/day, intragastric (i.g.)]; and control group (receiving only vehicles). There were eight rats per group and supplementation period was 3 weeks. The results showed that nicotine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited glutathione reductase activity significantly in the liver, lungs, heart, stomach, kidney, and testicles by approximately 61.5%, approximately 65%, approximately 70.5%, approximately 72.5%, approximately 64% and approximately 71.5%, respectively, while it had activated glutathione reductase activity in the brain by approximately 11.8%, and had no effect on the muscle glutathione reductase activity. Vitamin E supplementation prevented this nicotine-induced decrease in glutathione reductase activity in liver, lungs, heart, stomach, and kidney. However, it did not prevent this nicotine-induced decrease in testicles. In vitro studies were also carried out to elucidate the effects of nicotine and vitamin E on glutathione reductase activity. In vitro results correlated well with in vivo experimental results in liver, lungs, heart, stomach, and testicular tissues. These results show that vitamin E administration generally restores the inactivation of glutathione reductase activity due to nicotine administration in various rat tissues in vivo, and also in vitro.

Effects of nicotine, and nicotine + vitamin E on glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6PD) activity in rat muscle, heart, lungs, testicle, kidney, stomach, brain and liver were investigated in vivo and in vitro on partially purified homogenates. Supplementation period was 3 weeks (n = 8 rats per group): nicotine [0.5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal (ip)]; nicotine + vitamin E [75 mg/kg/day, intragastric (ig)]; and control group (receiving only vehicle). The results showed that nicotine (0.5 mg/kg, ip) inhibited G-6PD activity in the lungs, testicle, kidney, stomach and brain by 12.5% (p < 0.001), 48% (p < 0.001), 20.8% (p < 0.001), 13% (p < 0.001) and 23.35% (p < 0.001) respectively, and nicotine had no effects on the muscle, heart and liver G6PD activity. Also, nicotine + vitamin E inhibited G-6PD activity in the testicle, brain, and liver by 32.5% (p < 0.001), 21.5% (p < 0.001), and 16.5% (p < 0.001) respectively, and nicotine + vitamin E activated the muscle, and stomach G-6PD activity by 36% (p < 0.05), and 20% (p < 0.001) respectively. In addition, nicotine + vitamin E did not have any effects on the heart, lungs, and kidney G-6PD activity. In addition, in vitro studies were also carried out to elucidate the effects of nicotine and vitamin E on G-6PD activity, which correlated well with in vivo experimental results in lungs, testicles, kidney, stomach, brain and liver tissues. These results show that vitamin E administration generally restores the inactivation of G-6PD activity due to nicotine administration in various rat tissues in vivo, and also in vitro. © 2005 Taylor & Francis.

There are asymmetries in the sizes of transverse sinus and intraocular pressure. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible relationships between the asymmetry of transverse sinuses in TOF MR venography and intraocular pressures of right and left eyes. In this study, subjects were 63 male and 42 female medical school students, aged 18-21 years (mean+/-SD; 19.72+/-0.67 years). Subjects with neurological and ophthalmologic disease, particularly dural sinus thrombosis, myopia, trauma and glaucoma, were excluded the study. Subjects were divided into five groups according to the magnitudes of the right- and left-transverse sinuses in MR venography results. There is a functional relation between intraocular pressures of the right and left eyes and asymmetry of the transverse sinus. If the transverse sinus on one side is larger and its venous drainage is greater, the intraocular pressure of the eye on this side is lower. It can be speculated that the transverse sinus size may be associated with pathogenesis of diseases with increased intraocular pressure such as glaucoma. We aim to determine the relation between the size and drainage of transverse sinuses in TOF MR venography and intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma in our next study.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disorder mainly affecting axial skeleton and peripheral joints In this study, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in serum of patients with AS were investigated and compared with those of age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Twenty-one patients with AS not currently under disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment (e.g.sulfasalazine or methotrexate) and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Serum sICAM-1, CRP, ESR levels were evaluated using appropriate methods. When compared with the levels in the control subjects, serum CRP and ESR in the patients with AS were significantly elevated. Although serum sICAM-1 levels were increased in AS patients compared with controls, the difference did not reach significance level. Significant positive correlations were observed between sICAM-1 and ESR (r= 0.60, p < 0.0...

Although the long-term administrations of macrolide antibiotics are effective for diffuse panbronchiolitis, otitis media with effusion (OME), and some other diseases, the mechanisms are fully understood. To elucidate the mechanisms of possible effects of macrolide antibiotics on erythrocyte nitric oxide (NO·) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in experimental OME, we evaluated the effect of macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, azithromycin, roxithromycin, and clarithromycin) using an experimental guinea pigs otitis media model. Inflammatory diseases are associated with increased production of NO· due to activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase pathway. NO· is produced in increased amounts in inflammatory conditions and may cause tissue injury by reacting with superoxide to yield peroxynitrite, a powerful toxin. SOD scavenges superoxide and inhibits the formation of peroxynitrite. Erythrocyte NO· levels were significantly lower while erythrocyte SOD activities were significantly higher ...

The aim of this study was to investigate whether endurance training reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress in erythrocytes. Male rats (n=54) were divided into trained (n=28) and untrained (n=26) groups. Both groups were further divided equally into two groups where the rats were studied at rest and immediately after exhaustive exercise. Endurance training consisted of treadmill running 1.5 h x day(-1), 5 days a week for 8 weeks, reaching the speed of 2.1 km x h(-1) at the fourth week. For acute exhaustive exercise, graded treadmill running was conducted reaching the speed of 2.1 km x h(-1) at the 95th min, 10% uphill, and was continued until exhaustion. Acute exhaustive exercise increased the erythrocyte malondialdehyde level in sedentary but not in trained rats compared with the corresponding sedentary rest and trained rest groups, respectively. While acute exhaustive exercise decreased the erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity in sedentary rats, it increased the activity of this enzyme in trained rats. On the other hand, acute exhaustive exercise increased the erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in sedentary rats; however, it did not affect this enzyme activity in trained rats. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity was higher in trained groups compared with untrained sedentary group. Neither acute exhaustive exercise nor treadmill training affected the erythrocyte total glutathione level. Treadmill training increased the endurance time in trained rats compared with sedentary rats. The results of this study suggest that endurance training may be useful to prevent acute exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress in erythrocytes by up-regulating some of the antioxidant enzyme activities and may have implications in exercising humans.

To test whether there is a relationship between handedness and the intraocular pressure and there is a lateralization in the intraocular pressure, the intraocular pressures of the right- and left-eyes were compared in right- and left-handed students. The intraocular pressures were higher in the right-eye than in the left-eye in men, right-handers, and right-eyed subjects; there was no right–left difference in females, left-handers, left-eyed, and both-eyed subjects. The intraocular pressure of right- and left-eyes was higher in left-handers than right-handers. And there were significant negative correlations between hand preference and the intraocular pressure of both right- and left-eyes. We have concluded that the dominant eye has higher intraocular pressure compared to the nondominant one, and there is a relationship between hand preference and the intraocular pressure.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on serum constitutive proteins, cytokines, P-selectin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in the thermally injured rats.Sprague-Dawley rats (64 males) were given 30% total body surface area full thickness scald burn. They were randomly divided to receive either 2.5mg/kg per day im rhGH or saline (control). Rats were sacrified on postburn days 1, 2, 5, and 7, and serum constitutive proteins, cytokines, P-selectin, and IGF-1 levels were measured.Serum IGF-1 levels were increased on days 2, 5, or 7 after burn in rhGH-treated rats compared with controls (P

The relations for hand preference with craniofacial asymmetry and ear advantage, and between craniofacial asymmetry and ear advantage were investigated in young healthy subjects. Ear advantage was recorded as duration of hearing, craniofacial asymmetry by computerized tomography in 44 right-handed and 38 left-handed male and female high school students. Right-handers had a right ear advantage and a larger left craniofacial region, whereas left-handers had a left ear advantage and a larger right craniofacial region. These results are consistent with the speculation that hand preference may be related to craniofacial and consequently aural asymmetries.

Relationships among hand preference, ocular dominance, and the degree of ocular shifting were studied in 78 right-handed and 16 left-handed subjects. Ocular dominance was assessed with the Miles test. The shifting degree of eye was assessed using a modified Miles test. The shifting distance of the right-eye was marginally greater, although significant, in the left-handers as compared to the right-handers. The shifting distance of the left-eye was greater in the right-handers than in the left-handers. The distance of focusing points of two eyes in the horizontal plane was greater in the right-handers than in the left-handers. In the total sample, there was a significant negative Pearson correlation between hand-preference and the shifting distance of the right-eye, and there was a positive correlation between hand-preference and the shifting distance of the left-eye. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between hand preference and the distance of focusing points of two eyes. These results suggest that hand preference may be related to the degree of ocular asymmetry.

In this study, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (E.C.1.1.1.44; 6PGD) was purified in human erythrocytes. This process was carried out by the preparation of hemolysate, precipitation by (NH4)2SO4 and 2',5'-ADP Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography . The degree of purity of the enzyme was determined with SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The effect of ketoprofen on the enzyme was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Human erythrocyte 6PGD was purified in 742-fold at the end of all purification processes. The recovery of 6PGD was 50%, and its specific activity was 0.46U/mg in erythrocytes. Enzyme activity was spectrophotometrically measured using the Beutler method at 340 nm. Ketoprofen inhibited the enzyme activity in in vitro conditions. IC50 value of the drug inhibition in vitro was determined. For the drug having low IC50value (drug concentrations which produce 50% inhibition) (ketoprofen), in vivo studies were performed in New Zealand albino rabbits. In the evaluation of the in vivo effect of drug on 6PGD activity, it was observed that ketoprofen given at the first (P, Bu çalışmada 6-fosfoglukonat dehidrogenaz (E.C.1.1.1.44;6PGD) enzimi insan eritrositlerinden saflaştırıldı. Saflaştırma işlemi hemolizatın hazırlanması, amonyum sülfat çöktürmesi ve 2’,5’-ADP Sepharose 4B afinite kromatografisi yöntemi ile gerçekleştirildi. Enzimin saflık derecesi SDS-PAGE elektroforez yöntemi ile belirlendi. Enzim üzerine ketoprofenin in vitro ve in vivo etkisi araştırıldı. Tüm saflaştırma işlemleri sonunda insan eritrosit 6PGD enzimi 742 kat saflaştırıldı. Eritrosit 6PGD enzimi %50 verimle, spesifik aktivite 0.46 U/mg olarak elde edildi. Enzim aktivitesi spektrofotometrik olarak 340 nm’de Beutler metoduna göre ölçüldü. Çalışmada kullanılan ketoprofen ilacının in vitro şartlarda enzim aktivitesini inhibe ettiği gözlendi. In vitro inhibe eden bu ilaca ait ΙC50 değeri düşük olarak belirlendi. Daha sonra ketoprofenin in vivo inhibisyon etkisini belirlemek amacıyla Yeni Zelanda albino türü tavşanlar ile çalışmalar yapıldı. İlacın 6PGD enzim aktivitesi üzerine in vivo etkisi incelendiğinde I. saatte (P

In this study, to investigate the right or left ear advantages in psychiatric patients, the durations of hearing for right and left ears were assessed in 61 psychiatric patients, 26 with schizophrenia, 17 with depressive disorder, 13 with bipolar affective disorder, and 5 with brief psychotic disorder, plus 24 controls. Diagnoses were made on the basis of information provided from clinical interviews and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). Schizophrenia was associated with a left ear advantage, and both depressive disorder and brief psychotic disorder were associated with right ear advantage as well as controls. These results suggest that their schizophrenia may be associated with a left temporal lobe dysfunction.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of diabetes mellitus, ovarian aging, ovarian aging plus diabetes mellitus, and the oxidative stress generated by these conditions on the lungs of rats, using histopathological and biochemical parameters. In the diabetic group, some abnormalities like bronchial hyperplasia, edema, haemorrhage, pulmonary capillary dilatation, breakdown of alveoli, mononuclear inflammatory cells, and moderate immunoreactivity were observed. Although, the results obtained from the ovariectomy group were similar to those of the diabetic group, haemorrhagic area and an increase in apoptotic cell density were observed more in this group compared to the diabetic group. In the last group, both immunoreactivity rate and the degree of abnormal structure were more remarkable compared to the other groups. Our biochemical results confirmed the histological findings. Conclusively, increase in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of the cell, regardless of whatever reason, may lead to many other functional failures as well produce some disease conditions. Our results suggested that oxidative load increased in rats with ovariectomy-induced menopause with or without diabetes; however, enzymatic free radical defense mechanisms were damaged in the diabetic rats. The results also suggested that the antioxidant ability of the female sex hormone acts as a protective factor against diabetes. Key words: Oxidative stress, ovarian aging, diabetes mellitus, lungs, rat.

BACKGROUND Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) has negative effects on the functions of intra- and extra-abdominal organs and systems. Intra- and extraperitoneal hemorrhage, diffuse intestinal and retroperitoneal edema, intestinal ileus or obstruction, necrotizing pancreatitis, intra-abdominal packing, intra-abdominal sepsis, and pneumoperitoneum can all cause IAH. No studies were found in the literature relating to the effects of IAH on the endocrine functions of the pancreas. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of IAH on the endocrine functions of the pancreas. METHODS Forty male rats were divided into four groups: control, sham control, and two study groups, each containing 10 rats. In one of the study groups, animals were subjected to IAH of up to 20 mm Hg and in the other study group to 25 mm Hg, for 3 hours. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and pancreatic tissue samples for histopathologic examination. RESULTS The results showed that glucagon levels were increased in the study groups (p

The effects of vitamin E and Hippophea rhamnoides L. extract (HRe-1) on nicotine-induced oxidative stress in rat heart were investigated. There were eight rats per group and supplementation period was 3 weeks. The groups were: nicotine [0.5 mg kg(-1)day(-1), intraperitoneal (i.p.)]; nicotine plus vitamin E [75 mg kg(-1)day(-1), intragastric (i.g.)]; nicotine plus HRe-1 (250 mg kg(-1)day(-1), i.g.); and the control group (receiving only vehicles). Nicotine increased the malondialdehyde level, which was prevented by both vitamin E and HRe-1. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in nicotine plus vitamin E supplemented group was higher than the others. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in nicotine plus HRe-1 supplemented group was increased compared with the control group. Catalase activity was higher in nicotine group compared with others. GPx activity in nicotine plus vitamin E supplemented group was elevated compared with the others. Total and non-enzymatic superoxide scavenger activities in nicotine plus vitamin E supplemented group were lower than nicotine plus HRe-1 supplemented group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was higher in nicotine plus HRe-1 supplemented group compared with others. Glutathione reductase activity and nitric oxide level were not affected. Increased SOD and GST activities might have taken part in the prevention of nicotine-induced oxidative stress in HRe-1 supplemented group in rat heart. Flavonols such as quercetin, and isorahmnetin, tocopherols such as alpha-tocopherol and beta-tocopherol and carotenoids such as alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, reported to be present in H. rhamnoides L. extracts may be responsible for the antioxidant effects of this plant extract.

The aim of this study was to evaluate lipid peroxidation (LP) and free radical scavenging enzyme activities in kidney tissue of vitamin B(6)-deficient rats.The rats were divided into control and vitamin B(6)-deficient groups. After 4 weeks of feeding, animals in all groups were anesthetized by thiopental sodium (50 mg/kg). Thoraces were opened, 2 mL blood samples were taken from aortas, then the rats were killed by cervical dislocation, and kidney tissues were removed. Biochemical measurements in kidney tissue were carried out using a spectrophotometer.Total superoxide scavenger activity (TSSA), nonenzymatic superoxide scavenger activity (NSSA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and antioxidant potential (AOP) values in the vitamin B(6)-deficient group were significantly lower than those of the control group, whereas glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GRD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were significantly higher than those of the control group (p0.05).The results show that vitamin B(6) deficiency causes an attenuation in antioxidant defense system and an increase in oxidative stress in kidney tissue of rats.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low levels of zinc intake on the rat mandible and maxilla during growth and to compare these results with those of zinc-containing rats.Methods: The study was carried out on 14 Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into two groups. Group I rats were fed with a Zn-deficient diet, and Group II rats with a Zn-containing diet. At the end of the fourth week on the experimental diet, all the rats were killed and blood samples were taken. Serum Zn levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Then, the s ulls and mandibles were freed from soft tissues and measurements were made on the dry skulls, the mandibles, and teeth in both of the two groups.Results: The zinc-deficient group showed a significantly lower value in dry skull, mandible, and teeth measurements when compared with those of the Group II.Conclusions: Changes in zinc intake might exert an effect on the growth of craniofacial structures. A low-zinc diet during adolescence might slow bone and teeth growth and enhance the risk of oral, periodontal, and orthodontic problems in later years. (Eur J Dent 2009;3:10-15)

The aim of the present experimental study was to determine and compare the effect of Hippophae rhamnoides L. extract (HRe-1) and of dexpanthenol on the blood flow of a wound region, in rats using xenon-133 ((133)Xe) clearance technique.Burn wounds were made on both thighs of rats and, HRe-1 and dexpanthenol were applied topically on the wound region only in the right thigh for a period of 8 days. The effect of HRe-1 and of dexpanthenol on blood flow of the wound region was assessed before and after their topical application by using the (133)Xe clearance technique.HRe-1 increased significantly blood flow of the wound region (P0.05). Dexpanthenol showed a smaller increase in blood flow. In conclusion, our results in rats suggest that HRe-1 increases blood flow of the wound area and can be used for the treatment of skin wound healing, preferably than dexpanthenol.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO), and free radical scavenging enzyme activities in erythrocytes of zinc (Zn)-deficient rats and to investigate the relationship among these parameters in either group. Sixteen male rats with a weight of 40-50 g were used for the experiment. The rats were divided into control (n = 8) and Zn-deficient groups. At the end of the experiment, the animals were anesthetized with ketamine-HCl (Ketalar, 20 mg/kg(-1), i.p.), and the blood was collected by cardiac puncture after thoracotomy. Blood samples were collected in vacutainer tubes without and with K(3)-EDTA as anticoagulant. Erythrocyte catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GRD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, total (enzymatic plus nonenzymatic) superoxide scavenger activity (TSSA), nonenzymatic superoxide scavenger activity (NSSA), antioxidant potential (AOP), and serum zinc (Zn) values in the Zn-deficient group were significantly lower than those of the control group, whereas NO and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher than those of the control group. The results show that Zn deficiency causes a decrease in antioxidant defense system and an increase in oxidative stress in erythrocyte of rats.

TAYSI, Seyithan/0000-0003-1251-3148; KOC, MEHMET/0000-0003-1504-2900; yilmaz, adnan/0000-0001-9769-9791 WOS: 000260573400003 PubMed: 18979314 Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant role of melatonin against radiation-induced cataract in the rat lens after total cranial irradiation with a single 5 Gray (Gy) dose of gamma irradiation. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the experiment.The rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. The control group did not receive melatonin or irradiation but received both 0.1ml physiological saline intraperitoneally and sham irradiation. The irradiation (IR) group received 5 Gy gamma irradiation to the total cranium as a single dose plus 0.1ml physiological saline intraperitoneally. The melatonin plus IR group received irradiation to the total cranium plus 5mg/kg/day melatonin intraperitoneally. The melatonin group received only 5mg/kg/day melatonin plus sham-irradiation. Biochemical parameters measured in murine lenses were carried out using spectrophotometric techniques. Results: Lens antioxidant capacity, as measured by levels of total superoxide scavenger activity (TSSA), non-enzymatic superoxide scavenger activity (NSSA) and glutathione reductase (GRD) activity, significantly increased in melatonin, control and melatonin plus IR groups when compared with the IR group. Lens glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity significantly increased in control and melatonin groups when compared with the IR group. Lens malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly increased in the IR group when compared with control, melatonin and melatonin plus IR groups. Lens TSSA and NSSA activities significantly decreased in control and melatonin plus IR groups when compared with the melatonin group. Lens GST activity significantly increased in the control group when compared with melatonin plus IR group. Lens GRD activity significantly increased in melatonin and melatonin plus IR groups when compared with control group. Conclusions: Melatonin reduces oxidative stress markers and augments anti-oxidant capacity in the rat lens.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether an 8-week treadmill training attenuates exerciseinduced oxidative stress in rat liver. Male rats were divided into untrained and trained groups. Endurance training consisted of treadmill running at a speed of 2.1 km/h, 1.5 h/day, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. To see the effects of endurance training on acute exhaustive exercise induced oxidative stress, untrained and trained rats were further devided into two groups: animals killed at rest and those killed after acute exhaustive exercise, in which the rats run at 2.1 km/h (10% uphill) until exhaustion. Acute exhaustive exercise increased malondialdehyde level in untrained but not in trained rats. It decreased the activity of glutathione peroxidase and total (enzymatic plus non-enzymatic) superoxide scavenger activity in untrained rats and catalase activity in trained rats. However, it did not affect glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and non-enzymatic superoxide radical scavenger activities in both trained and untrained rats. On the other hand, endurance training decreased glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase activities. The results suggested that endurance training attenuated exercise-induced oxidative stress in liver, probably by preventing the decreases in glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide scavenger activities during exercise. © 2008 Akadémiai Kiadó.

We investigated whether 8-week treadmill training strengthens antioxidant enzymes and decreases lipid peroxidation in rat heart. The effects of acute exhaustive exercise were also investigated. Male rats (Rattus norvegicus, Sprague-Dawley strain) were divided into trained and untrained groups. Both groups were further divided equally into two groups where the rats were studied at rest and immediately after exhaustive exercise. Endurance training consisted of treadmill running 1.5 h day(-1), 5 days week(-1) for 8 weeks. For acute exhaustive exercise, graded treadmill running was conducted. Malondialdehyde level in heart tissue was not affected by acute exhaustive exercise in untrained and trained rats. The activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes decreased by both acute exercise and training. Glutathione S-transferase and catalase activities were not affected. Total and non-enzymatic superoxide scavenger activities were not affected either. Superoxide dismutase activity decreased by acute exercise in untrained rats; however, this decrease was not observed in trained rats. Our results suggested that rat heart has sufficient antioxidant enzyme capacity to cope with exercise-induced oxidative stress, and adaptive changes in antioxidant enzymes due to endurance training are limited.

Effects of nicotine, nicotine + vitamin E and nicotine + Hippophea rhamnoides L. extract (HRe-1) on muscle, heart, lungs, testicle, kidney, stomach, brain and liver carbonic anhydrase (CA; EC 4.2.1.1.) enzyme activities were investigated in vivo. Groups of rats were given nicotine (0.5 mg/kg/day, i.p.), nicotine + vitamin E (75 mg/kg/day, i.g.), nicotine + HRe-1 (250 mg/kg/day, i.g.) and a control group vehicle only. The results showed that nicotine inhibited the heart, lung, stomach and liver CA enzyme activities by approximately 80% (p < 0.001), approximately 94% (p < 0.001), approximately 47% (p < 0.001) and approximately 81% (p < 0.001) respectively, and activated muscle and kidney, but had no effects on the testicle and brain CA activities. Nicotine + vitamin E inhibited the heart and liver CA enzyme activities by approximately 50% (p < 0.001), and approximately 50% (p < 0.001), respectively, and nicotine + vitamin E activated the muscle CA activity. However, nicotine + vitamin E had no effect on lung, testicle, kidney, stomach and brain CA activities. Nicotine + HRe-1 inhibited the heart and stomach CA enzyme activities by approximately 51% (p < 0.001), and approximately 32% (p < 0.002), respectively, and activated the muscle and brain CA activities, but had no effects on the lung, testicle, kidney, and liver CA activities. In vitro CA inhibition results for similar experiments correlated well with the in vivo experimental results in lungs, testicles, kidney, stomach, brain and liver tissues.

In this work, handedness differences in the widths of right and left craniofacial regions were studied in a healthy sample of 39 male and 43 female students, 17 to 23 years old. Width of craniofacial regions was assessed by computerized tomography. Handedness was associated with the left face width especially for women. The left facial region was larger for right-handers than left-handers. The smaller measure for the left face of left-handers might be associated with an advantage of left ear sensitivity.

We investigated the number of degenerated neurons in spinal roots of rabbits after spinal surgery to test if electrocauterization causes neuronal loss. The number of degenerated neurons was higher in study group than in control group, and the number of live neurons was higher in control group than in study group. These results suggest that electrocauterization applied during spinal surgery is hazardous to spinal neurons and should not be applied unless required.

Time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance venography (MRV) is often used to examine the intracranial dural sinuses, particularly in the evaluation of dural sinus thrombosis. The goal of the study was to evaluate the use of TOF MRV in assessing the normal anatomy of dural sinuses and their variations as sources of potential pitfalls in the diagnosis of venous sinus thrombosis. Cerebral TOF MRV obtained in 105 persons with normal MR studies were reviewed to determine the presence, aplasia and hypoplasia of the transverse sinuses. Twenty-one (20%) aplasias of the left sinus, 41 (39%) hypoplasia of the left sinus, 33 (31%) symmetric, 6 (6%) hypoplasia of the right sinus, and 4 (4%) aplasias of the right sinus cases were determined in the asymmetry in sizes of transverse sinuses. These results suggested that transverse sinus flow gaps or aplasias can be observed in approximately 24% of normal population on MR imaging. The rate of these gaps in normal subjects must be kept in mind because it can be a source of misdiagnosis in cases of suspected dural sinus thrombosis.

Oxidant effects of nicotine in the central nervous system is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether nicotine induces oxidative stress in rat brain, and if it does, to test the effects of Hippophea rhamnoides L. extract (HRe-1) and also vitamin E as a positive control. The groups were: nicotine [0.5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal (i.p.)]; nicotine+vitamin E [75 mg/kg/day, intragastric (i.g.)]; nicotine+HRe-1 (250 mg/kg/day, i.g.); and control group (receiving only vehicles). There were eight rats per group and supplementation period was 3 weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was increased by nicotine in brain tissue, which was prevented by vitamin E whereas not affected by HRe-1. Brain tissue glutathione S-transferase activities of nicotine administered and HRe-1 supplemented groups were lower than control and vitamin E supplemented groups, while glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities of vitamin E and HRe-1 supplemented groups were lower than the nicotine administered group. Superoxide dismutase activity was not affected by any of the treatments. Total glutathione level was higher in the vitamin E supplemented group compared with control and nicotine administered groups. Vitamin E might have easily diffused to rat brain as a lipid soluble antioxidant, however, the plant extract, HRe-1, would not have sufficiently diffused to the brain to exert its antioxidant effect.

Oxygen free radicals (OFRs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of an increasing number of diseases and inflammatory states. They may cause cell and tissue damage by their chemical modification of proteins, carbohydrates, nucleotides, and lipids. Under physiological conditions OFRs are part of normal regulatory circuits and are neutralized by antioxidants. Infections are one cause of increased OFR production. The aims of our study were to assess whether the increased oxidative stress in experimental otitis media with effusion (OME) is reflected in erythrocytes by lipid peroxidation and to survey the alterations in oxidant and antioxidant enzyme activities in experimental OME in guinea pigs. Erythrocyte total (enzymatic plus non-enzymatic) superoxide scavenger activity (TSSA), non-enzymatic superoxide scavenger activity (NSSA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were measured in 6 guinea pigs with OME and in 6 controls. The TSSA, SOD, XO activities, and MDA level in experimental OME were significantly higher than in controls. No significant differences were found in erythrocyte NSSA and CAT activities. In experimental OME induced by histamine injection, increased OFR production was observed, suggesting that OFRs may play an important role in cell and tissue damage due to OME.

The aim of this work was to study the sex and handedness differences in hearing durations of the right and left ears in healthy young adults. The hearing durations were assessed using a modified Rinne test. The hearing durations of both the right and left ears were longer in males than females. In right-handers, the hearing duration of the right ear was longer than that of the left ear; in left-handers, the hearing duration of the left ear was longer than that of the right ear. These results suggest a male superiority in auditory perceptual acuity; a left-ear advantage in left-handers may result in the superiority of non-right-handers in musical tasks.

The rates of left-handedness were compared in 94 deaf and 104 normal children to test whether the rate of left-handedness is higher in children with congenital deafness than normals. Hand preference was assessed using "Edinburg Handedness Inventory." Of 104 normal children, 94 (90.39%) were right-handed and 10 (9.61%) were left-handed. Of 91 deaf children, 72 (79.12%) were right-handed and 19 (20.88%) were left-handed. The difference between the incidences of left-handedness between these groups was statistically significant: deaf children were more left-handed and less right-handed than their normal counterparts. These results suggest that the right-ear advantage in the normal population does not develop during early fetal period in congenitally deaf children.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Hippophae rhamnoides L. extract (HRe-1) and also vitamin E as a positive control on nicotine-induced oxidative stress in rat blood, specifically alterations in erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) level, activities of some erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes, and plasma vitamin E and A levels. The groups were: nicotine (0.5 mg/kg/d, intraperitoneal, i.p.); nicotine+vitamin E (75 mg/kg/d, intragastric, i.g.); nicotine+HRe-1 (1 ml/kg/d, i.g.); and control group (receiving only vehicles). There were 8 rats per group and the supplementation period was 3 weeks. Nicotine-induced increase in erythrocyte MDA level was prevented by both HRe-1 and vitamin E. Nicotine-induced decrease in erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was prevented by HRe-1, but not vitamin E. HRe-1 increased the erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity compared with nicotine and the vitamin E groups. Catalase activity was not affected. Vitamin E supplementation increased plasma vitamin E level. Plasma vitamin A level was higher in both vitamin E and HRe-1 supplemented groups compared with nicotine and control groups. The results suggest that HRe-1 extract can be used as a dietary supplement, especially by people who smoke, in order to prevent nicotine-induced oxidative stress.

Background: Adhesion molecules have been implicated in tumor progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and total sialic acid (TSA) levels in laryngeal carcinoma and correlate their levels with the cancer stage. Method: The sera from 35 patients with laryngeal cancer (10 at stage II, 12 at stage III and 13 at stage IV) were extracted before treatment. The concentrations of sICAM-1 and TSA were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay and the thiobarbituric acid method, respectively and compared with those from a healthy control group (n =3 4). Results: Mean serum sICAM-1 and TSA levels were found to be higher in the total patient group (the lowest level belonging to stage II) than in the control group (p < 0.001, control versus total patient group). As the stage of the disease increased, higher levels of sICAM-1 and TSA were determined. The correlations between TSA and sICAM-1 became more significant as the stage of the disease increased (r = 0.67, p < 0.05 in stage II, r =0 .86,p < 0.001 in stage III and r = 0.90, p < 0.001 in stage IV). Conclusion: These data reveal that the significant correlations between sICAM-1 and TSA in laryngeal cancer, more prominent at advanced stage, might reflect the similar nature of these molecules, which function as adhesion molecules.

More frequent appearance of herpes zoster infection on the left side of the body has been noted. In women, breast cancer occurs more frequently on the left side. It has been suggested that the left neocortex is involved in neuroimmunomodulation via the dopaminergic system. In this study, our purpose was to investigate the possible difference in cell-mediated hypersensitivity between right and left body sides using the tuberculin test with 22 male and 36 female healthy high school students. In the present study, the cell-mediated hypersensitivity was higher in the left side of the body than the right. This difference was slightly more apparent in the girls and may be related to brain asymmetry in neuroimmunomodulation.

We monitored serum malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of lipid peroxidation, to determine whether active cigarette smoking causes oxidative damage. The results revealed that the concentration of serum MDA was higher in cigarette smokers than in nonsmoking control subjects. No relation was found between lipid peroxidation and the number of cigarettes smoked by an individual. This finding supports the hypothesis that oxidative damage in smokers is due to the number of hours of active exposure to cigarette smoke.

Sex-related differences in intraocular pressures of the right and left eye was studied in 64 men and 61 women, all young and right-handed. Intraocular pressures of the right and left eye were higher for women than men. Sex-related difference in intraocular pressure may be associated with presence of the sex hormone, oestrogen, in women which reduces sympathetic activity.