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Objective: Despite its high prevalence, the basic pathophysiologic mechanism of migraine is still poorly understood. Our aim was to research endothelial dysfunction in patients with recently diagnosed episodic migraine, and to determine whether there was a correlation between endothelial dysfunction and white matter lesions (WMLs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted between 2013 and 2014. A total of 51 patients and 27 healthy controls were included in the study. MRI was performed in the patient group. Blood samples were collected to investigate serum level of lipids, thyroid hormones, asymmetric dimethyl arginine, and endothelin levels in the patient and control groups. Homeostasis model assessment = insulin resistance factor and brachial artery index flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) were investigated in both groups. Results: WMLs on MRI were present in 40 patients with migraine. FMD was low in patients with migraine (p=0.021). There was a negative correlation between the severity of migraine headache and FMD. A positive correlation was seen between severity of headache and WMLs (p=0.001). The other blood sample concentrations in both the case and control groups were not significantly different. When the blood parameters were evaluated with MRI lesion load, there was a positive correlation with age, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, body mass index and triglyceride, and contrary to expectations, there was no relationship with homocysteine. However, there was a significant correlation between insulin resistance and lesion load (p

Giriş: Bu çalışmada, Alzheimer Demans (AD) ve Vasküler demans (VaD)’lı hastalarda serum lipid düzeyleri ile yağda eriyen vitamin düzeylerinin demans ile ilişkilerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve yöntem: Çalışmaya uluslarası kriterlere göre tanıları konulmuş 60 AD, 52 VaD hastası ile 61 kontrol vakası alındı. Serum lipid profilleri ve yağda eriyen vitamin düzeyleri (D, K) çalışıldı. Bulgular: Serum D vitamini değerleri AD ve VaD hasta gruplarında, kontrol grubuna göre daha düşük bulundu. Vitamin K açısından ise anlamlı bir fark görülmedi. Grupların lipid profilleri incelendiğinde total kolesterol(TK) değerlerinin, her iki hasta grubunda kontrol grubuna göre daha yüksek olduğu saptandı. Kontrol grubunda, TK ile D vitamini arasında negatif bir ilişki gözlendi. Hasta gruplarında D vitamini ile ve tüm gruplarda K vitamini ile lipidler arasında bir ilişki bulunmadı. Yüksek dansiteli lipoprotein (HDL), trigliserid (TG) ve düşük dansiteli lipoprotein (LDL) değerleri açısından hasta grupları ve kontrol grubu arasında fark bulunmadı. Sonuç: Vitamin D düşüklüğü ile TK yüksekliği AD ve VaD hastalığı ile birliktelik göstermektedir. Bu iki demans tipi arasında bu parametreler açısından bir fark saptanmamıştır. Sağlıklı kontrol vakalarında vitamin D ile TK arasında saptanan ters ilişki demans hastalarında gözlenmemiştir. Verilerimiz; demans hastalarında, vitamin D ve TK ilişkisinin daha ayrıntılı incelenmesinin gerektiğini ortaya koymaktadır.

Metals, especially transition metals, seem to be important in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. This study aims to determine the relationship of trace metal elements to the pathogenesis and/or course of Alzheimer Disease in terms of clinical severity.The hair and nail trace metal levels of 62 Alzheimer Disease patients at different clinical stages (21 mild, 20 moderate, 21 severe) and 60 healthy control subjects were measured by using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The statistical comparisons were performed with regards to the study groups, clinical stages, disease duration and age.The patient and control groups were significantly different from each other in regards to Mn, Fe, Cu, Cd, Hg (p0.001), Zn (p0.01) in nail concentrations and, Na, Al, Pb, Co (p0.001), Fe, Mn (p=0.001), Hg, Cu, Cd, K in hair concentrations (p0.01). No difference was detected in the levels of Mg and Ca. Nail Na level showed differences among different clinical stages of the disease (p0.01). In comparing the mild degree Alzheimer patients to the control group; significant differences were detected in nail Mn, Fe, Cu, Co (p0.001), Hg, Zn (p0.01) and, hair Pb, Al (p0.001), Na, K levels (p0.01).Our results have shown that transition and posttransition metals are especially important metals for the disease process. The relation of nail Na level with clinical stages of AD is an interesting new finding, making someone to think that alkali metals may be important in the progression of the disease.

Aim: Pulmonary contusion negatively affects prognosis in the case of damages following a trauma. Objective of this experimental study performed in Turkey was to evaluate effects of coenzyme Q10 on primary and secondary damages of pulmonary contusion following experimental thoracic blunt trauma using biochemical and histopathological parameters. Material and Method: A total of 56 Wistar Albino female rats with a mean weight of 205±45 g were included in this study. Rats were randomly divided into seven groups with each group having eight rats. A trauma device which consisted of a fixed platform, and an aluminium tube was prepared. Rats were administered 2.45 J of chest impact energy in order to generate pulmonary contusion. Control and Study groups were named according to the sacrificed time. No process (trauma and/or medication) was performed in the sham group, while only trauma was induced in the controls. On the other hand, after induced trauma, intraperitoneal Q10 (0. - 24. - 48. hours) was administered to study group. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the after trauma 24, 48 and 72 hours, and their blood and lung tissue samples were analyzed. Results: No significant difference was found between sham and Study-72 groups in terms of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. On the histopathological examination, no significant difference was found between study and control groups. While no significant difference was found between the sham and study groups, significant difference was observed between sham and control groups. Discussion: Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant agent, can be used as an antioxidant agent in order to reduce the secondary damage in blunt thoracic trauma.

West syndrome (WS) is an epileptic syndrome of early childhood. There have been a limited numbers of studies of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) excitatory amino acid (EAA), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as plasma levels of EAA, and NO, in WS. In this article, CSF EAA, NO, and MDA levels and plasma EAA, NO status, and a determination of the effects of antiepileptic drug therapy on these values were investigated in children with WS. Evaluation of CSF and serum EAA, NO, and MDA levels and of serum EAA and NO levels after 3 mo of antiepileptic drug therapy revealed a statistically significant decrease in CSF aspartate, glutamate, NO and MDA levels. In conclusion, the decrease in CSF MDA levels in this study is the result of both the decrease in glutamate activity and neuronal damage after controlling seizures with antiepileptic drugs.

Aim Experimental in vitro studies have shown that bisphenol A affects steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis and ovarian morphology. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A in the aetiopathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents and its relationship with metabolic parameters, insulin resistance and obesity in this population. Methods A total of 112 girls with PCOS and 61 controls between 13 and 19 years of age were enrolled in the study. Serum bisphenol A levels were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed. Results Adolescents with PCOS had markedly increased serum bisphenol A levels (mean: 1.1 ng/mL 95% CI: 1.0–1.2) than controls (mean: 0.8 ng/mL 95% CI: 0.6–0.9, p = 0.001). When we compared the subgroups according to obesity, the main factor determining the significant increase in bisphenol A was the presence of PCOS, but not obesity (p = 0.029). Bisphenol A was significantly correlated with total testosterone (r = 0.52), free testosterone (r = 0.44), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (r = 0.37) and Ferriman–Gallwey score (r = 0.43) (p

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of colchicine on cytokine production, apoptosis, alveolar bone loss, and oxidative stress in an experimental model of periodontitis in rats. METHODS Forty-eight rats were divided equally into four groups: healthy (H); periodontitis (P); periodontitis+colchicine low dose (CL, 30 μg/kg/day), and periodontitis+colchicine high dose (CH, 100 μg/kg/day). After 11 days, interleukin (IL) -1β, IL-8, and IL-10 were analyzed in gingival samples using Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), total oxidative stress (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured in gingiva and serum. Alveolar bone volume was evaluated via micro-CT. Apoptotic cells were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay in histological sections. RESULTS Colchicine treatment significantly reduced IL-1β, IL-8, RANKL, RANKL/OPG, TOS, OSI, and bone volume ratio levels, and increased TAS levels compared to group P (p

Introduction Gastrointestinal bleeding is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In addition, it constitutes an important part of health expenditures. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between plasma copeptin levels and the etiology, location and severity of gastrointestinal bleeding. Materials and methods This study was performed prospectively in 104 consecutive patients who were admitted to an emergency department with complaints of bloody vomiting or bloody or black stool. To evaluate the level of biochemical parameters such as Full Blood Count (FBC), serum biochemistry, bleeding parameters and copeptin, blood samples were obtained at admission. For the copeptin levels, 2 more blood samples were obtained at the 12th and 24th hours after admission. The values obtained were compared using statistical methods. Results In terms of the etiology of bleeding, the copeptin levels in the patients with peptic ulcer were higher than the levels in patients with other gastrointestinal bleeding. However, the difference was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences among all groups' 0th, 12th and 24th hour levels of copeptin. Discussion We conclude that copeptin cannot be effectively used as a biochemical parameter in an emergency department to determine the etiology and location of gastrointestinal bleeding. It can, however, be used to make decisions on endoscopy and the hospitalization of patients with suspected gastrointestinal bleeding.

Traditionally, Morus rubra L. (Moraceae) (red mulberry) and Cornus mas L. (Cornacea) (cornelian cherry) fruits are eaten fresh and are also used in marmalades, juices, jam, natural dyes in Turkey and are believed to have beneficial effects in case of multiple health issues such as antipyretic, diarrhea and intestinal parasites. However, the effects of M. rubra and C. mas on epilepsy has not been known. This study evaluates the effects of M. rubra and C. mas extracts on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Sixty Wistar rats randomly divided into ten groups (n=6): control, sham, penicillin, penicillin+M. rubra extract (2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg) and penicillin+C. mas extract (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg). Epileptiform activity was induced by using penicillin (500 IU, i.c.) and electrocorticogram records (150 min) were obtained. Also, biochemical analysis in blood samples were evaluated. According to the electrocorticogram analysis, the effective dose was detected as 10 mg/kg for both C. mas and M. rubra. This dose decreased the spike frequencies of convulsions while amplitude wasn't changed by both substances. In erythrocyte studies, there were significant differences regarding nitric oxide in the control, sham and penicillin groups. There were significant differences regarding malondialdehyde in all groups. In the plasma, there were significant differences among groups regarding xanthine oxidase in the penicillin‑C. mas and penicillin‑M. rubra groups. There were differences regarding malondialdehyde in the penicillin-C. mas and M. rubra-C. mas groups. Both extracts reduced the frequency of epileptiform activity. After administration of the extracts malondialdehyde levels decreased also in both erythrocytes and plasma.

Tumor growth and angiogenic factors are usually overexpressed in colorectal carcinomas. We aimed to assess the prognostic role of VEGF, bFGF, PDGF-AA, EGF, HGF, and E-selectin in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) chemotherapy protocol. Thirty-eight colorectal cancer patients who had evidence of distant metastasis were enrolled in the study. Angiogenic factors were measured before and after third cycle of chemotherapy. Patients were randomized into three groups, partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and progressive disease (PD) groups, according to their clinical and radiologic evaluation after three cycles of XELOX chemotherapy. Eighteen patients (47.3 %) achieved partial response, 10 (26.3 %) stable disease, and 10 (26.3 %) progressive disease. VEGF (63.20 Pg/ml vs. 19,79 Pg/ml; p < 0.001), EGF (7.29 +/- A 3.08 Pg/ml vs. 4.79 +/- A 2.05 Pg/ml; p < 0.011), HGF (618.16 +/- A 340.39 Pg/ml vs. 452.02 +/- A 217.18 Pg/ml; p < 0.049), and PDGF-AA (691.68 +/- A 187.10 Pg/ml vs. 404.89 +/- A 168.47 Pg/ml; p < 0.001) were significantly decreased in PR group. PDGF-AA levels were also decreased in SD group (706.66 +/- A 206.66 Pg/ml vs. 389.79 +/- A 143.16 Pg/ml; p < 0,001). HGF levels were significantly increased in PD disease group (449.99 Pg/ml vs. 682.22 Pg/ml; p < 0.046). The baseline E-selectin levels were inversely proportional with overall survival that could be an important prognostic factor at the time of diagnosis. This study demonstrated that tumor growth factors can be helpful to determine colorectal cancer prognosis and overall survival in patients with metastatic disease. VEGF, HGF, EGF, and PDGF-AA levels were decreased in PR group. However, meaningful increment was seen HGF levels in PD group. Angiogenic factors and E-selectin provided unique prognostic information in advanced colorectal carcinoma patients.

Selenium (Sc) is a trace element which incorporates into the selenoenzyme glutathion peroxidase. Cataractogenesis may be caused either by the excess or deficiency of this trace element. More recently, its potential of becoming a possible environmental pollutant has been emphasized. In an attempt to reveal the relationship of this element with cataractogenesis, we detected its level in 48 serum, 36 lens and 9 aqueous humour samples of 48 patients with senile cataract, comparing the results with appropriate controls. Selenium levels (mean +/- SD) of cataractous patients were found to be 0.28 +/- 0.04 microgram/ml (CI: 0.27 to 0.29 microgram/ml) in sera (controls: 0.32 +/- 0.04 microgram/ml; CI: 0.30 to 0.34 microgram/ml, p < 0.0001), 5.43 +/- 3.07 microgram/g dry weight (CI: 4.43 to 6.43 microgram/g dry weight) in lens (controls: 4.43 +/-2.53 microgram/g dry weight; CI: 2.78 to 6.08 microgram/g dry weight; p=0.374) and 0.19 +/- 0.06 microgram/ml (CI:0.15 to 0.23 microgram/ml) in aqueous humour samples (controls: 0.31 +/-0.12 microgram/ml; CI: 0.24 to 0.38 microgram/ml, p = 0.02). When patient subgroups were analyzed, serum Se levels were found to be 0.28 +/- 0.05 microgram/ml (CI: 0.26 to 0.30 microgram/ml in the nuclear cataract and 0.28 +/- 0.02 microgram/ml (CI: 0.27 to 0.30 microgram/ml) in the cortical cataract. Lens Se levels, on the other hand, were detected as 5.91 +/- 3.56 microgram/g dry weight (CI:4.49 to 7.33 microgram/g dry weight) in the nuclear cataract and 4.47 +/- 1.40 microgram/g dry weight (CI: 3.68 to 5.26 microgram/g dry weight) in the cortical cataract. It is anticipated that decreased Se in aqueous humour and sera of patients with senile cataract may reflect defective antioxidative defense systems which may lead to the formation of cataract.

The erythrocyte antioxidant system (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) in the erythrocyte membrane were studied in workers continously exposed to welding fumes and gases, which are thought to be oxidant pollutants. Thirty-five welders using the manual metal arc method on stainless steel and 30 controls were studied. Plasma chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and cupper (Cu) levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The erythrocyte antioxidant system activity and lipid peroxidation in the erythrocyte membrane were evaluated. Not only the possible effects of welding fumes but also the effects of smoking were considered. The plasma concentrations of Cr, Mn, and Cu for the exposed welders were significantly higher compared to the control subjects (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively,). The erythrocyte CAT (p < 0.05) and SOD (p < 0.05) enzyme activities were significantly higher in the welders but there were not any significant changes in the MDA levels which reflect the lipid peroxidation in the erythrocyte membrane (p > 0.05). Smoking has increased the SOD activity in both controls (p < 0.05) and welders (p < 0.01) and increased the CAT activity in control subjects (p < 0.05). Moreover, regardless of smoking, there were some significant correlations between the duration of the exposure to welding fumes and antioxidant defence system (SOD: p < 0.05; CAT: p < 0.05). The synergistic effects of smoking and other risk factors (welding fumes and gasses), which had been shown previously by some clinical data should also be taken into account. As a consequence, the welders should be warned and informed of the synergistic effects of smoking on the adverse effect of welding fumes and gases. (c) 2007 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Aim: To assess whether antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) could affect serum and hair trace element le-vels, we studied 40 children with epilepsy.Materials and Methods: Their serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and hair Zn levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer prior to and 3 months after therapy with VPA (sodium valproate) or PB (phenobarbital).Results: In both treatments, epileptic children were found to have lower serum Zn concentra-tions. When serum Zn levels were compared after VPA and PB therapies, those who received PB therapy were observed to have a less significant decrease in serum Zn level.Conclusion: Although none of our patients showed any symptoms of Zn deficiency, we should be cautious about this in patients who receive VPA and/or PB therapy.

Background: It was shown that oxygen-derived free radicals, and particularly the superoxide anion, are intermediaries in the formation and activation of osteoclasts. Many antioxidant defence systems depend on micronutrients or are micronutrients themselves. Oxidative stress might be related to bone indices in newborn infants. Aim: To assess the relationship between oxidative status and bone indices in small-for-gestational-age (SGA), large-for-gestational-age (LGA) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) babies born to healthy mothers. Methods: Umbilical cord venous blood samples were obtained at the delivery from 100 term newborn infants to measure plasma malondialdhyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase concentrations. Forty of the newborn infants had birth weights AGA, 30 were SGA and 30 LGA. Data were acquired using the whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner in the first 24 h after birth. Results: Plasma malondialdhyde and SOD concentrations of the mothers and their newborn infants were positively correlated; however, plasma myeloperoxidase concentrations were not. SOD concentrations of SGA infants were significantly higher than those of AGA and LGA infants. Whole body bone mineral density and content were lower in SGA but higher in LGA babies than in AGA babies. Oxidative stress status of both infants and their mothers was not related to the bone indices. Conclusion: Our study does not provide support for the hypothesis that oxidative status of the infants and mothers may play a major role in the regulation of bone metabolism in the developing skeleton.

Serum concentrations of magnesium, zinc and copper were measured in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis ( n = 40), osteopenia ( n = 40) or normal bone mineral density ( n = 40) as classified on the basis of the T-score of the femur neck and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry results. Mean concentrations of magnesium and zinc were significantly lower in osteoporotic women than in both osteopenic women and normal women. In addition, magnesium and zinc concentrations in osteopenic women were significantly lower than in normal women. There were no statistically significant differences observed between the osteopenic, osteoporotic and control groups with respect to copper levels. The clinical significance of these changes needs further elucidation, but trace element supplementation, especially with magnesium and zinc and perhaps copper, may have beneficial effects on bone density.

Our aim was to establish whether independent relationships exist between either anthropometric parameters or insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and cord blood lead levels in newborns. Umbilical cord blood samples and anthropometric data were obtained at delivery. Cord blood lead levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. IGF-I levels were measured using RIA. Blood lead levels >= 100 mu g/l were considered elevated in accordance with CDC guidelines. Data on all variables of interest were obtained for 54 term neonates. The mean cord blood lead level was 144 +/- 89 mu g/l with a range of 51-355 mu g/l. Twenty-nine (53.7%) neonates had blood lead levels >= 100 mu g/l. However, only 5 (9.2%) of the neonates had blood lead levels of >= 250 mu g/l. No statistically significant difference was found in case of anthropometric parameters and IGF-I levels between neonates with high lead levels (>= 100 mu g/l) and with low lead levels (< 100 mu g/l) in cord blood (p > 0.05). There was a significant correlation between lead and birth weight in neonates with high lead levels (r: -0.49, p = 0.01) but not other anthropometric data and IGF-I levels. A multivariate regression analysis using the full range of lead values adjusted for the relevant confounders such as gestational age and socioeconomic status was performed. In the model birth weight (p: 0.01, beta: -0.81) birth length (p: 0.05, beta: 0.41) and midarm-circumferences (p: 0.05, beta: 0.30) were the best predictors of lead levels, with the total variance explained being 36%. Significant relationship was found between birth weight and lead burden in newborns. Whether serum lead level predicts the development of failure to thrive in these children remains to be determined in follow-up studies. (c) 2006 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The synergistic effects of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 on bone loss prevention have been reported. This study evaluates the effects of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 supplementation in conjunction with conventional periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing [SRP]) on gingival interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10, serum bone alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP-5b), and calcium and alveolar bone levels in rats with experimentally induced periodontitis.Seventy-two rats were divided into the following groups: 1) healthy; 2) periodontitis; 3) SRP; 4) SRP + vitamin D3; 5) SRP + vitamin K2; and 6) SRP + vitamins K2 and D3. Periodontitis was induced by ligature placement for 7 days, and vitamin K2 (30 mg/kg) and/or vitamin D3 (2 μg/kg) were administered for 10 days in the SRP + vitamin D3, SRP + vitamin K2, and SRP + vitamins K2 and D3 groups by oral gavage. On day 18, the animals were sacrificed, serum B-ALP, TRAP-5b, and calcium levels were measured, gingiva specimens were extracted for IL-1β and IL-10 analysis, and distances between the cemento-enamel junction and alveolar bone crest were evaluated.Alveolar bone levels in the periodontitis group were significantly greater than those in the other five groups. No significant differences were found in gingival IL-1β and IL-10, serum B-ALP and TRAP-5b, and calcium and alveolar bone levels between the groups receiving SRP and vitamins and the group receiving SRP alone.Within the limitations of this study, vitamin D3 and K2 alone or in combination did not affect gingival IL-1β and IL-10, serum B-ALP and TRAP-5b levels, or alveolar bone compared with conventional periodontal therapy alone.

Levels of Na, K, Ca, Mg, N, Cu and Zn of propolis samples originating from different geographic locations of Turkey were investigated. Sodium was the most abundant element in the samples. The calcium content was found between 0.118-0.0793 mg g(-1). The highest magnesium content was found in samples from Yozgat region, whereas the lowest was in those of Adana region. Potassium content changed between 0.121-0.364 mg g(-1). There were no statistical differences in nitrogen levels. Interestingly, no sulphur (S) was detected in propolis samples. The copper and zinc content changed between 0.045-0.096 mg g(-1), 0.176-0.676 mg g(-1), respectively. Finally, mineral content of Turkish propolis was about the same as the commercial propolises from other countries. The content of Cu in propolises was generally within safe limits, and compared well with levels in foods from Turkish Food Codex, though Zn contents were high.

The aim of the study was to investigate the total content of the essential elements of zinc and magnesium levels in patients infected with Blastocystis hominis. Zinc and magnesium concentrations were measured in 52 patients who were positive for the intestinal parasite Blastocystis hominis. Scores were obtained for the positives and their age- and sex-matched 60 Blastocystis hominis-negative healthy controls. For comparison of two groups of continuous variables, the independent samples t-test was used. The mean concentration of magnesium in blood was significantly lower in Blastocystis hominis-positive patients than in their controls both in females (p0.05) and males (p0.05). The average zinc concentration in Blastocystis hominis-positive female patients was 0.61 +/- 0.2 mg/L and 0.60 +/- 0.2 mg/L in controls (p0.05). The mean values of the zinc in blood were 0.62 +/- 0.2 mg/L in Blastocystis hominis-positive male patients and 0.82 +/- 0.1 in controls (p0.05). No correlation could be demonstrated between age and mean values of zinc and magnesium in Blastocystis-positive females/males and controls (p0.05). No significant correlation could be found between blood zinc and magnesium levels in Blastocystis-positive female/male patients and controls (p0.05). Magnesium levels were found to be clearly decreased, whereas no change was observed in zinc levels in the patients with Blastocystis compared to controls.

A quantitative elemental analysis of scalp hair of female breast cancer patients (n = 26) and female controls (n = 27) was used to study to find out correlation and possible changes, between breast cancer and healthy controls. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer analysis of the quantitative method was used to determine copper, magnesium, and zinc levels. There were no differences in magnesium concentrations (P > 0.05) in breast cancer patients and healthy subjects. However, comparison of mean elemental contents of the breast cancer patients with controls showed a significant enhancement of copper (P < 0.05) but declining trends for zinc (P < 0.05) in breast cancer patients. The usefulness and significance of element status in cancer patients should be discussed more detailed in the light of the most these recent data. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 17:175–180, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Thymus oil and its components are becoming increasingly popular as naturally occurring antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. The real importance of thymus on nitric oxide (NO) is unknown. NO is an important mediator in numerous physiologic and pathophysiologic events. Stasis and thrombosis in burn wound can progress as a result of the release of local mediators. The implication of NO in burn injury is not well studied. In this study, we tried to determine the role of burn-induced NO and whether thymus oil plays a protective role after a thermal injury. Rats were divided into five groups. We topically applied thymus oil, olive oil, and silverdin and sulfadiazine on the rats, respectively, during a period of 21 days after they were burned while under anesthesia. The burned control group and nonburned control group did not receive any treatment. The results of this study show that NO was overproduced by thermal injury and decreased during the days after burn injury. The decrease in rats treated with thymus and sulfadiazine was higher than the others. These data indicate that thymus oil may serve as a protective agent to the damaged tissues by decreasing the NO level. Histologic examination results show that the formation of new tissue in rats receiving thymus oil was more than other burned groups, and this finding supports our hypothesis.

Lipid peroxidation (LP) and brain edema are important factors that produce tissue damage in head injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of mexiletine, gingko biloba extract (EGb 761), and their combination on LP and edema after moderate head trauma. Forty rats were randomly and blindly divided into four groups of ten animals each: control group (bolus injection of physiological saline), mexiletine group (50 mg/kg per injection), EGb 761 group (30 mg/kg per injection), and mexiletine plus EGb 761 group (50 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg per injection, respectively). The injections were given intraperitoneally at 1 h, 9 h, and 17 h after trauma. Twenty-four hours after injury, the rats were killed, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and brain water content were determined. Rats treated with mexiletine, EGb 761, and mexiletine plus EGb 761 had significantly lower MDA levels than the control group (P0.05). These findings show the usefulness of mexiletine and its combination with EGb 761 as a cerebroprotective agent in this model of experimental head injury.

Amaç: Elektronik sigara, tütün sigarası içme alışkanlığını bırakmak isteyen tiryakilere yardımcı olmak amacıyla geliştirilen bir alettir. Son bir kaç sene içinde, diğer ülkelerde olduğu gibi, Türkiye"de de kullanımı bir hayli yaygınlaşmıştır. Bu aletin özellikleri, insan sağlığı üzerine etkileri, tütün sigarasını bırakmaya yönelik potansiyeli dünya çapında ilgi çekmektedir. Bu derlemede, konu üzerine yapılan yayınları gözden geçirerek okuyucuların objektif bir bakış açısına sahip olmalarının sağlanması amaçlanmaktadır. Materyal ve Metod: Belirtilen amaca yönelik olarak elektronik sigara cihazı ve kullanımına ait genel bilgiler ile cihaz üzerine yapılan çalışmalar incelenmiştir. Bu konuda yapılan çalışmalar; anketler, klinik gözlem çalışmaları ile potansiyel zararlı etkilere yönelik klinik ve girişimsel çalışmalar şeklinde detaylı bir şekilde gözden geçirilmiştir. Bulgular: Genel olarak elektronik sigaranın, tütün sigarasından alınan nikotinin bazı etkilerini karşılayabildiği, bu yüzden tütün sigarasını bırakmada önemli bir potansiyel olduğu şeklinde yorumlar yapılmaktadır. Bununla birlikte tütün sigarası kadar zararlı olmasa da sağlık için birtakım tehditler taşıdığı ve yapılan çalışmaların fazlalaştırılması gerektiği belirtilmektedir. Ayrıca belirlenen zarar potansiyellerinin ürün kalitesi ve imalatı ile ilgili olduğu şeklinde yayınlar da dikkati çekmektedir. Sonuç: Tütün sigarasını bırakmak veya zararlı etkilerinden kaçınmak üzere dünyada yaygın kullanım alanı bulmuş olan ve kullanımı giderek yaygınlaşan e-sigaranın, bu potansiyel etkileri konusundaki çalışmalar henüz yeterince değildir. Tütün kontrolü konusunda e-sigaranın yeri henüz belirsizdir. Bu konuda yapılacak araştırmalara birey ve toplum düzeylerinde ivedilikle gerek duyulmaktadır.

In this study, we wanted to examine the effect of magnesium (Mg2+) supplementation on the experimental 3-methyl cholantrene (3-MC)-induced fibrosarcoma and alterations in (Mg2+) distribution in several tissues of the rats, during carcinogenesis. It was determined that serum and tissue (Mg2+) levels of the rats in (Mg2+)-supplemented diet group were higher than those of the rats in the (Mg2+)-nonsupplemented and control groups. The mean time of fibrosarcoma development for (Mg2+)-supplemented group was longer than (Mg2+)-nonsupplemented group (p < 0.05). Symptoms of hypermagnesemia were not observed in any of the rats. These results suggests that dietary (Mg2+) supplementation may have a partial anticarcinogenic effect on experimental 3-MC-induced fibrosarcoma by prolongation of the latent period of carcinogenesis.

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is a potent antioxidant and a free radical scavenger. This study was designed to determine whether GSPE could protect against dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by torsion-detorsion injury in rat testis.A total of 45 male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups: control group, sham group, torsion-detorsion (T/D) group, T/D + GSPE group, GSPE group. GSPE was administrated 100 mg/kg/day with oral gavage over seven days before torsion. Testicular torsion was performed for 2 h, and afterward, detorsion was performed for 2 h. The rats were decapitated under ketamine anesthesia, and their testes tissues were removed. Tissue malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products levels, eNOS expression, apoptosis and histopathological damage scores were then compared.Testicular torsion-detorsion caused significant increases in malondialdehyde level, apoptosis and eNOS expression level and caused a significant decrease in advanced oxidation protein product levels and testicular spermatogenesis in ipsilateral testes. GSPE prevented the rise in malondialdehyde, apoptosis and eNOS expression and improved testicular morphology and Johnsen's score.As a result, testicular torsion gives rise to serious damage in testes and GSPE is a potent antioxidant agent in preventing testicular injury.

This study was conducted in order to determine the influence of five-day handball competitions on hematological levels of male handball players. 12 elite male handball players with an average age of 22.16±1.85 years participated in this study on voluntary basis. Physical measurements including body height, body weight, body-mass index and body fat percentages and hematological levels of the handball players were analyzed before (BC) and after the competitions (AC). In order to determine hematological levels, blood samples with 5 ml EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) were taken from the forearm ante-cubital area in line with hygiene rules before and after competitions, and erythrocyte, leucocytes and blood platelet parameters were analyzed in laboratory with using auto-analyzers. Measurement results were presented as average and standard deviation. Student T-test for dependant samples was used in order to make a comparison between BC and AC values. SPSS 13.0 Package software was used for data evaluation.P

The aim of this present study is to investigate the mucositis caused by methotrexate (MTX), as well as whether the application of royal jelly (RJ) has a protective effect on oxidative stress. This present study included six groups each consisted of 12 Wistar rats. Distilled water (po: peroral) was given to the 1st group as placebo for 10 days and MTX (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal: ip) on the 7th day. The 2nd group received RJ (50mg/kg, po) for 10 days and normal saline (NS) instead of MTX. RJ (50mg/kg) was given to the 3rd group for 10 days and MTX on the 7th day. The 4th group received RJ (100 mg/kg, po) for 10 days and NS was given intraperitoneally. RJ (100mg/kg) was given to the 5th group for 10 days and a single dose of MTX. Distilled water was given to the 6th (control) group for 10 days and intraperitoneal NS on the 7th day. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were analyzed in blood samples on the 11th day. Morphological and histopathological changes were examined in the intestinal tissue samples. Villus length and mucosal thickness, as well as the villus length/crypt ratio, were significantly decreased with MTX administration, and the semiquantitative histological evaluation (SQHE) score was measured high (p

Objectives We aimed to evaluate the oxidant/antioxidant status of thyroid tissue in patients with multinodular goiter, papillary carcinoma and to compare with their nonpathologic tissues. Methods We studied 41 patients with multinodular goiter who underwent surgical treatment. The patients were divided into three groups according to clinical diagnosis. Malondialdehyde, selenium, total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase of thyroid tissue samples were determined in 14 toxic multinodular goiters, 18 non-toxic multinodular goiters, and 9 papillary carcinomas. Result Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and selenium were found lower but malondialdehyde was higher in both nodule and cancerous tissues compared with those of control ones. The level of malondialdehyde in non-toxic multinodular goiters group was higher than toxic multinodular goiters group in nodule tissues. Conclusions It can be stated that the lipid peroxidation is increased and enzymatic free radical defense system was significantly impaired in patients with both multinodular goiters and papillary carcinomas.

Lipid peroxidation (LP) is an important factor in tissue damage following head injury. Reactive oxygen radicals which damage cellular components play an important role in ischemic or hypoxic tissue. They initiate the lipid peroxidation process after head trauma. However, antioxidant agents may protect brain tissue against oxidative damage39 male Swiss Albino rats (200-250 g) were used in this experimental study. These animals were divided into 3 groups: 1) control group, 2) propofol group (100 mg/kg) and, 3) citicoline (250 mg/kg) and propofol (100 mg/kg) combination group. Oxidant effect in brain tissue content was assessed by measuring the Malonyldialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Gluthatione Peroxidase (GPx) activities.There was no statistically meaningful difference among the groups regarding GPx levels. MDA levels were significantly lower in the citicoline and combination group than those of the control group. As for the levels of SOD, there was an increase both in the propofol and combination groups.Atherapeutic benefit of the propofol and citicolin combination in head trauma has not been previously demonstrated. We examined the possible potential protective effect of propofol and citicolin against oxidative damage in experimental head trauma in the present study.

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of melatonin and phospholipid on adhesion formation and the correlation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in rats.Sixty Wistar-Albino rats were divided into four groups as sham, control and two study groups, each including 15 rats. In the sham group, laparotomy was the only procedure. Left lower parietal peritoneum was abraded after laparotomy and serosal defects formed on the cecum, ileum and right uterine horn in the study and control groups. Ringer lactate was then applied to the control group, while melatonin and phospholipid suspension were applied separately in the two study groups. Relaparotomy was performed in all groups on the 15th day to score and evaluate the adhesion formation.Adhesion formation was significantly lower in the sham, melatonin and phospholipid groups than in the control group (p0.05). VEGF staining was significantly higher in the control group with adhesion areas compared to the other groups (p0.05). When VEGF staining was compared, there was no significant difference between VEGF- stained and normal areas in the melatonin and phospholipid groups.Melatonin and phospholipid decreased the adhesion formation in an experimental adhesion model in rats. There is a correlation between adhesion severity and VEGF expression.

The tolerance of the liver is considerably low when an effective radiation (RTx) dose needs to be delivered in patients in whom either their liver or whole body area has to be irradiated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of grape seed extract on liver toxicity induced by RTx in the rat liver.We used four groups, each consisting of 12 healthy male Wistar rats. RTx-grape seed extract group: rats were given grape seed extract (100 mg/kg) orally for seven days, following 8 Gy whole body irradiation, and grape seed extract was maintained for four days. RTx group: the same protocol was applied in this group; however, they received distilled water instead of grape seed extract. Grape seed extract group: only grape seed extract solution was administered for 11 consecutive days in the same fashion.only distilled water (orally) was administered in a similar manner. The level of malondialdehyde, an end product of lipid peroxidation, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, two important endogenous antioxidants, were evaluated in tissue homogenates.Grape seed extract was seen to protect the cellular membrane from oxidative damage and consequently from protein and lipid oxidation. In the RTx group, malondialdehyde levels were extremely higher than those of the grape seed extract-RTx group (p0.001). Grape seed extract administration moderately reserved the malondialdehyde levels. RTx therapy decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the liver homogenates (p0.001), and these alterations were significantly reversed by grape seed extract treatment (p0.001). There were no differences between the grape seed extract- RTx, grape seed extract and control groups with regard to antioxidant activity (p0.05).The levels of antioxidant parameters on RTx-induced liver toxicity were restored to control values with grape seed extract therapy. Grape seed extract may be promising as a therapeutic option in RTx-induced oxidative stress in the rat liver.

Purpose: To investigate the possible protective effects of aminoguanidine (AG ) on lung damage in whole body irradiated rats. Methods: To evaluate the biological damage of radiation on rat lung tissue, lipid peroxidation products were measured using biochemical parameters. Thirty Wistar albino rats were divided into three subgroups: control (C) , irradiation alone (RT), and RT + AG combined. After sacrificing the rats, antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activities and malondiadehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels were evaluated in lung tissue. Results: Administration of AG resulted in an increase in the activities of CAT, SOD and GSHPx in the lungs. All were reduced after radiatio. In addition, AG administration resulted in a decrease in both NO and MDA levels in lung compared with the irradiated group. Conclusion: Amnoguanidine increased the endogenous antioxidant defence mechanism in rats and protected the animals from radiation-induced lung toxicity. Moreover, AG may protect against ionizing radiation-induced lung damage because of its antioxidant effect.

Nicotine, one of the most dangerous substances in tobacco, can pass the placenta and affect the fetal hemodynamics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of melatonin on hearts of nicotine exposed newborn rats whose mothers received nicotine.This is an experimental, randomized, controlled study. Study groups were composed of five groups of rats; high-dose nicotine (HDN), HDN+melatonin (HDNM), low-dose nicotine (LDN), LDN+melatonin (LDNM), control. Myocardial and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide(NO), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed and myocardial tissue was examined histopathologically. Comparisons of groups were done with Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis test. All pairwise multiple comparisons and the comparisons between control and other groups were done with Dunn's nonparametric multiple comparison test.Plasma and tissue MDA levels among groups were different (p=0.001 for plasma MDA and p=0.001 for tissue MDA). Plasma MDA levels of HDN, HDNM, LDN, and tissue MDA levels of HDN and LDN were significantly higher than in control group (p0.05 for plasma MDA and for tissue MDA). Plasma and tissue NO levels among groups were also different (p=0.011 for plasma NO and p=0.001 for tissue NO). Plasma NO of LDN group was higher than of LDNM group, and plasma NO of LDNM group was lower than in control group (p0.05). Tissue NO levels of HDN and LDN groups were higher than of control group (p0.05). There was no difference between plasma GSHPx levels among groups (p=0.221) but statistically significant different was detected between tissue GSHPx levels among groups (p=0.001). Tissue GSHPx level was found lower in HDN group than in control group (p0.05). Tissue GSHPx level of LDNM group was higher than of LDN group, and tissue GSHPx level of HDNM group was higher than of HDN group (p0.05). A difference was found between plasma and tissue SOD among groups (p=0.005 for plasma SOD and p=0.001 for tissue SOD). Plasma SOD of LDN group was significantly lower than of HDNM and LDNM groups (p0.05). Tissue SOD analyzes revealed lower levels in HDN and LDN groups than in control group (p0.05). Severe cardiomyopathy was determined in HDN and LDN groups (p0.05).Nicotine exposure depletes myocardial antioxidant enzymes and increases free radicals and lipid peroxidation products. Melatonin particularly prevents the nicotine-induced cardiac injury as an antioxidant.

Phototherapy (PT) is the most widely used form of treatment for unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. One possible harmful consequence of PT is of a genetic nature. High levels of bilirubin may lead to oxidative damage in newborns: photochemical reactions may produce toxic photoproducts, probably peroxides. In order to investigate this hypothesis further under in vivo conditions, DNA strand-break frequency was examined by means of the comet assay in peripheral lymphocytes of icteric newborns undergoing PT treatment, and the levels of catalase, an antioxidant enzyme, were determined. We analyzed 20 term non-hemolitic hyperbilirubinemic jaundiced neonates before PT ('before PT' group) and just prior to ending PT ('after PT' group) and compared comet scores of these patients with those of 20 healthy term neonates who all had bilirubin levels in the physiological range. Comet scores (tail length, tail moment and %DNA in tail) of the group 'before phototherapy' were 23.5 +/- 16.3, 7.41 (0.97-40.7), 33.0 +/- 12.1, respectively and scores of after phototherapy group were 3.2 +/- 1.8, 0.29 (0.3-3.2), 10.7 +/- 3.7, respectively. Comet scores of the control group were 3.0 +/- 2.9, 0.25 (0.03-3.22), 10.9 +/- 4.5, respectively. Comet scores and plasma catalase activities in hyperbilirubinemic newborns were significantly higher before phototherapy, compared with the values after phototherapy and in the control groups (p0.001). There was no statistical difference between the 'after phototherapy' group and the controls (p0.05). These results indicate that high serum bilirubin level has genotoxic effects as is evident from the high rate of DNA strand-breaks in jaundiced newborns. Also PT does not cause an increase in DNA oxidation or induce the genotoxic effects of bilirubin. The counteracting effect of higher catalase activities in hyperbilirubinemic newborns may be responsible for the inactivating toxic and DNA-damaging effects of PT.

High dose chemotherapy causes increased free radical formation and depletion of tissue antioxidants. Whether allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has an effect on oxidative stress is uncertain. The aims of the study were to determine the effect of allogeneic HSCT on plasma concentrations of antioxidants and oxidative stress biomarkers, and to investigate their relationships with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), conditioning regimens, and transplant-related mortality (TRM) in patients with hematological malignancies. Patients (n=25) undergoing allogeneic HSCT from HLA-matched sibling donors were enrolled in the study. Plasma oxidant and antioxidant status were measured at day -1 before transplantation and 30 days after HSCT. In both myeloablative (n=14) and non-myeloablative (n=11) transplant groups, the mean levels of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) increased after allogeneic HSCT (p0.01), whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities decreased compared with baseline values (p0.01). No significant relationships were found between either the pretransplant or post-transplant mean levels of the oxidative stress parameters and the existence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), the type of conditioning regimen, or transplant related mortality (TRM). This study documents a significant disturbance of pro-oxidative/antioxidative balance in the plasma of patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT regardless of the intensity of the conditioning regimen.

Background. The pathogenesis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma is incompletely understood, and the role of lipoxin A4 has not been investigated. Objective. To investigate the involvement of lipoxin A4 in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Methods. Two groups of children were enrolled in the study: asthmatic children with positive (n = 12) and negative (n = 8) responses to exercise. Levels of lipoxin A4 were determined in plasma before and immediately after exercise challenge using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. No significant difference was observed in the pre-exercise lipoxin A4 levels among the groups (p 0.05). A significant difference was observed in the postexercise lipoxin A4 levels between the two groups (p = 0.041). We also observed significant decreases in plasma lipoxin A4 levels immediately after exercise challenge both in asthmatic children with positive responses to exercise (p = 0.013) and negative responses to exercise (p = 0.05). But these levels were significantly higher in asthmatic children with negative responses to exercise (p = 0.041). There was an inverse correlation between lipoxin A4 levels and a reduction in forced expiratory volume at one second percent after exercise (p = 0.045, r = -0.465). Conclusion. Our results are the first demonstration of the lower levels of lipoxin A4 associated with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma. We hypothesize that the development of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children may be in relation to a reduced endogenous lipoxin biosynthetic capability. Lipoxin mimetics and related compounds could provide novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma.

The efficacy of methotrexate (MTX), a widely used cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent, is often limited by its severe hepatotoxicity. Regarding the mechanisms of these adverse effects, several hypotheses have been put forward, among which oxidative stress is noticeable. The present study was undertaken to determine whether grape seed extract (GSE), a new natural free radical scavenger, could ameliorate the MTX-induced oxidative injury in the rat liver. The animals were divided into 3 groups. Each group consisted of 12 animals. MTX-GSE group: rats were given GSE (100 mg/kg body weight) orally for 15 days, and a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was added on the 10th day. MTX group: these received placebo distilled water (orally) instead of GSE for 15 days and the same MTX protocol applied to this group on the 10th day. Control group: rats were given distilled water (orally) through 15 days and physiological saline (intraperitoneally) instead of MTX was administered on the 10th day in a similar manner. On the 16th day, liver tissue samples were obtained under deep anaesthesia. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation, and the activities of süperoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), two important endogenous antioxidants, were evaluated in the tissue homogenates. MTX administration increased the MDA level and decreased the SOD and CAT activities in the liver homogenates (p < 0.001), while these alterations were significantly reversed by GSE treatment (p < 0.001). MTX led to significantly reduced whole blood count parameters (p < 0.05). When GSE was supplemented, no significant changes in blood count parameters were noted. It appears that GSE protects the rat liver and inhibits methotrexate-induced oxidative stress. These data indicate that GSE may be of therapeutic benefit when used with MTX. © 2008 World Scientific Publishing Company.

This study aims to investigate the effects of age and anxiety on behavior, learning and memory in rats. Before and after the anxiety and learning tests, locomotor activity, exploratory activity and autonomic functions of the rats were tested in open field area. At the beginning and at the end of behavior tests, urines were collected so as to determine 5-hydroxyrindolaceticacid (5-HIAA) levels. Following these tests, rats were anesthetized and their serum corticosteron (CORT) levels were analyzed., Behav Brain Res. 2008 Dec 16;195(1):147-52. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2008.05.023. Epub 2008 Jun 8. Effects of age and anxiety on learning and memory. Küçük A, Gölgeli A, Saraymen R, Koç N. Author information Dumlupinar University, Medicine Faculty, Physiology Department, Tavsanli Road 10.km, 43270 Kutahya, Turkey. kucukaysegul@hotmail.com Abstract This study aims to investigate the effects of age and anxiety on behavior, learning and memory in rats. Before and after the anxiety and learning tests, locomotor activity, exploratory activity and autonomic functions of the rats were tested in open field area. At the beginning and at the end of behavior tests, urines were collected so as to determine 5-hydroxyindolaceticacid (5-HIAA) levels. Following these tests, rats were anesthetized and their serum corticosteron (CORT) levels were analyzed. After anxiety, except for defecation, all parameters in open field such as line crossing, rearing, sitting and number of grooming were decreased in both young and aged animals. 5-Hydroxyindolaceticacid levels were decreased and serum CORT levels were increased, it is supported that especially the aged rats were much more affected from anxiety compared to the young ones. Elevated T-maze results show that emotional learning did not change while conditioned performance was tested in the closed arm and unconditioned performance was tested in the open arm. Nevertheless, it is observed that aging leaded to extensions in avoidance responses and thus caused difficulty in learning. In water maze test, rats showed higher performance in reaching the platform in repetitive trials; this demonstrates that they have learned by environmental cues. Experimental group had not better performance in reaching the platform according to control group, so this supports that anxiety affects spatial learning. As a conclusion, it could be stated that especially in aged rats, anxiety that is created by elevated T-maze and cat odor and supported with 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and serum corticosterone, causes difficulty in emotional and spatial learning. &nbsp

Pinarli, Faruk Guclu/0000-0002-3241-2478; Ozgen, Ilker Tolga/0000-0001-6592-9652 WOS: 000248695500002 PubMed: 17762491 Selenium (Se) is a trace element contributing to the structure of antioxidant system that saves cells from reactive oxygen species. Low serum Se levels have been reported in pediatric and adult patients with cancers. On the other hand, hair Se levels, predicting the long-term body Se status, have been reported in only adult patients with cancer. The aim of the study was to investigate the hair Se status in children with newly diagnosed lymphoid malignancies and the relation between malnutrition and Se deficiency. Thirty patients with leukemia (n = 17) and lymphoma (n = 13), and 25 healthy controls were enrolled to the study. Se was determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometrical method. Hair Se levels of the patients were significantly lower than those of control group [666.96 +/- 341.46 ng/g vs. 1019.22 +/- 371.83 ng/g (P 0.05)]. Malnourished patients (11/30) had lower hair Se levels (483.51 +/- 235.55 ng/g) than those of the controls (P = 0.036), whereas the Se levels of the patients who had no malnutrition (773.17 +/- 352.92 ng/g) were also lower than those of the controls but not statistically significant (P = 0.053). There was no correlation between age, sex, and the hair Se levels. In this study, we found that hair Se levels of the children with leukemia and lymphoma, especially those of malnourished patients, were lower than those of controls. Additional studies are needed to determinate whether low levels of hair Se may play a role in carcinogenesis.

Dust-mites are present in our homes, feed on dead exfoliated skin and other organic material. It is also known that oxidative stress may lead to cellular damage that can be confirmed by markers of cellular disruption. Oxidative stress in various infective processes has been documented. We investigated whether house dust-mites cause oxidative stress in patients.Products of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes and lymphocytes were assessed by measuring malondialdehyde concentration.Our results showed that patients who had a positive skin test for dust-mite antigens and had dust-mites present in their houses (dust-mite positive) had increased erythrocyte malondialdehyde levels (62.39 [18.56] nmol/g-Hb) compared with those who were skin test positive, dust-mite negative (45.45 [10.82]) or skin test negative, dust-mite negative (42.20 [5.68]). They also had significantly higher levels of lymphocyte malondialdehyde (4.22 [0.55] nmol/g-protein) compared with those who were skin test positive, dust-mite negative (3.46 [0.29]) or skin test negative, dust-mite negative (1.25 [0.31]; p0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the malondialdehyde levels of dust-mite negative/skin test positive and dust-mite negative/skin test negative patients.Increased malondialdehyde activity in lymphocytes and erythrocytes in the dust-mite positive/skin test positive group shows the presence of the oxidative stress in patients with dust-mite infestation.

BEK, KENAN/0000-0002-1005-2379; ozkaya, ozan/0000-0002-0198-1221 WOS: 000240555500015 PubMed: 16937131 Selenium (Se) is a trace element that incorporates into the selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). There are conflicting results regarding the Se levels and activity of GSH-Px in adult uremic patients. The aim of this study was to determine (1) the hair Se status, (2) the possible relation between the hair Se status and the antioxidant enzyme, GSH-Px, and (3) the influence of different treatment procedures on hair Se status and GSH-Px activity in children with CRI, those treated conservatively and those on HD and on CAPD. Ninety-three patients, including 32 patients with CRI, treated conservatively, 42 PD patients, 19 HD patients and 34 healthy children were enrolled in the study. The hair Se level was measured by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. Plasma GSH-Px activity was determined using a Randox test combination (RANSEL). Hair Se levels were significantly lower in the CRI, CAPD, and HD groups when compared to the control group (P=0.001, P=0.001, and P=0.001, respectively). Plasma GSH-Px activity was significantly lower in the CRI, CAPD, and HD groups when compared to the control group (P=0.001, P=0.001, and P=0.001, respectively). Plasma GSH-Px activity correlated with the GFR in patients with CRI and the control group (P=0.000; r(2)=0.60). There was no correlation between plasma GSH-Px and hair Se levels in the patient and control groups. These results revealed a decreased hair Se level and impaired antioxidative capacity in children with CRI on CAPD and HD. The lack of any relation between plasma GSH-Px and hair Se suggests that plasma GSH-Px is not a good marker of Se stores.

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of level of the essential elements of copper, magnesium, and zinc status in cases of teniasis in children. Copper, magnesium, and zinc levels were measured in 40 children who were positive for intestinal parasite of Taenia saginata. Scores were obtained for the positives and their 30 age- and sex-matched T. saginata-negative healthy children. The mean concentration of copper, magnesium, and zinc in blood showed no statistically difference in T. saginata-positive children than in their controls both in females (p>0.05) and males (p>0.05). However, a clear numerically decrease was observed especially in magnesium and zinc levels compared to the controls both in females and males. The average magnesium concentration in T. saginata-positive female children and male children were 20+/-1.9 and 22+/-2.2 mg/L and it was 27+/-2.1 and 27+/-2.3 mg/L in controls, respectively. The mean values of the zinc in blood were 0.76+/-0.5 and 0.72+/-0.4 mg/L in T. saginata-positive female children and male children and 0.85+/-0.3 and 0.81+/-0.5 mg/L in female and male controls, respectively. No correlation could be demonstrated between age and mean values of copper, magnesium, and zinc in T. saginata-positive females and males and controls (p>0.05). No significant correlation could be found between blood copper, magnesium and zinc levels in T. saginata-positive female and male children and controls (p>0.05). Although there was no statistical correlation observed in copper, magnesium, and zinc levels between patients and controls, there seem to be, especially in magnesium and zinc levels, a decrease, whereas no change was seen in the zinc level in children infected with T. saginata compared to controls.

Background: Vampirolepis nana is the only human tapeworm in which the intermediate host is not necessary and transmission is from person to person. In this study the changes of serum malondialdehyde level, that is, the oxidative stress hypothesis in patients infected with V. nana, was investigated. Methods: Serum malondialdehyde concentration activity was measured in 32 patients who were positive for intestinal parasite of V. nana. Levels were obtained for the positively infected patients and their age and gender were matched to 32 healthy controls. Results: The difference between malondialdehyde levels of patients infected with V. nana and the control group was statistically significant both for females (P