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Objective: Rotating shift is known to disrupt circadian rhythms. The 12/24 shift system, with frequent day-night rotations and the ergonomic shift system (ESS), with 90% less rotations were compared for their impacts on oxidative stress, inflammation, and platelet activation by using pentraxin 3 (PTX3), urinary 15-isoprostane F2t, and 11-dehydrotromboxane B-2 (11-DTB2). Methods: All tests were performed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Unpaired t test and Pearson correlation analysis were employed. Results: Two hundred twenty 12/24 and 198 ESS workers were included. Plasma PTX3 and urinary 15-isoprostane F2t levels were not different between groups. Urinary 11-DTB2 in 12/24 workers were found significantly higher compared with ESS workers (P < 0.0001). A weak but significant correlation was found between urinary 15-isoprostane F2t and urinary 11-DTB2 levels (r = 0.17, P = 0.001). Conclusions: 12/24 rotating shift was found to cause platelet activation disturbances.

The present study aimed to investigate serum cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and oxytocin levels of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combined presentation and those diagnosed with ADHD combined presentation and coexisting conduct disorder. A total of 74 drug-naive children with ADHD combined presentation alone, 32 children with ADHD combined presentation + conduct disorder, and 42 healthy controls were included. The severities of ADHD and conduct disorder symptoms were assessed via parent- and teacher-rated questionnaires. The severity of aggression, anxiety, and depression symptoms of the children were assessed by the self-report inventories. Independent of potential confounders, including age, sex, pubertal stage, and severity of depression and anxiety, serum oxytocin levels of the ADHD combined presentation + conduct disorder group were significantly lower than those of both the ADHD combined presentation alone and control groups. There was also a trend for the ADHD combined presentation + conduct disorder group to show lower serum DHEA levels than that of the ADHD combined presentation alone group. However, serum cortisol levels did not show significant alterations among the groups. These findings suggest that oxytocin and DHEA may play a role in the pathophysiology of conduct disorder, at least in the presence of ADHD combined presentation.

WOS: 000435144400029, Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer patients, however its therapeutic use is limited due to dose dependent hepatotoxicity caused by oxidative damage. Biochanin A (BCA), a naturally occurring dietary isoflavone, has strong cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Although protective actions of BCA against various chemical-induced hepatotoxicity including that of carbon tetrachloride and arsenic, none of the studies was made on MTX-induced acute liver injury. Methods: Wistar rats were separated into four groups; Control, MTX, Control+BCA, MTX+BCA. BCA (50 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide; 1 mL/kg/day) with the same volume was intraperitoneally injected for 5 days. At sixth day, a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) was injected to rats. Twenty-four h after the MTX administration, rats were sacrificed and then blood and liver samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathologic analyses. Results: MTX increased the serum AST, ALT, and LDH levels. Furthermore, malondialdehyde (an indicator of oxidative injury) and myeloperoxidase (an indicator of neutrophil infiltration) levels increased, while total glutathione levels (an indicator of antioxidant status) decreased in liver. MTX-induced hepatotoxicity was also observed histopathologically. BCA substantially improved these alterations induced by MTX administration. Conclusion: These results indicate that BCA may be useful in preventing the MTX-induced acute liver injury due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Introduction: The ethiopathogenesis of tympanosclerosis has not been completely under- stood yet. Recent studies have shown that free oxygen radicals are important in the formation of tympanosclerosis. Melatonin and Vitamin C are known to be a powerful antioxidant, interacts directly with Reactive Oxygen Species and controls free radical-mediated tissue damage. Objective: To demonstrate the possible preventative effects of melatonin and Vitamin C on tympanosclerosis in rats by using histopathology and determination of total antioxidant status total antioxidant status. Methods: Standard myringotomy and standard injury were performed in the middle ear of 24 rats. The animals were divided into three groups: Group 1 received melatonin, Group 2 received vitamin C, and Group 3 received saline solution. Results: The mean values of total antioxidant status were similar in the all study groups before the treatment period. The mean values of total antioxidant status were significantly higher in the melatonin and vitamin C groups compared to control group but vitamin C with melatonin groups were similar after the treatment period (p < 0.001). Minimum and maximum wall thicknesses were lower in the melatonin and vitamin C groups compared to the control group but the differences were insignificant. Conclusion: Melatonin increases total antioxidant status level and might have some effect on tympanosclerosis that develops after myringotomy. Resumo Introdução: A etiopatogênese da timpanoesclerose (TE) não foi ainda totalmente esclarecida. Estudos recentes têm demonstrado que os radicais livres de oxigênio são importantes na formação de TE. Melatonina e vitamina C são conhecidas por serem poderosos antioxidantes, interagir diretamente com espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e controlar danos em tecidos mediados por radicais livres. Objetivo: Demonstrar os possíveis efeitos preventivos da melatonina e da vitamina C na TE em ratos com histopatologia e determinação da capacidade antioxidante total (CAT). Método: Miringotomias padronizadas foram feitas na orelha média de 24 ratos. Os animais foram divididos em três grupos: o Grupo 1 recebeu melatonina, o Grupo 2 vitamina C e o grupo 3 solução salina. Resultados: Os valores médios de CAT foram semelhantes em todos os grupos de estudo antes do período de tratamento. Os valores médios de CAT foram significativamente maiores nos grupos que receberam melatonina e vitamina C em comparação com o grupo de controle, mas os grupos vitamina C e melatonina foram semelhantes após o período de tratamento (p < 0,001). As espessuras mínimas e máximas de parede foram menores nos grupos melatonina e vitamina C, em comparação com o grupo controle, mas as diferenças não foram significativas. Conclusão: A melatonina aumenta os níveis de CAT e pode ter algum efeito sobre a TE que se desenvolve após a miringotomia.

Background Thymoquinone (TQ) is a potent cytoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. We aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of TQ on survival, mesenteric artery blood flow (MABF), vascular reactivity, oxidative and inflammatory injuries in a murine sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Methods Wistar rats were divided into the following four groups: Sham, CLP, Sham + TQ and CLP + TQ. TQ (1 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide, 1 mL/kg/day) was intraperitoneally injected for 3 days. At 4th day Sham or CLP operation was applied. 20 h after the operations, MABF and contractile responses of isolated aortic rings to phenylephrine were measured. Tissue samples were obtained for histopathological and biochemical examinations. Also, survival rates were recorded throughout 96 h. Results TQ ameliorated mesenteric hypoperfusion and partially attenuated aortic dysfunction induced by CLP. Survival rate was %0 at 42nd h in CLP group, but in CLP + TQ group it was 33.4% at the end of 96 h. Serum levels of AST, ALT, LDH, BUN, Cr and inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 β and interleukin-6) increased in CLP group that were prevented by TQ. The decreases in liver, spleen and kidney glutathione levels and the increases in liver, lung, kidney and spleen malondialdehyde levels induced by CLP were inhibited by TQ. The histopathological protective effects of TQ on multiple organ damage due to CLP were also observed. Conclusion TQ has ameliorative effects on sepsis due to its protective effects on mesenteric perfusion, contractile function of aorta and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects.

WOS: 000487855900001, PubMed: 31559714, Breast milk is a well-balanced ideal nutritional source with high bioavailability for infants. As being a fresh, biological and dynamic product, changes in the breast milk during these storage periods have been the subject of ongoing research. This study aims to evaluate total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) levels of fresh and freeze-stored breast milk. Ten cc of breast milk was obtained from the mothers as the days between 10 and 15 in the morning within a 1-hour period. TAC, TOS, and PON-1 levels were evaluated in the fresh breast milk. Collected breast milk samples were divided into two groups for storage at -20 degrees C or -80 degrees C. Stored samples were tested for TAC, TOS, and PON-1 levels after 72 hours. The highest TAC level was detected in fresh breast milk (p

Abstract. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with several non-homeostatic conditions and/or diseases like inflammation, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and mortality. YKL-40 is a glycoprotein, secreted by macrophages, neutrophils and different cell types and it is also associated with inflammation and pathological tissue remodeling. In this study, we aimed to evaluate relationship between the proinflammatory biomarkers YKL-40 and hs-CRP levels and vitamin D deficiency. Our study group includes 45 subjects with vitamin D deficiency (Group 1) (20 M, 25 F; mean age 37.72 ± 7.70 years) and 40 age and sex-matched healthy subjects with normal serum levels of vitamin D (Group 2) (19 M, 21 F; mean age 39.26 ± 7.41 years). Plasma 25 (OH) vitamin D levels were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Plasma YKL-40 analysis was performed by ELISA. Serum hs-CRP levels were measured by nephelometric method. Plasma vitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL were accepted as vitamin D deficiency. Although we could not find any significant differences by means of serum hs-CRP levels between Group 1 and Group 2 (2.21 (0.27–11.70); 1.79 (0.16–9.85) mg/L, p = 0.247), plasma YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in group 1 than group2 (70.47 (17.84–198.50); 47.14 (4.80–135.48) ng/mL, p = 0.047). In literature, vitamin D deficiency is associated with inflammation. In our study, we found similar hs-CRP levels between groups and higher YKL-40 levels in group 1. Vitamin D deficiency may be related to high YKL-40 levels in terms of causing chronic inflammation.

The aim of our study was to determine whether lipid solutions delivered separately or in mixture with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions effect the balance between oxidant and antioxidant levels in premature infants.A total of 60 preterm newborns who were delivered at their 30-34 gestational weeks and received TPN were included in the study. Premature newborns were randomized into two groups based on the delivery method of the lipid solution, separately (Group 1) or in mixture with TPN solutions (Group 2). Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and paraoxonase (PON-1) levels were analyzed in both blood samples, and oxidative stress index (OSI) was also calculated.Thirty cases from both groups were included in the study. Statistically significant decrease in the level of TAS and increase in the level of PON-1 were detected at 72 h of TPN therapy in both groups (p 0.05). Statistically significant decrease in both TOS and OSI levels were observed in Group 2 (p 0.05). In association with these findings, any statistically significant intergroup difference was not detected in both parameters regarding oxidant balance (p 0.05).Our study showed that according to lipid administration method any difference for oxidant-antioxidant balance was not detected.

It has been suggested that neurotrophins are involved in the etiopathogenesis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to investigate whether there are differences in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and neurotrophin-3 (NTF3) levels between children with ADHD and healthy controls. A total of 110 treatment-naive children with the combined presentation of ADHD and 44 healthy controls aged 8-18 years were enrolled in this study. The severity of ADHD symptoms was determined by scores on the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised Short and Conners' Teacher Rating Scale-Revised Short. The severity of depression and anxiety symptoms of the children were evaluated by the self-report inventories. Serum levels of neurotrophins were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) revealed a significant main effect of groups in the levels of serum neurotrophins, an effect that was independent of age, sex, and the severity of the depression and anxiety. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that the mean serum GDNF and NTF3 levels of ADHD patients were significantly higher than that of controls. However, serum BDNF and NGF levels did not show any significant differences between groups. No correlations between the levels of serum neurotrophins and the severity of ADHD were observed. These results suggest that elevated serum GDNF and NTF3 levels may be related to ADHD in children.

Aim Vasopressin exerts robust influences on social communication and behavior in humans. Apelin is a relatively novel neuropeptide that could counteract vasopressin's actions and has been shown to be closely related with a broad range of physiological functions. Abnormalities in vasopressin and apelin have been detected in a variety of psychiatric disorders, but their relation to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is unknown. In the present study, we explored the plasma levels of vasopressin and apelin-13 in children with ADHD. Methods Thirty-four children with ADHD and 36 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The severity of ADHD symptoms was assessed via Conners’ Parent Rating Scale and Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale. Plasma levels of vasopressin and apelin-13 were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results The mean plasma apelin-13 levels were significantly higher in male children with ADHD than in male control subjects; no significant difference was found between the groups for plasma apelin-13 levels in girls or in the entire subject cohort. Plasma vasopressin levels did not show any significant differences between groups. There were no significant correlations between plasma levels of these neuropeptides and scores for Conners’ Parent Rating Scale and Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale. Conclusion Our results suggest a sex-specific association between plasma apelin-13 levels and ADHD. Apelin-13 may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of ADHD either with a direct impact on the apelin receptor or via its opposing effect on the vasopressinergic system.

Background Cardiovascular diseases, among which atherosclerotic heart disease, are known to be one of the most important mortality and morbidity causes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) is a potential marker that can be used to assess atherosclerosis-related myocardial ischemia. Another frequently used marker for the assessment of atherosclerotic lesions is the carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). Aim To evaluate the role that IMA has on atherosclerosis development and its clinical usability in patients with RA, by assessing the values of IMA and CIMT. Methods and materials Our prospective study was conducted between June 2012 and March 2013 at the Rheumatology Department of Necmettin Erbakan Meram Medical School, Turkey. Fifty-two RA patients, diagnosed according to the 1987 criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, and an age- and sex-matched control group of 46 healthy subjects were included in this study. Results No significant difference was detected between the groups with respect to age, sex and body mass index. In the patient group the IMA and CIMT values were found to be 0.37 ± 0.12 absorbance units (ABSU) and 0.80 ± 0.22 mm, respectively, while in the control group they were 0.31 ± 0.11 ABSU and 0.51 ± 0.18 mm, respectively. The IMA and CIMT values were significantly higher in the patient group (P = 0.022 and P < 0.0001, respectively). A positive correlation was found between IMA, CIMT and Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (P = 0.016 and P = 0.002, respectively). Conclusion Since the values of IMA were higher in the patient group compared to controls and because of its correlation with CIMT, we suggest the use of IMA as an early marker of atherosclerosis in RA patients.

Background: Vasculopathy is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Behcet’s Disease (BD). Subclinical atherosclerosis can even be detected in the early stage of BD. Soluble tumor necrosis factor-like (TNF) weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is known as a good marker of the inflammation in vascular tree. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and serum TWEAK levels in patients with BD. Materials and Methods: In line with International BD Study Group criteria, 48 BD, and 30 controls were included in our study. Disease activity was evaluated according to BD current activity form (BDCAF). C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lipid parameters, serum TWEAK levels, and cIMT were measured. Results: Disease activity score of BD patients was found as 2 (range 0–7). cIMT, serum TWEAK, CRP and ESR levels of BD patients were significantly higher comparing to cIMT (0.62 ± 0.13 mm vs. 0.43 ± 0.09 mm, p < 0.001), serum TWEAK (667.5 ± 130.6 vs. 603.4 ± 89.6 pg/ml, p = 0.015), CRP (3.9 ± 4.3 vs. 1.4 ± 1.0 mg/dl, p < 0.001) and ESR (10.2 ± 10.0 vs. 5.6 ± 3.7 mm/h, p = 0.005) levels of the control group. There was a positive correlation between serum TWEAK level and disease activity (r = 0.251, p = 0.030) and cIMT (r = 0.463, p < 0.001). Our study also revealed an independent correlation between cIMT and serum TWEAK levels (beta = 0.354, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Increased serum TWEAK levels can play a part in the development of atherosclerotic heart disease in BD. Due to their liability to atherosclerosis, patients with BD must followed closely.

Amaç: Özellikle proksimal darlığı olan koroner arterhastalarında veya ciddi miyokardiyal hipertrofisi olan hastalarda antegradkardiyoplejinin homojen olmayan dağılımı ciddi bir problemdir. Bu prospektifrandomize çalışmada, kombine antegrad-retrograd kardiyoplejinin sadece antegradtekniğe kıyasla erken dönemde daha iyi miyokardiyal koruma sağlaması ve daha iyilaboratuar sonuçları ile ilişkisi değerlendirilmiştir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Koroner bypass cerrahisi uygulanan 60 hasta (45 (%75)erkek, 15 (%25) kadın) çalışmaya dahil edilmiştir ve iki grupta incelenmiştir:Grup 1’de 30 hastaya aort kökünden antegrad ve koroner sinusten retrograd yollakombine kardiyopleji; Grup 2’de ise 30 hastaya aort kökünden antegradkardiyopleji verildi. Preoperatif, intraoperatif ve postoperative altıncı gündealınan kan örneklerinden CK-MB, TpI, TNF- α, IL-1, IMA, ICAM-1 ve BNP parametreleriçalışıldı. Hastalar preoperative olarak ve postoperative altıncı gündetranstorasik ekokardiyografi ile değerlendirildi. Bulgular: Postoperatif ortalama EF düşüşü Grup 1’de Grup 2’yekıyasla istatistiksel olarak anlamlı şekilde daha az oldu (4.13 ± 9.09 ve 8.90± 10.76, sırayla Grup 1 ve Grup 2, p=0.046). TNF- α seviyelerindeki değişiminbüyüklüğü kıyaslandığında Grup 2’deki artışın daha fazla olduğu bulunmuştur(p=0.047).Sonuçlar: Antegrad ve retrograd kardiyoplejinin birlikteuygulanmasının, erken postoperatif dönemde tek başına antegrad kardiyoplejiyegöre daha iyi miyokardiyal koruma sağlayabileceği sonucuna vardık., Aim: Nonhomogeneous distribution of antegrade cardioplegiaespecially in cases with severe myocardial hypertrophy or proximal stenosis ofcoronary arteries may be a serious problem. This prospective randomized studywas designed to determine whether combined antegrade–retrograde cardioplegiaprovides improved myocardial protection in the early period and is associatedwith better laboratory results compared with antegrade technique alone.Material and Methods: A total of 60 patients who underwent coronary arterybypass grafting surgery, 45 (75%) males and 15 (25%) females, were included inthe study as 2 groups: In Group 1, 30 patients were given the combinedcardioplegia solution antegrade via the aortic root and retrograde via thecoronary sinus, in Group 2, 30 patients were given only antegrade cardioplegiasolution via the aortic root. The CK-MB, TpI, TNF- α, IL-1, IMA, ICAM-1, andBNP parameters were studied in the blood samples which were takenpreoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperative sixth day. The patients wereevaluated preoperatively and on the sixth postoperative day using transthoracicechocardiography.Results: The postoperative mean EF decrease was significantlylower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (4.13 ± 9.09 vs 8.90 ± 10.76 in Group 1vs. Group 2, respectively, p=0.046). When the change in TNF-α levels werecompared between groups 1 and 2, the magnitude of increase in TNF-α wassignificantly higher in Group 2 (p=0.047).Conclusion: We concluded that co-administration of antegrade andretrograde cardioplegia may provide improved myocardial protection compared toantegrade cardioplegia method alone in the early postoperative period.

ÖzetAmaç: Hepatik ensefalopati ve/veya kompanze sirozu olan hastalarda serum ve idrarLiver- Fatty Acid Binding Protein seviyelerinin mortaliteyi öngörmekabiliyetini araştırdık.Hastalar ve Yöntem: Bu çalışmaya 48 siroz hastası (19 hepatik ensefalopati, 29 kompanze siroz)ve kontrol grubuna ise 20 kişi dahil edildi. Serum ve idrar Liver- Fatty AcidBinding Protein seviyeleri ölçüldü. Hastalar prospektif olarak üç ay takipedildi.Bulgular: Cox regresyon analizi, idrar Liver- Fatty Acid Binding Protein seviyeleri,Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium skoru, and Child-Turcot-Pugh skorumortalitenin bağımsız belirleyicileri olduğunu gösterdi. Receiver operatingcharacteristic curve analizleri, serum liver- fatty acid binding protein(>8057.5 ng/L), idrar liver- fatty acid binding protein (>9892.5 ng/L),and serum amonyak seviyeleri (>65.5 µg/dL), Model for End-Stage LiverDisease-Sodium (>21.5) ve Child-Turcot-Pugh (>10.5) skorları hepaticensefalopatii hastalarda mortaliteyi öngördüğü gösterildi. Benzer olarak, eğrialtında kalan alana bakıldığında, serum liver- fatty acid binding protein (AUC,0.701), idrar liver- fatty acid binding protein (0.692), and serumamonyak (0.898) seviyeleri, ek olarak Model forEnd-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium (0.934) ve Child-Turcot-Pugh (0.966) skorları hepaticensefalopatili hastalarda mortaliteyi öngördüğü gösterildi.Sonuçlar: Liver- Fatty Acid Binding Protein seviyeleri hepatic ensefalopatilihastalarda mortaliteyi predikte eder.

INTRODUCTION: Low grade inflammation plays an important role in the several development process of coronary artery disease. The soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and chitinase 3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) are the new potential biomarkers of inflammation. We intended to test the hypothesis whether the inflammatory biomarker YKL-40 alone or in combination with suPAR could be the new diagnostic biomarkers for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: Fifty-five patients with AMI and seventy control subjects were included in the study. The diagnosis of AMI was based on the current 3rd standard universal definition criteria. Serum YKL-40 and suPAR levels were measured at the first and second days of AMI by using ELİSA method. RESULTS: Serum YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in the first (69.10±16.58 ng/mL) and second day (60.64±16.01 ng/mL) of AMI patients than those of the control subjects (37.11±4.30 ng/mL) (p DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Serum suPAR and YKL-40 can be considered strong inflammatory markers of AMI. We concluded that serum suPAR and YKL-40 levels at the first day and second day of AMI could be used as an clinically useful marker for diagnosis of AMI.

Background We investigated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) in cord blood and neonatal blood of 7-day-old neonates born to pre-eclamptic and normotensive healthy mothers. Methods The study was performed on 30 neonates born to pre-eclamptic and 20 neonates born to normotensive mothers. IMA and OxLDL were determined on spectrophotometry and ELISA, respectively. Results IMA in cord blood was higher in the pre-eclamptic group as compared with the normotensive group, but the difference between the groups was not significant. IMA in neonate venous blood was significantly higher in the pre-eclamptic group than in the normotensive group (P < 0.001). OxLDL in both cord blood and in neonate venous blood was significantly higher in the pre-eclamptic group compared with the normotensive group (P < 0.001). IMA and OxLDL were significantly decreased after delivery in both groups. Conclusions Significantly increased cord blood OxLDL and significantly increased OxLDL and IMA 7 days after birth in neonates born to pre-eclamptic mothers might be an indicator of increased oxidative stress in pre-eclampsia.

BACKGROUND Although traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important problem, there has been no widespread utilization of neuro-biomarkers to aid the diagnosis of TBI. This study was conducted to evaluate serum S100B and prion protein (PrPC) levels in rats with TBI. METHODS In this study, 15 albino rats were categorized into three groups as follows: sham-operated (1), control (6) and trauma (8) groups. The TBI model was based on the modified free falling model. S100B, PrPC levels were measured using ELISA. Brain specimens were obtained for the pathological examination. RESULTS Serum S100B and PrPC levels were found to increase in T group at both 2h and 24h after trauma (p

Carvacrol (CRV) has strong cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to demonstrate the possible protective effects of CRV on survival, mesenteric artery blood flow (MBF), vascular reactivity, and oxidative and inflammatory injuries in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Wistar rats were allocated into the following four groups: Sham, CLP, Sham + CRV, and CLP + CRV. The animals were orally administered with CRV (80 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (corn oil; 1 mL/kg/day) for 7 days. At the eighth day, Sham or CLP procedure was applied. Twenty hours after the operations, MBF and contractile responses of isolated aortic preparations to phenylephrine were measured. Tissue samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological assessments. Additionally, survival rates were recorded throughout 96 h. CRV administration improved the mesenteric perfusion, contractile function of aorta, and survival after CLP. CRV substantially prevented the elevations in the levels of LDH, BUN, Cr, and inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6) but could not prevent the elevations of AST and ALT after CLP. The decreased liver, kidney, and spleen glutathione levels and increased liver, kidney, lung, and spleen malondialdehyde levels induced by CLP were substantially restored by CRV. Also, histopathological protective effects of CRV on multiple organ damage due to CLP were observed. CRV possesses strong ameliorative effects on sepsis due to its protective effects on mesenteric perfusion and aortic function and its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a major cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity associated with early atherosclerosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is one of the early markers of atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress plays an important role in pathophysiologic mechanisms of SLE. Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) and total oxidant status (TOS) have been associated with oxidative stress in several diseases. In our study we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum IMA and TOS levels with CIMT in patients with SLE and to compare these with control group values. In our study, 60 SLE patients diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and 35 healthy controls were included. Serum IMA levels were measured by manually spectrophotometric method. Increased serum TOS and IMA levels and CIMT were found in patients with SLE when compared with control group (p 0.05). Our results suggest that serum levels of IMA and TOS increase in SLE. However lack of association between the tested parameters suggests that further researches are needed.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of cardiac surgery developing in 25-35% cases. Recently, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was shown to predict AKI development earlier than serum creatinine. Some studies demonstrated the predictive role of post-operative serum uric acid (SUA) as an early marker of AKI. We aimed to study the role of serum and urine NGAL as well as SUA to predict progression of AKI.This is a prospective observational study of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Blood and urine samples for measurement of uric acid, serum and urine NGAL levels were collected prior to cardiac surgery (0 h), and in the time course at 2nd and 24th hours after surgery. Patients who developed AKI were divided into two subgroups as progressing and non-progressing AKI.Sixty patients (42 males, 18 females) were included. After cardiac surgery, 40 patients developed AKI, 20 of whom non-progressing AKI, and 20 progressing AKI. All of the markers significantly increased in AKI patients. A receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed higher predictive ability of SUA for progressing AKI compared with serum and urine NGAL. When compared markers obtained at the second hour after surgery, UA had significantly large AUC than NGAL to predict AKI developed at 24 and 48 h, particularly in patients, who require renal replacement therapy (RRT).Uric acid seems to predict the progression of AKI and RRT requirement in patients underwent cardiac surgery better than NGAL.

WOS: 000351942200005, PubMed: 25151992, Serum sialic acid levels are abnormally high in pathological states that exhibit tissue destruction, tissue proliferation or inflammation. We measured total serum sialic acid levels in 139 women and 125 men. Subjects were divided into quartiles according to their body mass index (BMI): Q1 (18-24.9 kg/m(2)), Q2 (25 -29.9 kg/m(2)), Q3 (30 -39.9 kg/m(2)) and Q4 (> 40 kg/m(2)). The patients in Q1 constituted the control group. Serum sialic acid levels of subjects in Q2, Q3 and Q4 were signifi cantly higher than those in Q1. Higher BMI quartiles also were associated with higher levels of serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde levels, waist circumference, blood pressure and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in both women and men. Lower BMI quartiles were associated with higher levels of serum HDL-cholesterol levels in both women and men. We found positive associations among serum sialic acid levels, BMI and oxidative stress. Serum sialic acid also is related to some conventional cardiovascular risk factors including elevated lipid profile, increased blood pressure, increased serum glucose and insulin levels, and insulin resistance in obese people.

The noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) is widely used for the treatment of the patients’ chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory failure. noninvasive mechanical ventilationis effective in increasing the ventilation of the lungs and decreasing the work of the heart on the left ventricle and the consumption of the oxygen. In spite of the positive effects of the noninvasive mechanical ventilationtreatment, an increase of cardiac damage is seen in the patients . The aim of this study is to search certain ischemia markers in order to assess and measure the impact of this treatment on the striated muscle and the cardiac muscle of the patients who have been tied to the noninvasive mechanical ventilator, due to their suffering from the difficulty of breathing. With this objective, 64 patients with the diagnosis of COPD are included in this research, and they are divided into two groups. Group I (control group, n=31) consists of the patients who are suffering from mild respiratory failure and not connected to the ventilator. The patients with the severe respiratory failure, prior to their being tied to the ventilator, constitute Group II (before ventilation (vo)) (n=33), after their having been connected to the ventilator (3rd day), are the members of Group II (after ventilation (vs)) (n=33). The levels of blood pH, pO2 and pCO2, serum troponin, myoglobin, creatine kinase (CK), CKMB, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin, and the ischemia modified albumin (IMA) have been measured in the patients. The level of serum troponin has been observed higher in prior to NIMV (Group II (vo)) than control group (Group I). Likewise, it has been noted significant increase in group after NIMV (Group II (vs)). Serum AST and IMA has also been seen a significant increase in group after NIMV (Group II (after)) as compared to the control group (Group I). There was no significant difference among the groups at the levels of serum myoglobin, CK-MB, ALT, CK, LDH (p>0.05). It was concluded that, depending on the severity of respiratory failure, that are markers of ischemia, serum troponin, AST and IMA levels increased, NIMV application contributed to this increase is limited and cardiac function more careful should be followed during the non-invasive mechanical ventilation application.

The aim of our study was to evaluate serum paraoxonase (PON1), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in patients with prediabetes, diabetes, and in healthy control subjects. The subjects were aged between 20 and 60 years. Forty diabetic subjects (mean age 46.6 ± 9.7 years), 39 prediabetic subjects (mean age 44.0 ± 9.3 years) and 24 healthy control subjects (mean age 43.7 ± 9.7 years). Lipid profile, PON1, TAS, TOS and IMA levels were measured. The serum TOS and IMA levels in diabetes were significantly higher than those of the control subjects (P = 0.024 and P = 0.012, respectively), while the serum PON1 levels of the diabetes patients were significantly lower than those of the control subjects (P = 0.039). The serum TOS levels of the diabetes patients were significantly higher than those of the subjects with prediabetes (P = 0.013). There were no significant differences between the serum IMA and PON1 levels of the prediabetes and diabetes groups (P = 0.075 and P = 0.110, respectively). The serum TAS levels of the three groups were similar. The present study demonstrated that in diabetes there is greater oxidative stress. Patients with type 2 diabetes had higher TOS and IMA levels, but lower PON1 values, than controls. There were no differences in oxidative stress markers between prediabetic patients and healthy subjects.

To determine the frequency and risk factors of urinary tract infection (UTI) in rheumatic patients treated with hydrotherapy, midstream urine samples before and after 15 days of hydrotherapy were taken from patients hospitalized at Physical Therapy Hospital. The samples were sent to the microbiology laboratory for bacteriological examination. All patients were obtained their symptomatology and risk factors related to UTI. Patients were separated into three groups according to the presence of significant bacteriuriae before and/or after hydrotherapy. Group 1, or the control group, consisted of patients whose cultures were both negative. Group 2 consisted of patients whose first culture was positive for the presence of bacteria. Group 3 consisted of patients whose first culture was negative and second culture was positive. These groups were compared using chi-square or Fisher-exact tests. Groups 1, 2, and 3 consisted of 290, 22, and 7 subjects, respectively. Risk factors for UTI in Group 2 patients were female gender, urinary incontinence, previous frequent UTI, antibiotic use, and previous treatment with balneotherapy. Those for Group 3 patients were presence of urinary incontinence and previous urinary tract surgery. This study revealed that therapeutic mineral pools created a lower risk of UTI in comparison with normal population not using these pools. Individual risk factors for the urethral colonization of uropathogens found in pool water included the presence of urinary pathology and history of urinary tract surgery. While there is a lower risk of UTI in therapeutic pools, clinicians should take into account these two conditions when using hydrotherapy. Key Words: Hydrotherapy, Urinary Tract Infection, Risk Factors DOI: 10.12973/ejms.2014.103p

Obesity is a major health problem. We investigated the effects of forskolin and rolipram in the diet of animals in which obesity had been induced. We used 50 female albino Wistar rats that were assigned randomly into five groups as follows: group 1, control; group 2, high fat diet; group 3, high fat diet + forskolin; group 4, high fat diet + rolipram; and group 5, high fat diet + rolipram + forskolin. The rats were fed for 10 weeks and rolipram and forskolin were administered during last two weeks. The animals were sacrificed and blood samples were obtained. Serum cAMP, cGMP and free fatty acids (FFA) levels were measured using ELISA assays. We also measured weight gain during the 10 week period. cAMP and FFA levels of groups 3, 4 and 5 were significantly higher than those of groups 1 and 2. We found no significant differences in serum cGMP levels among the groups. The weight gain in groups 3, 4 and 5 was significantly less than for group 2. We also found that the weight gain in group 5 was significantly less than in groups 3 and 4. We found that both forskolin and rolipram stimulated lipolysis and inhibited body weight increase by increasing cAMP levels. Also, combination therapy using the two agents may be more effective in preventing diet induced obesity than either agent alone. We found also that these agents did not effect cellular cGMP levels in diet induced obesity.

Objectives: To explore the protective effect of progesterone on inflammation and oxidative stress in a rat model of sepsis created by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Overiectomy group (OVX), sham operated (control), sepsis (CLP) group and progesterone-treated CLP group (CLP+ progesterone). The rats in CLP+ progesterone group received intraperitoneal progesterone (2 mg/kg). Cardiac blood samples were obtained for the measurement levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Tissue samples, including liver, kidney and uterus of rats were prepared to determine activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: Increased serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were found in the CLP group in comparison with the control group ( P = 0.01, P = 0.02; respectively). In CLP+ progesterone group, mean MDA concentration of kidney tissue was significantly lower than in CLP group ( P = 0.003). Liver MDA concentration of the CLP+ progesterone group was not significantly different from that of the control group. While there were no significant differences among groups regarding liver MPO; in the CLP group, MPO activity in kidney ( P = 0.02) and uterine tissues ( P = 0.03) were found to be significantly higher compared to the control group. In CLP+ progesterone group, mean MPO activities of all tissues were not different than those of control group. The uterine tissue GPx activity in the CLP+ progesterone group was not statistically significantly different from control group. Conclusions: We suggest that progesterone ameliorates sepsis syndrome by reduction of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and by restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities in some tissues.

BACKGROUND Tenascin-C (TnC) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that has a major role in tissue remodeling. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the serum TnC level in acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and chronic rheumatic heart disease (CRHD) during childhood. METHODS Twenty-five patients with ARF, 25 patients with CRHD and 20 control subjects were included in the study. The TnC levels were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in the ARF group. RESULTS The TnC levels were lower in the acute carditis group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The cut-off level was estimated as 2.08 ng/ml for diagnosing carditis with 93.3% sensitivity and 95% specificity. On second analysis, prominent decrease was detected in valve insufficiency patients with markedly elevated TnC levels. In the CRHD group, TnC level was significantly lower in cases with severe valve insufficiency (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Serum TnC level can be used as a new biochemical marker for diagnosis and predicting the prognosis of rheumatic carditis.

To investigate ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels in children with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) before and after therapy and compare them with those of controls.Twenty seven patients with ARF and 18 healthy, age and sex matched children were included in the study. The diagnosis of ARF was established according to the modified Jones criteria. Follow-up studies were made when acute phase reactants [erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)] levels returned normal. IMA levels were measured using the rapid and colorimetric method with the albumin cobalt binding test.IMA levels were significantly higher in ARF group (p 0.001) compared with controls at the time on admission. IMA (absorbance units) was measured as 0.41 ± 0.10 in the control group, 0.55 (0.44-1.13) in the study group before treatment and 0.48 ± 0.12 in the study group after treatment. After treatment, statistically important decrements were determined in the levels of ESR (p0.001), CRP (p0.001) and IMA (p0.01). There was no significant difference for IMA levels between after treatment and control group. IMA levels at the time on admission correlated positively with ESR (r = 0.605, p 0.01) and CRP (r = 0.543, p 0.01).The present study shows that increased serum IMA levels in patients with ARF at the time of diagnosis is a sign of increased inflammation. Thus, serum IMA levels may be used as a follow-up marker like CRP and ESR for evaluating the efficacy of treatment in ARF.

Objective Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a novel marker for diagnosis of myocardial ischemia and it is considered as a serum marker. The aim of the study was to evaluate salivary IMA levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to determine the relation between serum and salivary IMA levels. Methods A total of 60 patients with AMI and 40 control subjects who are age and sex matched with AMI group were included in our study. The diagnosis of AMI was based on the WHO classification criteria. All patients underwent the clinical assessment, consisting of electrocardiography, and serum cardiac markers. Serum and salivary IMA levels were measured at the first and second days of AMI by using a colorimetric method. Results Serum IMA levels were significantly higher in the first and second day of AMI patients, however, salivary IMA levels were significantly higher in the first day of AMI patients compared to the control (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between salivary IMA levels and serum IMA levels both in the first and second day of AMI patients (r = 0.298, P < 0.05; r = 0.319, P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion We concluded that salivary IMA levels at the first day of AMI could be used as an alternative marker to serum IMA levels for diagnosis of AMI. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 27:99–104, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

WOS: 000404738500012, PubMed: 28459157, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pivotal mediator that triggers inflammatory process, oxidative stress, and multiple organ injury in sepsis. We investigated the effects of infliximab on survival, mesenteric artery blood flow (MBF), vascular reactivity, and oxidative and inflammatory injuries in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. Wistar rats were divided into Sham, CLP, Sham+infliximab, and CLP+infliximab subgroups. Twenty-four hours before the operations, rats were injected intraperitoneally with infliximab (7 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline; 1 mL/kg). Twenty hours after the operations, MBF and phenylephrine responses of isolated aortic rings were measured. Tissue damages were examined biochemically and histopathologically. Furthermore, survival rates were monitored throughout 96 h. Infliximab improved survival, mesenteric perfusion, and aortic function after CLP. Increases of serum AST, ALT, LDH, BUN, Cr, and inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6) induced by CLP were blocked by infliximab. Infliximab prevented malondialdehyde elevations in septic liver, lung, spleen, and kidney tissues, as well as glutathione reductions in septic liver, spleen, and kidney tissues. Protective effects of infliximab on multiple organ damage were also observed histopathologically. Infliximab showed protective effects in sepsis due to its improvement effects on mesenteric perfusion, aortic function, and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects., Turkish Academy of SciencesTurkish Academy of Sciences [EA-TUBA-GEBIP/2001-2-11], Alper B. Iskit has been supported by the Turkish Academy of Sciences, in the framework of the Young Scientist Award Program (EA-TUBA-GEBIP/2001-2-11). This study received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Introduction: Acute hepatitis is acute inflammation of liver elicited by a large number of causes. It sometimes spontaneously recovers, sometimes may progress to chronic hepatitis. LiverFatty Acid Binding Protein (L-FABP) is a small protein that is abundant in hepatocytes, and which binds most of the longchain fatty acids present in the cytosol. Aim: The present study was aimed to investigate the levels of serum and urine L-FABP in acute hepatitis and diagnostic value of serum and urine L-FABP levels in patients with acute hepatitis. Materials and Methods: The present study included a total of 85 patients. Total number of patients with acute hepatitis were 17 (five of acute hepatitis B, one of acute hepatitis A, two of acute hepatitis C, five of autoimmune hepatitis and four of toxic hepatitis), 19 of hepatic encephalopathy, 29 of liver cirrhosis, and 20 controls were included. Serum and urinary L-FABP levels were analyzed by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: Serum L-FABP levels were 9110±3352.5, 9410±1355, 9715±2462 and 3672±982.5 ng/l in patients with acute hepatitis, hepatic encephalopathy and cirrhosis and control subjects, respectively. There were statistically significant positive correlations between serum levels of L-FABP and Aspartate Aminotransferases (AST), Alanine Aminotransferases (ALT), Creatinine (Cre) and Gamma Glutamyl Transferases (GGT) (p

Objective To examine whether (1) levels of urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), a transmembrane protein and biomarker for renal tubular damage, increase in children with of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and (2) if KIM-1 predicts the grade of renal scarring in children with VUR. Methods The study included 59 VUR patients with renal scarring, 5 VUR patients without renal scarring and 25 healthy controls aged 1 to 17 years. Dimercaptosuccinic acid scans were performed for determination of scarring and graded by 3 independent, blinded pediatric urologists for renal scarring according to the Randomized Intervention for Children with VUR study criteria. Spot urine samples were obtained. Urinary KIM-1 and creatinine levels were measured and the KIM-1/creatinine ratio was calculated. Results Urine geometric mean KIM-1 levels (ng/mg creatinine) were significantly higher in VUR patients than in healthy controls ( P = .018). Although the correlation between VUR grade and geometric mean KIM-1 levels was not significant, a positive correlation was found for scarring grade and geometric mean KIM-1 levels ( r = .30, P = .02). When the patients were divided by subgroups according to scarring grade (group I, grade 1; group II, grades 2 and 3; group III, grade 4), the log KIM-1 in group III was significantly higher than in group I ( P = .004). Conclusion Urinary KIM-1 levels might be used as a noninvasive marker, particularly in showing severe scarring in children with VUR.

Background & objectives: Relationship of trace elements with obesity and diabetes is complex, alterations in their metabolism can be induced by the diseases and their complications. To study the role of the trace elements in diabetes and obesity, serum trace elements levels (Cr, Se, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) were measured in obese women with or without diabetes as well as healthy women. Further, correlation between serum trace elements levels and glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), glycated haemoglobin (HbA 1 c), body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences, waist -to -hip ratio and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP) were also determined in these women. Methods: This study was performed with morbidly obese (BMI >40 kg/m 2 women with diabetes (n=41), without diabetes (n=45) and 50 healthly non obese women. Anthropometric measurements were taken and levels of serum Zn, Cr, Fe Cu and Mn were determined. Biochemical parameters included serum glucose, insulin, lipids, haemoglobin, hsCRP and HbA1C. Results: The levels of Zn (P

We investigated serum homocysteine, arginine, citrulline and asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) levels and conducted a histopathologic examination of the abdominal aorta in rats given acrylamide (AA) for long periods. We used 25 male and 25 female Wistar rats. Females were divided into three groups; two were experimental groups and one was the control group. Each experimental group consisted of ten animals and each control group consisted of five animals; male animals were divided in the same way. AA, 2 or 5 mg/kg/day, was administered to the experimental groups in drinking water for 90 days. At the end of the experiment, serum samples were analyzed for homocysteine, arginine, citrulline and ADMA using high performance liquid chromatography. Serum homocysteine, citrulline and ADMA levels were significantly higher than controls in both female and male rats when AA was administered at a concentration of 5 mg/kg/day. Serum citrulline levels also were significantly higher than controls when administered AA at a concentration of 2 mg/kg/day in female rats. There was no difference in serum arginine levels among the groups. Histopathologic examination of the abdominal aorta revealed degeneration of the external elastic lamina in rats treated with 5 mg/kg/day AA. Our findings show that long term ingestion of high dose AA with food might contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

OBJeCTIve: Vascular calcification is commonly seen in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Fetuin-A has been found to be a vascular calcification inhibitor and its level is significantly low in ESRD patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the relation between coronary artery calcification, inflammation and fetuin-A levels in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients.

WOS: 000265312500009, PubMed: 19330810, Psoriasis is a common chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease with unknown etiology that has been associated with abnormal plasma lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. There are controversial results in the previous studies investigating oxidant/antioxidant systems in psoriasis. The aim of this work was to evaluate dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, total antioxidant capacity and serum paraoxonase (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) activities in psoriasis. and to look for a correlation between these parameters and lesion percentage in psoriasis. Thirty psoriatic patients and twenty three sex- and agematched healthy volunteers were included in the study. From blood samples, lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAO), serum PON1 and ARE activities were determined. No significant differences between the patients and controls were found in terms of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TAG), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, MDA and TAO levels. Serum PON1 and sodium-stimulated PON1 activities (p < 0.05) and ARE activity (p < 0.01) were found significantly higher in the patients than in the controls. There was not any significant correlation between lesion percentage and the parameters studied. Copyright (c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of cyanocobalamin treatment in patients having recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAUs) with normal or decreased serum vitamin B12 (cobalamin) levels. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with RAU were included in the study. In addition to serum cobalamin levels, hemanitic and biochemistrical parameters were measured. Patients with serum cobalamin levels

Shift work is a work schedule involving irregular or unusual hours, compared to those of a normal daytime work schedule. In developed countries, night shift work is very common. In several cities of our country, 12/24 shift system is implemented in police organization. While night shift work composes half of the 20 shift in a month, in ergonomic shift system, an alternative shift schedule, shift work can be performed in three shifts in a day. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of 12/24 shift work system on insulin resistance and oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Two hundred and four 12/24 shift workers (age 44.3 ± 5.6 years) and 193 ergonomic shift workers (age 42.6 ± 5.5 years) were included to study. Serum oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), neutrophil gelatinase lipocalin-2 (NGAL) as oxidative stress markers, glucose, insulin, ferritin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values were measured. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated to evaluate insulin resistance. Serum ox-LDL, HOMA-IR, hsCRP and NGAL levels in 12/24 shift system were found to be significantly higher compared with ergonomic shift workers (p

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases. However, studies conducted on the relationship of TWEAK and psoriasis patients are limited. In this study, we aimed to explore the serum levels of TWEAK and investigated whether TWEAK levels are associated with clinical variables and expression of other well-known psoriasis-related cytokines including IL-6, IL-23 and TNF-α. Forty-five patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 43 controls were enrolled in this study. The severity of psoriasis was assessed by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Serum levels of cytokines were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The mean TWEAK, IL-6, IL-23, and TN-α levels were significantly higher in psoriasis patients than in control subjects. However, there were no significant correlations between the psoriasis severity, the illness duration and serum cytokine levels. This study shows that TWEAK may be associated with the pathogenesis of psoriasis, like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-23.

Background: Research continues to develop novel therapeutic modalities that particularly focus on the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. This study aimed to assess the effects of diclofenac sodium and octreotide, alone or in combination, on pancreatic enzymes, pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity, histopathology and apoptosis of pancreas cells, using a model of experimentally induced acute pancreatitis. Objectives: We aimed to demonstrate effects of diclofenac sodium, octreotide and their combined use on pancreatic enzymes, activity of pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, histopathology and apoptosis of pancreas on treatment of caerulin-induced experimental acute pancreatitis. Materials and methods: Caerulin-induced acute pancreatitis model was created using a total of 58 male BALB-C mice of 25 gr in seven groups. Serum amylase, lipase levels and pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity were examined as well as apoptotic values in pancreatic acinar cells through TUNNEL method. Histopathology of pancreas was evaluated for presence of edema, hemorrhage, parenchymal necrosis, fat necrosis, leukocyte infiltration, and fibrosis. Results: In the diclofenac sodium group, apoptotic values in the pancreatic acinar cells were found to be statistically lower than in the acute pancreatitis group in terms of parenchymal necrosis and hemorrhage scores (P = 0.007, P = 0.002, and P = 0.052, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found in serum level of amylase, lipase, pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity and the other histopathological scores (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Diclofenac sodium, a cost-effective agent with a favorable side-effect profile, may represent a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of acute pancreatitis. Findings of this study suggest a better efficacy for diclofenac sodium monotherapy as compared to octreotide alone or octreotide/diclofenac combination.

Objective This study presents the serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with major depression and without any psychiatric disorder. Methods The study sample included 61 patients with a diagnosis of RA. Major depression and other psychiatric disorders were screened with the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Blood sample for the determination of serum TNF-α level was obtained before the psychiatric interview. Results The prevalence rates of any depressive disorder and any anxiety disorder were 40.3% (n = 25) and 22.6% (n = 14), respectively. Fifteen (24.2%) patients had major depression alone, whereas 27 (43.5%) patients were not diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder. We could not determine any significant differences between the patients with major depression alone and patients without any psychiatric diagnosis with regard to the serum levels of TNF-α. Conclusions The existence of major depression in RA patients does not seem to be associated with serum levels of TNF-α.

To investigate the activities of the 2 isoforms of prostaglandin synthetic enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX), COX-1 and COX-2, in the placental tissue of women with pre-eclampsia and healthy pregnant women. The relationship between placental lipid peroxidation and the activities of COX-1 and COX-2 was also investigated.Tissue specimens were obtained from pre-eclamptic women (20 had severe pre-eclampsia and 38 had mild pre-eclampsia) and 27 healthy pregnant women who underwent cesarean section before the onset of labor. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and COX-1 and COX-2 activities were measured in placental tissue homogenates.Mean activities for COX-1 and COX-2 were significantly lower in women with severe pre-eclampsia than in healthy controls (P0.05 and P0.01, respectively). COX-1 and COX-2 activities were also lower in women with mild pre-eclampsia than in healthy controls, but the difference was of borderline significance (P=0.049 and P=0.059, respectively). The mean placental MDA level was significantly higher in pregnant women with severe and mild pre-eclampsia than in healthy pregnant women (P0.01 for both). The correlation analysis showed significant negative correlations between MDA and COX-1 (r=-0.44, P0.001) and MDA and COX-2 (r=-0.45, P0.001) in the placental tissue of women with pre-eclampsia.These results suggest that COX-1 and COX-2 activities are decreased in the placental tissue of women with pre-eclampsia, probably by oxidative stress.

WOS:000321751900009, Bu çalışmada, uzun süre akrilamid verilen sıçanlar üzerinde total antioksidan durum (TAS), total oksidan durum (TOS) ve iskemi modifiye albuminin (IMA) serum düzeylerinin nasıl değiştiğinin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada 65-75 g ağırlığında ve yaşları 3-4 haftalık 25 erkek ve 25 dişi Wistar cinsi sıçanlar kullanılmıştır. Hayvanlar 90 gün boyunca standart sıçan yemi ile beslenmişlerdir. Bununla beraber, günlük tüketecekleri içme suyuna 2 mg/kg/gün ve 5 mg/kg/gün dozunda akrilamid ilave edilmiştir. Akrilamid uygulaması sonrası hayvanlar anestezi altında servikal dislokasyonla öldürülmüş ve serumlarında IMA, TAS, TOS ve albumin düzeyleri spektrofotometrik yöntem ile ölçülmüştür. 2 mg/kg ve 5mg/kg akrilamid verilen erkek sıçanlara ait serum IMA düzeyleri kontrol grubuna göre önemli derecede yüksek bulunmuştur. Ayrıca, 5mg/kg akrilamid verilen erkek sıçanlara ait serum TAS düzeyleri kontrol grubuna göre önemli derecede düşük ve serum TOS değerleri önemli derecede yüksek bulunmuştur. 2 mg/kg ve 5mg/kg akrilamid verilen dişi sıçanlara ve kontrol grubuna ait serum IMA, TAS, TOS ve albumin düzeyleri arasında istatistiki açıdan önemli bir fark bulunamamıştır. Bu sonuçlara bağlı olarak bulgularımız, akrilamidin oksidatif stresi artırdığını göstermektedir., The aim of this study was to investigate serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in long term acrylamide (ACR) given rats, compared to control rats. In total, 25 male and 25 female Wistar rats were involved in this experiment. Animals in each sex were segregated into three groups. Two of them were treatment groups and one of them was control group. Each treatment group consisted of ten animals and each control group consisted of five animals. ACR was administered to the treatment groups at 2 and 5 mg/kg/day via drinking water for 90 days. In the end of the experiment, serum samples were analyzed for IMA, TAS, TOS and albumin levels with the spectrophotometric method. Serum IMA and adjusted IMA levels were significantly higher at concentrations of 2 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg in the male rats when compared with those of the control male rats. Serum TAS levels significantly decreased at concentrations of 5 mg/kg in the male rats when compared with those of the control rats. We also observed a significant increase in the levels of serum TOS at concentrations of 5 mg/kg in the male rats. There were no significant differences between serum IMA, TAS, TOS and albumin levels at concentrations of 2 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg in the female rats. Our findings show that long term treatment with 2 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg doses of ACR led to a significant depletion of serum TAS levels and overproduction of serum TOS and IMA levels, consequently, to an increase in oxidative stress.