ABSTRACT
Sepsis induces lung injury and respiratory distress syndrome and is therefore potentially fatal. L-theanine (LT), an amino acid found in tea, is a bioactive compound with an important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluates whether, LT exhibits protective effects against lung tissue damage by determining its effect on oxidative stress, inflammation and mineral levels in an experimental model of cecal ligation and perforation (CLP)-induced sepsis in rats. Rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=6): sham, CLP, and CLP+LT. LT was administered intraperitoneally (750 mg/kg) in two equal doses immediately and 12 h after surgery. Malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced protein oxidation product (AOPP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and ischemia modified albumin (IMA) values were determined spectrophotometrically. Serum elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, and Fe), albumin, glucose, triglyceride, and lactate levels were determined using an autoanalyzer. Lung tissues were also examined histopathologically. Treatment of septic rats with LT significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in lung tissues and serum. LT also increased albumin and Na levels and reduced triglyceride levels in serum. In conclusion, LT treatment may exhibit a preventive effect against sepsis-induced lung injury by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and by regulating osmotic balance.
ABSTRACT
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. To study factors causing breast cancer, various epidemiological and experimental studies are being conducted. A relation may exist between vitamin D, folic acid, testosterone, and various neoplasms. Objectives: Detect the levels of vitamin D, folic acid, and testosterone in breast cancer of patients and healthy subjects, and determine the relation of the levels of vitamin D, folic acid, and testosterone with tumor histopathology, stage, and receptor status. Methods: Eighty patients diagnosed with breast cancer and 20 controls (healthy volunteers) were enrolled in the study. Serum samples were collected from the patients and the controls, and examined using Roche E-170 with its own special kit. Results: Folic acid levels were higher in the patient group and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.044). The levels of testosterone were lower in post-menopausal patients (p=0 .018). In stage I-II (early-stage) patients, vitamin D levels were higher, while in the stage III-IV (advanced-stage) patients, the levels were lower (p=0.048). Conclusions: Low vitamin D levels may be related to poor prognosis. Low levels of folic acid were detected in the control group. Low levels of folic acid but high vitamin D and testosterone levels may be protective against breast cancer.