Effects of lipemia on capillary serum protein electrophoresis in native ultra-lipemic material and intravenous lipid emulsion added sera.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effect of natural ultralipemic material (NULM) and intravenous lipid emulsion (IVLE) on capillary serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP). METHODS: NULM material was prepared from leftover patients' lipemic serum sample (triglyceride concentration >2,000 mg/dL) pool by a refrigerated high-speed centrifuge, and IVLE Omegaven lipid emulsion (30%) was used. Serum pools for interference study were prepared from patient samples for which serum protein electrophoresis was studied as Normal SPEP and M Peak SPEP. For both types of lipemia (DULM and IVLE), five pools with triglyceride concentrations of ∼4.52 mmol/L, ∼7.91 mmol/L, ∼14.69 mmol/L, ∼21.47 mmol/L, and ∼28.25 mmol/L were prepared. SPEP was studied in each pool with Sebia Capillarys Minicap. A repeated measure ANOVA test was used to determine the difference between the pools, and interferograms were used to evaluate the interference effect. RESULTS: Interference was not detected in IVLE added Normal SPEP and M Peak SPEP pools, either % or concentrations of fractions. In NULM-added Normal SPEP and M Peak SPEP pools, significant positive interference in albumin % (p=0.002 and p<0.001 respectively) and significant negative interference in gamma% (p<0.001 and p=0.005 respectively) and M protein peak (p=0.002) fractions were detected. However, significant positive interference was seen only for albumin concentration fractions (p<0.001 for both pools). CONCLUSIONS: It is vital to use NULM instead of IVLE solutions in lipemia interference studies for all laboratory tests, including CZE SPEP. The fractions concentration values calculated with the total protein concentration should be used for evaluating SPEP results.

Investigation of the protective effects of intraperitoneal melatonin in rats receiving laryngeal radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the protective effects of melatonin on laryngeal radiation damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 31 rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: 1) the control (C) group (n=7), was only injected with intraperitoneal ethanol solution; 2) the melatonin (M) group (n=8), was injected intraperitoneal melatonin solution with 5 mg/kg; 3) the radiotherapy (RT) group (n=8) was given laryngeal radiation after intraperitoneal injection of ethanol solution; 4) the M + RT group (n=8), RT was given 30 minutes after 5 mg/kg dose of melatonin solution was injected. Drug and radiation applications were continued for 5 days. The weight changes of the rats were recorded. At the end of the study, inflammation, neutrophil migration and lymphoid aggregates, collagen distribution, laryngeal glandular structures and biochemical analysis of laryngeal tissues [malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS)] were determined. RESULTS: In the M+RT group, the first day and the 30th weight differences were significantly increased when compared with the RT group (p=0.050). Inflammation, neutrophil migration, lymphoid aggregate, disorganized collagen distribution and loss of glandular tissues were found statistically more in the RT group than in the C group (p<0.05). MDA and TOS levels were in the M + RT group exhibited better values than they did in the RT group (p<0.05). TAS levels was markedly increased in the M + RT group than in the RT group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Administration of melatonin to rats prior receiving laryngeal radiation, decreases the level of oxidative stress markers and increases the level of anti-oxidative markers.

The protective effect of roflumilast and ibuprofen on testicular ischemia reperfusion injury: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to investigate the efficiency of roflumilast and ibuprofen in an experimental rat testicular ischemia reperfusion injury model in the light of histological and biochemical data. METHODS: A total of 32 prepubertal male rats were randomly divided into four groups as G1: Control Group (testicular torsion/detorsion + saline (0.9% of 2 ml) was applied). G2: Sham Group only right scrotal incision was performed; G3: Ibuprofen Group (tes-ticular torsion/detorsion + ibuprofen administration); and G4 Roflumilast Group (testicular torsion/detorsion + roflumilast adminis-tration). Oxidative markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total sulfhydryl (TSH), and nitrite (NO) levels as well as histopathological changes were analyzed. RESULTS: Tissue MPO, MDA, and NO levels were significantly higher and TSH levels significantly lower in control group compared to sham group (p<0.001). The histopathologic scores of drug groups (Groups 3 and 4) were significantly lower than group 1 (p<0.001). In comparison of Group 3 and Group 4 with each other, the mean values of MPO and MDA were statistically significantly lower in Group 4 (p<0.001). A higher mean value of TSH was found in Group 3 without statistically significance (p=0.32). There was also an insignificant decrease in mean NO values of Group 3 compared to Group 4 (p=0.44). In comparison of drug groups, Group 4 had statistically insignificant better scores. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that administrating ibuprofen and roflumilast reduced testicular ischemia reperfusion injury in rat testis torsion model. In comparison, roflumilast is found to be more beneficial.

Galectin-3: a new biomarker for differentiating periodic fever, adenitis, pharyngitis, aphthous stomatitis (PFAPA) syndrome from familial Mediterranean fever?

Differentiating PFAPA (periodic fever, aphthosis, pharyngitis, and adenitis) syndrome from familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) could be challenging in some cases. Galectin-3 is a lectin with regulatory functions in apoptosis and inflammation. We aimed to test whether galectin-3 could be a biomarker for differentiating PFAPA syndrome from FMF. Patients with PFAPA syndrome, FMF, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), and streptococcal pharyngitis, and healthy controls were included in this study. Serum galectin-3 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Eighty-seven patients (36 with PFAPA, 39 with FMF, 8 with CAPS, 4 with streptococcal pharyngitis), and 17 healthy controls were included. Blood samples were drawn during attacks from 20 PFAPA and 7 FMF patients and attack-free periods from 22 PFAPA, 35 FMF, and 8 CAPS patients. The median serum galectin-3 level in the PFAPA-attack group (1.025 ng/ml) was significantly lower than the levels in healthy control (2.367 ng/ml), streptococcal pharyngitis (3.021 ng/ml), FMF attack (2.402 ng/ml), and FMF-attack-free groups (2.797 ng/ml) (p = 0.006, 0.03, 0.01, and < 0.001, respectively). PFAPA-attack-free group had lower galectin-3 levels than the FMF-attack-free group (1.794 vs. 2.797 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.01). Galectin-3 levels did not differ significantly between CAPS and attack-free PFAPA patients (1.439 ng/ml vs. 1.794 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.63). In our study, for the first time, we defined galectin-3 as a promising biomarker that differs between PFAPA and FMF patients during both disease flares and attack-free periods. Further studies with high number of patients could validate its role as a biomarker.

Aqueous Humor Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1α in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the contribution of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) angiogenic mediators in eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Aqueous humor specimens taken during cataract surgery in 7 cases of intermediate stage (nonexudative) AMD and 7 cases of late stage (exudative) AMD were evaluated using chemiluminescent immunoassay testing in this prospective case-control study. Mediator levels were compared with the normal reference values of 7 patients without any disease other than cataract. RESULTS: The groups were similar in terms of age and gender (p>0.05). The aqueous humor levels of VEGF in both the intermediate AMD (median: 224.3 pg/mL, range: 44.8-380.4 pg/mL) and late-stage AMD (median: 108.7 pg/mL, range: 61.9-223.5 pg/mL) patients were similar to those of the control group (median: 121.1 pg/mL, range: 24.9-156.6 pg/mL) (p=0.256). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the SDF-1α concentrations between the intermediate AMD (median: 160.9 pg/mL, range 130-166.3 pg/mL), late AMD (median: 161 pg/mL, range: 154.1.9-171.6 pg/mL), and control group values (median: 161 pg/mL, range: 155.2-219 pg/mL) (p=0.763). CONCLUSION: The aqueous humor levels of VEGF and SDF-1α were within the normal range in patients with intermediate and late-stage AMD.

Vitreous levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, stromal cell-derived factor-1α, and angiopoietin-like protein 2 in patients with active proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To determine the vitreous levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) in patients with active proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and to ascertain their contribution on different clinical presentation of active PDR. METHODS: This case-control study included 31 eyes with active PDR and 10 eyes with idiopathic macular hole (MH) (control group). Eyes with active PDR were divided into three subgroups: vitreous hemorrhage (VH), tractional retinal detachment (TRD) caused by active fibrovascular membrane (FVM), and coexistence of VH and TRD with FVM. Vitreous samples obtained during vitrectomy were analyzed for concentrations of VEGF, SDF-1α, and ANGPTL2. RESULTS: Vitreous level of VEGF (2021 (168-6550) pg/ml vs 110.1 (74.5-236) pg/ml), SDF-1α (517 (194-1044) pg/ml vs 388 (320-535) pg/ml), and ANGPTL2 (725 (131-1590) ng/ml vs 196 (75.9-437) ng/ml) were significantly higher in eyes with active PDR than in control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, and p < 0.001, respectively). The concentrations of these meaditors in each active PDR subgroups were also significantly higher than control group (p < 0.05). The vitreous level of ANGPTL2 was significantly higher in eyes with TRD caused by FVM (1033 ± 401 ng/ml) than in eyes with VH (561 ± 237 ng/ml; p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: High levels of SDF-1α, ANGPTL2 and particularly VEGF seem to be associated with PDR. Since the vitreous levels of ANGPTL2 tend to be higher in eyes with active fibrovascular tractional detachment, vitreous levels of this chemokine seem to be affected by the clinical presentation of vascularly active PDR eyes.

Protective effects of Ranolazine on testicular torsion and detorsion injury in rats.

Ranolazine is a drug used in refractory chronic stable angina. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of ranolazine in a testis torsion model in light of objective biochemical and pathological data. A total of 24 pre-pubertal male Wistar albino rats were separated into three groups of 8 as the sham group, control group and ranolazine group. Testis torsion was applied for 3 hr to all the rats in Group Control and Group Ranolazine. In Group Control, 0.9% NaCl was applied 1 hr after the torsion. In Group Ranolazine, ranolazine 30 mg/kg was dissolved in a 0.9% NaCl solution and was administered intraperitoneally 1 hr after torsion. Histopathological evaluation was made using the Cosentino score. As a result of the objective biochemical and pathological criteria used in this study, this protective effect of ranolazine was observed in testis torsion. The results obtained in this study may suggest that ranolazine is a drug that could be applied after detorsion to patients diagnosed with torsion.

Scintigraphic evaluation of renoprotective effects of coenzyme Q10 in a rat renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

PURPOSE: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) may occur secondary to several reasons leading to renal failure. Coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10) is a well-known antioxidant. However, the effects CoQ10 against RIRI have not been evaluated. Our aim was to evaluate protective effects of CoQ10 to renal ischemia-reperfusion by biochemical, immunohistochemical and scintigraphic findings. METHODS: Thirty Wistar-albino rats were randomly separated into groups of 10; Group Sham; Group ischemia-reperfusion (IR) had left renal pedicle clamping; Group CoQ10+IR had IR and CoQ10. Twenty-four hours later after reperfusion, scintigraphy was performed and after that, rats were sacrificed. To demonstrate effects of RIRI, serum urea and creatinine levels and tissue levels oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Both kidneys were subjected to histopathological evaluation and to confirm RIRI-induced immunohistochemical aspects of apoptosis, terminal-deoxynucleotidyl-transferase mediated-deoxyuridine-triphosphate-nick-end-labeling assay and caspase-3 were assessed. RESULTS: Tissue oxidative stress, histopathologic changes, apoptosis scores and quantitative scintigraphic parameters were significantly higher in Group IR compared with Group Sham. Although tissue oxidative stress levels and histopathologic changes were not significant, quantitative scintigraphic parameters of contralateral kidney of Group IR were significantly increased. Compared with Group IR, Group CoQ10+IR presented decreased tissue oxidative stress levels; decreased scores of histopathology and apoptosis; and decreased quantitative scintigraphic parameters with increased split renal function in ischemic kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that other than its antioxidant properties, CoQ10 shows antiperoxidative, antiapoptotic and antiinflammatory potential in protecting renal functioning of ischemic kidney. Furthermore, our results show that renal scintigraphy is a feasible method to detect early changes in renal functioning after RIRI.

Do Montelukast Sodium and N-Acetylcysteine Have a Nephroprotective Effect on Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction? A Placebo Controlled Trial in a Rat Model.

PURPOSE: We assessed the nephroprotective effects of montelukast sodium and N-acetylcysteine on secondary renal damage due to unilateral ureteral obstruction in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study 30 Wistar albino male rats were randomized into 3 groups, including placebo, N-acetylcysteine and montelukast sodium. Three rats served as the control group. The left ureter of the rats was sutured with 4-zero polyglactin sutures. Medications were given 3 days before obstruction and continued for 15 days. Dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy was performed before obstruction and on day 15. Rats were sacrificed on day 15 and histopathological examinations were done. We biochemically assessed oxidative stress markers (myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde), sulfhydryl and total nitrite for lipid peroxidation, oxidative protein damage and antioxidant levels, respectively. RESULTS: On pathological examination inflammation and tubular epithelial damage in the N-acetylcysteine and montelukast sodium groups were less than in the placebo group (p <0.05). No difference was seen in normal kidneys. Myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde and total nitrite levels in the N-acetylcysteine group, and myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde levels in the montelukast sodium group were lower than in the placebo group (p <0.05). No statistical difference was seen in sulfhydryl levels (p >0.05) or among the N-acetylcysteine, montelukast sodium and placebo groups on scintigraphy (p >0.05). No pathological, chemical and scintigraphic differences were seen among the N-acetylcysteine, montelukast sodium and sham treated groups (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: N-acetylcysteine and montelukast sodium have a protective effect against obstructive damage of the kidney. However, further investigations are needed.

Effects of the Oral Nutritional Supplement Containing Arginine, Glutamine, and Hydroxymethylbutyrate (Abound®) on Healing of Colonic Anastomoses in Rats.

We evaluated the effects of the oral nutritional supplement containing arginine, glutamine, and hydroxymethylbutyrate (Abound®) on healing of colonic anastomoses in experimental rat model. Seventy Wistar-Albino male rats were divided into seven groups. Colon transection and anastomosis were performed in all groups except for the sham group. In groups 2 and 5, rats were fed with standard rat chow after the operation. Oral nutritional supplement was added to standard nutrition for 3 days postoperatively in group 3 and 7 days in group 6 and preoperative 7 days plus postoperative 3 days in group 4 and preoperative 7 days plus postoperative 7 days in group 7. Bursting pressures were measured, adhesions were evaluated, and tissue samples were taken for measurement of tissue hydroxyproline levels and for histopathological examination. The usage of oral nutritional supplement had positive effects on bursting pressures, tissue hydroxyproline levels, and histopathological findings of anastomoses, but feeding with oral nutritional supplement both preoperatively and postoperatively had no additive effect on these parameters when compared with the groups that were fed only postoperatively. The mixture of arginine, glutamine, and hydroxymethylbutyrate may be safely used for achieving better healing results after colonic anastomoses.

The Effect of Montelukast on Liver Damage in an Experimental Obstructive Jaundice Model.

BACKGROUND: Montelukast is a cysteinyl-leukotriene type 1 (CysLT1) selective receptor antagonist. In recent years, investigations have shown that montelukast possesses secondary anti-inflammatory activities and also antioxidant effects. For this reason, we aimed to determine the possible effects of montelukast on liver damage in experimental obstructive jaundice. METHODS: 30 Wistar-Albino male rats were randomized and divided into three groups of 10 animals each: group I, sham-operated; group II, ligation and division of the common bile duct (BDL) followed by daily intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml of saline; group III, BDL followed by daily intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg montelukast dissolved in saline. The animals were killed on postoperative day 7 by high-dose diethyl ether inhalation. Blood and liver samples were taken for examination. RESULTS: In this study, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.001), myeloperoxidase (p = 0.003), and total sulfhydryl (SH) (p = 0.009) were found to be significantly different between the BDL + montelukast and the BDL groups. Plasma total SH (p = 0.002) and MDA (p = 0.027) values were also statistically different between these groups. Statistical analyses of histological activity index scores showed that the histopathological damage in the BDL + montelukast group was significantly less than the damage in the control group (p < 0.05 for all pathological parameters). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, montelukast showed a significant hepatoprotective effect in this experimental obstructive jaundice model, which might be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Effect of topically applied sildenafil citrate on wound healing: experimental study.

Wound healing is a complex process that necessitates organization of different cell types and several signalling molecules. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of sildenafil citrate, which decreases cGMP degradation, on wound healing by secondary intention.This study was performed using 25 Sprague Dawley rats weighing 200-250 grams. 4 dorsal defects were created. Four different treatment modalities which were 1% and 5% sildenafil citrate gel prepared with carbopol, pure carbopol gel without any drug in it and 0,9% NaCl solution; were applied to each lesion of the same rat. Randomly selected five rats (25 rats in total) were sacrificed on 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, and 14th days; and the effect of each modality was evaluated by means of defect area measurement, histopathological examination and measurement of tissue hydroxyproline levels.Sildenafil citrate gel application decreased the defect areas in a dose independent manner starting from 3rd day and dose dependent manner after 7th day. By means of vascularization, sildenafil citrate increased vascularity starting from 3rd day. The strength of acute inflammation was superior in sildenafil groups starting from 5th day; and the amount and maturation of granulation in the wound bed, as well as the strength of chronic inflammation were superior in defects treated with sildenafil citrate as early as 7th day.

[Can mannose-binding lectin and plasma level of soluble urokinase receptor be used in diagnosis and treatment monitorization of brucellosis patients?]. / Brusellozlu Hastalarda Mannoz-Baglayan Lektin ve Plazma Çözünür Ürokinaz Reseptör Düzeyi Tani ve Tedavi Izleminde Kullanilabilir mi?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and plasma soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (SuPAR) levels in monitoring the treatment in patients with brucellosis, by comparing their levels before and after treatment with the values obtained from healthy control group. Thirty brucellosis patients (mean age: 25.8 ± 12.2 years; 15 were male) and 28 healthy controls (mean age: 29.3 ± 12.3 years; 15 were male) were included in the study. Patients were diagnosed with brucellosis according to the characteristic clinical findings and by brucella standard tube agglutination test (SAT) titer ≥ 1/160 and/or blood culture positivity. Serum MBL (Antibodyshop, Denmark) and plasma SuPAR (Virogates, Denmark) levels were investigated with commercial ELISA kits. In our study, no statistical significance was observed between the pre-treatment (13.8 ± 13.4 ng/ml) and post-treatment (12.4 ± 13.1 ng/ml) MBL levels of the patient group and MBL levels of the control group (16.5 ± 14.8 ng/ml) (p> 0.05). Moreover, the mean SuPAR levels measured in pre-treatment and post-treatment plasma samples of the brucellosis patients was 5.1 ± 1.9 ng/ml and 2.9 ± 1.3 ng/ml, respectively, while the mean SuPAR level was 1.8 ± 0.5 ng/ml in the control group. The difference between mean SuPAR levels of patients in pre- and post-treatment samples was found statistically significant (p< 0.001). In addition SuPAR levels were significantly higher in patients before and after treatment than the control group (p> 0.001). In conclusion, plasma SuPAR level would be a useful marker for the diagnosis and treatment follow up of the patients with brucellosis.

Enoxaparin effect on malondialdehyde levels in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: This study was established to assess the effects of low dose enoxaparin on plasma malondialdehyde levels during laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a model of ischemia-reperfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients, scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were randomized into two groups of 25 patients in each. In enoxaparin group, patients had 20 mg/0.2 ml subcutaneous (sc) enoxaparin 2 hr before surgery. Blood samples were obtained for malondialdehyde, alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, measurements before the insufflation, 1 min before deflation, and 20 min after deflation. RESULTS: Plasma malondialdehyde concentrations were insignificant between enoxaparin and control groups before insufflation (1.64 ± 2.66 vs. 2.45 ± 4.42 µmol l(-1); p = 0.44) and 1 min before deflation (1.55 ± 2.61 vs. 3.66 ± 5.68 µmol l(-1); p = 0.38). Malondialdehyde levels significantly increased in control group 20 min after deflation in respect to enoxaparin group (1.52 ± 2.67 vs. 6.04 ± 7.85 µmol l(-1)), (p = 0.049). In control group, plasma malondialdehyde concentrations increased significantly compared with initial level throughout the study (p = 0.001). Within enoxaparin group, no statistically significant change was observed (p = 0.28). Plasma alanine transferase and aspartate transferase levels increased similarly in both groups during the study (p > 0.05). Alanine transferase and aspartate transferase increases within each group were statistically significant for all times (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: As a conclusion, mini dose of enoxaparin used sc'ly 2 hr before the operation, prevented the malondialdehyde increase during reperfusion period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy without causing any bleeding disorder while having no effect on serum alanine transferase, aspartate transferase increase.

Effect of naloxone on oxidative stress and testicular injury due to spermatic vessel ligation of rat testis.

AIMS: Two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy has been accompanied by testicular atrophy in some cases but neither of the mechanisms responsible for testicular injury are clear, nor is there an effective agent that might prevent this injury. In this study we aimed to investigate the long-term effects of naloxone, a morphine antagonist, on testicular histopathology and oxidative stress after spermatic vessel ligation (SVL) in rats. METHODS: 32 prepubertal rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: group 1: control (only bilateral orchiectomies were performed); group 2: sham-operated group; group 3: SVL, and group 4: SVL+naloxone (1 mg/kg twice daily for 1 month). One month postoperatively, bilateral orchiectomies were performed to evaluate histopathologic findings and measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. RESULTS: Considering group 3, left SVL resulted in significant tissue damage in both testes, more severe in the ipsilateral testis. The SVL resulted in a significant increase in testicular MDA levels of both testes in this group (p < 0.05). While the ipsilateral testicular NO levels of groups 2 and 3 were significantly lower than of group 1 (p < 0.05), the contralateral testicular NO levels of all these groups were similar. After naloxone therapy, while there was no significant improvement in ipsilateral testicular histopathology (p > 0.05), the contralateral testicular histopathology improved significantly (p < 0.05). However, naloxone did not change either testicular MDA or NO levels. CONCLUSIONS: The SVL led to bilateral testicular injury, and oxidative stress may be a reason for this injury. Naloxone significantly improved contralateral testicular injury without showing any antioxidative effect.

Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) usage attenuates testicular injury induced by testicular ischemia/reperfusion in rats.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the effect of ginkgo biloba on testicular ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar Albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups. Torsion/detorsion (T/D) performed to the rats in group 1, group 2 received ginkgo biloba (50 mg/day) for a month before T/D, group 3 received only gingko biloba (50 mg/day) for a month and group 4 was defined as sham group. After 1 month the testes were removed. RESULTS: Mean testicular malondialdehyde, nitrate and nitrite levels were significantly increased in group 1 compared to groups 2, 3 and 4 (P<0.05). The rats in group 3 provided basal histological appearance. In group 1, edema, congestion and hemorrhage between seminiferous tubules were predominant. In group 2, histopathologic features were markedly less than group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Malondialdehyde, nitrate and nitrite levels were increased after unilateral testicular torsion. EGb 761 has a protective effect on testicular injury induced by IR.

Effect of phospodiesterase 5 inhibitors on apoptosis and nitric oxide synthases in testis torsion: an experimental study.

To investigate the effects of phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 inhibitors, sildenafil citrate and vardenafil HCl, on testicular germ cell apoptosis and also on the expressions of eNOS and iNOS within the bilateral testis after a unilateral torsion in a rat model. Forty-eight Wistar Albino rats, weighing between 210 and 262 g, were housed in individual cages. The rats were randomly assigned into four main groups and each group received drugs. Saline, sildenafil citrate and vardenafil HCl were given to each for 1 month and the last received no drug. After 1 month, testicular torsion was created for 1 h of ischemia and the left testis was untwisted and replaced to the scrotum for 2 h of reperfusion. At the end of 3 h, contralateral and ipsilateral testes were removed for histopathologic and biochemical examinations. Under light microscopy; the histopathological patterns of the contralateral testes in all groups were not affected. Mean apoptotic cell, eNOS and iNOS levels were increased in saline study group. The rats treated with vardenafil and sildenafil (groups 2s and 3s) showed significantly increased apoptotic cell, eNOS and iNOS values in ipsilateral testis (P < 0.05). Sildenafil citrate and vardenafil HCl caused an exaggerated testicular apoptosis after IR injury in rats. Additionally these drugs increased the NOSs levels in the testicular tissue.

Insulin sensitivity obtained from the oral glucose tolerance test and its relationship with birthweight.

BACKGROUND: Glucose intolerance and insulin sensitivity in preadolescent children might predict the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult life in small for gestational age (SGA) children. We aimed to investigate whether reduced birthweight is related to low insulin sensitivity in preadolescence. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five SGA children and 29 appropriate for gestational age children (AGA) children born between 1993 and 1994 were evaluated for insulin sensitivity in preadolescence. At the beginning of the study, body mass index (BMI) was calculated and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Blood samples to measure glucose and insulin were taken every 30 minutes during OGTT. Homeostasis of model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and composite index (CI) values were measured to assess insulin sensitivity. RESULTS: On the OGTT, 120-minute glucose and insulin levels were higher in SGA than AGA children (P=0.02 and P=0.001, respectively). Although there was no difference between HOMA-IR values, the mean CI value was lower in SGA than AGA children (P=0.001). There was an inverse correlation between birthweight and 120-minute glucose concentrations (r=-0.30, P=0.02). This correlation was stronger between birthweight and 120-minute insulin concentrations (r=-0.50, P=0.001). BMI was positively correlated with 120-minute insulin (r=0.50, P=0.001). There was no relationship between HOMA-IR values and birth size, but the CI index was positively correlated with birthweight (r=0.40, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Birthweight may be a predictive factor for insulin sensitivity and CI is more reliable than HOMA-IR to assess this sensitivity in preadolescence.

Nitric oxide, lipid peroxides, and uric acid levels in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

The aim was to study the role of nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxides (LPX), and uric acid in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Plasma levels of NO metabolites (nitrite+nitrate), malonyldialdehyde (MDA), and uric acid and erythrocyte MDA levels were compared between normal pregnant, pre-eclamptic, and eclamptic pregnant women in third trimester. Student's t-test was used for statistical evaluation. Plasma NO metabolites levels were higher in eclamptic group (35.7 +/- 16.5 micromol/liter, p < 0.05) but not in pre-eclamptic group (22.1 +/- 10.8 micromol/liter) than control group (18.8 +/- 6.9 micromol/liter). Plasma MDA and uric acid concentrations were higher in preeclamptic (4.4 +/- 1.7 nmol/ml, p < 0.05; 0.45 +/- 0.11 mmol/liter, p < 0.05, respectively) and eclamptic (5.8 +/- 1.9 nmol/ml, p < 0.05; 0.47 +/- 0.12 mmol/liter, p < 0.05) groups compared with control group (3.0 +/- 1.3 nmol/ml; 0.35 +/- 0.06 mmol/liter). Erythrocytes MDA concentrations were higher only in eclamptic group (174.4 +/- 62 nmol/gHb, p < 0.05) than control group (139.2 +/- 49.5 nmol/gHb). These results suggest that NO, LPX, and uric acid are important factors in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, and that NO production and LPX are directly related to the severity of disease.