Effects of grape seed extract on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense markers in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To evaluate the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant markers in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six male rats were divided into the following four groups: control, GSE-supplemented control, diabetic, and GSE-supplemented diabetic. Beginning on day 7 after STZ injection, the rats were administered GSE (100 mg kg(-1) day(-1) in drinking water for 6 weeks. At the end of week 6, rats were sacrificed by cardiac puncture. Plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels and xanthine oxidase (XO), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were analyzed. RESULTS: Both XO and ADA activities increased and NO levels decreased in diabetic rats (P < 0.05). GSE supplementation normalized all of these changes. Antioxidant enzyme activities decreased in diabetic rats compared to the controls (P < 0.05). GSE supplementation increased antioxidant enzyme activities in both diabetic and healthy rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that 6 weeks of oral GSE supplementation may prevent oxidative stress and improve antioxidant status in diabetic rats.

Assessment of the left atrial volume index and plasma NT-proANP level in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction is associated with ventricular dysfunction due to ischemia-induced progressive myocardial damage. The decrease in ventricular compliance causes left atrial dilatation and stretching of the atrial myocardium, which are the main stimuli for the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide. The aim of this study was to evaluate left atrial dimensions and atrial natriuretic peptide levels in patients early after their first acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction and assess the probable interaction between coronary lesions and these measurements. METHODS: A total of 110 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 50 controls were studied. Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide was measured at admission. Left ventricular function, diameter, and volume index were evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography. Gensini and vessel scores of the patients who underwent coronary angiography were calculated. RESULTS: Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide in the patients with myocardial infarction was increased compared with that in controls (3.90±3.75 vs. 1.35±0.72 nmol/L, p<0.001). Although the left atrial diameter was comparable in patients and controls, the left atrial volume index was increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction (26.5±7.1 vs. 21.3±4.9 mL/m2, p<0.01). Multivariate regression analysis showed a strong independent correlation between the left atrial volume index and the plasma atrial natriuretic peptide level (ß=0.23, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The left atrial volume index and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide level were correlated in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Decreased paraoxonase 1, arylesterase enzyme activity, and enhanced oxidative stress in patients with mitral and aortic valve insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is reportedly associated with several cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidant ability of high density lipoprotein (HDL) is, at least in part, attributable to the pleiotropic serum paraoxonase (PON1). The aim of the study was to investigate the body oxidant/antioxidant balance in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) and aortic regurgitation (AR) to get new points of view for the underlying oxidative mechanisms. METHODS: Oxidative stress index (OSI), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS) were examined in addition to the PON1 and arylesterase (ARE) enzyme activities in fifty-six patients and thirty-seven healthy control subjects. RESULTS: Serum PON1 and ARE enzyme activities were statistically significantly reduced in heart valve disease (HVD) patients (p = 0.0005 and p < 0.0001, respectively), whereas TOS and OSI levels were found to be significantly higher (p = 0.0021 and p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Serum PON1 activity is reduced in patients with HVD, caused by elevated oxidative stress and disturbances of heart valve metabolism. The findings from this novel detailed approach, implicate an inflammatory/oxidative stress process in the pathogenesis of the valve's presentation associated with the HVD. The strength of the significance in differences encourage us to propose that the role of oxidative stress in HVD pathogenesis is very prominent, and oxidative stress markers are potential ancillary tests to evaluate the state of the disease.

Assessment of the left atrial volume index and plasma NT-proANP level in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES: Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction is associated with ventricular dysfunction due to ischemia-induced progressive myocardial damage. The decrease in ventricular compliance causes left atrial dilatation and stretching of the atrial myocardium, which are the main stimuli for the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide. The aim of this study was to evaluate left atrial dimensions and atrial natriuretic peptide levels in patients early after their first acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction and assess the probable interaction between coronary lesions and these measurements. METHODS: A total of 110 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 50 controls were studied. Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide was measured at admission. Left ventricular function, diameter, and volume index were evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography. Gensini and vessel scores of the patients who underwent coronary angiography were calculated. RESULTS: Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide in the patients with myocardial infarction was increased compared with that in controls (3.90±3.75 vs. 1.35±0.72 nmol/L, p<0.001). Although the left atrial diameter was comparable in patients and controls, the left atrial volume index was increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction (26.5±7.1 vs. 21.3±4.9 mL/m2, p<0.01). Multivariate regression analysis showed a strong independent correlation between the left atrial volume index and the plasma atrial natriuretic peptide level (β = 0.23, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The left atrial volume index and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide level were correlated in patients with acute myocardial infarction. .

Effects of grape seed polyphenols on oxidative damage in liver tissue of acutely and chronically exercised rats.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense markers in liver tissue of acutely and chronically exercised rats. Rats were randomly assigned to six groups: Control (C), Control Chronic Exercise (CE), Control Acute Exercise (AE), GSE-supplemented Control (GC), GSE-supplemented Chronic Exercise(GCE) and GSE-supplemented Acute Exercise (GAE). Rats in the chronic exercise groups were subjected to a six-week treadmill running and in the acute exercise groups performed an exhaustive running. Rats in the GSE supplemented groups received GSE (100 mg.kg(-1) .day(-1) ) in drinking water for 6 weeks. Liver tissues of the rats were taken for the analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels and total antioxidant activity (AOA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities. MDA levels decreased with GSE supplementation in control groups but increased in acute and chronic exercise groups compared to their non-supplemented control. NO levels increased with GSE supplementation. XO activities were higher in AE group compared to the CE group. AOA decreased with GSE supplementation. In conclusion, while acute exercise triggers oxidative stress, chronic exercise has protective role against oxidative stress. GSE has a limited antioxidant effect on exercise-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue.

Oxidative stress and anti-oxidant status in diabetic rat liver: effect of plant polyphenols.

Increased evidence in role of oxidative stress and grape seed extract (GSE) in diabetes and its complication led us to investigate the changes of oxidative stress and anti-oxidant defence in liver tissue of diabetic rats and possible effects of GSE. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Seven days after STZ injection four groups were formed: Control, GSE-supplemented control, diabetic and GSE-supplemented diabetic and GSE was given for 6 weeks. Malondialdehyde levels and xanthine oxidase activities were not different among the groups. However, nitric oxide (NO) levels were higher in diabetic and GSE supplemented groups compared with non-diabetic and non-supplemented groups, respectively. Total anti-oxidant activity (TAA) was lower in diabetic groups compared with their non-diabetic controls and it was not affected by GSE. In conclusion, GSE supplementation has limited protective effect in liver tissue of diabetic rats via affecting NO levels and was not affecting TAA.

The serum levels of resistin in ankylosing spondylitis patients: a pilot study.

Resistin is a recently described adipokine which is a member of cysteine-rich secretory protein family. Although it has been primarily defined in human adipocytes, it has been identified that its level was higher in mononuclear leukocytes, macrophages, spleen, and bone marrow cells. Because ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease, it is suspected that upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines is effective in its immunopathogenesis. The aim of our study is to determine the serum resistin levels in patients with AS and to research the relationship with disease activity markers. A total of 30 patients with AS and 30 healthy controls were included in this study. Serum resistin concentrations, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) were evaluated. In results resistin levels in ankylosing spondylitis group were significantly higher than in control group. But, there was no correlation between resistin and ESR, CRP, BASDAI. In conclusion, higher serum resistin levels in patients with AS compared to healthy subjects give clues that resistin could have a role in the pathogenesis of AS.

The protective effect of avocado soybean unsaponifilables on brain ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat prefrontal cortex.

OBJECT: We investigated the protective effects of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) after global brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups as follows: Group I was control rats, Group II was ischemia rats, Group III was Isch + ASU rats. Brain ischemia was produced via four-vessel occlusion model. These processes followed by reperfusion for 30 min for both II and III groups. Rats were sacrificed and their brains were removed immediately. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in left PFC, levels of TNF-α concentration were measured in the plasma. The number of apoptotic neurons was assayed in histological samples of the right PFC. RESULTS: MDA and TNF-α levels as well as the number of apoptotic neurons were observed to have decreased significantly in Group III compared to Group II, while SOD activities have been found to have increased significantly in Group III in comparison to Group II, significantly. CONCLUSIONS: We think that ASU might have an antioxidant and neuroprotective effects in brain I/R injured rats.

Plasma concentrations of soluble CD40 ligand in smokers with acute myocardial infarction: a pilot study.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is believed to be the single leading cause of death in both men and women in the world. Smoking is the most important risk factor for CAD. Smoking increases platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. CD40 ligand (CD40L) is a transmembrane glycoprotein derived from activated platelets. It participates in thrombus formation during the acute phase of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Elevation of CD40L identifies the patients who are at highest risk for cardiac events and who are likely to benefit from treatment with the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) receptor antagonists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate levels of CD40L in smokers with acute MI. Fifty-seven patients with acute MI were enrolled in this study. Thirty-one smokers were compared with 26 non-smokers. Soluble CD40L level in the plasma was determined by a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Circulating levels of CD40L were higher in the smokers' group. Smokers with acute MI may have increased risk for thrombotic complications during acute MI, and optimal antiaggregant therapy should be administered.

Effects of exercise and caffeic acid phenethyl ester after chronic exercise rat model.

In order to understand whether exercise and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has an effect on obesity and weight control, we investigated the effects of CAPE, and exercise on lipid parameters (triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C), and adipokine substances such as leptin and resistin in rats. 40 male rat were randomly assigned into 4 groups. It was determined that CAPE does not have any significant effect on these parameters but that lipid parameters and leptin values in exercise groups decreased considerably, while no significant change occurred in resistin levels. In order to understand whether diet has an effect on exercise, body weights of all animal groups in pre and post-exercise were compared. A significant weight gain was observed (p = 0.005) in all groups. This study concluded that exercise has a considerable effect on leptin and lipid parameters; however, exercise alone was not sufficient for weight control and could be effective in weight control only when accompanied by a restricted diet. Key pointsCaffeic acid phenethyl ester is not effective on weight control, lipid parameters, and adipokine substances such as leptin and resistin.Exercise can be effective in weight control only when accompanied by a restricted diet.

Release of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in children with acute rheumatic carditis.

BACKGROUND: Acute rheumatic carditis is still an important cause of cardiac failure in developing countries. B-type natriuretic peptides, especially N-terminal segment of its prohormone are now recognised as essential parts of cardiologic evaluation. Increased plasma concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide and its prohormone are markers of cardiac failure and hypoxia in adults. AIM: To measure the prohormone levels in children with acute rheumatic carditis and to determine whether its concentrations correlate with clinical and laboratory findings. METHODS: A total of 24 children with acute rheumatic carditis and 23 age and sex-matched healthy subjects were entered in the study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients to assess the severity of the valve insufficiency and cardiac dysfunction. The prohormone plasma levels were tested for correlation with cardiac dysfunction and other biochemical markers, such as C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and anti-streptolysin-O titter. RESULTS: The prohormone plasma concentrations were significantly higher in children with acute rheumatic carditis than in control subjects at the time of diagnosis. A significant decrease of the plasma level was detected among patients after treatments (6-8 weeks). CONCLUSION: We found increased plasma prohormone levels in children with acute rheumatic carditis in the acute stage of illness compared with healthy subjects. Another result is increased plasma prohormone levels as acute rheumatic carditis are reversible.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on plasma adiponectin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in men.

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on plasma adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF )-alpha levels in sedentary men. Fourteen healthy, nonsmoking, sedentary men participated in the study. The protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of our institution. This study was a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial. Blood samples were collected from all participants before coenzyme Q10 or placebo supplementation. The participants were randomly allocated to two groups. Seven participants received oral coenzyme Q10 (100 mg/day) supplementation, and seven participants received placebo (glucose) for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8 weeks, a second blood sampling was performed. After a 4-week washout period, placebo was given to the participants who used coenzyme Q10 the first time, and vice versa, and blood sampling was repeated. Plasma was stored at -80 degrees C until the time of analysis for adiponectin, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. Both CoQ10 and placebo supplementation did not affect plasma adiponectin and TNF-alpha levels. IL-6 level increased with coenzyme Q10 supplementation, but this increase did not differ from that seen with placebo supplementation. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation did not affect plasma adiponectin, IL-6, and TNF-alpha levels in sedentary men.

677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydropholate reductase gene and biochemical parameters in Turkish population with spina bifida occulta.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the 677C > T and 1298A > C MTHFR gene polymorphisms and their metabolic effects on the levels of folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine in the serum of Turkish spina bifida occulta (SBO) patients and healthy individuals in disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study was performed to detect 677C > T and 1298A > C MTHFR gene polymorphisms in 39 SBO patients and 34 healthy individuals. The folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine concentrations in the serum of SBO and healthy individuals were evaluated and compared with MTHFR gene polymorphisms. RESULTS: 677 CC/CT/TT MTHFR genotype frequency differences between the SBO patients and controls were not significant (x(2)=3.325, P=0.068; x(2)=1.479, P=0.224; x(2)=0.275, P=0.600; respectively). 1298A > C MTHFR genotype frequency differences between the SBO patients and controls were significant (x(2)=8.477, P=0.004). The frequencies of the Aand C alleles of the 1298A > C polymorphism did not differ in a statistically significant manner between the groups (x(2)=0.576, P=0.448). The biochemical parameters were not significantly different between SBO patients and healthy individuals (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 677C > T and 1298A > C polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene cannot be regarded as major risk factors for SBO in the Turkish patients 677TT homozygosity may affect the metabolism of homocysteine.

Antifibrotic effects of aldosterone receptor blocker (spironolactone) in patients with chronic kidney disease.

AIMS: Proteinuria and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) are parameters that can lead to glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. All components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activate the TGF-beta. Aldosterone may not be inhibited with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) due to aldosterone escape. We aimed to evaluate the effect of spironolactone on parameters leading to fibrosis. METHODS: This prospective study included 30 non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients treated with ACEIs and/or ARBs. The patients were divided into two groups that are similar in terms of demographic parameters. 25 mg of spironolactone was added to group 1 (n = 15) for six months, though it was not administered to group 2 (n = 15). Creatinine (U-Cr), protein (U-Prot), and TGF-beta1 (U- TGF-beta1) were measured in spot urine sample in the beginning of study and six months later. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients completed the study. There were no significant changes in mean blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, creatinine, albumin, and plasma aldosterone concentrations during the observation period in either group. U-Prot/U-Cr (mg/mg Cr) was reduced from 2.43 +/- 4.85 at baseline to 1.66 +/- 3.51 at sixth month (p = 0.003) in group 1. In addition, U-TGF-beta1/U-Cr (ng/mg Cr) was also reduced from 22.50 +/- 6.65 at baseline to 17.78 +/- 10.94 at sixth month (p = 0.041) in the same group. U-TGF-beta1/U-Cr and U-Prot/U-Cr ratios after the sixth month were not found significant compared with baseline values in group 2. CONCLUSION: Spironolactone reduced both proteinuria and urinary TGF-beta1 excretion in CKD patients. We consider that spironolactone would be beneficial to prevent progression of renal fibrosis in CKD.

Relationship between iron-deficiency anemia and periodontal status in female patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal status of patients with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and the correlation of changes in serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) ferritin levels after periodontal therapy. METHODS: Nineteen female patients with anemic hematologic values were classified as group A, and 20 healthy females with normal hematologic values were classified as group B. After group A was recruited, group B was enrolled with patients who had similar gingival indices as group A. At baseline and the 3-month follow-up visit, clinical periodontal indices and hematologic parameters were recorded, and GCF samples were taken. All patients received an oral hygiene-improvement session followed by scaling, and sites with >4-mm probing depths received root planing. At the 3-month follow-up visit, all measurements and analyses were repeated. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, all clinical indices decreased in both groups (P <0.05), but the gingival index in group A did not change. The GCF ferritin concentration showed statistically significant decreases (P <0.05), but total amounts of ferritin in GCF did not change. No significant correlation was found between serum and GCF ferritin levels. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that changes in serum ferritin levels did not correlate with the GCF ferritin levels, and IDA was not a direct risk factor for periodontal diseases.

Ghrelin levels in children with adenoid or chronic tonsil hypertrophies before and after surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the ghrelin levels in the children with adenoid or tonsil hyperthrophies. METHODS: The study included 27 children (17 boys and 10 girls). Mean age was 6.9+/-3.5 years, ranging from 3 to 16. Ghrelin levels in the patients and their weight and height measurements were evaluated before surgery and after 3 months later of the operation. RESULTS: While 18 (67%) children were operated for adenoid hypertrophy, 9 (33%) children were operated for adenoid and tonsil hypertrophy. It was found that postoperative ghrelin levels were significantly decreased whereas weight and BMI scores were significantly increased (p<0.01). A weak correlation was observed between preoperative ghrelin and weight (r=-0.29). This negative correlation became more profound at the postoperative 3rd month examination (r=0.85) (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that the surgical treatment provides positive contributions on the growing of children with adenoid and tonsil hypertrophies. The ghrelin levels were significantly decreased at the postoperative period in the children, and a negative relationship was observed between the ghrelin levels and the weight. These findings suggest that blood ghrelin levels may be useful as a parameter for following the development of the children.

The neuroprotective effect of dexmedetomidine in the hippocampus of rabbits after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a serious condition, often accompanied by cerebral vasospasm, which may lead to brain ischemia and neurologic deterioration. We evaluated if dexmedetomidine has neuroprotective effects in the hippocampus of vasospastic SAH rabbits or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen New Zealand rabbits were taken. An experimental SAH model was formed by injecting 0.9 mL of autologous arterial blood per 1 kg of body weight to the cisterna magna of 12 rabbits. Craniotomy was performed in the control group (n = 6) except performing experimental SAH. Rabbits in the SAH-alone (n = 6) group were infused with 5 mL.kg(-1).h(-1) 0.9% sodium chloride, and rabbits (n = 6) in the SAH-dexmedetomidine group were infused with 5 microg.kg(-1).h(-1) dexmedetomidine for 2 hours, 48 hours after SAH was established. Rabbits of all groups were sacrificed via penthotal 24 hours after dexmedetomidine administration. Brains were removed immediately, and hippocampal tissues were blocked from the right hemisphere for histopathologic study. In addition to this, hippocampal tissues of left hemispheres were dissected for biochemical analyses to evaluate MDA levels, activity of XO, and SOD. RESULTS: The histopathologic study showed that dexmedetomidine may have a neuroprotective effect in SAH-induced hippocampal injuries. The biochemical parameters support the neuroprotective effect of dexmedetomidine (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that dexmedetomidine may have a neuroprotective effect in the hippocampus of vasospastic SAH rabbits.

Protective effect of aprotinin on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat ovary.

AIM: We investigated the effects of aprotinin on reperfusion injury in a controlled experimental rat torsion-detorsion model. METHODS: Thirty-two female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Sham operation was performed in group I; in group II only ovarian torsion was performed. In group III, torsion-detorsion was performed, plus 3 mL/kg saline was injected i.v. 30 min before detorsion. In group IV, torsion-detorsion was performed, plus aprotinin (30,000 KIU/kg) was injected 30 min before detorsion. Rats in the torsion group were killed after 360 degrees clockwise adnexial torsion for 3 h, and the ovaries were harvested. After 3 h of adnexial detorsion, the rats in the saline and aprotinin groups were killed and the adnexa were surgically removed. RESULTS: Ovarian tissue damage scores were significantly different among groups. Ovarian tissue and serum malondialdehyde levels in group III were significantly higher than those of groups I and IV (P<0.05). The serum levels of superoxide dismutase in group III were significantly lower than those of groups I and IV (P=0.01). Tissue and serum xanthine oxidase, nitric oxide, and tissue superoxide dismutase levels were comparable among groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aprotinin attenuates ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat adnexial torsion-detorsion model.

The influence of dexmedetomidine on ischemic rat hippocampus.

In our study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine on oxidant-antioxidant systems, pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and number of apoptotic neurons on hippocampus and dentate gyrus after transient global cerebral I/R injury. Eighteen rats divided into 3 groups, equally. Group I rats were used as shams. For group II and III rats, they were prepared for transient global cerebral ischemia using a four-vessel-occlusion model. 5 mL/kg/h 0.9% sodium chloride was infused to the Group II and 3 microg/kg/h/5 ml dexmedetomidine was infused to the Group III for 2 h after I/R injury. The levels of MDA and NO and activities of SOD and CAT were measured in the left hippocampus tissue. The levels of TNF-alpha concentration were measured in the plasma. The number of apoptotic neurons was counted by TUNNEL method in histological samples of right hippocampus tissue. MDA and NO levels increased in Group II compared with Group I rats (p=0.002, p=0.002, respectively). In group III, MDA and NO levels decreased as compared to Group II (p=0.015, p=0.002, respectively). SOD and CAT activities increased in Group III as compared to Group II rats (p=0.002, p=0.002, respectively). The decrease in TNF-alpha levels of group III was significant as compared to group II (p=0.016). The number of apoptotic neurons in group III was lower than Group II rats. Our study showed that dexmedetomidine has a neuroprotective effect on hippocampus and dentate gyrus of rats after transient global cerebral I/R injury.

Stepwise rising CO2 insufflation as an ischemic preconditioning method.

BACKGROUND: The pneumoperitoneum (Pp) is associated with ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury and oxidative stress. Various ischemic-preconditioning (IP) methods were used to reduce ischemic injury in intra-abdominal organs. In this experimental, randomized, controlled trial with a blind assessment of the outcome, we evaluated the effects of a new IP method, stepwise rising CO(2) insufflation, on oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine response. METHODS: Twenty-one rats were divided into three groups. Rats in the control group were subjected to general anesthesia for only 60 minutes. The stepwise group was subjected to 5 mm Hg for 10 minutes, 10 mm Hg for 10 minutes, and 15 mm Hg of CO(2) insufflation for 60 minutes without deflation. In the Pp15 group, the pressure of CO(2) insufflation was fixed at 15 mm Hg for 60 minutes without deflation. Liver and blood samples were examined to determine malondialdehyde (MDA), the antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin-6 [IL-6]) levels. Histopathologic scores of liver tissue were examined in all groups. RESULTS: The highest plasma and liver MDA, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 values were in the Pp15 group, followed by the stepwise and control groups. However, plasma and liver SOD levels determined in the control group were significantly higher, compared to stepwise and Pp15 groups. The lowest plasma and liver levels of SOD were in the Pp15 group, followed by the stepwise and control groups. Significantly higher histopathologic scores were found in the Pp15 group, followed by the stepwise and control groups, as well as MDA and inflammatory cytokine (TNF-alpha, IL-6) levels. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the stepwise rising CO(2) insufflation method may be an alternative IP method that may lead to a reduction in I/R injury.