In vivo anti-ulcerogenic effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal lesions.

CONTEXT: Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) (Malvaceae), is a medicinal plant widely used in Turkish traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as ulcers and gastritis. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we evaluated the gastroprotective effect of okra against ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were treated with 500, 250 or 100 mg/kg okra; 20 mg/kg famotidine (Fam); and 75 mg/kg quercetin (Que). Following a 60 min period, all the rats were given 1 mL of ethanol (80%). One hour after the administration of ethanol, all groups were sacrificed. RESULTS: At 5000 mg/kg, the extract produced (okra) no signs of toxicity in animals. Okra 500, 250, 100, Fam 20 and Que 75 inhibited ulcer formation by 81.0, 67.5, 67.0, 76.3 and 72.4%, respectively. Okra 500 significantly decreased edema, hemorrhage and inflammation scores compared with the ethanol group (p < 0.05). The oxidant levels decreased significantly in the all study groups compared within ethanol group (p < 0.001). Serum ß-carotene and retinol levels significantly increased 40.2 and 45.4% in the okra 500 group. In okra 500, 250 and Fam 20 groups, apoptosis significantly decreased (p < 0.001), while okra 500, 250 and Fam 20 groups showed a higher percentage of cell proliferation compared with the ethanol group (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our in vivo data indicate that okra has a gastroprotective effect against ethanol and could reduce the gastric ulcer as seen from biochemical and histopathological results. We suggest that okra could be a possible therapeutic antiulcer agent.

Antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of erdosteine in a rat model of ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the protective effect of erdosteine, an antiapoptotic and antioxidant agent, on torsion-detorsion evoked histopathological changes in experimental ovarian ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen female Wistar albino rats were used in control, IR, and IR+Edosteine (IR-E) groups, (n=6 in each). The IR-E group received the erdosteine for seven days before the induction of torsion/retorsion, (10 mg/kg/days). The IR and IR-E groups were exposed to right unilateral adnexal torsion for 3 hr. Three hours later, re-laparotomy was performed, and the right ovaries were surgically excised. Oxidant and antioxidants levels were determined in serum. The ovarian tissue samples were received and fixed with 10% neutral buffered formalin. The sections were stained with H&E, anti-PCNA, and TUNEL. RESULTS: The IR group were showed severe acute inflammation, polynuclear leukocytes and macrophages, stromal oedema and haemorrhage. Treatment with erdosteine in rats significantly retained degenerative changes in the ovary PCNA (+) cell numbers were significantly decreased in the IR and IR-E groups unlike the control group. However, its numbers were significantly increased in the IR-E group unlike the IR group. TUNEL (+) cell numbers were significantly increased in the IR group unlike the control and the IR-E groups. In erdosteine treated group, TUNEL (+) cells were detected significantly less than the IR group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, erdosteine maybe a protective agent for ovarian damage and decreasing lipid peroxidation products and leukocytes aggregation after adnexal torsion in animals.

Kinetics of pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite dissolution by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the dissolution kinetics of pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite. Crushed minerals were reacted with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (25 °C). The kinetics of dissolution was investigated by monitoring pH and Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) ion concentrations in the leaching solutions. Pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite dissolution by A. ferrooxidans was found to be a chemically controlled process. With bacteria, the dissolution rates of the minerals increased in the order of pyrrhotite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite. The number of cells attached to mineral surfaces increased in the same order. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was found to enhance the dissolution rates of the minerals. The acid-insoluble trait of pyrite and acid-soluble trait of the other 2 minerals affected the pH changes in the leaching solutions.

Investigation of ischemia modified albumin, oxidant and antioxidant markers in acute myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is still one of the most common causes of death worldwide. In recent years, for diagnosis of myocardial ischemia, a new parameter, called ischemia modified albumin (IMA), which is thought to be more advantageous than common methods, has been researched. AIM: In this study, systematic analysis of parameters considered to be related to myocardial ischemia has been performed, comparing between control and myocardial ischemia groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected 40 patients with AMI and 25 healthy controls for this study. Ischemia modified albumin levels, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as retinol, α-tocopherol, ß-carotene and ascorbic acid levels were investigated in both groups. Glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which are indicators of oxidative stress, were compared between patient and control groups. RESULTS: Ischemia modified albumin levels were found significantly higher in the AMI diagnosed group when compared with controls. The MDA level was elevated in the patient group, whereas the GSH level was decreased. SOD, GPx and CAT enzyme levels were decreased in the patient group, where it could be presumed that oxidative stress causes the cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the increased oxidative stress, non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant capacity was affected. Systematic investigation of parameters related to myocardial infarction has been performed, and it is believed that such parameters can contribute to protection and early diagnosis of AMI and understanding the mechanism of development of the disease.

Effects of sphingosylphosphorylcholine against oxidative stress and acute lung injury induced by pulmonary contusion in rats.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate effects of exogenous sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) administration on acute lung injury induced by pulmonary contusion in rats. METHODS: Eight animals were included in each of the following five groups: control, contusion, contusion phosphate-buffered solution (PBS), contusion SPC 2, contusion SPC 10. SPC was administered 3 days at a daily two different doses of 2 µm/ml and 10 µm/ml intraperitoneally. The severity of lung injury was determined by the neutrophil activation and histological and immunohistochemical changes in the lung. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) were determined to evaluate the oxidative status in the lung tissue. RESULTS: Treatment with 2 µM SPC inhibited the increase in lung MDA and NO levels significantly and also attenuated the depletion of SOD, GPx, and GSH in the lung injury induced by pulmonary contusion. These data were supported by histopathological findings. The inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) positive cells and apoptotic cells in the lung tissue were observed to be reduced with the 2 µM SPC treatment. But, the 10 µM SPC treatment did not provide similar effects. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these findings suggested that 2 µM SPC can attenuate lung damage in pulmonary contusion by prevention of oxidative stress, inflammatory process and apoptosis. All these findings suggest that low dose SPC may be a promising new therapeutic agent for acute lung injury.

Measuring calcium, potassium, and nitrate in plant nutrient solutions using ion-selective electrodes in hydroponic greenhouse of some vegetables.

Generally, the life cycle of plants depends on the uptake of essential nutrients in a balanced manner and on toxic elements being under a certain concentration. Lack of control of nutrient levels in nutrient solution can result in reduced plant growth and undesired conditions such as blossom-end rot. In this study, sensitivity and selectivity tests for various polyvinylchloride (PVC)-based ion-selective membranes were conducted to identify those suitable for measuring typical concentration ranges of macronutrients, that is, NO(3-), K(+), and Ca(2+), in hydroponic solutions. The sensitivity and selectivity of PVC-membrane-based ion-selective sensors prepared with tetradodecylammoniumnitrate for NO(3-), valinomycin for K(+), and Ca ionophore IV for Ca(2+) were found to be satisfactory for measuring NO(3-), K(+), and Ca(2+) ions in nutrient solutions over typical ranges of hydroponic concentrations. Potassium, calcium, and nitrate levels that were utilized by cucumber and tomato seedlings in the greenhouse were different. The findings show that tomato plants consumed less amounts of nitrate than cucumber plants over the first 2 months of their growth. We also found that the potassium intake was higher than other nutritional elements tested for all plants.

Prevention of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis by resveratrol: a comparative experimental study with mesna.

PURPOSE: Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is the most common urotoxic side effect of cyclophosphamide (CP). The aim of this study was to compare the classical efficacy of mesna (2-mercaptoethane sulfonate sodium) with three different doses of resveratrol (RES) on cyclophosphamide-induced HC in rats. METHODS: Forty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups. Group 1 served as a negative control (sham). Five groups received a single dose of cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg) intraperitoneally at the same time. Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 received only CP, CP + 20 mg/kg RES, CP + 40 mg/kg RES, CP + 80 mg/kg RES, and CP + classical protocol of three doses of mesna (30 mg/kg three times), respectively. Antioxidants, cytokines, and malondialdehyde levels were measured in all groups. In addition, histopathological alterations in tissues were examined. RESULTS: CP administration induced severe HC with marked edema, hemorrhage, and inflammation in group 2. RES 20 mg/kg showed meaningful protection against bladder damage compared to the control group. It was seen that RES 40 mg/kg gave weaker protection but RES 80 mg/kg was not found to be effective. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, marked bladder protection was found in 20 and 40 mg/kg RES applications compared to the control group, but this protection was weaker than with mesna.

Desferrioxamine effectively attenuates testicular tissue at the end of 3 h of ischemia but not in an equal period of reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of desferrioxamine (DFX) on ipsilateral and contralateral testis damage caused by experimental testis torsion and detorsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty rats were divided into five groups (n = 8): control, torsion (T), torsion + desferrioxamine (T + DFX), torsion/detorsion (T/D), and torsion/detorsion + desferrioxamine (T/D + DFX). The right testes of the rats were subjected to torsion and detorsion for 3 h each. Thirty minutes before the application of torsion and detorsion, DFX (100 mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly. Blood samples and testicular tissues were examined using specific biochemical and histopathological methods. RESULTS: Ipsilateral and contralateral testis tissue glutathione levels in the T group decreased compared with the control and T + DFX groups. Plasma glutathione peroxidase activity in the T, T/D, and T/D + DFX groups was lower than in the control group. Plasma catalase activity in the T and T/D groups decreased compared with the control group. Ipsilateral mean seminiferous tubule diameter of the T group was lower than that of the T + DFX group. The ipsilateral mean testis biopsy scores in the T and T/D groups were lower than in the control group. CONCLUSION: The administration of DFX prior to torsion may be useful only for preventing ischemic damage in ipsilateral and contralateral testes.

Oxidant and antioxidant status in children with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

We analyzed serum alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, retinol, and ascorbic acid levels and malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione concentrations on erythrocyte and cerebrospinal fluid in 30 patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis to evaluate oxidant and antioxidant status. Serum alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, retinol, ascorbic acid levels, and erythrocyte and cerebrospinal fluid reduced glutathione concentrations were decreased; however, erythrocyte and cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde levels were increased in the patients. Cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde levels were different between clinical stages of the disease (P < .05). Higher cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde level was associated with the more severe clinical stage. A positive correlation was found between cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde level and clinical stages (r = 0.42; P < .05) and between erythrocyte malondialdehyde level and clinical stages (r = 0.40; P < .05). Our findings showed presence of oxidative damage in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and that antioxidants were increased as defense mechanisms of the organism against oxidative damage.

Desferrioxamine reduces oxidative stress in the lung contusion.

Our hypothesis in this study is that desferrioxamine (DFX) has therapeutic effects on experimental lung contusions in rats. The rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): control, control+DFX, contusion, and contusion+DFX. In the control+DFX and contusion+DFX groups, 100 mg/kg DFX was given intraperitoneally once a day just after the contusion and the day after the contusion. Contusions led to a meaningful rise in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in lung tissue. MDA levels in the contusion+DFX group experienced a significant decline. Glutathione levels were significantly lower in the contusion group than in the control group and significantly higher in the contusion+DFX group. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the contusion group were significantly lower than those in the control group. In the contusion+DFX group, SOD and GPx levels were significantly higher than those in the contusion group. In light microscopic evaluation, the contusion and contusion+DFX groups showed edema, hemorrhage, alveolar destruction, and leukocyte infiltration. However, histological scoring of the contusion+DFX group was significantly more positive than that of the contusion group. The iNOS staining in the contusion group was significantly more intensive than that in all other groups. DFX reduced iNOS staining significantly in comparison to the contusion group. This study showed that DFX reduced oxidative stress in lung contusions in rats and histopathologically ensured the recovery of the lung tissue.

Royal jelly can diminish secondary neuronal damage after experimental spinal cord injury in rabbits.

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of Royal jelly (RJ) on traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Twenty-one New Zealand male rabbits, weighing between 2.5 and 3.0 kg were divided into three groups: Sham (no drug or operation, n = 7), Control (laminectomy+single dose of 1 ml/kg saline orally, after trauma; n = 7) and RJ (laminectomy+100mg/kg RJ, orally, after trauma, n = 7). Laminectomy was perfor med at T10 and balloon catheter was applied extradurally for traumatic SCI. Four and 24h after surgery, rabbits were evaluated according to the Tarlov scoring system. Blood, cerebrospinal fluid and tissue sample from spinal cord were taken for measurements of antioxidant status or detection of apoptosis. Four hours after SCI, all animals in control or RJ treated groups became paraparesic. Significant improvement was observed in RJ treated group, 24h after SCI, with respect to control. Traumatic SCI led to increase in the lipid peroxidation and decrease enzymic or non-enzymic endogenous antioxidative defense systems, and increase in apoptotic cell numbers. RJ treatment mostly prevented lipid peroxidation and also augmented endogenous enzymic or non-enzymic antioxidative defense systems. Again, RJ treatment significantly decreased the apoptotic cell number induced by SCI.

Serum and liver tissue bio-element levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity: protective effects of royal jelly.

The liver is a vital organ, and its function is generally impaired by chemicals. Some natural compounds have a protective role against liver diseases such as royal jelly (RJ). To our knowledge, there are no data available on the effect of RJ therapy on the levels of bio-element metabolisms and antioxidant enzyme activities in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver damage. Therefore, in the present study, we have investigated the role of RJ therapy in the trace and major elements and antioxidant enzymes in CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Antioxidant enzyme activities decreased in the CCl(4)-treated group more than they did in the sham and RJ-administered groups. Many bio-element levels were also reduced in only the CCl(4)-treated group. This showed that the depletion of trace elements was related to erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. RJ administration clearly increased the trace and major element levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in RJ groups. RJ may be used as functional foods because of their naturally high antioxidant potential and rich element content.

Oxidant/antioxidant system markers and trace element levels in children with nutritional rickets.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the oxidative stress and trace element levels in vivo in patients with nutritional rachitism associated with vitamin D deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of 30 patients, 18 males and 12 females, were included in the study. Age, sex, medical history, vital, and physical examination findings of each patient documented at presentation were recorded. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and 25-OH vitamin D levels, as well as oxidant and antioxidant system parameters and trace element levels were studied. After being diagnosed with rachitism, the patients were administered a single dose of 300,000 IU vitamin D by intramuscular injection. The same analyses were repeated post-treatment. Thirty children with normal anthropometric measurements were included as the control group. The analyses described above were performed only once for the control group. RESULTS: Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and 25-OH vitamin D levels were different between the controls and children in the patient group (p<0.001). Analysis of trace element levels demonstrated markedly lower pretreatment zinc levels for the patient group compared to the controls, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). Comparison of pretreatment oxidant and antioxidant system markers between the patient and control groups demonstrated higher values for vitamin C, ß-carotene, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase in the control group, whereas MDA was higher in the patient group. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated increased oxidative stress, reduced antioxidant defence system in patients with nutritional rachitism, with reduced oxidative stress and a pronounced improvement in the antioxidant system with vitamin D treatment.

Evaluation of trace elements, calcium, and magnesium levels in the plasma and erythrocytes of patients with essential hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Essential hyperhidrosis is a disease that expresses itself with excessive sweating in palmar, plantar, axillary, and craniofacial regions. The etiopathogenesis of the disease, which has particular importance because of leading to psychosocial morbidity, could have not been completely elucidated. In previous studies, it has been shown that oxidative stress might play a role in the pathogenesis. AIMS: Assessing the levels of trace elements such as Se, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mg that have an important role in oxidative stress, as well as Ca and Mg that have an important role in membrane physiology, in patients with essential hyperhidrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples taken from the patient group with essential hyperhidrosis (42) and the control group (37) were separated into plasma and erythrocytes, and the levels of the bioelements were measured by use of ICP-OES device. RESULTS: Erythrocyte levels of Se, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ca, and Mg were detected significantly higher in patients with essential hyperhidrosis. Furthermore, plasma levels of Cu, Ca, and Mg were significantly lower in patients with essential hyperhidrosis. Plasma levels of Se, Fe, and Zn showed no statistical difference between two groups. DISCUSSION: It was thought that the high levels of Cu and Fe in erythrocytes may play a role in increased intracellular oxidative stress, whereas the increase in Se and Zn levels may be secondary to increased oxidative stress. Low extracellular concentrations of Ca and Mg raise the thought that they play a role either enhancing the membrane excitability of eccrine sweat glands or influencing the autonomic nerve system. CONCLUSION: The levels of trace elements, which were determined to be different from the control group, may play a role in the pathogenesis of essential hyperhidrosis either in direct relation with or without oxidative mechanisms.

The roles of melatonin and vitamin E plus selenium in prevention of oxidative stress induced by naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in heroin-addicted rats.

The therapeutic effects of melatonin or vitamin E plus Se (vE + Se) on the restrain of the heroin withdrawal-induced oxidative stress were studied. For this, rats were divided into ten groups. The rats were injected by fixed or variable doses of heroin for 16 consecutive days, and naloxone was given 1 h after the last heroin injection. One hour after naloxone administration, some groups were treated with melatonin or vE + Se. After 1 h this, blood samples were taken, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in whole blood, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, retinol, ß-carotene, nitrite, nitrate, and ceruloplasmin levels in the serum were measured. Our findings showed that, naloxone administration precipitated the heroin withdrawal. This also increased the level of MDA and decreased the levels of GSH in blood. Melatonin or vE + Se administration prevented the rise in MDA levels and increased the GSH levels. On the other hand, there were some significant differences between α-tocopherol, retinol, ß-carotene, nitrite, nitrate, and ceruloplasmin levels of experimental groups. Results of present study showed that heroin withdrawal increased the lipid peroxidation and depressed endogenous antioxidative systems. Additionally, melatonin or vE + Se administrations prevented lipid peroxidation and augmented endogenous antioxidant defense systems.

Antioxidant enzyme and element status in heroin addiction or heroin withdrawal in rats: effect of melatonin and vitamin E plus Se.

Heroin use, withdrawal syndrome, and heroin-related deaths are still the most serious public health problems. Antioxidants and bio-elements are essential for metabolism in living organisms. To our knowledge, there are no data about the effect of antioxidant therapy on the levels of bio-elements and antioxidant enzymes in the naloxone (NX)-induced heroin withdrawal syndrome. Therefore, in the present study for the first time, we have investigated the role of antioxidant therapy, melatonin, and vitamin E plus Se, on the trace and major elements and antioxidant enzymes in the heroin addiction or heroin withdrawal in rats. Glutathione peroxidase levels were increased and catalase levels were decreased in the all study groups when compared to the sham group. The level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the fixed dose of heroin (FDH) given group was lower; however, in the variable doses of heroin (VDH) given group SOD level was higher. Furthermore, in withdrawal syndrome, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Ti levels were diminished and Al, Ca, and Cu levels were increased in the FDH+NX group. Moreover, Mg, Mn, and Se levels were also diminished and Al level was increased in the VDH+NX group. In conclusion, our results obviously indicated that heroin effected both bio-element status and antioxidant enzyme activities and, exogenous melatonin or vE+Se therapy might relieve on the element and antioxidant enzyme the destructive activity caused by heroin.

Protective effect of Matricaria chamomilla on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in rats.

The antiulcerogenic and antioxidant properties of Matricaria chamomilla L. (Compositae) hydroalcoholic extract (MCE) on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury were investigated in rats. After the induction of gastric mucosal injury, all groups were sacrificed; the gastric ulcer index was calculated, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in whole blood and gastric tissue, and serum ascorbic acid, retinol, and beta-carotene levels were measured in all groups. Pretreatment with MCE at some doses significantly reduced gastric lesions. Again, some doses of MCE significantly reduced the MDA, and significantly increased GSH levels in gastric tissue or whole blood. Serum beta-carotene and retinol levels were significantly higher in the 200 mg/kg MCE-administered group with respect to control. As a result, MCE clearly has a protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions, and this effect, at least in part, depends upon the reduction in lipid peroxidation and augmentation in antioxidant activity.

Bio-element status in children with acute rheumatic fever: before treatment and after clinical improvement.

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune multisystem disease. Bio-elements are required in different quantities by an organism to maintain its physiologic function. Monitoring the status of bio-elements is critical in human health. This study aimed to determine possible changes in levels of bio-elements in children with ARF before and after treatment. Levels of trace and major elements in children with ARF were investigated. The study included 33 children with ARF (17 boys and 16 girls) and 20 healthy control children (11 boys and 9 girls). The ages ranged from 5 to 16 years (mean 11.4 ± 3.82 years) in the study group and from 6 to 15 years (mean, 10.7 ± 3.22 years) in the control group. Trace and major element concentrations (total of 14 elements) in the serum were measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Before treatment, the levels of the major elements potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) in children with ARF were higher than in the control group, whereas the calcium (Ca) level was lower. Before treatment, the levels of trace elements iron (Fe), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), and barium (Ba) were lower, whereas the copper (Cu), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), gallium (Ga), and strontium (Sr) levels were higher in the serum of the patients with ARF than in the control patients. The major findings show that the homeostasis of some trace and major elements were altered in the children with ARF and that these alterations may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Protective potential of Royal Jelly against carbon tetrachloride induced-toxicity and changes in the serum sialic acid levels.

Royal Jelly (RJ) is used in the Turkish folk medicine for the treatment of number of disorders. The present study describes the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the RJ against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced acute liver damage. Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the experiment. CCl(4) (0.8 ml/kg; s.c.) and RJ (50, 100, 200mg/kg; orally) were given every other day, for 20 days. Malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione in whole blood and tissues; ceruloplasmin, sialic acid, ascorbic acid, retinol, ß-carotene and liver enzymes levels in serum were measured. Additionally, histopathological alterations in the liver were examined. RJ exerted the significant protective effect on liver damage as well as on oxidative stress induced by CCl(4), resulting in reduced lipid peroxidation and improved endogenous antioxidant defence systems. It also reduced the elevated levels of liver enzymes. Histopathological study further confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of RJ, when compared with the CCl(4) treated control groups. In conclusion, present study reveals biological evidence that supports the use of RJ in the treatment of chemical-induced hepatotoxicity.

No apparent correlation between Behçet's disease and oxidative stress disturbance.

UNLABELLED: Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, progressive and inflammatory multisystemic disease, that significantly affects the cardiovascular system. Oxidative stress (OS) is a disturbance in oxidant/antioxidant balance in favor of oxidants. The OS that increases acutely and chronically due to the inflammatory process plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular system effects of the disease by causing endothelial dysfunction in vascular structures. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between OS and myocardial perfusion, which is based on microvascular dysfunction, in BD. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty-seven patients with BD (16 M, 11 F, mean age: 38.7 +/- 9.4 years) and 22 healthy volunteers (12 M, 10 F, mean age: 35.8 +/- 6.5 years) participated in our study. Technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile single photon emission computed tomography (Tc-99m MIBI SPECT) stress-rest test was performed with two-day protocol. Myocardial perfusion scores (summed stress score, summed rest score, summed difference score, fix defect score) and perfusion defect prevalence (stress, rest, ischemic and fixed) were determined as the percentage of left ventricle. Coronary angiography was performed in patients with abnormal myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. For OS analysis, the blood samples were taken immediately before the first imaging procedure and were studied for malondialdehyde, glutathione, nitrite, nitrate, vitamin C, retinol, and carotene. RESULTS: In the BD group, a total of 9 patients had abnormal findings in their stress and rest electrocardiography. Perfusion defect in myocardial perfusion scintigraphy was observed in 14 patients (51.8%). Twelve patients accepted coronary angiography, and their results were normal. In the comparison of myocardial perfusion scores, perfusion defect prevalence and OS parameters, there was a significant difference between the BD and control groups. In the BD group, no correlation was observed between myocardial perfusion scores, perfusion defect prevalence and OS parameters. CONCLUSION: Defects in myocardial perfusion and increase in OS were observed in BD; however, there was no correlation between the two findings in the inactive period. In other words, the prevalence and intensity of myocardial perfusion defects can vary at different OS levels.