Propolis Reduces Inflammation and Dyslipidemia Caused by High-Cholesterol Diet in Mice by Lowering ADAM10/17 Activities.

Atherosclerosis is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular diseases. A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM)10 and ADAM17 have been identified as important regulators of inflammation in recent years. Our study investigated the effect of inhibiting these enzymes with selective inhibitor and propolis on atherosclerosis. In our study, C57BL/6J mice (n = 16) were used in the control and sham groups. In contrast, ApoE-/- mice (n = 48) were used in the case, water extract of propolis (WEP), ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP), GW280264X (GW-synthetic inhibitor), and solvent (DMSO and ethanol) groups. The control group was fed a control diet, and all other groups were fed a high-cholesterol diet for 16 weeks. WEP (400 mg/kg/day), EEP (200 mg/kg/day), and GW (100 µg/kg/day) were administered intraperitoneally for the last four weeks. Animals were sacrificed, and blood, liver, aortic arch, and aortic root tissues were collected. In serum, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and glucose (Glu) were measured by enzymatic colorimetric method, while interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2 (Lp-PLA2) were measured by ELISA. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-12 (IL-12) levels were measured in aortic arch by ELISA and ADAM10/17 activities were measured fluorometrically. In addition, aortic root and liver tissues were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically (ADAM10 and sortilin primary antibody). In the WEP, EEP, and GW groups compared to the case group, TC, TG, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12, PLA2, MPO, ADAM10/17 activities, plaque burden, lipid accumulation, ADAM10, and sortilin levels decreased, while IL-10 and PON-1 levels increased (p < 0.003). Our study results show that propolis can effectively reduce atherosclerosis-related inflammation and dyslipidemia through ADAM10/17 inhibition.

Investigating the relationship between the cervical mucoprotein levels and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer has been ranked as the fourth most common cancer in women. The role of HPV, the DNA virus identified in the 1980s, in almost all cervical cancers is undisputed. In patients scanned with smear and HPV, a cervical biopsy is performed accompanied by colposcopic examination, and the lesion is defined. The concentration of mucoproteins varies in the structure of the cervical mucus with neoplasms. The major aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the levels of cervical mucoprotein in patients at the early stages of cervical cancer and evaluate if these levels can be used in the early diagnosis of this cancer type. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective cohort study. Samples from cervical mucus were taken and stored before colposcopy examination of human papillomavirus (HPV) positive patients (N.=100). According to the pathology results, while 36 cases constituted the precancerous group, no suspicion of cancer was found in 64 cases. To ensure standardization, colposcopy was performed immediately after the menstrual cycle and at least 0.5 mL of the cervical mucus sample was taken from all individual patients used in this study. Cervical mucus samples of the patients were analyzed for mucoproteins MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC5B. RESULTS: All mucoprotein levels were found to be higher in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) than those of subjects with normal pathology for cervical neoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Significant relationship was obtained between cervical intraepithelial neoplasms and the levels of mucoproteins in cervical mucus. The results showed that diagnosis of neoplasia with HPV may be easily performed by utilizing any mucoprotein test.

The prevalence of diabetes and associated risk factors among adult population in a Turkish population (Trabzon city).

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes, and to evaluate the associated risk factors in a sample of adult Turkish population. METHODS: A total of 4000 eligible study subjects, aged 20 years or older, chosen by multistage sampling on a field were considered. Of those 3721 subjects (2139 women and 1582 men) participated in the study. RESULTS: The prevalence of prediabetes and DM were found to be as 6.4% and 10.4% (3.6% being newly diagnosed by this study), respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, advanced age (OR:26.7, p < 0.0005 in the group 70 years and over), marriage (OR:2.05, p = 0.047), housewives (OR:1.34, p = 0.003), family history of diabetes (OR:2.84, p < 0.0005), overweight (OR:1.61, p = 0.026), obesity (OR:2.25, p < 0.0005), hypertension (OR:1.42, p = 0.007) and dyslipidemia (OR:1.38, p = 0.028) were independent risk factors for being diabetic. CONCLUSIONS: DM is an important health problem in the adult population of Trabzon city. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients who were unaware of their status are at high risk. To control DM and associated risk factors, effective public health education and taking urgent steps are needed.

Protective effect of cordycepin on experimental renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

AIM: To date, various molecules have been investigated to reduce the effect of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, none have yet led to clinical use. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of cordycepin (C) on renal I/R injury in an experimental rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four mature Sprague Dawley female rat was randomly divided into three groups: Sham, I/R, I/R+C. All animals underwent abdominal exploration. To induce I/R injury, an atraumatic vascular bulldog clamp was applied to the right renal pedicle for 60 minutes (ischemia) and later clamp was removed to allow reperfusion in all rats, except for the sham group. In the I/R + C group, 10 mg/kg C was administered intraperitoneally, immediately after reperfusion. After 4 hours of reperfusion, the experiment was terminated with right nephrectomy. Histological studies and biochemical analyses were performed on the right nephrectomy specimens. EGTI (endothelial, glomerular, tubulointerstitial) histopathology scoring and semi-quantitative analysis of renal cortical necrosis were used for histological analyses and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS) for biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Histopathological examination of the tissue damage revealed that all kidneys in the sham group were normal. The I/R group had higher histopathological scores than the I/R + C group. In the biochemical analysis of the tissues, SOD, MDA, TOS values were found to be statistically different in the I/R group compared to the I/R + C group (p: 0.004, 0.004, 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal cordycepin injection following ischemia preserve renal tissue against oxidative stress in a rat model of renal I/R injury.

Dorycnium pentaphyllum Extract Has Antiproliferative Effect on Human Cervix and Colon Cancer Cells.

Although several studies have investigated the cytotoxic effects of different Fabaceae species, limited researches have been conducted on the cytotoxic effect of Dorycnium pentaphyllum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic characterization and the cytotoxic effect of D. pentaphyllum on human cervix (HeLa) and colon (WiDr) cancer cells and the possible mechanisms involved. Total phenolic content (TPC) and phenolic characterization of the extract were investigated using the Folin-Cioceltau method and RP-HPLC, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of the extract was evaluated using the MTT assay. The mechanism involved in the extract's cytotoxic effect was then evaluated in terms of apoptosis and the cell cycle using flow cytometry, while mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was investigated using the fluorometric method. The TPC value of the extract was 141.2 ± 0.8 mg gallic acid equivalent per g sample, and quercetin was detected as major phenolics. D. pentaphyllum extract exhibited a selective cytotoxic effect on HeLa and WiDr cells compared to normal fibroblast and colon cells, respectively. The extract induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase and apoptosis via reduced MMP in these cells. Further studies may be useful in developing a natural product based new generation pharmacological agent.

In vitro evaluation of the effects of frequently prescribed pediatric drugs on the microhardness of permanent tooth enamel.

BACKGROUND: Dental erosion is considered one of the oral cavity diseases. Frequent intake of liquid oral medications can be an effective factor in tooth erosion. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of frequently prescribed pediatric drugs on the permanent dental enamel microhardness over a period of 14 days in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 11 pediatric drugs with different active ingredients were used; the control group consisted of teeth immersed in distilled water. The immersion cycles were applied 3 times a day for 1 min. The measurements of the samples prepared were taken at 0 (baseline), 7 and 14 days after the immersion cycles using a Vickers hardness testing machine. The pH, titratable acidity (TA) and buffering capacity of the syrups were assessed. RESULTS: The measurements of the tooth samples that were immersed in drug solutions except Deltacortril® showed that there was a significant difference between days 0, 7 and 14. The microhardness values for the tooth samples that were immersed in the Deltacortril drug solution decreased, but no significant difference was found. There were no statistically significant differences between the day 0, 7 and 14 measurements in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Commonly used and prescribed pediatric drugs pose a risk for tooth erosion. Pediatricians should be aware of the effects of prescription drugs on erosion, and stress the need for compliancy with oral hygiene procedures.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide Extract of Dianthus carmelitarum Induces S Phase Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells.

Although several studies have investigated the cytotoxic effects of different Dianthus species, there has been only limited research into the cytotoxic effect of Dianthus carmelitarum. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the phenolic characterization and the cytotoxic effect of D. carmelitarum on human colon cancer (WiDr) cells and the possible mechanisms involved. Total polyphenolic contents (TPC) and phenolic characterization of the extract were evaluated using the Folin-Cioceltau method and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), respectively. The cytotoxic activity of the extract was determined using the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The mechanism involved in the extract's cytotoxic effect was then evaluated in terms of apoptosis and the cell cycle using flow cytometry, while mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was investigated using the fluorometric method. The TPC value of the extract was 784.8 ± 40.3 mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g sample, and sinapic acid and benzoic acid were detected as major phenolics in the extract. D. carmelitarum extract exhibited a selective cytotoxic effect (3.6-fold) on WiDr cells compared to normal colon cells. The extract induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase and apoptosis via reduced MMP in WiDr cells. Phytomedical and nutraceutical applications of D. carmelitarum may represent promising approaches in the treatment of cancer.

Comparison of the effect of isotretionin and alitretionin on endometriotic implants and serum vascular endothelial growth factor level: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of alitretionin and isotretionin on endometrial peritoneal implants and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-eight female Sprague Dawley rats were used. Initially surgical rat endometriosis model was done. The endometrial implant volume was measured and rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1: Control group (rats did not get any drug but having endometriotic implants), group 2: rats receiving po isotretionin 10 mg/kg per day for 10 d, group 3: rats receiving po isotretionin 20 mg/kg per day for 10 d and group 4: rats receiving po alitretionin 80 mg/kg per day for 10 d. After 1-week medication, rats were sacrificed and size, histopathology of endometriotic implant and levels of VEGF were evaluated. RESULTS: Volumes of peritoneal endometrial implants were significantly decreased in Group 2 and Group 3 compared with initial values. However, there were no significant changes in histopathological scores and serum VEGF levels in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study finding may suggest the possible medical treatment modality of isotretionin on endometriosis. However, alitretionin (potent retinoid) does not have potent regressive effect on endometriotic implants as in isotretionin.

A Comparison of the Effects of Grayanotoxin-Containing Honey (Mad Honey), Normal Honey, and Propolis on Fracture Healing.

OBJECTIVES: Delayed healing and non-union of fractures have a significant effect upon patient morbidity. Studies have therefore largely concentrated on accelerating fracture healing. This study was intended to compare the effect of "mad honey" and propolis on fracture healing using radiological and histopathological analysis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Femur fracture was surgically performed on 48 rats, followed by fixation. Animals were then divided into 8 groups: 2 control groups (15- and 30-day) and 6 treatment groups (15- and 30-day normal honey, 15- and 30-day "mad honey," and 15- and 30-day propolis). Rats were sacrificed at the end of these periods, and radiological and histological examinations were performed. RESULTS: Radiological healing in the propolis group after 15-day therapy was statistically better than in the control (p = 0.004) and normal honey (p = 0.006) groups. After 30-day therapy, healing in the propolis group (p = 0.005) and grayanotoxin-containing "mad honey" group (p = 0.007) were significantly better than in the control group. Histologically, there was a statistically significant difference between the 15-day propolis group and the other groups (control, honey, mad honey: p = 0.003, p = 0.003, and p = 0.002, respectively). We also found a statistically significant difference when the 30-day propolis group (p = 0.005) and "mad honey" group (p = 0.007) were compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that grayanotoxin-containing "mad honey" and propolis can accelerate fracture healing.

Augmented mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase activity in children with iron deficiency: a tandem between iron and copper?

INTRODUCTION: Dyshomeostasis of essential trace elements including iron and copper plays a key role in the pathogenesis of a myriad of serious conditions including iron deficiency (ID) anemia, in which impaired cellular energy metabolism is prominent. Although experimental studies documented decreased activity of cytochrome c oxidase (CytOx) in ID, there are not enough clinical data. The present study was conducted to determine serum copper levels and activity of mitochondrial CytOx in isolated lymphocytes of patients with iron deficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 210 cases (2-17 years) were included in this prospective study. Serum iron and copper levels were measured. According to the serum iron levels, patients were allocated to iron deficient (ID, n = 70) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA, n = 70) groups, and iron-sufficient participants were allocated to the control group (n = 70). Activity of CytOx in the circulating lymphocytes was colorimetrically measured and compared with the controls. RESULTS: The CytOx activity was significantly higher in the IDA (2.9 ±1.2 mOD/min, n = 62) group compared to the control group (2.4 ±1.3 mOD/min, n = 68, p < 0.001). Interestingly, serum copper levels were significantly higher in both the ID (106.9 ±55.5 µg/dl, n = 64, p = 0.0001) and IDA (115.1 ±50.2 µg/dl, n = 59, p = 0.0001) groups than the control group (72.1 ±46.7 µg/dl, n = 69). CONCLUSIONS: Higher serum copper levels in patients with IDA implicate co-operative interaction between these trace elements. The elevated CytOx activity in patients with IDA is probably secondary to the normal/elevated serum copper levels.

Cytotoxic effect of Rosa canina extract on human colon cancer cells through repression of telomerase expression.

Rosa canina is a member of the genus Rosa that has long been used for medical objectives. Several studies have reported cytotoxic effects of different Rosa species, but there has been only limited investigation of the cytotoxic effect of R. canina. The purpose of the current study was to examine the potential effect of R. canina extract on cell viability, the cell cycle, apoptosis, and the expression of telomerase in human colon cancer (WiDr) cells. The cytotoxic effect of the extract was determined using MTT assay. The mechanism involved in the cytotoxic effect of the extract was then evaluated in terms of apoptosis and the cell cycle using flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was investigated using the fluorometric method, and expression levels of telomerase were studied using RT-PCR. R. canina extract exhibited a selective cytotoxic effect on WiDr cells compared with normal colon cells. The extract induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase and apoptosis via reduced MMP in WiDr cells. R. canina extract significantly repressed telomerase expressions at treatment times of 48 and 72 h in WiDr cells. Our results suggest that R. canina may have considerable potential for development as a novel natural product-based anticancer agent.

Cytotoxic effect of Rosa canina extract on human colon cancer cells through repression of telomerase expression / 药物分析学报

Rosa canina is a member of the genus Rosa that has long been used for medical objectives. Several studies have reported cytotoxic effects of different Rosa species, but there has been only limited investigation of the cytotoxic effect of R. canina. The purpose of the current study was to examine the potential effect of R. canina extract on cell viability, the cell cycle, apoptosis, and the expression of telomerase in human colon cancer (WiDr) cells. The cytotoxic effect of the extract was determined using MTT assay. The mechanism involved in the cytotoxic effect of the extract was then evaluated in terms of apoptosis and the cell cycle using flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was investigated using the fluorometric method, and expression levels of telomerase were studied using RT-PCR. R. canina extract exhibited a selective cytotoxic effect on WiDr cells compared with normal colon cells. The extract induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase and apoptosis via reduced MMP in WiDr cells. R. canina extract significantly repressed telomerase expressions at treatment times of 48 and 72 h in WiDr cells. Our results suggest that R. canina may have considerable potential for development as a novel natural product-based anticancer agent.

Antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of Morus nigra extract on human prostate cancer cells.

Background: Morus nigra L. belongs to the family Moraceae and is frequently used in traditional medicine. Numerous studies have investigated the antiproliferative effects of various extracts of different Morus species, but studies involving the in vitro cytotoxic effect of M. nigra extract are very limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of dimethyl sulfoxide extract of M. nigra (DEM) and to investigate, for the first time, the probable cytotoxic effect in human prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) cells together with the mechanism involved. Methods: Total polyphenolic contents (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and phenolic compounds of DEM were evaluated using spectrophotometric procedures and HPLC. The cytotoxic effect of DEM on PC-3 cells was revealed using the MTT assay. Mechanisms involved in the cytotoxic effect of DEM on PC-3 cells were then investigated in terms of apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle using flow cytometry, while caspase activity was investigated using luminometric analysis. Results: TPC and FRAP values were 20.7 ± 0.3 mg gallic acid equivalents and 48.8 ± 1.6 mg trolox equivalents per g sample, respectively. Ascorbic acid and chlorogenic acid were the major phenolic compounds detected at HPLC analysis. DEM arrested the cell cycle of PC-3 cells at the G1 phase, induced apoptosis via increased caspase activity and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Conclusions: Our results indicate that M. nigra may be a novel candidate for the development of new natural product based therapeutic agents against prostate cancer.

Morus Rubra Extract Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells Through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Telomerase.

Many studies have reported cytotoxic effects of different Morus species, but there have been only limited studies on the cytotoxic effect of Morus rubra. The aims of this study were to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of dimethyl sulfoxide extract of M. rubra and to investigate, for the first time, its probable cytotoxic activity in human colon cancer (WiDr) cells, together with the mechanism involved. The cytotoxic activity of extract was determined using MTT assay. The mechanism involved in the cytotoxic effect of extract was then evaluated in terms of apoptosis, and the cell cycle using flow cytometry, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was investigated using the fluorometric method, and expression levels of telomerase and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were investigated using reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR). M. rubra extract exhibited moderate selective cytotoxicity on colon cancer cells compared with fibroblast cells. Extract induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and apoptosis via reduced MMP in WiDr cells. Additionally, M. rubra extract significantly repressed telomerase and induced CHOP expressions in WiDr cells. Our results demonstrate that targeting telomerase and endoplasmic reticulum stress represents a promising strategy in colon cancer therapy, and M. rubra may have considerable potential for development as a novel natural product-based anticancer agent.

Evaluation of the radioprotective effect of Turkish propolis on foreskin fibroblast cells.

AIM OF STUDY: Propolis is a resinous bee product, rich of polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids. It is known that in different geographic zones its chemical composition varies due to the different plant sources. Many biological properties including antimicrobial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, antigenotoxic, antimutagenic, cytostatic activities have been ascribed to propolis. These biological effects are predominantly attributed to its content of polyphenols. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Turkish propolis. (EETP) against γ-ray-induced DNA damage on fibroblast cells using comet assay for the first time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fibroblast cells were pretreated 15 and 30 min with concentrations of 100, 200 and 300 µg/mL EETP then they were exposed to 3 Gy γ-rays. Amifostine (synthetic aminothiol compound) was used as a positive control. RESULTS: The results showed a significant decrease in γ-ray-induced DNA damage on cells treated with EETP and amifostine when compared to only irradiated cells. (P < 001). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that EETP prevent γ-ray-induced DNA damage in fibroblast cells and might have radioprotective activity.

The effect of L-thyroxine replacement therapy on ischemia-modified albümin and malondialdehyde levels in patients with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with subclinical (SHypo) and overt hypothyroidism (OHypo), and to assess the effects of levothyroxine (LT4) therapy on the oxidative stress (OS) parameters. We also investigated the relationships among serum thyroid hormones, lipid parameters, and IMA and MDA in these patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty untreated patients with OHypo, 25 untreated patients with Shypo, and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were prospectively included in the study. Biochemical and hormonal parameters including IMA and MDA were evaluated in all patients just before and one month after the maintenance of euthyroidism. RESULTS: Compared with the control subjects, the levels of MDA and triglycerides (TG) significantly increased in patients with SHypo (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), whereas high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels significantly decreased (p = 0.01). Patients with OHypo showed significantly high MDA, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and TG levels (p = 0.001, p < 0.01, p = 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively), and significantly low HDL-C levels compared with the controls (p < 0.05). MDA levels and lipid profile were not significantly different in the patients with OHypo when compared with the patients with SHypo. Serum IMA levels did not significantly change in patients with OHypo and SHypo compared with the controls. In the pre-treatment period, MDA levels were inversely correlated with HDL-C levels in patients with OHypo (r: -0.471, p = 0.009). Plasma MDA and LDL-C levels significantly decreased and HDL-C levels significantly increased in the groups of OHypo and SHypo after LT4 treatment. Serum IMA levels did not significantly change with the therapy in all patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: Increased MDA levels in both patient groups represent increased lipid peroxidation which might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerosis seen in these patients. Increased OS in patients with SHypo and OHypo could be improved by LT4 treatment. Also, MDA can be used as a reliable marker of OS and oxidative damage, while IMA is considered to be inappropriate.

Signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) levels in patients with overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism: effects of treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) has been shown to increase in parallel with platelet activation in acute ischaemic and thrombotic diseases. There has been no study evaluating SCUBE1 levels in patients with overt hyperthyroidism (OHyper) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHyper), conditions which are known to show impairment of both endothelial and platelet function. This study sought to evaluate SCUBE1 concentrations in patients with SHyper and OHyper, and assessed the effects of antithyroid drug (ATD) therapy on circulating SCUBE1 levels. DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty-five untreated patients with OHyper, 20 untreated patients with SHyper and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were prospectively included in the study. Biochemical and hormonal parameters were evaluated in all patients before and after treatment. RESULTS: Compared with the control subjects, SCUBE1 levels were significantly increased in patients with SHyper and OHyper (P < 0·0001 and P = 0·002, respectively). SCUBE1 levels were not significantly different in patients with OHyper compared with patients with SHyper. There was no significant correlation between serum thyroid hormones and SCUBE1 levels. Plasma SCUBE1 levels decreased significantly in both OHyper and SHyper after ATD treatment (P < 0·05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased SCUBE1 levels in both SHyper and OHyper patients may reflect increased platelet activation and possible endothelial dysfunction, which might augment the risk for atherosclerotic and atherothrombotic complications. SCUBE1 may be used as a reliable marker of endothelial damage in hyperthyroidism, especially in the subclinical period.

Antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity of Turkish propolis on human lung cancer cell line.

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease, two of whose characteristic features are uncontrollable cell proliferation and insufficient apoptosis. Various studies have investigated the antiproliferative effects of propolis, a natural bee product, from different countries, and its cytotoxic effects have been attributed to its polyphenol contents. The purpose of this study was to show the cytotoxic effects, and possible mechanisms involved, of ethanolic extract of Turkish propolis (EEP) on the human lung cancer (A549) cell line. Cytotoxic activity of EEP on A549 cells was revealed using the MTT assay. Mechanisms involved in the cytotoxic action of EEP on A549 cells were then investigated in terms of apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle using flow cytometry, endoplasmic reticulum stress using RT-PCR, and caspase activity using luminometric analysis. EEP exhibited selective toxicity against A549 cells compared to normal fibroblast cells. We determined that EEP arrested the cell cycle of A549 cells at the G1 phase, induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, caspase activity, and apoptosis and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. These results indicate that Turkish propolis is capable of reducing cancer cell proliferation and may have a promising role to play in the development of new anticancer drugs in the future.

Effects of Turkish propolis on expression of hOGG-1 and NEIL-1.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Propolis is a bee product with antioxidative, antimutagenic, and other beneficial properties, and it is used as a natural drug. It is rich in polyphenolic compounds. Its composition varies depending on the particular geographical region. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalanced free radical production and antioxidant system. The effects of flavonoids on the expression of DNA repair enzymes have been examined previously; however, no study has investigated the effects of propolis. This study investigated the effects of ethanolic extracts of Turkish propolis (EEP) on the expression of DNA repair enzymes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of EEP and tertiary-butyl-hydroperoxide (t-BHP) on cell viability were determined using MTT DNA damage was determined using comet assay. mRNA expression of target enzymes was detected using RT-PCR. RESULTS: According to the cytotoxicity analysis, after a recovery time of 4 h, appropriate damage agent t-BHP and optimum EEP concentrations were 300 µM and 200 µg/mL, respectively. 8-Oxoguanine-glycosylase (hOGG-1) and endonuclease-VIII-like-1 (NEIL-1) expressions increased in the positive control group (t-BHP alone) and the study group (t-BHP+EEP). Maximum increase in NEIL-I expression was at hour 12 in the positive control group and at hour 8 in the study group. CONCLUSION: EEP can be considered as a potential source of functional food and pharmaceutical agents.

Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus and associated risk factors in Turkish women: the Trabzon GDM Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Turkish pregnant women in the Trabzon Region and further to identify population-specific risk factors for GDM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional survey, universal screening for GDM was performed in 815 pregnant women. Screening was done with a 50-g oral glucose challenge test (GCT) with a 140 mg/dl cut-off point, then a diagnostic 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed according to Carpenter and Coustan (CC) criteria. RESULTS: The GCT was positive in 182 (22.3%) cases. The OGTT was performed on the 182 screen-positive pregnant women. Thirty-five were diagnosed with GDM on the basis of their results for a prevalence of 4.3% (35/815). Of the pregnancies with negative GCT but having high risk factors for GDM (n = 31), 4 were diagnosed with GDM (0.5%). Prevalence of GDM was found to be 4.8% (n = 39) for all pregnant women. Gestational diabetes mellitus was positively associated with advanced maternal age (p < 0.001), prepregnancy body mass index (p < 0.001), cessation of cigarette smoking (p < 0.001), excessive weight gain during pregnancy (p = 0.003), previous history of GDM (p < 0.001), history of selected medical conditions (p = 0.018), family history of diabetes (FHD) (p < 0.001), and existence of at least one high risk factor for GDM (p < 0.001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, independent predictors for GDM were maternal age, cessation of cigarette smoking, increasing prepregnancy body mass index, weight gain of more than 8 kg during pregnancy, GDM history in previous pregnancies and a history of diabetes in first-degree relatives of pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of GDM in Trabzon province was found as moderate. Commonly recognized risk factors including older age, prepregnancy obesity, FHD and past history of GDM, are valid for our urban Turkish population. Also, excessive weight gain in pregnancy and cigarette cessation were observed to be nontradional risk factors of GDM. It was concluded that all pregnant women should be screened for GDM if prevalence was not low.