Response to chronic sustained hypoxia: increased cytosolic gelsolin and decreased plasma gelsolin levels.

An actin binding protein, gelsolin (GSN) has two isoforms, plasma (pGSN) and cytosolic (cGSN). Changes in pGSN and/or cGSN levels have been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of several diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in intracellular and extracellular GSNlevels with HIF-1 in animals exposed to chronic sustained hypoxia (CSH), in addition to apoptosis and the cellular redox status. The rats in the Sham group were exposed to 21% O2, and the rats in the hypoxia groups were exposed to 13 and 10% O2, respectively. Plasma pGSN, HIF-1α, Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) and Total Oxidant Status (TOS), and lung tissue pGSN, HIF-1α, TAS, TOS, GSN levels, and apoptotic cell numbers were measured. HIF-1α levels were found to increase significantly in the tissue, especially in the group with severe hypoxia, both in biochemical and histological examinations. pGSN levels were also significantly decreased in both plasma and tissue. Significant increases in tissue were observed in cGSN. It was observed that while the antioxidant activity was dominant in the tissue, the oxidant activity was dominant in the plasma. In particular, the response to hypoxia regulated by HIF-1 is very important for cellular survival. The results of this study showed that the increase in cGSN and TAS levels in the lung tissue together with HIF-1α can be considered as the activation of mechanisms for cellular protection.

The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index Predicts In-Hospital Mortality in Patients Who Underwent On-Pump Cardiac Surgery. / O Índice de Imuno Inflamação Sistêmica Prevê Mortalidade Hospitalar em Pacientes Submetidos à Cirurgia Cardíaca com Circulação Extracorpórea.

BACKGROUND: Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), a new inflammatory index calculated using platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, has been demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for the identification of high-risk coronary artery disease in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The relationship between SII and CPB-related mortality rates remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This research was designed to investigate the use of SII to predict in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. METHODS: Four hundred eighty patients who underwent a cardiac procedure involving CPB over 3 years, were obtained from the hospital's database. The demographic data, comorbidities, hematological and biochemical profiles, and operative data of the groups were compared. Multiple logistic regression analyses were done to determine independent predictors of mortality. Prognostic factors were assessed by multivariate analysis, and the predictive values of SII, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for mortality were compared. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of 480 patients, 78 developed in-hospital mortality after cardiac surgery. SII was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (Odds ratio: 1.003, 95% confidence interval: 1.001-1.005, p<0.001). The cut-off value of the SII was >811.93 with 65% sensitivity and 65% specificity (area under the curve: 0.690). The predictive values of SII, PLR, and NLR were close to each other. CONCLUSION: High preoperative SII scores can be used for early determination of appropriate treatments, which may improve surgical outcomes of cardiac surgery in the future.

FUNDAMENTO: O índice de imuno-inflamação sistêmica (SII), um novo índice inflamatório calculado usando contagens de plaquetas, neutrófilos e linfócitos, demonstrou ser um fator de risco independente para a identificação de doença arterial coronariana de alto risco em pacientes submetidos a intervenção coronária percutânea e cardiovascular e cirurgia com circulação extracorpórea (CEC). A relação entre as taxas de mortalidade relacionadas ao SII e à CEC permanece obscura. OBJETIVO: Esta pesquisa foi desenhada para investigar o uso do SII para prever mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca com CEC. MÉTODOS: Quatrocentos e oitenta pacientes submetidos a procedimento cardíaco envolvendo CEC durante 3 anos foram coletados do banco de dados do hospital. Foram comparados os dados demográficos, comorbidades, perfis hematológicos e bioquímico e dados operatórios dos grupos. Análises múltiplas de regressão logística foram feitas para determinar preditores independentes de mortalidade. Os fatores prognósticos foram avaliados por análise multivariada e os valores preditivos de SII, relação neutrófilo-linfócito (NLR) e razão plaqueta-linfócito (PLR) para mortalidade foram comparados. Um valor de p <0,05 foi considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: Dos 480 pacientes, 78 desenvolveram mortalidade hospitalar após cirurgia cardíaca. O SII foi um preditor independente de mortalidade hospitalar (odds ratio: 1,003, intervalo de confiança de 95%: 1,001-1,005, p<0,001). O valor de corte do SII foi >811,93 com sensibilidade de 65% e especificidade de 65% (área sob a curva: 0,690). Os valores preditivos de SII, PLR e NLR foram próximos entre si. CONCLUSÃO: Altos escores pré-operatórios do SII podem ser usados para determinação precoce de tratamentos apropriados, o que pode melhorar os resultados cirúrgicos de cirurgia cardíaca no futuro.

The Effects of Sex Hormones on Postoperative Pain in Patients with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: There are many factors that affect postoperative pain. This study determines the effect of preoperative sex hormone levels on postoperative pain levels in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included a total of 89 patients who met the study inclusion criteria. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on their sex and pre and postmenopausal periods: male patients (n = 28), postmenopausal female patients (n = 31), and female patients with normal cycles (n = 30). Normal-cycle women were also regrouped based on their follicular and luteal phases. Data were collected using a descriptive characteristics form, a patient follow-up form, and the Visual Analog Scale. RESULTS: Venous blood samples taken from the patients before surgery were used to measure their levels of estradiol (EST), testosterone (TES), and progesterone levels. Male patients had lower pain levels than female patients. The male patients' Visual Analog Scale scores were inversely related and correlated strongly with their TES levels ( P < 0.05). However, subgroup analyses suggested that their EST level played a primary role in males and that the EST/TES ratio was determinant in the late postoperative period. In female patients, the EST/progesterone ratio was the most determining factor for the level of pain felt in the postmenopausal period, whereas there was no change in the premenopausal period at different stages of the menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Sex hormones were found to be effective in predicting postoperative pain severity.

Are follistatin-like protein 1 and follistatin-like protein 3 associated with inflammatory processes in patients with familial Mediterranean fever?

OBJECTIVE: Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1) and follistatin-like protein 3 (FSTL-3) are glycoproteins whose associations with inflammatory cytokines were reported in previous studies. However, it is not yet known whether they have an effect on the pathogenesis of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). We aimed to detect the FSTL-1 and FSTL-3 levels and to determine their relationship to the attack status and mutation types in patients with FMF. METHODS: Fifty-six FMF patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) were included in the study. Serum FSTL-1 and FSTL-3 levels were measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method from collected serum samples. In addition, the MEditerranean FeVer (MEFV) gene mutation types of the patients were noted. RESULTS: Serum FSTL-1 levels were significantly higher in FMF patients than in HCs (p=0.005). However, there was no significant difference in FSTL-1 levels between patients in the attack period (n=26) and in the attack-free period (n=30). FSTL-3 levels were similar between FMF patients and HCs or patients in the attack period and in the attack-free period. Furthermore, the MEFV mutation type and attack status had no significant effect on FSTL-1 and FSTL-3 levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that FSTL-1 may be associated with the pathogenesis of FMF, rather than FSTL-3. However, neither serum FSTL-1 nor FSTL-3 seems to be good markers to reflect inflammatory activity.

Prevalence of Hemoglobinopathies in Premarital Screening in the Province of Nigde, Turkey.

Hemoglobinopathies are one of the most widespread hereditary disorders in Turkey. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in the Nigde province of Turkey. This study was conducted with 2013 individuals who applied for the premarital screening, between January 2019 and December 2021. The complete blood count was measured by an automated hematology analyzer. The types of hemoglobin were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. A total of 2013 individuals including 951 (47.2%) females and 1062 (52.8%) males, were screened within the premarital screening program, and 67 (3.3%) of them were migrants. 53 out of 2013 (2.63%) individuals were identified as ß thalassemia carriers, and five of them were migrants including two from Afghanistan, two from Iran, and one from Georgia. HbC was observed in two cases, a couple from Syria (0.1%), HbD in two cases (0.1%), HbE in one case from Thailand (0.05%), HbS-ß-thalassemia in one case (0.05%), delta-ß thalassemia in one case (0.05%), and unidentified structural variant in one case (0.05%). Moreover, 183 individuals (9.1%) were considered to have iron deficiency, α-thalassemia, or silent ß-thalassemia carrier. These results indicate that the province of Nigde is a relatively risky region regarding hemoglobinopathies. Geographic location and immigrant population may have slightly affected the local prevalence of hemoglobinopathies and could be taken into consideration to ensure the effective implementation of the hemoglobinopathy prevention program.

Evaluation of oxidative stress, 3-Nitrotyrosine, and HMGB-1 levels in patients with wet type Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Background: This study aims to compare serum HMGB-1, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), TAS, TOS, and OSI levels in Wettype Age-Related Macular Degeneration (wAMD) patients and healthy controls to determine the correlation of these parameters with each other. Methods: Thirty patients with Wet-type Age-Related Macular Degeneration (wAMD) and 27 healthy adults, as controls were enrolled in the study. We determined the TAS and TOS levels in serum samples of both groups using commercial kits on a microplate reader. Serum HMGB-1 and 3-NT levels were measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: HMGB-1 levels were significantly higher in the patient group (137.51 pg/mL, p=0.001), while there was no difference between the two groups in serum 3-NT levels (p=0.428). A statistically significant difference found in the levels of TOS and OSI (p=0.001 and p=0.045, respectively) between the patients and controls, however, no significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of TAS levels (p=0.228). Conclusions: Oxidative stress and HMGB-1 levels were increased in wAMD patients and enhanced oxidative stress may be associated with increased tissue necrosis and inflammation. Thus administration of antioxidant treatment in addition to routine therapy should be considered in wAMD.

Assessment of the Relationship Between the Adropin Levels and the Coronary Collateral Circulation in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome. / Avaliação da Relação entre Níveis de Adropina e Circulação Colateral Coronária em Pacientes com Síndrome Coronariana Crônica.

BACKGROUND: Coronary collateral circulation (CCC) provides an alternative blood flow to myocardial tissue exposed to ischemia and helps to preserve myocardial functions. Endothelial-derived nitric-oxide (NO) production and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been suggested as the most important factors in the development of CCC. Adropin is a peptide hormone responsible for energy hemostasis, and is known for its positive effects on the endothelium through NO and VEGF. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between adropin and the presence of CCC in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). METHODS: A total of 102 patients with CCS, who had complete occlusion of at least one major epicardial coronary artery, were included in the study and were divided into two groups: the group of patients (n:50) with poor CCC (Rentrop 0-1) and the group of patients (n:52) with good CCC (Rentrop 2-3). The level of significance adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. RESULTS: Mean adropine levels were found as 210.83±17.76 pg/mL and 268.25±28.94 pg/mL in the poor and good CCC groups, respectively (p<0.001). Adropin levels proved to be positively correlated with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (r:0.17, p:0.04) and the rentrop scores (r:0.76, p<0.001), and negatively correlated with age (r:-0.23, p:0.01) and Gensini scores (r:-0.19, p:0.02). Adropin level is a strong independent predictor of good CCC development (OR:1.12, 95% CI:(1.06-1.18), p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that adropin levels may be a possible factor associated with the presence of CCC in CCS patients.

FUNDAMENTO: A circulação colateral coronária (CCC) proporciona um fluxo sanguíneo alternativo a tecido miocárdico exposto a isquemia e ajuda a preservar as funções miocárdicas. A produção endotelial de óxido nítrico (NO) e o fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (VEGF) foram apontados como os fatores mais importantes no desenvolvimento da CCC. A adropina é um hormônio peptídeo responsável pela hemostasia energética, e é conhecida por seus efeitos positivos no endotélio por NO e VEGF. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a associação entre adropina e a presença de CCC em pacientes com síndrome coronariana crônica (SCC). MÉTODOS: Um total de 102 pacientes com SCC, que tinham oclusão total de pelo menos 1 artéria coronária epicárdica importante, foram incluídos no estudo e foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo de pacientes (n: 50) com CCC ruim (Rentrop 0-1) e o grupo de pacientes (n: 52) com CCC boa (Rentrop 2-3). O nível de significância adotado para a análise estatística foi 5%. RESULTADOS: Os níveis médios de adropina identificados foram 210,83±17,76 pg/mL e 268,25±28,94 pg/mL nos grupos com CCC ruim e boa, respectivamente (p<0,001). Detectou-se que os níveis de adropina têm correlação com as razões neutrófilo-linfócito (r: 0,17, p: 0,04) e com os escores de Rentrop (r: 0,76, p<0,001), e correlação negativa com idade (r: -0,23, p: 0,01) e com os escores Gensini (r: -0,19, p: 0,02). O nível de adropina é um preditor independente da boa evolução da CCC (RC: 1.12, IC 95%: (1,06­1,18), p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo sugere que os níveis de adropina podem ser um fator associado à de CCC em pacientes com SCC.

Serum interleukin-18 levels are associated with non-dipping pattern in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-18 (IL-18), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, increases inflammation in the endothelium. Increased inflammation plays an important role in the development of hypertension (HT). IL-18 level is higher in hypertensives than normotensives. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between IL-18 level and diurnal blood pressure (BP) variations in newly diagnosed HT patients. METHODS: This prospective study included 130 subjects referred to outpatient cardiology clinic with an initial diagnosis of HT. The patients were classified as dipper HT (n = 40), non-dipper HT (n = 50), and normotensive (control, n = 40) according to 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. All subjects underwent blood sampling after 12 hours of fasting and transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: The serum IL-18 level was significantly higher in the patient group compared with the controls (195.17 ± 93.00 mg/dl vs. 140.75 ± 71.11 mg/dl, P < 0.01) and also in the non-dipper group than in the dipper group (217.3 ± 96.90 mg/dl, 167.5 ± 80.79 mg/dl, P = 0.011). IL-18 level was positively correlated both the night-time SBP and DBP levels (r = 0.29, P = 0.02 and r = 0.34, P < 0.01, respectively). On multivariate linear regression analysis, left atrium diameter, left ventricular mass index, and serum IL-18 level were independent predictors of non-dipping pattern in newly diagnosed HT patients. CONCLUSION: Higher IL-18 level was particularly associated with an increase in the night-time BP levels. IL-18 can be used as a predictor for non-dipper HT in newly diagnosed HT patients.

The effect of acute step-aerobic exercise on adiponectin and leptin levels in premenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that the prevalence of obesity, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome is increasing during the transition to menopausal stages. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute step-aerobic exercise on levels of leptin and adiponectin, which are adipose tissue-derived adipocytokines, associated with obesity, hypertension and other diseases in sedentary premenopausal women. METHODS: Twenty-four sedentary premenopausal volunteer women between the ages of 40-45 (premenopause group) and 24 healthy adults between the ages of 21-39 (control group) were enrolled in this study. Moderate intensity step-aerobic exercise (50-60% of HRmax) was applied for 60 min to the premenopausal subjects. Venous blood samples were obtained before and after the exercise. Adiponectin and leptin levels were determined using the ELISA method. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in terms of BMI values, and leptin levels between the premenopause and control group, while differences of adiponectin were statistically significant. Plasma leptin levels of the premenopausal women decreased whereas adiponectin levels increased meaningfully after the acute aerobic exercise (P<0.05). When the premenopausal women were grouped according to BMI, there were no significant differences between BMI≤30 and >30 groups in terms of leptin and adiponectin levels measured before and after exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Our results may suggest that acute step aerobic exercise in premenopausal women alters leptin and adiponectin levels in favor of the organism. However, further studies are needed.

Increased hip circumference in individuals with metabolic syndrome affects serum nesfatin-1 levels.

BACKGROUND: This case-control study was conducted to investigate the relationship between serum nesfatin-1 levels and nutritional status and blood parameters in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Thirty patients (case) diagnosed with metabolic syndrome according to National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were included. Thirty healthy subjects (control) matched with patients with metabolic syndrome in terms of age, gender and body mass index were included. Three-day food consumption records were obtained. Anthropometric indices were measured and body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance method. Biochemical parameters and serum nesfatin-1 levels were measured after 8 hours of fasting. RESULTS: Serum nesfatin-1 levels were 0.245±0.272 ng/mL in the case group and 0.528±0.987 ng/mL in the control group (p>0.05). There was a positive significant correlation between serum nesfatin-1 levels and body weight, waist and hip circumferences in the case group (p<0.05). Each unit increase in hip circumference measurement affects the levels of nesfatin by 0.014 times. In the control group, there was a positive significant correlation between body weight and serum nesfatin-1 levels (p<0.05). A significant correlation was detected between HbA1c and serum nesfatin-1 levels in the case group (p<0.05). A significant relationship was detected between dietary fibre intake and the serum nesfatin-1 levels in the case group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric indices and blood parameters were correlated with serum nesfatin-1 levels in patients with metabolic syndrome. More clinical trials may be performed to establish the relationship between serum nesfatin-1 levels and nutritional status.

Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine against cisplatin ototoxicity in rats: a study with hearing tests and scanning electron microscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Ototoxicity is a health problem appearing after powerful treatments in serious health conditions. It is sometimes inevitable when treatment of the serious disease is required. Cisplatin is an antineoplastic agent which was investigated previously to reveal increased nitrogen and reactive oxygen radicals that damages hair cells, resulting in ototoxicity. N-acetylcysteine, previously shown to decrease ototoxicity caused by different agents, is known to be a powerful in vitro antioxidant. Probably N-acetylcysteine, in addition to its antioxidant effect, blocks a cascade where reactive oxygen species result in apoptosis in the cochlea. OBJECTIVES: The possible preventive effect of N-acetylcysteine in cisplatin ototoxicity was studied with auditory brain stem responses, otoacoustic emissions, and histopathological investigation of the cochlea in a scanning electron microscopy. METHODS: This study was conducted on 21 Wistar Albino rats in four groups. 1mL/kg/day three times in total intraperitoneal (i.p.) Saline (n=5), 500mg/kg/day i.p. three times in total N-acetylcysteine (n=5), i.p. 15mg/kg cisplatin alone (single dose) (n=5) and i.p. 15mg/kg cisplatin plus 500mg/kg/day N-acetylcysteine (n=6) were administered. The rats were anesthetized to study the hearing tests before and after the experiment. The rats were sacrificed to investigate the cochleas by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Auditory brain stem responses and otoacoustic emissions values were attenuated in the cisplatin group. The group that received N-acetylcysteine in addition to cisplatin had better auditory brain stem responses thresholds and otoacoustic emissions. The samples obtained from the cisplatin group showed surface irregularities, degeneration areas, and total or partial severe stereocilia losses. The changes were milder in the cisplatin+N-acetylcysteine group. CONCLUSION: Cisplatin ototoxicity can be detected by auditory brain stem responses and otoacoustic emissions testing in rats. N-acetylcysteine may protect the cochlear cells from histopathological changes. We concluded that N-acetylcysteine given 4h after cisplatin injection has a potential otoprotective effect against cisplatin ototoxicity. which suggests it could be used in clinical trials.

The effect of N-acetylcysteine on inflammation and oxidative stress in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity: a rat model

Background/Aim: Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of solid organ cancers. Besides its chemotherapeutic effectiveness, cisplatin administration is associated with numerous side effects. Of those, the most clinically significant and common effect is nephrotoxicity. Recent studies reported that oxidative stress and inflammation are probably the most important mechanisms that contribute to the nephrotoxicity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent. In the present study, the effects of NAC on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity were investigated. Materials and methods: Rats were divided into four groups each including eight rats: CONT, NAC-250, CP, and CP+NAC. Rats in experimental groups were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with a single dose of cisplatin (10 mg/kg body weight) and i.p. with NAC (250 mg/kg body weight) for three consecutive days. Nephrotoxicity was determined by plasma BUN and creatinine levels. In tissue samples, myeloperoxidase (MPO), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), high mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were measured. Kidneys were analyzed histopathologically as well. Results: It was revealed that cisplatin was not effective on MPO, HMGB-1 and NF-kB levels but did increase TOS levels and decrease TAS levels in tissue samples. Interestingly, NAC elevated MPO and HMGB-1 levels significantly. Nevertheless, NAC ameliorated histological and functional changes in kidney tissues. Conclusion: It is suggested that inflammation has a limited effect on cisplatin nephrotoxicity in this experimental design, and, as reflected by decreased BUN and creatinine levels, NAC can be used as an additional therapeutic agent in standard cisplatin treatment protocols.

Obestatin Reduces Intestinal Damage in Experimental Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Newborn Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of pretreatment with obestatin (OB), an endogenous hormone also found in mother's milk, in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). STUDY DESIGN: Pups were randomized into four groups: control, OB-control, NEC, and OB-NEC. NEC was induced by asphyxia and hypothermia in the NEC and OB-NEC groups. OB was administered to the OB-control and OB-NEC groups. Macroscopic scoring of the intestinal tract was evaluated and tissue samples were obtained for histopathological and biochemical examination on the fourth day. RESULTS: OB improved the macroscopic appearance of the gut and the clinical score during the experiment (p < 0.05). The rate of occurrence of NEC in the OB-NEC group was lower than the NEC group (p = 0.001). OB prevented necrosis and reduced the number of apoptotic cells in the OB-NEC group compared with the NEC group (p = 0.006). Furthermore, interleukin-6 and malondialdehyde levels in the OB-NEC group were lower than the NEC group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: OB reduced intestinal damage and prevented necrosis through anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects in experimental NEC. This effect of OB should be confirmed in clinical studies. Furthermore, future research should investigate whether OB plays a role in NEC pathogenesis or NEC is associated with OB levels in the serum and in breast milk.

Effects of thymoquinone in prevention of experimental contrast-induced nephropathy in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to show the effects of thymoquinone, which is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and renal protective effects in contrast-induced nephropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an experimental study in rats. 7 groups were included within the scope of our study: sham-vehicle (n=3), premedication-control (n=6), model (n=6), isolated thymoquinone (n=3+3), low-dose thymoquinone (n=6), and high-dose thymoquinone (n=7). In addition to 48 hr of water deprivation, we pre-medicated the rats with intra-peritoneal indomethacin and L-NAME administration. After premedication, 12.5 ml/kg dose of a high osmolar contrast agent-diatrizoat (Urografin %76) was administrated. Thymoquinone was administrated in two different doses of 1 mg/kg and 1.75 mg/kg for four days intraperitoneally. Renal functions, histopathological differences, oxidative stress parameters, and inflammatory indicators of rats were evaluated at the end of the study. RESULTS: Significant decreases were observed in levels of serum creatinine and serum BUN with low-dose thymoquinone (1 mg/kg) administration. In light microscopy, significantly less histopathological damage was observed in the low-dose thymoquinone group compared to the contrast agent group. While high-dose thymoquinone is accepted as ineffective biochemically, toxic evidence was identified histopathologically. There were no significant differences between M and TA groups for serum MDA and SOD levels, which were compared to evaluate oxidative stress (P:0.99, P:0.98; respectively). TNF-α, iNOS, and NF-кB gene expressions were not significantly different between all groups (P:0.748, P:0.531, P:0.910; respectively). CONCLUSION: This experimental study has demonstrated for the first time the protective effect of the TQ substance for CIN in 1 mg/kg dose, in the accompaniment of biochemical and histopathological data in rats.

The effect of periodontal disease treatment in patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

PURPOSE: Chronic inflammation is an obvious risk factor of atherosclerotic diseases, and the presence of periodontal disease is one of the important sources of chronic inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy of the patients undergoing CAPD due to diabetic nephropathy, diabetic patients without CKD, and healthy controls on inflammation exponents. METHODS: Thirty-two CAPD patients due to diabetic nephropathy (group III), 31 diabetic patients without nephropathy (group II), and 38 healthy subjects (group I) were enrolled to the study. All patients enrolled to the study (to all groups) suffered from chronic periodontitis. Plaque index, Gingival index, pocket depth (PD) measurements were recorded before and after periodontal therapy. All blood samples for biochemical parameters were measured by using standard laboratory techniques with an automatic analyser. Blood samples for TNF-α, IL-6, and PTX-3 were centrifuged, and separated serum and plasma samples were stored at - 80 °C until analysis. RESULTS: All inflammatory markers were significantly higher in group III than the other two at baseline. TNF-α levels were significantly decreased after periodontal treatment at 3-month visit in all groups. PTX-3, IL-6, and Hs-CRP levels were significantly reduced after periodontal treatment at 3 months in group III. CONCLUSION: Periodontal disease is an important source of inflammation in diabetic CAPD patients and treatment of periodontal disease can be monitored by inflammatory markers including TNF-alpha, PTX-3, IL-6, and Hs-CRP. TNF-alpha may be useful and more sensitive monitoring inflammation in healthy patients and diabetic patients after periodontal treatment.