A comprehensive analysis of the emerging modern trends in research on photovoltaic systems and desalination in the era of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems, desalination technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) combined with Machine Learning (ML) has introduced a new era of remarkable research and innovation. This review article thoroughly examines the recent advancements in the field, focusing on the interplay between PV systems and water desalination within the framework of AI and ML applications, along with it analyses current research to identify significant patterns, obstacles, and prospects in this interdisciplinary field. Furthermore, review examines the incorporation of AI and ML methods in improving the performance of PV systems. This includes raising their efficiency, implementing predictive maintenance strategies, and enabling real-time monitoring. It also explores the transformative influence of intelligent algorithms on desalination techniques, specifically addressing concerns pertaining to energy usage, scalability, and environmental sustainability. This article provides a thorough analysis of the current literature, identifying areas where research is lacking and suggesting potential future avenues for investigation. These advancements have resulted in increased efficiency, decreased expenses, and improved sustainability of PV system. By utilizing artificial intelligence technologies, freshwater productivity can increase by 10 % and efficiency. This review offers significant and informative perspectives for researchers, engineers, and policymakers involved in renewable energy and water technology. It sheds light on the latest advancements in photovoltaic systems and desalination, which are facilitated by AI and ML. The review aims to guide towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Experimental and numerical analysis of the thermal performance of pebble solar thermal collector.

In this work, pebbles of higher specific heat than the conventional absorber materials like aluminium or copper are proposed as a absorber in the solar flat plate collector. The proposed collector are integrated into the building design and constructed with masonry. Tests were conducted by varying the operating parameters which influence its performance, like the flow rate of the heat-absorbing medium, and the tilt of the collector using both coated and uncoated pebbles. The maximum temperature difference that could be measured for a conventional absorber was approximately 8 °C for a flow rate of 0.6 L/min. While for a coated and uncoated absorber, it was 7 °C and 5.5 °C respectively. This difference decreased with an increase in flow rates from 0.6 L/min to 1.2 L/min. For all the flow rates, it was observed that the average difference in efficiency between the coated and the conventional absorber collector is 5.82 %, while the difference between the coated and uncoated absorber collector is 15.68 %. Thus, it is very much evident that by replacing the conventional absorber with the proposed coated pebble absorber, the overall loss in efficiency is just 5.82 %, but the advantages are enormous. Along with the experimental study, numerical analysis was also carried out with CFD modeling. The numerical results agreed well with experimental results with the least error. Therefore, CFD simulation can be further used to optimize the design of the collector.

A state of art review on estimation of solar radiation with various models.

Solar radiation is free, and very useful input for most sectors such as heat, health, tourism, agriculture, and energy production, and it plays a critical role in the sustainability of biological, and chemical processes in nature. In this framework, the knowledge of solar radiation data or estimating it as accurately as possible is vital to get the maximum benefit from the sun. From this point of view, many sectors have revised their future investments/plans to enhance their profit margins for sustainable development according to the knowledge/estimation of solar radiation. This case has noteworthy attracted the attention of researchers for the estimation of solar radiation with low errors. Accordingly, it is noticed that various types of models have been continuously developed in the literature. The present review paper has mainly centered on the solar radiation works estimated by the empirical models, time series, artificial intelligence algorithms, and hybrid models. In general, these models have needed the atmospheric, geographic, climatic, and historical solar radiation data of a given region for the estimation of solar radiation. It is seen from the literature review that each model has its advantages and disadvantages in the estimation of solar radiation, and a model that gives the best results for one region may give the worst results for the other region. Furthermore, it is noticed that an input parameter that strongly improves the performance success of the models for a region may worsen the performance success of another region. In this direction, the estimation of solar radiation has been separately detailed in terms of empirical models, time series, artificial intelligence algorithms, and hybrid algorithms. Accordingly, the research gaps, challenges, and future directions for the estimation of solar radiation have been drawn in the present study. In the results, it is well-observed that the hybrid models have exhibited more accurate and reliable results in most studies due to their ability to merge between different models for the benefit of the advantages of each model, but the empirical models have come to the fore in terms of ease of use, and low computational costs.

Effects of fish oil on methotrexate-induced reproductive damage in rats.

Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid antagonist that is commonly used in paediatric and adult oncology to treat a variety of malignancies. Internal organs, including the testis, are severely cytotoxic and genotoxic to MTX. Omega-3, as an antioxidant, has been shown to protect rat testis tissue from injury. The effect of fish oil (FO) on MTX-induced reproductive damage in rats was investigated in this work. The 28 animals were divided into four groups for this purpose (control, FO, MTX, and MTX-FO). On the third day, the MTX group received a single intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg MTX. Furthermore, in the FO and MTX-FO groups, FO was delivered through gavage once daily for 14 days. All animals euthanized under general anaesthesia on the 15th day. TBARS, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase levels were measured biochemically. The Cosentino grading system was utilized for histology. Germ cell thickness and caspase-3 activity were also evaluated. In addition, sperm motility rate, epididymal sperm count, aberrant sperm rate, and sperm vitality were measured to assess sperm quality. Some TBARS levels have increased, but GSH levels decreased significantly in the MTX group. FO reduced TBARS levels while considerably increasing GSH levels. All sperm quality measures were significantly lowered in the MTX group, while FO had a recovery effect. There were no notable variations in histopathology across groups except for germ cell thickness, which reduced considerably in the MTX group and recovered with FO treatment. As a result, FO has been shown to reduce testicular toxicity following MTX treatment in rats.

Effect of fulvic acid on gastric mucosa damage caused by chronic water avoidance stress.

We investigated the antioxidant and anti-ulcerogenic effects of fulvic acid (FA) on oxidative damage caused by water avoidance stress (WAS) in rat gastrointestinal mucosa. Three experimental groups were established: control (C), chronic stress (CS), and chronic stress + FA (CS + FA). After WAS, a single dose of FA was administered for 10 days to the CS + FA group. Samples of the pyloric region of the stomach were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). Immunohistochemical staining was performed for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) levels were measured biochemically. By light microscopy, we observed loss of gastric epithelial cells and greater polymorphonuclear cell migration into the mucosa in the CS group compared to the C group. We found intact epithelial cell structure and a thick superficial mucus layer in the CS + FA group compared to the CS group. These findings in the CS + FA group were similar to those for group C. iNOS staining was stronger in the CS group compared to the C group. TOS and OSI levels in the CS + FA group were decreased compared to the CS group, but TAS, SOD, GPx and CAT levels were increased. We found that WAS caused damage to epithelium and connective tissue of the stomach mucosa and that this damage was prevented by FA. Therefore, administration of FA appears to prevent stress induced damage to rat stomach.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine on kidney tissue, matrix metalloproteinase-2, irisin and oxidative stress in a diabetes mellitus model.

DM mellitus (DM) is a prevalent chronic disease; diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a primary cause of chronic kidney disease. Oxidation, energy imbalance, and enzyme and cytokine changes contribute to the development and progression of DN. We investigated the possible effects of the antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), on kidney morphology, apoptosis, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) activity, irisin levels and oxidative stress in an experimental DM model. We used four equal groups of Wistar albino male rats: control, DM, DM + NAC and NAC. Kidney tissues were evaluated for oxidation state, MMP-2, irisin, caspase-3 and histopathology. In the DM group, total oxidant status level, MMP-2 and caspase-3 immunoreactivity were increased, irisin immunoreactivity and total antioxidant status (TAS) were decreased and histological damage was evident. In the DM + NAC group, all changes were significantly improved. NAC exhibited protective effects against DN.

Mortality analysis of COVID-19 infection in chronic kidney disease, haemodialysis and renal transplant patients compared with patients without kidney disease: a nationwide analysis from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and immunosuppression, such as in renal transplantation (RT), stand as one of the established potential risk factors for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Case morbidity and mortality rates for any type of infection have always been much higher in CKD, haemodialysis (HD) and RT patients than in the general population. A large study comparing COVID-19 outcome in moderate to advanced CKD (Stages 3-5), HD and RT patients with a control group of patients is still lacking. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective, observational study, involving hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 from 47 centres in Turkey. Patients with CKD Stages 3-5, chronic HD and RT were compared with patients who had COVID-19 but no kidney disease. Demographics, comorbidities, medications, laboratory tests, COVID-19 treatments and outcome [in-hospital mortality and combined in-hospital outcome mortality or admission to the intensive care unit (ICU)] were compared. RESULTS: A total of 1210 patients were included [median age, 61 (quartile 1-quartile 3 48-71) years, female 551 (45.5%)] composed of four groups: control (n = 450), HD (n = 390), RT (n = 81) and CKD (n = 289). The ICU admission rate was 266/1210 (22.0%). A total of 172/1210 (14.2%) patients died. The ICU admission and in-hospital mortality rates in the CKD group [114/289 (39.4%); 95% confidence interval (CI) 33.9-45.2; and 82/289 (28.4%); 95% CI 23.9-34.5)] were significantly higher than the other groups: HD = 99/390 (25.4%; 95% CI 21.3-29.9; P < 0.001) and 63/390 (16.2%; 95% CI 13.0-20.4; P < 0.001); RT = 17/81 (21.0%; 95% CI 13.2-30.8; P = 0.002) and 9/81 (11.1%; 95% CI 5.7-19.5; P = 0.001); and control = 36/450 (8.0%; 95% CI 5.8-10.8; P < 0.001) and 18/450 (4%; 95% CI 2.5-6.2; P < 0.001). Adjusted mortality and adjusted combined outcomes in CKD group and HD groups were significantly higher than the control group [hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) CKD: 2.88 (1.52-5.44); P = 0.001; 2.44 (1.35-4.40); P = 0.003; HD: 2.32 (1.21-4.46); P = 0.011; 2.25 (1.23-4.12); P = 0.008), respectively], but these were not significantly different in the RT from in the control group [HR (95% CI) 1.89 (0.76-4.72); P = 0.169; 1.87 (0.81-4.28); P = 0.138, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with CKDs, including Stages 3-5 CKD, HD and RT, have significantly higher mortality than patients without kidney disease. Stages 3-5 CKD patients have an in-hospital mortality rate as much as HD patients, which may be in part because of similar age and comorbidity burden. We were unable to assess if RT patients were or were not at increased risk for in-hospital mortality because of the relatively small sample size of the RT patients in this study.

Neurogenic Bladder and Acute Kidney Injury in Leukodystrophy.

Leukodystrophies are genetic white matter disorders. In the young, they represent an important cause of progressive neurological disability. Impairment of the bladder function may be part of the clinical picture of leukodystrophies. A neurogenic bladder is a dysfunctional urinary bladder caused by a disease of the central or peripheral nervous system involved in the control of micturition. In our patient, leukodystrophy-induced neurogenic bladder and acute kidney injury were revealed. If untreated, a neurogenic bladder can cause renal failure and urinary incontinence. Patients with a neurogenic bladder should be monitored, and management should aim to preserve renal function and achieve social continence.

Associations of platelet indices with proteinuria and chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVES: Platelet (PLT) indices are predictive in many diseases and conditions. The relationships of these indices with proteinuria and progression of renal disease are not well known. This study aimed to assess PLT indices in patients with primary glomerular nephrotic range proteinuria (PGNRP), with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD), and to compare these indices with those of healthy individuals (His). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed from January 2015 to May 2015. HIs (n = 57) and patients with PGNRP (n = 41) were enrolled. PLT indices and blood biochemistry parameters were compared between HIs and patients with PGNRP, as well as between subgroups of patients with PGNRP who had CKD (n = 23) and those who did not have CKD (n = 18). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in any PLT indices (i.e., platelet number, mean platelet volume, plateletcrit, and platelet distribution width) between HIs and patients with PGNRP, or between the subgroups of patients with PGNRP. However, patients with PGNRP who had CKD exhibited higher median C-reactive protein and mean albumin levels, compared with patients who did not have CKD. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological processes in proteinuria and CKD are not associated with PLT indices.

Is there a relationship between serum vaspin levels and insulin resistance in chronic renal failure?

OBJECTIVE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have insulin secretion disorders and resistance to insulin effects, that is responsible for the development of cardiovascular events. Vaspin is an adipocytokine that regulates glucose and lipid metabolism. We aimed to determine the serum vaspin levels and its relationship with insulin resistance in CKD patients. METHODS: In the study groups, serum vaspin levels, anthropometric parameters and routine blood tests were measured. The serum vaspin levels were examined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and insulin resistance was determined by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) formula. RESULTS: The serum vaspin, HOMA-IR index and insulin levels were observed significantly high in the CKD group in comparison with the control group. No correlation was found between the serum vaspin level and the anthropometric and metabolic values. The serum vaspin level was positively correlated with the fasting plasma glucose and age but without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia contribute to the development of cardiovascular complications in CKD. We consider that the increase in the serum vaspin level is a consequence of the reduced renal excretion in the CKD and increases in response to insulin resistance.

Myo-inositol Oxygenase as a Novel Marker in the Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury.

BACKGROUND: Due to the lack of diagnostic efficiency of serum creatinine in acute kidney injury (AKI), there is a pressing need to develop novel diagnostic markers. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C in terms of their applicability in the diagnosis of AKI. METHODS: We enrolled a total of 39 AKI patients and 38 healthy controls in the study. We compared the levels of serum MIOX, NGAL and cystatin C between the two groups. RESULTS: We found that the concentrations of serum creatinine, blood-urea nitrogen, MIOX and cystatin C were higher in the AKI group. According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.694 (95% CI 0.579-0.794) for MIOX and 0.976 (95% CI; 0.912-0.997) for cystatin C. For MIOX, when the cut-off concentration was set to 77.3 pg/mL, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were found to be 53.8% (95% CI; 37.2-69.9) and 81.5 (95% CI; 65.7-92.3), respectively. For cystatin C, at the cut-off value of 14 mg/L, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 94.8% (95% CI; 82.7-99.4) and 94.7 % (95% CI 82.3-99.4), respectively. CONCLUSION: The measurement of serum MIOX and cystatin C levels is valuable for the diagnosis of AKI. Further research is needed for the evaluation of the potential use of MIOX as a kidney-specific enzyme in the early diagnosis of AKI.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in neutropenic patients secondary to chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Neutropenia is a serious adverse event that necessitates dosage reduction in patients receiving chemotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in neutropenic patients after chemotherapy both during the neutropenic period and after successful treatment of neutropenia with filgrastim. METHODS: We studied paraoxonase (PON1), arylesterase (ARE), malondialdehyde (MDA), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in addition to routine biochemical and hematologic parameters. SPSS 12.0 was used for statistical evaluation of data (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: In our study, PON1, HDL, and LDH levels during the period of active neutropenia were statistically significantly higher than these levels were after resolution of neutropenia (P<0.05); MDA and ALP levels were statistically significantly lower during the period of active neutropenia (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, free oxygen radicals (FOR) were increased and antioxidant parameters were decreased with resolution of neutropenia. This is probably due to FOR produced by the increased number of neutrophils rather than tumor burden.

Multisystem toxicity after methamphetamine use.

Methamphetamine (MA) may cause hepatotoxicity, rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, and neurotoxicity separately or together. We report a patient admitted with muscle weakness, pain, and oliguria 1 week after MA use; requiring repeated hemodialysis (HD). Multisystem toxicity may develop as a result of MA use and appropriate treatment may be life saving.

Serum apelin levels in patients with thyroid dysfunction.

Adipocytes are not only for energy storage, but are also functionally active cells, producing biologically active peptides called adipocytokines. Adipocytokines control nutrition, thermogenesis, immunity, thyroid and reproductive hormones, and neuroendocrine functions. One of the most important new members of this family is apelin. In patients with thyroid dysfunctions, there are usually changes in weight, thermogenesis and adipose tissue lipolysis. Here, we investigated the serum apelin levels in different thyroid hormone states. Our study group consisted of the following patients: 32 thyrotoxicosis, 32 subclinical hyperthyroidism, 31 hypothyroidism, 34 subclinical hypothyroidism and 31 healthy control cases. In addition to routine blood tests, serum free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), TSH and apelin levels were measured, and the body mass index (BMI) was recorded. In terms of the demographic characteristics, age and BMI, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). The mean serum apelin levels of the groups were as follows: thyrotoxicosis group, 4.6±1.9 ng/ml; subclinical hyperthyroidism group, 3.7±1.9 ng/ml; hypothyroid group, 4.8±2.5 ng/ml; subclinical hypothyroidism group, 4.3±2.2 ng/mL; and control group, 3.4±1.4 ng/ml, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of the mean apelin levels between the groups (P>0.05). The hypothyroid group had the highest and the control group had the lowest mean apelin levels. As a result, the apelin levels were higher in both the patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, in comparison with the normal population, but without statistical significance.

Multisystemic Side Effects of an Indispensable Old Drug: A Case Report of Chronic Lithium Use (A Patient with Multiple Side Effects of Lithium).

Presented here is a case of long-term lithium use, with multiple emerging lithium-associated side effects. An 82-year-old woman was brought into the emergency department because of loss of consciousness. According to the physical examination and laboratory analyses, patient was diagnosed with lithium-associated hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), symptomatic sinus bradycardia, and thyroid dysfunction. In the literature, there is a limited number of case reports with lithium induced multiple clinical conditions. Multiple clinical manifestations due to the side effects of chronic lithium use might be seen. Health care professionals should keep in mind that lithium-related side effects might trigger or exacerbate each other. To avoid toxicity, close follow-up and clinical supervision are important for the early diagnosis and treatment of these side effects, due to the narrow therapeutic index and obscure clinical signs and symptoms of toxicity.

Effects of vitamin D on kidney histology and trpv1 channels in doxorubicin-induced nephropathy.

Doxorubicin (DXR) is an antineoplastic agent of the anthracycline group, and may show nephrotoxic effects in animal models and humans. We investigated changes in kidney tissue following doxorubicin treatment and the effects of vitamin D on kidney tissue and TRPV1 channels. In this study, 24 adult male Wistar Albino rats were used. The animals were divided into four groups of six animals. During the 14-day experiment period, Group I did not have any application. 200 IU/day cholecalciferol was administered orally to Group II. Group III received 10 mg/kg single dose of DXR intraperitoneally (IP); and Group IV had a single 10 mg/kg dose of IP DXR and 200 IU/day of oral cholecalciferol. At the end of the experiment, the rats were decapitated, and their kidney tissues were removed. TRPV1 expression and apoptosis were detected in the tissue section by using immunohistochemical, TUNEL and real time-PCR (RT-PCR) techniques. The findings were examined and photographed with BH2 Olympus photomicroscope. As result of immunohistochemical staining, RT-PCR and examination with light microscope, it was found that the TRPV 1 immunoreactivity of the DXR group decreased in comparison with the control group, and the vitamin D application did not reverse this effect. Apoptosis detected by the TUNEL method tended to increase in the doxorubicin group and was relatively reversed with the administration of vitamin D. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were observed to correlate with the findings of apoptosis. This study showed that vitamin D has anti- apoptotic and antioxidant effects on kidney tissue after DXR-induced injury.

Association of hematological indicies with diabetes, impaired glucose regulation and microvascular complications of diabetes.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in hematological parameters as predictors of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between HbA1c and hematological indices, and to evaluate the relationship between these parameters and microvascular complications of diabetes. Three hundred and seven diabetic patients (124 male, 183 female; mean age 50.8±8.5), and 187 controls (76 male, 111 female; mean age 51.1±10.1) were included in the study. In the diabetic group, mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), platelet distribution width (PDW), white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). Diabetic patients were divided into two group according to their HbA1c levels (Group 1; HbA1c <7 (n=82) and group 2; HbA1c ≥7 (n=225)). Mean platelet volume, PCT and PDW levels were significantly increased in group 2. Mean platelet volume was significantly increased in diabetic patients with retinopathy compared to those without retinopathy (P=0.006). The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and PLR levels were significantly higher in patients with nephropathy (P=0.004, P=0.004 respectively). There was statistically significant difference of lymphocyte count between patients with and without neuropathy. In correlation analysis, positive correlation between HbA1c and PCT (rs=0.192, P<0.001), HbA1c and PDW (rs=0.305, P<0.001), HbA1c and MPV (rs=0.352, P<0.001) were determined. In binary logistic regression analysis; WBC, PDW and PLR levels were found to be independently associated with diagnosis of diabetes while WBC, MPV, PLR and NLR levels were found to be independently associated with impaired glucose regulation. This study demonstrates that altered hematological indices are closely associated with HbA1c levels in individuals with and without diabetes and some of these parameters are associated with diabetic microvascular complications. These associations may be explained by connection between these easy accessible and inexpensive hematological indices and inflammation, tendency to coagulation and thrombosis in patients with diabetes.

Acute kidney injury due to abdominal compartment syndrome caused by duodenal metastases of prostate cancer.

Organ dysfunctions caused by intraabdominal hypertension is named as abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). A patient with prostate cancer admitted with dyspnea and oliguria. After decompression his health status improved. For patients with malignant disorders presented with oliguria and respiratory problems who have abdominal distension, ACS should be in mind.

The renoprotective effect of curcumin in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

The polyphenol curcumin has several pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer features. In this study, we evaluated the effects of curcumin in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) control; (2) cisplatin (7 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal as a single dose); (3) curcumin (100 mg/kg via gavage, for 10 days); and (4) cisplatin and curcumin. The cisplatin-treated rats exhibited kidney injury manifested by increased serum urea and creatinine (p<0.05). The kidney tissue from the cisplatin treated rats also exhibited a significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p<0.05). The treatment with curcumin prevented a rise in the serum urea, creatinine and MDA levels when compared to the control group kidneys (p<0.05). The analysis the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and sirtuin (SIRT) proteins (SIRT1, SIRT3 and SIRT4), which play important roles in the resistance to stress and the modulation of the threshold of cell death, showed similar trends (p<0.05). In the cisplatin-only treated rats, the induced renal injury decreased the levels of the NAMPT and SIRT proteins. Conversely, the curcumin increased the levels of the NAMPT and SIRT proteins in the cisplatin-treated rats (p<0.05). These data suggest that curcumin can potentially be used to reduce chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity, thereby enhancing the therapeutic window of cisplatin.

Can serum NGAL levels be used as an inflammation marker on hemodialysis patients with permanent catheter?

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a member of lipocalin family and released from many tissues and cells. We aimed to investigate the relationship among serum NGAL levels, the inflammation markers (IL-6, hs-CRP, TNF-α) and different vascular access types used in dialysis patients. METHODS: The study population included 90 patients and 30 healthy age-matched controls. The patients were divided into three groups (I, II, III) and group IV included the controls. In group I and II, the patients were with central venous permanent catheter and arterio-venous fistula, respectively. Group III included 30 patients with chronic renal failure. Hemogram, biochemical assays, ferritin, IL-6, hs-CRP, TNF-α, and NGAL were evaluated in all groups. RESULTS: Serum NGAL levels were markedly higher in group I than in group II (7645.80 ± 924.61 vs. 4131.20 ± 609.87 pg/mL; p < 0.05). Positive correlation was detected between NGAL levels and duration of catheter (r: 0.903, p: 0.000), hs-CRP (r: 0.796, p: 0.000), IL-6 (r: 0.687, p: 0.000), TNF-α (r: 0.568, p: 0.000) levels and ferritin (r: 0.318, p: 0.001), whereas NGAL levels were negatively correlated with serum albumin levels (r: -0.494, p: 0.000). In multiple regression analysis, duration of catheter hs-CRP and TNF-α were predictors of NGAL in hemodialysis patients. CONCLUSION: Inflammation was observed in hemodialysis patients and increases with catheter. Our findings show that a strong relationship among serum NGAL levels, duration of catheter, hs-CRP and TNF-α. NGAL may be used as a new inflammation marker in hemodialysis patients.