The effect of initial periodontal treatment on gingival crevicular fluid galectin-3 levels in participants with periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of study was to evaluate galectin-3 levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from periodontally healthy (H) patients and those with periodontitis (P), gingivitis (G) and the effect of initial periodontal treatment on GCF galectin-3 level. METHODS: A total of 75 participants, 25 patients with periodontitis, 25 with gingivitis and 25 periodontally healthy subjects were included into the study. Patients with periodontal disease received initial periodontal treatment. GCF galectin-3 level was assessed at baseline and at the 6th-8th weeks after completion of periodontal treatment. GCF galectin-3 level was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: GCF galectin-3 level was the lowest in the H group (102.31[63.07] µg/30 s), followed by the G group (241.45[145.89] µg/30 s) and the highest in the P group (338.27[219.37] µg/30 s). These differences were statistically significant between H and the other groups (P < 0.001). After initial periodontal treatment, GCF galectin-3 level significantly decreased in the G and P groups compared to baseline values (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that GCF galectin-3 level is a potential biomarker for the evaluation of gingival inflammation and initial periodontal treatment is effective in decreasing GCF galectin-3 level.

Effect of synbiotics in the treatment of smokers and non-smokers with gingivitis: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of synbiotic tablets on the clinical and biochemical parameters of smokers and non-smokers with gingivitis. METHODS: Eighty patients with gingivitis [40 smokers (+), 40 non-smokers (-)] were randomly assigned to test (T) or control (C) groups. Four groups were defined: T(+), T(-), C(+) and C(-). The subjects daily chewed a synbiotic or placebo tablet for 30 days. The gingival crevicular fluid levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and IL-10 were determined as the primary outcome variables. RESULTS: The clinical and biochemical parameters for all groups significantly reduced compared with the baseline (P < 0.05). While there were no significant differences between the groups for gingival index, the plaque index was significantly higher in both smoker groups than that in the T(-) group during the second month (P < 0.05). IL-8 levels in C(-) and IL-6 levels in both control groups were significantly higher than those in the T(+) group. The IL-10 levels in both control groups were significantly higher than those in the T(-) group during the second month (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive synbiotic tablets significantly reduce subclinical therapeutic outcomes for both smokers and non-smokers compared with placebo according to the biochemical parameters.

Nesfatin-1 and caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18: Promising biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the use of nesfatin-1 and caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18 serum levels as biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: The study group consisted of 39 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 39 controls. Demographic characteristics including gender, age, body mass index, mini-mental status examination (MMSE) and duration of disease were recorded. The ELISA method was used to measure serum nesfatin-1 and CCCK-18 levels in serum samples. RESULTS: Serum nesfatin-1 levels were statistically significantly higher in the AD patient group than in controls. There was no significant difference between the groups with regards to serum CCCK-18 levels. Pearson analysis showed no significant correlation between serum nesfatin-1, serum CCCK-18 levels, mini-mental status examination and disease duration. CONCLUSION: This study proved that serum nesfatin-1 levels can be used as a biomarker in Alzheimer's disease by showing a statistically significant high level of serum nesfatin-1 in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This is the first study to suggest that nesfatin-1 can be used as a biomarker in Alzheimer's disease. In addition, our study showed that CCCK-18 can be used as a prognostic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. Further comprehensive studies should be done to clarify the use of serum nesfatin-1 and CCCK-18 levels as biomarkers for Alzheimer disease (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 25).

Effect of titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin treatment on the angiogenic biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid in infrabony defects of patients with chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

AIM: The aim of this double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical study was to investigate the effect of titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) treatment on the angiogenic biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in infrabony defects of patients with chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty five systemically healthy participants who complied with inclusion criteria with periodontal infrabony defects were recruited. In each patient, the infrabony defect of one side of arch was designated as control group (allograft), whereas the infrabony defect on the contralateral side of same arch was designated as test group (allograft + T-PRF). The therapy methods (test or control) were randomly decided. GCF samples were collected at baseline (presurgery) and then the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 30th days after surgery. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, anjiogenin (ANG), angiostatin (ANT) in the GCF samples were measured using human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS: In both groups, total amounts of PDGF-BB, VEGF-A, FGF-2, ANG, and ANT peaked in the GCF samples obtained at the early postoperative day (day 3) and decreased over time in the samples obtained at the 7th, 14th, and 30th days postsurgery. There were no significant differences between groups for the total amounts of PDGF-BB, VEGF-A, FGF-2, ANG, and ANT at all evaluation periods. CONCLUSION: Application of T-PRF combined with allograft in infrabony defects of patients with chronic periodontitis had no significant effects on angiogenic biomarkers in GCF.

Protective effects of udenafil citrate, piracetam and dexmedetomidine treatment on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties of udenafil citrate (1.4 mg kg(-1) -2.8 mg kg(-1) ), dexmedetomidine 25 µg kg(-1) and piracetam 200 mg kg(-1) administered on ipsilateral/contralateral testes after ischaemia in a rat model of testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) and define its protective effect histologically. Fifty-six Wistar albino rats were included and randomly assigned into 6 groups. No intervention was performed in control group (Group 1, n = 8) and in torsion/detorsion group, (Group 2, n = 8). Udenafil 1.4 mg kg(-1) was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 3, n = 10), udenafil 2.8 mg kg(-1) was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 4, n = 10), piracetam 200 mg kg(-1) was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 5, n = 10) and dexmedetomidine 25 µg kg(-1) was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 6, n = 10) intraperitoneally after 60 mins of testicular torsion. Biochemical and histopathological testicular injury were evaluated. When the tissue was examined by TOS values, Group 3, Group 4 and Group 5 were significantly lower than Group 2. In contrary Group 6 values were significantly higher than Group 2. The increasing doses of udenafil demonstrated antioxidant properties on the testis tissue and histopathological that protects the testicles.

Evaluation of contralateral kidney, liver and lung after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in rabbits.

An experimental study was carried out to evaluate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) on contralateral kidney, liver and lung by histopathological and biochemical methods. Twelve New Zealand rabbits were allocated to two groups (n = 6). Tissues of control group (CG, n = 6) were harvested without any intervention. In ESWL group (EG), right kidneys were exposed to 3,000 shock waves at 14 kV energy using electro-hydraulic type ESWL device three times every other day. Both kidneys, liver, and right lobe of lung tissues in EG were harvested on seventh day. Kidneys were examined histopathologically for presence of glomerular and tubular injury, interstitial edema, congestion, inflammation and fibrosis. Livers were examined for hepatocyte vacuolization, congestion, portal inflammation and fibrosis. Lung tissues were examined for loss of normal structure, emphysema, interstitial congestion-edema, prominent alveolar septal vessels, interstitial inflammation, intra-alveolar hemorrhage, intraluminal hemorrhage, peribronchial edema, congestion, inflammation in bronchial wall and epithelial desquamation. Biochemical analysis of tissue samples was performed for oxidative injury markers. Histopathological evaluations revealed that tubular injury was found in both shocked and contralateral kidneys (p < 0.05). EG showed higher grades of portal fibrosis in liver and higher grades of peribronchial congestion in lung when compared to CG (p < 0.05). Biochemical evaluations of both kidneys showed that malondialdehyde levels were higher in EG than in CG (p < 0.05). ESWL causes histopathologic alterations both in shocked and contralateral kidneys. Extrarenal tissues such as liver and lung can be affected by shock waves histopathologically and oxidative injury of contralateral kidney may occur acutely after ESWL.

Clinical efficacy of leukofiltration on cardiopulmonary bypass related inflammatory response: Fact or Foe?

OBJECTIVE: The powerful precept of preoperative risk assessment has been applied to compare the efficacy of leukofiltration techniques for high-risk cohorts with the documentation of broad indicators of systemic inflammation. METHODS: Forty high risk patients were prospectively assigned to four perfusion protocols; the first group (n=10): Polyethyleneoxide (PEO) based heparin bonded extracorporeal circuits (ECC) + Continuous Leukocyte filtration; the second group (n=10): uncoated ECC + leukofiltration; the third group (n=10): PEO based heparin bonded ECC without leukofiltration; and control (n=10). Blood samples were obtained at the following intervals: Baseline (T1), on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (T2), Cross clamp (T3), off CPB (T4), Intensive care unit-24 h (ICU24) (T5), ICU48 (T6). RESULTS: Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha levels were significantly lower in Group 1 at T3, T4 (p<0.05) vs. control. Procalcitonin levels were significantly lower in Group 1 at T5, T6 (p<0.05) vs. control. Creatinine kinase-MB levels in coronary sinus blood demonstrated well preserved myocardium in filtered+coated (Group 1) and coated groups (Group 3) (p<0.05). Matrix metallopeptidase- 9 and D-Dimer levels in filtered+coated group were significantly lower at T5 and T6 vs. control (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Leukocyte filtration on coated surfaces alleviated systemic inflammatory response with a better clinical outcome in high risk patients.

The effects of raloxifene and tibolone on homocysteine and vascular histopathological changes.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of raloxifene (RLX) and tibolone (TBN) on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and their relationship with atherosclerotic changes in the walls of the carotid artery in ovariectomised rats. Thirty surgically ovariectomised Wistar albino rats after a menopausal period of 6 cycles were randomly assigned to receive RLX 0.01 mg/kg/day (n=10), TBN 0.04 mg/kg/day (n=10) and the same dose of placebo (n=10) for 6 cycles. Serum levels of vitamin B12, folate and Hcy were measured and carotid arteries were examined histopathologically following the termination of treatment. Hcy levels were 3.27+/-0.97, 2.57+/-0.32 and 2.28+/-0.12 micromol/l, Vitamin B12 levels were 901.90+/-239.76, 694.70+/-112.20 and 631+/-309.44 pg/ml and folate levels were 73.80+/-12.71, 72.51+/-7.05 and 84.79+/-20.82 ng/ml in receiving RLX, TBN and placebo respectively. Hcy levels were increased by RLX vs. placebo (P=0.006) but not by TBN vs. placebo (P=0.070). Vitamin B12 levels were found to be elevated by TBN vs. the control group (P=0.041) but not by RLX vs. placebo (P=0.059). Histopathological examination of carotid arteries from rats receiving both RLX and TBN revealed no difference vs. placebo. Data obtained from the study support the view that neither RLX nor TBN appears to have a primary protective effect on vascular disease by effecting the metabolism of Hcy at menopause.

Human hepatocyte growth factor levels in patients undergoing thoracic operations.

Human hepatocyte growth factor (hHGF) is the most potent mitogen identified for alveolar type II cells, and may have other important functions in the repair of the alveolar epithelium and compensatory lung growth. A study was conducted to evaluate the changes of serum hHGF levels in patients who underwent thoracic surgical procedures. The patients comprised 17 males and 14 females with a mean age of 47.1+/-13.5 yrs, who underwent either lung resection (LR group) or nonlung resection (nonLR group) thoracic procedures. The changes of hHGF levels were analysed in the pre- and post-operative periods in both groups. The pre-operative hHGF levels did not differ between the LR and the nonLR groups, which were 333.2+/-72.9 pg x mL(-1) and 343.6+/-125.3 pg x mL(-1), respectively. The hHGF levels in the LR group significantly increased up to 433.6+/-128.1 pg x mL(-1) and 430.8+/-128.2 pg x mL(-1) in post-operative days 1 and 3, respectively. However, the same levels in the nonLR group appeared as 333.2+/-77.0 pg x mL(-1) and 311.9+/-73.0 pg x mL(-1), respectively. In conclusion, the increases of serum human hepatocyte growth factor levels following pulmonary resection may imply the important role of human hepatocyte growth factor in lung regeneration or compensatory lung growth in humans.

Tourniquet application and epinephrine injection to penile skin: is it safe?

Although a tourniquet is frequently used in penile surgery there is still no consensus on safe application time. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and histological changes in skin flaps after penile tourniquet application and epinephrine injection. A total of 36 male white New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into six groups each containing six animals. A Mathieu-like flap was raised in all of the groups and a tourniquet was applied and the penis was subjected to ischemia for 10, 20 and 40 min in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The flaps were then allowed to reperfuse for 5 min. Biopsies for MDA measurement were harvested in these groups. Subcutaneous 1/200,000 epinephrine was injected into penile skin in group 4 and 5 rabbits and biopsies for MDA measurement were harvested 10 and 40 min after injection. The control group was anesthetized without tourniquet usage or epinephrine injection. Specimens taken from the harvested flaps of all groups were submitted for histological evaluation. The mean MDA levels in all experimental groups were higher than in the control group and the difference was statistically significant. Edema, congestion and extravasation were observed in groups 1, 2 and 3. Minimal congestion and edema were observed in group 4 and severe edema and extravasation in group 5. Tourniquet usage for a duration of less than 10 min is clearly safer than prolonged usage. Epinephrine injection to penile skin may show a deleterious effect on wound healing.

Candida colonisation within a silicone tissue expander.

The fungal contamination of tissue expanders is rarely reported. There are, however, occasional reports of fungi in association with inflatable mammary implants. We describe the colonisation of a tissue expander with Candida albicans, resulting in the fluid becoming a turbid brown colour. The possible modes of inoculation and survival of the microorganism within the expander shell were investigated by means of biochemical and microbiological analyses of the fluid. The colonisation of silicone implants by opportunistic fungi is probably more common than has been reported, and precautions that can be taken to avoid this complication are emphasised.

Effects of losartan treatment on T-cell activities and plasma leptin concentrations in primary hypertension.

Recent evidence shows that leptin may contribute to elevated blood pressure (BP) and interact with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and cellular immune systems. Altered T-cell activities and changes in T-cell subset ratios have also been reported in hypertension. However, little is known about the effects of AT1-receptor antagonism on T-cell activities and plasma leptin concentrations in primary hypertension. We have, therefore, investigated the relationship between leptin and T-cell activities and the effect of an AT1-receptor antagonist, losartan, in primary hypertension. Twenty recently-diagnosed and untreated young adults (11 males and 9 females, age; 39.9+/-7.6 years, range 23-49 years, BMI; 27.6+/-3.7kg/m2) and 20 normotensive healthy, age-, sex- and BMI-matched controls were studied. The [3H]-thymidine uptakes of cultured lymphocytes were determined, both spontaneously and after stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin. The tests were performed before and after three months of treatment with losartan. The results indicate that the blastogenic responses of T-cells to phytohaemagglutinin are significantly higher in the patient group compared with controls (p=0.02). After normalisation of BP, T-cell responses were significantly reduced and were lower than in the controls (p=0.01). Pretreatment plasma leptin levels were significantly higher in hypertensives than in controls (p=0.01). However, losartan treatment had no significant effect on leptin concentrations; moreover, no correlation between leptin levels and T-cell activity was found. Our data show that plasma leptin levels and T-cell activity are markedly enhanced in untreated essential hypertension and that the alteration of T-cell activity is not related to plasma leptin levels. Antihypertensive treatment with losartan decreases T-cell activities but does not influence plasma leptin levels. We conclude that leptin levels are not affected by AT1-receptor blockade and are not related to T-cell activity.

Effects of cerium nitrate bathing and prompt burn wound excision on IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in burned rats.

The physiopathological events following thermal injury are not limited to the surface effects of heat but are also related to acute inflammatory reactions. Both tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are important mediators of the acute and severe inflammatory reaction in thermal injury. Surgical manipulation of the burn wound is known to prevent excessive release of cytokines. Cerium nitrate--a rare earth element--has been reported to have a protective effect against postburn immunosuppression. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of burn wound debridement and treatment with cerium nitrate bathing on the serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in rats. Treatment by cerium nitrate bathing prevented the elevation of TNF-alpha levels in the early period after thermal injury. The experimental study showed, as in other studies, that high levels of IL-6 appear to inhibit TNF-alpha elevation. High levels of IL-6 and, as a result, relatively low levels of TNF-alpha in the early period of thermal injury may limit the severity of the inflammatory reaction, which is caused by TNF, the most potent inflammatory cytokine. Since similar levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were achieved by both cerium nitrate bathing and burn wound debridement, cerium nitrate may be considered as equivalent to prompt excision of burn eschar.

Adhesion of different bacterial strains to low-temperature plasma treated biomedical PVC catheter surfaces.

In this study, firstly five different bacteria (i.e. Coagulase positive and negative staphylococcus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) with their different strains were isolated and used. The contact angle, surface free energy, p-xylene adhesion, and zeta potential of these bacteria were in the range of 43-69 deg, 45.4-61.8 erg cm(-2), 2.3-80.3%, and from -650.2 to + 17.5 mV, respectively. Most of the bacteria were negatively charged. Attachment of these bacteria to PVC catheter and its DMAEMA- and AAc-plasma treated forms were investigated. Bacterial attachment to the hydrophobic PVC catheter was high. Both plasma treatments caused significant drops in bacterial attachment in most of the cases. The effects of AAc-plasma treatment was more significant.