Plasma paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in smokers and smokeless tobacco users as Maras powder.

CONTEXT: Maras powder (MP), a different type of smokeless tobacco (ST) prepared from a tobacco called Nicotiana rustica Linn, is widely used in the Southern Turkey. Smoking and ST cause oxidative stress (OS) in the human body. Paraoxonase (PON) and arylesterase (ARE) are antioxidant enzymes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of MP on activities of PON, ARE, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma and to compare these parameters in smokers and MP users (MPU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of smokers, MPU, and control group (CG) neither smoking nor using MP healthy subjects. PON and ARE activities were measured spectrophotometrically using paraoxon and phenylacetate substrates, respectively. RESULTS: PON and ARE activities were decreased whereas MDA levels were increased in tobacco groups compared to the CG. The differences of ARE and MDA values between the tobacco groups and CG were found statistically significant (p < 0.01). But no significant differences were detected between the groups in the activity of PON (p > 0.05). However, the lowest activities of the enzymes were obtained in MPU. CONCLUSION: Our results can help to evaluate harmful effects of cigarette and ST as MP. These effects can be attributed to increased OS. Increased plasma MDA levels and decreased ARE activities may be important in assessing oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in MPU as well as smokers. Also, using of MP has harmful effects at least cigarette smoking.

Assessment of maternal serum sialic acid levels in preterm versus term labor: a prospective-controlled clinical study.

PURPOSE: To compare total serum sialic acid (SA) levels between singleton pregnant women diagnosed with preterm labor between 24th and 36th weeks of pregnancy, singleton pregnant women at term, and their gestational age-matched controls. METHODS: Thirty pregnants diagnosed with preterm labor (group I), 30 gestational age-matched control pregnants (group II), 30 pregnants with labor at term (group III), and 30 gestational age-matched control pregnants (group IV) were enrolled. Detailed history, demographic data (age, gravidity, parity, abortion), ultrasound parameters, cervical dilatation and effacement, fetal tococardiography, routine laboratory tests, and total SA levels were assessed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the parameters other than SA. SA levels of the preterm labor group (group I) were significantly higher than the other three groups. CONCLUSIONS: We may suggest that pathways including SA or molecules containing SA in subclinical infection without the clinical manifestations of apparent infection may be involved in the pathogenesis of preterm birth. Future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate prediction performance and to better understand the role of SA in molecular mechanisms leading to preterm labor.

Salivary lipid peroxidation and total sialic acid levels in smokers and smokeless tobacco users as Maras powder.

Maras powder (MP), a different type of smokeless tobacco (ST) and prepared from a tobacco of species Nicotiana rustica Linn, is widely used in Turkey. We aimed to investigate the effects of MP on salivary total sialic acid (TSA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and to compare these parameters in smokers and MP users (MPUs). The salivary TSA and MDA concentrations were significantly higher in the smokers and MPU than those of control subjects and also in MPU than that of smokers. We have also observed that as the number of cigarettes consumed and MP amount increases, TSA and MDA levels increase too. In smokers, MDA values were significantly correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of smoking. In MPU, both MDA and TSA levels were significantly correlated with the duration of MP use and the amount of daily consumed MP. We have concluded increased salivary TSA and MDA levels associated in MPU and smokers. Results can help to evaluate harmful effects of these habits. It is important to point out that bigger change in the measured parameters has been observed for MP use. This observation may be an important indication of harmful effects of ST use as MP.

Effects of pulse methylprednisolone and oral methylprednisolone treatments on serum levels of oxidative stress markers in Graves' ophthalmopathy.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence has shown that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, and this is an issue of considerable research interest in the field of infiltrative ophthalmopathy. Therefore, we evaluated both the relationship between Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and serum levels of certain indicators of oxidative stress, and the effects of methylprednisolone treatment on serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels in patients with euthyroid GO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared GO patients to both Graves' patients without ophthalmopathy and healthy controls. Ultimately, we assessed four subject groups. Graves' patients with ophthalmopathy (GO) were subcategorized into two groups: Group A subjects (n = 18) were given intravenous glucocorticoid and Group B patients (n = 15) were given oral glucocorticoid. Graves' patients without ophthalmopathy comprised Group C (n = 20), and healthy controls comprised Group D (n = 15). Serum levels of MDA and GSH were measured at baseline and after 4 and 24 weeks of observation via spectrophotometric methods. RESULTS: We found that serum MDA levels were significantly higher in the two GO groups (Groups A and B) than in GO patients without ophthalmopathy or healthy controls. Conversely, GSH levels were significantly lower in the two GO groups than in Groups C and D. MDA and GSH levels were not different between the latter two groups. MDA levels were strongly and positively correlated with a clinical activity score (CAS). In Group A, MDA levels and the CAS were significantly lower than in Group B at 4 weeks. After 24 weeks, however, MDA levels and the CAS were similar in these two groups. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of GO. Relative to oral dosing, the intravenous administration of a glucocorticoid seems to yield more rapid improvement in disease activity. MDA might be useful as an indicator of clinical activity.

Antiepileptogenic effects of glutathione against increased brain ADA in PTZ-induced epilepsy.

Adenosine has been shown to play a significant role as a modulator of neuronal activity in convulsive disorders, acting as an endogenous anticonvulsant agent. Any change in adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels will reflect to adenosine levels. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of glutathione on brain tissue ADA levels due to seizures induced by convulsive and subconvulsive dose of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in mice. ADA levels due to seizures induced by convulsive and subconvulsive pentylenetetrazol were measured using the Giusti method. ADA levels were higher in the experimental epilepsy groups than in the control and sham groups. ADA levels significantly decreased in the glutathione groups, which may have antiseizure effects. Decreased levels of ADA would be due to increased adenosine levels, protecting against oxidative stress.

Effects of progesterone on total brain tissue adenosine deaminase activity in experimental epilepsy.

Single seizure and epilepsy is one of the most commonly encountered neurologic disorders in elderly individuals, arising as a result of complex and often multiple acquired underlying pathologies. Adenosine, acting at A1 receptors, exhibits anticonvulsant effects in experimental epilepsy and inhibits progression to status epilepticus. Adenosine deaminase is the enzyme for the regulation of adenosine levels. Therefore any change in adenosine deaminase levels will reflect to adenosine levels. Adenosine deaminase levels were decreased in the groups that were given progesterone. Progesterone may have an antiseizure effect with the additional finding decreased levels of adenosine deaminase that would have resulted in increased adenosine levels that exerts anticonvulsant effect via GABA-A receptors. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of progesterone effects on adenosine deaminase levels and its mechanism(s) in the pathogenesis.

The effect of progesterone on total brain tissue sialic acid levels in experimental epilepsy.

Epilepsy, the most common neurological disorder worldwide, changing cellular interactions and connectivity may have effects on sialic acid levels. A total of 80 mice were separated into 8 groups: the sham, control, pentylentetrazole (PTZ), PTZ plus progesterone, five dose progesterone, single dose progesterone, kindling, and kindling plus progesterone groups. Brains of each mice were extracted and were divided into five parts. The sialic acid levels were significantly different between the groups and also in the subgroups. The results suggested that progesterone may have an anti-seizure effect by decreasing sialic acid levels in mice. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of progesterone on sialic acid levels and its role in the epilepsy pathogenesis.

Total brain tissue sialic acid levels due to glutathione effect in experimental epilepsy.

Epilepsy can be described as a group of neurological disorders, characterized by recurrent episodes of convulsive seizures, loss of consciousness, sensory disturbances, abnormal behavior, or all of these. Altered glutathione metabolism in association with increased oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases such as seizures. It is therefore reasonable to propose that sialic acid levels can be affected by this pathological state or, alternately, by seizures. The present study showed that the sialic acid levels were significantly different between the experimental groups as well as in the subgroup analysis. The results suggest that glutathione may have a neuroprotective effect by decreasing sialic acid levels in mice brain.

The effects of pesticide exposure on serum total sialic acid levels.

Pesticides used to increase agricultural production have hazard effects for human being health. The present study reports the serum levels of total sialic acid (TSA) in the pesticide applicators in the agriculture areas of the Kahramanmaras, Turkiye. This study included a total of 79 volunteer individuals. Pesticide group included 47 men who were working as pesticide applicators. Control group comprised healthy males (n=32), nonsmokers and nondrinkers and also nonexposured to pesticide and other chemicals chronically. Serum TSA level was measured with the Warren method modified by Pönniö et al. The TSA concentrations were significantly higher in the pesticide groups (p < 0.001) than those of control subjects. We can conclude from the results obtained that serum TSA was affected by pesticide exposure. This finding may be an indication of harmful effects of pesticides. Increased serum TSA levels in pesticide exposure might be related to various diseases e.g. various cancers, which are also often associated with elevated serum TSA levels. However further studies are necessary to evaluate the concentrations of serum TSA in pesticide exposure.

The relationship between serum total sialic acid levels and adenosine deaminase activity in obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between serum adenosine deaminase (AD) activity and serum total sialic acid (TSA) levels in obese individuals. METHODS: We performed this study at the Department of Chemistry, Division Biochemistry, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University Arts and Science Faculty, Turkey from 2003 to 2004. Fifty obese subjects and 25 non-obese healthy controls were included in the study. The serum AD activity and TSA concentrations were measured by spectrophotometric methods. RESULTS: The AD activity (p<0.01) and TSA concentrations (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the sera of obese subjects than those of non-obese control subjects. But, there was no statistically significant difference in the serum TSA levels and AD activity of the obese subjects with metabolic syndrome properties compared with those without metabolic syndrome properties. A significant correlation between the serum TSA and AD was found in the obese subjects (p<0.05, r: 0.33). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that there may be a closer interaction between the inflammatory events and obesity. However, our observations need to be confirmed by further studies to understand more regarding the underlying mechanisms.

Leukocyte lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities of type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy.

Increased oxidative stress might play an important role in the initiation and progression of diabetic complications. The present study has been undertaken to investigate whether there is any relationship between retinopathy degree and leukocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in diabetic individuals with type 2 diabetic retinopathy. Patients were groupped with respect to the degree of retinopathy. Leukocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and SOD and CAT activities were measured in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (n=41) and nondiabetic healthy controls (n=23). Leukocyte LPO of the type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy was significantly increased (p < 0.001), whereas SOD and CAT activities were decreased (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) compared to those of controls. MDA concentrations rose while SOD and CAT activities fell with increasing severity of diabetic retinopathy, altough there was no significant difference in comprasion of the parameters mentioned above between the diabetic patients with and without retinopathy. Our results show that leukocytes in patients with type 2 diabetic retinopathy are affected by oxidative stress which might be contribute to pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Prospective studies are needed to evaulate the relationship between the leukocyte antioxidants status and DR.

Serum total sialic acid levels in smokers and users of smokeless tobacco in form of oral powder (Maras powder).

Smokeless tobacco (ST) is widely used as chewing tobacco and as oral snuff in the world. Also, in Kahramanmaras, a city in Southern Turkey, ST used as 'oral powder' or 'Maras Powder' is consumed widely instead of cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to search the effect of ST use on serum total sialic acid (TSA) and to compare the serum TSA levels in smokers and ST users. The study was performed at the Department of Chemistry-Biochemistry, University of Kahramamaras Sutcu Imam, Turkey, in 2003. Serum samples obtained from smokers (Group I), Maras powder users (Group II), and healthy control subjects (Group III) who were nonsmokers and nonusers ST. Individuals who were smokers and ST users were classified into subgroups with respect to amount of consumed cigarette or oral powder. Serum TSA was measured with the Denny's colorimetric method. The TSA concentrations were significantly higher in the sera of smokers (p < 0.001) and Maras powder users (p < 0.001) than those of control subjects. The mean serum TSA level was found to be lowest in the control group and highest in the Maras Powder users. But, there was no significant difference in serum TSA levels between smokers and Maras powder users (p > 0.05). We can conclude from the results obtained that serum TSA was affected by ST use as seen in smokers. This finding may be an indication of harmful effects of ST use as Maras powder as well as cigarette smoking.

Adenosine deaminase activity in the serum of type 2 diabetic patients.

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is suggested to be an important enzyme for modulating the bioactivity of insulin, but its clinical significance in diabetes mellitus (DM) is not yet characterized. We measured the serum level of ADA in healthy controls (C, n=29) and type 2 diabetic patients (n=42). The mean serum level of ADA in C, and type 2 diabetic patients was 13.04 +/- 3.3 and was 22.2 +/- 4.3 U/L, respectively (P<0.01[corrected] vs. C). ADA levels of patients were significantly correlated with HbA1c (r=0.45, p<0.01). Our findings suggest that ADA may play a role in insulin effect and glycamic control. On the other hand, increased activity of ADA in type 2 DM might be a marker for insulin indication. However, further studies are required for the pathogenic role of elevated ADA activity in type 2 DM.

Levels of organohalogenated persistent pollutants in human milk from Kahramanmaras region, Turkey.

The levels of 1,1,1-trichloro-bis-2,2'-(4-chlorophenyl) ethane (p,p'-DDT) and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), chlordanes (trans- and cis-chlordane, oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor), 11 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, and 7 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners were measured in 37 individual human milk samples from Kahramanmaras region, Turkey. Organochlorine pesticides were the major contaminants in the milk samples. p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT were detected in all samples, while beta-HCH had a detection frequency of 97%. The sum of the DDTs in human milk samples varied between 0.52 and 315.8 ng/g wet weight (ww) with a mean ratio between p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT equal to 31.1. p,p'-DDD could be measured only in six samples. beta-HCH was the most prevalent HCH isomer with a mean value of 2.08 ng/g ww. The mean concentration of gamma-HCH was 0.38 ng/g ww, while alpha-HCH was not detected in any sample. HCB is found in 95% of the milk samples with a mean concentration of 0.30 ng/g ww. The mean value for the sum of chlordanes was 0.39 ng/g ww, with oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor being the principal contributors. PCBs could be measured only in 8 out of 37 samples and their concentration ranged between <0.15 and 1.92 ng/g ww for the sum of PCBs. PCB profiles were dominated by congeners 153, 180 and 138. PBDEs were detected only in 3 out of 37 samples, with the highest value being 0.014 ng/g ww (0.40 ng/g lipid weight) and BDE 47 was the dominant congener. Although the number of samples is relatively low and they are not representative for the whole Turkish population, the results of the present study are important to provide additional data on the concentrations of persistent organochlorinated pollutants in Turkey and show as first the PBDE levels in Turkish population.

The effects of alcohol and smoking on serum, saliva, and urine sialic acid levels.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of smoking and alcohol on serum, saliva, and urine total sialic acid (TSA) levels, and on serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme activities. METHODS: Serum, urine and saliva samples obtained from smokers, drinkers, and nonsmokers-nondrinkers (control) subjects. Total sialic acid was measured with the Warren's colorimetric method, modified by Pönniö et al. The study was performed at the Department of Chemistry, Division of Biochemistry, University of Kahramamaras Sutcu Imam, Turkey, in 2002. RESULTS: Serum and saliva TSA levels of alcohol drinkers and serum TSA levels of smokers were higher than those in control subjects. Urine TSA levels were much higher in alcohol drinkers than those in healthy subjects and smokers. Serum GGT activities were high in smokers and alcohol drinkers and there was no statistically significant difference in serum AST levels between smokers and non-smokers and also serum AST levels were higher in alcohol drinkers than those in control subjects and smokers. Serum ALT levels were higher in smokers and alcohol drinkers than those in controls. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that serum TSA were affected by, and possibly related to, smoking, and that serum GGT, AST, ALT and serum TSA can be used as a marker for monitoring of alcohol abuse. Our study indicate that urine, and saliva TSA can be used as non-invasive markers for alcohol abuse. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the concentrations of TSA on a greater number of serum, saliva, and urine samples from smokers and drinkers.

Alterations of fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membrane in type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between the erythrocyte membrane fatty acid components and diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The study was performed in 40 patients. Thirty of the 40 were type 2 diabetic patients classified into three groups according to Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Group (ETDRS) criteria: 10 with mild-moderate nonproliferative retinopathy (group 1), 10 with moderate-severe nonproliferative retinopathy (group 2), and 10 with proliferative retinopathy (group 3). Ten age- and sex-matched healthy nondiabetic individuals were selected as controls. We examined the fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membrane by a gas chromatographic method. RESULTS: In patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, we found statistically significant decreases in palmitic and stearic acids, and statistically significant increases in oleic, linoleic, behenic, and lignoceric acids, while arachidic and arachidonic acids remained unchanged. Except for the increase in arachidic acid, the results were similar to those in the proliferative retinopathy patients. CONCLUSIONS: The fatty acid component of the erythrocyte membrane alters in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between the free-fatty acid composition of erythrocytes and diabetic retinopathy.

The alterations in adenosine nucleotides and lactic acid levels in striated muscles following death with cervical dislocation or electric shock.

In this study, changes in adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and lactic acid levels in masseter, triceps, and quadriceps muscles obtained from right and left sides of Spraque-Dawley rats following two different types of death were investigated. The samples were taken immediately and 120 minutes after death occurred either by cervical dislocation or electric shock. ATP concentrations in the muscles of masseter, triceps, and quadriceps were lower in samples obtained 120 minutes after death than that of samples obtained immediately after death. ADP, AMP, and lactic acid concentrations in these muscles were higher in samples obtained 120 minutes after death than those obtained immediately after death. A positive linear correlation was determined between ATP and ADP concentrations in quadriceps muscles of the rats killed with cervical dislocation and in masseter muscles of the rats killed with electric shock. When the rats killed with cervical dislocation and with electric shock were compared, ADP, AMP, and lactic acid concentrations were lower in the former than in the latter for both times (immediately and 120 minutes after death occurred). In the case of electric shock, ATP is consumed faster because of immediate contractions during death, resulting in a faster rigor mortis. This finding was confirmed with higher lactic acid levels in muscles of the rats killed with electric shock than the other group. In the cervical dislocation and electric shock group rats, ATP decreased in different levels in the three different muscle types mentioned above, being much decline in masseter in cervical dislocation and in quadriceps in electric shock group. This may be caused by low mass and less glycogen storage of masseter and by near localisation of electrode to quadriceps. One can conclude that the occurrence of rigor mortis is closely related to the mode of death.

The alterations in adenosine nucleotides and lactic acid in striated muscles of rats during Rigor mortis following death with drowning or cervical dislocation.

In this study, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and lactic acid in the muscles of masseter, triceps, and quadriceps obtained from right and left sides of Spraque-Dawley rats following death were investigated. The samples were taken immediately and 120 minutes after death occurred. The rats were killed either by cervical dislocation or drowning. ATP concentrations in the muscles of masseter, triceps, and quadriceps were lower in samples obtained 120 minutes after death than in those obtained immediately after death. ADP, AMP, and lactic acid concentrations in these muscles were higher in samples obtained 120 minutes after death than those obtained immediately after death. A positive linear correlation was determined between ATP and ADP concentrations in quadriceps muscles of the rats killed with cervical dislocation and in triceps muscles of the rats killed with drowning. When rats killed with cervical dislocation and with drowning were compared, ADP, AMP, and lactic acid concentrations were lower in the former than in the latter for both times (immediately and 120 minutes after death occurred). In the case of drowning, ATP is consumed faster because of hard exercise or severe physical activity, resulting in a faster rigor mortis. Higher lactic acid levels were determined in muscles of the rats killed with drowning than the other group. In the control and electric shock rats, ATP decreased in different levels in the three different muscle types mentioned above in control group, being much decline in masseter and then in quadriceps. This may be caused by lower mass and less glycogen storage of masseter. No different ATP levels were measured in drowning group with respect to the muscle type possibly because of the severe activity of triceps and quadriceps and because of smaller mass of masseter. One can conclude that the occurrence of rigor mortis is closely related to the mode of death.

Serum lipid and lipoproteins in gallstone patients.

Serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations were determined in a group of thirty two gallstone patients and compared to the values obtained in thirty two healthy control subjects. The serum levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) in gallstone patients were found to be lower than that of the control group. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, apoprotein-A and apoprotein-B concentrations were observed to be higher in gallstone patients than the controls. The differences in triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration were statistically significant. However, there was no significant difference in high density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), apoprotein-A, apoprotein-B, and total cholesterol concentrations between groups. It is concluded that gallstone formation may be related to a disturbance in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.