Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibition provides protection against lung injury in a rat paraquat toxicity model.

OBJECTIVES: Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide. Exposure to PQ at toxic doses can result in fatal acute lung injury. Inhibition of the poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzyme alleviates inflammation and necrosis in various pathologies. Here we aimed to evaluate the effects of PARP inhibition on PQ-induced lung damage in a rat experimental model. METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 24) were allocated into three groups: sham, PQ and PQ + 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) that is a PARP inhibitor, groups. Experimental lung injury was induced by administration of 15 mg/kg PQ intraperitoneally in PQ and PQ + 3-AB groups. 3-AB (10 mg/kg twice per day) was administered to the PQ + 3-AB group for four consecutive days. The animals were killed on the fifth day following PQ administration. Lung tissue and blood samples were collected and stored until analysis. RESULTS: Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and neopterin levels, tissue oxidative stress parameters, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß) levels and histological injury scores in the PQ + 3-AB group were significantly lower than in the PQ group (P < 0.05, PQ vs. PQ + 3-AB). Total antioxidant capacity in the PQ + 3-AB group was significantly higher than in the PQ group (P < 0.05, PQ + 3-AB vs. PQ). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that the use of PARP inhibitors following PQ toxicity might be useful for minimizing lung injury due to paraquat toxicity.

Pediatric reference intervals for plasma and urine essential amino acids in a Turkish population.

AIM: To establish age- and sex-specific reference intervals for essential amino acids in a healthy Turkish pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 945 clinically healthy children (531 boys and 414 girls, ranging in age from birth to 14 years) were enrolled. Plasma and urine amino acids' concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Concentrations of essential amino acids in plasma were higher in girls than in boys in the age groups of 0-1 months and 7-14 years; however, there was no difference in the other age groups. Concentrations of essential amino acids in urine were higher in girls than in boys in the age group of 0-1 months; however, there was no difference in the other age groups. Our results demonstrated the sex-related differences in concentrations ofleucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, lysine, and histidine in plasma, which increased with age in boys but not in girls. The concentrations of leucine, tryptophan, methionine, and lysine in urine declined with age in girls but not in boys, which were sex-related differences, too. CONCLUSION: We defined essential amino acids' reference intervals in a Turkish pediatric population.

Report: investigation of anti-cancer effects of cherry in vitro.

Cherry (Prunus Cerasus) is still one of the most popular preserve in Turkish cuisine. Cherry has been traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory-related symptoms. Recent researches have proved that cherry is a valuable natural source of some important bioactive compounds in human health preservation. Evidence suggests that, cherry consumption may decrease the risk of chronic diseases and cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of cherry on breast cancer cells lines, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level and certain multidrug-resistant bacteria. The cancer cell proliferation activity and analysis of apoptotic-necrotic cells was evaluated by using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and scoring of apoptotic cell nuclei. Measurement of ADMA and the minimum inhibitory concentration was accomplished by HPLC and the micro dilution broth method. The results showed that, extracts of cherry exhibit anti-proliferative activity in mammary adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) & mouse mammary tumor cell (4T1) breast cancer cells lines as well as induction of apoptosis, lower ADMA concentrations in cell cultures treated with cherry extract and antibacterial effects against certain multidrug-resistant bacteria in vitro. These findings may open new horizons for traditional anti-inflammatory product as prophylactic-therapeutic agent from cancer, cardiovascular diseases and multidrug-resistant infections.

Studies with Myrtus communis L.: Anticancer properties.

Myrtus communis (MC) L. is a well-known Mediterranean plant with important cultural significance in this region. In ancient times, MC was accepted as a symbol of immortality. Maybe due to this belief, it is used during cemetery visits in some regions. Although it is a well-known plant in cosmetics, and there is a lot of studies about its different medical properties, anticancer studies performed using its different extracts or oils are not so much, but increasing. We collected these anticancer property-related studies in this review.

Indoor air quality in primary schools in Kecioren, Ankara.

AIM: To increase the awareness of environmental risk factors by determining the indoor air quality status of primary schools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Indoor air quality parameters in 172 classrooms of 31 primary schools in Kecioren, Ankara, were examined for the purpose of assessing the levels of air pollutants (CO, CO2, SO2, NO2, and formaldehyde) within primary schools. RESULTS: Schools near heavy traffic had a statistically significant mean average of CO and SO2 (P < 0.05). The classrooms that had more than 35 students had higher and statistically significant averages of CO2, SO2, NO2, and formaldehyde compared to classrooms that had fewer than 35 students (P < 0.05). Of all classrooms, 29% had 100 CFU/100 mL and higher concentrations of microorganisms, which were not pathogens. CONCLUSION: Indoor air quality management should continually be maintained in primary schools for the prevention and control of acute and chronic diseases, particularly considering biological and chemical pollution.

Evaluation of some physical hazards which may affect health in primary schools.

AIM: This study was performed with the objective to determine the levels of some physical hazards in primary schools. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional field survey. In this study which was conducted in 31 primary schools selected by appropriate sampling from the district of Keçiören of the province of Ankara, measurements related with temperature, light, electromagnetic field (EMF) and noise levels were done at hundreds of points. Approval was obtained from Gülhane Military Medical Faculty Ethics Committee (2007/97). RESULTS: Only 47.1% of the classes had a temperature value within the recommended limits (20-21°C). It was found that the illumination levels in 96.8% of the schools were above the standard values. However, the levels of illumination were found to be statistically significantly decreased towards the door and the back line (p<0.05). It was found that electromagnetic field levels were significantly higher in the schools who had a source of electromagnetic field nearby compared to the schools who did not have such a source nearby (p<0.001). It was found that the electromagnetic field levels in computer classes were statistically significantly higher compared to the other classes (p<0.001). Noise levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in classes which had 35 and more students (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in schools near intensive vehicle traffic in terms of noise levels (62.8±5.0 (n=72), 62.0±6.4 (n=79), respectively, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that primary schools in the region of Keçiören had aspects which had to be improved in terms of building age, building location, brightness, electromagnetic field and noise levels. School health programs directed to improve negative enviromental factors should be developed.

Effects of the menstrual cycle on injection pain due to rocuronium.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the menstrual cycle on rocuronium injection pain. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: 80 ASA physical status 1 and 2 women scheduled for elective surgery with general anesthesia. MEASUREMENTS: Patients were divided into two groups according to their time in the menstrual cycle. Forty patients at days 8 to 12 of the menstrual cycle were considered to be at the follicular phase (Group F), and 40 patients at days 20 to 24 of the menstrual cycle were considered to be at the luteal phase (Group L).Withdrawal movements were recorded. MAIN RESULTS: Overall frequency of withdrawal movements was significantly higher in Group L than Group F (P < 0.001). The mean withdrawal movement score was 1.77 ± 0.76 in Group L and 0.52 ± 0.67 in Group F. CONCLUSION: Menstrual cycle phases affect the severity of rocuronium injection pain. Women exhibit greater pain sensitivity from rocuronium injection in the luteal phase than the follicular phase.

The effects of medical ozone therapy on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to investigate the possible beneficial effects of medical ozone therapy (OT), known as an immunomodulator and antioxidant, on the renal function, morphology, and biochemical parameters of oxidative stress in kidneys subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were classified into three groups: control, renal IRI, and renal IRI + OT. The IRI group was induced by bilateral renal ischemia for 60 min, followed by reperfusion for 6 h. After reperfusion, the kidneys and blood of rats were obtained for histopathologic and biochemical evaluation. RESULTS: Renal IRI increased the tissue oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and nitrite plus nitrate) and decreased the antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase). The serum neopterin levels showed correlation with oxidative stress parameters. All these parameters were brought to control values in the treatment group. Histopathologically, the kidney injury in the treatment group was significantly lesser than in the renal IRI group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results clearly showed that OT has beneficial effect to protect kidney against IRI. The serum neopterin levels might be used as a marker to detect the degree of renal IRI.

Investigation of vasoactive ion content of herbs used in hemorrhoid treatment in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to determine anion and cation contents of the herbals used in Turkish folk remedy to explore the rationale of their use in hemorrhoid treatment in the context of the vasoactivity of these elements. DESIGN: Herbs used in the treatment of hemorrhoid were determined by the way of literature search. These herbs were obtained from certified herb sellers. Ground herb samples were placed in individual tubes containing methanol and incubated for 48 hours at 30 degrees C. At the end of the incubation, supernatants were analyzed for their ion concentrations by using ion chromatography. RESULTS: The difference between ion levels between systemic and locally used herbs, was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Anion concentrations (except nitrate) of locally used herbs were slightly higher than systemically used herbs (p>0.05). Cation levels (except magnesium) of systemically used herbs were slightly higher than locally used herbs (p>0.05). It was shown that the concentration of vasoconstrictor effective ions was higher than the concentration of vasodilator effective ions (p<0.001). While vasoconstrictor ion concentration of systemically used herbs was 88.06 +/- 147.42 mg, vasodilator ion concentration of locally used herbs was 90.15 +/- 136.94 mg. The difference between vasodilator concentrations of groups was more evident; 5.39 +/- 9.80 mg and 14.32 +/- 66.48 mg for locally and systemically used herbs respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that herbal remedies used for the treatment of hemorrhoid in Turkey contain vasoactive and especially vasoconstrictor ions. Vasoconstrictor agents could amplify each others' effects as it has been previously shown, therefore, it is probable that the vasoconstrictor ion contents could contribute to the curative effects of herbals in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Could rice be used as an anticaking agent in table salt?

The aim of the study was to examine whether powdered rice could be used as an anticaking agent in table salt. Salts free from anticaking food additives were selected and powdered rice was added at different concentrations (0%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% and 20%). The samples were placed away from direct light and airflow, and left exposed in the laboratory at room temperature and below 30% humidity. The weight of the samples was measured using an electronic laboratory balance and recorded daily for 4 days. At the end of the experiment, all the samples were dried at 105 °C in order to determine exact dryness. All the salt samples containing powdered rice lost weight (0.56±0.08%), while the other salt samples free of powdered rice gained weight (10.31±0.63%) (P<0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the first two (1% and 2%) and last three concentrations (5%, 10% and 20%) (P<0.001). Adding powdered rice to salt as an anticaking agent during salt manufacturing at a concentration of 1% could take the place of other anticaking food additives used in table salt production.

Establishing the use of melatonin as an adjuvant therapeutic against paraquat-induced lung toxicity in rats.

It is well known that the intake of paraquat (PQ) causes severe tissue injury leading to numerous fatalities. Considering that the main target for PQ toxicity is the lung and involves the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, transcription factors and inflammatory cytokines, it may be hypothesized that the combination of a potent antiinflammatory and antioxidant agent may counteract more of PQ's effects than an antiinflammatory agent alone. For this purpose, combination of dexamethasone (Dex) and melatonin (Mel) was compared with Dex alone. A total of 40 male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups as control, PQ, Dex only, and Dex plus Mel. The animals were given intraperitoneally a toxic dose of 19 mg/kg PQ dissolved in 1 ml saline. Control animals were injected with the same amount of saline only. A dose of 1 mg/kg Dex was administered 2 hrs after PQ administration. In the combination treatment group, 20 mg/kg Mel was given with Dex. All drugs were given every 12 hrs for a total of six doses. Five animals in PQ group and three animals in Dex only group died by the end of the study. No deaths occurred in the Dex+Mel group. Dex exerted improvements in several oxidative and antioxidative parameters. However, combination treatment provided beneficial effects against PQ toxicity far greater than Dex alone. This difference was also apparent when tissues were histologically compared. In conclusion, Mel exhibited strong additive beneficial effects with Dex and can be considered as a safe treatment modality against PQ toxicity.

Blood pressure changes in young male subjects exposed to a median altitude.

OBJECTIVE: Residence at high altitude has been associated with elevation in systemic blood pressure (BP), but few studies have been done on the time course and the effects of a median altitude. Moreover, there exist population differences in the reactions given to altitude and the mechanism is unknown. This study was therefore designed to determine the effects of a median altitude on resting BP and heart rate (HR) in a group of 15 healthy, young, Turkish male subjects. METHODS: After basic measurements were carried out in Bursa (155 m), subjects were transported to a mountain hotel (altitude 1,860 m), where the measurements were repeated once every 15 days during a 10-month period. RESULTS: Mean BP and diastolic BP increased on Day 4 and then remained above first values throughout the study. Compared with control measurements, high altitude increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) in all subjects, but in Month 4 and Month 6, SBP returned to control values, and remained elevated thereafter. HR continued to decrease in parallel with time and significant decrease occurred after Month 5. INTERPRETATION: Our findings imply that moderate-altitude living results in a significantly greater BP and lower HR over equivalent low-altitude measurements and we conclude that chronic exposure to hypobaric hypoxia at a median altitude causes increased parasympathetic and sympathetic tone in healthy, young, Turkish males.

Melatonin as an antibiotic: new insights into the actions of this ubiquitous molecule.

The incidence of serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria has been increasing rapidly worldwide despite advances in antibacterial therapy in the last two decades. Among multidrug-resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii are of great importance, because they have emerged as primary nosocomial pathogens in hospital outbreaks. In this study, we investigated whether melatonin has antibacterial effects against these microorganisms in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration of melatonin was determined using a standard microdilution method at 24 and 48 hr. Melatonin inhibited microbial growth at both 24 and 48 hr; but results showed that melatonin had antibacterial effects against these microorganisms after 48 hr of incubation in lower doses [concentrations between 31.25 to 125 microg/mL (0.13-0.53 mM)]. Also, it was determined that melatonin has a more potent antimicrobial effect on gram-negative microorganism. Among possible mechanisms, it is concluded that melatonin showed antibacterial effects by reducing intracellular substrates.

Persistence of hyperbaric oxygen-induced oxidative effects after exposure in rat brain cortex tissue.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) causes oxidative stress in several organs and tissues. Due to its high rate of blood flow and oxygen consumption, the brain is one of the most sensitive organs to this effect. Many studies have reported oxidative effects of HBO, but there is no comprehensive data about how long this effect persists. The aim of this study was to elucidate the duration of HBO-induced oxidative/antioxidant action. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups. Except for the controls, the animals were subjected to 100% oxygen for 2 h at 3 atm and differed from each other by the time to dissection after exposure that began at 30, 60, 90, or 120 min. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was determined in brain cortex tissue. Additionally, nitrite-nitrate (NO(x)) concentrations were measured. All measured parameters were found to be significantly increased 30 min after exposure. SOD and GSH-Px levels persisted at significantly high levels for 60 min. In conclusion, the oxidative effect of HBO was shown to persist only for 1 h. Further studies should be performed to elucidate the possible molecular interactions during this period.

Evaluation of the effect of cola drinks on bone mineral density and associated factors.

The aim of the study was to determine bone mineral density changes caused by consumption of cola drinks and the associated factors. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2, consisting of 10 male and 10 female rats, respectively, were provided with as much food, water and cola drinks as they wanted. Groups 3 and 4, consisting of five rats each, received only rat chow and water. The bone mineral density of the rats was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the end of 30 days. The blood values and weights of the animals were also determined. The oesophagus and kidneys were removed for histopathological examination. The weight gain was higher in the groups consuming cola drinks than the control group rats (P < 0.05). Water consumption decreased 5.9 times while total fluid consumption increased 1.6-1.9 times in the group consuming cola drinks. No significant change was detected in the blood calcium levels. There was a significant decrease in the bone mineral density of test groups when compared to the control groups (P < 0.05). While we did not detect any pathological oesophageal changes in the rats consuming cola drinks, examination of the kidneys revealed general glomerular congestion and intertubular bleeding. We suggest that the decrease in bone mineral density might be related to the renal damage caused by cola drinks in addition to other related factors.

Some sociodemographic and diagnostic characteristics of military patients treated in the Department of Medical Oncology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy.

Today, chronic diseases have increased importance. Cancer, for which 10 million new cases are diagnosed around the world each year, is in the lead of such diseases. This study included military personnel with cancer who applied to the Department of Medical Oncology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, in the period between 1998 and 2003, and it aims to describe some sociodemographic and diagnostic characteristics of the patients. The total number of cases was 938, which included both active duty and retired military personnel with diagnoses of cancer who were given medical care between 1998 and 2003 in the Department of Medical Oncology. For the study group, the five most common diagnoses were lung cancer, colorectal cancer, testicular cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Hodgkin's disease. Although the first three diagnoses among officers were lung cancer, testicular cancer, and Hodgkin's disease, those among retired officers were colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Among noncommissioned officers, the first three diagnoses were colorectal cancer, testicular cancer, and Hodgkin's disease for active duty patients and lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer for retired patients. In the group of privates, testicular cancer, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were the first three diagnoses. When we consider the characteristics of cancers, such as high costs of treatment, loss of manpower, and high mortality rates, prevention of cancers and early diagnosis are very important. Because the frequent types of cancers differed for groups according to age and occupation, those characteristics should be considered when cancer screening programs are being developed for the Armed Forces.

Correlation between hyperbaric oxygen exposure pressures and oxidative parameters in rat lung, brain, and erythrocytes.

OBJECTIVES: The oxygen toxicity risk of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment has long been of interest. However, there are no comprehensive articles describing the relationship between HBO protocols and oxidative parameters used clinically. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of various HBO pressure modalities on the oxidative values of rat lung, brain, and erythrocytes. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 64 male Sprague-Dawley rats was randomly divided into 7 groups. Group A was used as a control. Groups C to G were subjected to 100% oxygen at a pressure of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 ATA (atmosphere absolute), respectively, for 2 h. Group B was exposed to normal atmospheric air at 3 ATA for the same duration. The rat's lung, brain, and blood were taken immediately after the exposure and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined. RESULTS: Both TBARS levels and SOD activity increased concordantly with the pressure increase. Although a statistically significant change in TBARS levels started from 100% oxygen exposure at 1 ATA (normobaric), SOD activity was affected after 2 ATA. A significant correlation exists between exposure pressure and the aforementioned parameters. Ambient air exposure at 3 ATA did not affect any parameters besides the brain TBARS levels. CONCLUSIONS: It is clear that HBO exposure causes oxidative stress. The main reason for this effect seems to be exposure to pure oxygen, since pure high pressure has no significant effect on the aforementioned parameters. However, clinicians should use as low pressures as possible since all oxidative parameters appear to be directly proportional to the extent of HBO exposure.

High nitrate intake impairs liver functions and morphology in rats; protective effects of α-tocopherol.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of high dose nitrate ingested in drinking water, on liver enzymes and histopathology, liver weight/body weight (lw/bw) ratio, serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and osmotic fragility in Sprague-Dawley rats. These parameters were compared on 40 rats divided into four groups; control animals (group A) drank filtered tap water containing maximum 10mg/L nitrate while treatment groups drank 200mg/L (group B), 400mg/L (group C) and α-tocopherol plus 400mg/L (group D) nitrate containing water ad libitum for 60 days. As a result, lw/bw ratio increased significantly (p<0.05) among rats that consumed water with 400mg/L nitrate. Osmotic fragility increased significantly in treatment groups (p<0.05 versus control). Liver but not serum MDA levels increased in group C (p<0.05 versus control). Group A showed normal hepatic lobular architecture and histology. After nitrate administration, there was hepatocellular degeneration with increased intercellular space of the liver cells in groups B and C. Liver MDA, osmotic fragility and liver histology have returned to nearly normal in group D. These findings show clearly that high nitrate ingestion can cause pathological changes in liver histology and functions. Moreover, α-tocopherol can prevent these effects, possibly through antioxidant properties.