Oxidative Status in Epileptic Children Using Carbamazepine.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing attention towards the relationship between oxidative stress and epilepsy. The effect of antiepileptic drugs on oxidant status is of major interest. Antiepileptic drugs can increase levels of free radicals, which consequently might lead to seizures. Carbamazepine (CBZ) is an antiepileptic drug commonly used in childhood and adolescence. OBJECTIVES: Therefore we aimed to investigate the effects of CBZ on total antioxidant status, total oxidant stress, and oxidative stress index. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 40 epileptic patients and 31 healthy children between 4 and 12 years of age. Serum CBZ level, total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status were measured. Oxidative stress index was also calculated both in controls and patients. RESULTS: In the epileptic group, decreased levels of total antioxidant capacity, increased total oxidative stress and oxidative stress index levels were found. Positive correlation between plasma CBZ levels and total oxidant status was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidant action could not be playing any role in antiepileptic effect of CBZ. Furthermore, increased oxidative stress induced by CBZ could be the cause of CBZ-induced seizures. Therefore combining CBZ with antioxidants could be beneficial.

Does polycystic ovary syndrome itself have additional effect on apelin levels?

Objective. The present study was designed to compare serum levels of apelin between lean PCOS women and healthy women with regular menses. Study Design. A total of 30 lean patients with PCOS and 30 healthy subjects were included in this study. Serum apelin levels were compared between groups. Results. Serum apelin levels in lean PCOS patients were not significantly different from the control subjects. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that PCOS itself does not seem to change apelin levels. Further investigation on a large number of subjects will need to be conducted to prove the consistent or variable association in PCOS.

Frequency of MEFV gene mutations in Hatay province, Mediterranean region of Turkey and report of a novel missense mutation (I247V).

In the present study, 1000 patients with clinical suspicion of FMF were retrospectively reviewed to determine the spectrum of MEFV gene mutations by using DNA sequence analysis between September, 2008 and April, 2012. Sixteen different mutations and 55 different genotypes were detected in 618 of 1000 patients. Among 16 different mutations, R202Q (21.35%) was the most frequently observed mutation; followed by E148Q (8.85%), M694V (7.95%), M680I (2.40%), V726A (1.85%), M694I (0.95%), A744S (0.80%), R761H (0.55%), P283L (0.35%), K695R (0.20%), E230K (0.15%), L110P (0.10%), I247V (0.05%), G196W (0.05%) and G304R (0.05%). In the present study, a novel missense mutation (I247V) and a silent variant (G150G) were identified in the MEFV gene. On the other hand, P238L, G632A and G304R mutations are the first cases reported from Turkey. Our results indicated that MEFV mutations are highly heterogeneous in our study population as in other regions of Turkey and mutation screening techniques such as PCR-RFLP, amplification refractory mutation system or reverse hybridization do not adequately detect uncommon or novel mutations. Therefore, it was proven that sequence analysis of the MEFV gene could be useful for detection of rare or unknown mutations.

Iodine, copper, zinc, selenium and molybdenum levels in children aged between 6 and 12 years in the rural area with iodine deficiency and in the city center without iodine deficiency in Hatay.

AIM: Thyroid diseases related with iodine deficiency are observed commonly in our country and in the world. In this study, we aimed to investigate iodine deficiency in urine and selenium, zinc, copper or molybdenum deficiency which may accompany this in children aged between 6 and 12 years in two schools in the province of Hatay (endemic goitre region). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is a case-control field-study in which students aged between 6 and 12 years were included. One hundred fourteen subjects from the village of Tanisma related to the center of our province and 100 subjects from the city center of Hatay (Antakya) were included in the study. Iodine, selenium, zinc, copper and molybdenum levels were measured in the urine samples of the students included in the study. RESULTS: Iodine deficiency was found with a severe (5%), moderate (18.4%) and mild degree (43%), respectively in the village of Tanisma. Mild iodine deficiency (7%) was found in the center of Hatay. No moderate and severe iodine deficiency was found in the control group. A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of urine iodine excretion (p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between the levels of iodine, selenium, zinc and molybdenum (p<0.05). A moderately positive correlation was found between iodine and selenium (p<0.001). A moderately positive correlation was found between iodine and zinc levels (p<0.001) and a weak correlation was found between iodine and molybdenum (p<0.01). No significant correlation was found between iodine level and copper level (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Selenium and zinc deficiency may accompany iodine deficiency. Selenium and zinc deficiency should be considered in individuals who are found to have iodine deficiency especially in endemic goitre regions.

Lipoprotein subfraction profile and HDL-associated enzymes in sickle cell disease patients.

Although hypocholesterolemia is a reported finding in sickle cell disease (SCD), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions and HDL-associated enzymes have not been determined in SCD patients. Blood was collected from 38 hemoglobin (Hb)A volunteers and 45 homozygous HbSS patients who had not received blood transfusions in the last 3 months. Serum lipids were measured by automated analyzer while LDL and HDL subfraction analysis was done by continuous disc polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Serum levels of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), apolipoprotein B (apoB) and apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-I) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly decreased, while TG levels were significantly increased in SCD patients compared to controls. A significant decrease in intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL)-C, IDL-B, IDL-A and LDL-1 fractions were seen in SCD patients, while no significant difference was observed in small dense LDL particles. A significant decrease was seen in HDL-large, HDL-intermediate and HDL-small fractions in SCD patients versus controls. Levels of LCAT and ApoA-1 protein measured in SCD patients were significantly lower while no significant difference was observed in CETP and ApoB protein levels compared to controls. The reduction observed in LDL- and HDL-C in SCD patients was reflected as significantly decreased IDL, LDL-1 and HDL-subfractions. Decreased HDL subfractions may possibly lead to the reduced ApoA-1 and LCAT protein levels observed in SCD patients.

Usefulness of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 to predict no-reflow and three-year mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Although monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels are increased in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, the prognostic value of MCP-1 in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is not clear. The goal of the present study was to investigate the association of MCP-1 levels with myocardial perfusion and prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing pPCI. Consecutive pPCI patients (n = 192) were assigned to tertiles according to their admission serum MCP-1 levels. Angiographic no-reflow, Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade, myocardial blush grade, and ST-segment resolution were assessed. Mortality and major adverse cardiac events were evaluated during hospitalization and at the 3-year clinical follow-up visit. Failure of ST resolution was associated with greater admission MCP-1 levels. The risk of no-reflow (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow ≤2 or Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow 3 with final myocardial blush grade ≤2 after pPCI and ST resolution <30%) increased as the admission MCP-1 increased. The 3-year mortality increased as the MCP-1 level increased (8% vs 22% vs 28% for the 3 tertiles, p <0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that MCP-1 levels at admission are a significant independent correlate of 3-year mortality in patients with no-reflow as detected by myocardial blush grade. A receiver operating characteristics analysis identified an optimum cut point of ≥254 pg/ml, which was associated with a negative predictive value of 95% in association with 1-year mortality. In conclusion, the plasma MCP-1 levels at admission are independently associated with the development of no-reflow and 3-year mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing pPCI.

The protective effect of ebselen on radiocontrast-induced nephrotoxicity.

AIM: Radiocontrast-induced nephropathy has become one of the most important causes of renal acute failure. The most effective management of reducing the incidence of contrast nephropathy is to understand and prevent its causes. We aimed to investigate the protective role of ebselen against radiocontrast-induced nephrotoxicity in terms of tissue oxidant/antioxidant parameters and light microscopy in rats. METHODS: Albino Wistar rats were randomly separated into four groups. The Group 1 rats were treated with sodium chloride as the control group, Group 2 with radiocontrast, Group 3 with radiocontrast plus ebselen, and Group 4 with ebselen alone. After 24 h, the animals over the experimental period were euthanized and blood samples were analyzed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) levels. Kidney sections were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, as well as histopathological changes. RESULTS: In the radiocontrast group, BUN, MDA, and GSH-Px levels increased while SOD activity decreased compared with the control group. These decays were improved by ebselen administration in the radiocontrast group. Significant histological deteriorations were observed in the radiocontrast group. We noted improvement in the histologic findings with ebselen administration. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that ebselen might produce a protective mechanism against radiocontrast-induced nephrotoxicity.

Prognostic significance of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the prognostic value of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). BACKGROUND: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin is a promising biomarker for acute kidney injury. Recently, it was concluded that NGAL may be used beyond the boundaries of renal physiopathology. It was found to be an important factor indirectly contributing to the inflammatory processes. Little is known regarding its predictive role in STEMI. METHODS: One hundred six consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI and control group consisted of age- and sex-matched 60 consecutive patients with chest pain admitted to the hospital for elective PCI. According to median NGAL level, patients were classified into high- and low-NGAL groups. RESULTS: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels were higher in patients with STEMI compared to the elective PCI group subjects. Inhospital and 1-year mortality rates were found to be significantly greater in patients with high NGAL. In addition, inhospital and 1-year major adverse cardiovascular event rates were significantly greater in the high-NGAL group, compared to the low NGAL group. High NGAL level on admission was a significant predictor for long-term mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis further illustrated that NGAL level on admission is a strong indicator of mortality, with an area under the curve of 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: High NGAL levels may be associated with poor prognosis after PCI in patients with STEMI. However, further studies with larger numbers of patients and longer follow-up are required to evaluate the usefulness of plasma NGAL level for predicting prognosis of STEMI.

Serum adiponectin and resistin levels in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder.

We aimed to investigate the changes in serum adiponectin and resistin levels in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder and control groups. The serum adiponectin and resistin levels of 29 patients (16 females, 13 males) with obsessive compulsive disorder and weight, age and sex-matched 31 healthy controls (17 females, 14 males) were determined. Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was applied to all groups. ELISA method was used to measure adiponectin and resistin levels. The mean adiponectin level was 11.92±2.04 ng/ml and resistin level was 13.23±2.78 ng/ml in obsessive compulsive disorder group, while it was 18.81±5.24 ng/ml and 8.17±2.53 ng/ml in control group. Changes in plasma adiponectin and resistin levels in obsessive compulsive disorder may have implications about possible cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities seen in obsessive compulsive patients.

PDGF-ß receptor and PKC have no effect on angiotensin II-induced JAK2 and STAT1 phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle cells under high glucose condition.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms responsible for the accelerated cardiovascular disease in diabetes, as well as the increased hypertrophic effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) under hyperglycemic condition, are not very clear. Evidences show that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and protein kinase C (PKC) play a critical role in this effect. In our study, we examined the role of PKC and PDGF receptor on JAK2 and STAT1 phosphorylation under high glucose (HG) condition (25 mmol/L) in response to Ang II in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). METHODS: VSMCs were isolated from the thoracic aorta of male Wistar rats and were cultured. Growth-arrested VSMCs were placed in either normal glucose (NG) or HG condition for 48 h and then VSMCs were stimulated with agonists and antagonists. The tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK2 or STAT were determined by immunoblotting using specific antibodies. RESULTS: High glucose markedly increased the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues of JAK2 and serine residues of STAT 1 compared with cells cultured in NG (5.5 mmol/L) with and without Ang II stimulation. Experiments made with specific PDGF-ß receptor inhibitor AG1295 and PKC inhibitor GF109203X showed that there were no changes in Ang II-stimulated JAK2 and STAT1 phosphorylation under NG and HG conditions compared with experiments without inhibitors. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, Ang II-stimulated JAK2 and STAT1 phosphorylation under either NG or HG condition do not proceed via a different pathway rather than PKC and PDGF-ß receptor.

Dual effects of erdosteine on hemostasis via its different metabolites in young rats.

AIM: In the study, we examined erdosteine's effects on platelet functions and coagulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 29 young albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Control rats (n = 6) were given saline; Group 1 rats (n = 7) were given 3 mg/kg erdosteine by oral gavage for 3 days; Group 2 rats (n = 7) were given 10 mg/kg erdosteine by oral gavage for 3 days; and Group 3 rats (n = 9) were given 30 mg/kg erdosteine for 3 days. Twenty-four hours after the final dose, blood samples were drawn from a portal vein. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and international normalized ratio (INR) were measured, and platelet counts were examined in a peripheral blood smear by light microscopy. RESULTS: PT and INR values of Group 1 increased compared to the controls but did not change in Group 3. Hemostatic parameters were not measured in Group 2 because the blood samples in Group 2's tubes clotted rapidly. Platelet counts of the peripheral blood from Group 2 were low but were normal in other groups. CONCLUSION: We have concluded erdosteine may disrupt hemostasis parameters by its different metabolites in patients. Erdosteine has dual effects on hemostasis via its different metabolites, which occur in different doses.

Protective effects of edaravone on experimental spinal cord injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among youth and adults. Secondary injury mechanisms within the spinal cord (SC) are well known to cause deterioration after an acute impact. Free radical scavengers are among the most studied agents in animal models of SCI. Edaravone is a scavenger of hydroxyl radicals. METHODS: We aimed to measure and compare the effects of both methylprednisolone and edaravone on tissue and on serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and tissue total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in rats with SCI. SCI was induced in four groups of Wistar albino rats by a weight-drop method. The neurological function of the rats was periodically tested. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected, and SC tissue samples were harvested for biochemical evaluation. RESULTS: The tissue level of NO was decreased in the edaravone-treated group compared with the no-treatment group (p < 0.05). The tissue levels of SOD and GSH-Px were higher in the edaravone-treated group than in the no-treatment group (p < 0.05). The serum levels of NO were lower in the edaravone-treated and methylprednisolone-treated groups than in the no-treatment group (p < 0.05). The serum levels of SOD in the edaravone-treated group did not differ from those of any other group. The serum levels of MDA in the edaravone-treated and no-treatment groups were higher than in the two other groups (p < 0.05). Tissue levels of MDA in the edaravone-treated group were lower than in the no-treatment group (p < 0.05). Tissue levels of TAC in the edaravone-treated group were higher than in the no-treatment and methylprednisolone-treated groups (p < 0.05). The neurological outcome scores of the animals in treatment groups did not depict any statistically significant improvement in motor functions. However, edaravone seemed to prevent further worsening of the immediate post-SCI neurological status. CONCLUSION: Our biochemical analyses indicate that edaravone is capable of blunting the increased oxidative stress that follows SCI. We show, for the first time, that edaravone enhances the TAC in SC tissue. This beneficial effect of edaravone on antioxidant status may act to minimize the secondary neurological damage that occurs during the acute phase after SCI.

Letrozole induces hepatotoxicity without causing oxidative stress: the protective effect of melatonin.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of letrozole (LTZ), an aromatase inhibitor (AI), and melatonin (MLT) on hepatic function and oxidative stress in female rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 32 female rats were divided equally into four groups (n = 8). Control group received saline (0.5 ml/day, oral gavage). LTZ was administered to rats by daily oral gavage at 1 mg/kg dose. LTZ + MLT group was given LTZ (1 mg/kg, oral gavage) plus MLT (0.5 mg/kg/day, s.c.). MLT group was given MLT (0.5 mg/kg/day) by s.c. injection. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in liver tissue. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, LDH, bilirubin, BUN, creatinine, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride (TG) were assayed in serum samples. RESULTS: The oxidative stress parameters did not differ between groups. LTZ administration increased hepatic function parameters such as AST, LDH, ALP, bilirubin and MLT improved the disturbances of hepatic function. LTZ caused minimal histological changes in liver tissue and MLT treatment reversed those dejenerations. DISCUSSION: LTZ may cause hepatotoxicity without inducing oxidative stress and MLT restores hepatic activity.

High plasma nesfatin-1 level in patients with major depressive disorder.

AIM: In the present study, our aim was to determine the changes in the plasma concentrations of a recently discovered peptide hormone nesfatin-1 in patients with major depressive disorder and then to make a comparison with the control group. METHOD: Subjects in the patient group were randomly selected from Mustafa Kemal University, Medical School, Research and Training Hospital, Psychiatry Department, Outpatient Clinic and subjects in the control group were selected from healthy volunteers. Healthy control subjects were matched in terms of weight and body mass index. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was applied to both groups. ELISA method was used for measurement of plasma nesfatin-1 levels. RESULTS: The average nesfatin-1 level was statistically higher in patients with major depressive disorder than in the control group (p<0.001). A positive correlation was observed between plasma nesfatin-1 levels and HAM-D scores both in the patient group (r=0.59, p<0.001) and in the control group (r=0.58, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a possible relationship between major depressive disorder and high plasma nesfatin-1 level.

Effect of Thymoquinone on Oxidative Stress in Escherichia coli-Induced Pyelonephritis in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent urinary tract infections are important in children and adults with diabetes mellitus and/or incontinence due to risk of pyelonephritis (PYN) and renal damage. There is a positive correlation released free radicals during PYN and renal damage. Experimental studies showed that antioxidant agents improve renal damage when used immediately after bacterial inoculation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether treatment by thymoquinone (TQ) before or during Escherichia coli inoculation prevents oxidative damage in acute pyelonephritis (PYN) in an ascending obstructive rat model. METHODS: In this study, 42 Wistar rats were grouped as follows: control, PYN (24, 48, and 72 hours), and TQ-PYN (24, 48, and 72 hours). E. coli (1 ×10(9) colony forming units) was inoculated into the bladder via urethral catheterization in both the PYN and TQ groups. TQ injections were performed 24 hours before bacteria inoculation and repeated at 24-hour intervals during the indicated time at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally in TQ groups. RESULTS: Superoxide dismutase activity was statistically lower in the TQ-PYN-48 and -72 groups than the PYN-48 and -72 groups (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, respectively). Catalase activity was significantly higher in PYN-24, -48, and -72 groups than the control group (P < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference between the TQ-PYN-24, -48, and -72 groups and PYN groups in terms of glutathione peroxidase activity (P < 0.001, P = 0.026, P = 0.046, respectively). When the TQ-PYN-72 group was compared with the PYN-72 group, malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in the TQ-PYN-72 group than in the PYN-72 group (P = 0.033). A histologic examination also confirmed the protective effect of TQ. In statistical analysis of histopathologic findings, there were significant differences between the PYN-24 and TQ-PYN-24, PYN-48 and TQ-PYN-48, and PYN-72 and TQ-PYN-72 groups (P = 0.008, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that TQ administration attenuated the oxidative damage that occurred in PYN and, therefore, could be used as a supportive agent to protect the kidneys from oxidative damage caused by PYN.

Effect of sulfite on antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in normal and sulfite oxidase-deficient rat erythrocytes.

Sulfite and related chemical such as sulfite salts and sulfur dioxide has been used as a preservative in food and drugs. This molecule has also been generated from the catabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids. Sulfite is a very reactive and potentially toxic molecule and has to be detoxified by the enzyme sulfite oxidase (SOX). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ingested sulfite on erythrocyte antioxidant status by measuring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and oxidant status by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in normal and SOX-deficient rats. Rats were assigned to four groups (n = 10 rats/group) as follows; control (C), sulfite (CS), deficient (D), and deficient + sulfite (DS). SOX deficiency was established by feeding rats a low molybdenum diet and adding to their drinking water 200 ppm tungsten (W). Sulfite (25 mg/kg) was administered to the animals via their drinking water. At the end of 6 weeks, Erythrocyte G-6-PD, SOD, and GPx but not CAT activities were found to be significantly increased with and without sulfite treatment in SOX-deficient groups. Sulfite treatment alone was also significantly increased erythrocytes' SOD activity in CS group compared to control. TBARS levels were found to be significantly increased in CS and DS groups and decreased in D group. When SOX-deficient rats treated with sulfite, TBARS level was still higher than other groups. In conclusion, these results suggested that erythrocyte antioxidant capacity, a defense mechanism against the oxidative challenge, increased by endogenous and exogenous sulfite due to its oxidant nature. This increase was also observed in CS and DS groups but it was insufficient to prevent lipid peroxidation.

Beneficial effect of erdosteine on methotrexate-induced testicular toxicity in mice.

Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head and neck, or lung. Methotrexate can cause serious or life-threatening side effects on liver, lungs, kidneys, and immune system. Methotrexate chemotherapy causes testicular damage in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective role of erdosteine on testicular toxicity of methotrexate in mice. Twenty-six male mice were divided into four groups as follows: group 1, control; group 2, erdosteine-treated; group 3, methotrexate-treated; and group 4, methotrexate + erdosteine treated. On the first day of experiment, a single dose of methotrexate was intraperitoneally administered to groups 3 and 4, although a daily single dose of erdosteine was orally administered to group 2 and 4 for 7 days. At the end of the experiment, the testes of the animals were removed and weighed. The levels of total antioxidant capacity and total oxidative stress, and myeloperoxidase activity in the methotrexate group were higher than the control group (p<0.05). Lipid peroxidation levels were not changed in methotrexate group compared with control group. In conclusion, erdosteine could effectively protect the testes in methotrexate-induced toxicity.

Effects of ß-glucan pretreatment on acetylsalicylic acid-induced gastric damage: An experimental study in rats.

BACKGROUND: NSAIDs have been found to induce gastrointestinal tract damage. Recently, it has been suggested that this might be mediated by lipid peroxidation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the potential protective effects of ß-glucan against acetylsalicylic acid (ASA-induced gastric damage by means of its antioxidant capacity in an experimental rat model. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats (200-250 g) were randomized into 4 groups consisting of 8 rats each. The ß-glucan group received 50 mg/kg ß-glucan once a day for 10 days and 30 minutes before anesthesia. The ASA group received saline once a day for 10 days and 300 mg/kg (20 mg/mL) ASA as a single dose, 4 hours before anesthesia. The ASA+ß-glucan group was administered 50 mg/kg ß-glucan once a day for 10 days and 30 minutes before anesthesia. Additionally, 300 mg/kg (20 mg/mL) ASA was administered as a single dose, 4 hours before anesthesia. The control group received saline once a day for 10 days and 30 minutes before anesthesia. All medications were administered by intragastric gavage. The stomach from each rat was dissected and divided into 2 parts for histologic and biochemical analysis. Gastric tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were determined for oxidative parameter analysis. RESULTS: The gastroprotective and antioxidant effects of ß-glucan appeared to attenuate the ASA-induced gastric tissue damage. Compared with the control group, MDA and NO levels and CAT and GSH-Px activities were significantly increased in the stomachs of ASA-treated rats (MDA, 4.12 [0.44] to 13.41 [1.05] µmol/L; NO, 8.04 [7.25-9.10] vs 30.35 [22.34-37.95] µmol/g protein; CAT, 0.050 [0.004] to 0.083 [0.003] k/g protein; GSH-Px, 0.57 [0.42-0.66] to 1.55 [1.19-1.76] U/L; all, P < 0.001), whereas SOD activity was significantly decreased in the same group (291 [29] to 124 [6] U/mL; P < 0.001). In the ASA+ß-glucan group, MDA and NO levels and CAT and GSH-Px activities were found to be significantly lower, while SOD activity was found to be significantly higher, in comparison with the ASA-treated group (all, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ß-Glucan appeared to attenuate the gastric damage caused by ASA in these rats.

[Investigation of E6/E7 mRNAs of high risk human papilloma virus types by a commercial automatized NASBA assay in cervical swabs]. / Servikal sürüntü örneklerinde yüksek riskli insan papilloma virus tiplerine ait E6/E7 mRNA'larinin ticari otomatize bir NASBA sistemiyle arastirilmasi.

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are associated with the development of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions. In addition to cytological screening, nucleic acid testing is the mainstay of diagnosis and follow-up. The molecular tests used for the detection of HPV-DNA in cervical specimens, usually rely on consensus polymerase chain reaction assays that target L1 region of the viral genome. Diagnostic assays that monitor mRNAs from HPV oncogenic proteins, E6 and E7, have also been recently developed. This study was aimed to detect E6/E7 mRNAs from high-risk HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 45 qualitatively by a commercial Nucleic Acid Sequence Based Amplification (NASBA) assay (NucliSENS EasyQ HPV; bioMérieux, France) from cervical specimens. Cervical smear samples were collected from 57 women who had suspected lesions in gynecologic examination and transported by a commercial liquid-based cytology system (ThinPrep Pap Smear Method, Cytyc, USA). Nucleic acid purification was performed by an automated commercial station (NucliSENS easyMAG, bioMérieux, France) as directed by the manufacturer. Presence of viral E6/E7 mRNAs were detected in 38.6% (22/57) of the samples. HPV type 33 mRNA was observed as the most common (11/22, 50%), followed by type 16 (9/22, 41%), 31 (5/22, 22.7%), 45 (4/22, 18.2%) and 18 (1/22, 4.5%). Single and multiple infections with 2 HPV types were identified in 63.6% (14/22) and of 36.4% (8/22) of the positive samples, respectively. The most common co-infection pattern was observed as HPV type 16 and 33 that comprised 13.6% (3/22) of the positive samples. This study was conducted as a preliminary evaluation of commercial NASBA E6/E7 mRNA testing in routine molecular microbiology applications. More studies are required to fully assess the performance of the system for diagnostic laboratories in Turkey.

Gas6-axl receptor signaling is regulated by glucose in vascular smooth muscle cells.

OBJECTIVE: The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl and its ligand Gas6 are involved in the development of renal diabetic disease. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) Axl is activated by reactive oxygen species and stimulates migration and cell survival, suggesting a role for Axl in the vascular complications of diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated the effect of varying glucose concentration on Axl signaling in VSMCs. Glucose exerted powerful effects on Gas6-Axl signaling with greater activation of Akt and mTOR in low glucose, and greater activation of ERK1/2 in high glucose. Plasma membrane distribution and tyrosine phosphorylation of Axl were not affected by glucose. However, coimmunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that glucose changed the interaction of Axl with its binding partners. Specifically, binding of Axl to the p85 subunit of PI3-kinase was increased in low glucose, whereas binding to SHP-2 was increased in high glucose. Furthermore, Gas6-Axl induced migration was increased in high glucose, whereas Gas6-Axl mediated inhibition of apoptosis was greater in low glucose. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a role for glucose in altering Axl signaling through coupling to binding partners and suggests a mechanism by which Axl contributes to VSMC dysfunction in diabetes.