Role of silymarin (Silybum marianum) in the prevention of colistin-induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats.

Silymarin (Silybum marianum) has some protective effects against drug toxicity (cisplatin, acetaminophen, adriamycin, gentamicin etc.). Colistin is a strong antimicrobial, which is frequently used in the treatment of resistant gram-negative bacterial infections in recent years although it has nephrotoxic potential. This study was aimed to determine the role of silymarin against colistin-induced acute nephrotoxicity (CIN). Rats were randomly divided into four groups. The control group was treated with tap water whereas groups 2 and 3 received silymarin (orally, 100 mg/kg/day) and colistin (intraperitoneally, 750.000 IU/kg/day) for seven days, respectively. Group 4 received both 750,000 IU/kg/day colistin and 100 mg/kg/day silymarin for seven days. After euthanasia, histopathological and biochemical examinations were completed for the kidney tissue specimens and blood samples. All parameters of the control and silymarin groups were similar. Severe weight loss was seen in the groups receiving colistin (groups 3 and 4). Silymarin significantly increased glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels when administered with colistin in group 4 only. Acute tubular injury, tubular necrosis, meduller congestion, interstitial inflammation and apoptotic indices of colistin group were significantly higher than the control group. The administration of colistin with silymarin (group 4) was able to make some improvements in tubular necrosis and significant increase in antioxidant capacity. Silymarin increased antioxidant enzyme activity only when used in combination with colistin. The effects of silymarin may become more pronounced when used at higher doses or with a longer duration of treatment and may prevent nephrotoxicity.

Effect of Exercise and Quercetin in Rats with Metabolic Syndrome Induced with Fructose.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), one of the most researched topics in recent years, is a metabolic disorder that presents with increased inactivity and has increasing prevalence in the developing world where many ready-made foods are consumed. This research aimed to investigate the protective effect of exercise and quercetin administration in a rat model of MetS induced by fructose. Methods: Forty-two male rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6): control (C), fructose (F), exercise (E), quercetin (Q), fructose+exercise (F+E), fructose+quercetin (F+Q), and fructose+quercetin+exercise (F+Q+E). Fructose was given as 20% solution in drinking water, and quercetin (15 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage. Treadmill running exercises were applied 30 min a day for 5 days a week. After the experiments, biochemical assays, Lee index, and body fat mass analyses were measured. Result: Fructose administration caused a statistically significant increase in systolic blood pressures (SBP), triglycerides (TG), VLDL-cholesterol, glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) compared with the control group, and the MetS model was successfully demonstrated (P < 0.05). It was determined that SBP, serum TG, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, and Lee indexes, and body fat mass, were decreased in the F + E group (P < 0.05). In addition, it was found that the MetS-related parameters improved, except lipid profile in the F + Q group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These results show that high fructose consumption leads to elevated SBP, TG, cholesterol, body fat mass, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR levels, and aerobic exercise training treatment has beneficial effects on these biochemical parameters in rats. Although quercetin has positive effects on SBP and insulin levels, it was observed to cause a significant increase especially in TG and body fat mass. Therefore, more detailed dose studies and pathways of quercetin are needed to elucidate its mechanism of action in body fat mass.

FGF23, alpha-Klotho and vitamin D mediated calcium-phosphate metabolism in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Klotho is a prote˝in that acts as a co-receptor for FGF23. FGF23-Klotho axis has great importance regarding the regulation of mineral metabolism by kidneys. In this study, we analysed FGF23, Klotho, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathormone, Calcium and Phosphate levels of haemodialysis patients in order to investigate the nature of the mineral metabolism disruption in chronic kidney diseases. METHODS: Sixty haemodialysis patients and 34 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum iFGF, cFGF, and soluble Klotho were analysed using ELISA kits. Moreover, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was determined using LCMS/MS. Calcium, phosphate, iPTH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured using autoanalyzers. RESULTS: In haemodialysis patients, iFGF23, cFGF23, iPTH and P levels were significantly higher, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, Klotho and Ca levels were significantly lower compared with the control group. There was no significant difference in the 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that lack of sufficient amounts of Klotho is crucial for mineral metabolism disruptions seen as a complication of chronic kidney diseases. Despite the high levels of the hormone, FGF23 is unable to accomplish its function properly, likely due to deteriorated kidney function in haemodialysis patients.

Positive Effects of Melatonin on Renal Nitric Oxide-Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Metabolism in Fructose-Fed Rats.

Background: The incidence of metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide and this is mainly attributed to high carbohydrate intake, especially of fructose, and sedentary lifestyles. Nitric oxide (NO), which is synthesized by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes, is a crucial molecule for endothelial and renal health. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is the most potent inhibitor of NOS and it is degraded by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on renal NO-ADMA metabolism using a metabolic syndrome model achieved by fructose administration. Methods: Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): (1) control group, (2) fructose group, (3) melatonin group, and (4) fructose + melatonin group. Fructose (20%) was given in drinking water. Melatonin [20 mg/(kg·day)] was administered in 0.1% ethanol solution. After 8 weeks, kidney tissues were collected to measure tissue levels of nitrite/nitrate (NOx), ADMA, arginine, symmetric dimethylarginine, DDAH activity, and endothelial NOS (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) protein levels. Results: Fructose led to low arginine/ADMA ratios (AARs) (P < 0.008). Tissue NOx levels of the fructose + melatonin group were significantly higher than those of the fructose group (P < 0.008). ADMA and arginine were significantly higher in the fructose + melatonin group than the control group (P < 0.008). The DDAH activity of the fructose and fructose + melatonin groups was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.008). eNOS protein levels showed no difference and iNOS protein was not detected in any of the groups. Conclusions: A diminished AAR indicates the toxicity of fructose in the kidneys. Melatonin has beneficial effects on the NO-ADMA pathway as it restores NOx levels and increases DDAH activity, possibly as a result of a compensatory mechanism to metabolize increased ADMA.

Serum defensin levels in patients with systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of skin and lung as well as involvement of kidney, gastrointestinal system and heart. Aetiology and exact mechanism of disease is poorly understood. The association between antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and other diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, diffuse panbronchiolitis, pulmoner alveolar proteinosis and psoriasis have been reported. A small number of studies have examined the role of AMPs on autoimmune diseases which has not been studied in scleroderma yet. We aimed to investigate AMP serum levels and their association with disease characteristics of SSc. METHODS: Forty-two patients (40 female, mean age 42 years) and 38 healthy subjects (32 female, mean age 38 years) were enrolled. For SSc patients, the following data were recorded: disease subset (limited/diffuse), autoantibodies (antinuclear, anti-centromere (ACA), and anti-SCL-70), blood tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), modified Rodnan skin score, presence and history of digital ulcers, kidney, gastrointestinal disease and lung involvement assessed by computed tomography and pulmonary function tests. Association between serum AMPs and disease characteristics were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of the patients had diffuse (69%) and 13 of the patients had limited (31%) systemic sclerosis. Average disease duration was 5.5 years. Pulmonary involvement was detected in 20 patients (47.6%). Serum concentration of alpha defensin was higher than healthy subjects (563 ± 415 vs 377 ± 269 ng/mL, p = 0.02). However, no difference was observed for beta-1 and beta-2 defensins in SSc patients and healthy controls. In sub-group analysis patients with interstitial lung disease had higher levels of alpha defensin than those without lung involvement (684 ± 473 vs 430 ± 299 ng/ml, p = 0.04). There was also correlation between alfa defensin serum concentrations and CRP (r = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Alpha defensin levels are increased in scleroderma patients and correlated with lung involvement indicating a role in the pathogenesis of disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is not a clinical trial study.

Serum defensin levels in patients with systemic sclerosis

Abstract Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of skin and lung as well as involvement of kidney, gastrointestinal system and heart. Aetiology and exact mechanism of disease is poorly understood. The association between antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and other diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, diffuse panbronchiolitis, pulmoner alveolar proteinosis and psoriasis have been reported. A small number of studies have examined the role of AMPs on autoimmune diseases which has not been studied in scleroderma yet. We aimed to investigate AMP serum levels and their association with disease characteristics of SSc. Methods: Forty-two patients (40 female, mean age 42 years) and 38 healthy subjects (32 female, mean age 38 years) were enrolled. For SSc patients, the following data were recorded: disease subset (limited/diffuse), autoantibodies (antinuclear, anti-centromere (ACA), and anti-SCL-70), blood tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), modified Rodnan skin score, presence and history of digital ulcers, kidney, gastrointestinal disease and lung involvement assessed by computed tomography and pulmonary function tests. Association between serum AMPs and disease characteristics were analysed. Results: Twenty-nine of the patients had diffuse (69%) and 13 of the patients had limited (31%) systemic sclerosis. Average disease duration was 5.5 years. Pulmonary involvement was detected in 20 patients (47.6%). Serum concentration of alpha defensin was higher than healthy subjects (563 ± 415 vs 377 ± 269 ng/mL, p = 0.02). However, no difference was observed for beta-1 and beta-2 defensins in SSc patients and healthy controls. In sub-group analysis patients with interstitial lung disease had higher levels of alpha defensin than those without lung involvement (684 ± 473 vs 430 ± 299 ng/ml, p = 0.04). There was also correlation between alfa defensin serum concentrations and CRP (r = 0.34). Conclusions: Alpha defensin levels are increased in scleroderma patients and correlated with lung involvement indicating a role in the pathogenesis of disease. Trial registration: This study is not a clinical trial study.(AU)

Acute effects of different doses of malathion on the rat liver.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Our study was designed to evaluate the acute effects of malathion on rat liver tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The animals were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals/each. Group 1 (control group) received corn oil, while groups 2, 3, and 4 were given malathion dissolved in corn oil at a dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. 24 hours after malathion administration, animals were sacrificed and liver tissues were collected. The liver tissues were then analysed biochemically and histopathologically. RESULTS: Butyrylcholinesterase levels in groups 2, 3 and 4 were significantly lower than that of group 1. Total oxidant status and tumour necrosis factor alpha level were significantly increased in group 4 compared to group 1. Catalase activities of groups 3 and 4 were significantly higher than that of group 1. Arylesterase activity was significantly decreased in groups 3 and 4 compared to group 1. In groups 3 and 4, some vacuoles in hepatocytes were revealed and hydropic degeneration was observed in group 4. CONCLUSIONS: Acute administrations of malathion results in hepatotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner.

Is it possible to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy with dexpanthenol?

PURPOSE: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the side effects of diagnostic procedures. Oxidative stress plays an important role in CIN's pathophysiology. Dexpanthenol (Dexp) is a substance with antioxidant efficacy. We investigated the likely protective effects of dexpanthenol for CIN. METHODS: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into four groups of 6 rats; control (group 1), Dexp (group 2), CIN (group 3) and Dexp + CIN (group 4). All rats were restricted of water moderately to facilitate of nephrotoxicity. Dexp was administered into the intraperitoneally at a dose of 500 mg/kg for 5 days in groups 2 and 4. The same amount of saline was applied via intraperitoneally to group 1 and 3. In CIN and Dexp + CIN groups, L-NAME (10 mg/kg), tenoxicam (0.5 mg/kg) and sodium amidotrizoate (10 ml/kg) were administered on the 4th day via the tail vein for CIN. All rats were euthanized on the 6th day and samples for biochemical and pathological evaluations were collected. RESULTS: When the Dexp + CIN group and the CIN group were compared, it was found to be provide a significant decline at the level of acute tubular injury and necrosis in kidney biopsies by dexp. Furthermore Dexp significantly reduced the serum cystatin C (Cys-C) levels, not serum creatinine. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in total oxidant and antioxidant levels. CONCLUSIONS: Dexpanthenol did not have significant effect on oxidative stress of acute kidney injury on this rat model. However, it has ameliorated serum Cys-C levels and histopathological findings of CIN.

The Effects of Bougie Diameters on Tissue Oxygen Levels After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Randomized Experimental Trial

Background: Staple-line leak is the most frightening complication of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and several predisposing factors such as using improper staple sizes regardless of gastric wall thickness, narrower bougie diameter and ischemia of the staple line are asserted. Aims: To evaluate the effects of different bougie diameters on tissue oxygen partial pressure at the esophagogastric junction after sleeve gastrectomy. Study Design: A randomized and controlled animal experiment with 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8 each. While 12-Fr bougies were used in groups 1 and 3, 8-Fr bougies were used in groups 2 and 4. Fibrin sealant application was also carried out around the gastrectomy line after sleeve gastrectomy in groups 3 and 4. Burst pressure of gastrectomy line, tissue oxygen partial pressure and hydroxyproline levels at the esophagogastric junction were measured and compared among groups. Results: Mortality was detected in 2 out of 32 rats (6.25%) and one of them was in group 2 and the cause of this mortality was gastric leak. Gastric leak was detected in 2 out of 32 rats (6.25%). There was no significant difference in terms of burst pressures, tissue oxygen partial pressure and tissue hydroxyproline levels among the 4 groups. Conclusion: The use of narrower bougie along with fibrin sealant has not had a negative effect on tissue perfusion and wound healing.

Relationship between obesity and iron deficiency anemia: is there a role of hepcidin?

OBJECTIVES: Iron deficiency is common in obese children although the underlying mechanism is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between iron parameters, leptin, hepcidin and adiponectin levels in obese children. METHODS: A total of 237 children, ranging in age from 5 to 18 years, 180 with primary obesity and 57 healthy children and adolescents, were enrolled. Complete blood count, serum iron levels, iron-binding capacity, ferritin levels, leptin, hepcidin and adiponectin levels were studied. RESULTS: White blood cell and platelet count, iron-binding capacity, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, leptin and hepcidin values in the obese group were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, mean corpuscular volume, adiponectin and transferrin saturation values in the obese group were lower than in the control group (p = 0.026, p = 0.003, and p < 0.001, respectively). No significant differences were found in terms of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, iron and IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that hepcidin levels do not contribute to the development of iron deficiency anemia in pediatric obese individuals.

Genetic analysis of CHST6 and TGFBI in Turkish patients with corneal dystrophies: Five novel variations in CHST6.

PURPOSE: To identify pathogenic variations in carbohydrate sulfotransferase 6 (CHST6) and transforming growth factor, beta-induced (TGFBI) genes in Turkish patients with corneal dystrophy (CD). METHODS: In this study, patients with macular corneal dystrophy (MCD; n = 18), granular corneal dystrophy type 1 (GCD1; n = 12), and lattice corneal dystrophy type 1 (LCD1; n = 4), as well as 50 healthy controls, were subjected to clinical and genetic examinations. The level of antigenic keratan sulfate (AgKS) in the serum samples of patients with MCD was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to immunophenotypically subtype the patients as MCD type I and MCD type II. DNA was isolated from venous blood samples from the patients and controls. Variations were analyzed with DNA sequencing in the coding region of CHST6 in patients with MCD and exons 4 and 12 in TGFBI in patients with LCD1 and GCD1. Clinical characteristics and the detected variations were evaluated to determine any existing genotype-phenotype correlations. RESULTS: The previously reported R555W mutation in TGFBI was detected in 12 patients with GCD1, and the R124C mutation in TGFBI was detected in four patients with LCD1. Serum AgKS levels indicated that 12 patients with MCD were in subgroup I, and five patients with MCD were in subgroup II. No genetic variation was detected in the coding region of CHST6 for three patients with MCD type II. In other patients with MCD, three previously reported missense variations (c. 1A>T, c.738C>G, and c.631 C>T), three novel missense variations (c.164 T>C, c.526 G>A, c. 610 C>T), and two novel frameshift variations (c.894_895 insG and c. 462_463 delGC) were detected. These variations did not exist in the control chromosomes, 1000 Genomes, and dbSNP. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first molecular analysis of TGFBI and CHST6 in Turkish patients with different types of CD. We detected previously reported, well-known hot spot mutations in TGFBI in the patients with GCD1 and LCD1. Eight likely pathogenic variations in CHST6, five of them novel, were reported in patients with MCD, which enlarges the mutational spectrum of MCD.

RANKL/Osteoprotegerin System and Bone Turnover in Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

Hypothyroidism is associated with changes in bone metabolism. The impact of hypothyroidism and the associated autoimmunity on the mediators of bone turnover in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is not known. In this study, we assessed the levels of OPG, RANKL, and IL-6 along with markers of bone formation as osteocalcin (OC) and markers of bone resorption as type 1 collagen C telopeptide (CTX) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAcP 5b) in 30 hypothyroid and 30 euthyroid premenopausal HT patients and 20 healthy premenopausal controls. We found that TRAcP 5b (p = 0.006), CTX (p = 0.01), OC (p = 0.017), and IL-6 (p < 0.001) levels were lower in the hypothyroid group compared to euthyroid HT patients and controls. OPG levels were higher (p < 0.001) and RANKL levels were lower (p = 0.021) in hypothyroid and euthyroid HT patients compared to controls. TSH was negatively correlated with IL-6 (rho = -0.434, p < 0.001), OC (rho = -0.313, p = 0.006), TRAcP 5b (rho = -0.335, p = 0.003), and positively correlated with OPG (rho = 0.248, p = 0.029). RANKL/OPG ratio was independently associated with the presence of HT. In conclusion, bone turnover is slowed down by hypothyroidism in premenopausal patients with HT. Thyroid autoimmunity might have a unique impact on OPG/RANKL levels apart from the resultant hypothyroidism.

The effects of ventilation with high density oxygen on the strength of gastrointestinal anastomosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study is to evaluate the effects of administration of perioperative supplemental oxygen on anastomoses. METHODS: Forty male Wistar albino rats were used in the study and randomized into 4 groups. Ischemia-reperfusion models were built in groups 3 and 4. Jejunojejunostomy was performed in all rats and assigned to an oxygen/nitrous oxide mixture with a fraction of inspired oxygen of 30% in groups 1 and 3 and 80% in groups 2 and 4. The measurements of perianastomotic tissue oxygen pressure, bursting pressure, level of hydroxyproline were evaluated and compared in all groups. RESULTS: The perianastomotic tissue oxygen pressures, bursting pressures and levels of hydroxyproline were identified as significantly high in groups 2 and 4, administered a fraction of inspired oxygen of 80%, compared to groups 1 and 3, administered a fraction of inspired oxygen of 30%. CONCLUSION: Perioperative supplemental oxygen contributes positively to the anastomotic healing.

An insight into the relationships between prohepcidin, iron deficiency anemia, and interleukin-6 values in pediatric Helicobacter pylori gastritis.

UNLABELLED: The link between Helicobacter pylori and iron deficiency (ID) or iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has been investigated recently. We suggested that IDA/ID associated with H. pylori infection might be mediated by inflammation-driven hepcidin production. Patients with complaints of recurrent abdominal pain and dyspepsia aged between 7-16 years were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to H. pylori status in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Group I who had H. pylori gastritis (n=50) received triple antibiotic therapy. Group II (n=50) who had H. pylori-negative gastritis only received proton pump inhibitor. Thirty healthy children with the similar age and gender were included in the study as a control group. Complete blood count, serum iron levels, iron-binding capacity, ferritin levels, prohepcidin and interleukin-6 (IL-6) values were evaluated in all children at the first visit. Initial tests were repeated after H. pylori eradication. Initial levels of ferritin (p=0.002), prohepcidin (p=0.003), and IL-6 (p=0.004) were found significantly lower in group I compared to group II and the control group. The mean prohepcidin level was lower in the anemic H. pylori-positive group than in non-anemic H. pylori-positive group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. While significant increases in hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume were observed, no significant difference was found in serum ferritin, prohepcidin, or IL-6 level after eradication treatment in H. pylori-positive group. CONCLUSION: H. pylori-induced gastritis appears to cause an increase in prohepcidin levels and a decrease in ferritin levels, supporting our hypothesis; but this relationship has not been proven.

Beneficial effects of melatonin on serum nitric oxide, homocysteine, and ADMA levels in fructose-fed rats.

CONTEXT: Melatonin, a pineal hormone and a potent antioxidant, has important roles in metabolic regulation. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), homocysteine (Hcy), nitric oxide (NO) levels, known to be reliable markers of cardiovascular diseases, and determined possible protective effects of melatonin in fructose-fed rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, fructose, melatonin, and fructose plus melatonin. Metabolic syndrome was induced in rats by 20% (w/v) fructose solution in tap water, and melatonin was administered at the dose of 20 mg/kg bw per day by oral gavage. After 8 weeks, serum lipids, glucose, insulin, ADMA, Hcy, and NOx (the stable end products of NO) levels were quantified. RESULTS: Fructose administration caused a statistically significant increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum insulin, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol levels compared with the control group and the metabolic syndrome model was successfully demonstrated. In comparison with the control group, fructose caused a significant increase in serum ADMA, Hcy, and NOx levels. Melatonin counteracted the changes in SBP, serum ADMA, and Hcy levels found in rats both alone and administered with fructose. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results show that high fructose consumption leads to elevated SBP, atherogenic lipid profile, increased serum ADMA, and Hcy levels and melatonin treatment has beneficial effects on these biochemical parameters in rats. Melatonin might be beneficial for the prevention and/or treatment of the cardiovascular complications of metabolic syndrome not only by reducing the well-known risk factors of the disease but also by diminishing blood ADMA and Hcy levels.

Inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity in healthy allo-HSCT donors during hematopoietic stem cell mobilization.

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of mobilization with granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and apheresis procedure on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant capacity in healthy allo-HSCT donors. The study was conducted in the Stem Cell Transplantation Unit of Gazi University Hospital between October 2010 and March 2011, and 25 consecutive allo-HSCT donors were included. The alteration in the serum levels of iron, iron binding capacity, albumin, ferritin, IL-6, hs-CRP, TAC, MDA, and AOPP were determined at five different time points. (1) Prior to the first dose of G-CSF (T0), (2) preapheresis (on the fourth day of G-CSF before the apeheresis procedure) (T1), (3) immediately postapheresis (T2), (4) 24 h postapheresis (T3), and (5) a week after apheresis (T4). Serum ferritin levels increased steadily after administration of G-CSF and remained high up toT4. Both serum IL-6 and hs-CRP levels began to increase in the T1 sampling and reached to a maximum level at T3 and decreased even below the basal levels at T4. Serum AOPP levels decreased at preapheresis and postapheresis time points, while they increased at T3 and T4 samples. Serum MDA levels decreased at T1, T2, T3, and T4 samples. Serum TAC increased significantly and steadily at all time points post G-CSF. In conclusion; mobilization with G-CSF and apheresis caused a transient inflammatory reaction and a protein limited oxidative stress in healthy allo-HCT donors.

Exogenous recombinant adiponectin improves survival in experimental abdominal sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin, which has anti-inflammatory features, is an important substance in several metabolic mechanisms. AIMS: The aim of this study is to evauate the effects of exogenous intraperitoneal administration of adiponectin on the survival, intrabdominal adhesion and inflammatory cytokine levels in an experimental sepsis model. STUDY DESIGN: Animal experimentation. METHODS: Ninety rats were divided into a control group, adiponectin group and sham group. A cecal puncture abdominal sepsis model was performed in the adiponectin and control groups. Every three hours, exogenous adiponectin was administrated to the adiponectin group. At the 3(rd) and 24(th) hours, 10 rats were sacrified in each group in order to measure plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) 10, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, IL-6 and macrophage inhibitory factor levels, and the activity of nuclear factor (NF)-kB. The remaining rats were followed for survival. RESULTS: The plasma levels of TNF-α, soluable ICAM-1, IL-6, and macrophage inhibitory factor were significantly higher in the control group than in the adiponectin and sham group (p<0.05). The increase in inflammatory cytokines with time was more prominent in the control group. The activity of NF-kB in the control group was higher than in the adiponectin group (p<0.05). The survival rate of the adiponectin group was higher than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Administration of exogenous adiponectin to the peritoneum in abdominal sepsis increased survival and decreased intrabdominal adhesions by decreasing the inflammatory response.

Plasma orexin-A and ghrelin levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Interaction with nutritional status and body composition.

Orexin-A and ghrelin are two important polypeptides that stimulate food intake, however, there is a lack of sufficient information concerning their plasma levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between plasma orexin-A and ghrelin levels with food consumption and body composition in patients with stable phase COPD. In total, 40 patients (age, 44-80 years; male, 31; female 9) who were in the stable phase of COPD were included in the study. Blood samples for plasma orexin-A and ghrelin analysis were collected after 8-12 h of fasting; certain anthropometric measurements were obtained and a 24-h dietary recall was recorded. The mean plasma orexin-A levels in the male and female patients were 1.3±0.37 and 1.4±0.13 ng/ml, respectively, while the mean plasma ghrelin levels were 25.9±7.31 and 27.3±8.54 ng/ml, respectively. No significant correlation was observed between the body mass index and plasma orexin-A and ghrelin levels or between the plasma ghrelin levels and dietary nutrient intake (P>0.05). The plasma orexin-A levels were demonstrated to be higher in patients with a higher dietary total fibre intake (r=0.303, P=0.022). A similar correlation was observed between plasma orexin-A levels and dietary intake of soluble (r=0.033, P=0.029) and insoluble (r=0.335, P=0.024) fibre, as well as between the daily consumption of calcium and the levels of plasma orexin-A (r=0.065, P=0.046). Therefore, the results of the present study indicated that a positive correlation existed between dietary nutrient intake and plasma orexin-A levels in patients with COPD.

Serum antimicrobial peptides in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent inflammation of serosal and synovial membranes. Despite the fact that it is a genetic disease, environmental factors, including infections, are shown to be triggering factors associated with the precipitation of attacks in FMF. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are components of innate immunity which exert antimicrobial activity against many microorganisms. Human AMPs; cathelicidin (LL37) and defensins have immunomodulatory properties and are involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disorders. Hence, we investigated serum AMPs in 23 newly diagnosed FMF patients. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, 6 months after initiation of colchicine and during an attack. Twenty-four healthy individuals constituted the control group. The concentrations of LL37, alpha-1, beta-1 and beta-2 defensins were determined by ELISA. Serum AMPs did not change during attacks and did not correlate with acute phase reactants. However, serum LL37 and defensins were found to be remarkably higher in FMF patients compared to healthy individuals both at baseline and 6 months after initiation of colchicine therapy which suggest that AMPs might have a role in the pathogenesis of FMF.

The effect of taurine on the relationship between NO, ADMA and homocysteine in endotoxin-mediated inflammation in HUVEC cultures.

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of taurine on the relationship between nitric oxide (NO), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and homocysteine (Hcy) in endotoxin-induced human umblical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures. For this reason, four groups were formed (n=12). Control group consists of HUVEC cultures without any treatment. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS+taurine groups were treated with 10 µg/mL endotoxin, 5 µg/mL taurine and endotoxin+taurine (same doses), respectively. Nitrite/nitrate (NOx), ADMA and Hcy levels were measured. There was a significant increase of NOx, ADMA and Hcy in endotoxemia (p<0.05). Taurine treatment elevated NOx levels significantly (p<0.01) in taurine and LPS + taurine group compared to control group, while it reduced NOx levels compared to LPS group. In contrast, taurine decreased ADMA levels to the control level both in taurine and taurine+LPS group compared to LPS. Hcy levels increased significantly compared to taurine group (p<0.05) and did not change compared to LPS group. Taurine was effective on ADMA-NO relationship whereas no beneficial effect was observed in Hcy levels (p<0.05).