The protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on oxidative stress in rat liver exposed to the 900 MHz electromagnetic field.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of rats exposed to the 900 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF). EMF of cellular phones may affect biological systems by increasing free radical, which appear mainly to enhance LPO, and by changing the antioxidative activities of liver, thus leading to oxidative damage. CAPE, an active component of propolis extract, exhibits antioxidant properties and several studies suggest that supplementation with antioxidant can influence EMF exposure induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control (n = 10), 900 MHz EMF (n = 10) and 900 MHz EMF + CAPE (n = 10). CAPE was injected intraperitoneally for 30 days before exposure to EMF. Liver tissue was removed to study the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), xanthine oxidase (XO) and the levels of LPO. The activities of XO, CAT and level of LPO increased in the 900 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) group compared with the control group, although XO, CAT activities and LPO levels were decreased by 900 MHz EMF + CAPE administration. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px decreased in the 900 MHz EMF group compared with the control group, although their levels were increased by EMF + CAPE administration. It can be concluded that CAPE may prevent the 900 MHz EMF-induced oxidative changes in liver by strengthening the antioxidant defense system by reducing reactive oxygen species and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities.

Protective role of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and erdosteine on activities of purine-catabolizing enzymes and level of nitric oxide in red blood cells of isoniazid-administered rats.

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the possible role of nitric oxide (NO) and the activities of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) in the pathogenesis of isoniazid (INH)-induced oxidative damage in red blood cells (RBCs), and also to show the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and erdosteine, antioxidants, in decreasing this toxicity. A total of 25 adult male rats were divided into four experimental groups as follows: control group (n = 7), INH-treated group (n = 6), INH + CAPE-treated group (n = 6), and INH + erdosteine-treated group (n = 6). INH, INH-CAPE, and INH-erdosteine-treated groups were treated orally with INH 50 mg/kg daily and with the tap water for 15 days. Control group was given only tap water. CAPE was intraperitoneally injected for 15 days at a dose of 10 micromol/kg. Erdosteine was treated orally for 15 days at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day. The injection of INH led to a significant increase in the activities of ADA, XO, and NO levels in RBCs of rats. Co-treatment with CAPE caused a significant decrease in the activities of ADA and XO and the levels of NO in RBCs. In addition, co-treatment with erdosteine caused a significant decrease in the activities of ADA and XO and the levels of NO in RBCs. The results of this study showed that ADA, XO, and NO may play an important role in the pathogenesis of INH-induced oxidative stress in RBCs. CAPE and erdosteine may have protective potential in this process and they may become a promising drug in the prevention of this undesired side effect of INH.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester modulates methotrexate-induced oxidative stress in testes of rat.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective role of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on testicular toxicity of methotrexate in rats. Nineteen male rats were divided into three groups as follows: group I, control; group II, methotrexate-treated; group III, methotrexate + caffeic acid phenethyl ester-treated. In the second day of experiment, a single dose of methotrexate was intraperitoneally administered to groups II and III, although a daily single dose of caffeic acid phenethyl ester was intraperitoneally administered to group III for 7 days. At the end of the experiment, the testes of the animals were removed and weighed. In the tissue, the level of lipid peroxidation as malondialdehyde and activities of superoxide dismutase were higher in the methotrexate group than in the control group. Lipid peroxidation levels and superoxide dismutase activities were decreased in caffeic acid phenethyl ester + methotrexate group compared with methotrexate group. The activities of catalase in the methotrexate group decreased insignificantly although its activities were significantly increased by caffeic acid phenethyl ester administration. The activity of glutathione peroxidase did not change in the groups. There was significant difference in body weight between control and methotrexate-induced groups. In conclusion, the administration of methotrexate causes elevation of oxidative stress although treatment with caffeic acid phenethyl ester has protective effects on the oxidative stress in testes.

Volatile solvent abuse caused glomerulopathy and tubulopathy in street children.

Substance misuse among street children is a significant problem in developing countries. Volatile substances are the most abused agents. According to case reports, chronic renal diseases are common among substance-abusing street children. In this study, we examined the renal findings of 42 volatile substance-abusing street children and compared them with results from 49 healthy children (control). The street children's weight, height, and blood pressure were lower than the controls' (P < 0.05). However, their blood alkaline phosphatase and creatinine phosphokinase levels were higher (P < 0.05), and total blood protein, creatinine, and phosphorus levels were lower than the controls' (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the street children's glomerular filtration rates were within normal limits (P < 0.05), their urinary N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG), beta(2)-microglobulin, microalbumin, protein, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and chloride excretions were higher, and tubular phosphate reabsorption were lower than the controls' (P < 0.05). Volatile substances have been charged with causing distal tubular disease, but increased urinary protein, NAG, beta(2)-microglobulin, microalbumin, and electrolyte excretions also result from glomerular, proximal, and distal tubular influences. We believe that increased volatile substance products in the renal parenchyma are responsible for glomerular and tubular damage. Volatile substance-abusing street children should be examined for glomerular and proximal tubular function and distal tubular acidosis.

Platelet parameters in children with upper urinary tract infection: is there a specific response?

Although complete blood count is routinely ordered in most upper urinary tract infections (UTI), and information regarding the patient's platelet indices is made available without added cost, the relationship between platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) and specific platelet responses to different infectious agents has not been extensively characterized in UTI. The objectives of this study were to examine platelet counts and platelet indices in children with culture-proven upper UTI to determine if there are organism-specific platelet responses. A retrospective analysis of data from all pediatric urine samples processed at Fatih University Medical School microbiology laboratory was undertaken for a period of two years (January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2006). Of the 200 patients with positive urine cultures, 146 (73%) were infected with gram-negative bacteria and 54 (27%) grew gram-positive bacteria. The platelet count during the episode of upper UTI and the incidence of thrombocytosis was significantly higher with the gram-positive infections than with the gram-negative infections or controls (p < 0.05). A statistically significant higher MPV was detected in the subjects with upper UTI (p < 0.05). Also, our data showed a statistically significant increase in MPV with gram-positive infections compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, based on the importance of the hemostatic component in the pathophysiology of infections, our findings of platelet count and MPV and predictivity of the type of the organism would suggest the usefulness of the routine measurements in children with upper UTI.

Skewed X inactivation in an X linked nystagmus family resulted from a novel, p.R229G, missense mutation in the FRMD7 gene.

AIMS: This study aimed to identify the underlying genetic defect of a large Turkish X linked nystagmus (NYS) family. METHODS: Both Xp11 and Xq26 loci were tested by linkage analysis. The 12 exons and intron-exon junctions of the FRMD7 gene were screened by direct sequencing. X chromosome inactivation analysis was performed by enzymatic predigestion of DNA with a methylation-sensitive enzyme, followed by PCR of the polymorphic CAG repeat of the androgen receptor gene. RESULTS: The family contained 162 individuals, among whom 28 had NYS. Linkage analysis confirmed the Xq26 locus. A novel missense c.686C>G mutation, which causes the substitution of a conserved arginine at amino acid position 229 by glycine (p.R229G) in exon 8 of the FRMD7 gene, was observed. This change was not documented in 120 control individuals. The clinical findings in a female who was homozygous for the mutation were not different from those of affected heterozygous females. Skewed X inactivation was remarkable in the affected females of the family. CONCLUSIONS: A novel p.R229G mutation in the FRMD7 gene causes the NYS phenotype, and skewed X inactivation influences the manifestation of the disease in X linked NYS females.

Plasma malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in age related macular degeneration.

AIMS: To evaluate alteration of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with exudative age related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: Plasma nitrite plus nitrate concentrations as an index of plasma NO levels and plasma MDA level as a marker of lipid peroxidation were measured in patients with exudative ARMD and age and sex matched healthy subjects. RESULTS: Significantly higher MDA and lower NO levels were detected in plasma of patients with ARMD compared with their controls (p=0.01, p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results may support involvement of oxidative damage and vascular theory in the pathogenesis of ARMD as part of the ageing process.

Evidence that the activities of erythrocyte free radical scavenging enzymes and the products of lipid peroxidation are increased in different forms of schizophrenia.

In order to examine antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in schizophrenia patients, activities of three free radical scavenging enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT)), and the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) as an index of lipid peroxidation have been studied in red blood cells. Schizophrenic patients were divided into three groups (disorganized (n = 21), paranoid (n = 26) and residual types (n = 18)) to determine differences between subgroups. SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities in the control group were found to be 1461.0 +/- 248.6 U g(-1) Hb, 148.2 +/- 59.3 k g(-1) Hb and 25.87 +/- 4.25 U g(-1) Hb, respectively. We found no significant differences in SOD activities between study and control groups. There was a significant increase in SOD activity in the residual group compared to the paranoid group (P < 0.005). CAT activity was found to be increased in disorganized (148%), paranoid (147%), and residual (165%) groups compared to the control group. GSH-Px activity was markedly increased in the study groups except the paranoid group. Statistically significant (3-4 fold) increases in TBARS levels of red blood cells were found in all the study groups. It is proposed that antioxidant status may be changed in schizophrenia and thus may induce lipid peroxidation. Therefore, oxidative stress may have a pathophysiological role in all the subtypes of schizophrenia.

Concentrations of copper, zinc and various elements in serum of patients with bronchial asthma.

In this study, serum copper, zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium concentrations were investigated in 40 patients with bronchial asthma (BA) and in 43 healthy subjects. Copper and calcium levels were found to be increased in patients with BA compared to the control group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). On the other hand, the serum zinc level was significantly lower in healthy subjects (p < 0.01). No changes were found in serum magnesium and iron levels in patients with BA compared to controls. In addition to various elements, certain serum proteins such as albumin, transferrin and ferritin were also assessed to determine whether there was a relationship between the elements and proteins in patients with BA. There was only a significant decrease in albumin concentration in patients with BA (p < 0.05).

Plasma superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde level correlate with the extent of acute appendicitis.

Although the mechanism of acute appendicitis (AA) is partly understood, the progression following the onset of inflammation has not yet been clarified. To determine oxidative activities in the plasma of patients with AA, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in samples from 31 patients diagnosed as having AA and 10 otherwise healthy children with inguinal pathologies. The patients with AA were divided into three subgroups: acute focal (AFA) (n = 8), acute suppurative (ASA) (n = 9), and acute perforated appendicitis (APA) (n = 14), according to the intraoperative findings and histopathologic examination. SOD and MDA were compared statistically between these subgroups and between them and the control group. Additionally, mean leukocyte counts of each group were determined and the differences between the groups were evaluated. Both SOD and MDA were significantly higher in the ASA and APA groups compared to controls and AFA group. The mean leukocyte numbers of the ASA and APA groups were significantly higher compared to the AFA group. Based to these results, it may be speculated that oxygen free radicals (OFR) may play an important role in the extent of AA. To prevent the hazardous effects of OFR, the organism may increase SOD and other antioxidant enzyme levels and/or activities.

Testicular nitric oxide levels after unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion in rats pretreated with caffeic acid phenethyl ester.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in modulating blood flow in normal and in several pathological conditions, and its levels seem to change with ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis, exhibits antioxidant properties. This experimental study was designed to determine the changes in NO levels and the effect of CAPE on NO levels after testicular torsion/ detorsion in rats. Thirty-five adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: sham operation (n = 8), torsion (n = 9), saline/detorsion (n = 9), and CAPE/detorsion (n = 9). Rats in the sham operation group were killed after the testes were handled without torsion. Rats in the torsion group were killed after 720 degrees clockwise testicular torsion for 2 h. CAPE was administered 30 min before detorsion in the CAPE/detorsion group and saline was administered in the saline/detorsion group. After 4 h of testicular detorsion in both of these groups, the rats were killed and bilateral orchiectomy was performed to determine the tissue levels of NO. The level of NO in the torsion group (113.77 +/- 33.18 nmol/g protein) was significantly higher than that of the sham operation group (64.53 +/- 29.64 nmol/g protein). In the saline/detorsion group, the NO level (31.26 +/- 12.58 nmol/g protein) was significantly lower than in the torsion and sham operation groups. CAPE administration in the CAPE/detorsion group seemed to raise the NO level (72.63 +/- 23.87 nmol/g protein) above the level of the sham operation group. Contralateral testes were not affected by the torsion/detorsion processes performed on the ipsilateral testes. These results show that NO levels increase with torsion and decrease with detorsion. CAPE administration seems to increase tissue NO levels and this may be important for protecting the testes from torsion/detorsion injuries.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester prevents intestinal reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Ischemia-reperfusion injury is encountered frequently in conditions that diminish intestinal blood flow. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which is a specific component of the honeybee hive product propolis, exhibits potential antioxidant properties. This experimental study was designed to determine the effect of CAPE on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat intestine. METHODS: Fifty rats were divided into 5 groups; sham (SH), saline ischemia (SI), saline reperfusion (SR), CAPE ischemia (CI), and CAPE reperfusion (CR). Either CAPE, 10 micromol/kg, or saline was administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes before ischemia. Intestinal ischemia for 30 minutes and reperfusion for 60 minutes were applied. Ileum specimens were obtained to determine the tissue levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and histological changes. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde levels in the CR group did not increase after reperfusion when compared with the CI group. However, statistically significant differences were observed between the SR and SI groups. Additional mucosal injury in the CR group when compared with the CI group was not observed. Whereas, there was a statistically significant increase in mucosal injury in the SR group. Reperfusion did not cause further injuries through both biochemical and histological parameters in the CR group. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study showed that prophylactic administration of CAPE in ischemic condition prevents reperfusion injuries by eliminating oxygen radicals and inhibiting polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration. CAPE may be useful in combating the diseases of oxidative stress.

The effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: Oxygen-derived free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of spinal cord neuronal injury after both trauma and ischemia-reperfusion. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis extract, exhibits antioxidant properties. This experimental study was designed to determine the effect of CAPE on ischemia-reperfusion of spinal cord in rabbits. METHODS: Forty-one New Zealand white rabbits were used in the study. The animals undergone aortic occlusion were divided into three groups each consisting of 11 rabbits: methylprednisolone (MP), CAPE, and control. CAPE 10 micromol/kg, methyl prednisolone (MP) 30 mg/kg or similar dose saline were injected intraperitoneally before surgical intervention. Animals were subjected to 21 min of cross-clamp time. At the end of occlusion time, the clamps were removed and restoration of the blood flow was verified visually. Animals in sham group (n = 8) underwent a surgical procedure similar to the other groups but the aorta was not occluded. Neurological status was scored by assessment of hindlimb motor function deficit. RESULTS: The scores in CAPE group was different from control groups at 48 h (3.91+/-0.5 vs. 2.91+/-0.7; P = 0.0013). Spinal cord specimens were obtained to determine the tissue levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and histological changes. Malondialdehyde levels in control group were increased significantly when compared to sham group (124.22+/-24.36 and 41.92+/-10.08 nmol/g wet tissue, P = 0.0003). MDA levels in the CAPE group were lower than MP group and differences between the two groups were statistically significant (56.77+/-15.265 and 107.74+/-19.31 nmol/g wet tissue, P = 0.0001). We did not observe additional tissue injury in CAPE group when compared to control group. SOD and CAT activities were not concordant in all the groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that CAPE may be an available agent to protect the spinal cord from ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Serum and hair trace element levels in patients with epilepsy and healthy subjects: does the antiepileptic therapy affect the element concentrations of hair?

In this study, hair magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) levels, and serum Zn and Mg levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer in patients with epilepsy (n = 33) and healthy subjects (n = 21), and results obtained were statistically compared. The mean hair Cu, Mg, and Zn levels of epileptic patients were significantly lower than the levels of control subjects. There was no significant difference between epileptic patients and control subjects in respect to the mean Mn levels. Mean serum Mg levels in epileptic patients showed significant difference, but serum Zn levels were similar among both groups. When the effects of anticonvulsant therapy on Cu, Zn, Mn, and Mg in the hair, and Mg and Zn in the serum were analyzed in epileptics, there was no significant difference between the patients with or without therapy. Likewise, the mean trace element levels in epileptics showed no significant difference according to the type of antiepileptic drug and seizure, and gender. We suggest that the changed element status (Zn, Mg, and Cu) in hair may play an indicator role in the diagnosis of epileptic patients.