The increase in c-fos expression in epileptic seizures is inhibited by magnetic field application, but not KCa1.1 channel expression.

The aim of this study was to understand the expression of big potassium (BK, KCa1.1) channels in epileptic seizures under magnetic field application. Forty Wistar albino adult male rats were divided into five groups (n = 8). First group rats were control group. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) administrated to second group rats to induce the seizures with 35 mg/kg intraperitoneally injection every two days. Levetiracetam (LEV) i.p. at a dose of 108 mg/kg was given to third group rats as positive control group (PC) before 20 minutes PTZ administration. Pulsed magnetic field with 1.5 mT was exposed to the fourth group rats for 3 hours a day for 1 month as magnetic field (MF) group. 1.5 mT pulsed magnetic field was exposed to the fifth group rats for 3 hours a day for 1 month in addition to PTZ administration (PTZ+MF). KCa1.1 not changed in hippocampus of PTZ rats while increased in frontal cortex and pons for PTZ group but not changed with magnetic field exposure. KCa1.1 increased in heart of PTZ animals and turned back to mean control values with magnetic field exposure. Suppressing the expected increase of c-fos protein expression in seizures with magnetic field application but not being able to change the KCa1.1 expression shows that new studies can be done by increasing the frequency of 1.5 mT magnetic field.

Automatic detection and localization of COVID-19 pneumonia using axial computed tomography images and deep convolutional neural networks.

COVID-19 was first reported as an unknown group of pneumonia in Wuhan City, Hubei province of China in late December of 2019. The rapid increase in the number of cases diagnosed with COVID-19 and the lack of experienced radiologists can cause diagnostic errors in the interpretation of the images along with the exceptional workload occurring in this process. Therefore, the urgent development of automated diagnostic systems that can scan radiological images quickly and accurately is important in combating the pandemic. With this motivation, a deep convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model that can automatically detect patterns related to lesions caused by COVID-19 from chest computed tomography (CT) images is proposed in this study. In this context, the image ground-truth regarding the COVID-19 lesions scanned by the radiologist was evaluated as the main criteria of the segmentation process. A total of 16 040 CT image segments were obtained by applying segmentation to the raw 102 CT images. Then, 10 420 CT image segments related to healthy lung regions were labeled as COVID-negative, and 5620 CT image segments, in which the findings related to the lesions were detected in various forms, were labeled as COVID-positive. With the proposed CNN architecture, 93.26% diagnostic accuracy performance was achieved. The sensitivity and specificity performance metrics for the proposed automatic diagnosis model were 93.27% and 93.24%, respectively. Additionally, it has been shown that by scanning the small regions of the lungs, COVID-19 pneumonia can be localized automatically with high resolution and the lesion densities can be successfully evaluated quantitatively.

Effect of 900-, 1800-, and 2100-MHz radiofrequency radiation on DNA and oxidative stress in brain.

Ubiquitous and ever increasing use of mobile phones led to the growing concern about the effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by cell phones on biological systems. The aim of this study is to explore whether long-term RFR exposure at different frequencies affects DNA damage and oxidant-antioxidant parameters in the blood and brain tissue of rats. 28 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 7). They were identified as Group 1: sham-control, Group 2: 900 MHz, Group 3: 1800 MHz, and Group 4: 2100 MHz. Experimental groups of rats were exposed to RFR 2 h/day for 6 months. The sham-control group of rats was subjected to the same experimental condition but generator was turned off. Specific absorption rates (SARs) at brain with 1 g average were calculated as 0.0845 W/kg, 0.04563 W/kg, and 0.03957, at 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz, respectively. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) analyses were conducted in the brain tissue samples. Results of the study showed that DNA damage and oxidative stress indicators were found higher in the RFR exposure groups than in the sham-control group. In conclusion, 900-, 1800-, and 2100-MHz RFR emitted from mobile phones may cause oxidative damage, induce increase in lipid peroxidation, and increase oxidative DNA damage formation in the frontal lobe of the rat brain tissues. Furthermore, 2100-MHz RFR may cause formation of DNA single-strand breaks.

Investigation of the effect of combined use of alloplastic-based tricalcium phosphate bone graft and antihemorrhagic plant extract (ABS) on bone regeneration in surgically induced bone defects in nondiabetic rats: an experimental animal study

Background/aim: In this experimental study, we aimed to evaluate the late period effects of the combination of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), which has bone wound healing effects, and ß-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) on the regeneration of bone tissue through histopathological, immunohistochemical, and radiological (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry - DEXA) methods in nondiabetic rats. Materials and methods: Sixty-four Wistar albino male rats were used. In the calvaria of the rats, a bone defect 7.0 mm in diameter was created. These rats were divided into 4 different groups. Group 1 was the control group without any treatment, a 0.125 mL Β-TCP graft was applied to Group 2, a 0.125 mL ABS was applied to Group 3, and a 0.125 mL (ß-TCP + ABS) mixture was applied to group 4. Half of the rats were sacrificed on day 28 and the other half on day 56. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and DEXA analyses of the specimens were performed after the experiment. Results: As a result of the histopathological analysis, osteoblastic activity and new bone formation were found to be significantly higher in Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4 than the control group on day 28 (P < 0.05). However, inflammatory cell infiltration and vascular dilatation and hemorrhage decreased significantly compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The histopathological analysis in rats on day 56 showed that osteoblastic activity in Group 2 and Group 4 was significantly higher than in the control group, but there was a statistically significant decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration and vascular dilatation and hemorrhage compared to the control group (P < 0.05). New bone formation in Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4 was significantly higher than in the control group. Western blotting findings revealed that the osteonectin and osteopontin expression on day 28 was increased significantly in Group 2 and Group 4. DEXA analyses revealed that BMC values in Group 2 and Group 4 on day 28 were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in bone mineral density values on the 28th and 56th days (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The use of both ß-TCP + ABS and only ABS had positive effects on wound healing and bone formation in nondiabetic rats.

Effects of local vibration and pulsed electromagnetic field on bone fracture: A comparative study.

The effectiveness of various therapeutic methods on bone fracture has been demonstrated in several studies. In the present study, we tried to evaluate the effect of local low-magnitude, high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) on rat tibia fracture in comparison with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) during the healing process. Mid-diaphysis tibiae fractures were induced in 30 Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were assigned into groups such as control (CONT), LMHFV (15 min/day, 7 days/week), and PEMF (3.5 h/day, 7 days/week) for a three-week treatment. Nothing was applied to control group. Radiographs, serum osteocalcin levels, and stereological bone analyses of the three groups were compared. The X-rays of tibiae were taken 21 days after the end of the healing process. PEMF and LMHFV groups had more callus formation when compared to CONT group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.375). Serum osteocalcin levels were elevated in the experimental groups compared to CONT (P ≤ 0.001). Stereological tests also showed higher osteogenic results in experimental groups, especially in LMHFV group. The results of the present study suggest that application of direct local LMHFV on fracture has promoted bone formation, showing great potential in improving fracture outcome. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:339-348, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Relationship between osteopenic syndrome and severity of coronary artery disease detected with coronary angiography and Gensini score in men.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown that evidence supporting the relationship between low bone mineral density (BMD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) has been increasing. There is a significant increase of myocardial infarction in men with low BMD. PURPOSE: We aimed to detect the relationship between BMD and CAD in patients whose CAD was detected with coronary angiography, and its severity and prevalence was detected with Gensini score. METHODS: A total of 55 patients were selected who were found to have single or multiple infarctions through using coronary angiography in the cardiology clinic. The CAD severity was evaluated by calculating the Gensini score. These patients were divided into two groups: mild CAD and severe CAD groups. Femur bone mineral density (FBMD) was measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. T score values were determined to be normal if the values were >-1.0 (n=22, 40%), and osteopenia-osteoporosis (osteopenic syndrome) if the T score values were ≤-1 (n=33, 60%). RESULTS: The FBMD of severe CAD according to the Gensini risk score was found to be significantly lower. FBMD values in patients decreased as their Gensini scores increased. CONCLUSION: There was a significant relationship between CAD and osteopenic syndrome. FBMD level in men with severe CAD is significantly low when compared with patients who have mild CAD.

Comparison of Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation on Platelet-Rich Plasma and Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cell Using Rat Zygomatic Bone Defect Model.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of bone defects that occur because of certain reasons has an important place in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The objective of the treatments of these defects was to reinstate the continuity of tissues placed in the area in which the defect has occurred. In this experimental study, the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow stromal cell, which propounded that they have positive impact on bone regeneration, was evaluated with the bone healing rate in the zygomatic bone defect model enwrapped with superficial temporal fascia. METHODS: After creating a 4-mm defect on the zygomatic bone of the experiments, the defect was encompassed with a superficial temporal fascial flap and a nonunion model was created. After surgery, different combinations of the PRP, bone marrow stromal cell, and electromagnetic field applications were implemented on the defective area. All the experiments were subjected to bone density measurement. RESULTS: The result revealed that the PRP and pulsed electromagnetic field implementation were rather a beneficial and an effective combination in terms of bone regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that the superficial temporal fascial flap used in the experiment was a good scaffold choice, providing an ideal bone regeneration area because of its autogenous, vascular, and 3-dimensional structures. As a result, it is presumed that this combination in the nonhealing bone defects is a rather useful treatment choice and can be used in a reliable way in clinical applications.

Pentoxifylline and electromagnetic field improved bone fracture healing in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline (PTX), electromagnetic fields (EMFs), and a mixture of both materials on bone fracture healing in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group A, femur fracture model with no treatment; Group B, femur fracture model treated with PTX 50 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal injection; Group C, femur fracture model treated with EMF 1.5±0.2 Mt/50 Hz/6 hours/day; and Group D, femur fracture model treated with PTX 50 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal injection and EMF 1.5±0.2 Mt/50 Hz/6 hours/day. RESULTS: Bone fracture healing was significantly better in Group B and Group C compared to Group A (P<0.05), but Group D did not show better bone fracture healing than Group A (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that both a specific EMF and PTX had a positive effect on bone fracture healing but when used in combination, may not be beneficial.

Extremely low-frequency magnetic field induces manganese accumulation in brain, kidney and liver of rats.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on accumulation of manganese (Mn) in the kidney, liver and brain of rats. A total of 40 rats were randomly divided into eight groups. Four control groups received 0, 3.75, 15 and 60 mg Mn per kg body weight orally every 2 days for 45 days, respectively. The remaining four groups received same concentrations of Mn and were also exposed to ELF-MF (1.5 mT; 50 Hz) for 4 h for 5 days a week during 45 days. Following the last exposure, kidney, liver and brain were taken from all rats and they were analyzed for Mn accumulation levels using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer. In result of the current study, we observed that Mn levels in brain, kidney and liver were higher in Mn groups than in control groups. Mn levels in brain, kidney and liver were also higher in Mn plus ELF-MF groups than in Mn groups. In conclusion, result of the current study showed that the ELF-MF induced manganese accumulation in kidney, liver and brain of rats.

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on fracture healing in nicotinized rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on fracture healing in nicotinized rats. METHODS: Thirty-two rats were divided as follows: nicotinized group (1), hyperbaric oxygen group (2), nicotinized + hyperbaric oxygen group (3), and control group (4). For 28 days, nicotine was administered in Groups 1 and 3. Then, a standard shaft fracture was induced in the left femur of rats. Groups 2 and 3 underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, fracture site, left femur and whole body bone mineral content and density were measured. RESULTS: The radiological and histopathological scores of Group 1 were statistically significantly lower compared to Groups 2, 3 and 4, and there was no statistically significant difference between the Groups 2, 3 and 4. In a comparison between the groups, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of bone mineral content and density values measured at the fracture site, left femur and whole body. CONCLUSION: The negative effects of nicotine on fracture healing are eliminated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but hyperbaric oxygen alone does not cause significant changes in healing (radiologically and histopathologically).

Examination of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) affect the amount of orthodontic tooth movement in rats. The experiments were performed on 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6): cage-control (Cg-Cnt) group (n = 6); sinusoidal electromagnetic field (SEMF) group (n = 6); and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) group (n = 6). In SEMF and PEMF groups, rats were subjected to 1.5 mT EMF exposure eight hours per day for eight days. In order to obtain tooth movement, holes were drilled on the right and left maxillary central incisors of the rats at a distance 1.5-2 mm away from the gingiva and 20 g of orthodontic forces were applied to the teeth. Generated linear model for repeated measures and Bonferroni tests were used to evaluate the differences between the groups. Interactions among groups by days were found by using Pillai's trace multivariate test. The results showed that significant differences were present among the groups (F = 5.035; p = 0.03) according to the extent of tooth movement. Significant differences between the amount of tooth movements were determined especially after the fifth day and the following days six, seven and eight (p < 0.001). Within the limitations, according to the results of the present study, the application of ELF-EMF accelerated the orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

Increased bone mineral density in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

AIM: To determine the relationship between non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: A total of 38 patients (25 males) with a diagnosis of histologically proven NASH and 42 healthy controls (24 males) were enrolled in the study. Demographic features, clinical findings, complete blood count and routine biochemical analysis, as well as adrenal, thyroid and gonadal functions, were recorded. Additionally, intact parathormone, 25-OH-vitamin-D3, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1, insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 levels were measured in both groups. Furthermore, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD of both groups were measured by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method. RESULTS: The mean age was 41 ± 12 years in the NASH group and 43 ± 11 years in the control group. Among demographic features, waist circumference was significantly larger in the NASH group compared to the control group (P < 0.019). Among laboratory parameters, serum triglyceride (P < 0.008), alanine transaminase (P < 0.0001), aspartate transaminase (P < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.016), gamma glutamyl transferase (P < 0.0001), ferritin (P < 0.001) and 25-OH-vitamin-D3 levels (P < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the NASH group compared to the control group. Lumbar BMD was significantly higher in the NASH group compared to the control group (1.057 ± 0.119 g/cm(2) vs 0.941 ± 0.133 g/cm(2); P < 0.001, respectively). In the NASH group, there was no significant relationship between BMD and fibrosis stage in liver biopsy. CONCLUSION: NASH increases BMD and may be related to an elevated serum 25-OH-vitamin D3 level.

Effects of pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields on MMP-2, MMP-9, collagen type IV and E-cadherin expression levels in the rat kidney: an immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of extremely low frequency pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields on kidney tissues. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-seven male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 9): control group, sinusoidal electromagnetic field (SEMF) group, and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) group. The SEMF and PEMF groups (pulse time 25 microsn, pulse frequency 50 Hz) were subjected to 1.5 mT, 50 Hz, exposure 6 hours a day, 5 days a week for 28 days in methacrylate boxes. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded kidney tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Gomori and periodic acid-Schiff. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9), E-cadherin and collagen type IV expression levels were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Thickening of glomerular basement membranes was evident in electromagnetic fields, especially in the SEMF group. In addition, expression levels of E-cadherin were decreased with electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. The expression level of MMP-9 increased, and MMP-2 and collagen type IV expression levels were not altered with EMF exposure. CONCLUSION: Both EMFs changed the molecular component of the kidney adversely.

An evaluation of nitric oxide, folate, homocysteine levels and lipid peroxidation in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES: In the current study, the risk coefficients of nitric oxide (NO), folate, homocysteine levels and lipid peroxidation in postmenopausal osteoporotic women were determined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bone mineral density was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The levels of serum lipid peroxidation products such as the thiobarbituric acid adduct of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured spectrophotometrically. Plasma folate and homocysteine (Hcy) levels were measured by enzyme chemiluminescence immunoassay. Plasma nitrite levels were measured with the Griess reaction RESULTS: The odds ratios and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) of the variables MDA, folate, NO, body-mass index (BMI), menopause age and age were found significant. MDA, NO and folate variables were found statistically significant in the analysis of receiver operating charecteristic (ROCs). The areas under the curve (AUCs, 95% CI) of MDA, NO and folate were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The current study indicates that NO, MDA and folate are risk variables for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

The effects of pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields on E-cadherin and type IV collagen in gingiva: a histopathological and immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: The potential beneficial effects of extremely low frequency pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields have been shown on many tissues. Gingival epithelium plays an important role in immunosurveillance of the periodontal tissues. The epithelium acts as a mechanical barrier through cell junctions such as E-cadherin. OBJECTIVES: Investigation of the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on gingiva. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: control group (n = 9), SEMF group (n = 9), PEMF group (n = 9). The SEMF and PEMF (pulse time: 25 µsn, pulse frequency: 50 Hz) groups were subjected to 1.5 mT, 50 Hz, exposure 6 h a day, 5 days a week for 28 days in methacrylate boxes. The gingival tissue pieces processed for routine histological and immunohistochemical examination and tissue sections were stained with H-E and Masson trichrome. In addition, E-cadherin and type IV collagen expressions were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Intraepithelial lymphocytes and proliferation of epithelial cells increased in both electromagnetic field groups. The over-expressions of E-cadherin on gingival epithelium was detected in the PEMF and SEMF groups. The expression level of type IV collagen was not significant between the control and electromagnetic field treated groups, except for a significant increase in the basal cell layer of the PEMF group, as compared to the control and SEMF groups. CONCLUSIONS: PEMF and SEMF have a local pro-inflammatory effect on gingiva, leading to an increase in E-cadherin level but not type IV collagen. Both PEMF and SEMF can be used as a supportive device in the treatment of gingival diseases, especially those which lead to defects in the epithelial barrier.

The frequency of osteoporosis in patients with pemphigus vulgaris on treatment.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris was almost fatal before the advent of glucocorticoids. Unfortunately, the high doses and prolonged administration of glucocorticoids, which often needed to control the disease, result in numerous adverse effects many of which are serious. AIMS: To evaluate the patients with pemphigus vulgaris on treatment in respect of osteoporosis and to compare the frequency of osteoporosis in these patients with the healthy ones. METHODS: The study consisted of 40 patients with pemphigus vulgaris and 34 healthy controls. Bone mineral density measurements were obtained by dual- energy X-ray absorptiometry. Blood serum, bone parameters, and biochemical hormonal measurements were examined in both groups. RESULTS: When the bone mineral density values of patients with pemphigus vulgaris were compared with those of the control group, there was no significant difference between hip bone mineral density values, while lumbar region T and Z scores were found significantly low in the patient group (p = 0.034 and p = 0.006, respectively). Osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry rates in the patient group were found to be 32.5%, 32.5%, and 35%, respectively. These rates were found to be 18%, 23%, and 59% in control group, respectively. There were more fractures in the patient group and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: An increase in osteoporosis frequency and secondary fracture to osteoporosis in the patients with pemphigus vulgaris was detected.

The effects of long-term exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on bone formation in ovariectomized rats.

The effects of long-term extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure on bone formation and biochemical markers were investigated in ovariectomized rats. Sixty mature female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four different groups (n = 15): (i) unexposed control (CTL); (ii) ovariectomized only (OVX); (iii) non-ovariectomized, exposed (SHAM + ELF-MF); and (iv) ovariectomized, exposed (OVX + ELF-MF). The third and fourth groups were exposed to 1.5 mT ELF-MF for 4 h a day for 6 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined using dual energy X-ray absorption (DEXA) measurements. The formation and resorption of bone were evaluated using bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin, osteoprotogerin, and N-telopeptide. After 6 months of ELF-MF therapy, BMD values were significantly lower in the OVX group and higher in the OVX + ELF-MF and SHAM + ELF-MF groups than they were before therapy (P < 0.001). Although there was no significant difference in BMD values among the groups before therapy, the BMD values increased significantly after 6 months in the OVX + ELF-MF and SHAM + ELF-MF groups and were reduced in the OVX group compared to the CTL group (P < 0.001). The concentrations of BAP, osteocalcin, osteoprotogerin, and N-telopeptide in the three experimental groups also changed in a significant way compared to the CTL group. The results of the present study suggest that osteoporosis can be inhibited by ELF-MF stimulation treatments. It was also concluded that ELF-MF may be useful in the prevention of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats.

Bone mineral density in children with beta-thalassemia major in Diyarbakir.

Bone mineral status has extensively been investigated in adult thalassemics but less in thalassemic children. This study involves measurements of the bone mineral density (BMD), various demographic and biochemical parameters in 47 thalassemic children and 50 healthy controls with comparable age, sex, socioeconomic and regional distribution. Patients have significantly higher aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, phosphorous, osteocalcin, serum carboxy terminal teleopeptide fragment of type I collagen, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and ferritin levels while they have significantly lower 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OH-D), alkaline phosphatase and z-scores both at lumbar and femur compared to controls. Patients with high iPTH (30%) had significantly lower z-scores and 25OH-D while larger osteocalcin. We conclude that a significantly lower BMD in beta-thalassemic children compared with their healthy counterparts is a complex process and may partially attributed to their slower physical development, caused by iron overload and chelation therapy which may influence the liver as well as the endocrine tissues.

Treatment of osteoporosis by long-term magnetic field with extremely low frequency in rats.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is characterised by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. In this study, the role of long-term extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELFMF) on osteoporosis was evaluated. METHODS: The experiments were performed on 45 female Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into three groups (n = 15): Group I (ovariectomy (OVX) + ELFMF exposure), Group II (ovariectomised rats did not receive any treatment) and Group III (cage-control). Six months, 50 Hz, 1.5 mT magnetic field (MF) was used on Group I and Group II. Total body images of the animals were obtained with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density values were increased significantly in ELFMF group, decreased in the group of OVX and not changed in cage-control. At the end of the 6 months after exposure with ELFMF, alteration in studied biochemical markers were detected significant. Bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) levels were increased in ELFMF and decreased in OVX groups when compared with cage-control group. N-telopeptide levels in OVX group were significantly higher than other groups. Testosterone and cortisol levels in OVX group were significantly higher and estradiol was lower than other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that ELFMF may be useful in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Risk factors for postmenopausal osteoporosis: anthropometric measurements, age, age at menopause and the time elapsed after menopause onset.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine, how much the anthropometric measurements and age affect the femur and vertebra T-scores by using correlation and regression analysis in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Data of 540 healthy postmenopausal women were included in this analysis. Bone mineral density was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The data of the patients related to height, weight, age, age at menopause were obtained from records, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated (BMI = W (kg)/H(m(2))). Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 15.0 for Windows (SPSS, Chicago, IL). RESULTS: Mean age and standard deviation of 540 postmenopausal women was 59.3 +/- 8.4 years. The correlation coefficients among femur, vertebra T-scores, weight, the time elapsed after the menopause onset, age, BMI and height were found as follows, from higher to lower values with 0.465, 0.453, 0.411, 0.382, 0.232, respectively, and were statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We determined the effects of the anthropometric measurements on osteoporosis from higher to lower influence as follows: weight, menopause age, age, BMI and height. Weight and menopause age of the patients were the major determinants for osteoporosis.