Environmental pollutant sodium omadine: toxic effects in zebra fish (Danio rerio).

In recent years one of the most striking results of over-population and consumption activities in the world is the rapid increase in environmental pollutants. Environmental pollutants, one of the harmful consequences of technological and modern life, threaten the health of people and other living organisms. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of sodium omadine (NaOM) on superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) activity as an antioxidant and on 8-OHdG levels as oxidative DNA damage in zebrafish. Zebrafish, obtained from the aquarium fish producer, were stocked in experimental aquariums to ensure their adaptation period to the experimental conditions 15 days before the experiment. The fish were exposed to 1 ug/L and 5 ug/L concentrations of NaOM for 24, 72, and 96 h. SOD enzyme activity (U/100 mg tissue) and 8-OHdG (pg/100 mg tissue) were measured using commercial kits. The statistically significant differences in tissue SOD levels and data for DNA damage between the groups were determined as time and dose-dependent (p < 0.05). Biocidal products are environmental pollutants that cause changes in antioxidant enzyme activities, especially in non-target organisms. Marine pollution and the degradation of ecosystems directly affect people, and the results of the study offer awareness of health problems, environmental pollution, and marine pollution.

Does the preoperative fasting period affect the liver in a distant organ model of renal ischaemia reperfusion?

OBJECTIVES: To experimentally evaluate the effects of preoperative fasting duration on distant organ liver in renal ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. METHODS: This is an experimental study. In the study, 3 groups were formed. In Group A, abdominal laparotomy was carried out after 12 hours of preoperative fasting without any IR damage. In Group B, IR injury was carried out after 12 hours of preoperative fasting, and abdominal laparotomy was carried out, in Group C after 2 hours of fasting after IR injury. Apoptosis, congestion, balloon degeneration, nuclear pleomorphism, and leukocyte infiltration were examined histopathologically and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -1 beta, IL-6, and IL-10 were evaluated biochemically. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of postoperative IL-10 levels (p=0.020) with significantly lower levels determined in Group C than in Groups A and B (p=0.021). Similar rates of mild nuclear polymorphism were seen with no statistically significant difference determined between the groups (p>0.167). A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the congestion scores (p<0.001), with a lower score in Group C than in Groups A and B, where the scores were similar (p<0.001, p=0.017). CONCLUSION: With this result, it would be correct to say that the short preoperative fasting period has protective effects on the liver tissue.

Melatonin effective to reduce the microscopic symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome-related infertility: An experimental study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder seen in women of reproductive age and has been gradually increasing over the years. The mechanism of the syndrome has still not been clearly understood. In this study, the possible effects of exogenously administrated melatonin on melatonin (MT1) receptor, Growth Differentiation Factor-9 (GDF9), and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-15 (BMP15) in experimental PCOS were investigated. Thirty-two 6-8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 in each) as Sham control (Group 1), Melatonin (Group 2), PCOS (Group 3), and PCOS + Melatonin (Group 4) groups. At the end of the 21st day, the experiment was terminated, the ovary tissues were taken, and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining, MT1, GDF9, BMP15 immunohistochemical labeling, western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses were performed. Serum Luteinizing Hormone (LH)/Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels and colpo-cytological examinations were also carried out. The results revealed that melatonin administration increased the expression levels of the MT1 receptor, GDF9, and BMP15 in PCOS at protein and mRNA levels. It was determined that melatonin administration reduced the microscopic symptoms of PCOS. Melatonin was found to be effective via the MT1 receptor in the pathogenesis of PCOS, and it suppressed the transport pathways of GDF9 to granulosa cells in antral follicles.

New Emerging Biomarkers for Bone Disease: Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 (DKK1).

A healthy skeleton depends on a continuous renewal and maintenance of the bone tissue. The process of bone remodeling is highly controlled and consists of a fine-tuned balance between bone formation and bone resorption. Biochemical markers of bone turnover are already in use for monitoring diseases and treatment involving the skeletal system, but novel biomarkers reflecting specific biological processes in bone and interacting tissues may prove useful for diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring purposes. The Wnt-signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways controlling bone metabolism and consequently the action of inhibitors of the pathway such as sclerostin and Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) have crucial roles in controlling bone formation and resorption. Thus, they might be potential markers for clinical use as they reflect a number of physiological and pathophysiological events in bone and in the cross-talk with other tissues in the human body. This review focuses on the clinical utility of measurements of circulating sclerostin and DKK1 levels based on preanalytical and analytical considerations and on evidence obtained from published clinical studies. While accumulating evidence points to clear associations with a number of disease states for the two markers, and thus, the potential for especially sclerostin as a biochemical marker that may be used clinically, the lack of standardization or harmonization of the assays still hampers the clinical utility of the markers.

Relationships of orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones with body fat distribution in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: We aimed to examine the relationships of disease activity and risk factors with serum levels of orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: Fasting blood samples were taken for hormonal analysis of all participants, abdominal/neck bioimpedance measurements were recorded, and polysomnography (PSG) analyses were performed. According to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), 34 patients with newly diagnosed OSAS and 34 participants without OSAS were compared. RESULTS: The median body mass index (BMI) measured in the OSAS group was 30.39 kg/m2 and AHI was 18.95 and these values were 25.40 kg/m2 and 1.55 in the control group. There was a higher level of visceral adiposity and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the moderate-to-severe OSAS group compared to the mild OSAS and control groups, and in the mild OSAS group compared to the control group (p = 0.001, p < 0.001). A positive correlation between the level of NPY and AHI and BMI (p < 0.001, p = 0.011), and a negative correlation between NPY levels and oxygen saturation (p = 0.001) was found. Oxygen saturation and desaturation rates were correlated with body fat percentage, body fat mass, abdominal adiposity, visceral adiposity, resting metabolic rate, and NPY levels. CONCLUSIONS: The visceral adiposity ratio and increase in NPY levels are important parameters that increase the severity of OSAS. Considering the negative effects of NPY on vascular endothelium, measurement of basal NPY level before PSG in patients with OSAS is considered a parameter related to disease severity.

Does persistent organic pollutant PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) negative impacts on the aquatic invertebrate organism, Astacus leptodactylus [Eschscholtz, 1823].

Highly persistent perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is an industrial fluorinated organic chemical with significant bioaccumulation and biomagnification properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the toxic effects of sublethal PFOS on the aquatic invertebrate organism, narrow-clawed crayfish [Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823]. The 96 h LC50 value was determined as 48.81 mg/L (34.19-63.68 mg/L) with probit analysis. The sublethal experimental design was formed into four groups solvent control (DMSO, dimethyl sulphoxide), non-treated control group, and 1/10 (5 mg/L) and 1/100 (0.5 mg/L) of 96 h LC50 of PFOS, and crayfish were exposed for 48 h, 7 d, and 21 d under laboratory conditions. Total haemocyte counts (THCs) decreased, while the haemolymph total antioxidant status (TAS) values increased (p < 0.05) after exposure to 0.5 and 5 mg/L PFOS for 48 h, 7 d, and 21 d. Haemolymph total oxidative stress (TOS) levels significantly increased at 5 mg/L PFOS concentration (p < 0.05). Catalase (CAT) activities increased at both concentrations after 48 h and 7 d and then returned to control levels after 21 d; whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities did not change in muscle tissue (p > 0.05). GPX and CAT activities decreased, but SOD activity increased in hepatopancreas tissue (p < 0.05). SOD activity at both concentrations and CAT activity at 5 mg/L PFOS exposure decreased in gill tissue, while GPX activity increased at both concentrations of 48 h and 7 d and returned to control values on day 21 of exposure. Histopathological alterations were detected in hepatopancreas and gill tissues. Lamellar deformations, epithelial hyperplasia, and haemocytic infiltrations were observed in the gill tissues, whereas tubular degeneration, tubule loss, necrosis, and lesions in the hepatopancreas tissues were the major recorded alterations. As a result, the sublethal concentrations of PFOS have toxic effects on crayfish and histologically cause tissue damage. Our findings also support a better understanding of the early toxicological effects of PFOS in freshwater ecosystems. Also, it could be concluded that A. leptodactylus is a reliable model for examining histopathological alterations and differences in enzyme activities together with the haemolymph findings in toxicology studies amid aquatic species.

Evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain levels in multiple sclerosis and non-demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system: clinical and biochemical perspective.

The neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a promising biomarker in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response evaluation of neurological diseases. The aims of this study were to compare the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NfL levels in multiple sclerosis (MS) and certain non-demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (NDCNS); to determine the relationship between clinical and radiological features and CSF NfL levels in patients with MS; and to compare the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and single molecule array (SIMOA) methods for NfL measurement using paired CSF and serum samples. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and performed NfL measurements in CSF and serum samples of newly diagnosed and treatment-naive patients with CNS diseases evaluated between 1 January 2019 and 1 January 2020. Eligible patients were divided into three groups: MS (n=23), differential diagnosis of MS (n=19), and NDCNS (n=42). First, we compared the CSF NfL levels among the three groups using the previously validated CSF ELISA assay. Next, we evaluated the relationship between CSF NfL levels and the clinical and radiological findings in MS group. Finally, we compared CSF and serum samples from patients of the MS groups (paired serum and CSF samples, n=19) using two different methods (ELISA and SIMOA). The CSF NfL level was the highest in the NDCNS group (1169.64 [535.92-5120.11] pg/mL, p=0.025). There was a strong positive correlation between the number of T2 lesions and CSF NfL level (r=0.786, p<0.001) in the MS group. There was excellent consistency between ELISA and SIMOA for CSF samples, but not for serum samples. Our results indicated that CSF NfL levels may also be used in the management of NDCNS and that SIMOA is the most reliable method for serum NfL determination.

Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-related anti-inflammatory effects of 3-aminobenzamide and infliximab in experimental colitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the presence of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase and bacterial translocation after the administration of 3-aminobenzamide and infliximab in the TNBS model of rat colitis. METHODS: The study group was divided into five categories as follows: group 1: (control), group 2: colitis+saline, group 3: colitis+3-aminobenzamide, group 4: colitis+infliximab, and group 5: colitis+3-aminobenzamide+infliximab. Intestinal mesenteric cultures were incubated on specific agar media plates under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, bacterial translocation was evaluated and assessed as colony-forming units per gram of tissue. Colonic tissue samples were evaluated by Western blotting method to detect the presence of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase. RESULTS: The results obtained were as follows: group 1: normal gut flora; group 2: eight of nine samples had bacterial translocation, of which six of them had positive indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase protein; group 3: five of nine samples had bacterial translocation, of which seven of them had positive indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase; group 4: three of nine samples had bacterial translocation, of which seven of them had positive indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase; and group 5: only one sample had exact indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase protein. CONCLUSION: Altered expression of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase results in a lower bacterial translocation via infliximab compared with 3-aminobenzamide treatment. Combined treatments emphasized different approaches for the new molecules related to indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase.

Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-related anti-inflammatory effects of 3-aminobenzamide and infliximab in experimental colitis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the presence of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase and bacterial translocation after the administration of 3-aminobenzamide and infliximab in the TNBS model of rat colitis. METHODS: The study group was divided into five categories as follows: group 1: (control), group 2: colitis+saline, group 3: colitis+3-aminobenzamide, group 4: colitis+infliximab, and group 5: colitis+3-aminobenzamide+infliximab. Intestinal mesenteric cultures were incubated on specific agar media plates under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, bacterial translocation was evaluated and assessed as colony-forming units per gram of tissue. Colonic tissue samples were evaluated by Western blotting method to detect the presence of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase. RESULTS: The results obtained were as follows: group 1: normal gut flora; group 2: eight of nine samples had bacterial translocation, of which six of them had positive indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase protein; group 3: five of nine samples had bacterial translocation, of which seven of them had positive indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase; group 4: three of nine samples had bacterial translocation, of which seven of them had positive indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase; and group 5: only one sample had exact indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase protein. CONCLUSION: Altered expression of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase results in a lower bacterial translocation via infliximab compared with 3-aminobenzamide treatment. Combined treatments emphasized different approaches for the new molecules related to indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase.

The Saliva Cortisol and Amylase Levels Related with Stress Response Compared by Different Analytical Methods.

Sampling of salivary cortisol and amylase is a non-invasive method and important for the evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function and stress levels. This study aimed to compare the values of the salivary cortisol and amylase levels which were measured by three different analytical methods to discuss the alterations of stress levels of samples. The saliva samples of young adults (n = 23) were collected between 08.00 and 09.00 a.m., noon at 12.00 (before exam) and between 14.00 and 15.00 p.m. (after unaware exam). The samples were measured within the first 48 h, and no freezing/thawing was done. Salivary cortisol and amylase levels of subjects were measured by three different analytical methods as ELISA, chemiluminescence and biosensor methods. Comparison of ELISA and biosensor methods in order to determine the salivary cortisol levels showed a good correlation y = 2.971 + 0.748x (R2 = 0.839). Salivary amylase concentrations were only detected by ELISA method. Biosensor can be offered as an alternative analytic method to the conventional determination method ELISA. It can be preferred because of the detection/information effectiveness, low cost, fast results and specificity characteristics.

Does bisphenol A bioaccumulate on zebrafish? Determination of tissue bisphenol A level.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high-production-volume industrial chemical mainly used in the production of polycarbonates and epoxy resins utilized in the manufacture of containers, bottles, toys, and medical devices. It has systemic effects as an endocrine disruptor even at low doses. To analyze its quantity in biological materials, sensitive and reproducible methods have to be used. Different doses and duration (90 and 900 µg/L, 24 and 120 h, and 21 days) of BPA exposure to whole body zebrafish were analyzed after specific homogenization of tissue, and then a modified method HPLC was used. The mobile phase was acetonitrile and water using a gradient method of reversed-phase C18 column, and excitation = 227 nm/emission = 313 nm. The calibration curve for BPA using HPLC-fluorescence detection method was between a concentration range of 1 and 1000 ng/mL and linear, and r2 = 0.999. The mean and standard error of mean values were 4.29 ± 1.05, 2.50 ± 0.92, and 2.53 ± 0.68 for control; 10.43 ± 2.61, 11.46 ± 3.24, and 8.55 ± 3.11 for BPA-90 µg/L; and 17.78 ± 4.39, 21.55 ± 4.37, and 25.32 ± 3.25 for BPA-900 µg/L (24 h, 120 h, and 21 days, respectively). Although some statistical significance among dose/time was observed between two different dose-treated groups, statistical significance was not found in dose/time results within the group. However, the positive result of BPA in the control group can be explained by low-dose, chronic exposure or prevalence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

The evaluation of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurofilament light chain levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurofilament light (NfL) chain in normal individuals and patients with mild and moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: We enrolled 81 subjects referred to Otorhinolaryngology (Ear-Nose-Throat), Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, between 2017 and 2019. Based on the severity of OSAS, patients were divided into three groups: group 1 with mild OSAS (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 5-15; n = 26), group 2 with moderate-severe OSAS (AHI > 15; n = 32), and group 3 with normal individuals (AHI scores < 5; n = 23). RESULTS: Serum NfL and BDNF levels were evaluated together with the clinical data for all subjects. Significant differences were seen in the oxygen desaturation index (ODI), apnea index, hypopnea index, sleep efficiency, and NfL levels (P < .05) between the three groups. In the moderate-severe group, NfL levels showed a significant positive correlation with apnea index (P < .05, r = .389), hypopnea index (P < .05, r = .455), and ODI (P = .04; r = .362). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings clarify the pathophysiology of OSAS in cases of repetitive hypoxia and chronic neuronal damage. Based on our results, we recommend that in addition to BDNF, NfL should also be evaluated in different and larger patient cohorts.

Evaluation of Thiol Homeostasis in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders.

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis as a novel oxidative stress parameter in multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) to better understand the role of thiol homeostasis in neuroimmunological diseases. Methods: A total of 85 participants were included in this study, consisting of 18 healthy controls, 52 patients diagnosed with MS, seven with NMOSD, and eight with MOGAD. We measured total thiol (-SH+-S-S-) and native thiol (-SH) levels in the serum of all the participants, and in a subset of patients (n = 11), these parameters were investigated in paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples. Dynamic disulfide concentrations were calculated separately. Finally, we determined if there was any relationship between clinical features and dynamic thiol homeostasis. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between serum and CSF levels of biomarkers of thiol homeostasis. Serum total thiol (317.88 ± 66.04) and native thiol (211.61 ± 44.15) levels were significantly lower in relapsed patients compared to those in remission (368.84 ± 150.36 vs. 222.52 ± 70.59, respectively). Conclusions: Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the physiopathology of neuroimmunological diseases. Thiol homeostasis may be useful for monitoring disease activity.

How does sublethal permethrin effect non-target aquatic organisms?

Permethrin is belonged to pyrethroids that are one of the substances developed as an alternative to pesticides. Permethrin, which is used especially in agriculture, can bioaccumulate in the water and sediment when mixed into aquatic ecosystems. For this reason, it is necessary to investigate the effect of this substance on aquatic organisms other than the target organism. The aim of this study was the determination of acute and sublethal effects as antioxidant enzyme levels on different organs and hemolymph biochemistry of the non-target aquatic organism, narrow-clawed crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus), after exposure to permethrin, one of the synthetic pyrethroid pesticides, contaminating aquatic ecosystems due to its increase usage. The invertebrate model organism, the narrow-clawed crayfish, was selected for its bioindicator role in food webs as planktivorous grazers epibenthic scavengers and good alternative models in ecotoxicology studies with the importance in conservation of freshwater ecosystems. The 96-h LC50 value of permethrin to experimental species was estimated as 0.903 µg/L (95% CI = 0.5042-2.2734 µg/L) with probit analysis method. The sublethal concentration of the permethrin was determined by 1/10 of 96-h LC50 values as 0.09 µg/L. There were two control (negative and acetone) groups in the experiment. The sampling of hemolymph and the tissues (gills, hepatopancreas, and muscle) were done 48 h and 96 h after exposure of the permethrin. The total hemocyte counts significantly increased in the 96-h exposed group of permethrin (p<0.05). Among the hemolymph biochemical parameters, the hemolymph potassium and chloride values increased statistically (p<0.05). Malondialdehyde levels (MDA) of gills and muscle were significantly increased, whereas the MDA level of the hepatopancreas was significantly decreased at the end of the experiment (p<0.05). Hyperplasia in the lamella was recorded in gills, while the degenerations of the hepatopancreas tissues were observed. According to obtained results, permethrin was extremely toxic as acutely to narrow-clawed crayfish and also effected at sublethal concentrations.

Staying calm and teaching biochemistry to postgraduates in COVID-19 times: Pros and cons.

While we have been looking for alternative educational materials for our undergraduate students, we found ourself in Covid-19 pandemic and had to think postgraduate education. On the first day of restrictions, our major problem was to learn and find the best communication tool. The first experiences for online meetings were boring, we were not feeling our emotions but as days past we got used to it. We all understand the importance of having alternatives and have to be ready for second choices. During those challenging days, all had more time to work on our completed data, time to write, complete the proofreading of written materials. Other vital scientific activities for career development and profile building such as reading (every meeting with new articles/reviews), publishing and preparing oral presentation were fully completed during the online meetings as a part of lab meeting activities. They learned to improve communication skills, be active participants, and fight.

The evaluation of serum tryptophan and kynurenine levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: The kynurenine (Kyn) pathway may play a role in certain physiological functions such as behavior, sleep, thermoregulation, and pregnancy. Tryptophan (Trp) is oxidized with tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase and indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Under normal conditions, hepatic kynurenine is a transcription factor and IDO expression in healthy tissues is very low. The ratio of Kyn to Trp can be used as an indicator to assess IDO activity. This study aimed to determine the relationship between Kyn/Trp ratio and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) disease activity. METHODS: Study participants were categorized in 3 groups: Group 1 included patients with mild OSAS, Group 2, patients with moderate to severe OSAS, and Group 3, individuals considered normal to serve as controls. The demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) measurements were performed by diagnostic polysomnography (PSG). Trp and Kyn levels were determined by HPLC-UV method. RESULTS: Group 1 included 30 patients (18 men) with mild OSAS; Group 2 included 42 patients (31 men) with moderate to severe OSAS; and Group 3 included 25 controls (13 men). While there was no statistically significant difference between the levels of tryptophan and kynurenine in the groups, a significant difference was found between the Kyn/Trp ratios. A significant correlation was observed in individuals with a body mass index less than 25 with the Kyn/Trp ratio. In individuals with mild OSAS, a significant correlation was observed between ODI and BMI. In individuals with moderate to severe OSAS, there was a significant correlation between ODI, AHI, and BMI. CONCLUSION: In this study, there was no relationship between OSAS disease severity and IDO activity as assessed by immunoreactivity via the Kyn/Trp pathway.

Determination of Tryptophan and Kynurenine by LC-MS/MS by Using Amlodipine as an Internal Standard.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in cell metabolism, and kynurenine is its main metabolic pathway. By using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry, tryptophan and kynurenine were determined using amlodipine as an internal standard. The analysis was carried out on an ACE-C18 (4.6 mm × 50 mm, 5 µm) reversed-phase analytical column using the gradient elution mode. For quantitative determination, amlodipine was used as an internal standard. Detection was performed using multiple reaction monitoring in electrospray ionization mode at m/z 205.1 → 117.7 and 187.9 for tryptophan, m/z 209.1 → 146 and 93.9 for kynurenine, and m/z 409.2 → 294.1 for the internal standard. Good linearity of the analyte to internal standard peak area ratios was seen in the concentration range 1.25-4000 ng/mL for tryptophan and 0.5-1600 ng/mL for kynurenine. The method showed excellent linearity with regression coefficients of 0.99 for kynurenine and 0.996 for tryptophan. The limits of quantification were 0.55 ng/mL for tryptophan and 0.47 ng/mL for kynurenine. The % RSD for all analytes ranged from 0.3 to 3.4% for intraday and 0.4 to 8.9% for interday experiments. A simple LC-MS/MS method has been developed and validated for measuring Kyn and Trp by using an affordable and more easily available internal standard, which is amlodipine.

Neuroprotective effects of topical coenzyme Q10 + vitamin E in mechanic optic nerve injury model.

PURPOSE: We aimed to create mechanic optic nerve injury model in rats and investigate the neuroprotective effects of topical Coenzyme Q10 + Vitamin E (CoQ + Vit.E) molecules on retinal ganglion cells. METHODS: Mechanic optic nerve injury model was created in the right eyes of rats (n = 12). Rats were divided into two groups: glaucoma model with sham treatment and topical CoQ + Vit.E treatment. Treatment was applied for 4 weeks. Glial fibrillary acidic protein, Brn-3a antibody, and anti-Iba1 were examined by immunohistochemistry. Glial fibrillary acidic protein, Bax, Bcl-xL, and Tfam protein expression were measured by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The number of Brn-3a-positive retinal ganglion cell was 15.0 ± 1.0 (min: 14, max: 16) in sham treatment group and 22.2 ± 4.8 (min: 18, max: 29) in topical CoQ10 + Vit.E treatment group. The protection of Brn-3a in CoQ10 + Vit.E was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astroglial counts were recorded as 11.7 ± 2.1 (min: 10, max: 14) in sham treatment and 2.5 ± 1.5 (min: 1, max: 4) in topical CoQ10 + Vit.E treatment group (p < 0.05). Topical CoQ10 + Vit.E treatment also decreased Iba1 expression in the retina of mechanic optic nerve injury groups. CoQ10 + Vit.E treatment prevented apoptotic cell death by increasing Bcl-xL protein expression. Also, CoQ10 + Vit.E preserved Tfam protein expression in the retina. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that in glaucoma treatment the neuron protecting effect of topical CoQ10 + Vit.E molecules can be valuable.

Usefullnes of atherogenic indices and Ca-LDL level to predict subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriatic arthritis?

BACKGROUND: To investigate the link between carbamylated low-density lipoprotein (ca-LDL), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC), Castelli's risk indices I and II (CRI I and II) and subclinic atherosclerosis in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: Thirty-ninepatients and 19 age, sex, body mass index matched healthy controls were included. Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed with homeostasis of model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured at both common carotid arteries and mean CIMT was calculated. RESULTS: The mean age was 49.50 ± 11.86 years and 64.1% were females in PsA group. In the PsA group, CIMT and HOMA-IR were significantly higher (p = 0.003, p = 0.043, respectively). AIP, AC, TG/HDL, CRI-1, CRI-2 and ca-LDL levels were similar between groups. In PsA group, CIMT was positively correlated with HOMA-IR, TG/HDL and AIP. Although ca-LDL was positively correlated with serum amyloid A (r = 0.744, p < 0.001), no correlation was detected between ca-LDL and CIMT (r = 0.215, p = 0.195). PsA patients with IR tended to have higher ca-LDL levels than patients without IR, but this difference lacked statistical significance (33.65 ± 26.94, 28.63 ± 28.06, respectively, p = 0.237). CONCLUSIONS: A significant increase in CIMT was seen in PsA patients without clinically evident cardiovascular disease or any traditional atherosclerosis risk factors. CIMT was correlated with HOMA-IR, TG/HDL and AIP.

Usefullnes of atherogenic indices and Ca-LDL level to predict subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriatic arthritis?

Abstract Background: To investigate the link between carbamylated low-density lipoprotein (ca-LDL), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC), Castelli's risk indices I and II (CRI I and II) and subclinic atherosclerosis in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: Thirty-ninepatients and 19 age, sex, body mass index matched healthy controls were included. Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed with homeostasis of model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured at both common carotid arteries and mean CIMT was calculated. Results: The mean age was 49.50 ± 11.86 years and 64.1% were females in PsA group. In the PsA group, CIMT and HOMA-IR were significantly higher (p = 0.003, p = 0.043, respectively). AIP, AC, TG/HDL, CRI-1, CRI-2 and ca- LDL levels were similar between groups. In PsA group, CIMT was positively correlated with HOMA-IR, TG/HDL and AIP. Although ca-LDL was positively correlated with serum amyloid A (r = 0.744, p <0.001), no correlation was detected between ca-LDL and CIMT (r =0.215, p = 0.195). PsA patients with IR tended to have higher ca-LDL levels than patients without IR, but this difference lacked statistical significance (33.65 ± 26.94, 28.63 ± 28.06, respectively, p = 0.237). Conclusions: A significant increase in CIMT was seen in PsA patients without clinically evident cardiovascular disease or any traditional atherosclerosis risk factors. CIMT was correlated with HOMA-IR, TG/HDL and AIP.