The impact of dysmenorrhea on pulmonary functions.

BACKGROUND: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is characterized by symptoms including sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremulousness, usually begins adolescence, those can be associated with autonomic dysfunction affecting pulmonary functions. AIM: The aim of the present study is to investigate the impacts of PD on pulmonary function tests. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional design was selected. All subjects were invited to admit to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient unit for venous blood test detecting the levels of estrogen and progesterone during the follicular and luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. After drawing blood, women were taken to the pulmonary function tests laboratory to perform the test. The comparisons between Group PD and Group Control were performed by the independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Intragroup comparisons were completed by paired samples t-test. Results: The comparisons between Group PD and Group Control among estrogen and progesterone in follicular and luteal phase, pulmonary function test results did not show any significance (P > 0.05). The intragroup comparisons of estrogen and progesterone levels, and pulmonary functions test results revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that PD does not influence the spirometric measurements and also respiratory functions are not impaired by the different phases of menstrual cycle.

The protective effects of carnosine in alcohol-induced hepatic injury in rats.

Consumption of alcohol leads to oxidative stress in liver by inducing lipid peroxidation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of carnosine (CAR) in alcohol-induced liver injury by biochemical and histomorphological evaluations. The rats were divided into four groups, namely, control group, alcohol (AL) group, CAR group and AL + CAR group. Three doses of ethanol (5 g/kg, 25% (v/v) in distilled water) were given by nasogastric catheter for twice-a-day. CAR (100 mg/kg) was given 1 h before the administration of ethanol using the same method. Levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde were significantly increased in the AL group compared with control, CAR and AL + CAR groups. Glutathione level was significantly decreased in the AL group, while it was increased in the AL + CAR group. Immunoreactivity of caspase-3 and bax increased in the hepatocytes of AL group when compared with control and AL + CAR groups. Expression of bcl-2 was decreased in AL group than AL + CAR group. Under electron microscopy, dense mitochondria, accumulation of lipid, sinusoidal dilatation, vacuolization and decrease in the number of microvilli were observed in AL group, while these findings were markedly less in the AL + CAR group. In conclusion, pretreatment of CAR is effective for recovering biochemical alterations and morphologic damage in the liver of rats treated with ethanol.

Taurine suppresses oxidative stress-potentiated expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor and restenosis in balloon-injured rabbit iliac artery.

1. In endothelial cells, the major receptor for the binding and internalization of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of taurine on intimal thickening and LOX-1 expression under normal and oxidative conditions. 2. The iliac artery of rabbits were subjected to balloon injury and oxidative stress was induced by 14 days treatment of rabbits with 75 mg/kg, s.c., buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a specific inhibitor of glutathione synthesis. Taurine was administered in drinking water (1%, w/v) for 14 days in the presence (BSO + Taurine group) and in the absence of BSO treatment (Taurine group). In taurine and placebo groups, rabbits were injected with 4 mL, s.c., 0.9% NaCl (vehicle for BSO) for 14 days. 3. Taurine (1% in drinking water, w/v) preserved plasma levels of anti-oxidants and lowered the increased blood pressure induced by BSO. The stenosis rate of 29.92% in the placebo group increased to 72.20% in the BSO group, which was significantly reduced to 42.21% by taurine (P < 0.001; n = 5). Localization of LOX-1 to the intima and media of the iliac artery was demonstrated in the present study. Taurine treatment reduced the BSO-induced increase in LOX-1 expression at both the protein and mRNA levels (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). 4. The results demonstrate that the stenosis rate and LOX-1 expression correlate well with oxidative status. Manipulation of LOX-1 expression by taurine may have therapeutic benefits in preventing restenosis.

Role of gelatinases (matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9), vascular endothelial growth factor and endostatin on clinicopathological behaviour of rectal cancer.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors [tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)] and activators [membrane-type MMPs (MT1-MMPs)], vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endostatin on clinicopathological variables and prognosis in patients with rectal cancer. METHOD: Paired samples of tumour tissue and normal tissue were obtained from patients with rectal cancer who underwent curative surgery (n = 34). Gelatin zymography for MMP-2 and MMP-9, an activity assay for MT1-MMP and enzyme-linked immunoassays for TIMP-2, VEGF and endostatin were performed using extracts from the paired tissue samples. RESULTS: Active MMP-9 showed statistically significant relationships with metastatic disease and perineural invasion (P = 0.002 and P = 0.042). A significant relationship was observed between the levels of tumoral pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9 and the presence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.012 and P = 0.021, respectively). Tumoral TIMP-2 levels showed a significant relationship with tumour recurrence (P = 0.011). A significant relationship was also observed between tumour VEGF levels and the presence of perineural invasion (P = 0.044), and VEGF levels were correlated with the size of the tumour (P = 0.009, r = 0.454). CONCLUSION: These results might contribute to further investigation of a possible prognostic significance in rectal cancer.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities in human keloids, hypertrophic and atrophic scars: a pilot study.

Proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix is one of the principal features of cutaneous wound healing but little is known about the activities of gelatinases; matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) on abnormal scar formation. The aim of this study is to determine collagen levels and the gelatinase activities in tissue from hypertrophic scars, atrophic scars, keloids and donor skin in 36 patients and 14 donors. Gelatinase levels (proenzyme + active enzyme) were determined by ELISA and their activities by gelatin zymography. MMP-9 activity was undetectable in gelatin zymography analysis. Pro-MMP-2 levels (median) were highest in normal skin group 53.58 (36.40-75.11) OD microg(-1) protein, while active MMP-2 levels were highest in keloid group 52.53 (42.47-61.51) OD microg(-1) protein. The active/pro ratio was the highest in keloid group 0.97 followed by hypertrophic scar, normal skin and atrophic scar groups 0.69 > 0.54 > 0.48, respectively. According to results of our study, the two-phase theory of the duration of hypertrophic scar and keloid formation can be supported by the data of tissue collagen and gelatinase analysis. This study is the first to relate scar formation relationship in regard to gelatinase activation ratio in a keloid, hypertrophic and atrophic scar patient group which is chosen appropriate in age and sex.

Exploring at the molecular level the effects of blood and blood-insulin cardioplegias used during open-heart surgeries on myocardial prevention.

AIM: The aim of this study was to measure the changes in the levels of soluble adhesion molecules involved in acute inflammation during ischemia-reperfusion in adults who underwent open-heart surgery using blood and blood-insulin cardioplegia and to examine the differences in tissue damage at the molecular level as a consequence of insulin's effect on myocardial energy metabolism. METHODS: Non diabetic 36 patients were enrolled. Blood cardioplegia was used at all cases; insulin and glucose were added at the study group. Blood samples were taken from the coronary sinus and the radial artery before cross-clamp (T1), at 1st (T2) and 30th(T3) minutes after reperfusion. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular adhesion molecules-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble platelet/endothelial cells adhesion marker-1 (sPECAM-1) and serum lactate levels were measured in these samples. Cardiac enzymes (CK-MB, troponin, and myoglobin) were measured at postoperative 1th, 8th and 16th hours. The total duration of mechanical ventilatory support during postoperative period, and the number of days in the intensive care unit and hospital were recorded. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in sVCAM-1 levels in blood taken from the radial artery at T1, T2 and T3 in either group. There were significant increases between T1 and T3 and between T2 and T3 in samples obtained form the coronary sinus (P=0.000 and P=0.003, respectively). Significant increases in sPECAM-1 in samples obtained from both sites between T2 and T3 in both groups (P=0.000) were observed. These differences were similar in both groups. Troponin levels at 8th and 16th hours in the blood-insulin cardioplegia group were higher than the blood cardioplegia group (P=0.003 and P=0.032, respectively). CONCLUSION: Supplementation of blood cardioplegia with insulin did not yield a significant improvement in adhesion molecules. Therefore, superiority of one cardioplegia over the other in delivering myocardial protection during open-heart surgery has not been shown.

Insulin-blood cardioplegia decreases matrix metalloproteinase activity in ischaemia-reperfusion injury during coronary artery bypass surgery.

Reperfusion of myocardium during coronary bypass activates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) with changes occurring in the levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the myocardium. This study investigated the effects of insulin-blood cardioplegia on MMP activity and TIMP levels during reperfusion. Non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft with cardiopulmonary bypass were randomized into a control group (n = 12) or an insulin group (n = 12). Blood cardioplegia was used for both groups; insulin and glucose were added to the insulin group. Blood samples were obtained from the coronary sinus just before aortic cross clamping and after 1 and 30 min of reperfusion. Plasma proenzyme MMPs (proMMP-2 and -9) and TIMPs (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) levels were measured. There were no differences between groups for MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels. However, insulin diminished proMMP-9 activation, although some still occurred. TIMP-1 consumption lessened during reperfusion which, we conclude, was as a result of the diminished MMP activation. This is the first open heart surgery study in which diminished MMP activation was achieved via a metabolic change.

Effects of locally applied 5-fluorouracil on the prevention of postmastectomy seromas in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Seroma formation is the most common complication following mastectomy and axillary dissection (AD). Currently available interventions have aimed at obliterating dead space by inducing fibrosis and through various mechanical methods. Here, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), used as a sclerosing agent for the prevention of seroma formation, was investigated in a rat mastectomy model. METHODS: 20 rats were divided into two groups (5-FU and control). All rats underwent mastectomy and AD. Immediately following the operation, equal volumes of saline and 5-FU were administered under the surgical flaps. One week after the operation, seroma formation and wound-healing processes were evaluated using histopathological and biochemical investigations. RESULTS: 5-FU did not act as a sclerosing agent, yet it was highly effective in preventing seroma formation. The intensity of acute inflammation, vascularity, as well as leukocyte and fibroblast infiltration, were significantly lower in the 5-FU group than the control; the tissue collagen fractions and total seroma collagen contents were found to be similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanisms underlying seroma prevention by 5-FU are probably related to a decrease in the inflammation and angiogenesis rather than a local fibrotic process. Seroma formation may be due to a prolonged inflammatory phase of wound healing.

Dietary vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) and selenium supplementation from different sources: performance, ascites-related variables and antioxidant status in broilers reared at low and optimum temperatures.

1. This study compared the effect of dietary supplementation with organic or inorganic selenium (Se) sources plus control amounts or large amounts of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) in broilers raised at control (20 to 24 degrees C) or low (14.5 to 16.8 degrees C) temperatures after 2 weeks of age. 2. The following dietary treatments were used from one day old. Diet 1, the control diet, comprised a commercial diet containing 0.15 mg/kg inorganic Se and 50 mg vitamin E/kg feed. Diet 2 was the same as diet 1, supplemented with 0.15 mg/kg inorganic Se. Diet 3 was the same as diet 2 but was supplemented with 200 mg/kg vitamin E. Diet 4 was the same as diet 1, but inorganic Se was replaced with 0.30 mg/kg organic Se. Diet 5 was the same as diet 4, supplemented with 200 mg/kg vitamin E. 3. Low temperature reduced the growth rate of broilers; however, at 6 weeks, there were no differences in the body weights of birds fed on organic Se supplemented diets housed at low or control temperature. The feed conversion ratio was significantly affected by low temperature but not by diet. The heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was higher in chicks after one week in the cold, indicating mild stress. Blood triiodothyronine levels were significantly higher in birds after 1 and 4 weeks in the cold but thyroxin was not affected. 4. Organic Se supplementation increased relative lung weight at the control temperature, which might lead to greater respiratory capacity. Relative spleen weight significantly decreased in broilers fed diets supplemented with inorganic Se under cold conditions, a possible indication of chronic oxidative stress. 5. At the low temperature, supplementation with organic Se alone, or with inorganic Se and vitamin E increased glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity and glutathione (GSH) concentration in the liver of broilers, which may indicate increased activity of birds' antioxidant defence against suboptimal environments.

The relationship between neutrophils and incisional wound healing.

The systemic administration of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is used clinically to increase circulating neutrophils, but its wound healing effects after intraperitoneal treatment have not been studied yet. We planned to investigate the effect of neutrophils on wound healing under cyclophosphamide and GM-CSF treatment. Forty rats were divided into three groups: control group (group I, n = 12) receiving saline, group II (n = 14) receiving cyclophosphamide and group III (n = 14) receiving GM- CSF. The rats in all groups underwent incisional wounding and were euthanized after 7 days. Blood neutrophil counts and functions, tensile strengths and the hydroxyproline level of skin were determined, and a histopathological evaluation of healing was made. Neutrophil counts and phagocytosis significantly increased in group III and decreased in group II. Although the skin hydroxyproline level did not differ, there was a difference in tensile strength of the wounded skin between group II and group III. The wound score in group II was lower than that in groups III and I. As a result we suggest that systemically given GM-CSF - by increasing the neutrophil count and neutrophil phagocytosis index - can enhance the tensile strength of surgical incisions.

Biochemical analysis of total collagen content and collagen types I, III, IV, V and VI in gingiva of various periodontitis categories.

Collagen is one of the chief components of the extracellular matrix of gingival connective tissue, where five different types have been identified to date. The molecular mechanism of collagen loss in periodontitis still needs to be explored. In the present study total collagen content was investigated in gingival connective tissue of adult periodontitis (AP) as well as early onset periodontitis patients (EOP) and clinically healthy subjects. Furthermore, collagen type I, III, IV, V andVI content was evaluated in gingival biopsies obtained from periodontitis patients. There was a statistically significant difference between AP (25.1 +/- 8.1 microg/mg) and EOP (15.6 +/- 4.0microg/mg) groups with regard to the total collagen content (P < 0.05). In the clinically healthy control group the total collagen content was 20.7 +/- 4.6microg/mg. Moreover, the distribution of collagen types exhibited variations in pooled homogenates of each periodontitis group. The total collagen loss seemed to be greater in the EOP patients than in the AP patients. When the ratio of fibril forming collagens to nonfibrillar collagens was evaluated, it seems to be decreased in AP patients in comparison to EOP patients. The findings of the present study suggest that different collagen types present in various periodontitis categories may be related with diverse pathogenic mechanisms acting in these diseases.

Effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on incisional wound healing in an experimental diabetic rat model.

The exact nature of poor wound healing in diabetes is uncertain. Neutrophils play a critical role in the host defense mechanism, and it is suggested that impaired neutrophil functions cause healing difficulties with or without infections in diabetic patients. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is used clinically when given systematically to increase the circulating neutrophils, but its wound-healing effects have not been systematically studied. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of GM-CSF on incisional wound healing in an experimental diabetic rat model. Forty rats were randomly divided into three groups, group I receiving saline as control, diabetes-induced group II receiving saline and diabetes-induced group III receiving GM-CSF. The anesthetized rats in all groups were wounded 21 days after diabetes induction by streptozotocin. Blood neutrophil counts and neutrophil fractions were also determined three days after wounding. Tensile strengths of wounded skin and the hydroxyproline (hyp) level of the wound were determined and wound healing processes were evaluated by light and electron microscopy, fourteen days after wounding. Neutrophil counts and phagocytosis were significantly increased in group III and neutrophil counts decreased in group II (p < 0.05). Although the hydroxyproline level of wound tissue significantly decreased in group II as compared with group III (p < 0.05), there was no differences of tensile strength between group II and III (p < 0.05). Wound score in group II was less than that in groups I and III (p < 0.05). It is concluded that PMN may have a role in modulating wound healing. GM-CSF may be useful for creating better wound healing healing. GM-CSF may be useful for creating better wound healing in risky patients such as diabetics.

The effects of L-carnitine on respiratory function tests in children undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

Respiratory functions are affected during hemodialysis. Ultrafiltration rate, acid-base balance and the strength of respiratory muscles have been suggested as important factors in adults undergoing chronic hemodialysis. L-carnitine is crucial for energy producing utilization fatty acid and, possible amino acids. Carnitine treatment has been associated with hypertrophy of type I muscle fibers. Carnitine supplementation in nondialysis patients increases exercise tolerance. Eventually, administration of L-carnitine to adult hemodialysis patients improves exercise capacity, energy metabolism and muscle mass. The study was performed to investigate the chronic effects of L-carnitine treatment on respiratory functions in children receiving chronic hemodialysis therapy. Predialytic and postdialytic respiratory function tests were performed in ten children with end-stage renal disease before and after a three-month L-carnitine treatment period. The mean age was 12 +/- 4 years. L-carnitine was administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg intravenously at the end of each hemodialysis session. Mean predialytic serum carnitine value before and after the carnitine treatment period were 21.8 +/- 3 and 132.0 +/- 48.5 mmol/L, respectively, and the increase was significant (p < 0.05). Respiratory function tests performed just before the carnitine treatment period implied bronchospasm that was clinically vague and could only be detected by a significant decrease in FEV1/FVC, PEF and FEF25-75 values (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, at the end of the three-month carnitine therapy period these respiratory function parameters did not show any significant variation. Hence, it is implied that carnitine therapy might have prevented the subclinic bronchospasm that developed in children during hemodialysis.

Effect of season and dietary energy concentration on composition and strength of skin in naked neck fowl.

1. Two experiments, in spring and summer, were conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary energy concentration on the composition and strength of the skin of naked neck fowl. The heterozygous naked neck birds were also compared with their normally feathered sibs under summer temperatures. 2. The average temperatures were 21.2 degrees C and 27.1 degrees C in spring and summer experiments, respectively. Three concentrations of dietary energy were fed to the birds. The diets used were: a low energy diet of 12.12 MJ ME/kg; a medium energy diet of 12.96 MJ ME/kg; and a high energy diet of 13.79 MJ ME/kg. Two protein concentration per energy treatment, 230 and 200 g/kg, respectively were used from 0 to 3 and 3 to 7 weeks of age. 3. A significant season sex interaction showed that the skin of males had higher protein and collagen and lower dry matter and fat content than that of females, when grown under summer conditions. No sex differences were present under spring conditions. 4. The differences between sexes was not significant in spring but males had stronger skin than females in summer. Neither ambient temperature nor dietary energy concentration significantly affected skin displacement of naked neck birds. 5. In comparing the naked neck and their normally feathered sibs in the summer experiment, it was found that naked neck birds had lower skin fat content and higher skin protein content than normally feathered birds.

A comparison of the blood lipid profiles of professional sportspersons and controls.

Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and HDL-C/TC levels are important in determining the risk of coronary heart disease. The serum lipids and lipoprotein levels of regularly training sportspersons and non-sporting controls were determined and compared with each other to investigate the effects of exercise and sex on these factors. HDL-C levels of male and female training groups were higher than those of corresponding non-sporting groups (respectively P < 0.01, P < 0.001). The sportswomen's HDL-C levels were higher (P < 0.05); and TC, TG, and LDL-C levels were lower. (P < 0.001) than those of sportsmen's levels. The non-sporting women's TC and TG levels were lower than those of non-sporting men's levels (P < 0.001). HDL-C/TC ratio of active females was higher than that of control females (P < 0.01). The corresponding difference in males was also significant. We conclude that physical activity and sex have effects on risk factors for cardiovascular disease.