Zinc affects nuclear factor kappa b and DNA methyltransferase activity in C3H cancer fibroblast cells induced by a 2100 MHz electromagnetic field.

The use of mobile phones is becoming widespread with the development of technology, and as a result, its effects on human health are becoming more and more important every day. Studies have reported that the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by mobile phones may have adverse effects on the biological systems. In order to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) on C3H cancer fibroblast cells exposed to 2100 MHz EMF, we analyzed cell viability%, nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activities. Cells were divided to following groups: Control, sham control, 2100 MHz EMF, 50 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF, 100 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF, and 200 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF for 2 h. We measurement cell viability, NF-κB and DNMT activities. There was increased cell viability % in the 2100 MHz EMF group compared to the control group, while the cell viability % was decreased in the 50, 100 and 200 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF groups compared to 2100 MHz EMF. NF-κB and DNMT activities were a significant increase in the 2100 MHz EMF group compared to the control group, although were statistically decreased in the 50, 100 and 200 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF groups compared to the 2100 MHz EMF group. Our results demonstrate that 2100 MHz EMF exposure in cancer fibroblast cells induce NF-κB and DNMT activities, whereas zinc supplementation reduce NF-κB and DNMT activities-induced 2100 MHz EMF.

Response of TRPM2 Channel to Hypercapnic Acidosis and Role of Zn, Se, and GSH.

Hypercapnia can increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by inducing oxidative stress in cells. Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel activation that is realized by ROS plays a critical role in the cellular mechanism. It was shown that antioxidants such as zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and glutathione (GSH) can partake in the structures of enzymes and create a protective effect against oxidative stress. This study revealed the relationship between TRPM2 channel and hypercapnia, and the interaction of zinc, selenium, and glutathione. In our study, normoxia, hypercapnia, hypercapnia + Zn, hypercapnia + Se, and hypercapnia + GSH were created, in transfected HEK293 cells. The cells were exposed to normoxia or hypercapnia gasses in two different times (30 min and 60 min), while Zn, Se, and GSH were applied to the cells in the other groups before being exposed to the gas mixtures. The statistical evaluation showed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) level and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)% in the hypercapnia 30 min and 60 min groups, compared to the normoxia 30 min and 60 min groups, and an increase in LPO level and LDH% in the hypercapnia groups that Zn, Se, and GSH were applied. It was determined that in comparison with the normoxia 30 min and 60 min groups, the amount of inward Ca+2 current across TRPM2 channels and mean current density increased in the groups that were exposed to hypercapnia for 30 min and 60 min, while the same values significantly decreased in the hypercapnia groups that Zn, Se, and GSH were applied. Also, it was shown that oxidative stress rose as the duration of hypercapnia exposure increased. It was concluded that hypercapnia increased oxidative stress and caused cellular membrane damage, while the addition of Zn, Se, and GSH could protect the cell membrane from these damaging effects.

Investigation of lipid peroxidation and antiapoptotic effects of zinc aganist liver damage in diabetic rats.

Several mechanisms for the pathogenesis of diabetic complications have been proposed, one of which is abnormal zinc (Zn) homeostasis. Zn is necessary for proper liver function since it has important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. We aimed to investigate whether or not Zn has morphologically protective effect on diabetes-induced liver damage in rats. In addition, we have investigated the role of Zn supplementation on apoptosis, lipid peroxidation levels, and the distribution of metallothionein (MT) in diabetic liver tissue. Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control, Zn, diabetic, and Zn-diabetic group. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single-dose streptozotocin intraperitoneally and Zn was administrated via gastric gavage tube for 6 weeks. MT expressions were showed with immunohistochemical staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay was used for apoptosis. Also, Zn, MT, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in liver of rats. MDA levels of the Zn-supplemented diabetic group was less than the diabetic group though MT levels were increased. The number of apoptotic cells per unit area was found to be significantly decreased in this group. In the Zn-supplemented diabetic group, fibrotic tissue density and the collagen tissue density were observed less than the diabetic group. MT immunoreactivity was observed less in Zn-supplemented diabetic group. In conculusion, the present study indicated that Zn has a potential in preventing or even repairing effect against diabetic damage of the liver cells by increasing expression of MT and by reducing the apoptotic cell death and the oxidative stress.

On-chip wavelength multiplexed detection of cancer DNA biomarkers in blood.

We have developed an optofluidic analysis system that processes biomolecular samples starting from whole blood and then analyzes and identifies multiple targets on a silicon-based molecular detection platform. We demonstrate blood filtration, sample extraction, target enrichment, and fluorescent labeling using programmable microfluidic circuits. We detect and identify multiple targets using a spectral multiplexing technique based on wavelength-dependent multi-spot excitation on an antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide chip. Specifically, we extract two types of melanoma biomarkers, mutated cell-free nucleic acids -BRAFV600E and NRAS, from whole blood. We detect and identify these two targets simultaneously using the spectral multiplexing approach with up to a 96% success rate. These results point the way toward a full front-to-back chip-based optofluidic compact system for high-performance analysis of complex biological samples.

Lateral facial cleft associated with accessory mandible having teeth, absent parotid gland and peripheral facial weakness.

Transverse facial cleft is a very rare malformation. The Tessier no. 7 cleft is a lateral facial cleft which emanates from oral cavity and extends towards the tragus, involving both soft tissue and skeletal components. Here, we present a case having transverse facial cleft, accessory mandible having teeth, absent parotid gland and ipsilateral peripheral facial nerve weakness. After surgical repair of the cleft in 2-month of age, improvement of the facial nerve function was detected in 3-year of age. Resection of the accessory mandible was planned in 5-6 years of age.

Integration of programmable microfluidics and on-chip fluorescence detection for biosensing applications.

We describe the integration of an actively controlled programmable microfluidic sample processor with on-chip optical fluorescence detection to create a single, hybrid sensor system. An array of lifting gate microvalves (automaton) is fabricated with soft lithography, which is reconfigurably joined to a liquid-core, anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) silicon chip fabricated with conventional microfabrication. In the automaton, various sample handling steps such as mixing, transporting, splitting, isolating, and storing are achieved rapidly and precisely to detect viral nucleic acid targets, while the optofluidic chip provides single particle detection sensitivity using integrated optics. Specifically, an assay for detection of viral nucleic acid targets is implemented. Labeled target nucleic acids are first captured and isolated on magnetic microbeads in the automaton, followed by optical detection of single beads on the ARROW chip. The combination of automated microfluidic sample preparation and highly sensitive optical detection opens possibilities for portable instruments for point-of-use analysis of minute, low concentration biological samples.

EEC syndrome with a de novo mutation (c.953g > a) on exon 7 of P63 gene: a case report.

EEC syndrome is characterized by ectodermal dysplasia, ectrodactyly and cleft lip and/or palate and associated anomalies such as lacrimal duct obstruction, urinary tract anomaly, and hearing loss. This syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in the p63 gene. Herein, a newborn infant with EEC syndrome with secundum atrial septal defect who had a de novo mutation (c.953G > A) on exon 7 of p63 gene is presented.

Bleach activates a redox-regulated chaperone by oxidative protein unfolding.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the active ingredient in household bleach, is an effective antimicrobial produced by the mammalian host defense to kill invading microorganisms. Despite the widespread use of HOCl, surprisingly little is known about its mode of action. In this study, we demonstrate that low molar ratios of HOCl to protein cause oxidative protein unfolding in vitro and target thermolabile proteins for irreversible aggregation in vivo. As a defense mechanism, bacteria use the redox-regulated chaperone Hsp33, which responds to bleach treatment with the reversible oxidative unfolding of its C-terminal redox switch domain. HOCl-mediated unfolding turns inactive Hsp33 into a highly active chaperone holdase, which protects essential Escherichia coli proteins against HOCl-induced aggregation and increases bacterial HOCl resistance. Our results substantially improve our molecular understanding about HOCl's functional mechanism. They suggest that the antimicrobial effects of bleach are largely based on HOCl's ability to cause aggregation of essential bacterial proteins.

Effects of excessive copper intake on hematological and hemorheological parameters.

Copper plays an important role in the structure and function of metalloproteins and in the absorption of iron. The present study deals with the effects of excessive copper intake on hematological and hemorheological parameters. Drinking water containing 250 microg/mL copper for a period of 9 wk, Wistar albino rats showed increased erythrocyte count, blood viscosity, and hematocrit values (p<0.05) and lower hemoglobin (p<0.05) than controls fed a normal diet. The two groups also had differences in the erythrocyte deformability index. The results suggest that excessive copper intake results in hematological and hemorheological changes affecting both the protein content of the erythrocyte membrane and heme synthesis.

Eversion with four sutures: an easy, fast, and reliable technique for microvascular anastomosis.

In this study, a microvascular anastomosing technique called "eversion with four sutures" is introduced. For microvascular anastomosis, this technique requires fishmouth incisions at both vessel ends and the completion of four sutures. In 120 Wistar-Albino rats, 120 eversion and 120 conventional anastomoses were done in 240 femoral arteries. Each rat received both treatments. Operating time, bleeding time, number of sutures used, patency rates, and pseudoaneurysm formation were analyzed statistically; healing was evaluated with both light and electron microscopy. When compared with the conventional technique using nine sutures, the eversion with four sutures technique was found to be a faster and easier method of anastomosis and as reliable as the conventional technique. Without compromising patency rates, bleeding time, or rates of pseudoaneurysm formation, anastomosis time and amount of suture material exposed to the lumen were significantly reduced when using this technique. In conclusion, the authors think that eversion with four sutures is a reliable alternative to the conventional suturing technique, especially for emergency cases that require multiple microvascular anastomoses.

Kangal hot spring with fish and psoriasis treatment.

The effect of "Kangal Hot Spring with Fish" in the treatment of psoriasis is investigated. The study was carried out on 87 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and the patients were evaluated by a dermatologist for 21 days. The evaluation of the disease was performed using PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) scores. Recurrences were investigated in the patient population, who had been previously treated in the same hot spring. The first examination scores were significantly higher than the scores of the 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 21 days after treatment (p < 0.01). Longer remission periods, when compared to the topical corticosteroid treatment, expressed by the 35 patients previously treated in hot spring (p < 0.01). Spa therapy under observation of a dermatologist may be effective and useful for psoriasis vulgaris patients.