Therapeutic and prophylactic role of vitamin D and curcumin in acetic acid-induced acute ulcerative colitis model.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a disease that negatively affects quality of life and is associated with sustained oxidative stress, inflammation and intestinal permeability. Vitamin D and Curcumin; It has pharmacological properties beneficial to health, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Our study investigates the role of Vitamin D and Curcumin in acetic acid-induced acute colitis model. To investigate the effect of Vitamin D and Curcumin, Wistar-albino rats were given 0.4 mcg/kg Vitamin D (Post-Vit D, Pre-Vit D) and 200 mg/kg Curcumin (Post-Cur, Pre-Cur) for 7 days and acetic acid was injected into all rats except the control group. Our results; colon tissue TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IFN-γ and MPO levels were found significantly higher and Occludin levels were found significantly lower in the colitis group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). TNF-α and IFN-γ levels decreased and Occludin levels increased in colon tissue of Post-Vit D group compared to colitis group (p < 0.05). IL-1ß, IL-6 and IFN-γ levels were decreased in colon tissue of Post-Cur and Pre-Cur groups (p < 0.05). MPO levels in colon tissue decreased in all treatment groups (p < 0.05). Vitamin D and Curcumin treatment significantly reduced inflammation and restored the normal histoarchitecture of the colon. From the present study findings, we can conclude that Vitamin D and Curcumin protect the colon from acetic acid toxicity with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.Brief synopsis: In this study; distal colon, distal ileum, jejunum and serum physiopathology in colitis induced by acetic acid and intestinal permeability were investigated. The roles of vitamin D and curcumin in this process were evaluated.

Effects of thymoquinone, the major constituent of Nigella sativa seeds, on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of thymoquinone (TQ) in a penicillin-induced epilepsy model in rats. METHODS: This experimental study included 56 adult male Wistar rats. Experiments were performed in the Research Laboratory of the Department of Physiology, Medical School, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey, between October 2013 and December 2014. Animals were divided into the following 7 groups: sham, control, only thymoquinone, vehicle (Dimethylsulfoxide), and doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg of TQ. After rats were anesthetized, the left part of the skull was removed. A pair of silver/silver chloride electrodes was placed on the somatomotor area, and electrocorticographic recording was started. After 5 minutes basal activity was recorded, and TQ was applied intraperitoneally. At the thirtieth minute after TQ, epileptiform activity was induced by intracortical penicillin. The first spike latency, spike frequency, and the amplitude of epileptiform activity were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The different doses of TQ significantly increased the latency time to onset of first spike wave, and decreased the frequency, and amplitude of epileptiform activity in the first 20 minutes compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Thymoquinone shows potential as an antiepileptic drug resulting from its effects of prolonged latency time, and reduced spike wave frequency and amplitude of epileptiform activity.

Evaluation of sleep in women with menopause: results of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and polysomnography.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate subjective sleep quality among women in the menopausal period and to confirm and diagnose the possible sleep disturbances with polysomnographic (PSG) evaluation objectively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-seven women with menopause were enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics and the features of menopause were recorded. We assessed subjective sleep quality with Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). To confirm sleep disturbances and further diagnose the underlying cause, PSG evaluation was performed to women with PSQI scores of >5 who gave their approval. RESULTS: Mean PSQI score of women with normal PSG evaluation was 12.00±3.16, while it was 11.00±2.32 in women with abnormal PSG evaluation (p=0.466); 59.7% (n=40) of women had poor sleep quality. Among these, 11 (64.7%) had abnormal results in the PSG evaluation and were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS); 54.5% had mild OSAS, 27.3% had moderate, and 18.2% had severe OSAS. CONCLUSION: PSQI and PSG evaluations would give a chance to demonstrate sleep problems and shed a light on treatment options according to the underlying causes of sleep disturbances in menopause.

Effect of chronic exercise on immunoglobin, complement and leukocyte types in volleyball players and athletes.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of various sports disciplines on basic elements of the acquired and natural defense systems and to compare their results with that of non-sporting controls. MATERIALS/METHODS: The study included 15 sedentary (Group 1), 15 volleyball players (Group 2) and 15 long distance running athletes (Group 3). The VO2 Max for the groups was determined by subjecting the individuals to a 20 meter Shuttle run test. Immunoglobin and complement levels were measured by the turbidometric method. Leukocyte counts were made through peripheral blood smear examination. RESULTS: The IgA levels in sedentary living individuals was found to be lower than that in volleyball and athlete groups while that in athletes was in turn lower than that in volleyball players (p<0.05). In volleyball players the IgG level was significantly higher than both the sedentary living individuals and the athletes (p<0.05). IgM however, showed a significantly higher level in the sedentary group than in both athletes and volleyball players. The C3 levels in athletes was significantly lower than that of volleyball players and sedentary individuals (p<0.05), while the C4 levels were higher in the volleyball group (p<0.05). The leukocyte, eosinophil, and monocyte counts in the athletes were also significantly lower than those in the volleyball and sedentary groups (p<0.05). The values for the sedentary group on the other hand however, was found to be lower than those of the volleyball players (p<0.05). The neutrophil counts was lower in the sedentary group than in the volleyball group (p<0.05). The levels in the athlete group was lower than that in the volleyball group, however (p<0.05). The lymphocyte counts in volleyball players was higher than that in the sedentary group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, changes in the immune parameters were found to be dependent on the type of physical exercise performed on regular basis. Considering the protective antibody response in those performing regular sports, moderate exercise carried out on regular basis can be said to affect positively mononuclear and polymorphonuclear phagocytic cells--the basic elements of the natural immune system.

Comparison of the effects of acute and regular exercise on intraocular pressure in Turkish athlete and sedentarians.

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes that take place in IOP in athletes and people leading sedentary lives subjected to aerobic and anaerobic exercise and how chronic exercise could affect these changes. The study included 20 sportsmen (Group 1), and 20 people leading sedentary lives (Group 2). The intensity of the exercise for both groups was determined according to the Karvonen protocol and executed as an aerobic exercise program involving running on a treadmill for 30 min. Subjects in both groups were subjected to anaerobic exercise according to the Wingate test protocol for 30 s. The intraocular pressure of all subjects before exercise and after aerobic and anaerobic exercise were measured. The IOP before and after exercise aerobic and anaerobic were evaluated by the Willcoxon test whereas the right and left IOP before exercise and after the aerobic and anaerobic exercise programs in both groups were evaluated using the Mann Whitney U test. p values of <.05 were considered significant. Significant differences were found when the pre-exercise and post-aerobic and anaerobic exercise IOPs of the groups were compared (p < .05). Comparison of the post-anaerobic and aerobic exercise revealed a fall in the IOPs of the subjects after the aerobic exercise (p < .01). In this study, exercise was found to lead to a fall in the IOP in both sportsmen and those leading sedentary lives with the fall less apparent under anaerobic conditions than under aerobic conditions. In conclusion, therefore, it can be said that in those with an increased intraocular pressure, regular, moderately intense aerobic exercise rather than short-lived intense exercise could be more useful.

Exercise intensity and its effects on thyroid hormones.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity influences energy metabolism in human subjects by increasing activity-induced energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate for several hours after exercise. Effects of exercise on circulating thyroid hormone values remain controversial. We have investigated the effect of acute aerobic exercise on thyroid hormone values. MATERIALS/METHODS: The effect of different intensity levels of acute aerobic exercise on thyroid hormones was investigated in 60 male well-trained athletes by performing bicycle ergometer at 45% (low intensity), 70% (moderate intensity), and 90% (high intensity). These intensities were selected according to their maximum heart rate (MHR). At each intensity level, heart rate, blood lactic acid, serum total thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (fT4), total triiodothyronine (T3), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) values were measured. RESULTS: The results of this study show that exercise performed at the anaerobic threshold (70% of maximum heart rate, lactate level 4.59 +/- 1.75 mmol/l) caused the most prominent changes in the amount of any hormone values. While the rate of T4, fT4, and TSH continued to rise at 90% of maximum heart rate, the rate of T3 and fT3 started to fall. CONCLUSIONS: Maximal aerobic exercise greatly affects the level of circulating thyroid hormones.

The effects of exercise on the immune system and stress hormones in sportswomen.

BACKGROUND: Despite the numerous studies controversial results exist in specific immune response to exercise. The aim of this study was to determining the differences in the humoral immune parameters, serum ACTH and cortisol levels existing between sportswomen and sedentary subjects and the effect of acute aerobic and anaerobic exercise on these parameters. MATERIALS/METHODS: 40 sportswomen (Groups 1 and 2) and 20 sedentary women (Group 3) were enrolled and Group 1 performed aerobic exercise on a treadmill for 30 minutes while the Group 2 was subjected to the Wingate effort test for 30 seconds. Before exercising (at 8.30 a.m), immediately after the exercise, and 4 hours, days 2 and 5 days after exercising blood samples were obtained and the levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, complement 3 (C3) and complement 4 (C4) were determined turbidometrically. RESULTS: Before exercise: the means of IgA and IgG values in the G1 and G2 groups were higher than the Group G3, and the mean cortisol levels in the sedentary group was significantly higher (p<0.05). After Exercise: Whereas the C3 and C4 levels decreased significantly at the end of the exercise in Group 1 and 2 (p<0.05), the IgA, IgG (p<0.05) and IgM levels (p<0.01) at the 4th and 5th determinations were observed to be significantly higher in only the Group 1. The cortisol and ACTH levels were found to have increased significantly (p<0.05) in the Group 1. In Group 2, no changes were observed in the IgA, IgG and IgM levels. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that regular and moderate exercise has favorable effects on the immune system by increasing immunoglobulins which are potent protective factors.

Effects of exercise on visual evoked potentials.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute or habitual exercise on visual evoked potentials (VEP). The study group consisted of 9 female and 7 male volleyball players and the control group contained 9 female and 7 male students who were not involved in any sportive activity. The N75, P100, and N145 latency and amplitudes were measured before and after exercise. Intragroup comparison was made to evaluate the acute effects and intergroup comparison for the chronic effects of exercise. Significant differences were noted between athletes and the sedentary subjects in terms of pre-exercise left-N145 latencies and amplitudes and left -P100 amplitudes. Right-eye N145 latencies of inactive female subjects obtained before and after exercise were also statistically different. The results suggest that acute and habitual exercise affects the VEP responses independent from the body temperature and other physiological parameters. Small sized pre-exercise P100 amplitudes in the athletes can be attributed to the effect of rapid visual-activity-demanding sports on the central nervous system. Visual evoked potentials maybe used as neurophysiological criteria in defining the performance of an athlete.

Variable effects of exercise intensity on reduced glutathione, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels, and glucose concentration.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise may be associated with a 10- to 20-fold increase in whole body oxygen uptake. Generation of free oxygen radicals (FORs) is elevated to a level that overwhelms tissue antioxidant defense systems in exercise. One of the most reliable indices of exercise-induced oxidant production is tissue glutathione oxidation. METHODS: In this study three different volunteer groups carried out various sports disciplines and worked at least as amateurs for 6-7 years before and after aerobic (Aer)-, anaerobic (Anae)-, or aerobic + anaerobic (Aer-Anae)-dominant exercises. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, glucose concentration was measured, and we investigated their relationships with different types of exercise. From all groups (n=60, each group comprising 10 females and 10 males), we collected blood samples at the following five different times: before exercise; immediately after exercise, and 4, 24, and 48 h after completion of exercise. These samples were assayed for whole blood GSH, plasma TBARS levels, and glucose concentration. RESULTS: Significant increase in Aer-Anae was noted in levels of TBARS while decrease was observed in glutathione levels in exercise group as compared with prior levels in all groups. However, no statistical difference was observed in total group levels before and after exercise and in male and female groups compared before and after exercise. When gender differences were taken into account, females generally had higher levels of GSH, whereas TBARS levels were higher in males. When compared either before or after exercise, levels of glucose concentration--especially immediately after exercise period in all groups--were higher. In addition, in Anae groups glucose concentrations were higher at 4 and 24 h in females than in males. Aer exercise caused oxidative stress to a lesser degree, whereas Aer-Anae exercise caused oxidative stress of higher degree that was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: According to our findings, exercise increased TBARS level significantly in all groups, especially more so in Aer-Anae groups. In addition, GSH was increased more in females than in males, while concentration of glucose did not change remarkably. Additionally, it can be stated that women are more resistant to oxidative stress.

Effects of exercise on somatosensory-evoked potentials.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute and regular exercise on somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEP). The study group was designed as 9 female and 7 male volleyball players, and the control group as 9 female and 7 male sedentary students. The P1 and P2 latency and amplitude values were measured by tibial nerve stimulation on both lower extremities in the study groups before and after exercise on a treadmill. Intra-group comparison was made to evaluate the acute effects of exercise, and inter-group comparison for the chronic effects of it. Statistically significant difference was determined in pre-exercise right P2 amplitudes and post-exercise left P2 latencies of female volleyball players and sedentary girls. There was significant difference between only the pre-exercise left P2 latency when comparison was made between the sportsmen and sedentary male subject groups. There were significant differences between the pre-exercise left P1 and P2 latency values of sportswomen and right P2 amplitudes of sedentary female subjects. There was no significant difference between left P2 latency values of sportsmen and sedentary male subjects. In conclusion, it was determined that acute and regular exercise shortened the latency of sensory-evoked potentials while decreasing their amplitudes. When evaluating the sensory-evoked potentials in electrophysiology laboratories, the exercise capacity and physical activity levels of the subjects should be considered.