The correlation of TNF alpha levels with acute phase proteins in acute Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice

Acute Toxoplasma gondii infections can influence the liver as well as other organs. Many cytokines and proteins play a role in the acute response against infection. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) is a cytokine that plays a key function in stimulating hepatocytes to produce acute phase proteins. In this study, we investigated TNF alpha levels associated with the levels of macroglobulin, haptoglobin, hemopexin, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, serum amyloid alpha protein (SAA), and clusterin, which are acute phase proteins, in serum of mice with T. gondii infection. In the experiment, a total of 24 mice were used; 6 mice constituted the control group and 18 mice were infected with the RH strain. On the 2nd, 4th, and 6th days following the infection, 6 animals were euthanized, and their serums were collected. Compared to the control group, we observed a statistically significant decrease in albumin concentration in the group with T. gondii infection on the 6th day. Also, this group displayed a statistically significant, gradual increase in clusterin levels on the 2nd and 6th days, C-reactive protein levels on the 4th day, haptoglobin levels on the 2nd and 4th days, hemopexin levels on the 2nd day, serum amyloid A levels on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th days, and TNF-α levels on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th days (p < 0.05). TNF-α was strongly positively correlated with CRP, SAA, and clusterin, moderately positively correlated with hemopexin, and strongly negatively correlated with albumin. The increase in CRP, SAA, clusterin, and hemopexin levels on the 2nd day after infection, in parallel with the increase in TNF-α levels, indicates that these proteins can be considered as major acute phase proteins in acute T. gondii infection in mice. The data obtained here may be helpful for the diagnosis of T. gondii infection and for monitoring treatments.

Effects of mancozeb, metalaxyl and tebuconazole on steroid production by bovine luteal cells in vitro

Mancozeb, metalaxyl and tebucanazole are widely used pesticides in agriculture and industry to treat plant pathogenic fungi. Livestock may be exposed to such substances by consuming contaminated plants. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of these three fungicides on bovine luteal cell steroidogenesis. Luteal slices from mid-cycle corpus luteum were dissociated into single cell suspension in aerated (O₂) culture media (DMEM/F12) by enzymatic digestion. The cells were incubated in newborn calf serum (10%) for 18 h and then with serum-free media containing mancozeb (0.01 μM, 0.1 μM, 1 μM), tebuconazole (1 μM, 10 μM, 100 μM) or metalaxyl (100 μM, 500 μM, 2500 μM) for additional 96 h. The medium was replaced on day 1 and 3; and the retrieved medium was stored at -20 °C until progesterone assay. Treatment of cells with three different fungicides induced dose dependent variable decrease in steroid synthesis during incubation periods. Incubation of cells with 1 μM mancozeb exhibited a 33% decline in steroid synthesis on day 3 and 48% decline on day 5 compared with controls. Treatment of cells with 100 μM tebuconazole and 500 μM metalaxyl resulted in a 65% and 31% decrease, respectively, in progesterone accumulation on day 5 of incubation. Fungicide induced suppressive effects on luteal steroidogenesis were as metalaxyl < tebuconazole < mancozeb. Results of the present study suggest that designated concentrations of all three fungicides studied might have varying degrees of adverse effects on luteal steroidogenesis.

Protective effect of resveratrol on sodium fluoride-induced oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity in rats

Protective effect of resveratrol on sodium fluoride-induced oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity were studied in rats. A total of 28 Wistar albino male rats were used. Four study groups were randomly formed with seven animals in each. The groups were treated for 21days with distilled water (control group), with water containing 100ppm fluoride (fluoride group), with resveratrol (12.5mg/kg i.p., resveratrol group), or with 100ppm fluoride+12.5mg/kg resveratrol i.p. (fluoride+resveratrol group). At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and tissue samples were taken simultaneously. The total antioxidant and oxidant status in plasma and tissues as well as plasma 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels were measured. Histopathological analyses of rat liver and brain tissues were performed in all groups to identify any changes. In the fluoride group, the total oxidant levels increased in plasma, liver and brain and total antioxidant levels decreased, as did the plasma 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine levels. These changes were prevented by co-administration of resveratrol. In addition, fluoride-associated severe histopathological changes in brain and liver tissues were not observed in the fluoride+resveratrol group. Consequently, these data suggested that resveratrol had beneficial effects in alleviating fluoride-induced oxidative stress.

Effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin C and vitamin E and their combination on growth performance, some biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress induced by copper toxicity in broilers

This study investigated effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin E on performance, biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress induced by copper toxicity in broilers. A total of 240, 1-day-old, broilers were assigned to eight groups with three replicates of 10 chicks each. The groups were fed on the following diets: control (basal diet), vitamin C (250 mg/kg diet), vitamin E (250 mg/kg diet), vitamin C + vitamin E (250 mg/kg + 250 mg/kg diet), and copper (300 mg/kg diet) alone or in combination with the corresponding vitamins. At the 6th week, the body weights of broilers were decreased in copper, copper + vitamin E, and copper + vitamin C + vitamin E groups compared to control. The feed conversion ratio was poor in copper group. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase activities, iron, copper concentrations, and erythrocyte malondialdehyde were increased; plasma vitamin A and C concentrations and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase were decreased in copper group compared to control. Glutathione peroxidase, vitamin C, and iron levels were increased; aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and copper levels were decreased in copper + vitamin C group, while superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and vitamin E concentrations were increased; aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were decreased in copper with vitamin E group compared to copper group. The vitamin C concentrations were increased; copper, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and malondialdehyde were decreased in copper + vitamin C + vitamin E group compared to copper group. To conclude, copper caused oxidative stress in broilers. The combination of vitamin C and vitamin E addition might alleviate the harmful effects of copper as demonstrated by decreased lipid peroxidation and hepatic enzymes.

Importance of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BKCa) in interleukin-1b-induced adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the role of the large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BKCa) in interleukin-1b (IL-1b) induced inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were isolated and cultured. Endothelial cell membrane potential measurements were accomplished using the fluorescent dye DiBAC4(3). The role of BKCa was assessed using iberiotoxin, a highly selective BKCa inhibitor. Changes in the calcium intracellular calcium were investigated using Fura-2-AM imaging. Fluorescent dyes DCF-AM and DAF-AM were further used in order to measure the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, respectively. Endothelial cell adhesion tests were conducted with BCECF-AM adhesion assay and tritium thymidine uptake using human monocytic cells (U937). Expression of cellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) was determined by flow cytometer.

RESULTS

Interleukin-1b induced a BKCa dependent hyperpolarization of HUVECs. This was followed by an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration. Furthermore, IL-1b significantly increased the synthesis of NO and ROS. The increase of intracellular calcium, radicals and NO resulted in a BKCa dependent adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs. Endothelial cells treated with IL-1b expressed both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in significantly higher amounts as when compared to controls. It was further shown that the cellular adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were responsible for the BKCa-dependent increase in cellular adhesion. Additionally, inhibition of the NADPH oxidase with DPI led to a significant downregulation of IL-1b-induced expression of ICAM and VCAM, as well as inhibition of eNOS by L-NMMA, and intracellular calcium by BAPTA.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of the endothelial BKCa plays an important role in the IL-1b-induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells.

Deep vein thrombosis and novel oral anticoagulants: a clinical review

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common disease associated with high rates of mortality and significant morbidity. The diagnostic approach of DVT has evolved over the years. Algorithmical use of pretest probability, D-Dimer testing and ultrasonography allow safe and accurate investigation of DVT. The anticoagulation therapy, used to treat DVT, includes vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UF). The duration of anticoagulation therapy depends on the cause of DVT and patient's clinical profile. Although these conventional therapies are effective, narrow therapeutic index, need for frequent monitoring and various food-drug interactions cause difficulties for patients. In recent decades, new oral anticoagulants have been developed. These drugs focus directly on inhibiting either Factor Xa (rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban) or thrombin (dabigatran). In contrast to warfarin, these new agents have shorter half-life, fewer drug or food interactions, no necessity for a close monitoring and ease of administration. This review summarizes current knowledge about deep vein thrombosis and new treatment aspects with novel oral anticoagulants.

Giant aneurysm of the right coronary artery with fistula to right atrium

Coronary artery aneurysms are rare entities with a prevalence of 0.15%-4.9%. Giant coronary artery aneurysms are known as more than 2 to 5 cm in size. We present a case of 74 year-old female who was admitted to our clinic with chest pain and dyspnea. Coronary angiography demonstrated a giant right coronary artery (RCA) aneurysm with a significant left-to-right shunt. The patient underwent an open heart surgery. During the exploration, an aneurysm of 40 mm in diameter of the RCA was seen. The aneurysmatic RCA was excluded and continuously closed with the support of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). The patient was discharged on the 13th postoperative day without any complication.

Early postoperative hemodynamic performances of stented versus stentless aortic xenografts in aortic valve replacement in elderly patients: a comparative study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Surgical valve replacement is the most commonly performed for aortic stenosis. Randomized trials comparing stentless to stented bioprostheses for aortic valve replacement in elderly are scarce. The aim of our study was comparing and evaluating the early hemodynamic performances of Hancock™ stented and FreeStyle™ stentless xenograft aortic valves in aortic valve replacement in elderly patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study involved 40 patients (27 females and 13 males) older than 75 years old. The study was done during the postoperative period. Aortic valve replacements of stented and stentless xenografts were performed to the patients in Group I and Group II, respectively. Investigations for the echocardiographic results were completed on the postoperative 8-10th days. Parameters for the evaluation of hemodynamics were peak pressure gradient, mean pressure gradient and effective orifice area. The parameters were calculated with Doppler echocardiography by using specific formulas.

RESULTS

Peak pressure gradients in patients with stented valves were significantly higher than in stentless valves [Stented valve group 32.45 ± 7.58 vs Stentless valve group 21.50 ± 4.77 mmHg] (p < 0.05). Mean pressure gradients were found to be significantly higher in stented group compared with stented group [Stented valve group 11.050 ± 3.2521 vs Stentless valve group 19.350 ± 6.6036 mmHg] (p < 0.05). The effective orifice area index of implanted valve was significantly greater in the stentless group, as well [Stentless valve group 2.5050 ± 0.6022 vs Stented valve group 1.3050 ± 0.3316 cm2] (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In early postoperative period, effective orifice areas and pressure gradients were found higher in stentless valve group.

Which is a better treatment for carotid artery stenosis: stenting or endarterectomy?

Carotid stenosis amenable to surgical or interventional revascularization accounts for 5-12% of all new strokes. Several randomized trials have shown that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for the treatment of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis is superior to medical treatment. Application of a carotid artery stent (CAS) representing a good alternative for many patients. CAS application has become comparatively safe with the use of embolism-preventive systems developed in recent years. Complication rates reported in some randomized trials and case studies in the literature are similar with CEA. CAS may be recommended as the first choice or alternative treatment for patients with symptomatic stenosis carrying high risks for open surgery. However, more randomized studies are necessary to recommend CAS for patients carrying at low surgical risks or patients with asymptomatic stenosis. This is a systematic review of the literature investigating the effectiveness of the treatment methods for carotid artery stenosis.

An unusual case of retained bullet in the heart since World War II: a case report

Although bullets penetrating into the heart are usually known as fatal, retained cardiac bullets can have a silent course without causing any cardiovascular complications. An 89 year-old patient with myocardial infarction was admitted to our department hemodynamically stable and widely awake. His electrocardiogram didn't show any evidence of ischemia. Cardiac catheterization revealed a three-vessel coronary artery disease. In addition, a circular structure projected on the area of the marginal branch and the V. magna cordis. Removal of the bullet showed that three quarters of myocardium were involved without any perforation. The history of the patient revealed an injury under the heavy fire during World War II. Thus, this case demonstrates that bullets can remain asymptomatic within in the heart for decades. The patient was dis-charged home at the 10th postoperative day after having an uneventful clinical course.

Combined procedures using the extracorporeal circulation and urologic tumor operation--experiences in six cases

We investigated the question whether combined open heart surgery and urologic tumor operations may be helpful for patients with coincident diseases. From 8/1989 to 8/2000 six patients underwent combined open heart surgery and urologic tumor operation (61-76 years). Two patients suffered from aortic valve stenosis, four patients from ischemic heart disease. Concerning the kidney five patients had an adenocarcinoma, one patient a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In two patients we performed an aortic valve replacement and tumor nephrectomy (partial resection of the kidney), respectively. Four patients underwent myocardial revascularization and the corresponding tumor operation. The immediate postoperative course shows satisfactory results. In long-term follow-up one patient reported a low level of loading capacity, however, without typical ischemic symptoms. A clue for a tumor recidivism has not yet been observed. Two patients died 2.5 years after the operation, but the underlying reasons remain speculative because of missing autopsy. Patients suffering from both cardiovascular and kidney disease can be treated in only one setting with low risk. Remembering critically the limited number of cases, we conclude that combined procedures should take preference of operations in two settings, which is in agreement with the current data from the literature.

[Coil embolization of an AV-fistula between the left thoracic artery and vein after coronary artery bypass surgery]

We report a case of an artificial fistula between the internal thoracic artery and vein after coronary artery bypass surgery, anastomosing the left internal thoracic artery to the LAD. Because of symptomatic anterior wall ischaemia due to coronary steal a treatment was mandatory. Instead of surgical correction, this shunt was closed by coil embolization of the venous limb.