Relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors and health related quality of life in turkish school-going adolescents

Background

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between healthy lifestyles behaviours and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Turkish school-going adolescents.

Subjects and Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 students studying in a secondary school of Istanbul, Turkey. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing socio-demographic characteristics, health promoting lifestyle behaviors and the Turkish generic health-related quality of life questionnaire for children (Kid-KINDL). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson's product-moment correlation, and a hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Results

Univariate statistics showed that gender, school grade, parental education level, monthly income, and all healthy lifestyles behaviours except for fruit and vegetable intake were associated with adolescents' HRQOL. Multivariate statistics indicated that participation in social activities and talking about their problems were the most important predictors of better HRQOL. Healthy lifestyles behaviours, especially talking about their problems to close friends and/or family members and participation in leisure-time social activity were related to better HRQOL of Turkish adolescents, independently of socio-demographic factors.

Conclusion

Collaborative efforts among providers of school health and counseling services are urgently needed to improve all aspects of adolescent health.

Utilization of glial fibrillary acidic protein and galectin-3 in the diagnosis of cerebral infarction patients with normal cranial tomography

OBJECTIVE

It was aimed to determine whether levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Galectin-3 contribute to the diagnosis of cerebral infarction in clinically suspected ischemic stroke patients with normal computerized cranial tomography (CCT) in the emergency department.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, patients above the age of 18 years who presented to emergency department of Firat University between December 2011-November 2012 and were diagnosed with cerebral infarction were included. Exclusion criteria were as follows: symptom onset exceeding 24 hours, trauma, pregnancy, acute myocardial infarction, acute pulmonary embolism, chronic renal insufficiency and steroid therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 90 participants, forty patients with ischemic infarction who were diagnosed by CCT and clinical findings (Normal CCT in 17 patients and CCT with an area of infarction in 23 patients) and fifty healthy controls, were included in this study. Compared with the control group, levels of Galectin-3 and GFAP were found to be significantly increased in patients with ischemic infarction (P <0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively). It was found that levels of Galectin-3 and GFAP were significantly increased in ischemic stroke patients with normal CCT compared to the control group (P = 0.04 and P = 0.025, respectively). In ROC curve analysis, we detected %70.59 sensitivity and 70% specificity (AUC = 0.684, P = 0.0213, 95% CI: 0,558-0.792) with a cutoff value of 33.24 ng/ml for GFAP and 76.47% sensitivity and 68% specificity (AUC = 0.734, P = 0.0048, 95% CI: 0.611-0.834) with a cutoff value of 0.84 ng/ml for Galectin-3. No correlation was found between National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and Galectin-3 and GFAP (r = 0.251, P = 0.118 and r = 0.164, P = 0.311, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The levels of Galectin-3 and GFAP were increased in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Which one is more effective for the treatment of rat sepsis model: thalidomide or etanercept?

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the protective effect of selected treatment agents on liver injury in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat sepsis model.

BACKGROUND

The sepsis includes complex inflammatory responses between a microbial pathogen and the host immune system, and leads to organ failure and also death.

METHODS

This study was performed with 29 male Wistar Albino rats. Rats were divided randomly into five groups: Sham group, LPS-treated sepsis group, LPS+thalidomide treated group, LPS+etanercept treated group and LPS+thalidomide+etanercept treated group, respectively. Liver tissue tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) method. The expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) was performed using western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The levels of tissue TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were found statistically significantly higher in sepsis group than in the sham group. TNF-α levels were found statistically significantly decreased in LPS+etanercept and LPS+thalidomide+etanercept treated groups when compared with LPS group (p < 0.05). For IL-1β and IL-6 levels a statistically significant decline was observed in the LPS+thalidomide and LPS+etanercept treated groups compared to the LPS group (p < 0.05). Expression of NF-κB protein in liver tissue was significantly elevated in the LPS group compared to sham group (p < 0.001). In treatment groups, a marked decrease was observed in NF-κB protein expression.

CONLUSION

The results of this investigation suggested that etanercept and thalidomide administration may have a beneficial effect on LPS-induced sepsis. So, the present study may have significant clinical relevance, but clinical trials are needed to confirm these results (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 36).

The relationship between the latency period, infection markers, and oxidant and antioxidant states in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes

BACKGROUND

A major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality has been reported to be preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Our objective was to evaluate oxidant-antioxidant balance, infection parameters, time interval between rupture of membranes and delivery (latency period), and the relationship among all these parameters.

METHODS

Seventy-five cases with PPROM between 24 and 34 gestational weeks were included in the study. A control group of 41 women who gave birth at term were considered as the control group. The relationship among maternal plasma total oxidative stress (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), leukocyte counts, CRP, vitamin C and E levels, gestational week, neonatal birthweight, and latency period was evaluated.

RESULTS

In cases with PPROM, rupture occurred at an average of 29.4 gestational weeks and premature babies were born at an average of 31.6 gestational weeks. The mortality rate of babies born to PPROM women was 18.7% (14/75) died at or following birth. In the PPROM group, TOS, MDA, and leukocyte counts were found to be significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Besides, a significant negative correlation was detected among the latency period, TOS, CRP, and leukocyte counts (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate treatment protocols that strengthen antioxidant defense systems and taking into consideration the signs of infection can decrease the incidence of PPROM and/or mortality rates of babies born to PPROM women.

Investigation of short- and long-term effects of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome on ovarian reserve: an experimental study

PURPOSE

To investigate the short and long-term effects of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) on serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelin-1 and ovarian follicular reserve (OFR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An experimental case-control study was conducted on a university animal laboratory with 20 immature (22-day-old) virgin female Wistar Albino rats. Firstly, rats were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 10): control and Group 2 (n = 10): experimental OHSS induced rats. Secondly, Group 2 was randomly divided into two groups on the day of OHSS development (27th day) as follows: Group 3 (n = 5): 27-day-old OHSS induced rats and Group 4 (n = 5): 27-day-old OHSS induced rats supervised for seven days. Group 1 was divided into two groups to constitute age-matched controls as follows: Group 5 (n = 5): 27-day-old rats, Group 6 (n = 5): 35-day-old rats. The comparisons of Group 3 vs Group 5 and Group 4 vs Group 6 were performed. Main outcome measures were OFR, serum levels of VEGF, and endothelin-1.

RESULTS

While the OFR and primordial follicle number (PFN) of Group 3 were significantly lower than those of Group 5 (p < 0.05); VEGF and endothelin-1 levels and atretic follicle number (AFN) were significantly higher in Group 3 compared to Group 5 (p < 0.05). In Group 4, PFN was significantly lower (p < 0.05) and AFN was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than Group 6. However, there were no statistically significant difference between Group 4 and Group 6 regarding the parameters of OFR, serum levels of VEGF, and endothelin-1.

CONCLUSION

This experimental OHSS model revealed increased serum VEGF and endothelin-1 levels and decreased OFR during short-term of OHSS. OHSS showed detrimental effect on PFN of rats during long-term.

Effects of apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, on levels of ADMA, MPO, iNOS and TLR4 induced by myocardial ischemia reperfusion

PURPOSE

In this study, the effects of apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, on the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which are inflammatory mediators in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MIR) injury, and myeloperoxidase (MPO), which is the indicator of neutrophil infiltration and the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) increasing with oxidative stress were investigated.

METHODS

MIR injury was accomplished by the application of occlusion for 30 minutes and reperfusion for 120 minutes in the left anterior descending artery (LAD). In the study, 21 Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into three groups: a sham group (n = 7); a MIR group (n = 7); and a MIR + apocynin treatment group (n = 7, before the procedure, an intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg of apocynin for 15 days). After reperfusion, iNOS, TLR4, MPO and ADMA levels in myocardial tissue were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

While myocardial TLR4, MPO and ADMA levels increased in the MIR group, these parameters were found to be decreased significantly in the group treated with apocynin. Although iNOS levels showed an increase in the MIR group compared to the sham group and a reduction in the MIR+apocynin group, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups.

DISCUSSION

In our study, the effect of the treatment of apocynin in MIR on ADMA, MPO, iNOS and TLR4 levels in myocardial tissue was shown for the first time. It is thought that apocynin treatment may show a protective effect in MIR injury by affecting oxidative stress (ADMA) and inflammatory parameters (iNOS, MPO).

The effect of different suture materials on the safety of colon anastomosis in an experimental peritonitis model

BACKGROUND

The aim of this experimental study was to compare the safety of different suture materials in a left colonic anastomosis in the presence of peritonitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. First, left colonic injuries were created in all groups for the peritonitis model. After 24 hours, coated polyglactin 910 and silk suture were used in Group I rats, polydioxanone and silk suture were used in Group II rats, and coated polyglactin 910 plus antibacterial suture and silk suture were used in Group III rats during colonic anastomosis. Tissue hydroxyproline, anastomotic bursting pressure, and histopathologic findings on the anastomosis line were evaluated on the 10th postoperative day by performing a relaparatomy.

RESULTS

The mean bursting pressure values were 198 ± 11.37, 220 ± 17.7, and 244 ± 9.52 in Groups I, II, and III, respectively (Group I vs. II, p < 0.035; I vs III, p < 0.002; and II vs III, p < 0.021). The mean hydroxyproline levels were 1.21 ± 0.58, 1.47 ± 0.44, and 2.11 ± 0.32 in Groups I, II, and III, respectively (Group I vs II, p < 0.338; I vs III, p < 0.011; and II vs III, p < 0.025). When histopathologic findings of the groups were compared, the healing score of the intestinal tissue was higher in Group III than in Group I (p < 0.015), whereas there were no statistically significant differences among Groups I vs II and II vs III (p < 0.081 and p < 0.095, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Antibacterial suture usage increased anastomosis safety in the presence of peritonitis in resection and primary anastomosis.

Effects of rosiglitazone on serum paraoxonase activity and metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Human serum paraoxonase contributes to the anti-atherogenic effect of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and has been shown to protect both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and HDL-C against lipid peroxidation. We investigated the effects of rosiglitazone on paraoxonase activity and metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [50 patients (30 males, 20 females); mean±SD age: 58.7±9.2 years, body mass index: 28.2±4.1'kg/m²], in whom glucose control could not be achieved despite treatment with metformin, sulphonylurea, and/or insulin. The patients were given 4'mg/day rosiglitazone for 3 months in addition to their usual treatment. Serum paraoxonase activity, malondialdehyde, homocysteine, and lipid profile were measured at the time of initiation and at the end of therapy with rosiglitazone. After rosiglitazone therapy, serum levels of HDL-C, apolipoprotein A-1, and paraoxonase activity increased significantly (P<0.05) and malondialdehyde, homocysteine, lipoprotein(a), and glucose levels decreased significantly (P<0.05), but no significant changes in levels of total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B were observed. Triglyceride levels also increased significantly (P<0.05). Rosiglitazone treatment led to an improvement in glycemic control and to an increase in paraoxonase activity and HDL-C levels. Although rosiglitazone showed favorable effects on oxidant/antioxidant balance and lipid profile, further studies are needed to determine the effect of rosiglitazone on cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Trimetazidine for prevention of induced ischemia and reperfusion of guinea pig retina

OBJECTIVE

Trimetazidine (TMZ) has been used to protect against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of many tissues. We aimed to evaluate the effect of TMZ during retinal I/R in a guinea pig model.

STUDY DESIGN/PATIENTS AND METHODS

An experimental study in retinal I/R. Three groups of five guinea pigs were studied to include a control, placebo, and drug test groups. Prior to the application of 90 minutes of high intraocular pressure (IOP) to induce retinal ischemia followed by 24 hours of reperfusion, we applied intraperitoneal saline to the placebo group and 3 mg/kg of TMZ for the drug test group and repeated the injections at intervals of six hours for four cycles. Both eyes of the animals were enucleated at the end of the reperfusion period. Biochemical assay and histopathologic evaluation was performed on one randomly selected eye of each animal. The level of retinal-free malondialdehyde (MDA) and retinal layer thicknesses were determined and comparisons were then made with the control group.

RESULTS

The mean free MDA level increased in the placebo group (P = 0.006) but not in the drug group (P > 0.05). We observed polymorphonucleated leukocyte infiltration, retinal edema and hydropic degeneration in the retina of the placebo group. However, significant histopathologic change was not observed in specimens of the drug group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests TMZ has a beneficial effect on retinal lipid peroxidation and histopathologic changes due to I/R injury.

The importance of paraoxonase 1 activity, nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation in hepatosteatosis

This study evaluated the changes in oxidative status in hepatosteatosis patients in terms of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity. A total of 49 patients with hepatosteatosis (29 males and 20 females, mean age 47.2 +/- 3.6 years) and 25 healthy subjects (15 males and 10 females, mean age 46.1 +/- 3.2 years) were enrolled in the study. Serum PON1 was measured spectrophotometrically, malondialdehyde (MDA), an end-product of lipid peroxidation, was determined using the thiobarbituric acid method, and NO was assessed using the Griess reaction. Lipid and other biochemical parameters were determined by routine laboratory methods. PON1 activity and NO levels were significantly decreased and MDA levels significantly increased in hepatosteatosis patients compared with healthy subjects. PON1 activity was correlated with MDA level and NO level. In conclusion, oxidative stress seems significantly to suppress PON1 synthesis in hepatosteatosis patients. In addition, oxidative stress and oxidant-antioxidant imbalance may be part of the cytotoxic mechanisms leading to liver cell injury.

Relationship between Leptin, Insulin Resistance, Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

This study examined the relationship between leptin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and insulin resistance in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Levels of leptin, insulin, IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and common routine parameters were measured in 45 patients (23 males and 22 females) with CKD and 45 healthy controls matched for age, gender and body mass index. IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were measured using a two-site immunoradiometric assay. Leptin levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A homeostasis model assessment computer-solved model was used to assess insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Levels of serum leptin, insulin, IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and HOMA-IR were significantly increased in patients with CKD compared with healthy subjects, whereas fasting blood glucose was not significantly different between the two groups. In patients with CKD, the serum leptin level was significantly correlated with IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and HOMA-IR. In conclusion, this study suggests that there is an interaction between leptin, IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and insulin resistance in patients with CKD.

The Role of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) and Leptin in Hypertensive Patients

We investigated the role of leptin and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in uncomplicated hypertension. We also investigated their relationship with insulin resistance and serum levels of several metabolic parameters, including homocysteine, lipoprotein(a) and malondialdehyde (MDA). A total of 34 untreated newly-diagnosed hypertensive patients (seven men and 27 women; mean age, 57.4 ± 10.1 years) and 38 normotensive healthy subjects (20 men and 18 women; mean age, 55.9 ± 8.7 years) were studied prospectively. Serum leptin, homocysteine, lipoprotein(a), MDA and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly higher in hypertensive patients compared with normotensive subjects. There were no significant differences in ADMA, insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 between the two groups. No correlation was found between serum ADMA and leptin levels. Our findings suggest that high serum leptin and homocysteine levels, oxidative stress and insulin resistance may be important risk factors for atherosclerosis among patients with uncomplicated hypertension.

Serum Levels of Leptin and Homocysteine in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Relationship to Endocrine, Clinical and Metabolic Parameters

We examined the relationship between endocrine, clinical and metabolic parameters in 35 women (mean age 27.3 years) with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 30 age- and body mass index-matched normal ovulatory women. In PCOS women, serum leptin, homocysteine, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 levels and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were significantly higher, while sex hormone-binding globulin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower compared with healthy women. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), androstenedione, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels were found to be significantly higher in PCOS women compared with healthy women. The levels of E2, LH and testosterone were positively correlated with leptin levels in PCOS women. Similarly, androstenedione levels and HOMA-IR were positively correlated with homocysteine levels and insulin levels were positively correlated with LH. We conclude that increased homocysteine levels, hyperandrogenaemia, insulin resistance and impaired lipid metabolism contribute to the risk of premature atherosclerosis in PCOS women.

Levels of serum vitamin A, alpha-tocopherol and malondialdehyde in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: relationship with histopathologic severity

The aims of our study were to estimate serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), serum levels of vitamin A and alpha-tocopherol as antioxidants and determine relationship of these with histopathologic severity in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Twenty-nine patients with biopsy-proven NASH were included to study. NASH were histopathologically scored for grading and staging. Serum MDA and vitamin A levels were increased in patients with NASH and simple steatosis as compared to healthy control group. Serum alpha-tocopherol levels measured in simple steatosis and NASH were significantly lower than in healthy control group. There was no significant difference between grade/stage 0-1 and grade/stage 2-3 in terms of MDA, vitamin A and alpha-tocopherol levels. Serum MDA and vitamin A levels are increased in simple steatosis and NASH. MDA, vitamin A and alpha-tocopherol levels in NASH were not associated with the histopathologic severity.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects kidneys against carbon tetrachloride toxicity in rats

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis produced by honeybees, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate possible protective effects of CAPE on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced renal damage in rats. A total of 24 animals were divided into three equal groups: the control rats received pure olive oil subcutaneously, rats in the second group were injected with CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg, s.c. in olive oil) and rats in the third group were injected with CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg) plus CAPE (10 micromol/kg, i.p.) every other day for one month. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Serum urea and creatinine levels and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were determined. Histopathological examination of the kidney was also performed using light microscopic methods. It was found that kidney MDA levels were increased significantly following CCl4 exposure and this increase was significantly inhibited by CAPE treatment, while no significant changes were observed in serum urea and creatinine levels. CCl4 administration alone also caused histopathologically prominent damage in the kidney compared to the control group. Glomerular and tubular degeneration, interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis, and vascular congestion in the peritubular blood vessels were observed in the renal cortex. With exception of rare vascular congestions, these histopathological changes were disappeared in rats treated with CCl4 plus CAPE. In view of the present findings, it is suggested that CAPE protects kidneys against CCl4 toxicity.

Effects of melatonin on carbon tetrachloride-induced changes in rat serum

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a volatile organic chemical, which causes tissue damage, especially to the liver and kidney. In experimental animals it has been shown to be carcinogenic. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of exogenous melatonin administration on the CCl4-induced changes of some biochemical parameters in rat blood. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three equal groups: Control, CCl4 and CCl4 plus melatonin (CCl4+MEL). Rats in CCl4 group were injected subcutaneously with CCl4 0.5 ml/kg in olive oil while rats in CCl4+MEL group were injected with CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg) plus melatonin (25 mg/kg in 10% ethanol) every other day for one month. Control rats were treated with olive oil. Serum urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total and conjugated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT), total iron, and magnesium levels were determined. Serum AST, ALT, total and conjugated bilirubin, ALP, gamma-GT, and total iron levels were significantly higher in CCl4-treated rats than in the controls, while urea, total protein, and albumin levels were significantly lower. Melatonin treatment did not cause a significantly change in serum urea, total protein, and albumin levels. However, the elevations in AST, ALT, total and conjugated bilirubin, ALP, gamma-GT, and total iron levels induced by CCl4 injections were significantly reduced by melatonin. On the other hand, melatonin administration significantly decreased serum magnesium levels. These results indicate that melatonin could be a protective agent against the CCl4 toxicity in rats, most likely through its antioxidant and free radical scavenger effects.

Equine goiter associated with excess dietary iodine

Naturally occurring goiter cases are described in 2 newborn Arabian foals whose mares were supplemented with excess iodine during the final 24 w of the pregnancy. Six nursing foals and 2 mares were also affected clinically with thyroid hypertrophy. At least 12 times the maximum tolerable level of iodine supplementation was given, as the daily iodine intake for each mare was 299 mg. The prevalence of goiter cases was 2 and 9% in the mares and foals, respectively.

Increased discrimination between benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer with equimolar total prostate specific antigen measurement

Although prostate specific antigen (PSA) is widely used in the discrimination of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, its diagnostic value is controversial due to an appreciable false positive rate. In the present study, we compared a recently introduced assay method, equimolar PSA measurement, to non-equimolar PSA measurement and also determined the diagnostic value of percent free PSA with changing total PSA (tPSA) measurements. Between April 1999 and December 2001, the sera of 61 patients with BPH and 41 with prostate cancer were examined. Total PSA and free PSA was determined using the Immulite 2000 assay system, whereas equimolar tPSA measurement was performed using Bayer PSA Q for the Chiron ACS 180 system. Comparative analysis of the two different assays revealed better diagnostic sensitivity and specificity values for equimolar tPSA measurement, which in turn would have led to 10% of the patients avoiding an unnecessary biopsy. Additionally, percent free PSA with the changing denominator of tPSA assays showed that the free PSA/equimolar tPSA ratio was the best tumor marker among the studied forms of PSA. It was concluded that equimolar tPSA measurement using recombinant Fab fragments is superior to the classical measurements with monoclonal antibodies, and that the use of percent free PSA with the equimolarly measured tPSA has better sensitivity and specificity in the discrimination of benign and malignant diseases of the prostate.

Toxicity of dietary Heliotropium dolosum seed to Japanese quail

Five groups of 30 male Japanese quail, each 7-w-old, were fed diets containing 0, 1, 3, 5, or 10% (w/w) of dehulled H dolosum seed. Half of the birds from the each group were killed at 6 and 24 w after beginning of the trial. At the end of 6th w, neither mortality nor clinical sign occurred in test groups. In the 5 and 10% inclusion levels, mild to moderate hepatic injury was detected as evidenced by mild karyomegaly, moderate fatty change, focal or portal fibrosis, bile duct hyperplasie, and ovalocyte proliferation along with lower serum protein and albumin levels. By the termination of the experiment (24 w), 5 birds died in the 10% dosed group. Hepatic cirrhosis was the most prominent finding in the 5 and 10% group; at these levels, serum protein and albumin values decreased significanty while billuribin and ALP levels increased. Based on relative weights and histological evaluations, testicularatrophywasdosedependent. These results partly affirm earlier studies that the quail is highly resistant to the toxic effects of H dolosumseed. However, the resistance to H dolosum is less than Senecio Jacobae and Crotalaria spectabilis when considering tissue injury.

Octreotide reduces ischaemia-reperfusion injury in the retina

PURPOSE

To investigate the role of octreotide on retinal lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes during ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R).

METHODS

Three groups of seven pigmented guinea pigs each were formed. These represented a control group, an ischaemia group and an ischaemia/octreotide group. One eye of each animal was selected for histopathological evaluation and the other for biochemical assay. Bilateral pressure-induced retinal ischaemia was instigated for 90 min and was followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Animals in the ischaemia/octreotide and ischaemia groups received either 10 micro g/kg of octreotide or saline, repeated five times at 6-hourly intervals, with the first dose administered 15 min prior to the ischaemic insult. Retinal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the thickness of the retinal layers were measured. These were compared with equivalent measurements of the control group.

RESULTS

The mean MDA level increased in the ischaemia group (p < 0.01) but not in the octreotide group (p > 0.05). Significant increases in the thickness of the overall retina (p < 0.01), inner retina (p < 0.05) ganglion cell layer (p < 0.01) inner plexiform layer (p < 0.01) and inner nuclear layer (p < 0.01) were observed in the ischaemia group. No significant difference in thickness was found in any of the layers in the ischaemia/octreotide group.

CONCLUSION

Octreotide reduces the increases in retinal MDA levels and retinal thickness observed during I/R.

Tissue malondialdehyde and adenosine triphosphatase level after experimental liver ischaemia-reperfusion damage

Functional irregularities due to damage after ischaemia-reperfusion vary depending upon the organs affected. High energy phosphates such as ATP and ADP are destroyed after ischaemia-reperfusion damage. Subsequently, protons and inorganic phosphates accumulate within the cells and the proton pumps such as adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), which maintain intracellular ion balance are damaged. In the present study, malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation, was measured as an indicator of tissue damage. Additionally, we measured sodium-potassium-ATPase levels and determined the interactions between MDA and Na+-K+ ATPase levels. A total of 31 female guinea pigs were divided into four groups: sham operated guinea pigs (group 1), ischaemia-reperfusion (group 2), ischaemia-reperfusion + superoxide dismutase (SOD) (group 3), ischaemia-reperfusion + allopurinol (group 4). Following reperfusion, the livers of guinea pigs in each group were removed for histopathological examination and the levels of MDA and Na+-K+ ATPase were determined in homogenized tissue samples. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in tissue MDA levels in group 2 when compared with group 1. The level of tissue MDA in groups 3 and 4 was significantly lower than tissue MDA levels of group 2. However, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in tissue Na+-K+ ATPase levels of group 2 when compared with group 1. Similarly, the level of tissue Na+-K+ ATPase in groups 3 and 4 was significantly higher than the tissue Na+-K+ ATPase levels of group 2. The results of the histopathologic examination also revealed the beneficial effects of the use of SOD and allopurinol in preventing liver damage in cases of ischaemia-reperfusion. Although the levels of MDA and Na+-K+ ATP ase in group 2 were not equal to the level in group 1, antioxidant therapy significantly improved the tendency to reverse the effects of ischaemia-reperfusion and to protect the liver from damage due to ischaemia-reperfusion.

Seminal plasma cytokine levels in the diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain syndrome

BACKGROUND

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) are frequently encountered clinical entities characterized by painful and irritative voiding symptoms often referable to the prostate. Diagnosis usually depends on the symptoms and treatment mainly consists of reassurance, anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics in the absence of a documented infection. To have objective diagnostic criteria, we determined the possible roles and diagnostic efficacies of soluble cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-2R, IL-6 and IL-8 in the seminal plasma of patients with different forms of CPPS.

METHODS

Seminal plasma was obtained from a total of 30 subjects who were evaluated in three groups. Each group comprised 10 patients having inflammatory CPPS, non-inflammatory CPPS and control subjects, respectively. The levels of IL-1beta, IL-2R, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 were measured in seminal plasma using chemiluminescence.

RESULTS

The level of IL-2R in all three groups was below measurable values. Interleukin-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 levels were elevated significantly in the two groups with CPPS compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Soluble cytokines showed a slight difference between patients with inflammatory CPPS and non-inflammatory CPPS, but this was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although there are individual variables between the discrimination of inflammatory and non-inflammatory CPPS, cytokines are frequently present and elevated in the expressed prostatic secretions from men with CPPS. Our results indicate that several soluble cytokines can be used to identify this chronic and long-term disease.

Effect of thinner inhalation on lipid peroxidation and some antioxidant enzymes of people working with paint thinner

Paint thinner is a commonly used industrial solvent with considerable potential for abuse by inhalation. Paint thinner is taken into the body by inhalation or by contact with the skin. Paint thinner is oxidized gradually by cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase and consequently free radicals are produced. In the present study we measured plasma malondialdehyde (MDA, a product of lipid peroxidation) levels as an indicator of oxidative damage and activity levels of antioxidant enzymes gluthatione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes of a group of people (n = 18) working with paint thinner. The control group was composed of 18 healthy adults. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) increase in MDA (2.0+/-0.7 nmol ml(-1)) and GSH-Px (86.5+/-16.6 U g(-1) Hb) activity levels in people working with paint thinner compared with control subjects (MDA: 1.0+/-0.3 nmol ml(-1); GSH-Px: 53.9+/-14.5 U g(-1) Hb). Similarly, there was also an increase (p < 0.05) in the SOD levels (1079+/-214.6 U g(-1) Hb) of people working with paint thinner compared with controls (953.3+/-46.7 U g(-1) Hb). Based on our results, it can be concluded that paint thinner inhalation may increase lipid peroxidation and consequently induce antioxidant enzymes.

The study of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone in experimental diabetes mellitus

It is generally accepted that hypertension and other vascular pathologies increase in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients as a result of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system. In this study, changes in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system level was determined in Streptozotocin (STZ)-injected rats. A total of 46 female Wistar albino rats (180-220 g body weight) was utilized in these experiments. STZ was given intraperitoneally to induce diabetes in rats. Streptozotocin (60 mg kg(-1) body weight) was dissolved in 0.1 m citrate--phosphate buffer (pH 4-5). The non-diabetic rats were injected with sterilized buffer alone to act as a control group. Blood glucose levels were 398+/-8.2 mg dl(-1), 488+/-11.75 mg dl(-1) and 658+/-29.6 mg dl(-1) at days 3, 12 and 30 respectively. The level of plasma renin activity (PRA) was measured as 7.69+/-1.07 ng ml(-1) h(-1); 1.82+/-0.22 ng ml(-1) h(-1) and 0. 67+/-0.12 ng ml(-1) h(-1) at days 3, 12 and 30, respectively. These values showed that the PRA levels are decreased with increased time period. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE, E.C. 3.4.15.1) levels were increased at days 12 and 30 (p<0.05 and p<0.005), whereas serum aldosterone levels were increased at days 3 and 12 (p<0.05). The level of urea and creatinine increased at days 12 and 30 (p<0.05 and p<0.005, respectively) when compared to the control group. The data from these experiments indicate that the PRA level decreased whereas ACE activity level increased in diabetic rats compared with the control. Aldosterone levels increased at the first stage of the experiment, but then decreased by the end of the experiment as a result of changes in renin and ACE levels.

Effects of L-thyroxine and zinc therapy on wound healing in hypothyroid rats

Unfavourable effects of hypothyroidism and zinc deficiency on wound healing are well known. This experimental study was conducted on rats to evaluate the effects of hormone replacement and zinc supplement on wound healing. A total of 50 rats were divided into 5 groups of 10 rats as follows: Control group (A), a hypothyroidism group (B), a L-thyroxine receiving hypothyroidism group (C), a zinc receiving hypothyroidism group (D), and a L-thyroxine plus zinc receiving hypothyroidism group (E). In order to develop hypothyroidism, 5-propyl 2-thiouracil had been given intraperitoneally for a period of 21 days to all groups except the control group. A laparotomy with a 4 cm median incision was performed in all rats. The first half of the rats was sacrificed on the 7th day and the remaining on the 14th day. Breaking strength, hydroxyproline concentrations in the healing scar tissue and blood serum zinc levels were measured. Although both values--breaking strength and hydroxyproline levels--, compared to all others, were found to be higher in the L-thyroxine plus zinc receiving group (group E) on the 7th day, differences among the groups were not statistically significant. However, on the 14th day, these differences were found to be significant. We conclude that the hormone replacement therapy in hypothyroidism cases was beneficial with regard to wound healing and the results were more satisfactory if zinc was added to the therapy.

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of new quinazolinone derivatives

A new hydrazide, 3-ethyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone-2-ylmercaptoacetic acid hydrazide 3 was synthesized by the reaction of 3-ethyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone-2-ylmercaptoacetic acid ethyl ester with hydrazine hydrate. Subsequent treatment of 3 with aromatic aldehydes and alkyl/arylisothiocyanates furnished the corresponding hydrazones 4a-f and the thiosemicarbazides 5a-e, respectively. Cyclocondensation of 5a-e in sulfuric acid yielded the thiadiazoles 6a-d. All the synthesized compounds were tested for in vitro antimicrobial action against some aerobic bacteria and C. albicans.

Use of random urine samples to estimate total urinary calcium and phosphate excretion

Calcium-to-creatinine and phosphate-to-creatinine ratios in random single-voided urine specimens were compared with 24-hour calcium and phosphate excretions, respectively, in 67 subjects who were selected prospectively to represent a wide range of renal and parathyroid function as well as urinary calcium and phosphate loss. Simple linear regression analysis revealed significant correlation between the spot urine calcium-to-creatinine ratio and 24-hour total calcium excretion and between the spot urine phosphate-to-creatinine ratio and 24-hour phosphate excretion. Calculating these simple ratios permits easy, rapid, correct, and inexpensive estimation of the daily urinary calcium and phosphate excretion.