Antibacterial Activity of Boron Compounds Against Biofilm-Forming Pathogens

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of nine boron derivatives against biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria. The effect of boron derivatives (CMB, calcium metaborate; SMTB, sodium metaborate tetrahydrate; ZB, zinc borate; STFB, sodium tetra fluorine borate; STB, sodium tetraborate; PTFB, potassium tetra fluor borate; APTB, ammonium pentabo-rate tetrahydrate; SPM, sodium perborate monohydrate; Borax, ATFB, ammonium tetra fluorine borate) on bacteria isolated from blood culture was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Then, biofilm formation potentials on microplates, tubes, and Congo red agar were examined. The cytotoxicity of boron derivatives was determined by using WST-1-based methods. The interaction between the biofilm-forming bacteria, fibroblast cells, and boron derivatives was determined with the infection model. We found that the sodium metaborate tetrahydrate molecule was effective against all pathogens. According to the optical density values detected at 630 nm in microplates, meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was observed to have the most substantial biofilm ability at 0.257 nm. As a result of cytotoxicity studies, it has been determined that a 1 µg/L concentration of boron derivatives is not toxic to fibroblast L929 cells. In cell culture experiments, these boron derivatives have very serious inhibitory activity against biofilm-forming pathogens in a short treatment period, such as 2-4 h. Furthermore, using these molecules on inanimate surfaces affected by biofilms would be appropriate instead of living cells.

Evaluation of the relationship between TAFI level and prognosis in COVID-19 patients

OBJECTIVE

Serum thrombin-activated fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) levels were measured in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients requiring intensive care, clinical hospitalization, and outpatient follow-up. The relationships between serum TAFI levels and prognosis were determined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety patients who had positive COVID-19 PCR test results were randomly selected and included in the study. Subgroups were formed according to the clinical characteristics of the patients as follows: mild, moderate, and severe. Venous blood samples were taken from all patients, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), fibrinogen, D-dimer, ferritin, and TAFI levels were measured. The results were evaluated by comparing each group.

RESULTS

The one-way ANOVA test to determine differences between subgroups resulted in p-values lower than 0.05 for all biochemical analytes (CRP, LDH, fibrinogen, D-dimer, ferritin, and TAFI). Regarding serum TAFI levels, there were significant differences in the severe group (853.04 ± 338.58 ng/mL) compared to the mild group (548.33 ± 264.17 ng/mL). ROC curve analysis to predict mortality revealed that TAFI levels were able to detect 85% of deaths. In addition, ROC analysis revealed that serum TAFI levels could detect 86% of intubated cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The disease progression is more severe in patients with high TAFI levels, and high TAFI levels are associated with mortality and intubation rates. Further studies are needed to determine serum TAFI levels as a biomarker of prognosis in COVID-19 patients.

The relationship between COVID-19 and the complement system: mannose-binding lectin

OBJECTIVE

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is one of the important parts of the complement system. In our study, we aimed to determine serum MBL levels and their relationship with intensive care hospitalization.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety COVID-19-positive patients from outpatient clinics and clinics were included in this study. The patients were evaluated in three groups as mild, moderate, and severe groups. Each group consisted of 30 patients. A venous blood sample was taken once from each patient. Serum MBL, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), fibrinogen, D-dimer, and ferritin levels were measured.

RESULTS

The mean serum MBL levels of all patients were 695.46±324.42 ng/mL. One-way ANOVA test resulted in significant differences in serum CRP, LDH, fibrinogen, D-dimer, ferritin, and MBL levels between groups (p<0.05 for all comparisons). Post-hoc Tukey analysis showed significant differences in serum MBL levels between mild and severe groups and moderate and severe groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MBL may be used as a prognostic biomarker in COVID-19 patients. Further studies are needed to determine MBL in treatment strategies.

Interleukin-28 as a Promising Marker for Predicting Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Requirement and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate serum interleukin-28 levels in COVID-19 patients and correlate the results with disease severity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study included 90 patients who presented to the COVID-19 outpatient clinics, hospital wards, and intensive care units. Serum interleukin-28, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, fibrinogen, d-dimer, and ferritin levels were measured. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on clinical severity to mild, moderate, and severe groups (each group consisted of 30 patients).

RESULTS

There were significant differences in serum C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, fibrinogen, d-dimer, ferritin, and interleukin- 28 levels between all groups. The mean serum interleukin-28 levels of all patients were 383.74 ± 63.58 ng/L. The mean serum interleukin-28 levels were 335.52 ± 42.12 ng/L in the mild group, 366.88 ± 41.27 ng/L in the moderate group, and 453.46 ± 36.78 ng/L in the severe group.

CONCLUSION

There were significant differences in comparisons of all pairs (P < .05). Interleukin-28 may be a promising biomarker for detecting disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

Serum irisin levels in colorectal cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

There are limited studies investigating the role of irisin in colorectal cancer, and the results are diverse. The role of irisin in colorectal cancer patients was investigated in this study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 53 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) and 87 healthy volunteers. Serum irisin, glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and whole blood hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were measured in venous blood samples taken from patients and the control group.

RESULTS

The mean serum irisin levels were significantly lower in the patient group (23.97 ± 16.94 ng/mL) than in the control group (32.71 ± 17.26 ng/mL) (p = 0.004). Serum glucose levels were 96.58 ± 15.12 mg/dL in the patient group and 81.91 ± 11.24 mg/dL in the control group. Serum glucose levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p < 0.01). In the patient group, there was no statistically significant difference between metastasis (+) patients and metastasis (-) patients in terms of serum irisin levels (27.53 ± 18.48 ng/mL and 21.23 ± 15.43 ng/mL, respectively; p = 0.182).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has provided new insights into the potential role of irisin in CRC. However, further studies, including in vitro, in vivo, and larger patient groups, are necessary to fully understand the potential of irisin as a biomarker or therapeutic target for CRC and other diseases.

Does Single or Combined Caffeine and Taurine Supplementation Improve Athletic and Cognitive Performance without Affecting Fatigue Level in Elite Boxers? A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

In previous studies, the effect of single or combined intake of caffeine (CAF) and taurine (TAU) on exercise performance was investigated. However, the potential synergistic effect on physical and cognitive performance after fatigue induced by anaerobic exercise is unknown. The effects of single and combination CAF and TAU supplementation on the Wingate test in elite male boxers and to evaluate balance, agility and cognitive performance after fatigue are being investigated for the first time in this study. Twenty elite male boxers 22.14 ± 1.42 years old were divided into four groups in this double-blind, randomized crossover study: CAF (6 mg/kg of caffeine), TAU (3 g single dose of taurine), CAF*TAU (co-ingestion of 3 g single dose of taurine and 6 mg/kg of caffeine) and PLA (300 mg maltodextrin). The findings are as follows: co-ingestion of CAF*TAU, improved peak (W/kg), average (W), minimum (W) power, time to reach (s), and RPE performances compared to the PLA group significantly (p < 0.05). Similarly, it was determined that a single dose of TAU, created a significant difference (p < 0.05) in peak power (W/kg), and average and minimum power (W) values compared to the CAF group. According to the balance and agility tests performed after the Wingate test, co-ingestion of CAF*TAU revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to the PLA group. In terms of cognitive performance, co-ingestion of CAF*TAU significantly improved the neutral reaction time (ms) compared to the TAU, CAF and PLA groups. As a result, elite male boxers performed better in terms of agility, balance and cognitive function when they consumed a combination of 6 mg/kg CAF and 3 g TAU. It has been determined that the combined use of these supplements is more effective than their single use.

Serum BDNF and Selenium Levels in Elite Athletes Exposed to Blows

Background and Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the combined acute and long-term effects of exposure to blows and exercise on serum BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and selenium levels. Materials and Methods: Serum BDNF and selenium levels were determined in 40 male elite athletes before and after vigorous exercise (training match) with a probability of exposure to blows and in 10 sedentary men subjected to exercise (Astrand running protocol). Results: Serum BDNF levels were found 11.50 ± 3.50 ng/mL before exercise and 14.02 ± 3.15 ng/mL after exercise in the athlete group (p = 0.02), and 12.18 ± 4.55 ng/ mL and 11.74 ± 2.48 ng/ mL before and after exercise in the sedentary group, respectively (p = 0.873). Serum BDNF (pre-exercise, baseline) levels were slightly lower in the athlete group than those in the sedentary group (11.50 ± 3.50 and 12.18 ± 4.55 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.796). Pre-exercise serum selenium levels in athletes were significantly higher compared to those of sedentary participants (130.53 ± 36.79 and 95.51 ± 20.57 µg/L, respectively, p = 0.011). There was no difference in selenium levels after exercise (124.01 ± 29.96 µg/L) compared to pre-exercise (130.53 ± 36.79 µg/L) in the athlete group (p = 0.386). Similarly, there was no difference in selenium levels after exercise (113.28 ± 25.51 µg/L) compared to pre-exercise (95.51 ± 20.57 µg/L) in the sedentary group (p = 0.251). Conclusions: BDNF results show that even if athletes are exposed to blows, they may be protected from the long-term effects of blows thanks to the protective effect of their non-sedentary lifestyle. Regular exercise may have a protective effect on maintaining serum selenium levels in athletes even exposed to blows chronically.

The importance of some angiogenic markers in spontaneous abortion

AIM

In this study, the authors aimed to determine the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-l (ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (ang-2) factors as indicators of placental angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in abortion cases. Materials and Meth- ods: This study was conducted in 40 women who were pregnant for 7-20 weeks and diagnosed with an incipient abortion and 40 pregnant healthy women with similar ages, gestational weeks, and body mass index (BMI) values. Serum VEGF, ang-1, and ang-2 levels were measured with ELISA methods.

RESULTS

The authors found that the serum VEGF levels were higher and ang-1 levels were significantly lower in pregnant women whose pregnancies failed with abortion, compared to control group. There was no significani difference in terms of ang-2 levels between groups.

CONCLUSION

A strong relationship was found between VEGF and ang-I early pregnancy loss, and significant changes of these factors may also be associated with the physiopathology of abortion incipience. Evaluating these factors may be benefical for prediction and designing of treatment modalities on spontaneous abortion.

Serum Zinc, Copper, Magnesium and Selenium Levels in Children with Helicobacter Pylori Infection

OBJECTIVE

Helicobacter pylori infection can cause disease from mild to severe that may be accompanied by micronutrient deficiencies. We aimed to investigate serum zinc, copper, magnesium and selenium levels in Helicobacter pylori positive children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-four children, with chronic abdominal pain and diag-nosed to be Helicobacter pylori-positive and 20 healthy children with the same demo-graphic characteristics were included in the study. Serum zinc, copper and magnesium levels were measured in the flame unit of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, selenium levels were measured in the graphite unit of the same atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

Serum zinc levels were significantly higher and serum magnesium levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in Helicobacter pylori positive children than those of the control group. Although copper levels were lower in patient group than in control group, this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between serum selenium levels of two groups.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that in Helicobacter pylori-positive children, many trace elements and mineral metabolism may change.

Endothelin receptor inhibition with bosentan delays onset of liver injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic condition

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of bosentan an orally active non-peptide mixed ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, on liver injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

24 Albino-Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: healthy (Group 1), diabetic (Group 2) (60 mg/kg of streptozotocin i.p.), diabetic treated with bosentan 50 mg/kg (Group 3) and diabetic treated with bosentan 100 mg/kg (Group 4). The treatment of bosentan was initiated after streptozocin injection and continued for 60 days.

RESULTS

Liver from diabetic rats showed significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and significant decrease in glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Endothelin (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) gene expression significantly increased in the diabetic groups in the rat liver tissue. Bosentan treatment showed a significant up-regulatory effect on ET-1, TNF-α and TGF-β mRNA expression. Results from histopathological evaluation of the liver were in accordance with our biochemical and molecular results.

CONCLUSIONS

These data provide clear evidence that bosentan treatment is associated with promising hepatoprotective effect against diabetes-induced liver damage via reduction of cell inflammation and oxidative damage. These data suggest that ET receptors may be an important actor in diabetes-related liver damage, and blockage of these receptors may become a target for preventing diabetic complications in the future.