Browsing by Author "Var, A"

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    Abdominal insufflation-deflation injury in small intestine in rabbits
    Kaya, Y; Coskun, T; Demir, MA; Var, A; Ozsoy, Y; Aydemir, EO
    Objective: To investigate the effect of increased intra-abdominal pressure followed by abdominal deflation on small intestine with or without previous intestinal ischaemia. Design: Randomised experimental study. Setting: University hospital, Turkey. Animals: 78 male New Zealand white rabbits. Interventions: Experiment 1: 30 rabbits (10 in each group) were subjected to intra-abdominal pressure of 0 mmHg. (controls), 15 mmHg or 25 mmHg for 60 minutes. Experiment 2: 48 rabbits were divided into four groups (n = 12 in each). The first comprised sham-operated controls. In the other 3, the superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 60 minutes. Reperfusion was started and maintained under intra-abdominal pressure of 0 mmHg. 15 mmHg, or 25 mmHg for one hour. Intestinal specimens were obtained five and 60 minutes after abdominal deflation in the pressure groups and at identical times in the other groups in both experiments. Main outcome measures: Intestinal malondialdehyde concentration, wet:dry intestinal weight ratio, and mucosal injury score under light microscopy. Results: In experiment I the malondialdehyde concentration. wet:dry weight ratio. and mucosal injury scores were higher in the 25 mmHg group than in the other groups, in both specimens. Theme was a significant increase in malondialdehyde concentration in the 15 mmHg group in only the 5-minute specimen, In experiment 2, except for the wet:dry weight ratio in the 5-minute specimen in the 15 mmHg group, there were significant increases in malondialdehyde concentration, wet:dry weight ratio, and mucosal injury score in all groups except controls in both specimens. Malondialdehyde concentration and wet:dry weight ratio were higher in the 25 mmHg group than in the 0 mmHg group in the 60-minute specimen, and higher than the 15 mmHg group in both specimens. Wet:dry weight ratio was less in the 15 mmHg group than the 0 mmHg group in both specimens. Mucosal injury score was higher in the 25 mmHg group than the other groups in both specimens. Conclusion: Increased intra-abdominal pressure for 60 minutes followed by abdominal deflation led to an ischaemia-reperfusion-like injury in normal small intestine in rabbits. and added to reperfusion injury in the ischaemic small intestine at an intra-abdominal pressure of 25 mmHg.
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    Selenium restores endothelial dysfunction and metabolic profile in type 2 diabetic rats
    Oztürk, Z; Gurpinar, T; Vural, K; Orenay, S; Korkmaz, M; Var, A
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    Oxidative stress impairs endothelial nitric oxide levels in Behcets' disease
    Onur, E; Kabaroglu, C; Inanir, I; Var, A; Guvenc, Y; Gunay, O; Gunduz, K
    Background: Behcet's disease (BD) is an inflammatory vasculitis. Endogenous nitric oxide (NO), produced by endothelial cells, has pleiotropic effects such as vasodilatator, antiplatelet, antiproliferative. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced at sites of endothelial inflammation. ROS target polyunsaturated lipids, which results in malondialdehyde (MDA) production. Objective: The aim was to investigate the oxidative stress in BD patients by measuring MDA and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels and to establish a possible relationship with respect to NO levels regarding disease activity. Materials and methods: 55 BD patients (30 active/25 inactive) and 20 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Blood samples were drawn following an overnight fasting. TAS and MDA levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Serum nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) levels were measured to estimate NO production. Data were expressed as mean +/- SD. Results: TAS levels were significantly lower in BD patients than the controls (1.19 +/- 0.34 vs. 3.29 +/- 0.89 mmol/L). In the active BD group, MDA levels (0.36 +/- 0.19 nmol/mL) were significantly higher than both the inactive BD group (0.25 +/- 0.18 nmol/mL) and controls (0.18 +/- 0.41 nmol/mL). NO levels were significantly lower in the active group compared to the inactive group (18.0 +/- 2.80 vs. 19.40 +/- 2.70 mu mol/L). MDA levels correlated negatively with NO levels in the active group. Conclusion: Decreased NO levels mediated by increased oxidative stress significantly contribute to endothelial dysfunction observed in BD.
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    Effects of selenium on endothelial dysfunction and metabolic profile in low dose streptozotocin induced diabetic rats fed a high fat diet
    Oztürk, Z; Gurpinar, T; Vural, K; Boyacioglu, SÖ; Korkmaz, M; Var, A
    Endothelial dysfunction develops as a result of oxidative stress and is responsible for diabetic vascular complications. We investigated the effects of selenium on endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: controls, untreated diabetics, and diabetics treated with 180, 300, 500 mcg/kg selenium each day. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of low dose streptozotocin to rats fed a high fat diet. Endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxations were measured in the thoracic aorta. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expressions were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, lipid oxidation, insulin and nitric oxide were measured in blood samples. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels were measured in liver samples. RT-PCR showed that selenium reversed increased NADPH oxidase expression and decreased eNOS expression to control levels. Selenium also improved the impairment of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in the diabetic aorta. Selenium treatment significantly decreased blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and enhanced the antioxidant status in diabetic rats. Our findings suggest that selenium restores a normal metabolic profile and ameliorates vascular responses and endothelial dysfunction in diabetes by regulating antioxidant enzyme and nitric oxide release.
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    Are Human Adenovirus-5 and 36 Associated With Obesity in Children?
    Cakmakliogullari, EK; Sanlidag, T; Ersoy, B; Akcali, S; Var, A; Cicek, C
    Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the association between adenovirus-5- and adenovirus-36-specific antibodies and obesity in children and to investigate their relationship with serum lipid and leptin levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on a total of 120 children who were divided into subgroups according to body mass index percentile as obese (>= 95th percentile) or nonobese (<95th percentile). The presence of adenovirus-36 and adenovirus-5-neutralizing antibodies was investigated by using the serum neutralization assay. Serum leptin levels were determined by microenzyme immonoassay; high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels were measured by chemiluminescence method. Results: The presence of adenovirus-5-specific antibodies was 28.3% and 6.6% in the obese children and in non-obese children, respectively (P = 0.02). The frequency of adenovirus-36-specific antibodies was significantly greater (P = 0.018) in the obese children (26.6%) than in the nonYobese children (10.0%). Serum leptin level of the obese group were significantly higher than that of the non-obese group (P = 0.000). Conclusions: Our data support the association between obesity and the presence of specific antibodies to adenovirus-36 and adenovirus-5 in children. Our research has the feature of being the first national study to indicate the relationship between adenovirus-36 and human obesity as well as the first international study to indicate the relationship between adenovirus-5 and human obesity.
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    Acute oxidative stress and antioxidant status responses following an American football match
    Nalçakan, GR; Nalçakan, M; Var, A; Taneli, F; Ulman, C; Güvenç, Y; Onur, E; Karamizrak, O
    Aim. Intense physical activity is known to induce oxidative stress. Though regular physical training enhances the antioxidant defence system, the effects of diminished training periods are unclear. American football is one of the recently popular sports in Turkiye and is defined as a mixed activity. The aim of the research was to examine some markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in occasionally competitive American football players following a match, and relations with aerobic power and playing position. Methods. Twenty two male players volunteered for the study. To determine oxidative stress and antioxidant status from blood samples collected before and immediately following a match, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and total antioxidant status (TAS) were assessed, using spectrophotometric methods. Wilcoxon's signed rank test was used to determine the match effect, and Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare playing position and VO(2)max effects. Results. Plasma MDA (P<0.001) and NO (P<0.05) levels increased significantly following the match. Antioxidant parameters were unchanged. following the match when compared with the resting level, except for a VO2max related effect (P<0.05) on TAS. Conclusion. Collected data revealed that an American football match caused excessive production of free radicals and oxidative stress. The training loads players underwent were not high enough to cause positive effects on the antioxidant status. To enhance training-induced antioxidant status adaptation, higher amounts of physical activity may be required.
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    Olive Leaf Extract Improves the Atherogenic Lipid Profile in Rats Fed a High Cholesterol Diet
    Olmez, E; Vural, K; Gok, S; Ozturk, Z; Kayalar, H; Ayhan, S; Var, A
    Coronary heart disease because of atherosclerosis is still the most common cause of mortality. Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol are major risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the olive leaf extract on serum lipid profile, early changes of atherosclerosis and endothelium-dependent relaxations in cholesterol-fed rats. For this purpose, rats were fed by 2% cholesterol-enriched or standard chow for 8weeks. Some rats in each group were also fed orally by olive leaf extract at doses of 50 or 100mg/kg/day. Atorvastatin at dose of 20mg/kg of body weight daily was also given as positive control. After 8weeks, lipid profiles of rat serums were analyzed. Antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and degree of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde levels) were also measured in the hearts isolated from rats. In addition, expression of adhesion molecules and endothelium-dependent relaxations of isolated thoracic aortas of rats were evaluated. Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were found to be increased in cholesterol-fed rats, and both doses of olive leaf extract and atorvastatin significantly decreased those levels. In conclusion, because the olive leaf extract attenuates the increased cholesterol levels, it may have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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    Increased intraabdominal pressure impairs liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats
    Kaya, Y; Aral, E; Coskun, T; Erkasap, N; Var, A
    Background. There are many experimental studies showing that increased intraabdominal pressure (LAP) reduces liver blood flow, leading to ischemia and portal venous congestion. But, there is no study evaluating the effect of increased IAP on liver regeneration. It is well known that acute liver ischemia and portal venous congestion impair liver regeneration. We, therefore, aimed to determine the effect of increased LAP on liver regeneration in this study. Methods. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent partial hepatectomy with or without IAP of 12-14 mm Hg for 24 h or sham operation. Rats were randomly divided into six groups: two sham-operated groups, two hepatectomy groups, and two hepatectomy with increased IAP groups. Mitotic index, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-labeling index, and liver regeneration rate as liver regeneration parameters were studied on day 1 or on day 4 after operation. Additionally, serum aspartate transaminase (AST) level and histopathological changes in intestinal mucosa were studied. Results. Hepatectomy with/without increased UP groups had significantly higher serum AST levels than the sham-operated group on day 1. Serum AST level was found to be significantly higher in the hepatectomy with increased MY group than in the other groups on day 4. Intestinal mucosal injury was found in the hepatectomy with increased UP groups on days 1 and 4. Mitotic index and PCNA-labeling index were markedly higher in all hepatectomy with/without increased UP groups than in the sham-operated groups. However, together with liver regeneration rate, both indices were significantly less in the hepatectomy with increased UP groups than in the hepatectomy groups both on day 1 and on day 4. Conclusion. Maintenance of UP between 12 and 14 mm Hg for 24 h impaired liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).
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    The effect of trimetazidine on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy under hepatic blood inflow occlusion
    Kaya, Y; Coskun, T; Aral, E; Erkasap, N; Var, A
    Background/Aims: It has been shown that hepatic blood inflow occlusion impairs liver regeneration. Our aim in this study was to investigate the effect of trimetazidine, known as an anti-ischemic and antioxidant agent, on liver regeneration after hepatic blood inflow occlusion. Methodology: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups. Rats in group 1 underwent 65% hepatectomy. Rats in group 2 and 3 were subjected to 15 minutes of hepatic blood inflow occlusion during 65% hepatectomy. Rats were treated with saline (in group I and 2) or trimetazidine (in group 3) 30 minutes before operation. Serum level of aspartate transaminase, wet to dry liver weight ratio, and liver injury score in light microscopy were studied for the evaluation of liver injury. Liver regeneration was evaluated by PCNA-labeling index (the percentage of hepatocytes staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen), mitotic index (the percentage of mitotic hepatocytes), and liver regeneration rate (the percentage of initial liver weight). Results: Rats in group 2 and 3 had significantly higher serum aspartate transaminase level, wet to dry liver weight ratio and injury score than those in group 1 on day 1 posthepatectomy. Except for serum aspartate transaminase level on day 4, these parameters were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 and 3 on day 1 and 4. PCNA-labeling index and mitotic index were significantly less in group 2 and 3 than in group 1 on day 1. In contrast to liver regeneration rate, both indices in group 2 were significantly less than those in group 3 on day 1. There were no differences in regeneration parameters between the groups on day 4. Survival rate was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2. Conclusions: Fifteen minutes of hepatic blood inflow occlusion caused an injury in the remnant liver, impaired liver regeneration, and decreased survival rate after partial hepatectomy. However, pretreatment with trimetazidine reduced liver injury, and improved liver regeneration and survival rate. For situations where hepatic blood inflow occlusion is planned in major liver resection, trimetazidine pretreatment would be useful strategy to improve postoperative outcome.
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    Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion impairs liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats
    Atici, AE; Kaya, Y; Coskun, T; Aral, E; Var, A
    Background/Aims: The deleterious effects of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion on liver are realized, but its effect on the regenerative capacity of the liver has not been studied. Our aim in this study was to determine the effect of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion on liver regeneration. Methodology: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups; two sham-operated, two hepatectomy, and two hepatectomy with intestinal ischemia-reperfusion groups. To create intestinal ischemia-reperfusion, the superior mesenteric artery and collateral arteries supplying the small intestine were occluded for 20 minutes. Partial hepatectomy was performed during the period of ischemia. Ischemia-reperfusion injury in the mucosal layer of the small intestine was scored in light microscopy. Liver regeneration parameters (proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index for hepatocytes and liver regeneration rate), and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were studied on day 1 or 4 after operation. Results: Mucosal injury score was high in the hepatectomy with intestinal ischemia-reperfusion groups. Liver regeneration rate and proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index were less in these groups than the hepatectomy groups on day 1 and 4. There were no differences in the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase between hepatectomy and hepatectomy with intestinal ischemia-reperfusion groups. The mortality rate was higher in the hepatectomy with intestinal ischemia-reperfusion groups than the other groups. Conclusions: Ischemia and reperfusion of the small intestine impaired liver regeneration with high mortality after partial hepatectomy in the rats.
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    Inflammatory marker levels in obese adolescents with glucose intolerance: Increased chitotriosidase activity
    Kabaroglu, C; Onur, E; Barutçuoglu, B; Özhan, B; Erdinç, S; Var, A; Bayindir, O; Ersoy, B
    Objectives: Existance of low grade persistent inflammation in obese children may increase the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular events. The aim was to determine whether glucose intolerance has an influence on inflammatory markers in obese adolescents. Designs and methods: 45 obese adolescents (mean BMI: 30.34 +/- 5.42 kg/m(2)) were grouped as normal or impaired glucose tolerance. IL-6 and CRP levels were analyzed by commercially available kits. Chitotriosidase activity was measured by a fluorescence method and neopterin levels were determined by ELISA. Data were expressed as mean +/- SD. Results: IL-6 and CRP levels were similar in the two groups. Serum neopterin levels were not different between the groups. The chitotriosidase activity was significantly higher in the IGT group than NGT (124.33 +/- 51.97 mu mol/L/h vs 84.50 +/- 53.99 mu mol/L/h, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Serum chitotriosidase activity is increased in obese adolescents with impaired glucose tolerance. (C) 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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    Elevated glucose level at 30 minutes during an oral glucose tolerance test in obese adolescents: a new disorder of glucose tolerance
    Kabaroglu, C; Ersoy, B; Onur, E; Özhan, B; Erdin, S; Var, A; Bayindir, O; Dinç, G
    We observed glucose levels >140 mg/dL measured at 30 minutes (min) during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in some obese patients. We aimed to investigate the significance of this finding by comparing lipid profiles, insulin resistance indices, and systemic inflammatory mediators between obese adolescents with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and elevated glucose levels at 30 min. The study involved 80 obese (body mass index >95th percentile for age and sex) adolescents (48 female, 32 male) between 11 and 16 years of age. Depending on OGTT results, patients were divided into NGT and IGT groups. The third group was recruited from the NOT group as having glucose levels > 140 mg/dL at 30 minutes. Lipid profiles, [interleukin-6 (IL-6)], neopterin, and lipoprotein associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2))] were assessed. Neopterin and Lp-PLA(2) levels were significantly higher in obese adolescents with elevated glucose levels at 30 min. compared with those in both NGT and IGT groups (p=0.013, and 0.004, respectively). In these adolescents, IL-6 levels were significantly higher only than the NOT group (p=0.01). In logistic regression analysis, IL-6, neopterin and Lp-PLA(2) levels were detected to be related to high blood glucose levels at 30 min (OR 1.11, p = 0.01; OR 9.03, p=0.013; OR 1.01, p=0.004 respectively). Obese adolescents with elevated glucose levels at 30 min. demonstrated higher inflammatory mediators levels, which were atherosclerotic indicators, than obese adolescents with NGT and IGT. These results suggest that glucose levels >140 mg/dL measured at 30 min during an OGTT may be a new disorder of glucose tolerance in obesity.
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    Trimetazidine reduces oxidative stress in cardiac surgery
    Iskesen, I; Saribulbul, O; Cerrahoglu, M; Var, A; Nazli, Y; Sirin, H
    Background Trimetazidine is an anti-ischemic agent that is used to treat angina and it has cardioprotective effects without inducing any significant hemodynamic changes. It inhibits the long-chain mitochondrial 3-ketoacyl coenzyme A thiolase enzyme in the myocyte and can improve cardiac mitochondrial metabolism, as well as scavenge free radicals. The aim of this double-blind prospective randomized study was to investigate the effect of preoperative use of trimetazidine on the reduction of oxidative stress during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods and Results The study group (group T) and the control group (group C) each comprised 12 patients. Pretreatment began 2 weeks before CABG with trimetazidine (60 mg/day po); the control group did not receive any medication. Serial blood samples were collected before and after CPB for measurement of the serum concentrations of these major endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems, which are markers for oxidative degradation of the cellular membranes; postoperative levels were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant difference in hemodynamic values. Conclusion The findings suggest that Pretreatment with trimetazidine alleviates malondialdehyde production and preserves endogenous antioxidant capacity during CABG with CPB and cardioplegic arrest.
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    Effects of Silymarin and Pentoxifylline on Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and-2 Expression and Apoptosis in Experimental Hepatic Fibrosis
    Kara, E; Coskun, T; Kaya, Y; Yumus, O; Vatansever, S; Var, A
    BACKGROUND: Many therapeutic strategies ha,e been proposed to treat liver fibrosis, but no drugs have been proved effective. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been reported to play a role in some cellular cascades of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether silymarin and pentoxifylline (PTX) have hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects in experimental hepatic fibrosis. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: silymarin group (silymarin 4 mg/kg . d(-1) orally, common bile duct ligation [CBDL]); PTX group (PTX 2 mg/kg . d(-1) intraperitoneally, CBDL); sham group (common bile duct [CBD] exploration only); and control group (saline 1 mL/d orally, CBDL). The CBD was explored and dissected Sufficiently to allow passage of a 3/0 silk suture via midline laparotomy. Oil day 10, all animals were euthanized via cervical dislocation. Then, 5-cm(3) liver samples from the right lobe were removed for histomorphologic evaluation and 3-mL blood samples were taken via cardiac puncture for biochemical analyses. Apoptosis was determined using the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-biotin nick end-Libel (TUNEL) staining method. Plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase; total and indirect bilirubin concentration; hepatic MMP-1 and -2 and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 and -2 activity; and transforming-growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) concentration were Measured. Collagen content was determined by measuring hydroxyproline in liver samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was used to estimate lipid peroxidation. RESULTS: Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: silymarin group (n = 7), PTX group (1) 7), sham group (n = 9), and control group (n 9). Compared with the control group (14.6 [2.44]), mean (SD) hepatocyte apoptosis (as measured by the ratio of TUNEL-positive cells) was significantly Suppressed in the silymarin group (1.2 [0.13]; P = 0.001) and the PTX group (3.8 [0.34]; P 0.001). Mean (SD) MMP-2 activity in the silymarin group (57.35 [9.89] mu g/mL; P = 0.04) and the PTX group (46.88 [9.56] mu g/mL; P 0.04) was significantly lower than that observed in the control group (232.32 [79.76] mu g/mL). Compared with the control group (1.37 [0.38] mu g/mL), TIMP-2 activity was significantly lower in the silymarin group (0-55 [0-13] mu g/mL; P = 0.04) and the PTX group (0.42 [0.09] mu g/mL; P = 0.01). Compared with the control group (909.17 [117.35] mu g/mL), TGF-beta(1) was significantly lower in the silymarin group (518.24 [30-34] mu g/mL; P = 0.01) and the PT X group (519.57 [47.27] mu g/mL; P = 0.01). Histomorphologic changes were significantly greater in the sham group than in the silymarin and PTX groups: hemorrhage (2.44 [0.29] vs 1.29 [0.18] and 1.57 [0.20], respectively; both, P = 0.04.); sinusoidal dilatation (2.22 [0.22] vs 1.57 [0.20] and 1.71 [0.18]; both, P = 0.04); presinusoidal polymorphonuclear cell infiltration (3.44 [0.24] vs 2.57 [0.20] and 2.14 [0.26]; P = 0.03 and P = 0.008, respectively); and inflammation (3.44 [0.24] vs 2.57 [0.20] and 2.14] [0.26]; P = 0.03 and P 0.008, respectively). In the control group, all biochemical markets were elevated, Supporting the presence of liver injury. Compared with the control group (630.00 [46.80] U/L), plasma AST activity was significantly lower in the silymarin group (443.11 [78.73]; P = 0.04) and the PTX group (349.42 [34.00]; P = 0.03). Compared with the control, group (191.12 [32.93] U/L), plasma ALT activity was significantly lower in the silymarin group (86.14 [4.97]; P = 0.04) and the PTX group (84.14 [11.21]; P = 0.04). MDA concentration was significantly lower in the silymarin group compared with the control group (0.08 [0.01] VS 0.22 [0.03] nmol/mL; P = 0.004); MDA was also significantly lower in the silymarin group than in the PTX group (0.11 [0.02]; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Silymarin and PTX were associated with lower histopathologic liver damage, hepatocyte apoptosis, and regulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Lipid peroxidation in heparocytes was significantly lower in the silymarin group Compared with the PTX group. Silymarin and PTX appeared to have hepatoprotective effects in this experimental liver fibrosis model, but further clinical and experimental studies are needed. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2008;69:488-502) (C) 2008 Excerpta Medica Inc.
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    Assessment of serum chemerin, vaspin and omentin-1 levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
    Guvenc, Y; Var, A; Goker, A; Kuscu, NK
    Objective To determine serum chemerin, vaspin and omentin-1 in overweight and normal weight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and investigate the possible relationship between these adipokines and metabolic syndrome. Methods This cross sectional study enrolled women with PCOS and healthy women. Serum chemerin, vaspin and omentin-1 were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Results Forty patients with PCOS and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. In the PCOS group, 18 women were overweight (body mass index [BMI]=25.0-29.9kg/m(2)) and 22 had normal weight (BMI=18.5-24.9kg/m(2)). Chemerin, total cholesterol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and free androgen index (FAI) were significantly higher; and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and sex hormone binding globulin were significantly lower in overweight PCOS patients compared with normal weight PCOS patients. A positive correlation was found between chemerin and BMI, triglyceride, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and FAI in the PCOS group. There was no difference in serum chemerin, vaspin and omentin-1 between PCOS patients and healthy controls. Conclusion Circulating chemerin was increased in overweight compared with normal weight PCOS patients. The most predictive variables for circulating chemerin in PCOS patients were BMI, FAI and age.
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    The dose-dependent neuroprotective effect of alpha-lipoic acid in experimental spinal cord injury
    Sayin, M; Temiz, P; Var, A; Temiz, C
    Background and purpose: Free radical production after spinal cord injury (SCI) plays an important role in secondary damage. The aim of this study was to investigate neuroprotective effects of the powerful antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in a spinal cord clip compression injury model. Material and methods: Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing between 210 and 300 g, were randomly divided into seven groups. Spinal cord injury was performed by an aneurysm clip placed extradurally at the level of T9. Group 1 (sham) received laminectomy only. Group 2 (control) received SCI; Group 3 received 30 mg/kg of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS); Groups 4, 5, 6 and 7 received ALA at doses of 50, 100, 150, 200 mg/kg, respectively, via the intraperitoneal route immediately after SCI. The rats were neurologically tested 24 hours after trauma. Spinal cord samples from injury sites were harvested for measurement of lipid peroxidation products and histopathological evaluation. Results: Spinal cord malonyldialdehyde levels of rats in treatment groups decreased after administration of ALA. The difference between the trauma group and groups receiving MPSS-ALA was statistically significant. The difference between the ALA (50, 100, 150 mg/kg) and MPSS groups was insignificant. Group 7 (ALA 200 mg/kg) was excluded from the study because of the possible toxic effect. Alpha lipoic acid and MPSS had similar effects on spinal cord injury in terms of lipid peroxidation, neurological recovery and histopathological changes. Conclusions: Alpha lipoic acid at a dose range of 50-150 mg/kg is as effective as MPSS (30 mg/kg) in neuroprotection after SCI. Further, more detailed experimental studies are needed to determine the effects of ALA on the detrimental results of secondary SCI before its use in humans.
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    The Relationship Between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Insertion/deletion Polymorphism and Age-related Macular Degeneration
    Üçer, B; Kayikçioglu, Ö; Seymenoglu, G; Var, A; Çam, S
    Background: To assess the role of serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels and ACE insertion / deletion (I/D) genetic polymorphism in Turkish age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients and control subjects. Methods: This prospective study consisted of 78 patients with AMD and 68 control subjects. The I/D polymorphism of the ACE was carried out by polymerase chain reaction. Serum ACE levels were determined by using the ELISA method. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean serum values of ACE between the control and patient groups (p = 0.107). The genotypic frequencies of ACE polymorphism in the control and patient groups were not significantly different either (p = 0.218). Conclusion: We could not show a significant role of serum ACE levels and ACE I/D genetic polymorphism in the etiopathogenesis of AMD in the Turkish population, and our findings did not support the idea that serum ACE levels and ACE DD genotype were risk factors for AMD.
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    The effects of hormone replacement therapy on serum leptin, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in postmenopausal women
    Uyanik, BS; Var, A; Koyuncu, F; Ari, Z; Onur, E; Yildirim, Y; Bülbül, Y
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    IL-2R, IL-6 and IL-8 Levels in Behcet's Disease
    Inanir, I; Onur, E; Pirildar, T; Gündüz, K; Var, A
    Background and Design: Immunological factors are considered to have an important role in the multifactorial ethiopathogenesis of Behcet's disease (BD). Especially, Th1 cells function by expressing proinflammatory cytokines and neutrophil-attracting chemokines. Levels of IL-2R, IL-6 and IL-8 were evaluated in patients with BD in this study. Material and Method: Sixty-six patients with BD (36 with inactive and 30 with active) composed the study group and 22 subjects the control group. Cytokine analyses were done with ELISA method by using commercial kits. ESR and CRP levels were also measured. Results: IL-2R, IL-6 and IL-8 levels in all patients, including the inactive ones, were not different from those in controls. CRP and ESR levels in patients were higher than in controls. IL-8 and CRP levels were increased in patient with active BD (p<0.05) when compared to those with inactive BD. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated elevated levels of serum IL-8, a chemokine activating monunuclear cells and neutrophils, in patients with active BD. IL-8 may be considered as an activity marker for BD. (Turkderm 2010; 44: 213-5)