Monitoring of platelet function parameters and microRNA expression levels in patients with prostate cancer treated with volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy

Radiotherapy (RT) may result in platelet activation and thrombosis development. To the best of our knowledge, the potential effect of volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), a novel radiotherapy technique, on platelet function and microRNA (miRNA/miR) expression has not been previously investigated. The present study aimed to determine the effect of VMAT on the alterations in platelet function parameters and miRNA expression levels. A total of 25 patients with prostate cancer and 25 healthy subjects were included in the present study. Blood samples were collected from the patient group on the day prior to RT (pre-RT), the day RT was completed (post-RT day 0), and 40 days following the end of therapy (post-RT day 40). Platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV) value, platelet aggregation, plasma P-selectin, thrombospondin-1, platelet factor 4, plasma miR-223 and miR-126 expression levels were measured. A significant decrease in platelet count in the post-RT day 0 group was measured in comparison with the pre-RT and the post-RT day 40 groups. Pre-RT MPV values were higher than those of the post-RT day 0 and the post-RT day 40 groups. No significant differences were observed in the levels of platelet activation markers or miR-223 and miR-126 expression levels between the RT groups. Although RT may result in a reduction in platelet and MPV counts, the results of the present study indicate that platelet activation markers are not affected by VMAT. Therefore, it is possible that no platelet activation occurs during VMAT, owing to the conformal dose distributions, improved target volume coverage and the sparing of normal tissues from undesired radiation

Effects of lithium on copper and zinc in the serum, liver, brain and kidney of rats

Introduction and purpose: Lithium is the treatment of choice in maniac depression psychiatry. In this study, we investigated the possible effects of lithium on the essential trace elements of copper and zinc in brain, liver and kidney of rats. Materials and methods: The control group of rats was fed a normal diet whereas the experimental group received 3 mg Li/kg bw/d for 2 weeks, respectively. After that period, the animals were killed and blood was drawn from their heart, brain, liver and kidney. Tissue lithium, copper and zinc concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results and conclusion: Li in serum increased with the administered dose. Copper serum values were not affected with pharmacologic doses of Li. However, increased serum Li was associated with decreased serum zinc. Pharmacologic doses of Li increased Li content in the liver and Cu content of the brain, and showed no effect in liver and kidney. Pharmacologic dose of Li increased Zn content in liver and kidney but did not affect Zn in the brain. Li therapy may induce major changes in the storage of Cu in the brain and Zn in liver and kidney, respectively

a Determination of trace elements in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Many trace elements have activatory or inhibitory roles in enzyme activities and changes in hemorehology and relation of them with defense system molecules in diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Methods: While, 25 male COPD patients (during acute attack) were taken as a Patient Group, another healthy 25 male taken as Control Group. Serum concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA-680 Shimadzu). Results: While decreased Fe (100.00 +/- 36.98; 123.26 +/- 37.58 mu g/dL) (M +/- SD) and Zn (96.31 +/- 31.92; 116.12 +/- 28.17 mu g/dl,) (M +/- SD), while increased Cu (117.92 +/- 25.02; 101.27 +/- 8.29 mu g/dL) (M +/- SD) concentrations were determined in patient samples than that of control group values (p<0.05), (p<0.01). Conclusion: According to findings of present study it may be said that: In organism while trace elements perform their activities on biomaterials they also possible carry out competition against others