Prevalence and risk factors of allergies in turkey (PARFAIT): Results of a multicentre cross-sectional study in adults

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Allergies in Turkey (PARFAIT) study was planned to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for asthma and allergic diseases in Turkey. The present analysis used data from 25,843 parents of primary school children, obtained from a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. A total of 25,843 questionnaires from 14 centres were evaluated. In rural areas, the prevalences asthma, wheezing, allergic rhinitis and eczema in males were: 8.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.9-9.1%), 13.5% (95% CI 12.8-14.2%), 17.5% (95% CI 16.7-18.2%) and 10.8% (95% CI 10.211.4%), respectively; and in females were: 11.2% (95% CI 10.9-11.8%), 14.7% (95% CI 14.315.1%), 21.2% (95% CI 20.4-22.0%) and 13.1% (95% CI 2.4-13.8%), respectively. In urban areas, the corresponding prevalences in males were: 6.2% (95% CI 5.8-6.6%), 10.8% (95% CI 10.311.3%), 11.7% (95% CI 11.4-12.0%) and 6.6% (95% CI 6.2-7.0%), respectively; and in females were: 7.5 % (95% CI 7.9-7.1%), 12.0% (95% CI 11.7-12.3%), 17.0% (95% CI 16.4-17.6%) and 7.3% (95% CI 6.9-7.7%), respectively. Having an atopic first-degree relative or any other atopic diseases had significant effects on the prevalence of allergic diseases. Housing conditions, such as living in a shanty-type house, visible moulds at home and use of wood or biomass as heating or cooking material were associated with one or more allergic diseases. Although genetic susceptibility is strongly associated, country-and population-based environmental factors may contribute to increased prevalence rates of allergic diseases. Copyright © ERS Journals Ltd 2009

The effects of taurine on aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in nonylphenol-induced toxicity

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of taurine on blood aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity in nonylphenol-induced rats. Forty rats were divided into 5 groups each containing 8 Wistar-albino male rats: control group (C) by standard rat feed, taurine group (T) by standard rat feed+3% taurine (v/w) in drinking water, nonlyphenol group (NP) by standard rat feed+50 ?g kg-1 diet Nonlyphenol, Nonlyphenol+Taurine group (NPT) by standard rat feed+50 ?g kg-1 diet Nonlyphenol+3% taurine (v/w) in drinking water and alcohol group (A) by standard rat feed +50 ?L kg-1 diet alcohol were fed ad libitum for 30 days during the study. The blood ALAD activity significantly increased in T group compared the other experimental groups. Nonlyphenol treatment significantly decreased the blood ALAD activity as compared to control. Decreased levels of blood ALAD activity in NP group were significantly increased in NPT group. The ALAD activity significantly decreased in A group compared the T groups. The results demonstrate that taurine could provide great advantages against to side effects of nonlyphenol toxication on ALAD activity in rats those exposed to Nonylphenol. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc

The effects of dietary supplementation of different amount of Yucca schidigera powder (Sarsaponin 30®) on blood and tissue antioxidant defense systems and lipid peroxidation in rats

The study was aimed to determine the possible protective role of diet suplementation of Yucca schidigera (Ys) powder against basal oxidative damage in blood and some tissue on rats. The rats were divided into 3 groups: Control, Ys1 and Ys2. Control group was fed by Standart Rat Feed (SRF). The other groups, Ys1 and Ys2 were fed ad libitum by SRF +100 ppm Ys powder (Sarsaponin 30®), SRF + 200 ppm Ys powder (Sarsaponin 30®), respectively for 4 weeks during the study. MDA levels in blood and kidney of the rats significantly decreased in Ys1 and Ys2 groups compared to control. Whereas, liver MDA levels of Ys1 and Ys2 groups didn't show any significant change. The kidney GSH concentrations were significantly increased in the Ys2 group compared to control. Blood and liver GSH concentrations between groups did not differ. Consequently, 100 and 200 ppm supplementation of Ys powder to the diets of rats decrease the blood and kidney MDA levels and increase the kidney GSH concentrations. It is thought that Ys can be used effectively as an antioxidant suplement. Moreover, the usage of the plant, did not affect the liver MDA and GSH as well as blood GSH levels. © Medwell Journals, 2008

Efficacy of safranal to cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

PubMed ID: 28188255The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of safranal on cisplatininduced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Adult male Sprague - Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups. The control group received physiological saline; animals in Group 2 received only safranal and in Group 3 received only cisplatin; 5 days of safranal treatment was performed following administration of cisplatin for the animals in Group 4; 5 days of safranal pretreatment was applied to the animals in Group 5 before administration of cisplatin. Cisplatin (7 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected as a single dose and safranal (200 mg/kg) was administered by gavage. Biochemical and histopathological methods were utilized for evaluation of the nephrotoxicity. The concentrations of creatinine and urea in plasma and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) as well as total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined in kidney tissue. Administration of cisplatin to rats induced a marked renal failure, characterized with a significant increase in plasma creatinine and urea concentrations. MDA and TOS levels of rats that received cisplatin alone were not significantly different compared with those of the control group, but GSH and TAS levels in the only cisplatinadministered group were significantly decreased. Safranal administration produced amelioration in biochemical indices of nephrotoxicity in both plasma and kidney tissues when compared with the only cisplatin-administered group, pretreatment with safranal being more effective. As a result, safranal treatment might have a protective effect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat. © 2017 The Author(s); published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society

Stress response in dairy cows related to rectal examination

Background: Currently, rectal palpation is the cheapest and most convenient method which is using for detecting most of internal diseases, gynecologic conditions and artificial inseminations in dairy cows. However, rectal palpation procedure is probably painful, resulting in physiological and behavioral stress reactions. The life and metabolic activity can be affected by the oxidative stress which is one of the stress-related negative outcomes and characterized by the accumulation of radical oxygen species. Many factors such as stress, diet, antibiotics and husbandry practices effect animals' health and growth performance. The aim of the study was emphasized to the effects of rectal palpation related to stress response and oxidant /antioxidant status in dairy cows. Materials, Methods & Results: The study was conducted on ten 3-4 years old, non-pregnant Holstein dairy cows. The rectal palpation procedure was performed in a closed area using the traditional method. Blood samples were taken from each animal, an hour before and just after the rectal palpation procedure for detecting white blood cell, red blood cell, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit value, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and nitric oxide, glucose and total cholesterol levels, as well as the plasma cortisol concentrations. WBC, RBC, Hct and Hb values were measured from whole blood by using an automatic blood count device. Plasma TAS and TOS levels were determined using a commercially available kit. Nitric oxide decomposes rapidly in aerated solutions to form stable nitrite/nitrate products. Plasma nitrite/ nitrate concentration was measured by a modified method of Griess assay. Plasma cortisol concentrations were determined using an ELISA kit. Glucose and total cholesterol levels were analyzed in serum by using an auto-analyzer. White blood cell levels and hematocrit values were significantly increased just after the rectal palpation procedure compared to the baseline values (P < 0.05) whereas no significant difference was found in red blood cell levels and hemoglobin concentrations. Serum cholesterol concentrations have decreased after rectal palpation, serum glucose and cortisol concentrations have signifi-cantly and markedly increased (P < 0.05), the relevant variation factors were 13.41% and 23.26% respectively. Moreover, a remarkable and significant increase in the circulating TOS compared to the baseline values (P < 0.05 variation factor 31.78%) was observed after rectal palpation. In parallel, the nitric oxide concentrations were also significantly increased after rectal palpation procedure (P < 0.05 variation factor: 13.51%) On the other hand, the total plasma antioxidant status was depressed and the variation intensity remained weak (variation factor: -7.24%). Discussion: In the present study the results indicate that the rectal palpation procedure will be considered as a stressful condition, as evidenced by the strong increases in circulating cortisol, TOS and NOx concentrations associated with decreases in TAS concentrations. In addition, increased plasma cortisol concentrations in response to rectal palpation could be an additional factor responsible for the oxidative stress amplification. A more comprehensive identification of the physiological changes during rectal palpation could be beneficial for further researches in terms of accurate management practices in cattle practices and industry. Moreover, the determination of the oxidative stress parameters could provide novel approaches for the evaluation the stress in cattle

Effects of dehorning by amputation on oxidant-antioxidant status in mature cattle

Dehorning of cattle is a routine husbandry practice which improves the safety of stock handlers and reduces injury, bruising of carcasses and damage to hides, but methods of dehorning are probably painful and stressful. The aim of the study was to evaluate the stress response and the oxidant /antioxidant equilibrium against dehorning process by amputation performed under local anaesthesia in mature cattle. Blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations, plasma Cortisol, nitric oxide (NO), glucose and cholesterol concentrations as well as plasma total antioxidant activity (AOA) were measured in 6 female Holstein cattle one hour before dehorning procedure and immediately after. Circulating MDA, NO and Cortisol concentrations were dramatically increased compared to initial values after dehorning whereas AOA and GSH concentrations were significantly depressed. Glucose concentrations significantly increased after dehorning, while the plasma cholesterol concentrations significantly decreased. These results demonstrate that MDA, NO, AOA and GSH are the most powerful markers for evaluating the oxidant/antioxidant status in mature cattle and that dehorning was a stressful situation leading to an oxidative stress which can be amplified by strong glucocorticoid secretion

The radioprotective potential of Spinacia oleracea and Aesculuc hippocastanum aganist ionizing radiation with their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

The present study, was designed to determine the possible protective effects of Spinacia oleracea L. extract (S.E) and Aesculuc hippocastanum L. extract (AE) against oxidative tissue damage induced by radiation as well as examinig their in vitro antibacterial potential. The animals were divided totally 4 groups as Control (C), Radiation (R), S.E Extract + Radiation (SER) and AE Extract + Radiation (AER) group. AER and SER groups were also separated to 2 subgroups as SER 1, SER 15, AER 1 and AER 15. C group was administered by 1 mL 0,9 % saline every other day during 20 days. The R group rats were received 1 mL q 0,9% saline every other day i.p. and other day 0.5 Gy radiation during 20 days (n = 10). The other groups, SER and AER were administered by 50 mg kg -1 i.p. S.E and AE extract every other day and other day 0.5 Gy radiations, respectively for 20 days. At the end of experimental period, the animals sacrificed by anesthetizing at 1 (group-C, R, SER 1 and AER 1) and 15 days (group-SER 15 and AER 15) postirradiation. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced Glutathione (GSH) levels in tissues and in vitro antimicrobial activity in the plant extracts were determined. The results indicate that S.E and AE treatment decreases the tissue oxidative stress in irradiation-induced oxidative tissue damage by maintaining the GSH recycling activity and free radical scavenging potential. Moreover, our results demonstrate that, in animals exposed to irradiation, S.E and AE could provide great advantages against to systemic infection from endogenous and exogenous organisms increased after exposure to ionizing radiation. Consequently, the natural compound found in S. oleracea and A. hippocastanum including antioxidants, antimicrobials and other phytonutrients, substantially could be protect the tissue from radiation damage and its complications. © Medwell Journals, 2008

Effects of shearing procedures on oxidant-antioxidant status in Chios sheep

The aim of the study was to evaluate the stress response and the oxidant/ antioxidant equilibrium against shearing process in sheep. Blood malon-dialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations, plasma cortisol, glucose and cholesterol concentrations as well as plasma total antioxidant activity (AOA) were measured in 18 female Chios sheep one hour before a traditional shearing procedure and immediately after. Circulating MDA and cortisol concentrations were dramatically increased compared to initial values after shearing whereas GSH concentrations were significantly depressed. The variations of the other biochemical parameters were not significant. These results demonstrate that MDA and GSH are the most powerful markers for evaluating the oxidant/antioxidant status and that shearing was a stressful situation leading to an oxidative stress which can be amplified by strong glucocorticoid secretion

The effects of structurally different sap on in containing plants on tissue antioxidant defense systems, lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The aim of this study, was to examine the effects of Yucca schidigera, Quillaja saponaria and mixture of both plants on tissue antioxidant defense systems, lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Animals were allocated into 5 groups of each containing 10 rats. Control (C) and Diabetic Control group (D) were fed by Standart Rat Feed (SRF). The other diabetic groups, Yucca schidigera group (D Y), Quillaja saponaria group (DQ) and mix group (DQY) were fed ad libitum using SRF +100 ppm Yucca schidigera powder (Sarsaponm 30®), SRF +100 ppm Quillaja saponaria powder (Nutrafito®) and SRF+100 ppm Yucca schidigera-Quillqja saponaria powder (Nutrafito Plus®), respectively for 3 weeks. MDA levels in liver and kidney of the rats significantly increased in D group compared to control. MDA levels inDY, DQ andDQY groups significantly decreased in liver and kidney of the diabetic rats. On the other hand, the liver and kidney GSH concentrations significantly decreased in D, DY and DQY groups compared to control and DQ group. The SOD levels in liver significantly increased in DY, DQ and DQY groups compared to D group. The kidney SOD levels in D and DY group significantly decreased compared to control and other groups. On the other hand, treatment of diabetic rats with Quillaja saponaria and Quillaja saponaria-Yucca schidigera mixtures prevented the alteration in liver and kidney pathology with the return to their normal texture. Consequently, in buffering the negative impacts of increased oxidative stress in DM and in preventing or mitigating diabetic complications, it was seen that Quillaja saponaria was more effective than Yucca schidigera. Moreover, it can be considered that these plants could support the treatment of the disease by antioxidant effects. © Medwell Journals, 2009

Serum lipid and protein oxidation and antioxidant status in horses naturally infected with Theileria equi

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are important parts of cellular immune response involved in killing intracellular parasites. In order to determine if intracellular parasite infection may be associated with oxidative damage, circulating lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and antioxidant status were investigated in horses naturally infected with Theileria equi. For that, the T. equi infection was confirmed in 9 horses using an indirect fluorescence antibody test and malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations as well as the total antioxidant activity (AOA) were measured in sera from T. equi infected horses and from healthy controls (n = 9). Whereas GSH concentrations and serum AOA were significantly depressed in the infected horses compared to the controls, the serum MDA, PCO and NOx concentrations were markedly increased. These results show the occurrence of oxidative stress amplified by the antioxidant depletion probably due to overproduction of free radicals by activated inflammatory cells in horses naturally infected with T. equi