Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Nitric Oxide Levels in Parkinson's Disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of circulating growth hormone (GH), insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in the patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD). The study groups were consisted of 25 patients with PD and 25 matched healthy subjects as a control. The NO level of patients in PD group (2.3 ± 0.4 μmol/L) was significantly lower than that in the control group (2.8 ± 0.6 μmol/L) (P:.011). Although there were no statistically significant differences in the GH, IGF-1, and IGF BP-3 levels among the two groups, in this preliminary study, we found low NO and mildly elevated IGF-1 levels in the patients with PD. The results may be associated with adaptation or protective mechanisms in the neurodegenerative disease processes such as seen in the PD. Further studies should be carried out to confirm our results

Oxidative Stress in Migraine with and Without Aura

Migraine is the most common neurological disorder, but the molecular basis is still not completely understood. An impairment of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism might play a role in the pathophysiology. The goal of this study was to investigate the differences in oxidative stress status with the measurement of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the migraine patients with or without aura and attack. There were 56 patients (46 female, 10 male) in the migraine group and 25 matched healthy subjects in the control group. The patients comprised 37 with migraine without aura (MWoA], 19 with migraine with aura (MWA), and 22 with headache attack. The MDA levels of patients in the migraine group were significantly higher than that in the control group. The SOD activity was significantly higher in the MWA as compared to MWoA. There was no significant correlation between these levels and headache attack period. Conclusively, in this preliminary study, we had found increased oxidative stress in the migraine patients especially the patients with MWA. Further knowledge about this issue may contribute the cause and complications of migraine and may be essential for development of treatment approaches

The effects of noise on hearing and oxidative stress in textile workers

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of noise on hearing, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in textile workers. Thirty textile workers exposed to high noise 105 dB (A) in a textile factory, and 30 healthy male volunteers in our hospital as a control group were included in the study. In both groups, following audiometric tests, blood samples were obtained. In these blood samples, Malonydialdehyte (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) levels were investigated. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 11.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago 1L) software program. Mean pure tone audiometric thresholds in workers were significantly higher than in control subjects at frequencies 2,000, 4,000 and 6,000 Hz (p<0.05). Hearing losses were more evident at high frequencies (4-6 kHz) than at low frequencies in worker group. (p<0.05). It was observed that textile workers with longer employment duration had poorer hearing threshoulds and the hearing loss had started on those who had worked for 5-8 yr. While MDA levels were significantly higher in workers than controls (p<0.001), CAT activity was significantly lower (p<0.005). Also, SOD activity was lower in workers but difference was not statistically significant. We observed a significant change in hearing threshold of the textile workers compared with that of the control group. Increase in MDA level and decreases in CAT and SOD activities in textile workers, support the opinion that the noise causes the oxidative stress. The fact that noise both causes hearing loss and increases oxidative stress suggests that there may be a relationship between the oxidative stress and hearing loss. But, further studies are needed in order to verify this opinion