Effects of Urtica dioica on hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury in rats

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of Urtica dioica on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Thirty adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: sham group (group 1), control group (group 2), and Urtica dioica group (group 3). All the rats were exposed to hepatic ischemia for 60 min, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. In group 2, a total of 2 ml/kg 0.9% saline solution was given intraperitoneally. In group 3, a total of 2 ml/kg Urtica dioica was given intraperitoneally. At the end of the procedure, liver tissue and blood samples were taken from all rats. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, ceruloplasmin, catalase, paraoxonase, arylesterase, and lipid hydroperoxide levels were measured. Liver tissue histopathologies were also evaluated by light microscopy. RESULTS: Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1, and significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2. Also, group 2 had higher serum lipid hydroperoxides and ceruloplasmin levels but lower catalase, paraoxonase, and arylesterase levels than group 1. In group 3, serum lipid hydroperoxides and ceruloplasmin levels were significantly lower, and catalase, paraoxonase, and arylesterase levels were higher than those in group 2. Histopathological examination showed that liver tissue damage was significantly decreased in group 3 compared with group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Urtica dioica has a protective effect on the liver in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion-injured rats

A Systematic Review of Occupational Exposure to Particulate Matter and Cardiovascular Disease

Exposure to ambient particulate air pollution is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however the link between occupational particulate exposures and adverse cardiovascular events is less clear. We conducted a systematic review, including meta-analysis where appropriate, of the epidemiologic association between occupational exposure to particulate matter and cardiovascular disease. Out of 697 articles meeting our initial criteria, 37 articles published from January 1990 to April 2009 (12 mortality; 5 morbidity; and 20 intermediate cardiovascular endpoints) were included. Results suggest a possible association between occupational particulate exposures and ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality as well as non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and stronger evidence of associations with heart rate variability and systemic inflammation, potential intermediates between occupational PM exposure and IHD. In meta-analysis of mortality studies, a significant increase in IHD was observed (meta-IRR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06–1.26), however these data were limited by lack of adequate control for smoking and other potential confounders. Further research is needed to better clarify the magnitude of the potential risk of the development and aggravation of IHD associated with short and long-term occupational particulate exposures and to clarify the clinical significance of acute and chronic changes in intermediate cardiovascular outcomes

Air pollution and the microvasculature: A cross-sectional assessment of in vivo retinal images in the population-based multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)

10.1371/journal.pmed.1000372PLoS Medicine711

High serum homocysteine levels correlate with a decrease in the blood flow velocity of the ophthalmic artery in highway toll collectors

Coskun, Abdurrahman/0000-0002-1273-0604; BILGIN, CAHIT/0000-0003-2213-5881WOS: 000247655300005PubMed: 17592212Highway workers, such as policemen, automotive service companies, and toll collectors, are placed at risk of the accelerated atherosclerotic process, since recent studies have suggested that exposure to exhaust particles and ambient air pollution increases carotid intima-media thickness and reduces ocular blood flow velocity. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between serum homocysteine, a potential parameter for atherosclerosis, and the ocular blood flow velocity and the resistivity index in highway toll collectors. The peak systolic and end diastolic flow velocities and the resistivity index were measured in 22 toll collectors and 24 control subjects by color Doppler ultrasonography. The resistivity index, which is an indirect measure of the atherosclerotic process, was calculated: resistivity index = (peak systolic velocity - end diastolic velocity)/peak systolic velocity. Serum homocysteine levels were determined by fluorometric high-performance liquid chromatography. In the highway toll collectors, the serum homocysteine level (14.4 +/- 4.8 mu mol/l; p < 0.005) and the resistivity index of the ophthalmic artery (0.741 +/- 0.015; p < 0.05) were higher and the ophthalmic blood flow velocity (33.0 < 3.0 cm/s; p < 0.001) was lower than those in the controls (10.6 +/- 3.1,mu mol/l; 0.728 +/- 0.023; 36.8 +/- 2.2 cm/s; respectively). There were significant correlations between the serum homocysteine level and ophthalmic artery resistivity index in both highway toll collectors (p < 0.001) and controls (p < 0.005). Exposure to exhaust particles might increase the serum homocysteine level, which in turn could lead to the decreased ocular blood flow and the increased resistivity index

Serum homocysteine levels in highway toll collectors and the relationship with intima-media thickness of the carotid artery

ALP, Hamit Hakan/0000-0002-9202-4944WOS: 000254702300007Aim: A relationship between air pollution and increased intima-media thickness (IMT) has been recently reported, but its etiology is not yet well understood. We aimed to determine whether exposure to exhaust particles, which are important air pollutants, is associated with increased serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels and whether elevated Hcy levels are associated with increased IMT. Materials and Methods: Serum Hcy levels were measured by fluorometric high performance liquid chromatography in 65 male highway toll collectors (HTCs) and 43 healthy male volunteers. IMT was measured with Doppler sonography by an experienced radiologist. Results: Serum Hcy levels (14.5 +/- 4.9 mmol/L, P < 0.005) and IMT (0.757 +/- 0.18 mm, P < 0.001) were higher in the HTC group than in controls (12.0 +/- 2.8 mmol/L and 0.612 +/- 0.11 mm, respectively). A positive correlation was found between Hcy level and IMT both in the HTC group (r = 0.36; P < 0.005) and in the control group (r = 0.36; P < 0.05). Conclusions: Exposure to exhaust particles may cause an increase in oxidative stress because of an increase in serum Hcy levels, which consequently may lead to an increase in IMT. Nevertheless, further studies on the subject are needed before drawing a firm conclusion

Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A and High-Sensitivitive C-Reactive Protein Levels in Chronic Subdural Haematoma Patients

Objective: Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), a metalloproteinase that regulates insulinlike growth factor-1 bioavailability in vitro, has been suggested to play an active role in the pathophysiology of several conditions involving inflammatory responses. We investigated the values of PAPP-A and high sensitive CRP (hsCRP) levels in chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) patients and healthy controls