Serum homocysteine, vitamin B 12 and folic acid levels in different types of glaucoma

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to compare levels of serum homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12 and folic acid in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG), normotensive glaucoma (NTG) and healthy controls. METHODS: Twentyfive patients with POAG, 24 with PEXG, and 18 with NTG, along with 19 control healthy subjects were included this prospective study. Levels of serum Hcy were measured using immunoassay, and those of serum vitamin B12 and folic acid were measured using competitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: The mean Hcy concentration in the PEXG group was significantly higher (P < 0.001) as compared to the other groups. There were no significant differences with respect to the mean Hcy concentrations among other groups (P > 0.05). There were no statistical differences in serum vitamin B12 levels among POAG, PEXG, NTG and control subjects (P > 0.05). The mean serum folic acid level was significantly lower in the subjects with PEXG (P < 0.009). However, the mean folic acid concentrations among the other groups did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of Hcy in PEXG may explain the role of endothelial dysfunction among patients with PEXG

Possible effects of rosuvastatin on noise-induced oxidative stress in rat brain

The problem of noise has recently gained more attention as it has become an integral part of our daily lives. However, its influence has yet to be fully elucidated. Other than being an unpleasant stimulus, noise may cause health disorders through annoyance and stress, including oxidative stress. Rosuvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, may possess antioxidant properties. Based on rat models, our project investigates the effect of rosuvastatin on noise-induced oxidative stress in the brain tissue. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups: Noise exposure plus rosuvastatin usage, only noise exposure, only rosuvastatin usage, and control. After the data had been collected, oxidant and antioxidant parameters were analyzed in the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and cerebellum. Results indicated that superoxide dismutase values were significantly decreased in the cerebral cortex, while malondialdehyde values in the brainstem and cerebellum were significantly increased in the group with only noise exposure. Superoxide dismutase values in the brainstem were significantly increased, but nitric oxide values in the cerebellum and brainstem and malondialdehyde values in the cerebellum and cerebral cortex were significantly decreased in the group where only rosuvastatin was used. During noise exposure, the use of rosuvastatin caused significantly increased superoxide dismutase values in the cerebral cortex and brainstem, but significantly reduced malondialdehyde values in the brain stem. Consequently, our data show that brain tissue was affected by oxidative stress due to continued exposure to noise. This noise-induced stress decreases with rosuvastatin therapy

FIRST-TRIMESTER THYROID HORMONE REFERENCE DATA IN A TURKISH PREGNANT WOMEN POPULATION LIVING IN MIDDLE BLACKSEA REGION

WOS: 000336078100005Objective: No reference values for thyroid hormones have been established for Turkish pregnant women yet in the first trimester of pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to determine first trimester reference values for thyroid hormones in pregnant women living in middle Black Sea region of Turkey and getting service from our institution's laboratory. Material and Method: 1144 pregnant women admitted to Gaziosmanpasa University Faculty of Medicine hospital between January 2005 and January 2009 for first trimester visit were enrolled retrospectively. Maternal thyroid hormones measured as a part of laboratory examination were analyzed. Results: Anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies were measured in 250 of the total 1144 women. 166 of these had antibody levels within the normal ranges. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of these 166 antibody negative women were as follows: for TSH (mu IU/mL): 0.043-3.968, for fT4 (ng/dL): 0.840-1.638 and for fT3 (pg/mL): 2.059-4.386. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of the remaining 894 antibody status unknown women were as follows: for TSH (mu IU/mL): 0.059-4.196, for fT4 (ng/dL): 0.634-1.527 and for fT3 (pg/mL): 2.340-4.143. Conclusion: For diagnosis of thyroid abnormalities; population, laboratory and even method based reference values should be established. This is a preliminary data from Turkish pregnant women

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester As A Remedial Agent For Reproductive Functions And Oxidative Stress-Based Pathologies Of Gonads

In recent years, the studies on the roles of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in several disease models and cell cultures are tremendously growing. It is such a great molecule that was used by ancient times to ameliorate some diseases and nowadays, it is used by modern medicine to test the effectiveness. In this mini-review article, the protection capability of CAPE, as a liposoluble antioxidant and a potent nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor, on oxidative and non-oxidative ovary, and testis damages has been summarized. In view of our laboratory findings/experience and those reported in the hitherto literature, we suggest that CAPE possesses protective effects for pathologies of the reproductive organs induced by untoward effects of harmful molecules such as free oxygen radicals, pesticides, methotrexate, and MK-801 (dizocilpine).PubMe

The changes of Zinc, Copper, and Iron levels in lung tissue after formaldehyde inhalation during the early postnatal period of Rats

Aim: In this study, effects of inhaled formaldehyde (FA) gas, during early postnatal period on the levels of zinc, copper and iron elements and activity of total superoxide dismutase (t-SOD) enzyme in lung tissue and also the reversibility of effects of formaldehyde were examined. Methods: For this purpose newly born albino Wistar rats were exposed to 0 (control), 6 or 12 ppm FA gas for 30 days. After the treatment, rats were decapitated in 30th and 90th days. Activities of t-SOD and the levels of zinc, copper and iron were measured in lung samples. Results: A decrease in the t-SOD activity, copper and iron levels and increase in zinc levels were found in the treatment groups in comparison with control group at both 30th and 90th days measurements. Conclusion: It was thought that exposure to FA may alter the trace element levels of lung tissue including copper, zinc and iron, and induce further oxidative damage on lung tissue

Is rosuvastatin protective against on noise-induced oxidative stress in rat serum

Noise, one of the main components of modern society, has become an important environmental problem. Noise is not only an irritating sound, but also a stress factor leading to serious health problems. In this study, we have investigated possible effects of rosuvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, thought to have an antioxidant effect, on noise-induced oxidative stress in the serum of rat models. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were used. In order to ease their adaptation, 2 weeks before the experiment, the rats were divided into four groups (with eight rats per each group): Noise exposure plus rosuvastatin usage, only noise exposure, only rosuvastatin usage and control. After the data had been collected, oxidant (Malondialdehyde, nitric oxide {[}NO], protein carbonyl {[}PC]) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase {[}SOD], glutathione peroxidase {[}GSH-PX], catalase {[}CAT]) parameters were analyzed in the serum. Results indicated that SOD values were found to be significantly lower, while PC values in serum were remarkably higher in the group that was exposed to only noise. GSH-Px values in serum dramatically increased in the group on which only rosuvastatin was used. During noise exposure, the use of rosuvastatin caused significantly increased CAT values, whereas it resulted in reduced PC and NO values in serum. In conclusion, our data show that noise exposure leads to oxidative stress in rat serum; however, rosuvastatin therapy decreases the oxidative stress caused by noise exposure

Association between elevated aminotransferase levels and the metabolic syndrome in Northern Turkey

Introduction. Elevated aminotransferase levels(ATLs) are alert the physicians for liver-affecting disease and may reflect liver injury. We aimed to determine the prevalence of elevated ATLs and the association of elevated ATLs with the metabolic syndrome(MetS) in a northern province of Turkey.Materials and methods. Elevated ATLs were evaluated among 1,095 individuals of the Tokat Prevalence Study which have been described in detail elsewhere. 1,095 participants had been selected by a simple random sampling method among 530,000 inhabitants in 70 (12 urban and 58 rural) areas in the province of Tokat which is located in the Black Sea Region of Turkey.Results. The prevalence of elevated serum ALT, AST, and ALT and/ or AST were found as 11%, 7.2%, and 13.3%, respectively. Increased BMI, fatty liver, and MetS were higher in our general population with elevated ATLs. After exclusion of individuals with hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, 132 individuals with elevated ATLs (91 male and 41 female) were evaluated. MetS was found in 59 participants and its prevalence was markedly higher in females with elevated ATLs (p < 0.0001). When the males with elevated ATLs were evaluated, the ALT levels of the persons who have no risk of MetS (p = 0.007) and the persons who have one risk of MetS (p = 0.001) were lower than the persons with MetS.Conclusions. Elevated ATLs are common and it’s an important cause is MetS in Northern Turkey

Antioxidant status and levels of antioxidant vitamins in coronary artery ectasia

Background Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a rare coronary artery anomaly. In this study, we investigated superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities, and antioxidant vitamin levels (vitamins A and E) in patients with CAE

Relationship between L-arginine/asymmetric dimethylarginine, homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B levels, and coronary artery ectasia

Background Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is characterized by an abnormal dilatation of the coronary arteries. The ratio of L-arginine/asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and homocysteine are important factors for endothelial function. In this study, we investigate the ratio of L-arginine/ADMA, homocysteine, and folic acid/vitamin B levels in patients with CAE