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Consequences Of Estrogen Receptor Beta Phosphorylation In The Aged Female Brain And Heart, Elena Pinceti

Dissertations

Female life expectancy in the United States has steadily increased and now averages 81 years. Meanwhile, the age at which women reach menopause remains constant at 51 years. Both neurological and cardiovascular disorders increase following menopause, affecting women’s quality of life and leading to large health care costs. Estrogens are neuroprotective and cardioprotective for women, however when administered long after menopause, they fail to improve their health.

The effects of estrogen are mediated by Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) and Estrogen Receptor β (ERβ). Evidence supports that ERβ plays an important role in neuroprotection and cardioprotection, but aspects of ERβ molecular …

Mucosal Vaccination By Adenoviruses Displaying Reovirus Sigma 1, Eric A. Weaver, Zenaido T. Camacho, Matthew L. Hillestad, Catherine M. Crosby, Mallory A. Turner, Adam J. Guenzel, Hind J. Fadel, George T. Mercier, Michael A. Barry

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

We previously developed adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors displaying the sigma 1 protein from reovirus as mucosal vaccines. Ad5-sigma retargets to JAM-1 and sialic acid, but had 40-fold reduced gene delivery when compared to Ad5. While weaker at transduction, Ad5-sigma generated stronger T cell responses than Ad5 when used for mucosal immunization. New Ad5- fiber-sigma vectors were generated here by varying the number of fiber β-spiral shaft repeats (R) fused between fiber tail and the sigma. Ad5 virions encoding R3, R14, and R20 chimeras were rescued. Increasing chimera length led to their decreasing encapsidation of these proteins in the virions. …

Epigenetic Modification Prevents Excessive Wound Healing And Scar Formation After Glaucoma Filtration Surgery, Ajay Sharma, Govindaraj Anumanthan, Marcos Reyes, Huiyi Chen, Jason W. Brubaker, Saad Siddiqui, Suneel Gupta, Frank G. Rieger, Rajiv R. Mohan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), in prevention of excessive wound healing and scar formation in a rabbit model of glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS).

METHODS. A rabbit model of GFS was used. Rabbits that underwent GFS received balanced salt solution, or SAHA (50 lM), or mitomycin C (0.02%). Clinical scores of IOP, bleb vascularity, and slit-lamp examination were performed. On postoperative day 14, rabbits were killed and the bleb tissues were collected for evaluation of tissue fibrosis with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, a-smooth muscle …

Motor Unit Remodeling During Neuromuscular Degeneration In Aging And Parkinson's Disease, Neil Anthony Kelly

All ETDs from UAB

The human neuromuscular system deteriorates progressively with age and disease. This results in denervation events and ultimately motor unit remodeling, which is revealed by abnormal “groups” of myofibers expressing the same myosin protein isoform – a phenomenon described as myofiber type grouping. Despite the acceptance of myofiber type grouping as a hallmark indicator of motor unit remodeling, traditional techniques of detecting it lack quantitative parameters and therefore comparative data in aging and disease are scarce. The purpose of this dissertation is to establish a statistically-driven, quantitative method for detecting myofiber type grouping and to use it to characterize the effects …

Early-Life Programming Of Emotional Behaviors And Cardiovascular Function, Samir Rana

All ETDs from UAB

Extensive evidence implicates bi-directional relationship between mood disorders and cardiovascular disorders. Early-life experience can have strong effects both on emotional development and cardiovascular function throughout life. Studies in humans are limited to correlational analyses, which are necessarily limited in terms of revealing mechanistic underpinnings of these associations. Thus, various pre-clinical models are utilized to investigate the effects of early-life experience in various domains, such as behavior and cardiovascular function, which are likely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Previous studies have used maternal separation and neonatal handling in developing rodents as a way to model differences in early-life experience. The effect of …

The Eff-1a Cytoplasmic Domain Influences Hypodermal Cell Fusions In C. Elegans But Is Not Dependent On 14-3-3 Proteins., Jessica H Shinn-Thomas, Jacob J Del Campo, Jianjun Wang, William A Mohler

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Regulatory and biophysical mechanisms of cell-cell fusion are largely unknown despite the fundamental requirement for fused cells in eukaryotic development. Only two cellular fusogens that are not of clear recent viral origin have been identified to date, both in nematodes. One of these, EFF-1, is necessary for most cell fusions in Caenorhabditis elegans. Unregulated EFF-1 expression causes lethality due to ectopic fusion between cells not developmentally programmed to fuse, highlighting the necessity of tight fusogen regulation for proper development. Identifying factors that regulate EFF-1 and its paralog AFF-1 could lead to discovery of molecular mechanisms that control cell fusion …

Novel Cellular Targets Of Aspirin In Chemoprevention Studies On P53, G6pd And C-Myc, Guoqiang Ai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background

Aspirin has generated a significant interest in recent years as a potential chemopreventive agent supported by strong evidence from epidemiological data; however, the mechanisms are not well understood. The objective of this dissertation is to identify novel cyclooxygenase (COX)-independent pathways by which aspirin exerts its anticancer effects in epithelial cancer cell lines. We investigated the effect of aspirin on p53, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and c-Myc, all of which are known to play a major role in cancer development. p53 is a tumor suppressor protein, often mutated in cancers causing its inactivation. Expression of G6PD is elevated in many …

Large Genomic Differences Between Moraxella Bovoculi Isolates Acquired From The Eyes Of Cattle With Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis Versus The Deep Nasopharynx Of Asymptomatic Cattle, Aaron M. Dickey, John D. Loy, James L. Bono, Timonthy P. L. Smith, Mike D. Apley, Brian V. Lubbers, Keith D. Dedonder, Sarah F. Capik, Robert L. Larson, Brad J. White, Jochen Blom, Carol G. Chitko-Mckown, Michael L. Clawson

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Moraxella bovoculi is a recently described bacterium that is associated with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) or “pinkeye” in cattle. In this study, closed circularized genomes were generated for seven M. bovoculi isolates: three that originated from the eyes of clinical IBK bovine cases and four from the deep nasopharynx of asymptomatic cattle. Isolates that originated from the eyes of IBK cases profoundly differed from those that originated from the nasopharynx of asymptomatic cattle in genome structure, gene content and polymorphism diversity and consequently placed into two distinct phylogenetic groups. These results suggest that there are genetically distinct strains of M. …

Assembly And Regulation Of The Dream Complex, Jessica G. Felthousen

Theses and Dissertations

The DREAM complex assembles during G0/G1 when RB-like protein p130 recruits E2F4, DP1, and a core complex of five MuvB proteins to repress genes involved in cell cycle progression. In S-phase, the MuvB core dissociates from p130 and binds to BMYB transcription factor. Binding of the MuvB core to p130 requires phosphorylation of its subunit LIN52 at S28 residue by DYRK1A protein kinase. However, little is known about how the MuvB core interacts with p130 to form the DREAM complex, and how these interactions are manipulated throughout the cell cycle. In collaboration with Dr. Seth Rubin, we characterized the structural …

The Effects Of 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone On Hippocampal Neurogenesis Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Mary K. Wurzelmann

Theses and Dissertations

Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), the hippocampus is particularly vulnerable to damage, and BDNF, an endogenous neurotrophin that activates the TrkB receptor, has been shown to play a key role in the brain’s neuroprotective response. Activation of the TrkB signaling pathway by BDNF in the CNS promotes cell survival and aids in cell growth. However, due to its inability to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), the therapeutic advantages of BDNF treatment following TBI are limited. 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) is a flavonoid that mimics the effects of BDNF, is a potent TrkB receptor agonist, and can successfully cross the BBB. Our …

Development Of A Novel In Vivo Corneal Fibrosis Model In The Dog, K. M. Gronkiewicz, Elizabeth A. Giuliano, K. Kuroki, F. Bunyak, Ajay Sharma, L. B. C. Teixeira, C. W. Hamm, R. R. Mohan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The aim of this study was to develop a novel in vivo corneal model of fibrosis in dogs utilizing alkali burn and determine the ability of suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA) to inhibit corneal fibrosis using this large animal model. To accomplish this, we used seven research Beagle dogs. An axial corneal alkali burn in dogs was created using 1 N NaOH topically. Six dogs were randomly and equally assigned into 2 groups: A) vehicle (DMSO, 2 μL/mL); B) anti-fibrotic treatment (50 μM SAHA). The degree of corneal opacity, ocular health, and anti-fibrotic effects of SAHA were determined utilizing the Fantes grading …

Molecular Mechanisms Of Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid In The Inhibition Of Tgf-Β1-Mediated Canine Corneal Fibrosis, Kristina M. Gronkiewicz, Elizabeth A. Giuliano, Ajay Sharma, Rajiv R. Mohan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Objective—To investigate molecular mechanisms mediating anti-fibrotic effect of SAHA in the canine cornea using an in vitro model. We hypothesized that SAHA attenuates corneal fibrosis by modulating Smad-dependent and, to a lesser extent, Smad-independent signaling pathways activated by TGF-β1, as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity.

Methods—Cultured canine corneal fibroblasts (CCF) were incubated in the presence/absence of TGF-β1 (5ng/ml) and SAHA (2.5μM) for 24hrs. Western blot analysis was used to quantify non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated isoforms of Smad2/3, p38 MAP kinase (MAPK), ERK1/2 and JNK1. Real-time PCR and zymography were utilized to quantify MMP1, MMP2, MMP8 and MMP9 mRNA expression and …

Significance Of Using A Nonlinear Analysis Technique, The Lyapunov Exponent, On The Understanding Of The Dynamics Of The Cardiorespiratory System In Rats, Tamer Zeren, Mustafa Özbek, Neci̇p Kutlu, Mahmut Akilli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pneumocardiography (PNCG) is the recording method of cardiac-induced tracheal air flow and pressure pulsations in the respiratory airways. PNCG signals reflect both the lung and heart actions and could be accurately recorded in spontaneously breathing anesthetized rats. Nonlinear analysis methods, including the Lyapunov exponent, can be used to explain the biological dynamics of systems such as the cardiorespiratory system. Materials and methods: In this study, we recorded tracheal air flow signals, including PNCG signals, from 3 representative anesthetized rats and analyzed the nonlinear behavior of these complex signals using Lyapunov exponents. Results: Lyapunov exponents may also be used to …

Effects Of Resveratrol On The Alterations Of Cavernosal Enos And Lox-1 Expression In The Hypercholesterolemic Condition: A Preliminary Study, Ozan Bozkurt, Aykut Kefi̇, Ömer Demi̇r, Nergi̇s Murat, Sedef Gi̇dener, Ahmet Adi̇l Esen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of resveratrol on the alterations of cavernosal eNOS and LOX-1 mRNA expression in the hypercholesterolemic condition. Materials and methods: Twenty-one New Zealand white male rabbits were separated into three groups. Rabbits were fed with a normal dietary intake for the control group and a 2% cholesterol diet for the hypercholesterolemia and resveratrol groups for 6 weeks. Resveratrol 4 mg/kg daily was administered for the resveratrol group. Cavernosal LOX-1 and eNOS mRNA expressions were determined with real-time RT-PCR in all groups. The statistical analysis was performed with the Kruskal?Wallis and …

Study Of Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Transplantation Intowistar Albino Rat Cochleae After Hair Cell Damage*, Mustafa Kürşat Gökcan, Selçuk Mülazi̇moğlu, Emre Ocak, Pinar Can, Murat Çalişkan, Ömer Beşalti, Serpi̇l Di̇zbay Sak, Gülşah Kaygusuz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: As the regeneration capacity of hair cells is limited, inner ear stem cell therapies hold promise. Effects of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) on Wistar albino rats (WARs) with hearing impairment were investigated. Materials and methods: Thirty-five adult WARs with normal hearing were divided into 4 groups. Excluding the study group (n = 15), the other three groups served as control groups for ototoxicity and IPSC injection models. IPSC injections were performed via cochleostomy after a retroauricular approach. Auditory functions were evaluated with auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) before and after the injections. After a final hearing assessment the …

Altering Metabolism In The Tumor Microenvironment To Enhance Anti-Tumor Immunity For Lung Cancer, Cara Schafer

All ETDs from UAB

Overcoming cancer cell immune escape represents a fundamental obstacle in the treatment of cancer. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-expressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are known to induce oxidative stress and alter amino acid metabolism within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The tryptophan (Trp)-catabolizing action of IDO not only promotes T cell tolerance and evasion but is also associated with impaired quality of life in cancer patients. We have previously demonstrated that a novel combination therapy, consisting of MDSC-depleting gemcitabine and a superoxide dismutase mimetic, prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice by enhancing CD8+ memory T cell metabolism. We identify that combination therapy inhibits IDO …

What's Up, Dut? Help, Help I'M Being Derepressed; The Great Derepression Of Sapis Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Mobilization, Rosanne Lorin Lee Hill

All ETDs from UAB

Staphylococcus aureus is known to cause disease in both human and animal populations. Many of the virulence factors important for S. aureus pathogenesis are found on mobile genetic elements known as S. aureus pathogenicity islands (SaPIs). SaPIs can transduce into surrounding cells, giving those cells the ability to produce virulence factors. Derepression allows SaPIs to be excised from S. aureus genome to initiate mobilization. Derepressors have been identified for multiple SaPIs, but it remains unknown if the same SaPI can be derepressed by multiple derepressors. It has been shown that SaPIbov1 can be derepressed by the type 1 dUTPase from …

Colistin Efficacy In The Treatment Of Multidrug-Resistant And Extremelydrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections*, Çi̇ğdem Banu Çeti̇n, Deni̇z Özer Türk, Şebnem Şenol, Gönül Di̇nç Horasan, Özlem Tünger

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Colistin is used as a salvage therapy for multidrug-resistant and extremely drug-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections. Our aim was to evaluate colistin efficiency and toxicity in the treatment of these resistant gram-negative bacterial infections. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study carried out in a tertiary care hospital during 2011-2013. Study data were collected from the medical records and consultations of the infectious diseases clinic. Results: The study group included 158 patients with nosocomial infections and 136 (86.1%) of them were hospitalized in the ICU. Respiratory tract infections were the most commonly observed ones (n = 103, 65.2%). The …

Liporotein-Associated Phospholipase-A2 Can Be A Diagnostic Marker Inthe Early Stage Diagnosis Of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia, Tarik Acar, Sedat Koçak, Başar Cander, Mehmet Ergi̇n, Cesareddi̇n Di̇kmetaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the role of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2 (Lp-PLA2) in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) in the early stage. Materials and methods: Twenty-seven New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups in this study. Blood specimens were obtained from the groups at hours 0, 1, 3, and 6. Using the blood samples drawn from all groups, Lp-PLA2 and C-reactive protein (CRP) parameters were investigated. Results: There was a significant rise in the levels of both Lp-PLA2 and CRP starting at hour 1 (P < 0.05) (hour 1; Lp-PLA2, P = 0.003) in the ischemia group. In the sham group, the levels of Lp-PLA2 and CRP started to rise at hour 3 (P < 0.05) (hour 3; Lp-PLA2, P = 0.011). At hour 6 of ischemia, the area under the ROC curve was 100%, and the cut-off value of 63.91 ng/mL revealed a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 100% for Lp-PLA2. Conclusion: These findings showed the role of serum Lp-PLA2 and CRP levels in the early diagnosis of AMI. Thus, further studies are needed to describe the role of Lp-PLA2 in the early diagnosis of AMI.

Is The High Frequency Of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac And Lung Surgeries Related To Hypomagnesemia And Releases Of Ceramides And Platelet-Activating Factor?, Burton M. Altura, Nilank C. Shah, Gatha J. Shah, Aimin Zhang, Wenyan Li, Bella T. Altura

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (Middletown) Publications and Research

The authors discuss the possible role of hypomagnesemia, ceramides and platelet-activating factor in the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac and lung surgeries.

Caspase-12 And Lupus: The Curious Case Of The Dog That Didn’T Bark, Evan Hermel

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine

CASPASE-12 (CASP12) has an anti-inflammatory function during infection, and is a risk factor for sepsis in African-Americans (AA). To determine if CASP12 could be protective for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in AA, we genotyped AA SLE patients and controls. We found that, at best, there was a weak association between CASP12 genotype with the absence of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies in SLE patients. No effect was seen upon serum interleukin-1 beta levels, nor was any other protective effect noted for the CASP12 genotype, whether upon association with SLE, or any of the 11 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. We concluded that …

An Experimental Comparative Study On Classic Tube Thoracostomy And Thoracostomy With A Newly Designed Thorax Drainage Catheter*, Mahmut Tokur, Mehmet Ergi̇n, Mehmet Okumuş, Zerri̇n Defne Dündar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The collection of fluids, blood, pus, or air in the pleural cavity is a pathological condition requiring pleural drainage. A newly designed thorax drainage catheter in the prototype phase was used in this experimental study to test its efficacy. Materials and methods: A hemopneumothorax was first caused by a penetrating injury on the frontal axis of the sixth intercostal space on the right hemithorax with a scalpel on 6 female Sus domesticus swine subjects. After resting for 5 min, a tube or catheter was inserted. The same procedure with a tube thoracostomy or thorax drainage catheter was repeated on …

Intrabone Marrow Injection Enhances Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cellmediated Support Of Hematopoiesis In Mice, Ya Hong Yuan, Chun Fang Zhou, Zhi Yong Lu, Xiao Li Wang, Yan Ding, Dongsheng Li

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In order to determine the synergistic effects of human placental mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) on hematopoiesis in vivo, we compared the intrabone marrow injection (IBMI) with the conventional intravenous injection (IVI). Materials and methods: C57BL/6 recipient mice conditioned with lethal doses of irradiation were transplanted with bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from BALB/c mice by IBMI or IVI. NOD/SCID recipient mice conditioned with sublethal doses of irradiation were transplanted with human umbilical cord blood MNCs (UCB-MNCs) and PMSCs by IBMI or IVI. Results: The number of hematopoietic cells was significantly higher in …

The Effect Of Proanthocyanidin On Formaldehyde-Induced Toxicity In Rat Testes, Eni̇s Uluçam, Elvan Bakar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study investigated the effect of proanthocyanidin (PA) against formaldehyde (FA)-induced lipid peroxidation damage and morphological changes in rat testes. Materials and methods: Twenty-one Wistar albino rats were randomized into 3 groups: control, FA, and FA + PA groups. Plasma and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sialic acid (TSA) levels were measured. Testes tissues were observed by light and electron microscopy. Results: TSA (plasma and tissue) levels decreased and MDA (plasma) significantly increased (P < 0.05) in rats treated with FA compared to the controls. Tissue MDA levels were not significantly different. Several necrotic changes were observed in testes tissues by light and electron microscopy. Disordering in epithelia of seminiferous tubules, vacuolization between germinal epithelium cells, and separated basement membranes were observed by light microscope. Immunopositivity in Leydig cells decreased in the FA group (P < 0.05). In the FA + PA group there were more immune Leydig cells reacting immune-positively than in the FA group (P < 0.05). Ultrastructurally, FA also caused disorganization and loss of mitochondrial cristae, and dilatation in endoplasmic reticulum in testes. Conclusion: The results suggest that PA has a protective effect on FA toxicity in testes.

Apitherapy Products Enhance The Recovery Of Ccl4-Induced Hepatic Damages In Rats, Özlem Saral, Oktay Yildiz, Rezzan Ali̇yazicioğlu, Esi̇n Yuluğ, Si̇nan Canpolat, Ferhat Öztürk, Sevgi̇ Kolayli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Our objective was to identify the antioxidant properties of honeybee products from Turkey, chestnut honey, pollen, propolis, and royal jelly, and their hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats. Materials and methods: Animals were fed with honeybee products for 7 days following CCl4 injection. Development of liver damage and oxidative stress were monitored by measuring the activities of the enzymes alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Antioxidant capacities of the bee products were identified using FRAP and DPPH assays, as well as by measuring total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Results: The antioxidant activities of the …

Evaluation Of Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials And Their Relationshipwith Levels Of Thyroid Autoantibodies In Patients With Vitiligo, İlhan Çeçen, Ayşe Serap Karadağ, Temel Tombul, Serap Güneş Bi̇lgi̇li̇, Ömer Çalka, Ahmet Zübeyi̇r Burakgazi̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Vitiligo is a common depigmenting disorder. The damage can also occur in similar ways to melanocytes within other organs. We evaluated the brainstem and auditory pathway functions by evaluating brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and whether there is any relationship between auditory functions and autoimmunity. Materials and methods: Forty patients with vitiligo and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Thyroid functions and autoantibodies were examined and BAEP tests were assessed by a neurologist. Results: Antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and antithyroglobulin (anti-TGA) antibody positivity was higher in the patient group (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was detected between anti-TPO and lead III, IV, and V latency and I?III interpeak latency (IPL) of the right ear together with lead IV latency and I?V IPL of the left ear in the patient group. When each BAEP parameter was compared between the two groups, more abnormalities were detected in the V latency and III?V IPL of the left ear together with IV and V latency of the right ear. Conclusion: In this study the presence of a correlation between increased anti-TGA and anti-TPO levels and BAEP parameters may be related to an autoimmune-mediated mechanism. However, further studies are needed to be performed in a large patient series.

The Relationship Between Blood Urea Nitrogen Levels And Metabolic, Biochemical, And Histopathologic Findings Of Nondiabetic, Nonhypertensive Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Cemal Nuri̇ Erçi̇n, Teoman Doğru, Gürkan Çelebi̇, Hasan Gürel, Hali̇l Genç, Erdi̇m Sertoğlu, Sai̇t Bağci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known as the most common cause of chronic liver disease. It is accepted that the leading cause of death in patients with NAFLD is from coronary events. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was used as a prognostic indicator for cardiovascular disease. We aimed to investigate the relationship between BUN levels and metabolic, biochemical, and histopathologic findings of nondiabetic patients with NAFLD. Materials and methods: A total of 195 male patients with biopsy proven NAFLD and 82 healthy controls with normal liver and renal function tests and normal abdominal ultrasonography were enrolled in the study. …

The High Prevalence Of Encephalitozoon Intestinalis In Patients Receiving Chemotherapy And Children With Growth Retardation And The Validity Of Real-Time Pcr In Its Diagnosis, Ülfet Çeti̇nkaya, Süleyman Yazar, Sali̇h Kuk, Eda Si̇vcan, Leylagül Kaynar, Duran Arslan, İzzet Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Encephalitozoon intestinalis in different patient groups consisting of immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Materials and methods: The stool samples of 100 patients consisting of 25 patients receiving chemotherapy and with acute gastrointestinal complaints, 25 with bone marrow transplant and acute gastrointestinal complaints, 25 with urticaria, and 25 with growth retardation were included in the study. As control groups, 25 subjects without any chronic disease but with acute gastrointestinal complaints and 25 healthy volunteers, making a total of 50 subjects, were included in the study. E. intestinalis was investigated by …

Ilp-2 Modeling And Virtual Screening Of An Fda-Approved Library:A Possible Anticancer Therapy, Saeed Khalili, Hemn Mohammadpour, Mahideh Shokrollahi Barough, Parviz Kokhaei

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The members of the inhibitors of apoptosis protein (IAP) family inhibit diverse components of the caspase signaling pathway, notably caspase 3, 7, and 9. ILP-2 (BIRC-8) is the most recently identified member of the IAPs, mainly interacting with caspase 9. This interaction would eventually lead to death resistance in the case of cancerous cells. Therefore, structural modeling of ILP-2 and finding applicable inhibitors of its interaction with caspase 9 are a compelling challenge. Materials and methods: Three main protein modeling approaches along with various model refinement measures were harnessed to achieve a reliable 3D model, using state-of-the-art software. Thereafter, …

The Inhibitory Effect Of Bacteriocin Produced By Lactobacillus Acidophilusatcc 4356 And Lactobacillus Plantarum Atcc 8014 On Planktonic Cells And Biofilms Of Serratia Marcescens, Roya Vahedi Shahandashti, Rouha Kasra Kermanshahi, Parinaz Ghadam

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has resulted in the need for new treatments. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of bacteriocin from Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 and Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 on planktonic and biofilm forms of Serratia marcescens strains. Materials and methods: The direct antagonism of the L. plantarum and L. acidophilus cell-free supernatant on S. marcescens cultures was determined using an optical density assay. The bacteriocin was partial purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation. Its molecular weight was analyzed with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The effect of bacteriocins on the biofilm …