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Axon Initial Segment Stability In Multiple Sclerosis, Suneel K. Thummala

Theses and Dissertations

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by inflammation and demyelination. In addition to these hallmark features, MS also presents with axonal pathology, which is likely responsible for the signs and symptoms of the disease. Although prominent in MS, axonal pathology is frequently considered a consequence of demyelination and not a primary event. This conclusion is consistent with demyelination inducing the loss of specific axonal domains, known as the nodes of Ranvier that are responsible for the propagation of action potentials along the axon. In contrast, we propose that axonal pathology associated with MS …

The Relationship Between Axonal Injury, Biomarker Expression And Mechanical Response In A Rodent Head Impact Acceleration Model, Yan Li

Wayne State University Dissertations

In the United States 1.4 million people sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year, resulting in 235,000 hospitalizations and 50,000 fatalities annually. Traumatic axonal injury (TAI) is a serious outcome of TBI that accounts for 40-50% of hospitalizations due to head injury and one third of the mortality due to TBI, and it is difficult to diagnose and evaluate. The purpose of this dissertation is to determine mechanical injury predictors for TAI and identify potential biomarkers to evaluate TAI.

In this dissertation, a modified Marmarou impact acceleration injury model was developed to allow the monitoring of velocity of the impactor …

Anti-Cancer Activity Of Withaferin A In B-Cell Lymphoma., M K Mckenna, B W Gachuki, S S Alhakeem, K N Oben, V M Rangnekar, R C Gupta, Subbarao Bondada

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Faculty Publications

Withaferin A (WA), a withanolide from the plant, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) used in Ayurvedic medicine, has been found to be valuable in the treatment of several medical ailments. WA has been found to have anticancer activity against various solid tumors, but its effects on hematological malignancies have not been studied in detail. WA strongly inhibited the survival of several human and murine B cell lymphoma cell lines. Additionally, in vivo studies with syngeneic-graft lymphoma cells suggest that WA inhibits the growth of tumor but does not affect other proliferative tissues. We demonstrate that WA inhibits the efficiency of NF-κB nuclear …

Female Breakfast Skippers Display A Disrupted Cortisol Rhythm And Levated Blood Pressure, Megan Witbracht, Nancy L. Keim, Shavawn Forester, Adrianne Widaman, Kevin D. Laugero

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Chronic stress and over-activity in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis may link breakfast skipping and poor cardiometabolic health. Missing the first major meal of the day in rodents prolongs elevated circulating corticosterone at a time when it's normally decreasing. To extend these findings to humans, we hypothesized that habitual breakfast skippers would display a similar pattern of circulating cortisol and alterations in meal and stress-induced cortisol reactions. Normal weight to obese women aged 18–45 years old who were strictly defined as either breakfast skippers (n = 30) or breakfast eaters (n = 35) were invited to participate in our …

Mdivi-1, A Mitochondrial Division Inhibitor, Exerts Cardioprotective Effects In Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion (Mi/R) When Given At Reperfusion, Devon P. Stutzman

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Accompanying MI is myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury, which results in cardiac contractile dysfunction and additional myocardial cell death. MI/R injury is initiated in part by mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species due to mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and uncoupling of the electron transport chain, which may be due to mitochondrial fission in MI/R. Mitochondrial fission is in turn associated with shortening/fragmentation of mitochondria, decreased ATP production, and is thought to promote cardiac contractile dysfunction and post-reperfused cardiomyocyte loss, leading to increased infarct size. Therefore, inhibiting mitochondrial fission may be …

Loss Of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 1 (Mrp1/Abcc1) Potentiates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity In Mice, Wei Zhang

Theses and Dissertations--Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a broad-spectrum and effective chemotherapeutic agent, but its use in oncologic practice is limited by dose-dependent cumulative cardiotoxicity. DOX-induced cardiotoxicity is in large part due to its ability to cause oxidative stress. Multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily. By effluxing a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous substrates, Mrp1 plays important physiological roles in multiple tissues and also protects normal tissues against toxicants. However, the role of MRP1 in heart is largely unknown.

The role of Mrp1 in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity was investigated in Mrp1 null (Mrp1-/-) and …

Analysis Of Humira, Electro-Acupuncture, And Pulsatile Dry Cupping On Reducing Joint Inflammation In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Natalie Noll

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Humira, an anti-TNF drug aimed at decreasing inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients, can cause skin diseases from rashes to skin cancer. Humira works by blocking the chemical receptor RANKL which inhibits the production of osteoclasts. Osteoclasts are cells that attack and eat bone and cartilage therefore an inhibitory mechanism would cause inflammation.. By analyzing Humira’s effect on the human body, Humira can be compared to other treatments such as electro-acupuncture and pulsatile dry cupping to determine the viability of these alternative treatment methods in regards to their abilities to decrease inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients through blocking RANKL. An analysis …

The Use Of Rna Interference To Mitigate Pulmonary Fibrosis In Response To Asbestos Exposure, Sarah Kinsey

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

The adverse health effects of exposure to asbestos are widely known and have been well documented. When a person is diagnosed with asbestosis, a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, few treatment options exist, none of which halt or reverse the progression of the disease. The rapidly growing field of gene therapy offers new avenues for potential treatments worthy of investigation. The detrimental effects of asbestos exposure are due to the physiological response of the lungs to asbestos fibers in the form of fibrosis, a result of excess extracellular collagen deposition. A protein called SPARC (Secreted Protein Acidic …

The Patterns And Clinical Relevance Of Contact Allergen Sensitization In A Pediatric Population With Atopic Dermatitis, Ayşegül Akan, Müge Toyran, Emi̇ne Vezi̇r, Di̇lek Azkur, Ayşenur Kaya, Mustafa Erkoçoğlu, Ersoy Ci̇velek, Emi̇ne Di̇bek Misirlioğlu, Can Naci̇ Kocabaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Data about contact allergen sensitization (CAS) in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) are limited. The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency and patterns of CAS in children with AD by using a ready-to-use patch test system. Materials and methods: After receiving the history of CAS in the patients, the severity of AD and IgE-mediated allergen sensitization were determined. Results: Of 134 children with AD, 33.8% (n = 45) had at least 1 positive reaction. The most frequent positive reaction was to nickel sulfate (NS) (37.8%, 17/45), followed by methylchloroisothiazolinone (20.0%, 9/45) and thimerosal (15.6%, 7/45). The …

The Effect Of Tramadol And Tramadol + Gabapentin Combination In Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation After Epidural Steroid Injection, Lütfi̇ye Pi̇rbudak, Hülya Çi̇çek, Mustafa Işik, Yasemi̇n Zer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To compare the effects of tramadol-only treatment and tramadol + gabapentin treatment in patients who had received an epidural steroid injection. Materials and methods: Forty patients with hernia disc-originated acute lumbar discogenic pain were evaluated. All patients received a single dose of steroid and local anesthesia mixture epidurally via the lumbar approach. In both groups, Group T (tramadol, n = 20) and Group TG (tramadol + gabapentin, n = 20), the injection dose was adjusted to 4 mL of triamcinolone acetonide and 0.25% bupivacaine mixture. Orally, 75 mg/day tramadol or 75 mg/day tramadol + 900 mg/day gabapentin were added …

Characterization Of Klebsiella Isolates By Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (Maldi-Tof Ms) And Determination Of Antimicrobial Resistance With Vitek 2 Advanced Expert System (Aes), Alper Karagöz, Sümeyra Acar, Hani̇fi̇ Körkoca

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the performance of the VITEK mass spectrometry (MS) (bioMérieux, France) system for the identification of Klebsiella spp. isolated from different sources. Moreover, while assessing the ability of the VITEK 2 automated expert system (AES) to recognize antimicrobial resistance patterns, the researchers have extended the study to compare VITEK 2 with the routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing method. Materials and methods: This study tested 51 Klebsiella spp. isolates that were isolated from environmental examples and clinical examples. Results of conventional methods and the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS were compared. Then, any …

An Anatomical Study Of The Supratrochlear Foramen Of The Jining Population, Jing Li, Qinghua Mao, Wenyuan Li, Xiaoyan Li

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The supratrochlear foramen (STF) is an important variation in the lower end of the humerus where the septum separating the coronoid and olecranon fossa is perforated. There are no studies in the literature on the STF of the Jining population. This study will make a contribution to anatomy and anthropology by adding new data. Materials and methods: STF was studied in detail in 262 adult dried humeri of unknown sex and age. The topographical anatomy of the STF was studied, morphometric measurements were taken, and the specimens were photographed with a digital camera. Results: The prevalence of the STF …

Paclitaxel-Loaded Niosomes For Intravenous Administration: Pharmacokineticsand Tissue Distribution In Rats, Zerri̇n Sezgi̇n Bayindir, Arzu Beşi̇kci̇, Ni̇lüfer Yüksel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the pharmacokinetic behavior and tissue distribution of paclitaxel, delivered as commercial preparation Taxol or through Span 40 niosomes, after intravenous injection to rats. Materials and methods: Paclitaxel-loaded Span 40 niosomes were prepared using the thin-film method. An HPLC method was developed and validated for paclitaxel determination in rat plasma and tissues. Results: The area under the curve value of the niosome-recipient group (3.22 ± 0.255 μg h/mL) was significantly higher compared to that of the Taxol group (0.725 ± 0.163 μg h/mL). The mean residence time and the elimination …

Comparison Of Thiopental And Ketamine+Xylazine Anesthesia Inischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Arrhythmias In Rats, Ersöz Gonca

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the influence of thiopental (85 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (ip)), and ketamine+xylazine (ketamine 75 mg/kg and xylazine 8 mg/kg, ip) anesthesia on the incidence and duration of ischemia/reperfusion-induced arrhythmias. Materials and methods: Myocardial ischemia was induced by a 6-min ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by a 6-min reperfusion. Measurements were taken of the incidence and duration of ventricular arrhythmias, the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate, and the pressure rate-product (as an index of myocardial oxygen consumption). Results: The arrhythmia score and the incidence of ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia were significantly decreased in the …

Effects Of Prenatally Exposed Diclofenac Sodium On Rat Heart Tissue:A Stereological And Histological Study, Fi̇kret Gevrek, Mi̇kai̇l Kara, Murat Çeti̇n Rağbetli̇, Hüseyi̇n Aslan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Diclofenac sodium (DS) can cross the placental barrier and affect the fetus, and its consumption during pregnancy may cause developmental malformation of embryos. This study investigates the effect of prenatally applied DS on the quantitative morphology of the adult rat heart. Materials and methods: Pregnant rats were divided into three groups (control, sham, and test). The rats in the test group were injected with DS; the control group received physiological saline (1 mL; 1 mg/kg, i.m.) from the 5th to the 20th day of pregnancy; and the rats in the sham group were not injected at all. At the …

Does Glp-2 Have A Protective Effect On Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Model?, Naci̇ Topaloğlu, Gülsün Memi̇, Tuncay Kaner, Mustafa Deni̇z, Önder Şahi̇n, Mustafa Güven, Murat Çoşar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the neuroprotective effects of glucagon-like peptide 2 (Glp-2), which increases cerebral blood flow, on the hippocampal complex after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Materials and methods: Animals were randomized into 4 groups: sham, I/R + 0.9% NaCl, I/R + pre-Glp-2, and I/R + post-Glp-2. Cerebral ischemia was performed via the occlusion of the bilateral internal carotid artery for 40 min and continued with a reperfusion process. At the end of 6 h of reperfusion, animals were decapitated in all groups and brain tissues were removed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and natural intracellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase …

Prevention Of Methotrexate-Induced Nephrotoxicity By Concomitantadministration Of Garlic Aqueous Extract In Rat, Walaa Ahmed, Amr Zaki, Taghred Nabil

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Methotrexate (MTX) has been widely used for treatment of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, but its use has been limited by its nephrotoxicity. This study was carried out to determine whether garlic exerts a protective effect against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and methods: Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats after a single i.p. injection of MTX (20 mg/kg). Garlic extract (1 mL/100 g b.w.) was given orally for 7 days before and after MTX administration. Serum samples were collected to evaluate urea, creatinine, sodium, phosphorous, potassium, and calcium. Reduced glutathione, catalase, adenosine deaminase, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde were measured in renal tissue. …

The Expression Profile Of Aquaporin 1 In Rat Myocardium After Severe Burns, Wanli Li, Longying Zha, Zhiqing Li, Yuesheng Huang, Yiping Zhou

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the myocardial expression profile of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) in rats after severe burns. Materials and methods: Ninety healthy male adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following treatments: sham operation (control group, n = 6), immediate fluid resuscitation treatment post scalding (IF group, n = 42), and delayed fluid resuscitation treatment after scalding (DF group, n = 42). At 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 120 h after scalding, myocardial water contents were assayed and AQP1 expressions were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The AQP levels in the myocardium at 12 …

Prospective Investigation Of The Hypothalamo?Pituitary?Adrenalaxis In Patients With Tularemia, Hayati̇ Demi̇raslan, Yasi̇n Şi̇mşek, Fati̇h Tanriverdi̇, Mehmet Doğanay, Hasan Fahretti̇n Keleştemur

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate prospectively the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Materials and methods: Tularemia was diagnosed according to guidelines. An ACTH stimulation test (1 µg) and a dexamethasone suppression test (DST; 1 mg) were performed in patients in the acute phase of tularemia before antibiotic treatment and in the chronic phase. Results: Nineteen patients (mean age: 41.0 ± 13.2 years; 57.9% female) with tularemia were enrolled in the study in 2011 and 2012. Cortisol response to ACTH stimulation test was sufficient in all patients during the acute phase. After the DST, the cortisol was not suppressed …

The Effect Of Vitamin E And L-Carnitine Against Methotrexate-Induced Injury In Rat Testis, Mehmet Yüncü, Nezahat Bükücü, Nuray Bayat, Leman Sencar, Mehmet Tarakçioğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Methotrexate (MTX), used commonly as an antimetabolite drug in cancer therapy, leads to acute toxic side effects in tissues or organs containing rapidly dividing cells, such as bone marrow, gastrointestinal mucosa, and seminiferous tubules. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of vitamin E and L-carnitine against MTX-induced injury in rat testis. Materials and methods: Rats were divided into 4 groups, including the control group. The study took 17 days and the animals received daily doses of 0.5 mL/kg saline, 250 mg/kg vitamin E, or 500 mg/kg L-carnitine intraperitoneally. The experimental groups received 20 mg/kg methotrexate intraperitoneally on …

Chronology Of Estrogen Receptor Expression In Testes Of Mouse Embryos, Insaf Jasim Mahmoud, Mohammad Oda Selman, Wameedh Raad Abdulmalik Shebeb

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To localize and determine the time of expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) in testes of mouse embryos by histology and immunohistochemistry. Materials and methods: Fifty-four mature Swiss-Webster mice (Mus musculus) were used. Group 1 consisted of 34 mature pregnant females, 3 of which were sacrificed every day from 10.5 to 20.5 days postcoitus (dpc). One testis was removed from their embryos and processed for histology and immunohistochemistry. Group 2 consisted of 20 postnatal mice: 5 postpartum (P0) males, 5 males 4 weeks old, 5 males 8 weeks old, and 5 females 4 weeks old. Results: The first nuclear detection …

Effects Of Grape Seed Extract On Oxidative Stress And Antioxidant Defensemarkers In Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats, Muaz Belvi̇ranli, Hakki Gökbel, Ni̇lsel Okudan, Sadik Büyükbaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant markers in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: Thirty-six male rats were divided into the following four groups: control, GSE-supplemented control, diabetic, and GSE-supplemented diabetic. Beginning on day 7 after STZ injection, the rats were administered GSE (100 mg kg-1 day-1) in drinking water for 6 weeks. At the end of week 6, rats were sacrificed by cardiac puncture. Plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels and xanthine oxidase (XO), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were analyzed. Results: Both XO and ADA …

A Study Of The Effect Of Bacillus Thuringiensis Serotype H14 (Subspecies Israelensis)Delta Endotoxin On Musca Larva, Mohammad Reza Mehrabi, Laya Zoghimofrad, Mahboubeh Mazinani, Azim Akbarzadeh, Amirabbas Rahimi

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: House flies (Musca domestica) are of major public health concern in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene conditions. Biological control through the use of parasitoids and pathogens is one of the alternatives to the use of chemical pesticides for control of insects of public health importance. Materials and methods: The effects of the delta endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis on house fly larval mortality were studied. Gel filtration and SDS-PAGE methods were used for separation and purification of proteins. Delta endotoxin was incubated with larvae in concentrations of 0.43 mg/mL and 0.27 mg/mL in bioassay tests. Results: The results of …

The Effect Of Swimming And Type Of Stroke On Bone Metabolism In Competitiveadolescent Swimmers: A Pilot Study, Si̇nem Akgül, Nuray Kanbur, Şükrü Alpan Ci̇nemre, Erdem Karabulut, Orhan Derman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Physical activity plays a key role in increasing and preserving bone mineral density (BMD). Effects on bone development associated with various nonweight-bearing sporting activities, such as swimming, are controversial. Different strokes used in swimming may also present as another factor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of swimming and type of stroke on BMD in competitive adolescent athletes. Materials and methods: Seventy-nine swimmers between the ages of 10 and 21 years participated in this study. BMD was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar vertebrae and left proximal femur. Daily calorie intake and calcium …

Effects Of Melatonin And Theanine Administration On Pentylenetetrazole-Inducedseizures And Brain Tissue Oxidative Damage In Ovariectomized Rats, Shadi Choopankareh, Farzaneh Vafaee, Mohammad Naser Shafei, Hamid Reza Sadeghnia, Reza Salarinia, Leila Zarepoor, Mahmoud Hosseini

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The effects of coadministration of melatonin and theanine (Mel/Thea) on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and brain tissue oxidative damage were investigated in ovariectomized (OVX) and sham-operated rats. Materials and methods: The rats were divided into the following groups: 1) sham, 2) ovariectomized (OVX), 3) sham-PTZ, 4) OVX-PTZ, 5) sham-Mel/Thea-PTZ, and 6) OVX-Mel/Thea-PTZ. Groups 1-4 received saline, while groups 5 and 6 received a combination of Mel/Thea for 6 weeks. All animals except for those in groups 1 and 2 received a single injection of PTZ. Results: The OVX-PTZ group had higher generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) latency compared to the sham-PTZ …

Hepatoprotective And Antioxidant Effects Of Lycopene In Acute Cholestasis, Mehmet Tokaç, Sevtap Aydin, Gökçe Taner, Alper Bi̇lal Özkardeş, Mi̇ne Yavuz Taşlipinar, Mehmet Doğan, Hali̇t Zi̇ya Dündar, Mehmet Kiliç, Ari̇f Ahmet Başaran, Ayşe Nurşen Başaran

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Lycopene, which is suggested to be a potent antioxidant, may play a protective role in diseases related to oxidative stress. In order to understand the effects of lycopene in the pathogenesis of cholestasis, we investigated the effects of lycopene on oxidative stress parameters and DNA damage induced by experimental biliary obstruction in the liver tissues and the lymphocytes of Wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: The animals were randomized into 3 groups. The sham group was subjected to a sham operation, the BDL group was subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL), and the BDL+L group was subjected to BDL …

Epidemiological And Clinical Characteristics And Management Of Oropharyngeal Tularemia Outbreak, Mustafa Önder Uzun, Kerametti̇n Yanik, Müge Erdem, Uğur Kostakoğlu, Gürdal Yilmaz, Yeli̇z Tanriverdi̇ Çayci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with tularemia and the effectiveness of the administered treatments. Materials and methods: Patients treated in our hospital between January 2009 and March 2011 and diagnosed with tularemia were evaluated retrospectively. Patients' epidemiological and clinical characteristics, administered treatments, and posttreatment findings were recorded on patient monitoring forms. Results: At anamnesis, 29% of patients used water from wells and 71% used water from the network supply; moreover, 48.4% had a history of contact with animals and 87.1% a history of lethargy. At physical examination, 96.8% …

Herbal Self-Medication Use In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Ivana Damnjanovic, Dusanka Kitic, Nikola Stefanovic, Snezana Zlatkovic-Guberinic, Aleksandra Catic-Djordjevic, Radmila Velickovic-Radovanovic

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: A considerable number of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus (DM) turn to self-medication using medicinal plants, preparations, and medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate self-medication using medicinal plants and the potential influence of health care professionals' advice or media information regarding the use of herbal dietary supplements with hypoglycemic effect in a population of patients with type 2 DM. Materials and methods: This research, in the form of an analytic cross-sectional study, was conducted in 6 pharmacies in the territory of Nis, Serbia, during October 2013. The criterion set for the study was to include patients …

A Turkish 3-Center Study Evaluation Of Serum Folic Acid And Vitamin B12 Levels In Alzheimer Disease, Nuri̇ye Nuray Ulusu, Gökhan Yilmaz, Zübeyde Erbayraktar, Ahmet Turan Evli̇ce, Sevgi̇ Aras, Görsev Yener, Aslihan Avci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Alzheimer disease, a common proteopathy of advanced age, is characterized by cortical atrophy, neuron degeneration, neuronal loss, and accumulation of extracellular amyloid β plaques. We aimed to investigate serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels in Alzheimer disease and other dementia patients, as a potential screening test to detect presymptomatic Alzheimer disease in Turkish patients. Materials and methods: We evaluated folic acid and vitamin B12 levels in Alzheimer disease patients as well as in other dementia and geriatric patients from Ankara, Dokuz Eylül, and Çukurova university hospitals; 290 female and male geriatric subjects were enrolled. Vitamin B12 and folic …

Beneficial Effects Of Melatonin And Bq-123 On The Rat Testis Damage Caused By Cigarette Smoke, Hüseyi̇n Aslan, Hakan Kesi̇ci̇, Zafer İsmai̇l Karaca, Bi̇rsen Özyurt, Ufuk Taş, Fati̇h Eki̇ci̇, Hasan Erdoğan, Fi̇kret Gevrek, Sevi̇l Çayli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Several studies have demonstrated that cigarette smoke has detrimental effects on testicular function. However, it is unknown whether melatonin or BQ-123 has beneficial effects on the rat testis damage caused by cigarette smoke. The aim of the present study was to investigate the beneficial effects of melatonin or BQ-123 on the testicular damage caused by cigarette smoke. Materials and methods: Twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: control group (n = 5), cigarette smoke group (n = 5), melatonin group (n = 5), and BQ-123 group (n = 5). At the end of 4 weeks, all the …