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Tularemia As A Result Of Outdoor Activities For Children In The Countryside, Şaban Gürcan, Gamze Varol Saraçoğlu, Aynur Karadeni̇zli̇, Emi̇ne Neşe Özkayin, Şemsi̇ Zafer Öztürk, Cemal Çi̇çek, Bi̇nay Vatansever

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the features of a new tularemia outbreak that occurred in the Thrace region. Materials and methods: The research team visited the village after the identification of the index case. Serum and throat samples were taken from 41 villagers who were examined, and environmental samples were taken in order to identify the source of the outbreak. Culture, serology, and molecular methods were used to search for Francisella tularensis in these samples. Results: A total of 8 children were diagnosed with tularemia. The adults and all of the other children were seronegative for tularemia. All of the patients had a …

Efficacy Of Azithromycin For Prevention Of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (Bpd), Manizheh Mostafa Gharehbaghi, Ali Peirovifar, Mortaza Ghojazadeh, Majid Mahallei

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains one of the most serious and challenging complications in premature infants. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of azithromycin in the prevention of BPD in very low birth weight preterm infants Materials and methods: Preterm neonates with birth weight less than 1500 g were enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. One hundred eight neonates were randomly allocated to the intervention group (n = 56) or control group (n = 52). The intervention group received oral azithromycin 10 mg/kg for 1 week followed by 5 mg/kg for another week. The outcome measures were …

The Levels Of Serum Chemokines In Patients With Behçet's Disease, İbrahi̇m Kökçam, Di̇lara Turgut, Nafi̇ye Fulya İlhan, Demet Çi̇çek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

As chemokines are involved in the regulation of immune responses and inflammatory reactions, this study aimed to investigate the serum levels of some chemokines to determine whether they play roles in the pathogenesis of Behçet's disease (BD). Materials and methods: The study comprised 64 cases, allocated to active or inactive patient groups. The levels of serum macrophage inflammatory protein-1\alpha (MIP-1\alpha), epithelial neutrophil-activating protein-78 (ENA-78), and neutrophil-activating peptide-2 (NAP-2) were measured. Results: The serum levels of MIP-1\alpha and ENA-78 were statistically higher in BD patients than controls (P = 0.032 and P = 0.023, respectively). However, NAP-2 levels did not differ …

Investigation Of Serum Paraoxonase-1 Activity And Lipid Levels In Patients With Hyperthyroidism, Gülden Başkol, Kiymet Dolbun Seçki̇n, Fahri̇ Bayram, Fati̇h Tanriverdi̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The present study was designed to investigate the relationship among the serum paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity, lipid levels, and thyroid hormone status in patients with hyperthyroidism. Materials and methods: The study group comprised 30 patients with primary hyperthyroidism and 18 normal healthy controls who were matched for age and sex. Serum PON-1 activity was determined by spectrophotometric methods. Results: Serum PON-1 activity was found to be lower in patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). Free triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (T4) levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 respectively). Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and total cholesterol values were found to be lower in patients than in the controls (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 respectively). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were found to be decreased in patients compared to controls (P < 0.005). Triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Serum PON-1 activity was found to be negatively correlated with free T4 levels (r = -0.324, P < 0.05) and positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.330, P < 0.05) and TSH levels (r = 0.577, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our PON-1 results show that there is decreased antioxidant defense in patients with hyperthyroidism. Therefore, we think that effective antioxidant therapy to increase PON-1 activity may be a therapeutic option in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Histopathological Effects Of The Food Contaminant Furan On Some Endocrine Glands Of Prepubertal Male Rats, Eli̇f Karacaoğlu, Güldeni̇z Selmanoğlu, Aysun Kiliç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the toxicity of furan on the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas of prepubertal male rats. Materials and methods: Furan was administered orally to 3-4-week-old male rats at doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg kg^{-1} day^{-1} by dissolving in corn oil for 90 days. The rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation at the end of the experiment. Their endocrine glands including the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas were removed and weighed. Tissues were examined morphologically and histopathologically under a light microscope. Results: Organ and relative organ weights of rats did not change with furan administration. Histopathological …

Genotyping Of Giardia Intestinalis Isolated From People Living In Sivas, Turkey, Serpi̇l Değerli̇, Naci̇ Değerli̇, Ali̇ Çeli̇ksöz, Semra Özçeli̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The technique of polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) genotyping was used to characterise morphologically identical isolates of Giardia intestinalis from human stool samples. Materials and methods: In this study a total of 17 trophozoite samples, obtained either directly from stool samples or after excystation, or by duodenal aspiration, were used. A set of primers was chosen to amplify the different regions of triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) and a segment of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes. A single-stranded conformational polymorphism technique was also used in an attempt to discriminate among some subgroups. Results: Only primers of the 683-bp segment …

Characterization Of Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli Strains Obtained From Urology Outpatient Clinic Of Ege Medical Faculty In İzmir, Betül Gi̇ray, Füsun Bahri̇ye Uçar, Sabi̇re Şöhret Aydemi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To identify the papG gene and its allelic variation in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains isolated from patients with acute pyelonephritis and cystitis. Materials and methods: Seventy-five E. coli strains isolated from patients admitted to the University of Ege Medical Faculty urology outpatient clinic were isolated and identified phenotypically. All of these strains were examined for the papG gene and allelic distribution of this gene with the multiplex polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: papG genes were found in 24 of 75 E. coli strains. Of these 24 strains, 7 (29%) had papG class II only, 8 (33%) had class III …

Minimum Inhibitory And Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations Of Boron Compounds Against Several Bacterial Strains, Murat Tolga Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Boron compounds are essential micronutrients for many organisms. However, they negatively affect plant, soil, and water microflora if excessive amounts exist in irrigation water. Therefore, this study aimed to define the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of boric acid and borax by selecting the bacteria that can survive in all environments. Materials and methods: The antibacterial efficacy of boric acid and borax against several bacterial strains was evaluated 3 times with the macrodilution broth method. Results: The MICs and MBCs of boric acid were obtained as 3.80 mg/mL, 3.80 mg/mL, 7.60 mg/mL, and 7.60 mg/mL against …

Circulating Levels Of Igf-I And Igfbp-3 In Gastric Cancer, Konca Altinkaynak, Mehmet Bi̇li̇ci̇, Nuri̇ Bakan, Fati̇h Akçay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To explore the causative mechanism of gastric carcinoma and to investigate the roles of circulating IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in gastric cancer. Materials and methods: Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were measured using a 2-site coated tube immunoradiometric assay. Results: Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 values in gastric cancer patients were significantly lower compared to those in the control group. The difference between serum IGF-I/IGFBP-3 in patients and the control group was not significant. Conclusion: The low serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels detected in patients with gastric cancer could be due to decreased synthesis or increased catabolism of IGF-I or both. It …

Investigation Of The Clinical And Hematological Significance Of The First Observed Hemoglobin Ernz Variant [Β123(H1) Thr>Asn] In The Turkish Population, Ramazan Güneşaçar, Muhammet Murat Çeli̇k, Oktay Hasan Öztürk, Mustafa Çeli̇k, Cemi̇l Tümer, Tanju Çeli̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

In this report, we aimed to investigate the clinical and hematological significance of the first observed hemoglobin Ernz variant in the Turkish population. Materials and methods: We identified the Hb Ernz variant in 3 nonrelated females (Probands 1, 2, and 3). Proband 1’s family was also included the study. Hematological data were obtained with an automated cell counter and routine methodology. The beta-globin gene was sequenced by automatic sequencing. Results: Proband 1 was detected as a combination of Hb Ernz/Hb S without any clinical symptoms. Her sister and brother had to be an Hb Ernz/Hb S combination. Her mother and …

The Effect Of Intermittent Fasting And Water Restriction On Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Arrhythmia In Rats, Sali̇h Tunç Kaya, Ömer Bozdoğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effect of intermittent fasting and water restriction on ischemia/reperfusion-induced arrhythmias. Materials and methods: Six minutes of ischemia followed by 6 min of reperfusion was produced by the ligation and then releasing of the left coronary artery. Intermittent fasting and water restriction were applied during 1 month for 12 h/day. The duration, type, and incidence of arrhythmias during reperfusion and the survival rate at the end of reperfusion were determined and compared. Results: The score of arrhythmia that was determined using the type and duration of arrhythmia did not show significant differences among groups. The arrhythmic period was …

Primary Anorectal Malignant Melanoma: Rare But Highly Lethal Malignancy, Özlem Sönmez, Ümmügül Üyetürk, Kaan Helvaci, İbrahi̇m Türker, Fahri̇ye Tuğba Köş, Lütfi̇ Doğan, Burçi̇n Budakoğlu, Ülkü Yalçintaş Arslan, Ömür Berna Çakmak Öksüzoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Primary anorectal malignant melanoma (MM) is a rare but highly lethal malignancy. The aim of this study was to present an overview of the clinical features and treatment strategies in patients with anorectal MM. Materials and methods: Nine patients who were diagnosed with anorectal MM between 1998 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The median age of the patients was 51 years (range: 28-75). The sex ratio of male to female was 1:2. The main presenting symptom was rectal bleeding. At the time of diagnosis, 1 patient was stage IV and 8 patients were stage III. All of the patients …

Effect Of Intravitreal Octreotide Acetate Injection On Retinal Neovascularization, Morphology, And Apoptotic Cell Death In An Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model, Fatma Seli̇n Kaya, İmren Akkoyun, Asuman Ni̇han Haberal Reyhan, Atti̇la Dağdevi̇ren, Gürsel Yilmaz, Si̇bel Oto, Yonca Akova

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effect of octreotide acetate on neovascularization, retinal structures, and apoptotic cell death in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model. Materials and methods: A total of 26 C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 75 ± 2% oxygen from postnatal day 7 to 12. On day 12, 12 mice (group C) were injected with 0.1 µg intravitreal octreotide acetate (IVOA) and 14 mice (group D) were injected with 0.05 µg IVOA, in the right eye. The contralateral eyes were injected with 1 µL isotonic saline (control group, group B). Four mice were used as negative controls (group A). Neovascularization was …

Effects Of Combined Oral Contraceptives On The Skin Of Mice, Nibras Hatim Khamees, Insaf Jasim Mahmoud, Amal Al Khateeb

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To find the effects of a combination of 2 widely used contraceptives, ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate (ECPA), on skin and sebaceous gland morphology and dermal vascularity of mice. Materials and methods: Female mice were divided into groups: treatment with ECPA for 1 month (T) and its control (C); and cessation of treatment for an additional month (recovery, R) and its control (CR). Body weight, skin histology and morphometry, and vaginal smears were performed and analyzed. Results: In the T and R groups, there was a significant increase in epidermal and dermal thickness and dermal vascularity. In group T, the …

Structural Properties Of Thermoresponsive Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide)-Poly(Ethyleneglycol) Microgels, J. Clara-Rahola, A. Fernandez-Nieves, B. Sierra-Martin, A. B. South, L. Andrew Lyon, J. Kohlbrecher, A. F. Barbero

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The application of RNA interference to treat disease is an important yet challenging concept in modern medicine. In particular, small interfering RNA (siRNA) have shown tremendous promise in the treatment of cancer. However, siRNA show poor pharmacological properties, which presents a major hurdle for effective disease treatment especially through intravenous delivery routes. In response to these shortcomings, a variety of nanoparticle carriers have emerged, which are designed to encapsulate, protect, and transport siRNA into diseased cells. To be effective as carrier vehicles, nanoparticles must overcome a series of biological hurdles throughout the course of delivery. As a result, one promising …

Higher Il-6 And Il6:Igf Ratio In Patients With Barth Syndrome, Lori D. Wilson, Sadeeka Al-Majid, Cyril Rakovski, Christina D. Schwindt

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Background: Barth Syndrome (BTHS) is a serious X-linked genetic disorder associated with mutations in the tafazzin gene (TAZ, also called G4.5). The multi-system disorder is primarily characterized by the following pathologies: cardiac and skeletal myopathies, neutropenia, growth delay, and exercise intolerance. Although growth anomalies have been widely reported in BTHS, there is a paucity of research on the role of inflammation and the potential link to alterations in growth factors levels in BTHS patients.

Methods: Plasma from 36 subjects, 22 patients with Barth Syndrome (0.5 - 24 yrs) and 14 healthy control males (8 - 21 yrs) was …

Role Of The Immune System And Bioactive Lipids In Trafficking Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells In Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease, Ahmed Abdel-Latif

Theses and Dissertations--Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) triggers the mobilization of stem/progenitor cells from bone marrow (BMSPCs) into peripheral blood (PB). The underlying mechanisms orchestrating this mobilization and subsequent homing of BMSPCs to the myocardium are poorly understood. While the role of traditional chemokines in the mobilization and homing of hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) to BM niches is undisputed, their role in directing BMSPCs to the highly proteolytic environment of the ischemic myocardium is debatable and other redundant mechanism may exist. Based on our observation that bioactive lipids, such as sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) and ceramide-1 phosphate (C1P), play an important role in regulating …

Regulation Of Hepatic Gene Expression During Liver Development And Disease, Hui Ren

Theses and Dissertations--Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics

My first project was to investigate the role of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1 (HNF1) and Nuclear Factor I (NFI) on alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter activity during liver development. AFP is highly expressed in the fetal liver, silenced at birth, and remains at very low levels in the adult liver. A GA substitution located at -119 of the human AFP promoter is associated with hereditary persistence of AFP (HPAFP) expression in the adult liver (Hum Molec Genet, 1993, 2:379). The -120 region harbors overlapping binding sites for HNF1 and NFI. While it has been shown that the GA substitution increases HNF1 binding, …

Signaling Mechanisms Involved In The Generation Of Human Peripheral Itregs, Mary Catherine Reneer

Theses and Dissertations--Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics

Maintaining balance in the human immune system is critical for the body’s ability to discriminate between foreign and self-antigens. This balance is achieved, in part, by a subpopulation of T cells known as induced regulatory T cells (iTregs). Dysregulation of this population may contribute to the onset and progression of cancer, chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, manipulation of iTreg development holds promising therapeutic potential; however, studying this vital population has proven difficult due to low numbers, heterogeneous cell populations, substantial phenotypic differences between mouse and human cells, and the high plasticity seen in iTregs. These current limitations have prevented …

Crosstalk Between Gastrointestinal Epithelial Cells And Resident Microbiota Promotes Immune Homeostasis, Eric William Rogier

Theses and Dissertations--Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics

The gastrointestinal tract houses one of the most dense and diverse communities of bacteria on the planet. The mutualistic relationship between the host and commensal microbe permits the microbe an ideal environment to grow and provides the host with increased caloric intake, maturation of the adaptive immune system, and resistance against invading pathogens. To maintain a system in which both parties benefit, the epithelium has evolved numerous strategies to ensure epithelial cells respond to microbes appropriately and that potentially hazardous commensals remain distanced from the soma proper. Breakdown of these propitiating mechanisms elicits unchecked inflammation and can lead to pathology …

Prion Characterization Using Cell Based Approaches, Vadim Khaychuk

Theses and Dissertations--Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics

Prions are the causative agents of a group of lethal, neurodegenerative conditions that include sheep scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and human Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Prions are derived from the conversion of a normal, primarily alpha-helical, cellular prion protein (PrP^C), to an infectious, beta sheet-rich conformer (PrP^Sc). Many unresolved issues surround the process of PrP conversion, and we know very little about cellular responses to these unique pathogens. Our lack of knowledge relates, in part, to the difficulty of infecting cells in vitro with prions. While expression of PrP^C is an absolute requirement for prion …

C-Abl And Arg Drive Cancer Chemoresistance Via Activation Of Multiple Signaling Pathways, Jonathan Thomas Sims

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Despite 35 years of clinical trials, there has been little improvement in one-year survival rates with any chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of metastatic melanoma due to resistance to all known agents. Regardless of advances in detection and prevention, diagnosis of metastatic disease remains a death sentence. Resistance mechanisms, including aberrant kinase signaling and drug transport pumps, indicate a need for identification of other therapeutic targets that impinge upon multiple signaling pathways. The Abl family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases (c-Abl, Arg) has been indicted as a causative force in leukemia for more than three decades; however, their role in solid …

Inflammatory Interactions And Secretion In Cardiac Remodeling, Fanmuyi Yang

Theses and Dissertations--Physiology

Heart failure contributes to nearly 60,000 deaths per year in the USA and is often caused by hypertension and preceded by the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). LVH is usually accompanied by intensive interstitial and perivascular fibrosis which may contribute to arrhythmogenic sudden cardiac death. Emerging evidence indicates that LV dysfunction in patients and animal models of cardiac hypertrophy is closely associated with perivascular inflammation.

To investigate the role of perivascular inflammation in coronary artery remodeling and cardiac fibrosis during hypertrophic ventricular remodeling, we used a well-established mouse model of pressure-overload-induced LVH: transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Early perivascular inflammation …

Designing New Drugs To Treat Cardiac Arrhythmia, Yanping Ye

Dissertations and Theses

Heart failure resulting from different forms of cardiomyopathy is defined as the inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's metabolic demands. It is a major disease burden worldwide and the statistics show that 50% of the people who have the heart failure will eventually die from sudden cardiac death (SCD) associated with an arrhythmia. The central cause of disability and SCD is because of ventricular arrhythmias. Genetic mutations and acquired modifications to RyR2, the calcium release channel from sarcoplasmic reticulum, can increase the pathologic SR Ca2+ leak during diastole, which leads to defects in SR …

Short-Term Plasticity At The Schaffer Collateral: A New Model With Implications For Hippocampal Processing, Andrew Hamilton Toland

Dissertations and Theses

A new mathematical model of short-term synaptic plasticity (STP) at the Schaffer collateral is introduced. Like other models of STP, the new model relates short-term synaptic plasticity to an interaction between facilitative and depressive dynamic influences. Unlike previous models, the new model successfully simulates facilitative and depressive dynamics within the framework of the synaptic vesicle cycle. The novelty of the model lies in the description of a competitive interaction between calcium-sensitive proteins for binding sites on the vesicle release machinery. By attributing specific molecular causes to observable presynaptic effects, the new model of STP can predict the effects of specific …

Cutaneous Anthrax Patients In Eastern Anatolia, Turkey: A Review Of 44 Adults Cases, Kemaletti̇n Özden, Zülal Özkurt, Serpi̇l Erol, Muhammet Hami̇dullah Uyanik, Mehmet Parlak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Anthrax is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by B. anthracis. It remains as an important issue in developing countries and it is a potential threat for the world because of its use as a biological weapon. In this study, we evaluated the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of 44 patients with cutaneous anthrax in our region. Materials and methods: The study included 44 cutaneous anthrax patients admitted to our hospital from the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey between 2005 and 2008. Results: Out of 44 cases, 24 (54.5%) were male and 20 (45.5%) female. The mean age was 41 ± …

Exogenous Egf And Bdnf Treatment Enhances Differentiation And Proliferation Of Cultured Taste Cells, Mehmet Hakan Özdener, Nancy Ellen Rawson

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on taste cell generation by utilizing a long-term rat taste cell culture that exhibits molecular and functional characteristics of mature taste cells. The role of neurotrophic factors in taste cell development is not well understood. Materials and methods: A long-term rat taste cell culture exhibiting molecular and functional characteristics of mature taste cells was used. The effects of 3 different concentrations of EGF and BDNF on taste cell differentiation and proliferation were examined at 3 different time points. Results: We showed the presence of BDNF, EGF …

Ovariectomy Decreases Biomechanical Quality Of Skin Via Oxidative Stress In Rat, Ülkü Çömelekoğlu, Serap Yalin, Ebru Balli, Mehmet Berköz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effect of ovariectomy on the skin using biomechanical, biochemical, and histological techniques in the ovariectomized rat model. Ovariectomy causes significant changes in the physical characteristics of the skin. Materials and methods: Twenty female Wistar albino rats were divided into 2 groups, with each group consisting of 10 rats: the control group and the ovariectomized group. The ovariectomized group underwent bilateral ovariectomy via ventral incision and the control group underwent a sham operation. Skin biomechanics were measured 3 months following the ovariectomy with a tensile test using a biomaterial testing machine, and tensile strength, stress, strain, and toughness …

The Effect Of Soya Bean Meal On Tibial Articular Cartilage Growth In Mice After Suckling Period: A Histomorphometric And Biochemical Study, Simin Fazelipour, Seyed Babak Kiaei, Amir Hossein Eghtesad, Zahra Tootian

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To examine the effects of an oral supplement of soya bean meal on the histomorphometric alteration of tibia cartilage and the serum levels of calcium and alkaline phosphatase in 3-week-old female mice using a computer-assisted histomorphometric method. Materials and methods: Forty immature BALB/c female mice were selected and divided into 4 groups. They were fed for 3 months with 4 different regimens: a low-protein regimen without soya bean meal, 23% protein without soya bean meal, 20% of the total protein being provided by soya bean meal, and 40% of the total protein being provided by soya bean meal. After 3 …

Antinociceptive, Antiinflammatory, And Antioxidant Activities Of The Ethanol Extract Of Crataegus Orientalis Leaves*, Zeynep Bor, Rana Arslan, Nurcan Bektaş, Sevda Pirildar, Ali̇ Aslan Dönmez

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the in vitro antioxidant activity and to investigate the possible antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effects of the ethanol extract of Crataegus orientalis leaves. The medicinal use of extracts prepared from the leaves, flowers, and fruits of Crataegus (hawthorn) dates back to ancient times. It has been proposed that its antioxidant constituents account for these beneficial therapeutic effects. Materials and methods: To evaluate these effects, the hot-plate, tail-immersion, writhing, and carrageenan-induced edema tests were used. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the extract was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and \beta-carotene-linoleic acid assay systems. In the tests that were used to determine …