Hatice Gül Anlar

Effects of Occupational Silica Exposure on OXIDATIVE Stress and Immune System Parameters in Ceramic Workers in TURKEY

ABSTRACT Silica is the second most common element after oxygen, and therefore, exposures to crystalline silica dust occur in a large variety of occupations such as metal foundries, constructions, and ceramic, quarry, and pottery industries. Since crystalline silica exposure has been linked with silicosis, lung cancer, and other pulmonary diseases, adverse effect attributed to this element has be a cause for concern worldwide. Silica dust exposure in workers is still considered to be important health problem especially in developing countries. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of occupational silica exposure on oxidative stress parameters including the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and levels of total glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) as well as immune system parameters such as interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in Turkish ceramic workers. In this study, nearly 50% of Turkish ceramic workers were diagnosed with silicosis. Eighty-four percent of these silicotic workers were found to present with profusion category 1 silicosis, whereas controls (n = 81) all displayed normal chest radiographs. Data demonstrated a significant decrease in levels of GSH and activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx, but a significant increase in MDA levels and activity of GR in all workers. Further, workers possessed significantly higher levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. These observations suggest that ceramic workers may have impaired antioxidant/oxidant status and activated immune system indicative of inflammatory responses.

Effects of cinnamic acid on complications of diabetes

Background/aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health problem worldwide. Cinnamic acid (CA) and its derivatives are synthesized in plants and increasing attention has been given to them in recent years due to the high number of beneficial health properties attributed to their consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CA on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: DNA damage was evaluated in the blood, liver, and kidney cells of rats by the alkaline comet assay. Oxidative stress parameters such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, total glutathione, and malondialdehyde levels; biochemical parameters including insulin, total bilirubin, and BCA protein levels; hepatic enzyme levels such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase; and lipid profile parameters including high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were also evaluated. Results: DM caused genotoxic damage and alterations in lipid profiles, oxidative stress parameters, and hepatic enzymes levels. CA treatment ameliorated these effects. Conclusion: It seems that CA might have a role in the prevention of the complications of diabetes.

Can ursolic acid be beneficial against diabetes in rats

Abstract Objective: Diabetes mellitus, a heteregenous metabolic and chronic disease, is a growing health problem especially in developing countries. It is claimed that diabetes associated with increased formation of free radicals and decrease in antioxidant potential and also alterations in lipid profile and enzyme levels. Ursolic acid is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ursolic acid on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Wistar albino rats. Methods: DNA damage was evaluated in the blood and liver cells of rats by alkaline comet assay. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress parameters, biochemical parameters, hepatic enzyme levels and lipid profile parameters were also evaluated. Results: The results of this study demonstrate that diabetes caused genotoxic damage, changes in hepatic enzyme and lipid profile, biochemical and antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress parameters in rats. Ursolic acid was found to be protective against diabetes induced effects in blood and liver samples of rats. Conclusions: According to our results, it seems that ursolic acid may be beneficial against diabetes and its adverse effects in rats.

Protective Effects of Ursolic Acid in the Kidneys of Diabetic Rats

Objectives: Diabetes, a heteregenous metabolic and chronic disease, is a growing health problem in most countries. It has been claimed that diabetes is associated with the increased formation of free radicals and decreased in antioxidant potential. Oxidative stress formed in diabetes may cause DNA damage in the tissues. Ursolic acid, a well-known pentacylic triterpene, is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its beneficial health effects such as antioxidant, anticancer, and antiulcer properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ursolic acid in the kidneys of Wistar albino rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Materials and Methods: DNA damage was evaluated in the kidney cells of rats using alkaline comet assays. Oxidative stress parameters such as CAT, SOD, GR, and GSH-Px enzyme activities and total GSH and MDA levels were also evaluated. Results: Ursolic acid treatment was found to significantly decrease DNA damage, GR enzyme activities, and MDA levels, and significantly increase GSH levels and CAT, SOD and GSH-Px enzyme activities in diabetic rats. Conclusion: According to our results, it seems that ursolic acid may be beneficial against diabetes-induced renal damage.

Bitkisel Ekstre Piknogenol®'ün Diabetes Mellitus Tedavisine Etkileri

Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder, is characterized by absolute or relative deficiencies in insulin secretion and/or insulin action associated with chronic hyperglycemia. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, especially developing countries. The drugs used in diabetes treatment have higher costs, limited efficacy, and tolerability and/or significant side effects. As a result of these factors, patients often have recourse to alternative forms of therapy such as herbal medicines. Some studies indicate that oxidative stress increased in all types of diabetes, it is known that production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or impaired activity of endogenous antioxidants play role together or separately in formation of oxidative stress in diabetes. Production of free radicals was increased and radical binding systems were decreased in diabetes; due to these effects, diabetes patients need more antioxidants. Plants often contain various amounts of phenolics, flavonoids and tannins. Most of the studies are focused on the antidiabetic effects of these phytochemicals due to their antioxidant properties. Pycnogenol®, a standardized extract from the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus maritima), is a very strong antioxidant to scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Pycnogenol® is used in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurologic disorders and diabetes for its antioxidant properties. In this review, general information about diabetes, the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant usage on diabetes and the effects of an important herbal extract, Pycnogenol® in diabetes mellitus therapy will be discussed.