Mehmet Colbay

Novel approach for the prevention of contrast nephropathy

OBJECTIVE To date, there is no effective treatment of contrast medium (CM)-induced nephropathy. Multiple studies documented a protective role of hydration and N-acetylcystein (NAC) as prophylactic agents against CM-induced nephropathy in a high-risk population. In the present study, we investigated a new antioxidant agent, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), and compare with NAC against contrast nephropathy. METHODS Forty-two adult male rats were divided into six experimental groups, which were control, injected with intravenous (i.v.) CM, injected with i.p. CAPE, injected with i.p. NAC, injected with i.v. CM pretreated with i.p. CAPE, injected with i.v. CM pretreated with i.p. NAC. CAPE and NAC were given daily throughout the study. All rats were deprived of water for 24h at the third day of the study and then contrast medium was administered to CM, CAPECM and NACCM groups. The rats were sacrificed at the fifth day. Oxidant-antioxidant status was determined in renal tissues. The severity of injury was scored with a light microscope in renal tissue. Plasma creatinine levels were measured. RESULTS Renal injury scores were higher in CAPECM and NACCM groups than in control, CAPE and NAC groups, but lower than the CM group. Likewise, creatinine levels of CAPECM and NACCM groups were higher than the control groups but they were significantly lower than the level of the CM group. Creatinine levels of the NACCM group were significantly higher than the CAPECM group. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in CAPECM and NACCM groups than the CM group. CONCLUSION CAPE might protect renal structure and functions as well as NAC against CM injury.

Does Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammation of gastric mucosa determine the severity of symptoms in functional dyspepsia?

BackgroundInflammation induces some structural and biochemical alterations and oxidative damage in gastric tissue. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship among the severity of symptoms, oxidative stress, and grading scales of Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric inflammation in functional dyspepsia.MethodsThirty-five patients with functional dyspepsia were enrolled in the study. The severity of dyspepsia within the last 6 months was evaluated by Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score. In biopsy specimens of gastric mucosa, severity of gastritis was estimated by the revised Sydney Classification System, and oxidative stress parameters were studied.ResultsAlthough there was no statistically significant relationship between symptom scores and degree of chronic inflammation, a tendency for symptoms to be more severe has been observed in low levels of gastritis. Levels of sulfhydryl groups were lower in subjects with high levels of chronic inflammation, and Helicobacter pylori intensity (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). Levels of malondialdehyde were higher in subjects with high levels of chronic inflammation (P = 0.04). There was a statistically significant but a weak positive correlation between symptom scores and sulfhydryl levels (P < 0.001, r = 0.323).ConclusionsIn conclusion, there may be an inverse relation between severity of symptoms and level of Helicobacter pylori induced gastric inflammation or oxidative stress in patients with functional dyspepsia.

The Effects of Weight Loss on Normal Transaminase Levels in Obese Patients

Background:Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, which is the main pathogenic factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD can progress without associated elevations in liver enzymes. Therefore, we investigated the effects of weight loss on normal transaminase levels in obese subjects who are at risk for NAFLD. Methods:Thirty-seven obese patients with normal ALT levels were evaluated. All patients received an individualized low-calorie diet over at least 6 months. Twenty-two patients who achieved weight loss of at least 5% body weight were identified as the study group and the others as the control group. Transaminases, insulin resistance, and body mass index were compared before and after the intervention. Results:Hepatic steatosis was found in 83.8% of obese patients. ALT was correlated with HOMA-IR in all patients at baseline (r = 0.363, P = 0.027). At the end of the follow-up, mean weight loss achieved in the study and control groups were 9.2% (8.7 ± 3.0 kg) and 0.3% (0.5 ± 2.8 kg), respectively. In the study group, HOMA-IR and ALT decreased from 4.0 ± 1.8 to 2.4 ± 0.9 and from 21.4 ± 6.6 IU/L to 16.8 ± 5.5 IU/L, respectively (P = 0.005 and P = 0.044). Conclusions:The results demonstrate that weight loss results in a decrease in normal ALT levels as well as insulin resistance. Therefore, the normal range for ALT may need to be reassessed.