Nezahat Kurt

Evaluation of the salivary levels of visfatin, chemerin, and progranulin in periodontal inflammation

ObjectivesIn recent years, adipokines have been reported to play an important role in chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, our aim was to investigate the salivary levels of visfatin, chemerin, and progranulin and their relationship with periodontal health and disease.Materials and methodsA total of 72 patients were included in the study, 23 of which were periodontally healthy, 24 had gingivitis, and 25 had periodontitis. The clinical periodontal parameters including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment levels (CAL) were recorded. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected, and the concentration of adipokines was evaluated using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSalivary visfatin levels were higher in patients with gingivitis and periodontitis compared to those of healthy subjects, while there was no difference between the mean values of gingivitis and periodontitis groups (P > 0.05). There was no difference between the mean values of gingivitis and healthy groups regarding salivary chemerin (P > 0.05), whereas it was detected at higher levels in the periodontitis group compared to the gingivitis and the healthy groups (P < 0.01). Salivary progranulin levels were similar in all groups (P > 0.05). The salivary visfatin level was positively related to PI and GI. The salivary chemerin level was positively related to GI, PD, and CAL.ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that the higher levels of chemerin in the saliva of patients with periodontitis were correlated with the degree of tissue destruction.Clinical relevanceChemerin may be a novel biomarker in saliva to determine the severity of periodontal disease.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Patients with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in the levels of interleukine-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in saliva and IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Material and Method. The subject population consisted of 50 volunteers who were in need of orthodontic treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. GCF and saliva samples were obtained from all individuals before treatment, at 1st month of treatment and at 6th month of treatment. Periodontal clinical parameters were measured. Samples were investigated to detect IL-1β, TNF-α, and 8-OHdG levels using ELISA method and NO and MDA levels using spectrophotometric method. Results. Since IL-1β level detected in GCF at the 6th month of orthodontic treatment is statistically significant according to baseline (P < 0.05), all other biochemical parameters detected both in saliva and in GCF did not show any significant change at any measurement periods. Conclusion. Orthodontic tooth movement and orthodontic materials used in orthodontic treatment do not lead to a change above the physiological limits that is suggestive of oxidative damage in both GCF and saliva.

Antioxidant Status in Blood of Obese Children: The Relation between Trace Elements, Paraoxonase, and Arylesterase Values

Obesity is known to lead to complications involving several systems. The basic mechanism in obesity-related complications is chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress. Trace element levels in obese children may vary due to poor nutritional habits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between serum paraoxonase (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) levels, markers of the oxidant–antioxidant balance in the body, and serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) concentrations in obese children. Fifty-seven overweight patients aged 6–17 and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy children were included in the study. Serum PON1 and ARE activity levels were measured, together with Cu, Zn, Mn, Se, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, glucose, aspartate amino transferase, and alanine amino transferase levels. PON1 and ARE activity levels were significantly lower in obese patients compared to those in healthy individuals (P < 0.05). Various changes were determined in Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se levels between the study and control groups (P < 0.05). In terms of the relation between trace elements and PON1 and ARE levels, a significant positive correlation was determined between serum Se and PON1 levels in the study group (P < 0.05, r = 0.31). No significant correlation was determined between other trace element levels and PON1 and ARE levels (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the detection in our study of a positive correlation between Se and PON1 levels in obese children may be significant in terms of showing a relation between Se and antioxidant systems in obese children.

The relationship between Vitamin D, autistic spectrum disorders, and cognitive development: do glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor play a role in this relationship?

Objective: In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the effects of Vitamin D on cognitive development and autism. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between autism, cognitive developmental delay and behavioral problems. We also aimed to examine the possible mechanisms of interaction between nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels. Methods: Sixty-four toddlers with developmental delay participated in the study. In the initial assessment, the cases were subjected to a psychiatric examination and developmental tests. Vitamin D, GDNF, and NGF levels were observed. Patients who had low vitamin D levels received replacement treatment. Six months later, the same measures were repeated. Results: Significant progress in autistic symptoms and development scores were determined for the group receiving vitamin D replacement. A negative correlation was found between vitamin D levels and NGF levels. Development scores and GDNF levels were found to be positively correlated in patients who were diagnosed with only cognitive development delay. Conclusions: Measuring vitamin D levels and replacing them if they are low may be beneficial in children with developmental delay, particularly those who also have autistic spectrum disorders. NGF may be more related to autism spectrum disorders, while GDNF seems to be more related with global developmental delay.

Thyroid functions and trace elements in pediatric patients with exogenous obesity.

Obesity is a multifactorial disease developing following impairment of the energy balance. The endocrine system is known to be affected by the condition. Serum thyroid hormones and trace element levels have been shown to be affected in obese children. Changes in serum thyroid hormones may result from alterations occurring in serum trace element levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether or not changes in serum thyroid hormone levels in children with exogenous obesity are associated with changes in trace element levels. Eighty-five children diagnosed with exogenous obesity constituted the study group, and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy children made up the control group. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), thyroglobulin (TG), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) levels in the study group were measured before and at the third and sixth months of treatment, and once only in the control group. Pretreatment fT4 levels in the study group rose significantly by the sixth month (p = 0.006). Zn levels in the patient group were significantly low compared to the control group (p = 0.009). Mn and Se levels in the obese children before and at the third and sixth months of treatment were significantly higher than those of the control group (p = 0.001, p = 0.001). In conclusion, fT4, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se levels are significantly affected in children diagnosed with exogenous obesity. The change in serum fT4 levels is not associated with changes in trace element concentrations.

Serum Zinc, Copper, Magnesium and Selenium Levels in Children with Helicobacter Pylori Infection.

OBJECTIVE Helicobacter pylori infection can cause disease from mild to severe that may be accompanied by micronutrient deficiencies. We aimed to investigate serum zinc, copper, magnesium and selenium levels in Helicobacter pylori positive children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-four children, with chronic abdominal pain and diag-nosed to be Helicobacter pylori-positive and 20 healthy children with the same demo-graphic characteristics were included in the study. Serum zinc, copper and magnesium levels were measured in the flame unit of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, selenium levels were measured in the graphite unit of the same atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS Serum zinc levels were significantly higher and serum magnesium levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in Helicobacter pylori positive children than those of the control group. Although copper levels were lower in patient group than in control group, this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between serum selenium levels of two groups. CONCLUSION We concluded that in Helicobacter pylori-positive children, many trace elements and mineral metabolism may change.

The effect of lifestyle change and metformin therapy on serum arylesterase and paraoxonase activity in obese children.

Abstract Aim: Obesity is known to be associated with many diseases in the long and short terms. Elevated oxidative stress contributes to the development of such obesity-related diseases as dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Levels of the endogenous antioxidants paraoxonase and arylesterase have been shown to decrease in such diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not changes in lifestyle and metformin therapy would affect serum paraoxonase and arylesterase levels. Materials and methods: The study was performed with 25 overweight, 26 obese and 25 morbidly obese patients aged 6–15 years as well as 27 healthy children. Serum paraoxonase (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) activity levels and total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density protein, high-density protein, very low-density protein, glucose, aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase levels were measured. Enrolled patients were assessed at initial presentation and again at 6 months. No procedure was performed in the control group, while the overweight, obese and morbidly obese groups were recommended diet and exercise and given metformin therapy (insulin-resistant subjects only). Results: Serum PON1 activity levels in patients with metabolic syndrome were significantly lower than those in individuals without metabolic syndrome (p<0.05), while lipid concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05). Metabolic syndrome patients had higher serum glucose, total cholesterol, low-density protein, very low-density protein and triglyceride values compared to those of the control group but significantly lower high-density protein values (p<0.05). No difference was determined between the groups in terms of PON1 and ARE levels following diet and exercise and metformin therapy. Conclusion: Measurement of PON1 and ARE enzyme levels may be useful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment aimed at reducing oxidative stress in obese children.

The effect of rutin on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat model

Abstract The effect of rutin on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury was investigated in this experimental study. Eighteen Wistar albino female rats were divided into three groups as follows: I/R group (IRG; n = 6), 50 mg/kg rutin + I/R group (RG; n = 6), and a healthy control group scheduled for a sham operation (SG; n = 6). 2 h of ischemia and following 2 h of reperfusion were created in the IRG and RG by using a torsion model involving atraumatic vascular clips. Rutin, a flavonoid glycoside, was injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 50 mg/kg to RG group 1 h before reperfusion. Then, rats were euthanized and their ovaries were removed for biochemical and histopathological examination and also assessment of the gene expressions. IRG group had a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, in the expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and also in the activity of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) unlike the significant decrease in total glutathione (tGSH) levels and the activity of COX-1 when compared to the SG group. However, rutin significantly decreased MDA levels, the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β, and also the activity of COX-2 while it increased significantly tGSH levels and the activity of COX-1 in the RG group in comparison with the IRG group. Rutin ameliorated the I/R-induced ovarian injury in rats via its possible antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

The effects of rutin on cisplatin induced oxidative retinal and optic nerve injury: an experimental study

Abstract Aim: To determine the role of rutin in prevention of cisplatin induced retinal and optic nerve injury in an experimental study. Materials and methods: Totally 18 albino Wistar male rats were assigned into three groups, as follows: healthy controls (HC group), only cisplatin administered group for 14 days (CIS group), and rutin + cisplatin administered group for 14 days (RC group). Blood samples were obtained from animals just before the scarification. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total glutathione (tGSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were investigated. The eyes were enucleated for histopathological evaluations of retina and optic nerve. Results: MDA, MPO, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.001) in CIS group compared with other two groups while tGSH and SOD levels were statistically significantly lower (p < 0.001). Regarding these parameters, in CIS group MDA, MPO, IL1β and TNF-α levels were statistically significantly increased with cisplatin administration and giving rutin concomitantly with cisplatin prevented this increase. On the other hand, tGSH and SOD levels were statistically significantly decreased with cisplatin administration and giving rutin concomitantly with cisplatin prevented this decrease. In qualitative analyses of histopathological findings of retina and optic nerve; the results of RC group were similar with the results of healthy controls; but there was statistically significant differences between CIS group and other two groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Concomitant rutin administration may prevent the detrimental effects of cisplatin on lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and inflammation markers and may also avert the histopathological damage on retina and optic nerve. Further studies are warranted to determine the effects of cisplatin and rutin on eye.

The effect of nimesulide on oxidative damage inflicted by ischemia–reperfusion on the rat renal tissue

Abstract The objective of our study is to research biochemically and histopathologically the effect of nimesulide on oxidative damage inflicted by ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) on the rat renal tissue. Twenty-four albino Wistar type of male rats were used for the experiment. The animals were divided into groups as: renal ischemia–reperfusion control (RIR), nimesulide + renal ischemia–reperfusion of 50 mg/kg (NRIR-50), nimesulide + renal ischemia–reperfusion of 100 mg/kg (NRIR-100), and sham groups (SG). In NRIR-50 and NRIR-100 groups were given nimesulide, and RIR and SG groups were given distilled water, an hour after anesthesia. Groups, except for the SG group, 1-h-ischemia and then 6-h-reperfusion were performed. In the renal tissue of the RIR group in which the malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHGua) levels were measured, the COX-1 and COX-2 activities were recorded. Nimesulide at 100 mg/kg doses reduced the oxidant parameters more significantly than 50 mg/kg doses; on the other hand, it raised the antioxidant parameters. It has been shown that 100 mg/kg doses of nimesulide prevented the renal I/R damage more significantly than a dose of 50 mg/kg, which shows that nimesulide, in clinics, could be used in the prevention of I/R damage.