Sadrettin Pence

Effects of metamizol and magnesium sulfate on enzyme activity of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase from human erythrocyte in vitro and rat erythrocyte in vivo

OBJECTIVE Effects of metamizol and magnesium sulfate on erythrocyte glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme activity were investigated in in vitro and in vivo conditions. METHODS For in vitro studies, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase was purified from human erythrocyte and rats were used for in vivo studies. Enzyme activity was determined according to the Beutler method by using a spectrophotometer at 340 nm. RESULTS The results of in vitro study showed that their mean K(i) values were 6.35 x 10(-3) M for metamizol and 1.32 x 10(-2) M for magnesium sulfate and their inhibition types were uncompetitive. I(50) value was 17 mM for metamizol and 50 mM for magnesium sulfate in in vitro study. In the case of in vivo studies, 200 mg/kg metamizol inhibited the enzyme activity by 40% during the first 1.5 h (p < 0.05), and 225 mg/kg magnesium sulfate significantly inhibited the enzyme activity throughout 24 h (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The results of this study suggested that metamizol and magnesium sulfate have significant inhibition effect on the activity of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme in both in vivo and in vitro.

Homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 levels in maternal and umbilical cord plasma and homocysteine levels in placenta in pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia

Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal and fetal serum levels of homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12 and placental tissue levels of homocysteine and their association with severity of pre‐eclampsia.

The Effects of Exogenous Melatonin on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration and Collagen Formation in Rats

BACKGROUND Peripheral nerve damage that requires surgical repair does not result in complete recovery because of collagen scar formation, ischemia, free oxygen radical damage, and other factors. To date, the best treatment method has not yet been determined. In this study, we designed an experimental peripheral nerve injury model, and researched the possible effects of melatonin hormone, based on evidence of its strong antioxidant and cell-protective effects via mimicking the effects of calcium channel blockers. MATERIALS AND METHODS We randomized 24 healthy female albino rats into three groups: the pinealectomy group, melatonin group, and control group. In the pinealectomy group, craniotomy, pinealectomy, sciatic nerve transection, and coaptation were performed, and 0.9% NaCl was injected intraperitoneally. In the melatonin group, craniotomy (without pinealectomy), sciatic nerve dissection, and coaptation were performed, and melatonin was injected intraperitoneally, instead of NaCl. In the control group, craniotomy (without pinealectomy), sciatic nerve dissection and coaptation, and intraperitoneal NaCl injection were performed. In each group, nerve recovery was evaluated histologically, functionally, and electrophysiologically. Functional and electrophysiologic evaluations were conducted before surgery and at 4 and 12 wk. RESULTS At 4 wk, no significant difference was observed between the groups. However, at 12 wk, significant electrophysiologic and functional improvement was observed only in the melatonin group. CONCLUSIONS Melatonin seems to have a beneficial effect on nerve recovery. However, this effect is not effective at physiologic doses. Future comparative studies with melatonin versus other nerve-regenerating agents are necessary to determine the clinical utility of melatonin hormone.

The Changes of Plasma Malondialdehyde, Nitric Oxide, and Adrenomedullin Levels in Patients with Preeclampsia

Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and adrenomedullin in the etiopathogenesis of preeclampsia. Material and Methods. Forty-two pregnant women with preeclampsia and 30 healthy pregnant women were involved. The plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and adrenomedullin were compared between the study group and the control group. Results. In women with preeclampsia the plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde was higher while nitric oxide and adrenomedullin concentrations were lower compared to control subjects. Conclusion. We concluded that the plasma levels of ADM and NO are decreased while MDA levels are increased in subjects with preeclampsia and that might contribute to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia through the lack of a paracrine vasodilatory effect on uteroplacental blood flow.

Malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and adrenomedullin levels in patients with primary dysmenorrhea

Aim:  The aim of the study was to examine whether there was a relationship between primary dysmenorrhea and serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and adrenomedullin (AM) in young women.

Effect of Ramadan fasting on maternal oxidative stress during the second trimester: A preliminary study

Aim:  To evaluate whether fasting during Ramadan has any significant effects on maternal oxidative stress or fetal health in healthy, pregnant women with an uncomplicated, second‐trimester, singleton pregnancy.

Measurement of the placental total antioxidant status in preeclamptic women using a novel automated method

Aim:  We aimed to measure the levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) in placental samples from preeclamptic pregnant women and evaluate the relation of placental TAS, total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) with fetomaternal compartments using the more recently designated Erel method.

Unertan syndrome: a case series demonstrating human devolution.

A large family with six individuals exhibiting the Unertan syndrome (UTS) was identified residing in southern Turkey. All of the individuals had mental impairments and walked on all four extremities. The practice of intra-familial marriages suggested that the UTS may be an autosomal recessive disorder, similar to previously described cases. The inferior portions of the cerebellum and vermis were absent as evidenced by MRI and CT scans. The height and head circumference of those affected were within normal ranges. Baranys test suggested normal vestibular system function. The subjects could not name objects or their close relatives. The males (n = 4) could understand simple questions and commands, but answered questions with only one or two sounds. The females (n = 2) were superior to the males with respect to language skills and walking, suggesting an association between walking and speaking abilities. One male exhibited three walking patterns at the same time: quadripedal, tiptoe, and scissor walking. Another male used two walking styles: quadripedal and toe-walking. It is emphasized that there are important differences between the UTS and the disequilibrium syndrome. It is suggested that the inability to walk upright in those affected with the UTS may be best explained by a disturbance in lateral-balance mechanisms, without being related to the cerebello-vestibular system. An interruption of locomotor development during the transition from quadripedality to bipedality may result in habitual walking on all four extremities and is normal in some children. Because quadripedal gait is an ancestral trait, individuals with the UTS, exhibiting a manifestation of reverse evolution in humans, may be considered an experiment of nature, useful in understanding the mechanisms underlying the transition from quadripedality to bipedality during human evolution. The proposed mutant gene or gene pool playing a role in human quadrupedality may also be responsible for human bipedality at the same time. Herein there is no intent to insult or injure; rather, this report is an endeavor to better understand human beings. Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publishers online edition of International Journal of Neuroscience for the following free supplemental resource(s): video clips.

Visual evoked potential changes in migraine. Influence of migraine attack and aura.

OBJECTIVE To assess the visual evoked potential (VEP) changes in migraines with and without aura. STUDY DESIGN A clinical study in which the VEP results of 45 migraineurs (study group) and 22 healthy volunteers (control group) were compared. Of 45 migraineurs, 29 had migraine with aura (MA) and 16 had migraine without aura (MOA), and they were examined both during and between the migraine attacks. METHODS The patients and healthy controls underwent VEP assessment. On VEP recording, mono-ocular stimulation was performed by means of the pattern reversal check board. The latencies of N1, P1 and N2, and the N1--P1 amplitude were noted. The following comparisons were made between NI, P1 and N2 latencies and N1--P1 amplitudes of the migraine and control groups; during and between attack the VEP results of the patients with MA and MOA. RESULTS The VEP results of the migraineurs and healthy controls were similar (P>0.05). The during attack results of MA, during and between attack results of MOA, and the results of the control group were also similar (P>0.05). N2 latency significantly elongated in patients with MA in the attack free period than it was during the attack (P=0.01), and was also longer than it was in the control group (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS There is involvement of the visual pathway in MA rather than MOA, and differentiation between these subtypes of the migraine disease may be performed on the basis of VEP findings manifesting by the prolongation of the N2 wave latency. This contention should be confirmed by further studies.

“Unertan Syndrome” in two Turkish Families in Relation to Devolution and Emergence of Homo Erectus: Neurological Examination, MRI, and pet Scans

“Unertan syndrome” consists of two main symptoms: quadrupedal gait and primitive cognitive abilities including language and conscious experience. To assess the central mechanisms involved in this syndrome, the authors performed MRI and PET scans on affected and unaffected individuals from both families. All affected individuals were also subjected to neurological examination. To assess the integrity of the peripheral and central vestibular system, Baranys caloric test was applied to the affected individuals. Brain MRI and PET scans were performed on normal subjects (n = 7) and patients (n = 7). Right- and left-cerebral and cerebellar areas, including the vermial and callosal areas, were measured on the MRI scans using a computer cursor. Quadrupedal gait, mental retardation, dysartric speech, nystagmus, severe truncal ataxia, hyperreflexia, astasia, and abasia were observed in the affected individuals from both families. Cerebellum and vermis were atrophic in the MRI and PET scans of the first family. In contrast, the brain MRI seemed to be normal in the MRI and PET scans of affected individuals from the second family. The caloric test revealed central vestibular damage in patients from the first family and peripheral vestibular damage in patients from the second family. The results suggest that “Unertan syndrome,” discovered in two unrelated families, may be caused by peripheral or central vestibular damage resulting from different genetic defects. Cerebellar hypoplasia may not be a prerequisite for the emergence of this syndrome. Primitive mental abilities may be explained by damage within the vestibulo-cerebellar system, whereas the quadrupedal gait may be due to a genetic defect within the higher brain centers that suppress the atavistic brain networks controlling quadrupedal gait and helped in the emergence of the habitual bipedal gait during human evolution. This retarded development of human locomotion—devolution—may illuminate the brain mechanisms responsible for the transition from quadrupedality to bipedality in human evolution.