Seref Alpsoy

Antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of onion (Allium cepa) extract on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anti‐apoptotic effects of onion (Allium cepa) extracts (ACE) on doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced cardiotoxicity. The rats in the ACE‐pretreated group were given a daily dose of 1 ml ACE for 14 days. To induce cardiotoxicity, DOX (30 mg kg−1 body weight) was injected intraperitoneally by a single dose and the rats were sacrificed after 48 h. To date, no such studies have been performed on the cardioprotective and anti‐apoptotic potential of ACE on DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the activity of in situ identification of apoptosis using terminal dUTP nick end‐labeling in cardiomyocytes of the DOX‐treated group with ACE therapy. The DOX‐treated with ACE groups showed a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels, and increased activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase in comparison with the DOX‐treated group. Creatine kinase, creatine kinase MB, lactate dehydrogenase activities and cardiac troponin I levels were significantly decreased in the DOX + ACE group in comparison with the DOX group. These biochemical and histological disturbances were effectively attenuated on pretreatment with ACE. The present study showed that ACE may be a suitable cardioprotector against toxic effects of DOX. Copyright

Heart rate recovery may predict the presence of coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE We investigated whether post-exercise first minute abnormal heart rate recovery (HRR1) helps to predict the presence and severity of CAD, because of some confounding data. METHODS A cross-sectional, retrospective study was performed. Two hundred individuals were included. Gensini scores and the number of coronary artery involvements were used to evaluate the severity of CAD. Students t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for the analysis continuous and categorical data. Spearmans correlation analysis was used to determine whether there is correlation between Gensini scoring and HRR1. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine predictors for abnormal HRR1. ROC curve analysis was performed to detect the best sensitivity and specificity value of HRR1 in predicting CAD presence. RESULTS Seventy subjects (35%) did not have CAD, and CAD was present in 130 patients (65%). HRR1 ≤21 beats with ROC analysis was determined to be the best cut off point. After adjustment between the two groups in terms of age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia or smoking (all p>0.05), there was relationship CAD presence and abnormal HRR1 (OR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.1-3.9, p=0.02), but not between CAD severity and HRR1 (r=-0.13, p=0.112). The sensitivity, specificity, and the positive and negative predictive values of abnormal HRR1 ≤21 beats at first minute for predicting CAD presence were 76.1%, 41.3% (AUC=0.588, CI 95%: 0.517-0,657, p=0.039), 70.7% and 48.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION In the study abnormal HRR1 predicted the presence of CAD, but not the severity of it.

Association Between Serum Fetuin-A levels, Carotid Artery Stiffness, and Intima–Media Thickness in Patients With Normotensive Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Increased carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) and stiffness, reflecting subclinical atherosclerosis, are associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The relationship between serum fetuin-A, which inhibits ectopic calcification, and atherosclerosis is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the association between serum fetuin-A levels and carotid artery stiffness and cIMT in patients with normotensive OSAS (n = 50) and non-OSAS controls (n = 38). Compared with controls, there were lower fetuin-A levels (59.4 ± 6.5 vs 68.2 ± 5.8 ng/mL, P = .029), higher mean cIMT (0.73 ± 0.2 vs 0.63 ± 0.3 mm, P < .001), and greater stiffness (β) index (7.45 ± 0.9 vs 5.2 ± 0.7, P = .001) in the OSAS group. The cIMT and stiffness (β) index were inversely correlated with fetuin-A levels (r = −.324, P = .033; r = −.466, P < .001, respectively) and positively correlated with apnea hypopnea index (r = .498, P < .001; r = .422, P = .001, respectively) in the OSAS group. Decreased serum fetuin-A levels were associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in patients with normotensive OSAS.

The relationship between copper, homocysteine and early vascular disease in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract This study investigates copper (Cu) levels and vascular dysfunction in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 44 subjects with PCOS, diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria, and 42 healthy subjects matched for body mass index and age. Comparison of serum Cu, homocysteine, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) was carried out between PCOS patients and the control group. Clinical study was done in Namik Kemal University School of Medicine. The CIMT and concentration of Cu in PCOS patients was significantly higher than the healthy controls. FMD levels in PCOS patients were significantly lower than those in controls. In PCOS patients, CIMT was correlated with estrogen and Cu levels. However, FMD was correlated with age and Cu levels. Among these contributing factors, Cu levels were correlated with a change in CIMT and FMD. CIMT and FMD in PCOS patients were related to Cu levels as well as several cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, increased Cu levels may be responsible for the increased risk of early vascular disease in women with PCOS.

Cardioprotective effects of fish omega-3 fatty acids on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of fish omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced acute cardiotoxicity. A total of 24 rats were divided into three groups: control, DOX-treated, and DOX treated with fish n-3 fatty acids. Control group received 0.4 ml/kg/day of saline intragastrically. The rats in the fish n-3 fatty acid-pretreated group were given 400 mg/kg/day fish n-3 fatty acids for 30 days by intragastric intubation. To induce acute cardiotoxicity, DOX (30 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally by a single dose and the rats were killed after 48 h. DOX treatment caused severe damage in heart tissues. Disorganization of myocardial muscle fibers, myofibrillar loss, and cardiotoxic myocardial fibers with cytoplasmic vacuoles were seen. Fish n-3 fatty acid-treated rats showed an improved histological appearance in the DOX-treated group. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the activity of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling in cardiomyocytes of the DOX-treated group with fish n-3 fatty acids therapy. The DOX-treated with fish n-3 fatty acids group showed a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels, and an increase in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in comparison with the DOX-treated group. This study showed that fish n-3 fatty acids may be a suitable cardioprotector against acute toxic effects of DOX.

The serum protein α2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein/fetuin-a concentration and carotid intima-media thickness in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To investigate fetuin-A concentrations and its association with metabolic and sonographic cardiovascular markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy subjects. STUDY DESIGN Thirty-five women with PCOS and 37 healthy control women were matched for body mass index (BMI) and age. Serum fetuin-A concentrations, and reproductive and adrenal hormones were measured, and insulin resistance and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) were evaluated in both groups. The correlations between cardiovascular risk factors, CIMT and fetuin-A concentrations were tested. RESULTS Mean fetuin-A concentrations were significantly elevated in the PCOS group compared with control subjects (101.2 ng/ml ± 33.55 vs. 82.5 ng/ml ± 32.65, P=0.019). CIMT was also higher in women with PCOS than in control subjects (0.51 ± 0.05 mm vs. 0.44 ± 0.05 mm, P<0.01). Serum lipid parameters were correlated to serum fetuin-A concentrations in the PCOS group, but no correlation was found between fetuin-A and CIMT (rPCOS=0.244, pPCOS=0.158; rcontrol=-0.002, pcontrol=0.988). CONCLUSION In this, the first study of fetuin-A concentrations in PCOS, the results showed that fetuin-A concentrations were increased in euglycemic patients with PCOS.

The effects of onion (Allium cepa) extract on doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in aortic endothelial cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of onion (Allium cepa) extracts (ACE) on doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced apoptosis in aortic endothelial cells. The rats in the ACE‐pretreated group were given a daily dose of 1 ml ACE for 14 days. To induce aortic endothelial cell apoptosis, DOX (30 mg kg−1 body weight) was injected intraperitoneally by a single dose and the rats were sacrificed after 48 h. To date, no such studies have been performed on antiapoptotic potential of ACE on DOX‐induced apoptosis in aortic endothelial cells. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the activity of in situ identification of apoptosis using terminal dUTP nick end‐labeling in aortic endothelial cells of the DOX‐treated group with ACE therapy. DOX‐treated with ACE groups showed a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels and increased levels of glutathione in comparison with the DOX‐treated group. Data from our study show that prevention of endothelial cell apoptosis by ACE may contribute to the restoration of aortic endothelial dysfunction that is associated with DOX treatment. Copyright

Serum fetuin-A levels are associated with carotid intima–media thickness in patients with normotensive chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND There are contradictory reports about the relationship between fetuin-A and atherosclerotic process. Coronary artery disease is the most important cause of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to investigate the association of serum fetuin-A level with mean carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) in COPD. METHODS We evaluated the association of serum fetuin-A level, mean cIMT and ABI in normotensive subjects with COPD (n = 65) and with non-COPD (n = 50). RESULTS Fetuin-A level was significantly lower (63.5 ± 19.8 ng/mL, 72.9 ± 16.2 ng/mL, p = 0.035) and C-reactive protein level higher (4 [1-10] vs. 3 [1-12] mg/dL, p = 0.034) in COPD patients than the control group. Compared to controls, fetuin-A level was significantly lower (63.5 ± 19.8 ng/mL, 72.9 ± 16.2 ng/mL, p = 0.035) and mean cIMT higher (0.69 [0.50-0.98] vs. 0.62 [0.44-0.98] mm, p = 0.034, respectively) in the COPD group. There was a significant negative correlation between mean cIMT and fetuin-A levels (r = -0.320, p = 0.032). Age (b ± SE: 0.002 ± 0.001, p = 0.008) and fetuin-A (b ± SE: -0.002 ± 0.001, p = 0.035) were decisive for the mean cIMT. CONCLUSIONS There are increased cIMT values, decreased fetuin-A levels, but unchanged ABI values in patients with normotensive COPD. Age and fetuin-A were predictors for cIMT, while fetuin-A was negatively correlated with cIMT.

Detection of subclinical atherosclerosis and diastolic dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia.

Background Patients with schizophrenia have a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, which is associated with early mortality compared with the nonschizophrenic population. Early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases in asymptomatic periods in patients with schizophrenia would enhance their quality of life and reduce mortality. Echocardiography, carotid ultrasonography, and ankle brachial index (ABI) measurement are known to be beneficial methods of detecting subclinical cardiovascular diseases and of risk stratification. The present study investigated carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and ABI and echocardiographic parameters measured via conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography in patients with schizophrenia in comparison with a control group. Methods The present case-control study included 116 patients with schizophrenia and 88 healthy patients. Participants with any current comorbid psychiatric disorder, current or lifetime neurological and medical problems, current coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism or who were using antihypertensives, antidiabetic agents, or antiobesity drugs were excluded. High-resolution B-mode ultrasound images were used to measure CIMT. Conventional and tissue Doppler measurements were performed according to the recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography. Results Low ABI, mitral ratio of the early (E) to late (A) ventricular filling velocities, septal E′, septal S′, lateral E′, lateral S′, septal E′/septal A′, lateral E′/lateral A′, and high septal A′, mitral E/septal E′, mitral E/lateral E′, and CIMT values were observed in the schizophrenia group compared with the control group. Conclusion Doppler parameters supported the hypothesis that patients with schizophrenia are at high risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection and woven coronary artery: three cases and a review of the literature.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and woven coronary artery anomaly (WCAA) are relatively rare. A few of the previously reported woven coronary artery cases have involved in a single coronary artery. We present an unusual woven case involving all coronary arteries and two patient with SCAD. We have also reviewed the literature related to these disease, as they resemble one another.