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- ArticleAçık Erişim2026Neuroendocrine effects of exogenous adropin administration on the hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis in male rats
Eraslan, Ersen; Tanyeli, Ayhan; Güler, Mustafa Can; Özbek Bilgin, Aslı; Ekinci Akdemir, Fazile Nur; Polat, Elif; Çomakli, Selim; Kurt, Nezahat; Bal Taştan, Tuğba
Background/aim: Obesity impairs male fertility through metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and disruption of the hypothalamic– pituitary–testicular (HPT) axis. Adropin (ADR), a peptide hormone whose circulating levels are reduced in obesity, plays emerging roles in metabolic homeostasis; however, its involvement in reproductive endocrine regulation remains unclear. The present study was conducted in healthy, nonobese male rats and aimed to investigate the neuroendocrine and testicular effects of exogenous ADR administration, focusing on circulating reproductive hormones, hypothalamic regulatory peptides, and testicular antioxidant pathways. Materials and methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomized into control, sham, low-dose ADR (4 μg/kg/day), and high-dose ADR (40 μg/kg/day) groups and treated for 10 days. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure circulating gonadotropins, testosterone, inhibin B, and activin A. Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and kisspeptin expression, and testicular superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) localization were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Brain and testis morphology were examined histologically. Results: High-dose ADR administration was associated with increased hypothalamic GnRH and kisspeptin expression, accompanied by reduced circulating LH levels, while FSH concentrations remained unchanged. Testosterone and inhibin B levels were higher, whereas activin A levels were lower, in the high-dose ADR group compared with controls. ADR administration was also associated with enhanced testicular SOD1 immunoreactivity and dose-dependent reductions in body weight. No overt histopathological alterations were observed in the cerebral cortex or testicular tissue. Conclusion: In healthy, nonobese male rats, exogenous ADR administration was associated with changes in central neuroendocrine markers and testicular antioxidant responses without overt histopathological alterations. These findings do not demonstrate improvements in fertility but suggest that ADR may be involved in pathways linking metabolic signals with reproductive endocrine regulation. The potential relevance of these observations to obesity-associated male reproductive dysfunction remains hypothesis-generating and requires confirmation in appropriate disease models and functional reproductive studies.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2026Liraglutide Attenuates Multiorgan Oxidative, Astroglial, and Mitochondrial Stress Responses in Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatic Encephalopathy
Bilgin, Yasin; Sari, Fatih Mehmet; Cicek, Betul; Kurt, Engin; Ozkaraca, Mustafa; Gungor, Ali; Kurt, Nezahat; Bilgin, Asli Ozbek
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complex complication of liver failure involving oxidative stress, astroglial activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and multiorgan disturbances along the gut–liver–brain axis. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of liraglutide (LIRA) in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced rat model of HE. Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to control, TAA, and TAA+LIRA 100, 200, or 400 µg/kg groups. HE was induced with TAA (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for three consecutive days, followed by subcutaneous LIRA treatment for 14 days. Serum biochemical parameters, tissue oxidative and inflammatory markers, histopathology, and Nrf2, MFN2, AKT1, mTOR, GFAP, and VEGFA immunoreactivity were evaluated. TAA caused marked hepatic and cerebral structural injury, increased serum and brain glutamine concentrations, disrupted redox homeostasis, elevated MPO activity, and increased cerebral GFAP and multiorgan VEGFA immunoreactivity. LIRA partially improved hepatic and cerebral histopathology, reduced glutamine disturbances, attenuated selected oxidative, nitrosative, and inflammatory alterations, and modulated Nrf2, MFN2, AKT1, mTOR, GFAP, and VEGFA immunoreactivity in a tissue- and dose-specific manner. The 200 µg/kg dose produced the most consistent overall improvement, whereas the 400 µg/kg dose was less favorable for several endpoints. LIRA may therefore alleviate multiorgan stress associated with experimental HE, although further studies are required to confirm functional and mechanistic relevance.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2026Assessment of methylene blue and NAD on LPS-induced acute brain injury: effects on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and blood–brain barrier integrity in a rat endotoxemia model
Doganay, Songul; Üstündağ, Hilal; Erbaş, Elif; Yanar, Sevinc; Hayme, Serhat; Kurt, Nezahat
Sepsis-induced brain dysfunction remains a significant challenge with limited therapeutic options, warranting exploration of multi-target approaches. Methylene blue (MET) is a phenothiazine derivative with mitochondrial-enhancing and electron transport chain regulatory properties, while nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) serves as a crucial cofactor in cellular energy metabolism and redox reactions. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of MET and NAD, individually and in combination, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis model. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 35) were randomized into five groups: control, LPS (8 mg/kg), LPS + NAD (250 mg/kg), LPS + MET (15 mg/kg), and LPS + NAD + MET. Brain tissues were analyzed for oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood–brain barrier integrity. The combination therapy demonstrated the most pronounced improvements across clinical parameters, antioxidant capacity evidenced by significantly elevated superoxide dismutase levels (p < 0.001) and cerebral histopathological outcomes. It also significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity (p < 0.001) compared to the LPS group. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly decreased in both MET and NAD monotherapy groups (p < 0.05), while TNF-α showed a decreasing trend without statistical significance. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were maintained in the combination group, comparable to controls, while TGF-β showed differential modulation across treatment groups. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed LPS-induced blood–brain barrier disruption, evidenced by reduced occludin expression (p < 0.01), increased aquaporin-4 expression in perivascular astrocytic end-feet (p < 0.05), and elevated glial fibrillary acidic protein reactivity in protoplasmic astrocytes (p < 0.01). In conclusion, MET and NAD individually provided significant protection against LPS-induced brain injury by reducing neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage. The combined treatment offered incremental benefits in certain outcomes. These findings suggest that both agents may have therapeutic potential in SAE.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleYalnız künye2026Effects of apigenin, hesperidin and their combinations on different physiopathological pathways in 5-fluorouracil-induced pulmonary damage
Uslu, Hamit; Atila Uslu, Gözde; Çoban, Taha Abdulkadir; Özkaraca, Mustafa; Kurt, Nezahat; Mendil, Ali Sefa
Background: Chemotherapeutics target cancerous cells, but they also have unavoidable toxicities in healthy tissues. Aim: In this study, the effects of the commonly used chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil (5FU) on lung tissue were investigated, along with the possible protective benefits of apigenin (API), hesperidin (HES), and their combination. Methodology: The study consisted of control, 5FU, API + 5FU, HES + 5FU, and API+HES + 5FU groups. API 50 mg/kg and HES 200 mg/kg were administered for 7 days. On the 8th day, 5FU was administered a dose of 100 mg/kg. Results: Analyses showed that API and HES were effective in preventing oxidative stress induced by 5FU in lung tissue, attenuating inflammation and apoptosis by suppressing MAPK/NFκB and Caspase-3/Bax/Bcl-2 pathways, suppressing autophagy by decreasing LC3B expression, and regulating Sigmar1 expression. Conclusion: These results suggest that the two flavonoids, when administered separately or in combination, may be useful in reducing side effects that often occur during the use of chemotherapeutics.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2025Changes in serum nitric oxide levels in COVID-19 patients
Bakan, Ebubekir; Parlak, Emine; Kurt, Nezahat; Ozgerıs, Fatma Betül; Kocak, Omer Faruk; Türkeri, Özge Nur
Objective: Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of the COVID-19 pandemic that is rapidly affecting the entire world both in terms of health and economy, belongs to the beta coronavirus family. Although oxidative stress imbalance occurs in COVID-19 patients, how changing nitric oxide (NO) levels affect COVID-19 pathogenesis is not fully understood. For this purpose, NO levels were evaluated in the serum of COVID-19 patients. Material and Methods: A total of 50 adult COVID-19 patients and 32 healthy control individuals were included in the study. COVID-19 patients were classified as Mild-COVID-19, Moderate-COVID-19, and Intensive Care-COVID-19 according to national guidelines. NO concentrations were measured spectrophotometrically from serum samples of all patients. Biochemical data were also collected. Results: NO levels were lower in the patient group compared to the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The variability in NO levels suggests that it may be a result of immune inflammation and vascular dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2025Salivary mitofusin levels in periodontal disease: a cross-sectional case-control study
Okumuş, Ömer F.; Kurt, Nezahat; Kantarcı, Alpdoğan
Background: Mitofusin (Mfn) is a mitochondrial fusion protein. It has two isoforms (Mfn1 and 2) and is critical in intracellular energy production, calcium transfer, and phospholipid metabolism. Based on previous evidence linking mitochondrial function with the pathophysiology of periodontal inflammation, we hypothesized that salivary Mfn1 and Mfn2 levels may differ across periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis, and that these levels correlate with markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress. Although previous studies have suggested that Mfn2 plays a role in inflammatory and oxidative pathways, clinical evidence regarding its role in periodontal disease is lacking. The null hypothesis of this study was that salivary Mfn levels are not significantly altered with periodontal conditions and are not correlated with inflammation or oxidative stress markers in saliva. Methods: A total of 81 participants were included in this cross-sectional case-control study, with 27 individuals per group. Periodontally healthy patients, patients with gingivitis, and patients with stage 3 or stage 4 grade C periodontitis were recruited for the study. Mfn-1 and Mfn-2 levels were measured. To identify their correlation with inflammatory mechanisms, interleukin-1β levels, total oxidative status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric measurements. The oxidative stress index (OSİ) was calculated. Results: Salivary Mfn1 levels were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis compared to healthy controls (36.54 ± 13.15 ng/mL, 24.67 ± 8.69 ng/mL, p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of Mfn2 levels (p > 0.05). While significant differences were found between Group P and Group H in TAS and OSI values (p < 0.05), TOS values did not show any significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). A positive correlation was found between Mfn1 and Mfn2 and IL-1β levels (p < 0.05). Mfn1 and Mfn2 did not have any significant correlation with TAS, TOS, or OSI values (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Elevated Mfn1 levels in the saliva of patients with periodontitis suggested that mitochondrial function was disrupted in severe periodontitis. Mitofusin levels showed no significant correlation with oxidative stress markers in this study. Trial registration: This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT06510608 on July 18, 2024.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2025Alleviation of LPS-induced acute lung injury by propolis-based nanocomposites through the TLR4/NFKB and P2X7/AKT pathways: Randomized-controlled experimental study
Üstündağ, Hilal; Kara, Adem; Gökhan Taş, Necip; Danişman Kalindemi̇rtaş, Ferdane; Kurt, Nezahat; Erbaş, Elif; Tahir Huyut, Mehmet; Gül, Mustafa; Afşin Kari̇per, İshak
Sepsis-associated acute lung injury continues to pose a significant medical challenge with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of propolis-based treatments and their nanocomposites in modulating inflammation and apoptosis using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat model of sepsis. Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6): control, LPS (5 mg/kg, i.p.), LPS + Propolis (100 mg/kg, i.p.), LPS + NanoPropolis (100 mg/kg, i.p.), LPS + silver nanoparticles propolis (AgNPsPro) (50 mg/kg), and a negative propolis group (100 mg/kg, i.p.). The rats were assessed for inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptotic markers through Western blot, histopathological analyses, and biochemical measurements. The LPS group exhibited significantly higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and the systemic infection marker presepsin (PRSN) in blood, as well as the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung tissue. The treatment groups, particularly LPS + AgNPsPro, showed significant reductions in these markers, with decreased levels of MDA, IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, and TLR4, and increased GSH content in lung tissue (p < 0.05). The anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 was upregulated, while pro-apoptotic BAX expression was reduced, indicating enhanced cell survival. The P2X7 receptor, a key inflammation regulator, and the AKT signaling pathway, involved in cell survival, were positively modulated by the treatments. Histopathological findings corroborated these results, showing less lung tissue damage. In conclusion, propolis-based treatments, especially in combination with nanoparticles, demonstrate therapeutic potential in reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in sepsis-induced lung injury.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2025Protective Effect of Probiotics on Cardiac Damage in Experimental Sepsis Model Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Taş, Necip Gökhan; Aktaş, Osman; Taş, Hakan Gökalp; Zırh, Selim; Kurt, Nezahat; Uslu, Hakan
Background and Objective: Probiotics have been shown to be effective in controlling various adverse health conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and neurological diseases. However, to our knowledge, there is no research on the preventive effect of probiotics on heart damage caused by infections. This study examined the preventive benefits of probiotics against sepsis-related heart injury using a rat model caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Materials and Methods: Four groups of twenty-four male Wistar albino rats, each with six rats, were set up. For 14 days, Group 1 (Sham Group) was given oral normal saline, intraperitoneal Escherichia coli O111-B4 lipopolysaccharide (LPS Group) was given to Group 2, and oral probiotics were given to Group 3 (Probiotic Group). Escherichia coli O111-B4 lipopolysaccharide was injected intraperitoneally after Group 4 (Probiotic + LPS) received oral probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (109 CFU/day). Blood samples were taken twenty-four hours following the administration of LPS. The animals were then euthanized by cervical dislocation, and samples of cardiac tissue were taken in order to assess any damage to the heart. The following serum values were measured: C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), cardiac troponin subunit I (cTn-I), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), Oxidative Stress Index (OSI), CRP, CK-MB, and cTn-I levels were assessed in tissue samples. Additionally, staining techniques were used to analyze histopathological alterations in tissues. Results: With the exception of serum IL-6 (p = 0.111), tissue and serum cytokine levels were considerably greater in the sepsis group (Group 2) than in the other groups (p < 0.05 to <0.001). The TAS, GSH, and SOD levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05 to <0.001) in septic rats, although the tissue levels of TOS, OSI, and MDA were significantly higher. With the exception of serum CRP in Group 3 (p = 0.328), the CK-MB, CRP, and cTn-I levels were considerably higher in Group 2 than in the other groups (p < 0.01 to <0.001). When compared to the other groups, histopathological examination showed significant alterations in the LPS group. Conclusions: Probiotics showed positive effects on oxidative stress markers and dramatically decreased sepsis-induced cardiac damage in the LPS-induced sepsis model. These results imply that probiotics could be used as a therapeutic approach to lessen the cardiac damage brought on by sepsis.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - CorrectionYalnız künye2025Corrigendum to “Alleviation of LPS-induced acute lung injury by propolis-based nanocomposites through the TLR4/NFKB and P2X7/AKT pathways: Randomized-controlled experimental study” [Toxicon Volume 258, April 2025, 108330] (Toxicon (2025) 258, (S0041010125001047), (10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108330))
Üstündağ, Hilal; Kara, Adem; Taş, Necip Gökhan; Kalindemirtaş, Ferdane Danişman; Kurt, Nezahat; Erbaş, Elif; Huyut, Mehmet Tahir; Gül, Mustafa; Kari̇per, İshak Afşin
The authors regret < The authors regret that there was an error in the funding information. The incorrect funding information reads: “This study was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, under Project Code TSA-2022-854.” The correct funding information should be: "This study was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, under Project Code TSA-2023-929.">. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleYalnız künye2024Chrome, Zinc, Copper and Magnesium Levels and Fasting Blood Sugar, Insulin and HbA1c Values in the Plasma and Erythrocytes by Type 2 Diabetes
Polat, Elif; Kurt, Nezahat; Karakoç, Akar; Sahin, Yasar Nuri; Özkan, Asuman
Objective: The present study, in patients with type 2 diabetes; It was aimed to analyze fasting blood glucose, insulin and HbA1c values and trace element (zinc, copper, magnesium and chromium) levels. Material and Method: The study included patients who were 20 patients with type 2 diabetes and 20 healthy controls applied to the Internal Medi- cine outpatient clinic of Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital. The results of the analyzes were calculated with the help of the SPSS (Version 19.0) software package. Results: Levels of HbA1c, glucose, and insulin in the patient group were significantly higher than in the control group. There was no significant difference among levels of plasma zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) and erythrocyte Cu in the control group and the patient group. Levels of plasma magne- sium (Mg) and chromium (Cr) and erythrocyte Zn, Mg and Cr levels in the control group were significantly higher than in the patient group. Levels of plasma and erythrocyte Mg in people with diabetes were significantly lower than in the control group (p <0.005). The levels of plasma and erythro- cyte Cr in the group with type 2 diabetes were significantly lower than in the control group. Conclusion: To understand the relationship between diabetes and the trace element, well-specified patient samples should be collected. Studies should be carried out using standard methods. More studies should be done to make sense of the changes in trace element levels in diabetes. The necessity of trace element supplementation as a support for treatment should be investigated.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2024Potential Role of Laurus nobilis Essential Oil in Reducing Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats
Karakuş, Selcan; Kurt, Nezahat; Issin, Gizem; Danışman, Ferdane; Ustundag, Hilal; Taş, Necip Gökhan
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effects of Laurus nobilis leaves essential oil (LANO) against indomethacin (INDO)-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, an indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model was employed. 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n=6): Control, LANO, INDO, INDO with famotidine (FAM), and INDO with LANO. Indomethacin (25 mg/kg) induced ulcers, while LANO and FAM were administered by oral gavage at 200 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively. Gastric tissues underwent histopathological examination for ulceration, and biochemical assays measured total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Results: Compared to the INDO group, treatment with LANO significantly decreased the number of gastric ulcer foci. Biochemically, LANO moderated TOS and OSI levels and preserved TAS, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Additionally, LANO appeared to stabilize NO levels. These biochemical findings were corroborated by histopathological examination. Conclusions: The study's results indicate that LANO may be beneficial in protecting against NSAID-induced gastric damage. LANO's observed modulation of oxidative stress markers and NO levels suggests its potential role in managing gastric ulcers.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleYalnız künye2024Effect of Rutin on Cisplatin-Induced Oxidative Skeletal Muscle Damage in Rats
Yasar, Hasan; Cimen, Ferda Keskin; Suleyman, Halis; Kurt, Nezahat; Arslan, Yusuf Kemal
Background and Objective: Cisplatin is a drug used to treat cancer, but it causes oxidative damage to muscle tissue. Rutin has an antioxidant effect. The study aims to investigate the biochemical and histopathological effects of rutin on the oxidative damage of cisplatin in skeletal muscle tissue. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: A control group (CG), an only cisplatin-administered group (CIS), a cisplatin and rutin 50 mg kg(-1)-administered group (R-50) and a cisplatin and rutin 100 mg kg(-1)-administered group (R-100). Analyses were performed from the hindlimb muscles of experimental animals. Analyses of malondialdehyde (MDA), Total Glutathione (tGSH), glutathione reductase (GSHRd), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were performed. Histopathologic examination was performed in all groups. The CG and the other groups were compared. Results: The CG and R-100 groups were similar in all biochemical examinations. A statistically significant difference was detected between the control group and the CIS and R-50 groups in all examinations. Histopathological examinations revealed oxidative damage of cisplatin in the CIS group and R-50 group. The findings in the R-100 group were similar to the control group. Conclusion: Cisplatin causes oxidative damage to skeletal muscle tissue. Rutin has the potential to prevent the formation of such oxidative damage.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2024The role of blood nitric oxide level in predicting return of spontaneous circulation: a prospective case-control study
Bayramoğlu, Atıf; Tekin, Erdal; Kurt, Engin; Kaşali, Kamber; Kurt, Nezahat
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a difference in serum nitric oxide levels between patients who return spontaneously after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and those who do not. We also examined the potential of using serum nitric oxide levels as a marker to make an accurate decision about patient survival. METHODS: We included 100 consecutive patients who were brought to the emergency clinic due to cardiac arrest. Blood samples were taken from these patients at admission, 30 min after admission, and when resuscitation was terminated. RESULTS: We found that there was a significant difference in NO1 and NO3 values between the group of patients who did not return after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the group in which spontaneous circulation returned. The NO1 value was significant in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, while the NO3 value was not. A higher NO1 value provided a higher rate of survival. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that nitric oxide may be a useful parameter to support the decision about patient survival. A higher NO1 value is associated with a better prognosis and survival rate. Therefore, serum nitric oxide levels may be a suitable indicator to support the decision-making process regarding patient survival.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2024C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide levels in COVID-19 patients: A prospective case-control study
Gul, Mehmet Ali; Kurt, Nezahat; Ozgeris, Fatma Betul; Yuce, Neslihan; Kocak, Omer Faruk; Parlak, Emine
Background. Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a viral infection mediated by coronavirus-2 that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). The disease may affect biochemical parameters and electrolytes. C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide (CTX-I) is released during mature bone resorption and is a biomarker for predicting bone resorption. Objectives. As the pandemic progressed, understanding the effects of COVID-19 disease remained critical. Inflammatory responses triggered by the virus can result in a bone metabolism regulation imbalance. As such, this study aimed to analyze serum levels of CTX-I, calcium (CA), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), C-reactive protein (CRP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in COVID-19 patients to investigate the relationship between bone resorption and the disease. Materials and methods. The study included 56 individuals with COVID-19 (divided into mild, moderate and severe subgroups depending on disease severity) and 25 healthy adults as a control group. Serum CTX-I concentrations were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, CRP, Ca, Mg, P, and ALP levels were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer. Results. Serum CTX-I levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a positive weak relationship was detected between CRP and CTX-I (r = 0.303, p < 0.05). Conclusions. Increased serum CTX-I levels in the patient group caused COVID-19-driven bone degradation, though serum CTX-I levels did not differ according to disease severity.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2024Quantification of Heavy Metals in the Nasal Turbines of Smokers and Nonsmokers
Öner, Fatih; Mazlumoğlu, Muhammet Recai; Kurt, Osman; Kurt, Nezahat; Ücüncü, Harun
Objectives: Cigarette smoke is known to contain toxic heavy metals. In this study, heavy metal levels in the nasal turbinate tissues of smokers and nonsmokers were measured and compared with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Methods: Forty patients who come to the Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic due to nasal obstruction and are given an appointment for partial turbinate reduction operation due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy, according to their smoking status, were divided into two groups: those who had smoked one pack/day for at least 10 years and those who had never smoked. The levels of heavy metals (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Se, and Ag) were compared by ICP-MS in nasal turbinate tissues. Results: Al (p = 0.002), Cr (p < 0.001), Co (p < 0.001), Ni (p = 0.001), Cu (p < 0.001), As (p < 0.001), Se (p < 0.001), Ag (p < 0.001), Cd (p = 0.001), Ba (p = 0.008), Hg (p < 0.001), and Pb (p < 0.001) values in the smoker group were found to be significantly higher than the values of nonsmokers. Although the Mn level was high in smokers, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.299). Conclusions: Smoking can cause nasal and sinus problems. In this study, we observed that the smoking group had significantly higher levels of almost all the heavy metals investigated in the nasal turbinate tissues. As smoking damages, the mucociliary system and the mucosa, heavy metals from cigarettes may accumulate further and cause harm to the nasal tissues. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3562–3567, 2024.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleYalnız künye2024Serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and apelin levels in children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Yildirim Demirdöğen, Esen; Akinci, Mehmet Akif; Bozkurt, Abdullah; Esmeray, Özgür; Özgeriş, Fatma Betül; Kurt, Nezahat; Yüce, Neslihan
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which underlying etiological factors remains unclear. The important environmental factors associated with ASD, include neuroinflammation, hypoxia, and oxidative stress. HIF-1α and apelin are biochemical markers that play important roles in neuroinflammation, hypoxia and oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to determine whether serum HIF-1α and apelin levels differ between children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and healthy controls. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 children and adolescents with ASD and 30 healthy controls. HIF-1α and apelin serum levels were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Autism symptom severity was evaluated using Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). HIF-1α and apelin serum levels were compared between groups. Additionally, correlations between HIF-1α and apelin serum levels and sociodemographic-clinical variables (age, BMI, CARS total score, ASD severity, psychiatric medication use, psychiatric comorbidity, NLR, SII) were evaluated in the ASD group. Results: Serum HIF-1α and apelin levels were statistically significantly higher in the ASD group (p = 0.044, p = 0.041 respectively). Serum apelin levels were negatively correlated with age (r = −0.430, p = 0.018). Serum HIF-1α levels were positively correlated with NLR (r = 0.627 p < 0.001) and SII (r = 0.609 p < 0.001). There was positive correlation between serum apelin levels and NLR (r = 0.525 p = 0.003) and SII (r = 559 p = 0.002). Conclusion: These results suggest that, HIF-1α and apelin may play a potential role in the etiopathogenesis of ASD. Further studies on the subject are needed to reveal the causality between HIF-1α, apelin and ASD.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2024Molecular mechanisms of resveratrol and its silver nanoparticle conjugate in addressing sepsis-induced lung injury
Üstündağ, Hilal; Kara, Adem; Doğanay, Songül; Kurt, Nezahat; Erbaş, Elif; Kalindemirtaş, Ferdane Danişman; Kariper, İshak Afşin
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection. Despite extensive research on its pathophysiology, effective therapeutic approaches remain a challenge. This study investigated the potential of resveratrol (RV) and silver nanoparticle–enhanced resveratrol (AgNP-RV) as treatments for sepsis-induced lung injury using a rat model of polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The study focused on evaluating changes in oxidative status (TAS, TOS, and OSI) and the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic markers (IL-1β, TNF-α, P2X7R, TLR4, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2) in lung tissue. Both RV and AgNP-RV demonstrated potential in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, with AgNP-RV exhibiting greater efficacy than RV alone (p < 0.05). These findings were corroborated by histopathological analyses, which revealed reduced tissue damage in the RV- and AgNP-RV-treated groups. Our study highlights the therapeutic potential of RV and, particularly, AgNP-RV in combating sepsis-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. It also underscores the promise of nanoparticle technology in enhancing therapeutic outcomes. However, further investigations are warranted to fully understand the mechanisms of action, especially concerning the role of the P2X7 receptor in the observed effects. Nonetheless, our research suggests that RV and AgNP-RV hold promise as novel strategies for sepsis management.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2024Comparison of Heavy Metal and Trace Element Levels in Inferior Nasal Concha of People Living in Rural and Urban Regions
Öner, Fatih; Kurt, Nezahat; Üçüncü, Harun
Objective: Heavy metal exposure has recently become a problem due to the increasing environmental pollution as urbanization expands. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted to compare levels of heavy metals in the nasal concha of the patients living in urban and rural who underwent partial inferior concha resection. Methods: Sixty-seven patients were divided into two groups: 38 rural patients and 29 urban patients. Partial inferior turbinate resection was performed in these patients with turbinate hypertrophy, and these tissues were examined for heavy metal levels. Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) levels were measured in inferior nasal concha by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Results: The levels of Cu (0.24±0.048 vs. 0.06±0.019 µg/g) and Zn (3.29±0.69 vs. 0.44±0.14 μg/g) of the rural patients were significantly higher compared to urban patients (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the Cd level between groups. Pb (0.024±0.009 vs. 0.008±0.0002 µg/g) and Mn (0.273±0.01 vs. 0.174±0.05 µg/g) levels of urban patients were significantly higher than rural patients (p<0.001). Significance was considered at p<0.05. Conclusion: Heavy metals accumulate in the nasal concha at different rates in rural and urban areas. In pathologies with unclear pathophysiology and potential for heavy metal accumulation, such as air pollution, it may be helpful to indicate the presence of heavy metals in the nasal turbinate’s and measure their amounts for diagnostic purposes.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleAçık Erişim2023Serum Amino Acid Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry
Keles, Mevlut Sait; Dursun, Onur Burak; Turan, Bahadır; Kurt, Nezahat; Ozgerıs, Fatma Betül; Gül, Mehmet Ali; Türkeri, Özge Nur; Umudum, Fatma Zuhal
Objective: Autism spectrum disorder is defined by repetitive and restricted behaviors and lack of social interactions and commu- nication. It is described as a neurodevelopmental disorder that appears early in life. Autism spectrum disorder was later noted as multifactorial disorder caused by environment, genetic, and other related factors. Amino acids are the precursors of neu- rotransmitters, and they are involved in the pathogenesis of sev- eral diseases and have many functions and effects in the body. They are indicators of protein metabolism and nutritional status. Because of its important properties and its potential relation- ship with autism, this study aimed to investigate serum amino acid levels in 20 healthy children and 25 children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: Serum amino acid levels were analyzed by liquid chro- matography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Results: Autism spectrum disorder group had a lower serum concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid, aspartic acid, and beta-aminoisobutyric acid levels compared to the control group, while glutamic acid, tryptophan, alanine, glycine, proline, ornithine, histidine, and serotonin levels had statistically higher concentrations (P < .05). And also, serum levels of asparagine, arginine, methionine, serine, valine, tyrosine, threonine, lysine leucine, beta alanine, anserine, hydroxyproline, argininosucci- nate, isoleucine, sarcosine, citrulline, histamine, phenylalanine, and glutamine were not found to be statistically lower or higher (P > .05). Conclusion: The study indicated that when compared to the control group, children with autism spectrum disorder had sta- tistically significantly decreased and increased variation in some serum levels of amino acid.
RDL Kalıcı Kaydıİncele - ArticleYalnız künye2023Evaluation of the results of hematological parameters of patients with gastric cancer
Çapraz, Mustafa; Kurt, Nezahat; Gül, Mehmet Ali; Tozcu, Duygu
Objective: Gastric cancer is a major health concern which fourth leading cause of cancer death and fifth most common cancer. It has difficulties such as having a poor prognosis and diagnoses at an advanced stage. There are studies to find prognostic indicators that are easily and less invasively obtained in gastric cancer and hematological tests are one of them. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between hematological test and gastric cancer. Material and Methods: 48 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer and 45 healthy adults in the control group were examined prospectively. All participants' demographic data and laboratory results were obtained from the hospital database and recorded. Results: In the gastric cancer group compared to the healthy control group, while red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet distribution width (PDW), lymphocyte (LYM), eosinophil (EO) values were statistically lower, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), red cell distribution width-standard deviation, red cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV), nucleated red blood cells (NRBC), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte lymphocyte ratio (MLR) values were observed statistically higher (p<0.05). RBC, HGB, HCT, LYM, RDW-SD, RDW-CV, NLR, PLR, and MLR exhibited considerably higher area under the curve (AUC) values in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of these parameters (p<0.001). Conclusion: RBC, HGB, HCT, LYM, RDW-SD, RDW-CV, NLR, PLR, and MLR levels can be used as a supportive test to eliminate endoscopic delays in gastric cancer diagnosis.
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