Oxidative Stress in Helicobacter pylori Infection: Does Supplementation with Vitamins C and E Increase the Eradication Rate?

Aim: This study aims to assess the antioxidant property of vitamins E and C in Helicobacter pylori infection, and to determine if adding them to standard triple therapy plus bismuth subcitrate increases the H. pylori eradication rate. Methods: This study included 160 patients infected with H. pylori, who were randomized into one of two groups. Patients in group A (n = 80) received lansoprazole (30 mg, b.i.d.), amoxicillin (1000 mg, b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg, b.i.d.), and bismuth subcitrate (300 mg, q.i.d.) for 14 days, while patients in group B (n = 80) received vitamin C (500 mg, b.i.d.) and vitamin E (200 IU, b.i.d.) for 30 days, in addition to lansoprazole (30 mg, b.i.d.), amoxicillin (1000 mg, b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg, b.i.d.), and bismuth subcitrate (300 mg, q.i.d.) for 14 days. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was evaluated with a Randox kit. Success rate was calculated using both intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses. Results: One hundred and sixty patients were analyzed using ITT analysis. One hundred and fifty‐three patients completed the study. In group A, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 48 (60%) of the 80 patients included in the ITT analysis, and in 48 (64%) of the 75 patients included in the PP analysis. In group B, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 73 (91.25%) of the 80 included in the ITT analysis and in 73 (93.5%) of the 78 patients included in the PP analysis. The eradication rate was significantly higher in group B than in group A (p < .005). TAC was at the lower limit of normal in both groups and the difference between them was not statistically significant (p > .05). Conclusion: In group B, H. pylori eradication rate was 91.25%, which is higher than the ideal 80% eradication rate. The results of the present study show that adding the prescribed doses of vitamins E and C to antimicrobial therapy is effective in eradicating H. pylori infection.     

In vitro ectomycorrhizal specificity between the Asian red pine Pinus densiflora and Tricholoma matsutake and allied species from worldwide Pinaceae and Fagaceae forests

Tricholoma matsutake produces commercially valuable, yet uncultivable, mushrooms (matsutake) in association with pines in the Far East and Scandinavia and with both pines and oaks in the foothills of Tibet. Other matsutake mushrooms, such as Tricholoma anatolicum from the Mediterranean regions and Tricholoma magnivelare and Tricholoma sp. from the North Pacific Coast area of Canada and North America as well as Mexico, respectively, are associated with pines or oaks in their natural habitats. Tricholoma bakamatsutake and Tricholoma fulvocastaneum from Asia produce moderately valuable matsutake mushrooms and are solely associated with Fagaceae in nature. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that matsutake mushrooms from Scandinavia, Mediterranean regions, North America, and Tibet form ectomycorrhizae with Pinus densiflora similar to the Far East T. matsutake. In general, worldwide T. matsutake and the symbionts of Pinaceae colonize the rhizospheres of P. densiflora as well as T. matsutake isolated from the host plant. However, T. fulvocastaneum and T. bakamatsutake formed a discontinuous Hartig net and no Hartig net, respectively, and colonized to a lesser extent as compared to T. matsutake. The data suggest that conifer-associated matsutake mushrooms in their native habitat will associate symbiotically with the Asian red pine.     

Effects of 3-aminobenzamide on unilateral testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury: what is the role of PARP inhibition?

The therapeutic effects of poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibition by 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) were investigated in testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, using sperm analysis and histopathological and biochemical examinations, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Male rats were divided into 3 groups: sham (n = 12), I/R (n = 12), and I/R with 3-AB (I/R-3-AB) (n = 12). The left testicular artery was occluded for 1 h, followed by 24 h (for biochemical and histopathological examinations) and 30 days (for sperm analysis) of reperfusion. 3-AB treatment intraperitoneally 10 min prior to and 1 h after reperfusion increased the I/R-induced decrease in sperm motility in both testes and reduced the increased abnormal sperm rates in the ipsilateral testis. However, 3-AB treatment failed to prevent the I/R-induced decrease in sperm concentration in both testes. SOD and CAT activities did not change in any group. GSH-Px activity and GSH levels were increased by I/R. 3-AB treatment reversed the I/R-induced increase in GSH-Px activity, similar to the level in sham rats, but did not alter GSH levels. 3-AB treatment significantly increased the I/R-induced decrease in histopathologic score. In conclusion, 3-AB treatment has potential biochemical and histopathological benefits beyond improving sperm quality and may have the potential to decrease damage from testicular torsion.     

Comparison of the Efficacy of the Two Tetracycline‐Containing Sequential Therapy Regimens for the Eradication of Helicobacter Pylori: 5 days Versus 14 days Amoxicillin

Aim: To compare the efficacy of 14‐day and 5‐day amoxicillin treatment on the eradication rate during tetracycline containing sequential H. pylori therapy, and also to compare the eradication rate of this regimen with those used in similar studies performed in Turkey. Method: This study included 112 patients infected with H. pylori that were randomized into 2 groups. In group A, patients (n = 56) received pantoprazole (40 mg BID) and amoxicillin (1 g BID) for 5 days, followed by pantoprazole (40 mg BID), tetracycline (500 mg QID), and metronidazole (500 mg TID) for the remaining 9 days. In group B, patients (n = 56) received pantoprazole (40 mg BID) and amoxicillin (1 g BID) for 5 days, followed by pantoprazole (40 mg BID), tetracycline (500 mg QID), metronidazole (500 mg TID), and amoxicillin (1 g BID) for the remaining 9 days. Eradication rates were calculated using both intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses. Results: In all, 112 patients were subjected to ITT analysis and 109 patients completed the study. In group A, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 46 (82.1%) of the 56 patients included in the ITT analysis and in 46 (83.6%) of the 55 patients included in the PP analysis. In group B, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 44 (78.57%) of the 56 patients included in the ITT analysis and in 44 (81.48%) of the 54 patients included in the PP analysis ( Table 2 ). The eradication rates were not statistically significant between the 2 groups (p > .005).

Table 2. Eradication rates in the two study groups

Microfluidic immobilization of physiologically active Caenorhabditis elegans

We present a protocol for building and operating a microfluidic device for mechanical immobilization of Caenorhabditis elegans in its physiologically active state. The system can be used for in vivo imaging of dynamic cellular processes such as cell division and migration, degeneration, aging and regeneration, as well as for laser microsurgery, Ca2+ imaging and three-dimensional microscopy. The device linearly orients C. elegans, and then completely restrains its motion by pressing a flexible membrane against the animal. This technique does not involve any potentially harmful anesthetics, gases or cooling procedures. The system can be installed on any microscope and operated using only one syringe and one external valve, making it accessible to most laboratories. The device fabrication begins by patterning photoresist structures on silicon wafers, which are then used to mold features in elastomeric layers that are thermally bonded to form the device. The system can be assembled within 3 d.     

Influence of long-term stability conditions on microbicidal nucleoside prodrug (WHI-07)-loaded gel-microemulsion

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term stability of the antiretroviral spermicide WHI-07 (5-bromo-6-methoxy-5,6-dihydro-3′-azidothymidine-5′-(p-bromophenyl)-methoxyalaninyl phosphate) in a polymer-based microemulsion. The recovery and stability of WHI-07 in gelmicroemulsion was examined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The stability was examined over a period of 24 weeks at 3 controlled temperatures (4°C, 25°C, and 40°C). The recovery of the prodrug from 0.5% to 2.0% WHI-07-loaded gel-microemulsion was 99.8%. HPLC analysis revealed that a 2% WHI-07-loaded gel-microemulsion stored at room temperature and cold temperatures for 24 weeks retained >90% of the prodrug, whereas those stored at 40°C maintained 90% of initial WHI-07 for at least 10 weeks. The observed stability of WHI-07 in gel-microemulsion is of great importance for its widespread utility in various climatological conditions. Published: September 1, 2006     

Phenotypic variation among local populations of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in southern Turkey.

The wing-shape morphology of local populations of the medically important phlebotomine sand flies, Phlebotomus sergenti, P. papatasi, P. tobbi, and P. similis, were examined in both sexes by using geometric morphometrics. There are three major mountain ranges that may serve as geographical barriers for species distribution in the study area and four main gaps were recognized among these barriers. We found no statistically important differences in wing morphology in all examined species in both sexes for all local populations. These results show that the barriers are not sufficient to stop gene flow among local populations of sand flies. The graphical depiction of PCA, CVA, and F-test confirmed our morphometric study suggesting that the difference in wing morphology between P. similis and P. sergenti indicates that these are clearly different species. These two show sympatric distribution in the Konya Plain of Anatolia.     

Differential expression of proliferative, cytoskeletal, and adhesive proteins during postnatal development of the hamster submandibular gland

 Although the submandibular gland (SMG) plays important exocrine and endocrine roles, little is known about the molecular details underlying its development. Previously, we reported that in the postnatally developing hamster SMG, GPT, the protein product of the first N-glycosylation gene, ALG7, was an in vivo marker for salivary cell proliferation. Here we investigated the proliferative, cytoskeletal, and adhesive changes during SMG postnatal development. The cellular localization and abundance of GPT, filamentous actin, and β1 integrin receptor were examined using confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. In neonatal glands, high GPT levels marked extensive cell proliferation throughout the tissue. The apical regions of immature salivary cells displayed intense actin staining, while most of the β1 integrin was diffusely distributed throughout the tissue. As development proceeded, discrete regions of the gland expressed attenuated levels of GPT, an increased organization of actin to the cell cortex, and β1 integrin to the basal lamina. In the adult SMG, differentiated salivary cells displayed low levels of GPT and actin. While the abundance of β1 integrin remained unchanged throughout development, in the adult, it was found exclusively in regions where cells contact the basal lamina. These data indicate that SMG development entails regionalized cell proliferation and polarization, and that these processes are temporally and spatially coordinated with the establishment of stable cell-substratum interactions. Accepted: 26 October 1998     

Antimicrobial and biological effects of N-diphenylphosphoryl-P-triphenylmonophosphazene-II and di(o-tolyl) phosphoryl-P-tri(o-tolyl)monophosphazene-III on bacterial and yeast cells

The purpose of the study was to synthesize and evaluate the antimicrobial effects of two monophosphazenes, N-diphenylphosphoryl-P-triphenylmonophosphazene-II and N-di(o-tolyl)phosphoryl-P-tri(o-tolyl)monophosphazene-III on bacterial and yeast strains. The biological effects of these molecules were compared with a potential antioxidant vitamin E. According to results, the triphenyl monophosphazene-II has antimicrobial effect on all the bacterial and yeast cells, but tri(o-tolyl)monophosphazene-III has only antimicrobial effect on some bacterial cells. When the concentration of triphenyl monophosphazene-II was raised, it was observed that inhibition zone increased on the bacterial growth media. The biological effects of these molecules were compared to vitamin E in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture media. In 200 microg administered culture media, the cell density decreased in vitamin E, triphenyl monophosphazene-II and tri(o-tolyl)monophosphazene-III groups at the end of 24 and 48 h incubation times (p<0.001,p<0.05). While the cell densities in vitamin E and tri(o-tolyl)monophosphazene-II groups decreased partly at the end of 72 h incubation time (p<0.05), its level in triphenyl monophosphazene-II group increased (p<0.01) at the same incubation time. In 1,000 microg administered culture media, cell density was not found to differ between vitamin E and control groups at the end of 24h incubation time, but it was found that the cell densities in triphenyl monophosphazene and tri(o-tolyl)monophosphazene-III groups decreased at the same incubation time (p<0.001). The cell densities in tri(o-tolyl)monophosphazene-III group and triphenyl monophosphazene-II decreased at the end of 48 h incubation time (respectively, p<0.05,p<0.001). In 200 microg administered cell pellets, while the lipid level was not found to differ between control and vitamin E, the lipid level decreased in triphenyl monophosphazene-II and tri(o-tolyl)monophospazene-III groups (respectively, p<0.001,p<0.01). In 1,000 microg administered cell pellets, it was found that the lipid level decreased in vitamin E, triphenyl monophosphazene-II and tri(o-tolyl)monophosphazene-III groups (p<0.001,p<0.01).     

Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of radioimmunoconjugates of anti-CD19 antibody and single-chain Fv for treatment of human B-cell Malignancy

The comparative advantages and disadvantages of intact antibodies and single-chain Fv as immunotoxins and radioimmunoconjugates have been widely discussed but not directly compared. In this study, the in vivo properties of anti-CD19 B43 monoclonal antibody and its derived single-chain Fv (FVS191) were studied in athymic nude mice bearing CD19-positive human lymphomas. B43 mab and FVS191 were labeled with iodine-125 using iodine-beads, and immunoreactivities were determined to be 57% and 72%, respectively. Scatchard analysis showed a similar high affinity for both. The results of pharmacokinetic studies revealed that FVS191 had a rapid biphasic clearance from the circulation (T1/2α = 2.5 min, T1/2β = 3.7 h); The T1/2α and T1/2β phases of B43 mab were determined to be 0.72 h and 57 h respectively. Biodistribution studies compared the uptake of labeled antibodies by CD19-positive and by CD19-negative tumors. The peak percentages of injected dose were 5.7% at 12 h for B43 and 2.45% at 1 h for FVS191. Radiolocalization indices (RI) demonstrated tumor-specific uptake for both, but higher uptake for B43. The optimal RI was seen at 15 min for FVS191 and 6 h for B43. FVS191 was unstable in vivo, approximately 50% of the injected dose being degraded in blood in 100 min. Radioactivity detected in the urine was present mainly as the deiodinized form of FVS191. The results suggest that B43 mab is favored over FVS191 in biodistribution properties and in vivo stability. Because B43 Mab showed early tumor-specific uptake, high RI values, and favorable tissue-to-blood ratios, it is a potential candidate for radioimmunotherapy and immunotoxin therapy of B-cell leukemia and lymphoma. Received: 17 June 1997 / Accepted: 17 June 1998