Evaluation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms (FokI, TaqI and ApaI) in a family with dentinogenesis imperfecta

Dentinogenesis imperfecta Type II (DGI-II) is a condition inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and characterized by abnormal dentine structure affecting both the primary and secondary dentitions. The genetic etiology of the disease still remains unclear, suggesting a genetically heterogeneous background. The aim of this study is to manifest briefly DGI-II and to investigate the association between BsmI, TaqI and FokI polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and dentinogenesis imperfecta type II in a Turkish family by PCR-RFLP methodology. The affected mother and her two affected daughters were bb for BsmI polymorphism, whereas her unaffected son and her husband were Bb for the same polymorphism. One of the affected children was tt, the rest of the family were Tt for TaqI polymorphism, and all of the enrolled subjects were FF for FokI polymorphism. As a conclusion, BsmI polymorphism bb seems to be associated with (DGI-II), but should be examined in larger numbers in order to be considered as a risk factor.     

Xylanase and itaconic acid production by Aspergillus terreus NRRL 1960 within a biorefinery concept

Production of two industrially important products, xylanase and itaconic acid (IA), by Aspergillus terreus NRRL 1960 from agricultural residues was investigated within a biorefinery concept. Biological pretreatment was applied to lignocellulosic materials by using A. terreus, which produced xylanase while growing on agricultural residues. For IA production, already grown cells were transferred into a new medium. The first step provided not only the pretreatment of lignocellulosic material in order to be used as feedstock but also production of xylanase. For this purpose, cotton stalk, sunflower stalk and corn cob were used as carbon sources as lignocellulosic material. Among them, the highest xylanase production was obtained on corn cob. By application of two-step fermentation, about 70 IU/mL xylanase and 18 g/L IA production levels were achieved. This study shows the stepwise usage potential of the microorganism as a tool in a biorefinery concept.     

Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of spider mites (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) of Turkey

The family Tetranychidae includes many agriculturally important species known as spider mites. Their morphological identification is quite difficult due to the tiny size of their taxonomic characters and the requirement for high-level expertise. This may lead to pest misidentification and thus failure in pest management. DNA-based species identification seems to offer an alternative solution to overcome these issues. In the present study, two common molecular markers—Cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and Internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2)—were used to identify 10 spider mite species from Turkey. Furthermore, genetic distances for several of them were assessed. Panonychus ulmi and Bryobia kissophila had the lowest (1.1%) and highest (4.5%) intra-specific genetic distances, respectively. In addition, integrative taxonomy allowed to identify Eotetranychus quercicola in Turkey as a new record. The sequences herein obtained will allow rapid species identification using molecular techniques and will contribute to resolve the phylogenetic history of spider mites.

     

The relation between the effect of a subhypnotic dose of thiopental on claw pain threshold in rats and adrenalin,noradrenalin and dopamine levels

Thiopental sodium (TPS) needs to be applied together with adrenalin in order to establish its analgesic effect in general anesthesia. We aimed to investigate the effect of TPS on the claw pain threshold in rats and evaluated its relationship with endogenous adrenalin (ADR), noradrenalin (NDR), and dopamine (DOP) levels. Intact and adrenalectomized rats were used in the experiment. Intact animals were divided into the following groups: 15 mg/kg TPS (TS), 0.3 mg/kg ADR+15 mg/kg TPS (ATS) and 0.3 mg/kg ADR alone (ADR). Adrenalectomized animals were divided into the following groups: 15 mg/kg TPS (A-TS), 0.3 mg/kg ADR+15 mg/kg TPS (A-ATS) and 0.3 mg/kg ADR alone (A-ADR). Claw pain threshold and blood ADR, NDR, and DOP levels were measured. The TS group’s claw pain threshold was found low. However, the claw pain thresholds of the ATS and ADR groups increased significantly. In the A-TS group, the pain threshold decreased compared with normal, and in the A-ATS and A-ADR groups, the pain threshold increased. TPS reduced the blood ADR levels in intact rats; however, no significant changes were observed in the NDR and DOP levels. #TPS provides hyperalgesia by reducing the production of ADR in rats. The present study shows that to achieve analgesic activity, TPS needs to be applied together with ADR.     

A woman with thyrotoxicosis- and hyperemesis gravidarum-associated Wernicke's encephalopathy

Although hyperthyroidism arising from primary thyroid disease is rare in pregnancy, transient gestational hyperthyroidism is not uncommon. This condition can be associated with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), and Wernicke's encephalopathy. We present the case of a woman with toxic nodular goiter complicating HG-associated Wernicke's encephalopathy. A 38-year-old Caucasian woman, who had received a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and HG early in her pregnancy, had intrauterine fetal death at Week 16 of gestation. One day after undergoing therapeutic abortion, she was admitted to our clinic with persistent thyrotoxicosis, nausea, and vomiting. A toxic thyroid nodule was detected. She was given antithyroid medication, total parenteral nutrition. On Day 10 of hospitalization, she developed ataxia, aphasia, and somnolence. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed increased bilateral thalamic signalization. She was given a diagnosis of Wernicke's metabolic encephalopathy, for which she received thiamine and multivitamin preparations. She responded dramatically on the second day of thiamine therapy. Her consciousness improved rapidly and she began to speak. Her muscle tone was slightly weak and she had paresthesias in both legs. Absorption of thiamine may be particularly impaired in pregnant women with hyperemesis and hyperthyroid disease. Wernicke's encephalopathy should be considered in hyperthyroid women with HG who develop neurological abnormalities.     

Effects of melatonin in reducing the toxic effects of doxorubicin

Anthracycline antibiotics, such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin, constitute a group of wide spectrum therapeutic agents. Application of these drugs in chemotherapy is limited because of their toxic effects. Melatonin, the main secretory product of pineal gland, was recently found as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant.We decided to evaluate the tissue protective effect of melatonin against toxic effects of doxorubicin in six groups of rats. Rats were given doxorubicin (Dx) (45 mg/kg dose), melatonin (MEL) (10 mg/kg), first doxorubicin and then melatonin (DM), first melatonin and then doxorubicin (MD).The degree of kidney, lung, liver and brain cells' alterations were examined biochemically.In doxorubicin-treated group, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of kidney, lung, liver and brain tissues were significantly increased but glutathione (GSH) levels were decreased compared to control rats. In the group in which first doxorubicin and then melatonin were given, MDA levels were significantly decreased compared to the doxorubicin-treated group.In doxorubicin-treated group, serum levels of creatinine, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and Lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly increased while serum albumin and total protein levels were significantly decreased compared to control rats.Melatonin decreased the intensity of the changes produced by the administration of doxorubicin alone. Melatonin was quite efficient in reducing the formation of lipid peroxidation, restoring the tissue GSH contents and alterations of serum levels.     

New chromosome counts in the genus Centaurea (Asteraceae) from Turkey

Twenty‐two chromosome counts are reported in 16 species, four subspecies and two varieties of the genus Centaurea. These are mostly Turkish local endemics of section Cheirolepis, a complicated group from the Eastern clade of the Jacea group. Twenty‐one reports are new. Prevalence of the basic chromosome number x = 9 among the eastern sections of the Jacea group is confirmed. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 159 , 280–286.     

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Inhibition of human erythrocyte isozymes I and II with a series of antioxidant phenols

The inhibition of two human cytosolic carbonic anhydrase (hCA, EC 4.2.1.1) isozymes I and II, with a series of phenol derivatives was investigated by using the esterase assay, with 4-nitrophenyl acetate as substrate. 2,6-Dimethylphenol, 2,6-diisopropylphenol (propofol), 2,6-di-t-butylphenol, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, vanillin, guaiacol, di(2,6-dimethylphenol), di(2,6-diisopropylphenol), di(2,6-di-t-butylphenol), and acetazolamide showed K_I values in the range of 37.5–274.5 μM for hCA I and of 0.29–113.5 μM against hCA II, respectively. All these phenols were non-competitive inhibitors with 4-nitrophenylacetate as substrate. Some antioxidant phenol derivatives investigated here showed effective hCA II inhibitory effects, in the same range as the clinically used sulfonamide acetazolamide, and might be used as leads for generating enzyme inhibitors possibly targeting other CA isoforms which have not been yet assayed for their interactions with such agents.     

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.