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Biomedical subjects

Cem Evereklioglu

Publications and source records attributed to Cem Evereklioglu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Figure-of-eight vertical mattress suture technique for anterior flap suspension to overlying tissues in external dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: To describe figure-of-eight vertical mattress suture technique in external dacryocystorhinostomy for a combined one-step closure of anterior mucosal flaps and overlying wound tissues and to evaluate its effectiveness on surgical outcome. DESIGN: A prospective, single surgeon, uncontrolled, interventional case series. METHODS: A total of 112 consecutive lacrimal drainage systems of 106 patients (84 women, 22 men; 100 unilateral, six bilateral) from June 2002 to January 2006 with acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction without canalicular disease underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy with this modified technique. Relief of epiphora and anatomic patency were defined as success. Operative time and success rate were evaluated and advantages were stressed and compared with our previous reports. RESULTS: Mean age was 40.1 years (range, 6 to 75). The etiology was idiopathic in 109 patients and traumatic in three cases. Of 112 lacrimal drainage systems, epiphora was the presenting symptom in 88, combined epiphora and recurrent dacryocystitis in 15, and combined epiphora and mucocele in nine cases. Seven lacrimal drainage systems were revision cases. Mean follow-up was 26.3 months (range, 6 to 48). Success rate was 99.1% (111/112) and mean operative time was 38.2 minutes (range, 28 to 69). CONCLUSIONS: Such a modified suture technique reveals a rapid and simultaneous one-step closure of two different layers that speeds up surgical procedure; simplifies closure process as the knots are tied completely outside the wound, avoiding the disadvantages of suture tying in a small and deep area; eliminates the dead space between anterior flaps and overlying wound tissues; keeps anterior mucosal flap complex away from posterior flaps that prevents collapse back onto the anastomosis and decreases the possibility of mucosal adhesions and, therefore, fibrotic band formation with underlying tissues that may also be useful in cases with small sacs or osseous openings and in revision cases where scarring is a large concern.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Ingestion of IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract to prevent selenite-induced oxidative stress in experimental cataract.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether dietary supplementation with IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) prevents selenite-induced cataract. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: Thirty Spraque-Dawley rat litters were put randomly into 3 groups. In group 1 (n = 10), sodium selenite (30 nmol/g body weight) was injected subcutaneously on postpartum day 10. In group 2 (n = 10), sodium selenite (30 nmol/g body weight) was injected on postpartum day 10 and oral GSPE (100 mg/kg body weight) was given for 1 week after sodium selenite injection. Only subcutaneous saline was injected in group 3 (control, n = 10). The development of cataract was assessed for 3 weeks, and its density was graded and photographed with a slitlamp. Removed rat lenses were analyzed for glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). RESULTS: All of the rats in group 1 had cataract between stage 6 and stage 3. In group 2, only 5 of 10 eyes had cataract between stage 3 and stage 2 and no cataract occurred in the remaining 5 rats. The difference between mean cataract stages in group 1 and group 2 was significant (P<.05). The mean GSH level in group 1 was significantly lower than in group 2 and controls (P<.05). The mean MDA level in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 and controls (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract effectively suppressed cataract formation in rats. Routine consumption of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract in the form of food or dietary supplement may offer a prophylactic measure against onset and progression of cataract.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2006

Shifting crystalline pseudohypopyon secondary to lens absorption with spontaneous openings in the anterior lens capsule.

This is the first reported case of a crystalline pseudohypopyon presenting as a layer of "snowdrift deposits" that settled inferiorly in the anterior chamber of the eye of a 55-year-old man and was associated with freely floating crystals in the aqueous humor, producing a "snowy Christmas Eve" appearance. The cause was spontaneous openings in the center of the anterior capsule with leaching of the crystalline substance into the anterior chamber. A dense membranous cataract was left after the lens material was partly absorbed. There was no history of trauma, surgery, or known systemic disease, and the patient presented with a unilateral, mobile, 4.0 mm white pseudohypopyon with no global pain, photophobia, or lacrimation. Although the eye was not injected on admission, repetitive head shaking resulted in dusky-red perilimbal hyperemia. A B-mode ultrasound revealed an advanced retinal detachment, and electroretinographic recordings were undetectable. Visual acuity decreased to hand motions in the affected eye, and the patient ultimately required anterior chamber paracentesis. Such sediments should be differentiated from other forms of true or pseudohypopyons because the course, treatment, and prognosis are different for each.

Absorption↗
PubMed2006

Clinical features of Behçet's disease in children.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic inflammatory vasculitis of young adults with unknown etiology. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features and outcome of BD in childhood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with BD within a pediatric age group were studied since 1997. RESULTS: Boys : girls ratio was 12:5. Familial cases were very frequent (45%). Oral aphthous ulcers were present in all patients (100%), genital aphthous ulcers were present in 16 (94%), ocular lesions in 4 (24%), erythema nodosum in 3 (18%), papulopustules in 8 (47%), joint symptoms in 13 (76%), mild gastrointestinal symptoms in 2 (12%), neurological involvement in 2 (12%), positive pathergy reactions in 13 (76%), and thrombophlebitis in 1 (6%). We used colchicine, systemic corticosteroids, cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfasalazine, and topical agents for the treatment of children with BD. CONCLUSION: The findings of BD in children are similar as in adults, but the frequency of familial cases is significantly higher.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2005

Serum levels of soluble P-selectin are increased and associated with disease activity in patients with Behçet's syndrome.

Behçet's syndrome (BS) is a relapsing, chronic, inflammatory disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction, atherothromboembogenesis, and leukocytoclastic vasculitis with complex immunologic molecular interactions. Generalized derangements of the lymphocyte and neutrophil populations, activated monocytes, and increased PMNLs motility with upregulated cell surface molecules such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin, which are found on the endothelial cells, leukocytes, and platelets, have all been demonstrated during the course of BS. Our aim is to investigate the association of serum concentrations of soluble P-selectin in patients with BS, and to evaluate whether disease activity has an effect on their blood levels. This multicenter study included 31 patients with BS (15 men and 16 women) and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy control volunteers (11 men and nine women). Neutrophil count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and acute-phase reactants as well as soluble P-selectin levels were determined. The mean age and sex distributions were similar (P > .05) between BS patients (35 years) and control volunteers (36 years). Serum levels of soluble P-selectin in patients with BS (399 +/- 72 ng/mL) were significantly (P < .001) higher when compared with control subjects (164 +/- 40 ng/mL). In addition, active BS patients (453 +/- 37 ng/mL) had significantly (P < .001) elevated levels of soluble P-selectin than those in inactive period (341 +/- 52 ng/mL). This study clearly demonstrated that serum soluble P-selectin levels are increased in BS patients when compared with control subjects, suggesting a modulator role for soluble P-selectin during the course of platelet activation and therefore, atherothrombogenesis formation in BS, especially in active disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Doxorubicin-induced cataract formation in rats and the inhibitory effects of hazelnut, a natural antioxidant: a histopathological study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether hazelnut prevents doxorubicin-induced experimental cataract in rats. MATERIAL/METHODS: Seventy-five 4-week-old male Wistar albino rats were randomized into 5 equal groups. Beginning from 6 weeks of age, the groups were treated with intraperitoneal injections of saline solution or doxorubicin (DR) for 4 weeks. Group 1 received saline solution (0.5 ml/200 g) weekly, groups 2 and 4 a cumulative dose of 6 mg/kg (1.5 mg/kg/week) of DR, and groups 3 and 5 received a cumulative dose of 12 mg/kg (3 mg/kg/week) DR. All the rats were fed ad libitum with a 24% protein rodent chow. Groups 4 and 5 were additionally fed 5 g/day hazelnut. At the end of the tenth week the rats were sacrificed and cataract development was investigated histopathologically. The groups were statistically compared. RESULTS: All control lenses (group 1) were macroscopically clear. Cataractous changes were noted in 7 eyes (47%) in group 2 and in 10 (67%) in group 3 (p=0.01). Groups 3 and 5 had cataractous changes in 4 (27%) and 5 (33%) eyes, respectively (p=0.001). The cataract development ratio was different between groups 2 and 4 (p=0.013), while there was no such difference between groups 3 and 5 (p=0.053). Histopathological findings suggesting cataractogenesis were eosinophilic degeneration, cortical lens-fiber cell swelling, and the retention of nuclei in central fibers. CONCLUSIONS: Hazelnut prevented doxorubicin-induced cataract in low doses. Since it has no known harmful effect on healthy cells, it may be beneficial in humans.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Synovial nitric oxide concentrations are increased and correlated with serum levels in patients with active Behçet's disease: a pilot study.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a relapsing immunoinflammatory vasculitis of unknown etiology characterized by endothelial dysfunction. Articular symptoms and signs are present in about 75% of cases and characterized by seronegative arthritis and nonspecific synovitis. We demonstrated that both serum and erythrocyte nitric oxide (NO(.)) levels, the most abundant free radical in the body, were elevated in BD and associated with disease activity. This study further investigated NO(.) levels in the synovial fluid and serum from patients with active and inactive BD. A total of 23 BD patients with articular involvement (14 men and 9 women) satisfying International Study Group criteria and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (9 men and 6 women) undergoing elective arthroscopy were included in this case-control investigation. The synovial fluid and serum were obtained from BD patients and controls. Clinical and laboratory findings including neutrophil count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were used to classify BD patients as active (n = 11) or inactive (n = 12). Synovial as well as serum NO(.) levels were compared between the groups and correlation analysis was performed. Acute phase reactant levels were significantly higher (for each, p < 0.01) in BD patients than control subjects in the active period. The mean synovial NO(.) level in active Behçet's patients (mean +/- SD 76.61 +/- 11.95 micromol/l) was significantly higher than in inactive patients (46.16 +/- 8.89 micromol/l, p < 0.001) and healthy control subjects (39.60 +/-8.03 micromol/l, p < 0.001). The difference between inactive patients and controls was not significant (p > 0.05). Active BD patients had significantly higher serum NO(.) levels (38.84 +/- 9.15 micromol/l) than inactive patients (30.91 +/- 5.88 micromol/l, p = 0.018) and control subjects (28.86 +/- 5.91 micromol/l, p = 0.002). In addition, synovial NO(.) levels were positively correlated with serum levels (r(2) = 0.621, p < 0.001). Increased synovial NO(.) levels in active BD patients probably reflect a nonspecific inflammatory process of the synovium and, therefore, arthralgia and arthritis as a common finding of BD.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The efficacy of intravitreal piperacillin/tazobactam in rabbits with experimental Staphylococcus epidermidis endophthalmitis: a comparison with vancomycin.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the efficacy of intravitreal piperacillin/tazobactam in rabbit eyes with experimental S. epidermidis endophthalmitis and to compare the outcomes with intravitreal vancomycin application. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four New Zealand white albino rabbits were divided into three equal groups (n=8 in each), and the right eyes received 0.1-ml intravitreal injections of S. epidermidis suspension. The left eyes served as uninfected controls and were injected with 0.1 ml of saline solution. The right eyes of rabbits in group 1 were treated with intravitreal injection of 250 microg/0.1 ml piperacillin/tazobactam 24 h after intravitreal inoculation of S. epidermidis whereas group 2 eyes received intravitreal 1 mg/0.1 ml vancomycin. Group 3 eyes received no treatment and served as infected controls. Clinical examination of the eyes in each group was performed on the 1st, 3rd and 6th day after the inoculation of S. epidermidis. On the 6th day, 0.1-ml vitreous aspirates were obtained for microbiological analysis, and then the eyes were enucleated for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in mean clinical scores between the groups on the first day after S. epidermidis inoculation (p>0.05). On the 6th day, the mean clinical score of group 3 was significantly higher (p<0.001), but the mean clinical scores of groups 1 and 2 were similar (p=0.812). The mean logarithmic value of colony-forming units per milliliter of groups 1, 2 and 3 were 0.6+/-1.3, 0.5+/-1.5 and 5.3+/-0.7, respectively. Mean histopathological scores of the groups were 8.3+/-0.9, 7.5+/-1.3 and 15.6+/-1.2, respectively. Group 3 eyes had significantly more colony-forming units per milliliter and a higher histopathological score (for each, p<0.001), and there were no statistically significant differences in microbiological and histopathological scores between groups 1 and 2 (for each, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal application of 250 microg/0.1 ml piperacillin/tazobactam seems to be approximately equally effective with intravitreal 1 mg/0.1 vancomycin application in the treatment of experimental S. epidermidis endophthalmitis. Therefore, intravitreal piperacillin/tazobactam may be an alternative therapeutic option in the treatment of S. epidermidis endophthalmitis.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Adenosine deaminase enzyme levels, their relation with disease activity, and the effect of colchicine on adenosine deaminase levels in patients with Behçet's disease.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis. Although its clinical characteristics are well defined, the etiology and immune pathogenesis are not clear yet. Neutrophilic vasculitis, which is a consequence of immunological events, is suggested as the underlying pathophysiological mechanism. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a non-specific marker of T-lymphocyte activation. A total of 75 patients with BD (45 women and 30 men) and 25 age-matched and gender-matched healthy control volunteers (13 women and 12 men) were included in this study. BD patients were divided into three groups according to their clinical findings: inactive BD patients (group 1, n=25); active BD patients under colchicine treatment (group 2, n=25); and active BD patients without colchicine treatment (group 3, n=25). Plasma ADA (p-ADA) levels of all BD patients and the control group were measured and compared. The relationship between p-ADA levels and disease activity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels was evaluated and correlated. Patients with BD had significantly higher p-ADA levels (20.6+/-6.3 U/l) than control subjects (12.8+/-1.8 U/l; P<0.001). The p-ADA levels of patients with active BD were significantly (for each, P<0.05) higher than those of inactive BD patients or controls. On the other hand, the difference was not significant (P>0.05) between active patients with or without colchicine use. In addition, there were significantly positive correlations between p-ADA, ESR and CRP levels in patients with BD (for each, P<0.05). However, disease duration or haemoglobin levels were not relevant. ADA level may be a valuable and supportive indicator of disease activity and is not affected by colchicine therapy in BD.

Adenosine Deaminase↗
PubMed2005

A comparison of intravitreal piperacillin/tazobactam with ceftazidime in experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis.

In the present study, we aimed at comparing the efficacies of intravitreal piperacillin/tazobactam and ceftazidime applications in the treatment of experimental Pseudomonasaeruginosa endophthalmitis in rabbit eyes. Twenty-four New Zealand white albino rabbits were divided into three groups (n=8 in each), and the right eyes received 0.1 ml intravitreal injections of P. aeruginosa suspension. The left eyes served as uninfected control and were injected with 0.1 ml of saline solution. The right eyes of rabbits in group 1 were treated with intravitreal injection of 250 microg/0.1 ml piperacillin/tazobactam 24 hr after intravitreal inoculation of P. aeruginosa, whereas group 2 eyes received intravitreal 1 mg/0.1 ml ceftazidime. Group 3 eyes received no treatment and served as infected controls. Clinical, microbiological and histopathological evaluations of the eyes in each group were performed on the 1st, 3rd, and 6th day after the inoculation of P. aeruginosa. The mean clinical scores of each group were similar at the first day after P. aeruginosa inoculation (P>0.05). At the 6th day, there was no statistically significant difference in mean clinical scores between group 1 and 2, but mean clinical score of group 3 was significantly higher (P<0.001). Microbiological analysis and histopathological scoring demonstrated no statistically significant difference between group 1 and 2 (for each, P>0.05). Group 3 eyes had a significantly more CFU/ml and higher histopathological score (for each, P<0.001). In conclusion, intravitreal application of 250 microg/0.1 ml piperacillin/tazobactam seems to be effective in the treatment of P. aeruginosa endophthalmitis in rabbits, but is not superior to intravitreal ceftazidime application. Therefore, intravitreal piperacillin/tazobactam may be a useful alternative to ceftazidime for pseudomonal endophthalmitis.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

The efficacy of piperacillin/tazobactam in experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis: a histopathological and microbiological evaluation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of intravitreal piperacillin/tazobactam (250 microg/0.1 ml) in the treatment of experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty New Zealand White albino rabbits were used in this study. The rabbits were divided into two groups (10 rabbits in each), and the right eyes were treated with 0.1 ml intravitreal injections of P. aeruginosa suspension (ATCC 27853, 2 x 10(4) CFU); the left eyes served as uninfected control and were injected with 0.1 ml of saline solution. The right eyes of rabbits in group 1 (n = 10) received intravitreal injection of 250 microg piperacillin/tazobactam 24 h after intravitreal inoculation of P. aeruginosa. Group 2 eyes (n = 10) received no treatment and served as infected controls. Clinical examination of the eyes in each group was performed on the first, third, and sixth day after the inoculation of P. aeruginosa. After the last ophthalmic examination, 0.1 ml vitreous aspirates were obtained for microbiological analysis, and then the eyes were enucleated for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: The mean clinical scores of group 1 and group 2 at the first day after P. aeruginosa inoculation were similar (p > 0.05). At the sixth day, the mean clinical score of group 1 was significantly lower when compared with group 2 eyes (p < 0.001). Microbiological analysis revealed that group 2 had a significantly more cfu/ml than group 1 (p < 0.001), and the mean histopathological score of group 2 was significantly higher than group 2 (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal application of 250 microg/0.1 ml piperacillin/tazobactam seems to be effective in the treatment of P. aeruginosa endophthalmitis in rabbits. Intravitreal piperacillin/tazobactam combination may be a new therapy for P. aeruginosa endophthalmitis.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Pattern electroretinogram for monitoring the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone injection in diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone (IVT) by evaluation of pattern electroretinogram (PERG) in diabetic patients with clinically significant macular edema (CSME). METHODS: Forty eyes of 40 diabetic patients were treated with 8 mg of IVT injection as primary therapy for CSME. The main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity, fundus fluorescein angiography, P50 amplitudes of pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and intraocular pressures before and after injection. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 6.1 months. Mean visual acuity improved significantly from a mean LogMAR value of 1.14 +/- 0.16 at baseline to a maximum of 0.73 +/- 0.30. The mean baseline P50 amplitude of PERG before intravitreal injection was 1.5 +/- 0.9 microV. After the treatment, it was 2.1 +/- 1.1 microV at 1-month, 2.4 +/- 1.0 microV at 3-month and 2.1 +/- 0.9 microV at last visit and the differences were significant when compared with baseline values (for each, p < 0.001). Temporary increases in intraocular pressures were controlled with topical antiglaucomatous medications, if required. CONCLUSION: IVT injection provides rapid improvement in visual acuity of diabetic patients with CSME that has been supported by P50 amplitudes of PERG. P50 amplitudes of PERG may he used as novel predictive value in the evaluation of the effectiveness of IVT injection.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗
PubMed2004

Pattern VEP is a useful technique in monitoring the effectiveness of occlusion therapy in amblyopic eyes under occlusion therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and clinical significance of pattern visual evoked potential (P-VEP) parameters on visual acuity in amblyopic patients under occlusion therapy. METHODS: A total of 34 consecutive children with anisometropic amblyopia were included in this study. All patients underwent a full initial ophthalmologic and orthoptic evaluation. P-VEP test was performed in all cases and binocular vision was tested and recorded with Worth's four-dot test and Bagolini striated glasses at each visit. Part-time occlusion therapy was performed by using adhesive patches. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SEM) cycloplegic refractive error was + 5.6 +/- 0.6 diopters (D) in the amblyopic eyes and + 1.8 +/- 0.2 D in the normal eye. The mean levels of best-corrected visual acuity were statistically differed between each measurement for occlusion therapy (for each, p < 0.05). The ratio of the patients with binocular vision increased after 6 months occlusion therapy and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In addition, P100 amplitude improved at each visit and the difference was significant when compared with baseline values (for each, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: P100 amplitude of the P-VEP test parallels the improvement in subjective visual acuity in amblyopic eyes under occlusion therapy. Therefore, this test may be useful in monitoring the visual acuity in the preverbal or non-verbal patched patients.

Amblyopia↗
PubMed2004

Tumour necrosis factor alpha, lipid peroxidation and NO* are increased and associated with decreased free-radical scavenging enzymes in patients with Weill-Marchesani syndrome.

AIM: Weill-Marchesani syndrome (WMS) is a rare systemic disorder with both autosomal recessive and dominant inheritances. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species such as O2*-, H2O2 and OH* causes lipid peroxidation (LPO), whereas antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx)) mediate defence against oxidative stress. Excess tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and NO* react with O2*- and cause further antioxidant depletion with an increase in mutation frequency by H2O2. This study investigated the levels of SOD, GSHPx, catalase (CAT), TNF-alpha, NO and LPO in patients with WMS. METHODS: A group of 10 WMS patients (four males, six females; age, 26.5+/-19.0 years) and 10 age-matched and sex-matched controls (five males, five females; age, 27.3+/-18.2 years) were included. Serum TNF-alpha levels were determined by a spectrophotometer technique using immulite chemiluminescent immunometric assay. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined in plasma; CAT in red blood cells (RBCs), and SOD and GSHPx in both plasma and RBCs. Total serum NO* levels were evaluated by Griess reaction. RESULTS: Mean levels of TNF-alpha (8.3+/-0.6 pg/ml) in WMS patients were significantly (p<0.001) higher than controls (4.3+/-0.2 pg/ml). Plasma MDA levels in patients and controls were 5.4+/-0.8 and 1.8+/-0.6 micromol/l, respectively, and the difference was significant (p=0.0002). SOD and GSHPx activities were significantly lower in both RBCs and plasma of WMS than in controls (RBC-SOD, 3981.9+/-626.6 versus 5261.6+/-523.0 U/g haemoglobin (Hb), p=0.0005; plasma-SOD, 529.4+/-49.3 versus 713.4+/-55.7 U/g protein, p=0.0002; RBC-GSHPx, 682.7+/-42.0 versus 756.5+/-47.6 U/g Hb, p=0.0011; plasma-GSHPx, 107.3+/-15.0 versus 131.4+/-19.7 U/g protein, p=0.0113). In addition, serum NO (NO*-2 + NO*-3) levels were also significantly (p = 0.0002) increased in WMS patients (54.4+/-5.7 versus 26.9+/-6.7 micromol/l). RBC-CAT levels were similar between groups (125.6+/-21.3 versus 131.0+/-21.5 k/g Hb, p = 0.8798). CONCLUSIONS: The elevated LPO, TNF-alpha and NO* with decreased antioxidant enzyme activities indicated impaired antioxidative defence mechanisms with an oxidative injury and cell toxicity in WMS patients. The use of multiple antioxidants and free radical scavengers might be helpful in this genetic disorder.

Connective Tissue Diseases↗
PubMed2004

Excessive maternal caffeine exposure during pregnancy is cataractogenic for neonatal crystalline lenses in rats: a biomicroscopic and histopathologic study.

PURPOSE: To investigate histologically the influence of maternal caffeine exposure during pregnancy in vivo on crystalline lenses in neonatal rats. METHODS: Experimentally naive, female Wistar-albino rats (200-220 g) were mated with adult male rats over 2 days for copulation. After confirming pregnancy with a vaginal smear method, 50 gravid rats (dams) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10 in each), consisting of one control and four experimental groups. Groups 1, 2 and 3 experimental dams were treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) caffeine at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively, during pregnancy from gestational day 9 through to day 21. Group 4 dams were treated with caffeine in distilled water in a gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day. Group 5 control dams were given i.p. saline solution daily for the same period. After normal delivery, the eyes were examined by slit-lamp biomicroscopy. The neonates were then killed by decapitation at postnatal days 1 or 30 and the eyes removed for histopathologic investigation of the lenses. RESULTS: Group 1 and control eyes had normal anterior lens capsules with a single layer of anterior cuboidal epithelial cells, regularly oriented cortical and nuclear lens fibres, and a clear posterior lens capsule with no lining epithelial cells behind the equator. In the remaining groups, histopathologic findings suggesting cataractogenesis included eosinophilic degeneration, lens fibre cell swelling and liquefaction, central lens fibres with retained nuclei, and prominent epithelial cells lining the posterior lens capsule behind the equator. Moreover, some lenses in group 3 had immature cataract on slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination at postnatal day 30. CONCLUSION: Excessive maternal caffeine exposure during pregnancy had cataractogenic effects on developing crystalline lenses in newborn rat eyes, both macroscopically and histopathologically. If an appropriate dose of caffeine can be identified, caffeine-induced cataract formation may be used as a new experimental cataract model in animal studies.

Animals↗