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Biomedical subjects

Semsettin Sahin

Publications and source records attributed to Semsettin Sahin.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

The relationship between serum trace element changes and visual function in heavy smokers.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate serum manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels and visual functions including visual acuity, colour vision, pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEPs), and contrast sensitivity in heavy smokers and to compare these with the equivalent levels and functions in non-smokers. METHODS: Data were recorded in 24 healthy, chronic and heavy cigarette smokers and 16 healthy, non-smoking control subjects. Serum Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations in all subjects were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Both study and control subjects had normal visual acuity and colour vision. Pattern visual evoked potentials were normal in all study and control subjects. Contrast sensitivity was significantly reduced in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.023), despite the fact that central vision and PVEP responses were not affected. Mean serum Mn and Zn levels were significantly lower in smokers than in non-smokers (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced contrast sensitivity values associated with low levels of serum Mn and Zn, which function as cofactors of superoxide dismutase in erythrocyte and other nucleated cells, suggest a possible role of trace elements in smoking-induced early retinal toxicity.

Adult↗

The protective role of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on testicular tissue after testicular torsion and detorsion.

Testicular artery occlusion causes an enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species, which contributes to the pathophysiology of tissue damage. Here, we have investigated the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a new antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent, in rats subjected to testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D). Thirty-five male rats were divided into four groups: sham operation group ( n=8), torsion group ( n=9), T/D+saline group ( n=9) and T/D+CAPE group ( n=9). Rats, except the sham operation group, were subjected to left unilateral torsion (720 degrees rotation in the clockwise direction) without including the epididymis. After torsion (2 h) and detorsion (4 h) periods, rats were sacrificed and bilateral orchidectomy was performed. Testis tissues were washed with cold saline solution, cut into small pieces with scissors, placed into glass bottles and homogenised in four volumes of ice-cold Tris-HCl buffer. Clear supernatant fluid was used for biochemical analyses. Treating rats with CAPE (applied at 10 micro mol/kg, 30 min prior to T/D) attenuated the testicular injury, as well as the increase in the tissue levels of myeloperoxidase and thiobarbituric acid-reactant substances (TBARS) caused by T/D in the testis. Testis tissues showed a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity compared to the torsion group when CAPE was applied. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that CAPE treatment exerts a protective effect on testicular T/D, and part of this effect may be due to inhibiting the neutrophil-mediated cellular injury.

Animals↗

Maternal serum and amniotic fluid hydroxyproline levels in neural tube defects.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to evaluate the alterations of maternal serum and amniotic fluid OH- proline levels in neural tube defects (NTD). METHODS: 38 patients and 23 control subjects were selected from the patients followed up by the Departments of Genetics and Antenatal Care, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health, Education and Research Hospital. Amnion fluid and blood samples were synchronously obtained from NTD and control subjects. OH-proline levels were detected spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid OH-proline levels were found to be increased in NTD patients compared to control subjects (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in serum OH-proline levels between the groups. CONCLUSION: The results showed an increase in amniotic fluid OH-proline levels in NTD compared to the control group. It may be suggested that the increased OH-proline levels reflect increased collagen turnover in NTD patients. Indeed, amniotic fluid OH-proline levels may be a candidate as an additional diagnostic parameter in NTD.

Amniotic Fluid↗