Tissue Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Detecting Thromboembolic Complications in Diabetic Atherosclerotic Patients

Background

Atherosclerosis, which is one of the leading causes of death all over the world, can create major or minor thromboembolic complications with the exponentially increasing diabetic status. Despite all the studies, the mechanism by which endothelial damage in atherosclerosis is triggered in diabetic setting is still not fully understood.

Methods

In this study, tissue factor (TF), which is thought to act together in the formation of vasular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and coagulopathy in diabetic atherosclerotic patients, may be an important indicator in this regard, a total of 100 cases who were undergone off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) which were at same risk group examined by dividing into diabetic status. Early postoperative process and biochemical parameters analyzed in terms of TF and VEGF-A levels measured before and after the operation.

Results

TF and VEGF-A expression of the T1DM group were statistically high compared to non-diabetics. Significantly longer hospital stays with changes in TF and VEGF-A were found in patients in the diabetic group compared to pre- and postoperatively, respectively; TF (95% CI: 0.879-0.992; p = 0.025), VEGF-A (95% CI: 0.964-0.991; p = 0.001) and hospital stay (95% CI: 1.96-7.49; p = 0.0001). Preoperatively measured carotid intima-media thickness (CT) was higher in diabetics and was significantly associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), (r = 0.873). Surgical team and protocols were same and OPCAB procedures were routinely applied to all patients in our clinic. No minor or major events were observed in any of the cases.

Conclusion

TF and VEGF-A values in patients with diabetic atherosclerosis may be important in the early detection of thromboembolic complications.

Edaravone ameliorates the adverse effects of valproic acid toxicity in small intestine

Valproic acid (VPA) is a drug used for the treatment of epilepsy, bipolar psychiatric disorders, and migraine. Previous studies have reported an increased generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in the toxic mechanism of VPA. Edaravone, a free radical scavenger for clinical use, can quench free radical reaction by trapping a variety of free radical species. In this study, effect of edaravone on some small intestine biochemical parameters in VPA-induced toxicity was investigated. Thirty seven Sprague Dawley female rats were randomly divided into four groups. The groups include control group, edaravone (30 mg–1 kg–1 day–1) given group, VPA (0.5 g–1 kg–1 day–1) given group, VPA + edaravone (in same dose) given group. Edaravone and VPA were given intraperitoneally for 7 days. Biochemical parameters such as malondialdehyde, as an index of lipid peroxidation(LPO), sialic acid (SA), glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase, glutathione- S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, myeloperoxidase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and tissue factor (TF) activities were determined in small intestine samples by colorimetric methods. Decreased small intestine antioxidant enzyme activities, increased LPO and SA levels, and increased activities of ALP and TF were detected in the VPA group. Based on our results edaravone may be suggested to reverse the oxidative stress and inflammation due to VPA-induced small intestine toxicity.

Determination of storage time of saliva samples obtained from patients with and without chronic periodontitis for the comparison of some biochemical and cytological parameters

BACKGROUND

Salivary glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein, sialic acid (SA) levels, cytological parameters, and tissue factor activities (TFa) were investigated when fresh and after 3, 7, 11, 15, 21, and 30 days (d) of storage at -20°C both in the control and the periodontitis group. Moreover, the control and the periodontits groups were compared and continuity of the significances detected between the two groups were evaluated.

METHODS

GSH, MDA, SA, protein, and TFa were determined using the methods of Beutler, Yagi, Warren, Lowry, and Quick, respectively. Saliva imprint samples were stained with Giemsa and microscopically examined.

RESULTS

When the continuity of the significances of differences between the two groups was investigated, differences continued to be significant for GSH and TFa on days 3, 7, 11, 15, 21, and 30. Cytologically, only the significance detected between leucocyte numbers continued to be significant for 30 d. However significance of differences in total protein, MDA, and SA levels on day 0, were interrupted on days 3, 7, and 11, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Saliva samples may be stored for 30 d for GSH and TFa analyses in patients with and without periodontitis. However, to compare salivary MDA, SA, and total protein levels in these groups we suggest fresh samples to be studied.

Salivary MMPs, TIMPs, and MPO levels in periodontal disease patients and controls

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases with an important role in physiological and pathological remodeling. Their activity is regulated by tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Excess MMPs and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity have been associated with loss of tooth supporting tissues in periodontal disease (PD). We investigate the changes in salivary MMP-8, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and MPO concentrations during PD treatment and compare results with plasma levels.

METHODS

MMP-8, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were analyzed by ELISA. Gelatinolytic activity of MMP-9 forms was determined by zymography, and the MPO activity was determined by colorimetric assay.

RESULTS

Subjects were divided into 2 groups: PD and control, which were further divided into 2 subgroups each, namely PD before (PB) and after 3 months (PA) of non-surgical periodontal therapy, and healthy volunteers at baseline (CB) and 3months after baseline (CA). Subgroup PA presented lower gelatinolytic activity and MMP-8 and TIMP-2 concentrations in the saliva compared with PB (p<0.05). The MPO activity was higher in PB compared with CB (p<0.05). There were significant correlations between the gelatinolytic activity of the saliva and MMP-8 and MMP-9 plasma levels. There was a significant correlation between plasma and saliva TIMP-2 levels.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest attenuation of some inflammatory markers in the saliva and plasma after PD treatment. Moreover, correlations between salivary and plasma levels exist for some of these markers.