Assessing the effect of selenium on cyclin D1 level and nuclear factor kappa b activity in NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells at 2100 MHz electromagnetic field exposure

Although there are numerous studies on the health impacts of electromagnetic field (EMF) of mobile phone operation frequency 2100 MHz, the published works present contradicting results. Long-term exposure to mobile phone frequencies has unclear health hazards. Therefore, it is important to investigate the molecular mechanism of possible biological effects in mobile phone exposure and to determine the corresponding biological markers. Towards this end, this study was designed to assess the effect of 200 nM selenium (Se) on cell viability% [trypan blue], cell cycle biomarker [cyclin D1] and the transcription factor [nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB)] in NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells when exposed to 2100 MHz mobile phone frequency. When 2100 MHz EMF was exposed to NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells, the cell viability% was reduced, whereas cyclin D1 level and NF-kB activity increased. Also we show that Se supplementation decreases the effects of 2100 MHz EMF on these parameters. Although future studies will be required to investigate the biological effects of EMF emitted by mobile phones, the results obtained here provide an insight into the molecular mechanisms and specifically underlying selenium's protective effect against 2100 MHz EMF exposure.

Zinc affects nuclear factor kappa b and DNA methyltransferase activity in C3H cancer fibroblast cells induced by a 2100 MHz electromagnetic field

The use of mobile phones is becoming widespread with the development of technology, and as a result, its effects on human health are becoming more and more important every day. Studies have reported that the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by mobile phones may have adverse effects on the biological systems. In order to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) on C3H cancer fibroblast cells exposed to 2100 MHz EMF, we analyzed cell viability%, nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activities. Cells were divided to following groups: Control, sham control, 2100 MHz EMF, 50 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF, 100 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF, and 200 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF for 2 h. We measurement cell viability, NF-κB and DNMT activities. There was increased cell viability % in the 2100 MHz EMF group compared to the control group, while the cell viability % was decreased in the 50, 100 and 200 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF groups compared to 2100 MHz EMF. NF-κB and DNMT activities were a significant increase in the 2100 MHz EMF group compared to the control group, although were statistically decreased in the 50, 100 and 200 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF groups compared to the 2100 MHz EMF group. Our results demonstrate that 2100 MHz EMF exposure in cancer fibroblast cells induce NF-κB and DNMT activities, whereas zinc supplementation reduce NF-κB and DNMT activities-induced 2100 MHz EMF.

Response of TRPM2 Channel to Hypercapnic Acidosis and Role of Zn, Se, and GSH

Hypercapnia can increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by inducing oxidative stress in cells. Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel activation that is realized by ROS plays a critical role in the cellular mechanism. It was shown that antioxidants such as zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and glutathione (GSH) can partake in the structures of enzymes and create a protective effect against oxidative stress. This study revealed the relationship between TRPM2 channel and hypercapnia, and the interaction of zinc, selenium, and glutathione. In our study, normoxia, hypercapnia, hypercapnia + Zn, hypercapnia + Se, and hypercapnia + GSH were created, in transfected HEK293 cells. The cells were exposed to normoxia or hypercapnia gasses in two different times (30 min and 60 min), while Zn, Se, and GSH were applied to the cells in the other groups before being exposed to the gas mixtures. The statistical evaluation showed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) level and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)% in the hypercapnia 30 min and 60 min groups, compared to the normoxia 30 min and 60 min groups, and an increase in LPO level and LDH% in the hypercapnia groups that Zn, Se, and GSH were applied. It was determined that in comparison with the normoxia 30 min and 60 min groups, the amount of inward Ca⁺² current across TRPM2 channels and mean current density increased in the groups that were exposed to hypercapnia for 30 min and 60 min, while the same values significantly decreased in the hypercapnia groups that Zn, Se, and GSH were applied. Also, it was shown that oxidative stress rose as the duration of hypercapnia exposure increased. It was concluded that hypercapnia increased oxidative stress and caused cellular membrane damage, while the addition of Zn, Se, and GSH could protect the cell membrane from these damaging effects.

The Association Between Trace Elements and Osmolality in Plasma and Aqueous Humor Fluid in Diabetic Rabbits

Trace element metabolism plays an important role in the formation of diabetes and complications of diabetes. Although trace elements changes in lenses in diabetic cataract and glaucoma formation have been investigated, there were few studies evaluating trace elements levels in plasma and aqueous humor fluid in diabetic and non-diabetic conditions. Therefore, we aimed to investigate zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) levels in plasma and aqueous humor fluids of rabbits in the diabetic rabbit model. New Zealand male rabbits were divided into two groups as control (n = 8), and diabetes (n = 8) induced by alloxane. At the end of the experimental period, the osmolality in blood, plasma, and aqueous humor fluids from rabbits were measured by osmometer and Zn, Cu, and Cr levels in plasma and aqueous humor fluid were measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES). The osmolality in blood, plasma, and aqueous humor fluid of the diabetic group was significantly increased compared to the control group (respectively p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). It was analyzed that plasma Zn and Cu levels of diabetic rabbits increased significantly (respectively, p < 0.01; p < 0.001), whereas Cr level significantly decreased according to the control group (p < 0.01). It was observed that Cr and Zn levels in aqueous humor fluid in diabetes group decreased (respectively p < 0.001 and p < 0.01), and a significantly increased in Cu level (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Related with these changes that may occur in the eye due to the measured parameters, we consider that comparative studies of these types of diabetic animal models would be useful in the evaluation of diabetes and its complications.

The potential protective roles of zinc, selenium and glutathione on hypoxia-induced TRPM2 channel activation in transfected HEK293 cells

Hypoxia induces cell death through excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium (Ca²⁺) influx in cells and TRPM2 cation channel is activated by oxidative stress. Zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and glutathione (GSH) have antioxidant properties in several cells and hypoxia-induced TRPM2 channel activity, ROS and cell death may be inhibited by the Zn, Se, and GSH treatments. We investigated effects of Zn, Se, and GSH on lipid peroxidation (LPO), cell cytotoxicity and death through inhibition of TRPM2 channel activity in transfected HEK293 cells exposed to hypoxia defined as oxygen deficiency.We induced four groups as normoxia 30 and 60 min evaluated as control groups, hypoxia 30 and 60 min in the HEK293 cells. The cells were separately pre-incubated with extracellular Zn (100 µM), Se (150 nM) and GSH (5 mM). Cytotoxicity was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and the LDH and LPO levels were significantly higher in the hypoxia-30 and 60 min-exposed cells according to normoxia 30 and 60 min groups. Furthermore, we found that the LPO and LDH were decreased in the hypoxia-exposed cells after being treated with Zn, Se, and GSH according to the hypoxia groups. Compared to the normoxia groups, the current densities of TRPM2 channel were increased in the hypoxia-exposed cells by the hypoxia applications, while the same values were decreased in the treatment of Zn, Se, and GSH according to hypoxia group. In conclusion, hypoxia-induced TRPM2 channel activity, ROS and cell death were recovered by the Se, Zn and GSH treatments.

Effects of Quercetin on Lipid and Protein Damage in the Liver of Streptozotocin-Induced Experimental Diabetic Rats

Quercetin (QR) is part of a subclass of flavonoids called flavonols. We aimed to investigate the effect of QR on malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the liver of diabetic rats. We compared four groups of male adult Wistar albino rats: a control group, an untreated diabetic group, diabetic groups treated with QR, and QR group. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg). Animals were kept in standard condition. On the 31st day of the study, the liver tissue was removed for biochemical parameters and histopathological evaluations. In an untreated diabetic group, liver MDA and AOPP levels were significantly higher than all groups. QR treatment significantly decreased the increased MDA, AOPP levels, and increased the decreased GSH-Px enzyme activity in liver tissues. The QR-treated rats in the diabetic group showed an improved histological appearance. Lesser vesicular vacuolization and fibrotic areas were observed in the QR-treated diabetic group than in the diabetic group. The STZ-induced liver injury is associated with oxidative stress, and coadministration of QR may reduce this damage effectively in a rat model. Our results are also supported by morphological improvement in liver tissue. Therefore, we think QR may be effective in treating hyperglycemia and oxidative damage in diabetes.

On-chip wavelength multiplexed detection of cancer DNA biomarkers in blood

We have developed an optofluidic analysis system that processes biomolecular samples starting from whole blood and then analyzes and identifies multiple targets on a silicon-based molecular detection platform. We demonstrate blood filtration, sample extraction, target enrichment, and fluorescent labeling using programmable microfluidic circuits. We detect and identify multiple targets using a spectral multiplexing technique based on wavelength-dependent multi-spot excitation on an antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide chip. Specifically, we extract two types of melanoma biomarkers, mutated cell-free nucleic acids -BRAFV600E and NRAS, from whole blood. We detect and identify these two targets simultaneously using the spectral multiplexing approach with up to a 96% success rate. These results point the way toward a full front-to-back chip-based optofluidic compact system for high-performance analysis of complex biological samples.

The Effects of Lithium Administration on Oxidant/Antioxidant Status in Rats: Biochemical and Histomorphological Evaluations

Present study was planned to determine possible dose-dependent effects of lithium (Li) on oxidant-antioxidant status and histomorphological changes in liver and kidney tissues. For this purpose, twenty-four Wistar male rats were equally divided into three groups: the rats in group I served as controls, drinking tap water without lithium. Groups II and III received 0.1 and 0.2 % lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) through their drinking water, respectively, for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, lithium concentrations, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured in considered tissues. Histomorphological study was also performed on liver and kidney tissues. Compared to controls, MDA was significantly higher but GSH level lower in groups II and III. SOD activity was higher in group III, but no difference was determined in group II in liver tissue. In kidney tissue, there was no difference determined in MDA and GSH levels between control and experimental groups but SOD activity in groups II and III was significantly higher. In histologic sections of both experimental liver and kidney tissues, specific degenerations were observed. The results of the present study show that treatment with lithium carbonate may result in liver and kidney tissue abnormalities and oxidative damage.

Integration of programmable microfluidics and on-chip fluorescence detection for biosensing applications

We describe the integration of an actively controlled programmable microfluidic sample processor with on-chip optical fluorescence detection to create a single, hybrid sensor system. An array of lifting gate microvalves (automaton) is fabricated with soft lithography, which is reconfigurably joined to a liquid-core, anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) silicon chip fabricated with conventional microfabrication. In the automaton, various sample handling steps such as mixing, transporting, splitting, isolating, and storing are achieved rapidly and precisely to detect viral nucleic acid targets, while the optofluidic chip provides single particle detection sensitivity using integrated optics. Specifically, an assay for detection of viral nucleic acid targets is implemented. Labeled target nucleic acids are first captured and isolated on magnetic microbeads in the automaton, followed by optical detection of single beads on the ARROW chip. The combination of automated microfluidic sample preparation and highly sensitive optical detection opens possibilities for portable instruments for point-of-use analysis of minute, low concentration biological samples.

Lithium-induced hypothyroidism: oxidative stress and osmotic fragility status in rats

The present study was conducted to explore the possible effects of different doses of lithium carbonate on thyroid functions, erythrocyte oxidant-antioxidant status, and osmotic fragility. Twenty-four Wistar-type male rats were equally divided into three groups: groups I and II received 0.1 and0.2 % lithium carbonate in their drinking water, respectively, for 30 days. The rats in group III served as controls, drinking tap water without added lithium. At the end of the experimental period, the erythrocyte osmotic fragility and the levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) were measured in blood samples. Compared to controls, there was a statistically significant increase of TSH but decreases of the T3 and T4 levels in group II. Both experimental groups showed a statistically significant increase of the maximum osmotic fragility limit. The minimum osmotic fragility values of the animals in group II were statistically higher than those of controls. The standard hemolytic increment curve of both experimental groups was shifted to the right when compared to the curve obtained from the controls. Also, relative to controls, the activities of MDA and SOD were significantly higher and the GSH level lower in group II, but not so in group I. The results of the present study show that treatment with lithium carbonate may result in thyroid function abnormalities, increased oxidative damage, and possible compromise of the erythrocyte membrane integrity resulting from increased osmotic fragility.

N-acetylcysteine attenuates copper overload-induced oxidative injury in brain of rat

Copper is an integral part of many important enzymes involved in a number of vital biological processes. Even though it is essential to life, at elevated tissue concentrations, copper can become toxic to cells. Recent studies have reported oxidative damage due to copper in various tissues. Considering the vulnerability of the brain to oxidative stress, this study was undertaken to explore possible beneficial antioxidant effects of N-acetylcysteine on oxidative stress induced by copper overload in brain tissue of rats. Thirty-two Wistar rats were equally divided into four groups. The first group was used as control. The second, third, and fourth groups were given 1 g/L copper in their drinking water for 1 month. At the end of this period, the group 2 rats were sacrificed. During the next 2 weeks, the rats in group 3 were injected intraperitoneally with physiological saline and those in group 4 with 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal injections of N-acetylcysteine. In group 2 the lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels were increased in the brain cortex while the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase and the concentration of glutathione were decreased. In rats treated with N-acetylcysteine, lipid peroxidation decreased and the activities of antioxidant enzyme improved in the brain cortex. In conclusion, treatment with N-acetylcysteine modulated the antioxidant redox system and reduced brain oxidative stress induced by copper.

Evaluation of trace elements and oxidative stress levels in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetic rat model

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship among trace elements (Cu, Fe, Zn and Mg) on oxidative and anti-oxidative substances in liver and kidneys tissues in streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rat model. The mean levels of Fe and Cu were found significantly higher in the liver and kidneys of the diabetic rats, in comparison to the control rats. On the other hand, the mean levels of Zn and Mg in the liver and kidneys of the diabetic rats were significantly lower than in the control rats. The liver and kidneys malonaldehyde (MDA) levels of the experimental group were found to be higher than in the control group (p < 0.001; p < 0.01, respectively) after 4 weeks of the experimental period. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and glutathione (GSH) levels in the liver tissue of STZ-induced diabetic rats were found to be lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.01). SOD activity and GSH concentration in kidneys of the diabetic rats were significantly diminished with respect to the control group (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the present results indicate that the increase of Fe and Cu together with decreas of Zn and Mg concentration in liver and kidney of STZ-induced diabetic rats may be involved in disturbances of oxidative balance in both the tissues. Therefore, these findings may contribute to explain the role of impaired ion metabolism of some elements in the progression of diabetic oxidative complications.

EEC syndrome with a de novo mutation (c.953g > a) on exon 7 of P63 gene: a case report

EEC syndrome is characterized by ectodermal dysplasia, ectrodactyly and cleft lip and/or palate and associated anomalies such as lacrimal duct obstruction, urinary tract anomaly, and hearing loss. This syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in the p63 gene. Herein, a newborn infant with EEC syndrome with secundum atrial septal defect who had a de novo mutation (c.953G > A) on exon 7 of p63 gene is presented.

Copper intoxication; antioxidant defenses and oxidative damage in rat brain

Copper (Cu) is an integral part of many important enzymes involved in a number of vital biological processes. Even though Cu is essential to life, it can become toxic to cells, at elevated tissue concentrations. Oxidative damage due to Cu has been reported in recent studies in various tissues. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of excess Cu on oxidative and anti-oxidative substances in brain tissue in a rat model. Sixteen male Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups: the control group, which was given normal tap water, and the experimental group, which received water containing Cu in a dose of 1 g/l. All rats were sacrificed at the end of 4 wk, under ether anesthesia. Cu concentration in the liver and in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities were determined. There were multiparameter changes with significant ALT and AST activity elevation and increased liver Cu concentration. In brain tissue, Cu concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and glutathione (GSH) concentrations were determined. Brain Cu concentration was significantly higher in rats receiving excess Cu, compared with control rats (p < 0.05). Our results showed that SOD activities and GSH levels in brain tissue of the Cu-intoxicated animals were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.01 and p < 0,001, respectively). The brain MDA levels were found to be significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The present results indicate that excessive Cu accumulation in the brain depressed SOD activities and GSH levels and resulted in high MDA levels in brain homogenate due to the lipid peroxidation induced by the Cu overload.

Bleach activates a redox-regulated chaperone by oxidative protein unfolding

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the active ingredient in household bleach, is an effective antimicrobial produced by the mammalian host defense to kill invading microorganisms. Despite the widespread use of HOCl, surprisingly little is known about its mode of action. In this study, we demonstrate that low molar ratios of HOCl to protein cause oxidative protein unfolding in vitro and target thermolabile proteins for irreversible aggregation in vivo. As a defense mechanism, bacteria use the redox-regulated chaperone Hsp33, which responds to bleach treatment with the reversible oxidative unfolding of its C-terminal redox switch domain. HOCl-mediated unfolding turns inactive Hsp33 into a highly active chaperone holdase, which protects essential Escherichia coli proteins against HOCl-induced aggregation and increases bacterial HOCl resistance. Our results substantially improve our molecular understanding about HOCl's functional mechanism. They suggest that the antimicrobial effects of bleach are largely based on HOCl's ability to cause aggregation of essential bacterial proteins.

Iron preloading aggravates nutritional steatohepatitis in rats by increasing apoptotic cell death

BACKGROUND/AIMS

High serum ferritin and liver iron concentrations were found in some patients with NASH, suggesting a role for iron as a co-factor that aggravates liver injury. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of parenteral iron in a rat model of NASH induced by a methionine choline deficient diet (MCDD).

METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into 1 - Control, 2 - Iron (Fe), 3 - MCDD, 4 - MCDD&Fe groups. Iron dextran 100mg/kg was administered intra-muscularly in groups 2 and 4. All rats were fed MCDD, Groups 1 and 2 were supplied with choline and methionine. Blood and tissue samples were obtained after 4weeks.

RESULTS

The iron injection alone did not affect the liver whereas MCDD led to steatohepatitis. Iron worsened steatosis without any obvious effect on accompanying inflammation. It aggravated tissue injury by increasing apoptosis. Liver fibrosis was observed only in 3 out of 10 rats in the MCDD&Fe group.

CONCLUSIONS

Observation of liver fibrosis only in the MCDD&Fe group suggests that iron induced increase in apoptosis contributes to the development of fibrosis at an earlier time than expected.

Apoptotic rate and metallothionein levels in the tissues of cadmium- and copper-exposed rats

It is well known that cadmium (Cd) has toxic and carcinogenic effects in rodents and humans, but the effects of Cd on apoptosis are still not clear. Although some studies have shown that Cd has apoptotic potential, other studies have shown that Cd can be antiapoptotic. Parameters such as sensitivity of the exposed organism or cells and the exposure conditions should be important in delineating the effect of Cd on apoptosis. In the present study, we aimed to determine the apoptotic index (AI) of Sprague-Dawley rat tissues that are loaded at a lower Cd concentration than the critical concentration (50 microg/g) for its toxic effects. Metallothionein (MT) levels of tissues were also determined and the experiments repeated with copper (Cu)-exposed rats. We detected decreases in the apoptotic index in liver and lung tissues of Cd-exposed groups accompanied with an increase in MT levels. Also, decreases of AI were detected in the liver tissues of Cu-exposed groups. These findings indicate that Cd can suppress apoptosis in vivo. The possible role of MT expression on the suppression of apoptosis and the importance of free-Cd ion concentration on switching antiapoptotic effects to proapoptotic effects are also discussed.

Changes in hemorheological parameters due to lead exposure in female rats

Lead is an ubiquitous metal in the environment that induces a broad range of physiological, biochemical and behavioral dysfunctions. The purpose of this study was to investigate its effects on blood parameters and blood viscosity. Female rats (14 Wistar-Albino type) were divided into a control and a lead exposed group. Both groups were fed with the same standard food, but lead acetate was added to the drinking water of the experimental group for 5 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were drawn from the abdominal aorta of the anaesthetized animals. Hematocrit (Hct %), hemoglobin (Hb), and the number of erythrocytes were determined, blood viscosity was measured with a rotational viscometer, and the lead concentration in blood was analyzed by means of flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The erythrocyte count, Hb and Hct % of the lead exposed group were found to be significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.01). The blood viscosity level was significantly higher compared to the control group (p<0.01). It can be concluded that increased lead concentrations in blood impair certain hemorheological mechanisms and increase blood viscosity.

Copper-mediated oxidative stress in rat liver

Copper is an essential trace element with various biological functions. Excess copper, however, is extremely toxic, leading to many pathological conditions that are consistent with oxidative damage to membranes and molecules. Exposure to high levels of copper results in various changes in the tissues. In liver, hypertrophy of hepatocytes, hepatitis, hepatocellular necrosis, and hepatocellular death are the results. Lipid peroxidation causes dysfunction in the cell membrane, decreased fluidity, inactivation of receptors and enzymes, and changes ion permeability. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of copper on oxidative and antioxidative substances in plasma and liver tissue in a rat model. Sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: Group 1 rats included control rats given tap water. Group 2 rats were given water containing copper in a dose of 100 microg/mL. All rats were sacrificed at 4 wk under ether anesthesia. Plasma and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, plasma and liver MDA (malondialdehyde) levels, and liver glutathione (GSH) levels were studied. Plasma and liver SOD activities were found to be higher in group 2 than those in group 1. Although plasma MDA levels were higher in group 2, MDA levels in liver tissues were comparable. Liver tissue glutathione levels were lower in group 2. It was concluded that although copper is needed in trace amounts, an excess amount is toxic for the organism. It increases lipid peroxidation and depletes GSH reserves, which makes the organism more vulnerable to other oxidative challenges.

Screening for iron overload in the Turkish population

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), the most common autosomal recessive disease in the white population, is characterized by excessive gastrointestinal absorption of iron and loading of parenchymal organs. HFE mutations of C282Y and H63D are largely responsible for HH in populations of Celtic ancestry. Although many screening studies related to HH have been done in Northern Europe, the USA and Australia, as yet, no such study has been published on Turkey. In this study we aimed to screen the Turkish population for iron overload.

METHODS

Random samples were obtained from 4,633 healthy adults (3,827 male, 806 female, mean age +/- SD 35 +/- 8 years, range 14-76) for the measurement of transferrin saturation (TS). Measurements were repeated after an overnight fast in the subjects whose initial TS was > or =50%. Serum ferritin levels and C282Y and H63D gene mutations were studied in cases when fasting TS was > or =50%. In cases where the serum ferritin level was >200 ng/ml with or without HFE mutations, liver biopsy was performed for histological evaluation and determination of iron content.

RESULTS

In 158 subjects, TS was > or =50% in the non-fasting state. A second determination of TS after an overnight fast was performed in 135 subjects. In 26 subjects, the TS was > or =50% in the fasting state. HFE mutation and serum ferritin levels were measured in these 26 subjects. Eleven subject (10 male, 1 female) were heterozygote and 1 male subject was homozygote in reference to H63D. C282Y mutation was not found. Four of these 26 subjects (all males, aged 23, 24, 40, 49) had increased serum ferritin levels and liver biopsy was performed. In 1 male (aged 49) who was heterozygote for H63D genotype with a serum ferritin level of 645 ng/ml, iron overload in liver tissue was shown by histology as well as atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of hemochromatosis in the Turkish population is much lower in comparison to populations of Celtic ancestry and C282Y mutation is non-existent.