Exploring Quantitative Biological Major, Trace, and Ultratrace Elements Composition and Qualitative Primary-Secondary Metabolites in Lamiaceae Medicinal Plants from Turkey

Medicinal plants comprise a spectrum of constituents, encompassing both organic and inorganic elements. Elemental composition of 27 species of medicinal plants of Lamiaceae (including 17 endemic) family grown in Turkey was carried out by ICP-MS. The following elements were determined in analysed samples: Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Sc, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, U, Se. Quantitative analysis of specific primary and secondary metabolites was carried out. Na and K are major constituents in plants. The concentrations of Na range from 332,495.590 g/kg (in sample 10SA) to 279,690.674 g/kg (in sample 4SA), while those of K vary from 67,492.456 g/kg (in sample 15SA) to 3347.612 g/kg (in sample 1A). Some metals such as Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Cs, and Ba were also detected. Flavonoids, carbohydrates and tannins were present in all sample. Saponins were found in all samples except 1C and 2O. Coumarin were detected in samples 2N, 1 T, 1O, 1Z, 3SA, 1C, 4SA, 6SA, 8SA, 1 M, 11SA, 13SA, 2O, 14SA, 1H, and 16SI. Lipids were present in samples 6S, 9S, 1A, 10S, 1 M, 11SA, 12SA, 13SA, 14SA, and 16SI. Plants contain essential, rare earth, and trace elements at mg/kg concentrations, while major elements such as K and Na are present in high levels. Toxic element As (arsenic) was detected in all analyzed plants, but in most samples, its concentration was below the threshold set by World Health Organization.

Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Genotoxic, Antigenotoxic Effects in Bacterial Models, and Hypoglycemic Activity of Epilobium angustifolium L. with Bioguided Isolation of Active Compounds

This study examined the effects of methanol extract and its sub-extracts from Epilobium angustifolium on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity. Secondary metabolites and amino acids were quantified using LC-MS/MS. Dichloromethane sub-extract displayed the highest activity and was chosen for further investigation. Despite the widespread use of E. angustifolium, genotoxicity studies were conducted to assess its safety. Dichloromethane significantly inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50 =17.340 μg/mL), making it approximately 293 times more effective than acarbose. Six known compounds, including gallic acid (1), a mixture of quercetin-3-O-α-galactoside (2a) and quercetin-3-O-α-glucoside (2b), quercetin-3-O-α-glucuronic acid (3), quercetin-3-O-α-rhamnoside (4), and kaempferol-3-O-α-rhamnoside (5) were identified. Quercetin-3-O-α-rhamnoside exhibited the highest inhibition of α-glucosidase (IC50 =1735±85 μM), making it 3.70 times more effective than acarbose. Dichloromethane also showed significant antigenotoxic activity against mutagenesis induced by NaN3, 9-AA, 4-NPD, and MNNG. Gallic acid was found in the highest abundance (13253.6931 ng/mL) in the methanolic extract. Furthermore, L-Aspartic acid was the most concentrated amino acid (363.5620 nmol/mL) in the methanolic extract.

Phytochemical screening, biological evaluation, anatomical, and morphological investigation of Ferula tingitana L. (Apiaceae)

Ferula tingitana L. is a high perennial plant and its leaf is an alternate arrangement and yellow, and its flowers are unisexual like other Apiaceae. It has been used as a spice and for various medicinal purposes in the Mediterranean region. The paper reports antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and genotoxic activities of leaves, flowers, stems, and fruits methanol extracts of F. tingitana. Also, quantitative determination of some secondary metabolites was also analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Moreover, chemical composition of essential oils was analyzed. Consequently, anatomical, and morphological properties of plant were investigated. Germacrene D (23.6%), 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (18.4%), and α-pinene (50.0%) were found as the main compounds in flower, leaf, and stem oils, respectively. The cortex in stem, pedicel, and fruit is characterized by angular collenchyma cells and a distinct cambium layer. 6 compounds (quinic acid, fumaric acid, keracyanin chloride, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, chlorogenic acid, hesperidin) were observed in samples. Leaf extract showed anticholinesterase activity. Leaf and flower extracts showed the highest % inhibition value on ABTS·+ and DPPH•. Leaf extract has the strongest antioxidant effect because it is rich in total phenolic contents. All extracts of F. tingitana were found generally effective against C. albicans. Stem extract was found effective against E. coli and flower extract was found more effective against S. enterica and C. albicans. Bacterial genotoxicity results showed that extracts did not have genotoxic activity on tester strains S. typhimurium and E. coli WP2uvrA. Thus, it revealed that extracts were genotoxic-ally safe at applied concentrations up to 3 mg/plate.

The potential prognostic novel markers PIV and PILE score to predict survival outcomes at hepatocellular cancer

OBJECTIVE

We aimed at investigating the prognostic significance of a novel immune marker, PIV and PILE score (a score composite from PIV, LDH and ECOG PS), in patients with HCC in a single center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

120 patients who met the criteria were included. PIV and PILE at the time of diagnosis were computed retrospectively. For PIV, the median value of 286.15 was taken as the cut-off. While <286.15 was considered low, ≥286.15 was considered high PIV. The PILE score included PIV (< median vs. ≥ median), lactate dehydrogenase level (<ULN vs. ≥ ULN) and ECOG-PS (0-1 vs. ≥ 2), with 0-1 points being low-risk PILE and 2-3 points being high-risk PILE group.

RESULTS

The median first-line PFS and OS in the low PIV group were 10 months (95% CI: 7.77-12.22) and 18 months (95% CI: 10.66-25.33), respectively. The PFS and OS in the high PIV group were 3 months (95% CI: 1.49-4.51) and 4 months (95% CI: 1.47-6.52), respectively (for PFS p=0.001, for OS p<0.001). In the low-risk (0-1) PILE score group, the median first line PFS and OS were 8 months (95% CI: 6.49-9.50) and 17 months (95% CI: 8.19-25.80), respectively. The high-risk (2-3) group, PFS and OS were 3 months (95% CI: 0-5.99), and 3 months (95% CI: 1.02-4.97), respectively (for PFS p=0.02, for OS p<0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, PIV (HR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.11-2.93, p=0.016) and ECOG PS (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 1.34-3.19, p=0.01) were independent risk factors for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that PIV and PILE score could be used as a prognostic biomarker at the time of diagnosis in patients with HCC. With prospective studies confirming these data, PIV and PILE can be used as a potential standard marker in HCC.

Association of serum proprotein convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) level with thyroid function disorders

OBJECTIVE

We aimed at demonstrating the effect of thyroid function status on proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and determining the effect of thyroid hormones on lipid metabolism by comparing the PCSK9 levels of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

124 patients with thyroid disorders, aged between 18 and 65 years, were included in this study. The participants were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 comprised 52 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, Group 2 comprised 40 patients with overt hypothyroidism, and Group 3 comprised 32 patients with hyperthyroidism. In all of these groups, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, total cholesterol, fasting serum glucose, antithyroid peroxidase antibody, antithyroglobulin antibody, and PCSK9 levels were measured.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the 3 groups in terms of age, gender, and body mass indices. Median PCSK9 measurements were 14.55 ng/mL in Group 1, 14.895 ng/mL in Group 2, and 9.775 ng/mL in Group 3. There was a significant difference in the PCSK9 levels between Group 1-Group 3 and Group 2-Group 3 (p <0.0001 and p <0.0001, respectively). A positive correlation between PCSK9 and the TSH levels (r = 0.211, p= 0.019), and a negative correlation (r = -0,239, p = 0.009 and r = -, 0.218, p = 0.015) between the fT3 and fT4 levels were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum PCSK9 levels were shown to be associated with thyroid dysfunction. However, no relationship was observed between the serum PCSK9 level and thyroid autoantibody positivity, and obesity in this study.

Effects of umbelliferone isolated from the Ferulago pauciradiata Boiss. & Heldr. Plant on cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis model in rats

Sepsis is a pathophysiological event involving systemic inflammatory response syndrome, multiple organ failure syndromes, and tissue damage. Overproduction of free radicals as a result of tissue damage during sepsis contributes to cellular toxicity, organ failure, and even mortality. Antioxidants, which scavenge free radicals, play a protective role against various diseases. Previous studies have shown that umbelliferone (UF) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Since oxidative stress is naturally associated with sepsis-induced organ dysfunction, the application of antioxidant compounds could potentially illuminate the pathophysiology of sepsis, which does not yet have an effective treatment. The sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was applied to rats. Different doses of UF (10░mg/kg, 20░mg/kg, and 40░mg/kg) on oxidant-antioxidant in septic rats, mRNA of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1 its effects on expression levels were evaluated in lung, kidney, and liver tissues. When the lung, kidney, and liver tissues of septic rats were compared with those of the control group, it was found that UF administration increased dose-dependent superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels and significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels. The effects of UF administration on oxidative parameters were dose-dependent. The 40░mg/kg UF dose showed greater anti-oxidative properties than the 20░mg/kg and 10░mg/kg doses for all the evaluated parameters. Further, the TNF- α mRNA expression of the CLP +40░mg/kg group was reduced to a level comparable to that of the control group. UF has been found to be an effective molecule in reducing oxidative stress by supporting endogenous antioxidants and enhancing the scavenging effects of free radicals. The potent antioxidant property of UF may also be related to the suppression of the cytokine cascade during sepsis. The results suggest that UF administration may represent a new treatment for the prevention of lung, kidney and liver damage caused by septic conditions.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Aziziye District (Erzurum, Turkey)

Objectives

The present research was conducted to document the usage of medicinal plants, plant parts utilized, and methods of preparation by the people living in Aziziye district, situated in the western part of Erzurum.

Materials and Methods

The medicinal plant species utilized by local public for remedial aims were collected and identified. The related knowledge about conventional herbal medicine was collected, herbarium materials were prepared, and they were deposited in the Herbarium of the Faculty of Science, Atatürk University.

Results

A total of 77 medical plants pertaining to 30 families were defined in this research. Amongst these, 62 species grew naturally and 15 species were cultivated. The most widespread medicinal plant families were Asteraceae (14), Rosaceae (7), Lamiaceae (5), and Apiaceae (5). The most widespread preparation was decoction.

Conclusion

The ethnobotanical outcomes documented in this study provide practical evidence about the use of medicinal plants among the inhabitants of Aziziye District. Furthermore, the results revealed that the medicinal plants of the region are a major source of herbal drugs for primary healthcare utilized among the rural communities. This study can be utilized as baseline knowledge for further scientific research to improve new plant-based commercial drugs, and may transfer the traditional information as regards usage of medicinal herbs to new generation.

Effect of Extracts of the Aerial Parts and Roots from Four Ferulago Species on Erectile Dysfunction in Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

Objectives

The extracts of Ferulago species are used as aphrodisiacs in Turkey and so we aimed to demonstrate in vivo and in vitro the relaxant effect of four Ferulago species' extracts on the corpus cavernosum (CC).

Materials and Methods

A total of 30 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control and diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg streptozotocin. In vivo erectile responses were obtained by stimulation of the cavernosal nerves and repeated after intracavernosal injection of extracts in rats, and the data were expressed as intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure and total ICP. The relaxant and contractile responses of CC strips were analyzed in the presence or absence of extracts.

Results

The extracts were active in both control and diabetic rats. The extract-induced maximum relaxation responses (especially of methanol extract of the root of Ferulago bracteata) (98.30±2.6%) were decreased after incubation with L-NAME (44.8±1.8). ODQ, a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, inhibited 77% of extract-induced maximum relaxation in the CC from the control rats.

Conclusion

These species can be utilized in erectile dysfunction and may be an herbal alternative to synthetic drugs.

Comparison of the Essential Oils of Ferula orientalis L., Ferulago sandrasica Peşmen and Quézel, and Hippomarathrum microcarpum Petrov and Their Antimicrobial Activity

Objectives

To determine the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of the aerial parts of Ferula orientalis L., roots of Ferulago sandrasica Peşmen and Quézel, and aerial parts of Hippomarathrum microcarpum Petrov.

Materials and Methods

Essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was determined by bioautography assay.

Results

α-Pinene (75.9%) and β-pinene (3.4%) were the major components of the aerial parts of F. orientalis; with limonene (28.9%), α-pinene (15.6%), and terpinolene (13.9%) for F. sandrasica; and β-caryophyllene (31.4%) and caryophyllene oxide (23.1%) for the aerial parts of H. microcarpum. Essential oils from the aerial parts of F. orientalis, the roots of F. sandrasica, and the aerial parts of H. microcarpum were active against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans strains. However, essential oils were not active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli.

Conclusion

The antimicrobial activities against S. aureus and C. albicans of these species may be attributed to the presence of the main components in the essential oils.

The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the dichloromethane extracts and constituents of Ferulago bracteata roots

CONTEXT

Ferulago (Apiaceae) species have been used since ancient times for the treatment of intestinal worms, hemorrhoids, and as a tonic, digestive, aphrodisiac, or sedative, as well as in salads or as a spice due to their special odors.

OBJECTIVES

This study reports the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of dichloromethane extract and bioactive compounds isolated from Ferulago bracteata Boiss. & Hausskn. roots.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The isolated compounds obtained from dichloromethane extract of Ferulago bracteata roots through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation process were evaluated for their in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities at 5000-400 µg/mL concentrations. Compound structures were elucidated by detailed analyses (NMR and MS).

RESULTS

A new coumarin, peucedanol-2'-benzoate (1), along with nine known ones, osthole (2), imperatorin (3), bergapten (4), prantschimgin (5), grandivitinol (6), suberosin (7), xanthotoxin (8), felamidin (9), umbelliferone (10), and a sterol mixture consisted of stigmasterol (11), β-sitosterol (12) was isolated from the roots of F. bracteata. Felamidin and suberosin showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 0.42 and 0.89 mg/mL, respectively) when compared to the reference standard acarbose (IC₅₀ 4.95 mg/mL). However, none of the tested extracts were found to be active on α-amylase inhibition.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that among the compounds isolated from CH₂Cl₂ fraction of F. bracteata roots, coumarins were determined as the main chemical constituents of this fraction. This is the first report on isolation and characterization of the bioactive compounds from root extracts of F. bracteata and on their α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.

α-Amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the extracts and constituents of Ferulago blancheana, F. pachyloba and F. trachycarpa roots

<p>Eleven coumarins named osthole (1), imperatorin (2), bergapten (3), prantschimgin (4), grandivitinol (5), suberosin (6), xanthotoxin (7), felamidin (8), marmesin (9), umbelliferone (10), ulopterol (11), and a sterol mixture consisted of stigmasterol (12), β-sitosterol (13) were isolated from the roots of Ferulago blancheana, F. pachyloba and F. trachycarpa through in vitro bioassay-guided fractionation processes. The extracts and bioactive compounds were evaluated for their α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. Among the tested compounds, felamidin and suberosin showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 0.4 and 0.9 mg/mL, respectively, when compared to the reference standard acarbose (IC₅₀ = 4.9 mg/mL). Grandivitinol (IC₅₀ = 20.0 mg/mL) had the lowest inhibitory effect. On the other hand, none of the tested extracts were found to be active on α-amylase inhibition. This is the first report on isolation, characterization of the bioactive compounds and evaluation the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of these species.</p><p><strong>Video Clip of Methodology</strong>:</p><p>8 min 26 sec:   <a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/x0gakPjgXmc">Full Screen</a>   <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0gakPjgXmc">Alternate</a></p><p> </p>

The role of insulin - like growth factor - 1 on steatohepatitis

PURPOSE

Recent studies have revealed that growth hormone and STAT5 were related to hepatosteatosis in mice. Loss of signal transducer and activator of transcription factor-5 leads to hepatosteatosis and impaired liver regeneration. We aimed to investigate the role of IGF-1 in steatosis with normal (SNLFT) and disturbed liver function tests (SDLFT) in humans.

METHODS

We included 272 NAFLD patients and 110 age, sex and body mass index (BMI)-matched healty controls. We measured routine blood biochemistry and complete blood count, IGF-1, insulin, c-peptide, ferritin, hsCRP, ESR and HOMA-IR. We subdivided NAFLD patients into SNLFT and SDLFT subgroups.

RESULTS

ge, sex and BMI were similar between NAFLD and controls. IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in NAFLD patients (120,6±48,2) than controls (148,9±53,8), (<0,0001). IGF-1 levels were also lower in SDLFT subgroup (93,4±27,8) than SNLFT subgroup (123,1±49,0), (p:0,032). Waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, uric acid, hsCRP, AST, ALT, GGT, WBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin, insulin, c-peptid and HOMA-IR measurements were significantly higher in NAFLD patients than controls (for all values: p<0,0001).Cholesterol (p:0,026), triglycerides (p<0,0001), ESR (p:0,006) were significantly higher in NAFLD patients than controls. HDL-chelesterol levels were significantly lower (p:0,002) in NAFLD patients than controls.

CONCLUSION

This study supported previous findings of experi-mental studies in that, IGF-1 levels were lower in SNLFT and SDLFT. Growth hormone-IGF-1 system may be involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

A standardised static in vitro digestion method suitable for food - an international consensus

Simulated gastro-intestinal digestion is widely employed in many fields of food and nutritional sciences, as conducting human trials are often costly, resource intensive, and ethically disputable. As a consequence, in vitro alternatives that determine endpoints such as the bioaccessibility of nutrients and non-nutrients or the digestibility of macronutrients (e.g. lipids, proteins and carbohydrates) are used for screening and building new hypotheses. Various digestion models have been proposed, often impeding the possibility to compare results across research teams. For example, a large variety of enzymes from different sources such as of porcine, rabbit or human origin have been used, differing in their activity and characterization. Differences in pH, mineral type, ionic strength and digestion time, which alter enzyme activity and other phenomena, may also considerably alter results. Other parameters such as the presence of phospholipids, individual enzymes such as gastric lipase and digestive emulsifiers vs. their mixtures (e.g. pancreatin and bile salts), and the ratio of food bolus to digestive fluids, have also been discussed at length. In the present consensus paper, within the COST Infogest network, we propose a general standardised and practical static digestion method based on physiologically relevant conditions that can be applied for various endpoints, which may be amended to accommodate further specific requirements. A frameset of parameters including the oral, gastric and small intestinal digestion are outlined and their relevance discussed in relation to available in vivo data and enzymes. This consensus paper will give a detailed protocol and a line-by-line, guidance, recommendations and justifications but also limitation of the proposed model. This harmonised static, in vitro digestion method for food should aid the production of more comparable data in the future.

Oestrogen and progesterone reduce lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-18 in midbrain astrocytes

Besides microglia, astrocytes exert an important regulatory function in the initiation and control of neuro-inflammatory processes in the central nervous system. Clinical and experimental data suggest that sex steroids are neuroprotective and that neurological/neurodegenerative disorders display sex-specific characteristics. Astroglia is known to respond to toxic stimuli by secretion of distinct pro-inflammatory/apoptotic cytokines. In the present study, we investigated the influence of oestrogen and progesterone on the expression of the cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-18 in primary astrocytes obtained from neonatal mouse midbrain and cerebral cortex after the stimulation with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). LPS strongly induced the expression of TNF-alpha in astrocytes from both brain regions and IL-18 in those from midbrain. Oestrogen significantly attenuated LPS-induced TNF-alpha expression in the midbrain glia but not in the cortex glia. Combined treatment with oestrogen and progesterone together diminished LPS-induced IL-18 expression in the midbrain completely. Both steroid effects could be specifically antagonised by the steroid hormone receptor antagonists ICI 182 780 and mifepristone. We conclude that neuroprotective oestrogen and progesterone effects in the midbrain might be in part the consequence of a reduced pro-inflammatory response of astroglia.

Oestrogen regulates the expression and function of dopamine transporters in astrocytes of the nigrostriatal system

Dopamine is actively and specifically eliminated from the extracellular space by astrocytes and neurones through dopamine transporters (DAT) and, afterwards, either recycled into vesicles or metabolised. The availability of dopamine reflects a critical point in the regulation of dopamine activity within the nigrostriatal circuit under normal and pathological conditions. From previous studies, we know that oestrogen regulates the efficacy of dopaminergic neurones at the synaptic level and improves dopamine function during Parkinson's disease. Accordingly, we investigated the contribution of local astroglial for extracellular dopamine elimination and the impact of oestrogen on DAT expression and activity. Using neonatal striatal and midbrain astrocyte cultures, we could demonstrate that astrocytes possess a specific dopamine uptake machinery and express DAT at considerable levels. The application of 17beta-oestradiol decreased the expression of DAT by 80% and 60% in midbrain and striatal astroglia cultures, respectively. The unspecific dopamine transporters (OCT3, VMAT2) were not detected in astroglia. Functionally, oestrogen exposure inhibited the clearance of dopamine from the extracellular space by 45% and 35% compared to controls in midbrain and striatal astroglia, respectively. The effect on DAT expression and activity was completely antagonised by the oestrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182 780. In conclusion, our data suggest that the positive reinforcement of dopamine transmission under physiological conditions and the alleviative impact of oestrogen under pathological conditions may be the result of a decline in DAT expression and therefore delayed dopamine uptake by astroglia.

Antibacterial activities of MDPB and fluoride in dentin bonding agents

The aim of this study was to compare in vitro antibacterial activity of MDPB containing bonding system ABF with activities of three Fluoride containing bonding systems (Fuji Bond LC (FBLC), Prime&Bond NT (PBNT), and FluoroBond (FLB). Two bacterial strains were tested: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The study was performed on Muller Hinton Agar by Agar Well Technique. The bacterial agar was evenly distributed over the surface of petri dishes. Standard wells were punched into the agar. The test materials were placed in the wells of Muller Hinton agar plates, inoculated with Streptococcus mutans NCTC10449 and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The diameters of inhibition zones produced around the materials were measured after 24 h of incubation at 37 +/- 1 degrees C. For statistical analysis, Duncan's multiple range test was used. The primers of bonding agents were highly effective against to Streptococcus mutans. The MDPB containing primer of ABF Bond produced the greatest inhibition zones against to Lactobacillus acidophilus. It was followed by FLB primer. Lactobacillus acidophilus was resistant to FBLC primer and bonding, ABF, PBNT and FLB bonding agents. The results of this study indicated that, incorporation of MDPB in primer of self-etch system increased its antibacterial activity especially against to Lactobacillus acidophilus. However, all bonding systems except for bonding agent of ABF showed some antibacterial activity against to Streptococcus mutans.

Evaluation of internal adaptation in ceramic and composite resin inlays by silicon replica technique

This study was aimed at investigating the internal adaptation of a ceramic (Ceramco II) and two composite resin inlay materials (SureFil and 3M Filtek Z 250) using silicon replica technique as an indicator. Forty-five standard mesial-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavities were prepared into brass moulds by using computer numerically controlled system. Inlays were prepared according to manufacturers' instructions with indirect methods. Replicas of the prepared cavities and inlays were produced with a polyvinyl siloxane material (Elite H-D). The spaces between inlays and cavities were filled by different coloured light-body polyvinyl siloxane material. Two parallel slices (mesio-distally) were obtained from the replicas with a sharp blade. Different coloured polyvinyl siloxane material thickness between cavity and inlay was measured at seven points (mesial, occlusal and distal). The data were evaluated with anova and Tukey's honestly significantly different (HSD) statistical tests. In the SureFil and Ceramco II groups, the sizes of the contraction gaps at mesial and distal gingival floors were greater than that of the occlusal marginal walls. In comparison of gap formation at occlusal regions, while the 3M composite group showed highest gap values (204.33 +/- 75.45 microm), the Ceramco II group revealed the lowest (141.17 +/- 23.66 microm) (P < 0.05). At the gingival floors, gap formation of Ceramco II group was the highest (227.08 +/- 51.95 microm). Neither the 3M Filtek Z250 nor SureFil group showed any statistical difference between gap values of their self-occlusal and gingival floors (P > 0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that ceramic inlays did not confer any big advantage for internal adaptation over the composite inlays.

Comparison of antibacterial activity of two dentin bonding systems using agar well technique and tooth cavity model

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the antibacterial activities of two dentin bonding systems (ABF, Kuraray and Reactmer Bond, Shofu) by a conventional agar well technique and a newly designed in vitro test using tooth model.

METHODS

In the agar well technique, the test materials were filled in the wells of Muller Hinton agar plates inoculated with Streptococcus mutans NCTC10449, and the diameters of inhibition zones produced around the materials were measured after 24h of incubation. For the tooth model test, three cavities (diameter 1mm, depth 2mm) were prepared in the flat occlusal dentin of human extracted molar. After sterilization, the teeth were left in broth culture of 1.56 x 10(8)CFU/ml of S. mutans at 37 degrees C for 72h for allowing bacteria to invade the cavity. The dentin bonding systems were applied separately to each of the two infected cavities, and the third cavity was left unapplied for control. After sealing the occlusal surfaces, the teeth were kept in physiologic saline solution at 37 degrees C for 72h. The standardized amounts of dentin chips (120+/-5mg) were obtained from the cavity walls and the number of bacteria recovered was determined. The results were analyzed by One Way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney's U tests.

RESULTS

The primer of ABF and Reactmer Bond produced inhibition zones with similar sizes (p>0.05), but the bonding resin of ABF did not produce any inhibition. When tested by the model cavity method, the application of ABF resulted in significantly less bacterial recovery than Reactmer Bond (p<0.05), demonstrating substantial antibacterial effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The tooth model method used in this study was effective for evaluating the substantial antibacterial effects of dentin bonding agents, and the experimental dentin bonding system ABF was demonstrated to be able to inactivate the bacteria in the cavity effectively in comparison with little antibacterial activity shown by Reactmer Bond.

Antioxidant activity of some foods containing phenolic compounds

This study was designed to determine the total phenols (TP) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) of some liquid and solid plant foods that are commonly consumed in Turkey. Total phenols were analysed according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activities of these compounds in aqueous phase were assessed by measuring their direct ABTS.- radical scavenging abilities. Total phenols varied from 68 to 4162 mg/l for liquid foods and from 735 to 3994 mg/kg for solid foods. TAA of liquid and solid foods ranged between 0.61-6.78 mM and 0.63-8.62 mM, respectively. Total antioxidant activities of foods were well correlated with total phenols (r2 = 0.95). According to content of total phenols per serving, liquid foods were in the order of black tea > instant coffee > coke > red wine > violet carrot juice > apricot nectar > Turkish coffee > grape molasses > sage > white wine > linden flower, and solid foods were in the order of red grape > raisins > tarhana > dried black plum > dried apricot > grape > fresh paprika > fresh black plum > Urtica sp. > cherry > fresh apricot > paprika pickle > paprika paste.

Adsorption of direct-acting and indirect-acting mutagens by various dietary fibers

The protective effect of dietary fiber on human cancer has received great attention during the last decades. Because dietary fiber constitutes a large group of complex polysaccharides with various solubilities, degrees of lignification, chemical compositions and structural arrangements, several mechanisms for their effects have been proposed. In this study, in vitro binding capacities of various dietary fibers (potato fiber and glucomannan) and dietary fiber constituents (pectic acid and cellulose) against indirect mutagen 2-amino-3-methyl-3H-imidazo (4,5-f) quinoline (IQ) and direct-acting mutagen sodium azide were investigated. Direct-acting mutagen sodium azide was not adsorbed to the dietary fiber and dietary fiber constituents of 0 degree C, pH 4.5 and 37 degrees C, pH 7.0. However, indirect-acting mutagen 2-amino-3-methyl-3H-imidazo (4,5-f) quinoline (IQ) were sorbed by them in variable ratios at 0 degree C, pH 4.5 and 37 degrees C, pH 7.0. The differences between the in vitro binding capacities of the samples at two experimental conditions were found to be statiscially significant (P < 0.01). IQ was not released from the dietary fibers and constituents in distilled water.

Polycystic ovaries in association with müllerian anomalies

The polycystic ovary syndrome, whose etiopathogenesis is not clearly understood, has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, and may co-exist with other pathologic conditions. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of ultrasound-defined polycystic ovaries (PCO) in patients with müllerian anomalies (n = 167), and those without müllerian anomalies (n = 3165) from 1990 to 1994, in a population markedly composed of infertility patients. PCO were found in 50 (29.9%) patients in the study group, compared to 637 (20.1%) patients in controls (P < 0.01). Müllerian anomalies were further grouped according to the American Fertility Society (AFS) classification and it was found that patients with the septate uteri and bicornuate uteri malformations had a higher prevalence of PCO than the controls (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively). Although a difference existed in the percentage of PCO in patients with unicornuate uteri and didelphic uteri compared to controls, this difference did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). We conclude that, as PCO are more prevalent in certain müllerian anomalies, an embryogenetic defect may also be involved in the etiopathogenesis of PCO.