SS Levels Research Articles

Serotonin improves plant growth, foliar functions and antioxidant defence system in Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Br.)

Every year, high salinity reduces agricultural crop yields by a substantial amount due to osmotic and ionic impacts that prevent plants from absorbing the required water and promote the hyperaccumulation of ions, which enter the transpiration stream and injure plant cells. Thus, in general, the effects of salinity stress on plant physio-chemicals functions are well known, but little has been explored on how serotonin combats abiotic stress in Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata). In this study, the effect of serotonin (SR; 200 µmol L−1) on Ethiopian mustard under salt stress (SS; 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) was examined. Results exhibited that all SS levels tested in this trial were able to offer a significant reduction of plant growth parameters, chlorophyll contents, gas exchange, water use efficiency, fv/fm and nitrate reductase activity (NR) and increased the antioxidants and proline contents. However, the foliar application of SR significantly ameliorated the influence of all SS levels by improving gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll contents, PSll photochemical efficiency, antioxidant activities, proline, NR, water use efficiency and growth parameters. Based on these results, it is recommended that SR application is useful to uplift the growth, yield and physio-chemical mechanisms of Ethiopian mustard. Furthermore, the SR application can be carried out on various traditional crops under different climate conditions for sustainable agriculture production.

Thiol-Disulfide Balance in Fibromyalgia: A Case-Control Study

Aim. We aimed to examine the thiol-disulfide (SS) balance, a recognized marker of oxidative stress, in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
 Methods. The study comprised 98 female participants (61 newly diagnosed patients and 37 patients under treatment) with FMS, along with 82 apparently healthy female volunteers. In both groups, assessments were conducted using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), Tender Point Count, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Native thiol (NT) and total thiol (TT) levels were measured, SS levels and SS/NT ratio were calculated.
 Results. FMS patients demonstrated significantly lower NT levels, higher SS levels, and an elevated SS/NT ratio compared to the control group (p< 0.05 for all groups). In FMS patients, a statistically significant correlation was found between SS level and the SS/NT ratio, as well as the number of tender points (r=-0.24, p=0.02; r=-0.21, p=0.04), SF-36 pain subscales (r=0.22, p=0.032; r=0.21, p=0.04), and BAI scores (r=-0.22, p=0.01; r=-0.23 p=0.03). In the subgroup analysis, all health assessment scales were observed to exhibit statistically significant differences between the under-treatment group and newly-diagnosed group when compared to the control group (p< 0.05 for all groups). The FIQ, VAS, FSS, and BAI scores were found to be significantly lower in the under-treatment group as compared to the newly-diagnosed group (p< 0.05 for all groups). In the newly-diagnosed group, NT was significantly lower and the SS/NT ratio was significantly higher than those in the control group (p< 0.05). In the under-treatment group, SS levels and SS/NT ratio were significantly higher as compared to the control group (p< 0.05). In the multivariate regression analysis, which incorporated age, health assessment scales, patient subgroups, tender points, and duration of symptoms to predict the SS/NT ratio, variabes such as being in the under-treatment group, tender points, and BAI score were identified as significant predictors (p< 0.05).
 Conclusions. The thiol-SS balance was observed to shift in the oxidative direction, and oxidative stress was higher in the FMS group. The absence of a significant difference between the under-treatment group and the newly-diagnosed group in terms of thiol-SS balance parameters suggests a shift to oxidative stress in patients, independent of the treatment status.

Erythrocytic Reduced/Oxidized Glutathione and Serum Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder.

This study aimed to evaluate oxidative damage by measuring erythrocytic reduced/oxidized glutathione as an intracellular thiol pool and serum thiol/disulfide homeostasis as an extracellular thiol pool in patients with opioid use disorder. In this prospective cross-sectional study, 33 male patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder and 30 healthy male controls were included. Sociodemographic characteristics and psychometric analyzes were performed and addiction characteristics (duration and amount of heroin use, usage methods) were recorded. For the evaluation of oxidative balance, intracellular reduced-oxidized glutathione (reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione), and extracellular thiol-disulfide (native thiol and disulfide) levels were measured. There was a decrease in reduced glutathione and native thiol levels and an increase in GSSG and SS levels. Similarly, while oxidized/reduced glutathione, oxidized/total glutathione%, and disulfide/native thiol % ratios increased, the ratio of reduced glutathione/total glutathione% and native thiol/total thiol% decreased. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the level of both intracellular and extracellular oxidant molecules and the duration and amount of opioid use. Impaired intracellular reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione and extracellular disulfide/native thiol homeostasis were found in patients with opioid use disorder. The intracellular and extracellular oxidative stress may cause complications related to chronic opioid use.

Pragmatic anesthetic approach for extracranial to intracranial bypass surgery in a patient with moyamoya disease and sickle cell disease: a case report

BackgroundMoyamoya disease is a chronic progressive cerebrovascular disorder. A proportion of 10–20% of patients with sickle cell disease have associated moyamoya disease and may require surgical revascularization as definitive treatment.Case presentationA 22-year-old African lady with sickle cell disease and moyamoya disease, with extensive cerebral vasculopathy, was scheduled for elective extracranial to intracranial bypass surgery. She presented with right-sided weakness secondary to a hemorrhagic stroke of the left lentiform nucleus. She required a multidisciplinary team approach for preprocedural optimization. Her preoperative hemoglobin SS levels were reduced to less than 20%, with preoperative red blood cell transfusion to avoid sickling. We maintained normal physiology and optimal analgesia perioperatively. She was extubated after the successful surgical procedure and was transferred to Intensive care unit (ICU) for invasive monitoring, with subsequent discharge to the ward several days later.ConclusionOptimal preprocedural optimization can decrease complications in patients with critically comprised cerebral circulation booked for extensive surgery such as ECIC bypass. We believe the presentation of anesthetic management of a patient with moyamoya disease and sickle cell disease may prove helpful.

Changes in oxidative stress markers in pediatric burn injury over a 1-week period

Abstract The importance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of burn injuries has been shown in various studies. Glutathione (GSH) and thiols have important roles in antioxidant protection and detoxification. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between pediatric burn trauma and GSH and thiol homeostasis. Twenty-nine children with thermal-burn injuries and 29 healthy peers are included in this prospective randomized study. Children with burn wounds of 15–25% of total body surface area (TBSA) were included in the patient group. The control group was created from healthy peers of both sexes. All children were 1–10 years of age. Serum GSH, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), redox ratio (GSH/GSSG), and thiol–disulfide (SS) tests were conducted in both groups, and the changes between admission and day 7 were analyzed in patients with burn injuries. The mean age was 4.09 ± 2.54 years for the patient group and 4.28 ± 2.55 years for the controls (p > 0.05). Total thiol (TT), native thiol (SH), and SS levels were significantly lower in the patient group than in the controls (TT = 291.69 ± 7.93 vs 346.79 ± 18.89 μmol/L, SH = 259.39 ± 7.90 vs 297.64 ± 12.81 μmol/L, SS = 16.15 ± 4.68 vs 24.58 ± 5.76 μmol/L; p < 0.001). SH/TT ratio was higher in the patient group (89.05 ± 3.00 vs 85.93 ± 3.01 μmol/L; p < 0.001). The SS/SH and SS/TT ratios were significantly lower in the patient group, while the SH/TT ratio was significantly higher (p < 0.001). The patients had significantly decreased GSH levels (26.12 ± 2.42 vs 34.80 ± 2.26) and GSH/GSSG ratios (1.69 ± 0.12 vs 3.05 ± 0.29) and increased GSSG levels (16.09 ± 0.34 vs 11.48 ± 1.17, p < 0.001 for all). The GSSG level and GSSG/SH and GSSG/TT ratios were higher in the patient group than in the controls while the SH, TT, and SS levels, and SS/SH and SS/TT ratios were lower in the patient group. Analysis of serum GSSG levels, and ratios with SH and TT homeostasis, might be useful in order to determine burn damage in children.

Stormwater runoff treatment through electrocoagulation: antibiotic resistant bacteria removal and its transmission risks

ABSTRACT Recently, increasing attention has been paid to antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in stormwater runoff. However, there were little data on ARB removal through electrocoagulation (EC) treatment. In this study, batch experiments were conducted to investigate key designs for ARB removal, role of SS, effects of water matrix, and potential risks after EC treatment under the pre-determined conditions. EC treatment with 5 mA/cm2 of current density and 4 cm of inter-electrode distance was optimal with the highest ARB removal (3.04 log reduction for 30 min). The presence of SS significantly improved ARB removal during EC treatment, where ARB removal increased with the increase of SS levels when SS less than 300 mg/L. Large ARB removal was found under particles with size lower than 150 μm with low contribution (less than 10%) of the settlement without EC treatment, implying that the enhancement of ARB adsorption onto small particles could be one of the reasonable approaches for ARB removal through EC treatment. ARB removal increased firstly and then decreased with the increase of pH, while had proportional relationship with conductivity. After the optimal condition, there were weak conjugation transfer but high transformation frequency (5.5 × 10−2 for bla TEM) for target antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), indicating that there could be still a risk of antibiotic resistance transformation after EC treatment. These suggested that the combination of EC and other technologies (like electrochemical disinfection) should be potential ways to control antibiotic resistance transmission through stormwater runoff.

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with acupoint catgut embedding on gastrointestinal motility and gastrointestinal hormones in rats with functional dyspepsia.

Electroacupuncture (EA) or acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) plays a therapeutic role in functional dyspepsia (FD). Herein, we aimed to elucidate the influences of EA combined with ACE on gastrointestinal motility and gastrointestinal hormones in rats with FD. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into the control group, model group, EA group, ACE group, and EA + ACE group (n = 10). Except for the control group, the rats in all groups were modeled by combining neonatal iodoacetamide gastrogavage and modified tail-clamping stimulation. The rats were treated with different treatments according to their groups. The rats were observed for changes in general behavior, body weight, food intake, and paw mechanical pain threshold. Gastric emptying rate (GER) and intestinal propulsive ratio (IPR) were measured in each group, and serum gastrointestinal hormone (motilin [MTL], leptin, gastrin [GAS], vasoactive intestinal peptide [VIP], calcitonin gene-related peptide [CGRP], and somatostatin [SS]) levels, oxidative stress factors (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and malondialdehyde [MDA]) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels were also measured. Decreased mean body weight, paw mechanical pain thresholds, food intake, and GER and IPR were found in rats of the model group in comparison to the control group. Serum MTL, GAS, SS, and SOD levels were reduced, and serum leptin, VIP, CGRP, MDA, and 5-HT levels were increased in rats of the model group in comparison to the control group. Elevated mean body weight, paw mechanical pain threshold, food intake, GER and IPR, and serum MTL, GAS, SS, and SOD levels, and reduced serum leptin, VIP, CGRP, MDA, and 5-HT levels were observed in rats of the EA, ACE, and EA + ACE groups relative to the model group. EA combined with ACE treatment was more effective than the EA or ACE treatment alone. EA combined with ACE treatment improves gastrointestinal motility and gastrointestinal hormone levels, promotes food intake, and reduces visceral hypersensitivity in FD rats.

Proptosis is associated with thiol-disulfide in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is a vision-threatening finding observed in approximately half of Graves' disease patients. The pathophysiology of GO is unclear, and one of the suspected factors is oxidative stress. In our study, we compared the relationship between proptosis and SH-SS in patients diagnosed with GO. In this prospective study, 40 recently diagnosed Graves' disease patients with proptosis, 40 recently diagnosed Graves' disease patients without GO and 30 healthy individuals with similar demographic characteristics were included. Serum thiol-disulfide (SH-SS) measurements were performed. Eye examinations were performed by a single ophthalmologist to check for the presence of GO, and proptosis values were recorded with a Hertel exophthalmometer. Total SH values were lower in the group with proptosis than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Total and native SH values were lower in patients without proptosis than in the control group (p < 0.05). Total SH, native SH and SS levels were independently associated with proptosis (p < 0.05). According to this analysis, it was found that increasing SS and decreasing total and native SH levels increased the probability of proptosis by 24.4%, 32.7% and 32.4%, respectively. A decrease in SH, which is a natural antioxidant that protects the body against oxidative stress, and an increase in SS are important signs of oxidative damage. Proptosis and SH-SS are closely related in GO. This may help us detect GO and proptosis in Graves' patients. It can also assist in developing new options for preventing and treating GO.

Native thiol decreases in patients with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism, especially in the presence of surgery indication.

Oxidative stress increases in many systemic and endocrine diseases. The effect of increased parathyroid hormone levels (PTH) and the effects of this hormone on oxidative stress in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is unknown. We aimed to investigate the change of Thiol-disulfide (SH-SS), one of the oxidative stress parameters, in patients diagnosed with pHPT and the usability of this parameter in patients with pHPT. Forty-six patients who recently diagnosed with asymptomatic pHPT and 40 healthy controls were included in this prospective study. In addition to routine examinations for pHPT, serum SH-SS measurements were recorded. The pHPT patients included in the study were divided into two groups as patients with and without surgical treatment indication. It was observed that the pHPT group had lower total SH and native SH values and higher SS values compared to the control group (P<0.05 for each). Native SH values were found to be lower in pHPT patients who were indicated for surgical treatment compared to those who did not (P<0.05). An independent relationship was found between Native SH and serum calcium, urine calcium and T scores in DEXA level in asymptomatic pHPT patients with surgical treatment indication (P<0.05). In our study, native SH level decreases in patients with pHPT, especially in patients with surgical treatment indication for pHPT. The decrease in SH levels, which is a natural antioxidant that protects the body against oxidative stress, and the increase in SS levels in pHPT patients may be another metabolic effect of this disease. Native SH may be helpful in determining the indication for surgical treatment in asymptomatic pHPT patients.

Evaluation of the role of thiol / disulfide homeostasis in the etiology of idiopathic male infertility with a novel and automated assay

ABSTRACT Idiopathic male infertility (IMI) is the absence of a reason to explain a patient's infertility, and it occurs at a frequency of %31. In this study we aimed to investigate the oxidant/antioxidant status of patients with IMI and compare their results to those of healthy controls.A total of 79 patients with IMI (group 1) and 90 healthy individuals (group 2) were included in the study. We used Erel & Neşelioğlu’s thiol/disulfide homeostasis test. Collective and individual measurements of oxidative/antioxidative balance components were carried out by this novel thiol/disulfide homeostasis test. Serum antioxidant (total thiol (toSH), native thiol (SH)) and oxidant (disulfide (SS)) levels of all study participants were measured. The results from both groups were compared and analyzed statistically. After toSH, SH, and SS levels were determined, SS/toSH% and SS/SH% levels for each group were analyzed separately and compared statistically.The toSH, SH levels, and SS/SH%, SS/toSH% ratios were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05).While antioxidant parameters (toSH and SH values) decreased in group1, oxidant parameters (SS/SH%, SS/toSH%) increased significantly. Although SS values were higher in group 1, the difference was not significant (p = 0.214). The SH cutoff value of 507.15 µmol/L predicted the probability of IMI development with 72.2% sensitivity and 74.4% specificity and toSH cutoff value of 545.45 µmol/L predicted IMI development with 70.9% sensitivity and 73.3 specificity (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the only independent risk factor for the development of IMI is SH. Patients with IMI had a significant change in their thiol/disulfide homeostasis, which suggests the involvement of this imbalance in the pathophysiology of IMI. Furthermore, these results also support the notion of the involvement of oxidative stress in sperm dysfunction. It also points to the possibility of using antioxidants in IMI treatment. Abbreviations: IMI: idiopathic male infertility; toSH: total thiol; SH: native thiol; SS: disulfide; OS: oxidative stress; ROS: reactive oxygen species; DCF: dichlorofluorescein; MiOXSYS: male infertility oxidative system; MOSI: male oxidative stress infertility; LC: L-carnitine; LAC: L-acetylcarnitine; Vit: vitamin; OAT: oligoasthenozoospermia; TMSC: total motile sperm count; WHO: World Health Organization; BMI: body mass index; DTNB: 5,5ʹ‐dithiobis‐2‐nitrobenzoic acid; CV: coefficient variation; ROC: receiver operating characteristic; PR: progressive, NP: non-progressive.

Total thiol can contribute to differentiating prostate cancer from BPH: Prostate Thiol Index as a new player.

To assess the distinctiveness of serum native thiol (NT), total thiol (TT) and disulfide (SS) levels in PCa patients, we created a new parameter, prostate thiol index (PTI) [tPSA (TTxPVxAge) -1/2 ]. We determined the performance of the PTI on PCa diagnosis. A total of 107 male patients (PCa:65; BPH:42) who were separated according to their Gleason scores, ISUP grades and EAU risk groups and 20 healthy subjects were included. The performances of the tests were determined. The PCa and BPH groups had lower NT and TT levels and higher SS levels than the control group. PCa patients had higher PTI, tPSA, fPSA, PSAD levels, lower fPSA%, PV and PSA-AV levels than BPH patients. TT, PTI, tPSA, fPSA, fPSA%, PSA-AV, PSAD and PV had significant diagnostic performances. PTI had the highest AUC value and accuracy, PSA-AV had the highest specificity, and fPSA had the lowest sensitivity. The performance of the PTI was the best in distinguishing PCa from BPH. PTI, tPSA and PSAD positively and PSA-AV negatively correlated with ISUP grades and EAU groups. TT can contribute to the discrimination of PCa from BPH and PTI may decrease unnecessary biopsies in clinical practice.

The role of thiol-disulfide and ischemia-modified albumin levels in the diagnosis of childhood appendicitis

Aim: The accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis can be achieved by a combination of evaluation of clinical symptoms, physical examination findings and history taking, but is still challenging for the clinician. Some biochemical markers have been evaluated for the purpose of increasing the diagnostic accuracy rate for appendicitis. In this study, our aim is to evaluate the diagnostic value of thiol-disulfide levels and IMA, in pediatric patients with suspected acute appendicitis. &#x0D; Materials And Methods:&#x0D; The children (1-17 years age) who were admitted to our clinic for suspected acute appendicitis between March 2017 and September 2017 were evaluated. A total of 238 children are enrolled in the study; 119 were operated for suspected acute appendicitis and the 119 children who did not have appendicitis constituted the control group. Serum levels of native thiol (-SH), total thiol (SH + SS), dynamic disulfide (SS), dynamic disulfide (SS)/total thiol (SH + SS) ratio, albumin, ischemic modified albumin (IMA) and WBC levels were obtained and compared within groups. &#x0D; Results: &#x0D; The mean age of the patients was 10.9 years (±3.7, 3-17 years) and 9.1 years (±3.7, 1-17 years) in the operation and the control groups, respectively. The SH, SH+SS, SS and albumin levels and SS/SH+SS ratio were significantly lower and IMA levels were significantly higher in the operation group than the control group. Among the operated patients, IMA and dynamic disulfide levels were significantly higher and WBC levels were significantly lower in patients with non-perforated appendicitis than patients with perforated appendicitis. A significant decrease in serum levels of IMA was observed in the postoperative 1st day when compared with the preoperative values.&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; Measuring the IMA levels with thiol/disulfide homeostasis may increase the diagnostic accuracy rate when evaluating the patients with suspected appendicitis. However, it appears that these evaluations fail to distinguish the patients with perforated and non-perforated appendicitis, thus further studies are necessary.

Oxidative Stress in Controlled Hypotension: Assessment with A Novel Oxidative Stress Marker

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oxidative stress on thiol-disulfide homeostasis caused by hypotensive anesthesia in mastoidectomy-tympanoplasty cases undergoing controlled hypotension. Methods: Fifty adult patients scheduled for mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty were included in the study. Anesthesia was induced with lidocaine, propofol, rocuronium, and remifentanil. The maintenance of anesthesia was continued with remifentanil infusion (target mean arterial pressure as 60-65 mmHg) along with 2% sevoflurane/40% O2/air mixture. Blood samples were taken 5 times at the t0 (before induction), t1 (intraoperatively after intubation), t2 (first hour) and t3 (second hour of the operation) and t4 (following recovery). Total thiol (TT) and Native Thiol (NT) levels were measured, and thus, Di-Sulphide (SS), Di-Sulphide/Native Thiol (SSNT), Di-Sulphide/Total Thiol (SSTT), and Native Thiol/Total Thiol (NTTT) values were estimated. Results: During the operation, progressive decrease was observed in thiol levels of patients. There was a significant decrease in t3 thiol values when compared with t0 value. Thiol values were observed to have returned to baseline values after recovery from anesthesia (p&amp;gt;0.05). SS, SSNT and SSTT levels were found as increased in t1 blood samples, but increase in SSNT and SSTT levels was significant. Throughout the operation, values were observed to have dropped and reverted back to initial values. Conclusion: Since the measurement of thiol-disulfide blood values is able to show the instantaneous state of oxidative stress, it can be used in anesthesia practice in which every event occurs very quickly.

Emicizumab Dosing in Children and Adults with Hemophilia A: Simulating a User-Friendly and Cost-Efficient Regimen.

When emicizumab is dosed according to label, clinicians are obligated to discard or overdose medication due to discrepancies between calculated dose and vial content. The aim of this study was to compose a cost-efficient emicizumab maintenance dosing regimen using Monte Carlo simulation based on vial size, patient-friendly intervals, and patient characteristics, while striving for similar plasma concentrations as observed in clinical trials. Monte Carlo simulations were used to investigate alternative dosing regimens in patients weighing 3 to 150 kg. Simulated regimens were targeted to achieve median emicizumab plasma concentrations at a steady state (C av,ss) of 40 to 60 (90% range: 25-95) µg/mL. The cost-efficiency of the alternative dosing regimen was calculated in mg and costs saved per patient per year. The developed alternative dosing regimen achieved similar emicizumab C av,ss levels compared with the registered dosing regimen with a median deviation of less than 2 µg/mL in 78% of the body-weight categories. A dose of 60 mg every 3 weeks was advised for children weighing 12 to 16 kg, while adults weighing 76 to 85 kg can receive 120 mg emicizumab every week. Compared with the registered weekly dosing of 1.5 mg/kg, alternative dosing saved €35,434 per year in children weighing between 12 and 16 kg. For patients weighing 76 to 85 kg, the median saving was €29,529 (range: €0-€59,057). This alternative maintenance dosing scheme-applicable in patients with hemophilia A receiving emicizumab prophylaxis-reduces financial costs, avoids medication spillage, and is patient-friendly without loss of efficacy.

Thiol disulfide homeostasis in primary dysmenorrhea

Oxidative stress is defined as a result of the loss of balance between the production of free radical or reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant system. This study aimed to determine the level of thiol-disulfide homeostasis (TDH) in the serum of women with primary dysmenorrhea. The study group consisted of 42 subjects with primary dysmenorrhea, and the control group consisted of 30 volunteer women with demographic characteristics similar to the study group. Native thiol (SH), total thiol (TSH), disulphide (SS), and SH/SS parameters were measured for TDH of the subjects. The SH (p = 0.038) and SH/TSH (p = 0.046) levels were significantly higher while SS (p = 0.013), SS/SH (p = 0.042) and SS/TSH (p = 0.046) levels were lower in the study group than in the healthy control group. The SS cut-off value was determined as 17.85 in the study group (sensitivity = 61.9%, specificity = 43.3%). Therefore, the probability of dysmenorrhea may increase significantly when SS levels fall below this value. In subjects with dysmenorrhea, there was a decrease in SS levels and an increase in SH levels in order to protect the cells and tissues from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Impaired thiol/disulphide homoeostasis in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome.

Abnormal thiol/disulphide homoeostasis (TDH) is responsible for the pathogenesis of various diseases. We aimed to examine the TDH in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). A total of 131 children, 60 with SSNS and 71 healthy controls, participated in the study. Plasma total thiol (TT), native thiol (SH) and disulphide (SS) levels in the SSNS during remission and control groups were estimated using a new method developed by Erel and Neselioglu. Albumin, TT, SH levels and SH/TT ratio were decreased, whereas SS/SH and SS/TT ratios were elevated in SSNS group compared with control group. However, there was no significant difference in SS levels between the two groups. Albumin level was positively correlated with TT, SH and SS levels in the SSNS group. We found that TDH shifts in favour of oxidants in children with SSNS in remission. This shift indicates that SSNS patients are exposed to augmented oxidative stress.

The Relationship between Choroidal Thickness and Intracellular Oxidised-reduced Glutathione and Extracellular Thiol–disulfide Homeostasis at Different Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between diabetic retinopathy and oxidative damage by measuring intracellular and extracellular thiol levels, and to compare intracellular and extracellular thiol levels. Method: In this prospective, cross-sectional, and comparative study, 25 healthy control participants (group 1), a total of 25 diabetic macular edema (DME) patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DRP) and without DME (group 2), and 25 DME patients with non-proliferative DRP and with DME (group 3) were included. Choroidal thickness (ChT) and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured by spectral domain optic coherence tomography. For the evaluation of antioxidant/oxidant balance, intracellular GSH (reduced glutathione) and GSSG (oxidized glutathione), extracellular SH (thiol) and SS (disulfide) levels were measured and recorded. Results: Comparing intracellular and extracellular thiol levels between groups, intracellular GSSG level and GSSG/GSH percent ratio, and extracellular disulfide and SS/SH percent ratio values were higher in diabetic patients than healthy participants. Choroidal thicknesses were significantly thinner in DRP groups compared to the healthy population. When the relationship between choroidal thicknesses and thiol levels was investigated, there were significant relationships between choroidal thicknesses and thiol levels in group 3. Conclusion: Oxidative stress and impaired intracellular GSH/GSSG and serum SH/SS balances were observed to have an effect on DRP and DME pathogenesis. In addition, in groups with and without DME, thinning in choroidal thicknesses and the relationship between these thicknesses and intra/extracellular oxidative stress indicators can also be explained.

Twin study of neonatal transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions

Our knowledge of which physiological mechanisms shape transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) is incomplete, although thousands of TEOAEs are recorded each day as part of universal newborn hearing-screening (UNHS). TEOAE heritability may explain some of the large TEOAE variability observed in neonates, and give insights into the TEOAE generators and modulators, and why TEOAEs are generally larger in females and right ears.The aim was to estimate TEOAE heritability and describe ear and sex effects in a consecutive subset of all twins that passed UNHS at the same occasion at two hospitals during a six-year period (more than 30 000 neonates screened in total). TEOAEs were studied and TEOAE level correlations compared in twin sets of same-sex (SS, 302 individual twins, 151 twin pairs) and opposite-sex (OS, 152 individual twins, 76 twin pairs). A mathematical model was used to estimate and compare monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) intra-twin pair TEOAE level correlations, based on the data from the SS and OS twin sets.For both SS and OS twin pairs TEOAE levels were significantly higher in right ears and females, compared to left ears and males, as previously demonstrated in young adult twins and large groups of neonates. Neonatal females in OS twin pairs did not demonstrate masculinized TEOAEs, as has been demonstrated for OAEs in young adult females in OS twin pairs. The within-twin pair TEOAE level correlations were higher for SS twin pairs than for OS twin pairs, whereas the within-pair correlation coefficients could not be distinguished from zero when twins were randomly paired. These results reflect heredity as a key factor in TEOAE level variability. Additionally, the estimated MZ within-twin pair TEOAE level correlations were higher than those for DZ twin pairs. The heritability estimates reached up to 100% TEOAE heritability, which is numerically larger than previous estimates of about 75% in young adult twins.

Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction

BackgroundAlthough there are no sufficient data on association between oxidative stress and erectile dysfunction (ED), numerous studies have reported that imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species and body's antioxidant defenses may play a role in the pathogenesis of ED. AimThe aim of this study was to determine and compare the oxidant and antioxidant status in patients with ED and healthy controls with a novel automated assay for thiol/disulphide homeostasis test. MethodsOur study included 123 patients with ED and 90 healthy individuals. ED was evaluated by asking questions 1–5 and 15 of the International Index of Erectile Function form. In this study, we used Erel and Neselioglu’s thiol/disulfide homeostasis test, which is one of the novel methods that can measure both variables of the oxidative/antioxidative balance individually and collectively. OutcomesThis method measured serum antioxidant (total thiol [toSH], native thiol [SH]) and oxidant (disulfide [SS]) levels. The statistical comparisons were performed between patients with ED (ED+ group) and without ED (ED− group) first and then within the ED+ group. After toSH, SH, and SS levels were determined; SS/toSH%, SS/SH%, and SH/toSH% levels were analyzed separately and compared statistically. ResultsWe found a significant difference between ED− and ED+ groups in terms of toSH, SH, SS/toSH%, and SS/SH% ratios. SS parameters were increased in patients with ED, but there was no significant difference in terms of SS and SH/toSH% values. Clinical ImplicationsClarification of the factors involved in the etiology of ED such as oxidative/antioxidative balance may open new grounds in the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Strengths & LimitationsIt is a prospective, randomized clinical study with the use of a novel, reliable, and fully automated technique. The limitations of the study are use of a subjective tool such as the International Index of Erectile Function, obtaining blood samples from the peripheral vein instead of penile cavernosal tissue, and relatively small sample size. ConclusionThe results of this study showed that thiol/disulfide homeostasis is altered in ED, and this imbalance may be a factor in its pathophysiology. We determined that as ED gets more severe, toSH and SH parameters decrease, whereas SS parameter increases.Micoogullari U, Karatas OF, Kisa E, et al. Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2020;17:1934–1941.

Impaired thiol/disulfide homeostasis in patients with mild acute pancreatitis.

The aim of this study was to compare the dynamic thiol/disulfide (SS) homeostasis and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) concentration between healthy subjects and patients with mild acute pancreatitis (AP). A total of 28 patients with AP (AP group) and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (control group) were included in this study. Serum thiols/SS and IMA concentrations were measured and compared between the two groups. The mean serum native thiol (SH) and total thiol (TT) levels were significantly lower in the AP group than in the control group (224.7±80.3 μmol/L vs. 314.66±87.5 μmol/L, p<0.001 and 273.3±76.8 vs. 346.9±79 μmol/L, p<0.001, respectively). SS levels were significantly higher in the AP group than in the control group (24.2±11.1 μmol/L vs. 16.1±9.9 μmol/L, p<0.054). There were no differences in the IMA concentration and the mean IMA/albumin ratio (IMAR) between both the groups. We found that mild AP may affect serum thiol and SS levels, and cause impaired thiol/SS homeostasis.