Derya Güzel

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum neuroactive steroids (NAS) and oxytocin and craving and psychosocial functioning in men diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, 40 men with MUD (PG) and 41 non-substance-use-disorder controls (CG) completed measures of emotion dysregulation (DERS-16), attachment (ECR-R), aggression (BPAQ), and suicidal ideation (BSS). PG additionally completed the Substance Craving Scale (SCS) and Addiction Profile Index (API). Serum allopregnanolone (ALLO), DHEAS, testosterone, 17β-estradiol (E2), and oxytocin were assayed. Results: The results indicated that the PG exhibited significantly higher scores than the CG across all psychological measures. Robust adjusted group effects were observed for DERS-16 (Model 1: F = 35.507, p < 0.001; Model 2: F = 18.225, p < 0.001) and trait anger (Model 1: F = 41.104, p < 0.001; Model 2: F = 16.732, p < 0.001). Notably, serum levels of ALLO, DHEAS, testosterone, E2, and oxytocin did not differ significantly between groups. However, hormonal measures were strongly intercorrelated within both groups (r ≈ 0.877–0.936, all p < 0.001). In the PG, craving demonstrated positive correlations with DHEAS (r = 0.384, p = 0.014), testosterone (r = 0.415, p = 0.008), E2 (r = 0.360, p = 0.023), and oxytocin (r = 0.350, p = 0.027). A multivariable model analyzing craving was statistically significant (R² = 0.350; F(3,36) = 6.474, p = 0.001), with composite hormonal factor (B = 2.390, p = 0.016) serving as an independent predictor, while API Excluding Craving(API-EC) (p = 0.094) and DERS-16 did not emerge as a significant factor (p = 0.056). In hormone-specific models controlling for API-EC and DERS-16, DHEAS (p = 0.012), testosterone (p = 0.007), oxytocin (p = 0.023), and E2 (p = 0.023) retained significance after false discovery rate (FDR) correction; ALLO did not (p = 0.055). Conclusions: Despite the absence of significant differences in peripheral NAS and oxytocin levels between groups, men with MUD exhibited pronounced psychosocial impairments. The craving experienced during inpatient treatment was primarily elucidated by an integrated endocrine profile. These findings underscore the necessity for larger longitudinal studies incorporating repeated hormonal assessments to further explore these relationships.

Objective: Testicular torsion represents a urological emergency that, if unaddressed, can culminate in infertility. This study investigated the protective role of silymarin (SIL), a plant-derived flavonoid known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, in a rat model of testicular torsion-detorsion (T/D)-associated ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were randomized into three groups: sham, T/D, and 100 mg/kg SIL. The T/D and SIL groups underwent 2 hours of torsion followed by 2 hours of detorsion. Testicular tissue samples were analyzed for markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and oxidative stress index (OSI)), antioxidant activity (total antioxidant status (TAS) and (superoxide dismutase (SOD)), and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α)).Results: SIL treatment significantly diminished MDA, TOS, MPO, TNF-α, OSI, and IL-1β, and increased SOD and TAS in comparison to the T/D group (p

Objective: We aimed to determine whether pre-detorsion rosmarinic acid (RA) mitigates oxidative and inflammatory damage in a rat torsion–detorsion (T/D)-induced I/R injury model.Methods: Thirty-two male rats were randomised (n=8/group) to sham, T/D, T/D + RA 40 mg/kg, or T/D + RA 80 mg/kg. T/D consisted of 2 h torsion followed by 2 h reperfusion. RA (i.p.) was administered 30 min before detorsion. Testis tissue was analysed for oxidative stress markers (MDA, MPO, OSI, TOS), antioxidant parameters (SOD, TAS), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β).Results: Compared with sham, T/D caused high MDA, MPO, TNF-α, TOS/OSI, IL-1β, and low SOD, TAS. RA significantly reversed these changes versus T/D, lowering oxidative and inflammatory markers and enhancing antioxidant defences. The high dose RA was equal or superior to low dose—with clearer gains for SOD, TAS, MPO, and cytokines—whereas TOS/OSI improvements were similar at both doses.Conclusions: RA attenuates oxidative and inflammatory injury in testicular T/D as a peri-detorsion adjunct.

Background/Objectives: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) can affect both the liver, where clotting factors are synthesized, and the coagulation system, which prevents acute bleeding. Methods: This study included 451 inpatients undergoing addiction detoxification and 150 healthy controls. Patients were stratified by substance type: Alcohol (n = 110), Cannabinoid (n = 71), Methamphetamine (n = 110), Multiple-Substance (Methamphetamine + Cannabinoid, n = 110), and Opioid (n = 50) users. Age-matched control groups (mean ages 45, n = 50; 30, n = 100) were used. Serum levels of Ca, INR, PT, APTT, PLT, AST, and ALT, alongside sociodemographic variables, were assessed. Results: Significant group differences were observed in ALT, AST, PT, APTT, and PLT (p < 0.001). Notably, PT was lower in Multiple Substance and Methamphetamine users; APTT was elevated in Cannabinoid users; AST was higher in Alcohol users; and Methamphetamine and Opioid users exhibited both decreased AST and ALT. Post hoc analyses confirmed substance-specific effects (p < 0.001). Regular cigarette use was significantly more prevalent among alcohol and substance user groups compared to controls; however, smoking did not exert a significant effect on the evaluated biochemical or coagulation parameters. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that liver enzymes and coagulation parameters can vary significantly by substance type. Observed alterations in AST, ALT, PT, APTT, and PLT suggest that substance use may exert substance-specific effects on hepatic and haemostatic function, highlighting potential risks for bleeding or thrombotic complications. Monitoring these parameters in AUD and SUD patients could provide valuable clinical insights, allowing for more tailored and proactive management strategies. While the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, these results emphasize the importance of considering substance-specific physiological impacts when assessing liver and coagulation health in addicted populations.

This study evaluated the potential protective effects of Cepharanthine (CEP) in mitigating ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of an ovarian torsion/detorsion (T/D) rat model. Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three experimental groups: sham, T/D, and CEP 10 mg/kg. The study examined ovarian tissue samples to measure oxidative stress biomarkers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as proinflammatory mediators, specifically tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). The T/D group exhibited significant oxidative stress, characterized by elevated MDA and MPO levels and low SOD activity, along with heightened inflammatory responses, as indicated by elevated TNF-α and IL-1β levels (p

Background/aim: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major clinical issue, frequently resulting from ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Sinapic acid (SA), a natural phenolic molecule included in numerous plant-based foods, exhibits antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the renoprotective effects of SA in an I/R-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) model. Materials and methods: Sprague–Dawley male rats (n = 32) were randomly assigned to four groups: sham, I/R, SA 20 mg/kg, and SA 40 mg/kg. SA was administered intraperitoneally before reperfusion. Renal tissues were examined using biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical methods, focusing on oxidative stress, cytokine expression, and apoptosis markers. Results: I/R induced significant oxidative stress, elevated proinflammatory cytokines, and tubular damage. Treatment with SA, particularly at 40 mg/kg, significantly improved antioxidant defenses, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels, and attenuated tubular necrosis and apoptosis, as confirmed by decreased caspase-3 and HAVCR1 (also known as KIM-1) expression. Conclusion: SA significantly ameliorated renal I/R injury by modulating apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. These findingssupport the therapeutic efficacy of SA in AKI and highlight the need for further translational research.

Objective: Ovarian torsion (OT) is a critical gynecological emergency marked by partial or complete rotation of the ovary around its ligamentous supports, resulting in impaired blood flow and potential ischemic injury or necrosis if not treated promptly. This study explores the potential of irisin in mitigating ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury following ovarian torsion-detorsion (T/D), with a focus on oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Methods: Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into three groups: Sham, T/D, and irisin 10 μg/kg. Oxidative stress markers—total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO)—were measured to assess tissue damage. Antioxidant parameters, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total antioxidant status (TAS) were evaluated. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were analyzed to assess systemic inflammation and irisin’s modulatory role. Results: The T/D group showed elevated MPO and MDA levels relative to the sham group (p

Chronic stress is linked to changes in brain physiology and functioning, affects the central nervous system (CNS), and causes psychiatric diseases such as depression and anxiety. In this study, antidepressant effects of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103) (LGG) (15 × 10 ⁸ cfu/ml/day) on the mechanisms playing a role in the pathophysiology of depression were investigated, and the results were compared with the effects of bupropion (20 mg/kg/day) and venlafaxine (20 mg/kg/day). A total of 56 male Wistar Albino rats were used in control, stress, bupropion, venlafaxine, LGG, bupropion + stress, venlafaxine + stress, LGG + stress groups, n = 7 each. Changes in the body weight of the rats during the experiment were determined by weight measurement. Gene expression levels were determined by the RT-PCR method. Four different behavioral tests were performed to evaluate depressive behaviors (sucrose preference test, three-chamber sociability test (social interaction test), elevated plus maze test, forced swim test). LGG treatment was effective in reducing depressive-like behaviors, increased BDNF level, 5-HT1A, DRD1, ADRA-2A, GABA-A α1, CNR1 expression levels in the hippocampus and NOD1 receptor expression level in the small intestine ( p < 0.05), and also decreased neurodegeneration level, glial cell activity, and intestinal permeability in depressed rats. As a result, it was revealed in this study for the first time that the LGG probiotic bacterium has antidepressant properties and was found to be more effective than the antidepressant drugs bupropion and venlafaxine. Our results suggest that LGG is a potential psychobiotic bacterium and can be useful to treat depression. It may be an effective and useful option in combating depression.

Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the roles of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Patients and methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted between November 2020 and May 2021, 64 patients (43 female, 21 male; mean age: 43.2±10.4 years; range, 22 to 60 years) with active PsA were included in the patient group, and 64 healthy volunteers (43 female, 21 male; mean age: 42.8±10.5 years; range, 23 to 61 years) were included in the control group. The demographic features of all cases were recorded. The following indices were used to assess the activity of PsA: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), and Visual Analog Scale. Additionally, Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were used to evaluate the patients. The biochemical parameters of the patients were calculated. The serum levels of VEGF, HIF, and HO-1 were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: When the molecule levels and clinical features of the groups were evaluated, it was found that the VEGF and HIF-1 levels were higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p