Burcu Menekşe Balkan

Thiol/disulfide homeostasis is a key component of the antioxidant defense system and studies on the determination and improvement of thiol/disulfide homeostasis may contribute to the prevention of the adverse effects of oxidative stress on animal production, and welfare. The purpose of this study is to investigate the total thiol, native thiol and disulfide levels, together with total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity and lipid profile in Simental and Montofon dairy cows across different seasons. Blood samples were collected from animals in May and November. Serum concentrations of total thiol, native thiol, disulfide, TAS, TOS and PON1 were measured using colorimetric methods. Concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL, and LDL were measured using an automated analyzer. In both breeds, serum total thiol and disulfide levels increased in November compared with May, whereas native thiol levels decreased in November. In both the Simental and Montofon breeds, serum TOS and OSI levels increased in November compared to May, while TAS levels decreased. Also, serum HDL, LDL and cholesterol levels increased in both breeds, while PON1 levels increased only in Simental in November compared to May. According to our results, both breeds were affected by seasonal changes, but Simental cows were more sensitive than Montofon cows. Research on thiol/disulfide homeostasis in veterinary medicine is limited and this study is the first to evaluate thiol/disulfide homeostasis along with oxidative stress and lipid profiles in dairy cows across different seasons.

Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is an important marker for determining renal function in both humans and animal models. It has been shown that cardiovascular risk factors additional to renal dysfunction may affect SDMA plasma levels. Hair goats are the most bred breed in goat breeding in Turkey. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the age-related changes in blood serum SDMA, Urea and Creatinine levels in Hair goats. 40 female Hair goats, housed under the same care and feeding conditions, were used in the study. The study groups were grouped as 0-12 months (Group 1), 1-2 years (Group 2), 2-3 years (Group 3), and 3-4 years (Group 4), with 10 goats in each group. Symmetric Dimethyl Arginine levels in blood serum samples was measured with the commercial ELISA Kit. Serum urea and creatinine levels were measured with an autoanalyzer. SDMA levels in the blood serum of female goats in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 2,43±0,24, 3.21±0.44, 3.74±0.32 and 4.46±0.59 (p =0.013); Urea levels (mg/dL) were 20±1.87, 24.5±1.43, 24.4±1.82 and 19.1±1.75 (p=0.058); Creatinine levels (mg/dL) were 0.35±0.027, 0.32±0.020, 0.34±0.022, 0.36±0.022 (p=0.648) respectively. While the SDMA levels (ng/mL) obtained in groups 3 and 4 were found to be statistically significantly higher than the values obtained in groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05), no significant difference was found between urea and creatinine values. The findings contribute to the literature knowledge on both the evaluation of SDMA levels and its comparation together with urea and creatinine levels in female goats of different ages.

D-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD, EC 1.1.1.49), is an enzyme that controls the Pentose phosphate pathway. Within the pentose phosphate pathway, ribose-5-phosphate required for nucleic acid synthesis and oxidized NADP, which is crucial for defense against oxidative damage, are generated. In the study, it was aimed to measure blood G6PD enzyme activities, oxidative stress and hematological parameters in hair goats of different ages. Forty female hair goats kept under the same care and feeding conditions were used in the study. The study groups (n=10) consisted of 0-12 months, 1-2-year, 2-3 year and 3-4-year-old female hair goats. G6PD enzyme activities and hematological parameters in whole blood samples and TAS, TOS, OSI values in plasma were measured. G6PD enzyme activities per Hb were calculated by dividing the calculated G6PD enzyme activities by the Hb values. G6PD enzyme activities per Hb were 14,14; 15,43; 8,33, 8,95 (IU/g Hb) and OSI were 1.46, 0.67, 0.92, 0.84 in group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 respectively. G6PD enzyme activities per gram hemoglobin were found to be significantly higher than group 3 and 4 (P < 0.05). TOS and OSI in group 1 were found higher than group 2, 3 and (P < 0.05). The data obtained in the study is a reference value for G6PD enzyme levels in Hair goats. In addition, considering the relationship of G6PD with diseases and oxidative stress, it is thought that measuring G6PD enzyme activities in studies examining diseases and/or yield characteristics in goats will provide contribution to the field.

Lipitler, suda çözünmeyen ve polar olmayan çözücülerde çözünebilen heterojen bir biyomolekül grubudur. Bu gruba yağlar, mumlar, steroller, trigliseritler, fosfolipitler, glikolipitler ve yağda çözünen vitaminler gibi pek çok farklı bileşik dahil edilir. Yapısal olarak karbon, hidrojen ve oksijen elementlerinden oluşan lipitler, hücre zarlarının temel yapı taşlarını oluşturur, enerji deposu görevi görür ve çeşitli biyolojik süreçlerde sinyal iletimi, vitamin emilimi ve yalıtım gibi hayati roller üstlenir. Lipitlerin benzersiz kimyasal ve fiziksel özellikleri, onların biyolojik sistemlerde oldukça çeşitli işlevler üstlenmesini sağlar. Özellikle yağ asidi zincirlerinin uzunluğu, doygunluk derecesi ve omurga yapısı gibi faktörler, lipitlerin sınıflandırılmasında ve işlevsel özelliklerinde belirleyici olur. Ayrıca lipitlerin izomerik formları ve modifikasyonları da hücresel faaliyetleri doğrudan etkileyebilir. Lipitlerin enerji verimliliği oldukça yüksektir; gram başına karbonhidrat ve proteinlere göre yaklaşık iki kat daha fazla enerji sağlarlar, ancak bu enerjinin açığa çıkması daha yavaştır ve oksijene ihtiyaç duyar.Lipitler, yapısal çeşitliliklerine göre basit lipitler (örneğin trigliseritler ve mumlar), kompleks lipitler (fosfolipitler, glikolipitler, arkeal eter lipitler, steroller gibi) ve türev lipitler (eikosanoidler, terpenler) olarak sınıflandırılır. Trigliseritler vücutta başlıca enerji depolayıcı olarak görev yaparken, mumlar doğal koruyucu işlev görür. Hücre zarlarında yer alan kompleks lipitler, zarın akışkanlığını ve seçici geçirgenliğini düzenler. Fosfolipitler, gliserol veya sfingozin omurgası üzerinde fosfat ve çeşitli baş gruplar içeren moleküller olup, zar asimetrisinin ve sinyal iletiminin düzenlenmesinde önemli yer tutar. Ayrıca eikosanoidler gibi lipit türevleri lokal hormon olarak enflamasyon, ağrı ve immün yanıt gibi süreçleri düzenler. Esansiyel yağ asitleri olan omega-3 ve omega-6 yağları, organizma tarafından sentezlenemediğinden dışarıdan alınmalıdır; bu yağlar özellikle beyin fonksiyonu, kardiyovasküler sağlık ve bağışıklık sistemi için vazgeçilmezdir. Lipitlerin bu çok yönlü doğası, onları hem temel hücresel yapı taşları hem de dinamik biyokimyasal regülatörler haline getirir. Lipids are a heterogeneous group of biomolecules that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents. This group includes a wide variety of compounds such as fats, waxes, sterols, triglycerides, phospholipids, glycolipids, and fat-soluble vitamins. Structurally composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, lipids form the essential components of cell membranes, serve as energy reserves, and play critical roles in various biological processes such as signal transduction, vitamin absorption, and thermal insulation. Their unique chemical and physical properties enable lipids to perform highly diverse functions in biological systems. In particular, the length of fatty acid chains, degree of saturation, and backbone structure are key factors in lipid classification and functional properties. Additionally, the isomeric forms and modifications of lipids can directly influence cellular activity. Lipids are highly energy-efficient, providing nearly twice as much energy per gram as carbohydrates and proteins; however, the release of this energy is slower and requires oxygen.Based on their structural diversity, lipids are classified as simple lipids (e.g., triglycerides and waxes), complex lipids (e.g., phospholipids, glycolipids, archaeal ether lipids, and sterols), and derived lipids (e.g., eicosanoids and terpenes). Triglycerides primarily function as energy storage molecules in the body, while waxes serve as natural protective agents. Complex lipids in cell membranes regulate membrane fluidity and selective permeability. Phospholipids, which consist of a glycerol or sphingosine backbone attached to phosphate groups and various head groups, play a key role in maintaining membrane asymmetry and regulating signal transduction. Furthermore, lipid derivatives such as eicosanoids act as local hormones that regulate processes like inflammation, pain, and immune responses. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, must be obtained from the diet as they cannot be synthesized by the body; these lipids are crucial for brain function, cardiovascular health, and immune system integrity. The multifaceted nature of lipids makes them both fundamental structural elements of cells and dynamic biochemical regulators.

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic drug used against cancer but is known to have adverse effects on male reproductive health. Objective: This study investigated the protective effects of aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) against DOX-induced testicular damage in male rats, examining both short-term (2 weeks) and long-term (9 weeks) exposure. Methods: In this study, 36 male Wistar albino rats were divided into two main groups: short-term (ST) and long-term (LT). Each group was further subdivided into three groups: control, DOX, and DOX + Aronia, with 6 rats per group. The control and DOX groups received tap water, while the DOX + Aronia group received tap water mixed with Aronia fruit juice. DOX was administered to the DOX and DOX + Aronia groups to assess the protective effects of Aronia fruit juice against DOX-induced toxicity. Biochemical assays, histopathological analyses, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to assess testicular health and apoptotic activity. Sperm quality parameters were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine significant differences among groups. Results: In the long-term DOX group, significant decreases in sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity were observed. However, aronia supplementation with DOX improved these parameters. Biochemical analyses indicated variations in antioxidant response. Histopathological changes were found in the long-term DOX group but were accentuated with aronia co-administration. Caspase-3 immunopositivity showed no significant differences between groups. The decline in sperm quality in the DOX group compared to the DOX + Aronia group suggested potential subclinical effects of DOX and protective effects of aronia. Conclusions: Aronia appeared to benefit sperm quality and antioxidant markers, especially in long-term exposure. This study suggests that aronia supplementation may mitigate DOX-induced testicular damage, particularly concerning sperm quality and antioxidants. However, additional investigations are necessary to fully explore its potential as a protective agent against DOX-induced reproductive toxicity.

Background: Thiol/disulphide homeostasis (TDH) has a critical role in many cellular activities such as antioxidant protection. Alterations of oxidative stress in the transition period play an important role in development of some diseases and disorders in dairy cows.Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), total thiol, native thiol, disulphide and lipid profile in Simmental and Montofon dairy cows (aged 2–3) before and after calving.Methods: Blood samples were collected 233–280 days of pregnancy and the 30 days of post‐partum. Serum total thiol, native thiol and disulphide levels were determined as well as TAS, TOS and paraoxonase‐1 (PON‐1) levels were measured using colorimetric assays. Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were measured with an automatic analyser.Results: Total thiol (p = 0.038) and disulphide (p = 0.015) levels were higher after calving compare to pregnancy in Montofon. TAS was found lower (p < 0.001), and OSI was higher in both breeds (Montofon p = 0.012, Simmental p = 0.028) after calving than in pregnancy. When compared between pregnancy and after calving levels in the same breed, HDL was found to be higher after calving (p < 0.001) and TG was lower after calving (p = 0.020) in Montofon. PON (p = 0.090), HDL (p < 0.001) and cholesterol levels were found higher (p < 0.001) and TG level was lower (p < 0.001) after calving in Simmental.Conclusions: According to our results, we observed different responses between two breeds before and after calving. There are few studies about TDH in animal research, and this is the first study in the literature that evaluates the TDH along with oxidative stress and lipid profiles in dairy cows in the periparturient and post‐partum period.

The present study aimed to investigate major volatile compounds, organic acid, phenolic and mineral contents, and antiradical and antimicrobial properties of home-made apple/grape vinegar. Grape vinegar showed higher total acidity, organic acid content, total phenolic content (TPC), antiradical activity and lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values compared to apple vinegar. While acetic and tartaric acids were the most abundant organic acids in grape vinegar, acetic and succinic acids were the most abundant organic acids in apple vinegar. The most abundant phenolic compound was gallic acid in both grape and apple vinegar. A total of 18 and 9 volatile compounds were determined in grape vinegar samples and apple vinegar samples, respectively. The most abundant volatile compounds were acetic acid and acetoin in grape vinegar, acetic acid, ethyl acetate and 2,4,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxolane in apple vinegar. K, Ca and Na were common minerals in both vinegar and more in the grape vinegar compared to apple vinegar. Although MIC value for grape vinegar was at 6.25% with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranged from 6.25% to 12.50%, MIC value for apple vinegar was at 12.50% with MBC values ranged from 12.50% to 25.00% for all test bacteria. The antiradical and antibacterial activities of the vinegar samples were correlated with their TPC and organic acid contents.

Nigella sativa (NS) has a protective effect on cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. Selenium has an antioxidative effect. Toxocara canis is one of the nematodes causing visceral larva migrans. Men infected with this parasite ingesting an embryonic egg. It is more common in children between 1-4 years than adults. From the ingested embryonic egg, the larvae released in the small intestine and they migrate to so many organs such as liver, spleen, kidney, lung, brain, retina of the eye, pancreas and causing lesions. In particular, it is known to cause intense damage to kidney tissue. In this study mice with Toxocara canis infection were administered Nigella sativa in prophylactic and treatment doses (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) and selenium levels were determined in their kidney tissues. In the healthy control group, kidney selenium levels were 980,46±236,68 ng/g and in mice infected with Toxocara canis 1240,15±315,77 ng/g. Kidney tissue Se levels of mice given NS in two different doses for treatment (Treated N100, Treated N200) and prophylaxis (Prophylactic N100 and ProphylacticN200) respectively are 1297,95±354,37; 1361,29±410,46 ng/g; 1148,55±240,28 ng/g and 1465,81±450,25 ng/g. Kidney tissue selenium levels were high in both treatment and prophylaxis dose NS given mice. In conclusion, Nigella sativa can cause increases in kidney tissue selenium levels depends on given doses.