THE IMPACT OF TC-99M DMSA SCINTIGRAPHY ON DNA DAMAGE AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN CHILDREN

Background: Tc-99m DMSA scintigraphy is a commonly used imaging modality in the pediatric population. The radiopharmaceuticals which have the effects of ionizing are used in this method. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Tc-99m DMSA scan on renal oxidative stress and mononuclear leukocyte DNA damage. Methods: Twenty-seven patients who performed Tc-99m DMSA scintigraphy were included in this study. Three ml heparinized blood samples were taken just before, during, and after a week from the scintigraphy. Mononuclear leukocyte(MNL) DNA damage, total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status(TOS) were measured in blood samples. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. The spot urine samples were taken from each patient before and within three days after performing the scintigraphy. TAS/Creatinine(TAS/Cr), TOS/Creatinin(TOS/Cr), and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase/creatinine(NAG/Cr) levels were measured in urine samples. OSI was calculated. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the values of TAS, TOS and OSI studied in serum samples between controls and study group(p=0.105, p=0.913, and p=0.721, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of TAS/Cr, TOS/Cr, NAG/Cr, and OSI which were studied in urine samples before and after scintigraphy scan(p=0.381, p=0.543, p=0.129 and p=0.08 respectively). The levels of DNA damage were increased only after the performance of the scintigraphy scan and decreased a week later(p<0.05). Conclusions: The effect of Tc-99m DMSA scintigraphy is insufficient to create oxidative damage, but it can cause DNA damage via the direct impact of ionizing radiation which can be repaired again in a short time. Keywords: Tc-99m DMSA, DNA damage; reactive oxygen species; renal tubular injury; children

Effect of Albendazole Treatment in an Experimental Model of Neurocysticercosis-Induced Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a major concern in neurocysticercosis (NCC), and its management is more challenging than that of hydrocephalus caused by other etiologies. Even though albendazole is a well-established drug for the treatment of NCC, the death of the parasites may worsen the clinical symptoms and eventually, deteriorate the course of hydrocephalus. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of treatment with albendazole on the course of hydrocephalus as well as on animal behavior in a rat model of NCC-induced hydrocephalus in order to verify whether the course of hydrocephalus and the animal behavior were changed. Ventricle volumes before and after treatment showed a slight but non-statistically significant difference (168.11 mm3 versus 184.98 mm3, p = 0.45). The distribution and location of the cysts were unaffected. In addition, the behavioral patterns before and after the treatment were not significantly different, as assessed by the open field test. On histologic assessment, mononuclear leukocyte infiltration was present in diverse sites, such as the perivascular and peri-ependymal regions, choroid plexus, and meningeal membranes. A positive correlation was found between the degree of ventricle enlargement and tissue damage. Further studies with long-term comparisons are required.