Dr. Abdulsamed Kükürt graduated from Uludağ University, Turkey. In 2019, he obtained a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Institute of Health Sciences, Kafkas University, Turkey, where he is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry. He has published twenty-nine research articles in academic journals, fourteen book chapters, and thirty-seven papers. Dr. Kükürt has participated in ten academic projects and is a reviewer for many academic journals.
Unlock the mysteries of ascorbic acid in Ascorbic Acid - Biochemistry and Functions, a groundbreaking exploration into the multifaceted world of this essential nutrient. Authored by renowned experts in the field, this book transcends traditional boundaries, offering a deep dive into the biochemical intricacies, health implications, and diverse applications of ascorbic acid. Organized around six main themes, the book commences with a broad overview of general features and the biological role of ascorbic acid. From there, it takes readers on a journey through the intricacies of ascorbic acid deficiency, exploring its health effects and proposing preventive measures. The antioxidant roles and functions of ascorbic acid are unraveled, shedding light on its pivotal contribution to cellular health and disease prevention. Not stopping at the basics, the book extends its reach to unconventional applications. From the modulatory effects of inhaled ascorbic acid on the immune system to its potential role in sepsis treatment and preventive measures against neurodegenerative diseases, each chapter adds a unique dimension to the reader’s understanding. Tailored for students, researchers, and professionals in biochemistry, medicine, and nutrition, this book equips readers with a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the intricate landscape of ascorbic acid. Bridging the gap between theory and application, it serves as an invaluable resource for those seeking a profound comprehension of the subject. Ascorbic Acid - Biochemistry and Functions is not just a book; it is a roadmap through the dynamic terrain of one of nature’s essential compounds. Whether you are delving into the scientific underpinnings or exploring its diverse applications, this book promises to be your guide in unraveling the secrets of ascorbic acid. Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of this vital nutrient and discover its profound impact on human health and well-being.
Go to the bookStudies to determine the physiological effects and functions of progesterone started in the twentieth century. Progesterone is a steroid-structured hormone with 21 carbon atoms originating from cholesterol. The corpus luteum, formed after ovulation in ruminants, secretes progesterone, which plays a role in the continuity of the pregnancy. Progestagens can be used for estrus synchronization in cows and heifers. Similarly, they are used for estrus synchronization during the breeding season or outside the breeding season by taking advantage of the negative feedback effect of progesterone in small ruminants. It is applied for the treatment of embryonic deaths due to luteal insufficiency in cows with high milk yield. In anovulatory anestrus, exogenous progesterone applications can be very useful. Progesterone treatment contributes to the resolution of the anestrus by rearranging hypothalamic functions in cattle with follicular cysts. The oxidative stress index in the luteal phase, when progesterone is high in ruminants, is higher than in the follicular phase. In the critical period of pregnancy, a high index of oxidative stress-induced progesterone causes embryonic death. Factors that cause stress in high milk-yielding cows can affect the amount of progesterone synthesis by inhibiting luteal cell function due to excessive free radical production.
Part of the book: Sex Hormones in Neurodegenerative Processes and Diseases
Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide encoded by the kisspeptin gene (Kiss1) and located in different brain regions, primarily in the hypothalamus. Kisspeptin and its receptor G-protein-coupled receptor-54 (GPR54), are also found in behavioural brain regions such as the hippocampus and cortex. Kisspeptin, a very powerful neuropeptide that stimulates the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary, does this by increasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels. In recent studies, it has been noted that kisspeptin is effective on reproductive functions. Globally 8 to 12% of couples have infertility problems, and the majority are residents of developing countries. Approximately 70% of infertility cases are caused by fertility problems in women. The frequency of infertility in women continues to increase every year and the underlying factors require further research. Bearing this problem in mind, this review examines the possible role of kisspeptin in female infertility. In doing so, it aims to find out how future application of kisspeptin may potentially unravel the neural reproductive disorder.
Part of the book: Reproductive Hormones
The effects of oxidative stress occur as a result of peroxidative damage of the macromolecule and membranes of the cells and with the disruption of metabolic activities in the components of the cells in living organisms. Organ and tissue pathologies are known to occur when oxidative stress is excessive in the body. It is known that thiols are one of the main protective mechanisms of the body against oxidative stress. Thiols have been shown to play important roles in enzymatic reactions, apoptosis, detoxification and antioxidant protection in the body. Many studies have shown changes in thiol status and thiol/disulphide homeostasis in various diseases such as digestive system, respiratory system, reproductive system, urinary system, metabolic diseases and cancer. This also shows that the thiol state is very important in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress-mediated diseases. Therefore, it is thought that interventions that can improve thiol status may contribute to the prevention or treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases.
Part of the book: Accenting Lipid Peroxidation
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is a physiological system that plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and body water-electrolyte balance, in which the kidney, liver and lungs play a role in its activation. This system comes into play in various diseases such as the cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary and nervous system where blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte balance may change. The purpose of this study, which is presented in line with this information, is to explain the working principle of this system, how this system is activated, how it comes into play in the mentioned diseases, and what kind of results occur.
Part of the book: Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone System
Covid-19 is the causative agent of a beta coronavirus that causes severe inflammatory pneumonia, so excessive inflammation is considered a risk factor for the disease. In Covid-19 disease, an inflammatory response develops in the body. It has been reported as a result of various studies that this response causes damage to various organs and tissues, especially the lungs. According to reports, cytokine storms are largely responsible for death in such patients. Some of the consequences of severe inflammation and cytokine storms include acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute lung injury, and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes. Many studies are showing that there may be various agents to prevent or treat these effects of Covid-19 disease. Some of these agents are phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are the most abundant substances in vegetables and fruits. Inflammasomes, their function. It has been stated that phenolic compounds inhibit inflammation by inhibiting cytosolic multiprotein complexes that assemble in response to cytosolic pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to form active forms of IL-1β and IL-18. It suggested that Apigenin, Resveratrol, Morin, and Silymarin an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, and anti-microbial compound could be a potential therapeutic agent for severe inflammation from Covid-19.
Part of the book: Phenolic Compounds
The number of studies on insecticides, which constitute an important class of pesticides, is increasing day by day. These chemicals used in the fight against pests in the field of agriculture; It is also used to fight mosquitoes and insects in homes, gardens and rural areas. Excessive use of insecticides has adversely affected many beneficial organisms besides target organisms. As a result of the negative effects of insecticides on non-target organisms, the normal balance of nature has been disturbed and this has led to the decline of some living species in the world. In many studies from the past to the present, it has been shown that these insecticides have negative effects on the environment, human and animal health. Some of these chemicals, which have many benefits in the fight against agricultural pests, have been banned due to their harmful effects on non-target organisms as a result of excessive use. Today, however, these chemicals are still used intensively against agricultural pests, threatening non-target organisms and human health. For this reason, in this book chapter we have prepared, the negative effects of insecticides on living things are examined by reviewing biochemical and histopathological studies.
Part of the book: Insecticides
Adipose tissue (AT) in the body plays a very important role in the regulation of energy metabolism. AT regulates energy metabolism by secreting adipokines. Some of the adipokines released are vaspin, resistin, adiponectin, visfatin and omentin, and leptin. In addition to regulating energy metabolism, leptin plays a role in the regulation of many physiological functions of the body such as regulation of blood pressure, inflammation, nutrition, appetite, insulin and glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, coagulation, and apoptosis. Among all these physiological functions, the relationship between leptin, oxidative stress, and apoptosis has gained great importance recently due to its therapeutic effect in various types of cancer. For this reason, in this study, the release of leptin, its cellular effects and its effect on oxidative stress, and apoptosis are discussed in line with current information.
Part of the book: Role of Obesity in Human Health and Disease
Melatonin is a neurotransmitter released from the pineal gland. The presence of receptor sites in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, and testicles and secretion of pituitary hormones (FSH and LH) are some of the effects of this hormone on reproduction. In addition to its systemic effect, it also showed an effect on ovarian physiology with the detection of high levels in the follicular fluid and the presence of melatonin receptors in the ovarian cells. In addition, it has been determined that melatonin affects follicular growth, oocyte maturation, ovulation, and luteal function. It has been stated that the effects of melatonin on the male reproductive system are indirectly effective through the gonads and indirectly by affecting the hormones. Again, some studies have expressed that melatonin has strong antioxidant properties and affects reproductive physiology due to this effect. This section discusses the effect of melatonin on male and female reproductive physiology.
Part of the book: Melatonin
The ovaries are defined as the organs that secrete sex hormones and ensure the formation of the ovum in females. The proper functioning of the physiological functions of the ovaries is very important for the health of both the body and the female reproductive system. Reactive oxygen species are produced as byproducts of the normal physiological metabolism of the ovary. Antioxidants are among the factors that work to maintain the balance between the production and excretion of reactive oxygen species. Since the deterioration in the antioxidant system can cause pathological results, antioxidant supplementation is considered a possible strategy for the treatment of reproductive diseases by keeping oxidative stress under control. This chapter provides information about the use of astaxanthin as a natural antioxidant against ovarian damage.
Part of the book: Animal Models and Experimental Research in Medicine
Thyroid hormones (thyroxine, triiodothyronine) have a metabolic effect on many tissues and systems in the organism. Therefore, in case of deficiency or excess of these hormones, some problems arise. The decrease in the effect of these hormones in the peripheral target tissue is called hypothyroidism, the picture characterized by excessive secretion of the thyroid gland or being of non-thyroid origin is called hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormone disorders are common in the world. Knowing the functions of thyroid hormones, which have such important effects on the organism, is important in developing treatment options for the problems to be encountered. In the literature reviews, it has been stated that thyroid hormones have some effects such as heart rate, myocyte contraction, blood pressure, plasma lipid level, and thrombogenesis. In line with this information, the presented section has tried to explain how the mechanism of the effects of thyroid hormones on the cardiovascular system.
Part of the book: Hyperthyroidism