Mahmut Karapehlivan

By Abdulsamed Kükürt, Mushap Kuru, Ömer Faruk Başer and Mahmut Karapehlivan

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

By Abdulsamed Kükürt, Volkan Gelen, Ömer Faruk Başer, Haci Ahmet Deveci and Mahmut Karapehlivan

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

By Haci Ahmet Deveci, Gökhan Nur, Ayla Deveci, Inan Kaya, Müge Mavioglu Kaya, Abdulsamed Kükürt, Volkan Gelen, Ömer Faruk Başer and Mahmut Karapehlivan

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

By Abdulsamed Kükürt, Mahmut Karapehlivan and Volkan Gelen

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