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Abstract It is known that telomere length (TL) (evaluated with T/S ratio) is shortened in the presence of obesity. In this study, we aimed to investigate how obesity in adolescents and non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) within the obese group affect TL and the clinical significance of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene MNS16A VNTR variant in terms of NAFLD. Adolescents with exogenous obesity and healthy controls (aged 10–19 years) who applied to our adolescent outpatient clinic between May-October 2023 were included in this study. We performed upper abdominal ultrasonography to investigate the presence of NAFLD in adolescents with obesity and divided into two groups: those without hepatosteatosis (obese NAFLD (-)) and those with hepatosteatosis (obese NAFLD (+)). We recorded body weight, height, waist circumference, and blood pressure measurements and measured the T/S ratio (telomere sequence copy number/gene single copy number) by the Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction method. The groups were compared using frequentist and Bayesian methods. Eighty-three obese adolescents [63 NAFLD(+) 20 NAFLD(-)] and 69 lean controls were included in the study. Pairwise comparisons revealed that T/S ratio was significantly lower in the obese NAFLD (-) group than the obese NAFLD (+) and the control group (p = 0.025, p = 0.007, respectively). T/S ratio was lower in the LL allele group than in the other alleles (p = 0.022) and slightly higher in the obese group with metabolic syndrome compared to the obese group without metabolic syndrome (p = 0.072). hTERT-MNS16A-VNTR gene variant LL allele had a negative correlation with T/S ratio among the obese adolescent group. Patients with LL alleles had higher ALT, GGT, HOMA-IR, and ALT/AST. Diastolic blood pressure had a significant correlation with the T/S ratio. The T/S ratio was shorter in the obese adolescent group compared to healthy ones but was higher in the NAFLD (+) obese compared to the NAFLD (-) obese. ALT level and ALT/AST ratio were higher, T/S ratio was lower in the hTERT MNS16A VNTR variant LL allele group among obese adolescents. In addition, there was a significant correlation between the T/S ratio and diastolic blood pressure in obese adolescents.

Introduction: Leptin (LEP) and LEP receptor (LEPR) play roles in cancer progression. We evaluated LEP-2548G/A and LEPR 668 A/G variants in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). In addition, the methylation status of CpG sites at 31 and 51 nucleotides (nt) according to the transcription start region of the LEPgene was examined. Methods: DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of study participants who were healthy controls and patients with MM. These variants were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The methylation at -31 and -51 nt in the LEPwas performed using the methylation-specific PCR method. The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and 2-year overall survival (OS) were evaluated according to prognostic factors. Results: There was no significant difference in the genotype distributions of LEPR 668A/G and LEP-2548G/A between the control and patient groups (p>0.05). We found that -31 and -51 nt regions of the LEP gene were unmethylated in the patient group compared with the control group (p=0.051 and p=0.001, respectively). The -31 nt methylation was unchanged in 15 patients (78.94%). PFS and OS were higher in these patients than in the others. In multivariate analysis, the methylated/unmethylated ratio at -31 nt methylation was associated with a poor prognosis (p=0.020). Conclusion: To our knowledge, our study is the first to examine these variants and their methylation status in Turkish patients with MM. Our results showed that LEP gene -31 nt unmethylation was associated with PFS and OS. These results need to be confirmed in different ethnic and larger sample groups.

This study was conducted to determine the opinions of middle school science and mathematics teachers about science-mathematics integration. A total of 38 teachers (19 science teachers, 19 math teachers) participated in this qualitative research. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form. The data were evaluated with descriptive and content analysis in qualitative analysis. While all of the science teachers included in the study thought that integration was necessary, mathematics teachers expressed different opinions. While the teachers had different definitions of integration, it was determined that they generally exchanged ideas with the other branch teachers. It was determined that the most course needed integration for mathematics teachers was the Turkish and the mathematics for science teachers. According to teachers, the most important advantage of integration is that it increases student course success. As a result; although science and mathematics teachers have heard about the integration of science and mathematics, they do not have sufficient knowledge and application. For this reason, it is recommended that teachers of both branches should be informed about science-mathematics integration and integrate them into their lessons.

Background and aim: Leptin is mainly produced in adipose tissue and released into systemic circulation. Leptin and its receptor LEPR activate the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling cascade and increase cytokine discharge. In our study, we aimed to examine the role of leptin gene (LEP) rs7799039 and LEPR rs1137101 polymorphisms on the susceptibility for febrile neutropenia (FEN) attacks and their relationship with clinical findings during the course of FEN. Methods: This study included pediatric patients with a diagnosis of malignancy who applied to the pediatric emergency department between December 2019 and June 2022 and healthy controls. The genotypes of the LEP rs7799039 and LEPR rs1137101 genes were statistically compared between patients and healthy controls. In addition, the relationship between the genotype distribution of LEP rs7799039 and LEPR rs1137101 polymorphisms and clinical features during the course of FEN was investigated. Results: In the statistical analysis in terms of LEP rs7799039 and LEPR rs1137101 genotype distributions between the patient and healthy groups, there was no significant difference. Patients with the AA genotype of LEPR rs1137101 polymorphism had significantly more commonly a body mass index (BMI) value of

Bu çalışmada, pürüzsüz bakır boru iç yüzeyi hidrofobik özellik kazandırılacak şekilde kaplanarak türbülanslı akımda basınç kaybı ve sürtünme faktörü üzerindeki etkisi deneysel olarak incelenmiştir. Kaplama malzemesi olarak floroidetilenpropilen (FEP) ve bu temel malzemeye ağırlıkça %1 oranda grafen (FEP-G) ve grafit (FEP-C) ekleyerek elde edilen solüsyonlar kullanılmıştır. FEP, FEP-G ve FEP-C malzemeleri ile pürüzsüz bakır boru iç yüzeyleri sprey yöntemi ile kaplanıp 400 °C sıcaklıkta kurutularak hidrofobik yüzeyler elde edilmiştir. İşlenmemiş konvansiyonel pürüzsüz bakır yüzeyi ile FEP, FEP-C ve FEP-G kaplı yüzeylerin hidrofobikliği temas açıları sırasıyla 65°, 93°, 96° ve 102° olarak ölçülerek belirlenmiştir. Türbülanslı akımda, 5000 – 30000 Reynolds sayıları aralığında deneysel olarak basınç kayıpları ölçülerek sürtünme faktörü belirlenmiştir. FEP, FEP-C ve FEP-G kaplı hidrofobik yüzeyler, konvansiyonel bakır yüzeye kıyasla 5000 – 30000 Reynolds sayısı aralığındaki türbülanslı akımda %7 - %36.1 aralığında sürtünme faktöründe bir azalma göstermiştir.

In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of the ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Lepidium spinosum Ard., which is distributed in many regions of the world, were determined. The aerial parts of the plant were dried, powdered and extracted with ethanol. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) of the plant extract were determined using Rel Assay Diagnostics kits. Antimicrobial activities of the plant extract were determined against standard bacterial and fungal strains by agar dilution method. As a result of the studies, the TAS value of the plant extract was determined as 4.550±0.132, the TOS value as 12.610±0.221, and the OSI value as 0.277±0.007. In addition, it has been found to be effective at 25-200 µg/mL against standard bacterial strains and 100-200 µg/mL concentrations against fungal strains. As a result, it was determined that L. spinosum used in our study could be a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial source. In this context, it is thought that natural material may be used in pharmacological designs.

Abstract Objective Studies on the genetic background of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have been increasing; two important factors considered in such works are uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) and nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1). We aim to reveal the association of MM with NR3C1 and UCP-2 gene polymorphisms. In this prospective study, 200 patients diagnosed between January 2009 and 2018 and 200 healthy individuals were included. For patients who had undergone autologous stem cell transplantation and control subjects, we statistically compared the CC, GC, and GG genotypes and the C and G alleles of the NR3C1 gene, as well as the AA, AG, and GG genotypes and the A and G alleles of the UCP-2 gene. Results While the AA genotype was significantly more common in the MM group (p = 0.001), the GG genotype was significantly more common in the control group (p = 0.016). Overall survival was found to be significantly shorter in patients with the UCP-2 GG genotype (p = 0.034). It was also found that having the GG genotype of the UCP-2 gene was a 2.48-fold risk factor for mortality. The fact that overall survival is significantly shorter in MM patients with the UCP-2 GG genotype and its definition as a risk factor for mortality have been put forward for the first time in the literature.

Plants have been used for centuries to treat various diseases. In this study, Marrubium globosum Montbret & Aucher ex Benth. plant was used as a material. The extract of the plant was extracted with the help of soxhlet device using ethanol, which is a good polar solvent, and Rel Assay kits were used to determine the oxidant and antioxidant levels in the plant extract. Antifungal and antibacterial activities of M. globossum were tested against standard bacteria and fungus strains by agar dilution method. As a result of the analysis, TAS value of plant extract was determined as 7.677±0.231, TOS value as 12.387±0.083 and OSI value as 0.162±0.004. In this context, it has been observed that the plant has an important antioxidant potential. In addition, the plant extract was found to be effective against test microorganisms at 50-200 μg/mL extract concentrations. As a result, it has been determined that M. globossum can be a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial source.

Abstract Background Multiple myeloma (MM) constitutes approximately 10% of hematological malignancies. Bisphosphonates have established themselves in solid organ metastasis and multiple myeloma lytic bone lesions by inhibiting osteoclast activation. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) emerges as an important complication. Investigating host-based factors, and developing personal risk factors gain importance in the development mechanism of MRONJ. We aimed to reveal the different genotype polymorphisms, and clinical effects of eNOS in patients with a diagnosis of MRONJ in MM patients. Methods Medical records and blood samples were collected from 60 MRONJ patients with MM and 60 healthy controls. Inclusion criteria was having an exposed maxillofacial bone for more than eight weeks, a history of bisphosphonates, and no history of radiation therapy for the jaws. eNOS G894T and intron 4 VNTR were calculated by polymerase chain reaction and/or restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results eNOS G894T and VNTR genotypes and alleles were compared statistically with the healthy control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups. In comparison between G894T and clinical parameters, aphthous stomatitis was more common in TT genotype, while DMFT > 3 was more common in TG-GG genotype (p = 0.035, 0.023). Conclusions eNOS induces osteogenesis in bone metabolism, with its regulatory effects on bone remodeling and also NO induced angiogenesis takes place indirectly with its protective effect on endothelial functions. We see that these polymorphisms affecting the entire process of bone remodeling and angiogenesis, especially mucosal damage, which is the triggering factor of MRONJ pathology, have been revealed in the MM patient group. Considering the MRONJ initiating factors, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of our study results. It should be seen as an important step for new studies towards MRONJ and its treatment.

Many people in different parts of the world benefit from alternative medicine in the treatment and prevention of diseases. Plants are among the important natural materials used in alternative medicine. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Datura stramonium L. was determined. Ethanol extracts of the plant's flower parts were obtained in the soxhlet device. The antioxidant and oxidant potential of the plant extract was determined using Rel Assay TAS and TOS kits. Antimicrobial activity was tested by the agar dilution method. The TAS value of the plant extract was 7.559±0.224 mmol/L, the TOS value was 10.711±0.243 μmol/L, and the OSI value was 0.142±0.002. It was determined that the plant extract was effective against bacteria and fungus strains at 100-400 μg/mL concentration. As a result, it was determined in our study that D. stramonium can be a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial source.

Objective:Mitochondria are multifunctional and dynamic organelles found in cells. Nicotine is a natural alkaloid found in the tobacco plant and has been well studied as a component of cigarette smoke. It has also been reported to affect mitochondrial function both in vitro and in vivo. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) reduces generation of ROS by mitochondria. Our purpose in this study was to investigate whether the -866G/A variant of the UCP2 gene is associated with smoking status.Methods:A total of 238 individuals consisting of 138 smokers and 100 healthy controls were examined. The UCP2-866G/A variant was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.Results:The proportion of individuals carrying the three possible genotype was significantly different between the smoker and healthy control groups. The UCP2-866G/A variant GG genotype was associated significantly with an increased risk of smoking (p=0.001) while AA genotype was associated significantly with a decreased risk of smoking (p=0.001). The UCP2-866G/A variant G allele was found to be increased in the smoker group compared to the healthy controls (p=0.001).Conclusion:Our data suggest that the UCP2-866 G/A variant GG genotype and G allele might reflect the risk of smoking status in a Turkish population.

Bu çalışmada sorgulamaya dayalı öğretimin fen bilgisi öğretmen adaylarının erişilerine ve sorgulayıcı öğrenme becerilerine etkisi incelenmiştir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu Konya ilinde bulunan bir devlet üniversitesinin Eğitim Fakültesi Matematik ve Fen Bilimleri Eğitimi Bölümü Fen Bilgisi Eğitimi Anabilim Dalı 2. Sınıfta öğrenim görmekte olan 60 öğretmen adayı oluşturmaktadır. Ön-test son-test kontrol gruplu yarı deneysel desen ile tasarlanan araştırma, 2017-2018 Öğretim Yılı Güz Yarıyılı Genel Biyoloji I Laboratuvarı dersinde haftada 4 saat olacak şekilde 10 hafta boyunca araştırmacı tarafından yürütülmüştür. Deney grubundaki öğretmen adaylarının dersleri sorgulamaya dayalı laboratuvar uygulamaları ile kontrol grubundaki öğretmen adaylarının dersleri ise doğrulayıcı laboratuvar yöntemi kullanılarak işlenmiştir. Bu araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak akademik başarı testi ve sorgulayıcı öğrenme becerileri ölçeği ön test ve son test olarak uygulanmıştır. Veriler SPSS paket programı kullanılarak çözümlenmiş ve araştırmanın alt problemleri bağımsız gruplar t-testi, Mann-Whitney U testi ve Wilcoxon İşaretli Sıralar testi ile analiz edilerek yorumlanmıştır. Çalışmanın sonuçlarına göre sorgulamaya dayalı Genel Biyoloji Laboratuvar I uygulamalarının öğretmen adaylarının erişileri ve sorgulayıcı öğrenme becerileri bakımından istatistiksel açıdan deney grubu lehine anlamlı bir farklılık gözlenmiştir.

Aim:Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disease caused by chronic inflammatory response. Complement system is the major component of the innate immune defence. In this study, we investigated the potential association between complement factor H (CFH) gene Tyr402His variant (rs1061170) with AS in a Turkish population.Methods:Seventy-eight AS patients and 80 healthy individuals were enrolled in the present study as case and control subjects, respectively. The Tyr402His variant of CFH gene was analysed by PCR-RFLP method.Results:There was no statistically significant difference between AS patients and healthy controls in terms of CFH Tyr402His genotype and allele frequencies. However, the visual analogue scale (VAS) daytime and the AS Quality of Life (ASQoL) were significantly different according to CFH Tyr402His genotype distribution (p=0.032 and p=0.036, respectively). VAS of daytime and ASQoL were higher in subjects carrying Tyr402His variant Tyr/Tyr + Tyr/His genotypes compared to those carrying His/His genotype.Conclusion:This is the first study evaluating the association between CFH Tyr402His and susceptibility to AS in a Turkish population. Although CFH Tyr402His variant was not considered a candidate gene for AS susceptibility in our samples, some clinical findings seem to be associated with genotype distribution of CFH Tyr402His variant.

In this study, antioxidant, oxidant and oxidative stress index of Thymbra spicata L. collected from Duhok (Iraq) region were determined. The aerial parts of the plant were extracted with ethanol. Rel Assay Diagnostics kits were used for detect TAS, TOS and OSI values. As a result of the studies, it was determined that TAS value of plant extract was determined 8.399±0.102, TOS value was 6.530±0.115 and OSI value was 0.078±0.001. As a result, it was determined that T. spicata has high antioxidant potential and in this context, can be used as a natural resource.

In this study, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. collected from Duhok (Iraq) were determined. Ethanol, methanol and dichloromethane extracts of the fruit part of plant were obtained. Antioxidant potential was determined with TAS and TOS kits using ethanol extracts. Antibacterial and antifungal activity were determined using agar dilution method. Antibacterial activity was determined against 6 bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus MRSA, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii). Antifungal activity was determined against Candida albicans, C. krusei and C. glabrata. As a result of the studies, it was determined that plant extracts have high antioxidant activity. It was also found to be effective against bacteria at 25-400 µg/mL concentrations. Plant extracts were found to be more effective against gram negative bacteria. It was found to be effective against Candida species at 400-800 µg/mL concentrations. As a result, it was determined that the fruit parts of plant could be a natural antioxidant and antibacterial source.

OBJECTIVE: Nicotine is the main addictive agent present in tobacco and is principally metabolized by a cytochrome P450-mediated oxidation process. While smoking patterns differ widely among smokers, the metabolization rate of nicotine can also be affected by variations in rates of enzyme activity between individuals. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the significance of CYP2A gene variants in the smoking status in a Turkish population using next-generation sequencing (NGS). METHODS: This case–control study involved 64 subjects with Nicotine dependence (ND) and 36 Non-smoker (NS) subjects. Amplicants designed by “Primer-BLAST” programme were all sequenced using the “Illimuna-MiseqQ-platform”. RESULTS: It was found that there were five SNPs in the CYP2A6 gene (rs8192725, rs7248240, rs1809810, rs8192733 and rs28399435). CYP2A6 rs1809810 homozygous TT genotype and T allele were seen in lower percentages in ND group compared to the NS group (p = 0.045; p = 0.021). Individuals with CYP2A6 rs1809810 TT genotypes and T allele showed odds ratio of 4.760 and 5.360 for developing protective role ND, respectively. CYP2A6 rs8192733 CC genotype and C allele were both lower in ND group (respectively p = 0.001, p = 0.023) while GC genotype was higher in the ND group (p = 0.004). CYP2A6 rs28399435 TT genotype and T allele were more common in the ND group (respectively p = 0.001, p = 0.001). CYP2A6 rs28399435 CC genotype was lower in the ND group than in the NS group (p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: CYP2A6 rs1809810, rs8192733, rs28399435 could be genetic risk factors for ND in a Turkish population.

Objective: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a choice of treatment for malignant and non-malignant diseases. After HSCT, some complications may develop in patients. Cardiac complications are particularly important. The aim of this study was to investigate whether systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) is a marker for overall survival (OS) in HSCT patients. Materials and Methods: In our study, 428 HSCT patients were evaluated. Ejection fraction (EF) and PAP values were investigated during symptom-oriented echocardiography in the pre-HSCT and post-HSCT periods. Results: Pre-HSCT EF values were similar between the groups. In patients with autologous HSCT (auto-HSCT) (PAP >25 mmHg), it was found that the 5-year mortality rate was 48.6%, while in the other group (PAP 25 mmHg, while OS was 61% in the pre-auto-HSCT period with PAP values of 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that pre-HSCT PAP value is an important risk factor for mortality and OS in patients undergoing auto-HSCT.

No Abstract required

OBJECTIVE: Substance use disorder (SUD) has important effects on health and well-being. It is well known that genetic factors play a role in SUD. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether functional variants of DNA repair genes might be a risk factor for cannabis and/or synthetic cannabis dependence in a Turkish cohort. METHODS: In total, 131 patients with cannabis and/or synthetic dependence and 70 healthy controls were included in this case–control study. XRCC1 codon 399 (rs25487) and XRCC4 G1394 T (rs6869366), and XPD (rs13181) variants were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The XRCC1 rs25487 GG genotype and G allele were significantly lower in patients compared to controls (p = 0.005; p = 0.002, respectively). XRCC4 rs6869366 TT genotype and T allele were more common in patients compared to controls (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). It was found that patients with XPD rs13181 Lys/Gln had a significantly higher risk of cannabis dependence than control did (p = 0.00). The subjects carried XPD rs13181 Gln/Gln genotype had a 2.2-fold increased risk for cannabis dependence (p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated for the first time that DNA repair gene variants may alter individual vulnerability for SUD. This observation could be of further interest to researchers, as it could suggest new candidate genes, presumably crucial for the etiopathogenesis of the cannabis and/or synthetic cannabis dependence.

One of the alternative therapeutic methods is herbal medicine. Leontice leontopetalum belongs to Berberidaceae family. The aim of study was investigated the extract of LL on human pancreatic beta cell-treated with STZ. Materials and methods: The human pancreatic beta cell (1.1B4) line was used the current study. LL’s extracts (1, 10, 100, and 1000 ug/ml) were supplemented in media for twenty-four hours and/or after STZ treatment (10 and 20 mM). Cells survivals (MTT), cells proliferation were shown by using xCelligence. Insulin content and releasing were measured at 1.1, 8.4 and 16.7 mM glucose concentrations. Results: The result of MTT was shown that cell survival was decreased, based on dose-dependent. When looked at xCelligence results, cell proliferation in STZ groups and the lowest and highest concentrations of LL were attenuated in a dose-dependent manner. Also, cotreatments of LL and STZ were decreased as well. The result of insulin-releasing on glucose induction was shown that STZ concentration gave rise to reduce insulin content at low and high glucose levels. Also, co-treatment of LL and STZ attenuated insulin content based on dose. Conclusion: It was considered that LL treatment led to increased insulin realizing, resulting from decreasing insulin content in diabetic beta cells, but decrease cell survival.

Introduction: Psoriasis (Ps) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder with an incompletely understood etiology. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the suspectibility to Ps and G894T (rs1799983) and variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) variants of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene.Methods: This is a case-controlled study that included 74 Ps patients in addition to 74 matched healthy unrelated controls from the same locality. The NOS3 gene variants were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or PCR- restriction fragment lenght polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).Results: The NOS3 G894T TT genotype and T allele were more common in the Ps group compared to the healthy controls (p=0.000, p=0.001, respectively). The NOS3 VNTR variant BB genotype and B allele were higher in the patient group than in the control group (p=0.005, p=0.000 respectively). The NOS3 VNTR AA genotype was lower in the patient group (p=0.027). However, a stratified analysis including arthritis, the Ps area and severity index (PASI), the age of onset, and family history revealed no significant correlation between the NOS3 G894T and NOS3 VNTR genotypes (p>0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that the NOS3 G894T and VNTR variants are associated with Ps in a Turkish cohort. However, future studies are needed to understand the genetic role of the NOS3 variants in the development of Ps.

The present study aimed to determine antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Salvia multicaulis Vahl plant collected in Gaziantep province, Turkey. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined using Rel Assay kits. Antimicrobial activity was determined with modified agar dilution method. The findings demonstrated that S. multicaulis had high antioxidant activity. However, it is recommended to avoid excessive consumption of the plant due to high OSI. It was also determined that plant extracts possessed antimicrobial potential. As a result, it was determined that the plant can be used as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial resource.

Introduction: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common leukemias in developed countries. Multiple myeloma (MM), a clonal plasma cell disease, is the second most prevalent hematological cancer. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) can facilitate the secretion of numerous proinflammatory cytokines. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of IL-17F rs763780 on CLL/MM susceptibility in a Turkish cohort.Methods: The study included 37 patients with CLL, 21 patients with MM, and 100 healthy controls. The IL-17F rs763780 variant was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The frequencies of the alleles and genotypes in patient and control groups were compared by the χ2 test.Results: No significant difference was found in the distribution of genotypes and alleles frequencies for IL-17F rs 763780 between the patients and the healthy controls (P>0.05).Conclusion: Our results suggest that IL-17 rs763780 variant may not contribute to CLL and MM pathogenesis.

The basic underlying factor for cardiovascular diseases is atherosclerosis, which is a multifactorial disease driven by environmental and genetic factors. We aimed to study the genetic polymorphism in mannose binding lectin-2 (MBL2) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the arteries of patients with atherosclerotic lesions who underwent cardiac valve replacement for cardiac valve stenosis. Thirty-five patients (38.9 %) operated with coronary bypass surgery (coronary group, CG), 55 (61.1 %) patients operated with aortic or mitral valve replacement (valve group, VG) and 100 healthy controls were analyzed for codon 54 A/B polymorphism in the MBL2 gene and –173 G/C polymorphism in the MIF gene by using the method of polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The comparison of the healthy control group with CG and VG in terms of the MBL2 genotypes revealed significantly lower AA genotype and A allele ratios. The comparison of the healthy control group with CG and VG in terms of the MIF genotypes showed significantly lower GG genotype and G allele ratios. We suggest that the lower frequency of the GG genotype/G allele of the MIF gene and of the AA genotype/A allele of the MBL2 gene may be associated with the ethiopathogenesis of CG and VG patients.

This study aimed to investigate fungal agents in febrile neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies. Direct microscopy and cultures were performed on clinical samples collected from febrile neutropenic episodes. The galactomannan (GM) antigen was tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in consecutive serum samples. Of the 199 episodes investigated, 1.5% were classified as definite invasive aspergillosis (IA), 4.0% as IA with high probability, and 4.0% as IA with low probability. Additionally, candidaemia was detected in eight episodes (4.1%). The GM antigen was found negative for 86.4% of episodes, as one positive for 7.0% of episodes, as two or more consecutive positives for 5.5% of episodes, and as positive in any two serum samples in 1.0% of episodes. While no C. albicans DNA was detected in 98.5% of 199 episodes, one positive result was obtained in 1.0% of episodes, and two or more consecutive positives in 0.5% of episodes. A. fumigatus PCR results were found negative in 81.9% of episodes, as one positive in 16.1% of episodes, as positive in any two serum samples in 1.0% of episodes, and consecutively positive in 1.0% of episodes. GM antigen tests were found consecutively positive in all three patients diagnosed as having definite IA. These findings indicate that conventional, serological, and molecular methods should be used in combination to detect fungal agents in febrile neutropenic patients.

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the association of the human glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) Bcl-1 CG polymorphism with clinical data and response to therapy among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy control subjects. Patients and methods: We performed PCR-RFLP (Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) method for identifying restriction of the Bcl-1 fragment length polymorphisms in the intron 2 region of the NR3C1 gene in 65 patients with RA (47 females, 18 males) and 70 healthy control subjects (47 females, 23 males). Clinical parameters and demographic characteristics of the patients along with previous history of drug treatments were also recorded. In addition, patients' response to treatment was monitored with the visual analog scale (VAS), Disease Activity Scores 28 (DAS28) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores. Results: The genotype frequencies of the NR3C1 Bcl-1 polymorphism did not differ between the patients with RA and the controls. We detected a deviation from the Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium in the RA group for the alleles tested (Rap=0.044, Kp=0.554). However, there was no significant difference between genotypes regarding age, gender, disease duration, or clinical parameters such as DAS28 scores, VAS and HAQ values (p>0.05). Conclusion: Although the glucocorticoid receptor gene Bcl-1 polymorphism did not differ between the RA and control groups, we detected a deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the RA group for the alleles tested. This indicates that the glucocorticoid receptor polymorphism, namely Bcl-1CG, may play a role in the ethiopathogenesis of RA and the treatment response with glucocorticoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have suggested that DNA repair enzyme polymorphisms may bear prognostic value in metastatic colorectal carcinoma (MCRC). We prospectively treated 43 MCRC patients with irinotecan-based regimens (XELIRI or IFL). Allelic variants of the XRCC1 gene at codon 399 and XPD gene at codon 751 were analyzed in lymphocyte DNA by PCR–RFLP. Clinical outcome variables: overall survival (OAS), progression-free survival (PFS) and the occurrence of grade 3 or 4 hematological and gastrointestinal (GIS) toxicities were evaluated. In the univariate analysis for OAS ( n = 43) only XPD and XRCC1 polymorphisms were significant ( P = 0.05 and P = 0.04, respectively). After adjustment for performance status (ECOG = 0, 1 vs. 2) and disease extent (single vs. multiple metastatic site), XRCC1 genotype and performance status retained significance (HR = 2.85, P = 0.04, and HR = 3.19, P = 0.02, respectively). Gln/Gln genotype was associated with the greatest risk of death. Type of presentation (metastatic vs. local disease at first presentation) was the only significant predictor of PFS in the univariate analysis ( n = 40, P = 0.003). After adjustment for performance status and disease extent, type of presentation retained its significance (HR = 4.35, P = 0.003). None of the toxicities was associated with these genotypes. XRCC1 genotype independently predicted overall survival in metastatic colorectal carcinoma patients treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]