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Background and Aim: Gastrointestinal problems are reportedly more frequent in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) compared to the general population and are a cause of reduced quality of life (QOL). Even though studies have suggested that parameters such as glycemic control and disease duration are responsible for upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in DM, there is little compelling evidence to show a direct relationship given the fact that various other studies report no relationship. These conflicts may be caused by the lack of standardization of patient populations, evaluation methods and other causes. Our aim was to determine and compare the frequency of GI symptoms and GI-related QOL in recently diagnosed DM patients and healthy controls in order to evaluate this relationship with minimization of confounding factors.Material and methods: A total of 59 patients newly diagnosed with DM and 92 age- and sex-matched controls were included in this study. Demographic characteristics, chronic diseases, GI symptoms (as measured by 8-MGSI score) and GI-related QOL (irritable bowel syndrome quality of life, IBS-QOL) scores were evaluated. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine factors that independently influenced IBS-QOL.Results: The patient and control groups were similar with regard to all characteristics except for chronic diseases. The scores for 8-MGSI and IBS-QOL were significantly worse in patients with DM. Regression analyses showed that IBS, DM and dyspepsia were independent factors that influences IBS-QOL scores.Conclusion:The results of our study show that the effect of DM on GI symptoms is not a function of disease duration or glycemic control; DM presence itself seems to have adverse effects on the GI system through mechanisms that are yet unknown. The explanation of these mechanisms rely on experimental research and prospective studies with rigid patient inclusion criteria.

Background Adipokines are adipose tissue–derived secreted molecules that can exert anti-inflammatory or proinflammatory activities. Altered expression of adipokines has been described in various inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Little is known about nesfatin-1, a recently identified adipokine, in IBD. The aim of this study was to investigate serum nesfatin-1 levels in patients with IBD. Methods This study included a total of 52 adult individuals (17 patients with CD, 18 patients with UC and 17 healthy volunteers) with similar age and body mass index. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were measured by ELISA in healthy individuals and patients with IBD in their active and remission periods. Blood inflammation markers including C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR) and white cell count (WCC) were also measured in patients. Results We found significantly elevated levels of serum nesfatin-1 in the active disease period in both patients with CD (p=0.00003) and patients with UC (p=0.00001), compared with healthy individuals. Serum nesfatin-1 levels moderately decreased in the remission period; however, they were still significantly higher than that of healthy individuals. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated serum nesfatin-1 with an excellent diagnostic value for IBD. Finally, patients had significantly high CRP, ESR and WCC in the active IBD; however, we found the nesfatin-1 strongly correlated only with ESR in the active CD. Conclusion This is the first study investigating the circulating levels of nesfatin-1 in patients with IBD. Serum nesfatin-1 may serve as an additional inflammatory marker for diagnosis of IBD in affected individuals.

Objectives Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have high cardiovascular morbidity, and, in general, epicardial adipose tissue thickness is related to atherosclerotic vascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the association between epicardial adipose tissue thickness and carotid intima-media thickness as markers of early atherosclerosis in patients with IBD. Methods The study comprised 47 patients with IBD (25 with Crohn disease and 22 with ulcerative colitis) and 35 control participants. In all individuals, epicardial adipose tissue and carotid intima-media thickness values were measured by sonography. Results The mean age ± SD of the 47 patients with IBD was 42.3 ± 11.2 years, versus 41.4 ± 10.1 years for the control group. The epicardial adipose tissue thickness was higher in both the Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis groups compared to the control group (P < .001), but not the carotid intima-media thickness (P = .695 and .917, respectively). There was a strong positive correlation between the carotid intima-media and epicardial adipose tissue thickness values in the Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis groups (r = 0.757; 95% confidence interval, 0.711–0.901; r = 0.786; 95% confidence interval, 0.364–0.615; both P < .001). However, there was no significant difference between the patients who were in the active and inactive disease periods in both groups in terms of carotid intima-media and epicardial adipose tissue thickness values. Conclusions Our findings suggest that epicardial adipose tissue thickness might be a marker for detection of early atherosclerosis in patients with IBD. There was a strong positive correlation between carotid intima-media thickness and epicardial adipose tissue thickness values in the patients with IBD. However, there was no correlation between IBD activity and carotid intima-media or epicardial adipose tissue thickness.

WOS: 000504050500017 PubMed: 31549496 Background/aim: Acromegaly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, mostly due to cardiovascular complications. Plasma thrombin-activatablc fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen levels arc associated with coagulation/fibrinolysis and inflammation. Plasma TAFI may play a role in arterial thrombosis in cardiovascular diseases. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen and homocysteine levels in patients with acromegaly and healthy control subjects. Materials and methods: Plasma TAFI antigen and homocysteine levels in 29 consecutive patients with acromegaly and 26 age-matched healthy control subjects were measured. All patients included in the study were in remission. The TAFIa/ai antigen in the plasma samples was measured using a commercially available ELISA kit. Results: Routine biochemical parameters, fasting blood glucose, prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, total-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and homocysteine levels were similar in the 2 groups (P > 0.05), whereas the plasma TAFI antigen levels were significantly elevated in the acromegalic patients (154.7 +/- 94.0%) when compared with the control subjects (107.2 +/- 61.6%) (P = 0.033). No significant correlation was identified by Pearson's correlation test between the plasma TAFI antigen and homocysteine levels (r = 0.320, P = 0.250). Conclusion: A significant alteration in the plasma TAFI antigen levels was detected in acromegaly. Increased plasma TAFI antigen levels might aggravate prothrombotic and thrombotic events in patients with acromegaly.

Aim To investigate the efficacy of adalimumab treatment in an experimental rat sclerosing encapsulated peritonitis (SEP) model. Methods The study involved 40 Wistar albino rats divided into four groups: chlorhexidine (CH) group, control group, CH + adalimumab group, and CH + resting group. The control group received normal saline intraperitoneally (i.p.). Other groups received 0.1% CH gluconate, 15% ethanol, and normal saline mixture i.p. for three weeks in order to induce SEP. CH + adalimumab group received 5 mg/kg adalimumab i.p. at the beginning of week 4 and week 6, while CH + resting group was followed-up for three weeks without applying any procedure after the onset of SEP. Rats in groups CH and control group were sacrificed on day 21, and rats in group CH + adalimumab and CH + resting were sacrificed on day 42. All groups were evaluated for peritoneal thickness, inflammation, vascularization, and fibrosis. Results CH + adalimumab group showed a significant decrease in peritoneal thickness, fibrosis score, and vascular score compared with CH group and CH + resting group. Conclusion Adalimumab can prevent SEP development.

This study presents data about the intraoperative performance of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for different types of cases with acute, complex pathologies of the biliary tract.We retrospectively enrolled cases with intraoperative ERCP performed for different acute complex bile duct pathologies (including injury and cystic stump leak). All patients were analyzed according to demographic findings, etiologies, management and results.Intraoperative ERCP was performed in 4 patients of whom 2 (50%) were female and 2 (50%) were male with different diagnoses. The median age of patients was 46.8 (range of 28-75) years. The diagnosis was bile duct injury in three patients and one had a complicated hydatid cyst with jaundice (T Bil: 18 mg dl-1). All patients were in septic condition. Patients underwent laparotomy and intraoperative ERCP was performed successfully by using the Rendezvous technique. For the last patient, intraoperative ERCP was used for diagnosis and management of bile leak in the cavity.Intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a safe and effective method for treatment of acute complex bile duct pathologies.Bile Duct Injury, Intraoperative ERCP, Rendezvous Technique.Viene presentata un’esperienza relativa all’esecuzione intraoperatoria della CPRE (colangiopancretocgrafia retrograde endoscopica) in una piccola serie di casi con patologia acuta e complessa delle vie biliari. Si tratta di uno studio retrospettivo di casi scelti in cui è stata effettuata la CPRE per differenti condizioni di patologia acuta della via biliari (compresi danni e deiscenze del dotto cistico). Per tutti i pazienti l’analisi è stata comprensiva dei dati demografici, all’etiologia, al trattamento ed ai risultato. La CPRE intraoperatoria è stata adottata in 4 pazienpazienti, 2 donne e 2 uomini, con differenti diagnosi. L’età media era di 46,8 anni (da 28 a 75). In tre pazienti si è trattato di danni alla via biliare, e in un caso di un cisti idatidea complicata con ittero (bilirubinemia totale 18 mg%). tutti i pazienti si presentavano in stato settico. Nel corso della laparotomia è stata eseguita con successo una CPRE con la tecnica del rendezvous. Per l’ultimo paziente la CPRE intraoperatoria è stata impiegata per la diagnosi ed il trattamento della perdita biliare nella cavità In conclusione la CPRE si è dimostrata una metodica sicura ed efficace per il.

Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS) is a herbal extract that enhances mucosal healing. It has therapeutic potential in the management of external hemorrhage and controlling gastrointestinal bleeding associated with various benign lesions refractory to conventional antihemorrhagic measures. The aim of this experimental study was to assess the effects of ABS on hemorrhagic lesions and compare them with omeprazole. The study was conducted on 30 rats. Rats were divided into five groups: group A (only indomethacin), group B (ABS administration 60 min before indomethacin-induced injury), group C (ABS administration 30 min after indomethacin-induced injury), group D (omeprazole administration 60 min before indomethacin‐induced injury), group E (omeprazole administration 30 min after indomethacin‐induced injury). Gastric mucosal lesions were produced by indomethacin in all three groups. The effect was studied morphologically 6 h after oral administration of the drug. Subsequently, affected tissue was examined histologically. Based on the number and the total size of hemorrhagic lesions, the hemorrhagic lesion scores were significantly better in Group C compared to other groups (p

Background The aim of this study was to assess the serum L-FABP levels in patients with acute pancreatitis and compare with healthy subjects. Methods Thirty patients with acute pancreatitis and thirty consecutive healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects were included into the study. The serum levels of L-FABP were measured upon admission and at the remission period. Results Upon admission, serum L-FABP concentration was significantly higher in patients with acute pancreatitis compared to control subjects (41009.41 ± 32401.31 pg/ml vs. 17057.00 ± 5015.74 pg/ml, p=0.008). Serum L-FABP levels decreased after the remission period; however, the differences were not statistically significant. In addition, serum L-FABP levels showed significant correlation with AST and LDH levels. Conclusion Increased serum L-FABP levels may be related to the mechanism of pancreatic microcirculatory disturbance in patients with acute pancreatitis, suggesting that serum L-FABP could be used for a potential biomarker of acute pancreatitis.

Aim There are common findings between Behcet's disease (BD) and celiac disease (CD) based on similar immunological pathogenesis and there is only limited data available investigating the link between these two diseases. Furthermore, documented gastrointestinal (GI) involvement with marked upper GI symptoms in BD has been rarely reported. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CD and to evaluate endoscopic findings in Turkish BD patients. Methods A total of 210 BD patients were included in the study. All patients underwent serological testing for anti-gliadin and tissue transglutaminase antibodies. Endoscopic examinations were performed in 190 patients who accepted upper GI system endoscopy. Multiple biopsies were taken from the second portion of the duodenum in patients with positive serological assessment for CD. Results A total of 4.2% of patients with BD had positive anti-gliadin and tissue transglutaminase antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG antibodies. The prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CD was 1.05% in Turkish BD patients. The most common endoscopic findings of patients with BD were found to be antral gastritis, duodenitis and esophagitis. Conclusion Although BD and CD share many similar clinical manifestations, our results did not support a possible association between these two diseases.

Liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) is a small cytoplasmic protein. The aim of the current study was to investigate L-FABP levels and to determine their diagnostic value for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We enrolled in this study 24 consecutive patients with NAFLD who were diagnosed with elevated transaminases and with steatosis by ultrasonograph. The control group consisted of 22 healthy control subjects matched for age and gender. Serum levels of L-FABP were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. L-FABP levels in NAFLD patients were higher than in the control group (levels were 41,976 ± 18,998 and 17048 ± 5021 pg/mL, respectively). A strong correlation was found between serum L-FABP concentrations and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, glucose and γ-glutamyltransferase levels. A level of 284,000 pg/mL L-FABP had 73 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity. Positive and negative predictive values for L-FABP were 100 and 79%, respectively. Serum L-FABP can be considered as a new diagnostic marker for detecting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background: During the esophagogastroduodenoscopy the comfort of both the patient and the doctor performing the endoscopy topical anesthetic are used. However some discomfort from the use of topical anesthetics to suppress the gag reflex may be observed. We aimed to compare the effects of local spray given immediately with that given in the endoscopy waiting room in terms of oropharynx anesthesia, gag reflex, amount of secretion, endoscopy duration, and quality of the procedure. Methods: The patients were devided into two groups; Group 1 was anesthetized with lidocaine spray (Zylocaine spray 10 %) immediately before the procedure; while Group 2 was anesthetized in the preparation room. The patients did not use any other drugs, i. e., anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, etc. Results: The patients were randomly sorted into two groups, with 65 in the first group and 69 in the second. There was no significant difference between Group 1 and 2 in terms of age, gender, or educational level. The amount of secretion in Group 1 was significantly less compared to Group 2.There was no significant difference in terms of endoscopy duration, gag reflex, throat pain scores and the quality of the procedure. Conclusion: We showed that oropharynx anesthesia with lidocaine immediately before the procedure causes an important reduction in the amount of secretion. In this way the endoscopy practitioner can see the stomach mucosa more clearly. For this reason lidocaine administration immediately before the procedure may be safely given to patients.

The liver is an important organ for various aspects of glucose metabolism, including glucose uptake, storage, and synthesis. It is a major organ in the metabolic process with perfusion provided by both the portal vein and hepatic artery. In diabetic patients organ perfusion is reduced and this is linked to atherosclerosis, and as a result complications occur. In this study, we aimed to evaluate liver perfusion by scintigraphic methods in diabetic patients.We retrospectively investigated 1,100 myocardial perfusion scintigraphies taken between January 2011 and December 2012 at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University Medical Faculty Nuclear Medicine Department. A total of 66 patients who were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and had myocardial perfusion scintigraphies were included in the study. The control subjects included 127 patients without diabetes mellitus who were chosen at random. Patients with chronic liver disease were not included in the study. The values from liver regions of interest (liver-ROI) rates and heart regions of interest (heart-ROI) rates were compared between the patients and controls.Patients were grouped according to the presence of diabetes. In the diabetes mellitus group, the liver-ROI average was lower (p = 0.66) than in the controls. In the control group, the average liver-ROI/heart-ROI ratios were higher than the ratio in the diabetes mellitus group (p = 0.019). Multivariate variance analysis showed that the diabetes mellitus liver-ROI/heart-ROI ratio was independent of other risk factors (p = 0.003; F: 9.6). Powered by Editorial Manager(®) and ProduXion Manager(®) from Aries Systems Corporation.This study shows that liver perfusion in diabetic patients is reduced compared with those without diabetes. Prospective studies with larger patient groups are required.

Background In recent years, white blood cells (WBCs) and their subtypes have been studied in relation to inflammation. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Materials and methods We enrolled a total of 177 patients, 96 AS and 81 healthy controls. Complete blood count, WBC, neutrophil and lymphocyte levels were measured, and the NLR was calculated. In the assessment of AS, we used the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index. Results In the present study, 96 AS and 81 healthy individuals were enrolled. The mean age was 43.8 ± 12.9 and 46.5 ± 11.2 years, respectively. Mean disease duration of AS patients was 6.9 ± 5.6 years (median = 5, min–max = 1–25). The patients with AS had a higher NLR than the control individuals (mean NLR, 2.24 ± 1.23 and 1.73 ± 0.70, respectively, P < 0.001). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between NLR and CRP (r = 0.322, P = 0.01). The patients receiving antitumor necrosis factor α therapy had a lower NLR than the patients receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy (mean NLR, 1.71 ± 0.62 and 2.41 ± 1.33, respectively, P = 0.02). Conclusion NLR may be seen as a useful marker for demonstrating inflammation together with acute phase reactants such as CRP and in evaluating the effectiveness of anti-TNF-α therapy.

Objective: Hypothyroidism, whether overt or subclinical, has multiple effects on the cardiovascular system. Neutrophil-lymphocyte (N/L) rate is closely related to cardiovascular disorders and atherosclerosis. Our study aimed to assess N/L rate and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Methods: The study included 36 patients with SCH and 28 patients with overt hypothyroidism (OH) as well as 30 healthy controls. CIMT, thyroid hormone levels, complete blood count and lipid parameters were measured in all subjects. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed for N/L rate. Results: Mean CIMT was 0.51 ± 0.15, 0.58 ± 0.16, 0.67 ± 0.24 mm in control, SCH, and OH groups, respectively. CIMT of OH patients was high compared with control subjects (P < 0.05). CIMT of SCH patients were not different compared with control subjects and OH patients (P > 0.05). It was no correlation that CIMT between N/L ratio (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Neutrophil-lymphocyte rate was not found to be useful indicator of early atherosclerosis in SCH and OH patients. J Clin Exp Invest 2013; 4 (4): 463-446

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of lactose intolerance (LI) in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT) and the effects of lactose restriction on thyroid function in these patients. Eighty-three HT patients taking L-thyroxine (LT4) were enrolled, and lactose tolerance tests were performed on all patients. Lactose intolerance was diagnosed in 75.9 % of the patients with HT. Thirty-eight patients with LI were started on a lactose-restricted diet for 8 weeks. Thirty-eight patients with LI (30 euthyroid and 8 with subclinical hypothyroidism), and 12 patients without LI were included in the final analysis. The level of TSH significantly decreased in the euthyroid and subclinical hypothyroid patients with LI [from 2.06 ± 1.02 to 1.51 ±1.1 IU/mL and from 5.45 ± 0.74 to 2.25 ± 1.88 IU/mL,respectively (both P0.05)]. However, the level of TSH in patients without LI did not change significantly over the 8 weeks (P0.05). Lactose intolerance occurs at a high frequency in HT patients. Lactose restriction leads to decreased levels of TSH, and LI should be considered in hypothyroid patients who require increasing LT4 doses,have irregular TSH levels and are resistant to LT4 treatment.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of serum transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), fetuin-A, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in the detection of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The value of the noninvasive fibrosis models - that is, the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), the fibrosis index based on the four factors (FIB-4) score, and Forn's index - was also examined.CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy for the evaluation of fibrosis were included in the study. A total of 73 patients were divided into two groups according to their METAVIR scores (F0-1, no/minimal fibrosis; F2-4, significant fibrosis). Serum levels of TGF-β1, TIMP-1, fetuin-A, and FGF21 were measured besides APRI, FIB-4, and Forn's scores. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was measured for each parameter, followed by calculation of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values.APRI, FIB-4, and Forn's index scores were significantly higher in patients with significant fibrosis (P0.05). There was no difference between no/minimal fibrosis and significant fibrosis groups in terms of serum levels of TGFβ-1, TIMP-1, fetuin-A, and FGF21 (P0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for TGF-β1, TIMP-1, fetuin-A, FGF21, APRI, FIB-4, and Forn's index were 0.445, 0.483, 0.436, 0.585, 0.662, 0.687, and 0.680, respectively.Our results suggest that serum TGF-β1, TIMP-1, fetuin-A, and FGF21 are not useful for the assessment of the extent of liver fibrosis in CHB in this patient group. However, APRI, FIB-4, and Forn's index have a better diagnostic value in patients with significant fibrosis than in those with no/minimal fibrosis.

Vascular thrombosis and systemic hypercoagulable states are known complications of pancreatitis. Higher levels of mean platelet volume (MPV) have been associated with thrombotic diseases. However, a few studies have investigated the association between acute pancreatitis and MPV. We aimed to investigate whether there is a difference of MPV and coagulation parameters in patients with active and remission in acute pancreatitis. We included 24 consecutive patients with biliary acute pancreatitis and 24 consecutive healthy age-matched and sex-matched controls. Full blood counts and other laboratory tests were collected at onset and remission. The MPV was significantly higher in patients with acute pancreatitis at admission 8.6±1.4 fl than controls 7.6±0.7 fl (P=0.005). We detected positive correlation between, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, amylase, lipase, and glucose, BMI, D-dimer and MPV. However, there was negative correlation between progression, thrombocyte counts, hemoglobin and MPV. As a result higher MPV levels in acute pancreatitis may reflect hypercoagulation associated with pancreatitis.

Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease which occurs due to cyst hydatid Echinococcus granulosus and occurs in the liver in 55-70% of cases. Cyst hydatid treatment can be performed in three ways: primary surgery, medical and PAIR (Puncture Aspiration Injection Reaspiration) treatment. Medical treatment can be applied with PAIR in order to decrease post-surgery recurrence and facilitate the treatment in repeating cases. The most commonly used agent in medical treatment is albendazole. The most common albendazole-induced side effect is elevated levels of liver enzymes. It rarely causes bone marrow toxic consequences. We present herein a case with albendazole-induced leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, which to our knowledge has never been reported in the literature.Kist hidatik echinococcus granulosusa bağlı oluşan ve %55-70 karaciğerde görülen paraziter bir hastalıktır. Kist hidatik tedavisi primer cerrahi olmak üzere, medikal ve PAIR (perkütan aspirasyon injeksiyon reaspirasyon) tedavisi olmak üzere üç şekilde verilebilir. Nüks eden olgularda, cerrahi sonrası rekurrensi azaltmak ve işlemi kolaylaştırmak için PAIR ile birlikte medikal tedavi verilebilir. Medikal tedavide en sık tercih edilen ajan albendazoldur. Albendazol kullanımına bağlı en sık görülen yan etki karaciğer fonksiyon testi yüksekliğidir. Kemik iliği supresyonuna nadiren neden olur. Bu makalede albendazol kullanımına bağlı lökopeni ve trombositopeni gelişen bir vakayı literatürde daha önce görülmemesi nedeniyle sunduk.

Son yıllarda, kardiyovasküler hastalıklarda mortalite ve morbiditeyi azalttıkları için statin ve fibrat türevi ilaçların kullanımı artmıştır. Bu ilaçların kullanımına bağlı olarak giderek artan oranlarda rabdomiyoliz ve akut böbrek yetmezliği (ABY) olguları görülmektedir. Bu yazıda halsizlik, yorgunluk, kas ve eklem ağrıları nedeniyle fenofibrat ve statin kullanan hastada rabdomiyoliz gelişimi sunulmuştur.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for stroke. However, the role of MetS in stroke rehabilitation has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of MetS on rehabilitation from stroke.A total of 337 consecutive patients with subacute stroke and 220 age-matched healthy controls were studied. The diagnosis of MetS was based on the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Ambulation levels were evaluated using the Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) measure. The correlation between MetS and FAC was investigated. The regression analysis included presence of hypertriglyceridemia, high fasting glucose, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertension, abdominal obesity, MetS, and age ≯65 years.The prevalence of MetS in the control group and the ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke groups was 33.2% (n = 73), 59.8% (n = 156), and 68.4% (n = 52), respectively. MetS prevalence was significantly higher in stroke groups compared with the control group (P.001). FAC and MetS were significantly and negatively correlated in the stroke groups (P.001, rho = -0.387, for hemorrhagic stroke;P.001, rho = -0.379, for ischemic stroke). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that diastolic tension, MetS presence, and age were found to be independent risk factors for FAC in ischemic stroke groups.MetS is associated with worse functional ambulation for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. Aggressive rehabilitation can be advocated in the presence of MetS in ischemic stroke patients.

Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor super family of structurally-related cytokines. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic and prognostic role of serum TWEAK concentration in patients with acute pancreatitis.Twenty four patients with acute pancreatitis and 24 consecutive healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in the study. The serum concentrations of TWEAK were measured at admission and then at remission. The average time between admission and remission was 7-10 days.At admission, TWEAK concentration was significantly lower in patients with acute pancreatitis compared to control subjects (p0.001). Serum TWEAK concentrations were elevated after the remission period, however the differences were not statistically significant. In addition, serum TWEAK concentration showed a significant, inverse correlation with amylase, lipase, CRP, AST, fibrinogen, LDH and a positive correlation with calcium, albumin and platelet count.Patients with acute pancreatitis have lower serum TWEAK concentration than healthy subjects. These results suggest that serum TWEAK concentration could be a potential biomarker of acute pancreatitis.

SUMMARY The ingestion of caustic substances may result in significant esophageal injury. There is no standard treatment protochol for esophageal injury and most patients are treated with a proton pump inhibitor or H2 antagonist. However, there is no clinical study evaluating the efficacy of omeprazole for caustic esophageal injury. A prospective study of 13 adult patients (>18 years of age) who were admitted to our hospital for caustic ingestion between May 2010 and June 2010 was conducted. Mucosal damage was graded using a modified endoscopic classification described by Zargar et al. Patients were treated with a proton pump inhibitor and maintained without oral intake until their condition was considered stable. Patients received omeprazole 80 mg in bolus IV, followed by continuous infusion of 8 mg/hour for 72 hours. A control endoscopy was performed 72 hours after admission. There was significant difference regarding endoscopic healing between the before and after omeprazole infusion (P = 0.004). There was no hospital mortality at the follow-up. Omeprazole may effectively be used in the acute phase treatment of caustic esophagus injuries.

Purpose Recently, role of adipokin in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been suggested. Among adipokins, role of leptin and adiponectin is rather well known; however, there are only a few data concerning visfatin. Material and Methods NAFLD is confirmed in 30 patients by ultrasonography. As a control group, patients without fatty liver or other liver diseases were included. Viral hepatitis, metabolic liver diseases, and autoimmune hepatitis and consumption of alcohol were excluded in all patients. Fasting serum level of visfatin was determined by ELISA method. Results Serum visfatin concentration in the NAFLD group (14.7 ± 8.1 ng/ml) was significantly higher than in controls (9.4 ± 1.6 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). There were no correlations between visfatin and anthropometric parameters, transaminases, lipids, and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Conclusion Serum visfatin concentration increases in patients with NAFLD.

Background and aim Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent inflammation and ulcerations of colonic mucosa and an inappropriate and delayed healing. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a cytoplasmic enzyme involved in the catabolism of purine bases, capable of catalyzing the deamination of adenosine, forming inosine in the result process. Although ADA has been shown to increase in several inflammatory conditions, there are no literature data indicating an alteration in UC. Methods This study evaluated the activity of total ADA in serum of 43 patients with UC and 18 healthy controls. Patients' age, disease duration, drug intake, and other medical history were all noted for each subject. Complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined for both patients and controls. Correlation analysis was also performed between ADA and other inflammation markers of UC. Results Serum mean ADA levels were 11.12±2.03 and 7.99±2.04 U/l for patients with UC in active state and in remission and 8.55±2.26 U/l in the healthy control group. Mean serum ADA levels were significantly elevated in active UC patients compared with patients with UC in remission and control groups. Overall accuracy of ADA in determination of active UC was 83.7 with sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 84.2%. Conclusions Serum ADA levels were found to be elevated in UC patients in active state suggesting a partial role of activated T-cell response in the disease pathophysiology. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted to demonstrate the role of ADA in UC patients, with a special interest in specifically targeted therapies against ADA for achieving disease remission.

Objective Visfatin is a peptide that is secreted from visceral fat. It has been reported to be associated with inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. However, little is known about its function in hypertension. Therefore the aim of the present study was to evaluate visfatin levels in patients with hypertension. Methods We studied forty-six newly diagnosed hypertensive patients and 30 healthy participants. In accordance with blood pressure levels reported in the JNC 7 guidelines, hypertensive patients were divided into 2 groups: stage 1 and stage 2. The control group was divided into 2 groups: normal and prehypertensive. Blood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained from each patient. Serum lipid profile, glucose and visfatin levels were measured. Results The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), BMI, waist circumference were significantly higher in the patient group than those in control subjects (p

SUMMARY Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is an herbal extract that enhances mucosal healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of ABS on the healing of the esophagus and prevention of stricture development after esophageal caustic injuries in rats. The study included 50 rats. Rats were divided into five groups: group 1 (no injury, sham surgery), group 2 (injury + no ABS + study after 2 weeks of injury), group 3 (injury + ABS + study after 2 weeks of injury), group 4 (injury + no ABS + study after 4 weeks of injury), and group 5 (injury + ABS + study after 4 weeks of injury). Standard esophageal burn injury was created by applying 50% NaOH solution to distal esophagus of about 1.5 cm. To rats in the sham group, isotonic solution was given instead of NaOH. ABS (2 mL/day) was given via oral route to group 3 and 5 rats. Fourteen days (group 2 and 3) and 28 days (group 4 and 5) later, all the live rats were killed. The distal esophageal segments of all rats were removed and divided into two equal parts for biochemical and histopathological examination. Mortality rate, weight changes, inflammation, stenosis index (SI), and biochemical measurements were evaluated. The SI was found as 0.31 ± 0.03 in group 1, 0.533 ± 0.240 in group 2, 0.568 ± 0.371 in group 3, 0.523 ± 0.164 in group 4, and 0.28 ± 0.03 in group 5. The SI and inflammation in ABS-treatment group 5 was significantly lower than that in non-treatment group 4 (P= 0.005). There were no significant differences between inflammation and SI among other groups. The mortality rate was 14.2% in group 1, 37.5% in untreated group 2, 14.2% in ABS-treated group 3, 80% in untreated group 4, and 33.3% in ABS-treated group 5. The mortality rate in group 4 was significantly higher than other groups (P= 0.025). Decrease rates in mean body weights of the groups were as follows: group 1, 1%; group 2, 15%; group 3, 14%; group 4, 46%; and group 5, 15%. Biochemical tests other than albumin and creatinine were comparable among the groups. Treatment with ABS prevents inflammation, scar formation, weight loss, and mortality in esophageal caustic injuries. Additional studies to evaluate the clinical benefits of ABS in esophageal caustic injury are recommended.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are highly effective drugs for patients suffering from peptic ulcer and gastro-esophageal reflux diseases, but recent studies have indicated possible risks with the long-term use of PPIs, such as osteoporosis, fractures, increased risk of pneumonia, diarrhea, iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies. There are publications written as a case study that indicate thrombocytopenia as side effects of PPIs, but there is no study on this subject. This study aimed to investigate the development of thrombocytopenia in patients with short-term use of PPI-infusion therapy. In this study, the records of the patients were evaluated retrospectively, for the period between January 2012 and January 2013. Thirty-five patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were enrolled. Platelet counts were analyzed before treatment, and on the first, second and third day of treatment, respectively. All patients were treated with intravenous pantoprazole. Hemogram values of patients were analyzed before and after PPI infusion treatment. Platelet counts were found to decrease from the first day to the third day of treatment (249 714.29/µl, 197 314.29/µl, 193 941.18/µl, 183 500/µl, respectively). The platelet count decrease was statistically significant (p 0.001). After cessation of infusion therapy, platelet counts began to rise on the fourth day. Three patients had severe thrombocytopenia on the third day of the treatment. (69 000/µl, 97 000/µl and 49 000/µl respectively). Platelet counts recovered after discontinuation of treatment. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that PPIs may cause thrombocytopenia, and this result should not be ignored. In particular, patients with PPI infusion therapy should be monitored more closely.

Celiac disease (CD) is a genetically based chronic inflammatory disorder of the small bowel induced by the dietary gluten and possibly other environmental cofactors. The objective of this study was to investigate the relation of adenosine deaminase (ADA), a cytoplasmic enzyme involved in the catabolism of purine bases, as an index of altered immune response, with adult CD patients. ADA has been shown to increase in several inflammatory conditions, but there is no literature data indicating an alteration in CD. Serum levels of ADA were investigated in newly diagnosed 20 CD patients. ADA levels were compared in patients with CD and in healthy controls. Correlation analysis was also performed between ADA and other serum markers of CD (anti‐gliadin and anti‐endomysial antibodies) Mean serum ADA levels were significantly elevated in CD patients compared with control group. ROC curve analysis suggested that the optimum ADA level cut‐off point for CD was 12.27 U/l. At a cut‐off value of 12.27 U/l, the sensitivity was 80% and specificity was 100%. There was no statistically significant correlation between ADA and anti‐gliadin and anti‐endomisium antibodies. Serum ADA levels elevated significantly in CD patients, suggesting a partial role in activated T‐cell response in the disease pathophysiology. ADA can be used as a supportive diagnostic marker in patients with CD. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:323–326, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

OBJECTIVE: To discover whether scattered white spots (SWS) in the duodenum are related to a specific kind of disease. We also scrutinized other upper endoscopic findings which might be associated with SWS. METHODS: Among the patients who were admitted for upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy, those having the endoscopic appearance of SWS in duodenum were enrolled in this study. In total 107 patients [70 women, 37 men, mean age: 51.6 ± 16.88 years (range: 17-82 years)] were included. At least three duodenal biopsies were taken from each patient and histopathological examinations were done by experienced pathologists. RESULTS: The histopathological examination revealed that 39 (36.4%) patients had intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL), 15 (14%) patients had giardiasis (G) and 30 (28.1%) patients had chronic non-specific duodenitis (CD). Two patients with IL were also found to have G. Twenty patients had both IL and CD. One had both G and CD. G was the least common etiology for SWS in the duodenum. The most common reasons for SWS in the duodenum in this study group were IL and CD, in order of decreasing frequency. There was no significant relationship with the other upper endoscopic findings in all these patients. CONCLUSION: Histopathological examinations should be provided for each patient with SWS in the duodenum to assess the etiology. © 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 Chinese Medical Association Shanghai Branch, Chinese Society of Gastroenterology and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Clinical and genetic findings of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) may be variable in different populations. Environmental factors may also affect phenotypic features of FMF. In this study, we investigated demographic, clinical and mutational features of FMF patients who were treated in a single reference hospital in Turkey. Two hundred and sixty patients (169 females, 91 males, mean age 30.44 +/- A 10.29 years) were included in this study. All patients were evaluated regarding MEFV gene mutations. The mean age of disease onset was 17.21 +/- A 8.66 years (range 2-40 years). The mean duration between the disease onset and diagnosis was 9.39 +/- A 8.92 years. Seventy percent of patients had symptoms before 20 years of age (early onset FMF). Arthritis and erysipelas like erythema (ELE) were more common, and the mean duration between the disease onset and diagnosis was longer in early onset FMF patients. The frequency of attacks per year, and disease severity score (DSS) was higher in early onset patients. Homozygote mutation of M694V was detected in 37 (20.2%) and 4 (5.2%) patients in early onset FMF and adult onset FMF groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Histological diagnosis of amyloidosis was established in 7 patients (2.7%). The age of disease onset was earlier, and arthritis and ELE were more frequent, and DSS was higher in patients with M694V/M694V mutation. In conclusion, mean delay to diagnosis in our FMF population is quite high. Early and adult onset forms may differ regarding some clinical, molecular and prognostic characteristics. Disease activity was higher in patients with homozygote mutation of M694V.

The aim of this study was to establish cardiac damage related to nocturnal ischemia using heart type fatty acid binding protein (h-fabp), which reaches detectable levels in plasma after being released from myocytes in case of ischemia in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients without coronary artery disease (CAD). Fifty patients diagnosed with OSAS in our sleep laboratory with polysomnographic analysis (PSG), who did not have any previous history of cardiac disease and in whom CAD was ruled out with myocardium perfusion scintigraphy, were included in the study. Control group comprised 19 volunteers without history of cardiac disease and risk factors in whom OSAS was excluded with PSG analysis. Blood samples were drawn from the patients to examine h-fabp, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), troponin I levels before and after sleep. No significant difference was found in CK, CK-MB, AST, Troponin I, and h-fabp levels before and after sleep in patient and control groups (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found between groups in terms of CK, CK-MB, AST, and Troponin I levels before and after sleep, while a significant difference was found between them with regard to h-fabp levels before (p = 0.006) and after sleep (p = 0.022). When arithmetical mean of the fabp levels before and after sleep was taken in the patient group, it was found that mean value of h-fabp was associated with the desaturated period in sleep which was under 80% (p = 0.04). H-fabp seems to be a marker that will enable the detection of cardiac injury in the early asymptomatic period in OSAS patients before development of disease that can be detected by imaging methods. Further studies are required to investigate the relation between the value of h-fabp and the development of cardiac dysfunction in the long term.

Objective: To assess metabolic syndrome (MS) prevalence in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and to evaluate the relationship between sleep parameters and MS incidence.Materials and Methods: Included in this study were 101 patients with complaints of snoring, witnessed apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness, and no prior OSAS diagnosis. An apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score ≥5 was required for the diagnosis of OSAS. The patient group included 80 cases, and the control group (AHI

Objective Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent and debilitating functional disorder. The toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pathogen-recognition receptors in the innate immune system. In the present study we aimed to investigate the TLR2, TLR4 and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with IBS. Methods Fifty-one IBS patients and 15 healthy controls were included in the present study. Colonic tissue levels of TLR2, TLR4 and NO were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and through biochemical methods. Results The colonic tissue levels of TLR4 and NO were significantly higher in IBS patients than in healthy controls. A subgroup analysis, which was based on the presence of diarrhea and constipation, showed that TLR2 levels were significantly higher among individuals with diarrhea-predominant IBS than among constipation-predominant IBS patients and healthy controls. The TLR4 levels were significantly higher in the diarrhea-predominant IBS patients and constipation-predominant IBS patients than in comparison healthy controls. The colonic tissue levels of NO were higher in the constipation-predominant IBS patients than in the diarrhea-predominant IBS patients and healthy controls. Conclusion In the present study we found that the colonic tissue levels of TLR and NO were elevated in IBS patients. Our results support the presence of a degree of immune dysregulation and oxidative stress in patients with IBS. © 2016 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.

Background: Various thrombocyte markers and white blood cell levels and their subtypes have recently been investigated in association with infl ammation. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of mean platelet volume (MPV) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with disease activation and clinical parameters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods: 84 RA patients and 60 healthy controls were included. Platelet, MPV, white cell, neutrophil and lymphocyte levels in full blood counts were investigated, and NLR was calculated. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), disease activation score (DAS 28) and a health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) were used in the evaluation of RA. Results: In the present study a total of 144 patients was enrolled, 84 with RA and 60 healthy individuals. 75.2 % (n = 108) were women and 24.8 % (n = 36) were men. The patients with RA had lower MPV than control individuals (MPV; 8.52 ± 1.15 fL and 8.92 ± 0.87 fL, respectively) and CRP (r: - 0.234, p = 0.005). RA patients' mean NLR was signifi cantly higher than that of the control group (2.74 ± 1.74 and 1.80 ± 0.78, respectively; p < 0.001). Furthermore, anti-CCP positive patients had higher NLR than anti-CCP negative patients (NLR; 2.51 ± 1.92 and 1.95 ± 1.22, p = 0.019 respectively). NLR was positively correlated with ESR (r = 0.190, p = 0.023), CRP (r = 0.230, p = 0.035) and anti-CCP (r = 0.300, p = 0.005). Conclusion: In conclusion, MPV and NLR together with acute phase reactants can be a useful index for showing infl ammation in RA patients. © Georg Thieme Verlag KGStuttgart · New York Einleitung: Verschiedene thrombozytäre Marker und Grenzwerte von Leukozyten und ihren Subtypen sind in der jüngeren Vergangenheit bezüglich ihres Zusammenhangs mit Entzündung untersucht worden. Ziel dieser Untersuchung war die Korrelation des mittleren Thrombozytenvolumens (MPV) und der Neutrophilen/Lymphozyten Ratio (NLR) mit der Krankheitsaktivität und klinischen Parametern bei Patienten mit rheumatoider Arthritis (RA). Methoden: 84 RA Patienten und 60 gesunde Kontrollen wurden eingeschlossen. Aus dem Blutbild wurden Thrombozyten, MPV, Leukozyten-, Neutrophilen- und Lymphozytenwerte untersucht und die NLR errechnet. Die Erythrozytensedimentationsrate (ESR), C-reaktives Protein, Rheumafaktor (RF), anti-zyklisches citrullinieres Peptid (anti-CCP), der Krankheitsaktivität-Score DAS 28 und ein Gesundheitsbewertungsbogen (HAQ) wurden für die Bewertung der RA herangezogen. Ergebnis: In die vorliegende Studie wurden 144 Patienten eingeschlossen, 84 mit RA und 60 gesunde Kontrollen. 75,2 % (n = 108) waren Frauen und 24,8 % (n = 36) waren Männer. Patienten mit RA hatten ein niedrigeres MPV als die Kontrollen (MPV; 8,52 ± 1,15 fL bzw. 8,92 ± 0,87 fL) und CRP (r: − 0,234, p = 0,005). Die mittlere NLR von RA Patienten war signifi kant höher als die der Kontrollgruppe (2,74 ± 1,74 bzw. 1,80 ± 0,78; p < 0,001). Außerdem hatten anti-CCP positive Patienten höhere NLRs als antiCCP negative Patienten (NLR; 2,51 ± 1,92 bzw. 1,95 ± 1,22 p = 0,019). Die NLR korrelierte positiv mit der ESR (r = 0,190, p = 0,023), dem CRP (r = 0,230, p = 0,035) und dem anti-CCP (r = 0,300, p = 0,005). Schlussfolgerung: MPV und NLR können gemeinsam mit Akutphase-Proteinen ein hilfreicher Index für die Entzündungsaktivität bei RA Patienten sein.

Objectives: High prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in the glaucoma patients was shown in recent studies. In our prospective study we aimed to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) and the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) in patients with HP positive and negative. Methods: In 91 patients with gastritis HP was investigated by urea breath test (UBT) and biopsy sample culture Following the full ophthalmologic examination the patients\' IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry and RNFLT was measured by spectral optic coherence tomography. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics were compared with the χ² test for categorical variables and with the Mann Whitney U test for continuous variables. Results: Of the 90 patients who meet the including criteria, HP was detected in 74 patients (27 male, 47 female) positive, and in 16 patients (7 male, 9 female) negative. Median (minimum-maximum) age values were 46 (18-79) in HP positive group and 51 (18-67) in HP negative group. One hundred forty seven eyes in 74 HP positive patients and 31 eyes in 16 HP negative patients included in the study. Median IOP values were determined 14 (7-21) mmHg in HP positive group and 14 (8-18) mmHg in HP negative group. The measurements of RNFLT in superior, temporal, inferior and nasal quadrants found to be respectively 122(98-165), 68(50-101), 135(93-188), 79(51-120) micron in HP positive group and 120(94-161), 67(43-104), 129(94-166), 76(50-97) micron in HP negative group. No statistically significant difference was found when compared IOP and RNFLT measurements between the two groups (p, Amaç: Glokom olgularında Helikobakter pilori (HP) prevalansının yüksek olduğu geçmiş çalışmalarda gösterilmiştir. Prospektif çalışmamızda HP pozitif ve negatif olguların göz içi basınç (GİB) ve retina sinir lifi tabakası kalınlık (RSLTK) ölçümlerini karşılaştırmayı amaçladık. Yöntemler: Gastrit bulguları olan 91 hastada HP varlığı üre nefes testi veya gastrik biyopsi ile araştırıldı. Hastaların tam oftalmolojik muayeneleri takiben GİB\'ı Goldmann aplanasyon tonometresi ve RSLTK\'ı spektral optik koherens tomografi ile ölçüldü. Hastaların demografik ve klinik özellikleri kategorik değişkenler için χ² testi ve sürekli değişkenler için Mann Whitney U testi ile karşılaştırıldı. Bulgular: Çalışma kriterlerine uyan 74 hastada (27 erkek, 47 kadın) HP pozitif ve 16 hastada (7 erkek, 9 kadın) ise HP negatif olarak saptandı. Ortanca (minimum-maksium) yaş değerleri HP pozitif grup için 46 (18-79) ve HP negatif grup için 51 (18-67) idi. HP pozitif 74 hastanın 147 gözü ve HP negatif 16 hastanın 31 gözü çalışmaya dahil edildi. GİB ortanca değerleri HP pozitif grupta 14 (7-21) mmHg ve HP negatif grupta 14 (8-18) mmHg olarak saptandı. Üst, temporal, alt ve nazal kadranlarda ölçülen RSLTK\'ların ortanca değerleri HP pozitif grupta sırasıyla 122(98-165), 68(50-101), 135(93-188), 79(51-120) mikron ve HP negatif grupta ise sırasıyla 120(94-161), 67(43-104), 129(94-166), 76(50-97) mikron olarak bulundu. İki grup arasında GİB ve RSLTK ölçümleri karşılaştırıldığında aralarında istatiksel anlamlı fark olmadığı görüldü (p>0,05). Sonuç: Bu çalışmada HP pozitif olguların GİB ve RSLTK ölçümlerinin HP negatif olgu grubuna göre anlamlı farklılık göstermediği bulundu. Glokom ile HP arasında ilişki olduğunu göstermek için geniş olgu serilerinde randomize vaka kontrollü histolojik ve serolojik çalışmaların yapılması gerekmektedir.

Purpose: Hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic disease with autosomal recessive trait. Recent studies demonstrated the importance of C282Y gene mutation in the aetiology of HH. Free iron accumulating in pancreas deteriorates insulin secretion and synthesis which can lead to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients with HH. There has been no study determining the prevalence of haemochromatosis gene (HFE) mutations and HH in diabetic patients in Turkey. We planned this study in order to investigate the C282Y and H63D mutation that cause HH in T2DM. Material and Method: In this study, we included185 patients with T2DM. Patients older than thirty-five years, not taking vitamin supplementation, iron preparates and/or oral contraceptives and those without any signs of active bleeding were included while patients with any infectious, systemic or immune disease were excluded from the study. Serum transferrin saturation (TS), ferritin, iron, and total iron binding capacity levels were measured after 12 hours of fasting. Results: Ten (5.4%) cases with TS of more than 45% were detected at the first evaluation. The test was repeated in those cases and 6 patients with TS of more than 45% were left according to the second measurement. H63D and C282Y gene polymorphisms were not present in these patients. Discussion: We did not find any correlation between the existence of T2DM and HFE polymorphisms. We assume that screening for HH in T2DM in our population is not needed. Turk Jem 2013; 17: 89-91

A case of pathological fracture of a thoracic vertebra in a 55-year-old male presenting with backache is reported.

Aim: To document the efficacy and tolerability of 14-day moxifloxacine–tetracycline–lansoprazole (MTL) regimens for Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication as a first-line therapy. Method: Fifty-six Hp-positive patients were enrolled. Patients were considered eligible for the study if they underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and Hp infection was diagnosed through histologic examination of antral and body bioptic samples. Primary end point of this study was to evaluate the eradication rate of 14-day MTL regimen therapies. Hp eradication was assessed using the 13C urea breath test performed. All patients were asked to fill in a validated questionnaire to report therapy-related side effects. Each symptom was graded from absent or present. Results: Fifty-six patients (29 men and 27 women) were enrolled. The studied therapeutic regimens were completed by 96.4% patients. Two dropouts occurred in the MTL group because of side effects. The eradication rate in MTL regimens was 55.4%. The overall prevalence of side effects was high in the MTL group. Conclusion: The MTL regimen failed to achieve the recommended eradication rates and had higher adverse effect rate. Hence, MTL regimen does not seem to be a suitable choice as a first-line Hp eradication therapy.