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The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship among the denture status, number of remaining teeth, and malnutrition in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Seventy-three patients (43 men/30 women) who required hemodialysis were included in the study. Weight and height, Kt/V, urea reduction ratio, midweek interdialytic weight gain, ultrafiltration volume, and erythropoietin dosage were determined for all patients. Laboratory measurements and predialysis blood samples for biomarkers were collected within the monthly routine tests. Dental examination focused on the denture status and total number of remaining teeth. Denture status were classified into two groups as prosthesis group (patients have prosthesis) and no prosthesis group (patients do not have any kind of prosthesis). And also, patients were assigned to one of four categories based on the number of remaining natural teeth: (i) edentulous, (ii) 1-7 teeth, (iii) 8-19 teeth, and (iv) >20 teeth. The data were statistically analyzed (a = 0.05). Body mass index values were increased in the prosthesis patients. Serum albumin levels of the CKD patients were under the reference value (3.8 g/dL) both in prosthesis and no prosthesis groups. Patients who have eight and more teeth showed higher serum albumin levels, and patients who had 1-7 teeth showed lower serum albumin levels in prosthesis group. CKD patients' nutritional habits were affected by denture status (having prosthesis or not). The number of the remaining teeth in prosthesis group affected the serum albumin levels of CKD patients.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the relationship between pain intensity and concentrations of salivary pain and stress biomarkers during orthodontic tooth movement.Eighteen patients (8 males, 10 females; mean age 14.57 ± 2.39 years) who needed orthodontic treatment with maxillary premolar extraction and segmental canine distalization participated in this study. Baseline samples were collected (T1), and orthodontic attachments were placed to maxillary first molars, second premolars, and canines. Then extractions were performed. After 1‑month follow-up, canine distalization started with a segmental wire (T2). Concentrations of salivary α‑amylase (sAA), cortisol, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and chromogranin A (CgA) were examined at T1, T2, and on days 4 (T3), 7 (T4), 14 (T5), and 30 (T6) after starting retraction. Participants also scored their pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Pain catastrophizing behavior and dental anxiety levels of the participants were evaluated by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (C-DAS), respectively. Repeated measure ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis were used for statistical evaluations (p 0.05).The maximum values for sAA were seen at T1. Males had higher sAA levels than females with statistical differences at T1, T3, and T4. No significant differences for cortisol, sIgA, and CgA concentrations were observed. The highest mean VAS score was recorded at T3. No correlations were detected between any salivary biomarkers, VAS, C‑DAS, and PCS scores.The stress of starting orthodontic treatment increased sAA levels more than the pain that was experienced during orthodontic tooth movement. Being male was a predictor of higher sAA concentrations. Orthodontic tooth movement did not cause significant alterations in salivary pain and stress biomarkers.ZWECK: Ziel dieser prospektiven Studie war es, den Zusammenhang zwischen Schmerzintensität und den Konzentrationen von salivären Schmerz- und Stressbiomarkern während einer kieferorthopädischen Zahnbewegung zu untersuchen.Achtzehn Patienten (8 Jungen, 10 Mädchen; Durchschnittsalter 14,57 ± 2,39 Jahre), die eine kieferorthopädische Behandlung mit Extraktion der oberen Prämolaren und segmentaler Distalisierung der Eckzähne benötigten, nahmen an dieser Studie teil. Es wurden Ausgangswerte erhoben (T1), und kieferorthopädische Attachments wurden an den oberen ersten Molaren, den zweiten Prämolaren und den Eckzähnen angebracht. Dann wurden die Extraktionen durchgeführt. Nach einer einmonatigen Nachuntersuchung begann die Distalisierung der Eckzähne mit einem segmentalen Draht (T2). Die Konzentrationen von Speichel-α-Amylase (sAA), Kortisol, sekretorischem Immunglobulin A (sIgA) und Chromogranin A (CgA) wurden bei T1, T2 und am 4. (T3), 7. (T4), 14. (T5) und 30. (T6) Tag nach Beginn der Retraktion untersucht. Die Teilnehmer bewerteten außerdem ihre Schmerzen auf einer visuellen Analogskala (VAS). Das Schmerzkatastrophisierungsverhalten und die Zahnarztangst der Teilnehmer wurden mit der Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) bzw. der Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale (C-DAS) bewertet. Für die statistischen Auswertungen wurden die ANOVA mit wiederholten Messungen, der Mann-Whitney-U-Test und die Rangkorrelationskoeffizientenanalyse nach Spearman verwendet (p 0,05).Die maximalen Werte für sAA wurden bei T1 gesehen. Männliche Patienten hatten höhere sAA-Werte als weibliche Patienten mit statistischen Unterschieden bei T1, T3 und T4. Es wurden keine signifikanten Unterschiede für die Kortisol-, sIgA- und CgA-Konzentrationen beobachtet. Der höchste mittlere VAS-Score wurde bei T3 gemessen. Es wurden keine Korrelationen zwischen irgendwelchen Biomarkern im Speichel, VAS, C‑DAS und PCS-Scores festgestellt.Der Stress, mit einer kieferorthopädischen Behandlung zu beginnen, erhöhte die sAA-Werte stärker als die Schmerzen, die während der kieferorthopädischen Zahnbewegung auftraten. Ein männlicher Patient zu sein, war ein Prädiktor für höhere sAA-Konzentrationen. Die kieferorthopädische Zahnbewegung verursachte keine signifikanten Veränderungen der Schmerz- und Stress-Biomarker im Speichel.

WOS: 000533604700003 Objective: Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) is expressed in adipose tissue and macrophages. It regulates cholesterol trafficking and is involved in atherosclerosis formation. A-FABP levels are associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in patients with or without chronic kidney disease. In this study, we evaluated A-FABP levels in healthy controls and hemodialysis (HD) patients and compared the results with C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels to determine their relationship with systemic inflammation. Materials and Methods: The study comprised 23 healthy controls and 70 HD patients, excluding individuals with an active infection, malignancy, anorexia, obesity, and hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Demographic features, laboratory findings, A-FABP levels, and levels of inflammatory markers were evaluated between and within the groups. Results: Levels of A-FABP and inflammatory markers were significantly higher in HD patients. In the HD group, 20% of the patients had documented CVD. Levels of A-FABP and inflammatory markers were similar in nondiabetic and diabetic HD patients. Age was negatively correlated with A-FABP levels. Presence of diabetes was not correlated with A-FABP. Serum CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly correlated with A-FABP levels (r=0.354, p=0.003 and r=0.393, p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: A-FABP levels are elevated in HD patients. Systemic inflammation is significantly related to A-FABP levels in both nondiabetic and diabetic HD patients and decreases with age. Findings of this study support the adverse cardiovascular effects of systemic inflammation in HD patients. Gazi University School of MedicineGazi University The authors declared that this study has received financial support from the Gazi University School of Medicine Scientific Research and Project Unit.

Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of resveratrol (RSV) over ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in rat model. Materials and Methods 24 female Wistar rats (22 days old) were divided into four groups. Group 1 (control group; n = 6) received 0.1 ml intraperitoneal (IP) saline from days 22–26; group 2 (mild-stimulated group; n = 6) received 10 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) on day 24 and 10 IU of hCG 48 h later (day 26); group 3 (OHSS group; n = 6) was given 10 IU of PMSG for 4 consecutive days from day 22 and 30 IU hCG on the fifth day to induce OHSS; group 4 (OHSS + RSV group; n = 6) was treated the same as group 3, but received 60 mg/kg RSV 2 h before PMSG injection for 4 consecutive days and 2 h before the hCG injection on the fifth day. Results Weight gain was highest in the OHSS group. Ovarian weights were lower in the treatment group than OHSS group. Peritoneal fluid VEGF levels were lower for RSV group compared to group 2 and 3. Total VEGF immunoreactivity was higher in OHSS group than group 1, 2 and 4. Conclusion These results indicate that RSV is beneficial for prevention of OHSS by reducing the increases in body and ovarian weight and VEGF activity. These effects may be mediated by anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-angiogenic capacity of RSV.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the serum concentrations of PAPP-A (pregnancy associated placental protein-A), a biomarker which is associated with cardiovascular disease, in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and Methods: A total of 62 women with PCOS, and 68 age and body mass index (BMI) matched controls were eligible for the study. Hirsutism scores, hormonal and metabolic profile as well as PAPP-A levels were assessed in each subject. Results: Women with PCOS and controls yielded similar median serum levels of PAPP-A (1.7 ng/ml versus 1.8 ng/ml, respectively, p = 0.328). However, when patients were compared based on BMI; subgroup analyses found that among women with BMI

Objective Zinc transporter 8 protein (ZnT8A) is a transmembrane protein which functions to transfer zinc to insulin vesicles. Antibodies formed against ZnT8A (ZnT8A) are regarded as an independent autoimmunity demonstrator in type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ZnT8A in Turkish children with new onset T1D. Method Eighty four patients between 1-18 years of age diagnosed with T1D between February 2015-March 2016 and the control group consisting of 50 healthy children without any autoimmune diseases were included in the study. Serum samples for ZnT8A testing were taken from the patient group within a week of diagnosis. A ZnT8A enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used in the analyses. Results ZnT8A positivity was detected in 58% of the patients with new onset T1D and 8% of the control group. ZnT8A were demonstrated in 5 of 11 patients with negative results for classical diabetes antibodies [insulinoma antigen-2 antibody (IA-2A), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) or insulin autoantibodies]. No association was found between ZnT8A positivity and age, gender, presence or degree of ketoacidosis at presentation, hemoglobin A1c, insulin or C-peptide concentration, or the presence of either thyroid or celiac antibodies. Conclusion ZnT8A prevalence in children with T1D in Turkey was compatible with the literature. The ratio of patients who are clinically considered to have T1D but have negative routine diabetes auto-antibodies were observed to decrease nearly by 50% when ZnT8 antibodies were added to the panel. ZnT8 measurement should be more widespread for clarifying the etiology in T1D.

Background Periodontitis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population by triggering systemic inflammation. Aim To investigate the relationship between systemic inflammation and periodontitis, and clarify any association between severe periodontitis and the medications used by patients receiving haemodialysis. Design A cross-sectional study. Participants The study was undertaken with 56 patients receiving haemodialysis. Measurements Demographic and laboratory data and prescribed drugs regularly used by patients were recorded from hospital records. During the dialysis session, a validated Xerostomia Inventory score was completed. A complete dental/periodontal examination was also undertaken on all patients by the same periodontist. Results In the study population, stage I periodontitis was determined in 41%, stage II periodontitis in 17%, stage III periodontitis in 21%, and stage IV periodontitis in 21%. Male gender, hypertension, coronary artery disease, β antagonists, calcium channel blockers, sodium polystyrene sulphonate, teeth brushing less than twice a day and high sensitive C-reactive protein > 8 mg/l were significantly associated with severe periodontitis. Conclusion Drugs, including β antagonists, calcium channel blockers, polystyrene sulphonate, co-morbid conditions and poor or insufficient oral care could facilitate an increase in the severity of periodontitis in patients receiving haemodialysis. Severe periodontitis also seems to be associated with cardiovascular disease and inflammation in patients with chronic renal disease.

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is related to high morbidity and mortality. There is evidence that arginine-vasopressin (AVP) responses could play a role. Copeptin is a reliable biomarker of AVP. In this study, copeptin, aldosterone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels in patients with IDH were evaluated throughout a hemodialysis (HD) session and compared with the control group. The study includes 15 patients who were normotensive during HD and 15 patients with IDH with a minimum HD vintage of 1 year. Blood samples were collected before the initiation of an HD session (T-0), in the mid-session for control group, 30 min after mean arterial pressure drop for IDH patients (T-1), and at the end of the session (T-2). Groups had similar demographic features and health parameters, interdialytic weight gains, and ultrafiltration amounts. The IDH group had a mean arterial pressure decline of 39.9 (+/- 6.4) mm Hg. Copeptin levels of the control group increased an average of 79.9 (+/- 97.5) pmol/L at T-1 and an additional 24.8 (+/- 33.9) pmol/L at T-2. In the IDH group, copeptin level increases at T-1 and T-2 were 3.2 (+/- 5.5) pmol/L and 34 (+/- 44.6) pmol/L, respectively(.) Copeptin levels of the IDH group were significantly lower at T-1 (P < 0.001) and at the T-0-T-2 interval than control group (P = 0.05). In the control group, aldosterone levels distinctly decreased, and in the IDH group, aldosterone levels were elevated (P < 0.001). Small changes were detected in epinephrine and norepinephrine levels for both groups but did not reach significance (P = 0.6 and P = 0.3, respectively). Lower copeptin level alterations suggest inadequate AVP responses in patients with IDH.

WOS: 000463518500006 Background: Psoriasis is frequently associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Adipocytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its cardiometabolic comorbidities. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the roles of leptin, resistin, and high-molecular-weight (HMW)adiponectin in psoriasis as well as their relationship with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), obesity, and insulin resistance. Materials and Methods: Forty-six psoriasis patients and equivalent age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls were recruited in this study. PASI, waist and hip circumferences, and waist/hip ratio (WHR) were recorded, and total body fat mass (TBFM) values were measured using a bioimpedance body composition analyzer. Fasting serum leptin, resistin, and HMW adiponectin levels were measured, and homeostasis model assessment values for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Results: After the adjustment for anthropometric variables, leptin levels did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 0.736). The patient group showed significantly elevated resistin and lower HMW adiponectin levels (P = 0.007,P= 0.010, respectively). The correlation of serum leptin, resistin, and HMW adiponectin with PASI was not significant (r = -0.100, P = 0.506; r = -0.053, P = 0.726; r = -0.103, P = 0.494, respectively). HOMA-IR positively correlated with leptin and negatively correlated with BMW adiponectin (r = 0.426, P < 0.001; r = -0.393, P < 0.001, respectively). The correlation of leptin and resistin with BMI was direct while that of HMW adiponectin with BMI was inverse (r = 0.532, P < 0.001; r = 0.240,P = 0.021; r= -0.408,P < 0.001, respectively). No significant differences were detected regarding TBFM, and waist and hip circumferences (P = 0.187, P = 0.090, P = 0.543, respectively). However, WHR was significantly higher in the patient group (P = 0.015). Conclusion: Altered adipocytokine levels in psoriasis patients suggest a possible role of adipocytokines in the relationship between psoriasis and its metabolic comorbidities. Fat distribution is also different from the healthy population with similar TBFM values, and abdominal obesity, which is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, is more prevalent in psoriasis patients.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral Candida spp. in HD patients and to investigate its relation with systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis. Microbiological samples were taken from buccal mucosa, palate, and dental prosthesis with a cotton swab. High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) and IL-6 were measured as inflammation markers. A total of 69 patients (58% male and median age 62 years) were enrolled in this study; 53.6% of total patients had oral Candida colonization. HsCRP and IL-6 levels were found to be significantly higher in the oral Candida colonization positive group than in the Candida colonization negative group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.01, respectively). HDL levels were significantly lower in the Candida colonization positive group (P = 0.03). Peripheral artery disease (P = 0.05) and oral Candida colonization (P = 0.002) were significantly associated with inflammation. In addition to conventional risk factors such as age (P = 0.03), diabetes (P = 0.001), and peripheral artery disease (P = 0.002), oral Candida colonization is associated with coronary artery disease (P = 0.04). Oral Candida colonization might be associated with chronic inflammation and development of atherosclerosis in HD patients.

BACKGROUND Vitamin D, an important factor in calcium-phosphate homeostasis, has recently been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic conditions such as hyperandrogenism. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and premature adrenarche (PA). METHODS A total of 71 girls with PA and 52 healthy girls, as the control group, were recruited. Axillary and/or pubic hair development before the age of 8 years was defined as PA. Bone age and anthropometric measures including height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were obtained. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), fasting plasma glucose and insulin were measured. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as

Background Vitamin D is known for its effect in calcium and bone homeostasis. There is an increasing evidence for health benefits accomplished by activated vitamin D that go beyond these classical functions. Previous studies have suggested that lower vitamin D levels are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate relationship between vitamin D levels and extent and severity of coronary artery disease. Materials and methods A total of 746 patients in whom coronary angiography was performed between August 2012 and July 2013 were enrolled in this study. Serum vitamin D levels were measured, and patients were grouped according to their serum vitamin D levels (vitamin D 20 ng/dL (n = 144) Group 2). Gensini score system was used to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and severity and extent of coronary artery disease. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics and demographic characteristics. Mean serum vitamin D levels of all patient cohort was 15·54 ± 7·46 ng/mL. Group 1 and Group 2 had an average serum vitamin D levels of 12·6 ± 3·3 ng/mL and 27·5 ± 7·8 ng/mL, respectively. Gensini score for all cohort was 26·25 ± 34·32. Group 1 had an average Gensini score of 26·4 ± 35·7; on the other hand, Gensini score was 25·5 ± 27·5 in Group 2 (P = 0·097). Conclusions This study failed to demonstrate significant relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the severity and extent of coronary artery disease. Further studies with more participation and homogenous groups with comparable individual and environmental features are needed to evaluate the association of serum vitamin D levels and cardiovascular diseases.

Background and Aim Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common cause of chronic liver disease, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our aim was to investigate whether serum toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2 and TLR4) levels are correlated with NASH and able to predict liver fibrosis, as well as to compare these markers with other non-invasive fibrosis scores (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] to alanine aminotransferase ratio, AST to platelet ratio index, fibrosis index, fibrosis 4, and fibrosis cirrhosis index). Methods Serum samples were obtained from consecutive biopsy proven NASH patients and healthy controls. Serum TLR2 and TLR4 were measured using ELISA. Stage of fibrosis was evaluated using the Brunt Criteria. The different non-invasive fibrosis scores were compared using areas under the curve. Results Fifty-seven patients with NASH and 57 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Serum TLR2 levels were not significantly different between the healthy controls and NASH patients. The medians were 3.88 ng/mL ± 0.29 versus 3.81 ng/mL ± 0.32, respectively (P = 0.587). In comparing the levels of TLR4 between groups, the medians were 1.05 ng/mL ± 0.13 versus 1.46 ng/mL ± 0.27, respectively (P

Objectives This study aims to investigate the role of serum levels of vitamin B12 (VitB12), homocysteine (Hcy), and methylmalonic acid (MMA) in the development of parenchymal neuro-Behcet's syndrome (NBS) and to compare them with healthy controls and Behcet's syndrome (BS) patients without NBS. Patients and methods Serum VitB12, Hcy, and MMA were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 64 patients (36 males, 28 females; mean age 36±8.3 years; range 20 to 56 years) who met the criteria of the International Study Group for Behcet's Disease and 30 matched healthy controls (17 males, 13 females; mean age 35.76±9.6 years; range 20 to 50 years). The study participants were grouped as BS patients with NBS, BS patients without NBS, and healthy controls. Results There was no significant difference between the groups regarding serum VitB12, Hcy, and MMA levels (p>0.05). Serum VitB12 levels were below the lower limit and serum Hcy levels were above the upper limit in all participants. MMA levels were normal in all participants. There was no correlation between the serum levels of VitB12, Hcy, and MMA and disease activity (p>0.05). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that there is no significant association between VitB12 deficiency and parenchymal NBS. Further studies are needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the variable effects of VitB12 deficiency on different clinical manifestations of BS.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a syndrome related with mood and appetite changes during the late luteal phase. Leptin and insulin are the hormones related to appetite, and leptin may have a role in reproductive functions and mood. Our aim was to determine whether there are differences in serum leptin and insulin levels between women with and without PMDD during the follicular and luteal phases. In this study, 20 women with PMDD and 18 women without PMDD were included. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, leptin, progesterone levels and HOMA-IR were measured in the follicular and luteal phases separately. Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed significant interactions for serum leptin, insulin and HOMA-IR levels between the diagnosis of PMDD and menstrual phases (F = 5.4, p = 0.025; F = 5.4, p = 0.026; and F = 4.7, p = 0.036, respectively). A significant correlation was found between progesterone and insulin levels in subjects without PMDD in the luteal phase (r = 0.58, p = 0.01). Whether the alterations in serum leptin and insulin are related with the changes of appetite and mood in PMDD or secondary to other factors should be clarified.

Pre-infarction angina reduces myocardial infarct size by preventing the myocardium from being subjected to ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. Ischemic preconditioning is the proposed mechanism for this effect. Sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) activates ischemic preconditioning pathways and may play a role in the presence of cardioprotective effects of pre-infarction angina. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between pre-infarction angina and serum S1P levels.Between May 2011 and January 2012, 79 patients with acute myocardial infarction were included in the study. In addition to taking routine medical histories, all of the patients were questioned as to whether or not they had pre-infarction angina. We determined patients serum levels of S1P at admission and discharge, and peak creatine kinase MB and troponin levels were also measured in the pre-infarction angina positive and negative groups.Of the 79 patients included in the study, 36 had pre-infarction angina and 43 had not. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The median level of serum S1P in patients with pre-infarction angina was significantly higher than in those without pre-infarction angina both at admission and discharge [0.54 (0.14-1.35) vs. 0.26 (0.12-0.62) p = 0.014/0.51 (0.20-1.81) vs. 0.30 (0.13-0.68) p = 0.010]. Serum high sensitive troponin levels were significantly lower in patients with pre-infarction angina [0.97 (0.39-3.07) vs. 2.56 (0.9-6.51) p = 0.034]. Serum S1P levels both at admission and discharge tended to be higher in patients with more angina episodes, but the differences between these subgroups were not statistically significant.Patients who experienced pre-infarction angina had higher serum S1P levels than patients without pre-infarction angina. This study supported our hypothesis that the cardioprotective effects of pre-infarction angina may in part be mediated by S1P.Ischemic preconditioning; Pre-infarction angina; Sphingosine 1 phosphate.

Hypothyroidism is associated with changes in bone metabolism. The impact of hypothyroidism and the associated autoimmunity on the mediators of bone turnover in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is not known. In this study, we assessed the levels of OPG, RANKL, and IL-6 along with markers of bone formation as osteocalcin (OC) and markers of bone resorption as type 1 collagen C telopeptide (CTX) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAcP 5b) in 30 hypothyroid and 30 euthyroid premenopausal HT patients and 20 healthy premenopausal controls. We found that TRAcP 5b (p = 0.006), CTX (p = 0.01), OC (p = 0.017), and IL-6 (p < 0.001) levels were lower in the hypothyroid group compared to euthyroid HT patients and controls. OPG levels were higher (p < 0.001) and RANKL levels were lower (p = 0.021) in hypothyroid and euthyroid HT patients compared to controls. TSH was negatively correlated with IL-6 (rho = -0.434, p < 0.001), OC (rho = -0.313, p = 0.006), TRAcP 5b (rho = -0.335, p = 0.003), and positively correlated with OPG (rho = 0.248, p = 0.029). RANKL/OPG ratio was independently associated with the presence of HT. In conclusion, bone turnover is slowed down by hypothyroidism in premenopausal patients with HT. Thyroid autoimmunity might have a unique impact on OPG/RANKL levels apart from the resultant hypothyroidism.

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı fetal ve erken postnatal serum endoglin düzeylerinin fetal büyümedeki rolünü ve maternal preeklampsinin endoglin düzeylerine olan ilişkisini araştırmaktır.Materyal ve Method: Bu çalışmaya 55 yenidoğan prospektif olarak çalışmaya dahil edildi ve 4 gruba ayrıldı:1)Normal gebelik ve gebelik haftasına göre düşük doğum ağırlıklı yenidoğanlar (n:13,small for gestational age:SGA) 2)normal gebelik ve gebelik haftasına göre fazla doğum ağırlıklı yenidoğanlar (n:19, large for gestational age:LGA) 3)Preeklamptik anneden doğan gebelik haftasına göre normal ağırlıklı yenidoğanlar (n:12, appropriate for gestational age:AGA)) 4)kontrol grup: preeklampsi ve herhangi bir hastalığı olmayan anneden doğan gebelik haftasına göre normal ağırlıklı yenidoğanlar (n:11).Kanlar umblikal kordondan ve postnatal 4.saatte periferal venden toplandı. Serum endoglin düzeyleri ELISA kit kullanılarak ölçüldü.Bulgular: Endoglin çalışılan tüm umblikal kord ve yenidoğan serumlarında saptandı. Fetal ve erken postnatal serum endoglin düzeyleri arasında SGA, LGA, preeklamptik ve kontrol grupları bakımından fark saptanmadı. Fetal ve erken postnatal serum endoglin düzeyleri SGA grupta AGA gruptan yüksek saptandı.Sonuçlar: Fetal ve erken postnatal serum endoglin düzeyleri yenidoğanlarda değişmemektedir. SGA yenidoğanlarda serum endoglin düzeyleri farklılık göstermektedir. Sonuçlarımız artan endoglin düzeylerinin SGA patofizyolojisinde rol oynayabileceğini düşündürmektedir.Normal ve komplike gebeliklerden doğan yenidoğanlarda endoglinin fetal büyümedeki rolünu belirlemek için geniş serili çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır., Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of fetal and early postnatal serum endoglin levels in fetal growth and to investigate the association between neonates of preeclamptic mothers and endoglin levels.Material and Methods: Fiftyfive neonates were prospectively enrolled into the study and divided into four groups: 1) Normal pregnancy and small for gestational age (SGA) neonates (n:13), 2) normal pregnancy and large for gestational age (LGA) neonates (n:19), 3) appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates of preeclamptic mothers (n:12), and 4) control group: AGA neonates born to mothers without preeclampsia or any other disease (n:11). Blood was collected from umbilical cords (UC) with both ends clamped, and from peripheral vein in the postnatal 4th hour. Serum endoglin levels were measured by employing an ELISA kit.Results: Endoglin was detectable in the serum of all studied umbilical cord and neonates. No statistically significant differences were found between fetal and early postnatal serum endoglin levels in SGA, LGA, preeclamptic and control groups. Fetal and early postnatal serum endoglin levels of SGA group were significantly higher than the values of AGA group.Conclusion: Fetal and early postnatal serum endoglin levels seem to be unchanged in neonates.We showed that SGA neonates are characterized by a alterations in serum endoglin levels.Our results suggest that increased endoglin levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of SGA. Further studies with larger patient series are required to determine the role of endoglin in fetal growth in normal neonates and in neonates born after a complicated pregnancy.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in complement factor H (CFH) Y402H and VEGF rs2146323 and rs699947 in exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and their relationship with intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment response. Methods: A total of 109 exudative AMD patients and 70 controls were included. Patients were classified as ‘good responders' and ‘nonresponders' based on the changes in best corrected visual acuity, central foveal thickness, lesion size, and the persistence of retinal hemorrhage after three dosages of anti-VEGF. We examined CFH, VEGF rs2146323 and rs699947 SNPs, and plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in both groups. Results: In total, 42 patients (38.5%) and 11 controls (15.7%) had homozygote wild genotype TT (p = 0.002). The variant C allele frequency was 45% in controls and 31.7% in patients (p = 0.011). A and C allele frequencies for VEGF rs699947 and rs2416323 were similar between the control and patient groups (p = 0.947, p = 0.378). Both SNPs were similar in responders and nonresponders. No significant difference was detected between plasma IL-6 levels of the control and AMD groups (p = 0.594), but the levels were higher in good responders than nonresponders (p < 0.001). Conclusion: CFH Y402H SNP might be protective for AMD in the Turkish population. VEGF rs2146323 and rs699947 SNPs have no relationship to exudative AMD formation, and none of these seem to have any effect on anti-VEGF response.

OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels and heart rate variability (HRV) in diabetic patients. STUDY DESIGN The study included 100 patients (44 men, 56 women) with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patients were divided into two groups based on the use of oral antidiabetics (n=67; mean age 54.6±7.8 years) or insulin (n=33; mean age 51.6±8.8 years). Plasma ADMA levels were measured and HRV parameters were calculated from 24-hour Holter EKG recordings. The findings were compared with those of a control group consisting of 42 nondiabetic individuals (mean age 52.8±6.2 years). RESULTS Compared to the control group, plasma ADMA levels were significantly higher (p=0.007) and all HRV parameters were significantly reduced in both diabetic groups. However, ADMA levels and HRV parameters were similar in the two diabetic groups (p>0.05). Correlation analysis showed no significant relationship between plasma ADMA levels and HRV parameters. CONCLUSION Our findings show that plasma ADMA levels are increased and HRV is reduced in diabetic patients, indicating that these patients have both endothelial dysfunction and autonomic dysfunction, but plasma ADMA levels cannot be used to evaluate autonomic dysfunction.

Background The therapeutic potential of anthracycline antibiotics is limited by their cardiotoxicity. Electrocardiography, exercise testing, and two-dimensional echocardiography are non-invasive techniques used in the follow-up of children for cardiotoxicity. Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are thought to be useful markers in the early detection of AC induced cardiomyopathy. Procedure We evaluated cardiac status of 34 patients with solid tumors treated with anthracycline antibiotics. All of the patients were asymptomatic and had no evidence of residual malignancy. They were evaluated by electrocardiography, exercise testing, echocardiography, and plasma BNP levels measured before and after the exercise testing. Results Electrocardiography revealed only minor abnormalities of little clinical significance. All of the patients completed the exercise testing without complication, and the duration of the exercise for each patient was between normal limits. Cardiac output (CO) and wall stress (WS) were significantly increased in patients, than in controls in echocardiographic evaluation of systolic functions (P 0.05). Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that echocardiographic and biochemical abnormalities could be found even at low cumulative doses of AC antibiotics. The use of serial echocardiographic studies and plasma BNP determinations to identify high-risk patients for cardiotoxicity needs to be verified by additional studies. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Graft-versus-host disease, iron overload, and infections are the major causes of liver dysfunction in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) recipients. We investigated the relationship between serum iron parameters and the levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and nitric oxide (NO) as predictors of chronic liver injury in 54 AHSCT recipients who survived at least a year after transplantation. Serum samples from patients were obtained for the evaluation of ET-1, TGF-beta, FGF, NO, and nontransferrin bound iron at the first year follow-up visit using commercially available ELISA kits. Patients were categorized depending on serum ferritin and transferrin saturation levels. The parameters were compared between the groups, and survival analysis was also performed. Most of the AHSCT recipients (81.5 %) were in complete remission during the study. After a median follow-up time of 73 months (range, 13 to 109 months), 72.2 % of the patients were alive. Mean serum levels of ET-1, NO, TGF-beta, and FGF were 81.54 +/- 21.62 mu mol/mL, 31.82 +/- 26.42 mu mol/mL, 2.56 +/- 0.77 ng/mL, and 50.31 +/- 32.69 pg/mL, respectively. Nineteen patients (35.2 % of the cohort) had serum ferritin levels higher than 1000 ng/mL. Mean serum levels of ET-1, NO, TGF-beta, and FGF were similar in patients with serum ferritin levels below or above 1000 ng/mL (P > .05). Serum ferritin levels were positively correlated with serum alanine aminotransferase (r = .284, P = .042) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (r = .271, P = .05) levels and were negatively correlated with serum albumin levels (r = .295, P = .034). There was a significant positive correlation between serum transferrin saturation and alanine aminotransferase levels (r = .305, P = .03). Serum ET-1 level was positively correlated with alkaline phosphatase levels (r = .304, P = .026). In univariate Cox regression analysis serum levels of iron parameters, ET-1, NO, TGF-beta, and FGF did not have an impact on overall survival (P > .05). The probability of progression-free survival was also similar in patients with ferritin levels above or below 1000 ng/mL (P = .275). The probability of survival was similar in patients with transferrin saturation =70 % and < 70 % (P > .05). Serum iron parameters showed a positive correlation with liver injury. However, there was no correlation between fibrogenic cytokines and liver transaminases. Our results suggest that iron overload at least with the current levels of ferritin might have a relatively benign course. Prospective randomized trials will guide the actual role of iron chelation in the post-transplantation setting.

Objective : The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic running exercise up to anaerobic threshold in trained (T) and sedentary (S) young males. Methods: The catabolic factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), oxidants and cortisol and the anabolic factors such as testosterone, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) were evaluated in blood serum of subjects. Results: It was found that running up to anaerobic threshold led to a significant increase in oxidants but not IL-6 in both groups. Indeed, oxidants returned to basal levels in 24 h in the T group. Cortisol decreased even below the basal levels 24 h after exercise in both groups. Anabolic hormones increased in both groups especially in the trained subjects after exercise. Conclusion Trained young people showed faster anabolic and catabolic adaptation to aerobic exercise comparing to age-matched sedentaries.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate relationships between biochemical parameters and interleukin-6 according to the ovarian morphology in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and methods: A total of 85 patients with PCOS were divided into three groups according to the ultrasonographic examination of the ovaries; group 1 (with no polycystic image at any of the ovaries, n=22), group 2 (with polycystic image at only one ovary, n=41), and group 3 (with polycystic image at both of the ovaries, n=22). Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6), hormone levels, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured. Results: The mean serum IL-6 levels for groups 1, 2 and 3 were 14.65 ± 6.18 pg/mL, 16.22 ± 6.55 pg/mL, and 14:53 ± 7.32 pg/mL, respectively. There was no statically difference between three groups for serum IL-6 levels (p>0.05). For metabolic profile, the mean of HOMA-IR was 3.09±1.56 for group 2 and this was significantly lower than other groups (p, Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı polikistik over sendromunda (PKOS) biyokimyasal parametreler ve interleukin-6 ile over morfolojisi ilişkisini değerlendirmektir. Gereç ve yöntem: PKOS tanısı almış 85 hasta overlerin ultrasonografik değerlendirmesine göre; grup 1 ( polikistik görünümü olmayan, n = 22), grup 2 (bir overde polikistik görüntüsü olan, n = 41) ve grup 3 (her iki overde polikistik görüntüsü olan, n = 22) olmak üzere üç gruba ayrıldı. Hastaların serum interlökin 6 (IL-6), hormone düzeyleri ve homeostasis model assessment-insulin rezistans (HOMA-IR) değerleri ölçüldü. Bulgular: Serum IL-6 seviyeleri değerlendirildiğinde, ortalama değerler gruplar için sırasıyla 14.65±6.18 pg/mL, 16.22±6.55 pg/mL ve 14.53±7.32 pg/mL olarak bulundu. Serum IL-6 düzeyleri için üç grup arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark yoktu (p> 0.05). Metabolik profiling değerlendirmesinde ise HOMA-IR değeri grup 2 de 3,09±1,56 bulundu ve diğer gruplara göre anlamlı düzeyde düşüktü (p

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is used in many prepared foods and soft drinks. However, limited data is available on the consequences of HFCS consumption on metabolic and cardiovascular functions. This study was, therefore, designed to assess whether HFCS drinking influences the endothelial and vascular function in association with metabolic disturbances in rats. Additionally, resveratrol was tested at challenge with HFCS. We investigated the effects of HFCS (10% and 20%) and resveratrol (50 mg/l) beverages on several metabolic parameters as well as endothelial relaxation, vascular contractions, expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), gp91(phox) and p22(phox) proteins and superoxide generation in the aortas. Consumption of HFCS (20%) increased serum triglyceride, VLDL and insulin levels as well as blood pressure. Impaired relaxation to acetylcholine and intensified contractions to phenylephrine and angiotensin II were associated with decreased eNOS and SIRT1 whereas increased gp91(phox) and p22(phox) proteins, along with provoked superoxide production in the aortas from HFCS-treated rats. Resveratrol supplementation efficiently restored HFCS-induced deteriorations. Thus, intake of HFCS leads to vascular dysfunction by decreasing vasoprotective factors and provoking oxidative stress in association with metabolic disturbances. Resveratrol has a protective potential against the harmful consequences of HFCS consumption. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVES Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are important regulators of extracellular matrix degradation, are known to induce atherosclerotic plaque rupture because of the degradation of collagen fibers in the fibrous cap. We aimed to investigate the possible association between these enzymes and objective coronary angiographic parameters of epicardial or myocardial perfusion. METHODS A total of 140 patients with acute coronary syndromes or stable angina pectoris, who were advised to undergo coronary angiography, were included. The correlation between the serum levels of MMP-1, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction frame count (TFC), myocardial blush grade, and the magnitude of change in these parameters after percutaneous intervention was investigated in addition to the association between MMPs and the need for revascularization. RESULTS TFC and corrected TFC scores were found to be higher in patients with higher MMP-1 levels (R: 0.706, P < 0.001; R: 0.867, P < 0.001). The absolute amount of decrease in TFC/corrected TFC after percutaneous intervention in the patients, who were advised to undergo revascularization, was correlated with higher MMP-1 and MMP-9 levels. MMP-1, MMP-9, and IL-6 were negatively correlated with myocardial blush grade although this association was weaker for MMP-9 and IL-6 compared with MMP-1 (R: -0.574, -0.367, and -0.496, P < 0.001). The mean serum levels of MMP-1, MMP-9, and IL-6 were higher in the patients who were advised to undergo revascularization compared with the patients who did not need revascularization. Odds ratios of MMP-1 and IL-6 for predicting revascularization need were calculated as 1.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.4-2.1; P < 0.001) and 6.5 (95% confidence interval: 2.5-16; P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION Higher levels of serum MMP-1, MMP-9, and IL-6 can be used to predict worse coronary angiographic findings and may be further targets of active investigation for wide use as risk predictors.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may be associated with atherogenesis and plaque rupture. We evaluated the relationship between MMP-1, MMP-9, TIMP- 1 and IL-6 levels and risk factors, presentation, extent and severity of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography were randomly included. The serum concentrations of MMP-1, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and IL-6 were analyzed with ELISA method in 134 patients. Participants were divided into 5 groups; stable angina pectoris (SAP; n= 34), unstable angina pectoris (USAP; n=29), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI; n=16), acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; n=25) and controls (n=30). Coronary angiographic Gensini score was calculated. Results: MMP-1 levels were higher in STEMI and NSTEMI groups compared with USAP, SAP and control groups (STEMI vs USAP p=0.005; STEMI vs SAP p=0.001; STEMI vs control p

Vitamin C is crucial for the brain. We aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin C administration following 24 hours of acute food deprivation and 24 hours of acute food intake on changes in vitamin C levels in different brain areas of guinea pigs. Vitamin C was administered as a single intraperitoneal dose (500 mg kg-1 body weight) both before acute food deprivation and before acute food intake. At the end of our study, we measured the vitamin C levels in cerebral cortex lobes, brain stem structures, hypophysis, hypothalamus, cerebellum, hippocampus, and amygdala. Vitamin C levels in the frontal and parietal lobes were found to be significantly higher in animals pretreated with vitamin C prior to 24 hours of food deprivation (p < 0.05). Temporal lobe vitamin C level was significantly lower in animals that were subjected to 24 hours of acute food intake following 24 hours of food deprivation (p < 0.05). Increased vitamin C levels were observed in the occipital lobe of all animals that received vitamin C administration (p < 0.05). Vitamin C levels in the brain stem structures such as mesencephalon and pons were significantly decreased in animals pretreated with vitamin C before normal feeding (p < 0.05). Vitamin C level in the hypothalamus was significantly increased after 24 hours of food deprivation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, different areas of the brain may differ in terms of vitamin C content during nutritional changes with or without vitamin C pretreatment, such as 24 hours of food deprivation or 24 hours of food intake following 24 hours of food deprivation. These differences may be attributed to several functions of vitamin C which may occur under these circumstances.

We investigated the relationship between total serum bilirubin and serum Tau and S100B protein levels, and predicted a cutoff level of bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity in term newborns. Total serum bilirubin, serum Tau, and S100B levels were measured in 92 jaundiced term newborns. A neurologic examination, electroencephalogram, brainstem auditory-evoked response, and otoacoustic emission were performed in the infants on admission and at age 3 months. Serum Tau (r = 0.921, P < 0.001) and S100B (r = 0.927, P < 0.001) levels were correlated with total serum bilirubin levels in all infants. Serum Tau and S100B protein levels remained at a steady level up to a total serum bilirubin level of 19.1 mg/dL, and then demonstrated a significant increase. Mean total serum bilirubin, serum Tau, and S100B levels of infants who manifested auditory neuropathy, neurologic abnormalities, or electroencephalogram abnormalities were significantly higher than in infants without these abnormalities (P < 0.05). Clinical and laboratory findings of bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity developed after a total serum bilirubin level of 22 mg/dL was reached. Serum levels of Tau and S100B proteins in jaundiced term newborns were strongly correlated with early-phase bilirubin encephalopathy. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Background Free radical-mediated oxidative stress has been implicated in the etiopathogenesis of several autoimmune disorders. Also, there is growing evidence supporting the role of reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of thyroid disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and their treatments on the metabolic state of oxidative stress, and antioxidant status markers. Methods A total of 20 newly diagnosed patients with overt hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 20 patients with overt hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease, and 20 healthy subjects as the control group were enrolled in the study. Fasting blood samples (12 h), taken at the initiation, after the 30th and 60th day of therapy were analyzed for malondialdehyde, nitrite, vitamin E, vitamin A, beta-carotene, ascorbate, and myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase activity. No patient presented additional risk factors for increased reactive oxygen species levels. Results Malondialdehyde, nitrite, vitamin E, and myeloperoxidase activity increased in patients with hypothyroidism. After 2 months, the levels of nitrite and vitamin E were reduced to control levels by treatment. The patients with hyperthyroidism had increased levels of malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase activity in comparison with the controls. Treatment with propylthiouracil attenuated these increments after 1 month. Conclusions Our results reveal an increased generation of reactive oxygen species and impairment of the antioxidant system in patients with hyperthyroidism, and particularly in patients with hypothyroidism. These findings indicate that thyroid hormones have a strong impact on oxidative stress and the antioxidant system.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is known to play an important role in hepatic fibrosis. ET-1 is also a mediator that is elevated in conditions such as insulin resistance, hyper-glycemia, oxidative stress, and endothelial cell dysfunction. In this study, we investigated whether ET-1 has a role in determining the severity of liver fibrosis in NASH. Also, the relation between ALT levels, obesity, diabetes, and AST/ALT ratio and fibrosis and ET-1 level was sought. A total of 92 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients were categorized into three groups: group 1, patients with elevated transaminase levels who were diagnosed as NASH by liver biopsy (n = 40); group II, patients with only hepatosteatosis determined by biopsy but having elevated transaminase levels (n = 12); and group III, patients with hepatosteatosis observed by ultrasonography, having normal transaminase levels (n = 40). The serum ET-1 levelwas measured by an appropriate ELISA kit for all patients. Mean serum ET-1 level was statistically significantly higher in the NASH group compared to the other two groups (15.56 +/- 4.63 vs 6.75 +/- 2.46 and 5.74 +/- 2.34 mu mol/L; P < 0.01). Mean serum ET-1 levels in NASH patients with grade I, grade II, and grade IV fibrosis were 14.06 +/- 0.92, 17.70 +/- 2.32, and 20.40 +/- 1.40 mu mol/L, respectively. None of the patients were identified as grade III fibrosis. It was found that the serum ET-1 level showed a statistically significant increase as fibrosis severity increased in NASH patients (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the serum ET-1 level is higher in NASH patients compared to patients having only steatosis. There appears to be a correlation between severity of fibrosis and serum ET-1 level in NASH patients. It has been found that NASH patients having a twofold increase in their ALT levels had higher ET-1 levels and a more severe grade of fibrosis.

Sepsis is one of the most important risk factors in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). beta-Glucan is a potent reticuloendothelial modulating agent, the immunobiological activity of which is mediated in part by an increase in the number and function of macrophages. In this study, we investigated the putative protective role of beta-glucan against sepsis-induced lung injury. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in Wistar rats. The control group received saline, and the treatment groups received beta-glucan or beta-glucan + beta-1,3-D-glucanase. Five hours thereafter, plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, interleukin (IL) 1 beta, and IL-6 levels were determined. Presence of lung injury was determined via lung tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) 1 levels, and histopathological examination at 18 h after CLP. In a separate set of experiments, survival was monitored for 7 days after CLP. beta-Glucan treatment led to a significant increase in survival rate (63% in glucan-treated rats vs 38% in saline-treated rats). Administration of the beta-glucan inhibitor abrogated beta-glucan's survival benefit (50%). After CLP, plasma TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 concentrations were increased in control animals. When beta-glucan was administered, it completely blocked the elevation of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6. Administration of beta-1,3-D-glucanase suppressed glucan-induced decrease in cytokines. Animals treated with beta-glucan showed a significant reduction in lung injury score, a marked decrease in ICAM-1 expression, and a significant decrease in MPO levels. In contrast, beta-1,3-D-glucanase caused a significantly increased MPO and ICAM-1 levels in the lung. These data reveal that beta-glucan treatment improved the course of CLP-induced peritonitis and attenuated the lung injury. Administration of beta-glucanase inhibited the beta-glucan activity and resulted in enhanced lung injury.

Type I diabetes mellitus (DM) is a result of inflammation and destruction of (x-cells in the pancreatic islet cells. The aim of this study is to evaluate the associations of diabetes with soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in children with type I DM; and also to evaluate the associations of these parameters with the disease period, glycaemic control, late and puberty stage. Serum sL-selectin and TNF-alpha levels were measured in 44 children with type I DM and 44 healthy children. Neither the patients nor the control group showed significant difference between the levels of sL-selectin and TNF-alpha (sequence mean 12.17 +/- 1.62 ng/ml vs. 12.62 +/- 1.56 ng/ml and 7.27 +/- 3.1 pg/ml vs. 7.88 +/- 2.7 pg/ml). There was no statistically significant difference between children with duration of diabetes longer than 5 years and children with duration of diabetes shorter than I year. There was also no statistically significant difference between poor glycaemic control and good-acceptable glycaemic control patients. The present results indicate that sL-selectin and TNF-alpha serum levels are not increased and cannot be used as prognostic predictors in type I DM; and also sL-selectin and TNF-alpha. do not change with the disease period, glycaemic control state and puberty stage.

Background and Objective: Recent studies have revealed that circulating ghrelin levels seem to play a role in energy homeostasis. The effect of hyperthyroidism on ghrelin levels is not fully known. Methods: Serum levels of ghrelin and its relationship with insulin resistance were evaluated in 48 patients with hyperthyroidism and 43 euthyroid healthy controls. Thyroid hormones, insulin, glucose, ghrelin levels and lipid parameters were measured in all subjects. Insulin sensitivity was determined using the homeostasis model assessment. Results: Serum ghrelin levels were significantly decreased in hyperthyroid patients than in controls (32.5 ± 23.3 vs. 54.1 ± 35.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001). Circulating ghrelin levels significantly correlated with age (r = –0.26, p = 0.01), fasting glucose (r = –0.21, p = 0.01), free triiodothyronine (r = –0.18, p = 0.04), free thyroxine (r = –0.23, p = 0.02) and thyroid stimulating hormone (r = 0.21, p = 0.04), but not with blood pressure, body mass index, lipid parameters, insulin and homeostasis model assessment (p > 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed glucose level to be the most important predictor of circulating ghrelin level. Conclusion: These results indicate that hyperthyroidism has effect on serum ghrelin levels. Further studies are needed for the exact mechanism.

SUMMARY: Background: Sleep complaints are common in end-stage renal disease. We aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep-related complaints and inflammatory cytokines in haemodialysis (HD) patients, and also the effects of HD on sleep patterns and cytokine levels. Methods: Predialysis serum interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in nine patients with sleep complaints were compared with those of nine patients without sleep complaints and nine healthy controls. Patients with sleep complaints underwent polysomnography the night after HD and the following night. Results: Patients with sleep complaints had significantly higher predialysis IL-1β levels compared with those without and healthy controls (P = 0.004 and P = 0.000, respectively). They also had higher predialysis IL-6 and TNF-α levels than those without sleep complaints; however, the difference was not significant. Patients without sleep complaints had higher mean IL-6 and TNF-α and similar mean IL-1β levels compared with healthy controls (P = 0.001, P = 0.024, P = 0.26, respectively). Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) was found in six out of nine (66%) patients with sleep complaints. Sleep architecture and cytokine levels did not differ between the two nights. The mean serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels did not differ in the pre- and post-polysomnographic samples. There was no correlation between IL-1β, IL-6 or TNF-α levels and the apnoea-hypopnoea index. Conclusions: Proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β in particular, might be associated with sleep complaints in HD patients. OSAS is not uncommon in HD patients with sleep-related complaints and sleep architecture does not appear to be effected by the HD procedure itself.

Background: Atherosclerotic lesions are heavily infiltrated by macrophages. Neopterin can be used as a marker of the activity of macrophages. Serum neopterin levels were elevated in non-renal patients with atherosclerosis. The intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid arteries in hemodialysis patients was significantly higher than in control subjects. In this study, we measured serum neopterin levels in hemodialysis patients and evaluated a possible correlation between neopterin levels and carotid IMT. Patients and Methods: Thirty-seven hemodialysis patients (26 male/11 female, mean age 47 ± 15 years) and 12 healthy subjects (8 male/4 female, mean age 43 ± 10 years) were included in this study. Serum neopterin levels were measured by using a commercial ELISA kit. Carotid IMT of the subjects were measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Results: Carotid IMT values were 1.04 ± 0.29 and 0.77 ± 0.25 mm in hemodialysis patients and healthy controls, respectively (p < 0.01). Serum neopterin levels were 110.9 ± 19.1 and 3.8 ± 2.3 ng/ml in hemodialysis patients and healthy controls, respectively (p < 0.01). Serum neopterin levels were 103.2 ± 21.3 ng/ml in hemodialysis patients with IMT Conclusion: Our findings suggest that neopterin could be associated with the severity of carotid atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients.

The therapeutic potential of anthracycline antibiotics is limited by their cardiotoxicity. Electrocardiography, exercise testing, and two-dimensional echocardiography are non-invasive techniques used in the follow-up of children for cardiotoxicity. Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are thought to be useful markers in the early detection of AC induced cardiomyopathy.We evaluated cardiac status of 34 patients with solid tumors treated with anthracycline antibiotics. All of the patients were asymptomatic and had no evidence of residual malignancy. They were evaluated by electrocardiography, exercise testing, echocardiography, and plasma BNP levels measured before and after the exercise testing.Electrocardiography revealed only minor abnormalities of little clinical significance. All of the patients completed the exercise testing without complication, and the duration of the exercise for each patient was between normal limits. Cardiac output (CO) and wall stress (WS) were significantly increased in patients, than in controls in echocardiographic evaluation of systolic functions (P0.001). Diastolic filling patterns showed various abnormalities; M-E, M-A, T-E, T-A, AT, and IVRT were significantly higher than those of controls. Mean plasma BNP levels of the patients (10.56 +/- 10.22 pg/ml) were significantly higher than BNP levels of the healthy controls (4.09 +/- 2.26 pg/ml) (P0.016), before exercise testing. The mean plasma BNP levels of the patients (15.70 +/- 14.06 pg/ml) were higher than resting state after exercise testing, but it was not statistically significant (P0.05).Our findings demonstrated that echocardiographic and biochemical abnormalities could be found even at low cumulative doses of AC antibiotics. The use of serial echocardiographic studies and plasma BNP determinations to identify high-risk patients for cardiotoxicity needs to be verified by additional studies.

Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 levels in the serum of 34 patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing locoregional radiotherapy (RT) were examined. The aim of the RT was definitive in 19 and postoperative adjuvant in 15 patients. Serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels were recorded before RT and after the completion of the fifth week of RT. The mean TNF-alpha levels before and after RT were 28.26 +/- 2.87 and 83.03 +/- 7.47, and the mean IL-6 levels were 61.56 +/- 14.32 and 122.45 +/- 30.66, respectively. The statistical analysis yielded a significant rise in TNF-alpha levels with RT in all patients (p < 0.0001) and also in IL-6 levels in patients treated with postoperative adjuvant RT (p = 0.001). Irradiation is likely to cause an acute phase response, and the cytokines studied may be used to monitor this clinically important response in further trials. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SummaryPurpose: Tamoxifen, used in breast cancer treatment, may induce hepatic steatosis. It has been suggested that leptin, which has a relationship with body fat stores, may be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis. In this study, we compared serum leptin levels in tamoxifen-treated patients with and without hepatic steatosis.Methods: Thirty-four women with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen were included in the study. Serum samples were obtained from the patients before and 3 months after tamoxifen therapy.Results: Increased hepatic steatosis was detected in 15 of 34 (44%) patients after 3 months of tamoxifen therapy. Serum leptin levels were found to be significantly elevated in patients with increased hepatic steatosis (37.3 ± 17.7 to 50.5 ± 22.4 ng/ml, p = 0.023) compared to patients without or stable hepatic steatosis (48.2 ± 20.2 to 42.6 ± 14.9 ng/ml, p > 0.05) after tamoxifen treatment.Conclusion: Leptin may play a role in tamoxifen-induced hepatic steatosis. The exact mechanism involv...

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) metabolism may be disturbed in obese children. We investigated serum GH, IGF-I, IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels in 42 obese and 40 non-obese healthy children aged 6-14 years. GH stimulation tests with L-dopa and insulin were performed. Serum IGF-I levels were studied by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) and IGFBP-3 levels by radioimmunoassay (RIA). IGF-I levels were significantly higher in the obese group (p < 0.05), but IGFBP-3 levels were not different from the control group. IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels were significantly higher in the obese pubertal children than in the obese prepubertal ones (p < 0.05). A positive linear correlation was found between body mass index (BMI) and IGF-I levels (r = 0.51, p < 0.05). These results suggest that obesity may have a considerable effect on IGF-I.