Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis as a rare cause of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, Churg-Strauss syndrome) is a rare multisystem necrotizing vasculitis that involves small- to medium-sized blood vessels. We report a rare case of syndrome of the inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion (SIADH) secondary to EGPA. A 53-year-old man applied with complaints of pain in the large joints and morning stiffness in knee for 2 months. The patient had the history of impaired fasting glucose, asthma, nasal polyps, and urticaria. Physical examination revealed intrinsic muscle atrophy and weakness in the right hand. Peripheral eosinophil count was 9.78 × 109/L (0.02-0.5), erythrocyte sedimentation rate 39 mm/h (0-20), and C-reactive protein 5.77 mg/dL (0-0.5). Migratory ground-glass pulmonary opacities had been reported in previous chest computed tomography scans. Echocardiography revealed findings compatible with eosinophilic involvement. Electroneuromyographic evaluation showed acute distal axonal neuropathy of right ulnar nerve. EGPA was considered. Oral methylprednisolone treatment was initiated. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and cyclophosphamide treatment and gradual tapering of oral steroids were planned. In 24-h urine analysis, sodium was 387 mEq, creatinine was 1156 mg, and volume was 3000 mL. When his medical records were investigated, it was observed that hyponatremia was present for nearly 2 years. While serum osmolality was 270, urine osmolality was 604 mOsm/kg H2O. So, SIADH diagnosis was made. Fluid intake was restricted. Although the patient's sodium level did not return to normal, it rose up to 130 mEq/L. After second cycle of EGPA treatment (cyclophosphamide and IVIG), serum sodium was normal. There is only four other documented cases of SIADH associated with EGPA. We hypothesized that blood supply to the hypothalamus and/or posterior hypophysis might be affected from EGPA vasculitis. Here, in this case, with effective treatment of EGPA, SIADH was resolved which implies a causality between two conditions.

Evaluation of Adrenal Reserve in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Receiving Thyroid Hormone Suppression Therapy- case-control Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are exposed to subclinical exogenous hyperthyroidism for the suppression of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the adrenal reserve in DTC patients receiving suppression therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 55 DTC patients on suppression therapy and 32 healthy volunteers. Basal serum cortisol of all participants and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) of the patient group were measured. A standard-dose ACTH test (0.25 mg) was performed in patients with a basal cortisol <14.5 mcg/dL. RESULTS: In the patient group, TSH was lower, free thyroxine (fT4) was higher, and free triiodothyronine (fT3) was similar to those of the control group (p < .01, p < .01, p = .140, respectively). The serum cortisol of the patient group was significantly lower than the control group (12.14 ± 5.12 mcg/dL vs 18.00 ± 5.56 mcg/dL, p < .001). A total of 34 (61.8%) patients with DTC had a basal cortisol <14.5 mcg/dL. Prolonged TSH suppression (≥5 years vs <5 years) was associated with lower basal cortisol (7.46 ± 2.63 mcg/dL vs 9.48 ± 2.65 mcg/dL, p = .022). The ACTH stimulation test showed that 2 (5.8%) patients had a cortisol response <18 mcg/dL. The rate of adrenal insufficiency was 3.6% in DTC patients. A moderate negative correlation was found between ACTH and fT3 of patients with low basal cortisol (r = -0.358, p = .038). CONCLUSION: Patients with DTC receiving TSH suppression therapy are at risk for adrenal insufficiency. The duration and severity of suppression might increase this possibility. Dynamic testing with synthetic ACTH can be used to reveal insufficient cortisol response in case of clinical suspicion.

Are clinicopathological features of the isthmic thyroid nodule different from nodules in thyroid lobes? A single center experience

ABSTRACT Objectives: Thyroid nodules located in isthmus were found less prevalent, although papillary thyroid cancer in this location was reported to be more aggressive behaviour in some studies. Our aim was to evaluate hormonal,ultrasonographic, and cytopathologic features of nodules located in isthmus (isthmic nodules). Subjects and methods: Patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 2006-2014 reviewed retrospectively. Hormonal, ultrasonographic, and cytopathologic features compared between patients with isthmic (Group-1) and with lober (non-isthmic, Group-2) nodules. Results: Group-1 and Group-2 consisted of 251 and 2076 patients, respectively. 260 isthmic (5.5%) and 4433 non-isthmic (94.5%) nodules were compared.However,most ultrasonographical features such as presence of microcalcification and halo, diameters, echogenicity, texture, margin, and vascularity were similar between groups, macrocalcification rate was lower in isthmic nodules (18.8%, 25.9%; p = 0.012). Cytologic results were also similar.Although malignancy rate was lower in isthmic nodules (6.2%, 12.5%; p = 0.002), type of thyroid cancer was similar in isthmic and non-isthmic nodules.When malignant isthmic (n = 16,2.8%) and malignant non-isthmic nodules (n = 553, 97.2%) were compared, diameter and type of tumor, lymphovascular and capsular invasions, extrathyroidal extension and multifocality rates were not statistically significant.Malignant isthmic nodules (n = 16, 6.2%) had smaller size [10.1 (7.5-34.5) mm, 19.95 (8.4-74.1) mm; p = 0.002], and higher hypoechogenicity rate (31.3%, 5.7%, p = 0.003) compared to benign isthmic nodules (n = 244, 93.8%). Negative predictive value was higher and positive predictive value was lower in isthmic nodules compared to non-isthmic nodules (p = 0.033, p = 0.047, respectively). Conclusion: Isthmic nodules appear to be indolent because of having lower malignancy rate. FNAB might be required in isthmic nodules even if it has relatively small size.The surgery with limited extent or follow-up might seem to be reliable in the management of patients having isthmic nodules especially with indeterminate cytology.

Low rate of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) in patients followed for type 2 diabetes: A single center's experience in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of and the clinical and metabolic features of patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) at a single center in Turkey. METHODS: Patients over 30 years of age diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who did not require insulin for a minimum of 6 months following diagnosis were included. Data from 324 patients (163 women; 161 men), with a mean age of 54.97 ± 7.53 years, were analyzed in the study. Levels of antibodies to glutamate decarboxylase (anti-GAD) were measured in all patients, and LADA was diagnosed in patients testing positive for anti-GAD antibodies. RESULTS: Anti-GAD positivity was identified in 5 patients (1.5%). Family history of diabetes, body mass index (BMI), age, sex distribution, insulin resistance, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were similar in the LADA and type 2 diabetes patients. Median HbA1c was significantly higher (10.8% vs. 7.38%, p = 0.002) and fasting C-peptide was lower (0.75 ng/mL vs. 2.82 ng/mL, p = 0.009) in patients with LADA compared to in those with type 2 diabetes. Among the 5 patients with LADA, 4 were positive for antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. The median disease duration was relatively shorter among patients with LADA (4 years vs. 7 years, p = 0.105). CONCLUSION: We observed a LADA frequency of 1.5% among Turkish patients followed for type 2 diabetes. The presence of obesity and metabolic syndrome did not exclude LADA, and patients with LADA had worse glycemic control than patients with type 2 diabetes did.

The value of serum thyroglobulin alteration after ultrasonography-guided fine-needle biopsy of suspicious cervical lymph nodes in the diagnosis of metastasis in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND: It is known that serum thyroglobulin (TG) can increase after fine-needle biopsy of thyroid nodules. We aimed to determine whether TG is increased after ultrasonography (US)-guided fine needle capillary biopsy (FNC) of suspicious cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in thyroidectomised patients and investigate the possible association between change in TG and cytology results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 188 patients who underwent FNC of suspicious cervical LNs were retrospectively evaluated. Demographical, laboratory and ultrasonography features of LNs were noted. TG levels before FNC (TGb-FNC ), after FNC (TGa-FNC ), TGa-FNC /TGb-FNC ratio and the number of patients with increased TG were determined. Patients were grouped as benign, nondiagnostic, suspicious for malignancy and malignant according to the cytological results. RESULTS: TGa-FNC , TGb-FNC /TGa-FNC and rate of patients with increased TG were significantly higher in malignant cytology group than other groups (P < .001). The optimal cut-off level of TG increase that was predictive for malignancy was 7.6% with a sensitivity of 73.7% and specificity of 85.2%. TG increase was not associated with age, sex, Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level, anti-TG positivity and US features of LNs while significantly lower in patients who received radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. Among 31 patients with positive anti-TG, TGb-FNC /TGa-FNC , and rate of patients with increased TG were higher in malignant compared to benign and nondiagnostic cytology groups. CONCLUSIONS: Serum TG increment and rate of patients with increased TG after FNC of suspicious cervical LNs were higher in patients with malignant cytology than with all other cytology results both in all study group and in sub-group of anti-TG positive patients. Increase in TG after FNC might be an additional tool for determining LN metastasis.

Are clinicopathological features of the isthmic thyroid nodule different from nodules in thyroid lobes? A single center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid nodules located in isthmus were found less prevalent, although papillary thyroid cancer in this location was reported to be more aggressive behaviour in some studies. Our aim was to evaluate hormonal, ultrasonographic, and cytopathologic features of nodules located in isthmus (isthmic nodules). METHODS: Patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 2006-2014 reviewed retrospectively. Hormonal, ultrasonographic, and cytopathologic features compared between patients with isthmic (Group-1) and with lober (non-isthmic, Group-2) nodules. RESULTS: Group-1 and Group-2 consisted of 251 and 2076 patients, respectively. 260 isthmic (5.5%) and 4433 non-isthmic (94.5%) nodules were compared. However, most ultrasonographical features such as presence of microcalcification and halo, diameters, echogenicity, texture, margin, and vascularity were similar between groups, macrocalcification rate was lower in isthmic nodules (18.8%, 25.9%; p = 0.012). Cytologic results were also similar. Although malignancy rate was lower in isthmic nodules (6.2%, 12.5%; p = 0.002), type of thyroid cancer was similar in isthmic and non-isthmic nodules. When malignant isthmic (n = 16,2.8%) and malignant non-isthmic nodules (n = 553, 97.2%) were compared, diameter and type of tumor, lymphovascular and capsular invasions, extrathyroidal extension and multifocality rates were not statistically significant. Malignant isthmic nodules (n = 16, 6.2%) had smaller size [10.1 (7.5-34.5) mm, 19.95 (8.4-74.1) mm; p = 0.002], and higher hypoechogenicity rate (31.3%, 5.7%, p = 0.003) compared to benign isthmic nodules (n = 244, 93.8%). Negative predictive value was higher and positive predictive value was lower in isthmic nodules compared to non-isthmic nodules (p = 0.033, p = 0.047, respectively). CONCLUSION: Isthmic nodules appear to be indolent because of having lower malignancy rate. FNAB might be required in isthmic nodules even if it has relatively small size. The surgery with limited extent or follow-up might seem to be reliable in the management of patients having isthmic nodules especially with indeterminate cytology.

Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Thyroid Hormone Levels in Patients on Levothyroxine Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes in thyroid functions in Ramadan, and compare late evening and pre-seheri use of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Endocrinology, Ankara Ataturk Education and Research Hospital and Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Turkey, from May to June 2018. METHODOLOGY: Patients who were on levothyroxine treatment and having normal thyroid functions were recruited for the study in the last one week before Ramadan. Patients were offered to take levothyroxine at 22.30-23.00 pm before sleep or between 01:30-03:00 am at least 30 min pre-seheri. RESULTS: There were 53 (85.5%) female and 9 (14.5%) male patients. Basal thyrotrophin (TSH) was 2.02 µIU/mL (0.27-4.14) and insignificantly increased at the end of Ramadan [2.18 µIU/mL (0.04-19.69), p=0.167]. Free-triiodothyronine (fT3) decreased while free-thyroxine (fT4) increased (p<0.001 for both). Eighteen patients preferred to take levothyroxine in late evening and 44 preferred to take at pre-seheri. There were insignificant increases in TSH in both groups (p=0.401 and p=0.276, respectively). At the end of Ramadan, TSH increased in 39 (63.9%), decreased in 22 (36.1%), and did not change in one patient. CONCLUSION: Increase in TSH was not significant after Ramadan. While there was an insignificant increase in median TSH, about one-third of patients had lower TSH, indicating for the need to evaluate every patient individually and follow closely during Ramadan. Clinical studies with larger sample sizes will be helpful to determine the optimal time for levothyroxine use during Ramadan. Key Words: Thyroid functions, Ramadan fasting, Hypothyroidism, Levotyhroxine.

Low rate of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) in patients followed for type 2 diabetes: A single centers experience in Turkey

ABSTRACT Objective In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of and the clinical and metabolic features of patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) at a single center in Turkey. Subjects and methods Patients over 30 years of age diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who did not require insulin for a minimum of 6 months following diagnosis were included. Data from 324 patients (163 women; 161 men), with a mean age of 54.97 ± 7.53 years, were analyzed in the study. Levels of antibodies to glutamate decarboxylase (anti-GAD) were measured in all patients, and LADA was diagnosed in patients testing positive for anti-GAD antibodies. Results Anti-GAD positivity was identified in 5 patients (1.5%). Family history of diabetes, body mass index (BMI), age, sex distribution, insulin resistance, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were similar in the LADA and type 2 diabetes patients. Median HbA1c was significantly higher (10.8% vs. 7.38%, p = 0.002) and fasting C-peptide was lower (0.75 ng/mL vs. 2.82 ng/mL, p = 0.009) in patients with LADA compared to in those with type 2 diabetes. Among the 5 patients with LADA, 4 were positive for antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. The median disease duration was relatively shorter among patients with LADA (4 years vs. 7 years, p = 0.105). Conclusion We observed a LADA frequency of 1.5% among Turkish patients followed for type 2 diabetes. The presence of obesity and metabolic syndrome did not exclude LADA, and patients with LADA had worse glycemic control than patients with type 2 diabetes did.

The diagnostic value of parathyroid hormone washout in primary hyperparathyroidism patients with negative or equivocal 99 m Tc-MIBI results.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The accurate identification of hyper functioning parathyroid gland is needed for definitive surgical treatment in primary hyperparathyroidism. Ultrasonography and 99mTechnetium sestamibi scintigraphy are the two most used methods with varying sensitivities. This study aimed to assess the value of parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay in preoperative ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (FNA)-PTH washout fluid to verify the correct localisation of lesions with negative or inconclusive scintigraphy results. METHODS: We evaluated data of 28 lesions in 21 patients who underwent US-guided parathyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with PTH washout, retrospectively. The PTH washout results and the reports of parathyroid surgery and imaging studies were reviewed. RESULTS: Of operated 28 lesions 23 had positive and 5 had negative washout results. The median FNA-PTH washout was 2315.5 pg/ ml (min-max: 12.3-6978 pg/ ml). The calculated sensitivity of FNA-PTH washout was 85.7% and the specifity was 28.6%. The positive and negative predictive values were 78.3% and 40.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: FNA-PTH can be used to establish the nature of the lesion, discriminate parathyroid gland from thyroid lesions or cervical lymph nodes, improving the surgical outcomes. It can be used to localise parathyroid lesions preoperatively when negative or discordant ultrasound and scintigraphy findings are obtained.

Comparative analysis of diagnostic adequacy rate between aspiration and nonaspiration techniques of fine-needle cytology in patients with thyroid cancer and ultrasonographically suspicious cervical lymph nodes.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare nonaspiration (NAS) and aspiration (AS) techniques in the evaluation of fine-needle cytology of lymph node (FNC-LN) in terms of diagnostic adequacy of cytologic material. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-three superficial cervical LNs in 75 patients who underwent NAS and AS-FNC-LN in the same visit were evaluated. Cytological results were categorized as diagnostic and nondiagnostic. RESULTS: The rates of malignancy were 13.8% in AS versus 16.3% in NAS technique, whereas nondiagnostic cytology was detected in 43.1% and 25.2%, respectively (P = .549 and P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic adequacy rate in NAS-FNC-LN was significantly higher than AS-FNC-LN. However, NAS technique seems to be more simple and comfortable. We suggest both NAS and AS-FNC-LN in cytologic evaluation of suspicious cervical LNs until the diagnostic accuracy is determined with prospective studies.

Malignancy risk and false-negative rate of fine needle aspiration cytology in thyroid nodules ≥4.0 cm.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate malignancy rate and to determine false negativity of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in thyroid nodules ≥4.0 cm. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent thyroidectomy between January 2007 and December 2014 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical data as well as preoperative ultrasonography findings were analyzed. The nodules in these patients were grouped as ≥4.0 cm and <4.0 cm according to ultrasonography measurements. Nodules <4.0 cm were further divided into 1.0-3.9 cm and <1.0 cm. Histopathologically malignant nodules with preoperative benign cytology were defined as having false-negative FNAB. RESULTS: There were 1,008 nodules that measured ≥4.0 cm, 4,013 nodules that measured 1.0-3.9 cm, and 540 that measured nodules <1.0 cm. Based on histopathologic findings, 8.5%, 10.2%, and 25.6% of nodules ≥4.0 cm, 1.0-3.9 cm, and <1.0 cm were malignant, respectively (P < .001). There was no significant difference between 1.0-3.9-cm and ≥4.0-cm nodules with respect to malignancy (P = .108). False-negativity rates were 4.7% in nodules ≥4.0 cm, 2.2% in nodules measuring 1.0-3.9 cm, and 4.8% in <1.0-cm nodules. Nodules measuring <1.0 cm and ≥4.0 cm had similar false-negativity rates (P = .93), while 1.0-3.9-cm nodules had statistically lower false-negativity rates than those found in the other two groups (P = .03 and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Of the nodules that were operatively excised, nodules ≥4.0 cm had a similar risk of malignancy as nodules 1.0-3.9 cm. The rate of false-negative FNAB in nodules ≥4.0 cm was twice as high as in nodules 1.0-3.9 cm; however, we do not think it is high enough to recommend a routine operation when cytology results are benign.

Gigantomastia and Macroprolactinemia Responding to Cabergoline Treatment: A Case Report and Minireview of the Literature.

Background. Macroprolactinemia is defined as predominance of high molecular weight prolactin forms in the circulation. Although macroprolactin is considered as a biologically inactive molecule, some authorities suggest treatment in symptomatic cases. Gigantomastia is defined as excess breast tissue and most cases in the literature were treated by surgical intervention. Case. A 44-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic with gigantomastia and galactorrhea. The patient had a demand for surgical therapy. In laboratory examination, she had hyperprolactinemia and macroprolactinemia. Pituitary imaging revealed 6 mm microadenoma in right side of the hypophysis. Since she was symptomatic, cabergolin treatment was started. Macroprolactin became negative, breast circumference decreased significantly, and galactorrhea resolved after treatment. Conclusion. Gigantomastia might be the presenting symptom in patients with macroprolactinemia. In these patients medical treatment with cabergoline may be used initially as an alternative to surgical approach.

Comparison of ultrasonography features and malignancy rate of toxic and nontoxic autonomous nodules: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: When a scintigraphically autonomous nodule does not produce thyroid hormones enough to suppress serum thyrotrophin, it is generally defined as nontoxic autonomous nodule. In this study, we aimed to compare clinical and ultrasonographical (US) features and cytological and histopathological results of toxic and nontoxic autonomous nodules. METHODS: Patients who underwent thyroidectomy and were evaluated with technetium-99m-pertechnetate scintigraphy preoperatively in our institution between May 2008 and December 2014 were identified from medical records. Among these, treatment naïve patients with scintigraphically autonomous thyroid nodules were chosen and classified into toxic (hyperthyroid) and nontoxic (euthyroid) groups. The demographic data, preoperative US features of the nodules, fine needle aspiration biopsy and histopathological results were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 170 (89.0%) patients with toxic and 21 (11.0%) patients with nontoxic autonomous nodules. A total of 258 scintigraphically autonomous nodules were analyzed among which 227 were clinically functional (toxic) and 31 were clinically euthyroid (nontoxic). Echogenity, texture, marginal irregularity, presence of halo and macrocalcification were similar in toxic and nontoxic autonomous nodules. Toxic autonomous nodules were significantly bigger and had a significantly higher rate of microcalcification compared to nontoxic ones (p = 0.001 and p = 0.025, respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of cytological diagnosis between toxic and nontoxic autonomous nodules (p = 0.052). Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance cytology was significantly higher in nontoxic group (p = 0.01). 20 (8.8%) of 227 toxic and 2 (6.5%) of 31 nontoxic autonomous nodules were malignant (p = 0.59). Considering all nodules regardless of the thyroid function, 8.5% of autonomous nodules was malignant. CONCLUSION: US features and malignancy potential of nontoxic autonomous nodules resemble toxic autonomous nodules. Lower diameter suggests that they can represent a preliminary stage of toxic ones and have potential of toxicity when get bigger in size. There is still a considerable risk of malignancy risk in autonomous nodules whether toxic or not.

Serum survivin increases in prolactinoma.

BACKGROUND: Prolactinoma is the most common adult pituitary adenoma. Survivin is a member of the family of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins. Its expression is observed in many tumors. Survivin expression has shown in prolactinoma tissue before but no study exists showing serum survivin level. The aim of the present study was to investigate serum survivin levels in patients with prolactinoma and demonstrate its value in diagnosis of the disease. METHODS: The group of patients consisted of 25 women, aged from 17 to 51 years. As a control group, 21 healthy women, aged from 22 to 45 years were included. Twenty patients had microprolactinoma, while five patients had macroprolactinoma. All patients had received dopamine agonist treatment. Serum survivin levels were measured in all of the groups. RESULTS: Survivin levels were significantly higher in prolactinoma patients compared to controls (19.04 (10 - 38) pg/mL; 15.05 (8 - 22) pg/mL; P = 0.042). There was no difference between microadenoma and macroadenoma patients in survivin levels (19.22 (10 - 38) pg/mL; 18.40 (16 - 22) pg/mL; P = 0.914). In correlation analysis, survivin was not correlated with other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that higher survivin levels might be a molecular marker predicting the presence of prolactinoma and may be useful for the diagnosis. But large-scale research is needed to clarify its role in diagnosis of prolactinoma patients.

Association of PARP-1, NF-κB, NF-κBIA and IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α with Graves Disease and Graves Ophthalmopathy.

BACKGROUND: Graves Disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder affected by an interaction of multiple genes such as Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB), Nuclear Factor-κB Inhibitor (NF-κBIA), Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and cytokines like Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and mostly accompanied by an ocular disorder, Graves Ophthalmopathy (GO). We hypothesize that there is a relationship between GD, GO, polymorphisms of inflammatory related genes and their association with cytokines, which may play important roles in autoimmune and inflammatory processes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: To confirm our hypothesis, we studied the polymorphisms and cytokine levels of 120 patients with GD and GO using PCR-RFLP and ELISA methods, respectively. RESULTS: We found that patients with GG genotype and carriers of G allele of PARP-1 G1672A polymorphism are at risk in the group having GD (p=0.0007) while having GA genotype may be protective against the disease. PARP-1 C410T polymorphism was found to be associated with GO by increasing the risk by 1.7 times (p=0.004). Another risk factor for development of GO was the polymorphism of del/ins of NFkB1 gene (p=0.032) that increases the risk by 39%. Levels of cytokines were also elevated in patients with GD, but no association was found between levels of cytokines and the development of GO as there was no change in levels of cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that, PARP-1 and NFkB1 gene polymorphisms may be risk factors for developing Graves Disease and Ophthalmopathy.

Plasma nesfatin-1 levels are increased in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Nesfatin-1 is a recently discovered neuropeptide derived from its precursor nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) and has been implicated in the regulation of feeding and energy metabolism. It is located in the brain and also produced at the periphery and present in the plasma. However, its pathophysiological role in humans remains unknown. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly presented with obesity, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia and hirsutism. AIM: To characterize serum nesfatin-1 levels in PCOS women and determine association of nesfatin-1 with metabolic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study of 55 PCOS and 28 healthy women matched in age, in a university hospital setting. Anthropometric, hormonal, metabolic parameters and nesfatin-1 blood levels were determined. RESULTS: Nesfatin-1 levels were significantly higher in PCOS group compared with the controls 371.43 ± 2.50 versus 275.55 ± 1.74 pg/mL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis that contains: nesfatin-1, body mass index and homeostasis model assessment index revealed significant correlation of nesfatin-1 with the existence of PCOS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Higher nesfatin-1 levels in PCOS women compared to control group may suggest a possibility that nesfatin-1 may play some role in the PCOS.

Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 levels in polycystic ovary syndrome.

AIM: This study was designed to measure serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy subjects. METHODS: A total of 37 women were evaluated. Serum levels FGF21, glucose, lipid profile, hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, oestradiol, testosterone, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin and insulin) were determined in 24 PCOS (15 subjects of PCOS BMI < 25 kg/m2, 9 subjects of PCOS BMI ≥ kg/m2) and 13 control group (BMI < 25 kg/m2). RESULTS: Serum FGF21 levels were higher in the PCOS group [99.5 (173.7) pg/ml] than in the control group [52.0 (88.0) pg/ml]. LH and T are significantly higher in PCOS cases (respectively; p < 0.05, p < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between FGF21 and luteinising hormone and testosterone (respectively; r = 0.43 p = 0.007, r = 0.38, p = 0.02). Multivariate discriminant analysis showed that BMI, triglyceride, HOMA-IR, fasting glucose with rise of FGF21 were found significant in PCOS. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that FGF21 in cases with PCOS exhibit an increase along with the increase of BMI and also has a positive correlation with LH and T. Further studies are required to clarify the aetiology and effects of FGF21 in women with PCOS.