The effect of levothyroxine replacement therapy on lipid profile and oxidative stress parameters in patients with subclinical hypothyroid.

The purpose of this present study is to investigate the levels of oxidative stress parameters in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and the effects of levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy on these parameters and lipid profile. At the beginning of the study blood samples were collected from the patients in order to analyse oxidative stress parameters, lipid profile and biochemical markers. After replacement therapy with LT4, in the third month, same tests were performed again. At the baseline superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were found to be higher in SH patients, compared to the euthyroid group. After LT4 therapy, statistically significant decreases in SOD and catalase levels and increase in HDL-C levels were noticed. LT4 treatment was found to have positive effects on oxidative stress indicators and HDL-C levels.

Distribution of psychiatric symptoms among young Turkish males and the relationship between these symptoms and socio-demographic characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: Youth is a period during which individuals undergo rapid physical and psychological changes in their transition from childhood to adulthood. This study aimed to determine the psychological problems of young males from different socio-cultural backgrounds living in different cities of Turkey and to examine the socio-cultural factors possibly associated with these problems. METHODS: The study was conducted in six different cities in Turkey with the participation of 3655 young male adults. Participants were administered a questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data such as age, marital status, educational background, the history of smoking and alcohol use, income level, occupation, place of residence and the history of chronic disease and allergies. Psychological symptoms were detected via the Symptom Check List (SCL-90 R). The study data were transferred to the SPSS-15 database for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 20.49±1.48years (20-29 age range, median age=20). Based on the SCL-90 R scores, the mean General Symptom Index (GSI) score of the study participants was found to be 0.44±0.27 (0.00-2.61). 13.5% of the participants (n=493) were recorded to have above-the-average GSI scores (≥1.0). Occupation, smoking and alcohol use were found to effect depression. Factors effecting anxiety were occupation, smoking, alcohol use and place of residence. CONCLUSION: Psychological symptoms that young people suffer from can be diagnosed at early stages and the psychological problems that are triggered by these symptoms can be prevented with the help of such questionnaires. These questionnaires can easily be administered in primary care settings.