A preliminary study about neurofilament light chain and tau protein levels in psoriasis: Correlation with disease severity.

BACKGROUND: Studies investigating cognitive dysfunction in psoriatic patients remain inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk of cognitive decline in plaque-type psoriasis patients. METHODS: Serum neurofilament light chain (NFL) and tau protein concentrations in 45 patients with plaque-type psoriasis and forty-five healthy controls were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Mean homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) values (6.82 vs 3.25) and serum levels of insulin (28.19 vs 15.71), NFL (5.74 vs 1.98), and tau (348.17 vs 207.30) in patients with psoriasis were found to be significantly higher than those of in healthy controls. There was a significant positive correlation between NFL and tau (r = .257, P = .015). There was significant correlation between NFL, tau and PASI (r = .310, P = .040) and (r = .383, P = .010), respectively. Significant correlations between NFL and insulin, TC, HDL-C, TG, VLDL-C, and BMI were found. NFL (9.38 vs 3.08) and tau (439.28 vs 281.58) concentrations and PASI values (23.94 vs 14.18) in patients with disease onset before 40 years were significantly higher than that of the patients with disease onset after 40 years. C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly correlated with BMI (r = .449, P < .001), LDL-C (r = .240, P = .026), TG (r = .244, P = .024), and VLDL-C (r = .241, P = .025) in patients with psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: Increased serum NFL and tau protein levels and the presence of positive correlations between NFL, tau protein and PASI score show cognitive decline risk may be higher in moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Serum Visfatin, Fetuin-A, and Pentraxin 3 Levels in Patients With Psoriasis and Their Relation to Disease Severity.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease associated with increase of some pro-inflammatory mediators. We wanted to investigate whether there is a relationship between psoriasis and visfatin, fetuin-A and pentraxin 3 (PTX3)-pro-inflammatory mediators implicated in the development of insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis. METHODS: Visfatin, fetuin-A, and PTX3 concentrations were measured in 45 patients with plaque-type psoriasis and 45 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Serum levels of visfatin, fetuin-A, and PTX3 in patients with psoriasis were found to be higher than in healthy controls (P = 0.002, P = 0.009, P < 0.001, respectively). Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score correlated significantly with visfatin and fetuin-A levels (P = 0.011, P = 0.040, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between visfatin and fetuin-A (P < 0.001). PTX3 levels were correlated positively with homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), insulin, triglyceride (TG), and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL; P = 0.009, P = 0.007, P = 0.023, P = 0.024, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Increased serum visfatin, fetuin-A, and PTX3 levels, and the presence of positive correlation between visfatin, fetuin-A, and PASI score, probably reflect the inflammatory state and IR seen in psoriasis.

The Role of Sertoli Cell Hormones in Male Preponderance Observed in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Introduction: There is a significant, but poorly understood, male preponderance in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between male preponderance in ASD and Inhibin B (InhB) and Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and the 2D/4D finger ratio associated with fetal androgen exposure. Methods: 42 patients with ASD and 42 neurotypical controls between the ages of 5 and 10 were included. ASD diagnosis and severity were determined using K-SADS PL (Kiddie-SADS - Present and Life Time) Version 2016 and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Serum InhB and AMH were measured. The 2D/4D finger length ratio was also calculated for hand anthropometric measurements. Results: Serum InhB levels were higher in children diagnosed with ASD compared to the neurotypical controls (p=0.003). Serum AMH levels were similar in both groups. Positive correlation was determined between AMH and CARS scores (r=0.315, p=0.05). 2D/4D finger ratios in the ASD group were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study findings suggest that InhB, AMH, and fetal testosterone may be associated with male preponderance in ASD. More research is now required for a better understanding of this subject.

Elevated Serum Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 Levels in Children With Specific Learning Disorder: A Case Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: Specific learning disorder (SLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which underlying pathogenesis and etiological factors are not fully understood. Neuroinflammatory response (measured with serum levels of galectin-1 and galectin-3), which is associated with learning and memory, may play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of SLD. Aim of the present study is to examine whether serum galectin-1 and galectin-3 levels are related to SLD. METHODS: The current study consisted of 42 treatment-naive children with SLD and 42 control subjects. All of the subjects were assessed using semi-structured psychiatric examination to diagnose SLD and exclude attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Serum galectin-1 and galectin-3 levels were measured via venous blood samples. RESULTS: The SLD and control group did not differ significantly in terms of age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). The SLD group had significantly higher serum levels of galectin-1 (8.78±2.97 vs. 7.40±2.03, p=0.019) and galectin-3 (1.86±0.93 vs. 1.32±0.69, p=0.003) than the control group when controlled for age, sex, and BMI. CONCLUSION: Higher serum levels of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in children with SLD may indicate the role of neuroinflammatory response in the pathogenesis of SLD. Other mechanisms involving galectin-1 and galectin-3 related to learning may play a part in the etiology of SLD.

Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Nerve Growth Factor, Neurotrophin-3, and Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Children with Specific Learning Disorder.

Introduction: Specific learning disorder (SLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that involves complex interactions of genetic, neurobiological and environmental factors, but the definite mechanisms remain mostly unknown. The possible role of neurotrophins has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various neurodevelopmental disorders. This study aimed to investigate whether serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in children with SLD deviate from those of neurotypical brains. Methods: Forty-four patients with SLD and 44 healthy controls aged 7--12 years were included. SLD diagnosis and severity was determined using DSM-5-based interviews and SLD clinical observation battery. Serum neurotrophins were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: BDNF (p=0.032), NGF (p=0.029), and NT-3 (p=0.025) serum levels were significantly higher in the SLD group compared to the control group; however, serum levels of GDNF did not show any significant difference between groups. On the other hand, GDNF serum levels were significantly different between mild and severe SLD groups (p=0.007) and were lower in severe SLD subjects than in mild cases. There was also a significant correlation between patients' reading speeds and serum levels of GDNF (p=0.025), and GDNF serum levels were lower in patients with slower reading speeds. Conclusion: These findings suggest that neurotrophins might play a role in the pathophysiology of SLD. Increased serum levels of BDNF, NGF, and NT-3 might reflect compensatory attempts at neuroprotection against neurodevelopmental impairment.

α-Lipoic Acid Ameliorates The Changes in Prooxidant-Antioxidant Balance in Liver and Brain Tissues of Propylthiouracil-Induced Hypothyroid Rats.

OBJECTIVE: There are controversial data about the prooxidant-antioxidant balance in hypothyroidism. We aimed to investigate the effect of α-lipoic acid (ALA) on oxidative stress parameters in the liver and brain of propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroid rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, PTU (500 mg/L) was given to rats in drinking water for 10 weeks. ALA (0.2% in diet) alone and together with thyroxine (T4, 20 µg/kg body weight, s.c) were given to hypothyroid rats in the last 5 weeks of the experimental period. The levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase, and GSH peroxidase activities were determined in the liver and brain of rats. Histopathological examinations were also performed. RESULTS: Prooxidant parameters were increased in the brain but not liver in hypothyroid rats. ALA treatment alone lowered enhanced brain oxidative stress in hypothyroid rats. Also, ALA was found to ameliorate the changes as a result of oxidative stress arising from T4 replacement therapy. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that ALA alone and together with T4 may be useful in reducing oxidative stress in thyroid dysfunctions.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Placental Growth Factor in Patients with Psoriasis and their Relation to Disease Severity.

PURPOSE: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin disease characterised by accentuated keratinocyte proliferation, hyperkeratinisation, leukocyte and T-lymphocyte chemotaxis, and neoangiogenesis. Chronic inflammation, imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and many angiogenic mediators has been implicated in the disease etiopathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether psoriasis is related to fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and placental growth factor (PLGF) - mediators related to insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty five patients with plaque type psoriasis and forty five healthy controls were included in the study. Serum FGF23 and PLGF concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Mean homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) values and serum levels of insulin, FGF23 and PLGF, in patients with psoriasis were found to be higher than those of in healthy controls (p= 0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001 and p=0.003 respectively). Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score correlated significantly with PLGF levels (p=0.039). There was a significant positive correlation between FGF23 and PLGF (p<0.001). CRP was significantly correlated with BMI (p=0.019), glucose (p=0.017), TC (p=0.043), TG (p=0.003), and VLDL-C (p=0.004) in patients with psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: Increased serum FGF23 and PLGF levels and the presence of positive correlation between PLGF and PASI score probably reflects the inflammatory state and IR seen in psoriasis. Above mentioned correlations provide rationale for possible application of serum FGF23 and especially of PLGF measurements as biomarkers of disease severity, which could be useful for management of treatment efficacy.