Correlation between vaspin and PANSS scores in schizophrenia patients with obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome, and abnormal levels of plasma adipokines have been observed in patients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the differences and correlations of plasma vaspin levels with metabolic parameters in patients with schizophrenia and to compare with healthy controls. METHOD: We measured plasma levels of vaspin and metabolic parameters of 100 patients with schizophrenia and 95 healthy controls. Patients with schizophrenia were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and The Global Assessment of Functioning. RESULTS: Mean levels of body mass index, waist circumference, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of the patients were statistically higher than those of the healthy controls (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p = 0.03, and p = 0.002, respectively). Plasma levels of vaspin were 0.96 ± 0.73 ng/ml in patients with schizophrenia and 0.29 ± 0.15 ng/ml in the healthy controls (p < 0.001). Plasma vaspin levels were statistically higher in patients with schizophrenia than healthy controls both in groups with and without metabolic syndrome and obesity (p < 0.001). Plasma vaspin levels showed a positive correlation with triglyceride in patients with schizophrenia (r = 0.26, p = 0.007). There were positive correlations between vaspin and PANSS scores in schizophrenia patients with obesity (PANSS Positive: r = 0.42, p = 0.01; PANSS Negative: r = 0.42, p = 0.01; PANSS General: r = 0.43, p = 0.01; PANSS Total: r = 0.47, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a significant relationship and positive correlation between vaspin and PANSS scores in schizophrenia patients with obesity. Vaspin may play an important role in the metabolic processes of patients with schizophrenia.

Iron parameters, pro-hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor levels in obese children.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is common in obese children although the underlying mechanism is unclear. Several studies have investigated the relation between iron deficiency and obesity, but studies focusing on children are rare. The aim of this paper is to investigate the associations between iron parameters, pro-hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor levels in obese children. METHODS: A total of 110 children aged from 6 to 16, 50 with primary obesity and 60 healthy children and adolescents, were enrolled. Complete blood count, serum iron levels, iron binding capacity, ferritin levels, soluble transferrin receptor, and pro-hepcidin levels were studied. RESULTS: Serum iron and transferrin saturation index levels were significantly low, red cell distribution width and ferritin levels were significantly high in obese children compared to control group. No association between soluble transferrin receptor, pro-hepcidin and iron parameters was detected. A positive correlation between ferritin and pro-hepcidin levels was defined. CONCLUSIONS: Obese children and adolescents were at greater risk for iron deficiency. It should be considered in the diet recommendations.

The pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and red cell distribution width predict prognosis in patients with laryngeal carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to identify the potential prognostic roles of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). 81 patients who underwent surgery for the larynx carcinoma were enrolled in the study. NLR, PLR and RDW were used as outcome measures. Local recurrence was detected in 30 (37.0 %) patients and neck lymph node metastasis was detected 6 (7.4 %) patients during follow-up period. Mortality was seen in 7 (8.6 %) patients. The mean PLR in the T1 and T2 stage tumors were significantly lower than the T4 stage. The mean RDW and PLR were significantly higher in the exitus group than the survivor group. The mean NLR in the patients with local recurrence was significantly higher than the non-recurrent patients. Progression-free survival (PFS) was lower in patients with high NLR. When analyzed by the Cox regression analysis of factors affecting the local recurrence, NLR was found to significantly affect the recurrence. According to ROC analysis for mortality, NLR was not found to be a prognostic factor, although the PLR and RDW were significant prognostic factors. According to Cox regression analysis, a high PLR increases mortality 4.2 times and a high RDW 4.6 times. Although in univariate analysis MCV, RDW and tumor grade were predictors of mortality, RDW and tumor grade independent predictors were found. Further studies involving large patient groups are required.

Inflammation and chemerin in colorectal cancer.

Chemerin is expressed mainly in the adipose tissue. It is an agonist of chemokine-like receptor-1, which is expressed by the immune system cells. Chemerin stimulates the chemotaxis of the immune system cells, and this indicates the function of chemerin and chemokine-like receptor-1 in the immune response. The tumor microenvironment is very important for determining cancer cell growth and spreading. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between colorectal cancer, inflammation, and adipokines including chemerin, adiponectin, and vaspin. The study group consisted of patients with colon cancer, whereas the control subjects consisted of patients with benign conditions, diagnosed with colonoscopy. The two groups were compared in terms of the C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, adiponectin, chemerin, and vaspin. A total of 41 (28 men, 13 women) patients with confirmed colon cancer, and 27 (15 men, 12 women) controls without, confirmed by colonoscopy, were enrolled. The median chemerin levels were found significantly higher in the study group than the controls (390 vs. 340 ng/mL, p = 0.032), whereas the mean vaspin and adiponectin levels were not significantly different. The median values for the CRP, fibrinogen, and ESR were significantly higher in the patients with colon cancer, when compared to the control group (6.08 vs. 1.4 mg/L, p < 0.0001; 408 vs. 359 mg/dL, p = 0.002; and 30 vs. 8 mm/h, p < 0.0001, respectively). Our results show that higher levels of circulating chemerin, CRP, fibrinogen, and ESR are associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Increased Levels of Serum Ischemia Modified Albumin in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate oxidant/antioxidant status by determining serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels with oxidative/antioxidant parameters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared to the controls. METHODS: The serum concentrations of IMA, IMA/albumin ratio (IMAR), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in 40 AS patients and 35 healthy controls. RESULTS: Mean serum IMA, IMAR, MDA, TOS, and OSI levels were increased in patients with AS when compared to the control group (p < 0.05 for all). Serum levels of SOD and GPx were significantly lower in the patient group than in the healthy subjects (p < 0.001 for both). Serum TAC levels were decreased in patients with AS compared to the controls but the statistical difference was not significant. Serum IMA levels were found to be positively correlated with BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and ASDAS-CRP (r = 0.356, r = 0.370, r = 0.412, r = 0.353, respectively, and p < 0.05 for all). IMAR values showed significant correlations with BASFI, BASMI, and ASDAS-CRP (r = 0.351, p = 0.026; r = 0.400, p = 0.010; and r = 0.379, p = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Depletion in antioxidant systems and overproduction of free radicals leading to formation of the oxidative stress may play a role in the development of AS. Increased levels of IMA might provide important contributions to the underlying oxidative stress in AS.

Is There Any Relationship between Plasma Pentraxin 3 Levels and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

BACKGROUND: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a novel vascular inflammatory marker which increases in vascular events such as diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum PTX3 levels and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: This prospective observational study was comprised of 88 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies. The subjects were classified into 3 groups according to their response to a 50-gram glucose challenge test (GCT) and a 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test: control group (n = 28), impaired glucose tolerance group (n = 30), and GDM group (n = 30). Serum PTX3 levels were measured to examine the relationship between GDM and GCT values. RESULTS: Significant differences in PTX3 levels were observed among the 3 groups in the sample (F = 7.598; p = 0.001). The mean PTX3 value was found to be significantly higher in the GDM group (3.17 ± 1.16 ng/ml) than in the control group (2.20 ± 0.83 ng/ml; p = 0.001). A significant positive correlation between PTX3 and GCT values was detected (r = 0.289; p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Maternal serum PTX3 levels were found to be significantly related to high blood glucose levels. This may be an indicator of vascular pathology in GDM around the time of an oral glucose tolerance test.

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.

The platelet activating factor acetyl hydrolase, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, paraoxonase 1 and arylesterase levels in treated and untreated patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the platelet activating factor acetyl hydrolyze (PAF-AH), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), arylesterase (ARE) levels and the effects of metformin and Diane-35 (ethinyl oestradiol + cyproterone acetate) therapies on these parameters and to determine the PON1 polymorphisms among PCOS patients. METHODS: Ninety patients with PCOS, age 30, and body mass index-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups: metformin treatment, Diane-35 treatment and no medication groups. The treatment with metformin or Diane-35 was continued for 6 months and all subjects were evaluated with clinical and biochemical parameters 6 months later. One-way Anova test, t test and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: PAF-AH and ox-LDL levels were statistically significantly higher in untreated PCOS patients than controls, and they were statistically significantly lower in patients treated with metformin or Diane-35 than untreated PCOS patients. In contrast, there were lower PON1 (not statistically significant) and ARE (statistically significant) levels in untreated PCOS patients than the control group and they significantly increased after metformin and Diane-35 treatments. In PCOS patients serum PON1 levels for QQ, QR and RR phenotypes were statistically significantly lower than the control group. CONCLUSION: In patients with PCOS, proatherogenic markers increase. The treatment of PCOS with metformin or Diane-35 had positive effects on lipid profile, increased PON1 level, which is a protector from atherosclerosis and decreased the proatherogenic PAF-AH and ox-LDL levels.

Protective effects of Ankaferd blood stopper on aspirin-induced oxidative mucosal damage in a rat model of gastric injury.

The exposure of gastric mucosa to damaging factors, such as ethanol and some therapeutic drugs, produces pathological changes: inflammatory process, hemorrhagic erosions and even acute ulcers. Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS) comprises a standardized mixture of five different plant extracts. The purpose of our present investigations is to explain the participation of reactive oxygen species in acute gastric mucosal damage by acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and the effects of new hemostatic agent ABS. Experiments were carried out on 23 male Wistar rats. To assess gastric mucosal damage, biochemical and histopathological data were used. The colorimetric assays were used to determine the malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, the level of nitric oxide (NO) and the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. We demonstrated that the biological effects of ROS were estimated by measuring the tissue and plasma levels of MDA, the products of lipid peroxidation, as well as the activity of SOD and the scavenger of ROS produced by ASA in the experiment group. Moreover, it was found that MPO activity as well as NO and TNF-α levels also demonstrated significant improvement by ABS treatment. The pathogenesis of experimental ASA-induced mucosal damage in rat stomach includes the generation of ROS that seems to play an important role, due to the generation of lipid peroxides, accompanied by the impairment of antioxidative enzyme activity of cells. ABS appeared to attenuate the oxidative and inflammatory changes caused by ASA-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats.

CDP-choline reduces severity of intestinal injury in a neonatal rat model of necrotizing enterocolitis.

BACKGROUND: Cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) is an endogenous intermediate in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a contributor to the mucosal defense of the intestine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible cytoprotective effect of CDP-choline treatment on intestinal cell damage, membrane phospholipid content, inflammation, and apoptosis in a neonatal rat model of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). METHODS: We divided a total of 30 newborn pups into three groups: control, NEC, and NEC + CDP-choline. We induced NEC by enteral formula feeding, exposure to hypoxia-hyperoxia, and cold stress. We administered CDP-choline intraperitoneally at 300 mg/kg/d for 3 d starting from the first day of life. We evaluated apoptosis macroscopically and histopathologically in combination with proinflammatory cytokines in the gut samples. Moreover, we determined membrane phospholipid levels as well as activities of xanthine oxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and myeloperoxidase enzymes and the malondialdehyde content of intestinal tissue. RESULTS: Mean clinical sickness score, macroscopic gut assessment score, and intestinal injury score were significantly improved, whereas mean apoptosis score and caspase-3 levels were significantly reduced in pups in the NEC + CDP-choline group compared with the NEC group. Tissue proinflammatory cytokine (interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) levels as well as tissue malondialdehyde content and myeloperoxidase activities were reduced, whereas glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were preserved in the NEC + CDP-choline group. In addition, NEC damage reduced intestinal tissue membrane phospholipids, whereas CDP-choline significantly enhanced total phospholipid and phosphatidylcholine levels. Long-term follow-up in additional experiments revealed increased body weight, decreased clinical sickness scores, and enhanced survival in CDP-choline-receiving versus saline-receiving pups with NEC lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reports, for the first time, beneficial effects of CDP-choline treatment on intestinal injury in a neonatal rat model of NEC. Our data suggest that CDP-choline may be used as an effective therapeutic agent to prevent NEC.

Augmentation of ADAMTS9 gene expression by IL-1ß is reversed by NFκB and MAPK inhibitors, but not PI3 kinase inhibitors.

The pathways involved in the regulation of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 9 (ADAMTS9) expression have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) and Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 kinase) in ADAMTS9 gene regulation, with special focus on the involvement of NF-κB in IL-1ß-induced ADAMTS9 expression. The OUMS-27 chondrosarcoma cells were exposed to IL-1ß. They were pretreated with 20 µM PD98059 (specific inhibitor of p44/42 kinase), 10 µM SB203580 (specific inhibitor of p38 kinase), 20 µM SB600125 (MAPK inhibitor), and 1 µM Wortmannin and 10 µM LY294002 (specific inhibitors of PI3 kinase) for 30 min and subsequently incubated with IL-1ß. For the effects of NF-κB and IκB inhibitors, cells were pretreated with curcumin or BAY117085 for 30 min and subsequently incubated with IL-1ß. BAY117085 and different concentrations of curcumin were applied to the cells just after the first experiment to determine their concentration effect on ADAMTS9 gene expression. After total RNA was extracted, they were reversely transcribed with random primers and then real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on cDNA samples. There was a significant difference between control and stimulated cells in terms of ADAMTS9/ß-actin ratio. Wortmannin and LY294002 did not have any repressive effect on the OUMS-27 whereas SB203580 and SP600125 were found to decrease the expression of ADAMTS9 gene. BAY 117085 and curcumin, which are two NF-κB inhibitors, led to a decrease in the ratio of ADAMTS9/ß-actin. As a conclusion, the pathways MAPK and NF-κB were thought to be responsible pathways for the induction of ADAMTS9 gene.

The diagnostic value of non-invasive tests for the evaluation of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients.

BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy, which is considered the gold standard for the evaluation of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), has certain limitations. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of non-invasive markers of hepatic fibrosis as potential alternatives to liver biopsy. METHODS: The medical records of 221 patients with a diagnosis of CHB who underwent a liver biopsy were reviewed. Indirect indicators of fibrosis were calculated for each patient based on previously described formulas [Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR), age-platelet index (API), cirrhosis discriminant score (CDS), AST-platelet ratio index (APRI), Forns index, FIB-4, Pohl score, AAR-platelet score (AARP), fibro-quotient (FibroQ), AST/platelet/Gammaglutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)/Alphafetoprotein (AFP) (APGA) index, Platelet/Age/Phosphatase (ALP)/AFP/AST (PAPAS) index, Lok's model, Goteborg University Cirrhosis Index (GUCI)]. Diagnostic adequacy of these indices was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the FIB-4, Forns, GUCI, APRI, PAPAS, APGA and FibroQ indices were 0.701, 0.680, 0.670, 0.670, 0.639, 0.638 and 0.588, respectively. The AAR, API, CDS and AARP indices, Pohl score and Lok's model were all deemed diagnostically inadequate. FIB-4 had the best diagnostic adequacy whereas AAR had the worst. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that out of the 13 indices evaluated, only FIB-4 index may be useful in estimating the extent of fibrosis in patients with CHB. There is a need for more comprehensive prospective studies to help determine the diagnostic value of non-invasive tests for liver fibrosis.

Evaluation of Ves-Matic Cube 200 for erythrocyte sedimentation rate determination.

BACKGROUND: International Council for Standardization in Haematology suggested Westergren method as the reference method to analyze erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). However, in recent years closed automated systems that measure ESR directly from a capped EDTA blood sample tube have been developed. We evaluated the analytic performance of one of these new methods, the Ves-Matic Cube 200. METHODS: K(2) EDTA and citrated blood samples were taken from 101 randomly selected outpatients in Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital. The ESR results using Ves-Matic Cube 200 and Westergren as reference method from 101 patients were compared and interference studies were performed. RESULTS: We found the mean difference between the two methods as 0.19 ± 15.85 mm/hr (-3.317 to 2.940 mm/hr, 95% confidence interval). Regression analysis yielded the equation "y = -2.59 + 1.15x" between the two methods (r = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Ves-Matic Cube 200 should be monitored carefully for good quality control. Temperature correction should be applied to study control material as recommended by the manufacturer. Ves-Matic Cube 200 device should be monitored carefully, performance studies should be performed, and the results should be checked in order to eliminate the random errors during the routine studies.

Serum levels of visfatin and possible interaction with iron parameters in gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Visfatin is a novel adipokine with insulinomimetic properties that increases in diabetes. However, for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) there are conflicting reports. Recent studies have reported a positive association of serum ferritin concentrations with insulin resistance. Thus, we assessed serum levels of visfatin in pregnant women with varying degrees of glucose tolerance and investigated the possible interaction of visfatin with parameters of iron metabolism. METHODS: Visfatin levels were measured at 24-28 weeks of gestation in 88 women who were divided into three groups according to their response to a 50-gram glucose challenge test and a 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test: control group (n = 28), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) group (n = 30) and GDM group (n = 30). RESULTS: Visfatin levels were significantly higher in the GDM and IGT group than in control (p < 0.001 for GDM vs. control, and p = 0.004 for IGT vs. control). Serum visfatin was significantly associated with serum ferritin, insulin, age, gravidity, and body mass index. In a linear regression model, the covariates explained only 17% of variability of serum visfatin concentration. Body mass index (p < 0.001) contributed independently to visfatin variance. CONCLUSION: Serum visfatin concentration is significantly higher in GDM and is correlated with ferritin levels.

The effect of formoterol on peritoneal VEGF levels in rats with endometriosis.

AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of formoterol (ß2 adrenergic receptor agonist) on peritoneal VEGF levels in rats with endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental endometriosis was constituted with implantation of endometrial tissue. The implants were examined by second laparatomy and rats were divided randomly into four groups. One cc saline was applied ip to the control (C) group (n=8) daily, 22.5µg/kg/day ip formoterol was applied to the second (F) group (n=10) daily, 22.5µg/kg/day ip formoterol and 10mg/kg/day ip propranolol were applied to the third (FP) group (n=10) daily, 45µg/kg/day ip formoterol was applied to the fourth (FF) group (n=9). Before treatment and after 30 days treatment period, peritoneal VEGF levels, the volumes and histopathological properties of the implants were evaluated. RESULTS: There were significant differences in between the peritoneal VEGF levels before and after treatment in group 2(F) and group 4(FF) (p(a): 0.01, 0.01 respectively). But there were no significant changes in between the volumes of implants before and after treatment among the groups (p>0.05). There were no significant differences among the groups in histopathological parameters (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Formoterol treatment was seen to have no effect on the volumes and histopathological structure of endometriotic implants in our study. On the other hand, based on the group 2(F) and 4's (FF) VEGF levels after the treatment, low dose or high dose formoterol may be effective with long term therapy. Formoterol may reduce the development of endometriosis.

Serum brain natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein levels in adolescent with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Our primary aim was to investigate whether N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) increases in adolescent with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with healthy controls and secondary aim was to determine whether metabolic and hormonal differences exist between groups. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 25 adolescent patients with PCOS and 25 normal ovulatory control not suffering from PCOS were involved in the study. Fasting serum NT-proBNP, C-reactive protein (CRP), homocystein, insulin levels and biochemical and hormonal parameters were measured. RESULTS: Serum NT-proBNP was not significantly different in PCOS subjects (0.62 ± 0.80 vs 1.12 ± 1.51 ng/mL, p = 0.154). The mean serum fasting insulin levels (22.64 ± 10.51 vs 13.32 ± 3.97 mIU/mL, p = 0.001) and Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin-Resistance Index (HOMA-IR) levels (5.16 ± 1.81 vs 2.97 ± 0.89, p = 0.001) were significantly high in the study group. The median serum CRP levels were not significantly different between groups (1 [1-12] vs 1 [1-19] g/dL, p = 0.286). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that the levels of BNP, CRP and homocystein were not different in PCOS subjects. Serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in PCOS subjects. Possible serum markers for PCOS-related metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular events, may not present in the adolescent years.

Uric acid and pentraxin-3 levels are independently associated with coronary artery disease risk in patients with stage 2 and 3 kidney disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Uric acid is increased in subjects with CKD and has been linked with cardiovascular mortality in this population. However, no study has evaluated the relationship of uric acid with angiographically proven coronary artery disease (CAD) in this population. We therefore investigated the link between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and (i) extent of CAD assessed by the Gensini score and (ii) inflammatory parameters, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and pentraxin-3, in patients with mild-to-moderate CKD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In an unselected population of 130 patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 90 and 30 ml/min/1.73 m(2), we measured SUA, serum pentraxin-3, CRP, urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio, lipid parameters and the severity of CAD as assessed by coronary angiography and quantified by the Gensini lesion severity score. RESULTS: The mean serum values for SUA, pentraxin-3 and CRP in the entire study population were 5.5 ± 1.5 mg/dl, 6.4 ± 3.4 ng/ml and 3.5 ± 2.6 mg/dl, respectively. The Gensini scores significantly correlated in univariate analysis with gender (R = -0.379, p = 0.02), uric acid (R = 0.42, p = 0.001), pentraxin-3 (R = 0.54, p = 0.001), CRP (R = 0.29, p = 0.006) levels, eGFR (R = -0.33, p = 0.02), proteinuria (R = 0.21, p = 0.01), and presence of hypertension (R = 0.37, p = 0.001), but not with smoking status, diabetes mellitus, and lipid parameters. After adjustments for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, only uric acid (R = 0.21, p = 0.02) and pentraxin-3 (R = 0.28, p = 0.01) remained significant predictors of the Gensini score. CONCLUSIONS: SUA and pentraxin-3 levels are independent determinants of severity of CAD in patients with mild-to-moderate CKD. We recommend a clinical trial to determine whether lowering uric acid could prevent progression of CAD in patients with CKD.

C5a, a complement activation product, is a useful marker in predicting the severity of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common neonatal gastrointestinal emergency, predominantly affecting low-birth weight, premature infants. Early clinical signs of NEC are nonspecific and the laboratory findings are not fully reliable. Its severe morbidities and rapid progression require the application of new biomarkers for early diagnosis and intervention. The complement activation product, C5a (anaphylatoxin) has been reported to be a contributing factor leading to mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion injury which is a predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of NEC. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of serial C5a measurements in the diagnosis and follow-up of NEC. Preterm infants, whose gestational age and weight matched each other, were grouped as controls (n = 23) and NEC (n = 22). Serum levels of C5a, serum amyloid-A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured on the third day of life for the control group and on the day of diagnosis (1st day), 3rd and 7th days of the NEC group. C5a, SSA, CRP, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the NEC patients compared to the control group (P < 0.05) in the follow-up. Additionally, serum levels of C5a were found to be more accurate than the other parameters for the prediction of death and requirement for surgery at the time of diagnosis (P < 0.05). In conclusion, C5a may be useful as a new marker for both diagnosis and follow-up of infants with NEC in combination with clinical and radiographical findings.

Protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on intestinal damage in necrotizing enterocolitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the preventative effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in an experimental rat model of NEC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups; as NEC, NEC + CAPE and control. NEC was induced by enteral formula feeding, subjected to hypoxia-hyperoxia and cold stress. Pups in the NEC + CAPE group were treated with CAPE at a dose of 30 mg/kg daily by intraperitoneal route from the first day to the end of the study. All pups were executed on the fourth day. Proximal colon and ileum were allocated for histopathologic and biochemical evaluation, including xanthine oxidase (XO), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), malonaldehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities. RESULTS: The pups in the NEC + CAPE group had better histopathologic and apoptosis evaluations (TUNEL and caspase-9) and the severity of bowel damage was significantly lower in the NEC + CAPE group compared to the NEC group (P < 0.01). The clinical sickness scores and body weight in the NEC + CAPE group was significantly better compared to the NEC group (P < 0.05). Tissue MDA, MPO, XO levels and TOS were remarkably reduced in the NEC + CAPE group, however, TAS was significantly increased in the NEC + CAPE group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with CAPE reduces the intestinal damage in NEC.

Chitinase-3-like protein 1 levels in bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between the expression level and biologic role of YKL-40 in bipolar disorder (BD). METHODS: This case-control study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey in 2015. One hundred and four patients diagnosed as having bipolar disorder (DSM5 criteria), and 96 participants were included as healthy controls in this study. A human YKL-40 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to measure the serum YKL-40 levels. As independent variables, we collected data on C-reactive protein (CRP), demographic variables, and medications. Results: The mean YLK-40 levels for the BD was 2723.5±543.8 pg/ml and control groups was 2132.5±576.3 pg/ml (t=7.42, p less than 0.001). The mean CRP levels for the BD was 0.4±0.6 mg/dl and control groups was 0.4±0.7 mg/dl (t=0.02, p=0.985). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of YKL-40 in the diagnosis of BD as 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72-0.85) with a sensitivity of 82.7% and specificity of 68.1% at a cutoff level of 2307.1 pg/ml. The use of antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood modifiers, and the presence of any comorbidity was not related to the YKL-40 levels (p greater than 0.05). Conclusion: With acceptable sensitivity and specificity levels, the YKL-40 can be utilized as a marker in the diagnosis and follow-up of BD.