Non-Contact and Contact Tonometry in Corneal Edema.

PURPOSE: To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) values by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and Reichert 7 CR noncontact tonometry (R7CR-NCT) in patients with postsurgical corneal edema and to examine the impact of postoperative corneal edema on these values. METHODS: Forty-six patients with grade 4 and 5 cataracts were included in this study. Intraocular pressure was measured using GAT and R7CR-NCT before and 1 day after phacoemulsification. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was determined before and after surgery to quantify postsurgical corneal edema. The R7CR-NCT provided a Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) and corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc). RESULTS: The CCT increased significantly 1 day after surgery (the mean preoperative CCT, 543.5 ± 25.4 µm; the mean postoperative CCT, 681.5 ± 19.8 µm; p < 0.001), a mean increase of 26.7%. The preoperative R7CR-NCT measurements (the mean IOPcc, 18.8 ± 5.6 mm Hg; the mean IOPg, 17.8 ± 4.5 mm Hg) were significantly higher than GAT measurements (the mean GAT-IOP, 16.0 ± 3.4 mm Hg) (p < 0.001). On postoperative day 1, the R7CR-NCT measurement (the mean IOPcc, 27.0 ± 9.8 mm Hg; the mean IOPg, 25.1 ± 8.9 mm Hg) were significantly higher than GAT measurements (the mean GAT-IOP, 18.3 ± 7.9 mm Hg) (p < 0.001). The difference between postoperative R7CR-NCT and GAT-IOP values were significantly higher than the difference between preoperative R7CR-NCT and GAT-IOP values (p < 0.001 for both IOPcc to GAT-IOP and IOPg to GAT-IOP). The difference between postoperative IOPcc and GAT-IOP was significantly correlated to the change in CCT (r = 0.526, p < 0.001). Similarly, the difference between postoperative IOPg and GAT-IOP was significantly correlated to the change in CCT (r = 0.536, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The R7CR-NCT IOP values were high in patients with postsurgical intensive corneal edema. Consequently, the difference between R7CR-NCT IOP and GAT-IOP increased in edematous corneas.

Association of plasma GDF-9 or GDF-15 levels with bone parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome.

We aimed to determine plasma levels of growth and differentiation factor (GDF)-9 and GDF-15, and their possible association with bone turnover parameters and bone mineral density (BMD), in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Forty-two obese PCOS women aged 25-35 years, 23 women with idiopathic hirsutism (IH) and 20 healthy controls matched for age and body mass index were enrolled. Anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal patterns, plasma GDF-9 and GDF-15 concentrations, bone turnover markers and BMD were measured. No significant differences were observed in bone turnover markers, BMD measurements, plasma GDF-9 and GDF-15 levels in subjects with PCOS compared with the other two groups. In the combined population of all three groups, GDF-15 concentrations were negatively correlated with osteocalcin (r = -0.317, p < 0.01). Analysis of PCOS patients showed a significant correlation of GDF-15 concentrations with age and homeostasis model assessment index (r = 0.319, p < 0.05, and r = 0.312, p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, GDF-15 concentrations were negatively correlated with osteocalcin (r = -0.395, p < 0.01) and positively correlated with urine deoxypyridinoline (r = 0.353, p < 0.05). GDF-9 did not correlate with bone markers and BMD measurements. In conclusion, plasma GDF-9 and GDF-15 levels as well as bone turnover markers and BMD measurements in subjects with PCOS (25-35 years of age) were comparable with those either in subjects with IH or in healthy controls with similar anthropometric and metabolic profiles. GDF-15 might be a marker of a crossregulation between bone and energy metabolism.

Higher levels of circulating CXCL-9 and CXCL-11 in euthyroid women with autoimmune thyroiditis and recurrent spontaneous abortions.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to measure serum CXCL-9 and CXCL-11 levels in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA). METHODS: Forty-one euthyroid, non-pregnant women with AIT and a history of unexplained first trimester RSA, 35 euthyroid women with AIT, and 29 healthy controls matched for age and body mass index were enrolled. Serum CXCL-9 and CXCL-11 were measured. RESULTS: Serum CXCL-9 and -11 levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001 for both) in the antibody-positive women with a history of abortions than in both control groups. Additionally, CXCL-9 levels were higher in patients with AIT without RSA than in healthy controls. No significant differences were found in CXCL-9 and -11 levels in subjects with a history of RSA in relation to the number of previous abortions. In multiple linear regression analyses, abortions were significantly related to CXCL-9 (ß-coefficient = 0.174, p < 0.001), CXCL-11 (ß-coefficient = 0.490, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Higher circulating levels of CXCL-9 and -11 have been shown in non-pregnant AIT patients with a history of RSA as compared to both control groups, suggesting that this subgroup produce a more dominant Th-1 cytokine profile.

Evaluation of angiopoietin 1 and 2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels in asthmatic children.

Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation that is associated with structural changes termed airway remodeling. Recently, cytokines/mediators that augment inflammation have been attracting attention in this field. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha values, which have important roles in inflammation, angiogenesis, and remodeling in asthmatic children. We also documented correlations between demographic features, duration of asthma, and pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters. Randomly selected 40 children (20 male and 20 female children, aged 6-16 years) with mild or moderate persistent asthma and 32 healthy children (15 male and 17 female children, aged 6-16 years) enrolled in the study. All asthmatic children had been using inhaled corticosteroids at least for the last 3 months. Serum Ang-1 levels were significantly lower in asthmatic children than those in normal controls. The Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio was also significantly lower in asthmatic children compared with those in normal controls (p < 0.01). However, serum Ang-2, VEGF, and TNF-alpha levels were similar in the two groups. A significant positive correlation was found between VEGF and duration of asthma. No correlation between serum Ang-1, Ang-2, VEGF values, and PFT parameters was obtained. On the other hand, significant negative correlation was detected between serum TNF-alpha and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. We have shown that serum Ang-1 levels and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio were significantly reduced and balance was toward Ang-2 in asthmatics children. This process may lead to inflammation, destabilization of blood vessels, and trigger remodeling.

Use of alpha-lipoic acid in prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in diabetic patients.

In this prospective study, we aimed to determine the protective antioxidant role of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in diabetic patients undergoing coronary angiography. Seventy-eight diabetic patients undergoing coronary angiography were included. Thirty-nine patients were randomized to control group and 39 patients to ALA group. Both groups were hydrated on the day of angiography, and the ALA group had also received three doses of "Thioctacid 600 mg HR, MEDA Manufacturing GmbH" in pill form. Serum creatinine clearance, cystatin C, and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were studied before and after angiography. We defined CIN as either ≥25% or ≥0.5 mg/dL increase in serum creatinine at 48th hour after angiography. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. Mehran risk score and creatinine clearance were comparable in control and therapy groups (5.59 ± 1.96 vs. 5.49 ± 1.73, p = 0.54 and 89 ± 21 vs. 96 ± 24, p = 0.13, respectively). The volumes of contrast media (median values of 80 mL vs. 75 mL) and hydration with saline (2862 ± 447 mL vs. 2637 ± 592 mL) were also similar (p > 0.05). The incidence of CIN was the same (8%) in both the groups. Alterations in serum creatinine, cystatin C, and urinary NGAL levels before and after the procedure were comparable between the ALA and control groups (group p-values were >0.05 in two-way repeated measures analysis of variance). We presented for the first time that ALA therapy added to hydration does not decrease the risk of CIN development in diabetic patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Investigation of temporal bone asymmetry in cases with unilateral tinnitus: morphometric and multicentric clinical study.

The aim of this multicentric study was to compare the anatomical structures of temporal bone in patients with unilateral tinnitus with their healthy ears. We also aimed at evaluating whether age and gender-related asymmetrical changes occur in temporal bones or not. Fifty two ears of 26 patients who had unilateral tinnitus were included into the retrospective study. The patients who had subjective nonpulsatile tinnitus and who previously had temporal computed tomography according to their file records were accepted to study. Temporal CT scans and audiometric results of patients were examined retrospectively. Middle ear volume, diameter of internal acoustic meats and diameter of jugular bulb were evaluated by both anatomist and radiologist, interobserverly. Internal acoustic meats and jugular bulb were found larger in the ears that had tinnitus than healthy ears; however, there was no statistically significance. The stereological morphometrical study of temporal bone asymmetry in humans correlate with sex is of importance for both otolarygologs and anatomists. These results will contribute to data on middle ear volume, internal acustic meats and jugular bulb sizes.

[Investigation of biofilm-associated antibiotic susceptibilities of methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from catheter-related nosocomial infections]. / Kateter ile iliskili hastane enfeksiyonlarindan izole edilen metisiline dirençli stafilokoklarda biyofilm ile iliskili antibiyotik duyarliliginin arastirilmasi

Risks for development of local and/or systemic infections are the most important complications of catheters that are widely used during hospitalization process. The aims of this study were to investigate and compare the antibiotic susceptibilities of methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from catheters, in planktonic and biofilm forms, and to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of antibiotics on those forms alone and in combinations. A total of 30 strains [15 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and 15 methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MR-CNS)] isolated from catheter cultures of patients hospitalized in different clinics and intensive care units in Baskent University Medical School Hospital between 2006-2009, were included in the study. The antibiotic sensitivities of MRSA and MR-CNS isolates were investigated in vitro in planktonic phase and on sessile cells after biofilm was formed. Vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, rifampicin, gentamicin, meropenem, tigecycline, linezolid, ceftazidime and cephazolin were used for antibiotic susceptibility testing. The sensitivity of planktonic cells to antibiotics was primarily investigated, so that minimal inhibitor concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined by broth microdilution method. Afterwards, each strain was transformed to sessile cell in a biofilm environment, and MIC and MBC values were also determined for sessile cells. Double and triple antibiotic combinations were prepared, the effectiveness of combinations were studied on both planktonic and biofilm cells with multiple-combination bactericidal testing (MCBT) method. The data set obtained from planktonic and biofilm cells for each antibiotic analyzed via two proportion z test. Statistically significant decreases were found in the sensitivities of sessile cells when compared to planktonic cells (p< 0.01). The tests performed with the use of double and triple antibiotic combinations also showed the susceptibility decrease between planktonic and biofilm forms to be significant in most of the combinations (p< 0.01). The comparison of double and triple antibiotic combinations against planktonic and sessile cells as determined by the inhibition of more than 90% of the strains, revealed no significant difference . Vancomycin and tigecycline were the most effective antibiotics for all isolates in planktonic and sessile cells. Combinations containing vancomycin and rifampicin showed the best activity both double and triple antibiotic combinations against biofilm. In conclusion, our data indicated that combination therapy, especially double combinations of antibiotics seem to be a rational approach for biofilm-related infections.

Serum concentrations of neuron-specific enolase in pediatric migraine.

Recent studies suggest that migraine might be a progressive disease that causes neuronal damage, rather than being a benign headache disorder. The objective of the present study was to investigate the concentrations of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in pediatric migraineurs in order to identify possible neuronal damage. Forty-one children and adolescents with migraine (mean age: 14.58 +/- 2.35 years, range: 7-17 years, 12 with aura) and 30 control subjects were included. Serum NSE levels were measured during the attack and repeated at least 7 days thereafter in the patients, and measurements were obtained once in the control group. There were no significant differences in NSE concentrations with respect to values during the attack versus pain-free period or between the patient and control groups. NSE levels did not differ according to the clinical variables, including the presence of aura, severity and duration of headaches, nor with the length of migraine. In conclusion, our study showed that NSE levels did not change during migraine attack in pediatric patients. Further studies with different markers are warranted to assess possible neuronal injury in pediatric migraine.

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (509 C/T, 915 G/C, 869 T/C) polymorphisms are not related to obesity in Turkish children.

Increasing expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) from fatty tissue affects the serum level and hence may stimulate expression of the other cytokines. The studies concerning the relation between TGF-beta1 polymorphisms and obesity have been performed in adults, and diverse results have been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of TGF-beta1 509 C/T, 915 G/C, 869 T/C polymorphisms in childhood obesity and related pathologies. Two hundred and seventy-one children and adolescents were included in the study. One hundred and twenty-one of these cases were in the Obese Group and 150 were in the Control Group. In the Obesity Group, we searched the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hepatosteatosis. The results of this study revealed the lack of an association between TGF-beta1 509 C/T, 915 G/C and 869 T/C polymorphisms and obesity. There were no relations between the polymorphism genotypes and obesity-related metabolic disturbances.

Glycoprotein IIIa gene polymorphism and coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Prevalence of glycoprotein IIIa gene polymorphisms (PIA2) has been reported to be elevated in persons who die of sudden death. PIA2 has been suggested as contributing to the development of atherosclerosis via coronary plaque rupture and thrombus formation. In this prospective study, we investigated the correlation between the PIA2 polymorphism, atherosclerotic plaque burden, and its prognostic significance. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-eight patients (mean age 51 +/- 9.6 years) suspected to have atherosclerotic coronary artery disease underwent a coronary angiography and were evaluated for gene polymorphisms. Patients were followed up for 4 years for major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Thirty-eight patients (21%) had the PIA2 polymorphism.There was no statistically significant correlation between presence of atherosclerotic plaque burden, severity of coronary artery stenosis, and glycoprotein genotype. During the follow-up there were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to MACE. Any cause of death and cardiovascular death were higher in patients with PIA2 polymorphism but these differences were not significant. On univariate analysis, smoking, presence of severe coronary artery disease, and presence of myocardial infarction were correlated with elevated risk of MACE; presence of atypical angina was correlated with fewer MACE. On multivariate analysis, smoking was an independent risk factor for a MACE. On univariate or multivariate analysis, there was no relation between the PIA2 polymorphism and a MACE. CONCLUSIONS: The glycoprotein IIb/IIIa genotype was not shown to indicate the presence of atherosclerotic plaque. There was no correlation between the genotype and plaque vulnerability.

Human bone marrow mesenchymal cells express NG2: possible increase in discriminative ability of flow cytometry during mesenchymal stromal cell identification.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) exhibit non-specific hematopoietic cell and/or stromal cell markers (e.g. CD73, CD105 and CD166) that have been used to identify MSC by flow cytometry. Because a neural glial antigen, NG2 (a progenitor cell marker in the central nervous system), is expressed by several tissue cells originating in the mesenchyme but not hematopoietic cells, it might be useful for isolating and identifying MSC. We investigated NG2 expression on culture-expanded MSC by flow cytometry. METHODS: Human bone marrow (BM) samples taken from 12 donors were cultured for MSC to be used in up to nine serial passages. Using flow cytometry, the neural glial antigen NG2 and commonly used MSC markers CD73, CD105 and CD166, were analyzed on the surface of culture-expanded MSC. The multipotential differentiation of the MSC was examined by adipogenic and osteogenic induction. RESULTS: The percentage of cells positive for NG2 was similar to the percentages of cells positive for CD73, CD105 and CD166 in all passages of BM samples. The mean fluorescent intensities of NG2 did not change with culture passage. The MSC was successfully differentiated into adipogenic and osteogenic lines. The cells showed no karyotypic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: NG2 seems to be a promising marker for investigating the biology of MSC.

Evaluation of cerebellar asymmetry in Alzheimer's disease: a stereological study.

OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and, as previous studies have indicated, degenerative changes in the cerebellum occur in AD. It is well known that the cerebellum does not have a symmetric morphology and some pathological disorders, such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, autism and alcoholism, can cause asymmetrical changes in the cerebellum. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether or not patients with AD show cerebellar asymmetry. We also intended to depict the probable volumetric asymmetry by using a stereological technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study evaluated the volumetric measurements of each cerebellar hemisphere by applying a stereological method to MR images. This age- and gender-matched study was composed of 15 patients with probable AD and 14 healthy subjects (controls). MR images were analyzed by using the point-counting approach, holding to Cavalieri's principle. RESULTS: Although there was significant cerebellar atrophy in AD patients, the study showed no statistically significant cerebellar asymmetry according to age and gender, both in the study and control groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in cerebellar asymmetry associated with age and gender between the AD patients and control subjects. The stereological evaluation of cerebellar asymmetry correlating with gender is of importance to both clinicians and anatomists. The technique is simple, inexpensive, reliable and unbiased.

Prevalence of thrombophilic mutations and ACE I/D polymorphism in Turkish ischemic stroke patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin G20210A, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene mutations, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism in ischemic stroke (IS) patients. A total of 162 Turkish IS patients were included and analyzed according to stroke subtype by the TOAST classification. Their genotype data were compared with those of the control group, representing the healthy population, using the chi(2) test. The frequency of FVL heterozygocity was 12.3% in this series-higher than that in the normal population (9.8%; statistically insignificant, P = .478). The frequency of the ACE D/D genotype in all stroke patients and those with stroke of undetermined etiology was higher than that in our population (52.5% and 59.2%, respectively, vs 39.3%; statistically significant, P = .034, P = .020). Our results may suggest that ACE D/D genotype is a risk factor for IS, particularly in those with stroke of undetermined etiology in the Turkish population.

Anatomic evaluation of maxillary sinus septa: surgery and radiology.

The anatomical structure of the maxillary sinus is fundamental to maxillofacial surgery. The presence of septa, located at the inner surface of the maxillary sinus, increases the risk of sinus membrane perforation during sinus elevation for dental implant surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomy of maxillary sinus septa.Data in this study was obtained from a total of 205 cases. One hundred and seventy-seven patients were partially edentulous (PE) whereas 28 patients had no teeth. Dental computerized tomography (dental CT) was used in the assessment of 410 sinus segments (205 left and 205 right segments). The prevalence of sinus segments with septa was found to be 145/410. Septa were detected in 91 of the 177 PE cases. There were a total of 26 septa in 18 of the 28 completely edentulous (CE) cases. A total of 165 septa were detected in these segments. The prevalence of septa was 46.4% (26/56) in the CE, and 39.2% (139/354) in the PE segments. Thirty septa were found in the anterior, 110 in the middle and 25 in the posterior region. All detected septa were located mediolateral direction. Their relative position: lateral, middle or medial were also noted. The height measurements of the septa varied amongst the different positions. In view of the fact that septa of various heights and courses can develop in all parts of the maxillary sinus, timely and adequate assessment of the inner aspect of the maxillary sinus is essential to avoid complications during sinus augmentation procedures.

Comparison of the zygoma anchorage system with cervical headgear in buccal segment distalization.

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the effects of the zygoma anchorage system (ZAS) in buccal segment distalization in comparison with cervical headgear (CH). Thirty patients with Class II dental malocclusions were included in the study and were divided into two equal groups: the first group (10 females and 5 males, mean age 14.74 years at T1) received buccal segment distalization with ZAS and the second group (8 females and 7 males, mean age 15.26 years at T1) with CH. The skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes were measured on cephalograms obtained before (T1) and after (T2) distalization, and these changes were statistically evaluated using a repeated measures analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Wilcoxon test. The Class II buccal segment relationship was corrected to a Class I in an average period of 9.03 +/- 0.62 months in the ZAS group and 9.00 +/- 0.76 months in the CH group. Significant distalization was observed for the posterior teeth in both groups (P < 0.001). Distal tipping of all posterior teeth occurred in the CH group (P < 0.001), but only for the molars in the ZAS group (P < 0.001). The upper incisors retroclined, overjet decreased, and the upper and lower lips retruded in both groups. The ZAS provided absolute anchorage for distalization of the maxillary posterior teeth and can be used as an aesthetic and non-compliant alternative to extraoral traction in the treatment of Class II malocclusions.

Anthropometric characteristics of young Turkish male athletes.

Comparative reports on the anthropometric characteristics of athletes are certainly important in modern sports and have long been studied by sports scientists. Studies on Turkish athletes however, are limited. In the present study physical characteristics of athletes active in various sports (American football, basketball, volleyball and football) were observed and compared to each other and to those of non-athlete individuals. 153 volunteer male subjects participated in the study. All of the athletes were licensed members of teams in inter-university leagues. All subjects were given information about the objectives of the study and were advised of the manner with which the anthropometric measurements would be obtained. In addition to 17 anthropometric values, body mass index (BMI) and somatotype components were calculated and evaluated. Length, breadth, and girth values were evaluated by ANCOVA and height and weight were used as co-variate factors. The other variables were evaluated by metric and non-metric ANOVA. The results of the study indicate that basketball and volleyball players were characteristic with their longer lower limb length; American football players were with their wider biiliac breadth and higher girth values; and football players with their small structure. It was also observed that Turkish athletes have higher endomorphy and lower mesomorphy values when compared to athletes from other countries.

PAI-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphism, cytokine levels and their relations with metabolic parameters in obese children.

Obesity is associated with the changes of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) levels. However, the precise effect of the 4G allele on obesity is still contradictory. Here, we aimed to elucidate the role of the 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene on the PAI-1 level and determine the associations between cytokines, glucose and lipid metabolism parameters in obese children. Thirty-nine obese children (mean age 11.4 +/- 3.3 years) and 38 age-matched healthy control group (mean age 10.3 +/- 3.5 years) were included in the study. In all cases, serum levels of glucose, lipid and insulin were measured, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and 4G/5G polymorphism of PAI-1 gene, plasma PAI-1 level and serum TNFalpha and TGFbeta levels were studied. The mean relative body mass index (BMI) and HOMA-IR score, VLDL, TG, insulin, PAI-1, TNFalpha levels were higher, and HDL and TGFbeta levels were lower in the obese group. The frequency of the 4G/4G genotype was considerably higher in obese children than in controls. Also, a positive correlation was found between PAI-1 and TNFalpha levels, and relative BMI, HOMA-IR score, insulin, TG, HDL levels. TGFbeta was inversely correlated only with relative BMI. There was no correlation among three cytokines. In conclusion, childhood obesity contributes to higher PAI-1 and TNFalpha and lower TGFbeta levels. Especially PAI-1 and TNFalpha accompany insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

Calpain 10 SNP-44 gene polymorphism affects susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic-related conditions.

The association of the gene encoding calpain 10 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been reported. In this study we aimed to evaluate the association of SNP-19,-44, and -63 polymorphisms of calpain 10 with type 2 diabetes and diabetic-related conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy in a Turkish population. The study group included 202 patients (133 female and 69 male) with T2DM, while the control group included 80 nondiabetic people (44 female and 36 male). Genotyping was done by the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Calpain 10 SNP-44 TC genotype was found to be significantly frequent in type 2 diabetic patients with respect to the control group (p < 0.01). Body mass index (BMI) was found to be significantly high in TC genotype with type 2 diabetic patients (p < 0.05). SNP-44 T allele frequency was found to be lower in type 2 diabetic patients compared with the controls (p < 0.01). We conclude that the calpain 10 SNP-44 gene polymorphism may be accepted as a risk factor in the development of T2DM and elevated BMI in type 2 diabetic patients in a Turkish population.

Rosiglitazone decreases serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase activity in postmenopausal diabetic women.

OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of rosiglitazone on bone metabolism and to assess the association between changes in bone turnover parameters and plasma cytokine levels in postmenopausal diabetic women. DESIGN: This was a 12-wk open-label randomized-controlled trial. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 56 obese postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed diabetes and 26 nondiabetic healthy controls matched for age and body mass index were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: The subjects were instructed to follow a weight-maintenance diet. Half were randomly assigned to receive rosiglitazone 4 mg/d, and the other half remained on diet alone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Before and after the interventions, metabolic bone markers and serum cytokine levels were assessed. RESULTS: Serum total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone-specific ALP levels were statistically significantly lower 12 wk after initiation of rosiglitazone treatment. There were no statistically significant changes in osteocalcin levels among the three groups or in deoxypyridinoline levels in the rosiglitazone group. At the end of 12 wk, all patients had statistically significantly decreased IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels compared with baseline. Changes in bone-specific ALP levels showed a moderate negative correlation with the changes in the TNF-alpha levels after rosiglitazone treatment and after diet in the diabetic control group. CONCLUSIONS: Rosiglitazone use is associated with reduced bone formation at earlier stages in postmenopausal diabetic women. The cytokine-lowering effects of rosiglitazone and lifestyle changes could reverse the early inhibitory effect of rosiglitazone therapy on bone formation. Further studies will clarify the long-term effects of rosiglitazone therapy on bone loss and fracture.

Effect of pinealectomy on the morphology of the chick cervical spinal cord: a stereological and histopathological study.

Melatonin has some effects upon morphological features of various structures in small animals and human being. In this study, the changes induced by pinealectomy procedure on morphological features of developing cervical spinal cord and their neurons in the gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) of cervical spinal cord in the chicken were investigated. A total of 15 Hybro Broiler newly hatched chicks were randomly divided into three equal groups: unoperated control group (n=5), sham-operated group (n=5) and pinealectomy group (n=5). Pinealectomy procedure and sham operation were done in 3-day-old chicks and all animals were sacrificed at the 8th week and the 6th cervical (C6) spinal cord segment was dissected out for histopathological evaluation and subsequent stereological analysis. The volume of spinal cord segment did not show a significant difference between unoperated and sham-operated controls, but the pinealectomy group has a declined volume value compared with those of the control and sham operated groups (P<0.01). By contrast, there was no statistically significant difference between unoperated and sham-operated controls and the pinealectomy group with regard to volume fraction of the GM and WM of the cervical spinal cord. Finally, it was observed that pinealectomy procedure significantly reduces neuron number in the GM and the volume of WM of the C6 segment of cervical spinal cord in the chicken (P<0.001). The present study is the first study at all to evaluate the effects of pinealectomy on quantitative feature of the spinal cord in the chicken. Based on our findings, we suggest that pineal gland/melatonin might play an important role in morphological features of the developing spinal cord in the chicken.