The association between chronic spontaneous urticaria and HLA class I and class II antigen

Background/aim: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a chronic disease with an unknown etiology. In human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, the association of class I and class II antigens with autoimmune diseases has been identified and HLA antigens that have a tendency to or can prevent chronic urticaria have been studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between chronic spontaneous urticaria and HLA class I and class II antigens. Materials and methods: A total of 80 subjects, 40 patients with CSU and 40 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. DNA sample isolation from blood was primarily done by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique for the first time. Using HLA SSP Typing Kit (ROSE Cat. No: 800118) PCR technique, HLA-A, B, C, DRB and DQB alleles from DNA samples were analyzed. Results: The mean age was 36.80 ± 9.48 years and the duration of the disease was 4.26 ± 5.18 years. Among the HLA class I and class II antigens, HLA-A was detected significantly more often in the control group (P = 0.039). HLA-DRB1 was more often detected in the CSU group but no statistical difference (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It can be considered that HLA-DRB1 may have a tendency to CSU, while HLA-A might prevent the disease.

Increased TSLP, IL-33, IL-25, IL-19, IL 21 and amphiregulin (AREG) levels in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory disease. The surrogate indicating biomarkers in patients with CRSwNP need further evaluation. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and amphiregulin (AREG) cytokines in patients with CRSwNP. METHODS: Sinonasal tissue samples were collected from 33 patients with CRSwNP and 29 controls. Levels of AREG, IL-19, IL-21, IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP in nasal polyp and control sinonasal tissues were determined following the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: We found that AREG, IL-19, IL-21, IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP levels were significantly higher in the CRSwNP group compared to the control group (p < 0.000; p < 0.000; p < 0.000; p < 0.000; p < 0.003; p < 0.021, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that AREG, IL-19, IL-21, IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP were significantly increased in tissue samples of CRSwNP patients and may be considered as molecular indicators and targets for therapeutic developments for patients with CRSwNP.

Second trimester maternal serum-amniotic fluid nitric oxide and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in relation to uterine artery Doppler indices in pregnancies with normal outcome.

The aim of the present study was to explore the possible relations of maternal serum and amniotic fluid nitric oxide (NO) and of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) concentrations with uterine artery Doppler indices (UtADs) in a healthy second trimester obstetric population. In this regard, the levels of NO and VEGF-A were measured in maternal sera and the amniotic fluid samples were in 36 subjects who were in their early second trimester of pregnancy. The mean levels for VEGF-A were 110.3 ± 31.5 pg/ml in maternal serum and 149.6 ± 31.3 pg/ml in amniotic fluid. Mean levels for NO were 5.7 ± 4.7 µmol in maternal serum and 12.9 ± 3.4 µmol in amniotic fluid. UtADs were measured concurrently with the sample collections. The mean value for uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) was 1.3 ± 0.4. The measurements were then analysed for possible correlations, whereby no correlation was found between UtAD and maternal serum levels of either molecule (p = .828 and p = .662 for VEGF-A and NO, respectively). However, a positive correlation was found between the NO levels in the amniotic fluid compartment and UtAD (r = 0.432, p = .009 for PI). Therefore, a correlation of UtAD with amniotic fluid NO can be expected in pregnancies with a normal outcome. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) are important vasoactive molecules that play significant roles in early angiogenesis and placentation. What the results of this study add? There is a positive correlation between the amniotic fluid NO levels and the uterine artery Doppler indices (UtADs) in the second trimester of pregnancies with normal outcomes. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? A correlation between amniotic fluid NO levels and UtAD may indicate a normal trophoblastic invasion. Disturbance of this balance may be expected in certain adverse pregnancy outcomes. Additional studies are needed to further explore the molecular signs of early abnormal placentation and their clinical reflection.

The predictive value of the inflammatory markers P-selectin and MCP1 in determining the length of stay and 30-day survival in the differentiation of sepsis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Sepsis is the leading disease that is diagnosed late and still has a mortal course in emergency departments. The primary factors that will reduce both morbidity and mortality are early diagnosis and an early treatment approach. Therefore, in this study, P-selectin and MCP1 levels, which are known to be markers of inflammation, were examined in patients being followed up in intensive care. METHODS: Patients evaluated with a preliminary diagnosis of sepsis in the emergency intensive care unit between September 2015 and August 2016 were classified as having sepsis or infection according to the Q- SOFA criteria, and the P- selectin values were compared. RESULTS: In the sepsis group, GCS was determined as 13 (12-13), SBP 90 (80-110), tachypnea 24 (22-26), lactate 3.8 (0.6-16.0), MAP 70 (60-77), and LOS 16 days (9.5-20.3). In the ROC analysis, the sensitivity of P-selectin and MCP1 in the differentiation of patients with and without sepsis was 95.7%, and 73.8%, and the specificity was 97.8% and 73.8%, respectively. According to the cutoff values, the sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of patient mortality were 71.4% and 65.6% in P- selectin and 78.6% and 65.6% in MCP1. CONCLUSIONS: The P-selectin and MCP1 values in the emergency department can differentiate sepsis patients according to the Q-SOFA criteria and showed 30-day mortality at a significant level. Therefore, in patients with suspected sepsis in an emergency department, MCP1 can be of benefit to physicians in their decisions regarding LOS and transfer to intensive care.

Bone mineral density and vitamin D status in children with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and cerebral palsy with epilepsy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) disorders and possible risk factors in patients with epilepsy only (EO), cerebral palsy only (CPO), and cerebral palsy-epilepsy (CP + E). METHODS: A total of 122 patients [EO (n = 54), CPO (n = 30), CP + E (n = 38)] and 30 healthy children were evaluated. BMD was only measured in patient groups, not in control subjects. BMD of lumbar vertebrae was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). An abnormal BMD was defined as low or low normal BMD. RESULTS: Low BMD rate in EO, CPO, and CP + E group was 3.7, 50, and 39.5 %, respectively. Abnormal BMD values were significantly related to inadequate dietary Ca intake (p = 0.017), severe intellectual disability (p < 0.001), and immobility (p = 0.018). In multivariate regression analysis, the risk of abnormal BMD was higher (3.9-fold) in patients not able to walk independently than the others (p = 0.029). However, serum Ca-Vitamin D levels, insufficient exposure to sunlight, low BMI, and use of AED were not correlated with abnormal BMD. CONCLUSION: Abnormal BMD is a common problem in patients with CP and CP + E. Abnormal BMD was related to the severity of CP, but not to vitamin D levels or AED treatment.

Efficacy of simvastatin in reducing postoperative adhesions after thyroidectomy: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate whether simvastatin had any impact on the prevention of adhesion formation after thyroidectomy in a rat model. METHODS: This study was performed in 66 Wistar albino rats randomized into three experimental groups. A right hemithyroidectomy was carried out in all the rats. Simvastatin was administered locally at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg and 0.8 mg/kg. Control rats received a saline solution only. Changes during the 1st week, 1st month and 3rd month were evaluated. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed by using a scoring system. RESULTS: The severity of adhesions in low-dose simvastatin group was significantly less than the control and high-dose groups during the 1st and 3rd month (p < .05). In addition, adhesions were less in the high dose group during the 3rd month, when compared to the control group (p < .05). Moreover, fibrosis and fibroblast scores, which represent adhesions, were significantly lower in low-dose and high-dose groups at 3rd month, compared to controls (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: We investigated the influence of simvastatin application on post-thyroidectomy adhesion formation in rats. Whether adhesions, causing technical difficulties during neck redo surgery, can be reduced by the use of simvastatin in human, needs to be studied.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status in Children during Predialysis, or Treated By Peritoneal Dialysis or Hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this study was to evaluate nutritional status of children with stage 3-4 CKD and treated by peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis using anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters and bioelectrical impedance analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 52 patients and 46 healthy children. RESULTS: In anthropometric evaluation, the children with CKD had lower values for standard deviation score for weight, height, body mass index, skinfold thickness and mid-arm circumference than those of healthy children (p < 0.05). The fat mass (%) and the body cell mass (%) measurements performed by bioelectrical impedance analysis were lower compared with the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is considered that bioelectrical impedance analysis measurement should be used with anthropometric measurements, which are easy to perform, to achieve more accurate nutritional evaluation in children.

Comparison of maternal and umbilical cord blood HIF-1α and nitric oxide levels in early and late onset preeclamptic pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the absence of a complete physiologic-pathologic understanding, common accepted theory for development of preeclampsia is incomplete trophoblastic invasion leading to failed uterine and spiral arteriolar remodeling, causing maternal vascular endothelial dysfunction by secreted molecules in response to decreased placental perfusion, placental hypoxia, and ischemia. Placental angiogenesis is especially ineffective in early onset preeclampsia and fetal morbidity/mortality rates are higher because of further decreased blood flow. In this study, we aim to compare the maternal and umbilical cord blood levels of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1α (HIF-1α), which is believed to regulate hypoxia-related transcriptional responses, to play role in activating genes for initial phases of placental development and angiogenesis and a physiologic vasodilator molecule nitric oxide (NO) in normal, early and late onset preeclamptic pregnant women. METHODS: Pregnant women who were diagnosed with preeclampsia (early onset ≤34 weeks; late onset >34 weeks) and delivered in our clinic were enrolled for this prospective case-controlled study. Pregnant women without preeclampsia were recruited as control group. HIF-1α and NO levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood measured and compared among groups. FINDINGS: A total of 46 cases were enrolled for this study, including 25 preeclamptic (13 in the early onset group and 12 in the late onset group) and 21 normal pregnant women in the control group. Comparison of preeclampsia group to controls revealed higher maternal blood HIF-1α levels in the control group, however higher umbilical cord NO levels in the preeclampsia group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). In a second analysis, when compared to control group, both early and late onset preeclampsia subgroups were found to have higher umbilical cord blood NO levels (p < 0.001). RESULTS: In this study, we observed lower maternal blood HIF-1α levels and higher umbilical cord NO levels in preeclampsia group than controls. These findings suggest that umbilical cord blood NO levels in pregnant women with preeclampsia increase in response to hypoxia. However, lower HIF-1α levels in preeclampsia group can be due to our limited number of cases and we think that there is a need for further studies with larger sample size.

The effect of melatonin on bacterial translocation following ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Acute mesenteric ischemia is a life-threatening vascular emergency resulting in tissue destruction due to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Melatonin, the primary hormone of the pineal gland, is a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including the hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals, as well as singlet oxygen, and nitric oxide. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether melatonin prevents harmful effects of superior mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion on intestinal tissues in rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into three groups, each having 10 animals. In group I, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was isolated but not occluded. In group II and group III, the SMA was occluded immediately distal to the aorta for 60 minutes. After that, the clamp was removed and the reperfusion period began. In group III, 30 minutes before the start of reperfusion, 10 mg/kg melatonin was administered intraperitonally. All animals were sacrified 24 hours after reperfusion. Tissue samples were collected to evaluate the I/R-induced intestinal injury and bacterial translocation (BT). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels and in the incidence of bacterial translocation in group II, along with a decrease in glutathione levels. These investigated parameters were found to be normalized in melatonin treated animals (group III). CONCLUSION: We conclude that melatonin prevents bacterial translocation while precluding the harmful effects of ischemia/reperfusion injury on intestinal tissues in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

Effects of lithium and lamotrigine on oxidative-nitrosative stress and spatial learning deficit after global cerebral ischemia.

Lithium (Li) and lamotrigine (LTG) have neuroprotective properties. However, the exact therapeutic mechanisms of these drugs have not been well understood. We investigated the antioxidant properties of Li (40 and 80 mg/kg/day) and LTG (20 and 40 mg/kg/day) in a rat model of global cerebral ischemia based on permanent bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (BCAO). Nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GSH-R), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured as an indicator of oxidative-nitrosative stress in both prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus after 28 days of treatment. The spatial learning disability was also assessed at the end of the study by Morris water maze (MWM) test. All oxidative-nitrosative parameters were found to be higher in the groups under treatment than in sham. Both drugs caused a decrease in PFC NO and MDA elevation, meanwhile the increase in GSH, GSH-R, CAT and SOD levels was significantly more evident in treated groups. We also found higher PFC GSH-R and hippocampal SOD levels in BCAO + Li (80 mg/day) treated group when compared with BCAO + LTG 40 mg/day. MWM test data showed a similar increase in spatial learning ability in all groups under treatment. We found no other statistical difference in comparison of treated groups with different dosages. Our findings suggested that Li and LTG treatments may decrease spatial learning memory deficits accompanied by lower oxidative-nitrosative stress in global cerebral ischemia. Both drugs may have potential benefits for the treatment of vascular dementia in clinical practice.

Effects of cilostazol on oxidative stress, systemic cytokine release, and spinal cord injury in a rat model of transient aortic occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Cilostazol is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that has anti-inflammatory potential in addition to vasodilator and antiplatelet effects. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of cilostazol on biochemical markers of oxidative damage, proinflammatory cytokine release, and spinal cord injury after transient aortic occlusion in rats. METHODS: Animals were randomized into 3 groups. Sham group rats were subjected to laparotomy without aortic occlusion. Control group rats were pretreated with intraperitoneal dimethyl sulfoxide, and cilostazol group rats received intraperitoneal cilostazol (20 mg/kg/day) for 3 days before the induction of ischemia. Ischemia was induced by clamping of the infrarenal aorta, and 48 hours after reperfusion, Tarlov grades were assessed and spinal cord conduction velocities (SCCVs) were measured using epidural electrical stimulation. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities and plasma malondialdehyde, serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-6 levels were analyzed. Spinal cord histopathology was examined to determine neuronal damage and tissue inflammation. RESULTS: Aortic occlusion caused significant increases in SOD, catalase activities, and malondialdehyde and cytokine levels accompanied by spinal cord injury. Cilostazol significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels but did not significantly alter the activations of antioxidant enzymes, levels of proinflammatory cytokines, or histologic severity of inflammation. The differences regarding the results of Tarlov grading, SCCVs, and neuronal viability between the ischemic and cilostazol pretreated groups were statistically nonsignificant. CONCLUSION: The present experimental study indicated that cilostazol pretreatment used in this study before aortic occlusion decreased lipid peroxidation, which may be related to the reduction of reactive oxygen species. Cilostazol did not significantly suppress systemic cytokine release and prevent spinal cord inflammation and injury; however, it did show some benefit. Additional investigations might be needed to determine the critical dose of cilostazol for clarifying the protective role of this drug in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury.

The effect of insulin resistance on inflammatory response and oxidative stress in acute cerebral ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance (IR) has effects on inflammation and oxidative stress which have importance in acute stroke. Our aim was to investigate the relationships between IR, inflammation, oxidative stress and stroke severity in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: We examined the relationships between inflammation, oxidative stress and stroke severity in 75 acute stroke patients with and without IR. Serum levels of oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH)) were measured as well as the cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). RESULTS: The levels of IL-10 (13.7±19.11 vs 51.20±89.32 pg/ml, p<0.00) in IR group were significantly reduced. Patients with IR had higher levels of NO (30.26±17.63 vs 22.57±14.5 µmol/L, p=0.04) and IL6 (27.44±57.13 vs 8.68±11.8 pg/ml, p<0.00) and higher NIHSS scores (11.40±5.35 vs 8.81±5.76, p=0.04) when compared with noninsulin resistant group. IL-10 was found negatively correlated with HOMA. Additionally, the parameters with positive correlations with HOMA were NIHSS, IL-6 and NO. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammation and oxidative stress are more evident in acute stoke patients with insulin resistance which may cause worse stroke severity. Our data also suggest that IL-10 as an antiinflammatory cytokine can be much lower in insulin resistance in acute phase of ischemic stroke. However it can be elevated as an adaptive mechanism in metabolic syndrome as a chronic condition.

Comparison of interleukin-6 levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood in early- and late-onset preeclampsia.

PURPOSE: Increased inflammatory response and cytokines are claimed to play a significant role in the etiology of preeclampsia. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine. Limited number of studies evaluating IL-6 levels in preeclamptic patients have produced conflicting results. Therefore, the present study sought to compare maternal and umbilical cord serum levels of IL-6 in early- and late-onset preeclamptic pregnancies as well as in normal pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 69 participants were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 24 participants with normal pregnancies. Preeclampsia group consisted of 45 participants. The preeclampsia group was further classified into the subgroups of early- and late-onset preeclampsia. Late-onset preeclampsia group consisted of 24 women whereas early-onset preeclampsia group consisted of 21 women. Serum and umbilical cord samples of IL-6 were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between maternal and umbilical cord serum IL-6 concentrations between the preeclampsia and control group. No significant difference was observed in maternal and umbilical cord serum IL-6 levels between early- and late-onset preeclampsia groups. CONCLUSION: Our results do not support an increase in IL-6 levels in patients with early- and late-onset preeclampsia. The clinical relevance of our findings needs to be further investigated.

Comparison of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors in maternal and umbilical cord blood in early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare maternal and umbilical cord serum levels of the angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors in early- and late-onset pre-eclamptic pregnancies as well as in normal pregnancies, which might have significant importance in the etiology of pre-eclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective case-control study was carried out with pre-eclamptic (early-onset, ≤ 34 weeks and late-onset, >34 weeks) and normal pregnant women. VEGF, PIGF, sFlt-1 and sEng levels in maternal and umbilical cord serum were measured before delivery and the findings were compared. RESULTS: The study was conducted with 15 early- and 15 late-onset pre-eclampsia patients, and 17 patients with normal pregnancies. It was found that sEng levels were higher in the umbilical cord serum in the early-onset and in the maternal serum in the late-onset pre-eclampsia group than the control group (p < 0.05). No significant difference in any factor was observed between the early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, the results showed that angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factor levels in maternal serum and umbilical cord serum may not be related to the time of onset of pre-eclampsia.

Effect of estrogen therapy on adipocytokines in ovariectomized-aged rats.

AIM: Obesity is a chronic disease that is characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat. The physiological changes associated with estrogen deprivation in menopause have a significant impact on total body fat and adipose tissue distribution. Adipocytokines, such as adiponectin and leptin are related to adipose tissue, and their levels are affected by estrogen. The aim of the present study was to investigate the alteration of adipocytokine levels with estrogen therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Aged Wistar albino rats were divided into two main groups: control (C) and ovariectomized (OVX). Six months after ovariectomy, the ovariectomized group was divided into four subgroups: two ovariectomized groups received saline (OVX) and sesame oil (OVX+S.oil), and two groups received physiological dose (OVX+PhyE2) and pharmacological dose (OVX+PharmE2) estrogen (2 and 20µg/kg per day, respectively). Body weight was monitored weekly for 6weeks. Adiponectin, leptin and homocysteine levels were measured from blood samples before and after treatment. RESULTS: Body weight increased in OVX, OVX+S.oil and OVX+PhyE2 over 6weeks (P<0.001). Adiponectin levels were significantly decreased in the OVX+S.oil and OVX+PhyE2 groups (P=0.017 and P=0.008, respectively). Leptin level was significantly decreased in the OVX+PharmE2 group (P=0.042). Homocysteine level was decreased in the OVX+S.oil group (P=0.037). CONCLUSION: Adipocytokines may play a role in the pathogenesis of cancer or obesity-related complications in menopause. Estrogen therapy may reduce these complications by changing the levels of adipocytokines.

The relationship between urinary tract infection and calcium excretion in children.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary calcium excretion. A total of 82 children (mean age: 5.41± 4.09 years) with UTI and 82 age- and sex-matched children as a control group were enrolled in the study. Urinary calcium excretion was studied in children with UTI before treatment, three days after treatment and six months after remission of UTI. Urine calcium/ creatinine ratio (UCa/cr) and 24-hour urinary calcium excretions were studied. UCa/cr ratios were also evaluated as percentile rates, which was performed in our previous study. The effects of the location of infection, complaints, family history of urolithiasis, and radiological findings on urinary calcium excretion were also investigated. UCa/cr ratio before treatment was found higher than in the control group (p=0.04). No statistically significant relationship was found between the pretreatment UCa/cr and sex, location of infection, family history, or radiological findings.

Effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and/or sildenafil citrate in experimental colon anastomosis model.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the healing effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSC) and sildenafil citrate alone or in combination of colon anastomosis experimental model. METHODS: A total of 40 female Wistar rats were randomly distributed to four groups: Control (without any intervention post-anas-tomosis), stem cell (AT-MSC injection on the anastomosis site), SIL (oral gavage of 10 mg/kg sildenafil citrate), and stem cell + SIL (AT-MSC injection and oral administration of sildenafil citrate) groups. Rats were euthanized 5 days post-anastomosis. Intra-abdominal adhesion status and anastomotic burst pressure were measured to assess anastomotic healing. Hydroxyproline and TNF-α level, neu-trophil leukocyte infiltration, epithelial regeneration, and necrosis in the anastomosis tissue were examined. RESULTS: Anastomosis leakage and anastomosis burst pressure were not different among the groups. Treatment with sildenafil, stem cell, and stem cell + SIL reduced the degree of perianastomotic adhesions compared to control (p<0.05). A significant increase was noted in hydroxyproline in the stem cell and stem cell + SIL groups (p=0.001). AT-MSC injection alone or in combination with sildenafil citrate reduced the TNF-α concentration at the anastomosis site (p=0.001). Histopathological examination revealed that all treatments enhanced the clearance of the necrotic debris, reduced leukocytes infiltration, and accelerated the retraction of anastomo-sed ends except control (p=0.001). Epithelial regeneration was more pronounced in the stem cell group than other groups (p=0.001). Macrophage density was lower in groups treated with the SIL or stem cell groups than the control and stem cell + SIL groups (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Sildenafil citrate and/or AT-MSC in the anastomosed rats promoted the anastomosis healing that was more pro-nounced in groups receiving stem cell injections.

Transcutaneous measurement of bilirubin in Turkish newborns: comparison with total serum bilirubin.

Routine use of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurement in the newborn nursery could reduce costs, readmission rates for hyperbilirubinemia and the need for total serum bilirubin (TSB) measurements. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between TcB measurement, as performed using BiliCheck, and TSB, measured with high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and with standard laboratory methods, and to determine the TcB cutoff points with desirable sensitivity and specificity values for various clinically relevant TSB levels by HPLC. Fifty-four infants of > or = 30 weeks of gestational age were enrolled in the study. Near simultaneous blood collection for TSB analysis by three methods--bedside bilirubinometer, diazo method and HPLC--and TcB measurement were performed. There was good correlation between TcB and HPLC-bilirubin (B) (r = 0.85), TSB by bilirubinometer and HPLC-B (r = 0.91) and TSB by diazo method and HPLC-B (r = 0.91). The cut-off limits providing a sensitivity of 100% for TcB measurements were TcB > or = 9 mg/dl for HPLC-B > 17 mg/dl and TcB > or = 8 mg/dl for HPLC-B > 15 mg/dl and HPLC-B > 13 mg/dl. Despite having good correlation with HPLC, BiliCheck showed worse performance than bilirubinometer and diazo method at various clinically relevant cut-off values. Since BiliCheck required relatively lower thresholds with false-positive results for having a sensitivity of 100%, it cannot be recommended as a complete substitute for serum bilirubin measurements.

Comparison of immunoglobulin E anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis and chronic spontaneous urticaria.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disease of unknown etiology and autoimmunity has been thought to be an etiological factor. Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) may play a role in the pathogenesis of certain cases of urticaria. The aim of this study is to investigate IgE-anti-TPO in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria and in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. METHODS: A total of 175 subjects were included in this study. 59 patients had chronic spontaneous urticaria without history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, while 58 patients had Hashimoto's thyroiditis without history of urticaria. The control group consisted of 58 participants without history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and urticaria. Serum IgE-anti-TPO levels were analyzed by site-directed IgE capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique. We used this technique by modifying it. RESULTS: IgE-anti-TPO antibodies were detected in all three groups and in all subjects. There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of IgE-anti-TPO levels. Although total IgE and IgE-anti-TPO levels were higher in the IgG-anti-TPO positive chronic spontaneous urticaria, there was no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: IgE-anti-TPO antibodies do not play a pathogenic role in the majority of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Elevated Melatonin Levels in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Relationship to Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress.

Objective: The aim of this article is to measure serum antioxidant melatonin, the oxidants of nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde levels to calculate the serum oxidant-antioxidant balance based on the nitric oxide/melatonin and malondialdehyde/melatonin ratios in children with ADHD. Method: The serum melatonin, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and the nitric oxide/melatonin and malondialdehyde/melatonin ratios were calculated and compared between the children with ADHD (n = 103) and healthy control participants (n = 73). Results: Serum melatonin and nitric oxide levels were higher, and the nitric oxide/melatonin and malondialdehyde/melatonin ratios were lower in ADHD children than the control group. Melatonin was found to be significantly high, and the malondialdehyde/melatonin ratio was found to be significantly low in children with a positive ADHD family history. Conclusion: The serum oxidant-antioxidant balance was impaired in children with ADHD. Within the ADHD group, higher melatonin levels were determined in the children with a positive family history.