Electrocardiographic frontal QRS-T angle is independently associated with panic disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Panic disorder (PD) may cause serious cardiac arrhythmias by causing electrical abnormalities. Abnormal P-wave axis (aPwa), presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS), wide frontal QRS-T angle (fQRSTa), QRS duration corrected (QRSdc) and log/ logQRS duration/RR interval (log/logQRS/RR) have been correlated with increased risk of serious supraventricular and ventricular cardiac arrhythmias in a general population. The purpose of this study was to compare these newly explored atrial and ventricular arrhythmia indicators in patients with PD and in healthy subjects. METHOD: A total of 169 newly diagnosed PD patients and 128 healthy subjects were included in the study. The Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS) was administered, and 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) measurements were obtained. Electrocardiographic parameters including aPwa, fQRSTa, presence of fQRS, QRS duration corrected (QRSdc), and log/logQRS duration/RR distance (log/logQRS/RR) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: aPwa and fQRS, in addition to fQRSTa, QRSdc, and log/ logQRS/RR ratio values, were significantly increased in the PD group compared to healthy controls. Correlation analyses revealed that wider fQRSTa, number of fQRS derivation, number of total fQRS, wider QRSdc, and log/logQRS/RR ratio significantly correlated with PAS score. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that fQRSTa and the number of total fQRS were independently associated with PD. CONCLUSION: PD is associated with wider fQRSTa, QRSdc, and log/logQRS/RR in addition to the increased abnormal aPwa and presence of fQRS. These findings suggest that untreated PD patients may be susceptible to supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmia, indicating that ECG should be routinely obtained in the management of PD patients.

Mutation analysis of the TERT gene in ovarian cancer patients of the Turkish population by next generation sequencing method.

Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks seventh among malignant tumors worldwide. As one of the most common gynecological malignancies, ovarian cancer has the second-highest mortality rate, after cervical and uterine cancer. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology has enhanced multi-gene panel analysis and its clinical utility for identifying cancer-causing gene mutations. This study aimed to determine the presence of significant and nonsense mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation, X-linked (ATRX), O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/IDH2) genes using the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) method. A cohort of 33 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer was included in this investigation, and peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants. Significant and nonsense mutations in TERT, ATRX, MGMT, IDH1, and IDH2 genes were detected using the Next-Generation Sequencing method. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted using the QIAGEN Clinical Insight system. Twenty-four patients exhibited seven different TERT mutations, occurring in both exonic and intronic regions. One patient displayed a c.699-3delC deletion in the intronic region of the IDH1 gene, and the c.532G > A (p.V178I) mutation observed in three patients was assessed as potentially harmful. Additionally, novel mutations c.881A > G and c.995A > G were observed in the ATRX gene. The heterozygous novel mutation identified in the ATRX gene was confirmed through Sanger sequencing. These mutations were not previously associated with ovarian cancer and are considered novel candidate markers for ovarian cancer susceptibility. Confirmation of these results through larger cohort studies or functional investigations will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer.

Melatonin levels are low in COVID-19 positive patients and these levels are associated with depression, death anxiety and insomnia.

In this study, we aimed to measure the melatonin levels in COVID-19 positive patients and to investigate the relationship of these levels with depression, death anxiety and insomnia. COVID-19 positive pneumonia group, COVID-19 negative pneumonia group and healthy control groups were included in the study. Melatonin ELISA kit was used. Blood samples were taken at 23:00 h (h), 02:00 h and 06:00 h. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Templer Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were employed to collect data from the participants. The melatonin levels of COVID-19 positive patients at 23:00 h were lower than the control group. In addition, and the melatonin levels of COVID-19 positive patients at 02:00 h and at 06:00 h were lower than both the COVID-19 negative patient group and the control group. It was observed that the peak melatonin concentration of COVID-19 positive patients occurred at 06:00 h. BDI, TDAS and ISI scores of COVID-19 positive patients were higher than other groups. There was a negative correlation between BDI, TDAS, ISI scores of COVID-19 positive patients and their melatonin levels. The correlation between all scale scores and melatonin levels was higher at 02:00 h. Adding melatonin to the treatment of COVID-19 positive patients may be beneficial for these patients experiencing high levels of depression, anxiety and insomnia.

[P323L Mutation in a Case with Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 PCR Positivity]. / Uzamis SARS-CoV-2 PCR Pozitifligi Olan Olguda P323L Mutasyonu.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) emerged in the last months of 2019 and caused a pandemic effecting the whole world. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19 has changed by various mutations since the day it was first identified, causing the pandemic to continue. Age, male gender, obesity, and comorbidity, which are general risk factors for COVID-19, can also cause prolonged PCR positivity. In this report, a case of 37-year-old male who is working in the hospital's COVID-19 molecular diagnostics laboratory was presented. He was vaccinated with three doses of inactivated vaccine, CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech, Beijing-China), within the context of the vaccination program carried out in Türkiye. His first SARS-CoV-2 positivity was detected on 12.01.2021, four months after the last vaccination, and he continued to be detected positive for SARS-CoV-2 throughout a period of 39 days by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) tests performed with 2-3-day intervals. The patient has a 20-pack/year smoking history and his body mass index (BMI) was 29.8 kg/m2 at the time of his COVID-19. The case, which was clinically defined as mild COVID-19 with symptoms including back and headache, cough, fever (38.5°C), and loss of taste-smell, and without any additional complications or respiratory distress during the disease process. In the radiological examination, the lung was found within normal ranges. Prophylactic enoxaparin sodium anti-xa IU/0.6 ml was administered to the patient due to his cardiovascular risk, and no additional treatment was given. Whole genome sequencing was performed from nasopharyngeal swab samples of the patient at the beginning and 16th day of the infection to investigate the the specific genomic features and mutation pattern of the virus in the host over time, due to the prolonged SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity. Library preparation for the whole next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed by the SARS-CoV-2 Panel, Paragon CleanPlex kit (Paragon Genomics, USA), and indexing of the library was done by Clean-Plex Dual-Indexed PCR Primers for Illumina Set B kit (Paragon Genomics, USA). NGS analysis was performed on the Illumina Miniseq (Illumina, USA) platform. As a result of the bioinformatics evaluation, both samples were determined as SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (Nextclade; 21J-Delta variant, Pango lineage; AY.43). Remarkably, the SARSCoV-2 sequences in the two samples taken 15 days apart; several identical mutations; such as D614G in the S gene, P323L in the ORF 1b gene region, and P1228L in the Nsp3 gene region, were detected. Besides that, when compared to the first sample, three additional mutations (P383L, P539S, L838I) were observed in the sequence of the second sample, which led to three amino acid changes, the clinical significance of which has not yet been determined in the literature. It is thought that; these mutations that change amino acid expression, as well as the other three mutations detected, may contribute to the improvement of the fitness of the virus and may be one of the factors responsible for the prolonged SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity. Additional data to be obtained by further epidemiological sequencing studies will shed light on this issue.

Major depressive disorder is an independent predictor of the electrocardiographic frontal QRS-T angle.

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between ventricular arrhythmias and major depressive disorder (MDD) has been previously revealed. Recently, frontal QRS-T angle (fQRSTa) and Tp-Te/QT ratio proved to provide more accurate predictive data about ventricular arrhythmias than the measurement of QT, QTc, and QT dispersion. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of MDD on contemporary ventricular arrhythmia indicators. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 57 newly diagnosed MDD patients and 65 healthy subjects were included in the study. Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) were administered and ECG measurements were obtained. Ventricular arrhythmia predisposition was assessed by calculating the Tp-Te/QT ratio in addition to fQRSTa. RESULTS: fQRSTa and Tp-Te/QT ratio values in the MDD group were significantly higher than the control group. Correlation analyses revealed that Tp-Te/QT ratio and fQRSTa significantly correlated with (HAM-D). It was found with linear regression analysis, MDD existence and its severities were independent predictors of fQRSTa and Tp-Te/QT ratio. CONCLUSION: MDD predisposes to ventricular arrhythmia by causing increased fQRSTa and Tp-Te/QT ratio on ECG. Increased fQRSTa and Tp-Te/QT ratio may be useful indicators of dysregulation in the autonomic nervous system and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in MDD patients (Tab. 6, Fig. 4, Ref. 38). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: major depressive disorder, Hamilton depression rating scale, frontal QRS-T angle, Tp-Te/QT ratio.

5-Alfa reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) gene rs523349 polymorphism is not associated with non-obstructive azoospermia in Turkish patients.

Spermatogenesis is an androgen-dependent event, and testosterone is the major androgen source. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in testicular and peripheral tissues. Polymorphisms in genes encoding 5-alpha reductase may be associated with impaired male fertility. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between 5-alpha reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) gene rs523349 polymorphism and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in Turkish patients. The study included 75 NOA patients and 43 fertile men from Turkey. No significant relationship was found between SRD5A2 gene rs523349 polymorphism and male infertility (P = 0.071). There was a statistically significant difference in total testosterone level and total testis volume between NOA patients and the control groups, however there was no significant difference between serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. Our results showed that SRD5A2 gene rs523349 polymorphism was not associated with NOA in Turkish patients.

Potential Protective Role of SDF-1 and CXCR4 Gene Variants in the Development of Dementia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of polymorphisms of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) genes in dementia susceptibility in a Turkish population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study group included 61 dementia patients, while the control group comprised 82 healthy individuals. Gene polymorphisms of SDF-1 3'A G801A (rs1801157) and CXCR4 C138T (rs2228014) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. RESULTS: A significantly reduced risk for developing dementia was found for the group bearing an A allele for SDF-1 3'A polymorphism (p=0.009; χ2=6.812; OR=0.626; 95%CI= 0.429-0.913). The frequency of the CXCR4 TT and TC genotype was significantly lower in patients with dementia compared to controls (p=0.028; χ2=5.583; OR=0.215; 95%CI=0.05-0.914); (p=0.027; χ2=4.919; OR=0.484; 95% CI=0.246-0.955). Additionally, combined genotype analysis showed that the frequency of SDF1 GA-CXCR4 CC was significantly lower in patients with dementia in comparison with those of controls (p=0.049; OR=0.560; 95% CI= 0.307±1.020). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides new evidence that SDF1 A and CXCR4 T alleles may be associated with a decreased dementia risk. The present study is important because to our knowledge, it is the first one to be conducted in a Turkish population to date, but we believe that more patients and controls are needed to obtain statistically significant results.

Revealing the functions of novel mutations in RAB3GAP1 in Martsolf and Warburg micro syndromes.

PURPOSE: Martsolf (MS) and Warburg micro syndromes (WARBM) are rare autosomal recessive inherited allelic disorders, which share similar clinical features including microcephaly, intellectual disability, brain malformations, ocular abnormalities, and spasticity. Here, we revealed the functions of novel mutations in RAB3GAP1 in a Turkish female patient with MS and two siblings with WARBM. We also present a review of MS patients as well as all reported RAB3GAP1 pathogenic mutations in the literature. METHODS: We present a female with MS phenotype and two siblings with WARBM having more severe phenotypes. We utilized whole-exome sequencing to identify the molecular basis of these syndromes and confirmed suspected variants by Sanger sequencing. Quantitative (q) RT-PCR analysis was carried out to reveal the functions of novel splice site mutation detected in MS patient. RESULTS: We found a novel homozygous c.2607-1G>C splice site mutation in intron 22 of RAB3GAP1 in MS patient and a novel homozygous c.2187_2188delinsCT, p.(Met729_Lys730delinsIleTer) mutation in exon 19 of RAB3GAP1 in the WARBM patients. We showed exon skipping in MS patient by Sanger sequencing and gel electrophoresis. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated the reduced expression of RAB3GAP1 in the patient with the c.2607-1G>C splice site mutation compared to a healthy control individual. CONCLUSION: Here, we have studied two novel RAB3GAP1 mutations in two different phenotypes; a MS associated novel splice site mutation, and a WARBM1 associated novel deletion-insertion mutation. Our findings suggest that this splice site mutation is responsible for milder phenotype and the deletion-insertion mutation presented here is associated with severe phenotype.

Relation of MPO, MnSOD, NQO1 gene variants in endometrial carcinoma in the line of PCR-RFLP methods.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to be responsible for inducing DNA damage leading to mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and cell death if the capacity of the protective antioxidant system is impaired. Endometrial carcinoma is the primary cancer type in the female genital system. The enhanced cell lipid peroxidation and impaired antioxidant enzyme activities observed in patients with endometrial cancer indicate the potential for oxidative injury to cells and cell membranes in such patients. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible association between gene variants of superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and NADPH quinone oxido reductase (NQO1), and their possible role in endometrial cancer in Turkish patients. According to results, MPO G+ genotype and AG genotype were significantly increased in patients compared with controls (P<0.001). We suggest that the MPO polymorphism might be a risk for endometrial cancer.

Orbito-frontal cortex and thalamus volumes in the patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder before and after cognitive behavioral therapy.

Background The effect of a variety of treatment modalities including psychopharmacological and cognitive behavioral therapy on the brain volumes and neurochemicals have not been investigated enough in the patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on the volumes of the orbito-frontal cortex and thalamus regions which seem to be abnormal in the patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. We hypothesized that there would be change in the volumes of the orbito-frontal cortex and thalamus. Methods Twelve patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and same number of healthy controls were included into the study. At the beginning of the study, the volumes of the orbito-frontal cortex and thalamus were compared by using magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, volumes of these regions were measured before and after the cognitive behavioral therapy treatment in the patient group. Results The patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder had greater left and right thalamus volumes and smaller left and right orbito-frontal cortex volumes compared to those of healthy control subjects at the beginning of the study. When we compared baseline volumes of the patients with posttreatment ones, we detected that thalamus volumes significantly decreased throughout the period for both sides and that the orbito-frontal cortex volumes significantly increased throughout the period for only left side. Conclusions In summary, we found that cognitive behavioral therapy might volumetrically affect the key brain regions involved in the neuroanatomy of obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, future studies with larger sample are required.

Association between apolipoprotein E genotypes and panic disorder in Turkish population.

AIM: In this study, we aimed to investigate possible interactions among the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and panic disorder (PD), taking into account serum cholesterol levels and subfractions. METHODS: ApoE genotyping was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in DNA samples of PD patient group (n = 45) and healthy control group (n = 50). The serum lipid levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfraction analysis were examined. RESULTS: There was a significant difference of ApoE genotypes in patient and control groups. The E3/E3 genotypes lower whereas E4 allele carriers were significantly higher in PD group ApoE4allele carriers had 3.2-fold higher risk of PD. PD group had significantly lower LDL and HDL levels. In spite of the decreased levels of total LDL, antiatherogenic large LDL subgroup was significantly lower in a patient with PD. Antiatherogenic large HDL and Intermediate HDL levels were lower, while atherogenic small HDL subfraction was significantly higher in PD group. Furthermore, Apo E3/E3 genotype carriers had significantly higher large LDL, HDL, large HDL, intermediate HDL level, and also had highest HDL between all the groups. ApoE4 allele carriers while they had highest atherogenic small HDL level. CONCLUSION: E4 allele can be associated with PD as an eligible risk factor, the E3/E3 could be a risk-reducing factor for PD. Patients with PD not only had lower LDL and HDL levels but also they have higher atherogenic LDL and HDL subfractions. Also, E3/E3 genotype carriers had convenient but ApoE4 carriers had atherogenic plasma cholesterol levels and subfractions.

Could Calcified Triglyceride Bone Cement Be an Alternative Graft Material in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation?

The ideal graft material for maxillary sinus augmentation is still a matter of controversy and the search for a more appropriate bone substitute for use continues. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone formation as a sign of the regeneration following maxillary sinus augmentation in rabbits using 3 different biomaterials, one of which is a newly developed graft material; calcified triglyceride bone cement (CTBC).Twenty-one New Zealand rabbits were used and randomly divided into 3 groups. Bilateral maxillary sinus augmentation was carried out and autogenous bone (AB), bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA), and CTBC were administered. Maxillary sinuses were dissected after fourth and eighth weeks of the operation. The bone formation was evaluated by stereological and histopathological analysis and the data were analyzed statistically.When the volume of primary bone is compared, statistically significant differences were found among all groups at both of the fourth and eighth weeks. The highest value was obtained from AB applied group. In BHA and CTBC applied groups, active bone formation, osseointegration of graft materials were observed at both fourth and eighth weeks. In CTBC applied group, primary bone formation was only seen as linked to the continuation of parent sinus bony wall.The efficiency of primary bone formation of CTBC was found less than AB and BHA. Of the 3 graft materials tested, BHA is the strongest alternative to AB graft for maxillary sinus augmentation.

Stress Analysis of Zygomatic Implants on the Augmented Maxillary Sinus: Is It Necessary to Graft?

PURPOSE: Zygomatic implants are becoming an ideal therapy with advanced implant-supported prosthetic treatment for the posterior atrophic maxilla. The purpose of this study is to examine the quantity and distribution of stress, which was caused by zygomatic implants placed using intrasinus method with or without augmentation to the atrophic posterior maxilla. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this study, 3-dimensional atrophic edentulous maxilla models with and without sinus augmentation are designed with computer-aided programs. Stress analysis was carried out on the created computer models for maxillary alveolar cortical bone, for cortical bone in the zygomaticomaxillary suture, and for zygomatic spongy bone at the apex of the zygomatic implant and for metal substructure of Von Misses stress data. RESULTS: Having augmented the maxillary sinus with graft, it was observed that after the loading especially in the posterior region, the tensile and compressive stresses on the alveolar crest was distributed more homogeneously and the stress generated on the cortical bone was reduced through the graft. CONCLUSION: Although zygomatic implants are graftless solutions for athrophic maxilla, sinus augmentation will be useful for bearing stress around the implants.

1HMRS results of hippocampus in the patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder before and after cognitive behavioral therapy.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we examined the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the hippocampal neurochemistry in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHODS: Twelve patients with OCD and same number of healthy controls were included into the study. Neurochemical variables of the hippocampus were measured before and after the CBT treatment in the patient group. RESULTS: At baseline, the patients with OCD had significantly lower ratio of N-acetyl-l-aspartate/choline (NAA/CHO) compared with that of healthy control subjects. When comparing pre-treatment results of the patient group with those of post-treatment ones using paired t-test, we found that NAA/CHO ratio increased from 2.47 ± 0.64 to 3.66 ± 0.88, with a statisical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The findings may implicate that CBT increases the level of NAA which is a marker of neuronal integrity.

Matrilin-3 as a putative effector of C-type natriuretic peptide signaling during TGF-ß induced chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) signaling has been implicated as an important regulator of chondrogenic differentiation during endochondral bone development. This preliminary study further investigated the putative effectors and/or targets of CNP signaling in transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß induced in vitro chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Previously characterized human trabecular bone derived MSCs were induced either with only TGF-ß1 or with a combination of TGF-ß1 and CNP in micromass culture for 10 or 20 days. Genome wide gene expression profile changes in between these two groups were analyzed on day-10 or day-20 of culture. Results revealed that there were only 7 genes, whose expression change was fourfolds or higher in TGF-ß1 and CNP fed group in comparison to only TGF-ß1 fed group. The up-regulated genes included matrilin-3 (MATN3), engulfment and cell motility 1 (ELMO1), CD24, and DCN1, defective in cullin neddylation 1, domain containing 1 (DCUN1D1). The down-regulated genes, on the other hand, included LIM domain kinase 2 (LIMK2), Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1, and guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein), gamma 12 (GNG12). The up-regulation of MATN3 was confirmed on the basis of RT-PCR. The known literature on both CNP signaling and MATN3 function in chondrogenesis match with each other and suggest MATN3 as a putative effector and/or target of CNP signaling during this process.

Association between FAS and FASL genetic variants and risk of primary brain tumor.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether functional polymorphisms of apoptosis pathway genes FAS and FASL are associated with the development of primary brain tumors. The study constituted 83 patients with primary brain tumor and 108 healthy individuals. In the present case-control study, the primary brain tumors were divided into two groups: gliomas and meningiomas. Evaluation of FAS -1377 G/A and FASL -844 T/C gene polymorphisms were performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). To confirm the genotyping, results were examined by DNA sequencing method. Our results were analyzed by SPSS. The frequency of the FAS -1377 AA genotype was significantly lower in meningioma and glioma patients compared to controls (p = 0.023; p = 0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that FAS -1377 AA genotype was associated with decreased risk of meningioma and glioma (OR = 0.092, 95% CI: 0.012-0.719, p = 0.023 for meningiomas; OR = 0.056, 95% CI: 0.007-0.428, p = 0.006 for gliomas). However, there was no significant differences in FASL -844 T/C genotype frequencies between patients with primary brain tumors and controls (p > 0.05). In this study, combined genotypes were evaluated for association with primary brain tumors. Combined genotype analysis showed that the frequencies of AATC and AACC were significantly lower in glioma patients in comparison with those of controls (p = 0.023; p = 0.022, respectively). This study provides the first evidence that FAS -1377 AA genotype may have a protective effect on the developing primary brain tumor in a Turkish population.

Association of TaqI (rs731236) Polymorphism of Vitamin D Receptor Gene with Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDDD) significantly contributes to low back pain, with a complicated etiology involving genetic and environmental facts. The aim of study was to investigate the association between the TaqI (rs731236) polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene with LDDD. METHODS: In total, 248 patients with symptomatic LDDD and 146 control subjects were examined. The evaluation of clinical features of patients with LDDD comprised radiodiagnostic magnetic resonance imaging, neurologic examinations, pain scores including the visual analog scale (VAS), and disability investigation with Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Genotyping of the VDR gene polymorphism was conducted using polymerase chain reaction-based methods. RESULTS: Individuals of the LDDD group who were VDR TaqI AA genotype carriers were significantly greater than the other group (P = 0.014), whereas those with GG genotype were significantly lower (P = 0.028) in the patient group. In addition, VAS and ODI scores were significantly lower in the GG genotype carrier group, whereas AA genotype carriers had the greatest scores (P = 0.004). Carrying the G allele decreased the risk of LDDD 1.7 times (P = 0.014) and carrying the A allele enhanced the risk 1.8 times (P = 0.028). Moreover, G-allele carriers had significantly lower VAS (P = 0.002) and ODI scores (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: VDR TaqI (rs731236) GG genotype and G allele have protective potential, whereas the AA genotype and A allele are risk factors for LDDD. The findings reveal a statistically significant association of the TaqI (rs731236) polymorphism of VDR gene polymorphism with LDDD. This result highlights the potential role of genetic factors in developing LDDD and suggests avenues for future research in genetic screening and personalized treatment strategies.

Comparison of microRNA expression levels in patients with schizophrenia before and after electroconvulsive therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Exploring the role of microRNAs in the antipsychotic efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) will contribute to understanding the underlying mechanism through which ECT exerts its therapeutic effects. The primary objective of this study was to identify microRNA alterations before and after ECT in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: We compared microarray-based microRNA profiles in peripheral blood from eight patients with schizophrenia before and after ECT and eight healthy controls. Then, we aimed to validate selected differentially expressed microRNAs in 30 patients with schizophrenia following a course of ECT, alongside 30 healthy controls by using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. RESULTS: Microarray-based expression profiling revealed alterations in 681 microRNAs when comparing pre- and post-ECT samples. Subsequent quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analysis of the selected microRNAs (miR-20a-5p and miR-598) did not reveal any statistical differences between pre- and post-ECT samples nor between pre-ECT samples and those of healthy controls. CONCLUSION: As neuroepigenetic studies on ECT are still in their infancy, the results reported in this study are best interpreted as exploratory outcomes. Additional studies are required to explore the potential epigenetic mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of ECT.

Unraveling the Impact of miRNA-17 in Glial Tumors and Cerebral Metastases: A Step Towards Enhanced Diagnosis and Prognosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as key regulators in various cancer types, including brain tumors. This study aimed to investigate the differential expression of miRNA-17 in glial tumors, cerebral metastases, and normal glial tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Tissue samples were obtained from patients with glial tumors or cerebral metastases and from normal glial tissues. miRNA-17 expression levels were computed by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was used to determine the predictive potential of miRNA-17. RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrated a statistically significant difference in miRNA-17 expression levels between glial tumors and the control group (p=0.001), with higher miRNA-17 expression observed in glial tumors. Similarly, there was statistically higher miRNA-17 expression in metastatic cases compared with the control group (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest miRNA-17 might be a potential biomarker for differentiating glial tumors and cerebral metastases from normal glial tissue, although further research is necessary to validate these findings and investigate the potential role of miRNA-17 in the pathogenesis of these brain tumors.