A New Risk-Scoring System for Colorectal Cancer and Polyp Screening by Turkish Colorectal Cancer and Polyp Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer worldwide. An early diagnosis and detection of colon cancer and polyp can reduce mortality and morbidity from colorectal cancer. Even though there are a variety of options in screen- ing tests, the question remains on which test is the most effective for the early detection of colorectal cancer. In this prospective study, we aimed to develop a simple, useful, effective, and reliable scoring system to detect colon polyp and colorectal cancer. METHODS: We enrolled 6508 subjects over the age of 18 from 16 centers, with colonoscopy screening. The age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, body mass index, polyp incidence, polyp size, number and localization, and pathologic findings were recorded. RESULTS: The age, male gender, obesity, smoking, and family history were found as independent risk factors for adenomatous polyp. We have developed a new scoring system which can be used for these factors. With a score of 4 or above, we found the following: sensitivity 81%, specificity 40%, positive predictive value 25.68%, and negative predictive value 89.84%, for adenomatous polyp detection; and sensitivity 96%, specificity 39%, positive predictive value 3.35%, negative predictive value 99.29%, for colorectal cancer detection. CONCLUSION: Even though the first colorectal cancer screening worldwide is generally performed for individuals over 50 years of age, we recommend that screening for colorectal cancer might begin for those under 50 years of age as well. Individuals with a score ≥ 4 must be included in the screening tests for colorectal cancer.

Does the FT3-to-FT4 ratio easily predict the progression of NAFLD and NASH cirrhosis?

BACKGROUND: Factors causing progression from nonalcoholic fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver cirrhosis remain relatively unknown. We aimed to evaluate the power and effectiveness of the free triiodothyronine (FT3)-to-free thyroxine (FT4) ratio to predict non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/liver fibrosis and NASH cirrhosis severity. METHODS: Patients (n = 436) with NASH-associated liver cirrhosis (n = 68), patients with liver biopsy-proven NAFLD (n = 226), or healthy participants (n = 142) were enrolled between January 2010 and January 2020. The aspartate aminotransferase-to-thrombocyte ratio (APRI), NAFLD fibrosis score, albumin-bilirubin score (ALBI), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, FT3-to-FT4 ratio, and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) were calculated and evaluated. RESULTS: All parameters were significantly higher in NASH cirrhosis than in the healthy group. Body mass index, ALT, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in liver biopsy-proven NAFLD than in the healthy group. The APRI, NAFLD fibrosis score, ALBI, AST-to-ALT ratio, FT3-to-FT4 ratio, and FIB-4 were significantly higher in the NASH cirrhosis group than in the healthy group. In patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD, the FT3-to-FT4 ratio was significantly lower than in the healthy group. CONCLUSION: The FT3-to-FT4 ratio is an effective and useful indicator to predict NAFLD/liver fibrosis and NASH cirrhosis severity.

The comparison of pancreatic and hepatic steatosis in healthy liver donor candidates.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and pancreatic steatosis (PS) in patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. 228 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD patients who admitted to the Faculty of Medicine of Demiroglu Bilim University between 2004 and 2019 were included in the study. Demographic, laboratory, histological and radiological findings of the patients were recorded retrospectively. Hepatosteatosis (HS) levels were measured by both CT and biopsy, while PS levels were measured by 3 different CT-based techniques. 89 (39%) of the patients were female and 139 (61%) were male. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.2 ± 4.0. Biochemical parameters were within normal limits. Liver biopsy showed a significant correlation with HS grade on CT scan (p < 0.001). When CT findings were compared, a significant correlation was found between PS and HS (p < 0.05), but there was no correlation between the HS level in biopsy and the pancreatic adiposity on CT (p > 0.05). Our study was the first to compare biopsy-proven NAFLD and PS, and no correlation was found between biopsy-proven NAFLD and PS.

Can hypothyroidism be a protective factor for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis?

Despite many studies, the molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development remain unclear. Thyroid hormone (TH) levels may vary in many chronic diseases including cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate TH status in patients with cirrhosis and HCC and to investigate the relationship between THs and HCC development.Five hundred seventy-seven patients with cirrhosis who applied to Demiroglu Bilim University, Faculty of Medicine, Gastroenterology Department between 2004 and 2019 were included the study. Three hundred sixty-seven patients who applied to Internal Medicine Unit for general health check-up were included in the study as healthy control group. Demographic, laboratory, and imaging findings of study groups were retrospectively reviewed and recorded from hospital information system.In the cirrhosis group, 252 patients had HCC (43.67%), and 325 patients had non-HCC cirrhosis (56.33%). Free thyroxine (FT4) levels were higher in the control group than in the cirrhotic group but there was no significant difference (P = .501). Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and FT4 levels were similar between groups, while free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels were significantly different between HCC group, non-HCC cirrhosis group, and control group (P = .299 for TSH, P = .263 for FT4, P < .001 for FT3). FT3 levels were significantly higher in HCC group than non-HCC cirrhosis group, but significantly lower than control group (P < .05).Our study confirmed the presence of hypothyroidism in cirrhosis patients and clearly demonstrated a strong relationship between FT3 levels and HCC development.

Evaluation of Plateletcrit and Platelet Distribution Width in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Retrospective Chart Review Study.

BACKGROUND Platelets are considered to be essential in proinflammatory environments, including atherosclerosis. The degree of platelet activation has been demonstrated to be correlated with plateletcrit and platelet distribution width. The main purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between plateletcrit (PCT), platelet distribution, and the degree of hepatic steatosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 225 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients and 142 control subjects without NAFLD. NAFLD patients were separated into 2 groups according to percentage of steatosis. Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively. RESULTS PCT level was significantly higher in NAFLD group I and group II than in the control group. PCT was higher in the NAFLD groups than in the control group. However, there was no difference according to PCT and PDW levels between NAFLD groups. CONCLUSIONS In this study, a relationship was found between PCT and hepatosteatosis, but no relationship was found with PDW. PCT might be a useful biomarker for early detection of steatohepatitis in patients with nan-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Relationship Between Serum Uric Acid Levels and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Non-Obese Patients.

Background and objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with multiple factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and hyperuricemia. We aim to investigate the relationship between uric acid and NAFLD in a non-obese and young population. Materials and Methods: This study was performed in January 2010-2019 with a group of 367 (225 patients in the NAFLD group and 142 in the control group) patients with liver biopsy-proven NAFLD or no NAFLD. Patients with NAFLD were classified according to the percentage of steatosis as follows, group I had 1-20% and group II >20%. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory (biochemical parameters) features were collected retrospectively. Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) and age of the patients were 26.41 ± 3.42 and 32.27 ± 8.85, respectively. The BMI, homeostatic model of assessment (HOMA-IR), and uric acid (UA) values of the NAFLD group were found to be significantly higher than those of the controls. A positive correlation was found between the NAFLD stage and UA. The following factors were independently associated with NAFLD: BMI, HOMA-IR, and UA. In addition, the cut-off value of UA was 4.75 mg/dl with a sensitivity of 45.8% and a specificity of 80.3%. Conclusions: UA is a simple, non-invasive, cheap, and useful marker that may be used to predict steatosis in patients with NAFLD.

Intraoperative Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in patients with complex benign biliary tract pathologies A case series.

INTRODUCTION: This study presents data about the intraoperative performance of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for different types of cases with acute, complex pathologies of the biliary tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled cases with intraoperative ERCP performed for different acute complex bile duct pathologies (including injury and cystic stump leak). All patients were analyzed according to demographic findings, etiologies, management and results. RESULTS: Intraoperative ERCP was performed in 4 patients of whom 2 (50%) were female and 2 (50%) were male with different diagnoses. The median age of patients was 46.8 (range of 28-75) years. The diagnosis was bile duct injury in three patients and one had a complicated hydatid cyst with jaundice (T Bil: 18 mg dl-1). All patients were in septic condition. Patients underwent laparotomy and intraoperative ERCP was performed successfully by using the Rendezvous technique. For the last patient, intraoperative ERCP was used for diagnosis and management of bile leak in the cavity. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a safe and effective method for treatment of acute complex bile duct pathologies. KEY WORDS: Bile Duct Injury, Intraoperative ERCP, Rendezvous Technique.

Celiac disease prevalence in a large series of patients with Behçet's disease.

AIM: There are common findings between Behçet's disease (BD) and celiac disease (CD) based on similar immunological pathogenesis and there is only limited data available investigating the link between these two diseases. Furthermore, documented gastrointestinal (GI) involvement with marked upper GI symptoms in BD has been rarely reported. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CD and to evaluate endoscopic findings in Turkish BD patients. METHODS: A total of 210 BD patients were included in the study. All patients underwent serological testing for anti-gliadin and tissue transglutaminase antibodies. Endoscopic examinations were performed in 190 patients who accepted upper GI system endoscopy. Multiple biopsies were taken from the second portion of the duodenum in patients with positive serological assessment for CD. RESULTS: A total of 4.2% of patients with BD had positive anti-gliadin and tissue transglutaminase antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG antibodies. The prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CD was 1.05% in Turkish BD patients. The most common endoscopic findings of patients with BD were found to be antral gastritis, duodenitis and esophagitis. CONCLUSION: Although BD and CD share many similar clinical manifestations, our results did not support a possible association between these two diseases.

Serum Toll-Like Receptor-2, Toll-Like Receptor-4 Levels in Patients with HBeAg-Negative Chronic Viral Hepatitis B.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may play an important role in hepatitis-B pathogenesis. However, serum TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels and their association with serum liver enzymes, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, quantitative HBsAg levels, and liver biopsy findings, are unknown. A total of naive 40 HBeAg (-) chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and 20 healthy control subjects were recruited in this study. Liver tests, HBV DNA, serum TLR-2 and TLR-4, and quantitative HBsAg levels were evaluated among all groups. The relationship among TLR-2, TLR-4, quantitative HBsAg levels and liver tests, and liver histological findings were investigated with correlation analysis. Serum TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels in HBeAg (-) CHB patients were higher than in the control group. There was a positive correlation between serum TLR-2, TLR-4, and HBV DNA and ALT levels. We have further demonstrated that serum TLR-2 levels are correlated with AST and quantitative HBsAg levels. However, TLRs levels were not linked to the liver biopsy findings. TLR can have an important role in hepatitis B pathogenesis. Liver injury in CHB may cause elevated TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels.

Evaluation of serum L-FABP levels in patients with acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the serum L-FABP levels in patients with acute pancreatitis and compare with healthy subjects. METHODS: Thirty patients with acute pancreatitis and thirty consecutive healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects were included into the study. The serum levels of L-FABP were measured upon admission and at the remission period. RESULTS: Upon admission, serum L-FABP concentration was significantly higher in patients with acute pancreatitis compared to control subjects (41009.41 ± 32401.31 pg/ml vs. 17057.00 ± 5015.74 pg/ml, p=0.008). Serum L-FABP levels decreased after the remission period; however, the differences were not statistically significant. In addition, serum L-FABP levels showed significant correlation with AST and LDH levels. CONCLUSION: Increased serum L-FABP levels may be related to the mechanism of pancreatic microcirculatory disturbance in patients with acute pancreatitis, suggesting that serum L-FABP could be used for a potential biomarker of acute pancreatitis.

Efficacy and safety of gum chewing in adjunct to high-dose senna for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy: a single-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Inadequate bowel cleaning leads to a suboptimal colonoscopic examination. Gum chewing has been reported to have a favorable effect on postoperative bowel functions. We conducted this study to establish if gum chewing added to high-dose senna before colonoscopy promotes bowel cleaning. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled study, consecutive outpatients scheduled for elective colonoscopy were randomized into two groups. Group 1 patients (n = 65) used senna solution 150 mL (300 mg senna) the night before colonoscopy. The patients also used sennoside tablet 80 mg daily for 3 days before the colonoscopy. Patients in group 2 (n = 64) were additionally advised to chew sugarless gum half an hour three-times daily after meals for these 3 days. The overall quality of colonoscopy cleaning was evaluated using the Aronchick scale by a single endoscopist who was blinded to the intervention. Difficulty of procedure, patients' tolerance, and adverse events were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total 129 patients were enrolled in the study. Superior cleaning was found in gum chewing group when compared with other group particularly in the cecum and ascending colon. Cecal intubation time was significantly shorter in the gum-chewing group (8.6 ± 5.1 and 7.1 ± 2.8 min, P = 0.03). Adverse events were more common in group 1 compared to the gum-chewing group. CONCLUSIONS: Gum chewing enhances colonoscopy bowel preparation quality. Moreover, it is a physiologically sound, safe, and an inexpensive part of the colonoscopy bowel preparation. Gum chewing could be advised in addition to high-dose senna containing bowel preparation.

Oral high-dose ankaferd administration effects on gastrointestinal system.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a herbal extract obtained from five different plants. It has a therapeutic potential for the management of external hemorrhage and controlling gastrointestinal bleeding. However, ABS's effects are not unknown on gastrointestinal systems. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of short- and long-term systemic exposure and gastrointestinal safety following the oral administration of high-dose ABS in rats. METHODS: Eighteen healthy adult male rats were included into the study. The rats were divided into 4 groups: group A was fed with high dose ABS (2ml/Kg) for one week, group B for one month, group C for three months and group D's diet did not contain any ABS. On termination of the ABS treatment, the gastrointestinal system from the esophagus to the anus and the liver were surgically removed and histological investigated. RESULTS: During the study period, there was no mortality; signs of intoxication in any of the studied groups. No gastrointestinal tissue fibrosis, dysplasia, or metaplasia was detectable in any of the groups. The stomach had a normal morphology in all groups. However, the other gastrointestinal tract sections showed mucosal inflammation, goblet cell decrements, and intra-epithelial lymphocyte infiltration. The most common changes were mucosal inflammation in all rats in group B and C. Frequency of inflammation was greater in groups B and C in comparison to group A (P= 0.001). Loss of goblet cell and intra-epithelial lymphocyte infiltration were not significantly different between groups A and B (P=0.308 and P=0.189, respectively). However, there was significantly higher intra-epithelial lymphocyte infiltration in group C than in group A (P=0.04). Histopathological examination of the liver showed no inflammation, fibrosis, bile duct destruction or proliferation in any of the groups. However, each groups revealed vascular dilatation and erythrocyte accumulation at the sinusoidal structures of the liver. CONCLUSIONS: ABS seems to be a safe agent and it can be used for hemorrhage originated from gastric lesions. Further work needs to be done to establish whether ABS leads to be used to stop gastrointestinal bleeding.

Liver fatty acid-binding protein is a diagnostic marker to detect liver injury due to chronic hepatitis C infection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) is a small molecule. The aim of this study was to examine L-FABP levels and to detect its diagnostic value in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). METHODS: We studied 22 patients with CHC and 20 healthy control subjects. Patients with persistently elevated serum aminotransferases and positive HCV RNA were included in the study. Patients with CHC underwent percutaneous liver biopsy. Serum level of L-FABP was determined by ELISA method. RESULTS: Patients with CHC had significantly increased levels of L-FABP compared to controls. A strong correlation between serum L-FABP concentrations and aspartate aminotransferases, alanine aminotransferases, HCV RNA levels and hepatic inflammation was found. When a cut-off value was 29,000 pg/mL for L-FABP, sensitivity and specificity were 75 and 100%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values for L-FABP were 100 and 78%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum L-FABP is used as a new diagnostic marker to detect liver injury.

The usefulness of ulcer size and location in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant gastric ulcer.

AIM: Gastric cancer can present as a gastric ulcer, which can mimic a benign gastric ulcer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the value of gastric ulcer size and location in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant gastric ulcers. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the upper endocopic findings of 14,400 patients between April 2008 and March 2010. Total 276 patients with gastric ulcers were divided into two groups according to histopathological examination. Ulcer location, size, age, and gender were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The predominant region of ulcer location was the corpus for the malignant ulcer group and the antrum for the benign ulcer group. The malignant ulcer ratios according to region in the whole group were: cardia 19 ulcers with 14 malignant (73.68 %), corpus 70 ulcers with 38 malignant (54.2 %), angulus 45 ulcers with 6 malignant (13.3 %), and antrum 142 ulcers with 20 malignant (14.8 %), respectively. The median size of ulcer was significantly higher in the malignant ulcer group compared with the benign ulcer group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the location and diameter of gastric ulcers may be used as a marker of risk factors for developing gastric cancer.