Does Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammation of gastric mucosa determine the severity of symptoms in functional dyspepsia?

BACKGROUND: Inflammation induces some structural and biochemical alterations and oxidative damage in gastric tissue. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship among the severity of symptoms, oxidative stress, and grading scales of Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric inflammation in functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with functional dyspepsia were enrolled in the study. The severity of dyspepsia within the last 6 months was evaluated by Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score. In biopsy specimens of gastric mucosa, severity of gastritis was estimated by the revised Sydney Classification System, and oxidative stress parameters were studied. RESULTS: Although there was no statistically significant relationship between symptom scores and degree of chronic inflammation, a tendency for symptoms to be more severe has been observed in low levels of gastritis. Levels of sulfhydryl groups were lower in subjects with high levels of chronic inflammation, and Helicobacter pylori intensity (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). Levels of malondialdehyde were higher in subjects with high levels of chronic inflammation (P = 0.04). There was a statistically significant but a weak positive correlation between symptom scores and sulfhydryl levels (P < 0.001, r = 0.323). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, there may be an inverse relation between severity of symptoms and level of Helicobacter pylori induced gastric inflammation or oxidative stress in patients with functional dyspepsia.

Increased serum osteoprotegerin levels associated with decreased bone mineral density in familial Mediterranean fever.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) has episodic or subclinical inflammation that may lead to a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of FMF on bone metabolism and to investigate the factors that can influence bone metabolism, such as body mass index (BMI), mutations in Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene, osteoprotegerin (OPG), leptin and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). OPG, a soluble protein produced by osteoblasts, favors increased bone mass. Leptin may influence bone metabolism by acting on differentiated osteoblasts, having anabolic effects on bone. Thirty-one FMF patients in attack-free period (12 females and 19 males; mean age 31.4 +/- 9.3 years) and 18 healthy controls (11 females and 7 males; mean age 34.6 +/- 9.5 years) were compared according to the above parameters. BMD (g/cm(2)) and standard deviation scores (Z-score) were measured at the lumbar spine L(1)-L(4) (BMD-L(1-4)) and proximal femur by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Osteopenia is defined as a Z-score between -1 and -2.5 and osteoporosis is equal or below -2.5. FMF patients showed statistically significant reduction in BMD-L(1-4) and Z-score-L(1-4). Moreover, serum OPG concentration was significantly elevated in FMF patients. In contrast, MEFV gene mutations, leptin and the inflammatory cytokines did not differ between the patient and control groups. In conclusion, BMD was decreased and OPG was increased in our FMF patients. The high OPG levels may reflect a preventive mechanism against bone loss; namely, OPG might protect the FMF patients from excessive osteoporosis.

Carotid hemodynamic parameters in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic vascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis. Early atherosclerotic changes of the arterial wall can be evaluated by intima-media thickness (IMT), presence and structure of plaques and parameters of vascular resistance. The aim of the present study has been to investigate the relationship between carotid IMT and pulsatility index (PI) or resistive index (RI) values in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: We studied 36 hemodialysis patients (21 female, 15 male; median age 39.5 years, IQR 33.0-54.7 years) and 38 healthy volunteers (20 women, 18 men; median age 41.0 years IQR 32.5-53.5 years). All subjects underwent ultrasonography of common carotid artery, with determination of IMT, PI and RI. RESULTS: Bilateral and mean carotid IMT were found to be significantly higher in hemodialysis patients than in the control group (P<0.0001). Right and left carotid artery RI values were determined to be lower in hemodialysis patients than in the control group (P=0.007 for both). Similarly, right and left carotid PI values were also determined significantly lower in the hemodialysis group (P=0.005 and P=0.004, respectively). There was a moderate negative correlation between the right carotid IMT and right PI (r=-0.258, P=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to previous studies in patients with diabetes, hypertension or cerebrovascular disease, PI and RI values decrease when IMT increases in hemodialysis patients. This finding may be a result of peripheral vasodilatation secondary to anemia in hemodialysis patients.

The relationship between arteriovenous fistula blood flow rate and pulmonary artery pressure in hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: Although there is an increased prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in hemodialysis patients, the relationship between arteriovenous (AV) fistula blood flow and pulmonary hemodynamics is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between blood flow rate of AV fistula and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Thirty-two hemodialysis patients were included in this study. Within 1 h of completion of dialysis, blood flow rate of AV fistula and pulmonary hemodynamics were evaluated using Doppler sonography. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as mean PAP > or = 25 mmHg at rest. RESULTS: Mean PAP, median blood flow rate of AV fistula, and mean cardiac index were 22.5 +/- 10.0 mmHg (range 8-39), 978.0 ml/min (interquartile range 762.0-1,584.5) and 3,043.0 +/- 694.3 ml/ min per m2 (range 1,251-4,140), respectively. Mean PAP has a relationship to cardiac index (r = 0.453, P = 0.014). However, there was no correlation between mean PAP and blood flow rate of AV fistula, hemoglobin, calcium-phosphorus (CaxP) product, and parathormone. Pulmonary hypertension was present in 43.7% of patients. Patients with pulmonary hypertension had significantly higher cardiac index (P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: We found there was no direct relationship between blood flow rate of AV fistula and PAP. Other factors may play a role in the development of pulmonary hypertension.

The midterm effects of diabetes mellitus on quadriceps and patellar tendons in patients with knee arthrosis: a comparative radiological study.

We sought to evaluate the effects of diabetes on the physical properties of the patellar and quadriceps tendons using radiological techniques. Twenty-seven diabetic and 34 nondiabetic patients with primary osteoarthritis of the right knee were studied. All patients had anteroposterior and lateral knee radiographs. The lengths of the patella and the patellar tendon were measured. The width and thickness of the patellar tendon were determined by ultrasound (US) examination at midpoint. The increase in the thickness of the patellar tendon sheath was graded qualitatively. The length of the quadriceps and patellar tendons, and the thickness and width of tendons in mid-length were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Buckling of tendons and increase in intensities were also evaluated. The mean age in the diabetic group was 57.6 +/- 10.1 years, and the mean age in the control group was 52.6 +/- 9.1 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 104.1 +/- 67.1 months. X-ray, US, and MRI measurements did not reveal any differences between the two groups. Quadriceps buckling was more prevalent in diabetic patients (P=.025). In both groups, the width of the patellar tendon was greater in men than in women (P=.001). In conclusion, we found no significant structural changes in the patellar and quadriceps tendons in diabetic patients in midterm. On MRI examination, the quadriceps tendons had more buckling in diabetic patients.

The effects of weight loss on normal transaminase levels in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, which is the main pathogenic factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD can progress without associated elevations in liver enzymes. Therefore, we investigated the effects of weight loss on normal transaminase levels in obese subjects who are at risk for NAFLD. METHODS: Thirty-seven obese patients with normal ALT levels were evaluated. All patients received an individualized low-calorie diet over at least 6 months. Twenty-two patients who achieved weight loss of at least 5% body weight were identified as the study group and the others as the control group. Transaminases, insulin resistance, and body mass index were compared before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Hepatic steatosis was found in 83.8% of obese patients. ALT was correlated with HOMA-IR in all patients at baseline (r = 0.363, P = 0.027). At the end of the follow-up, mean weight loss achieved in the study and control groups were 9.2% (8.7 +/- 3.0 kg) and 0.3% (0.5 +/- 2.8 kg), respectively. In the study group, HOMA-IR and ALT decreased from 4.0 +/- 1.8 to 2.4 +/- 0.9 and from 21.4 +/- 6.6 IU/L to 16.8 +/- 5.5 IU/L, respectively (P = 0.005 and P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that weight loss results in a decrease in normal ALT levels as well as insulin resistance. Therefore, the normal range for ALT may need to be reassessed.

[Evaluation of the hemodialysis patient with Pittsburgh sleep quality index]. / Hemodiyaliz hastalarinin Pittsburgh uyku kalite indeksi ile degerlendirilmesi.

Sleep disturbances such as sleep-onset insomnia, frequent awakening, sleep-maintenance insomnia, and restless legs syndrome are extremely common in hemodialysis patient. Those additional problems to their chronic disease appear to have significant negative effects on quality of life and functional health status. This study was intended to evaluate the sleep quality and to identify of hemodialysis patients. Ninety-four patients on hemodialysis (45 females, 49 males) were admitted into this study. "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index" was administered to all patients to evaluate their sleep quality. Their mean age and duration of hemodialysis was 49.7 +/- 16.5 years and 31.5 (3-192) month. Sleep quality was determined as poorer (global score >or= 5) in 65 (69.1%) people. Older people and female incidence were significantly higher in patients with poorer sleep quality (p= 0.044 and p= 0.009 respectively). There was no significant difference in other parameter. Sleep quality and related parameters compared. There was not strong but significant relation between poor sleep quality with age, female gender, and hemoglobin (rs= 0.284 p= 0.006, rs= 0.301 p= 0.003 and rs= -0.216 p= 0.037 respectively). Logistic regression analyses showed independent effects of female gender on poor sleep quality. In conclusion, sleep quality had been impaired in patients with chronic hemodialysis, especially in women. Therefore, evaluation of the sleep quality of hemodialysis patients during clinical practice must be taken into consideration. Being able to find out the related factors with sleep disorders, advanced study supported with polysomnography must be done.

Type 2 diabetes affects sleep quality by disrupting the respiratory function.

BACKGROUND: The effects of diabetes on the respiratory system were investigated with arterial blood gas, sleep quality index and respiratory functions tests. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with type II diabetes and 41 healthy cases were included. Their biochemical data, demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements and echocardiographic findings were collected from polyclinic records. Respiratory function tests were performed for all subjects and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire was conducted. Aforementioned data were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: The age, body weight and body mass index were similar but oxygen pressure, oxygen saturation, forced vital capacity (FVC; %), and sleep quality were decreased in patients with diabetes. Sleep quality was correlated with the presence of diabetes and hypertension, duration of diabetes, fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance, Glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and FVC. Half of the diabetic patients exhibited respiratory failure during sleep. Especially diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy, experienced a more severe and prolonged decrease in oxygen saturation. CONCLUSIONS: Blood gas, respiratory functions and sleep quality, which need to be evaluated as a whole, were affected in patients with diabetes. Assessment of sleep and its quality requires special attention in patients with diabetes.

Novel approach for the prevention of contrast nephropathy.

OBJECTIVE: To date, there is no effective treatment of contrast medium (CM)-induced nephropathy. Multiple studies documented a protective role of hydration and N-acetylcystein (NAC) as prophylactic agents against CM-induced nephropathy in a high-risk population. In the present study, we investigated a new antioxidant agent, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), and compare with NAC against contrast nephropathy. METHODS: Forty-two adult male rats were divided into six experimental groups, which were control, injected with intravenous (i.v.) CM, injected with i.p. CAPE, injected with i.p. NAC, injected with i.v. CM pretreated with i.p. CAPE, injected with i.v. CM pretreated with i.p. NAC. CAPE and NAC were given daily throughout the study. All rats were deprived of water for 24h at the third day of the study and then contrast medium was administered to CM, CAPECM and NACCM groups. The rats were sacrificed at the fifth day. Oxidant-antioxidant status was determined in renal tissues. The severity of injury was scored with a light microscope in renal tissue. Plasma creatinine levels were measured. RESULTS: Renal injury scores were higher in CAPECM and NACCM groups than in control, CAPE and NAC groups, but lower than the CM group. Likewise, creatinine levels of CAPECM and NACCM groups were higher than the control groups but they were significantly lower than the level of the CM group. Creatinine levels of the NACCM group were significantly higher than the CAPECM group. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in CAPECM and NACCM groups than the CM group. CONCLUSION: CAPE might protect renal structure and functions as well as NAC against CM injury.

Doppler sonography evaluation of flow velocity and volume of the extracranial internal carotid and vertebral arteries in healthy adults.

PURPOSE: To measure with Doppler sonography the velocity and volume of blood flow in the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA) of healthy adults and to calculate total cerebral blood flow volume (tCBFV). METHODS: Bilateral ICA and VA were examined sonographically in 180 healthy adults. Angle-corrected peak systolic (Vps), end-diastolic (Ved), and time-averaged maximum blood flow velocity (TAV) were measured in pulsed Doppler mode, and the resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were calculated. The cross-sectional area (A) was measured on gray-scale images. Volume flow was calculated as FV = TAV x A, and tCBFV was calculated as the sum of the right and left ICA and VA volume flow. RESULTS: tCBFV was 651 +/- 96 ml/min for the entire population. There was a significant decrease in Vps, Ved, TAV, and tCBFV with age in all arteries. RI and PI values initially declined and then increased with age. Cross-sectional area increased with age in ICA but not in VA. PI and RI were higher in men than in women. Blood flow velocity and volume were higher, and RI was lower in the left than in the right VA. CONCLUSION: The Doppler sonographic assessment of extracranial ICA and VA blood flow volume may be useful for the study of cerebral hemodynamic changes in patients with cerebrovascular disorders. Age-dependent changes should be considered, for instance, in the management of intensive care patients with impaired cerebral perfusion.

Hemodynamic changes in the cephalic vein of patients with hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula.

PURPOSE: To assess via Doppler sonography the hemodynamic changes in the cephalic vein after creation of an arteriovenous fistula, and to compare radiocephalic and brachiocephalic fistulas. METHODS: Thirty-three hemodialysis patients and 54 controls were enrolled in the study. The cephalic vein was examined with a 7.5-MHz linear-array transducer. Doppler waveform parameters (resistance index, pulsatility index), time-averaged maximum flow velocity (TAV), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and the cross-sectional area of the vessel (A) were measured. Cephalic vein flow volume (CVFV) was calculated as TAV x A. RESULTS: CVFV, PSV, EDV, A, RI, and PI were 45.5, 7.2, 6.7, 7.7, 1.2, and 1.32 times higher, respectively, in the cephalic vein of hemodialysis patients compared with controls. Both CVFV and A were higher in brachiocephalic patients compared with radiocephalic patients (1,983 +/- 1,199 versus 870 +/- 322 ml/min [p < 0.05] and 50.3 +/- 38.9 versus 21.0 +/- 7.8 mm(2) [p < 0.05], respectively). CONCLUSION: The increase in cross-sectional area and flow volume of the cephalic vein is larger in patients with brachiocephalic fistulas than in those with radiocephalic fistulas; however, flow velocities and waveform parameters are not different.