Chronotropic Responses to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Sitagliptin in Atria From Diabetic Rats.

ABSTRACT: Type 2 diabetes mellitus increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, elucidation of the cardiovascular effects of antidiabetics is crucial. Incretin-based therapies are increasingly used for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment as monotherapy and in combination. We aimed to study the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sitagliptin on beating rates in isolated atria from diabetic rats. The chronotropic responses to GLP-1 RAs and sitagliptin as monotherapy and in combinations with metformin, pioglitazone, and glimepiride in isolated atria from control and diabetic rats were determined. GLP-1 (7-36), GLP-1 (9-36), and exendin-4 (1-39) produced increases in beating rates in both control and diabetic rat atria. However, sitagliptin increased the beating frequency only in the diabetic group. Exendin (9-39), nitro- l -arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, and indomethacin blocked responses to GLP-1 RAs but not the response to sitagliptin. Glibenclamide, 4-aminopyridine, apamin, charybdotoxin, superoxide dismutase, and catalase incubations did not change responses to GLP-1 RAs and sitagliptin. GLP-1 RAs increase beating rates in isolated rat atrium through GLP-1 receptor, nitric oxide, and cyclooxygenase pathways but not potassium channels and reactive oxygen radicals.

Does proton pump inhibitor reduce the antiaggregant efficacy of aspirin in ischemic stroke?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of using acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) together with lansoprazole in the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 199 patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) using 100 mg aspirin regularly were included in the study. All patients were evaluated for the presence of aspirin resistance before starting the study. 57 patients with aspirin resistance were excluded from the study. The remaining 142 patients were divided into two groups: the 1st group consisted of those with stomach discomfort and the 2nd group consisted of those without stomach discomfort. Patients in group 1 were given 30 mg of lansoprazole taken before breakfast in addition to aspirin therapy. All patients were re-evaluated for the presence of aspirin resistance at a one-month follow-up. The antiaggregant activity was evaluated by the impedance aggregometry method in both groups. RESULTS: Of 142 patients, 75 were in group 1, and 67 were in group 2. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age and gender distribution of vascular risk factors. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of aspirin efficacy. The dose of aspirin was increased in patients with aspirin resistance (AR). CONCLUSION: The combination of 30 mg lansoprazole and 100 mg aspirin does not cause a decrease in antiaggregant activity in the early period, but chronic use was not evaluated in this study. Patients with AR may benefit from an increase in the dose of aspirin.

Serial measurement of soluble endoglin for risk assessment at the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction.

AIM: In this study, we aimed to investigate the soluble endoglin (sEng) levels in pregnant women with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and to examine the possible relation of the sEng levels with the time remaining to delivery and maternal and fetal complications. METHODS: A total of 42 pregnant women diagnosed with FGR were retrospectively reviewed. Using the maternal blood samples it is at the collected 24-37 gestational weeks, the sEng levels were measured. Fetal biometry measurements, umbilical artery, uterine artery, middle cerebral artery Doppler indices were documented. RESULTS: Of all patients, 17 (40%) were diagnosed with early-onset FGR, while 25 (60%) were diagnosed with late-onset FGR. Abnormal Doppler findings were present in 25 (60%) patients. Of 42 newborns, 18 (42%) were hospitalised in the neonatal unit. The mean sEng level calculated by taking the average of the first and second blood samples was 63.24 ± 49.83 ng/mL. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean sEng levels between those who gave birth within four, three, and two weeks after the diagnosis of FGR and those who did not. There was a positive significant correlation between the mean sEng levels and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.319, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: We did not find a statistically significant relationship between the sEng level and the time remaining to the time of delivery in pregnant women with FGR. We found no statistically significant difference in sEng level between the groups in pregnant women with fetuses with FGR with or without maternal and fetal complications.

Serum concentrations of HE4 and Ca125 in uncomplicated pregnancies: a longitudinal study.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of pregnancy on the serum level of HE4. Forty-six singleton pregnant women in the study group and 40 premenopausal women in the control group were included. HE4 and Ca125 levels were measured longitudinally at each trimester of pregnancy in the study group and once in the control group at the recruitment. In total 46, 38 and 33 pregnant patients blood samples were analysed in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy, respectively. The analysis was performed in 31 of the pregnant patients (31/46, 67.4%) in each trimester of pregnancy. A comparison of the median HE4 levels of control and study group revealed that the first and second trimester levels were significantly lower than the control group (p < .001 and p = .015, respectively). There was no difference between the control group and third trimester median HE4 levels (p = .55). Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? HE4 is a novel tumour marker approved for the detection of ovarian cancer and monitoring the recurrence or disease progression in conjunction with Ca125. However, we do not know much about physiological changes of HE4 level during pregnancy.What the results of this study add? The current study showed HE4 decreases during first and second trimesters of pregnancy and does not change during third trimester of pregnancy according to healthy premenopausal women.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? HE4 has a potential to be used in pregnancy but a lower cut off value should be considered in the pregnant population during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.

GLP-1 and GIP Levels in Patients With Hyperthyroidism: The Effect of Antithyroid Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Incretin hormones (glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] and gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]) may play a role in the development of glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia in patients with hyperthyroidism. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess both incretin levels and treatment-induced changes in incretin levels in those with hyperthyroidism. METHODS: A total of 24 subjects (12 with hyperthyroidism and 12 healthy) were enrolled in the study. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed and serum glucose, insulin GLP1, and GIP levels were evaluated at 0 (baseline), 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes using ELISA. Measurements were repeated after euthyroidism was reached in subjects with hyperthyroidism. RESULTS: The baseline glucose level was higher in those with hyperthyroidism compared with controls ( P = 0.03). GLP-1 and GIP responses to oral glucose load did not differ significantly between those with hyperthyroidism and controls. Peak GLP-1 and GIP levels were reached in both groups at 60 and 90 minutes, respectively. Areas under the curve (AUCs) for GLP1 and GIP were similar in those with hyperthyroidism and controls. Although GLP-1 and GIP levels did not change before and after antithyroid treatment in subjects with hyperthyroidism, time to peak GLP-1 and GIP levels were reached at 30 minutes after euthyroid state was achieved. Reversal of hyperthyroid to euthyroid status did not induce significant changes in AUCs for incretins. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest that the total incretin response to oral glucose load is preserved in patients with hypertyhroidism, but peak incretin responses may change after achieving euthyroid state.

ASSESSMENT OF DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION, ARTERIAL STIFFNESS, AND CAROTID INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS IN PATIENTS WITH ACROMEGALY.

OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in acromegaly, may be an efficient approach to extending the lifespan of affected patients. Therefore, it is crucial to determine any cardiovascular diseases in the subclinical period. The study objectives were to determine markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and asses heart structure and function. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, single-center study of 53 patients with acromegaly and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), pulse-wave velocity (PWV), and echocardiographic data were compared between these groups. RESULTS: CIMT and PWV were higher in the acromegaly group than in the healthy group (P = .008 and P = .002, respectively). Echocardiography showed that left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was present in 11.3% of patients. Left ventricular mass index and left atrial volume index were higher in the patients (P = .016 and P<.001, respectively). No differences in the CIMT, PWV, or echocardiographic measurements were identified between the patients with biochemically controlled and uncontrolled acromegaly and the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that subclinical atherosclerosis (i.e., CIMT and PWV markers) and heart structure and function were worse in patients with acromegaly than in healthy individuals. Because there were no differences in these parameters between patients with controlled and uncontrolled acromegaly, our results suggest that the structural and functional changes do not reverse with biochemical control. ABBREVIATIONS: AA = active acromegaly BSA = body surface area CA = biochemically controlled acromegaly CH = concentric hypertrophy CIMT = carotid intima-media thickness DBP = diastolic blood pressure DM = diabetes mellitus ECHO = echocardiography EDV = enddiastolic volume EF = ejection fraction ESV = endsystolic volume GH = growth hormone HC = healthy control HL = hyperlipidemia HT = hypertension IGF-1 = insulin-like growth factor 1 LA = left atrial LAV = left atrial volume LAVI = left atrial volume index LV = left ventricular LVDD = left ventricular diastolic dysfunction LVEF = left ventricular ejection fraction LVH = left ventricular hypertrophy LVMI = left ventricular mass index PWV = pulse-wave velocity RWT = relative wall thickness.

Parathyroidectomy in asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism reduces carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness.

OBJECTIVE: Although an International Workshop has suggested that cardiovascular assessment in asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients is not necessary, improvements in risk factors of subclinical atherosclerosis have been shown following parathyroidectomy. The objectives of this study were to determine whether parathyroidectomy in asymptomatic PHPT patients causes any change in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), arterial stiffness [pulse wave velocity (PWV)] and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels. DESIGN: Prospective study evaluating female patients diagnosed with asymptomatic PHPT in a single centre over a 6-month period. PATIENTS: A total of 48 subjects were included: 17 hypercalcaemic (HC, mean age: 51 ± 8 years, Ca: 2·73 ± 0·17 mmol/l) and 16 normocalcaemic (NC, mean age: 58 ± 7 years, Ca: 2·30 ± 0·10 mmol/l) PHPT patients, and 15 healthy controls (mean age: 52 ± 4 years, Ca: 2·27 ± 0·07 mmol/l). MEASUREMENTS: Biochemical tests, CIMT, PWV and sCD40L levels were compared at baseline and 6 months after parathyroidectomy (PTx). RESULTS: At baseline, CIMT and PWV values in the HC and NC patients were higher than in the control group. While there was a significant reduction in CIMT (601 ± 91 µm vs 541 ± 65 µm, P = 0·006) and PWV (9·6 ± 1·8 vs 8·4 ± 1·5 m/s, P = 0·000) in the hypercalcaemic group at the end of the 6th month after PTx, no change was observed in normocalcaemic group (P = 0·686 and P = 0·196 respectively). No differences were observed in sCD40L levels between patient and control groups or between baseline and 6 months in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: Parathyroidectomy leads to an improvement in the structural and functional impairment associated with atherosclerosis in the vascular wall in asymptomatic hypercalcaemic PHPT patients.

Is Klotho F352V Polymorphism the Missing Piece of the Bone Loss Puzzle in Renal Transplant Recipients?

BACKGROUND: Bone disorders are next to cardiovascular problems in frequency in renal transplant (RT) recipients. Reduction in 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25D) levels is among the reasons causing bone loss in these patients. Klotho (KL) serves as a co-receptor for fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and functions in vitamin D metabolism. KL polymorphisms have been identified in several studies, and phenylalanine to valine substitution at amino acid position 352 seemed to be important to KL function. We investigated KL F352V polymorphism and its relation with 1,25D levels in RT recipients. METHODS: The study included 25 RT recipients (8 female, 17 male) and 26 (14 female, 12 male) healthy control subjects who were wild (FF) phenotypes in terms of KL F352V polymorphism. RT recipients with (FV, n = 11) and without (FF, n = 14) a heterozygote polymorphism were determined with high resolution DNA melting analysis of KL F352V polymorphism. Serum 1,25D levels were measured using the RIA method. RESULTS: RT recipients with FV phenotype had significantly lower 1,25D levels (17.58 ± 18.38 pg/ml) compared to recipients with FF phenotype (44.91 ± 24.68 pg/ml) and control subjects (28.24 ± 12.13 pg/ml). 1,25D levels in RT recipients with FF phenotype were significantly higher than control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: KL F352V polymorphism may increase the expression of FGF23 co-receptor, KL protein and thus may decrease renal expression of 1α-hydroxylase, and/or stimulate 24-hydroxylase in RT recipients. The resultant decrease 1,25D levels may participate in bone loss in these patients.

Assessment of women who applied for the uterine transplant project as potential candidates for uterus transplantation.

AIM: To review the medical charts of women who applied for the uterine transplant project from June 2008 to June 2011 in our hospital retrospectively (18-40 years). METHODS: The data for 144 women were retrieved, and information was collected on the etiology of uterine factor infertility(UFI); ovarian reserve tests; and accompanying anatomic, infectious, genetic and endocrinological problems. RESULTS: There were 119 patients with primary amenorrhea and uterovaginal agenesis and 25 patients with a history of hysterectomy. The complete Müllerian agenesis patients formed the largest group of the UFI patients with better anti-Müllerian hormone levels and antral follicle count. Anatomical anomalies such as a solitary pelvic kidney may accompany Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) and impede surgery. The mean ages in MRKH, hysterectomy and complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) cases were 24.7, 35.0 and 34.4 years, respectively. The karyotype analysis showed 46XX (MRKH) in 109 patients and 46XY (CAIS) in 10 of the primary amenorrhea patients. CONCLUSION: Hysterectomy may deteriorate ovarian blood flow and decrease ovarian reserve. Fertility preservation may be considered in young woman undergoing hysterectomy.

Increased plasma soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 and myeloperoxidase activity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE/AIM: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent respiratory disorders associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The increment of systemic inflammation in OSA has been considered as the major pathogenic mechanism leading to cardiovascular diseases. There is limited and conflicting information in the literature investigating myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (sTNF-R1) levels in OSA patients. The aim of our study is to assess the clinical utility of plasma MPO activity and sTNF-R1 levels as risk markers for systemic inflammation and development of cardiovascular diseases in OSA patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 59 OSA patients diagnosed with polysomnograhpy for Apnea-Hypopnea index (AHI), and 26 healthy volunteers enrolled into the study. Plasma MPO activity was measured using a spectrophotometric method. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to detect plasma sTNF-R1 levels. RESULTS: Plasma MPO activity and sTNF-R1 levels were significantly higher (43.2 ± 21.65 vs. 30.44 ± 8.05 p = .0046; 2.379 ± 1.2 vs. 1.086 ± 0.86 p < .0001, respectively) in the total OSA patients compared to the control group. There was a significant weak correlation between MPO activity and disease severity indicator AHI (p = .03 r = .27). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated plasma MPO activity and sTNF-R1 levels in the OSA patients indicate increased systemic inflammation and oxidative stress which might contribute to the higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we recommend measurement of plasma MPO activity and sTNF-R1 levels in the OSA patients as potential risk predictors for cardiovascular diseases.

Assessment of left ventricular function by tissue Doppler echocardiography in pediatric chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular (CV) disease remains the most common cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 43 pediatric patients with CKD were divided into two groups according to their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): groups 1 and 2 (eGR; 29-75 and 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively). M - mode, conventional pulsed wave Doppler (cPWD) echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) were performed in all patients and 16 healthy controls. Maximal early (E wave) and late (A wave) diastolic flow velocities were assessed by cPWD. Using TDI, the early (E') and late (A') diastolic filling velocities were recorded. Early and late diastoles were evaluated using E' values and E/E' ratios, respectively. RESULTS: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was determined in 19/43 (44.2%) patients. The E/E' ratio was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 and controls. E/E' was found to be positively correlated with left ventricular mass (LVM) index, and negatively with hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Low Hb levels were only independent predictor of E/E' (p = 0.001, ß: -0.470, 95% CI: -0.764; -0.196). E' ratio was significantly lower in both patient groups compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: LVH and diastolic dysfunction are already present in early stages of CKD. Treatment of risk factors, such as anemia, is important to improve the clinical outcome.

Advanced oxidation protein products and ischaemia-modified albumin in obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that obstructive sleep apnea increases incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The high systemic oxidative stress in obstructive sleep apnea has been considered as a major pathogenic mechanism leading to cardiovascular disease. Oxidative stress-related lipid and DNA oxidation in obstructive sleep apnea have been reported in the previous studies. In contrast, there is limited and contradictory information regarding protein oxidation in obstructive sleep apnea patients such as ischaemia-modified albumin and advanced oxidation protein products. Therefore, we aimed to investigate plasma ischaemia-modified albumin and advanced oxidation protein products and their correlation with total oxidative status and total antioxidative capacity in the obstructive sleep apnea patients. METHODS: Plasma ischaemia-modified albumin, advanced oxidation protein products, total oxidative status and total antioxidative capacity were measured in 25 healthy volunteers and 59 obstructive sleep apnea patients diagnosed with polysomnography. RESULTS: Plasma total antioxidative capacity was significantly lower (P = 0·012) and total oxidative status was significantly higher (P < 0·001) in the patients compared to the controls demonstrating increased oxidative stress in the patients. Plasma advanced oxidation protein products were significantly higher in the patients than the controls (P = 0·024). Plasma ischaemia-modified albumin levels were not statistically different between the obstructive sleep apnea patients and controls (P = 0·74). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that high systemic oxidative stress in obstructive sleep apnea is reflected by increased advanced oxidation protein products without causing an increase in ischaemia-modified albumin.

A multicenter nationwide reference intervals study for common biochemical analytes in Turkey using Abbott analyzers.

BACKGROUND: A nationwide multicenter study was organized to establish reference intervals (RIs) in the Turkish population for 25 commonly tested biochemical analytes and to explore sources of variation in reference values, including regionality. METHODS: Blood samples were collected nationwide in 28 laboratories from the seven regions (≥400 samples/region, 3066 in all). The sera were collectively analyzed in Uludag University in Bursa using Abbott reagents and analyzer. Reference materials were used for standardization of test results. After secondary exclusion using the latent abnormal values exclusion method, RIs were derived by a parametric method employing the modified Box-Cox formula and compared with the RIs by the non-parametric method. Three-level nested ANOVA was used to evaluate variations among sexes, ages and regions. Associations between test results and age, body mass index (BMI) and region were determined by multiple regression analysis (MRA). RESULTS: By ANOVA, differences of reference values among seven regions were significant in none of the 25 analytes. Significant sex-related and age-related differences were observed for 10 and seven analytes, respectively. MRA revealed BMI-related changes in results for uric acid, glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyltransferase. Their RIs were thus derived by applying stricter criteria excluding individuals with BMI >28 kg/m2. Ranges of RIs by non-parametric method were wider than those by parametric method especially for those analytes affected by BMI. CONCLUSIONS: With the lack of regional differences and the well-standardized status of test results, the RIs derived from this nationwide study can be used for the entire Turkish population.

The association between endothelial dysfunction and hypertensive retinopathy in essential hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction, which is characterized by an imbalance between relaxing and contracting factors, procoagulant and anticoagulant substances, and between pro-inflammatory mediators, may play a particularly significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Numerous experimental and clinical reports suggest that a high von Willebrand factor (vWF) level reflects endothelial damage or dysfunction. Hypertensive retinopathy (HR) is a condition characterized by a spectrum of retinal vascular signs in people with elevated blood pressure. The pathophysiological mechanism of HR is not completely understood. Elevated blood pressure alone does not fully account for the extent of retinopathy. Endothelial dysfunction and mechanisms known to be involved in vascular lesions may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanism of HR. Therefore, this study was designed to answer the following questions: (i) Do vWf levels change in HR? and (ii) Is there any relation between degree of HR and vWf levels? MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 80 hypertensive patients with HR. Group 1 comprised 40 patients with grade I HR, and group 2 comprised 40 patients with grade II HR. We selected 40 healthy subjects for the control group. RESULTS: Level of vWf in group 2 was significantly higher than in group 1 (p=0.017) and the control group (p<0.001), and it was also higher in group 1 than in the control group (p<0.005). Also, vWf showed positive correlation with degree of HR in the hypertensive group (r=0.284, p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that endothelial dysfunction, which is a mechanism known to be involved in vascular lesions, may promote the development of HR.

Can lipid mediators and free fatty acids guide acute coronary syndrome diagnosis and treatment?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate fatty acids, lipid mediator levels, and the desaturase index rates on different acute coronary syndrome types and their possible relationship with routine lipid parameters. METHODS: The study included 81 patients with myocardial infarction (MI), 20 patients with unstable angina pectoris, and 31 healthy people. Fatty acids, CD59, lipoxin A4, 8-isoprostane, serum lipids, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and high sensitive troponin levels were measured in all participants. RESULTS: When the fatty acid groups were evaluated as a ratio of albumin, MUFA/albumin and SFA/albumin ratios were significantly higher in the MI group compared to the control group. Although CD59 and lipoxin A4 levels were higher in the control group, there was no significant differences between the groups. When lipoxin A4/CRP and CD59/CRP ratios were evaluated, the results were significantly lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: Lipid mediators may be useful in treating atherosclerosis by contributing to the resolution of inflammation.

THE effect of P2X7 receptor activation on functional responses of human left internal mammary artery.

The Purinoreceptor 7 (P2X7R) has become a promising drug target in many cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, since prolonged activation of P2X7R could promote vascular dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis. Thus, we aimed to study the effects of P2X7R activation on vascular relaxation responses of the human left internal mammary artery (LIMA). Sections of redundant human LIMA were cut into 3-mm wide rings,, suspended in 20-mL organ baths containing physiologic salt solution, and attached to an isometric force transducer connected to a computer-based data acquisition system. Long-term (60 min) incubation with specific P2X7R agonist Bz-ATP caused significant reductions in relaxation responses of LIMA to ATP and acetylcholine, which were reversed by selective P2X7R antagonists Brilliant Blue G or AZ11645373, whereas there were no changes in relaxation responses to endothelium-independent vasodilators isoprenaline, cAMP analog 8-Br-cAMP, and nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside. The impairment in relaxant responses of LIMA to endothelium-dependent vasodilators following activation of P2X7R for the long-term may contribute to postoperative LIMA vasospasm and hypertension. Modulation of P2X7R activity with selective agents may represent a new potential therapeutic approach in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester modulates aflatoxin B1-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most potent of the mycotoxins and is widely observed in nutrition abnormalities. There are some studies suggesting oxidative stress-induced toxic changes on liver related to AFB1 toxicity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether antioxidant caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) relieves oxidative stress in AFB1-induced liver injury in rat. Twenty-four male rats were equally divided into three groups. The first group was used as a control. The second group received three doses of AFB1. The three doses of CAPE were given to constitute the third group with doses of AFB1. After 10 days of experiment, liver and serum samples were taken from all animals. Serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutathione s-transferase (GST), nitric oxide (NO) and sulfhydryl values were higher in the AFB1 group than in control, whereas serum GGT, ALP, GST and NO values were decreased by in the AFB1 + CAPE group than in AFB1 group. Liver GST, total oxidant capacity, sulfhydryl, apoptosis index and ischemia-modified albumin values were higher in the AFB1 group than in control, whereas the GST activity and apoptosis index were lower in the AFB1 + CAPE group than in the AFB1 group. There were histopathological degeneration and apoptosis in hepatocytes of AFB1 group. The findings were totally recovered by CAPE administration. In conclusion, we observed that AFB1 caused oxidative and nitrosative hepatoxicity to hepatocytes in the rat. However, CAPE induced protective effects on the AFB1-induced hepatoxicity by modulating free radical production, biochemical values and histopathological alterations.

Diagnostic value of thyroglobulin washout in fine-needle aspiration samples for diagnosis and follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer.

Our goal was to assess the effectiveness of fine-needle aspiration thyroglobulin (FNA-Tg) in detecting malignant lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We also aimed to determine the factors that affect the accuracy of FNA-Tg. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the laboratory, ultrasonographic, histopathological, FNA cytology (FNA-C), and FNA-Tg results of 176 DTC patients. We used receiver operating characteristic analysis to identify the cutoff value of FNA-Tg, and binary regression analysis to compare FNA-Tg with other diagnostic parameters. Spearman correlation was utilized to identify factors that influence FNA-Tg. Our study revealed that a cutoff value of 3.14 ng/mL for FNA-Tg had a sensitivity of 91.8% and a specificity of 96.6% in detecting malignant LNs in the entire group. In the subgroup with thyroid tissue, the optimal cutoff value for FNA-Tg was determined to be 15.5 ng/mL. Additionally, FNA-C had a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 99.4% for the entire group. The combined use of FNA-Tg and FNA-C yielded a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 96%, which was found to be more effective than using either test alone. Serum Tg positivity and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone were positively correlated with FNA-Tg levels in detecting malignant LNs. Our study demonstrated that FNA-Tg is a reliable method for detecting LN metastases in DTC patients, with a 3.14 ng/mL cutoff value. However, each center should take into account factors such as serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, serum Tg, and the presence of thyroid tissue when interpreting FNA-Tg results and determining the appropriate cutoff level.

Anti-mutated citrulline vimentin antibodies may be higher in Ankylosing spondylitis, but may not have a role in diagnosing disease and may not be associated with disease severity.

OBJECTIVE: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatologic disease with severe morbidity and mortality. Many studies in the literature showing that serum antibodies against anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV ab) can be elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, there is little data in the literature about the levels of anti-MCV antibodies in AS patients. We designed the study to evaluate the role of anti-MCV antibody in the diagnosis of AS and to investigate whether it is associated with disease activity parameters. METHODS: There were three separate groups in our study. The number of participants in these groups is 60 patients in the AS group, 60 patients in the RA group, and 50 healthy participants in the control group. The anti-MCV ab levels of the participants were measured by enzyme-like immune assay method. We compared anti-MCV levels between groups. We then evaluated its role in the diagnosis of AS and evaluated its relationship with disease activity parameters. RESULTS: The anti-MCV antibody levels of both AS (p=0.006) and RA (p>0.001) patients were found to be significantly higher than controls. Anti-MCV antibody was higher than predefined threshold level (20 IU/mL) in 4 of 60 (6.7%) AS patients. Anti-MCV levels are similar in patients with or without a -acceptable symptom state (PASS). There is also no appropriate anti-MCV cutoff level with respect to PASS and a highly sensitive and specific level for diagnosis of AS. CONCLUSION: Although AS patients has higher anti-MCV levels than controls, it may have a limited ability to AS diagnosis and to predict severity of the disease.

C allele in transforming growth factor-ß1 rs1800471 gene polymorphisms might indicate a protective feature in encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis development.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal fibrosis may progress in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients to a fatal clinical condition called encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis. We aimed to investigate the association among polymorphisms in the gene encoding TGF-ß1, which were -509C/T (rs1800469), +869T/C (rs1982073), and +915G/C (rs1800471) in EPS patients. METHODS: A total of 16 PD patients who were clinically and radiologically diagnosed with EPS were enrolled and 22 age- and gender-matched PD patients were selected as the non-EPS group. RESULTS: G allele frequency at the rs1800471 gene polymorphism was significantly higher in the EPS group than non-EPS group (p = 0.005). Interestingly, the non-EPS group patients had CC or CG polymorphisms. CONCLUSION: C allele in TGF-ß1 rs1800471 gene polymorphisms might indicate a protective feature in EPS development. Knowing the presence of polymorphism may be effective in selecting renal replacement therapy in patients.