Associations between erythrocyte membrane fatty acid compositions and insulin resistance in obese adolescents.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Cytokines released from the adipose tissue and fatty acids (FAs) derived from lipolysis or uptake of fats go in to competition with glucose to be uptaken from the liver leads to insulin resistance (IR). We aimed to show the associations among serum lipid profile, FA compositions and IR. METHODS: Anthropometrical measurements, biochemical parameters and erythrocyte membrane (EM) FA levels of 95 obese adolescents (41 with IR) and 40 healthy controls were compared. RESULTS: LDL-C, fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR were significantly higher and HDL-C levels were significantly lower in obese patients than in controls (p=0.013, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). EM C 24:0, C 16:1 ω7 and C 22:1 ω9 FA levels were significantly higher, while C 20:5 ω3 (EPA) levels were significantly lower in obese subjects than in controls (p<0.001, p=0.018, p<0.001, p=0.043 and p<0.001, respectively). Moreover, when obese subjects divided into two groups according to the presence of IR; EM C 16:1 ω7 levels were still significantly higher and EPA levels were still significantly lower in both obese subjects with and without IR compared to controls (p<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Saturated FA intake should be decreased because of its role in the development of obesity and IR, and ω-3 group FA intake should be increased.

Malondialdehyde, antioxidant enzymes, and renal tubular functions in children with iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia.

We aimed to investigate the effects of iron deficiency (ID) or iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) on oxidative stress and renal tubular functions before and after treatment of children. A total of 30 children with a diagnosis of IDA constituted the IDA group and 32 children with a diagnosis of ID constituted the ID group. Control group consisted 38 age-matched children. Serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), serum, and urinary sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), urinary N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) levels, and intra-erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were measured before and after iron therapy in the IDA and ID groups, whereas it was studied once in the control group. We have divided the study group in groups according to age (infants <2 years, children 3-9 years, and adolescents 10-15 years). Patients with IDA (infant, adolescent) and ID (infant, children, and adolescent) had a significantly high level of MDA in post-treatment period in comparison to those of healthy control. Patients with IDA (children, adolescent) and ID (infant, children) had a significantly high level of pre-treatment GSH-Px than controls. Post-treatment SOD was lower in IDA (children and adolescent) groups than control and post-treatment CAT was lower in IDA and ID (adolescent) groups than control. These findings show that ferrous sulfate used in the treatment of ID or IDA could lead to oxidative stress; however, a marked deterioration of in proximal renal tubular functions was not seen.

Relationship between neonatal adrenomedullin and bilirubin levels.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress and inflammation are the basic molecular mechanisms in bilirubin neurotoxicity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum bilirubin and an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective peptid, adrenomedullin (AM) levels. METHODS: The correlation between serum bilirubin and AM levels was investigated in a total of 87 newborns. Newborns were further divided into two groups according to the serum bilirubin levels. Group I (with significant hyperbilirubinemia) and Group II (without significant hyperbilirubinemia) were compared with respect to demographic, anthropometric and biochemical parameters including serum AM levels. RESULTS: In the correlation analysis, a significant positive correlation was detected between serum indirect bilirubin and AM levels in 87 newborns (p < 0.001, r = 0.945). In demographic, anthropometric and biochemical comparison of the two study groups, serum indirect bilirubin levels were 21.53 ± 3.59 and 9.37 ± 4.87 mg/dl in Groups I and II, respectively (p < 0.001), and serum AM levels were 1.45 ± 0.06 and 1.28 ± 0.07 ng/ml in Groups I and II, respectively (p < 0.001) CONCLUSION: AM probably plays a significant role in adverse effects and neuronal injury steps of significant hyperbilirubinemia. In parallel with the results of this study the role, effects and physiopathological basis of AM in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia should be established especially with further animal studies. Results of this study may be used in establishing reference values for AM as there are very limited number of studies in newborns.

Evaluation of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system in healthy iron-replete infants receiving iron prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE: Iron supplementation is commonly recommended for infants; however, there are some reports that it causes oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of iron supplementation at 4 mo of age, for a period of 2 mo, on lipid peroxidation and free radical scavenging enzymes. METHODS: Twenty-seven healthy 4-mo-old infants chosen randomly and given iron supplementation (ferrous sulfate, 10 mg of elemental iron per day) constituted the study group and 26 healthy 4-mo-old infants who were chosen randomly and not given iron supplementation constituted the control group. Weight, height, head circumference, complete blood cell count, serum ferritin level and intraerythrocytic zinc, iron, copper, malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase levels were measured in the two groups at 4 and 6 mo of life. RESULTS: Compared with controls at 6 mo of age, no significant differences were observed for intraerythrocytic zinc (0.5 ± 0.1 versus 0.6 ± 0.2 µg/mL, P > 0.05), copper (0.2 ± 0.1 versus 0.2 ± 0.2 µg/mL, P > 0.05), iron (130.8 ± 10.9 versus 127.4 ± 11.1 µg/mL, P > 0.05), malondialdehyde (21.4 ± 3.5 versus 22.4 ± 2.3 nmol/g of hemoglobin, P > 0.05), catalase (135.4 ± 23.9 versus 135.1 ± 23.3 MU/g of hemoglobin, P > 0.05), superoxide dismutase (1736.4 ± 141.1 versus 1701.3 ± 103.9 U/g of hemoglobin, P > 0.05), and glutathione peroxidase (8.9 ± 1.6 versus 8.4 ± 1.6 U/g of hemoglobin, P > 0.05) levels. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that the supplemental use of elemental iron 10 mg/d for a period of 2 mo in healthy iron-replete infants did not cause lipid peroxidation or an impairment of antioxidant status.

Premature atherosclerosis in children with ß-thalassemia major.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between chronic hemolysis and increased body iron burden with development of premature atherosclerosis by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), ferritin, serum lipid profile, homocysteine, nitrate/nitrite, and chitotriosidase enzyme activity in children with ß-thalassemia major. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 31 children with a diagnosis of ß-thalassemia major between the ages of 4 to 16 years constituted the study group. Control group was consisted of 36 age-matched healthy children. Complete blood count, serum glucose, lipid profile, ferritin, homocysteine, calcium, chitotriosidase, and nitrate/nitrite levels were measured and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic investigation and carotid IMT measurement were performed. RESULTS: In study group serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were found to be significantly reduced, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were found to be significantly elevated. Plasma nitrate/nitrite levels were significantly reduced; chitotroisidase enzyme activity was significantly increased and carotid IMT was significantly increased in study group. Nitrate/nitrite was found to be the only variable that was statistically significantly related to carotid IMT. CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical atherosclerosis in children with ß-thalassemia major begins early in life, and these children are at risk for development of premature atherosclerosis.

Treatment of Priapism with Automated Red Cell Exchange and Hyperbaric Oxygen in an 11-year-old Patient with Sickle Cell Disease.

Priapism affects up to 50% of all males with sickle cell disease, and there is no standard treatment. Delayed and unsuccessful treatment leads to corporal fibrosis and impotence. It is therefore necessary to determine the best treatment methods for this complication in order to offer effective interventions to all affected patients. Herein we report an 11-year-old patient with sickle cell disease that presented with priapism 72 h after onset, and was successfully treated with automated red cell exchange and hyperbaric oxygen following unsuccessful surgical and conventional interventions.

Plasma levels of trace elements have an implication on interferon treatment of children with chronic hepatitis B infection.

This study evaluated the plasma levels of trace elements in children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and assessed whether they can be a factor that affects the response to interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment. The study included 35 cases (ten girls, 25 boys) aged 3-13 years with chronic HBV infection and the control group. Plasma levels of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) were measured before IFN-alpha treatment and biochemical, virological, and histopathologic response to treatment were assessed. Children were followed for at least 15 months. Although plasma Cu levels showed no difference between the groups, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn levels were significantly lower in the study group before treatment. Fourteen cases (40%) showed biochemical response; 17 (48.6%) showed virological response; 16 (47.6%) showed histopathologic response, and ten (28.6%) showed response according to all three parameters. Plasma Cu and Mn levels of patients with triple response showed no difference; but Mo, Se, and Zn levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the study group. No difference was observed between responders and nonresponders (p > 0.05). Plasma levels of Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn are lower in children with chronic HBV infection compared to healthy children. The pretreatment levels of these elements did not show difference between responders and nonresponders to IFN-alpha.

High dose calcitriol in osteopetrorickets.

Osteopetrorickets is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of osteoclast function characterized by abnormally dense bone and failure of resorption of calcified cartilage. Rickets is a paradoxical complication of osteopetrosis, resulting from the inability of the osteoclasts to maintain a normal calcium-phosphorus balance in the extracellular fluid. We report a patient with an unusual case of infantile osteopetro-rickets who was admitted with anterior fontanel bulging and was treated with haploidentical bone marrow transplantation.

The effects of biotin supplementation on serum and liver tissue biotinidase enzyme activity and alopecia in rats which were administrated to valproic acid.

Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely used and well-tolerable antiepileptic drug in epileptic patients. However, VPA has many side effects dose-dependent or non-dose-dependent. It is reported that VPA treatment may lead to biotin deficiency and low serum and liver tissue biotinidase enzyme activity (BEA). Major clinical manifestations in biotin deficiency are seborrheic dermatitis, dry skin, fine and brittle hair, and alopecia. We aimed to investigate the effects of biotin supplementation on serum and liver tissue BEA and alopecia during VPA therapy. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, each consisted of 15 rats (VPA-B1, VPA-B2, VPA, and control). Except the control group, all groups were administrated VPA dose of 600 mg/kg/d per oral (PO) for 60 days with 12h intervals two divided doses. VPA-B1 was administrated biotin dose of 6 mg/kg/d and VPA-B2 was administrated biotin dose of 0.6 mg/kg/d. In the third week of the study, we determined alopecia in the study groups. Alopecia was seen in the subjects of 13.3% of VPA-B1 (n=2), 13.3% of VPA-B2 (n=2), and 40% of VPA (n=6). But statistical significant effect on alopecia by biotin supplementation was not able to be determined between the study groups. In the control group, alopecia was not observed. The ratios of alopecia in the study groups were statistically higher than the control group (p=0.028). Itchiness was more obvious in the study groups compared with the control group. Serum biotin levels of the biotin supplemented groups (VPA-B1 and VPA-B2) were higher than the other groups (VPA and control group). Serum biotin levels of the VPA group were lower than the control group. There were significant decreases in the levels of serum and liver tissue BEA of the study groups compared with the control group. In conclusion we showed that VPA usage reduced the serum and liver tissue BEA and impaired the biotin utilization by affecting the liver. Partial biotinidase deficiency may lead to alopecia. It might be prevented by biotin supplementation in the patients receiving VPA therapy. We considered that further studies are necessary to find out the effective and safe biotin dose.

Is there a relationship between childhood Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia?

An association between Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia has been reported in children, and it has been proposed that H. pylori infection needs to be eradicated to treat absolutely iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We investigated whether there was any correlation between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency (ID) and IDA in children, and whether the eradication of H. pylori infection without iron treatment would lead to the resolution of ID. Hemoglobin and ferritin levels, H. pylori stool antigen test and (14)C urea breath test were measured in 140 children aged 6--16 years (median 9.5 years). Children with H. pylori infection were divided into three groups on the basis of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and serum ferritin levels: groups of IDA, ID, and control. All the children received anti-H. pylori combination therapy consisting of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and lansoprazole. Hemoglobin and MCV values rose significantly compared with baseline values after H. pylori eradication without iron supplementation in children with IDA (p=0.002 and p=0.003, respectively). Ferritin values increased significantly after H. pylori eradication in children with ID (p<0.001). We conclude that complete recovery of ID and IDA can be achieved with H. pylori eradication without iron supplementation in children with H. pylori infection.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn due to isoimmunization with anti-E antibodies: a case report.

Minor blood group hemolytic disease is extremely rare, since the overall potency of minor blood groups in inducing antibodies is significantly lower when compared with that of Rh (D) antigen. We hereby report a very rare case of severe neonatal anti-E hemolytic disease due to E minor blood group incompatibility. A term newborn born to a 27-year-old, gravida 3, para 3 mother was referred due to a high and increasing serum bilirubin level despite phototherapy on the 4th day of life. On admission physical examination was normal except for the jaundice, and results of the laboratory investigation demonstrated a moderate-to-severe anemia (hemoglobin 7.8 g/dl) and a severe hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia (serum total and indirect bilirubin levels 36 mg/ dl and 32.8 mg/dl, respectively; reticulocyte count 15%; and a positive direct antiglobulin test). As there was no apparent cause of the hemolytic disease such as Rh or ABO incompatibilities, further investigation (a positive indirect antiglobulin test and a positive irregular anti-E antibody in both the patient and mother, and minor blood group antigen profiles in family members compatible with E minor blood group isoimmunization) revealed the presence of anti-E hemolytic disease due to E minor blood group incompatibility. Two exchange transfusions with a 12-hour-interval were performed with minor blood group compatible fresh whole blood, and the patient was discharged in a healthy condition on the 10th postnatal day. If the most common causes of severe neonatal hemolytic disease such as Rh and ABO incompatibilities cannot be demonstrated in a newborn with significant hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia, anti-E hemolytic disease should strongly be considered in differential diagnosis. It should be kept in mind that a very severe from of minor group antibody hemolytic disease characterized by anemia and severe hyperbilirubinemia many exchange transfusions may be encountered during the course of the disease.