Exploring PGE2 and LXA4 Levels in Migraine Patients: The Potential of LXA4-Based Therapies.

Neurogenic inflammation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of migraines. This study aimed to investigate the serum levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), lipoxin A4 (LXA4), and other inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen) in migraine patients. In total, 53 migraine patients and 53 healthy controls were evaluated. Blood serum samples were collected during both attack and interictal periods and compared with the control group. In both the attack and interictal periods, PGE2 and LXA4 values were significantly lower in migraine patients compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, PGE2 values during the attack period were significantly higher than those during the interictal period (p = 0.016). Patients experiencing migraine attacks lasting ≥ 12 h had significantly lower serum PGE2 and LXA4 levels compared to those with attacks lasting < 12 h (p = 0.028 and p = 0.009, respectively). In ROC analysis, cut-off values of 332.7 pg/mL for PGE2 and 27.2 ng/mL for LXA4 were determined with 70-80% sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, PGE2 and LXA4 levels are significantly lower in migraine patients during both interictal and attack periods. Additionally, the levels of LXA4 and PGE2 decrease more with the prolongation of migraine attack duration. Our findings provide a basis for future treatment planning.

Role of methemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin levels in predicting COVID-19 prognosis: an observational study.

World Health Organization has declared coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) as a pandemic. Although there are studies about this novel virus, our knowledge is still limited. There is limited information about its diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. We aimed to investigate the effect of methemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin levels on the prognosis of COVID-19. In this observational study, patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 during March 1-April 31, 2020 in a secondary-level state hospital in Turkey were included in the study. COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method, with nasal, oral or sputum specimens. During the period this study was performed, 3075 patients were tested for COVID-19 and 573 of them were hospitalized. Among the hospitalised patients, 23.2% (133) of them had a positive polymerase chain reaction result for COVID-19. A total of 125 patients, 66 (52.8%) males and 59 (47.2%) females, with an average age of 50.2 ± 19.8 years, were included in the study. The most common findings in chest radiogram were ground-glass areas and consolidations, while one-third of the patients had a normal chest radiogram. Computed thorax tomography was performed for 77.6% (97/125) of the patients. The 24.7% of computed tomographies (24/97) did not reveal any pathological findings, and the most common findings were ground-glass appearance and consolidation. Those who needed intensive care had statistically significantly lower platelet count (P = 0.011) and higher lactate dehydrogenase levels (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in carboxyhemoglobin (P = 0.395) and methemoglobin (P = 1.000) levels. We found that carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin levels had no effect on COVID-19 prognosis, but low platelet level played a role in predicting COVID-19 prognosis. This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Harran University Faculty of Medicine on May 11, 2020 with approval No. 09.

Quail consumption can be harmful.

BACKGROUND: Intoxication due to quail consumption is rarely seen. Such a toxicological syndrome (also called coturnism) occurs during the migration of quails from north to south, when they consume hemlock seeds. The clinical symptoms and laboratory results are indicative of acute rhabdomyolysis. OBJECTIVES: Acute rhabdomyolysis has a wide range of etiologies. Coturnism is a rare cause of acute rhabdomyolysis that can be lethal due to renal failure and shock. To avoid severe complications, coturnism may be considered if the history is appropriate. CASE REPORT: We report four cases of coturnism from quail consumption; the patients were admitted with some combination of symptoms including muscle tenderness, extremity pain, nausea, and vomiting. They were treated with vigorous isotonic crystalloid hydration and urine alkalinization. Consequently, the laboratory results returned to normal ranges and the clinical symptoms disappeared. CONCLUSION: Although coturnism is a rarely seen toxicological syndrome that causes rhabdomyolysis, we present this case to increase awareness that it may present with symptoms of muscle tenderness, extremity pain, nausea, and vomiting after quail consumption.