Effect of different retreatment files using different kinematics on the release of inflammatory mediators in root canal retreatment of single-rooted teeth: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effect of two rotaries (ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTUR)), D-Race (DR) + XP-Endo Finisher R (XPFR) and one reciprocating (Reciproc Blue (RB) retreatment techniques on the release of neuropeptides (Substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)), and cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) in periapical fluid in root canal retreatment of single-rooted teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05039502), seventy-five patients scheduled for retreatment were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the file system used to remove root canal filling materials (n = 25): PTUR, RB, and DR + XPFR. After reshaping and disinfection of the root canals, periapical fluid samples were taken, and the levels of Substance P, CGRP, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests. The level of significance was set as p = 0. 05. RESULTS: All the allocated participants received the intervention and were analyzed. There was no statistically significant difference among groups in terms of gender, age, tooth localization, and the distribution of analgesic use after treatment (p values 0.799, 0.095, 0.637, 1.000, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found in terms of the levels of Substance P, CGRP, and IL-10 among groups (p > .05), except IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: PTUR, RB, and DR + XPFR files have comparable results in the expression of inflammatory mediators. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Retreatment files powered with rotary or reciprocating motion produced similar neuropeptide and cytokine levels in patients.

GPER-1 and sex-hormone levels in patients with otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Otosclerosis is a widespread disease but the etiopathogenesis is still not fully understood. Hormonal factors especially estrogens are accused in recent years. The study aimed to evaluate the levels of G-protein associated membrane estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1) and sex-hormones in patients with otosclerosis. SUBJECT AND METHODS: The study included 60 people (30 otosclerosis patients, 30 control group). Serum sex-hormone (estradiol, progesterone, prolactin and total testosterone) and GPER-1 levels were measured in otosclerosis patients and compared with the normal population. For the otosclerosis group, air conduction and bone conduction thresholds and air-bone gaps were viewed from audiograms and the relationships between hearing and GPER-1 or sex-hormone levels were also investigated. RESULTS: Sex-hormone levels were not different between the groups. GPER-1 level was significantly lower in the otosclerosis group [3.1353 (0.76-8.21) ng/mL] than the control group [5.4773 (0.96-20.31) ng/mL] (p =0.017). Differential diagnosis with ROC analysis for the GPER-1 level was also significant (p=0.017). GPER-1 level was significantly lower for the females than the males in the otosclerosis group (p=0.043). Serum estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin levels were significantly higher (p=0.02, p =0.029 and p=0.019 respectively) and the GPER-1 level was significantly lower (p= 0.04) in the female patients compared to the female controls. There was no statistically significant relationship between GPER-1 or sex-hormone levels and hearing parameters. CONCLUSION: GPER-1 level was lower in the otosclerosis patients compared to healthy volunteers and also lower in females than males in the patient group. Female sex-hormone levels were higher and GPER-1 level was lower in the female patient group than the female control group. Neither GPER-1 nor sex-hormone levels were not predictive of hearing levels. These findings indicate that sex-hormones especially estrogen and GPER-1 might have a potential role in the etiopathogenesis of otosclerosis. This is the first study in the literature that investigates the GPER-1 values in otosclerosis.

Neuroprotective effects of quercetin on cerebral vasospasm following experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage in rats

Background/aim: We examined the protective effects of the natural flavonoid, quercetin, against cerebral vasospasm in an experimental rat subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) model. Materials and methods: Thirty-eight albino Wistar rats were divided into five groups as follows: group 1 (G1, n=8), no experimental intervention; group 2 (G2, n=8), subarachnoid physiological saline; group 3 (G3, n=8), SAH; group 4 (G4, n=7) SAH and low-dose (10 mg/kg) quercetin treatment; group 5 (G5, n=7), SAH and high-dose (50 mg/kg) quercetin treatment. Subarachnoid haemorrhage was induced by injection of 0.15 cc of autologous blood taken from the tail artery into the cisterna magna from the craniocervical junction and basilar arteries and blood samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results: Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher in G2 and G3 than in G1 (P < 0.05). Significant decreases in MDA were observed in G4 and G5 compared with G2 (P < 0.05, G4­G2; P < 0.05, G5­G2). There were no significant differences between G2 and G3 or among G1, G4, and G5. No statistically significant differences were found in total antioxidant capacity between the groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in basilar artery (BA) wall thickness between G3 and G4 or between G3 and G5, but G4 and G5 showed greater luminal diameters than G3 (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in BA thickness or luminal diameter between G4 and G5. Conclusion: Our results suggested that quercetin may be beneficial in SAH therapy by preventing vasospasm.

Flavonoids protect colon against radiation induced colitis.

Radiation induced colitis is one the most common clinical issue for patients receiving radiotherapy. For this reason, we aimed to investigate the effect of antioxidant-effective flavonoids hesperidin and quercetin on the intestinal damage induced by radiation in this study. TNF-alpha, interleukin-10 (IL-10), heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) and caspase 3, 8, 9 markers of apoptotic pathways were measured in the colon tissues of irradiated acute intestinal damage by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Irradiation of rats caused a significance increase of TNF-alpha, caspase 3/8/9 and decrease of IL-10 concentrations. Hesperidin and quercetin treatment resulted in decreased levels of TNF-alpha and increased levels of IL-10. Quercetin significantly decreased caspase 3/8/9 levels. Hesperidin produced a decreased of caspase 3/8/9 levels compared with irradiation group but this was statistically not significant. Only significant alteration of HSP 70 were seen in hesperidin treated rats. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism by which flavonoids induced signaling provides protection against apoptosis and inflammation.

Folate-receptor 1 level in periodontal disease: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum folate-receptor 1 (FOLR1) levels in subjects with different periodontal status. METHODS: The study consists of three groups: Healthy group (n = 15), gingivitis group (n = 15) and chronic periodontitis group (n = 15). Clinical periodontal parameters including probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed. GCF and serum samples were collected from each patient and were analyzed FOLR1 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The values of FOLR1 in GCF were higher in gingivitis and periodontitis groups than among patient in control group (p < 0.016). Serum FOLR1 levels showed no significant difference between the groups. A significant correlation was observed between FOLR1 levels of GCF and BOP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data suggest that FOLR1 is not useful in monitoring the periodontal disease. Further studies are necessary to clarify the role, regulation and function of folate and it's receptors in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Evaluation of Serum Fetuin-A and Osteoprotegerin Levels in Patients with Psoriasis.

Psoriasis patients are determined to have a high ratio of coronary artery calcification. Fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin are systemic calcification inhibitors and related to vascular calcification and cardiovascular mortality. In this study we investigated the relationship between fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin levels in psoriasis patients. The study included 40 healthy volunteers and 40 psoriasis patients. Venous blood were collected from healthy volunteers and psoriasis patients in order to search the fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin levels. Disease severity were grouped as mild, moderate and severe according to psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). The relationship between fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin levels and clinical features as sex, PASI and presence of psoriatic arthritis were analyzed. Fetuin-A levels in psoriasis patients were statistically lower than the control group (p < 0.001). In serum osteoprotegerin levels, no statistically significant difference was found in two groups (p > 0.05). Serum fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin level differences were not statistically significant between patients with psoriatic arthritis history and those without. When we grouped patients in respect of their sexes fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin levels of males and females were not significantly different (p > 0.05). No correlation was detected between the ages and PASI scores and the fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin levels of patients. As a result fetuin-A levels in psoriasis patients are found to be low but not related to disease severity. In the light of our results we concluded that fetuin-A may have a role in psoriasis pathogenesis and may contribute to the calcification process developed in psoriasis.

Are there relationship otosclerosis with serum HE4 and CA125 level? A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: HE4 and CA 125 are identified as a potential biomarker for the detection of some diseases with fibrosis. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the value of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) in otosclerosis patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 60 people (30 otosclerosis patients, 30 control group). We collected blood samples for HE4 and CA-125 levels. Serum HE4 and CA-125 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We compared the results between otosclerosis patients and the normal subject. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value. RESULTS: There was no differences in CA-125 level between the otosclerosis (20.3 U/mL [10.4-42.1] and control group (19.3 U/mL [15.3-49.8]) (p > 0.05). HE4 level was significantly higher in the otosclerosis group (60.9 pmol/L [32.1-101.8])] than the control group (25.3 pmol/L [12.4-91.9]) (p < 0.001). The AUC in ROC analysis of HE4 was 0.768 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Serum HE4 level may be a useful biomarker in otosclerosis. Further studies with a larger number of patients are required to confirm our pilot results.

Fibrinogen: Structure, abnormalities and laboratory assays.

Fibrinogen is the primary precursor protein for the fibrin clot, which is the final target of blood clotting. It is also an acute phase reactant that can vary under physiologic and inflammatory conditions. Disorders in fibrinogen concentration and/or function have been variably linked to the risk of bleeding and/or thrombosis. Fibrinogen assays are commonly used in the management of bleeding as well as the treatment of thrombosis. This chapter examines the structure of fibrinogen, its role in hemostasis as well as in bleeding abnormalities and measurement thereof with respect to clinical management.

The effect of Annona muricata (Graviola) on the prevention of brain damage due to ionizing radiation in rats.

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of ethanol extract of Annona Muricata (AM) leaves in the prevention of brain damage caused by ionizing radiation (IR). This study was conducted in the Experimental Animal Research Unit of a university with 28 adults female Wistar Albino rats. The experimental groups were as follows: Control group (n = 8), AM group (n = 6), IR group (n = 8), AM + IR group (n = 6). In the IR group, astrocyte hypertrophy, microglial reaction and inflammatory reaction levels were significantly higher than the control and AM groups (P < 0.001). Edema was significantly higher in the IR group compared to the control group (P=0.001). The MDA of the IR group was significantly higher compared to the control group and AM group (P=0.031, P=0.006, respectively). The MDA of the AM + IR group was significantly higher than the AM group (P=0.039). Our findings show that histomorphology and oxidant damage caused by IR can be ameliorated using AM, as demonstrated by the comparison of the controls to AM + IR recipients, which showed similar histomorphology and oxidant damage levels.

Reference values for serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in the West Black Sea region of Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the normal values of serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in Turkish children and adults (1-79 years). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 571 healthy children and 625 healthy adults from the West Black Sea region of Turkey. Serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 concentrations were determined using a chemiluminescent immunometric assay on an Immulite 1000 analyzer. RESULTS: IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels tended to be higher in girls compared to boys among the children. The differences were statistically significant in puberty from age 12-14 years for IGF-1 and prepubertally from age 9-10 years for IGFBP-3. Peaks of serum IGF-1 levels were observed 2 years earlier in girls (14 years) than boys (16 years). The general pattern of IGFBP-3 was similar to IGF-1 during puberty. In adults, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels decreased by age. There was no significant difference in IGF-1 and IGFBP3 values between men and women in any age group. CONCLUSIONS: This study established age- and sex-specific reference values for serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in healthy Turkish children and adults.

Ischemia modified albumin and plasma oxidative stress markers in Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine ischemia modified albumin (IMA) and oxidant status in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, we evaluated the IMA and oxidant status by measuring serum uric acid, albumin and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in AD. METHODS: The plasma albumin, uric acid, GGT and IMA levels were measured by spectrophotometric methods in 32 AD patients and 32 healthy controls. The Mini Mental Status Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale were used to evaluate the cognitive functions of AD patients. RESULTS: AD patients had significantly higher IMA levels as compared to those of the controls respectively. Uric acid concentrations were significantly decreased and GGT values were significantly increased in AD when compared with control group. Albumin levels of the patients were also compared and no significant difference was detected. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress and IMA levels rise in AD. However, large prospective studies are required to understand the mechanisms leading to increased IMA levels during AD, whether preceded or not by AD.

Levels of oxidized LDL, estrogens, and progesterone in placenta tissues and serum paraoxonase activity in preeclampsia.

In vitro literature studies have suggested that atherosclerotic oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) inhibits trophoblast invasion. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of OxLDL and to examine the relationship between antioxidative estradiol, estriol, and prooxidative progestin in normal and preeclamptic placental tissues and measure the serum activity of antioxidative paraoxonase (PON1). The study included 30 preeclamptic and 32 normal pregnant women. OxLDL was determined with ELISA, estradiol, unconjugated estriol, and progesterone that were determined with chemiluminescence method in placental tissues. Serum PON1 activity was determined with spectrophotometric method. Levels of OxLDL (P = 0.027), estriol (P < 0.001), estradiol (P = 0.008), and progesterone (P = 0.009) were lower in the placental tissues of preeclamptic group compared to the normal pregnant women. Serum PON1 activity was higher in preeclamptic group (P = 0.040) and preeclamptic group without intrauterine growth restriction (P = 0.008) compared to normal pregnant women. Tissue estriol of preeclamptic group without/with IUGR (P < 0.001, P = 0.002) was lower than the normal group. Results of our study suggest that the events leading to fetoplacental insufficiency lead to a reduction in the levels of estriol limit deposition of OxLDL in placental tissues. The serum PON1 activity is probably important in the inhibition of OxLDL in preeclampsia.

Evaluation of serum lipid levels in children.

This study aimed to establish reference values for serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in children. The study included samples from 4,102 healthy children (2,003 boys and 2,099 girls) ages 1-18 years. The serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-C were determined using the Advia 2400 autoanalyzer. The LDL-C levels were calculated using the Friedewald equation. The mean, standard deviation, and 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentile values of the biochemical parameters for boys and girls were detected. The total cholesterol and HDL-C levels were higher among the girls than among the boys in 15- to 18-year-old group. No significant difference was found for the other serum lipid levels among any of the age groups. This study provided pediatric reference intervals for the lipid parameters for children.

Undefilled blood tube containing EDTA: Is it an inappropriate sample for HbA1c assay?

Introduction: Blood samples having inappropriate volume are a substantial part of preanalytical errors. Inadequate sample volume for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test may be a common problem of patients with diabetes mellitus having vascular changes. In this study, we compared HbA1c concentrations of underfilled and appropriately filled blood collection tubes. Materials and methods: To compare HbA1c concentrations, blood samples were collected into 2 mL tubes containing K3-EDTA from 109 subjects. Two blood samples (underfilled and appropriately filled) were drawn from a patient by the same personnel and materials. HbA1c measurements were assayed on a Cobas 6000 analyser module c 501 (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). The HbA1c% results were compared by t-test and Wilcoxon's signed-rank statistical methods (SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA). Bias analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 4.0. Results: Underfilled samples were classified three groups (group 1, N = 44; group 2, N = 36; and group 3, N = 29) according to the filling ratio of the samples; 0.5 mL and below (< 25%), 0.5-1.0 mL (25-50%), and 1.0-2.0 mL (> 50%), respectively. When we compared underfilled tubes with pairing filled tubes, there was a statistically significant difference only with tubes filled less than 25% (P = 0.030). Furthermore, we have done bias analysis between paired tubes according to the diagnostic cut-off value of 6.5%. The bias was more prominent in up to 50% underfilled blood tubes (1.1%), when HbA1c concentrations were below the diagnostic cut-off of 6.5%. Conclusions: We suggest that the blood tubes with EDTA for HbA1c measurement should be filled with at least 50% to avoid clinical variations.

The relationship between metabolic syndrome criteria and pentraxin-3 levels in children.

OBJECTIVES: While the positive correlation was shown in a few studies which investigated the relationship between obesity and pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) levels, different findings were obtained in other studies. We aimed to determine PTX-3 levels in obese and healthy children, and their relationship with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) criteria. METHODS: 105 children and adolescents were considered as the study population. Participants were divided into three groups; obese and MetS (OM+), obese and non-MetS (OM-) and the control group. Fasting glucose, blood lipids and PTX-3 levels were measured. Ultrasonography was performed to detect hepatic steatosis. MetS and hepatic steatosis were investigated by dividing the patients into two groups according to PTX-3 levels. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 37 patients with OM+; 35 patients with OM- and 33 healthy children. OM+ patients had higher fasting insulin (p<0.001), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p<0.001), triglyceride (p<0.001) and lower high-density lipoprotein (p=0.001). The PTX-3 level was higher in the OM+ group compared to both OM- group and the control group (p=0.002). When two groups were generated according to PTX-3 level, a higher frequency of MetS was detected in the high PTX 3 group than in all three major MetS diagnostic criteria groups. Moreover, there was more hepatic steatosis in the high PTX-3 group independent from obesity and MetS. CONCLUSIONS: Higher PTX-3 levels were present in children and adolescent obese patients with MetS.

Cyclophilin A and D Levels in Acute Coronary Syndrome and Their Relationship with Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate cyclophilin levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and their association with the clinical characteristics of these patients. METHODS: We enrolled 150 patients with ACS (n=75 ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI], n = 75 non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]). For comparison, 25 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Levels of cyclophilin A, cyclophilin D, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in both the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) groups and the healthy group. We examined the effects of cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, age, gender, and smoking on these parameters. RESULTS: Cyclophilin A levels were significantly lower in the STEMI group, while cyclophilin D and CRP levels were significantly higher in all AMI groups (P < 0.05). A negative correlation existed between cyclophilin A and troponin T and CK-MB (respectively r = -0.287, P < 0.001; r = -0.231, P = 0.005). However, there was no correlation between cyclophilin D and the cardiac markers. A positive correlation was observed between cyclophilin D and CRP (r = 0.219, P = 0.004). Cyclophilin A was associated with hypertension, whereas cyclophilin D was associated with the female gender and dyslipidemia (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a decrease in cyclophilin A indicates a more severe disease in STEMI and an increase in cyclophilin D in both STEMI and NSTEMI may be valuable markers. Therefore, further detailed studies are warranted to monitor their changes and interactions in ACS patients.

Comparison of Fibrinogen Concentrations Determined by the Clauss Method with Prothrombin-Derived Measurements on an Automated Coagulometer.

BACKGROUND: This research aims to compare fibrinogen results, obtained from the Clauss and PT-derived method on the Cobas t511 analyzer, in patients with specific categories of disease. A second aim was to determine the reference range for these 2 methods. METHODS: We retrospectively compared fibrinogen concentrations of 914 patients obtained by the Clauss and PT-derived methods on the Cobas t511 coagulation analyzer from the laboratory information system. Fibrinogen data was segregated into a healthy outpatient population and those populations with possible fibrinogen abnormalities including pregnancy, chronic illness, liver disease, heart and vascular diseases, and clinical suspicion of COVID-19. All data were analyzed using Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman analysis. Reference ranges were determined from fibrinogen results of the healthy outpatient population who presented for a clinic check-up. RESULTS: All fibrinogen results were grouped and compared according to fibrinogen values (low, normal, and high), international normalized ratio (INR) values (<1.2, 1.2-2.0, and >2.0), and diagnosis. There were statistically significant positive correlations in all groups (P < 0.05), except for low fibrinogen values (P = 0.96). Results with INR value <1.2 had the highest correlation between 2 methods. CONCLUSION: The PT-derived method can be used alone in the Cobas t511 analyzer, especially in patients with an INR <1.2. Reported new reference ranges of the PT-derived method could help to determine and compare the clinical significance of fibrinogen methods. Further studies must be focused on the conditions in which PT-derived fibrinogen results should be directed to the Clauss test.

Efficacy of Annona muricata (graviola) in experimental spinal cord injury: biochemical and histopathological analysis.

BACKGROUND: Annona muricata (AM) (graviola) is a plant that grows in tropical regions and is thought to be good for many diseases by local people. Unfortunately, there is no acceptable medical treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) yet. In our study, we investigated the neuropeotective effects of AM leaf extract on SCI in an experimental rat model. METHODS: A total of 40 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five equal groups (n=8). Group 1 was the control group in which only laminectomy was performed. Trauma was induced in four groups after laminectomy. Group 2 (untreated trauma group) was given no medication. In Group 3, a single intraperitoneal dose of methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg) was administered after trauma. The rats in Groups 4 received a low dose (100 mg/kg) of AM leaf extracts by oral gavage one week before trauma while the rats in Group 5 received a high-dose (300 mg/kg) of these extracts by oral gavage one week before trauma. All rats, including the control group, were sacrificed 24 h after the trauma was created. RESULTS: Tissue samples taken to evaluate the neuroprotective effect were examined biochemically and histopathologically. Inflam-matory findings in the trauma group were significantly better in both groups treated with AM. There was no difference between the groups in terms of clinical motor examination and inclined plane test results. CONCLUSION: Our histopathological and biochemical results showed that AM is an agent with neuroprotective effects in trau-matic SCI.

Inflammatory markers in preeclamptic patients.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria that begins in the second half of pregnancy. Endothelial dysfunction and trophoblastic hypoperfusion seen in preeclampsia suggested to be part of an increased maternal inflammatory response to pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate some inflammatory markers in pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnants. METHODS: The study included 36 cases with mild preeclamp-sia, 36 cases with severe preeclampsia and 33 cases of normotensive pregnant. High sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, serum procalcitonin was measured by enzyme-linked fluorescent immunassay. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was used as an indicator of the severity of the disease. RESULTS: In severe preeclampsia group hsCRP, serum amyloid A and procalcitonin levels were significantly higher than mild preeclamptic and normotensive groups. SAA and hsCRP levels were higher in mild preeclamptic group when compared with normotensive pregnant but no significant difference was found in procalcitonin between these groups. There were significant correlations betweeen hsCRP, SAA, procalcitonin and MAP. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that inflammatory reactions are closely associated with preeclampsia.