Evaluation of aggrecan and adipokine levels in temporomandibular joint synovial fluid.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect various mediators in synovial fluid (SF) on the pathogenesis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and to evaluate the relationship between clinical and radiological features of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases. Patients who had received SF sample during arthrocentesis because of TMD were included in this study. Clinical and radiological records were evaluated retrospectively. Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) method was used for analysis of aggrecan, adiponectin, resistin, apelin, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in SFs. 59 joints of 41 patients were included in the study. Anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) was detected in 22 joints, anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR) was detected in 29 joints and osteoarthritis (OA) in 8. In OA group, PGE2 level was significantly higher than the other groups (p = 0.029). Aggrecan and PGE2 levels were statistically higher in joints with localized pain (p = 0.030, p = 0.029). The aggrecan level was statistically significant higher in patients who had degenerative changes in radiological examinations (p = 0.044). Resistin was correlated with PGE2 and aggrecan (p = 0.011), and apelin showed positive correlation with VEGF (p˂0.001). The detection of aggrecan and adipokines in SF may be a precursor of degenerative joint disease and it should be taken into account that the presence of localized pain in the joint area may be an early sign of degenerative changes.

Hidden threat in familial Mediterranean fever: subclinical inflammation, oxidative stress and their relationship with vitamin D status.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D levels have been investigated in children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), but the relationship between vitamin D status and inflammation/oxidative stress indicators could not be clearly demonstrated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between subclinical inflammation/oxidative stress and vitamin D status in children with FMF during an attack-free period. METHODS: In the cross-sectional study, ninety children with FMF in the attack-free period and 30 healthy children were included. Patients were grouped according to their vitamin D status (< 20, 20-29, and 30-100 ng/mL). The groups were compared in terms of pentraxin 3 (PTX-3), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS). Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with vitamin D status. RESULTS: PTX-3 levels were significantly higher in patients with vitamin D insufficiency (20-29 ng/mL) than in the group with vitamin D sufficient (30-100 ng/mL). Patients with vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) had higher TOS. A strong negative correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and TOS (p = 0.003). Subclinical inflammation (PTX-3 ≥ 0.640) and high TOS levels were negatively associated with vitamin D levels.

L-Carnitine ameliorates the liver by regulating alpha-SMA, iNOS, HSP90, HIF-1alpha, and RIP1 expressions of CCL4-toxic rats.

OBJECTIVES: Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) toxicity triggers fibrosis, activating various mechanisms within the cell. We aimed to create damage with CCL4 and investigate the effectiveness of L-carnitine on the mechanisms we identified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty rats were divided into 5 groups with equal number of rats in each group. Group I: Control group, Group II: L-carnitine group, 200 mg/kg L-carnitine twice a week, Group III: CCL4 group, 0.2 ml/100 gr CCL4, IP, dissolved in olive oil 2 times a week during 6 weeks; Group IV: L-carnitine + CCL4 group, 200 mg/kg L-carnitine 24 hr before 0.2 ml/100 g CCL4 application twice a week; Group V: CCL4 + L-carnitine, 200 mg/kg L-carnitine half an hour after 0.2 ml/100 g CCL4 application. The liver was evaluated histologically. Immunohistochemically stained with α-SMA, iNOS, HSP90, HIF-1α, and RIP1. TNF-α, TGF-ß, AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT measurements were evaluated. RESULTS: In the classical lobule periphery, an increase in lipid accumulation and a decrease in glycogen accumulation were observed. After immunohistochemical measurements and biochemical analyzes, an increase in the expression density of all proteins was observed in group III. In group IV and V, an improvement in tissue and a decrease in protein expression densities were observed. CONCLUSION: iNOS serves as a free radical scavenger in response to damage caused by increased toxicity of α-SMA, HSP90, and HIF-1α. Especially, increased RIP1 level in the tissue indicates the presence of necrosis in the tissue after CCL4-toxicity. Supplementing the amount of endogenous L-carnitine with supplementation provides a significant improvement in the tissue.

A different perspective on the filtration barrier after kidney stone formation: An immunohistochemical and biochemical study.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the filtration barrier is affected by experimental kidney stone formation. Thirty-two rats divided into 4 equally groups (n = 8) at random. Group I control; Group II 1% ethylene glycol; Group III 1% Ethylene glycol + 0.25% Ammonium chloride; Group IV 1% Ethylene glycol + 0.5% Ammonium chloride group. Tissues applied hematoxylin-eosin, periodic-acid-Schiff, Pizzolato's staining. Immunohistochemically stained with integrin α3ß1, type IV collagen, laminin, nephrin, CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) and podocin to show the filtration barrier structure. The TUNEL method was used for apoptosis. The amount of calcium, magnesium, creatinine and uric acid in urine and blood samples, also urine microprotein determined. Stones were formed in all experimental groups. Urine calcium, creatinine, uric acid levels decreased, magnesium levels were not changed. No statistically significant change was observed in blood serum results and TUNEL analysis. Immunohistochemical results showed an increase in nephrin, podocin, CD2AP, laminin and a decrease in integrin α3ß1 and type IV collagen. Consequently, there is an increase in the expression densities of the proteins incorporated in the structure to prevent loss of functionality in the cellular part supporting the structure against a weakening of the basement membrane structure in the glomerular structure in which urine is filtered.

Treatment of male hypogonadism partially reverses oxidative stress in patients with hypogonadism.

There are some studies regarding the presence/absence of oxidative stress in patients with hypogonadism with limited number of parameters. We aimed to investigate the effects of male hypogonadism and its treatment on oxidative stress parameters. Thirteen male patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and 20 healthy subjects were involved in the study. Patients with hypogonadism were evaluated before and after six months of therapy. Markers indicating lipid and protein oxidation, total oxidant status (TOS) and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated. Control subjects had significantly higher serum testosterone levels in comparison to hypogonadal patients before the treatment period. After the treatment of hypogonadism serum testosterone levels increased significantly. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), total lipid hydroperoxide and protein carbonyl compounds (PCC) were similar between the control subjects and the patient group before treatment. Pyrrolized protein and TOS were significantly lower and thiol levels and TAC were significantly higher in the control subjects than in patients with hypogonadism. Treatment of hypogonadism resulted in a significant decrease in AOPP levels while a significant increase was determined in TAC. No significant change was found in MPO activity. In conclusion, patients with hypogonadism have an increased status of oxidative stress which is at least partially improved after appropriate therapy.

Relationship between Serum Endocan Levels and Childhood Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a potentially lethal lower respiratory tract infection for children. For this reason, early recognition and appropriate treatment is essential. In addition, we need to determine which patient will be hospitalized or not hospitalized. Here, we aimed to evaluate the plasma endocan level to determine whether it is effective in making the decision on hospitalization and the assessment of the response to treatment in patients with CAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective case-control study was conducted between November 2015 and May 2016 at Erciyes University School of Medicine. Fifty-three patients diagnosed as CAP with clinical and radiological findings were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into various subgroups, such as inpatient, outpatient, complicated, non-complicated, dead patients, etc., and the levels of endocan were compared between the control group and those various groups. RESULTS: A total of 53 children with a diagnosis of CAP and 55 healthy children were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: hospitalized patients and outpatients. There was no statistically significant difference between these groups' serum endocan levels on the 1st day and serum endocan levels on the 4th day (p=0.783, p=0.419). CONCLUSION: Serum endocan level had no significant value in predicting patients' hospitalization. On the other hand, high serum endocrine levels may be important in predicting the severity and prognosis of the disease.

Plasma Kallistatin Levels in Children with Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

Purpose: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a potentially lethal lower respiratory tract infection affecting children all over the world. In this study, we aimed to evaluate plasma kallistatin levels in children at the time of admission and on the fourth day of treatment to determine if this is effective in deciding whether to hospitalize patients and to assess the response to treatment in patients with CAP. Methods: This prospective case/control study was conducted between November 2015 and May 2016 at Erciyes University School of Medicine, in the Department of Paediatric Pulmonology. Fifty-three patients, who were diagnosed with CAP with clinical and radiological findings, were included in the study. The patients were divided into various subgroups such as inpatients, outpatients, those with complications, those without complications, and dead patients. The levels of kallistatin were compared between the control group and the patient group. Results: A total of 53 children with a diagnosis of CAP and 55 healthy children were enrolled in the study. The plasma kallistatin level of CAP patients at admission was significantly higher than that of the control group [1.6 (1.2-2.9) ng/mL], [0.9 (0.7-1.1) ng/mL] (P < 0.001). The patient group was divided into 3 subgroups: those with complications, those with no complications, and those who died. In patients who were hospitalized, who died, and who were in need of mechanical ventilation (MV), kallistatin levels were significantly higher than in the other patients (P = 0.027 for hospitalization; P = 0.022 for exitus; and P = 0.008 for MV) at the time of diagnosis and on the fourth day of treatment. Conclusion: A higher plasma kallistatin level was found to be significant in CAP. Patients with high kallistatin levels should be carefully monitored for hospitalization and for unwanted side effects such as MV need and death.