Serum galectin­3 and α­1­acid glycoprotein levels in diagnosis and prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is an otological emergency in which etiopathogenesis remains unclear. A number of disorders is considered as the cause; therefore, different treatment modalities are used without certainty of a cure. The present study aimed to analyse the potential correlation between serum α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and galectin-3 levels with ISSNHL, and to investigate markers for guidance of treatment. A total of 55 patients with ISSNHL [29 (52.7%) female, 26 male, mean age, 46.76±17.68 years] and 47 healthy volunteers [25 (53.2%) female, 21 male, mean age, 43.95±12.96 years) were included in the study. The complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, serum galectin-3 and AGP levels were evaluated. The audiological investigation included pure tone average and speech discrimination scores were also recorded before and after corticosteroid treatment. Serum AGP levels in the study group vs. the control group were 64.08±25.10 and 67.01±21.59 mg/dl (P=0.53), respectively. Galectin-3 levels were 16.80±4.55 in the study group and 15.15±3.74 ng/ml in the control group (P=0.05). Serum galectin-3 levels were significantly correlated with unresponsiveness to treatment (P<0.001). Galectin-3 is an important biomarker for patients with ISSNHL. Patients with high serum galectin-3 levels may be unresponsive to standard therapy.

Elevated serum calprotectin as an inflammatory marker in obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the serum calprotectin (SCal) levels and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: Sixty-seven OSA patients and 46 healthy volunteers without any sleep disorders were included in the study. The patient group was divided into three subgroups according to the severity of OSA. The SCal levels and NLR values were compared among subgroups and between the experimental and control groups. RESULTS: The mean SCal level and NLR value were higher in the study group than in the control group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). The SCal levels were significantly higher in patients with severe OSA than in those with moderate and mild OSA (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively). DISCUSSION: Unlike NLR, the SCal level may inform the severity of OSA and could be used as an indicator for OSA.

Serum levels of kynurenine in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction and oligohydramnios.

OBJECTIVES: Kynurinine (KYN) and its metabolites, which are released during the metabolism of tryptophan, an essential amino acid, have many important functions, such as cellular energy production, regulation of vascular tone, and regulation of the immune system. In this study, we aimed to detect serum KYN levels, which may be an indicator of KYN pathway activity, in idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) and oligohydramnios cases whose pathophysiology is known to be affected by multiple factors, such as placental hypoperfusion, immune dysregulation, and maternal nutrition disorder, and to investigate their relationship with these common obstetric complications. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study was carried out in the antenatal outpatient clinics of Ankara City Hospital between July and December 2021. While the study group consisted of pregnant women with idiopathic isolated FGR and oligohydramnios, the control group consisted of low-risk patients who did not have any problems. The clinical features of the patients, such as age, body mass indexes, and gestational week, were recorded by measuring basic laboratory parameters and serum KYN levels. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups: FGR, oligohydramnios, and the control group. There was no significant difference between the patients' ages, weeks of gestation, or body mass indexes. Serum KYN level was calculated as 57.8 ± 13.4 pg/mL in IUGR, 75.3 ± 10.8 pg/mL in oligohydramnios and 95.1 ± 13.3 pg/mL in the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum KYN levels were lower in pregnant women complicated with FGR and oligohydramnios more prominently in pregnant women diagnosed with FGR than in normal pregnancies. The results suggest that KYN plays an important role in either the etiopathogenesis or the response to these two obstetric pathologies.

Low sirtuin-1 levels are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), which has a regulatory role in glucose and lipid metabolism with its deacetylase activity, has a decisive role in predicting gestational diabetes (GDM). METHODS: This study was performed at the antenatal outpatient clinic of Ankara City Hospital between January 2021 and May 2021. A total of 525 women with low-risk pregnancy underwent the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24th-28th weeks of pregnancy during the study period. Fasting serum SIRT1 levels of patients diagnosed with GDM according to OGTT results were compared some of those without GDM. RESULTS: Of the 525 pregnant women who underwent 75 g OGTT, 50 (9.6%) were diagnosed with GDM. The data of pregnant women with GDM were compared with age and Body Mass Index matched 122 controls. While serum SIRT1 levels were 22.0 (19.9-24.3) ng/mL in the GDM group, it was 34.7 (28.8-54.6) ng/mL in the control group (P<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that a threshold level for serum SIRT1 equal to or greater than 27.3 ng/mL may predict GDM with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Second-trimester low serum SIRT1 levels are associated with GDM. It may be a diagnostic marker for GDM.

Investigation of EGF, IL1-α and IL-6 levels and selected hematological parameters (NLR, MPV) in patients with the chronic cholesteatomatous otitis media.

In this study we aimed to investigate epidermal growth factor (EGF), interleukin (IL1)-α and IL-6 levels, and hematological parameters in the serum samples of patients with chronic cholesteatomatous otitis media (CCOM). This prospective included 40 patients who underwent surgery due to CCOM between June 2020 and May 2021. The stage of middle ear cholesteatoma was determined on each chart using the EAONO/JOS system. The control group comprised of 30 adults who were scheduled for septoplasty over the same period in our hospital, had no otological complaints, and had normal otological findings. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of the patients were obtained from the electronic medical record system of our hospital. The serum EGF, IL1-α and IL-6 levels, and hematological parameters (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV)) were compared between the CCOM and control groups. Seven patients had Stage 1 and 33 patients had Stage 2 middle ear cholestatoma. There was no statistically significant difference between the CCOM and control groups in terms of age and gender (p=0.092 and p=0.616, respectively). The serum EGF and IL1-α levels of the CCOM group were statistically significantly higher than those of the control group (p=0.047 and p=0.013, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed in the serum IL-6 levels of the CCOM and control groups (p=0.675). There was also no significant difference between the CCOM and control groups in terms of the mean NLR and MPV values ​​(p=0.887 and p=0.164, respectively). There was no significant difference between the Stage 1 and Stage 2 cholesteatoma subgroups in terms of the mean EGF, IL1-α, IL-6 levels (p=0.204, p=0.557 and p=0.613, respectively), and the mean NLR and MPV values (p=0.487, p=0.439, respectively). Increased serum EGF and IL1-α levels in patients with CCOM suggest that these cytokines may play a role in cholesteatomatous epithelial hyperproliferation.

Does alpha-1-acid glycoprotein determine for infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome?

OBJECTIVES: The underlying cause of metabolic abnormalities and ovarian dysfunction in PCOS is thought to be chronic low-grade inflammation. This study aimed to show whether alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), an inflammatory marker, predicts the risk of infertility in fertile and infertile women with PCOS. Our study had a cros-sectional case-control design. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 20 fertile and 50 infertile patients with PCOS who wanted a child were in the early follicular phase were included in our study. Among the study groups (fertil (n = 20) and infertile (n = 50), AGP, CRP, NLR, BMI, FAI, VAI, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, HOMA-IR, SHBG, testosterone values and waist circumference were measured. RESULTS: Among the inflammatory markers compared in the fertile and infertile groups included in the study, only the difference between the AGP variable was statistically significant (p = 0.011). The mean AGP was found to be higher at a statistically significant level in the infertile group (p < 0.05). Age, BMI, waist circumference and AGP were weakly positive and CRP was moderately positive in the infertile group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AGP can be a good indicator of inflammation in PCOS, especially in infertility.Revealing the risk of infertility in PCOS with AGP measurement may contribute to the correct management of the reproductive process.

Evaluation of plasma cholecystokinin levels and gallbladder functions in hyperemesis gravidarum: a prospective cohort study.

This is a prospective cohort study aimed to compare women treated due to hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) (n = 24) to women with normal pregnancy attending regular antenatal outpatient care (n = 22) in terms of fasting and post-prandial cholecystokinin (CCK) levels, and gallbladder (GB) functions. The Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) scores, fasting and postprandial CCK levels, and ultrasonographic GB parameters were recorded at admission before any treatment. The median PUQE score in the study group was 8. There were no statistically significant differences in GB parameters (p>.05), and fasting and postprandial CCK levels between the groups (p=.851, p=.395, respectively). Fasting CCK levels were positively correlated with postprandial GB volume (PGv) (p=.022, r = 0.464). Although GB contractility is compromised during pregnancy, HG does not cause further GB impairment. The positive correlation between fasting CCK levels and PGv requires further evaluation. Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? The pathophysiology of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) remains poorly understood. Altered cholecystokinin (CCK) levels may have potential consequences on gastric emptying, which may be related to nausea and vomiting. In this context, alterations in CCK secretion in women diagnosed with HG have been previously reported, and alterations in CCK levels lead to impaired gallbladder (GB) functions.What do the results of this study add? CCK levels and GB functions in pregnant women with HG are not statistically significantly different from those in healthy pregnant women.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Further studies designed in patients with different severities of HG and larger sample sizes are required for a better understanding of HG pathophysiology.

Myo-inositol oxygenese activity in second trimester of pregnancy: altered myoinositol catabolism in gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX) activity in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The insulin, HbA1c, and MIOX levels of 80 pregnant women were analysed after 75 g OGTT. Group I included patients with no risk factor for GDM, Group II: patients with high risk for GDM, and Group III: GDM patients. RESULTS: Fasting plasma glucose and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance index were significantly higher in GDM cases (Group 3). Regarding the MIOX levels, significantly higher levels were recorded at 0-h in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2. Significant alteration in MIOX activity was found between 0- and 2-h in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2 (p < .029). CONCLUSIONS: MIOX levels were higher in GDM cases so, it may be have a role in myo-inositol catabolism.

Human epididymis protein 4 and fetal lung maturity.

OBJECTIVES: To document the maternal and fetal cord blood levels of human epididymis protein 4 (HE-4) in term and preterm newborns in order to investigate the possible physiological role of HE-4 in fetal lung development. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a university-affiliated hospital between April 2018 and September 2018. The study population consisted of cesarean section (C-section) deliveries after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Both maternal and umbilical cord HE-4 levels (mHE-4 and uHE-4, respectively) were measured using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Amniotic fluid was sampled from each case to determine the lamellar body count (LBC) as the gold standard test for lung maturation. All the parameters, including the uHE-4 levels, were compared between the term delivery (≥37 weeks) (n=52) and preterm delivery (24-37th weeks) (n=30) groups. The best cut-off value of uHE-4 was calculated for fetal lung maturity. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the demographic data. The mHE-4 levels did not statistically significantly differ between the groups (p>0.05) whereas the uHE-4 level of the preterm newborns was significantly higher than that of the term newborns (p<0.05). There was a significant negative association between the uHE-4 level and LBC (r=-0.389; p<0.001). The uHE-4 level was the only statistically significant fetal parameter indicating fetal lung maturity confirmed by LBC. At a cut-off value of 281 pmol/L, uHE-4 had 96.8% sensitivity, 45% specificity, 84.5% positive predictive value, and 81.8% negative predictive value for fetal lung maturity. CONCLUSIONS: Although the exact physiological role of HE-4 has not yet been elucidated, this preliminary study supports the idea that HE-4 plays a role in fetal lung maturation to some extent.

Serum calprotectin levels as markers of inflammation, insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, complex endocrine, and metabolic disorder. Inflammation has been thought to play an important role in PCOS pathogenesis in recent years, and various inflammatory markers have been investigated; however, no definite conclusion has been reached. As a multifunctional regulatory protein in different inflammatory processes, calprotectin may play a role in the etiology of PCOS. Therefore, based on this hypothesis, we aimed to determine serum calprotectin concentrations in women with PCOS and to compare them with healthy controls. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary referral center during the study period. Forty-three women (n = 43) with PCOS and 47 women (n = 47) in the control group were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Serum calprotectin concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared with markers of glucose and lipid metabolism. Clinical characteristics and hormonal parameters were evaluated in both groups. Levels of serum calprotectin were measured as 347 ±â€…28.8 and 188 ±â€…15.3 ng/mL in the PCOS and healthy control groups, respectively (P = .009). The mean homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance[1] index and total testosterone levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (both P < .001). Spearman's correlation test demonstrated linear correlations between calprotectin and C-reactive protein, waist circumference, insulin resistance index, and total testosterone levels in the PCOS group (all P < .05). Serum calprotectin levels were higher in women with PCOS. This biomarker may be an indirect sign of insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, or chronic inflammation in women with PCOS.

The role of serum podocalyxin levels in recurrent pregnancy loss.

OBJECTIVE: To measure serum levels of podocalyxin (PODXL) in recurrent miscarriages as a marker of vascular endothelial dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN: In this case-control study, women who were hospitalized for singleton first-trimester pregnancy terminations due to missed abortion, anembryonic pregnancy, and inevitable abortion were included. There were 24 patients who were admitted for the first pregnancy termination, 39 patients who were admitted for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and 25 fetal cardiac activity positive patients as the control group. Demographic features, medical and obstetric histories were recorded. The measurements of serum PODXL were done by a human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: Serum PODXL levels were found to be significantly higher in the RPL group than the control group and the first time miscarriage group (13.82 [10.09-113.54] vs. 11.78 [9.25-48.80], p = 0.016 and 13.82 [10.09-113.54] vs. 11.99 [8.20-20.47], p = 0.003; respectively). Serum PODXL levels were not statistically significantly different between the first miscarriage and the control group (p = 0.62). There were positive correlation between serum PODXL levels and the number of gravida and the number of miscarriages (r = 0.217, p = 0.042, and r = 0.291, p = 0.006; respectively). CONCLUSION: Recurrent miscarriage patients had higher serum levels of PODXL than both normal pregnancies and first-time miscarriages. Our results suggest that maternal endothelial dysfunction might have a role in recurrent pregnancy losses.

Do follicular fluid advanced glycation end products levels affect the ovarian response in unexplained infertility?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) levels in follicular fluid according to the different ovarian responses of women who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation due to unexplained infertility and to examine the relationship between these levels and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Sixty-three women who underwent fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with GNRH antagonist protocol were divided into 3 groups according to the number of retrieved oocytes as suboptimal (4-9 oocytes), optimal (10-15 oocytes) and high (>15 oocytes) responders. AGEs levels in follicular fluid were measured by ELISA method. RESULTS: AGEs levels were 6.81 ± 2.20 µg/ml, 5.30 ± 2.01 and 6.44 ± 1.43 µg/ml in suboptimal, optimal and high response group, respectively. AGEs level was significantly higher in suboptimal response group than in optimal response group. The cutoff level of 6.19 µg/ml had a sensitivity of 59.3% and a specificity of 66.7% in distinguishing the suboptimal response group from the optimal response group. However, there were no statistically significant difference between AGEs levels and clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. CONCLUSION: Increased AGEs level in follicular fluid may be associated with decreased ovarian response during controlled ovarian stimulation in unexplained infertility case, however, it does not provide information about pregnancy outcomes.

The effects of water immersion and epidural analgesia on cellular immune response, neuroendocrine, and oxidative markers

Background/aim: Water immersion and epidural analgesia are the most preferred pain relief methods during the labor process. Adverse effects related to these methods, impact on the labor, and perception of pain is well studied in the literature. We aimed to investigate the cord blood level of copeptin, total serum oxidant (TOS), antioxidant (TAS), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and oxytocin after the labor with water immersion, epidural analgesia, and vaginal birth without pain relief. Materials and methods: The study was conducted with 102 healthy pregnant women admitted to the obstetric delivery unit for noncomplicated term birth. Copeptin, oxytocin, TAS, TOS, IL-1, and IL-6 levels of cord blood and obstetric and neonatal results after vaginal birth were compared. Results: The study included a total of 102 patients (group 1 = 30, group 2 = 30, and group 3 = 42). We found no significant difference between the three groups in terms of BMI, age, gravidity, parity, birth week, birth weight, interventional birth, perineal trauma, breastfeeding, duration of labor, oxytocin, IL-1 and IL-6 levels (p > 0.05). Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) need, TAS, TOS, and copeptin levels were higher. Apgar scores were lower in the epidural group (p = 0.011, p = 0.036, p = 0.027, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Epidural analgesia has deteriorated oxidative stress status and lower neonatal Apgar scores with higher NICU administration compared with water birth and vaginal birth without pain relief.

The effect of folate on ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat adnexal torsion model.

PURPOSE: The ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of ovaries in adnexal torsion may have inadvertent consequences. Many agents have been studied in terms of their ability to prevent reperfusion damage to ovaries in suspected cases. In this study, folic acid, known to have antioxidative properties, was investigated to determine whether it played a role in the prevention of I/R damage in a rat ovarian torsion model. METHODS: In this experimental study, 40 female adult Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into five groups as control, ischemia, I/R, Fol2 (2 mg/kg folic acid), and Fol4 (4 mg/kg folic acid). In the Fol2 and Fol4 groups, folic acid was intraperitonelly administered 30 min before reperfusion. Blood samples were obtained from the tails of each rat at the second hour of reperfusion. RESULTS: The total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status, cystatin C and folic acid levels of the five groups were investigated. Folic acid in 2 mg/kg dose could moderately increase the serum folic acid concentration (15.75-19.95 ng/ml, p < 0.05), reduce the level of cystatin C (0.18-0.12 µg/L, p < 0.05), and had a tendency to improve the oxidative stress injury (OSI: 76.05-33.06, p > 0.05), although there was no statistical difference in TOS levels (p = 0.07). Folic acid in 4 mg/kg dose, could significantly increase the serum folic acid concentration (15.75-37.65 ng/ml). However, it did not significantly reduce the level of cystatin C (0.18-0.19 µg/L, p > 0.05), and did not improve oxidative stress injury (76.05-130.58, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Folic acid in 2 mg/kg dose might improve the ovarian I/R injury though this was not statistically significant. Further studies are required to reach a definitive conclusion about the protective effect of folic acid in I/R injury.

Thickness of carotid artery intima is an independent risk factor for psoriasis.

Psoriasis (PsO) has been associated with lipoprotein abnormalities, visceral adiposity, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease (CAD) in several studies; however, data concerning the risk of psoriasis relevant to these parameters is not well established. We aimed to evaluate the relation between PsO and small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sd-LDL-C), serum lipid profile (SLP), blood pressures, anthropometric measurements, intima media thickness of the common carotid artery (CIMT), distribution of visceral adipose tissue (VAT; evaluated at 3 different measurement sites including VATa, VATb, VATc) along with subcutaneous (Sc-d1) and preperitoneal (Pre-d2) adipose tissue, and disease characteristics, so as to define relevant risk factors for PsO. In this cross-sectional and observational study, 62 patients with plaque-type PsO and 31 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Data about metabolic profile, CIMT and VAT were obtained. There was a significant association between PsO and hypertension, smoking, diastolic blood pressure, sd-LDL-C/LDL-C ratio, CIMT, VATc, and Pre-d2. Following adjustments for hypertension and smoking, sd-LDL-C/LDL-C ratio, CIMT, and Pre-d2 still remained different between patients and controls (P = 0.03, P = 0.043, and P = 0.05, respectively). Each 0.1 unit increase in the CIMT increased the risk of PsO 1.51-fold (95%CI: 1.08 - 2.12, P = 0.016). PsO associates with a predisposition to develop thick preperitoneal fat tissue and thick intima of carotid arteries, all of which contribute to the increased risk of atherosclerosis and subsequent CAD. CIMT was considered as an independent risk factor for PsO.

The Effect of Serum Electrolyte Disturbances and Uric Acid Level on the Mortality of Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of electrolyte and uric acid disturbances and their effects on mortality in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included all consecutive AECOPD patients who were managed at our Chest Diseases department between May 2017 and December 2017. Medical records of all the subjects were reviewed, and data were collected retrospectively. Eighty-one patients with AECOPD and 103 subjects in the control group were enrolled retrospectively. The association between the COPD and control groups and biochemical parameters in patients with and without long-term oxygen therapy and noninvasive mechanical ventilation treatment in COPD patients were compared with mortality. RESULTS: Serum magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and calcium (Ca levels were higher in control subjects than in COPD patients (p=0.006, p=0.015, and p<0.001, respectively). While serum levels of Ca and K were significantly lower and serum level of uric acid was higher in deceased COPD patients than in alive AECOPD patients (p=0.023, p=0.001, and p=0.033, respectively), serum levels of Mg, P, and other biochemical parameters were similar. CONCLUSION: Serum Ca, K, and uric acid levels during the exacerbation period were significant predictors of mortality in COPD patients. In conclusion, the levels of these parameters should be measured and corrected during AECOPD treatment to decrease mortality.

A proinflammatory marker in chronic rhinosinusitis: serum calprotectin.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown that calprotectin has a strong pro-inflammatory effect. Elevated calprotectin levels in the serum can be used as a strong clinical marker indicating the presence of inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate serum calprotectin levels in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to determine the applicability of calprotectin as a potential molecular pro-inflammatory biomarker for CRS. METHODS: The study consisted of three groups: chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (CRSwNP group), chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps (CRSwoNP), and healthy control. CRS patients with polyps were further divided into two groups depending on the presence/absence of Samter's triad. The Nose Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale score and serum calprotectin value were evaluated in all participants. RESULTS: The mean serum calprotectin value was 79.5±11.8 ng/ml for the CRSwNP group, 71.3±16 ng/ml for the CRSwoNP group, and 61.9±11.6 ng/ml for the control group (p<0.001). The Samter's triad group had a significantly higher calprotectin value than the non-Samter's triad group (p=0.03). There was a significant correlation between the NOSE scores and calprotectin levels (rho=0.734, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum calprotectin values were correlated with the severity of symptoms in patients with CRS; thus, it seems to be a valuable pro-inflammatory biomarker for the diagnosis of the disease and determining its severity. Further studies with larger series are needed to evaluate the preoperative and postoperative serum calprotectin values ​​in patients undergoing surgery.

Galectin-3, IL-1A, IL-6, and EGF Levels in Corneal Epithelium of Patients With Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To determine the galectin-3 (Gal3), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels in corneal epithelium of patients with recurrent corneal erosion (RCE) syndrome and compare them with healthy controls. METHODS: In this prospective interventional case control study, 32 eyes of 32 patients with RCE syndrome who had corneal epithelial erosions and 28 eyes of 28 healthy participants scheduled for photorefractive keratectomy (control group) were included. Exclusion criteria included corneal dystrophies, ectasia, dry eye, previous ocular surgery or topical medications, and systemic diseases. Epithelial samples were obtained during epithelial debridement in the study group and mechanical epithelial keratectomy in the control group. Galectin-3 levels were studied by the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay method. IL-1, IL-6, and EGF levels were determined using corresponding ELISA kits. RESULTS: The median Gal3 levels were 132.25 ng/mL in the study group and 106.50 ng/mL in the control group. The median IL-1 and IL-6 levels were 6.24 pg/mL and 10.16 pg/mL, respectively, in the study group which were higher than that in the control group. The median EGF level in the study group was lower than that the control group with 1.30 pg/mL versus 2.67 pg/mL. In the control group, there was a significant positive correlation between EGF and IL-6 (r = 0.554; P = 0.040). A similar correlation was not observed in patients with RCE (r = -0.071; P = 0.794). CONCLUSIONS: The lack of increased EGF expression and the imbalance between growth factors, adhesion molecules, and interleukins may be the reason for the impaired wound healing response in RCE syndrome.

Association of CYP2J2 polymorphism with susceptibility to psoriasis in Turkish population: a case-control study

Abstract Background: Cytochrome P450 2J2 is mostly expressed in extrahepatic tissues; it metabolizes arachidonic acid to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, with various cardio protective and anti-inflammatory effects. CYP2J2 polymorphism has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but its association with psoriasis remains unknown. Objective: To evaluate CYP2J2 polymorphism as a risk factor for psoriasis in the Turkish population. Methods: There were 94 patients with psoriasis and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls included in the study. Detailed demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were calculated for psoriasis patients. Venous blood samples were collected from all the participants and CYP2J2 50G>T (rs890293) polymorphism was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Both T allele and TT + GT genotype frequencies were increased in psoriasis vulgaris patients compared to the control group (p = 0.024 and p = 0.029 respectively, OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.11-7.15) No association between CYP2J2 polymorphism and clinical features of psoriasis was identified. Study limitations: A limited number of patients were included in the study. Conclusion: CYP2J2 50G>T (rs890293) polymorphism was associated with an increased risk for PsV in the Turkish population.

Association of CYP2J2 polymorphism with susceptibility to psoriasis in Turkish population: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450 2J2 is mostly expressed in extrahepatic tissues; it metabolizes arachidonic acid to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, with various cardio protective and anti-inflammatory effects. CYP2J2 polymorphism has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but its association with psoriasis remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate CYP2J2 polymorphism as a risk factor for psoriasis in the Turkish population. METHODS: There were 94 patients with psoriasis and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls included in the study. Detailed demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were calculated for psoriasis patients. Venous blood samples were collected from all the participants and CYP2J2 50G>T (rs890293) polymorphism was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Both T allele and TT+GT genotype frequencies were increased in psoriasis vulgaris patients compared to the control group (p=0.024 and p=0.029 respectively, OR=2.82, 95% CI: 1.11-7.15) No association between CYP2J2 polymorphism and clinical features of psoriasis was identified. STUDY LIMITATIONS: A limited number of patients were included in the study. CONCLUSION: CYP2J2 50G>T (rs890293) polymorphism was associated with an increased risk for PsV in the Turkish population.