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1.
J Infect Dev Ctries ; 17(8): 1055-1062, 2023 08 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37699088

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) level increases in inflammatory conditions. We aimed to investigate the association between IMA levels and the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in adult patients. METHODOLOGY: We grouped adult patients with COVID-19 infection: Group A - mild symptoms, but normal computed tomography (CT), Group B - mild/moderate illness, and Group C - severe or critical illness. We measured IMA levels at the time of diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. RESULTS: Mean age of the total number of patients (n = 90) was 54.43 (± 8.11) year, and 46.7% (n = 42) were female. IMA levels were highest in Group C and lowest in A (p < 0.001). The most important factor predicting COVID-19 disease severity was IMA. Type 2 diabetes was more frequent in Group C (n = 31) than in Group B (n = 30) (p = 0.042). Asthma was less frequent, and coronary artery disease was more frequent in Group C than in Group A (n = 29) and B (p = 0.009). Duration of hospitalization was highest in Group C (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We analyzed a sample of patients with COVID-19 infection and found that IMA predicted severe COVID-19 disease. Disease severity grouping was based on patients' clinical and radiological features. IMA level measured when SARS-CoV-2 infection is diagnosed may be a useful marker in predicting likely disease severity or intensive care need.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Adult , Humans , Female , Male , Biomarkers , COVID-19/diagnosis , SARS-CoV-2 , Serum Albumin , Severity of Illness Index
2.
Medeni Med J ; 37(4): 327-331, 2022 Dec 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36578150

ABSTRACT

Objective: Diabetic retinopathy is a common diabetic microvascular problem. Its diagnosis and classification are based on visible changes in clinical fundus examination. However, the discovery of possible vitreous biomarkers in patients with proliferative and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy may guide both the differentiation and degree of retinopathy. Biomarkers that will be accepted can be also a treatment target. Amphiregulin (AREG) promotes proliferative and regenerative activity and repairs most cell types by binding and activating epidermal growth factor receptors. Progranulin (PGRN) has complex functions in many physiological and pathological processes. Thus, this study aimed to report vitreous AREG and PGRN levels in patients with diabetes and proliferative retinopathy and compare the results with those without diabetes. Methods: Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 31 eyes of 31 patients without diabetes were included in this study. Vitreous humor samples were collected from all patients at the time of pars plana vitrectomy surgery immediately before the surgical procedure. Vitreous AREG and PGRN values were determined by the ELISA method. Results: The mean AREG and PGRN values were similar in the groups (p=0.427, p=0.459, respectively). Conclusions: The results demonstrated that vitreous AREG and PGRN levels have no significant relationship with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

3.
Transfus Apher Sci ; 59(6): 102919, 2020 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32912735

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: There is still an evident need for useful biomarkers and effective therapeutic approaches regarding the challenging management of sepsis. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of each Cytosorb hemoadsorption therapy course on blood levels of inflammatory biomarkers of sepsis including endocan, copeptin, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein. METHODS: There were a total of 178 samples belonging to 34 patients that were diagnosed with sepsis and undergone Cytosorb therapy during the study period. Patient demographics were recorded. Arterial blood samples were obtained both before and and after each Cytosorb course. Levels of copeptin, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count, and creatinine were assessed both before and after each Cytosorb treatment. RESULTS: Levels of endocan, copeptin, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were all significantly decreased after the Cytosorb course when compared with levels before therapy (p = 0.039, 0.001, 0.010, 0.001, 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference between white blood cell count and creatinine levels before and after Cytosorb courses (p = 0.204 and 0.277). CONCLUSION: Cytosorb courses achieved significant decreases in endocan, copeptin, interleukin-6, procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels. Decreasing plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines may help alleviate the cytokine storm and may have a role in improve outcomes. Further prospective randomized controlled studies with larger sample size are needed concerning the long-term effects of this decrease in cytokine levels on outcome and mortality.


Subject(s)
Blood Component Removal/methods , Cytokines/blood , Glycopeptides/blood , Interleukin-6/blood , Neoplasm Proteins/blood , Proteoglycans/blood , Sepsis/blood , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Young Adult
4.
Urol Oncol ; 38(8): 685.e11-685.e16, 2020 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32312640

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of urinary High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1) level as a noninvasive tool that can be potentially used for diagnosis and during follow-up in patients with bladder cancer patients. METHOD: The study was conducted in a total of 121 participants including 61 patients diagnosed with primary bladder cancer, 30 patients with an acute urinary tract infection and 30 healthy controls. Age, gender and urinary HMGB1 levels of the study groups were evaluated. The association of clinical features (tumor diameter, number of foci, pathological grade, muscle invasion) with urinary HMGB1 levels was investigated in patients with bladder cancer. RESULTS: All 3 groups showed a normal age and gender distribution with no significant difference among them (P = 0.775 and P = 0.967, respectively). A significant difference was detected in urinary HMGB1 levels among the 3 groups (P < 0.001). When urinary HMGB1 levels were compared between patients with high grade vs. low grade tumors, the mean HMGB1 level was 44.39 pg/ml (12.1-505.2) in patients with low grade tumors and 280 pg/ml (18.7-2685.3) in patients with high grade tumors (P < 0.001). Patients with a greater number of tumor foci had higher HMGB1 levels in comparison to patients with a single tumor focus (P = 0.008). Urinary HMGB1 levels were higher in patients with a tumor diameter of ≥3 cm than in patients with a tumor diameter less than 3 cm (P = 0.001). Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer exhibited higher urinary HMGB1 levels compared to patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (P = 0.033). The cut-off values derived from the ROC analysis were 63.30 pg/ml for distinguishing bladder cancer from urinary tract infection, 30.94 pg/ml for urinary tract infection versus control group and 38.70 pg/ml for bladder cancer vs. control group, respectively. Sensitivity was 59% and specificity was found 77%. CONCLUSION: In future controlled studies involving larger patient groups, urinary HMGB1 levels can be used for diagnostic and screening purposes in bladder cancer patients.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor/urine , HMGB1 Protein/urine , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/diagnosis , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/urine , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged
5.
Int. braz. j. urol ; 45(3): 495-502, May-June 2019. tab, graf
Article in English | LILACS | ID: biblio-1012326

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Background: Our study investigates whether Native Thiol, Total Thiol and disulphide levels measured in serum of patients with prostate cancer and prostatitis and of healthy subjects, have any role in differential diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Patients followed up for histopathologically verified diagnosis of prostate cancer and prostatitis in 2016-2017 at the Medicalpark Gaziantep Hospital Urology Clinic were included in the study. Native Thiol (NT), Total Thiol (TT), Dynamic Disulphide (DD) levels in serum were measured by a novel automated method. Results: NT, TT, DD, NT / TT ratios, DD / TT ratio and DD / NT ratio were measured as 118.4 ± 36.8μmoL / L, 150.3 ± 45.3μmoL / L, 15.9 ± 7μmoL / L, 78.8 ± 7μmoL / L, 10.5 ± 3.5μmoL / L, 13.8 ± 5.8μmoL / L respectively in patients with prostate cancer; as 116.4 ± 40.5μmoL / L, 147.5 ± 50.1μmoL / L, 15.5 ± 8.7μmoL / L, 79.7 ± 9μmoL / L, 10.1 ± 4.5μmoL / L, 13.5 ± 7.2μmoL / L in patients with prostatitis and as 144.1 ± 21.2μmoL / L, 191 ± 32.3μmoL / L, 23.4 ± 10.1μmoL / L, 76.1 ± 98.3μmoL / L, 11.9 ± 4.1μmoL / L, 16.4 ± 6.9μmoL / L in healthy subjects. Significant difference was detected between groups of NT, TT and DD levels (p = 0.008, p = 0.001, p = 0.002). No significant difference was detected in terms of the NT / TT, DD / TT and DD / NT rates (p = 0.222, p = 0.222, p = 0.222). Conclusions: Serum NT, TT, DD levels in patients with prostatitis and prostate cancer were found significantly lower compared to the control group. This indicates that just as inflammation, prostate cancer also increases oxidative stress on tissues.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Aged , Prostatic Neoplasms/blood , Prostatitis/blood , Sulfhydryl Compounds/blood , Disulfides/blood , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Prostatitis/diagnosis , Reference Values , Biomarkers, Tumor/blood , Case-Control Studies , Reproducibility of Results , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Analysis of Variance , Statistics, Nonparametric , Risk Assessment , Oxidative Stress/physiology , Diagnosis, Differential , Middle Aged
6.
Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann ; 27(4): 251-255, 2019 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30818961

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recently, the role of inflammation in coronary artery disease and the association of inflammatory biomarkers with adverse outcomes have been investigated in many studies. We investigated the relationship between high serum mobility group box 1 protein levels and established risk factors for coronary artery disease. METHODS: Fifty-five patients who presented to our Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic and subsequently underwent coronary artery bypass surgery for coronary artery disease and 50 healthy subjects presenting to the cardiology outpatient clinic without any cardiovascular problem were included in the study. The mean age was 61.47 ± 9.38 years for patients and 58.20 ± 10.15 years for controls. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups with respect to age or sex. Family history of coronary artery disease, aspirin use, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes were significantly more prevalent in the patient group versus the control group. A significant difference was found between patients and healthy controls with respect to high mobility group box 1 protein levels ( p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum high mobility group box 1 protein was significantly increased in patients with coronary artery disease in comparison to healthy subjects. No associations were found between high mobility group box 1 protein level and certain risk factors for coronary artery disease.


Subject(s)
Coronary Artery Disease/blood , HMGB1 Protein/blood , Aged , Biomarkers/blood , Case-Control Studies , Coronary Angiography , Coronary Artery Bypass , Coronary Artery Disease/diagnostic imaging , Coronary Artery Disease/surgery , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Up-Regulation
7.
Int Braz J Urol ; 45(3): 495-502, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30676303

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Our study investigates whether Native Thiol, Total Thiol and disulphide levels measured in serum of patients with prostate cancer and prostatitis and of healthy subjects, have any role in differential diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients followed up for histopathologically verified diagnosis of prostate cancer and prostatitis in 2016-2017 at the Medicalpark Gaziantep Hospital Urology Clinic were included in the study. Native Thiol (NT), Total Thiol (TT), Dynamic Disulphide (DD) levels in serum were measured by a novel automated method. RESULTS: NT, TT, DD, NT / TT ratios, DD / TT ratio and DD / NT ratio were measured as 118.4 ± 36.8µmoL / L, 150.3 ± 45.3µmoL / L, 15.9 ± 7µmoL / L, 78.8 ± 7µmoL / L, 10.5 ± 3.5µmoL / L, 13.8 ± 5.8µmoL / L respectively in patients with prostate cancer; as 116.4 ± 40.5µmoL / L, 147.5 ± 50.1µmoL / L, 15.5 ± 8.7µmoL / L, 79.7 ± 9µmoL / L, 10.1 ± 4.5µmoL / L, 13.5 ± 7.2µmoL / L in patients with prostatitis and as 144.1 ± 21.2µmoL / L, 191 ± 32.3µmoL / L, 23.4 ± 10.1µmoL / L, 76.1 ± 98.3µmoL / L, 11.9 ± 4.1µmoL / L, 16.4 ± 6.9µmoL / L in healthy subjects. Significant difference was detected between groups of NT, TT and DD levels (p = 0.008, p = 0.001, p = 0.002). No significant difference was detected in terms of the NT / TT, DD / TT and DD / NT rates (p = 0.222, p = 0.222, p = 0.222). CONCLUSIONS: Serum NT, TT, DD levels in patients with prostatitis and prostate cancer were found significantly lower compared to the control group. This indicates that just as inflammation, prostate cancer also increases oxidative stress on tissues.


Subject(s)
Disulfides/blood , Prostatic Neoplasms/blood , Prostatitis/blood , Sulfhydryl Compounds/blood , Aged , Analysis of Variance , Biomarkers, Tumor/blood , Case-Control Studies , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Oxidative Stress/physiology , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Prostatitis/diagnosis , Reference Values , Reproducibility of Results , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Statistics, Nonparametric
8.
Gene ; 688: 140-150, 2019 Mar 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30529510

ABSTRACT

Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) is a plant known for having high antioxidant potency, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective etc. and many more activities. Besides these, Moringaceae has the potential for attenuating the male sexual dysfunction. Reactive oxygen species/ROS were increased in cryptorchidism and therefore cause infertility by damaging sperm DNA and germ cell apoptosis. There was an increase in heat shock proteins (HSP) in cells, which is affected by heat shock. In the present study, the antioxidant effects of two different doses of M. oleifera Lam Extract (MOLE) on experimentally induced cryptorchid testes of rats was investigated. Forty two male rats (16 days old) were divided into four groups: a normal control group, a cryptorchidism-induced control group and two cryptorchidism-induced groups treated orally with either 400 or 800 mg/kg MOLE for 2 weeks. Our study showed that there were ruptures from interstitial spaces, separation of the germ cells from basal membrane, falling of the germ cells into the lumen, perivascular fibrosis, oedema, increased level of HSP70, apoptosis, malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease in the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) after the cryptorchidism. We found that pathological damages, oxidative stress, expression of the HSP70 and germ cell apoptosis were decreased in treated groups with MOLE. In brief, we can say that aqueous extract of M. oleifera reduces the oxidative stress in a unilateral cryptorchidism induced rats, and it might attenuate histopathological damages, HSP expression and germ cell apoptosis.


Subject(s)
Apoptosis/drug effects , Germ Cells/drug effects , HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism , Moringa oleifera/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Animals , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Cryptorchidism/metabolism , Germ Cells/metabolism , Male , Malondialdehyde/metabolism , Models, Animal , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Spermatozoa/drug effects , Spermatozoa/metabolism , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism
9.
Agri ; 28(1): 9-17, 2016 Jan.
Article in Turkish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27225607

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare preventive effects of 10% povidone-iodine, and combination of 2-propanol and benzalkonium chloride skin antiseptics on contamination of epidural catheter tip. METHODS: Included were 160 patients aged 18-65 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classifications of I-II. Patients were randomized. Povidone-iodine was administered to group P (n=80) prior to insertion of antibiotic prophylaxis catheter; 2-propanol and benzalkonium chloride was administered to group B. Swabs obtained before and after administration of antiseptics were sent for culture. Antiseptics were applied to skin prior to catheter removal, as well as 48 hours after insertion. In sterile conditions, 2-3 cm pieces of catheter tips were sent to laboratory. Preoperative and postoperative complete blood count, body temperature, and signs of postoperative localized skin infection were recorded. RESULTS: Leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts were all within normal ranges in preoperative and postoperative. Swab cultures obtained following use of antiseptics were positive in 6 group P patients; coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was found in 5 patients, E. coli in 1, and were negative in group B. Difference between groups was statistically significant (p=0.013). Epidural catheter tip cultures were negative. CONCLUSION: Combination of 2-propanol and benzalkonium chloride was determined to be more effective in reducing skin flora around epidural catheter insertion site.


Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents, Local/administration & dosage , Benzalkonium Compounds/administration & dosage , Povidone-Iodine/administration & dosage , Surgical Wound Infection/prevention & control , 2-Propanol/administration & dosage , Administration, Cutaneous , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Analgesia, Epidural , Catheterization, Peripheral , Disinfection , Equipment Contamination/prevention & control , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
10.
Turk J Med Sci ; 45(6): 1214-9, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26775373

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: To compare the effects of tramadol-only treatment and tramadol + gabapentin treatment in patients who had received an epidural steroid injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with hernia disc-originated acute lumbar discogenic pain were evaluated. All patients received a single dose of steroid and local anesthesia mixture epidurally via the lumbar approach. In both groups, Group T (tramadol, n = 20) and Group TG (tramadol + gabapentin, n = 20), the injection dose was adjusted to 4 mL of triamcinolone acetonide and 0.25% bupivacaine mixture. Orally, 75 mg/day tramadol or 75 mg/day tramadol + 900 mg/day gabapentin were added to the treatment. Leukocyte, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and urine serotonin levels were measured prior to and after treatment. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated byvisual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and straight leg elevation test (SLET). RESULTS: Similar improvements in VAS, ODI, and SLET values were observed in both groups in the second week. The inflammation markers were not different after treatment, neither within the groups nor between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that tramadol + gabapentin treatment was not superior to tramadol treatment.


Subject(s)
Amines/administration & dosage , Analgesics/administration & dosage , Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids/administration & dosage , Intervertebral Disc Displacement/drug therapy , Low Back Pain/drug therapy , Tramadol/administration & dosage , gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/administration & dosage , Administration, Oral , Adult , Anesthetics, Local/therapeutic use , Bupivacaine/therapeutic use , Disability Evaluation , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Gabapentin , Glucocorticoids/administration & dosage , Humans , Injections, Epidural , Lumbar Vertebrae , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Single-Blind Method , Triamcinolone Acetonide/administration & dosage , Visual Analog Scale
11.
Arch Gynecol Obstet ; 286(1): 43-9, 2012 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22298205

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Low pseudocholinesterase (PChE) activity accompanies pregnancy, liver disease, renal failure, and certain drug therapies. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible relationship among PChE and plasma insulin levels, lipid profile, and inflammatory response ingestational diabetes. METHODS: This study included 165 women aged 20­40 years. Subjects were divided into four groups as follows:Control group, 29 non-pregnant healthy women; GroupNGT, 61 healthy pregnant women (normal glucose tolerance);Group GD, 62 pregnant women with gestational diabetes; and Group AGT, 13 pregnant women with abnormal glucose tolerance. Gestational ages were between 34 and 40 weeks. Plasma PChE, triglyceride, high-/lowdensity lipoprotein (HDL, LDL), glycated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c), insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) levels were measured in all subjects. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in plasma PChE, insulin, and LDL levels between the groups. Plasma triglyceride, HbA1c, WBC, and CRP levels were significantly higher in Group GD and Group AGT compared to the other groups (P\0.000). There was a positive correlation between increased PChE and LDL,while a negative correlation was observed between PChE and triglyceride in Group GD. There was a positive correlation between increased CRP and HbA1c and a negative correlation among CRP and LDL and triglyceride in Group GD. CONCLUSION: PChE activity was not significantly different between the groups. However, there was a positive correlation between PChE and LDL levels in pregnant women with GD, suggesting that LDL levels in pregnant women with GD may help to predict the risk of prolonged apnea in situations in which PChE activity cannot be measured.


Subject(s)
Butyrylcholinesterase/blood , Diabetes, Gestational/blood , Lipoproteins, LDL/blood , Triglycerides/blood , Adult , Analysis of Variance , C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , Female , Glucose Tolerance Test , Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism , Humans , Insulin/blood , Leukocyte Count , Lipoproteins, HDL/blood , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies , Statistics, Nonparametric , Young Adult
12.
J Obstet Gynaecol Res ; 37(1): 45-50, 2011 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21040211

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal and fetal serum levels of homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12 and placental tissue levels of homocysteine and their association with severity of pre-eclampsia. MATERIAL & METHODS: A case-control study, performed by a single center, included 26 pregnant women with mild pre-eclampsia, 26 pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia and 26 healthy pregnant women. Maternal blood was collected before delivery and fetal blood was collected from the umbilical cord at delivery. Placental tissue samples were obtained after delivery of placenta. Homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12 levels in serum and homocysteine levels in placental tissue homogenates were analyzed by immunochemiluminescent assay. RESULTS: Homocysteine levels in both maternal and fetal serum were significantly higher in the severe pre-eclampsia group compared to mild pre-eclampsia and control groups. However, homocysteine levels in both maternal and fetal serum were not significantly different between mild pre-eclampsia and control groups. No significant differences were observed in folic acid and vitamin B12 levels in both maternal and fetal serum between the groups. Homocysteine levels in placental tissue homogenates were too low to be measured in the three groups (<2 µmol/l). CONCLUSION: Maternal and fetal serum homocysteine levels were found to be significantly higher in severe pre-eclampsia group compared to mild pre-eclampsia and control groups suggesting that elevated serum levels of homocysteine might be associated with severity of pre-eclampsia. On the other hand it seems like elevated serum homocysteine levels were not associated with deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12.


Subject(s)
Fetal Blood/metabolism , Folic Acid/metabolism , Homocysteine/metabolism , Placenta/metabolism , Pre-Eclampsia/blood , Pre-Eclampsia/metabolism , Vitamin B 12/metabolism , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Female , Folic Acid/blood , Homocysteine/blood , Humans , Hyperhomocysteinemia/epidemiology , Nutritional Status , Pregnancy , Severity of Illness Index , Vitamin B 12/blood
13.
Mikrobiyol Bul ; 43(1): 133-9, 2009 Jan.
Article in Turkish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19334390

ABSTRACT

Laboratory diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is based on the detection of anti-HCV antibodies by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or chemiluminescence immunoassay (CIA) techniques. However, a consensus related to the problem of low titer (Serum/Cut-off; S/C= 1.0) anti-HCV antibodies is still lacking. This study was aimed to evaluate the clinical status of the patients with low titer anti-HCV antibodies detected by third generation anti-HCV tests during january 2007-December 2007. Two hundred and fifteen sera with anti-HCV S/C values between 1-5, detected by a commercial test system (Vitros EC Immunodiagnostic System, 3rd generation anti-HCV test, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, USA) with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 99.7%, as indicated by the supplier, were included to the study. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were determined by using chemiluminescence assay (Roche Diagnostics, Germany) and HCV-RNA was detected by real-time PCR (Flurion HCV QNP 2.1). Hundred and thirty six (63.3%) of the patients were female and 79 (36.7%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 50.2 +/- 18.9 years. In 18 (8.3%) patients ALT and/or AST levels were high and two of them were infected with hepatitis A while the remaining two with hepatitis B virus. HCV-RNA positivity (15.6 x 10(6); 4.3 x 10(5) and 2.6 x 10(3) IU/ml, respectively) was detected in three patients (1.4%) with S/C values of 3.69, 4.46 and 4.59, respectively. These three patients were older than 50 years, had high ALT levels and were chronic renal failure patients undergoing dialysis for at least one year. It was observed that after 4-6 weeks anti-HCV titers increased (S/C values were 15.1, 6.5 and 11.8, respectively) in the serum samples of these patients. The data obtained from this study emphasizes the problem of low titer positive anti-HCV results. It could be concluded that in case of low titer anti-HCV values, the result should be confirmed by RIBA, although its use is a matter of debate due to its low sensitivity, and HCV-RNA tests. Based on these data it seemed that changing the anti-HCV S/C ratio would not be a solution for the problem of low titer anti-HCV positive results.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood , Hepatitis C/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Alanine Transaminase/blood , Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood , Child , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Hepacivirus/genetics , Hepacivirus/immunology , Hepacivirus/isolation & purification , Humans , Immunoenzyme Techniques , Luminescent Measurements , Male , Middle Aged , Polymerase Chain Reaction , RNA, Viral/isolation & purification
14.
Tohoku J Exp Med ; 218(1): 57-62, 2009 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19398874

ABSTRACT

In developing countries, rheumatic valve disease (RVD) is still prevalent. Management of RVD depends on symptomatology, physical examination and echocardiographic evaluation, all of which, however, might be inadequate. Reliable biomarkers to establish severity of RVD and predict complications would be highly beneficial. Urotensin II is regarded as a cardiovascular autacoid/hormone, and its role in cardiovascular diseases is emerging. We hypothesized urotensin II might have pathophysiological roles in RVD. We investigated 71 patients with RVD (mean age 40 +/- 12 years, 17 female patients) and 25 normal subjects (mean age 40 +/- 7 years, 8 female patients). We assessed their New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, RVD severity and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and measured plasma urotensin II levels. Mitral regurgitation (r = 0.226, p = 0.02), tricuspid regurgitation (r = 0.238, p = 0.02), PAP (r = 0.320, p = 0.01), and NYHA class (r = 0.213, p = 0.03) correlated positively with urotensin II levels. There was positive correlation between urotensin II levels and severity of mitral regurgitation (r = 0.248, p = 0.01) and tricuspid regurgitation (r = 0.326, p = 0.001). In linear regression analysis, only PAP was predictive of urotensin II (beta = 0.3; p = 0.02). In conclusion, this is the first study showing that plasma urotensin II is elevated in chronic RVD, associated with severe mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. Furthermore, urotensin II level is correlated with NYHA functional class, and the increase in PAP is predictive of plasma urotensin II.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers/blood , Rheumatic Heart Disease/blood , Urotensins/blood , Adult , Blood Pressure/physiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mitral Valve Insufficiency/blood , Mitral Valve Insufficiency/pathology , Mitral Valve Insufficiency/physiopathology , Rheumatic Heart Disease/pathology , Rheumatic Heart Disease/physiopathology , Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency/blood , Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency/pathology , Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency/physiopathology
15.
Arch Gynecol Obstet ; 279(2): 119-23, 2009 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18488237

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of fasting during the month of Ramadan on fetal development and maternal serum cortisol and lipid profile. METHODS: This study was performed in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Gaziantep University Hospital, between 23 September 2006 and 23 October 2006 (during the month of Ramadan). Thirty-six consecutive healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies of 20 weeks or more, who were fasting during Ramadan, were included in the study group (group 1). The control group (group 2) consisted of 29 healthy pregnant women, who were not fasting during the study period. For evaluating Ramadan's effect on fetus, Doppler ultrasonography was performed on all subjects in the beginning and then once a week until the end of Ramadan for the following measurements: increase of fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), increase of fetal femur length (FL), increase of estimated fetal body weight (EFBW), fetal biophysical profile (BPP), amniotic fluid index (AFI), and umbilical artery systole/diastole (S/D) ratio. Maternal serum cortisol, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and LDL/HDL ratio were also evaluated before and after Ramadan. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two groups for the fetal age, maternal weight gain (kilogram), estimated fetal weight gain (EFWG), fetal BPP, AFI, and umbilical artery S/D ratio. In the fasting group, the maternal serum cortisol levels on day 20 were significantly higher than the initial levels obtained 1 week prior to Ramadan (p < 0.05). Although no significant increases were observed in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the fasting group, these increases were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). LDL and VLDL levels showed a non-significant decrease at the end of the Ramadan. HDL levels showed a slight increase, but LDL/HDL ratios were significantly decreased in fasting group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that maternal serum cortisol level was elevated while LDL/HDL ratio were decreased in healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies of 20 weeks or more, who were fasting during Ramadan. No untoward effect of Ramadan was observed on intrauterine fetal development.


Subject(s)
Fasting/adverse effects , Fetal Development/physiology , Hydrocortisone/blood , Islam , Lipids/blood , Adult , Cholesterol/blood , Female , Fetal Weight , Gestational Age , Holidays , Humans , Lipoproteins, HDL/blood , Lipoproteins, LDL/blood , Pregnancy , Triglycerides/blood , Weight Gain
16.
Arch Gynecol Obstet ; 279(3): 321-7, 2009 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18607612

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Flutamide is an effective drug in treatment of hirsutism. Hepatotoxicity occasionally may occur with therapeutic doses (750-1500 mg/day), 3 months after initiation of treatment. Monitoring of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels is recommended to obviate serious hepatotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and fourteen patients with mean age of 20.9+/-2.34 years suffering from hirsutism were included in the study. Of these 214 women, 117 had diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and 97 had diagnosis of idiopathic hirsutism. Thirty age-matched (mean age 20.3+/-2.0 years) normal women without signs of hirsutism and with normal menstrual cycle served as control group. Hirsutism was assessed using modified Ferriman-Gallwey method at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulant hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), androstenodion (A), testosterone (T), dehydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-P), sex hormone binding protein (SHBG), and ACTH were measured. Pelvic ultrasonography was performed for diagnosis of PCOS. Fifty-seven patients with PCOS (group 1) were given flutamide 125 mg/day + oral contraceptive. Sixty patients with PCOS (group 2) were given flutamide 250 mg/day + oral contraceptive. Forty-seven patients with IH (group 3) were given flutamide 125 mg/day alone, and 50 patients with IH (group 4) were given flutamide 250 mg alone. Thirty women in control group (group 5) were given placebo only. ALT and AST levels were measured in the beginning of the treatment, and repeated after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. RESULTS: No incidence of increase in AST or ALT levels (>or= 45 U/L) was observed in any of the groups. No evidence of hepatotoxicity in any of the 214 hyperandrogenic women was observed on low-dose flutamide for 1 year. CONCLUSION: We conclude that flutamide in a dosage of 125 or 250 mg daily is a safe drug in the long-term treatment of hirsutism. The follow-up of patients receiving flutamide can be done by monitoring AST or ALT levels for hepatotoxicity.


Subject(s)
Androgen Antagonists/adverse effects , Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury , Flutamide/adverse effects , Hirsutism/drug therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Alanine Transaminase/blood , Androgen Antagonists/administration & dosage , Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Female , Flutamide/administration & dosage , Hirsutism/blood , Humans , Liver Diseases/blood , Liver Diseases/enzymology , Young Adult
17.
Arh Hig Rada Toksikol ; 59(4): 283-7, 2008 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19064366

ABSTRACT

Various effects of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) have recently become an important issue because of their widespread use in industry. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of volatile organic solvents commonly used in textile paint industry on free radical levels and the antioxidant enzyme system in textile workers. The study included twenty exposed workers and twenty controls. Blood samples were taken after an overnight fast of 10 to 12 hours. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were studied in serum while super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity was studied in erythrocytes. Statistical analysis was performed using the ANOVA and Kruskall-Wallis analysis tests. MDA and SOD were significantly higher in textile workers than in controls (p<0.01). In contrast, no significant difference was observed between them for TAC (p>0.05).Elevated MDA levels in textile workers may indicate increased lipid peroxidation as a result of long-term exposure to organic solvents, whereas elevated SOD activity suggests that the antioxidant system was activated to counter lipid peroxidation. The results suggest that textile workers occupationally exposed to volatile organic solvents make a risk group and require more frequent periodic examinations.


Subject(s)
Antioxidants/metabolism , Lipid Peroxidation , Malondialdehyde/blood , Occupational Exposure , Superoxide Dismutase/blood , Textile Industry , Volatile Organic Compounds/adverse effects , Adult , Free Radicals/metabolism , Humans , Male
18.
J Obstet Gynaecol Res ; 34(4): 494-8, 2008 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18937702

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine whether fasting during Ramadan causes ketonemia and/or ketonuria and their effects on fetal intrauterine development. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies of >or=20 weeks of gestation who were fasting during Ramadan were included in the study group (group 1). The control group (group 2) consisted of 29 healthy pregnant women who were not fasting. Doppler ultrasonography was performed in all subjects in the beginning and at the end of Ramadan to evaluate the changes in the following measurements: fetal biparietal diameter; fetal femur length; and estimated fetal body weight. Fetal biophysical profile, amniotic fluid index, and umbilical artery systole/diastole ratio were measured in the beginning and at the end of Ramadan. Effects of fasting on the mother were evaluated by measuring serum concentrations of 3ss hydroxybutyrate and glucose, and urinary concentration of ketone. Subjects with any of the followings were excluded: diabetes; thyroid dysfunction; Cushing's syndrome; adrenal disease; pre-eclampsia; and multiple pregnancy. RESULTS: The mean duration of fasting in the study group was 18 +/- 2.1 days. The mean maternal glucose level was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P = 0.003). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the comparisons of other parameters. CONCLUSION: We concluded that fasting during Ramadan does not lead to maternal ketonemia or ketonuria in pregnant women. In addition, fasting during Ramadan has no significant adverse effect on intrauterine fetal development or the fetus's health.


Subject(s)
Fasting/physiology , Fetal Development/physiology , Islam , Adult , Female , Fetal Weight/physiology , Fetus , Humans , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies
19.
Ann N Y Acad Sci ; 1100: 179-84, 2007 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17460176

ABSTRACT

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is known to be a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease in middle-aged men, but the role of Lp(a) in women and in the elderly is less clear. In most studies, excess Lp(a) is not associated with increased risk for persons >65 years of age. This study examined the strength of association of a number of risk factors to coronary artery disease (CAD) in groups of men <65 years (n = 108) and >65 of age (n = 66) with angiographically documented significant narrowing of coronary arteries. Serum Lp(a) concentrations were determined; elevated Lp(a) is positively associated with CAD for men <65 years (adjusted OR: 2.45, P <0.05) but not for men >65 of age (adjusted OR: 0.56, P = NS). For middle-aged men, elevated Lp(a) appears to be an independent risk factor for premature CAD, and the importance of Lp(a) as a risk factor appears to decrease with age. These data suggest that the utility of Lp(a) lipoprotein levels in predicting the risk of CAD in older men is limited. Factors, such as age; sex; levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides; carotid-wall thickness; smoking status; the presence or absence of diabetes and systolic and diastolic hypertension; body mass index (BMI); and other traditional risk factors, must be evaluated together to determine the risk of CAD for the entire population.


Subject(s)
Atherosclerosis/diagnosis , Atherosclerosis/genetics , Lipoprotein(a)/blood , Age Factors , Aged , Cholesterol/metabolism , Cholesterol, LDL/metabolism , Coronary Disease/diagnosis , Coronary Disease/genetics , Disulfides/chemistry , Humans , Hypertension/diagnosis , Hypertension/genetics , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Triglycerides/metabolism
20.
Med Princ Pract ; 16(2): 137-41, 2007.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17303950

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the levels of serum cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), nitric oxide (NO) and adrenomedullin (AM) in schizophrenic patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-six male patients with chronic schizophrenia and 28 normal male subjects participated in this study. The duration of disease was 145 +/- 120 (mean +/- SD) months. Serum levels of cortisol and DHEA-S were measured by electrochemiluminescence; plasma nitrite levels as an index of NO were measured with the Griess reaction, while plasma AM concentration was measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Patients (12.48 +/- 3.2 microg/dl), as compared to controls (10.31 +/- 3.1 microg/dl), had higher levels of baseline cortisol (p < 0.05). DHEA-S levels were lower in patients though this did not reach statistical significance (302 +/- 156 microg/dl compared to control, 322 +/- 96 microg/dl, p > 0.05). The mean levels of plasma AM and NO in the schizophrenic group (44.33 +/- 5.07 pmol/l and 36.27 +/- 17.6 micromol/l) were significantly higher than the levels in the control group (14.56 +/- 4.03 pmol/l and 32.54 +/- 7.14 micromol/l; p < 0.001, p < 0.03, respectively). There was a positive association between duration of disease and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio and cortisol level. CONCLUSION: The data show that schizophrenia is associated with abnormal levels of cortisol, DHEA-S, NO and AM.


Subject(s)
Adrenomedullin/blood , Dehydroepiandrosterone/blood , Hydrocortisone/blood , Nitric Oxide/blood , Schizophrenia/blood , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Chronic Disease , Humans , Male , Statistics, Nonparametric
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