Intensifying Iodine Deficiency Throughout Trimesters of Pregnancy in a Borderline Iodine-Sufficient Urban Area, Ankara, Turkey.

Iodine has long been recognized as an essential micronutrient for maternal thyroid function, as well as fetal growth and development during pregnancy. The current study aimed to evaluate thyroid hormone status, urinary iodine concentration (UIC), thyroid volume, and nodularity in pregnant women, throughout trimesters, in a borderline iodine sufficient, urban area with mandatory table salt iodization. Two-hundred-sixty-five pregnant women ranging from 17 to 45 years participated in this prospective longitudinal study. Thyroid function tests, thyroid volume, nodule growth, and UIC were recorded throughout the first, second, and third trimesters with no intervention. Median UIC was 96, 78, and 60 µg/L in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean TSH values increased significantly (i.e. 0.65 mIU/ml, 1.1 mIU/ml, and 1.3 mIU/ml in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively) (p < 0.001). Mean ± s.d. thyroid volume was significantly higher in the third trimester (14.72 ± 6.8 ml) compared with the first trimester (13.69 ± 5.31 ml) (p < 0.001). An intensifying iodine deficiency (ID) was reported throughout trimesters in this cohort of pregnant women from Ankara. A significant percentage of pregnant women from a borderline iodine sufficient, urban area in Turkey were iodine deficient during all trimesters, and the deficiency increased throughout the pregnancy. Pregnant women should receive iodine supplementation, besides consuming iodized salt in borderline iodine sufficient areas.

HDL subgroups and their paraoxonase-1 activity in the obese, overweight and normal weight subjects.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and overweight are significant public health problems because of higher risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). It is very important to determine new predictive markers to identify the CAD risk in obese and overweight. To aim this, we analysed HDL-C subgroups (HDL2-C and HDL3-C) and their paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in obese, overweight and normal weight subjects. METHOD: 71 obese, 40 overweight and 30 healthy subjects as a control group were enrolled the study. Serum lipids levels were determined with enzymatic colorimetric method. Further, PON-1 activities and HDL-C levels were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Non-HDL3-C concentrations were calculated with the subtraction of HDL3-C from total HDL-C. RESULTS: The mean serum levels of total HDL-C, HDL3-C, Non-HDL3-C and ApoA1 were higher in control group than obese and overweight groups. There were a statistically significant difference between obese and control group in terms of Lp(a), hsCRP and HOMA index. Higher total PON-1, non-HDL3 PON-1 and HDL3 PON-1 activities were found in the control group compared with obese and overweight groups. Total HDL was weakly negative correlated with the HOMA index, BMI and waist circumference. There was a weak negative correlation between non-HDL3-C and waist circumference. CONCLUSION: Altered HDL-subgroups pattern and decreased PON-1 activities may cause increased risk for CVD in obese and overweight individuals. Therefore determination of HDL subgroups and their PON-1 activity may improve risk prediction compared with measuring total HDL-C levels and its PON-1 activity alone. Body weight and insulin resistance appear to have a role in the decreased HDL-C levels and PON-1activity in obese. Further studies should be conducted to shed more light on impacts of these markers in CVD.

The increase of neuropathic symptoms in diabetic patients is related with osteopenia.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between the intensity of neuropathic pain and the severity of osteopenia in type 2 diabetic patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (painful DPN). METHODS: In 220 patients with type 2 diabetes included in the screening, the presence of neuropathic pain was evaluated using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) scoring system. One hundred forty-five patients with painful DPN were identified and included in the study. Socio-demographic and laboratory evaluations were made and bone mineral density (BMD) of these patients was evaluated by the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) method. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between the neuropathic pain score and the total T scores of the lumbar spine and femur in patients with painful DPN. According to the regression analysis (standard coefficients), the DN4 score (0.498); the level of vitamin D (- 0.246) and the female sex (0.236) for the lumbar spine region; age (0.387); DN4 score (0.261); and vitamin D level (- 0.155) for the femur region were independently influencing factors on the development of osteoporosis. When osteoporosis (T score ≤ - 2.5) of the lumbar spine was analyzed by binary logistic regression, the risk of osteoporosis in women was 4.4 times higher, and the risk increased with increasing DN4 score. CONCLUSION: The increase of neuropathic symptoms in patients with DPN is an effective and important factor in the development of diabetic osteopenia.

The effect of hyperglycemic peak induced by oral glucose tolerance test on the oxidant and antioxidant levels

Background/aim: The possibility of adverse effects of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) carried out for the screening of gestational diabetes among pregnant women and fetuses is a frequently discussed topic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the hyperglycemia peak during OGTT on the levels of oxidants and antioxidants in the body. Materials and methods: Eighty individuals who applied to the Outpatient Clinic with suspected diabetes and OGTT indication were included in the study. Glucose, total oxidant capacity status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels were tested on blood samples collected from these individuals at 0, 60, and 120 min during the OGTT carried out with 75 g of glucose. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated as the ratio of TOS to TAS. Results: While the oxidative parameters TOS and LOOH were significantly increased at 60. min of OGTT, only LOOH was significantly increased at 120. min of OGTT. Significant decreases in antioxidative parameters (TAS, SOD) were observed at 60. and 120. min of the OGTT and OSI was significantly increased at 60. and 120. min of the OGTT. Conclusion: Oxidative stress parameters were increased and antioxidative parameters were decreased during the OGTT. However, more extended studies are required to determine the effects of the increased oxidative stress on pregnant women and fetuses.

Evaluation of Platelet Functions in Patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Versus Healthy Controls: a Cross-Sectional Analysis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate platelet functions in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) versus healthy controls. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with HT and 29 healthy controls were included in this study. Age, serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibody and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibody, platelet count, in vitro platelet aggregation and ATP release reaction tests were recorded and compared between HT and control groups. RESULTS: Median (IQR) serum levels for TSH (p = 0.001), anti-TPO (p = 0.001), and anti-Tg (p = 0.001) antibodies were significantly higher, while FT4 levels (p = 0.005) were significantly lower in patients with HT than in controls. Patients had lower levels of ADP-induced platelet aggregation (p = 0.05) and lower ristocetin-induced ATP release activity (p = 0.05) compared to controls. Platelet count was positively correlated with serum FT4 levels (r = 0.27, p < 0.05). Conclusions: We found decreased ADP-induced platelet aggregation and ristocetin-induced platelet release activity as well as a positive correlation of platelet count with FT4 levels in patients with HT. Our findings support the role of thyroid hormone status and autoimmunity in the association between HT and platelet aggregation and secretion functions.

Topical and Systemic Effects of N-acetyl Cysteine on Wound Healing in a Diabetic Rat Model.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effects of topical and systemic N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) treatment on wound healing in a diabetic rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 12. Diabetes was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. A 2-cm x 1-cm full-thickness wound was created on the back of each animal. In group 1 (control) and group 3 (systemic NAC), the wounds were closed with 0.9% sodium chloride-treated sterile gauze. In group 2 (topical NAC) and group 4 (topical + systemic NAC), the wounds were closed with sterile gauze treated with 3 mL (300 mg) of NAC. The animals in groups 3 and 4 were administered 200 mg/kg of NAC once daily through an orogastric tube. On days 1 and 14, the wounded areas were measured. Tissue and blood samples were taken on day 14 for histopathological and biochemical examination. RESULTS: On day 14, the wounded area in groups 2, 3, and 4 was found to be smaller than in group 1 (control). Histopathologically, epithelialization and fibrosis scores were significantly lower, whereas the inflammation score was higher in group 1 than in the other groups. Tissue oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, fluorescent oxidation products, total oxidative stress) were higher in the control group than in the other groups. In groups 3 and 4 (which received systemic NAC), the oxidative stress parameters in serum samples were lower than those of the control group and group 2. Serum sulphydryl levels were the lowest in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that both topical and systemic administration of NAC improved wound healing in a diabetic rat model. This effect of NAC may be related to its antioxidant properties since a reduction in oxidative stress parameters in both tissue and serum were shown in the present study.

Serum nesfatin-1 levels are decreased in pregnant women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate serum nesfatin-1 levels at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy in women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes and determine the association of nesfatin-1 with several metabolic parameters. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy and 30 healthy pregnant women matched in age and gestational week were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were analyzed using ELISA, and the relationship between nesfatin-1 and several metabolic parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Serum nesfatin-1 levels were found to be lower in women with gestational diabetes compared to the pregnant women in the control sample (p = 0.020). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that nesfatin-1 was lower in participants with gestational diabetes independently from gestational age, BMI, HOMA-IR, fasting plasma glucose, and age. In correlation analysis, the only variable that was found to have a statistically significant correlation with nesfatin-1 was gestational age (p = 0.015, r = 0.30). CONCLUSION: Lower nesfatin-1 levels in women with gestational diabetes compared to the control group at 24-28 weeks of gestation draws attention to nesfatin-1 levels in gestational diabetes and motivates further research in this area.

Serum nesfatin-1 levels are decreased in pregnant women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate serum nesfatin-1 levels at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy in women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes and determine the association of nesfatin-1 with several metabolic parameters. Subjects and methods Forty women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy and 30 healthy pregnant women matched in age and gestational week were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were analyzed using ELISA, and the relationship between nesfatin-1 and several metabolic parameters were assessed. Results Serum nesfatin-1 levels were found to be lower in women with gestational diabetes compared to the pregnant women in the control sample (p = 0.020). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that nesfatin-1 was lower in participants with gestational diabetes independently from gestational age, BMI, HOMA-IR, fasting plasma glucose, and age. In correlation analysis, the only variable that was found to have a statistically significant correlation with nesfatin-1 was gestational age (p = 0.015, r = 0.30). Conclusion Lower nesfatin-1 levels in women with gestational diabetes compared to the control group at 24-28 weeks of gestation draws attention to nesfatin-1 levels in gestational diabetes and motivates further research in this area.

Comparison of Early Total Thyroidectomy with Antithyroid Treatment in Patients with Moderate-Severe Graves' Orbitopathy: A Randomized Prospective Trial.

BACKGROUND: The optimal therapeutic choice for Graves' hyperthyroidism in the presence of moderate-severe Graves' orbitopathy (GO) remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare GO course in patients with moderate-severe GO treated with early total thyroidectomy (TTx) versus antithyroid drug (ATD) regimens, in a prospective, randomized manner. METHODS: Forty-two patients with moderate-severe GO were enrolled. A total of 4.5 g of pulse corticosteroids were given intravenously to all patients before randomization. Patients in the first group were given TTx, whereas patients in the second group were treated with ATDs. TSH was kept between 0.4 and 1 mIU/l. The clinical course of GO was evaluated with proptosis, lid aperture, clinical activity score (CAS), and diplopia. RESULTS: Eighteen and 24 patients were randomized to the TTx and ATD groups, respectively. Thyroid autoantibodies decreased significantly, and there were significant improvements in proptosis, lid aperture, and CAS in the TTx group. While in the ATD group the decrement in thyroid autoantibodies was not significant, there were significant improvements in proptosis and CAS. When the TTx group was compared with the ATD group, anti-TPO, anti-Tg, and TSH-receptor antibodies were significantly decreased in the TTx group (p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference with respect to proptosis, lid aperture, CAS, and diplopia between the two groups during a median (min.-max.) follow-up period of 60 months (36-72). CONCLUSION: Although no definitive conclusions could be drawn from the study, mainly due to limited power, early TTx and the ATD treatment regimens, followed by intravenous pulse corticosteroid therapy, seemed to be equally effective on the course of GO in this relatively small group of patients with moderate-severe GO during a median (min.-max.) follow-up period of 60 months (36-72).

Is There a Tendency for Thrombosis in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

CONTEXT: Impact of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the coagulation system, dynamics involved at a pathophysiological level and the exact mechanism remain unclear. AIMS: To evaluate the association between diabetes-related parameters and hemostatic factors to search for a tendency of thrombosis in GDM. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Nineteen pregnant women who had GDM, 16 healthy pregnant and 13 healthy nonpregnant controls admitted to the Endocrinology outpatient clinics were enrolled in the study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fasting and postprandial glucose, hemoglobin A1c and insulin levels, and insulin resistance; fructosamine, thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), plasminogen activator inhibitor Type-1 (PAI-1), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), fibrinogen, plasminogen and hemoglobin levels, platelet counts, prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were studied. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: One-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference or Conover's nonparametric multiple comparison tests for comparison of the study groups. RESULTS: PT and aPTT were significantly lower in GDM patients compared to controls (P < 0.05), whereas fibrinogen and plasminogen levels were significantly higher in this group compared to both nonpregnant and healthy pregnant controls (P < 0.05 for each). TAFI, TFPI, PAI-1, and tissue t-PA levels were not significantly different among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate tendency to develop thrombosis in GDM similar to diabetes mellitus; but more comprehensive studies with larger sample size are needed to determine the relationship between GDM and hemostasis.

Neopterin and hsCRP are not correlated in gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine serum neopterin and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in patients with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: Neopterin and hsCRP levels were quantified in 28 women with GDM and 20 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Postpartum neopterin and hsCRP levels were measured in a follow-up study. RESULTS: Neopterin levels were significantly higher in women with GDM than in women with NGT (15.89 ± 8.19 nmol/L versus 10.4 ± 3.8 nmol/L, p < 0.008, respectively), however the levels significantly decreased after delivery in GDM group (15.89 ± 8.19 nmol/L versus 11.63 ± 5.96 nmol/L, p < 0.001). hsCRP levels were not different between women with and without GDM (5.74 ± 3.91 versus 5.73 ± 3.34, p = 0.9, respectively). In contrast, hsCRP levels decreased after delivery in patients with GDM (5.74 ± 3.91 versus 3.78 ± 2.78, p < 0.01). Neopterin levels were correlated with maternal age (r = 0.3, p = 0.02) and fasting glucose (r = 0.4, p = 0.004), postprandial glucose (r = 0.3, p = 0.01), HbA1c (r = 0.3, p = 0.02), whereas hsCRP levels were correlated with pre-pregnancy (r = 0.3, p = 0.04) and pregnancy body mass index (r = 0.4, p = 0.008). No correlation between serum neopterin and hsCRP levels was found (p = 0.9). CONCLUSION: Neopterin levels increased in patients with GDM; hence, it may be related to inflammation. However, the lack of correlation between neopterin and hsCRP suggests the role of different attitudes of these two parameters in the course of pregnancy and GDM.

Association of plasma GDF-9 or GDF-15 levels with bone parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome.

We aimed to determine plasma levels of growth and differentiation factor (GDF)-9 and GDF-15, and their possible association with bone turnover parameters and bone mineral density (BMD), in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Forty-two obese PCOS women aged 25-35 years, 23 women with idiopathic hirsutism (IH) and 20 healthy controls matched for age and body mass index were enrolled. Anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal patterns, plasma GDF-9 and GDF-15 concentrations, bone turnover markers and BMD were measured. No significant differences were observed in bone turnover markers, BMD measurements, plasma GDF-9 and GDF-15 levels in subjects with PCOS compared with the other two groups. In the combined population of all three groups, GDF-15 concentrations were negatively correlated with osteocalcin (r = -0.317, p < 0.01). Analysis of PCOS patients showed a significant correlation of GDF-15 concentrations with age and homeostasis model assessment index (r = 0.319, p < 0.05, and r = 0.312, p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, GDF-15 concentrations were negatively correlated with osteocalcin (r = -0.395, p < 0.01) and positively correlated with urine deoxypyridinoline (r = 0.353, p < 0.05). GDF-9 did not correlate with bone markers and BMD measurements. In conclusion, plasma GDF-9 and GDF-15 levels as well as bone turnover markers and BMD measurements in subjects with PCOS (25-35 years of age) were comparable with those either in subjects with IH or in healthy controls with similar anthropometric and metabolic profiles. GDF-15 might be a marker of a crossregulation between bone and energy metabolism.

Atrial electromechanical delay in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). Increased atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) is known to be a precursor of AF. In this study, we aimed to investigate AEMD in patients with type 2 DM. METHODS: A total of 110 participants were recruited to the present study. Of them, 70 were diabetic patients, and 40 were healthy control subjects. Basal characteristics were recorded and transthoracic echocardiography was performed for all study participants. RESULTS: Basal characteristics were similar between the two groups. There was significant intra-atrial and interatrial electromechanical delay in the diabetic group compared with the control group. In the correlation analysis, no correlation existed between AEMD and hemoglobin A1C or fasting plasma glucose levels. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we showed that there was significant AEMD in patients with type 2 DM compared with healthy control subjects. Increased AEMD might be an early marker of AF in this patient subset. To clear this hypothesis, further studies are needed.

Higher levels of circulating CXCL-9 and CXCL-11 in euthyroid women with autoimmune thyroiditis and recurrent spontaneous abortions.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to measure serum CXCL-9 and CXCL-11 levels in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA). METHODS: Forty-one euthyroid, non-pregnant women with AIT and a history of unexplained first trimester RSA, 35 euthyroid women with AIT, and 29 healthy controls matched for age and body mass index were enrolled. Serum CXCL-9 and CXCL-11 were measured. RESULTS: Serum CXCL-9 and -11 levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001 for both) in the antibody-positive women with a history of abortions than in both control groups. Additionally, CXCL-9 levels were higher in patients with AIT without RSA than in healthy controls. No significant differences were found in CXCL-9 and -11 levels in subjects with a history of RSA in relation to the number of previous abortions. In multiple linear regression analyses, abortions were significantly related to CXCL-9 (ß-coefficient = 0.174, p < 0.001), CXCL-11 (ß-coefficient = 0.490, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Higher circulating levels of CXCL-9 and -11 have been shown in non-pregnant AIT patients with a history of RSA as compared to both control groups, suggesting that this subgroup produce a more dominant Th-1 cytokine profile.

Increased total Renin levels but not Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 41 obese (PCOS) women and 29 healthy controls, matched for age and body mass index, were enrolled. Anthropometric, metabolic, and hormonal patterns, including plasma aldosterone, plasma renin, and ACE activity, were measured in each subject. RESULTS: Plasma renin levels were significantly higher in PCOS patients (19.7 ± 14.5 µg/ml) compared with controls (12.9 ± 9.0 µg/ml, p < 0.05). ACE activity and aldosterone levels did not significantly differ between both groups (p = 0.15 and p = 0.18, respectively). Analysis of PCOS patients showed a significant correlation of fasting insulin levels with levels of renin (r = 0.305, p < 0.01) and free testosterone (r = 0.384, p = 0.001). Similarly, homeostasis model assessment index was positively correlated with total renin concentrations (r = 0.366, p < 0.01) and free testosterone (r = 0.352, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Obese PCOS women had higher total renin levels, but not ACE activity and aldosterone levels, related to insulin resistance compared with controls.

The relationship of PON1 QR 192 and LM 55 polymorphisms with serum paraoxonase activities of Turkish diabetic patients.

Paraoxonase (PON1) is a serum esterase responsible for the protection against xenobiotics toxicity such as paraoxon. Alterations in PON1 concentrations have been reported in a variety of diseases including diabetes mellitus (DM). It has been shown that the serum PON1 concentration and activity are decreased in patients with both type 1 and type 2 DM. This study aimed to investigate the lipid profiles and the relationship between PON1 activity and PON1, QR192 and LM55 polymorphisms in Turkish type 2 diabetic patients and non-diabetic control subjects. According to our results, RR variant had significantly higher PON activity than QQ and QR variants (p < 0.01) and LL variant had significantly higher PON activity than MM variant in both control and patient groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we found that PON1 192RR and 55LL genotypes are associated with higher PON activity than QQ and MM genotypes. This may be more protective to lipid peroxidation.

The effect of acupuncture on postmenopausal symptoms and reproductive hormones: a sham controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms and other gynaecological conditions. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate whether acupuncture has an effect on menopausal symptoms and to explore whether this effect is related to changes in hormone levels. Materials and methods A total of 53 postmenopausal women were alternately assigned into two treatment groups: acupuncture (n=27) and sham acupuncture (n=26). Menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). The serum oestradiol, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) levels were measured at baseline and again after the first and last sessions. The Student t test was used for normally distributed data and the Wilcoxon signed rank test for not normally distributed data. The group differences in MRS scores were assessed using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: After treatment, total MRS, and the somatic and psychological subscale scores were significantly lower in the acupuncture group than the sham group (all p=0.001). The severity of hot flushes was found to be significantly decreased after treatment in acupuncture group (p=0.001). In the acupuncture group LH levels were lower and oestradiol levels were significantly higher than sham group (p=0.046 and p=0.045, respectively) after treatment, but there was no difference in FSH levels. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture was effective in reducing menopausal complaints when compared to sham acupuncture and can be considered as an alternative therapy in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Are PON1 Q/R 192 and M/L 55 polymorphisms risk factors for diabetes complications in Turkish population?

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether the human serum paraoxonase (PON1) Q/R 192 and M/L 55 polymorphisms are associated with the complications of the type 2 diabetes (T2D). DESIGN AND METHODS: Study group was consisted of 50 healthy subjects and 100 type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Following measuring of serum PON1 activity, isolation of DNA and genotyping analyses were performed. RESULTS: PON1 activity of the patients with complications was significantly reduced by 23.5% compared to the group of diabetic patients and by 26.3% than the controls. According to multivariate analysis, we observed a three times significant effect of Q/R 192 polymorphism on the susceptibility to the occurrence of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Protective effects of paraoxonase against peroxidation of LDL particles are important in T2D complications. Although both of the two polymorphisms are associated, 192 polymorphism seems to be stronger predictor of the risk of diabetic complications.

Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 levels in polycystic ovary syndrome.

AIM: This study was designed to measure serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy subjects. METHODS: A total of 37 women were evaluated. Serum levels FGF21, glucose, lipid profile, hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, oestradiol, testosterone, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin and insulin) were determined in 24 PCOS (15 subjects of PCOS BMI < 25 kg/m2, 9 subjects of PCOS BMI ≥ kg/m2) and 13 control group (BMI < 25 kg/m2). RESULTS: Serum FGF21 levels were higher in the PCOS group [99.5 (173.7) pg/ml] than in the control group [52.0 (88.0) pg/ml]. LH and T are significantly higher in PCOS cases (respectively; p < 0.05, p < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between FGF21 and luteinising hormone and testosterone (respectively; r = 0.43 p = 0.007, r = 0.38, p = 0.02). Multivariate discriminant analysis showed that BMI, triglyceride, HOMA-IR, fasting glucose with rise of FGF21 were found significant in PCOS. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that FGF21 in cases with PCOS exhibit an increase along with the increase of BMI and also has a positive correlation with LH and T. Further studies are required to clarify the aetiology and effects of FGF21 in women with PCOS.