Evaluation of platelet indices and pro-inflammatory cytokines in type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether platelet parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with platelet activation could be surrogate markers of the diabetic retinopathy stages in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: This prospective case-control study included 108 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 48 healthy controls. After fundoscopic examination, patients were divided into three groups: no retinopathy, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, or proliferative retinopathy. Platelet selectin, interleukin-1alpha, and interleukin-6 values were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance formula was used to assess insulin resistance in patients. RESULTS: Mean platelet volume was lower and interleukin-1alpha was higher in the patients compared to the healthy controls (p=0.046 and p<0.001, respectively). In addition, a positive correlation between the platelet distribution width and HbA1C levels was observed in the patients (r=0.334, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In the studies evaluating the utility of platelet indices and the associated cytokines in diabetic retinopathy, there is a need for the standardization of the measurements. All medications that can affect platelet activation should be taken into consideration.

Evaluation of platelet indices and pro-inflammatory cytokines in type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether platelet parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with platelet activation could be surrogate markers of the diabetic retinopathy stages in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: This prospective case-control study included 108 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 48 healthy controls. After fundoscopic examination, patients were divided into three groups: no retinopathy, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, or proliferative retinopathy. Platelet selectin, interleukin-1alpha, and interleukin-6 values were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance formula was used to assess insulin resistance in patients. RESULTS: Mean platelet volume was lower and interleukin-1alpha was higher in the patients compared to the healthy controls (p=0.046 and p<0.001, respectively). In addition, a positive correlation between the platelet distribution width and HbA1C levels was observed in the patients (r=0.334, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In the studies evaluating the utility of platelet indices and the associated cytokines in diabetic retinopathy, there is a need for the standardization of the measurements. All medications that can affect platelet activation should be taken into consideration.

Pulmonary function tests and thyroid hormone concentrations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, and thyroid gland functions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients (mean age 64.1 +/- 7.3 years, range 53-84 years) with stable COPD (mean duration of disease 11.1 +/- 9.1 years, range 1-30 years) and 15 healthy control cases participated in the study. Pulmonary function, arterial blood gas, and thyroid hormone concentration were measured, and thyroid ultrasonography and scintigraphy were also performed. RESULTS: The values of the pulmonary function tests (vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s and peak expiratory flow) and PaO2 were lower in the study than control group (p < 0.001), but the values of PaCO2 and concentration of free 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (fT3) were higher in the study than control group (p < 0.01) although thyroid hormone concentrations were within normal limits in all cases. However, there was no difference between the values of thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine in both the study and control groups and therefore association could not be established between them on the one hand and pulmonary function test and arterial blood gases on the other hand. Only the values of PaCO2 and fT3 were positively associated; all other values were negatively associated with fT3. CONCLUSION: Changes in pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gases seem to be associated with fT3 concentrations in patients with COPD. Increased respiratory workload could affect thyroid functions.

Causes of gynaecomastia in young adult males and factors associated with idiopathic gynaecomastia.

Gynaecomastia is a common clinical condition. Persistent pubertal or late onset idiopathic gynaecomastia is the leading cause of gynaecomastia in different series. The aim of this study was the assessment of the prevalence and characteristics of different causes of gynaecomastia in young adult males, and evaluation of the factors associated with idiopathic gynaecomastia. Fifty-three male patients (mean age 22.04 +/- 2.22, range 19-29), who had been admitted to our outpatient clinics with gynaecomastia as the main presenting symptom were enrolled in the study. Patients were evaluated with breast palpation, breast ultrasonography, anthropometric measurements and sex steroid levels. Secondary causes of gynaecomastia were ruled out. Thirty age-matched healthy individuals were also studied as healthy control group. Idiopathic gynaecomastia was diagnosed in 31 of 53 patients (58%), with 17 (32%) persistent pubertal and 14 (24%) late onset course. Other causes of gynaecomastia were hypogonadism in 13 cases (25%), hyperprolactinaemia in five (9%), chronic liver disease in two (4%), and drug induced (prolonged use of H2 antagonists) in two (4%). Patients with idiopathic gynaecomastia, either pubertal or late onset, were compared with the healthy control group in order to find out associated factors. Anthropometric measurements revealed a significant increase in body weight and body mass index (BMI) in the patient group compared with healthy controls (72.4 +/- 13.3 vs. 63.6 +/- 7.9 kg, p = 0.0086 and 25.2 +/- 4.0 vs. 21.5 +/- 2.7 kg/m2, p = 0.0001). Total skin fold thickness (SFT) of four different regions were also higher in the patient group (50.9 +/- 22.1 vs. 32.6 +/- 10.2 mm, p = 0.0006) indicating a higher body fat percentage. Total serum testosterone (4.76 +/- 1.31 vs. 5.70 +/- 1.06 microg/mL, p = 0.0038) and luteinizing hormone (LH) (4.80 +/- 1.92 vs. 7.32 +/- 1.90 mIU/mL, p < 0.0001) levels were significantly lower in the patient group while oestradiol levels were similar. There was a significant correlation between total testosterone and LH levels (r = 0.27, p = 0.0445). Total testosterone and LH levels were negatively correlated with BMI and total SFT. As a result most common form of gynaecomastia is idiopathic gynaecomastia either as persistent pubertal or late onset forms in young adult males. Idiopathic gynaecomastia is closely correlated with generalized obesity, reduced LH and testosterone levels which may be the result of increased conversion of testosterone to oestradiol in increased adipose tissue mass.