Effects of 8-week strength training on basal hormone levels, sex hormone binding globulin, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3, oxidative stress markers, and IL-6 levels in adolescent athletes.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate how 8-week strength training affects adolescent athletes' basal hormone concentrations, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), cytokine, and oxidative stress markers. METHODS: Twenty adolescent handball players participated in this study. The participants were randomly divided into the strength training group (ST, n = 10) and the control group (C, n = 10). ST participates in strength training 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks and C participates only in handball training. We quantified serum basal hormone concentration, SHBG, IGFBP3, oxidative stress markers, and IL-6 in each subject's blood samples before and after 8 weeks of strength training. RESULTS: Interestingly, while insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration declined in group C (p < 0.05), it did not in ST (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the basal concentration of growth hormone (GH), total testosterone (T), cortisol (Cor), total antioxidant status (TAS), and serum-free androgen index (FAI) basal concentration did not change in ST and C. Basal IGFBP-3 and SHBG concentrations decreased only in ST (p < 0.05), but not in C (p > 0.05). Serum-free testosterone (FT) levels increased in ST and C (p > 0.05). Total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) reduced ST and C (p < 0.05). Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels did not alter groups ST and C. CONCLUSION: Strength training did not affect basal serum concentrations of T, GH, IGF-1, COR, IL-6, and TAS, but it caused a decrease in SHBG and IGFBP3 concentrations in ST. Increased basal FT concentration and improved serum TOS may not depend on strength training.

Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis: A Potential New Peripheral Biomarker in Adolescent Depression.

Background: Thiol-disulfide homeostasis (TDH), one of the most important antioxidants, is involved in the non-enzymatic removal of reactive oxygen molecules in the body and is one of the many methods to measure the level of oxidative stress (OS). In the present study, TDH is investigated in adolescent depression, and its relationship to clinical variables is examined. Methods: Thirty-two (50.0%) patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and without psychotropic drug use and 32 (50.0%) healthy controls were included in the present study. The subjects MDD and control groups were between 13 and 18 years old. Participants completed the DSM-5 Level-2 scales for depression and irritability. A colorimetric method proposed by Erel and Neselioglu was used to analyze the TDH parameters of serum samples. Results: Biochemical analyses of samples from the MDD and control groups showed significant differences between the groups in native thiol (SH) levels (P = .002), disulfide (SS) levels (P = .021), disulfide/total thiol (SS/ToSH) (P = .009), and disulfide/native thiol (SS/SH) (P = .003) levels. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic showed that the area under the curve values with "acceptable discrimination potential" for the TDH parameters were significantly able to discriminate individuals with MDD from healthy controls. Conclusion: Thiol-disulfide homeostasis, one of the OS parameters, was found to be impaired in adolescents with depression. Our results suggest that TDH may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of adolescent MDD and that TDH may be a novel approach to assess OS in adolescent depression.

Exploring the Association between Depression, Suicidality, and Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, FAM19A5, Total Antioxidant Status, Total Oxidant Status, Oxidative Stress Index, and Cytokine Levels: A Case-Control Study of Drug-Naive Adolescents with First-Episode Major Depressive Disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the importance of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), peripheral blood biomarkers are promising for the prediction of diagnosis and treatment outcomes. We aimed to elucidate the neuroinflammatory pathophysiology of depression by evaluating serum levels of FAM19A5 as a new biomarker of inflammatory activation, proinflammatory cytokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and oxidative stress parameters. METHODS: Adolescents diagnosed with first-episode drug-naive MDD (n = 35) were compared neurobiologically healthy control group (n = 33). Serum FAM19A5 levels, cytokine levels, BDNF and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunoassay method. All participants were assessed with the Level-2 Depression Severity Scale, Sleep Disturbance Scale, Somatic Symptom Scale. RESULTS: BDNF levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. While BDNF showed a positive correlation with all scale scores; BDNF was significantly higher in the suicide risk groups than the control group. IL-1ß levels displayed a negative correlation with the severity of sleep disturbances. CONCLUSIONS: In adolescents with MDD, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were not raised in peripheral blood, unlike in adults. However, BDNF levels, which typically decrease in neurodegenerative conditions, were higher in those with MDD.

Cognitive functioning of adolescents using Methamphetamine: The impact of inflammatory and oxidative processes.

BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine is a substance that causes neurotoxicity and its use is increasing in recent years. Literature highlights cognitive impairment resulting from Methamphetamine use. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between cognitive impairment and inflammatory processes in adolescents with Methamphetamine use disorder. METHODS: The study included 69 adolescents aged 15-19 years, comprising 37 participants with Methamphetamine Use Disorder and 32 healthy controls. Central Nervous System Vital Signs was used to detect cognitive impairment. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-33 and The Children's Depression Inventory scales were used. In addition, venous blood was collected from the volunteers. Biochemical parameters (IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-a, BDNF, FAM19A5, TAS, TOS) were analyzed. RESULTS: Our study showed that (I) IL-6 and TNF-a levels of Methamphetamine users were lower than the healthy group; (II) BDNF levels of Methamphetamine users were higher than the healthy group; (III) mean Neurocognitive Index in cognitive tests of Methamphetamine using adolescents was negatively correlated with duration of Methamphetamine use and BDNF levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that Methamphetamine use may have a negative effect on cognitive functions.

Inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate in nonasthmatic children with food allergy.

Allergy is a systemic inflammation; therefore, although the allergic symptom may be seen in a specific organ system, the effects of this inflammation may be seen in other organs. interleukin (IL) IL4, IL5 and IL13 are the major Th2 cytokines and e-cadherin is an epithelial barrier protein. The objective of this research was to assess indicators of inflammation specific to Th2 responses and proteins related to the protective barrier of the airway's inner lining. These assessments were conducted using exhaled breath condensate (EBC), which provides insights into peripheral airway conditions of children suffering from food allergies. The study had 24 patients with food allergy and 24 control individuals younger than three years of age with no history of food reaction. The diagnosis of food allergy was based on food allergen-specific IgE and skin prick test positivity in our clinic and oral food testing in selected cases. EBC samples were obtained by Ecoscreen (Jaegar, Hoechberg, Germany). IL4, IL5, IL13 and E-cadherin levels were measured in these samples by enzyme linked immunoassay. The group of children with food allergies, consisting mainly of 14 girls, had a median age of 16 months, whereas the control group, which included 11 girls, had a median age of 15 months (p= 0.89). Comparing the two groups, children with food allergies exhibited notably lower levels of IL-13 in the EBC compared to the control group (median values of 59.14 and 76.36, respectively,p= 0.02). Conversely, the concentration of IL-4 in the EBC was significantly higher in children with food allergies (median values of 1.94 and 1.29, respectively,p= 0.003). However, the levels of IL-5 and e-cadherin showed no significant differences between the two groups (withp-values of 0.74 and 0.09, respectively) as shown in table1. High level of IL-4 despite the low level of IL-13 in the EBC of children having food allergy may be indicative of an early inflammatory phase that is not yet in the effector phase. Studies about the evolution of this process later in life are needed to assess the role of airway inflammation in children with food allergy who develop asthma.

An evaluation of both serum Klotho/FGF-23 and apelin-13 for detection of diabetic nephropathy.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study is to evaluate whether serum Klotho/FGF-23 and apelin-13 can be used as new biomarkers for detection of development of nephropathy. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 88 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and 38 healthy controls were included. The mean duration of T2DM was 11.4 ± 9.7 years. T2DM individuals were categorized into two groups as group 1 with e-GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and group 2 with e-GFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. They were also divided into two groups according to their 24 h urine albumin levels, classifying them as follows: normoalbuminuria if less than 30 mg/day and albuminuria if more than 30 mg/day. RESULTS: Mean serum Klotho levels in the T2DM group were observed to be significantly higher than in the control group. Serum apelin-13 levels were observed to be significantly lower in the T2DM group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In the diabetic group, apelin-13 levels were positively correlated with age, waist circumference, and albuminuria while they were negatively correlated with e-GFR. Apelin-13 levels were seen to be significantly higher in group 1 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Apelin-13 levels were found to be significantly higher in individuals with diabetic nephropathy than in those without diabetic nephropathy. In the diabetic group, a significant relationship was detected between apelin-13 levels and albumin excretion. Based on these findings, we consider that serum Klotho and apelin-13 levels may have a protective effect on diabetic nephropathy and can additionally be used as a biomarker to predict diabetic nephropathy.

The Relationship of Testicular Sonoelastography with Gonadotropin Hormone Levels and Sperm Parameters.

Background: Elastography is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that helps determine the stiffness of organs and other structures in our body. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of elastography in the diagnosis of infertility. Aim: In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between testicular elastography and hormonal parameters and sperm parameters. Patients and Methods: The study included 136 patients, 272 testicles were examined, and the mean age of the study participants was 30.1 years. Testicular tissue stiffness was measured by scrotal ultrasonographic shear wave elastography. Gonadotropin and testosterone hormones were measured from blood samples. Spermiogram parameters were studied manually. Results: The control group included 66 patients, and the varicocele group consisted of 70 patients. Testicular stiffness degrees of the control group were measured as 4.29 kPa for the right testis and 4.23 kPa for the left testis. The varicocele group was divided into grades 1, 2, and 3 according to physical examination. In group 1 (grade 1), the right testis was 4.07 ± 1.24 kPa and the left testis was 3.77 ± 0.98 kPa. In group 2 (grade 2), the right testis was 4.31 ± 1.40 kPa and the left testis was 3.98 ± 0.93 kPa. In group 3 (grade 3), the right testis was 4.73 ± 1.50 kPa and the left testis was 3.99 ± 1.68 kPa. Hormone and sperm parameters were not statistically significant when comparing the control and varicocele groups. There was no statistical significance between the testicular tissue stiffness degrees of the control and varicocele groups. Hormone and spermiogram findings were also similar in groups. Conclusion: It is known that varicocele leads to histological tissue changes in the testes. These changes result in tissue softness and loss while affecting sperm parameters and testosterone levels in a negative way. Before varicocele surgery, there is a need for new imaging methods with more sensitivity that can detect tissue changes in the testes.

Effect of the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome-related features on anti-Mullerian hormone and androstenedione levels in adolescents with or without menstrual irregularity.

PURPOSE: To determine the variation in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and androstenedione (A4) concentrations in adolescent girls, with or without menstrual cycle disorder in relation to phenotypic features of. PCOS. METHODS: Adolescent girls (n = 129), age range 14-19 years, were recruited in the cohort study. All participants were in the 4th or 5th year after menarche. Sixty-eight had menstrual irregularities, usually oligomenorrhea (OM), and 61 had regular menstruation (RM). AMH and A4 concentrations were measured. Hirsutism was recorded. Polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) was evaluated by transabdominal pelvic ultrasonography. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) features were defined according to Rotterdam consensus criteria. RESULTS: AMH and A4 were significantly higher in adolescent girls with OM than in girls with RM (p < 0.05). A4 and body mass index (BMI) of adolescents with OM was significantly higher in those with hirsutism than those without hirsutism (p = 0.01 and 0.008, respectively). There was a positive correlation between A4 and BMI (r: 0.327, p < 0.01). Logistic regression showed that the frequency of OM in the presence of PCOM was 10.8 times (95% CI 2.04-12.09) compared to those without PCOM. The highest AMH concentrations were found in girls with OM, hirsutism, and PCOM (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AMH and A4 are elevated in adolescents with oligomenorrhoea. High A4 is more prominent in the presence of hirsutism and is associated with increased BMI. PCOM, increases the likelihood of oligomenorrhea by about 10 times. AMH increase as the combination of clinical features of PCOS increases in adolescents with menstrual irregularity.

Systemic inflammatory response during cardiopulmonary bypass: Axial flow versus radial flow oxygenators.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the inflammatory effects of different oxygenator flow pattern types in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: We designed this randomized, single-blind, prospective study of patients with coronary artery disease. We compared the systemic inflammatory effects of oxygenators with two types of flow: axial flow and radial flow. Therefore, we divided the patients into two groups: 24 patients in the axial group and 28 patients in the radial group. IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were examined for cytokine activation leading to a systemic inflammatory reaction. The samples were collected at three different time intervals: T1, T2, and T3 (T1 was taken before cardiopulmonary bypass, T2 just 1 h after CPB onset, and T3 was taken 24 h after the surgery). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups. We observed that there were notably lower levels of humoral inflammatory response parameters (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α) in the radial flow oxygenator group than in the axial flow group at the specific sampling times. For IL-10, there was no significant difference for any time period. CONCLUSION: It might be advantageous to use a radial-flow-patterned oxygenator to limit the inflammatory response triggered by the oxygenators in cardiopulmonary bypass.

Thiol/disulfide homeostasis in medication-naive children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes significant psychic distress and affects children's social and academic functioning. Approximately 80% of OCD cases begin in childhood. Earlier onset is associated with more severe OC symptoms, poorer treatment response, and a more unfavorable clinical course. A particular oxidative stress marker, thiol/disulfide homeostasis, using a new, comparatively inexpensive, easily calculated, easily accessible, repeatable, and fully automated method was investigated between pediatric patients diagnosed with OCD and a healthy control group in this study. This study is the first to address this subject in pediatric patients with OCD and aims to contribute to our knowledge of the etiopathogenesis and treatment of pediatric OCD. The study included children with OCD (n = 35, 52.2%) (drug free, comorbidity free) between 11 and 18 years of age and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 32, 47.8%). The total thiol (p = 0.025) and disulfide (p = 0.001) levels and the disulfide/native thiol (p = 0.001) and disulfide/total thiol ratios (p = 0.001) were significantly different between the groups. Also, in the patient group, biochemical analysis revealed that the disulfide level (p = 0.05) and the disulfide/native thiol (p = 0.034) and disulfide/total thiol ratios (p = 0.039) differed significantly according to the presence of a family history of psychiatric disorders. Consequently, the results of our study show that thiol/disulfide homeostasis may affect the etiopathogenesis of pediatric OCD and can be utilized as a new method when evaluating oxidative stress.

Urinary NGAL is a Potential Biomarker for Early Renal Injury in Insulin Resistant Obese Non-diabetic Children

Objective: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is one of the new biomarkers for detecting acute renal injury. There are studies showing the relationship between NGAL and renal injury in obese children. The aim of this study was to investigate whether urinary levels of NGAL, kidney injury molecule-1, and serum cystatin C are increased in insulin resistance (IR) patients before the development of diabetes. Methods: Cross-sectional, case-controlled study that included non-diabetic obese children and adolescent patients with IR and a non-diabetic obese control group with no IR, who attended a tertiary center pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic between 2016-2018. Those with diabetes mellitus and/or known renal disease were excluded. NGAL and creatinine (Cr) levels were evaluated in the morning spot urine from all participants. Serum renal function was evaluated. Results: Thirty-six control and 63 IR patients were included in the study, of whom 68 (68.7%) were girls. The mean age of all participants was 13.12±2.64 years and no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of age or gender distribution. Median (range) spot urinary NGAL (u-NGAL) values in the IR group were significantly higher at 26.35 (7.01-108.7) ng/mL than in the control group at 19.5 (3.45-88.14) ng/mL (p=0.018). NGAL/Cr ratio was also significantly higher in the IR group compared to the control group (p=0.018). Conclusion: Obese pediatric patients with IR were shown to have elevated levels of u-NGAL, a marker of renal injury. u-NGAL examination may show early renal injury before development of diabetes.

Maternal psychiatric status and infant wheezing: The role of maternal hormones and cord blood cytokines.

RATIONALE: Maternal psychosocial stress might be associated with development of allergic diseases in the offspring. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of maternal depression and anxiety with ever wheezing and recurrent wheezing among infants and to assess the role of maternal hypothalamo-pituatary-adrenal axis changes and fetal immune response in this association. METHODS: This study encompasses two designs; cohort design was developed to evaluate the association of prenatal depression with development of wheezing in infants while nested case-control design was used to assess the role of maternal cortisol and tetranectin and cord blood interleukin 13 and interferon γ. RESULTS: We enrolled 697 pregnant women. Elementary school graduate mother (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5, p = .06), maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR = 3.4, p = .001), familial history of asthma (OR = 2.7, p < .001) increased the risk of ever wheezing. Elementary school graduate mother (OR = 2.6, p = .002), maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR = 4.8, p < .001) and familial history of asthma (OR = 1.7, p = .01) increased the risk of recurrent wheezing. Maternal previous psychiatric disease, or Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores were not associated with wheezing. Maternal tetranectin levels were significantly higher among never wheezers compared to the ever wheezers (264.3 ± 274.8 vs. 201.6 ± 299.7, p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the major risk factors for ever wheezing and recurrent wheezing were maternal smoking, level of education and family history of asthma. However, maternal depression and anxiety were not determined as risk factors for wheezing. Maternal tetranectin carries potential as a biomarker for wheezing in the infant.

The role of the kynurenine pathway and quinolinic acid in adolescent major depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND: The biological mechanisms underlying major depressive disorder (MDD) are not yet sufficiently understood. The kynurenine pathway has been proposed to play a key role between peripheral inflammation and alterations in the central nervous system. This is because of reduced usability of tryptophan (TRP) and production of oxygen radicals and highly potent neurotoxic agents in this pathway. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to compare the metabolites of the serum kynurenine pathway (tryptophan, kynurenine, quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid) and IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1ß and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in patients with major depressive disorder and in healthy controls and to evaluate the relationship between cytokine levels and the functioning of the kynurenine pathway. METHODS: Clinical and biochemical data from the patients were obtained and assessed in a cross-sectional design. Serum samples were analysed for IL-6, IL-1ß, interferon (IFN)-γ, tryptophan (TRP), quinolinic acid (QUIN), kynurenic acid (KYNA) and kynurenine (Kyn) levels by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. hsCRP test was analysed by the immunoturbidimetric method. RESULTS: In total, 48 adolescent patients with major depressive disorder (no drug use) and 31 healthy controls were included in the study. TRP levels were observed to be significantly lower in patients with MDD than in healthy controls (P = .046); the Kyn/TRP ratio was significantly higher in patients with MDD than in healthy controls (P = .032); the levels of QUIN were significantly higher in patients with MDD than in healthy controls (P = .003). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of other kynurenine metabolites and cytokines levels. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the Kyn and related molecular pathways may play a role in the pathophysiology of MDD. The most important finding was the increased level of QUIN, which has a neurotoxic effect, in the kynurenine pathway.

Preanalytical Phase Errors: Experience of a Central Laboratory.

INTRODUCTION: The study intends to observe the frequency of preanalytical phase errors both inside and outside the clinical laboratory according to certain quality indicators (QIs). METHODS: The one-week observation focused on 73 nurses drawing blood from 337 patients. It was performed in two stages: the observation of blood collection up to the receipt of the samples, and the receipt of the samples up to the analytical phase. The data pertaining to the number of patients, tests, and rejection rates were obtained from the laboratory information system (LIS) for the one-week and the one-year period and compared with the observational data. RESULTS: The process of blood sample collection from 337 patients taken into 1347 tubes was observed. Although the majority of the nurses (78%) used safety needles, the safety mechanism was properly activated only in 38% of the interventions. Evaluation of biochemistry tubes (n=971) revealed the following: the incorrect fill volume error was 40%; the hemolysis was seen by 17%, and the clotted sample and fibrin were observed by 6%. The incorrect fill volume error was 12% and 20% in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citrated tubes, respectively. Clotted samples and platelet clumps were seen in 1% of EDTA tubes. CONCLUSION: The study confirms the relative frequency of preanalytical phase error occurring inside and outside of the laboratory.

Maternal serum perlecan levels in women with preeclampsia.

Objective: Perlecan is an extracellular matrix proteoglycan suggested to maintain endothelial functions. We aimed to measure maternal serum perlecan levels in different preeclampsia phenotypes.Methods: This study included 50 women with preeclampsia and 30 healthy pregnant women.Results: Serum perlecan levels were significantly higher (p = 0.016) in preeclamptic women with severe features(n = 23) than preeclampsia patients(n = 27). There were no statistically significant differences in serum perlecan levels between the early-onset preeclampsia(n = 25), late-onset preeclampsia(n = 25), and healthy pregnancies.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that preeclamptic women with severe features have higher serum perlecan levels than women with preeclampsia.

Fragmented QRS as a predictor of subclinical cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Fragmented QRS (fQRS) on surface electrocardiogram is correlated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality in normal population. AIMS: To investigate the presence of fQRS and its association with subclinical atherosclerosis and vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients without cardiovascular disease. METHODS: A total of 129 CKD (63 males and 66 females) patients was enrolled for the study. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement and coronary artery calcification score (CACS) were performed by the same radiologist. A 12-lead electrocardiogram recording was used to detect fQRS. RESULTS: The mean age was 55.1 ± 15.1 years. fQRS was detected in 45% of patients. There was not any significant difference between patients with or without fQRS in terms of demographic parameters and comorbid diseases except for diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. The mean CIMT of CKD patients was 0.66 ± 0.18 mm and it was significantly higher in fQRS(+) group compared to the fQRS(-) group. Similarly CACS values were higher in fQRS(+) group. In the logistic regression analysis, fQRS remained significantly associated with CIMT (ß = 0.220, t = 2.567, P = 0.011) (independent variables: CIMT, CACS, sodium and glomerular filtration rate (modification of diet in renal disease-glomerular filtration rate)). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in the literature showing the relation of fQRS with CIMT and CACS in patients with CKD without known cardiovascular disease.

Decreased maternal serum cortistatin levels in pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To investigate serum cortistatin levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and women with uncomplicated pregnancies.Material and methods: This case-control study consisted of 40 pregnancies with GDM and 41 healthy singleton pregnancies matched for maternal and gestational age. The maternal serum levels of cortistatin were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared between groups.Results: Cortistatin levels were significantly lower in GDM group (48.85 ± 20.18 versus 65.84 ± 33.98 ng/ml, p = .008). There was a statistically significant difference in cortistatin levels between different treatment modalities and control group (χ2(2) = 8.828, p = .012). Pairwise comparisons showed that diet group had significantly lower CST levels than control group (p = .012). Serum cortistatin levels were negatively correlated with serum insulin and glucose levels and HOMA-IR (r = -0.358, p = .001; r = -0.303, p = .006; r = -0.444, p < .001, respectively).Conclusion: Cortistatin levels were significantly lower in GDM pregnancies and related to serum insulin and glucose levels and HOMA-IR in pregnancy. This may help to better clarify the mechanism of GDM pathogenesis.

Can maternal urinary and serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 concentrations be utilized in the diagnosis of fetal hydronephrosis?

Objective: Fetal hydronephrosis (FH) is the most common fetal renal pathology encountered in daily obstetric practice. Urinary and serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) concentrations are elevated in obstructive renal pathologies. Our aim was to assess maternal urinary and serum CA 19-9 concentrations in pregnancies with FH and compare results with controls. Material and Methods: Twenty pregnancies with severe FH, 20 pregnancies with mild-moderate FH, and 20 healthy singleton pregnancies were included in this descriptive, case-control study. The diagnosis and classification of FH was based on the anterioposterior diameter of fetal renal pelvis. Maternal urinary and serum CA 19-9 concentrations were measured and compared between groups. Results: Severe FH cases had significantly higher maternal urinary CA 19-9 concentrations compared to controls (median: 75 vs 24 U/mL; respectively; p=0.014). Concentrations of CA 19-9 did not differ between the mild-moderate FH group and control group. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups with respect to maternal serum CA 19-9 concentrations. Conclusion: Our results show that maternal urinary CA 19-9 concentration is significantly higher in pregnancies with severe FH. However, no difference was detected in serum CA 19-9 concentrations between pregnancies with severe FH, mild-moderate FH and controls. If the mechanisms of transplacental passage and maternal urinary excretion are clarified, maternal urinary CA 19-9 may be a potential marker for indicating fetal kidney damage.

Serum levels of spexin are increased in the third trimester pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Spexin is a peptide that is involved in energy homeostasis and its expression is influenced by altered glucose metabolism. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased insulin resistance (IR) and pregnancy is a progressive insulin resistant state. We hypothesized that spexin may have an effect on the pathophysiology of GDM which further could help to identify the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate spexin levels in the third trimester pregnancies with GDM and healthy controls. Thirty-nine women with GDM and 39 healthy singleton pregnancies were enrolled in this case-control study. Serum spexin concentrations were measured and correlated to biochemical and clinical parameters. Serum spexin levels were significantly higher in women with GDM (3686.25 ± 348.37 vs. 3472.33 ± 293.93 pg/ml, p=.004). Spexin levels ​​did not differ significantly according to treatment modality. Moreover, spexin levels were significantly positively correlated with homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). Spexin levels were significantly higher in women with GDM and closely related to HOMA-IR in the third trimester pregnancy. This may help to better clarify the pathophysiological role of spexin in GDM.

Assessing the relationship between attachment, parental attitude and plasma oxytocin in schizophrenia patients and their unaffected siblings.

BACKGROUND: It is widely acknowledged that schizophrenia patients tend to have insecure attachment styles and improper parenting. However, the biological processes related to these adversities remain unclear and that the disturbance in oxytocin system is considered as one of the strongest predictors of such adversities. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with schizophrenia and their unaffected thirty-four healthy siblings were recruited for the study and they were compared with thirty-one healthy controls. We examined attachment styles via Experience in Close Relationship-Revised Test and perceived parental attitudes with the My Memories of Upbringing-Short Version Test. In addition, we evaluated plasma oxytocin levels across groups. RESULTS: The patients with schizophrenia had lower plasma oxytocin levels and obtained higher levels for attachment anxiety and avoidance with more parental rejection and over protection. There was a significantly negative relationship between the levels of plasma oxytocin in blood and parental over protection in the healthy sibling and healthy control groups. In contrast, there was a significantly positive relationship between the levels of plasma oxytocin in blood and parental over protection in the schizophrenia group. Results of the regression analyses revealed that the plasma oxytocin levels and over protection were notable factors in discriminating the groups from each other. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that disturbance in oxytocin is associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia predisposition. In sum, therapeutic interventions that address oxytocin and over protection may influence the outcomes in this severe mental disorder.