Investigation of Trpa1 and Trpc1 Immunreactivities in Colon Adenocarcinomas.

Purpose: As the normal colon epithelium differentiates into adenoma, invasive cancer and metastatic cancer, the cell acquires new characteristics such as apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation, invasion and metastasis. Many mechanisms are effective in acquiring these qualities. One of these is the regulation of the functioning of ion channels. This study aimed to examine TRPA1 and TRPC1 expression in colorectal adenocarcinomas showing different degrees of differentiation. Patients and Methods: We examined the biopsy specimens of 60 patients diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinomas, including those of patients with well-differentiated (n = 20), moderately differentiated (n = 20) and poorly differentiated (n = 20) carcinomas. Moreover, 20 biopsy specimens of individuals with normal colonic mucosa were examined. Histoscores were calculated for TRPA1 and TRPC1 based on the extent of diffusion and intensity of immunoreactivity, and these scores were compared statistically. Results: A statistically significant increase in both TRPA1 and TRPC1 immunoreactivity was observed in low-grade and high-grade colon adenocarcinomas compared to the control group (p<0.001). A statistically significant decrease in both TRPA1 and TRPC1 immunoreactivity was observed in high-grade colon adenocarcinomas compared to low-grade colon adenocarcinomas (p<0.001). Conclusion: TRPA1 and TRPC1 immunoreactivites are increased in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissue compared with the healthy tissue. Furthermore, the immunoreactivity decreases as the grade of cancer increases.

Effects of an energy drink on myonectin in the liver, kidney and skeletal muscle of exercised rats.

Myonectin is a hormone that is produced mainly by skeletal muscle. We investigated the effects of exercise and energy drink (ED) administration on myonectin expression in skeletal muscle, liver and kidney tissue in rats; myonectin is produced by all three tissues. We used 28 male albino rats in four groups: untreated control (C), exercise (E), energy drink (ED) and exercise + energy drink (E + ED). The E and E + ED groups were exercised using a treadmill for 4 weeks. We also administered 3.5 ml/kg/day ED during week 1, 7 ml/kg/day during week 2 and 10 ml/kg/day during weeks 3 and 4 in the E and E + ED groups. We used ELISA to measure the levels of myonectin in skeletal muscle, liver and kidney tissues. We used immunohistochemical staining to investigate the localization and intensity of myonectin in these tissues. The amount of myonectin in skeletal muscle tissue was increased significantly in all experimental groups compared to group C. The amount of myonectin in the ED group was significantly greater than group E. No significant difference was observed in liver tissue; however, the amount of myonectin in the liver of group C was the greatest among all groups. The amount of myonectin in kidney tissue exhibited no significant difference among groups. Consumption of ED during exercise increased the amount of myonectin in kidney and skeletal muscle tissues and decreased it in liver tissue. We suggest that consumption of ED might adapt metabolism to incresed exercise by controling synthesis of myonectin in liver, kidney and skeletal muscle.

Effects of irisin and exercise on adropin and betatrophin in a new metabolic syndrome model.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent public health problem. Uric acid (UA) is increased by MetS. We investigated whether administration of UA and 10% fructose (F) would accelerate MetS formation and we also determined the effects of irisin and exercise. We used seven groups of rats. Group 1 (control); group 2 (sham); group 3 (10% F); group 4 (1% UA); group 5 (2% UA); group 6 (10% F + 1% UA); and Group 7, (10% F + 2% UA). After induction of MetS (groups 3 -7), Group 3 was divided into three subgroups: 3A, no further treatment; 3B, irisin treatment; 3C, irisin treatment + exercise. Group 4, 1% UA, which was divided into three subgroups: 4A, no further treatment; 4B, irisin treatment; 4C, Irisin treatment + exercise. Group 5, 2% UA, which was divided into three subgroups: 5A, no further treatment; 5B, irisin treatment; 5C, irisin treatment + exercise. Group 6, 10% F + 1% UA, which was divided into three subgroups: 6A, no further treatment; 6B, irisin treatment; 6C, irisin treatment + exercise. Group 7, 10% F + 2% UA, which was divided into three subgroups: 7A, no further treatment; 7B, irisin treatment; 7C, irisin treatment + exercise., Irisin was administered 10 ng/kg irisin intraperitoneally on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday each week for 1 month. The exercise animals (in addition to irisin treatment) also were run on a treadmill for 45 min on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday each week for 1 month. The rats were sacrificed and samples of liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, skeletal muscles and blood were obtained. The amounts of adropin (ADR) and betatrophin in the tissue supernatant and blood were measured using an ELISA method. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect ADR and betatrophin expression in situ in tissue samples. The duration of these experiments varied from 3 and 10 weeks. The order of development of MetS was: group 7, 3 weeks; group 6, 4 weeks; group 5, 6 weeks; group 4, 7 weeks; group 3, 10 weeks. Kidney, liver, heart, pancreas and skeletal muscle tissues are sources of adropin and betatrophin. In these tissues and in the circulation, adropin was decreased significantly, while betatrophin was increased significantly due to MetS; irisin + exercise reversed this situation. We found that the best method for creating a MetS model was F + UA2 supplementation. Our method is rapid and simple. Irisin + exercise was best for preventing MetS.

Investigation of Early Growth Response Protein (EGR) Levels in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue rheumatism characterized by chronic and widespread musculoskeletal pain at specific points in the body. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between Early Growth Response (EGR1, EGR2, and EGR3) protein levels in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) and healthy controls. METHODS: In our studies, 76 FMS patient group and 78 healthy control group who were newly diagnosed with primary FMS according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia in Sivas Cumhuriyet University Hospital, Physical Therapy, and Rehabilitation were used. Venous blood samples were taken from both groups for the measurement of EGR1, EGR2, and EGR3 protein plasma levels, and protein levels were determined using ELISA methods. Statistical parametric test assumptions were compared using the Independent Student's t-test. In addition, specificity, sensitivity, and AUC values were calculated with the ROC curve. RESULTS: The relationship between plasma EGR1 protein levels of FMS patients and control groups was statistically significant (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: EGR1 protein levels were found to be lower in the patient group diagnosed with FMS compared to the control group. It has been suggested that EGR1 protein levels can be important in the diagnosis of FMS disease.

Inflammation Markers in Patients with Bipolar Disorder Who Have Committed Offenses and Their Relationship with Criminal Behavior.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the function of various inflammation parameters and their interactions in the pathology of Bipolar disorder (BD) and to assess whether they could be biomarkers in the relationship between criminal behavior and BD. Materials and Methods: Overall, 1029 participants, including 343 patients with BD who have committed offenses, 343 nonoffending patients with BD, and 343 healthy controls, were included in this retrospective study. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts; high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) levels; systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein ratio (NHR), lymphocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (LHR), monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), platelet to high-density lipoprotein ratio (PHR) were measured. Results: Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of SII, SIRI, NHR, LHR, MHR, PHR, neutrophil, and monocyte values (p < 0.001). The lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the patients with BD who committed offenses (p = 0.04). The platelet counts were significantly lower in the patients with BD who committed offenses compared to nonoffending patients with BD (p = 0.015). The HDL-c levels were significantly lower in the patients with BD who have committed offenses than those of nonoffending patients with BD (p < 0.001). Bipolar disorder, not receiving active psychiatric treatment, having a diagnosis of bipolar manic episodes, and having low platelet and HDL values constitute a risk of involvement in crime. Conclusions: The present study emphasizes the role of systemic inflammation in the pathophysiology of patients with BD with and without criminal offenses and the relationship between inflammation and criminal behavior.

Relationships between Anxiety, Depression, and Illness Perceptions in Lung and Breast Cancer Patients throughout the Cancer Continuum.

Cancer is a devastating disease that has significant psychological and biological impacts. Generally, lung cancer primarily affects men while breast cancer primarily affects women. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the levels of anxiety and depression in patients with these prevalent cancer types, as well as their perceptions of the illness and any potential connections between them. The study included a total of 252 participants, consisting of 110 breast cancer patients, 112 lung cancer patients, and 30 healthy individuals as controls. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered to assess mood, while the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ) was used to evaluate cancer perceptions. Results revealed that both breast cancer and lung cancer patients had significantly higher BDI and BAI scores compared to the control group. Furthermore, the BDI and BAI scores were lower in breast cancer patients compared to lung cancer patients. The IPQ causal representation-immunity score was significantly higher in lung cancer patients than in breast cancer patients (p = 0.01). Positive correlations were found between BDI scores and BAI scores, as well as between BDI scores and certain subscale scores of the IPQ related to illness representation and causal representation. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between BAI scores and the IPQ illness representation-timeline acute/chronic subscale, while a negative correlation was found between BAI scores and the IPQ causal representation-accident or chance scores. Overall, the study findings demonstrated that breast and lung cancer patients possess negative perceptions of their disease and experience high levels of anxiety and depression. To enhance the quality of life and promote resilience in these patients, it is recommended to incorporate psychological interventions that consider anxiety, depression, and disease perception.

Plasma and aqueous levels of subfatin, preptin and betatrophin in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

AIM: To examine subfatin, preptin and betatrophin levels in plasma and aqueous in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (with and without retinopathy). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty patients, who were similar in terms of age and gender, and were scheduled for operation due to cataract, were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups as Group C (20 weeks without diabetes and comorbidity), Group DM (20 patients with DM but no retinopathy) and Group DR (20 patients with diabetic retinopathy). The preoperative body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile levels of all patients in the groups were examined. Blood samples were also taken for plasma subfatin, preptin and betatrophin levels. At the beginning of the cataract surgery, 0.1 ml of aqueous fluid was taken from the anterior chamber. Plasma and aqueous subfatin, preptin and betatrophin levels were analyzed by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) method. RESULTS: In our study results, there was a significant difference in BMI, fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Plasma and aqueous subfatin levels were higher in Group DR compared to Group C (p < 0.001, p = 0.036, respectively). Plasma and aqueous preptin levels were higher in group DR and group DM than in group C (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Plasma and aqueous betatrophin levels were higher in Group DR compared to group C (p = 0.001, p = 0.010, respectively). CONCLUSION: Subfatin, preptin and betatrophin molecules may have an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

Betatrophin, elabela, asprosin, glucagon and subfatin peptides in breast tissue, blood and milk in gestational diabetes.

We investigated the presence of asprosin (ASP), betatrophin, elabela (ELA), glucagon and subfatin (SUB) in the milk of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and compared their levels with blood levels. We also investigated whether these peptides are synthesized by the breast. We investigated 12 volunteer mothers with GDM and 14 pregnant non-GDM control mothers. The peptides were measured using ELISA and their tissue localization was determined using immunohistochemistry. Breast milk contains ASP, betatrophin, ELA, glucagon and SUB. The amount of the peptides ranged from highest to the lowest in colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk. The amount of peptides in the milk was greater than for blood. The peptides, except for ELA, were increased in milk and blood by GDM. Betatrophin and ELA are synthesized in the connective tissue of the breast. ASP, glucagon and SUB are synthesized in the alveolar tissue of the breast. These peptides in breast milk may contribute to the development of the gastrointestinal tract of newborns and infants.

N-Acetylcysteine and Benfotiamine Protect Autotransplanted Ovarian Tissue From Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: An Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effects of N-acetylcysteine and benfotiamine in protection of ovarian tissue from ischemia caused by slow neovascularization injury due to intraperitoneal ovarian autotransplant in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight female rats were divided into 4 groups, each containing 7 rats. Group 1 only had the abdomen opened and closed, group 2 was the transplant-only group, group 3 received benfotiamine for 3 weeks starting 1 day before the transplant procedure, and group 4 received N-acetylcysteine for 3 weeks starting 1 day before the transplant procedure. At the end of the experimental period, malondialdehyde levels in ovarian tissues together with the apoptosis and fibrosis, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and vascular endothelial growth factor immunoreactivity, and ovarian reserves were investigated. RESULTS: Apoptosis was significantly increased in group 2 animals. Primordial follicle count was higher in groups 3 and 4 than in group 2. Vascular endothelial growth factor immunoreactivity was decreased in groups 3 and 4 compared with group 2. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunoreactivity was reduced in the secondary follicles in all transplant groups. CONCLUSIONS: In autologous intraperitoneal ovarian transplant, both benfotiamine and N-acetylcysteine are equal and effective agents in protection of ovarian tissue against ischemic injury.

Use of asprosin and subfatin for differential diagnosis of serous ovarian tumors.

Asprosin (ASP) and subfatin are hormones that regulate glucose metabolism. The role of ASP and subfatin in serous ovarian tumors has not been investigated. We investigated the expression of subfatin and asprosin in 30 serous benign, 30 serous borderline, 30 malignant and 30 control ovarian tissues. We investigated ASP and subfatin immunoreactivity and quantification was achieved using an ELISA method. ASP and subfatin were localized in the epithelial parts of normal ovarian tissues; however, in cancer tissues, immunoreactivity was detected in the parenchymal areas. Biochemical analysis of ovarian tissues revealed significantly decreased ASP and subfatin compared to the control. We propose that ASP and subfatin are promising candidates for biomarkers to distinguish serous benign, serous borderline and malignant ovarian cancers.

Preconditioning intensive training ameliorates reduction of transcription biofactors of PGC1α-pathway in paretic muscle due to cerebral ischemia.

Exercise training increases fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5/irisin) via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α)-pathway. The PGC1α pathway induced FNDC5/irisin changes in response to exercise training and ischemic stroke are not entirely understood. We investigated the relation of the PGC-1α/FNDC5/irisin pathway to exercise training and to the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke in paretic muscles of stroke-induced rat models. We induced cerebral ischemia following completion of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to evaluate PGC1α-pathway biofactors in paretic muscles. To define the underlying molecular mechanisms for improvement in paretic muscles following cerebral ischemia, we evaluated PCG-1α-pathway factors using immunofluorescence tracking and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) immunoassay. We found that HIIT for 3 weeks produced increased expression and release of PGC-1α-pathway biomarkers in both the serum and paretic muscle of stroke-induced rats. We also found a close relation between the expression of PCG-1α-pathway factors in skeletal muscle and their concentration in blood. We found that PGC-1α-pathway biomarkers cause irisin up-regulation following induction of cerebral ischemia. The reduction in neurofunctional deficits following increased PGC-1α-pathway biomarkers suggests that these factors may act as markers of improvement in paretic muscle healing following cerebral ischemia.

High-intensity interval training ameliorates endothelial dysfunction through adropin, nitric oxide, MR-proADM, and copeptin changes in overweight subjects.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine adropin, NO, MR-proADM, and copeptin changes following four different types of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in men with overweight. METHODS: In the current study, 45 overweight participants were included in the pre-intervention assessments and randomly assigned to the following groups: (1) control, (2) HIIT bike, (3) HIIT short-treadmill, and (4) HIIT long-treadmill groups. The participants were given 10-min sessions of HIIT intervention between 85 and 95% of VO2peak, followed by 1-min inactive recovery at three sessions/week for 8 weeks. Body composition, VO2peak, ultrasound imaging, diabesity-related risk factors, adropin, NO, MR-proADM, and copeptin were also assessed before and following the HIIT interventions. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant elevation in adropin and NO levels (p < 0.05), while MR-proADM and copeptin were notably more decreased than those of the control group following the 8 weeks of HIIT interventions (p < 0.01). However, no statistically significant decrease was observed in carotid/femoral intima-media thickness (c/f-IMT) values following the 8-week HIIT interventions, while statistically significant reductions were demonstrated in participants who had no atherosclerotic plaque or IMT < 0.9 mm (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, HIIT had a greater effect on IMT remodeling of the femoral artery than of the carotid artery. Decreased MR-proADM and copeptin and increased adropin levels might act as a physiological surrogate of endothelial dysfunction through increased NO-related signaling pathways in participants with overweight following high-intensity interval training.

Potassium Ion Channel Protein (KCNH) Levels in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Although there is not yet full clarity of the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FM), central sensitization is considered to be responsible. The purpose of this study was to measure the plasma levels of potassium ion channel proteins (human KCNH2, KCNH6 and KCNH7) in FM patients and healthy control subjects. The study sample includes 76 newly diagnosed FM patients and 79 healthy individuals. Venous blood samples were taken to measure the plasma levels of KCNH2, KCNH6 and KCNH7. Pain severity in FM patients was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Bioinformatics analysis was performed using the STRING v 11 Protein interaction tool. Age, gender and body mass index were seen to be similar in both groups. In comparisons between FM and control groups, KCNH2 plasma levels was found to be significantly lower in the FM group. No significant correlation was found between plasma levels of KCNH2, KCNH6 and KCNH7 protein levels and VAS score of patients with FM. The KCNH2 protein had a high homology score with 9 proteins. The plasma levels of KCNH2 FM patients were found to be lower than those of the healthy control subjects, no difference was determined in respect of the plasma levels of KCNH6 and KCNH7. These results may be of use in guiding future studies on the pathogenesis of FM.

The role of different exercises in irisin, heat shock protein 70 and some biochemical parameters.

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of different and regularly applied exercise programs on irisin, heat shock protein 70 and some biochemical parameters. Methods: 120 male university students participated in the study. Participants were divided into 4 equal groups as control (C), resistance exercise group (RE), high intensity interval (HIIT) and aerobic exercise group (AE). While the control group did not perform any exercise, the pre-determined exercise programs were applied to the other groups for 8 weeks and 3 days in a week. Blood samples were taken from all participants before and after the exercise program. Cholesterol, High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), Creatine kinase (CK), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Irisin and Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) levels were analyzed in blood samples. Results: It is determined that there are significant differences in pre-posttest values of the AE group's LDH, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG and HSP 70 levels, HIIT group's CK, LDH, Cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG, Irisin and HSP70 levels and RE group's CK, LDH, Cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, TG and Irisin levels (p<0.05). Conclusions: It can be said that exercise can provide improvements in lipid profile, changes in HSP70 levels may vary depending on muscle damage, the increase of irisin due to exercise.

Interleukin 18, soluble cluster of differentiation 40, platelet factor 4 variant 1, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin can be used as biomarkers to aid activity and diagnosis in ocular Behçet's disease.

PURPOSE: The molecules human interleukin (IL-18), the soluble cluster of differentiation (sCD40), platelet factor 4 variant 1 (PF4V1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are all markers of inflammation in biological systems and are linked to prognosis in several inflammatory diseases as well. Since there is no study in which the above-mentioned molecules are studied together in ocular Behçet's disease (OBD), the aim of this study is to reveal whether these molecules are activity markers in active (OABD) and inactive (OIBD) disease. METHODS: 30 OABD and 30 OIBD and 30 healthy individuals were included in the study. IL-18, sCD40, PF4V1, and NGAL molecules were studied in blood samples by the ELISA method. RESULTS: When OABD and OIBD were compared to healthy individuals, the levels of IL-18, sCD40, PF4V1, and NGAL molecules were found to be statistically significant. These values were even more significantly higher in patients with OABD. CONCLUSION: When ROC values of IL-18, sCD40, PF4V1, and NGAL are evaluated, it is clear that these four molecules can be used as biomarkers to aid activity and diagnosis in OBD.

Plasma and aqueous levels of alarin and adipsin in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy.

BACKROUND: Diabetic retinopathy is a disease seen with microvascular complications as a result of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Alarin and Adipsin are molecules with a role in energy and glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine plasma and aqueous levels of Alarin and Adipsin in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy to evaluate their potential roles in diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: The study included one eye from each of 20 cataract patients without diabetes (C), 20 cataract patients with diabetes and without diabetic retinopathy (DM + C), and 20 cataract patients with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (DR + C). Plasma and aqueous humour samples were taken from all patients during the cataract operation. Alarin and Adipsin levels were examined with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: Both plasma and aqueous Alarin levels were significantly higher in the patients with diabetic retinopathy than in the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.006). Adipsin levels were found to be significantly higher in plasma in the control group than in the DR + C group and significantly higher in aqueous in the DR + C group than in the control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Alarin and Adipsin may play important role in diabetic retinopathy.

Plasma and aqueous humor levels of adiponutrin and pannexin 1 in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy.

AIM: To evaluate plasma and aqueous levels of adiponutrin and pannexin 1 in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: The study included three age and gender-matched groups of 20 cataract patients with no diabetes or additional disease (Group C), 20 cataract patients with diabetes and no retinopathy (Group DM+C), and 20 cataract patients with diabetic retinopathy (Group DR+C). All the patients were examined with respect to body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and lipid profile. Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (Phaco+IOL) implantation were performed to all patients in all the groups, and aqueous samples were taken during the operation. The plasma and aqueous adiponutrin and pannexin 1 levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to BMI, fasting plasma glucose, and HbA1c levels (P<0.05 for all parameters tested). The plasma adiponutrin levels of Group DR+C were statistically significantly lower than those of Group C and Group DM+C (P<0.001, P=0.004). No statistically significant difference was determined in the aqueous adiponutrin levels in three groups. The plasma pannexin 1 levels of Groups DM+C and DR+C were statistically significantly lower than those of Group C (both P=0.001). The aqueous pannexin 1 levels of Group DR+C were statistically significantly higher than those of Group C and Group DM+C (P=0.001, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Adiponutrin and pannexin 1, which play an important role in the pathophysiology of diabetes and obesity, and have a regulatory role in hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. The measurement of adiponutrin and pannexin 1 levels may support clinicians in determining the risk of DR development.

Blood and aqueous humor phoenixin, endocan and spexin in patients with diabetes mellitus and cataract with and without diabetic retinopathy.

Peptide phoenixin (PNX), endocan (EDC), and spexin (SPX) are associated with diabetes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of PNX, EDC and SPX in the blood and aqueous humor (AH) of patient with type 2 diabetes with and without DRP and cataract. 30 type 2 diabetes patients with cataract (DM + C), 30 DRP patient with cataract (DRP + C), 30 non-diabetic patient with only cataract and 30 control participants were enrolled into this study. PNX, EDC, and SPX were measured in blood and AH by ELISA. In patients with DRP + C, the levels of PNX and EDC were significantly higher in both AH and blood samples compared with the group of patients without DRP + C (<0.05). Also, in patients with DM + C, the levels of PNX and EDC were higher in both AH and blood samples compared with the group of patients without DM + C. However, in patients with DRP + C, the levels of SPX were significantly lower in both AH and blood samples compared with the group of patients without DRP + C (<0.05). Also, in patients with DM + C, the levels of SPX were also lower in both AH and blood samples compared with the group of patients without DM + C. These findings suggest that increased PNX, EDC, and decreased SPX amounts in blood and AH of DM + C and DRP + C groups when compared with control and cataract groups show that they might have a role in the pathophysiology of DM + C, especially in the DRP + C.

Can prestin level be a biomarker for determining sensorineural hearing loss?

OBJECTIVE: To determine prestin levels in patients with sensorineural hearing loss and to assess whether the prestin level could be a determining factor in predicting sensorineural hearing loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out with patients that presented to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Firat University. Patients were divided into four groups of 30 subjects. Group 1: individuals aged ≥55 years with no hearing loss (control group); Group 2: individuals aged 20 to 55 years with no hearing loss (control group); Group 3: individuals aged 20 to 55 years with sensorineural hearing loss; Group 4: individuals aged ≥55 years with presbycusis. Following an audiometry examination, 5 cc blood was taken from all patients to assess serum prestin levels. RESULTS: Prestin levels were 445.32 pg/mL in Group 1; 452.79 pg/mL in Group 2; 123.64 pg/mL in Group 3; and 79.54 pg/mL in Group 4. No difference was found between the serum prestin levels of the younger patients with hearing loss (Group 3)] and of the patients with presbycusis (Group 4) (p=0.084). No difference was found between the serum prestin levels of the younger (Group 1) and the older (Group 2) patients with presbycusis (p=0.399). Significant differences (with higher levels in the control groups) were found in between the prestin levels of between Group 3 (the younger patients with sensorineural hearing loss) and Group 2 (younger controls), and between Group 4 (older patients with presbycusis) and Group 1 (older controls) (p<0.001 and p <0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Serum prestin levels can be used as biomarkers for assessing patients with presbycusis and sensorineural hearing loss. They can also be used together with audiometry tests to predict the patient's potential level of hearing loss.

Circulating levels of adropin and overweight/obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

The association between circulating adropin levels and overweight/obesity is currently unclear. The aim of this study was thus to investigate and seek to determine the association between circulating adropin levels and overweight/obesity using the meta-analysis approach of observational studies. A comprehensive literature search was carried out through the PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases to identify relevant observational studies that assessed the relationship between circulating adropin levels and overweight/obesity up to September 2020. A random-effects model was used to compute the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The meta-analysis of five studies (n = 643 participants) showed that circulating adropin levels were significantly lower in the overweight/obese vs. the normal-weight participants (WMD = - 0.96 ng/ml, 95% CI = - 1.72 to - 0.19, P = 0.01; I2 = 88.4%). In subgroup analyses, lower circulating adropin levels in obese participants compared with normal-weight were observed in Asians (WMD = - 1.58 ng/ml, 95% CI = - 1.96 to - 1.21, P < 0.001; I2 = 0.00%), and in patients with metabolic disorders (WMD = - 1.26 ng/ml, 95% CI = - 1.76 to - 0.77, P < 0.001; I2 = 44.6%), respectively. Circulating adropin levels were significantly lower in overweight/obese vs. normal-weight participants, suggesting a possible role of this hormone in the development of obesity. However, the present research indicates that further studies are needed to conclusively confirm whether adropin is a viable marker of obesity.