Alterations in oxidative stress markers in laryngeal carcinoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Data describing how laryngeal cancer affects oxidative stress markers and antioxidants are limited. This study investigated serum antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers before and after laryngectomies in patients with laryngeal cancer. METHODS: A total of 29 patients with laryngeal cancer and 25 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), catalase (CAT), paraoxonase (PON), and arylesterase activities were measured spectrophotometrically. Blood samples were obtained from each patient just before surgery and 1 month after a laryngectomy. RESULTS: The serum PON, arylesterase, CAT, SOD, and GSHPx activities were significantly decreased (all p < 0.001) and serum MDA levels were significantly increased (p < 0.001) in patients with laryngeal cancer, compared with control subjects. In laryngeal cancer patients, the serum GSHPx and arylesterase activity levels increased significantly following laryngectomies (both p < 0.001), whereas the MDA levels decreased significantly (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: In patients with laryngeal cancer, the oxidant/antioxidant balance shifted toward oxidative stress. In addition, following laryngectomies, laryngeal cancer patients had increases in serum antioxidant enzyme activities and decreases in oxidative stress markers.

Etiological and epidemiological factors in hearing-impaired students in Van, East of Turkey: A case series.

The aim of the present case series was to investigate the causes of hearing loss in the children studying at a primary School for the deaf in Van Province, Turkey. The present series included 95 children with sensorineural hearing loss. Otoscopic and ophthalmological examinations, pure-tone audiometry, and tympanometry were performed for each patient. Measles IgG, rubella IgG, cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG, toxoplasma IgG, herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type I (HSV-I) IgG, HSV Type II (HSV-II) IgG, and Mycoplasma pneumonia IgG were evaluated in serum samples. Temporal bone anomalies were analyzed on temporal bone computed tomography (CT). A total of 7 radiologically distinct inner ear malformations were detected in 19 children. Twelve children were detected with various fundus pathologies. The most common cause of hearing loss was family-related factors (52%). In conclusion, the etiological and epidemiological factors were consistent with those reported in the literature.

Tympanic Membrane Perforation Caused by Thunderbolt Strike.

Thunderbolt strike is a life-threatening entity. In the patients presenting with thunderbolt strike, the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system should be primarily evaluated, followed by tympanic membrane lesions. The most important symptom connected with ear is the loss of hearing. In this report, a 43-year-old male patient with unilateral tympanic membrane perforation, tinnitus, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss caused by thunderbolt strike is presented through a review of the literature.

The Relationship Between Hearing Thresholds and Hyperandrogenism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND The purpose of our study was to investigate the association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hearing thresholds. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty women diagnosed with PCOS (mean age, 24.33±6.38 years) and 40 healthy women controls (mean age, 26.38±6.75 years) were included in prospective study. Each case was tested with low (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz), high (4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz) and extended high (EH) (9000-20000 Hz) frequency audiometry. The fasting plasma glucose, insulin, FSH, LH, total testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin were measured in all patients. RESULTS The mean hearing thresholds at EH frequencies were statistically significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (p=0.001 right ear and p=0.015 left ear). There were significant positive correlations among free testosterone index (FTI) values and hirsutism scores with EH frequency hearing thresholds. CONCLUSIONS At pure-tone audiometry (PTA) EH frequencies, we detected significantly higher hearing thresholds in PCOS patients than in controls. We also determined that elevated FTI and hirsutism score were positively correlated with elevated hearing thresholds in EH frequencies. These findings support that hyperandrogenism can play a role in the elevation of hearing thresholds in PCOS.

Is Nasal Polyposis Related to Levels of Serum Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor Gene Expression?

BACKGROUND Nasal polyposis (NP) is the most frequent cause of nasal masses. Despite considerable research on the subject, its etiology has not been fully elucidated, and effective treatment methods have not been developed. Some etiological factors causing low or high expression of genes in genetically predisposed individuals may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the relation between levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene expression and serum vitamin D with NP. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 46 subjects with NP (NP group) and 40 volunteers (control group). Nasal polyp tissue samples were taken from the NP group and nasal mucosa samples were taken from the control group. Levels of VDR gene expression in the tissue samples were assessed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. RESULTS Mean serum 25(OH)D levels were 13.38±14.08 ng/ml in the NP group and 10.57±6.44 ng/ml in the control group (p=0.249). VDR gene expression was present in 17.5% of the NP group and 3.3% of the control group, and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (likelihood ratio χ²=3.887; p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to assess levels of VDR gene expression in subjects with NP. Our results suggest that VDR gene expression may be associated with the pathogenesis or progression of NP.

Lip cancer: A 16-year retrospective epidemiological study in Eastern part of Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To review lip cancer patients with respect to age, gender, location and histological type of tumour, and risk factors. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at the Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey, and comprised medical records of the histologically confirmed lip cancer patients who presented between 1994 and 2010. No patient had neck nodes or evidence of distant metastasis. RESULTS: Of the 91 patients 73(80.22%) were men and 18(19.78%) were women. The overall mean age was 62.32±13.88 years (range: 25 to 97 years). Histologically, the tumour was a squamous cell carcinoma in 81(89.01%) cases and a basal cell carcinomas in 10(10.99%) cases. Upon admission, the mean diameter of the tumour in squamous cell carcinoma patients was 2.03±1.23 cm and 1.87±1.29 cm in basal cell carcinoma patients. As for the tumour differentiation, 67(84.72%) of the squamous cell carcinoma cases were well differentiated, while 14(17.28%) were moderately differentiated. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of lip cancer was found to be higher among men, while the histopathological type was mostly squamous cell carcinoma and well differentiated.

Mean platelet volume, red cell distribution width, platelet-to-lymphocyte and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and their relationships with high-frequency hearing thresholds.

The mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) comprise laboratory markers in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). There is a controversy in the literature regarding which type of ear involvement is characteristic of AS. The aim of this study was to simultaneously investigate the MPV, RDW, platelet to lymphocyte (PLR) and NLR in patients with AS and their relationships with high-frequency hearing thresholds. Thirty patients with AS and 35 age-matched healthy subjects were included. Each subject was tested with low- (250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz) and high- (4000, 8000, 10,000, 12,000, 14,000 and 16,000 Hz) frequency audiometry. Additionally, the case and control groups were evaluated regarding the average hearing thresholds in bone conduction. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured. The RDW, MPV, neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelet counts were evaluated with the complete blood count. Furthermore, the NLR and PLR were calculated. The complete blood count, platelet numbers, ESR, CRP and NLR levels were significantly increased in the AS patients compared with the healthy controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.007, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.047, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the RDW, PLR or MPV levels (p > 0.05) in the AS patients compared with the healthy controls. The BASDAI score and disease duration were not correlated with the ESR, CRP levels, MPV, PLR, RDW or NLR in patients with AS (all; p > 0.05). The AS patients had increased average measurement values for the hearing threshold in both ears at frequencies of 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz; however, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). The average values of the hearing threshold in both ears at the high frequencies of 4000, 6000, 8000, 10,000, 12,000 and 14,000 Hz were significantly increased in the case group; however, it was not significantly increased at 16,000 Hz. The current study is the first to investigate the PLR, NLR, MPV and RDW levels in acute AS. We identified a significantly increased NLR, leukocyte count, ESR and CRP in AS patients. Sensorineural hearing loss, especially at extended high frequencies, is common in patients with AS and may represent an extra-articular feature of the disease. The combined use of NLR with the leukocyte count and other clinical assessments may facilitate the diagnostic process of ankylosing spondylitis.

Effect of inhaled steroids on laryngeal microflora.

Conclusions As is known, this study is the first study to evaluate the effect of inhaled steroids on laryngeal microflora. The data support that ICS usage causes changes in the larynx microflora. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the alteration in larynx microbial flora of the patients treated with ICS comparing the culture results of a control group. In addition, laryngeal microflora was compared to the smears obtained from the vallecula and pharynx. Materials and methods The study included 39 patients (mean age = 45.56 ± 12.76 years) who had been using a corticosteroid inhaler and control group consisting of 27 persons (mean age = 43.07 ± 13.23 years). Culture samples were obtained from the pharynx, larynx, and vallecula in the patient and control groups, and they were evaluated in the microbiology laboratory. Obtained culture results were named by the same microbiologist according to the basic microorganism classification method. Results Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), Streptococcus viridians (VGS) and candida albicans were detected to grow significantly more in the patient group in all three anatomic localizations compared to the control group. Neisseria spp, basillus spp, and Non-viridans alpha-hemolytic streptococcus were detected to grow significantly more in the control group in all three anatomic localizations compared to the patient group.

The association of obesity with hearing thresholds in women aged 18-40 years.

An elevation in hearing thresholds and decrease in hearing sensitivity in adults, particularly due to aging, are quite common. Recent studies have shown that, apart from aging, various other factors also play a role in auditory changes. Studies on the association of hearing loss (HL) with obesity are limited in advanced age cases and present contradictions. In this study, the association between obesity and hearing thresholds in women aged 18-40 years has been assessed. Forty women diagnosed with obesity (mean age, 31.8 years) and 40 healthy non-obese female controls (mean age, 30.5 years) were included in this prospective study. Each subject was tested with low (250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz) and high (4000, 6000 and 8000 Hz) frequency audiometry. In the case and control groups, the average hearing thresholds at low frequencies were 16.03 ± 4.72 and 16.15 ± 2.72 (p = 0.885) for the right ear, respectively, and 16.15 ± 5.92 and 14.71 ± 3.18 (p = 0.180) for the left ear, respectively. The average hearing threshold levels at high frequencies were 20.70 ± 10.23 and 15.33 ± 3.87 (p = 0.003), respectively, for the right ear, and 22.91 ± 15.54 and 15.87 ± 4.35 (p = 0.007), respectively, for the left ear with statistical significance. This is the first report on the association of obesity with hearing threshold in women aged 18-40 years. We have demonstrated that obesity may affect hearing function, particularly that related to high frequencies. Hearing loss can be prevented by avoidance or control of obesity and its risk factors. Moreover, an auditory screening of obese cases at an early stage may provide early diagnosis of HL and may also contribute to their awareness in the fight against obesity.

Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in patients with chronic otitis media.

OBJECTIVES: Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) prevents oxidative stress by inhibiting the oxidation of cell membrane lipids by the reactive oxygen species that form during acute and chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate serum PON1 activity and oxidative stress in patients with chronic otitis media (COM). METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with COM and 55 controls were enrolled in the present study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of cholesteatoma. The serum PON1 arylesterase activities and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels were determined. RESULTS: Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were significantly lower in the COM patients than in the controls (P < 0.001 for all comparisons), whereas the LOOH levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: These results indicated that a lower level of PON1 activity was associated with an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance. In addition, decreased PON1 activity may play an important role in the pathophysiology of COM.

An unusual cause of dyspnea in a pregnant woman: supraglottic hemangioma.

Dyspnea is a common complaint among pregnant women; upper airway obstruction is a rare cause of it. We report a case of supraglottic hemangioma in a 20-year-old pregnant woman who presented with increasing dyspnea and hoarseness at 40 weeks of gestation. She gave birth to a healthy 3,100-g girl by caesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia. She was able to breathe easily during the postpartum period. This case represents a rare instance of dyspnea caused by a supraglottic hemangioma in a pregnant woman.

Characteristics of deep neck infection in children according to weight percentile.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of weight percentile on deep neck infections in children. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 79 patients who were treated for deep neck infections. The patients were divided into six groups according to weight percentile. Patients who had systemic and/or congenital disease were excluded. Their demographics, etiology, localization, laboratory, and treatment results were reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 79 pediatric patients were recorded: 48.1% were females and 51.9% were males, with a mean age of 7.3 years. In total, 60 patients were under the 50th percentile according to their weight versus all children. The anteroposterior triangle (29.1%) and submandibular (26.5%) spaces were most commonly involved with deep neck infection. However, the anteroposterior triangle space was the highest in the group below the 3rd percentile (44.4%). In the blood analysis, white blood cell levels in patients with at percentile values of 75-50 were higher than other groups (P<0.05). Significant differences were found between C-reactive protein and hemoglobin levels and diameter of abscesses. The need for surgical drainage in patients in lower percentiles was higher. The patients who needed surgical drainage consisted of 56 patients (93.3%) below the 50th percentile and 9 patients (100%) below the 3rd percentile. CONCLUSION: Deep neck infection is more insidious and dangerous in low-weight-percentile children, especially those having low white blood cell counts, low hemoglobin levels, and high C-reactive protein in laboratory results.

Effects of shock waves on oxidative stress in parotid gland of rat.

This study was designed to investigate whether extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) exposure to parotid gland produces an oxidative stress in parotid glands of rats. Twelve male Wistar-albino rats, 6 months of age with an average body weight of 250-300 g, were divided randomly into two groups, each consisting of six rats. The animals in the first group did not receive any treatment and served as control. The left parotid glands of animals in group 2 (ESWL treated) received a thousand 18 kV shock waves after anesthetizing the rats with 50 mg/kg of ketamine. The animals in both groups were killed 72 hours after the ESWL treatment, and the parotid glands were harvested for the determination of lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), GSH-Px and catalase (CAT). It was found that MDA level increased in parotid glands of rats after the ESWL treatment. The SOD, GSH-Px and CAT enzyme activities, and the level of antioxidant GSH decreased in parotid gland of rats after the ESWL treatment. It was concluded that short-term ESWL treatment caused an increase in the free radical production and a decrease in the antioxidant enzyme activity in parotid glands of ESWL-treated rats.

Assessment of adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity and oxidative stress in patients with chronic tonsillitis.

To emphasize the effectiveness of adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzyme, which has important roles in the differentiation of lymphoid cells, and oxidative stress in patients with chronic tonsillitis. Serum and tissue samples were obtained from 25 patients who underwent tonsillectomy due to recurrent episodes of acute tonsillitis. In the control group, which also had 25 subjects, only serum samples were taken as obtaining tissue samples would not have been ethically appropriate. ADA enzyme activity, catalase (CAT), carbonic anhydrase (CA), nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the serum and tissue samples of patients and control group subjects. The serum values of both groups were compared. In addition, the tissue and serum values of patients were compared. Serum ADA activity and the oxidant enzymes MDA and NO values of the patient group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.001), the antioxidant enzymes CA and CAT values of the patient group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, while CA, CAT and NO enzyme levels were found to be significantly higher in the tonsil tissue of the patient group when compared to serum levels (p < 0.05), there was no difference between tissue and serum MDA and ADA activity (p > 0.05). Elevated ADA activity may be effective in the pathogenesis of chronic tonsillitis both by impairing tissue structure and contributing to SOR formation.

Solitary paraganglioma of the hypoglossal nerve: A case report with magnetic resonance imaging findings.

PATIENT: Female, 58 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Solitary paraganglioma of the hypoglossal nerve Symptoms: Neck pain Medication: - Clinical Procedure: Surgical resection Specialty: Otolaryngology. OBJECTIVE: Rare disease. BACKGROUND: Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors originating in the neural crest. Only a few cases of hypoglossal paraganglioma have been reported in the published literature. The localization of hypoglossal paragangliomas close to the carotid artery precludes determination of tumor origin preoperatively. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old female patient was admitted due to neck pain. During physical examination, a significant mass could not be palpated in the upper left part of the neck, despite sensitivity during palpation. Atrophy and left deviation of the left half of the tongue was observed. MRI of the neck revealed a lesion located superior to the carotid bifurcation between the left internal carotid artery and external carotid artery. There was atrophy in the left half of the tongue. The neck mass displaced the left internal carotid artery anteriorly and medially. The operation was performed with left lateral cervical access. This lesion, which derived from the hypoglossal nerve, was excised. Following histopathological evaluation, the lesion was diagnosed as paraganglioma. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoglossal paraganglioma is quite rare and there are no established criteria for preoperative diagnosis. Hypoglossal paraganglioma must be considered to determine treatment options if a lateral neck mass and ipsilateral tongue atrophy are present at the level of the 12th cranial nerve tract.

Serum myeloperoxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity and nitric oxide levels in patients with chronic otitis media.

It has been suggested that oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic otitis media (COM), but the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of COM has not yet been fully explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and nitric oxide (NO) in patients with COM. Sixty-one patients with COM and 30 controls were enrolled in the present study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (n = 21) or absence (n = 40) of cholesteatoma. Serum MPO activity and 4-HNE, MDA and NO levels were significantly higher in patients with COM than controls (for all, p < 0.001), while TAC levels were significantly lower (for all, p < 0.001). Serum MPO activity and MDA, 4-HNE and NO levels were significantly higher in patients with cholesteatoma than in those without cholesteatoma, while TAC levels were significantly lower; but the difference between groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Increased oxidative stress seems to be associated with decreased antioxidant levels in patients with COM. Thus, increased oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of COM. It is believed that the administration of antioxidant vitamins such as A, C and E may be useful in preventing and treating COM.

Prevalence and risk factors of otitis media with effusion in school children in Eastern Anatolia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and demographic, environmental and child associated risk factors of OME in schoolchildren in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, and analyze the results with reference to the review of the literature. METHODS: A total of 2355 children who were attending two different primary schools, one located in low, and the other located in a high socioeconomic district of city of Van were screened and 2320 children who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled to study. Standardized questionnaires that include nine questions for determination of risk factors were delivered to the parents to be filled before examination of each child. All of the children underwent both otoscopic examination and tympanometric evaluation to provide high accuracy on the diagnosis of OME. The association between children diagnosed as OME and the answers to the questionnaires were evaluated. Also, teachers of the children were asked to complete a questionnaire evaluating child's level of school success, and the success levels of children with or without OME were compared. RESULTS: The prevalence of OME was found to be 10.43%. Second-hand smoking (p<0.0001), low socioeconomic status (p<0.001), living in a crowded house (p<0.001), presence of atopy (p<0.01), lack of breast-feeding (p<0.05), presence of URTI (p<0.0001), young age (p<0.001) and snoring (p<0.0001) were found to be associated with prevalence of OME. No significance was found for duration of breast-feeding, gender, birth history and previous otolaryngological operations. Also, children with OME were tended to be less successful in terms of school success. CONCLUSIONS: The potential of OME to cause serious sequelae and complications that may affect children's life long-term, makes the disease an important health problem. Environmental, epidemiologic and familial factors play an important role in pathogenesis of OME. Caretakers must be informed about these highly modifiable risk factors, by this way the development or delayed diagnosis of the disease that may cause serious consequences can be prevented.

[Oropharyngeal tularemia in beta lactam-resistant cervical lymphadenitis]. / Beta laktama dirençli boyun lenfadenitlerinde orofarengeal tularemi.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims emphasize oropharyngeal tularemia in the differential diagnosis of infected lymphadenopathy in the neck region. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (13 males, 7 females; mean age 23 years; range 9 to 43 years) diagnosed with tularemia among those who admitted to our clinic between October 2008 - October 2010 with the complaint of lymphadenopathy in the neck, and underwent treatment were included in this study. The radiological, microbiological, histopathological, and laboratory records of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients with lymphadenitis in neck who were diagnosed with tularemia came from rural areas. Twelve patients had a history of tonsillopharyngitis that pre-existed before the beginning of lymphadenitis or coexisted with lymphadenitis. All lymphadenopathies of the neck was localized in region II, without side predominance. All patients were diagnosed by serological testing. In 12 of the patients who developed abscesses, repeated puncture of the abscess was performed in addition to the medical treatment. Surgical drainage procedure was not applied any patient. CONCLUSION: The tularemia disease should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with neck lymphadenopathy.

Changes in serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels and growth in children following adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy on growth. For this purpose, we prospectively reviewed the postoperative changes in serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), weight and height in children that underwent adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: Ninety-six children with symptoms of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) or recurrent adenotonsillitis were enrolled to study. Blood samples were taken preoperatively and repeated at 6 months following operation to determine the changes in serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels, pre- and postoperative values of weight and height were recorded for each operation. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients underwent adenoidectomy, 52 patients underwent adenotonsillectomy and 8 patients underwent tonsillectomy. Seventy of the operations were performed for SDB and 26 were performed for recurrent adenotonsillitis. The mean serum levels of IGF-1 increased by 26%, from 126.74+/-112.13 ng/ml to 159.82+/-122.91 ng/ml (p<0.001) and IGFBP-3 levels increased by 7%, from 3.34+/-1.17 microg/l to 3.57+/-1.16 microg/l (p<0.05) 6 months after operation. The increase was independent from the preoperative diagnosis. There was a significant increase both in patients with SDB and in children with recurrent infections (p<0.001 for IGF-1, p<0.05 for IGFBP-3). Their Z scores (standard deviation scores) for body weights (mean Z score from -0.06+/-0.98 to 0.118+/-1.18, p<0.001) and heights (mean Z score from 0.30+/-0.98 to 0.42+/-0.88, p<0.001) were significantly higher 6 months after the operation compared to preoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant increase in weight, height, and IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels of children with SDB or recurrent infections postoperatively. These results suggest that upper airway obstruction may not be the only mechanism that causes retardation on growth in children.