Evaluation of the relationship between vitamin D level and adropin, IL-1ß, IL-6, and oxidative status in women.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D, adropin, proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress closely related with metabolic homeostasis and endothelial dysfunction. The aim of the present study is to investigate how vitamin D levels affect serum adropin, IL-1ß, IL-6, and oxidative stress. METHODS: A total of 77 female subjects were divided into 3 groups according to vitamin D levels. Biochemical parameters, adropin, IL-1ß, IL-6, oxidative stress markers were studied in these groups, and the results were compared statistically. RESULTS: Serum adropin, IL-1ß, IL-6, total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels differed significantly between the vitamin D groups (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was detected between vitamin D, and adropin and TAS (r = 0.807; p < 0.001, r = 0.814; p < 0.001, respectively). A significant negative correlation was detected between vitamin D, and IL-1ß, IL-6, TOS, OSI (r = -0.725; p < 0.001, r = -0.720; p < 0.001, r = -0.238; p = 0.037, r = -0.705; p < 0.001, respectively). DISCUSSION: Vitamin D could show its effects through vitamin D receptors on tissues or on the ENHO gene in adropin secreting tissues via direct or indirect mechanisms. Proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and adropin targeted studies could contribute to the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency in future.

Thorax computed tomography findings and anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G levels in polymerase chain reaction-negative probable COVID-19 cases.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels after 6 months of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative but assumed to be COVID-19 positive cases to investigate the relationship between IgG levels and thoracic computed tomography (CT) findings. METHODS: This was a single-center study that included patients whose PCR test results were negative at least three times using nasopharyngeal swabs but had clinical findings of COVID-19 and thoracic CT findings compatible with viral pneumonia. Six months after discharge, the IgG antibodies were analyzed. The cutoff value for negative and positive serology was defined as <1.4 (index S/C) and ≥1.4 (index S/C), respectively. In addition, the patients were categorized according to their thoracic CT findings as high (typical) and low (atypical). Also, the patients were grouped into classes as <5% lung involvement versus ≥5% lung involvement. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 49.78±12.96 years. PCR was negative, but patients with COVID-19 symptoms who had SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive were 81.9% (n=95). The antibody titer and lung involvement ≥5% were statistically significantly higher in SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive cases (p<0.001 and p=0.021). Age and chest CT findings were the risk factors for lung involvement (OR=1.08, p<0.001 and OR=2.19, p=0.010, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study is valuable because increasing severity (≥5%) of lung involvement appears to be associated with high and persistent IgG antibody titers. In probable cases of COVID-19, even if the PCR test is negative, high IgG titers 6 months after discharge can predict the rate of lung parenchymal involvement.

Assessment of serum endocan levels in patients with beta-thalassemia minor.

OBJECTIVE: Beta-thalassemia minor is a blood disease caused by a hereditary decrease in beta-globin synthesis, frequently leading to hypochromic microcytic anemia. Formerly called endothelial cell-specific molecule 1, endocan is a proteoglycan released by vascular endothelial cells in many organs. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between the beta-thalassemia minor patients and the healthy control group in terms of serum endocan level. METHODS: The study was performed in a total of 80 subjects. They were divided into two groups, the beta-thalassemia minor group (n=40) and the healthy control group (n=40). Serum endocan levels, age, sex, body mass index value, and tobacco use data of these groups were compared. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups in terms of age, sex, and body mass index values (p>0.05). Endocan levels were measured to be 206.85±88.1 pg/mL in the beta-thalassemia minor group and 236.1±162.8 pg/mL in the control group with no significant difference between the groups in terms of serum endocan levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, there was no change in endocan level in beta-thalassemia minor. This might be because serum endocan levels are affected by multi-factorial reasons. Serum endocan levels may be altered secondarily to decreased beta-globin chain, increased sympathetic activity due to anemia, or platelet dysfunction induced by oxidative stress in beta-thalassemia minor. Further multicenter studies involving more patients are necessary to demonstrate this.

Assessment of serum endocan levels in patients with beta-thalassemia minor

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Beta-thalassemia minor is a blood disease caused by a hereditary decrease in beta-globin synthesis, frequently leading to hypochromic microcytic anemia. Formerly called endothelial cell-specific molecule 1, endocan is a proteoglycan released by vascular endothelial cells in many organs. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between the beta-thalassemia minor patients and the healthy control group in terms of serum endocan level. METHODS: The study was performed in a total of 80 subjects. They were divided into two groups, the beta-thalassemia minor group (n=40) and the healthy control group (n=40). Serum endocan levels, age, sex, body mass index value, and tobacco use data of these groups were compared. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups in terms of age, sex, and body mass index values (p>0.05). Endocan levels were measured to be 206.85±88.1 pg/mL in the beta-thalassemia minor group and 236.1±162.8 pg/mL in the control group with no significant difference between the groups in terms of serum endocan levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, there was no change in endocan level in beta-thalassemia minor. This might be because serum endocan levels are affected by multi-factorial reasons. Serum endocan levels may be altered secondarily to decreased beta-globin chain, increased sympathetic activity due to anemia, or platelet dysfunction induced by oxidative stress in beta-thalassemia minor. Further multicenter studies involving more patients are necessary to demonstrate this.

Thorax computed tomography findings and anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G levels in polymerase chain reaction-negative probable COVID-19 cases

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels after 6 months of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative but assumed to be COVID-19 positive cases to investigate the relationship between IgG levels and thoracic computed tomography (CT) findings. METHODS: This was a single-center study that included patients whose PCR test results were negative at least three times using nasopharyngeal swabs but had clinical findings of COVID-19 and thoracic CT findings compatible with viral pneumonia. Six months after discharge, the IgG antibodies were analyzed. The cutoff value for negative and positive serology was defined as <1.4 (index S/C) and ≥1.4 (index S/C), respectively. In addition, the patients were categorized according to their thoracic CT findings as high (typical) and low (atypical). Also, the patients were grouped into classes as <5% lung involvement versus ≥5% lung involvement. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 49.78±12.96 years. PCR was negative, but patients with COVID-19 symptoms who had SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive were 81.9% (n=95). The antibody titer and lung involvement ≥5% were statistically significantly higher in SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive cases (p<0.001 and p=0.021). Age and chest CT findings were the risk factors for lung involvement (OR=1.08, p<0.001 and OR=2.19, p=0.010, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study is valuable because increasing severity (≥5%) of lung involvement appears to be associated with high and persistent IgG antibody titers. In probable cases of COVID-19, even if the PCR test is negative, high IgG titers 6 months after discharge can predict the rate of lung parenchymal involvement.

An evaluation of the relationship between vitamin D level and CTRP-9, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, thiol-disulfide hemostasis in women.

OBJECTIVE: Many chronic diseases such as malignancy, cardiovascular diseases, endothelial dysfunction, and autoimmune diseases, which have been shown to be related to vitamin D in various studies; have similar relations with CTRP-9, TNFα, and thiol-disulfide hemostasis. We aimed to contribute to the literature by evaluating the relationship between CTRP-9, TNFα, and thiol-disulfide hemostasis and vitamin D levels, which we thought may have some effects on the pathogenesis of vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: In our study, 78 female volunteers older than 18 years were included. Volunteers were divided into three groups according to the reference values of vitamin D levels. Biochemical parameters, CTRP-9, TNFα, and thiol/disulfide hemostasis tests taken from all volunteers were studied. RESULTS: In this study, there was a significant difference in CTRP-9, TNFα, total thiol (TT), native thiol (NT), DIS (disulfide), TT/DIS, and NT/DIS levels in vitamin D groups (p<0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between vitamin D and TNFα and DIS, while a significant positive correlation was found with CTRP-9, TT, NT, TT/DIS, and NT/DIS (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that vitamin D deficiency causes a significant decrease in CTRP-9 level and a significant increase in TNFα level, as well as an increase in thiol/disulfide hemostasis in favor of disulfide, which may be a risk factor for increased oxidative stress. We considered that these changes may play mediator roles for many chronic diseases and metabolic disorders that are increasing in frequency due to vitamin D deficiency.

An evaluation of the relationship between vitamin D level and CTRP-9, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, thiol-disulfide hemostasis in women

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Many chronic diseases such as malignancy, cardiovascular diseases, endothelial dysfunction, and autoimmune diseases, which have been shown to be related to vitamin D in various studies; have similar relations with CTRP-9, TNFα, and thiol-disulfide hemostasis. We aimed to contribute to the literature by evaluating the relationship between CTRP-9, TNFα, and thiol-disulfide hemostasis and vitamin D levels, which we thought may have some effects on the pathogenesis of vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: In our study, 78 female volunteers older than 18 years were included. Volunteers were divided into three groups according to the reference values of vitamin D levels. Biochemical parameters, CTRP-9, TNFα, and thiol/disulfide hemostasis tests taken from all volunteers were studied. RESULTS: In this study, there was a significant difference in CTRP-9, TNFα, total thiol (TT), native thiol (NT), DIS (disulfide), TT/DIS, and NT/DIS levels in vitamin D groups (p<0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between vitamin D and TNFα and DIS, while a significant positive correlation was found with CTRP-9, TT, NT, TT/DIS, and NT/DIS (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that vitamin D deficiency causes a significant decrease in CTRP-9 level and a significant increase in TNFα level, as well as an increase in thiol/disulfide hemostasis in favor of disulfide, which may be a risk factor for increased oxidative stress. We considered that these changes may play mediator roles for many chronic diseases and metabolic disorders that are increasing in frequency due to vitamin D deficiency.

Elevated beta-thromboglobulin and mean platelet volume levels may show persistent platelet activation in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of thrombotic events. Platelets become more active and they enlarge to release proteins from alpha granules for aggregation during the plaque formation period. Beta-thromboglobulin is one of the proteins released from alpha-granules when platelets are activated and used as a marker of platelet activation in vivo. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of beta-thromoglobulin and mean platelet volume as markers of the presence of platelet activation in systemic lupus erythematosus patients compared with healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-seven SLE patients with a mean disease duration of 4.96 years and without any organ involvement as well as 30 healthy volunteers were included in the study. All patients were in remission of SLE. RESULTS: The mean beta-thromboglobulin level was 97.36 ±55.8 ng/mL in the SLE group and 72.67 ±33.5 ng/mL in the control group (p = 0.029). The mean platelet volume level was 8.27 ±1.68 fL in the SLE group and 9.16 ±1.52 fL (p = 0.031) in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated beta-thromboglobulin levels in systemic lupus erythematosus patients may be associated with platelet activation in the early stages of disease, whereas lower mean platelet volume levels in the same population may be due to the effects of hydroxychloroquine and the inactivity of SLE.

Effect of transfusion of washed red blood cells on serumpotassium level in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to compare washed red blood cell (WRBC) transfusion versus nonwashed RBC (NWRBC) transfusion in terms of posttransfusion potassium levels in dialysis patients on a day when the patient did not receive dialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients were randomly assigned into two groups, i.e. those receiving WRBCs (n = 21) and those receiving NWRBCs (n = 17). Both groups received one unit of RBCs. Serum potassium and sodium levels were measured before and at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th hours after transfusion. RESULTS: In the WRBC group, the changes in the serum potassium levels at the 3rd, 4th, and 6th hours after transfusion were significant compared with pretransfusion levels. In the serum potassium levels mean decreases by 0.38 ± 0.57 mEq/L at the 3rd hour (P = 0.006), by 0.32 ± 0.47 mEq/L at the 4th hour (P = 0.005), and by 0.32 ± 0.51 mEq/L at the 6th hour (P = 0.009) after transfusion were significant compared with the pretransfusion levels. CONCLUSION: Although nonwashed RBC transfusion does not change serum potassium levels, washed RBC transfusion significantly reduces serum potassium levels. Washed RBC transfusion is considered to be safer in hemodialysis patients with hyperkalemia and anemia.

Protective effect of dexpanthenol against nephrotoxic effect of amikacin: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Amikacin has the largest spectrum among aminoglycosides, its nephrotoxic effect limits its utilization. Our purpose in this study is to review the protective effect of dexpanthenol against the nephrotoxic effect of amikacin, accompanied with histopathological and biochemical parameters. METHODS: 32 rats were randomly separated into four groups with eight in each (amikacin (1.2mg/kg/day), amikacin (1.2mg/kg/day)+dexpanthenol (500mg/kg/day), dexpanthenol (500mg/kg/day) and control). In order to assess the oxidative balance and renal damage between groups, biochemical parameters (total antioxidant capacity (TAS), total oxidant stress (TOS), catalase (CAT), paraoxonase (PON), arylesterase (ARES), urea, and creatinin) were studied from the blood samples. At the end of the 14th day, renal tissues were reviewed blindly by a pathologist. RESULTS: TOS and oxidative stress index (OSI) values were significantly lower in the group which was administered with dexpanthenol+amikacin compared to the group which only received amikacin (respectively, p=0.001, p=0.002). Antioxidant biochemical parameters (TAS, CAT, PON, and ARES) were significantly higher in the group which was administered with dexpanthenol+amikacin compared to the group administered only with amikacin (respectively, p=0.007, p=0.001, p=0.003, p=0.003). Urea and creatitin values were found to be significantly lower in the group which was administered with dexpanthenol+amikacin compared to the group administered only with amikacin (respectively, p=0.002, p=0.001). Histopathologic changes such as glomerular and tubular epithelium changes and interstitial edema were clearly observed in the group administered only with amikacin, such findings were insignificant in the group administered with dexpanthenol+amikacin. CONCLUSION: It was revealed with biochemical and histopathologic data that nephrotoxic effects created by amikacin administration can be limited with dexpanthenol by using them together, and further advanced clinical studies are required.

CD40 ligand and P-selectin in heterozygous Beta-thalassemia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate platelet functions and measure soluble CD40 ligand, soluble P-selectin, beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 levels in the blood of heterozygous beta thalassemia patients. METHODS: The cross-sectional case-control study was conducted at Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey, between September 2013 and April 2014, and comprised heterozygous beta thalassemia patients who were compared with 41 gender-, age- and body mass index-matched controls for platelet function markers. The two groups were also compared for co-morbidities, smoking, and regular medications. RESULTS: Of the 78(78.78) subjects, 50(64%) were women and 28(36%) men with an overall mean age of 39.4±12.7 years (range: 18-79 years). The mean body mass index was 26.3±4.2. The heterozygous beta thalassemia group included 37(47%) subjects [24(65%) females; 13(35%) males] while the control group had 41(53%) [26(63%) females; 15(37%) males]. Soluble CD40 ligand and soluble P-selectin were lower in the heterozygous beta thalassemia group (p=0.009; p=0.010). Beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 levels were comparable between the groups (p=0.497; p=0.507.). CONCLUSIONS: Some platelet functions may be reduced in heterozygous beta thalassemia patients, which may be related to their lower incidence of cerebral and cardiac ischaemic events.

Reduced bone resorption and increased bone mineral density in women with restless legs syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate bone resorption and formation markers as well as bone mineral density in women with restless legs syndrome (RLS). METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional case-control study involving drug-naive women with RLS and age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched female controls. Routine blood analyses, markers of bone formation, procollagen 1 n-terminal peptide, bone resorption, c-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX), sclerostin, and bone mineral density (BMD) were compared between the 2 groups. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with comorbidities other than iron deficiency, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or hypertension were excluded. RESULTS: A significant increase in lumbar BMD was found among 78 women with RLS as compared to 78 age- and BMI-matched controls (p = 0.001). The proportion of patients with osteopenia as defined by a lumbar T score was significantly lower among patients with RLS (p = 0.040). CTX and sclerostin were significantly lower in patients with RLS (p = 0.006 and p = 0.011, respectively), as were the levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, calcemia, and free T3 (p = 0.017, p = 0.017, and p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Despite lower 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, patients with RLS had lower bone resorption markers, higher lumbar BMD, and lower frequency of lumbar osteopenia. As patients with RLS make movements night and day to decrease the severity of their symptoms, they unconsciously perform exercise, which may potentially explain the better bone profile among patients with RLS than in controls.

Restless Leg Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease in women with iron deficiency anemia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED) is a common condition associated with reduced quality of life and other medical conditions, particularly cardiovascular diseases. Despite its common occurrence, it is widely underdiagnosed and undertreated. Therefore, identification of high-risk individuals for RLS/WED bears diagnostic and therapeutic significance. Iron deficiency anemia has a role in the pathophysiology of RLS/WED and both conditions have been reported to occur higher in females. In this study, the frequency of RLS/WED among women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia was examined as well as laboratory variables that could guide the clinician in the diagnosis of RLS/WED. METHODS: A total of 51 women attending to the department of internal medicine with complaints of fatigue and tiredness and diagnosed as having iron deficiency anemia were evaluated using the International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria for RLS. Laboratory variables were recorded. The severity of RLS/WED was assessed using the RLS rating scale in patients diagnosed with RLS/WED. RESULTS: RLS/WED was diagnosed in 41.1% of the women with iron deficiency anemia. There were no significant differences between women with or without RLS /WED in terms of laboratory variables. Also, no correlations were observed between disease severity and laboratory variables. CONCLUSION: There is an 8 to 10-fold increase in the incidence of RLS/WED among women with iron deficiency anemia as compared to general population. Therefore, a possible diagnosis of RLS/WED should be kept in mind in all women with iron deficiency anemia.

Serum endocan levels in women with restless legs syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Endocan is a recently introduced marker of endothelial dysfunction. The objective of this study was to compare serum endocan levels in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) and control subjects in order to elucidate whether RLS is associated with endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 31 drug naïve female patients with RLS and 31 age- and BMI-matched women were included in the study. Patients with pathological or physiological conditions or with a history of medication use that could potentially influence endothelial functions were excluded, as well as those with alcohol or drug abuse history. The two groups were compared with routine blood tests and serum endocan levels. RESULTS: Patients with RLS had lower serum endocan levels than the controls (P=0.037). There was a negative bivariate correlation between RLS severity score and serum endocan levels (r=-0.406, P=0.023). While white blood cell count was significantly higher in RLS group, 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, vitamin B12, transferrin saturation rate, and HDL-cholesterol were significantly lower. Creatininemia and diastolic blood pressure were also marginally insignificantly lower in RLS group. Due to the presence of differences between two groups in these variables, a linear regression analysis was performed that showed a positive association between endocan and creatininemia (ß=0.310, P=0.022), and a negative association between endocan and RLS (ß=-0.502, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study seem to suggest that patients with RLS may have better endothelial functions when compared with the general population and that these patients may be better protected against atherosclerosis.

Can Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography Be a Substitute for Bone Marrow Biopsy in Detection of Bone Marrow Involvement in Patients with Hodgkin's or Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

INTRODUCTION: Positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) has become an important part of staging and treatment evaluation algorithms of lymphoma. We aimed to compare the results of PET/CT with bone marrow biopsy (BMB) with respect to bone marrow involvement (BMI) in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (aNHL). METHODS: The medical files of a total of 297 patients diagnosed with HL or aNHL and followed at the hematology clinics of 3 major hospitals in Istanbul between 2008 and 2012 were screened retrospectively and 161 patients with classical HL and aNHL were included in the study. The patients were referred for PET/CT and BMB at the initial staging. BMB was performed as the reference standard for the evaluation of BMI. RESULTS: There were 61 (38%) HL and 100 (62%) aNHL patients. Concordant results were revealed between PET/CT and BMB in 126 patients (78%) (52 HL, 74 aNHL), 20 with positive PET/CT and BMB results and 106 with negative PET/CT and BMB results. There were discordant results in 35 patients (9 HL, 26 aNHL), 16 of them with positive BMB and negative PET/ CT results and 19 of them with negative BMB and positive PET/CT results. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We observed that PET/CT is effective to detect BMI, despite it alone not being sufficient to evaluate BMI in HL and aNHL. Bone marrow trephine biopsy and PET/CT should be considered as mutually complementary methods for detection of BMI in patients with lymphoma. In suspected focal involvement, combining biopsy and PET/CT might improve staging results.

Parvovirus B19 infection as a cause of acute myositis in an adult.

Parvovirus B19 infection is often asymptomatic, but clinical expressions may include transient aplastic crisis, erythema infectiosum, non-immune hydrops fetalis, and chronic red cell aplasia. This virus has also been associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune connective tissue diseases; however, we could not identify any acute adult myositis case developed after a Parvovirus B19 infection in the literature. For this reason, we would like to present a rare case of acute myositis developed after Parvovirus B19 infection. In patients presenting with symptoms of fever, rash on the legs and myositis, viral infections such as Parvovirus B19 should be kept in mind.

Medical ozone and radiotherapy in a peritoneal, Erlich-ascites, tumor-cell model.

CONTEXT: Medical ozone therapy is used for treatment of inflammation in alternative and complementary medicine. It has been reported that the beneficial effects of radiotherapy increased with the addition of medical ozone therapy. OBJECTIVES: This study intended to investigate the antitumor and antiedema effects of ozone therapy when applied in different concentrations in mice with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) and to evaluate the contribution of medical ozone therapy to the outcomes for radiotherapy in vivo. DESIGN: Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells were inoculated intraperitoneally (IP) to develop peritoneal carcinomatosis in 60 adult male Swiss albino mice. The animals were divided into 5 groups. Groups 1 and 2 were treated IP for a period of 10 d with daily medical ozone therapy. Group 3 received radiotherapy into the abdomen for 5 d. Groups 4 and 5 were treated with medical ozone therapy for 10 d and radiotherapy for 5 d. Groups 1 and 4 received a 20 mg/L concentration of ozone and groups 2 and 5 received a 40 mg/L concentration. A sixth group acted as controls, and serum physiologic was given to them IP. OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in body weight and abdominal circumference were measured daily for each mouse. Survival rates of the groups of mice were also determined. The results were compared between groups and were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Changes in body weights and abdominal circumferences in the different groups were statistically different. The longest survival rates were found for groups 3 and 5, and survival rates for the 5 experimental groups were significantly higher than for the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Medical ozone therapy or radiotherapy was found to be effective when administered alone or concurrently to mice with PC, suggesting that medical ozone therapy might serve as a method of obtaining antiedema and antitumor effects, providing a longer survival time.

GAS6 intron 8 c.834 + 7G > A gene polymorphism in diabetic nephropathy.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND - AIM: In animal experiments, growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) protein plays a key role in the development of mesangial cell and glomerular hypertrophy in the early phase of diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy is prevented by warfarin-induced inhibition of GAS6 protein. It was shown that GAS6 intron 8 c.834 + 7G > A polymorphism is protective against type 2 diabetes mellitus, and AA genotype is associated with higher blood levels of GAS6 protein. Our aim is to investigate whether this polymorphism is a risk factor for diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHOD: Eighty-seven patients with diabetic nephropathy were compared with 66 non-diabetic controls in terms of GAS6 intron 8 c.834 + 7G > A polymorphism. Patients with history of stroke, ischemic heart disease were excluded. Each patient was examined by the ophthalmologist to determine diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS: Frequency of GG, GA and AA genotypes are similar in diabetic nephropathy and control groups according to GAS6 intron 8 c.834 + 7G > A polymorphism (p = .837). Rate of diabetic retinopathy was 54.02%. In the subgroup analysis, GA genotype was significantly more frequent than GG genotype in patients with diabetic retinopathy when compared to without diabetic retinopathy (p = .010). CONCLUSION: In our study, GAS6 intron 8 c.834 + 7G > A polymorphism was not associated with diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, heterozygous state of this polymorphism may be a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Infecção por parvovírus B19 como causa de miosite aguda em um adulto / Parvovirus B19 infection as a cause of acute myositis in an adult

A infecção pelo Parvovírus B19 costuma ser assintomática, mas as expressões clínicas podem incluir crise aplástica transitória, eritema infeccioso, hidropisia fetal não imune e aplasia crônica da série vermelha. Esse vírus também se associa à artrite reumatoide e a outras doenças autoimunes do tecido conjuntivo; entretanto, não conseguimos identificar na literatura nenhum caso de miosite aguda em adulto desenvolvida depois de infecção pelo Parvovírus B19. Por essa razão, gostaríamos de apresentar um caso raro de miosite aguda desenvolvida depois de infecção pelo Parvovírus B19. Nos pacientes que apresentam sintomas de febre, rash nas pernas e miosite, devem ser consideradas as infecções virais, como a causada pelo Parvovírus B19.

Parvovirus B19 infection is often asymptomatic, but clinical expressions may include transient aplastic crisis, erythema infectiosum, non-immune hydrops fetalis, and chronic red cell aplasia. This virus has also been associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune connective tissue diseases; however, we could not identify any acute adult myositis case developed after a Parvovirus B19 infection in the literature. For this reason, we would like to present a rare case of acute myositis developed after Parvovirus B19 infection. In patients presenting with symptoms of fever, rash on the legs and myositis, viral infections such as Parvovirus B19 should be kept in mind.

Factor XI deficiency diagnosed following use of adalimumab.

Adalimumab is a drug used in the treatment of refractory psoriasis. We present a case of a 55-year-old male patient who developed petechiae and purpura after the ninth dose of adalimumab therapy. The results of laboratory investigations revealed factor XI (F.XI) deficiency. It should be recognized that F XI deficiency may develop in patients using long-term adalimumab, leading to increased risk of bleeding.