Correlation between vaspin and PANSS scores in schizophrenia patients with obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome, and abnormal levels of plasma adipokines have been observed in patients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the differences and correlations of plasma vaspin levels with metabolic parameters in patients with schizophrenia and to compare with healthy controls. METHOD: We measured plasma levels of vaspin and metabolic parameters of 100 patients with schizophrenia and 95 healthy controls. Patients with schizophrenia were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and The Global Assessment of Functioning. RESULTS: Mean levels of body mass index, waist circumference, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of the patients were statistically higher than those of the healthy controls (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p = 0.03, and p = 0.002, respectively). Plasma levels of vaspin were 0.96 ± 0.73 ng/ml in patients with schizophrenia and 0.29 ± 0.15 ng/ml in the healthy controls (p < 0.001). Plasma vaspin levels were statistically higher in patients with schizophrenia than healthy controls both in groups with and without metabolic syndrome and obesity (p < 0.001). Plasma vaspin levels showed a positive correlation with triglyceride in patients with schizophrenia (r = 0.26, p = 0.007). There were positive correlations between vaspin and PANSS scores in schizophrenia patients with obesity (PANSS Positive: r = 0.42, p = 0.01; PANSS Negative: r = 0.42, p = 0.01; PANSS General: r = 0.43, p = 0.01; PANSS Total: r = 0.47, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a significant relationship and positive correlation between vaspin and PANSS scores in schizophrenia patients with obesity. Vaspin may play an important role in the metabolic processes of patients with schizophrenia.

Iron parameters, pro-hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor levels in obese children.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is common in obese children although the underlying mechanism is unclear. Several studies have investigated the relation between iron deficiency and obesity, but studies focusing on children are rare. The aim of this paper is to investigate the associations between iron parameters, pro-hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor levels in obese children. METHODS: A total of 110 children aged from 6 to 16, 50 with primary obesity and 60 healthy children and adolescents, were enrolled. Complete blood count, serum iron levels, iron binding capacity, ferritin levels, soluble transferrin receptor, and pro-hepcidin levels were studied. RESULTS: Serum iron and transferrin saturation index levels were significantly low, red cell distribution width and ferritin levels were significantly high in obese children compared to control group. No association between soluble transferrin receptor, pro-hepcidin and iron parameters was detected. A positive correlation between ferritin and pro-hepcidin levels was defined. CONCLUSIONS: Obese children and adolescents were at greater risk for iron deficiency. It should be considered in the diet recommendations.

Chitinase-3-like protein 1 levels in bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between the expression level and biologic role of YKL-40 in bipolar disorder (BD). METHODS: This case-control study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey in 2015. One hundred and four patients diagnosed as having bipolar disorder (DSM5 criteria), and 96 participants were included as healthy controls in this study. A human YKL-40 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to measure the serum YKL-40 levels. As independent variables, we collected data on C-reactive protein (CRP), demographic variables, and medications. Results: The mean YLK-40 levels for the BD was 2723.5±543.8 pg/ml and control groups was 2132.5±576.3 pg/ml (t=7.42, p less than 0.001). The mean CRP levels for the BD was 0.4±0.6 mg/dl and control groups was 0.4±0.7 mg/dl (t=0.02, p=0.985). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of YKL-40 in the diagnosis of BD as 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72-0.85) with a sensitivity of 82.7% and specificity of 68.1% at a cutoff level of 2307.1 pg/ml. The use of antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood modifiers, and the presence of any comorbidity was not related to the YKL-40 levels (p greater than 0.05). Conclusion: With acceptable sensitivity and specificity levels, the YKL-40 can be utilized as a marker in the diagnosis and follow-up of BD.

Are Fetuin-A levels beneficial for estimating timing of sepsis occurrence?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluated Fetuin-A levels of patients admitted in the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of sepsis. Methods: This study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Hospital, Çanakkal, Turkey, between February 2015 and October 2015. Forty septic patients were included in the study. Subsequent to clinical suspicion of sepsis, serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin; and white blood cell (WBC) counts were evaluated at 3 time-points: 0 (basal), 24, and 72 hours. Results: The mean Fetuin-A levels at the 3 time-points were 58.5 ± 29.2 ng/mL, 40.9 ± 23.6 ng/mL, and 47.8 ± 25.7 ng/mL, respectively. Fetuin-A levels at 24 hours were significantly lower than the basal level (p greater than 0.05), where as no significant difference was observed between the basal levels and those at 72 hours (p greater than 0.05). Correlation between the temporal changes in Fetuin-A levels and the changes in other inflammatory markers (CRP, procalcitonin and WBC) was examined. Fetuin A was found to have only a negative correlation with serum procalcitonin level (p less than 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, serum Fetuin-A levels in septic patients decreased significantly in the first 24 hours, followed by an insignificant increase at 72 hours. These findings suggest that monitoring of Fetuin-A levels may help predict the time of occurrence of sepsis and  prognosis of sepsis.

Investigation of Blood Betatrophin Levels in Obese Children with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of obesity has significantly increased among children and adolescents worldwide and is becoming an important health care problem in parallel with the increased prevalence of obesity pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Betatrophin is a newly define hormone that is commonly secreted by liver and plays role in glucose tolerance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum betatrophin levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children. METHODS: The study included 40 obese children with a body mass index (BMI) above 95th centile, and 35 non-obese subjects with a BMI 3-85th centile, whose age and gender were similar to those of the patient group. For the evaluation of metabolic parameters fasting serum glucose, insulin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lipid profile and serum betatrophin levels were measured. Total cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios were calculated as "atherogenic indices." RESULTS: Serum betatrophin levels of the obese subjects were similar to that of non-obese subjects (p=0.90). Betatrophin levels were not correlated with the metabolic parameters. CONCLUSION: In the present study, levels of betatrophin are not different between obese and insulin resistant children and non-obese subjects, and they are not correlated with atherogenic indices. To elucidate the exact role of betatrophin in obesity, further studies are required to identify the betatrophin receptor and/or other possible cofactors.

The pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and red cell distribution width predict prognosis in patients with laryngeal carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to identify the potential prognostic roles of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). 81 patients who underwent surgery for the larynx carcinoma were enrolled in the study. NLR, PLR and RDW were used as outcome measures. Local recurrence was detected in 30 (37.0 %) patients and neck lymph node metastasis was detected 6 (7.4 %) patients during follow-up period. Mortality was seen in 7 (8.6 %) patients. The mean PLR in the T1 and T2 stage tumors were significantly lower than the T4 stage. The mean RDW and PLR were significantly higher in the exitus group than the survivor group. The mean NLR in the patients with local recurrence was significantly higher than the non-recurrent patients. Progression-free survival (PFS) was lower in patients with high NLR. When analyzed by the Cox regression analysis of factors affecting the local recurrence, NLR was found to significantly affect the recurrence. According to ROC analysis for mortality, NLR was not found to be a prognostic factor, although the PLR and RDW were significant prognostic factors. According to Cox regression analysis, a high PLR increases mortality 4.2 times and a high RDW 4.6 times. Although in univariate analysis MCV, RDW and tumor grade were predictors of mortality, RDW and tumor grade independent predictors were found. Further studies involving large patient groups are required.

Evaluation of the protective effects of hesperetin against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in a rat animal model.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effects of hesperetin as a flavanon both histopathologically and immunohistochemically on cochlear apoptosis in a rat model of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity (CIO). The evaluation of the effects of hesperetin on cisplatin-induced hearing loss was performed using distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). METHODS: Twenty-eight wistar albino rats were used in the current study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups with seven rats in each group. Group C was exposed to a single dose of cisplatin (12mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection. Group CH received intraperitoneally cisplatin (12mg/kg) and hesperetin (20mg/kg). Group H was exposed to hesperetin (20mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The sham group (group S) received normal saline (6cc) intraperitoneally. The measurements of DPOAE and signal-noise ratios (SNR) were performed before the treatment and again on the first and 6 days after administration of the drugs. Rats were sacrificed and cochleae were dissected 10 days after drug administration. The cochlear tissue was assessed in all groups by histopathologic, immunohistochemical and TUNEL assay. In addition, serum oxidative stress markers and antioxidant parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the basal value and the sixth day at frequencies 8.4, 9.6 and 9.96 for group C. We also found a significant difference between the first and sixth day at frequencies 7.2, 8.4, 9.6 and 9.96. On the 6th day, there were significant differences between C and S groups at all frequencies except 2.4. We showed a significant difference between C and H groups at frequencies 4.8, 6.0, 8.4, 9.6 and 9.96. There was also a significant difference between C and CH groups at frequencies 2.4, and 3.6. We found lower levels of oxidants and higher levels of antioxidants in CH group as compared to C group. C group had a significantly greater number of TUNEL-positive cells than did S, H and CH groups. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in CH group was higher than in S and H groups. There was a significant difference between the positive PCNA cells of CH group compared to S and H groups in spiral ganglion and stria vascularis. In addition, there were no positive PCNA cells in C group. CONCLUSIONS: Hesperetin may prevent ototoxicity by increased antioxidant enzymes and reduced oxidant parameters and protected against apoptosis resulting from a proliferation of cochlear cells in CIO.

Increased Levels of Serum Ischemia Modified Albumin in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate oxidant/antioxidant status by determining serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels with oxidative/antioxidant parameters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared to the controls. METHODS: The serum concentrations of IMA, IMA/albumin ratio (IMAR), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in 40 AS patients and 35 healthy controls. RESULTS: Mean serum IMA, IMAR, MDA, TOS, and OSI levels were increased in patients with AS when compared to the control group (p < 0.05 for all). Serum levels of SOD and GPx were significantly lower in the patient group than in the healthy subjects (p < 0.001 for both). Serum TAC levels were decreased in patients with AS compared to the controls but the statistical difference was not significant. Serum IMA levels were found to be positively correlated with BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and ASDAS-CRP (r = 0.356, r = 0.370, r = 0.412, r = 0.353, respectively, and p < 0.05 for all). IMAR values showed significant correlations with BASFI, BASMI, and ASDAS-CRP (r = 0.351, p = 0.026; r = 0.400, p = 0.010; and r = 0.379, p = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Depletion in antioxidant systems and overproduction of free radicals leading to formation of the oxidative stress may play a role in the development of AS. Increased levels of IMA might provide important contributions to the underlying oxidative stress in AS.

Inflammation and chemerin in colorectal cancer.

Chemerin is expressed mainly in the adipose tissue. It is an agonist of chemokine-like receptor-1, which is expressed by the immune system cells. Chemerin stimulates the chemotaxis of the immune system cells, and this indicates the function of chemerin and chemokine-like receptor-1 in the immune response. The tumor microenvironment is very important for determining cancer cell growth and spreading. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between colorectal cancer, inflammation, and adipokines including chemerin, adiponectin, and vaspin. The study group consisted of patients with colon cancer, whereas the control subjects consisted of patients with benign conditions, diagnosed with colonoscopy. The two groups were compared in terms of the C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, adiponectin, chemerin, and vaspin. A total of 41 (28 men, 13 women) patients with confirmed colon cancer, and 27 (15 men, 12 women) controls without, confirmed by colonoscopy, were enrolled. The median chemerin levels were found significantly higher in the study group than the controls (390 vs. 340 ng/mL, p = 0.032), whereas the mean vaspin and adiponectin levels were not significantly different. The median values for the CRP, fibrinogen, and ESR were significantly higher in the patients with colon cancer, when compared to the control group (6.08 vs. 1.4 mg/L, p < 0.0001; 408 vs. 359 mg/dL, p = 0.002; and 30 vs. 8 mm/h, p < 0.0001, respectively). Our results show that higher levels of circulating chemerin, CRP, fibrinogen, and ESR are associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.

An alternative marker of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in coronary artery disease: non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Dyslipidemia is one of the most important risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), and low-densitylipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is used to measure dyslipidemia. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) seems to be an alternative parameter to LDL-C as it is not influenced by triglyceride (TG) levels. The aim of this study is to compare non-HDL-C and LDL-C levels as risk markers in CAD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ten CAD patients and 42 individuals with normal coronary angiography results were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: TG < 200 mg/dL (n = 75) as group 1 and TG > 200 mg/dL (n = 35) as group 2. Total cholesterol (TC), TG, and HDL-C levels were analyzed with a Roche Modular P800 autoanalyzer. LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels were calculated. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in TC, TG, HDL-C, and non-HDL-C levels when the groups were compared. Non-HDL-C levels of group 2 were statistically higher than those of group 1 and the control group. There was no significant difference in LDL-C levels between the groups. CONCLUSION: Non-HDL-C levels are better risk markers than LDL-C levels, especially in patients with TG > 200 mg/dL, and non-HDL-C levels should be taken into consideration when evaluating the risk of CAD.

Is There Any Relationship between Plasma Pentraxin 3 Levels and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

BACKGROUND: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a novel vascular inflammatory marker which increases in vascular events such as diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum PTX3 levels and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: This prospective observational study was comprised of 88 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies. The subjects were classified into 3 groups according to their response to a 50-gram glucose challenge test (GCT) and a 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test: control group (n = 28), impaired glucose tolerance group (n = 30), and GDM group (n = 30). Serum PTX3 levels were measured to examine the relationship between GDM and GCT values. RESULTS: Significant differences in PTX3 levels were observed among the 3 groups in the sample (F = 7.598; p = 0.001). The mean PTX3 value was found to be significantly higher in the GDM group (3.17 ± 1.16 ng/ml) than in the control group (2.20 ± 0.83 ng/ml; p = 0.001). A significant positive correlation between PTX3 and GCT values was detected (r = 0.289; p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Maternal serum PTX3 levels were found to be significantly related to high blood glucose levels. This may be an indicator of vascular pathology in GDM around the time of an oral glucose tolerance test.

Neuroprotective effect of atorvastatin in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVES: Prevention of the development of paraplegia during the repair of the damage caused by descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms remains an important issue. Therefore, we investigated the protective effect of atorvastatin on ischemia-induced spinal cord injury in a rabbit model. METHOD: Thirty-two rabbits were divided into the following four equally sized groups: group I (control), group II (ischemia-reperfusion), group III (atorvastatin treatment) and group IV (atorvastatin withdrawal). Spinal cord ischemia was induced by clamping the aorta both below the left renal artery and above the iliac bifurcation. Seventy-two hours postoperatively, the motor function of the lower limbs of each animal was evaluated according to the Tarlov score. Spinal cord and blood samples were obtained for histopathological and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: All of the rabbits in group II exhibited severe neurological deficits. Atorvastatin treatment (groups III and IV) significantly reduced the level of motor dysfunction. No significant differences were observed between the motor function scores of groups III and IV at the evaluated time points. Light microscopic examination of spinal cord tissue samples obtained at the 72nd hour of reperfusion indicated greater tissue preservation in groups III and IV than in group II. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the considerable neuroprotective effect of atorvastatin on the neurological, biochemical and histopathological status of rabbits with ischemia-induced spinal cord injury. Moreover, the acute withdrawal of atorvastatin therapy following the induction of spinal cord ischemia did not increase the neuronal damage in this rabbit model.

Neuroprotective effect of atorvastatin in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVES: Prevention of the development of paraplegia during the repair of the damage caused by descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms remains an important issue. Therefore, we investigated the protective effect of atorvastatin on ischemia-induced spinal cord injury in a rabbit model. METHOD: Thirty-two rabbits were divided into the following four equally sized groups: group I (control), group II (ischemia-reperfusion), group III (atorvastatin treatment) and group IV (atorvastatin withdrawal). Spinal cord ischemia was induced by clamping the aorta both below the left renal artery and above the iliac bifurcation. Seventy-two hours postoperatively, the motor function of the lower limbs of each animal was evaluated according to the Tarlov score. Spinal cord and blood samples were obtained for histopathological and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: All of the rabbits in group II exhibited severe neurological deficits. Atorvastatin treatment (groups III and IV) significantly reduced the level of motor dysfunction. No significant differences were observed between the motor function scores of groups III and IV at the evaluated time points. Light microscopic examination of spinal cord tissue samples obtained at the 72nd hour of reperfusion indicated greater tissue preservation in groups III and IV than in group II. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the considerable neuroprotective effect of atorvastatin on the neurological, biochemical and histopathological status of rabbits with ischemia-induced spinal cord injury. Moreover, the acute withdrawal of atorvastatin therapy following the induction of spinal cord ischemia did not increase the neuronal damage in this rabbit model. .

Do the first, second and third trimester maternal serum hepcidin concentrations clarify obstetric complications?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether first, second, and third-trimester maternal serum hepcidin levels are different in pregnancies with and without adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). METHODS: A 165 nullipar pregnant women were included in this prospective cohort study. Serum hepcidin, ferritin, IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP) and Hb values were measured at 11-14, 24-28, and 30-34 weeks of gestation. The relation between these parameters and APO and neonatal outcomes were investigated. Preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension and placental abruption were determined as adverse pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: The risk of APO was three times higher in women with high IL-6 levels in the second trimester. High hepcidin levels in the second trimester were associated with a 1.6 times increased risk of APO. Newborns of women with high IL-6 levels in the third trimester had a 1.6-fold increased risk of neonatal complications. High ferritin levels in the third trimester were associated with minimally increased risk of neonatal complications. CONCLUSIONS: Mean serum hepcidin levels were similar in all pregnant women, however, elevated second trimester serum hepcidin and IL-6 levels were associated with a higher risk of APO and high third trimester hepcidin, ferritin and IL-6 levels were associated with higher risk of neonatal complications.

Airway inflammation and tiotropium treatment in stable COPD patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease of the lung associated with progressive airflow limitation. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of tiotropium treatment on airway inflammation and symptoms in stable COPD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inflammatory markers were measured in the expired breath condensate fluid (EBC) before starting tiotropium treatment and at the end of the first month. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (81% men) with a mean age of 65.4 ± 10.1 years completed the study. The mean nitrotyrosine and 8-isoprostane levels for oxidative stress markers in EBC before and after treatment were 4.5 ± 2.3, 3.5 ± 1.9 pg/mL (P = 0.06) and 7.3 ± 10.8, 8.1 ± 11.7 pg/mL (P = 0.28), respectively. The mean interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels for inflammation markers in EBC before and after treatment were 1.03 ± 1.1, 0.77 ± 0.8 pg/mL (P = 0.41) and 27.8 ± 2.6, 29.2 ± 5.7 pg/mL (P = 0.36) respectively. The mean symptom scores decreased significantly with tiotropium and a mean increase of 124.6 ± 0.86 mL was observed in a lung function test (FEV1). CONCLUSION: Although a 4-week treatment with tiotropium did not modify any of the inflammatory or oxidative stress markers in EBC fluid, tiotropium treatment helps to control symptoms in COPD.

Plasma nesfatin-1 levels are increased in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Nesfatin-1 is a recently discovered neuropeptide derived from its precursor nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) and has been implicated in the regulation of feeding and energy metabolism. It is located in the brain and also produced at the periphery and present in the plasma. However, its pathophysiological role in humans remains unknown. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly presented with obesity, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia and hirsutism. AIM: To characterize serum nesfatin-1 levels in PCOS women and determine association of nesfatin-1 with metabolic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study of 55 PCOS and 28 healthy women matched in age, in a university hospital setting. Anthropometric, hormonal, metabolic parameters and nesfatin-1 blood levels were determined. RESULTS: Nesfatin-1 levels were significantly higher in PCOS group compared with the controls 371.43 ± 2.50 versus 275.55 ± 1.74 pg/mL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis that contains: nesfatin-1, body mass index and homeostasis model assessment index revealed significant correlation of nesfatin-1 with the existence of PCOS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Higher nesfatin-1 levels in PCOS women compared to control group may suggest a possibility that nesfatin-1 may play some role in the PCOS.

The platelet activating factor acetyl hydrolase, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, paraoxonase 1 and arylesterase levels in treated and untreated patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the platelet activating factor acetyl hydrolyze (PAF-AH), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), arylesterase (ARE) levels and the effects of metformin and Diane-35 (ethinyl oestradiol + cyproterone acetate) therapies on these parameters and to determine the PON1 polymorphisms among PCOS patients. METHODS: Ninety patients with PCOS, age 30, and body mass index-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups: metformin treatment, Diane-35 treatment and no medication groups. The treatment with metformin or Diane-35 was continued for 6 months and all subjects were evaluated with clinical and biochemical parameters 6 months later. One-way Anova test, t test and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: PAF-AH and ox-LDL levels were statistically significantly higher in untreated PCOS patients than controls, and they were statistically significantly lower in patients treated with metformin or Diane-35 than untreated PCOS patients. In contrast, there were lower PON1 (not statistically significant) and ARE (statistically significant) levels in untreated PCOS patients than the control group and they significantly increased after metformin and Diane-35 treatments. In PCOS patients serum PON1 levels for QQ, QR and RR phenotypes were statistically significantly lower than the control group. CONCLUSION: In patients with PCOS, proatherogenic markers increase. The treatment of PCOS with metformin or Diane-35 had positive effects on lipid profile, increased PON1 level, which is a protector from atherosclerosis and decreased the proatherogenic PAF-AH and ox-LDL levels.

Role of Oxidative Stress on Vaginal Bleeding during The First Trimester of Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in many metabolic and physiologic processes. Antioxidative mechanisms remove these harmful species. Our aim was to assess whether serum total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status altered during first trimester pregnancies with vaginal bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, A group of pregnant women at less than 10 weeks of gestation with vaginal bleeding (n=25) and a control group of healthy pregnancies with similar characteristics (n=25) were included. All of the patients in the two groups were matched for age, gestational age and body mass index. Serum total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status levels were determined using a Hitachi 912 analyzer and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Characteristics, including maternal age, parity, and gestational age were similar between the two groups. Serum total antioxidant capacity levels were significantly lower in the women with vaginal bleeding than in control women (1.16 ± 0.20 vs. 1.77 ± 0.08 mmol Trolox Equiv./L; p=0.001), whereas higher total oxidant status measurements were found in women with vaginal bleeding compared to the control group (4.01 ± 0.20 vs. 2.57 ± 0.65 µmol H2O2 Equiv./L; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Increased total oxidant status might be involved in the pathophysiology of vaginal bleeding during early first trimester pregnancies.

Serum amyloid A, fetuin-A, and pentraxin-3 levels in patients with ischemic stroke: novel prognostic biomarkers?

AIM: Inflammation plays an important role in acute ischemic stroke. In this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between acute ischemic stroke and serum amyloid A, fetuin-A, and pentraxin-3 which are inflammation markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 52 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 30 sex-matched control subjects in the study. The patients were followed for 3 months. We evaluated the common risk factors, laboratory variables, and neurological examination of stroke patients according to prognosis scales. RESULTS: The median serum amyloid A, fetuin-A, and pentraxin-3 levels in the stroke patients were higher than in control subjects (respectively, P = 0.000, P = 0.002, and P = 0.037). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, glucose, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and white blood cell count showed differences within the group in terms of the serum amyloid A tertiles statistically. CONCLUSION: Pentraxin-3, fetuin-A, and serum amyloid A all arise together as novel prognostic factors in a group of patients with ischemic stroke. Relationships between higher levels of inflammation markers, especially serum amyloid A, and the severity of acute ischemic stroke were shown.

Hepcidin, iron status, and inflammation variables among healthy pregnant women in the Turkish population.

PURPOSE: To investigate hepcidin levels in each trimester and their association with other haematological variables and inflammation markers during normal pregnancy among low-risk pregnant women in rural Turkey. METHOD: The series comprised 103 healthy Turkish primigravida women with a normal pregnancy. Blood samples were obtained at 11-14, 24-28 and 30-34 weeks of gestation. Haemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell indices, white blood cell count, platelet count, iron status indicators (plasma iron, transferrin, ferritin levels and iron binding capacity), serum hepcidin, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels were analysed. The proportions were compared using Pearson's χ2 test or Friedman's test. RESULTS: The mean serum hepcidin concentrations at 11-14, 24-28 and 30-34 weeks of gestation were as follows: 7.8 ± 3.4 ng/mL, 8.6 ± 3.1 ng/mL and 7.3 ± 3.0 ng/mL, respectively. The mean serum ferritin concentrations with median values at each trimester were 14.2 (11.5), 9.5 (8.8) and 11.2 (9.3), respectively. The mean serum CRP values at each trimester were 5.1 (4.0), 5.5 (4.6) and 6.0 (5.5), respectively. The serum hepcidin levels were not related to iron status or the haemoglobin, IL-6 or C-reactive protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: There was no association between serum hepcidin and serum ferritin, IL-6 or CRP concentrations in each trimester among low-risk pregnant women.