N-Terminal pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels are Linked with Modified Child-Pugh Classification in Patients with Nonalcoholic Cirrhosis [NT-ProBNP and Liver Cirrhosis].

Excess N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide secretion has been linked to cirrhosis in previously studies. The relationship of plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and cardiac dysfunction determined by echocardiography were investigated in patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis and a control group of chronic hepatitis. This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. Thirty-two men and thirty-three women who gave informed consent who were followed-up for chronic liver failure were enrolled. All patients gave clinical history, physical examination was carried out and information about ongoing medication has been obtained. Serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level was measured in all patients. The same cardiologist determined ejection fraction, end-diastolic left ventricular diameter, interventricular septum, and posterior wall on transthoracic echocardiography. Patients with extensive liver disease according to Child-Pugh classification from A to C had increasing N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in association (P < .001). According to the Child-Pugh classification there were no significant difference between groups for echocardiographic measurements (P > .05). N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide may be an important marker for cardiac dysfunction in patients with chronic liver failure in accordance with Child-Pugh stage.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in different ethnic groups in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors in various ethnic groups in Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS: Study participants were aged ≥ 20 years. Risk factor components for metabolic syndrome were measured and its presence was determined in study participants. RESULTS: The study included 254 Greeks, 273 West Thracians, 275 East Turkistanis and 304 Armenians. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly different between groups (Greeks, 19.3%; West Thracians, 24.9%; East Turkistanis, 15.3%; Armenians, 20.4%), and increased with age in all groups. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were found mainly in Greeks (females, 64.5%; males, 61.6%) and West Thracians (females, 75.8%; males, 73.1%). Among East Turkistanis, HDL-C and triglyceride levels were significantly higher compared with the other ethnic groups. Hypertension was the most frequently encountered component of metabolic syndrome in East Turkistanis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome varied between ethnic groups living in the same geographical location. In Turkey, metabolic syndrome is common. It is important to determine differences between ethnic groups, as this will assist in identifying those at higher risk of developing coronary heart disease.

The effects of exposure of 60Co on the oxidant/antioxidant status among radiation victims.

This retrospective study has been performed with radiation victims who were accidentally exposed to a 60Co source and its release into the environment. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of elevated radiation exposures on plasma level, on erythrocyte thio barbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level and on erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) levels. Patients were treated in different hospitals with different symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, along with severe anemia in some patients. Blood samples were collected 3-5 days following the radiation accident. Increases in plasma (6.25 +/- 0.90 nmol ml(-1)) and erythrocyte TBARS levels (330.5 +/- 30.5 micromol gHb(-1)) were found in comparison to a healthy group (3.72 +/- 0.68 nmol ml(-1) and 150.7 +/- 20.5 micromol gHb(-1), respectively) at a significant level (p<0.001). Erythrocyte GSH levels (5.2 +/- 0.30 micromol gHb(-1)) were found to be decreased among the victims (healthy group: 10.2 +/- 0.7 micromol gHb(-1)) at the same significance level (p<0.001). These observations confirm a significant change induced by radiation in the oxidant/antioxidant status among the victims. It is suggested here that antioxidant supplementation therapy might be effective in preventing the harmful effects of 60Co radiation among radiation victims.