Serum Levels of IL-35, One of the Newest Members of Interleukin-12 Family of Cytokines, in Patients With Vitiligo.

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder in which immune dysregulation has been reported as one of the major etiopathological factors. Interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-23 and IL-27 of IL-12 cytokine family were identified as critical cytokines in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases including vitiligo. IL-35 is one of the newest member of IL-12 cytokine family. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to examine serum IL-35 levels in addition to serum IL-12, IL-23, IL-27 levels in the vitiligo patients and control group, and to investigate the relationship of these cytokines with the characteristics of vitiligo. METHODS: Serum IL-12, IL-23, IL-27 and IL-35 levels of 87 vitiligo patients and 70 healthy volunteers were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We compared the IL-12 cytokine family levels in the patient and control groups, and investigated the relationship of these levels with the characteristics of vitiligo. RESULTS: Patients had higher levels of IL-12 (31.2 versus 20.1, P < 0.001) and IL-35 (9.6 versus 8.1, P = 0.031). Patient and control groups had similar levels of IL-23 (P = 0.78) but were correlated with the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) (P = 0.022, r = 0.35). Patients had lower levels of IL-27 (207.6 versus 258.7, P < 0.001). In addition, the levels of serum IL-27 were correlated negatively with the Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA), and positively with disease duration (P = 0.007, r = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: Differences of serum levels between Vitiligo patients and healthy controls, significant relationships with the characteristics of vitiligo suggest that the IL-12 cytokine family may play a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

Patients who received sleeve gastrectomy have lower plasma osteopontin levels than those who did not.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare metabolic parameters, plasma Osteopontin (OPN) and Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) levels between Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) patients in their 6th post-operation month and healthy control patients. METHODS: Height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and laboratory parameters of 58 SG patients aged 18‒65 years (Group 1) and 46 healthy control patients (Group 2) were compared. In addition, preoperative and postoperative sixth-month BMI and laboratory parameters of the patients in Group 1 were compared. RESULTS: The mean age and gender distributions of the groups were similar (p > 0.05). Mean BMI was 28.9 kg/m2 in Group 1 and 27 kg/m2 in Group 2 (p < 0.01). While plasma HGF levels were similar between both groups, plasma OPN levels were higher in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting plasma insulin and insulin resistance values were higher in Group 1, while alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were higher in Group 2 (p < 0.05). There was a strong correlation between plasma HGF and OPN levels in Group 1, but not in Group 2 (Rho = 0.805, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: OPN and HGF are promising biomarkers that can be used to better understand and detect problems related to obesity. The fact that patients in the early post-SG period had lower plasma OPN and similar plasma HGF compared to non-surgical patients of similar age and gender with higher BMI may be another favorable and previously unknown metabolic effect of SG.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and inflammatory markers in schizophrenia: A comparative analysis of drug-naive schizophrenia patients, remitted patients, and healthy controls.

This study aims to examine the plasma concentrations of NGAL and other inflammatory parameters, including TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IFN-γ, in schizophrenia patients and healthy volunteers. It also investigates potential associations between these biomarkers and symptom severity in schizophrenia and the utility of NGAL as a potential diagnostic and monitoring biomarker for schizophrenia. The study included 49 drug-naive schizophrenia patients (DNS), 59 patients with schizophrenia in remission (REM) on antipsychotic treatment, and 58 healthy volunteers (HC). The Positive and Negative Symptoms Evaluation Scale (PANSS) was utilized to assess the severity of symptoms in schizophrenia patients. Plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IFN-γ, and NGAL were measured for all participants. NGAL levels were significantly lower in the DNS group than in HC. Significantly lower TNF-α levels were observed in both the DNS and REM groups compared to the HC group. Notably, a statistically significant positive correlation was detected between TNF-α and NGAL levels. The findings of this study are noteworthy, as they demonstrate that drug-naive individuals with schizophrenia exhibit significantly diminished levels of NGAL and TNF-α compared to healthy controls. These identified biomarkers hold promise for providing valuable insights into the complex and evolving pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

Patients who received sleeve gastrectomy have lower plasma osteopontin levels than those who did not

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to compare metabolic parameters, plasma Osteopontin (OPN) and Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) levels between Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) patients in their 6th post-operation month and healthy control patients. Methods: Height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and laboratory parameters of 58 SG patients aged 18‒65 years (Group 1) and 46 healthy control patients (Group 2) were compared. In addition, preoperative and postoperative sixth-month BMI and laboratory parameters of the patients in Group 1 were compared. Results: The mean age and gender distributions of the groups were similar (p > 0.05). Mean BMI was 28.9 kg/m2 in Group 1 and 27 kg/m2 in Group 2 (p < 0.01). While plasma HGF levels were similar between both groups, plasma OPN levels were higher in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting plasma insulin and insulin resistance values were higher in Group 1, while alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were higher in Group 2 (p < 0.05). There was a strong correlation between plasma HGF and OPN levels in Group 1, but not in Group 2 (Rho = 0.805, p < 0.001). Conclusion: OPN and HGF are promising biomarkers that can be used to better understand and detect problems related to obesity. The fact that patients in the early post-SG period had lower plasma OPN and similar plasma HGF compared to non-surgical patients of similar age and gender with higher BMI may be another favorable and previously unknown metabolic effect of SG.

Indirect Estimation of the Pediatric Reference Intervals for Thyroid Function Tests in Public Health Laboratory.

BACKGROUND: Reference intervals (RI) are an essential section of the information that medical laboratories present to clinicians to facilitate the management process of the patient. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), and free triiodothyronine (fT3) are the most valuable and cost-effective parameters of thyroid functions. According to the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), and American Thyroid Association (ATA), every laboratory should determine own RI on own population and method. In this study we aim to evaluate the pediatric reference intervals in a public health laboratory. METHODS: The results of TSH, fT4, and fT3 from pediatric patients (aged: 0 - 18 years) were included in our study. These results were stored in our laboratory information system. TSH, fT4, and fT3 are measured in Abbott Architect i2000 (Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, IL, USA) chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay analyzer. RI study was conducted according to CLSI EP28-A3 guidelines. Results were evaluated with MedCalc ver. 19.2.1 (MedCalc Software Ltd., Ostend, Belgium), and Minitab 19.2 (Minitab Statistical Software, AppOnFly Inc., San Fransisco, CA, USA). RESULTS: The final study included 483 samples. Study sample consisted of 288 girls and 195 boys. Our reference intervals for TSH, fT4 and fT3 were found as 0.74 - 4.11 mIU/L, 0.80 - 1.42 ng/dL, and 2.40 - 4.38 pg/mL, respectively. Reference intervals were compatible with expected values in the insert sheets, except for fT3. CONCLUSIONS: Laboratories should implement their reference intervals based on CLSI C28-A3 guidelines.

Effect of the Ureteral Access Sheath Size on Acute Kidney Injury Biomarkers in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the diameter of the ureteral access sheath (UAS) used during RIRS on kidney injury based on acute kidney injury (AKI) biomarkers. METHODS: This prospectively randomized controlled study included a total of 125 patients divided into three groups: group 1 (n = 52) in which a 12/14 Fr UAS was used, group 2 (n = 52) in which a 9.5/11.5 Fr UAS was used, and group 3 (n = 21) that was designed as the control group with no urogenital disease history. Urine samples were collected preoperatively and at the postoperative second and 24th hours after surgery and analyzed for AKI using the urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1), N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocain biomarkers. RESULTS: In group 1, there was no statistical change in any of the three AKI biomarkers at the postoperative second or 24th hour compared to the preoperative period. In group 2, the values of all three AKI biomarkers were statistically significantly increased at the postoperative second and 24th hours compared to the preoperative period while no statistical difference was observed between the two postoperative evaluation times. At the postoperative second hour, the uKIM-1 value was statistically significantly higher in group 2 compared to group 1 (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed that AKI was not observed in RIRS performed with a 12/14 Fr UAS while the use of a 9.5/11.5 Fr UAS resulted in AKI according to the assessment of the related biomarkers.

Potential associations between alterations in gut microbiome and obesity-related traits after the bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the effects of both obesity and bariatric surgery on gut microbiome, dietary intake, as well as metabolic and inflammatory parameters. METHODS: All participants (15 with morbid obesity who had bariatric surgery, 8 with morbid obesity and 11 non-obese) were followed up for a 6-month period with interviews at baseline (M0), at the end of 3 (M3) and 6 months (M6). Dietary assessment was done, and blood and faecal samples were collected. RESULTS: Dietary energy and nutrient intakes as well as serum glucose levels, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels decreased after surgery (p < 0.05, for each). Participants with morbid obesity had higher levels of Firmicutes and lower levels of Bacteroidetes at M0 compared to non-obese participants. The abundances of Bacteroidetes increased (p = 0.02), whereas that of Firmicutes decreased (p > 0.05) after the surgery, leading to a significant decrease in Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (p = 0.01). At sub-phylum level, the abundances of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium decreased, whereas those of Akkermansia increased after the surgery (p < 0.01, for each). Although participants who were morbidly obese had a distinct profile according to ß-diversity indices at M0, it became similar with the profile of non-obese participants (p > 0.05) at M3 and M6. Similarly, α-diversity indices were lower in subjects with morbid obesity at M0, but became similar to levels in non-obese controls at M6. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that bariatric surgery has substantial impacts on gut microbiome's composition and diversity, as well as anthropometrical measurements and biochemical parameters, which were associated with the alterations in dietary intake patterns.

Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainties of Immunoassays Analytes According to Biological Variation Databases.

BACKGROUND: Quality control (QC) of analytical measurement is a stage used for the evaluation of whether the measurement method is appropriate to the standards required for patient care. QC encompasses internal (IQC) and external laboratory content (EQC). Measurement uncertainty (MU) is an important issue that expresses each analyte's measurement. Autoanalyzer's, calibrators, and control materials of analytes, reagents, measures contribute to MU. The aim of this study was to calculate the measurement uncertainty of nineteen immunoassay analytes in the biochemistry laboratory and to evaluate the compatibility of these measurements with the analytical quality targets derived from different biological variations. METHODS: In the study, Cobas 6000 Modular Analysis Series (Roche Diagnostics, USA) autoanalyzer was used. IQC data of the analytes between August 2017 and January 2018 were used together with the monthly EQC data of June 2017 to January 2018. NORDTEST guideline was used to calculate the MU. "Desirable" analytical quality goals of each analyte with Fraser's formula were calculated and evaluated the limits from EuBIVAS (The European Biological Variation Study) and Ricos's biological variation databases. RESULTS: MU of fT4 was seen to be higher than TEa (Total Allowable Analytical Error)Ricos in our study. MU of fT4 was seen to be lower than TEaEuBIVAS (MUfT4: 9.20%, TEaRicos: 8.00%; TEaEuBIVAS: 9.92%). CONCLUSIONS: The analytical quality performances of the analytes included in the study turned out to be sufficient in our laboratory.

Parathyroid Hormone on Osteoprotegerin Levels in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoprotegerin is a glycoprotein that plays a major role in the regulation of bone turnover. The influence of parathyroid hormone, an important regulator of bone remodeling, on osteoprotegerin production is controversial. The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of parathyroid hormone on the circulating level of osteoprotegerin in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism by comparing it with healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with biochemical verification of primary hyperparathyroidism scheduled for the surgical cure and 38 healthy subjects were included. Blood samples of the study group were taken before surgery. Levels of serum parathyroid hormone, osteoprotegerin, calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and alkaline phosphatase were analyzed. Bone mineral density at the L1-L4 vertebrae and femoral neck was calculated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Osteoprotegerin levels and bone mineral density values were significantly lower in patients than in the healthy subjects (P=.002 and P > .0001, respectively). There was no correlation between osteoprotegerin and parathyroid hormone in the groups. Osteoprotegerin was weakly correlated with bone mineral density in patients. No correlation was noted between osteoprotegerin and bone mineral density in the control group. Furthermore, osteoprotegerin levels were not correlated with calcium, 25(OH)D, and alkaline phosphatase levels in each group. CONCLUSION: The production of osteoprotegerin appears to be inhibited by parathyroid hormone in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. A weak positive correlation found among osteoprotegerin and bone mineral density recommends that osteoprotegerin may be a molecule that impacts bone metabolism and finally bone mineral density.

Diagnostic value of ß-D-glucan alone or combined with Candida score, colonization index and C-reactive protein for candidemia.

INTRODUCTION: Candidemia causes high mortality and is occuring at increasing rate in intensive care units (ICUs). (1,3)- ß-D-glucan (BDG) testing is recommended in neutropenic patients. However the usefulness of BDG in ICUs is unclear. METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted to compare the diagnostic value of Candida score (CS), colonization index (CI), serum BDG detection, and routine laboratory parameters in ICU patients. Characteristics and laboratory data of 83 patients (15 patients with candidemia and 68 patients without candidemia) were evaluated. RESULTS: Median serum BDG was significantly higher in the candidemia group (129 pg/mL vs. 36 pg/mL, p < 0.001). BDG assay with standard cut-off value ≥ of 80 pg/mL had 93.33% sensitivity and 64.18% specificity (Areas under the ROC curve (AUC): 0.788). This study concluded that the optimal cut-off value for BDG assay was 112 pg/mL with sensitivity of 86.67% and specificity of 82.09% (AUC: 0.844). C-reactive protein (CRP) with optimal cut-off value ≥ 85 mg/L and BDG ≥ 80 pg/mL had the highest AUC (0.862, 95% CI: 0.768 - 0.928) with sensitivity 93.33% and specificity 79.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Predicting candidemia is essential in critically ill patients who are at high risk and have high mortality rates. The results of this study suggest that BDG testing is useful for predicting candidemia in ICU. However, BDG combined with CRP may be a stronger predictor for candidemia.

What Is the Interaction between Urine C-Reactive Protein, Prostatic Inflammation, and Doxazosin Treatment in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia? A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: It was aimed to show the relationship between benign prostatic hyperplasia and inflammation by measuring urinary C-reactive protein values before and after alpha-blocker treatment. METHODS: A total of 71 patients with a total prostate-specific antigen <3.5 ng/mL, International Prostate Symptom Score >7, and maximum urinary flow rate <15 mL/s were included in the study. Doxazosin 4 mg p.o. once daily was started orally as an alpha-blocker treatment. Serum and urine C-reactive protein values, International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum urinary flow rate, and the post-void residual volume of patients were recorded at the first admission and in the first month of alpha-blocker treatment. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 59.2 ± 7.5 years. The mean serum C-reactive protein values of the patients at the first admission and follow-up were 2.62 ± 1.8 (range, 0-5) mg/L and 2.83 ± 1.6 (0-6) mg/L, respectively. The mean urine C-reactive protein values of the patients at the first admission and follow-up were 0.45 ± 0.11 (range, 0.28-0.99) mg/L and 0.14 ± 0.04 (range, 0.79-0.328) mg/L, respectively, which was statistically significantly different. In the subgroup analysis, the urine C-reactive protein level change was more prominent in severely symptomatic patients than in moderately symptomatic patients. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that C-reactive protein was detectable in urine, alpha-blocker treatment significantly reduced urine C-reactive protein levels, and the decrease was more prominent in severely symptomatic patients.

Endothelial Dysfunction and Endocan Levels in Patients with Gilbert Syndrome and Moderate Hyperbilirubinemia.

In this study, we aim to evaluate the presence of endothelial dysfunction in Gilbert syndrome patients with left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and endocan levels. The study included 60 patients who diagnosed with Gilbert syndrome and 60 healthy controls who did not have any known diseases. Human endocan levels were measured using a sandwich ELISA method. The endocan and LVMI levels were lower in the Gilbert syndrome group than in the healthy controls. In the Gilbert syndrome group, total bilirubin level was negatively correlated with LVMI (r = -0246; P = .007) and endocan levels (r = -.270; P = .046). In the Gilbert syndrome group, increasing age (ß ± SE = 20.78 ± 7.47; P = .006), was a positive independent predictor of LVMI, and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (ß ± SE = -.27 ± .09; P = .007), and total bilirubin levels (ß ± SE = -6.09 ± 3.02; P = .046) were found to be a negative independent predictor. These results support that endothelial dysfunction is decreased in Gilbert Syndrome patients with mild hyperbilirubinemia compared with the healthy control group.

The effects of transport by pneumatic tube system on urine analysis.

The pneumatic tube transport system (PTS) is used frequently for the transport of samples in hospitals. Effects of PTS on urine components are unknown. In our study, we aim to examine the influence of PTS on the quality of routine urine microscopic parameters. Urine samples were divided into two groups: group 1 were transported to the laboratory manually and group 2 were transported to the laboratory via the PTS. Each of 187 urine samples was studied with iQ200 automated urine devices for erythrocytes, leukocytes, epithelial cells, crystal, cast and yeast cells. No statistically significant differences were detected between group 1 and group 2 for urine parameters. For erythrocytes, leukocytes, and epithelial cells, the gamma was 0.982, 0.959, and 1.0, respectively. For crystal, cast and yeast cells, the kappa values were 0.952, 0.866, and 1.0, respectively. PTS has no effect on erythrocytes, leukocytes, epithelial cells, crystal, cast, and yeast cells in urine analysis. We concluded that PTS can be used in the transport of urine samples.

Serum galectin-3 levels in patients with psoriasis.

INTRODUCTION: Galectin-3 is a ß-galactoside-binding lectin associated with cellular proliferation, inflammation and angiogenesis, which are the major characteristics of psoriatic skin. OBJECTIVES: To investigate serum galectin-3 levels in psoriasis patients compared with healthy controls and to study its relationship with disease characteristics. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 78 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. Serum galectin-3, IL-17, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Serum Galectin-3, IL-17, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in psoriasis patients compared with control group (P < .001, P = .003, P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). A cut-off value of 10 ng/mL for galectin-3 was set after receiver operating characteristic analysis. A serum galectin-3 level >10 ng/mL increased the risk of psoriasis by 14.5 times (95% CI: 6.6-32.3, P < .001) and a serum galectin-3 level >10 ng/mL predicted psoriasis with 83.3% sensitivity and 74.3% specificity. No statistically significant association was observed between serum galectin-3 concentrations and disease characteristics including disease severity, presence of psoriatic arthritis, nail involvement and psoriatic comorbidity. No statistically significant correlation was observed between serum galectin-3 level and serum IL-17, IL-6 and TNF-α levels (all three P values > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum galectin-3 levels in psoriasis patients may indicate a possible role of galectin-3 in pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Evaluation of serum thiol-disulphide homeostasis parameters as oxidative stress markers in epilepsy patients.

The present study focuses on the investigation of the dynamic thiol-disulphide homeostasis in patients with epilepsy and understanding the effects of antiepileptic drugs on thiol levels. A total of 148 participants, 75 of whom had epilepsy and 73 were healthy volunteers, were included in the study. Total thiol and native thiol levels of all epilepsy patients and healthy volunteers were measured. Disulphide level, disulphide/native thiol, disulphide/total thiol and native/total thiol ratios were calculated from these values. The results were compared between epilepsy patients and healthy volunteers. A statistically significant difference was found between native thiol level, total thiol level, disulphide level, disulfide/total thiol, disulphide/native thiol and native/total thiol ratios between patients with epilepsy and healthy volunteers (p = 0.002, p = 0.035, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The drugs used had a significant effect on disulphide, disulphide/total thiol, native/total thiol levels (p values 0.004, 0.009, 0.009, respectively). Decreased levels of serum native, total thiol and increased disulfide levels as parameters of oxidative stress may be considered as parameters to explain the pathogenesis or consequences of epilepsy.

Evaluation of atherogenic laboratory markers in Behçet's disease patients with vascular involvement.

INTRODUCTION: Behçet's disease is a chronic inflammatory vasculitis presenting with immunological and endothelial changes. The aim of the present study is to evaluate blood levels of diagnostic markers which can be used in Behçet's patients with vascular involvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty Behçet's patients (22 with vascular involvement) and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), apolipoprotein B (apoB), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride, total cholesterol, Lp-plA-2, homocysteine and ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS program version 11.0. p < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: hsCRP, TNF-α, homocysteine, IMA, apoA1, apoB, HDL, Lp-pla2 and ESR levels in patient and control groups were significantly different (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.005, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.003 respectively). In Behçet's patients with vascular involvement, homocysteine, TNF-α and Lp-pla2 levels were significantly higher than in Behçet's patients without vascular involvement (p = 0.035, p = 0.010 and p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of inflammatory and atherogenic markers in Behçet's patients are an expected outcome due to the inflammatory nature of the disease. Especially, elevated levels of homocysteine, TNF-α and Lp-pla2 make them candidate diagnostic tools to be helpful in clinical evaluation of Behçet's disease patients with vascular involvement.

The role of serum osteoprotegerin level in diagnosis of disease and determining cardiovascular risk of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: Although animal studies claim that osteoprotegerin (OPG) is preventive on this system, there are conflicting results in human studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of OPG in the diagnosis and determination of cardivovascular risk in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a multisystem effective disease.Method: The study was performed on 28 premenopausal healthy female volunteers and 57 newly diagnosed PCOS patients in 2017. Anamnesis was obtained, body mass indexes were calculated, laboratory tests required for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of PCOS and suprapubic ovarian ultrasonography were performed, serum OPG level was studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: OPG levels were similar in PCOS and control groups and there was no significant difference (49.392 ± 10.973 pg/ml vs 49.567 ± 13.57 pg/ml, p = .815). Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between OPG and total testosterone levels in the PCOS group (r = 0.277, p = .045). No significant relationship with cardiovascular and metabolic parameters was detected.Conclusion: No difference was found between PCOS patients and control groups in terms of OPG levels. Therefore, it is thought that OPG level cannot be used in the diagnosis of the disease. There was no significant relationship between cardiometabolic parameters.

The levels of advanced oxidation protein products in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial obstructions of the upper airway during sleep, frequently followed by transient hypoxemia. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) are a family of oxidized protein products, and oxidative stress has a substantial role in the morbidity of OSAS. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) as a marker of oxidative stress, and their correlation with polysomnographic parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Additionally, we investigated the effect of positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment on serum AOPP values and compared the levels before and after the treatment. METHODS: The study enrolled a total of 125 subjects including 59 patients with severe OSAS, 34 patients with moderate OSAS, 32 patients with mild OSAS, and 40 healthy controls. Mean AOPP values were compared between OSAS groups and control groups. Correlations between AOPP and polysomnographic parameters were investigated. Mean AOPP values before and after 6-month PAP therapy were compared. RESULTS: Significantly elevated AOPP levels were found in severe and moderate OSAS groups in comparison with mild OSAS and control groups. AOPP was directly correlated with apnea-hypopnea index, percentage of total time spent with oxygen saturation below 90%, oxygen desaturation index, maximum obstructive apnea duration, arousal index, and number of obstructive apneas accompanying bradycardia but inversely correlated with average SPO2 (%), minimum SPO2, and percentage of non-REM stage 3 sleep. There was no statistically significant difference between AOPP values before and after PAP therapy. CONCLUSIONS: AOPP, which is an oxidative stress marker, was found to be high in OSAS patients. Especially, high levels in moderate and severe OSAS patients may be an indicator of increased morbidity. After 6 months of PAP treatment, there was no statistically significant change in these levels.

Relationship between elevated bilirubin level and subclinical atherosclerosis as well as oxidative stress in Gilbert syndrome.

AIM: This study aimed to determine oxidant status and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and their relationship with mild hyperbilirubinemia in patients with Gilbert syndrome (GS). BACKGROUND: Gilbert syndrome (GS) presents with mild indirect hyperbilirubinemia, normal liver function tests, and normal hepatic histology. METHODS: A total of 84 patients, including 41 (48.8%) patients with GS and 43 (51.2%) patients without GS, were included in the study. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were examined for oxidant status. RESULTS: TAS was found to be higher in the GS patients compared to the non-GS patients (1.7±0.1 vs. 1.5±0.2; p=0.002); there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of mean TOS and mean OSI (p>0.05). No significant difference was observed either between the GS and non-GS patients in terms of mean left ventricular volume and mean LVMI (p>0.05). However, subgroup analysis based on sex revealed that GS patients had a lower LVMI for both sexes. In GS patients, TAS level had a positive correlation with albumin (r=0.319; p=0.042), triglyceride (r=0.392; p=0.011), total bilirubin (r=0.420; p=0.006), direct bilirubin (r=0.361; p=0.020), and indirect bilirubin (r=0.338; p=0.0311) levels; no correlation was found between TAS level and other laboratory findings (p>0.05). The regression model indicated that risk factors of direct bilirubin (ß±SE=0.13±0.03; p<0.001), uric acid (ß±SE=0.04±0.01; p=0.001), and albumin (ß±SE=0.17±0.04; p<0.001) were independent predictors of TAS level. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a relationship between mild hyperbilirubinemia and antioxidant balance in GS. Although statistical significance was not reached, LVMI was found to be lower in the GS group compared to the non-GS group for both sexes.

Diagnostic value of GCP-2/CXCL-6 and hs-CRP in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the major causes of acute abdomen pain. Various laboratory markers have been studied for diagnosis of AA, but none of them have shown superiority to physical examination or imaging. GCP-2/CXCL6 is a chemokine expressed by macrophages and epithelial and mesenchymal cells during inflammation. The present study aims to investigate the diagnostic role of GCP-2/CXCL6 in AA patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the serum level of GCP-2/CXCL6 was measured in 56 AA patients and 32 healthy control subjects. Also, hs-CRP and white blood cell count (WBC) levels of the patient and control groups were evaluated. RESULTS: GCP-2/CXCL-6, hs-CRP and WBC levels of the AA group were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05 for all comparisons). Among AA group, GCP-2/CXCL6 levels were higher in complex AA (gangrenous, abscess and perforation) ones when compared to non-complex AA (p<0.05). A strong positive correlation was found between GCP-2/CXCL6 levels and hs-CRP levels (r=0.756, p=0.003) and a moderate positive correlation between GCP-2/CXCL6 levels and WBC count (r=0.468, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: GCP-2/CXCL6 can be a useful marker in AA diagnosis and discrimination of complex cases, especially if combined with other laboratory markers and imaging techniques.