Diagnostic Value of Ischemia-Modified Albumin as a Biomarker in Patients with Peripheral Vertigo at Emergency Department of State Hospital in Ankara: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: In previous studies, it was shown that ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is an early marker of ischemia and different pathologies. However, IMA level change is unknown in patients with peripheral vertigo. It is also known that serum albumin levels can change in some patients with peripheral vertigo and that changes in serum albumin levels affect IMA levels. AIM: In this study, we aimed to assess IMA, albumin-adjusted IMA, and albumin levels in patients with peripheral vertigo by comparing a control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, case-control study included 46 patients aged 18-70 years who presented to emergency department with vertigo. Forty-nine healthy volunteers without known disease were included as controls. Serum albumin and IMA levels were measured, and albumin-adjusted IMA levels were calculated. Data were analyzed by statistical methods. RESULTS: Mean age was 54.0 ± 15.7 in the patient group, whereas 43.8 ± 9.9 years in the control group. Albumin level was found to be significantly lower in patients with peripheral vertigo when compared to controls (P < 0.001). IMA level was found to be higher in the patient group compared to the controls, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.06). However, albumin-adjusted IMA, which shows the real IMA level, was found to be higher than the control group (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: It was observed that IMA level was slightly higher in patients with peripheral vertigo, although not significantly, compared to the control group. However, the albumin-adjusted IMA level, which indicates the real IMA level, was observed to be higher in this group than in the control group. It was determined that the sensitivity of this test was 34%, and the specificity was 87%. Patients with peripheral vertigo had lower albumin levels compared to controls.

The association between allergic rhinitis and airway dysfunction and nasal endothelial damage and oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Although lower airway hyperresponsiveness is present in approximately one in three patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To evaluate nasal patency and pulmonary functions in AR independently of the presence of asthma and to investigate the relationships between these and nasal oxidative stress parameters and endothelial damage. METHODOLOGY: Seventy adolescents with AR (AR group - 27 with asthma and 43 without asthma) and 30 healthy controls (HC group) were included in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Endocan and oxidative biomarkers [total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI)] in nasal lavage fluid specimens; peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF); fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and impulse oscillometry (zR5, zR20, and R5-20 for resistance and zX5 and zX20 for reactance) were investigated. RESULTS: Nasal endocan, TOS, and OSI values were higher in the AR group and TAS in the HC group. There was no difference between AR groups with and without asthma in terms of nasal endocan and oxidative biomarkers. FeNO levels and airway resistance (zR5, zR20, and R5-20) were higher in the AR group than in the HC group. However, there was no difference between the groups in PNIF. X5 was higher among the AR without asthma than in the other groups. Correlation between OSI and R5-20 was observed in the AR group. In the linear regression model, (logged) OSI was significantly predicted (logged) R5-20. CONCLUSIONS: The airways of adolescents with AR without asthma were as much affected as those of the AR with asthma, and this effect was associated with nasal endothelial damage and an increase in oxidative stress.

Clinical characteristics and associations of palmoplantar pustulosis: an observational study

Abstract Background: Palmoplantar pustulosis is a chronic and relapsing disease of the palms and soles, which is characterized by scattered clusters of pinhead-sized, sterile pustules. Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine demographic features, co-morbidities, and relation of palmoplantar pustulosis with psoriasis. Methods: A total of 48 patients (M/F: 15/33) were enrolled in the present study. A detailed history regarding age of onset, palmoplantar pustulosis duration, number of recurrences, personal and family history of psoriasis, accompanying arthritis, sternoclavicular tenderness, dental fillings, smoking status, and autoimmune disease was obtained; thorough dermatological examination was carried out. Patch testing results and laboratory investigations for thyroid autoimmunity were recorded. Results: Thirty-five of 48 patients (72.9%) were current smokers. Twenty of the 48 patients (41.7%) had dental fillings. There was not any significant correlation between palmoplantar pustulosis duration and dental filling duration (p = 0.170). Psoriasis was not detected in any patients either in history or in dermatological examination. Nail involvement and joint complaints were observed in seven of 48 patients (14%) and in nine of 48 patients (18%), respectively. Autoimmune thyroiditis was observed in four of 48 patients (12%). Patients with patch testing positivity (12.5% of patients, M/F: 1/5) had no considerable association for history of external contact with these materials. Study limitations: Retrospective analysis. Conclusion: Palmoplantar pustulosis appears to be a distinct entity from psoriasis. Routine thyroid functions test could be analyzed, but patch testing is not required in patients with palmoplantar pustulosis. Also, patients with palmoplantar pustulosis must be evaluated for musculoskeletal symptoms and signs.

Association of CYP2J2 polymorphism with susceptibility to psoriasis in Turkish population: a case-control study

Abstract Background: Cytochrome P450 2J2 is mostly expressed in extrahepatic tissues; it metabolizes arachidonic acid to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, with various cardio protective and anti-inflammatory effects. CYP2J2 polymorphism has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but its association with psoriasis remains unknown. Objective: To evaluate CYP2J2 polymorphism as a risk factor for psoriasis in the Turkish population. Methods: There were 94 patients with psoriasis and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls included in the study. Detailed demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were calculated for psoriasis patients. Venous blood samples were collected from all the participants and CYP2J2 50G>T (rs890293) polymorphism was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Both T allele and TT + GT genotype frequencies were increased in psoriasis vulgaris patients compared to the control group (p = 0.024 and p = 0.029 respectively, OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.11-7.15) No association between CYP2J2 polymorphism and clinical features of psoriasis was identified. Study limitations: A limited number of patients were included in the study. Conclusion: CYP2J2 50G>T (rs890293) polymorphism was associated with an increased risk for PsV in the Turkish population.

Role of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in patients with rosacea: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D has significant effects on the immune system and thereby on the pathogenesis of rosacea. However, there is a lack of information on the vitamin D status and vitamin D receptors (VDRs) of patients with rosacea. AIM: To evaluate the role of vitamin D in rosacea susceptibility. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted, enrolling patients with rosacea and healthy controls (HCs). Five VDR gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (Cdx2, FokI, ApaI, BsmI and TaqI) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3 ] levels were compared between patients and HCs. RESULTS: The study enrolled 60 patients (M/F: 14/46) and 60 age- and sex-matched HCs (M/F: 14/46). Age (mean ± SD) was 48 ± 11 years for both groups. The serum 25(OH)D3 levels (median ± interquartile range) were higher in patients with rosacea (12.9 ± 6.8 ng/mL) than in HCs (10.5 ± 3.7 ng/mL) (P < 0.001). Subjects with high serum 25(OH)D3 levels had a 1.36-fold increased risk of rosacea (95% CI 1.17-1.58). Heterozygous and mutant ApaI polymorphisms increased rosacea risk by 5.26-fold (95% CI 1.51-18.35) and 3.69-fold (95% CI 1.19-11.48), respectively, whereas mutant TaqI polymorphisms decreased the risk by 4.69 times (95% CI 1.37-16.67). Heterozygosity for Cdx2 alleles increased rosacea risk, whereas wildtype ApaI and mutant TaqI alleles decreased it. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that an increase in vitamin D levels may contribute to the development of rosacea. ApaI and TaqI polymorphisms, and heterozygous Cdx2, wildtype ApaI and mutant TaqI alleles were significantly associated with rosacea. These results indicate a possible role of vitamin D and VDR pathways in the pathogenesis of rosacea, although causality could not be assessed.

Association of oxidative stress and dynamic thiol-disulphide homeostasis with atopic dermatitis severity and chronicity in children: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress (OS) has an important effect on the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Thiols are antioxidants that regulate intracellular redox metabolism and protect keratinocytes against OS damage in the stratum corneum. AIM: To investigate dynamic thiol-disulphide homeostasis (dTDH) as a novel OS parameter in children with AD, and its relationship with disease severity and chronicity. METHODS: Severity of AD was determined by using the instruments SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and Eczema Area And Severity Index (EASI) upon enrolment in the study (SCORAD1 and EASI1 ) and after 1 year (SCORAD2 and EASI2 ). Native thiol, total thiol and disulphide levels were measured as novel OS parameters, and the ratios of disulphide/native thiol, disulphide/total thiol and native/total thiol were calculated as dTDH. RESULTS: In the AD group, the serum disulphide level and the ratios of disulphide/native thiol and disulphide/total thiol were significantly lower than in healthy controls (P = 0.01, P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). There was no significant association between OS parameters and disease severity (P > 0.05). SCORAD2 and EASI2 were positively correlated with disulphide/native thiol ratio (r = 0.29, P < 0.03 and r = 0.35, P < 0.01, respectively), whereas they were negatively correlated with the native/total thiol ratio (r = -0.30, P = 0.02 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Both OS and impaired dTDH were found to be related to childhood AD. None of the OS parameters was associated with AD severity. dTDH is a possible diagnostic tool to predict AD chronicity.

The role of feed regulating peptides on weight loss in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

PURPOSE: Malnutrition is a prominent feature of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of our study was to explore the function of plasma regulatory proteins in pulmonary TB and to investigate the relationship between these parameters and loss of body weight. METHODS: Plasma levels of fasting insulin, leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin and orexin-A were measured in 23 pulmonary TB patients, 39 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, 22 patients with different diffuse interstitial lung diseases and 21 healthy patients serving as controls. RESULT: Plasma leptin (p<0.001) and orexin-A (p<0.01) levels were significantly decreased in TB patients compared with those of the other study subjects. TB patients also had higher levels of plasma ghrelin compared with those of the other study subjects, while sarcoidosis patients had higher plasma adiponectin levels than the other study subjects. Glucose levels were similar in all groups, yet, insulin and Homeostasis Model of Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were significantly higher in the TB group compared to the other study groups. There was no correlation between leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin and orexin-A and other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that leptin and orexin-A levels have effects on weight loss in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Particularly, leptin may play a role in the early immune response to pulmonary TB and prolonged inflammation may further suppress leptin production. Measurement of HOMA-IR can indeed be used as a marker for the risk of activated TB. Further clinical studies are needed to better understand the role of feed regulating proteins in pulmonary tuberculosis.

Anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in a murine model of chronic asthma

Background: Curcumin, a dietary pigment responsible for the yellow colour of curry, has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and exhibits a variety of pharmacological effects. Methods: Forty-two BALB/c mice were divided into six groups: I, II, III, IV, V, and control group. All groups except the controls were sensitised and challenged with ovalbumin. Group I received nebulised saline in challenge period. Mice in groups II, III, IV, and V were administered curcuminat a dose of 10 mg/kg, curcumin 20 mg/kg, dexamethasone 1 mg/kg, and dimethyl sulfoxide 1 mg/kg, respectively, intraperitoneally once a day for the final 5 days of the challenge period. Animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last drug administration and the airway samples were evaluated histologically by light microscopy. Results: All histological parameters in Group III improved similar to Group IV when compared to Group I. In Group II, only thickness of epithelium was significantly lower compared with regard to Group I. All variables except epithelium thicknesses were found to be significantly better in Group III compared to Group II. Conclusions: In our study, we demonstrated that curcumin administration alleviates the pathological changes of chronic asthma. Curcumin might be a promising therapy for asthma in the future(AU)

Change of mean platelet volume values in asthmatic children as an inflammatory marker

Background: Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood in industrialised countries. T helper-2 (Th-2) cells, mast cells and eosinophils have a role in inflammation of asthma. Recently it was shown that platelets also play a role in asthma. Mean platelet volume shows platelet size and reflects platelet activation. Objective: The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate levels of mean platelet volume in asthmatic patients during asymptomatic periods and exacerbations compared with healthy controls. Methods: The study consisted of 100 asthmatic patients (male/female: 55/45, mean age: 8.2±3.3) and 49 age and sex matched healthy children as a control group. Results: Mean platelet volume values of asthmatic patients during asymptomatic period were 7.7±0.8fL while mean platelet volume values in asthmatics during exacerbation were 7.8±0.9fL. Comparison of mean platelet volume values of asthmatic patients and healthy controls both in acute asthmatic attack and asymptomatic period showed no difference (p>0.05). Comparison of mean platelet volume values at asthmatic attack and asymptomatic period also had no difference (p>0.05). The presence of atopy, infection, eosinophilia, elevated immunoglobulin E, and severity of acute asthmatic attack did not influence mean platelet volume values. Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that mean platelet volume values may not be used as a marker in bronchial asthma, although prospective studies with larger number of patients are needed to evaluate the role of mean platelet volume in asthma(AU)

Change of mean platelet volume values in asthmatic children as an inflammatory marker.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood in industrialised countries. T helper-2 (Th-2) cells, mast cells and eosinophils have a role in inflammation of asthma. Recently it was shown that platelets also play a role in asthma. Mean platelet volume shows platelet size and reflects platelet activation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate levels of mean platelet volume in asthmatic patients during asymptomatic periods and exacerbations compared with healthy controls. METHODS: The study consisted of 100 asthmatic patients (male/female: 55/45, mean age: 8.2±3.3) and 49 age and sex matched healthy children as a control group. RESULTS: Mean platelet volume values of asthmatic patients during asymptomatic period were 7.7±0.8fL while mean platelet volume values in asthmatics during exacerbation were 7.8±0.9fL. Comparison of mean platelet volume values of asthmatic patients and healthy controls both in acute asthmatic attack and asymptomatic period showed no difference (p>0.05). Comparison of mean platelet volume values at asthmatic attack and asymptomatic period also had no difference (p>0.05). The presence of atopy, infection, eosinophilia, elevated immunoglobulin E, and severity of acute asthmatic attack did not influence mean platelet volume values. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that mean platelet volume values may not be used as a marker in bronchial asthma, although prospective studies with larger number of patients are needed to evaluate the role of mean platelet volume in asthma.

Anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in a murine model of chronic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin, a dietary pigment responsible for the yellow colour of curry, has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and exhibits a variety of pharmacological effects. METHODS: Forty-two BALB/c mice were divided into six groups: I, II, III, IV, V, and control group. All groups except the controls were sensitised and challenged with ovalbumin. Group I received nebulised saline in challenge period. Mice in groups II, III, IV, and V were administered curcumin at a dose of 10 mg/kg, curcumin 20 mg/kg, dexamethasone 1 mg/kg, and dimethyl sulfoxide 1 mg/kg, respectively, intraperitoneally once a day for the final 5 days of the challenge period. Animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last drug administration and the airway samples were evaluated histologically by light microscopy. RESULTS: All histological parameters in Group III improved similar to Group IV when compared to Group I. In Group II, only thickness of epithelium was significantly lower compared with regard to Group I. All variables except epithelium thicknesses were found to be significantly better in Group III compared to Group II. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we demonstrated that curcumin administration alleviates the pathological changes of chronic asthma. Curcumin might be a promising therapy for asthma in the future.