Effect of cigarette smoking on serum methylarginine and α-klotho levels.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Smoking causes many diseases such as cardiovascular, lung diseases, stroke and premature aging. However, the role of smoking in the pathogenesis of these diseases is unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that methylarginine pathway metabolites and α-klotho may be strong markers for pathologies such as premature aging, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidant damage. Therefore, the study aimed to measure the serum levels of arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), N-monomethyl-l-arginine (L-NMMA), and α-klotho levels in smokers. METHODS AND RESULTS: This case-control analytical study included 65 smokers and 71 non-smokers. Sociodemographic characteristics, routine biochemistry parameters, Framingham risk scores and Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test (FTND) were recorded. Serum methylarginine and α-klotho levels were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Serum ADMA (p < 0.001), L-NMMA (p = 0.024), SDMA (p < 0.001) levels of smokers were higher than non-smokers, and serum α-klotho (p < 0.001) and arginine levels (p < 0.001) were lower. There was a positive correlation between serum ADMA levels with FNDT, age and pack/year in smokers, while there was a negative correlation between klotho levels and age. A positive correlation was found between serum ADMA levels, Framingham risk score and age in non-smokers. CONCLUSION: Smoking is related to premature aging and is a strong risk factor for various diseases such as cardiovascular, inflammatory, and renal diseases. Elevated serum methylarginine and decreased serum klotho levels were found in smokers. Therefore, our findings suggest that smoking may be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases by affecting α-klotho and methylarginine-related pathways.

Total oxidant capacity, total antioxidant capacity, ischemic modified albumin, microRNA levels, and their relationship with psoriasis area and severity index.

Aims To examine the differences in the levels of microRNA, ischemic modified albumin (IMA), total oxidant capacity (TOC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of persons with and without psoriasis and, in the case group, the relationship between these parameters and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Methods Blood samples were collected from patients and healthy participants to examine levels of these parameters. Results The mean serum TOC level was higher in the case group. The mean serum TAC and IMA levels were significantly lower in the case group (P <0.001). It was observed that the mean serum miR-203 and miR-146a levels were increased in psoriasis patients. It was determined that there was only a significant positive weak correlation between miR-203 and PASI (r = 0.232, P = 0.027). Limitations The small sample size, not controlling serum albumin and not evaluating the effects of the treatment agents used by the patients on oxidative and inflammatory processes. Conclusion In the case group changes in the mean serum TOC and TAC levels provide evidence that oxidative stress may play a critical role in disease pathogenesis. The increase in the mean serum miR-203 and miR-146a levels suggest the possibility of therapies targeting these microRNAs as a new option.

Effects of COVID-19 Fear on Society's Quality of Life.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an important factor affecting the health of people worldwide, as well as a source of fear, stress, and anxiety. The aim of this study was to determine the level of fear caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkish society and evaluate its effects on quality of life. The sociodemographic information form, COVID-19 Fear Scale (FCV-19S), and WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life Scale were applied to the participants. A total of 705 people, who were accessed via the internet, responded willingly to the study, which was planned as a cross-sectional analytical study. The mean FCV-19S score was 17.4 ± 5.9 (7-32) points. Fear points were higher among females than males (p < 0.001), and among single individuals than among those who were married (p = 0.049). Fear scores were low for tradesmen, those with low educational status, and those with high income levels (p < 0.001). According to the WHOQOL-BREF Scale, the FCV19S of those with very good quality of life was low (p = 0.042), and the FCV-19S of those who were not satisfied with life was high (p < 0.001). Statistically, a weak negative correlation was detected between the fear scores, and physical health and psychological health (r = - 0.190, r = - 0.198, p < 0.001). Fear level varies according to gender, education, and income level, regardless of age. As fear increases, quality of life decreases, and physical and psychological health were negatively affected. The authors believed that the outcome of the study would help inform the public about COVID-19, as well as cope with the psychological effects and fears of COVID-19.

Internet addiction, substance use and alexithymic dimensions in two different faculties' students.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between internet addiction, substance use and alexithymia among students of education faculty and medical faculty. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study included 1,257 faculty students aged 18 and over, studying at Meram Medical Faculty and Ahmet Kelesoglu Faculty of Education. Young's Internet Addiction Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Fagerström Tobacco Addiction Test and CAGE alcohol use tests were applied to collect data. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 21.12 ± 1.96 years, 71% (n = 893) of them were females and 29% (n = 364) were males, 37.9% (n = 477) were training at medical faculty, 62.1% (n = 780) were training at the faculty of education. Of the students, 1.5% were internet addicts, 15.3% were possible addicts, and 22.8% had alexithymia. Internet addiction was higher in those with higher alexithymia scores (p < 0.001). Internet addiction was significantly higher in male students, the third grade, ones with lower academic success, students who work their lessons less than 2 hours a week. Internet addiction was also significantly higher in smokers and alcohol users (p < 0.001). While there was a low negative correlation between the first internet using age and internet addiction (p < 0.001), there was a moderately significant positive correlation between spending uninterrupted time on the internet and internet addiction (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, it was determined that the teacher and doctor candidates, who are studying at the faculties of education and medicine, were at risk of internet addiction. A teacher or a doctor who cannot develop social skills due to excessive internet use will not be a good model to communicate correctly with the target population.

The Relationship between Mindful Eating and Body Mass Index and Body Compositions in Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity and overweight are important public health problems. Mindfulness can promote healthier living and dietary habits, which might support weight loss. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between eating awareness and body mass index (BMI) and body composition in adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 446 volunteers. The heights, weights, and waist circumferences of the participants were measured, and bioelectrical impedance analyses were performed. A sociodemographic information form prepared by the researchers and the Turkish version of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) were administered to the volunteers. RESULTS: In this study, 31.2% (n = 139) of the participants were overweight and 46.9% (n = 209) were obese. There was no statistically significant relationship between gender and BMI. The total mean MEQ score was found to be 88.26 ± 13.3 (53-144). The awareness scores of women of normal weight were statistically significantly higher than those of women with obesity (p = 0.001). There was no difference between BMI categories and awareness scores among male participants. While participants with obesity had higher scores for eating disinhibition, their eating control, eating discipline, and interference scores were lower than those of participants with normal weight (p < 0.001). A weak statistically significant correlation was found between the awareness subdimension of the scale and the ages, BMIs, waist circumferences, and body fat rates of the participants. CONCLUSION: It was observed that mindful eating was lower in women with overweight and obesity than that in women with normal weight. We believe that it is important to increase awareness of eating in order to protect against the diseases caused by obesity and for a healthy life.

The relation between visceral fat markers and cardiometabolic disease risks in psoriasis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory disease that appears with variable trigger factors. We know that obesity and other metabolic syndrome criteria are high in psoriasis patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between visceral fat markers, risk of cardiometabolic disease, and psoriasis area severity index (PASI) in individuals with and without psoriasis. METHODS: A total of 203 subjects, 102 psoriasis patients and 101 healthy individuals, were included in the study. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) index, visceral adiposity index (VAI), plasma atherogenicity index (PAI), body mass index (BMI), PASI, triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) values were measured. RESULTS: LAP index, VAI, PAI, BMI, and TG levels were significantly high (p<0.001) and HDL-c levels were significantly low (p=0.009) in patients with psoriasis compared to healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: LAP index, VAI, and PAI calculations can be recommended as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of cardiometabolic diseases common in patients with psoriasis.

Importance of Measured Body Fat, Visceral Adiposity Index, and Lipid Accumulation Product Index in Predicting Cardiometabolic Risk Factors.

Background: Obesity, which is defined as excessive fat accumulation in the body, is an important public health problem. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare measured body fat and the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) index used to predict cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors. Methods: This study was performed retrospectively by scanning the files of 817 participants who had bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) results and routine blood tests. The VAI and the LAP index were calculated using the appropriate formulas. Results: Of the 817 participants included in the study, 67.9% (n = 555) were female, 32.1% (n = 262) were male, and the mean age was 36.14 ± 11.4 (18-65) years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.90 ± 6.6 kg/m2 and 24.2% (n = 198) of the participants were of normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2), while 75.8% (n = 619) were overweight or obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). Body fat quantity was higher in females than in males. As BMI increased, the body fat quantity measured by BIA also increased (P < 0.001). The mean LAP index of men was higher than the mean LAP index of women in both the normal-weight group and the obese group (P = 0.025 and P = 0.033, respectively). One unit increase in visceral fat percentage resulted in a 77.9% increase in CMR. Conclusions: It may not be sufficient to use only BMI to predict obesity and related cardiometabolic diseases. According to the study findings, it was determined that the increase in visceral fat percentage significantly increases the CMR.

Effects of smoking on patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) and smoking using pulmonary function tests and polysomnographic data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study was done by retrospectively examining the files of patients who applied to the Meram Medical Faculty Chest Diseases Sleep Laboratory between 07.01.2016 and 30.12.2018. Three-hundred and thirty-three patients who were diagnosed with OSAS or simple snoring by polysomnography (PSG) were included in the study. RESULTS: Those involved in the study; 17.1% were simple snoring [apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) < 5]; 15.3% were mild OSAS (AHI: 5-15); 30.6% were moderate OSAS (AHI: 16-30); 36.9% were severe OSAS (AHI > 30), and 48.6% of the study participants never smoked. There was a significant correlation between the number of pack-years, minimum O2 saturation, mean O2 saturation, ratio of sleep time to total sleep time with oxygen saturation below 90%, %NREM 3 sleep time, Hb, HTC values, and FEV1/FVC values. According to the results of multiple linear regression analysis; the effect of package-year, age, and BMI on OSAS severity was found to be statistically significant (ß = 0.153 P = 0.004, ß = 0.123 P = 0.025, ß = 0.208 P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: It was revealed that patients with severe OSAS were heavy smokers, and increased smoking increased the OSAS severity both by increasing the AHI and by reducing the oxygen saturation overnight. One unit increase in the package-year results in a 15.3% increase in the AHI.

The relationship between sex steroids, insulin resistance and body compositions in obese women: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity causes many health problems and affects the quality and duration of life negatively. We aimed to investigate the relationship between sex steroids, insulin resistance and body compositions in obese women. METHODS: This study was carried out on a sample of 150 premenopausal women who were referred to the Outpatient Clinic of Family Medicine between 2014-2015. A survey about their socio-demographic characteristics was carried out, and anthropometric parameters were measured. LDL-C, HDL-C, total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, insulin, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), total/free testosterone levels were measured in the blood. Body compositions were assessed with a bioelectrical impedance device. For insulin resistance, Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) was calculated. RESULTS: In our study, a significant association was found between high glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C, TG, insulin, insulin resistance and low HDL-C, SHBG, DHEA-S levels with obesity (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant relationship between estradiol, total/free testosterone and obesity (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, high glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-c, TG, insulin, insulin resistance and low HDL-C, SHBG, DHEA-S levels were associated with obesity. This relationship leads to many diseases, especially diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, obesity is a disease that needs to be monitored closely, frequently and treated properly.

Frequency of sarcopenia and associated outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background/aim: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia and associated outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 219 patients aged 50 years and over who were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. The study included 196 (89.5%) male and 23 (10.5%) female patients. The mean age of the patients was 66.9 ± 10.1 years. To diagnose sarcopenia, muscle function was determined by a gait speed test. Muscle strength was assessed with a hand dynamometer and muscle mass was measured with a bioelectrical impedance analysis device. Pulmonary function tests and six-min walking tests were also performed. The modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale was used to evaluate all the participants. Our sample consisted of sarcopenic patients at different stages (17 presarcopenic patients (7.8%), 32 patients with sarcopenia (14.6%), 65 patients with severe sarcopenia (29.7%), and 105 nonsarcopenic patients (47.9%). Results: Sarcopenia was significantly associated with age, BODE (body mass index (BMI), airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, and exercise capacity) index, GOLD spirometric classification, mMRC dyspnoea scale score, BMI, and educational status. Sarcopenia in COPD patients was firmly related to the severity of the disease and its prognosis. The prevalence of sarcopenia increased in severe and very severe COPD cases. The dyspnoea score was higher, and exercise capacities were lower in sarcopenic patients. Conclusions: Sarcopenia in COPD patients was closely related to the severity of COPD and a negative prognosis. The frequency of sarcopenia increased in severe and very severe COPD cases. Dyspnoea scores were higher and exercise capacities were lower in patients with sarcopenia. In patients with COPD, a diagnosis of sarcopenia should be considered, and preventive measures should be taken before irreversible changes develop.

Visceral Adiposity Index Levels in Patients with Hypothyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: To assess visceral adiposity index (VAI) as a sign of cardio-vascular diseases (CVD) in hypothyroidism patients and to compare CVD risks in overt or subclinical hypothyroidism patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight hypothyroidism patients (29 with overt and 39 with subclinical hypothyroidism) and 33 age- and gender-matched control patients were included. VAI levels were calculated with the following formula: (waist circumference (WC)/[36.58+(1.89xbody mass index (BMI))])x[(triglyceride (TG) (mmol/L)/0.81)x(1.52xhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) (mmol/L))] and (WC/[39.68+(1.88xBMI)])x[(TG (mmol/L)/1.03)x(1.31xHDL-cholesterol (mmol/L))], respectively. RESULTS: While body weight (p < 0.01), BMI (p < 0.01), TG and VAI levels (p < 0.01) were higher in hypothyroidism patients than controls, HDL-cholesterol levels were lower (p = 0.02). When patients were divided to groups as subclinical (n = 39) and overt hypothyroidism (n = 29) and compared with each other and controls (n = 33), body weight (p = 0.02 and p = 0.02, respectively), BMI (p = 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively) and TG (p < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively) were higher in overt and subclinical hypothyroidism groups than controls. HDL-cholesterol was lower only in the group with overt hypothyroidism than controls (p = 0.01). Although found similar to each other in overt and subclinical hypothyroidism groups, VAI levels were observed to be higher in both groups than controls (p < 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). In correlation analysis, a positive correlation was determined between thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), BMI and VAI levels (p = 0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the association between increased VAI levels, and metabolic syndrome and CVDs, we consider that several measures should be promptly taken to decrease these risk factors, and further studies with a larger sample size should be performed.

The effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and maternal vitamin D levels on neonatal vitamin D levels and birth parameters.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to measure the levels of vitamin 25(OH)D in pregnant women and in the umbilical cord blood of newborns and to evaluate the association of vitamin D levels with birth parameters. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytic investigation was performed in 100 pregnant women at term and in 100 newborns born to these mothers. Plasma vitamin D level was measured and birth parameters of the babies were recorded. RESULTS: Mean vitamin D levels in pregnant women and cord blood were 11.39 ± 6.24 ng/ml and 8.00 ± 4.95 ng/ml, respectively. Vitamin D levels were found to be higher in the women who had received vitamin D support during pregnancy (p < .001). Height (p = .004), head circumference (p = .003), and chest circumference (p = .005) of newborns born to mothers who had received vitamin D support were higher compared to non-receivers. Maternal vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml) and insufficiency (10-30 ng/ml) was detected in 53.0% and 47.0% of the cases, respectively. None of the women had sufficient levels of vitamin D. CONCLUSIONS: This study established that vitamin D levels were low in maternal and cord blood in spite of the administration program of Ministry of Health in pregnant women. The importance of vitamin D supplementation should be explained to the pregnant women in each visit.

Relationship between smoking and total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, vit C, vit E.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking contains many toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals, as well as stable and unstable free radicals. In this study, we aimed to assess the vitamin E, vitamin C and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) in smoking and non-smoking men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control analytical study was conducted on 78 smoking and 82 non-smoking men. Fagerström nicotine-dependence test was used to assess the participants' addiction status. Low-density lipoprotein-c, high-density lipoprotein-c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, vitamin E, vitamin C, TAS and TOS levels were determined. RESULTS: The mean age of 160 men who participated in our study was 33.0 ± 10.6 years. The comparison of smoker and non-smoker groups was made in terms of the parameters of TAS, TOS, OSI, vitamin C and vitamin E; it was seen that TAS (P = .003), vitamin C (P < .001) and vitamin E (P < .001) values in non-smokers' group were found significantly higher than smokers. In non-smokers, vitamin C level was 4.3 times more than the smokers. In non-smokers, vitamin E level was 6.9 times more than the smokers. The values of TOS (P < .001) and OSI (P < .001) in smokers were significantly higher than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The parameters of TAS, vitamin C and vitamin E were significantly higher in the non-smoker group than in the smoker group. The levels of TOS and OSI were higher in the smoker group. It is known that cigarette smoking leads to various diseases because of the free radicals it contains.

The effects of smoking on vascular endothelial growth factor and inflammation markers: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term poor airflow. Tobacco smoking is the most common cause of COPD. In this study, we aimed to assess the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inflammation markers on smokers and non-smoking individuals. METHODS: Our study was a case-control study and 175 individuals who want to give up smoking constituted the case group. As a control group, 175 individuals who never smoked. RESULTS: The mean age of 350 participants was 35.83 ± 13.11 years. Educational status of the non-smokers was significantly higher than that of the smoking group (P < .001). When smoking and non-smoking groups were compared in terms of VEGF and interleukin-6 (IL-6), it was found that these values were statistically higher in smokers than non-smokers (P < .001). The levels of IL-10 were found to be higher in non-smokers than in smokers (P < .001). Although a moderate positive correlation was found between VEGF and IL-6 levels (r = .486, P < .001), there was a weak negative correlation between VEGF and IL-10 (r = -.210, P < .001). A weak negative correlation was found between IL-6 and IL-10 (r = -.185, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, IL-6 inflammatory marker and VEGF levels were found to be high and IL-10 anti-inflammatory marker was discovered to be low in smokers. For this reason, raising awareness in the society about the harms of smoking and encouraging people to give it up have become more challenging to counteract the inflammatory effects of smoking in human body and to prevent many smoking-related diseases.

Evaluation of Breast Cancer Risk Levels and Its Relation with Breast Self-Examination Practices in Women.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to determine the breast cancer risk levels and its relation with the frequency of breast self-examination practices in women who were 20 years old and over. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted on 867 women, who were 20 years old and over presenting to a family medicine outpatient clinic for any reasons. The participants filled in the "Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Form" which is recommended to assess the risk of breast cancer by the Ministry of Health. The participants' risk levels have been classified as low, medium, high, and the highest risk. RESULTS: The mean age of the participating women was 38.2±13.4 years, 69.7% (n=604) were married, 54.8% (n=475) were housewives, 33.9% (n=294) were working, 42.7% were graduated from primary school. The average risk score of the patients for breast cancer was 131.26 ±45.11 (50-325). As a result of this study, 87.3% (n=757) of the women were identified as having a low breast cancer risk, 12.6% (n=109) medium and 0.1% (n=1) of them were identified as having a high risk. The data demonstrated that 75.5% (n=655) of the women weren't doing breast self-examination (BSE). The rate of previous breast USG or mammography screening was 33.7% (n=292). There were no statistical relations between the breast cancer risk levels and BSE (p=0.396). CONCLUSION: The risk of developing breast cancer was low among the women in the study group and breast self-examination rates were insufficient. In addition to training women by emphasizing the importance of breast self-examination in early diagnosis, the breast cancer risk questionnaire - an easy to implement, simple and costless tool - is recommended to be administered in the primary health care centers.

Mental health problems in children with uncomplicated epilepsy; relation with parental anxiety.

Mental health problems and parental anxiety in children with epilepsy were investigated. Parents of 83 children with epilepsy and 172 healthy children were asked to complete Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for their children and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for themselves. In those with epilepsy, 39.8% (n: 33) were girls, 60.2% (n: 50) were boys and their mean age was 9.34 ± 3.99 years. Control group was more successful in school (p < 0.001). Emotional problems score in children with epilepsy was higher than control group (p < 0.001). Case group's behavior problems and attention deficit hyperactivity scores were higher (p < 0.001, p=0.009 respectively). Prosocial behavior scores of the control group were significantly higher (p=0.004). State (p=0.001) and trait (p=0.001) anxiety levels of parents of children with epilepsy were higher. Children with epilepsy have more neuro-behavioral problems; and their parents have greater anxiety levels. Physicians should be in contact with children with epilepsy for the psychological health of the family besides seizure control.

Impact of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment on Leptin Levels in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that leptin regulation is altered in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Several potential mechanisms have been purported to explain how sleep apnea may alter leptin levels. We investigated whether repeated apneas, hypoxia, or excessive daytime sleepiness influenced the levels of leptin in OSAS patients. We also evaluated whether a 3-month continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment affected leptin levels in patients. METHODS: Randomly selected 31 untreated, otherwise healthy male, overweight [body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m(2)] obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients [apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15] and 25 control (AHI <5) were included in this study. To confirm the diagnosis, all subjects underwent standard polysomnography. Serum samples were taken at 07:00-08:00 a.m. after overnight fasting. The OSAS patients that had regular CPAP treatment (n=26) were re-evaulated 3 months later. RESULTS: Leptin levels (50.5±17.5 grams/L in OSAS and 56.3±25.5 grams/L in controls) and lipid profiles (TC, TGs, HDL-C, and LDL-C) between patient and control groups did not differ (P>0.05). Leptin levels were not correlated with the AHI, oxygen saturation, or excessive daytime sleepiness. CPAP treatment did not significantly change the (BMI), waist and neck circumference, or leptin levels in OSAS patients. Furthermore, we found no correlation between the decrease in serum leptin levels and parameters that were improved by CPAP treatment. CONCLUSION: Leptin levels and lipid profile of overweight subjects with and without OSAS were not different, and our results suggest that OSAS-related parameters and CPAP treatment do not play a significant role in the serum leptin levels.

The correlation of the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and paraoxonase activity (PON1) with smoking.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to assess the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and paraoxonase activity (PON1) in smokers and nonsmokers. DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 100 smokers and 100 nonsmokers. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), TAS, TOS and PON1 levels of the participants were determined in the blood samples. TAS and TOS were determined by using the automated measurement method. Paraoxon was used as a substrate for measuring PON1 activity. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference could not be found between smokers and nonsmokers in terms of mean FBG, LDL-c, HDL-c, TC, TG, TAS, TOS, PON1, oxidative stress index (OSI) and body mass index (BMI). Mean TAS and TOS levels were higher in men than women (p=0.001). As age (p=0.022) and age to start smoking (p=0.023) increased, TOS level decreased. As the age to start smoking (p=0.001) increased, TAS level decreased whereas as BMI (p=0.001) increased, TAS level also increased. A statistically significant relationship could not be established between age, age to start smoking, duration and amount of smoking, dependence score and BMI and PON1 (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, although no significant correlation could be established between smokers and nonsmokers in terms of mean TAS, TOS and PON1, it is a fact that TAS, TOS and PON1 in the organism are affected by many factors and therefore there is a need for more extensive studies in this regard.

Frequency, severity and risk factors for restless legs syndrome in healthcare personnel.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency, severity, and risk factors for restless legs syndrome (RLS) in healthcare personnel. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed at the Outpatient Family Medicine Clinic of Meram Medical Faculty in Konya, Turkey and included 354 healthcare personnel who were working at the Meram Medical Faculty Hospital between October 2010 and June 2011. The International RLS (IRLS) rating scale was used to calculate RLS severity. The RLS symptoms positive patients were investigated for neurological examination. RESULTS: Of all the participants, 277 (78.2%) were female. The overall prevalence of RLS according to the 4 essential criteria in the participating healthcare personnel was 15% (n=53) (16.9% male, 14.4% female). Gender (p=0.726) and age (p=0.197) were not significantly related to RLS. According to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) the severity scale for RLS, of the RLS positive patients, 16% were classified as mild (n=8), 40% as moderate (n=21), and 44% as severe (n=24). Approximately, 54.7% of 53 RLS patients had a positive family history of the disorder. CONCLUSION: Restless leg syndrome is a treatable disorder; however, it is still widely misdiagnosed by physicians. The history of the patient and family is very important in the diagnosis of RLS.