Is serum BDNF level reliable parameter in detecting of dental anxiety before impacted third molar surgery?

BACKGROUND: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a factor that implicate in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression and anxiety. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between dental anxiety and BDNF serum level through impacted third molar surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, cross-sectional study, the sample included patients who had been admitted for the impacted third molar extraction under local anesthesia between January to November 2020. The primary predictor variable was serum BDNF level and the second predictor variable was dental anxiety scores before and after operation in patients. The primary outcome variable was the correlation between anxiety scores (APAIS, MDAS, STAI, VAS) and serum BDNF level. The sample included 55 patients (22 Male, 33 Female) aged 18 to 42 (24,2+5,55). RESULTS: Comparison of pre-operative scores (APAIS, MDAS, STAI, VAS and BDNF) and post-operative scores were statistically significant (P < .05). Post-operatively, MDAS and VAS scores decreased, while BDNF levels and STAI scores increased compared to the preoperative scores. BDNF was not correlated with APAIS, MDAS, STAI, and VAS preoperatively and postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: There may be a relationship between serum BDNF level and dental anxiety scale, but, no correlation was found between them.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in CXCR1, CXCR2 and CXCL5 with Behçet disease: a study in the Denizli province of Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Behçet disease (BD) is associated with the immune system, especially neutrophilic activity. The CXCR1, CXCR2 and CXCL5 genes mediate the activation and migration of neutrophils. AIM: To investigate CXCR1, CXCR2 and CXCL5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and examine their association with BD. METHODS: We studied polymorphic sites in CXCR1 (four sites: rs16858811, rs9282752, rs16858809 and rs16858808), CXCR2 (three sites: rs2230054, rs1126579 and rs1126580) and CXCL5 (one site: rs352046) in 87 patients with BD and 111 healthy controls (HCs), using a PCR restriction-fragment length polymorphism-based approach for genotyping. RESULTS: We found that the CXCR2 rs2230054 TT genotype and the CXCL5 rs352046 polymorphism might be possible genetic factors responsible for BD. We did not find any association between the development of BD and any of the four CXCR1 polymorphisms or the other two CXCR2 SNPs. In addition, our haplotype analysis results indicated that the haplotypes of the CXCR2 and CXCR1-CXCR2 polymorphic loci were different between the BD and HC groups. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that polymorphisms of CXCR1, CXCR2 and CXCL5 may affect susceptibility to BD and increase the risk of developing the disease. These loci need to be studied in larger groups of patients from different geographical areas around the world in order to clarify the genetic background for BD pathogenesis.

The role of miRNAs targeting K-ras and APC genes in colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The occurrence of abnormal expression patterns in different types of cancer suggests that micro RNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role in tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the expression levels of miRNAs known to be associated with the regulation of the expression levels of the APC and K-ras, which are important in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: The expression levels of miR-27, miR-663, miR-217, miR-181d, APC and K-ras in the serum, tumor and adjacent tumor-free (healthy) tissues of the patients and serum of the healthy controls were investigated with qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Expression levels of miR-217, mR-181d, miR-663, miR-27 and K-ras were found to be higher in CRC tissues than in adjacent tumor-free tissues of the patients. In patient serum samples, miR-663 levels were statistically more elevated than in controls. In patient tumor tissues, miR-217, miR-181d and miR-27 expressions were found to be higher. CONCLUSIONS: Increased miR-181d and miR-217 expression levels are associated with increased K-ras expression in the tumor tissues, and the expression of K-ras, which takes part as an oncogene in the CRC development, might be regulated by these miRNAs (Tab. 4, Ref. 33).

Genetic origin of Behçet's disease population in Denizli, Turkey; population genetics data analysis; historical demography and geographical perspectives based on ß-globin gene cluster haplotype variation.

In our study, we aimed to investigate the possible genetic drift, relationships, expansion and historical origin based on haplotype frequencies of the ß-globin gene cluster of normal and Behçet's disease (BD) population in Denizli, Turkey. We examined blood DNA samples obtained from our DNA bank. The association of population genetic parameters such as haplotypes, diversity, differentiation, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and demographic analysis for two populations was performed by Arlequin ver. 3.5. Our results show that both populations have high similarity in genetic parameters in terms of development and expansion based on haplotype diversity through the history. We found that historical levels of gene flow were significantly higher between the two populations. According to historical population, growth parameter of τ values for normal and BD populations dated approximately 42 000 to 38 000 ybp, respectively. In conclusion, historically, two populations show similar genetic parameters and unimodal growth distribution. Our results are consistent with the view that the BD may have occurred in area, independent from Silk Road.

Evaluation of the effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment and enoxaparin on left colon anastomosis. An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical interventions on left colon lead to high morbidity. The problems in wound healing are the main cause of this morbidity. Hypoxia retards wound healing and hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) has an anti-hypoxic effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study we divided eighty Wistar albino rats into eight groups and numbered between 1 and 8. Normal (non-ischemic) and ischemic left colon anastomosis were performed in the first and second four groups respectively. HBOT and subcutaneous enoxaparin were applied to the groups separately and in combination for four days, except the control groups. (Group-1 and Group-5). We measured anastomotic bursting pressures and performed pathological examinations besides electron microscopic study in one sample from each group after sacrificing the rats on the fourth day. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in bursting pressures when we compared Group-1 with other non-ischemic groups, and Group-5 with Group-6, but there were statistically significant differences when we compared Group-5 with Group-7 and 8. In pathological examination, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups concerning necrosis, epithelization, granulation tissue formation and collagen deposition. Statistically significant differences were found in the scores of neovascularization when we compared Group-1 with Group-3 and 4, and Group-5 with Group-8. Electron microscopic evaluation revealed a prominent increase both in neovascularization and collagen fibers in the samples taken from the groups received enoxaparine and hyperbaric oxygen treatment in combination. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that HBOT increases neovascularization and bursting pressures in ischemic colon anastomosis in contrast with enoxaparin.

Treatment of ischemic colonic anastomoses with systemic transplanted bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to investigate the healing effect of the bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on ischemic colon anastomosis in systemic application and to recovery the adverse effect of ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourty male Wistar Albino rats weigthing 250-300 g were divided into four equal groups (n=10 Group 1: control; ischemic left colonic anastomoses (4th day); Group 2: control; ischemic left colonic anastomoses (7th day); Group 3: ischemic left colonic anastomoses + systemic transplanted BM-MSCs (4th day); Group 4: ischemic left colonic anastomoses + systemic transplanted BM-MSCs (7th day). BMSCs labelled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were transplanted into the vena cava. Group 1 and group 3 were killed four days after surgery. In group 2 and group 4 were sacrificed seven days after the surgical procedure. Histopathological features, hydroxyproline levels in the tissue, and anastomotic strength were investigated. RESULTS: There was no mortality all of the groups.The mean bursting pressures of ischemic colonic anastomoses in group 3 were higher than in control group 1 (4th day). We found significantly higher hydroxyproline values in group 3 and were significantly higher in group 4 than in control groups. We investigated the early period of wound healing (4th day and 7th day). When comparing between group 1 and group 3, we found higher levels for all of the histological parameters except inflammation in group 3. On day 7, when comparing between group 2 and group 4, we found higher levels for parameters of necrosis, collagen deposition. CONCLUSIONS: BM-MSCs therapy significantly accelerated all of the healing parameters for ischemic colonic anastomosis except for inflammation on fourth day. On the seventh day, BM-MSCs augmented the levels of the hydroxyproline. Histological parameters, necrosis and collagen deposition were also found to be important for healing of ischemic colonic anastomoses. However, they did not accelerate the others histological parameters especially angiogenesis.

Resistin may not associate with gestational diabetes mellitus although insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: Resistin is a potent regulator of glucose homeostasis which is thought to oppose the action of insulin in peripheral tissues. The aim of this study was to determine changes in resistin levels in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty women with GDM (mean age 32.28 +/- 5.01 years old, and gestational age 32.2 +/- 4.8 weeks) matched with 22 non diabetic pregnant women (NGDM) (mean age 30.30 +/- 4.5 years old, and gestational age 34.8 +/- 3.5 weeks) were included in the study. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Serum resistin levels were measured and insulin resistance was calculated with HOMA-IR. The Mann Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: BMI was 33.8 +/- 6.2 kg/m2 in the GDM group and 28.4 +/- 6.2 kg/m2 in the NGDM group (p = 0.04). Serum resistin levels were 8.7 +/- 2.1 ng/ml in the GDM group and 8.1 +/- 2.5 ng/ml in the NGDM group. Mean resistin level was not different between the two groups. HOMA-IR in GDM was higher than in the NGDM group (13.2 +/- 12.2 vs 5.8 +/- 5.1, p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although mean BMI in GDM was higher than in NGDM and insulin resistance in GDM was more marked than in NGDM, serum resistin levels in GDM were not found to be any different from NGDM.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in newly diagnosed acromegaly.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The mechanisms of acromegalic cardiomyopathy are not clearly understood. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal fragment of its pro-hormone (NT-proBNP) are released by the cardiac ventricles and increase in heart failure. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate serum NT-proBNP levels in acromegalic patients and determine a relationship between NT-proBNP levels and echocardiographic parameters. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two newly diagnosed acromegalic patients [mean age 38.85 ± 11.06 yr; body mass index (BMI): 28.51 ± 3.48 kg/m2] and 26 age- and BMI-matched healthy control subjects (mean age 32.9 ± 12.6 yr; BMI: 26.2 ± 5.3 kg/m2) were included in the study. Standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Serum NT-proBNP and GH were measured at the beginning of the OGTT (0 min). Body fat analyses were measured by bioelectrical impedance. Echocardiography was used in cardiac evaluations. RESULTS: The mean NT-proBNP level in the acromegalic group was not significantly different from the control subjects (55.89 ± 46.64 pg/ml in acromegaly vs 28.76 ± 22.13 pg/ml in control subjects). There were no correlations between the serum NTproBNP, GH, and IGF-I levels. Echocardiography revealed significantly increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (p=0.008), interventricular septum thickness (p=0.009), left atrium (p=0.029), and right ventricle diameter (p=0.027) in the acromegalic group. CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP levels were found to be slightly higher in acromegalic patients as an indicator of heart failure, but the increase was not statistically significant. Although these cardiac structural changes in newly diagnosed acromegalic patients are present, the normal level of NT-proBNP shows that NT-proBNP may not be a good indicator in acromegaly.

Effects of cholesterol on progesterone production by goat luteal cell subpopulations at two different stages of the luteal phase.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cholesterol on progesterone production during long-term culturing of luteal cell subpopulations at early and late luteal stages of the goat corpora lutea. Corpora lutea were collected from Angora goats on days 5 and 15 of the oestrous cycle. Luteal cells were isolated by collagenase digestion. The cells were separated into two distinct subpopulations by Percoll density-gradient centrifugation. Both subpopulations of luteal cells staining positively for 3ß-HSD activities (5 × 10(4) cell/well) were cultured with or without 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol (22R-HC) in serum-free culture medium for periods of up to 7 days. Cells were incubated with serum (10%) for the first 18 h of incubation followed by serum-free medium. Cell treatment (10 and 20 µg/ml) was performed on days 1, 3 and 5. Treatment of cells with both concentrations of 22R-HC resulted in significant (p < 0.01) and dose-dependent stimulation (p > 0.05) on progesterone production in both fractions of cells throughout 7 days of incubation. Treatment of the cells with cholesterol resulted in 2.5- and 9.0-fold increases in progesterone accumulation on day 3 of incubation. Steroid production was maintained throughout the incubations when cells are incubated in serum-free media treated with cholesterol and ITS premix. Cells collected from higher density of percoll layers produced 2.82 and 2.32 times more progesterone, in comparison to the lover density percoll layer, on days 5 and 15 of the oestrous cycle in untreated cell groups, respectively. Progesterone accumulation was decreased as incubation time advanced in all groups of untreated cells. These results demonstrated that goat luteal cell subpopulations secrete substantial amounts of progesterone in response to cholesterol treatment at least for 7 days, and cholesterol is required as progesterone precursor for maintaining a high-level steroidogenesis during long-life culturing of both cell subpopulations.

Oral fluvastatin reduces the severity of peritoneal adhesions in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of fluvastatin on peritoneal adhesion formation. METHODS: 48 female Wistar-albino rats weighing 200-220 g were divided into four groups each containing 12 rats. Group I was sham, Group II was the control group, while Group III was given 10 mg/kg/day (28 days) oral fluvastatin. In Group IV, 10 mg/kg fluvastatin was administered intraperitoneally at the time of laparotomy but the rats died from that dose. After laparotomy on day 14, caecal serosal abrasions and punctuate haemorrhagies were performed. On day 28, laparotomies were repeated. Adhesions were graded and tissue samples were taken from incisions and adhesions. Hydroxyproline contents representing adhesions were measured quantitatively. On the 28th day, blood samples were taken to measure the tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the groups for adhesion severity (p < 0.0001), hydroxyproline content and t-PA activity of the adhesions (p < 0.0001). Analysis of the grading of adhesions documented significant differences between all groups. When the hydroxyproline content and t-PA activity of the adhesions was analyzed, there were significant differences between groups II, I and III, but the difference between group I and group III was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented in this study demonstrate that the oral administration of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor fluvastatin reduced intra-abdominal adhesion formation.

The role of psychological factors and serum zinc, folate and vitamin B12 levels in the aetiology of trichodynia: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous dysaesthesia syndromes are characterized by chronic cutaneous symptoms without objective findings, and their aetiologies are obscure. Trichodynia describes pain and a stinging sensation of the scalp related to diffuse alopecia. AIMS: To determine the prevalence rate of trichodynia in patients with diffuse alopecia; to assess the serum zinc, folate and vitamin B(12) levels; and to investigate the significance of psychological disorders in these patients. METHODS: The study comprised 91 patients with a diagnosis of diffuse hair loss and 74 healthy controls. Patients were questioned about the presence of trichodynia, and their serum zinc, folate and vitamin B(12) levels were assessed. They were also evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ). RESULTS: The rates of androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium were 26.4% and 73.6%, respectively, Trichodynia was found in 30 patients (33%), and was more common in the telogen effluvium group than in the androgenetic alopecia group (P = 0.5). There was no significant difference between the patients with alopecia and controls for zinc, folate and vitamin B(12) levels, or for psychological test scores. However, the BDI and SDQ scores were significantly higher (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively) in patients with than those in without trichodynia. CONCLUSIONS: Trichodynia is a commonly encountered symptom in patients with diffuse alopecia, and depression and somatoform dissociation disorders may play an important role in its aetiology. Our data provide no evidence that serum levels of zinc, folate or vitamin B(12) are involved in the pathogenesis of trichodynia.

Oxidant/antioxidant status in recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral mucosal disorder characterized by recurrent, painful oral aphthae, and oxidative stress presumably contributes to its pathogenesis. The study was performed to evaluate the involvement of oxidant toxicity in this disorder. METHODS: Patients with RAS (n = 26) and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (n = 20) were included in this study. Following an overnight fast, blood specimens were obtained. Plasma malondialdehyde concentrations and erythrocytes glutathione peroxidase activities were determined. Also, plasma vitamin E and selenium levels were detected. Mann-Whitney U-test was performed for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: Oxidative stress was confirmed by the significant elevation in plasma malondialdehyde levels and by the significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase activities, vitamin E and selenium levels (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that lipid peroxidation and the inadequacy of the defense system seem to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

Size distribution of luteal cells during pseudopregnancy in domestic cats.

Experiments were designed to investigate the size distribution of queen steroidogenic luteal cells throughout pseudopregnancy. Corpora lutea were obtained from the queens following ovariohysterectomy on days 7, 15 or 25 of pseudopregnancy. Luteal cells were isolated from the ovary by collagenase digestion. Steriodogenic cells were identified by staining of cells for 3beta-HSD activity. Cell diameters were measured using a microscope. Luteal cells having steroidogenic capacity covered a wide spectrum of sizes ranging from 3 to 35 mum in diameter. There was a significant increase in mean cell diameters (p < 0.01) as pseudopregnancy progressed. Mean diameter of 3beta-HSD positive cells increased from 10.41 +/- 0.7 microm, on day 7 of pseudopregnancy, to 19.72 +/- 1.3 microm on day 25 of pseudopregnancy. The ratio of large (>20 microm in diameter) to small (3-20 microm in diameter) luteal cells was 0.08 : 1.0 on day 7 of pseudopregnancy, with the 7.5-10 microm cell size class predominant. By day 25 of pseudopregnancy, the ratio of large-to-small cells was increased to 0.87 : 1.0, and 20-25 microm cell sizes become predominant. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that the cells of the corpus luteum undergo continuous differentiation during pseudopregnancy in queen. This study also demonstrates that luteal cells dissociated from pseudopregnant queen can be used as a model to study the physiology of corpus luteum in pregnant cats.

The effect of periodontal therapy on serum TNF-alpha and HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on serum TNF-alpha and HbA1c levels in poorly and well-controlled type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: In total, 45 patients were enrolled in the study; 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with periodontitis (15 with poorly controlled diabetes, HbA1c >or= 7%, group 1A and 15 with well-controlled diabetes, HbA1c < 7%, group 1B) and 15 patients that were systemically healthy with periodontitis (group 2). The plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, gingival bleeding index, HbA1c value, and circulating TNF-alpha concentration were measured at baseline and three months after the non-surgical periodontal therapy. RESULTS: All periodontal parameters and serum TNF-alpha levels were significantly decreased three months after the non-surgical periodontal therapy compared to the baseline values in all groups. The HbA1c values were significantly decreased only in well-controlled diabetic patients. We found no significant differences in the periodontal parameters or TNF-alpha levels at baseline and after three months between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although non-surgical periodontal therapy eliminates local/systemic infection and inflammation via decreases in TNF-alpha, it is insufficient for significantly reducing HbA1c levels without strict glycaemic control in poorly controlled diabetic patients in a short time period.

Trends in body mass index, blood pressure and parental smoking habits in middle socio-economic level Turkish adolescents.

Patterns of cardiovascular risk factors in populations are not static over time. We examined trends in body mass index (BMI), parental smoking and blood pressure over a 15-year period in Turkish children aged 15-17 years. Two cross-sectional studies were performed in secondary schools in Turkey in 1989-1990 and 2004-2005. Study participants were 673 children in 1989-1990 and 640 adolescents in 2004-2005. Main outcome measures were weight, height, BMI, presence and amount of parental smoking, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Age and sex matched comparisons were performed to assess temporal trends in these measures. Children in 2004-2005 had increased weight, height, BMI and decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in all age groups compared with children in 1989-1990. According to the international criteria, 3.4% of children were obese and 15.8% were overweight in 2005, compared to 0.7% obese and 4.2% overweight in 1990 (P<0.001). However, a decrease was noted in blood pressure; 16% were classified as hypertensive in 1989-1990 versus 8% in 2004-2005 (P<0.001). The prevalence and amount of parental smoking also decreased over the last 15 years. We observed significant changes in BMI and blood pressure in Turkish children over the last 15 years. Temporal trends in these parameters may indicate a change in the pattern of cardiovascular disease in this population.

Distribution and heterogeneity of mast cells in female reproductive tract and ovary on different days of the oestrus cycle in Angora goats.

The physiological distribution of mast cells (MCs) in the reproductive tract and ovary of 12 Angora goats was determined using light microscopic histochemical techniques. Uterus (corpus uteri and cornu uteri), uterine cervix, uterine tubes (isthmus and ampulla) and ovary samples were obtained by laparatomy from groups of animals during metoestrus, dioestrus and proestrus (days 5, 10 and 16 of the oestrous cycle). Tissues were fixed in Mota's fixative (basic lead acetate) for 48 h and embedded in paraffin. Six-micrometre-thick sections were stained with toluidine blue in 1% aqueous solution at pH 1.0 for 5 min and alcian blue-Safranin at pH 1.0 for 30 min. MCs were generally associated with blood vessels in all reproductive organs. In the uterus, they were concentrated mainly in the close of the uterine gland and deep stroma in the endometrium. Higher MC numbers were observed by toluidine blue staining in the uterus, uterine cervix and uterine tubes on days 10 (corpus uterine: 4.7 +/- 3.8 and cornu uterine: 4.9 +/- 3.5) and 16 (corpus uterine: 5.9 +/- 4.5 and cornu uterine: 5.4 +/- 2.4) of the oestrous cycle compared with day 5 (p < 0.05). Mast cells were not observed in the follicles, the corpus luteum and the underside of the surface epithelium of the ovarian cortex, but were observed in the interstitial cortical stroma and the ovarian medulla. In the ovary, MC numbers were significantly higher on day 16 of the oestrous cycle (cortex: 3.4 +/- 2.4 and medulla: 5.7 +/- 4.5, p < 0.05). Safranin-positive connective tissue MCs were not observed in the uterine tube on any occasion. These results indicate oestrous cycle-related changes in the number and location of MCs in goat reproductive organs.

The correlation between adiposity and adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. Is adipocyte size associated with inflammation in adults?

OBJECTIVE: Hypertrophic obesity correlates with metabolic complications of obesity. We evaluated adipocyte volume and its relationship with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), adiponectin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients were divided into 4 groups; lean healthy controls [body mass index (BMI): 24.2+/-1.4 kg/m2], non-diabetic obese patients (30.2+/-2.9), obese (30.1+/-3.2) and non-obese (22.2+/-1.5) Type 2 diabetic patients. TNF-alpha, hs-CRP, adiponectin and IL-6 levels were measured preoperatively and sc fat specimens were obtained during operation. Semi-thin sections were stained with toluidine-blue and evaluated by light microscopy. Fat volumes were calculated by Goldrick's formulation. RESULTS: Mean adipocyte volumes were higher in obese diabetic patients than in other groups (p<0.0001). Mean TNF-alpha, hs-CRP and IL-6 levels were higher in obese diabetic patients than in control subjects, obese non-diabetic and non-obese diabetic patients (p<0.0001, p<0.02 and p<0.01, respectively). Mean TNF-alpha levels of non-diabetic obese patients were higher than the control group (p<0.05). Mean IL-6 levels of diabetic and non-diabetic obese patients were higher than control subjects (p<0.02 and p<0.0001, respectively). Mean adiponectin levels of control subjects were higher than non-diabetic obese, non-obese diabetic and obese-diabetic subjects (p<0.0001). Mean adiponectin levels of obese diabetic patients were lower than non-diabetic obese subjects (p<0.008). Mean hs-CRP levels were higher in diabetic patients whether they were obese or not. There was a positive correlation between adipocyte size and TNF-alpha (p<0.01), IL-6 (p<0.03) and hs-CRP levels (p<0.004), and negative correlation between adipocyte size, adiponectin levels (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: TNF-alpha, IL-6 and hs-CRP levels were positively, adiponectin negatively correlated with adipocyte size. Therefore, adiposity may be an inflammatory condition.

Frequencies of blood type A, B and AB in non-pedigree domestic cats in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the distribution of blood types and to estimate the proportion of matings at risk for neonatal isoerythrolysis in non-pedigree domestic cats. METHODS: The present survey determined the frequency of blood types in 301 cats from four distinct regions of Turkey. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-anticoagulated blood samples were typed by simple tube and slide agglutination assays. Serum obtained from type B cats and an anti-B solution, prepared with Triticum vulgaris, were used to determine type A and type B blood, respectively. RESULTS: Of the 301 cats typed, 220 had type A blood, 74 had type B and seven had type AB. There was a significant difference (P<0.01) between the locations of the cats, with fewer type B cats in the eastern than in the western parts of Turkey. Risk for the development of neonatal isoerythrolysis due to A-B mismatch was estimated to be 18.6 per cent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The overall type B frequency in Turkish domestic cats is high. Thus, untyped transfusions in these cats carry a high risk of life-threatening acute haemolytic transfusion reactions and neonatal isoerythrolysis. It is therefore strongly recommended that blood typing be performed before breeding or transfusing in order to minimise blood type incompatibility risks.

Elevated neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in patients with euthyroid chronic autoimmune thyreotidis.

OBJECTIVE: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), determined from peripheral blood, is accepted as an available and practical indicator of the systemic inflammation. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the NLR was higher in euthyroid chronic autoimmune thyreotidis (CAT) patients compared to a healthy control group. METHODS: A total of 112 patients were enrolled in this study, including 59 patients with euthyroid CAT on any form of therapy and 53 healthy controls. Th e CAT patients were similar in age to the healthy control group (mean 33.9±12.8 years versus 30.2±12.4 years, p=0.10). Measurements were available for the white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, C-reactive protein (CRP), thyroid peroxidase immune antibody (anti-TPO), and anti-thyroglobulin immune antibody (anti-TG). The NLR and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated. Differences between the CAT and control groups were tested using the student's t-test and the correlations were determined using Pearson's correlation coefficients. RESULTS: There were no differences between the CAT and control groups for WBCs (7.9±0.3 and 7.4±0.2, respectively; p=0.1) or neutrophils (5.5±0.3 and 5.4±1.1; p=0.9), but lymphocytes were higher in the CAT group (3.1±0.5 vs. 2.04±0.1; p=0.05) as was the NLR (4.0±0.7 vs. 2.0±0.1; p=0.01). Th e NLR was positively correlated with CRP (r=0.6, p<0.001), anti-TPO (r=0.3, p<0.001), anti-TG (r=0.3, p=0.006), WBCs (r=0.4, p<0.001), and the PLR (r=0.73, p<0.001). The PLR was also higher in the CAT than the control group (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that NLR values were higher in euthyroid CAT patients than in a healthy control group and that NLR correlated with autoantibodies used to diagnose the disease.

The relationship between antioxidant enzymes and bladder cancer.

Carcinogenesis proceeds through at least three distinct stages - initiation, promotion and progression. Free radicals play an important role in the multistep complex course of carcinogenesis. Urinary bladder has been recognized as a target organ for many carcinogens, including benzidine, beta-napthylamine, 2 napthylamine, 4-aminobiphenyl. Antioxidants have been shown to inhibit both initiation and promotion in carcinogenesis. The aim of presented study was to determine and compare the oxidant and antioxidant status in different clinical stages of bladder cancer and of control groups. Study was conducted in fifty-two (n=52) patients with transitional cell epithelial cancer of bladder and in twenty-four (n=24) healthy adults as plasma and erythrocyte controls. Malondialdehyde levels (4.636+/-1.118, 2.853+/-0.576 / 262.112+/-61.772, 203.788+/-35.340) were significantly higher and erythrocyte glutathione levels (6.272+/-1.708, 7.523+/-1.346) were significantly lower in bladder cancer patients group than in control group. Erythrocyte glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase (3.935+/-1.155, 5.481+/-1.626 / 8.729+/-1.614, 12.362+/-1.707) activities were significantly lower in cancer patients. In the other hand, glutathione S-transferase activities (3.100+/-1.177, 1.071+/-0.471) were found significantly increases. We suggest that the values of glutathione S-transferase enzyme activity can be used for a tumor detection approach and even as an indicator of the biological behavior of the bladder carcinoma.