Investigation of the relationship between periodontal and systemic inflammation in children with Sickle Cell Disease: A case- control study.

Periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory diseases and tissue destruction increases with oxidative stress in periodontal tissues. Periodontal diseases are associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases and rheumatoid arthritis by means of systemic inflammation. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which vaso-occlusive crisis and endothelial dysfunction are present. It is not known whether the chronic systemic inflammation seen in SCD affect periodontal tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between periodontal and systemic inflammation in children with SCD. Forty-three children with SCD and 43 healthy children were included in the study. Physical, dental and periodontal statuses were examined, blood and saliva samples were taken. Levels of pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress mediators in serum and saliva were evaluated. The periodontal findings of the groups were similar. The majority of the subjects in both groups had gingival inflammation. In SCD group, significantly higher serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, total oxidant status (TOS), nitric oxide (NO) and salivary IL-6 were observed (p < 0.05). There were positive correlations between salivary IL-6 levels and serum Hs-CRP levels (r = 0.303, p < 0.05). In addition; it was determined that salivary IL-6, TNF-α and NO levels were increased 3-6 times in children with a history of painful crisis or acute chest syndrome compared to children who had never had a painful crisis or acute chest syndrome. Although, observed oral health status was similar in both groups, salivary cytokine levels were increased in children with SCD. The higher salivary cytokine levels may be associated with chronic systemic inflammation and vaso-occlusion observed in children with SCD.

A multicenter nationwide reference intervals study for common biochemical analytes in Turkey using Abbott analyzers.

BACKGROUND: A nationwide multicenter study was organized to establish reference intervals (RIs) in the Turkish population for 25 commonly tested biochemical analytes and to explore sources of variation in reference values, including regionality. METHODS: Blood samples were collected nationwide in 28 laboratories from the seven regions (≥400 samples/region, 3066 in all). The sera were collectively analyzed in Uludag University in Bursa using Abbott reagents and analyzer. Reference materials were used for standardization of test results. After secondary exclusion using the latent abnormal values exclusion method, RIs were derived by a parametric method employing the modified Box-Cox formula and compared with the RIs by the non-parametric method. Three-level nested ANOVA was used to evaluate variations among sexes, ages and regions. Associations between test results and age, body mass index (BMI) and region were determined by multiple regression analysis (MRA). RESULTS: By ANOVA, differences of reference values among seven regions were significant in none of the 25 analytes. Significant sex-related and age-related differences were observed for 10 and seven analytes, respectively. MRA revealed BMI-related changes in results for uric acid, glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyltransferase. Their RIs were thus derived by applying stricter criteria excluding individuals with BMI >28 kg/m2. Ranges of RIs by non-parametric method were wider than those by parametric method especially for those analytes affected by BMI. CONCLUSIONS: With the lack of regional differences and the well-standardized status of test results, the RIs derived from this nationwide study can be used for the entire Turkish population.

Diversity of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genes in Southern Turkey.

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are a family of inhibitory and activating receptors expressed by natural killer (NK) cells and regulate NK cells' activity. KIR genes are highly polymorphic markers, characterized by a wide diversity, and can therefore be considered as good population genetic markers. The aim of this study was to determine KIR gene frequencies, ratios of haplotypes and genotypes in Southern Turkey and also to compare the data with other worldwide populations studied previously. The study group consisted of 200 non-related individuals from Southern Turkey. The percentage of each KIR gene in the population group was determined by direct counting. Differences between populations in the distribution of each KIR gene and genotype profile were estimated by two-tailed Fisher Exact test. The most frequent non-framework KIR genes detected in Southern Turkey population were: KIR 2DL1 (97%), KIR 3DL1 (91%), KIR 2DS4 (92%) and the pseudogene 2DP1 (96%). Fourty different genotypes were found in 200 subjects and AA1 genotype was the most frequent (27%). Among 40 different genotypes, ten of these were described for the first time in this study and were added to the database ( http://www.allelefrequencies.net ) numerized as genotype ID from 400 to 409. Gene frequencies and found genotypes demonstrated similarity of Southern Turkey's KIR repertoire with the KIR repertoires of Middle East and European population. High variability seen in KIR genome in this region is thought to be formed as a result of migration and settlement of different civilizations in this region and heterogenity formed in time.

Vacuum-assisted closure therapy leads to an increase in plasma fibronectin level.

An extensive research has been performed to investigate the mechanisms of action by which the application of subatmospheric pressure to wounds increases the rate of healing. Increased blood flow with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) use is the most popular aspect. Fibronectin, which is an adhesion molecule, has several functional domains mediating chemotaxis, adhesion and migration. This is thereby involved in differentiation, proliferation, inflammation and thus in wound healing. In this study, plasma fibronectin levels were measured before and after VAC in patients with wounds. The results showed that there was an increase in pre- and post-VAC levels of plasma fibronectin. This statistically significant increase could be another explanation of how VAC therapy promotes wound healing.

Is There any Possible Role of Neurotrophin 3 in the Pathogenesis of Antrochoanal Polyp?

OBJECTIVE: Antrochoanal polyp (ACP) is a benign soft tissue lesion arising from the inner wall of the maxillary sinus that extends into the nasal cavity and choana. Although it was first explained by Killian in 1906, the underlying pathogenesis has not been yet fully understood. Neurotrophins have been demonstrated to have a possible role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis, idiopathic rhinitis and nasal polyps. To date any study has not investigated the function of neuronal inflammation and neurotrophins in the development of ACP. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible effect of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in ACP pathogenesis. METHOD: Twenty adult patients with ACP who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery in our department were included in the study group. The control group included 15 patients with concha bullosa of middle concha who underwent lateral excisional surgery. Nasal tissue NT-3 staining scores were evaluated using immunohistochemical methods. Blood NT-3 levels of both groups were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between these two groups regarding tissue NT-3 staining scores (p=0.843) and blood NT-3 levels (p=0.463). In addition, no statistically significant correlation has been observed between tissue NT-3 staining scores and blood NT-3 levels in both ACP (p=0.578) and control (p=0.359) group patients. CONCLUSION: NT-3-related neuronal inflammation does not seem to have any role in ACP pathogenesis.

Genetic polymorphism of VEGF-1154 (A/G) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis has been shown to be increased in various human tumors including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is thought to be one of the most important angiogenic factors in tumorigenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether polymorphism of VEGF-1154 (A/G) genotypes are associated with the risk of laryngeal SCC. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, case-control study in a tertiary university hospital was done. The study group consisted of 57 Caucasian patients with laryngeal SCC and 89 control subjects. Blood samples were obtained before surgery or from the patients under follow-up to 5 years after surgery. VEGF-1154 (A/G) genotypes were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction with thermal cycler system. RESULTS: According to the high-risk (GG) genotype, the difference between the patient and control groups was statistically significant (OR 0.43, 95% CI=0.19-0.95, p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: GG genotype of the VEGF gene may increase the risk of laryngeal SCC in this population. VEGF gene polymorphism may be an important potential genetic and therapeutic marker of laryngeal SCC.

Effect of propolis on healing in experimental colon anastomosis in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Propolis is the generic name for the resinous substance collected by honeybees, which is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, apoptosis-inducible effects. Anastomotic dehiscence after colorectal surgery is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We aimed to assess the effect of propolis on healing in an experimental colon anastomosis in rats. METHODS: Forty adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into 5 treatment groups with 8 rats in each: Group I, anastomosis+no treatment; Group II, anastomosis+oral propolis (600 mg/kg/d); Group III, anastomosis+oral ethyl alcohol (1 cc/d); Group IV, anastomosis+rectal propolis (600 mg/kg/d); Group V, anastomosis+rectal ethyl alcohol (1 cc/d). The bursting pressures, hydroxiproline levels and histopathological changes in each group were measured. RESULTS: When bursting pressures were compared between groups, we observed that they were increased in the groups treated with propolis in contrast to all other groups. Hydroxiproline levels in the propolis groups were also significantly increased in contrast to the other groups. There was also a statistically significant difference in histopathological changes between the treatment types. When propolis administration methods were compared, we did not observe a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Propolis has a significantly favourable effect on healing in experimental colon anastomosis, independent from the method of administration.

Effects of peripheral nerve ischemia-reperfusion model on serum cytokine levels.

AIM: Although the neuropathology of ischemic nerve fiber degeneration is relatively well known, its pathogenesis is poorly understood. Local cytokines, which have neuroprotective effects on inflammation and repair, participate in the process by undefined mechanisms. In this study, we evaluated the effects of ischemia and reperfusion on the sciatic nerve of the rat and investigated the probable effects of cytokines on this period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the current study, ischemia and reperfusion injury of sciatic nerve was rendered by clamping the femoral artery and vein of the rat for three hours and was followed by varying durations of reperfusion. Activin A, TGF Beta1 and TGF, Beta2 levels were measured in serum samples. RESULTS: TGF Beta1 and Activin A were found to be increased in the ischemic groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). A significant difference was found between the experimental groups after reperfusion (p < 0.05). There was no statistical significance for TGF Beta2 levels between the study groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ischemia causes some important changes in biochemical parameters, and nerve injury continues for a while according to the reperfusion time. Ischemia-reperfusion injury of peripheral nerves caused by various reasons therefore affects the levels of cytokines.

The importance of macroprolactinemia in the differential diagnosis of hyperprolactinemic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Hypersecretion of prolactin (PRL) by lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary may lead to hyperprolactinemia in physiological or pathological conditions. However, some of the patients may present with another cause of hyperprolactinemia, described by various authors as macroprolactinemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical, radiological and biochemical assessment of 124 patients were carefully evaluated for differential diagnosis in light of the literature. Macroprolactinemia was assessed by the polyethylene glycol (PEG) method in all of the patients, with high PRL level but without significant symptomatology, presenting to our clinic between 2004 and 2006. RESULTS: The sera from 124 patients with hyperprolactinemia were screened for macroprolactinemia using the PEG method and macroprolactinemia was detected in 10 patients (8%). The average age of the patients was 35 years (range 23-46). Nine of the ten patients were female (90%) and one was male (10%). All of the patients had MRI. An intrasellar mass and stalk lipoma were found in three of the ten patients (30%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, macroprolactinemia should be taken into consideration as a probable cause of high serum prolactin levels to avoid repeated hormone assessments, neuroradiological examinations and unnecessary medical and surgical treatments.

Relationship between airway colonization, inflammation and exacerbation frequency in COPD.

RATIONALE: To evaluate bacterial colonization and the airway inflammatory response, and its relationship to the frequency of exacerbation in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Quantitative bacteriologic cultures, neutrophil elastase, myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-8 were measured in bronchoalveoler lavage (BAL) in 39 patients with stable COPD [19 with frequent exacerbation (> or = 3/year), and 20 with infrequent] and in 18 healthy controls (10 smokers and 8 non-smokers). RESULTS: BAL revealed the microorganisms with potential pathogenicity above the established threshold (> or = 10(3)cfu/ml) in 68.4% of patients with frequent exacerbation, 55% of infrequent exacerbation, 40% of smokers and 12.5% of non-smokers controls (P=0.05). BAL MPO, IL-8 and TNF-alpha levels were found to be significantly higher in COPD as compared to controls (P=0.001). However, only IL-8 level was significantly higher in COPD patients with frequent exacerbation as compared to infrequent (P=0.001). Airway bacterial load correlated with levels of airway inflammation markers in COPD (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The bacterial load and airway inflammation contributes to each other in stable COPD. However, there is a link only between interleukine (IL)-8 and frequent exacerbations. Clearly, the relationship between bacterial colonization, airway inflammation and frequent exacerbations is of major importance in understanding of the COPD pathogenesis.

Effectiveness of mesalamine and propolis in experimental colitis.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of propolis and mesalamine on experimental colitis in rats. Distal colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic instillation of 2 mL of 4% acetic acid. The animals were randomly assigned to 5 groups: group 1, control, (n=8); group 2, colitis, received no treatment (n=8); group 3, colitis+mesalamine, 2 mL once a day via an enema (n=8); group 4, colitis+propolis, 600 mg/kg once a day via intragastric lavage (n=8); and group 5, colitis+mesalamine+propolis for 1 wk (n=8). Levels of nitric oxide were statistically significantly different in comparisons between groups 1 and 2, groups 2 and 3, and groups 4 and 5. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly different when group 2 was compared with groups 3, 4, and 5. A significant difference was observed when group 3 was compared with group 4 for myeloperoxidase. Most propolis-treated rats had normal histology; mesalamine-treated and propolis+mesalamine-treated rats had inflammatory cell infiltration at rates of 50% and 33%, respectively. The investigators concluded that propolis and mesalamine are efficient independently and in combination, but that their combined effect was not observed to be additive in experimental colitis.

TNF-α and IL-1 ß Cytokine Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Nasal Polyposis.

OBJECTIVE: Nasal Polyp (NP) is a benign mass of the paranasal sinuses that protrudes into the nasal cavity. The exact underlying pathogenesis is not known. In this study we aimed to determine the genetic susceptibility of NP formation in relation to TNF-α-308 and IL-1ß-511 promoter region gene polymorphisms. METHODS: A total of 71 patients with NP with asthma (n=21) or without asthma (n=50) were taken as the study group, and 91 healthy volunteers were taken as the control group. Blood was gathered into EDTA-containing tubes, and patient DNA was extracted. The polymorphisms of the IL-ß and TNF-α cytokine genes were analyzed using real time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The GG genotype in the TNF-α-308 region and the CC genotype in the IL-1ß-511 region were found to be risk factors for NP formation (OR: 9.2, p=0.007 and OR: 33.3, p=0.001, respectively). Regarding allelic frequencies, the G allele at the TNF-α-308 promoter region was a risk factor for NP formation (OR: 6.06, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: TNF-α GG genotype in the -308 promoter region and the IL-1ß CC genotype in the -511 region are genetic risk factors for NP formation.

A nationwide multicentre study in Turkey for establishing reference intervals of haematological parameters with novel use of a panel of whole blood.

INTRODUCTION: A nationwide multicentre study was conducted to establish well-defined reference intervals (RIs) of haematological parameters for the Turkish population in consideration of sources of variation in reference values (RVs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: K2-EDTA whole blood samples (total of 3363) were collected from 12 laboratories. Sera were also collected for measurements of iron, UIBC, TIBC, and ferritin for use in the latent abnormal values exclusion (LAVE) method. The blood samples were analysed within 2 hours in each laboratory using Cell Dyn and Ruby (Abbott), LH780 (Beckman Coulter), or XT-2000i (Sysmex). A panel of freshly prepared blood from 40 healthy volunteers was measured in common to assess any analyser-dependent bias in the measurements. The SD ratio (SDR) based on ANOVA was used to judge the need for partitioning RVs. RIs were computed by the parametric method with/without applying the LAVE method. RESULTS: Analyser-dependent bias was found for basophils (Bas), MCHC, RDW and MPV from the panel test results and thus those RIs were derived for each manufacturer. RIs were determined from all volunteers' results for WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, MCV, MCH and platelets. Gender-specific RIs were required for RBC, haemoglobin, haematocrit, iron, UIBC and ferritin. Region-specific RIs were required for RBC, haemoglobin, haematocrit, UIBC, and TIBC. CONCLUSIONS: With the novel use of a freshly prepared blood panel, manufacturer-specific RIs' were derived for Bas, Bas%, MCHC, RDW and MPV. Regional differences in RIs were observed among the 7 regions of Turkey, which may be attributed to nutritional or environmental factors, including altitude.

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion induced diaphragm contractility dysfunction: Electrophysiological and ultrastructural study in a neonatal rat model.

AIM: To evaluate the remote effect of intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury mediated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) on diaphragm contractility functions and whether administration of NAC may counteract the possible detrimental effects in an experimental neonatal rat model. METHODS: 40 Wistar rat pups were randomized into four groups; ten animals in each. Intestinal ischemia was conducted by obstructing mesentery of intestines by a silk loop. In the control group; only laparotomy was performed. After 1h ischemia, reperfusion was conducted for 1h in 1h group, 24h for 24h group and 24h for 24h+NAC group but administration of NAC (150mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally twice a day was performed. Inflammatory response was evaluated by tissue TNF-α level and contractility functions by mechanic activity studies of the diaphragm. Electrophysiology of the diaphragm and the phrenic nerve was conducted to determine neuropathy or myopathy and transmission electron microscopy was performed to evaluate ultrastructural changes in the phrenic nerve. RESULTS: Diaphragm tissue TNF-α level significantly increased in 1h and 24h groups (P=0.004, P=0.0001; respectively). Diaphragm mechanic activation force and duration significantly decreased at 1h and 24h (P=0.004, P=0.02 and P=0.0001, P=0.0001; respectively). NAC administration significantly prevented decrease in the maximal contraction and the duration (P<0.001). Phrenic nerve compound action potential (CMAP) amplitude significantly decreased in 1h group (P<0.0001) and NAC administration significantly prevented this decrease when compared with 24h group (P<0.001). In diaphragmatic needle electromyography, the duration of motor unit potentials (MUP) was prolonged significantly when compared with control group. Contractility and electrophysiological studies were indicating primarily neuropathy in diaphragm dysfunction. Histopathology revealed axonal and myelin degeneration in the 1h and 24h group, but less injury in the NAC administered group. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal IR induced elevation of TNF-α level in the diaphragm. Impairment in the diaphragm contractility and neuropathic changes in the phrenic nerve occurred even in the first hour of reperfusion. NAC administration prevented these detrimental effects.

The Effect of Platelet-Rich-Plasma on the Healing of Left Colonic Anastomosis in a Rat Model of Intra-Abdominal Sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the healing of colonic anastomosis in the presence of sepsis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifty Wistar-albino male rats were used. Ten healthy rats were euthanized to prepare PRP, the rest were subjected to colonic anastomosis and randomly allocated into four groups of 10 rats each as anastomosis without PRP (C), without PRP in sepsis (SC), anastomosis with PRP (C-PRP), and with PRP in sepsis (S-PRP). Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture procedure. All animals were euthanized on postoperative day 7. The body weight change, anastomotic bursting pressure (ABP), tissue hydroxyproline (TH) and histopathological examination of each group were analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOWA) and Tukey's HSD post-hoc test to assess the differences between the groups. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference among the groups in terms of body weight changes. The ABP was measured at a mean value of 179.5 ± 10.3, 129.3 ± 14.2, 209 ± 14.4, and 167.5 ± 7.5 mm-Hg, in group C, SC, C-PRP, and S-PRP, respectively. The ABP and TH of C-PRP group was significantly higher than three groups (p < .05, for each comparison). In sepsis, PRP significantly raised the mean ABP and TH levels up to the levels of C group. Tissue regeneration was significant with increased collagen formation in C-PRP group than the other groups (p < .05). The healing effect of PRP in the presence of sepsis was significant than S-group (p < .05), while similar to C group (p = .181). CONCLUSION: PRP application to colonic anastomosis promotes the healing process in rats with intra-abdominal sepsis.

The relationship between patient stress and the blood levels of acute phase proteins in rhinoplasty: the report of a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to interrogate the relationship between patient stress and the levels of acute phase proteins (APP) in rhinoplasty. METHODS: Twenty-six primary rhinoplasty patients were asked about the most stressful step of the rhinoplasty process, which were (1) deciding on the operation, (2) waiting in the preoperative room, (3) the first few postoperative hours, and (4) withdrawing the nasal pack, in order beginning from the most stressful one, preoperatively, and then postoperatively. C-reactive protein (CRP), alfa-1-acide glycoprotein (AAG), ceruloplasmin (CER), haptoglobulin (HPT), and alfa-1-antitrypsin (AT) have been studied in blood to detect a relation between the patient stress and the levels of APP. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the "imagined" most stressful step was Step 4 (61.53%). Postoperatively, the "declared" most stressful step was Step 3 (50%). The blood levels of APP matched with the imagined rather than the declared stress. CONCLUSION: Patient stress could be a preoperative issue, which should be eliminated preoperatively. Detailed description of the surgery and some pharmaceutics can inhibit the negative effects of the stressors and have a contribution to patient comfort.

The role of fibronectin and nitric oxide (NO) in gastrointestinal cancers.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastrointestinal cancers are one of the most common malignancies in the world. Various etiologic factors have been proposed including viruses, chemical agents, and genetic factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of fibronectin (FN) and nitric oxide (NO) in gastric and colorectal cancers. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-nine patients (22 males, 17 females) with colorectal, 18 (10 males, 8 females) with gastric cancer, and 22 healthy control subjects were included in the study. The Griess reaction was used for the measurement of NO levels. An immunochemical reaction was used for measurement of FN levels. RESULTS: We found increased levels of NO in colon and gastric cancer, and decreased levels of FN in colon cancer when compared with healthy control subjects. Neither FN nor NO levels were associated with age, gender, stage of disease and survival status. No significant association was found between NO and FN levels. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these two molecules might contribute to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal cancers. The combination with standard chemotherapy and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors may be useful for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.

Effects of trapidil after crush injury in peripheral nerve.

In this study, we evaluated the effects of trapidil on crush injury by monitoring nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and transforming growth factor-Beta2 levels and by transmission electron microscopy in the rat sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve was compressed for 20 sec by using a jewelers forceps. Trapidil treatment groups were administrated a single dose of trapidil (8 mg/kg) intraperitoneally just after the injury. The crush and crush + trapidil treatment groups were evaluated on the 2nd, 7th, 15th, 30th and 45th days of the post-crush period. On the 7th and 15th days, damage in thin and thick myelinated axons, endoneural edema and mitochondrial swelling were less severe in the trapidil group histopathologically. These findings supported the idea that trapidil prevented cell damage and edema at the injury site. Day/group interaction with regard to serum nitric oxide, malondialdehyde and transforming growth factor-Beta2 levels did not show significant changes.

Local Effect of Neurotrophin-3 in Neuronal Inflammation of Allergic Rhinitis: Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a common inflammatory nasal mucosal disease characterized by sneezing, watery nasal discharge, nasal obstruction and itching. Although allergen-specific antibodies play a main role in the allergic airway inflammation, neuronal inflammation may also contribute to the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Neuronal inflammation is primarily caused by the stimulation of sensory nerve endings with histamine. It has been shown that neurotrophins may also have a role in allergic reactions and neuronal inflammation. Nerve growth factor, neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), neurotrophin 4/5 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor are members of the neurotrophin family. Although nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor are well studied in allergic rhinitis patients, the exact role of Neurotrophin-3 is not known. AIMS: To investigate the possible roles of neurotrophin-3 in allergic rhinitis patients. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: Neurotrophin-3 levels were studied in the inferior turbinate and serum samples of 20 allergic rhinitis and 13 control patients. Neurotrophin-3 staining of nasal tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and ELISA was used for the determination of serum Neurotrophin-3 levels. RESULTS: Neurotrophin-3 staining scores were statistically higher in the study group than in the control patients (p=0.001). Regarding serum Neurotrophin-3 levels, no statistically significant difference could be determined between allergic rhinitis and control patients (p=0.156). When comparing the serum NT-3 levels with tissue staining scores, there were no statistically significant differences in the allergic rhinitis and control groups (p=0.254 for allergic rhinitis and p=0.624 for control groups). CONCLUSION: We suggest that Neurotrophin-3 might affect the nasal mucosa locally without being released into the systemic circulation in allergic rhinitis patients.

Ischemic preconditioning reduces intestinal epithelial apoptosis in rats.

Recent experimental studies have described protective effect of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the intestine. We hypothesize that to reach a new point of view on the effect of IPC in intestinal barrier function, the relationship between I/R-induced mucosal injury and apoptosis must first be clarified. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of IPC on intestinal apoptosis and probable contributions of bcl-2 expression to this process. We also investigated the effect of intestinal IPC on ileal malondyaldihyde levels. Forty-four male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups each consisting of 11 rats: sham-operated control, I/R group (30 min of superior mesenteric artery occlusion), IPC-I/R group (10 min of temporary artery occlusion prior before an ischemic insult of 30 min), and IPC alone group (10 min of preconditioning). Twenty-four hours later, ileum samples were obtained. Ileal malondyaldihyde levels were increased in the I/R group (31.9 +/- 18.8 vs. 106.8 +/- 39.8) but not in the IPC alone and IPC-I/R groups (38.1 +/- 13.6 and 44.7 +/- 12.7; P < 0.01). The number of apoptotic cells was significantly lower in IPC-I/R group than that of I/R group, and these findings were further supported by DNA laddering and M30 findings. Diminished bcl-2 expression observed in the ileal specimens of I/R group was prevented by IPC. Our results indicate that IPC may provide a protective effect on ileal epithelium and that this effect is probably the result of a significant increase in the expression of bcl-2 after the insult. The reversal of apoptosis by IPC might help preserving the vitality of intestinal structures that have a critical function, cessation of which often leads to multiorgan dysfunction syndrome.