Switch-associated protein 70 antibodies in multiple sclerosis: possible association with disease progression

This study was conducted to identify a biomarker for multiple sclerosis [MS] that can be used as a predictor of relapse and disability. Sera of 26 consecutive relapsing-remitting MS [RRMS] patients were screened for switch-associated protein 70 [SWAP-70] antibody, which was previously identified by protein macroarray. The serum levels of several cytokines, chemokines and soluble adhesion molecules related to MS attacks were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. A possible correlation was sought among levels of SWAP-70 antibody, measured humoral factors and disability scores. ELISA studies showed high-titre SWAP-70 antibodies in 16 [61.5%] RRMS sera obtained during the attack period and 9 [34.6%] sera obtained during remission. There was a significant inverse correlation between SWAP-70 antibody levels and expanded disability status scale scores, CXCL10, soluble VCAM-1, CXCL13 and soluble VLA-4 levels. Our results showed that SWAP-70 antibodies could potentially be utilized as relapse and prognostic biomarkers in MS. Whether or not SWAP-70 antibodies have any effect on disease mechanisms requires further investigation

The Relationship between Quiescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Peripheral Polyneuropathy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic, recurrent disorder that involves multiple organ systems. Polyneuropathy is the most common neurological manifestation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between polyneuropathy and inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: The study included 40 patients with infl ammatory bowel disease (20 with ulcerative colitis and 20 with Crohn's disease) and 24 healthy controls. The patients had no clinical signs or symptoms of polyneuropathy. Nerve conduction studies were performed using an electroneuromyography apparatus. RESULTS: Mean distal motor latencies, conduction velocities, and F wave minimum latencies of the right median nerve were signifi cantly abnormal in the patient group, compared to the healthy controls (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Some electrophysiological alterations were observed in chronic inflammatory bowel disease patients who showed no clinical signs. While investigating extra-intestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease patients, nerve conduction studies must be performed to identify electrophysiological changes and subclinical peripheral polyneuropathy, which can subsequently develop.

Measurement of the total antioxidant potential in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases with a novel automated method

To determine the oxidative and antioxidative status of plasma of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and to compare these values with healthy smokers and healthy non-smokers control subjects using a more recently developed automated measurement method. This study involved 40 COPD patients, 25 healthy smokers, and 25 healthy non-smokers who attended the Chest Diseases Outpatient Clinic in Harran University Research Hospital, Turkey during the period between March 2006 and June 2006. We calculated the total antioxidant potential [TAOP] to determine the antioxidative status of plasma, and we measured the total peroxide levels to determine the oxidative status of plasma. The TAOP of plasma was significantly lower in patients with COPD than in healthy smokers and healthy non-smokers [P<0.001]. In contrast, the mean total peroxide level of plasma was significantly higher in COPD patients than in healthy smokers and healthy non-smokers [P<0.001]. We found a decreased in TAOP COPD patients using a simple, rapid and reliably automated colorimetric assay, which may suitable for use in routine clinical biochemistry laboratory, and considerably facilitates the assessment of this useful clinical parameter. We suggest that this novel method may be used as a routine test to evaluate and follow-up the levels of oxidative stress in COPD

Prevalence of chronic bronchitis-asthma symptoms in biomass fuel exposed females

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>We investigated whether exposure to biomass fuel is a potential risk factor for chronic bronchitis and asthma among females in rural area in Van (east Turkey).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effect of indoor pollution producing various respiratory symptoms was studied in 177 females. Of these, 90 were those who used biomass fuel and 87 were nonusers of biomass fuel. A part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey quastionnaire and British Medical Research Council questionnaire were used.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Asthma related symptoms (AS) (wheezing, and combination of wheezing without a cold and wheezing with breathlessness) were reported in 63.3% of those who used biomass fuel, and in 12.9% of nonusers (p<0.0001). The use of asthma medication was reported as 3.3% of biomass fuel users, and in 2.7% of nonuser (p>0.05). Long term cough and/or morning cough together with sputum (chronic bronchitis symptoms (BS) was reported as 58.9% in the user group, and 29.4% in the nonuser group (p<0.0001). Significant differences in AS and BS were found between biomass fuel user and nonuser groups in the rural area.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results of this study showed a significant association between symptoms of chronic bronchitis-asthma and biomass fuel usage in females living in a rural area.</p>