Evaluation of the Urine Drug Abuse Screening Tests.

BACKGROUND: Substance use is an important public health problem and increasing all over the world. Different methods have been defined for drug abuse testing in medical laboratories. We aimed to compare two urine drug screening methods with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). METHODS: A total of 102 patients' urine samples were analyzed by test dip card and EMIT (enzyme multiplied im-munoassay technique). Randomly selected samples (n = 51; 50%) were also analyzed by LC-MS/MS as the reference method. RESULTS: The drug results of all patients analyzed with the test card and EMIT were compatible. Nine of 51 samples (18%) were negative according to all methods. The sensitivity and specificity percentages of AMP, COC, MDMA, OPI/MOP, and THC using test card were 70/96, 100/100, 47/100, 50/100, and 80/85, respectively. Similarly, the sensitivity and specificity percentages of AMP, COC, MDMA, OPI/MOP, and THC using EMIT were 76/97, 100/100, 57/100, 56/100, and 76/91, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The performances of two immunochemical methods were similar for AMP, BZO, COC, MDMA, OPI/MOP, and THC whereas lower than LCMS/MS for AMP, MDMA, OPI/MOP, and THC. A sample that is positive according to any immunochemical method should be confirmed by definitive techniques such as LC-MS/MS.

Optimization of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit protocol to detect trimethylamine N-oxide levels in humans.

The serum level of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota metabolite associated with diabetes, cancer, inflammatory and neurological diseases, can be determined by the micro-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. However, we had problems obtaining accurate standard curves with the original kit protocol from Bioassay Technology Laboratory. We aimed to acquire proper standard curves by modifying the kit protocol in this study. First, we evaluated the human TMAO ELISA kit protocols and other human ELISA kits. We maintained the incubation times longer and increased the wash cycle. Moreover, we incubated the standards containing biotinylated antibody in the wells alone. Then we washed the wells and added streptavidin-HRP for the second incubation step. The data of original and modified ELISA kit protocol were analyzed with Student's t-test. We measured higher absorbance with lower standard solution concentration in experiments that followed the original kit protocol. After investigating other human TMAO ELISA kits, we noticed that the SunRed Biotechnology Company and MyBioSource companies suggested similar protocols to the Bioassay Technology Laboratory company. The ELK Biotechnology ELISA protocol was different from others. However, since there is no biotinylated antibody in the standard solution in the ELK biotechnology kit, we changed some steps by examining other human ELISA protocols from different companies. After performing the modified protocol, we found that the absorbances of the standard solutions were consistent with their concentrations, and we obtained an accurate standard curve. Higher R2 values and lower absolute difference of standard concentrations were found in the modified kit protocol. The human TMAO ELISA protocol, which we modified in this study, will enable researchers to obtain more reliable results and prevent them from failing time and resources.

Evaluation of plasma soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (SuPAR) levels in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (SuPAR), a soluble form of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, is a biomarker produced by macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, active T cells, endothelial cells, and circulating tumor cells. SuPAR is a novel biomarker showing altered inflammation in many inflammatory diseases. This study aims to investigate the SuPAR level in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and to evaluate the SuPAR level in active, and remission patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patient and healthy control SuPAR levels were analyzed by immunoassay method. SuPAR levels between UC patients and control group were compared. The difference between SuPAR levels in patients with active UC and UC in remission was analyzed. The relationship between C-reactive protein level, Total Mayo score, Mayo Endoscopic score used to predict disease activity, and amount of SuPAR were evaluated. RESULTS: SuPAR levels were determined in the UC patient group (2170,3 ± 121,0 pg/ml), and healthy controls (2130,7 ± 164,8 pg/ml) (p = 0. 805). Median SuPAR levels were determined in moderate UC (2479 pg/ml), mild UC (1944 pg/ml), and patients in remission (1774 pg/ml) (p = 0,207). There were no significant relationships between SuPAR levels and CRP levels, Total Mayo score, disease duration in the UC group (r = 0.177, r = 0.267, and r = 0,007; respectively p > 0.05). A slightly positive correlation was found between Mayo Endoscopic Score and SuPAR level (r = 0.303; p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: SuPAR is of limited value in the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and in the assessment of disease activation.

The effect of breast milk nesfatin-1 and ghrelin levels on growth in infants with SGA.

BACKGROUND: Current studies claim that peptides such as leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, and nesfatin-1 found in breast milk may be responsible for the growth of infants. Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between breast milk total ghrelin and nesfatin-1 levels and anthropometric measurements of infants who were small for gestational age (SGA). METHODS: 20 SGA and 20 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric measurements of infants were carried out at birth, 1st, and 4th months. In addition, total ghrelin and nesfatin-1 levels in the breast milk were concomitantly measured. RESULTS: Total ghrelin at the 4th month in breast milk waslower-level in the SGA group (p=0.015). In both groups, nesfatin-1 levels at the 4th month were lower than the values at the 1st month. Additionally, nesfatin-1 levels of SGA infants at the 4th month were higher (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Breast milk total ghrelin and nesfatin-1 levels differed in both groups, and it is probably referred to the growth discrepancy of these infants during the first months of life. Furthermore, we consider that higher breast milk nesfatin-1 levels at the 4th month may be a preventive against obesity in SGA infants who have potential risk for obesity in childhood and adulthood.

Evaluation of serum Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL-2), Angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL-8), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and normoglycemic pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of the fasting serum levels of Anjiopoetin 2 - like protein (ANGPTL2), Anjiopoetin 8-like protein (ANGPTL8), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the etiopathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and analyze the relationships between insulin resistance parameters. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The 90 individuals admitted to Izmir Katip Celebi University Hospital Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Obstetrics, and gynecology outpatient clinic were included in the study of similar ages and similar demographic characteristics. Forty-five women with diet-controlled GDM and 45 women with normoglycemic pregnancy were enrolled. ANGPTL-2, ANGPTL-8, hs-CRP, creatinine, ALT, GGT, lipid profile, HBA1c(%), and serum insülin, c-peptide levels were studied in the fasting serum samples of research groups. All individuals had 75-g OGTT testing. GDM screening was performed at 24-28 weeks' gestation. Exclusion criteria were as follows: Age <18 years or >40 years, pregestational diabetes (type 1 or 2), drug or alcohol abuse, thyroid dysfunction, Hepatitis B, and other infectious diseases (Herpes virus, Streptococcus B carriers, Chlamydia and Candida), Thalassemia carriers or other significant medical conditions, the use of any medication that interferes with lipid or glucose metabolism that would affect glucose regulation. RESULT: Forty-five women with GDM and for the control group, 45 women with normoglycemic pregnant women were identified. The mean gestational age was 30.7 (18-38) for GDM and 29.6 (24-39) for the control group. Serum ANGPTL-8 (GDM =19.5 ± 93 Control = 0.73 ± 3.78 p = <.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the case and control groups for serum ANGPTL-8 levels. Serum ANGPTL-2 (GDM =19.9 ± 23.1 Control = 26.0 ± 23.4 p = .105) and serum hs-CRP(GDM =106 ± 65.1 Control =98.2 ± 87.3 p = .768). There was no statistically significant difference between the case and control groups for serum ANGPTL-2 and hsCRP levels. Serum ANGPTL8 levels were positively correlated with FPG (r = 0.391, p = <.001), FPI (r = 0.212, p = .045), 1-h PPG (r = 0.514, p = <.001), 2-h PPG (r = 0.502, p = <.001), HOMA-IR) score (r = 0.310, p = .003), TG (r = 0.245, p = .020); they were not except for BMI, hs-CRP levels and ANGPTL2 levels. CONCLUSIONS: ANGPTL8 levels were significantly higher in GDM than in healthy control group. ANGPTL2 levels and hs-CRP levels were similar to the healthy control group. Elevated serum ANGPTL8 levels were correlated significantly with insulin resistance parameters, the main component of GDM pathophysiology. Our data showed that ANGPTL8 could be a new biomarker for diagnosing GDM.

Vitamin D Levels and Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Gene Polymorphisms in Inactive Hepatitis B Virus Carriers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and vitamin D levels in inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: From March to September 2017 at the Izmir Katip Celebi University (IKCU) Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. METHODOLOGY: Eighty-six inactive hepatitis B carriers and 86 control individuals were included in the study. Individuals with diseases or under medication that could affect vitamin D levels were excluded from the study. Serum vitamin D concentration of >30 ng/mL was considered as sufficient, between 20-30 ng/mL as insufficient, <20 ng/mL as deficiency and <10 ng/mL as severe deficiency. VDR gene Bsm I, Fok I, Apa I and Taq I polymorphisms were identified by the polymerase chain reaction-fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. RESULTS: When vitamin D levels were examined, 52.3% (n = 45) of the inactive HBV carriers had severe deficiency, 38.4% (n = 33) deficiency, 7% (n = 6) insufficiency; 45.3% (n = 39) of the control group had severe deficiency, 43% (n = 37) deficiency, and 7% (n = 6) insufficiency. There was no statistically significant relationship between VDR gene and Bsm I, Fok I, Apa I, Taq I polymorphisms and vitamin D levels in inactive hepatitis B carriers and control group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent both among control population as well as in chronic hepatitis patients. Key Words: Inactive HBV carrier, Vitamin D, Polymorphism, Vitamin D receptor (VDR).

Avaliação de Padrões Pressóricos Dipper e Não-Dipper e Qualidade de Vida entre Pacientes com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica / Evaluation of Dipper and Non-dipper Blood Pressure Patterns and Quality of Life Among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Resumo Fundamento O padrão pressórico não-dipper é definido por uma redução inferior a 10% na pressão arterial noturna e está associado a doenças cardiovasculares. Acredita-se que a inflamação desempenhe um papel na patogênese da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) e no padrão pressórico não-dipper e ambas as doenças estão associadas a uma qualidade de vida mais baixa. Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi o de investigar os efeitos do padrão pressórico não-dipper em pacientes com DPOC. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo transversal incluindo 142 pacientes com DPOC. O Questionário Respiratório de Saint George e a Escala de Qualidade de Vida Euro foram utilizados para a coleta de dados. Para entender a rigidez arterial, o índice de aumento e a velocidade da onda de pulso foram medidos; subsequentemente, foi realizada a monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial de 24 horas. Foi aplicado um modelo de regressão logística multivariável para entender a relação entre as diferentes variáveis independentes e o padrão pressórico. Foram considerados estatisticamente significativos valores de p inferiores a 0,05. Resultados Como resultado, 76,1% (n = 108) dos pacientes apresentaram o padrão pressórico não-dipper. Os pacientes com padrão não-dipper apresentaram valores mais altos de proteína C reativa (OR: 1,123; IC 95%: 1,016;1,242), índice de aumento (OR: 1,057; IC 95%: 1,011;1,105) e pontuação total no Questionário Respiratório de Saint George (OR: 1,021; IC 95%: 1,001;1,042), em comparação com os pacientes com padrão dipper. Adicionalmente, com o aumento do número de pessoas que habitavam o domicílio, verificou-se que o padrão pressórico não-dipper era mais frequente (OR: 1,339; IC 95%:1,009;1,777). Conclusão O padrão pressórico não-dipper pode aumentar o risco cardiovascular ao desencadear a inflamação e pode afetar adversamente o prognóstico da DPOC diminuindo a qualidade de vida relacionada à doença. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background Non-dipper blood pressure is defined by less than a 10% reduction in nighttime blood pressure, and it is associated with cardiovascular disease. Inflammation is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-dipper blood pressure pattern, and both diseases are associated with lower quality of life. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of non-dipper blood pressure pattern in patients with COPD. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out with 142 patients with COPD. The Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire and the Euro Quality of Life Scale were used to collect data. To understand arterial stiffness, the augmentation index and pulse wave velocity were measured, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was subsequently performed. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to understand the relationship between different independent variables and blood pressure pattern. P values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results As a result, 76.1% (n = 108) of the patients had non-dipper blood pressure pattern. Non-dipper patients had higher C-reactive protein (OR:1.123; 95% CI:1.016;1.242), augmentation index (OR: 1.057; 95% CI: 1.011;1.105) and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire total score (OR: 1.021; 95% CI: 1.001;1.042) than dipper patients. Also, as the number of people living at home increased, non-dipper blood pressure pattern was found to be more frequent (OR: 1.339; 95% CI: 1.009;1.777). Conclusion Non-dipper blood pressure pattern may increase cardiovascular risk by triggering inflammation and may adversely affect the prognosis of COPD by lowering the disease-related quality of life. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Evaluation of Dipper and Non-dipper Blood Pressure Patterns and Quality of Life Among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. / Avaliação de Padrões Pressóricos Dipper e Não-Dipper e Qualidade de Vida entre Pacientes com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica.

BACKGROUND: Non-dipper blood pressure is defined by less than a 10% reduction in nighttime blood pressure, and it is associated with cardiovascular disease. Inflammation is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-dipper blood pressure pattern, and both diseases are associated with lower quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of non-dipper blood pressure pattern in patients with COPD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 142 patients with COPD. The Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire and the Euro Quality of Life Scale were used to collect data. To understand arterial stiffness, the augmentation index and pulse wave velocity were measured, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was subsequently performed. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to understand the relationship between different independent variables and blood pressure pattern. P values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: As a result, 76.1% (n = 108) of the patients had non-dipper blood pressure pattern. Non-dipper patients had higher C-reactive protein (OR:1.123; 95% CI:1.016;1.242), augmentation index (OR: 1.057; 95% CI: 1.011;1.105) and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire total score (OR: 1.021; 95% CI: 1.001;1.042) than dipper patients. Also, as the number of people living at home increased, non-dipper blood pressure pattern was found to be more frequent (OR: 1.339; 95% CI: 1.009;1.777). CONCLUSION: Non-dipper blood pressure pattern may increase cardiovascular risk by triggering inflammation and may adversely affect the prognosis of COPD by lowering the disease-related quality of life. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

FUNDAMENTO: O padrão pressórico não-dipper é definido por uma redução inferior a 10% na pressão arterial noturna e está associado a doenças cardiovasculares. Acredita-se que a inflamação desempenhe um papel na patogênese da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) e no padrão pressórico não-dipper e ambas as doenças estão associadas a uma qualidade de vida mais baixa. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi o de investigar os efeitos do padrão pressórico não-dipper em pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal incluindo 142 pacientes com DPOC. O Questionário Respiratório de Saint George e a Escala de Qualidade de Vida Euro foram utilizados para a coleta de dados. Para entender a rigidez arterial, o índice de aumento e a velocidade da onda de pulso foram medidos; subsequentemente, foi realizada a monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial de 24 horas. Foi aplicado um modelo de regressão logística multivariável para entender a relação entre as diferentes variáveis independentes e o padrão pressórico. Foram considerados estatisticamente significativos valores de p inferiores a 0,05. RESULTADOS: Como resultado, 76,1% (n = 108) dos pacientes apresentaram o padrão pressórico não-dipper. Os pacientes com padrão não-dipper apresentaram valores mais altos de proteína C reativa (OR: 1,123; IC 95%: 1,016;1,242), índice de aumento (OR: 1,057; IC 95%: 1,011;1,105) e pontuação total no Questionário Respiratório de Saint George (OR: 1,021; IC 95%: 1,001;1,042), em comparação com os pacientes com padrão dipper. Adicionalmente, com o aumento do número de pessoas que habitavam o domicílio, verificou-se que o padrão pressórico não-dipper era mais frequente (OR: 1,339; IC 95%:1,009;1,777). CONCLUSÃO: O padrão pressórico não-dipper pode aumentar o risco cardiovascular ao desencadear a inflamação e pode afetar adversamente o prognóstico da DPOC diminuindo a qualidade de vida relacionada à doença. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Do oral amino acid supplements facilitate the healing of rat lung injuries?

OBJECTIVES: Prolonged air leaks following lung injury cause extended hospital stays. This study investigated the effect of nutritional supplements containing arginine, glutamine and ß-hydroxy ß-methyl butyrate, which were theoretically proven to accelerate wound healing, on air leak and wound healing parameters in a rat lung injury model. METHODS: Twenty-eight female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Experimental groups were given glutamine (Resource Glutamine®) or a mixture of arginine, glutamine and ß-hydroxy ß-methyl butyrate (Abound®) as a dietary supplement at isonitrogenous and isocaloric doses. On day 3, standard sized lung injuries were created in all rats except the sham group. The rats were sacrificed on day 6, and the lungs were removed for air-leak threshold pressure measurement and histopathological and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Loss of body mass was greater in the glutamine group than in the other groups (P = 0.004). Rats that received the amino acid mixture had better results for mature collagen fibre density (P = 0.002) and inflammation suppression (P = 0.003). The sham group had higher values for air-leak threshold pressure and all other histochemical parameters compared to the other groups. Hydroxyproline level did not differ significantly in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that an oral amino acid mixture was effective in the healing of lung injuries. Isolated glutamine supplementation had an adverse impact on body mass. Randomized clinical studies including larger series are needed. Hydroxyproline does not seem to be a suitable marker for this purpose.

Evaluation of oxaliplatin-induced pulmonary toxicity in rats.

INTRODUCTION: The mechanism of oxaliplatin (OXA) induced pulmonary toxicity is not fully understood. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was designed to investigate the pulmonary toxicity of OXA that has been reported in previous studies. Study design: animal experiments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 40 female Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. In group 1, 5% glucose was injected intra-peritoneally; then the rats were sacrificed on day 14. OXA was administered in groups 2, 3, 4, and 5; then the animals were sacrificed on day 7 in group 2, day 14 in group 3, day 28 in group 4 and day 48 in group 5. The groups were further categorized as short-term administration and long-term administration groups. Furthermore, tissue glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity was measured in all rats. RESULTS: The mean GPX activities were 0.66 U/mg in the sham group, 0.74 U/mg in the short-term groups, and 0.74 U/mg in the long-term groups. We found that long-term OXA administration causes pulmonary toxicity resulting in increased intra-alveolar/interstitial macrophages and interstitial pneumonia. Similarly, we found reduced and permanent tissue GPX activity in rats that received OXA in higher doses and for a long term. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term OXA therapy causes toxic changes in the lung tissue.

Relationship between Postmenopausal Vitamin D Level, Menopausal Symptoms and Sexual Functions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether vitamin D levels correlate with menopausal symptoms and female sexual functions. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Izmir Katip Celebi University Hospital, Izmir, Turkey, between February and October 2017. METHODOLOGY: Menopausal and sexual active ladies aged 40-70 years were inducted. Those with psychiatric disorders, endocive abnormalities, related therapy, and malignancy were excluded. Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to collect data. Also blood samples were collected from the patients. The study's data were examined with logistic and linear regression models. RESULTS: Total MRS scale scores of the 303 subjects with one of the following conditions had a higher menopause symptom score; chronic disease, vaginal discharge, chronic pain, unsatisfied with sex, sleep problems, and low vitamin D level (p=0.023, p=0.007, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.017, and p<0.001; respectively). It was found that those who have middle income level were more likely to have better sexual function (OR: 0.209, 95% CI: 0.065; 0.671) compared to those who have low income level. It was found that those with higher MRS somatic complaint (OR: 1.274; 95% CI: 1.087; 1.494) and urogenital complaint (OR: 1.670; 95% CI: 1.326; 2.102) and ones with lower vitamin D levels (OR: 0.963; %95 CI: 0.941; 0.987) were more likely to report complaints for sexual function disorders. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D of all women in menopause should be evaluated. High vitamin D levels should reduce menopausal symptoms and positively affect sexual function.

Evaluation of smoking as an additional risk factor for cardiovascular diseases among hemodialysis patients by increased levels of II-6, TNFα, hs-CRP and Endothelin-1 / Evaluación del tabaquismo como factor de riesgo adicional de enfermedades cardiovasculares en pacientes en hemodiálisis según niveles elevados de II-6, TNFα, hs-CRP y Endotelina-1

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the most common causes of mortality in chronic kidney disease. Smoking is a well defined risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and endothelin-1 (Et-1) have found elevated in chronic inflammatory process. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate if IL-6, TNF-alpha, hsCRP and ET-1 are increased in smoker hemodialysis (HD) patient compared to non-smoker HD individuals to potentially refer us cardiovascular diseases noninvasively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 80 smoker and 50 non-smoker maintenance hemodialysis male patients with similar demographic characters, dialysis and support treatment and metabolic profile. In addition to routine tests, we took samples for evaluating IL-6, TNF-α, hsCRP and endothelin-1. P values were In smoker HD patients, IL-6, TNF-alpha, hsCRP and endothelin-1 levels were found increased level statistically significant compared to non-smoker indiviuals. CONCLUSION: This study may refer us that smoking is an additional risk factor among HD individuals by increased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, hsCRP and Et-1

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares (EC) constituyen una de las causas más frecuentes de mortalidad en los casos de enfermedad renal crónica. El tabaquismo es un factor de riesgo bien definido para la enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica. Se encontraron valores elevados de Interleucina-6 (IL-6), factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNFα), proteína C-reactiva de alta sensibilidad (hs-CRP) y Endotelina-1 (Et-1) en el proceso inflamatorio crónico. OBJETIVO: El objetivo fue analizar si los valores de IL-6, TNFα, hs CRP y Et-1 son más elevados en los pacientes fumadores en hemodiálisis que en los no fumadores para predecir una posible enfermedad cardiovascular de forma no invasiva. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron pacientes masculinos en hemodiálisis de mantenimiento, 80 fumadores y 50 no fumadores, similares en cuanto a sus características demográficas, tratamiento de diálisis y de mantenimiento, y perfil metabólico. Además de los análisis de rutina, se tomaron muestras para evaluar los valores de IL-6, TNFα, hs CRP y Endotelina-1. Se midieron los valores de p. RESULTADOS: Se halló una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en los niveles de IL-6, TNFα, hs CRP y Endotelina-1: fueron más elevados en los pacientes sometidos a hemodiálisis que eran fumadores en comparación con los no fumadores.CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio podría demostrar que el tabaquismo es un factor de riesgo adicional para los pacientes que se tratan con hemodiálisis según muestran los valores elevados de IL-6, TNFα, hs CRP y Et-1

Elevated circulating levels of xenopsin-related peptide-1 are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to compare serum xenopsin-related peptide-1 (XP-1) levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in healthy women and to determine the role of XP-1 levels in PCOS. METHODS: Forty patients with PCOS and 38 healthy women were included in the study and matched with age and body mass index. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), XP-1 and total testosterone levels of all participants were measured. RESULTS: Serum XP-1 levels significantly increased in women with PCOS compared to the control group (6.49 ± 1.57 vs 5.29 ± 1.45 ng/ml, p = 0.001). Serum insulin, hs-CRP, HOMA-IR, total testosterone levels and waist circumference were higher in women with PCOS than in control group. High XP-1 levels were associated with PCOS after adjustment for potential confounders. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed that the area under ROC curves was 0.703 (95% CI 0.588-0.818, p < 0.002) for XP-1 levels. The optimal cut-off value of XP-1 for detecting PCOS was ≥5.87 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that increased XP-1 levels were associated with PCOS after adjustment for potential confounders, which has been shown to be effective in the function of the insulin signaling pathway.

The relationship of urocortin-2 with insulin resistance patients having PCOS.

In this study, we aimed to compare the serum urocortin-2 (UCN2) levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy women. Thirty-eight patients with PCOS and 41 healthy women were included in the study whose age and BMI matched. The fasting serum glucose, insulin, free testosterone, hs-CRP and UCN2 levels of the all participants were examined. HOMA-IR formula was used in order to calculate the insulin resistance. Circulating UCN2 levels were significantly elevated in women with PCOS compared with controls (142.93 ± 59.48 versus 98.56 ± 65.01 pg/ml, p = 0.002). FBG, serum insulin, hs-CRP and HOMA-IR levels were found to be increased in women with PCOS. There was a positive correlation between UCN2 and free-testosterone in only PCOS group (r = 0.235, p = 0.027). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds ratio for PCOS was 2.31 for patients in the highest quartile of UCN2 compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.88-2.83, p=0.021). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that HOMA-IR, hs-CRP and free-testosterone independently predicted UCN2 levels (p < 0.05). UCN2 levels were significantly higher in PCOS cases when compared to control group. UCN2 is thought to be effective on pathophysiology of PCOS by paracrine and autocrine pathways.

Increased circulating urocortin-3 levels is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.

This study was aimed to compare serum urocortin-3 (UCN3) levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy women, and establish what role UCN3 levels play in PCOS. Fifty-two patients with PCOS and 55 healthy women were included in the study, matched for age and body mass index. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, hs-CRP, UCN3 and free-testosterone levels of the all participants were measured. HOMA-IR was used to calculate the insulin resistance. Circulating UCN3 levels were significantly increased in women with PCOS than in control subjects (54.49 ± 5.77 versus 51.28 ± 5.86 pmol/l, p = 0.005). Serum insulin, hs-CRP and HOMA-IR levels were higher in women with PCOS than in control group. UCN3 levels positively correlated with hs-CRP in PCOS group (r = 0.391, p = 0.004). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curves were 0.732 (95% CI 0.634-0.830, p < 0.001) for UCN3 levels. The optimal cut-off value of UCN3 for detecting PCOS was ≥51.46 pmol/l, at which the sensitivity was 75% and specificity was 68%. Our results suggest that there is a potential link between PCOS and UCN3 levels. The results of this study support the presence of increased UCN3 levels for the association of inflammation with PCOS.

S100A1 as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Assessing Cardiotoxicity and Implications for the Chemotherapy of Certain Cancers.

This study examined the value of blood marker S100A1 in detecting cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy agents; trastuzumab and lapatinib, in normal rat heart. The rats were divided into three groups: control (n = 8, no treatment), T (n = 8, one time ip treatment with 10 mg/kg trastuzumab) and L (n = 8, oral treatment with 100 mg/kg/day lapatinib for 7 days). The activities of oxidative stress parameters Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione (GSH) were measured from the extracted cardiac tissues. The levels of troponinI and S100A1 expressions were measured from blood samples. All biomarkers responded to the treatments as they exhibited alterations from their normative values, validating the chemically induced cardiotoxicity. S100A1 expression attenuated significantly (75%), which made the sensitive detection of cardiotoxicity feasible. Assessment of cardiotoxicity with S100A1 may be a valuable alternative in clinical oncology of cancers in some organs such as breast and prostate, as they do not overexpress it to compete against.

The effect of methyl palmitate on treatment of experimental asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of methyl palmitate on murine model of chronic asthma. METHODS: The experimental study was conducted in the animal laboratory of DokuzEylul University, Turkey, from October to December, 2012, and comprised BALB/c mice whowere divided into four equal groups: three experimental and one control group. All groups except the control group were sensitised and challenged with ovalbumin. Mice with experimentally-induced asthma in Group I received saline; Group II dexamethasone 1mg/kg; Group III methyl palmitate300mg/kg intraperitoneally three times per week in the last four weeks of the study period. Animals were sacrificed 24h after the last administration of study drugs. Histological findings of airways were evaluated by light microscopic examination. Blood samples from vena cava inferior were taken for measurement of interleukin-5 levels. SPSS 15 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The 28 female mice in the study were divided into 4 groups of 7(25%) each. The age range of the animals was 6-8weeks, and the weight range was 18-20g. All histological parameters and interleukin-5 levels of asthma in the Group III were significantly ameliorated compared to the Group I (p<0.05). All histological parameters and interleukin-5 levels were similar between Group III and Group II. CONCLUSIONS: Methyl palmitate exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by resolving the histological changes and reducing the interleukin-5 levels in murine model of chronic asthma.

Clinical biochemistry laboratory rejection rates due to various types of preanalytical errors.

INTRODUCTION: Preanalytical errors, along the process from the beginning of test requests to the admissions of the specimens to the laboratory, cause the rejection of samples. The aim of this study was to better explain the reasons of rejected samples, regarding to their rates in certain test groups in our laboratory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This preliminary study was designed on the rejected samples in one-year period, based on the rates and types of inappropriateness. Test requests and blood samples of clinical chemistry, immunoassay, hematology, glycated hemoglobin, coagulation and erythrocyte sedimentation rate test units were evaluated. Types of inappropriateness were evaluated as follows: improperly labelled samples, hemolysed, clotted specimen, insufficient volume of specimen and total request errors. RESULTS: A total of 5,183,582 test requests from 1,035,743 blood collection tubes were considered. The total rejection rate was 0.65 %. The rejection rate of coagulation group was significantly higher (2.28%) than the other test groups (P < 0.001) including insufficient volume of specimen error rate as 1.38%. Rejection rates of hemolysis, clotted specimen and insufficient volume of sample error were found to be 8%, 24% and 34%, respectively. Total request errors, particularly, for unintelligible requests were 32% of the total for inpatients. CONCLUSIONS: The errors were especially attributable to unintelligible requests of inappropriate test requests, improperly labelled samples for inpatients and blood drawing errors especially due to insufficient volume of specimens in a coagulation test group. Further studies should be performed after corrective and preventive actions to detect a possible decrease in rejecting samples.

JAK2 V617F mutation status of 232 patients diagnosed with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F mutation in patients with break point cluster region-abelson negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (CMPNs) in our center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared patients with and without the mutation, and also patients with the homozygous and heterozygous mutation, in terms of different clinical and laboratory features. RESULTS: The JAK2 V617F mutation was detected in 77 (95%), 88 (68%), and 17 (77%) of polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) patients, respectively. Among JAK2 V617F-positive patients, the homozygous genotype was found in 39 (50.6%) of the 77 PV, 23 (26.1%) of the 88 ET, and 11 (64.7%) of the 17 PMF patients. Bleeding was seen in 14 (6%) of all patients. Upper gastrointestinal bleeds were the most common, seen in 11 patients. Out of 232 CMPN patients, 44 (19%) had thrombosis. The most common thrombotic event was transient ischemic attack (52%). Progression to myelofibrosis was seen in 1 (1.2%) PV and 3 (2.3%) ET patients, and progression to acute leukemia was seen in 2 (2.5%) PV and 3 (2.3%) ET patients. Three patients with PV (3.7%), 3 with ET (2.7%), and 5 with PMF (2.7%) died during follow-up. CONCLUSION: JAK2 V617F mutation frequencies in our PV and ET patients were similar to those reported previously. JAK2 V617F mutation frequency in our PMF patients was greater than in previous reports. All of our PV patients with thrombosis and most of our ET patients with thrombosis (76.1%) were JAK2 V617F mutation-positive. This mutation seems to be correlated with thrombosis risk.