Elimination of carcinogenic bromate ions from aqueous environment with 4-vinyl pyridine-g-poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers.

In this study, poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers grafted with 4-vinyl pyridine (PET-g-4VP) was synthesized with using a radical polymerization method and its removal capacity for bromate ions in the aqueous solution was explored. The synthesized graft copolymer was structurally characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effect of some parameters such as pH, grafting rate, processing time, and ion concentration on bromate removal was examined with batch experiments. The sorptions of bromate onto the PET-g-4VP fibers were both verified with FTIR and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and the remaining amount of bromate after adsorption process was determined with an ion chromatography (Shimadzu). Moreover, kinetic and isotherm studies were also performed for adsorption of bromate with the grafted fibers. The point of zero charge (pHpzc) of the PET-g-4VP fibers was found to be 7.5 and the fibers removed maximum amount of bromate from aqueous solution at pH 3. Equilibrium time of adsorption was determined to be 75 min and the adsorption kinetic was found to be pseudo-second-order model. It was observed that the increase in the amount of grafted 4VP onto the PET fibers increased the bromate removal capacity of the fibers; however, when the grafting yield of 4VP was over 80%, the bromate removal ability of the fibers decreased. The maximum bromate removal capacity of the PET-g-4VP was determined to be 183 mg/g when the initial bromate amount was 800 mg/L, treatment time was 75 min, pH of the solution was 3, and 4VP grafting yield was 80%. When the initial bromate concentration was higher than 800 mg/L, the removal rate of the PET-g-4VP fibers was not changed. In addition, bromate ion adsorption data indicated compliance with the Freundlich isotherm. The adsorbent fibers obtained by this study may be promising candidates for the removal of bromate ions from the aqueous media.

Serum Total Sialic Acid Level is Elevated in Hypothyroid Patients as an Atherosclerotic Risk Factor.

BACKGROUND: Serum total sialic acid (TSA) concentration is regarded as an indicator of the risks of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The association between SA levels and atherosclerosis risk factors has not been assessed in patients with thyroid diseases. METHODS: Sixty newly diagnosed treatment-naive hypothyroid patients, 35 with subclinical and 25 with overt hypothyroidism, and 30 euthyroid individuals were analyzed. SA was measured in fasting blood samples, as were routine biochemical parameters, some atherosclerosis markers and carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT). RESULTS: Mean SA (38.1 ± 12.0 vs. 46.0 ±15.8; P = 0.019) and CIMT (0.57 ± 0.06 vs. 0.62 ± 0.12; P = 0.013) were found to be higher in the patient group compared with the control group. Mean sialic acid was higher in overt hypothyroidism patients compared with subclinical hypothyroidism patients and the control group. No difference was found between the subclinical hypothyroidism group and the control group. Sialic acid level and CIMT had a positive correlation in both the entire population and the hypothyroidism group. The linear regression model established for mean CIMT level in the entire population showed that risk factors of LDL (B ± SE = 0.454 ± 0.206; P = 0.030), uric acid (B ± SE = 1.902 ± 0.686; P = 0.007), hs-CRP (B ± SE = 1.003 ± 0.380; P =0.010), and SA (B ± SE = 2.419 ± 0.450; P < 0.001) were independent predictors of CIMT level. CONCLUSION: Sialic acid level is elevated in hypothyroid patients. However, this elevation is not related to thyroid hormone levels and autoantibodies. Correlations between SA and atherosclerosis indicators, such as CIMT, LDL, hs-CRP, and uric acid, in hypothyroid individuals suggest that SA may be an indicator of atherogenesis in these patients.

RANKL/Osteoprotegerin System and Bone Turnover in Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

Hypothyroidism is associated with changes in bone metabolism. The impact of hypothyroidism and the associated autoimmunity on the mediators of bone turnover in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is not known. In this study, we assessed the levels of OPG, RANKL, and IL-6 along with markers of bone formation as osteocalcin (OC) and markers of bone resorption as type 1 collagen C telopeptide (CTX) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAcP 5b) in 30 hypothyroid and 30 euthyroid premenopausal HT patients and 20 healthy premenopausal controls. We found that TRAcP 5b (p = 0.006), CTX (p = 0.01), OC (p = 0.017), and IL-6 (p < 0.001) levels were lower in the hypothyroid group compared to euthyroid HT patients and controls. OPG levels were higher (p < 0.001) and RANKL levels were lower (p = 0.021) in hypothyroid and euthyroid HT patients compared to controls. TSH was negatively correlated with IL-6 (rho = -0.434, p < 0.001), OC (rho = -0.313, p = 0.006), TRAcP 5b (rho = -0.335, p = 0.003), and positively correlated with OPG (rho = 0.248, p = 0.029). RANKL/OPG ratio was independently associated with the presence of HT. In conclusion, bone turnover is slowed down by hypothyroidism in premenopausal patients with HT. Thyroid autoimmunity might have a unique impact on OPG/RANKL levels apart from the resultant hypothyroidism.

Circulating Th17 cytokine levels are altered in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

The disrupted autoimmune response in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) has long been considered to be dominantly T helper type 1 (Th1) mediated. Recent advances in the field of immunology have introduced a new class of effector T cells, named 'Th17', which plays important roles in autoimmune disorders once thought to be merely Th1 mediated. We aimed to examine the levels of major Th17 cytokines in patients with HT in this study. We studied serum interleukin 17 (IL-17) and interleukin 23 (IL-23) levels in 46 newly diagnosed, untreated patients with HT (40 women and 6 men, aged 40.0 ± 11.8 years) divided into euthyroid (n=22) and hypothyroid (n=24) groups and compared them with age and sex matched 26 healthy euthyroid controls without HT (21 women and 5 men; aged 36.0 ± 12.9 years). Serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels were significantly different among euthyroid and hypothyroid HT patients and controls, with highest levels obtained in the euthyroid HT group (p=0.041 for IL-17 and p<0.001 for IL-23). TSH was negatively and FT4 was positively correlated with IL-17 (p=0.016 for TSH and p=0.004 for FT4) and IL-23 (p<0.001 for TSH and p=0.003 for FT4) levels. There were no correlations between thyroid volumes calculated on thyroid ultrasonography and IL-17 (p=0.630) or IL-23 (p=0.321) levels. In conclusion, the levels of IL-17, one of the major effector cytokines of the Th17 system, and IL-23, which had been implicated in the generation, survival and expansion of Th17 cells, are altered in HT. How thyroid hormone status and the course of disease affect Th17 system in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis needs to be determined with further studies.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 and its relationship with insulin sensitivity in first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF 21) has been suggested as a predictor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We aimed to determine FGF 21 levels in normoglycaemic (Group 1) and prediabetic (Group 2) first-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with T2DM in comparison with normoglycaemic subjects without a history of T2DM in their FDR (Group 3). RESULTS: There was a significant difference between Group 1, 2, and 3 with respect to plasma FGF 21 concentrations (143.3 ± 93.8, 221.9 ± ± 171.7 and 121.2 ± 119.8 pg/mL, respectively, p = 0.01). FGF 21 levels were significantly increased in prediabetic FDR of patients with T2DM compared to normoglycaemic subjects without a history of T2DM in their FDR (p = 0.02). FGF 21 levels did not differ between normoglycaemic FDR of patients with T2DM and normoglycaemic subjects without a history of T2DM in their FDR (p > 0.05). In the whole group, FGF 21 correlated positively with age (r = 0.31, p = 0.003), BMI (r = 0.38, p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.38, p = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.26, p = 0.02), fasting blood glucose (r = 0.24, p = 0.02), HOMA-IR (r = 0.23, p = 0.03), AUC glucose (r = 0.35, p = 0.001), and AUC insulin (r = 0.32, p = 0.003) and negatively with HDL cholesterol (r = -0.24, p = 0.02) and Matsuda ISI (r = -0.33, p = 0.002). In the regression analysis, BMI was the most predictive factor for FGF 21 levels (beta = 0.41, r2 = 0.17, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We showed that FGF 21 concentrations are increased in prediabetic FDR of patients with T2DM and that there is a significant association between FGF 21 and obesity and insulin sensitivity. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (3): 260-264).

A Case Report of Bilateral Adrenal Sarcomatoid Carcinoma.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy. Sarcomatoid adrenal carcinoma is even more aggressive type of ACC. Bilateral malignant adrenal tumors are extremely rare except for those that represent metastasis from an extra-adrenal organ. Here we report a 53-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain and weight loss. Abdominal computed tomography revealed bilateral adrenal masses and a mass in her liver. Surgical specimens showed pleomorphic tumor cells with epithelial and spindle cell morphology and immunohistochemical staining was compatible with sarcomatoid carcinoma. Sarcomatoid adrenal carcinoma should be kept in mind during the management of bilateral adrenal masses.

Selenoprotein P is not elevated in gestational diabetes mellitus.

Selenoprotein P concentrations have been found to be associated with insulin resistance and elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of the present study was to investigate circulating selenoprotein P level and its possible relationship with metabolic parameters in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Plasma selenoprotein P concentrations were measured in 30 pregnant women with GDM, 35 pregnant women without GDM and 22 healthy nonpregnant women. No difference in selenoprotein P levels was observed among the groups [6.2 (4.5-8.2), 7.9 (4.5-10.7) and 6.7 (5.3-9.1) ng/ml, respectively, p = 0.69]. In pregnant women with and without GDM, selenoprotein P did not correlate with age, gestational age, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, glucose concentrations at oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), area under curve (AUC) glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels (p > 0.05). But, there were statistically significant correlations between selenoprotein P and current BMI (r = -0.28, p = 0.04) and HDL cholesterol levels (r = 0.43, p = 0.01). We found that selenoprotein P concentrations are not elevated in women with GDM but associated with BMI and HDL cholesterol.

A Case With Immunoassay Interferences in the Measurement of Multiple Hormones.

CONTEXT: Commonly used immunoassays are not free from interference, which can be a confounder in the interpretation of test results. We present a case with extremely high multiple hormone levels due to such interference. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 33-year-old woman with no specific symptoms had markedly elevated TSH with normal free T4 and free T3 levels. Repeated measurements revealed discordantly high TSH, ACTH, FSH, PTH, IGF-1, prolactin, ß-human chorionic gonadotropin, and calcitonin levels without the associated clinical pictures. The measurements were repeated with the same patient sample on four different analytical platforms using chemiluminescence immunoassays/electrochemiluminescence immunoassays, and the results were divergent on each platform. Serial dilutions of serum samples revealed nonlinearity, suggesting assay interference. All hormonal measurements were in the normal range when heterophile antibody blocking tubes were used. The serum of the patient was then subjected to polyethylene glycol precipitation. The post-polyethylene glycol recovery resulted in hormone levels in the normal range. The patient did not receive any medications and has been under follow-up without any signs and symptoms for 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: This report illustrates a rare case of falsely elevated hormone levels due to assay interference caused by heterophile antibodies. We point out the importance of a close collaboration between clinicians and the laboratory to avoid unnecessary clinical investigations as well as inappropriate treatments.

Circulating Levels of Orexin-A, Nesfatin-1, Agouti-Related Peptide, and Neuropeptide Y in Patients with Hyperthyroidism.

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient information about the appetite-related hormones orexin-A, nesfatin-1, agouti-related peptide (AgRP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in hyperthyroidism. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of hyperthyroidism on the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and energy intake, orexin-A, nesfatin-1, AgRP, NPY, and leptin levels in the circulation, and their relationship with each other and on appetite. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients were evaluated in hyperthyroid and euthyroid states in comparison with healthy subjects. Twenty-one patients with overt hyperthyroidism and 33 healthy controls were included in the study. RESULTS: Daily energy intake in the hyperthyroid state was found to be higher than that in the euthyroid state patient group (p=0.039). BMR was higher in hyperthyroid patients than the control group (p=0.018). Orexin-A was lower and nesfatin-1 was higher in hyperthyroid patients compared to the controls (p<0.001), whereas orexin-A increased and nesfatin-1 decreased after euthyroidism (p=0.003, p<0.001). No differences were found in the AgRP, NPY, and leptin levels between the hyperthyroid and euthyroid states and controls (p>0.05). Orexin-A correlated negatively with nesfatin-1 (p=0.042), BMR (p=0.013), free triiodothyronine (fT3; p<0.001), and free thyroxine (fT4; p<0.001) and positively with thyrotropin (TSH; p<0.001). Nesfatin-1 correlated negatively with orexin-A (p=0.042) and TSH (p<0.001) and positively with fT3 (p=0.005) and fT4 (p=0.001). In the regression analysis, "diagnosis of hyperthyroidism" was the main factor affecting orexin-A (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although it seems that no relationship exists among orexin-A, nesfatin-1, and increased appetite in hyperthyroidism, the orexin-A and nesfatin-1 levels are markedly affected by hyperthyroidism.

Markers of early atherosclerosis, oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with acromegaly.

PURPOSE: Data regarding atherosclerosis in acromegaly is controversial in literature. We aimed to investigate the markers of early atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, inflammation and their relationships with each other in acromegaly. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with acromegaly and 40 control subjects were enrolled. Patients were classified into two groups; active acromegaly (AA) and controlled acromegaly (CA). Controls were matched by age, gender, body mass index and presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Flow mediated dilatation (FMD), carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EAT) were measured and serum levels of oxidative stress parameters, high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and high sensitive CRP (hs CRP) were evaluated. RESULTS: Significantly decreased FMD, increased CIMT and EAT were found in patients with acromegaly compared to controls (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.001, respectively). EAT correlated negatively with FMD (r = -0.24, p = 0.038) and positively with CIMT (r = 0.37, p < 0.01). Presence of acromegaly, hypertension and age were found to be the predictors of early atherosclerosis (p < 0.05). Hs CRP was decreased in AA compared to controls (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences for HMGB1 and oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) cholesterol levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) between AA, CA and controls (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early atherosclerosis measured with FMD, CIMT and EAT may exist in acromegaly. However, decreased hs CRP and unchanged HMGB1, ox-LDL and TAC levels suggest that inflammation and oxidative stress do not seem to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in these patients.

Hyperparathyroid crisis presenting with hyperemesis gravidarum.

PURPOSE: Primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy is a rare condition, and the diagnosis may be confounded by pregnancy related conditions. Since the appropriate management reduces the maternal and fetal complications; differential diagnosis becomes quite crucial. METHOD: Clinical course of a patient with hyperparathyroid crisis will be discussed with the review of the literature. A 22-year- old, (gravida 2, para 1) woman was presented with hyperparathyroid crisis at the 11th weeks' gestation. She was hospitalized twice due to hyperemesis gravidarum. When she was admitted to the hospital for the third time due to increased vomiting and weight-loss, serum biochemistry panel was performed and it revealed severe hypercalcemia that serum Ca was 17.59 mg/dl, and she was referred to our hospital as parathyroid crisis. Maternal hypercalcemia was resolved after urgent parathyroidectomy. She was diagnosed as preeclampsia at the 30 weeks' gestation and delivered a male infant weighing 1,090 g at 33 weeks' gestation with APGAR scores 6 at 1 min, and 7 at min 5, without evidence of neonatal hypocalcemia or tetany. RESULTS: Urgent parathyroidectomy is the definite treatment in symptomatic patients with hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy. Resolving maternal hypercalcemia prevents neonatal tetany and hypocalcemia. CONCLUSION: Hyperemesis may lead to hypercalcemic crisis in patients with hyperparathyroidism, so serum Ca level should be checked in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum especially who detoriate rapidly. Although they share some common pathogenetic mechanisms, there is not enough evidence for attributing preeclampsia to primary hyperparathyroidism.

Elevated mean platelet volume is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus.

The mean platelet volume (MPV) is an indicator of the average size and activity of platelets. Elevated MPV values are associated with larger and more active platelets and perceived as a new independent cardiovascular risk factor. The aim of this study was to determine the MPV in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to determine the correlation of MPV with metabolic parameters in GDM. We retrospectively analyzed 30 women with GDM and 38 body mass index-matched women with healthy pregnancies as controls. MPV and platelet counts were recorded in the third trimester and at postpartum 6-12 months for GDM group and in the third trimester for control group. Third-trimester MPV was significantly higher in GDM group compared to control group (8.8 ± 1.0 versus 8.1 ± 0.7 fl, p = 0.002). In women with GDM, there was a significant decrease in MPV in the postpartum period (8.8 ± 1.0 versus 8.1 ± 0.8 fl, p < 0.001). Fasting plasma glucose levels and glucose area under the curve were positively correlated with third trimester MPV (r = 0.346, p = 0.007 and r = 0.346, p = 0.02, respectively). Our results indicate that MPV is increased in GDM. Monitoring MPV, which is widely available in clinical practice, may potentially identify women who will develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

The effect of calpain-10 gene polymorphism on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Turkish population.

INTRODUCTION: The variations in the Calpain-10 gene have been suggested to be related to susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in different populations. In this study, we investigated the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-19, -44 and -63 in the Calpain-10 gene and the development of T2DM in a Turkish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 211 subjects were recruited: 118 patients with a diagnosis of T2DM and 93 unrelated healthy subjects. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele distribution of SNPs studied between the patients with T2DM and controls (p > 0.05), whereas the frequencies of 121 haplotype and 122/121 haplotype combination were found to be higher in patients with T2DM than in controls (p < 0.05). No association was observed between the variations in the Calpain-10 gene and glycaemic control and lipid parameters (p > 0.05). The SNP-19 insertion/insertion was significantly related to increased body mass index (BMI) in male diabetic patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that 121 haplotype and 122/121 haplotype combination of SNP-19, -44 and -63 in the Calpain-10 gene are associated with the development of T2DM in Turkish patients.

Effects of sitagliptin on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in diet-induced obese rats.

BACKGROUND: Studies investigating the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors on hepatic steatosis are lacking. We aimed to determine the effects of sitagliptin on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats with diet-induced obesity. METHODS: A total of 24 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats, which were 24 weeks old and weighed 199-240 grams, were used. The rats were randomly separated into two groups. The control group (n=6) was fed with standard rat diet; the remaining rats (n=18) were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce NAFLD. After 12 weeks, rats that were fed with a HFD were randomly separated into two groups: (1) HFD-only group (n=8) was fed with a HFD for an additional 4 weeks, (2) HFD-sitagliptin group (n=10) received sitagliptin (3 mg/kg) for 4 weeks in addition to HFD. At the end of the study (16(th) week), blood samples were drawn from all rats to determine serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and plasma insulin levels. Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Histopathologic evaluation of liver samples was undertaken. RESULTS: The HFD-sitagliptin group had significantly lower serum glucose (140.8±18.8 vs. 224.7±20.6 mg/dL, P<0.001), plasma insulin (15.8±4.4 vs. 28.0±5.9 µIU/L, P<0.001), HOMA-IR index (4.9±1.8 vs. 15.9±2.3, P<0.001), serum triglycerides (199.0±108.7 vs. 468.0±370.7 mg/dL, P<0.001), and cholesterol (82.0±26.7 vs. 90.5±7.0, P<0.001) values compared to the HFD-only group. Hepatic steatosis was significantly less (mean score, 1 vs. 2; P<0.001) in the HFD-sitagliptin group compared to the HFD-only group, whereas there was no difference in hepatic inflammation (P=0.057), liver weight (P=0.068), and ALT levels (P=0.232). CONCLUSION: Sitagliptin may improve hepatic steatosis by increasing insulin sensitivity and improving lipid profiles in rats.

Circulating insulin and leptin in women with and without premenstrual disphoric disorder in the menstrual cycle.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a syndrome related with mood and appetite changes during the late luteal phase. Leptin and insulin are the hormones related to appetite, and leptin may have a role in reproductive functions and mood. Our aim was to determine whether there are differences in serum leptin and insulin levels between women with and without PMDD during the follicular and luteal phases. In this study, 20 women with PMDD and 18 women without PMDD were included. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, leptin, progesterone levels and HOMA-IR were measured in the follicular and luteal phases separately. Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed significant interactions for serum leptin, insulin and HOMA-IR levels between the diagnosis of PMDD and menstrual phases (F = 5.4, p = 0.025; F = 5.4, p = 0.026; and F = 4.7, p = 0.036, respectively). A significant correlation was found between progesterone and insulin levels in subjects without PMDD in the luteal phase (r = 0.58, p = 0.01). Whether the alterations in serum leptin and insulin are related with the changes of appetite and mood in PMDD or secondary to other factors should be clarified.

Relationship between plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine level and autonomic dysfunction in diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels and heart rate variability (HRV) in diabetic patients. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 100 patients (44 men, 56 women) with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patients were divided into two groups based on the use of oral antidiabetics (n=67; mean age 54.6±7.8 years) or insulin (n=33; mean age 51.6±8.8 years). Plasma ADMA levels were measured and HRV parameters were calculated from 24-hour Holter EKG recordings. The findings were compared with those of a control group consisting of 42 nondiabetic individuals (mean age 52.8±6.2 years). RESULTS: Compared to the control group, plasma ADMA levels were significantly higher (p=0.007) and all HRV parameters were significantly reduced in both diabetic groups. However, ADMA levels and HRV parameters were similar in the two diabetic groups (p>0.05). Correlation analysis showed no significant relationship between plasma ADMA levels and HRV parameters. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that plasma ADMA levels are increased and HRV is reduced in diabetic patients, indicating that these patients have both endothelial dysfunction and autonomic dysfunction, but plasma ADMA levels cannot be used to evaluate autonomic dysfunction.

Diffuse amyloid deposition in thyroid gland: a cause for concern in familial Mediterranean fever.

Thyroid gland is among the many organs that could be infiltrated in systemic amyloidosis. However, diffuse infiltration of the thyroid gland secondary to systemic amyloidosis associated with Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is rare. Here, we present a 49-year-old woman diagnosed with FMF and systemic amyloidosis, who had a large goiter and multiple nodules that developed slowly through the years and was complicated by tracheal compression symptoms and a mild thyroid dysfunction. Multiple fine needle aspiration biopsies of the nodules and the thyroid parenchyma revealed amyloid deposits. We would like to point out that amyloidosis may have a significant impact on the thyroid gland and fine needle aspiration biopsy is a valuable tool for diagnosis.

Relationship between serum osteoprotegerin, glycemic control, renal function and markers of atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) level and glycemic control, lipids, renal function, microalbuminuria, insulin resistance and markers of atherosclerosis including C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). A total of 166 patients (99 women and 67 men) with type 2 DM were recruited in the study. Serum OPG level was higher in poorly controlled diabetic patients (HbA(1c) ≥ 7%) than in well-controlled diabetic patients (HbA(1c) < 7%) [4.0 (3.6-5.0) and 3.5 (2.9-4.4) pmol/L, p = 0.02]. There was no difference between the patients with and without microalbuminuria with respect to OPG levels (p > 0.05). LogOPG was correlated with age (r = 0.47, p = 0.0001). After adjustment for age, sex and BMI, logOPG correlated positively with fasting blood glucose (FBG) (r = 0.28, p = 0.001), prandial blood glucose (PBG) (r = 0.22, p = 0.009), glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) (r = 0.26, p = 0.002), logHOMA-IR (r = 0.30, p = 0.006), fibrinogen (r = 0.17, p = 0.04), mean albumin excretion rate (MAER) (r = 0.20, p = 0.01) and negatively with creatinine clearance (r = - 0.20, p = 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that logOPG was independently associated with age (p = 0.0001), HbA(1c) (p = 0.01) and MAER (p = 0.02) (r(2) = 0.25). In conclusion; we found that serum OPG levels are increased in poorly controlled type 2 DM and associated with age, glycemic control and microalbuminuria.