Association of anthropometric, androgenic and insulin-related features with polymorphisms in exon 8 of SHBG gene in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels are often low in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In addition to metabolic and nutritional factors, SHBG levels are determined by genetic polymorphisms in SHBG gene. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms in exon 8 of SHBG gene with anthropometric and biochemical features of women with PCOS. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. PATIENTS: One hundred and ninety-four women with PCOS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Genotype analysis of exon 8 in SHBG gene was performed. Serum SHBG, total testosterone, free testosterone, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, TSH, PRL, glucose and insulin levels were determined. MAIN FINDING(S): Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) E326K located at codon 326 in exon 8 of SHBG gene was identified. Serum SHBG levels decreased significantly with increasing copy number of the variant allele for SNP E326K after adjustment for BMI, androgenic and insulin-related traits. Genotype analysis also revealed SNP, rs6259, located at codon 327 in exon 8 of SHBG gene, which is not associated with SHBG levels. CONCLUSION: SNP, E326K, in exon 8 of SHBG gene may influence the metabolism of SHBG independently of BMI, androgenic and insulin-related features in women with PCOS.

[Transfusion associated graft versus host disease following cardiovascular surgery]. / Kardiyovasküler cerrahi sonrasi gelisen transfüzyona bagli "Graft Versus Host" hastaligi.

In this report, a case of transfusion-associated graft versus host disease that developed following coronary arter bypass grafting and mitral annuloplasty operations, has been presented. The diagnosis of 62 year-old male patient was based on the presence of typical findings as fever, liver function disorders, skin rash and hypoplastic bone marrow findings that began ten days after the operation; with the exclusion of other pathologies (e.g. drug eruptions, viral infections, septicemia, scalded skin syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis) and histopathological findings of skin biopsy. There was a history of five units of blood transfusion of which one was from a close relative. The blood from the relative was thought to be responsible for the disease. With this case, we wanted to emphasize once more that transfusion of the blood of a relative must be avoided in patients who have undergone major operations such as cardiovascular surgery. The irradiation of these bloods before transfusion may be effective to prevent graft versus host disease.

Outcomes of 532 nm frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser use in the treatment of port-wine stains.

BACKGROUND: Port-wine stains (PWSs) are congenital dermal malformations involving venules, capillaries, and, probably, perivascular nerves. The primary morbidities of PWS are psychological disturbances that adversely affect the development of personality. Lasers have been the treatment of choice for PWS. However, only one type of laser is not a panacea for all PWS malformations. For the treatment of PWSs, carbon dioxide, argon, krypton, copper bromide, frequency-doubled neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG), flashlamp pumped pulsed dye laser, and also intense pulsed light sources can be used. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and the frequency of side effects of the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of PWSs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 532 nm frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser with a 2 to 6 mm spot size, 15- to 50-millisecond pulse width, and a 9.5 to 20 J/cm2 fluence was applied for 89 patients (62 female, 27 male; age range 3-49 years) with PWSs on the face and/or neck for 1 to 12 sessions, with 2-month treatment-free intervals. Improvement rates were considered a failure (< 25%), mild (25-49%), moderate (50-74%), good (75-94%), and excellent (> 95%). RESULTS: Excellent (n = 12; 13%), good (n = 34; 38%), moderate (n = 39; 44%), and mild (n = 4; 5%) improvement of lesions was obtained after an average of 5.6, 5.5, 4.4, and 3.8 therapy sessions, respectively. No treatment failure was observed for any patient. As adverse effects, transient hyperpigmentation (n = 2; 2.25%), hypopigmentation (n = 1; 1.12%), and hypotrophic scarring (n = 1; 1.12%) were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained asserted that the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser is a quick, safe, and effective treatment modality for PWS malformations and can be appreciated as a useful alternative therapy that can raise the rates of success in cases with PWSs refractory to other laser therapies.