mRNA Expression Profile of SFKs and Involvement of SFKs in the Regulation of LPS-Induced Erk1/2 Signaling in PBMCs of Active BD Patients.

BACKGROUND: Behcet's Disease (BD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder affecting large vessels, lungs joints, gastrointestinal and neurological systems. The pathogenesis of BD remains poorly understood. Identifying the key signaling pathway is crucial for a complete understanding of the pathogenesis of BD. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine mRNA expression level of Src family kinases (SFKs) members and their involvement in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) regulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of active BD patients. METHODS: Twenty- five active BD patients and twenty-five healthy controls were included in the study. PBMCs were isolated from total blood by density gradient centrifugation. The mRNA expression levels of SFKs members were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The effect of SFKs activity on LPS-induced activation MAPKs (Erk1/2, p38 and JNK) was examined by Western blot. RESULTS: The mRNA expression levels of Hck, Src, Lyn, Yes and Fyn were found to be slightly decreased in active BD patients compared to the control subjects, but a slight change in mRNA level of SFKs members did not impact on protein levels and protein activity. LPS-induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation was significantly increased in the absence of SFKs activity in active BD patients. However, inhibition of SFKs activity had no effect on LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 and JNK in both controls and active BD patients. CONCLUSION: SFKs downregulate LPS-induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation in PBMCs of active BD patients.

Assessment of sexual function and quality of life in patients with lower limb amputations.

BACKGROUND: Diseases causing disabilities lead to sexual dysfunction. However, studies that evaluate sexual functions in patients with traumatic lower limb amputations (LLA) are limited and controversial. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to evaluate sexual functions in male patients with LLA and to identify factors that might contribute to sexual dysfunction. The hypothesis is that male patients with LLA would experience worse sexual and emotional functioning and consequently emotional impairment that consequently influenced the sexual function. METHODS: Sixty men with traumatic LLA and 60 healthy men were assessed according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scoring system. Emotional state was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the quality of life by the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: Patients had significantly lower scores in the IIEF total score and subscores in comparison with the controls. Intercourse satisfaction scores were significantly higher (p< 0.05) in patients with trans-tibial amputation than in those with trans-femoral amputation. BDI and BAI scores negatively correlated with erectile function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction and total IIEF scores. The mental and physical scores of SF-36 significantly correlated with some of the sub scores and IIEF total scores. The power of statistical analysis for study population was 100% according to the given effect size (α= 0.01). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that the LLA leads to impairments in the sexual function and quality of life in male patients. Also, sexual dysfunction in patients is strongly associated with emotional state, pain, level of amputation and quality of life.

A useful marker in the assessment of remission and activation of disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Serum human neutrophil peptides 1-3.

AIM: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology. Various cellular and molecular immunological factors are involved in the pathophysiology of RA. Recent studies suggest that neutrophils and alpha-defensins released from the neutrophils assume significant roles in the pathogenesis of RA. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between serum alpha-defensin levels and disease activity, functional status, radiological damage and several laboratory parameters in patients with RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 patients with established RA who presented to the outpatient clinics of rheumatology of Dicle University Hospital and 38 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Disease activity was assessed by using the Disease Activity Scale 28 (DAS28). Quality of life was assessed by using the Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life (RAQoL) Questionnaire and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Functional status was assessed by using the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Laboratory examinations included the following tests: CBC, ESH, CRP, and HNP 1-3. RESULTS: Patients with an active disease exhibited higher HNP 1-3 levels compared to patients in remission. At a cut off value of 708 pg/ml, sensitivity and specificity of the tests for HNP 1-3 were 72% and 70.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the present study, patients with an active disease had significantly higher serum HNP 1-3 levels compared to patients in remission. In this respect, serum HNP 1-3 can be a useful marker in the assessment of disease activity and remission in patients with RA.

Factors affecting hospital length of stay following pelvic exenteration surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Total pelvic exenteration are performed in patients with locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignances. Many patients have prolong hospital length of stay (LOS), but risk factors are not clearly identified. METHODS: From 2002 through 2012, 100 consecutive patients undergoing pelvic exenteration were retrospectively reviewed. A general linear model was used to examine risk factors for prolonged hospital LOS. RESULTS: Among the 100 patients, 51 had gastrointestinal cancer, 14 had genitourinary cancer, 31 had gynecologic cancer, and 4 had sarcoma. Perioperative complications included infection (n = 44), anastomotic leak/fistula (n = 6), wound or flap dehiscence (n = 11), and ileus or bowel obstruction (n = 30). The median (Interquartile range (IQR)) hospital LOS was 15 days (10-21.5 days). On multivariate regression analysis, hospital LOS was significantly prolonged by underweight status, genitourinary cancer or sarcoma diagnosis, ≥2 infections, anastomotic leak/fistula, requiring rehabilitation consult and admission, and ≥2 consultations (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing pelvic exenteration, prolonged hospital LOS is associated with underweight status, genitourinary cancer or sarcoma diagnosis, more than one infection, anastomotic leak/fistula, requiring rehabilitation consult and admission, and more than one consultation. Further study is needed to assess whether minimizing these risk factors can improve hospital LOS in these patients.

Psychological health of caregivers and association with functional status of stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: Stroke does not only affect the physical state of patients but also the emotional state of their relatives, most effectively their caregivers. The study aims to examine the mood of caregivers experienced with care for patients with stroke who are highly dependent on the assistance and also to establish the relationship between the emotional state of caregivers and the severity of disability of the patients. METHODS: This study contained a total of 76 patients with sufficient cognitive functions and severe physical disabilities with hemiplegia caused by a cerebrovascular accident and their caregivers and 94 controls. The functional state of patients was assessed by the Barthel Index (BI). Furthermore, emotional state of the caregivers was assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and their life quality was assessed by the SF36 Health Survey. RESULTS: The mean anxiety (9.73 ± 4.88) and depression rates (9.81 ± 5.05) in the caregivers were significantly higher than those in controls (p<0.001, respectively). Significant impairments were observed in both their mental and physical health. Regression analysis also showed a significant negative correlation between the BI scores and the HADS scores. CONCLUSION: Caregivers had an impaired emotional state and the level of their anxiety was associated with the severity of functional disability of the patients. Therefore, the support provided to the caregiver might be influential on the functional recovery of the patients.

Sleep quality in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on sleep quality and investigate the association between sleep quality and clinical parameters of PsA, quality of life and psychological state in patients with PsA. METHOD: Forty-one patients with PsA and 38 healthy volunteers were included in this study. In both patients and healthy controls, sleep quality was assessed by means of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and anxiety and depression were assessed by means of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In addition, PsA Quality of Life (PsAQoL) Index and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were used on patients. Generalized pain was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance, daytime dysfunction and total PSQI scores were significantly higher in patients with PsA compared to healthy controls. Total PSQI scores significantly correlated with anxiety, generalized pain, PsAQoL scores, enthesitis and levels of C-reactive protein (CPR) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P < 0.05). Also, multiple regression analysis indicated that ESR level was independently associated with total PSQI score (P < 0.05, R2  = 0.325). CONCLUSION: Sleep quality is diminished in patients with PsA. Sleep disturbance is particularly associated with generalized pain, anxiety, enthesitis and levels of CRP and ESR in patients carrying the diagnosis of PsA.

Effectiveness of Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy in Patients with Lymphedema Resulting from Breast Cancer Treatment Regardless of Previous Lymphedema Treatment.

Decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT) has gained wide acceptance as an effective treatment for patients with lymphedema resulting from breast cancer treatment. It is unclear whether DLT is effective for patients with lymphedema who have received lymphedema treatment previously. Our purpose was to compare the effectiveness of DLT in patients who had received lymphedema treatment previously with those who had never received treatment. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 98 patients who received outpatient lymphedema therapy for upper extremity lymphedema following surgery. Seventy-two eligible patients with a breast cancer diagnosis and complete medical records were divided into two groups: group 1; previously treated (PT) patients (n = 38, 53%) had previously received lymphedema treatment, while group 2 (no PT, n = 34, 47%) had never received lymphedema treatment. The primary outcome was the percent change in volume in the lymphedematous arm, measured by perometer, after DLT treatment. The two groups did not differ significantly in age, comorbidities, body mass index, and median time from surgery to current treatment, surgical procedure, previous radiation treatment, or history of cellulitis/lymphangitis. DLT significantly reduced arm volume in both groups (group 1, p < 0.001; group 2, p = 0.003). The mean percent volume reduction did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.619). This study is the first to show that, DLT reduce limb volume significantly with post-mastectomy lymphedema, regardless of previous lymphedema therapy.

Pharmacological Inactivation of Src Family Kinases Inhibits LPS-Induced TNF-α Production in PBMC of Patients with Behçet's Disease.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic chronic inflammatory disease characterized by relapsing oral and genital ulcers, uveitis, and skin lesions. The pathogenesis of BD is still unknown. Aberrant production of some cytokines/chemokines plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. Revealing a key signaling regulatory mechanism involved in proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines production is critical for understanding of the pathogenesis of BD. The aim of this study was to determine the role of Src family kinases (SFKs) in production of some LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of active BD patients. Chemical inhibition of SFKs activity impaired LPS-induced TNF-α production in PBMC of active BD patients, suggesting that modulating SFKs activity may be a potential target for BD treatment.

Serum GDF-15 level in Behçet's disease: relationships between disease activity and clinical parameters.

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a member of the transforming growth factor-ß superfamily of cytokines, plays an important role in cell growth, signal transduction, and apoptosis regulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum GDF-15 levels and their relationships with disease-related variables in patients with Behçet's disease (BD). Forty-six patients diagnosed with BD and 30 demographically matched healthy control subjects participated in the study. GDF-15 levels were measured in blood samples from patients and controls. The Behçet's Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) was used to evaluate the disease activity of BD. There were no significant differences between the two groups in C-reactive protein (CRP) level, mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), age, body mass index, and mean GDF-15 levels (P > 0.05). Serum GDF-15 levels were positively correlated with findings for peripheral arthritis and CRP, and with BDCAF erythema nodosum, BDCAF arthralgia, and BDCAF arthritis scores. Patients with BD were divided into two groups according to the presence of peripheral arthritis; nine subjects (20%) were positive for peripheral arthritis. Serum ESR, CRP, white blood cell counts, and GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in the group that was positive for peripheral arthritis (P < 0.05). GDF-15 may play a role in the progression and pathway of Behçet's joint involvement and erythema nodosum that is independent of classic inflammatory response measures.

Protective effects of carvacrol and pomegranate against methotrexate-induced intestinal damage in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the efficacy of carvacrol (CVR) and pomegranate (PMG) against methotrexate (MTX)-induced intestinal damage using histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques. METHODS: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 195-250 g, were divided into four groups: control, MTX treatment alone, MTX plus CVR and MTX plus PMG. A single dose of CVR (73 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to group III on the first day of the experiment, PMG (225 mg/kg/day) was administered orogastrically (with a gavage needle) once daily for 7 days and a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally on the second day of the experiment. Intestinal tissues were obtained on 8(th) day, and examined for villus damage, crypt damage, and inflammation. Ki-67 and Caspase 3 staining was used for immunohistochemical evaluation. RESULTS: MTX treatment induced villus shortening and fusion, epithelial atrophy, crypt loss, inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria, and goblet cell depletion. The CVR and PMG decreased the severity of intestinal damage caused by MTX treatment. In the MTX-received group, significant inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the lamina propria. Compared to the MTX-received group, the PMG and CVR groups showed less villus and crypt damage and less inflammation in the lamina propria. Fewer Ki-67 positive cells were observed in the crypts of the MTX-received groups compared to the control group. There were more Ki-67 positive cells in the CVR and PMG groups compared to MTX group. The MTX-received group exhibited more caspase-3 positive cells than the control group, and the number of caspase-3 positive cells were decreased in the CVR and PMG treated groups. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to show that PMG and CVR decrease MTX-related damage and apoptotic activity in intestinal tissue.

Prognostic Value of Heart Rate Variability in Patients With Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown that autonomic dysfunction is associated with shorter survival in patients with advanced cancer. We examined the association between heart rate variability, a measure of autonomic function, and survival in a large cohort of patients with cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the records of 651 patients with cancer who had undergone ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring for 20 to 24 hours. Time domain heart rate variability (SD of normal-to-normal beat interval [SDNN]) was calculated using power spectral analysis. Survival data were compared between patients with SDNN ≥ 70 milliseconds (Group 1, n = 520) and SDNN < 70 milliseconds (Group 2, n = 131). RESULTS: Two groups were similar in most variables, except that patients in group 2 had a significantly higher percentage of male patients (P = 0.03), hematological malignancies (P = 0.04), and use of non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (P = 0.04). Patients in group 2 had a significantly shorter survival rate (25% of patients in group 2 died by 18.7 weeks vs. 78.9 weeks in group 1 patients; P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that SDNN < 70 milliseconds remained significant for survival (hazard ratio 1.9 [95% confidence interval: 1.4-2.5]) independent of age, cancer stage, and performance status. CONCLUSION: The presence of cancer in combination with decreased heart rate variability (SDNN < 70 milliseconds) is associated with shorter survival time.

Evaluation of Hearing and Outer Hair Cell Function of Cochlea in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate hearing and outer cells function in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Our investigation was a prospective case control study. METHODS: A total of 31 psoriatic arthritis patients (62 ears) and 31 healthy control subjects (62 ears) were enrolled in the study. We investigated hearing changes of patients and controls via pure tone audiometry, speech discrimination scores, tympanometry, acoustic reflex, and transient product otoacoustic emission. RESULTS: The mean age of psoriatic arthritis patients was 36.1±8.5 years (range, 14 to 62 years). The average age of the control group was 37.9±8.1 years (range, 16 to 62 years). There were statistically significant differences between pure tone audiometry in all frequencies and right and left emission at the 4.0 and 1.0 in psoriatic arthritis patients versus controls (P<0.05). This difference was evident, especially at high frequencies. There was no statistically significant difference between the ages and genders of the patient and control groups (P>0.05). Both audiological and otoacoustic emissions were not significantly different between right and left ear (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the audiological and otoacoustic findings; it is likely that the cochlear outer hair cells become subtly damaged in psoriatic arthritis patients, consequently leading to changes in hearing thresholds. These data suggest that it is important to screen psoriatic arthritis patients for hearing changes with otoacoustic emissions and audiologic tests regularly.

Assessment of the Presence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus, Hypothyroidism and Acromegaly.

INTRODUCTION: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common entrapment neuropathies of the upper limbs. It results from compromised median nerve function of the wrist that is caused by increased pressure in the carpal tunnel. Repetitive use of the hand and wrist, obesity, pregnancy, rheumatoid diseases, trauma and endocrinopathies are some of the risk factors for CTS. AIM: The purpose of this study was to find out whether patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypothyroidism and acromegaly have an increased incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome compared to each other and normal population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were assigned into three groups as follows: patients with type II DM n: 100, patients with hypothyroidism n:48 and patients with acromegaly n:36. In addition, 50 healthy individuals were included in the study as control subjects. Patients were asked if they had any pain, symptoms of paraesthesia and numbness. Patients with peripheral neuropathy were excluded from the study. Boston Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Capacity Scale were used to assess symptom severity and functional capacity. CTS was investigated by performing electrophysiological study for both hands. RESULTS: The incidence of CTS was significantly higher in all three groups compared to the control group (p>0.05). In addition, the incidence of CTS was significantly higher in the DM group compared to the hypothyroid and acromegaly groups (p<0.001). The incidence of bilateral CTS in the DM group was significantly higher compared to both hypothyroid and acromegaly groups and the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: CTS has a higher incidence in DM, hypothyroid and acromegaly patients compared to healthy individuals. Clinicians should be careful about development of CTS in DM, hypothyroidism and acromegaly. They should adopt a multidisciplinary approach and co-operate with the psychiatrist.

Serum levels of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein and pentraxin 3 in patients with Behçet's disease and relationship with disease activity.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the relationship between disease activity and levels of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and pentraxin 3 in patients with Behçet's disease (BD). METHODS: Forty-eight patients with BD and 29 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects were included in the study. Serum pentraxin 3 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ng/ml), and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein levels were measured using nephelometry (mg/dl). Disease activity was assessed using the BD Current Activity Form (BDCAF). RESULTS: Serum alpha-1 acid glycoprotein levels were significantly higher in patients with BD compared to the control group (P = 0.048). There were no significant differences between two groups in terms of levels of pentraxin 3 (P = 0.697). According to Pearson's analysis, alpha 1-acid levels are significantly positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and skin lesions and arthritis of BDCAF scores. Pentraxin 3 levels did not correlate with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, or any domains of BDCAF scores. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study demonstrate that serum levels of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein were significantly higher in patients with BD relative to the control group. Alpha-1 acid glycoprotein is greatly associated with skin lesions and arthritis in patients with BD. We did not find high serum levels of PTX3 in patients with BD compared to healthy controls, and pentraxin 3 is not associated with disease activity in BD.

Serum relaxin levels in benign hypermobility syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the activity of serum relaxin in female patients with benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS), locomotor system findings accompanying BJHS, and its relation to relaxin. METHODS: Into the study, female patients with BJHS and healthy women as the control group were included. The patients were diagnosed by using the Brighton 1998 criteria. Examination of the locomotor system for study groups were performed. Serum relaxin levels of both patient and control group were measured. RESULTS: There were 48 female patients with BJHS and 40 healthy women in the study. With respect to the control group, the level of serum relaxin was higher in the patients (47.1 ± 20.3, 34.4 ± 22.1; p> 0.05). Again compared with the control group, arthralgia (p= 0.00), myalgia (p= 0.01), shoulder impingement syndrome (p= 0.05), pes planus (p= 0.01), and hyperkyphosis (p= 0.000) were higher in the patients. The level of relaxin median was significantly higher in the patients with pesplanus and hyperkyphosis than those who did not have them (p= 0.05, p= 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although serum relaxin level is not considered a causative factor for BJHS, the significant increases found in those patients with hyperkyphosis and pes planus suggest the hypothesis that relaxin has a limited and indefinite role in patients with BJHS.

Elevated serum levels of calprotectin (MRP8/MRP14) in patients with Behçet's disease and its association with disease activity and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease (BD) is an inflammatory disease with multisystem chronic vasculitis. The disease is characterized by attacks of oral and genital ulcerations, skin lesions, arthritis, uveitis and deep vein thrombosis. The main histopathological feature is known to be vascular inflammatory change. Calprotectin (MRP8/MRP14) has been identified as an important alarmin that is expressed by activated phagocytes, granulocytes, monocytes and vascular endothelial cells, recognized by toll-like receptors, and induces a thrombogenic and inflammatory response in human microvascular endothelial cells. AIM: We aimed to investigate the serum levels of calprotectin in patients with BD and its association with disease activity and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients (25 males and 23 females) and 47 healthy controls (29 males and 18 females) were included to study. BD Current Activity Form (BDCAF) was used to assess the disease activity of patients with BD. Quality of life was assessed by using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Serum level of calprotectin was determined using an ELISA kit. Results. Serum levels of calprotectin was significantly higher in patients with BD compared to healthy controls (p = 0.001). Serum levels of calprotectin did not correlate with the sores of BDCAF, NHP and HADS. CONCLUSION: Calprotectin may play a significant role in the pathogenetic mechanisms of BD. Further insight into this area of research might provide opportunities to develop novel treatment strategies.

Evaluation of the incidence of haemorrhoidal disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) is one of the most common diseases encountered by the clinicians of general surgery. Chronic constipation, pushing during defecation and increased abdominal pressure play an important role in development of haemorrhoidal disease. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) frequently use the Valsalva manoeuvre in their daily lives, which may increase the abdominal pressure, leading to formation of haemorrhoids. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of haemorrhoidal disease in patients with AS. A total of 221 individuals were included in this study in three groups as follows: 72 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 75 patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) and 74 healthy control subjects. Patients were examined both physically and anoscopically, and their histories were taken. The incidence of HD was 45.8% in patients with AS, 16% in patients with chronic LBP and 9.5% in healthy control subjects. The incidence of HD was significantly higher in patients with AS compared to the other groups. Patients with AS have a high incidence of HD, which should be taken into consideration by clinicians during routine examination of these patients.

Serum Cytokine Levels in Behçet's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the serum levels of various cytokines in patients with Behçet's Disease and healthy controls. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with Behçet's disease and 29 age and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. The patients were separated into groups with active and inactive disease. Serum IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, and IFN-γ levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Cytokine levels of the two patient groups and healthy controls were compared using SPSS 15.0. RESULTS: Ten patients with active disease and 25 patients with inactive disease were present. Serum IL-8 levels of active BD patients were higher compared to inactive patients (P = 0.048) and healthy controls (P = 0.02). IL-8 levels were correlated with the duration of symptoms (r = 0.490, P = 0.003) and time passed since diagnosis (r = 0.579, P ˂ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Behçet's disease involves complex interactions of cells of the immune system, mainly T lymphocytes and neutrophils. Further studies on the cytokine profile in Behçet's disease will aid in elucidation of its pathogenesis.

Carvacrol and pomegranate extract in treating methotrexate-induced lung oxidative injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of carvacrol (CRV) and pomegranate extract (PE) on methotrexate (MTX)-induced lung injury in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 32 male rats were subdivided into 4 groups: control (group I), MTX treated (group II), MTX+CRV treated (group III), and MTX+PE treated (group IV). A single dose of 73 mg/kg CRV was administered intraperitoneally to rats in group III on Day 1 of the investigation. To group IV, a dose of 225 mg/kg of PE was administered via orogastric gavage once daily over 7 days. A single dose of 20 mg/kg of MTX was given intraperitoneally to groups II, III, and IV on Day 2. The total duration of experiment was 8 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured from rat lung tissues and cardiac blood samples. RESULTS: Serum and lung specimen analyses demonstrated that MDA, TOS, and OSI levels were significantly greater in group II relative to controls. Conversely, the TAC level was significantly reduced in group II when compared to the control group. Pre-administering either CRV or PE was associated with decreased MDA, TOS, and OSI levels and increased TAC levels compared to rats treated with MTX alone. Histopathological examination revealed that lung injury was less severe in group III and IV relative to group II. CONCLUSIONS: MTX treatment results in rat lung oxidative damage that is partially counteracted by pretreatment with either CRV or PE.

Elevated serum levels of calprotectin (myeloid-related protein 8/14) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and its association with disease activity and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Calprotectin is one of the major leukocyte S100 proteins showing both calcium binding and antimicrobial characteristics. The serum level of calprotectin is markedly elevated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as systemic lupus erythematosus and has been suggested to play a prominent role in both progression and pathogenesis of these diseases. AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the serum level of calprotectin in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its association with disease activity and other clinical characteristics of AS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients who met the modified New York criteria for AS and 45 healthy controls were included in this study. Both Bath AS disease activity index and AS disease activity score were applied on the patients with AS for the assessment of disease activity; Bath AS functional index, for the assessment of functional activity; Bath AS radiology index, for the assessment of radiological damage; and the AS quality of life questionnaire for the assessment of disease-related life status. Spinal and hip measurements were performed using Bath AS metrology index. The serum level of calprotectin was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: Mean serum level of calprotectin was significantly higher in the patients with AS compared with healthy controls (P = 0.003). Serum levels of calprotectin did not correlate with Bath AS disease activity index, AS disease activity score, Bath AS functional index, Bath AS radiology index, Bath AS metrology index, modified Schober, chest expansion, AS quality of life questionnaire, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that calprotectin might play an important role in the pathogenetic mechanisms of AS; however, the calprotectin levels did not correlate with the measurements of disease activity, functional abilities, radiological damage, and the quality of life in these patients. Further insight into this area of research might provide opportunities to develop novel treatment strategies, which take into account the role of these peptides in the pathogenetic mechanisms of AS.