Association of longitudinal high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels with changing membrane characteristics in peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Increasing peritoneal permeability with ultrafiltration and solute removal inadequacy is a challenging issue in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Decreasing permeability is less frequent but also results in diminished solute clearance. We evaluated the association between longitudinal high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) values and the change in transport characteristics of the peritoneal membrane in PD patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center study of incident PD patients. An increase or decrease in peritoneal transport status is defined as two or more categories of a rise or decline in the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) from their baseline during follow-up. The 4-h dialysate/plasma creatinine ratio was used to classify transport characteristics. Hs-CRP values were obtained from the routine annual examinations of the patients. RESULTS: Baseline demographics, residual kidney function, frequency of high glucose-containing dialysate, and icodextrin use were similar between the groups. Total episodes of peritonitis within the first 5 years of follow-up were higher in stable transporters than in increased and decreased transporters (p = 0.009). Stable transporters' mean hs-CRP values did not change within 5 years (Wilks' λ = 0.873, F (2.317, 180.740) = 2.210, p = 0.10). Increased and decreased transporters' hs-CRP values significantly raised over the years (Wilks' λ = 0.422, F (1.979, 77.163) = 3.405, p = 0.04 and Wilks' λ = 0.558, F (3.673, 66.107) = 4.396, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the peritoneal membrane may change into different characteristics in many patients over time, despite very low peritonitis frequencies and similar baseline characteristics that may be significantly affected by systemic inflammation.

Synergistic Effect of Omega-3 and Probiotic Supplementation on Preventing Ligature-Induced Periodontitis.

Omega-3 and probiotics were shown to improve periodontal health by modulating the host immune response. Recently, the combination of omega-3 and probiotics has been shown to have a potential synergistic effect on host modulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic role of an omega-3 and probiotic combination on alveolar bone loss (ABL) via inflammatory response in an experimental periodontitis model. Forty-three rats were divided into 5 groups as control (C, n = 8), periodontitis (P, n = 8), omega-3 + periodontitis (O, n = 8), probiotic + periodontitis (Pro, n = 10), and omega-3 + probiotic + periodontitis (OPro, n = 9). Additionally to a standardized diet, omega-3 and/or probiotics were supplemented with oral gavage to the O, Pro, and OPro groups for 44 days. Periodontitis was induced by ligature to the P, O, Pro, and OPro groups on the 30th day for 2 weeks. ABL levels were measured histopathologically, and serum interleukin (IL) 1ß, IL6, and IL10 levels were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ABL increased in all periodontitis groups (P, O, Pro, and OPro), compared to C group. Compared to P group, all oral gavage groups (O, Pro, and OPro) revealed decreased ABL, which was lowest in OPro group. IL1ß and IL6 decreased and IL10 increased in OPro group, compared to P group. In conclusion, prophylactic administration of omega-3 and probiotic combination reduced ABL and improved serum IL1ß, IL6, and IL10 levels more than their single use.

Is the relationship between periodontitis and hyperlipidemia mediated by lipoprotein-associated inflammatory mediators?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), anti-oxLDL, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in hyperlipidemic patients with periodontal disease. METHODS: This study included 123 patients with hyperlipidemia categorized based on metabolic control as mild to moderate (H1) (n=66) or poor (H2) (n=57), as well as systemically healthy controls (C) (n=68). Serum levels of lipids, oxLDL, anti-oxLDL, and MPO were evaluated, along with clinical periodontal parameters. RESULTS: The percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP%) and the clinical attachment level were significantly higher in the H2 group than in the C group. Patients with hyperlipidemia had a relatively high risk of developing periodontal disease. The oxLDL and anti-oxLDL levels were higher in H2 patients with periodontitis than in the control or H1 patients with periodontitis. In the H1 and H2 groups, the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein was significantly correlated with gingival index, BOP%, and oxLDL levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the lipoprotein-associated inflammatory mediators of oxLDL, anti-oxLDL, and MPO may play an important role in the relationship between periodontal disease and hyperlipidemia.

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Triazolopyrimidinone Derivatives as Noncompetitive, Intracellular Antagonists for CC Chemokine Receptors 2 and 5.

CC chemokine receptors 2 (CCR2) and 5 (CCR5) are involved in many inflammatory diseases; however, most CCR2 and CCR5 clinical candidates have been unsuccessful. (Pre)clinical evidence suggests that dual CCR2/CCR5 inhibition might be more effective in the treatment of such multifactorial diseases. In this regard, the highly conserved intracellular binding site in chemokine receptors provides a new avenue for the design of multitarget ligands. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated the biological activity of a series of triazolopyrimidinone derivatives in CCR2 and CCR5. Radioligand binding assays first showed that they bind to the intracellular site of CCR2, and in combination with functional assays on CCR5, we explored structure-affinity/activity relationships in both receptors. Although most compounds were CCR2-selective, 39 and 43 inhibited ß-arrestin recruitment in CCR5 with high potency. Moreover, these compounds displayed an insurmountable mechanism of inhibition in both receptors, which holds promise for improved efficacy in inflammatory diseases.

The role of serum lipoxin A4 levels in the association between periodontal disease and metabolic syndrome.

PURPOSE: An unresolved inflammatory state contributes to the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of lipoxin A4 (LXA4), a proresolving lipid mediator, in the association between periodontal disease and MetS. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with MetS and 65 patients without MetS were included in the study. Sociodemographic information was obtained via a questionnaire, and detailed medical diagnoses were made. Periodontal parameters (plaque index [PI], gingival index [GI], probing pocket depth [PD], and clinical attachment level [CAL]) and metabolic parameters were measured, and serum LXA4 levels were determined. The associations among MetS, periodontal parameters, and serum LX levels were evaluated by adjusted multivariate linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Patients with MetS were older and had a higher body mass index than patients without MetS. Periodontal parameters (PI, GI, PD, and CAL) were higher in patients with MetS than in those without MetS. Serum LXA4 levels were higher in patients without MetS. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated a positive association between MetS and periodontal parameters (PD and CAL). Negative associations were established between MetS and LXA4 levels, and between LXA4 and periodontal parameters (PI, PD, and CAL). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of higher values of periodontal parameters in patients with MetS and the negative relationship of LXA4 with MetS and periodontal disease may support the protective role of proresolving lipid mediators in the association between periodontal disease and MetS.

The role of menopause on the relationship between metabolic risk factors and periodontal disease via salivary oxidative parameters.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is shown to be aggravated by an increase in the count of metabolic risk factors. This study aims to evaluate the effects of metabolic risk factors on periodontal parameters and salivary oxidative stress markers related to menopausal status. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-six women were categorized according to menopausal status, either premenopause (Pre/M) (n = 86) or postmenopause (Post/M) (n = 90). The count of metabolic risk factors was evaluated. Sociodemographics and systemic status were determined via questionnaire and medical records. After clinical periodontal measurements and saliva collection, myeloperoxidase (MPO), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and automatic colorimetric method. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was also calculated. RESULTS: The count of metabolic risk factors was higher in the Post/M group than the Pre/M group. Periodontal parameters and TOS levels were elevated by an increase in the count of metabolic risk factors. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that periodontal (clinical attachment level and missed teeth) and oxidative (MPO and OSI) parameters increased and TAOC levels decreased due to menopause. Additionally, positive relationships between periodontal and oxidative parameters were determined. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that salivary oxidative stress level may be an indicator of worsened periodontal status related to menopause and the count of metabolic risk factors.

The effect of menopause on the relationship between hyperlipidemia and periodontal disease via salivary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and myeloperoxidase levels.

OBJECTIVE: Impairment of the lipid metabolism could affect the periodontal disease; increased oxidative stress may have a role in this relationship. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of menopause in the relationship between hyperlipidemia and periodontal disease via oxidative stress markers in saliva. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven women were enrolled in the study and divided into four groups as systemically healthy and premenopause (C) (n = 18), hyperlipidemia and premenopause (H) (n = 16), systemically healthy and postmenopause (M) (n = 17), and hyperlipidemia and postmenopause (MH) (n = 16). Sociodemographics, periodontal and metabolic parameters, and saliva oxidative markers (myeloperoxidase [MPO] and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]) were evaluated. RESULTS: Menopause and/or hyperlipidemia were associated with an increase in all evaluated periodontal parameters. Saliva 8-OHdG and MPO levels were higher in menopausal groups (M and MH). Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that hyperlipidemia was related to an increase in periodontal parameters. Salivary oxidative stress markers and periodontal parameters were also positively associated with menopause and hyperlipidemia. CONCLUSION: Saliva 8-OHdG and MPO levels may indicate that the relationship between periodontal disease and hyperlipidemia is aggravated by menopause.

Anti-inflammatory effect of rosuvastatin decreases alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis.

The effects of systemically administered rosuvastatin on alveolar bone loss (ABL), cytokine levels and oxidative status were investigated in rats with ligature-induced periodontitis. Rats were divided randomly into four groups: a non-ligated group (C); a non-ligated+rosuvastatin group (R); a ligated group (P); and a ligated+rosuvastatin group (PR). Ligatures were placed at the maxillary second molars, and rosuvastatin was administered for 14 days. After the rats had been euthanatized, histomorphometric and histological analyses were performed, and the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-10 and oxidant and antioxidant parameters (malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase) were evaluted by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Rosuvastatin significantly decreased the extent of ABL, inflammatory infiltration and osteoclasts in periodontitis, but increased the numbers of osteoblasts. Although rosuvastatin reduced the levels of IL-1ß, they did not differ significantly between the PR and P groups. In the PR group, not only were IL-10 levels significantly higher but also the ratio of IL-1ß to IL-10 was lower than in the P group. Although MDA levels were significantly increased in the P group relative to the C group, they did not differ significantly between the PR and C groups. The present data suggest that rosuvastatin decreases ABL in ligature-induced periodontitis, and that its anti-inflammatory effect is more remarkable than its antioxidant effect.

Is a Cholestrol-Enriched Diet a Risk Factor for Alveolar Bone Loss?

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the effects of a 2% cholesterol-enriched diet on alveolar bone loss (ABL) and serum levels of pro-oxidants and antioxidant enzymes in rats with experimental periodontitis. METHODS: Rats were randomized into the four groups: 1) group C (standard diet/periodontally healthy); 2) group Hc (high-cholesterol diet); 3) group HcP (high-cholesterol diet/periodontitis); and 4) group P (standard diet/periodontitis). All rats were fed for 8 weeks. At 6 weeks, experimental periodontitis was induced. At the end of week 8, the rats were sacrificed. Histomorphometric and histopathologic analyses were performed. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels in serum were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Experimental groups exhibited increases in: 1) total cholesterol, 2) low-density lipoprotein, and 3) high-density lipoprotein compared to group C. The cholesterol-enriched diet induced ABL in group Hc; groups HcP and P had more extensive ABL. The most polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration in periodontal tissues was found in group HcP. MDA levels were higher in all experimental groups than in group C, but significant in the HcP group. A high-cholesterol diet, with or without periodontitis, resulted in more decreases in GPX and more increases in NO compared to group P. CONCLUSION: Although any additive effect of cholesterol-enriched diet to ABL was not found in rats with ligature-induced experimental periodontitis, these findings revealed that a cholesterol-enriched diet could lead to ABL and an increase in periodontal inflammation and serum pro-oxidants.

Lipoxin A4 and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio: A Possible Indicator in Achieved Systemic Risk Factors for Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and neutrophil/lymphocyte (Ne/Ly) ratio in individuals with achieved systemic risk factors for periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty volunteers (69 male, 111 female) who were categorized as systemically healthy control, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obese and menopause were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic characteristics and oral health behaviors were recorded via questionnaire. Clinical periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), sulcus bleeding index (SBI) and decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT), were assessed. Systemic parameters and LXA4 levels were evaluated in serum samples. RESULTS: Clinical periodontal parameters and DMFT were higher in subjects with achieved systemic risk factors than in healthy subjects. The systemically healthy with periodontitis group had higher serum LXA4 levels than the systemically healthy with non-periodontitis group (P<0.05). The Ne/Ly ratio was higher in the hyperlipidemic group with periodontitis than in the hyperlipidemic group with non-periodontitis (P<0.05). In the control group, serum LXA4 levels were positively correlated with the PD, CAL and SBI. CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of periodontitis, an increase in LXA4 levels and the Ne/Ly ratio in hyperlipidemic patients could contribute to the hypothesis that these parameters could be an indicator in periodontitis and its systemic risk factors.

Serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and C-reactive protein levels in association with periodontal disease and hyperlipidemia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in association with periodontal disease and hyperlipidemia. METHODS: A total of 123 subjects with hyperlipidemia and 68 systemically healthy controls were included in the study. Subjects with hyperlipidemia were divided into two groups: the suggested-diet (HD) and prescribed-statin (HS) groups and then into three subgroups: the healthy (HDh and HSh), gingivitis (HDg and HSg), and periodontitis (HDp and HSp) groups. Periodontal parameters were recorded and included the plaque index, gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP). Fasting venous blood samples were obtained, and serum lipid, Lp-PLA(2), and hsCRP levels were evaluated. RESULTS: Median values for the GI, PD, BOP(%), and CAL in the HSg group were statistically significantly higher than those in the HDg and systemically healthy with gingivitis (Cg) groups. The HSp group had higher percentages of BOP compared to those of the chronic periodontitis and HDp groups. The HDg group had higher serum Lp-PLA(2) and hsCRP levels compared to those of the Cg and HSg groups. The ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL) was significantly associated with the GI, PD, and BOP(%) in both groups with hyperlipidemia. Serum Lp-PLA(2) and hsCRP levels were significantly correlated with TC/HDL, the GI, PD, and BOP(%) in the HD group. CONCLUSIONS: Serum Lp-PLA(2) and hsCRP levels may play an important role in the association between periodontal disease and hyperlipidemia, and the control of these mediators may affect the inflammatory control of patients with hyperlipidemia and periodontal disease.

Football and exchange rates: empirical support for behavioral economics.

Recently, economic theory has been expanded to incorporate emotions, which have been assumed to play an important role in financial decisions. The present study illustrates this by showing a connection between the sports performance of popular national football teams (Besiktas, Fenerbahce, and Galatasaray) and performance of the Turkish economy. Specifically, a significant positive association was found between the success of three major professional Turkish football teams and the exchange rate of the Turkish lira against the U.S. dollar. The effect of the football success of several Turkish football teams on the exchange rate of the Turkish lira was examined using the simultaneous multiple regression model with predictor measures of wins, losses, and ties for different combinations of teams to predict the depreciation rate of the Turkish lira between the years 1987 and 2003. Wins by Turkish football teams against foreign (non-Turkish) rivals increased with exchange rate depreciation of the Turkish lira against the U.S. dollar.