Effect of thymoquinone on transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) channels in rats with liver ischemia reperfusion model in rats.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the levels of transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) gene expression, and the antioxidant and histopathologic effect of thymoquinone (Tmq) in the hepatic I/R rat model. Materials and Methods: Fifty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. Group 1: Control; Group 2: Sham; Group 3: Hepatic I/R (45 min/45 min); Group 4: Tmq (50 mg/kg); Group 5: Tmq+I/R (ten days before I/R at the dose of 50 mg/kg of Tmq). The hepatic I/R (45min/45min) model was performed at the portal vein and the hepatic artery with atraumatic vascular clamp in the ischemia groups. The liver tissues and blood samples that were taken at the end of the study were evaluated for histopathologic and biochemical analysis. Besides TRPM gene expression levels were determined in liver tissues. It was seen that cellular swelling, congestion, PNL, and apoptosis parameters statistically decreased in Tmq and Tmq+I/R groups in comparison with the I/R group in histopathological evaluation. Results: It was observed that biochemical parameters, AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, creatinine, and urea levels significantly increased in the I/R group as compared with, sham, Tmq, and Tmq+I/R groups. It was found that TRPM2,6,7,8 gene expression decreased significantly in Tmq+I/R groups as compared to the I/R group. Conclusion: We showed that thymoquinone can inhibit the entry of Ca+2 into the cell by decreasing TRPM2,6,7,8 gene expression. Based on our findings, we think that Tmq application in the treatment of liver diseases due to I/R damage may be important in terms of both ischemia and apoptosis and can also be used in the treatment of liver-related diseases.

Exhaled TGF-ß1 levels before and after an exercise challenge in asthmatic and healthy children, and during exacerbation.

BACKGROUND: There is conflicting data regarding the role of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) in the pathogenesis of airway hyper-reactivity and asthma exacerbation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of exhaled-TGF-ß1 in exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in asthmatic and nonasthmatic healthy children, and in asthma exacerbation and asthma control. METHODS: The exhaled-TGF-ß1 levels of 56 stable asthmatic children and 15 nonasthmatic healthy children were evaluated before and 30 min after an exercise challenge. The exhaled-TGF-ß1 levels of 20 additional children with asthma exacerbation were evaluated. RESULTS: While no significant difference in the exhaled-TGF-ß1 levels was found at the baseline, exhaled-TGF-ß1 levels after the exercise challenge were significantly higher in the non-EIB (n = 31) asthmatics when compared to the asthmatic children with EIB (n = 25) (p = 0.04). Although there was a statistically significant increase in the concentration of the exhaled-TGF-ß1 after the exercise challenge in the non-EIB asthmatics (p = 0.008), the concentration of the TGF-ß1 was not increased after the exercise challenge in EIB + asthmatics. The exhaled-TGF-ß1 was significantly correlated with the ACT score (p = 0.01, r = 0.49) and the baseline FEV1 level (p = 0.02, r = 0.35). The exhaled-TGF-ß1 levels were significantly higher in the stable asthmatic children when compared to the nonasthmatic children (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in exhaled-TGF-ß1 levels after the exercise challenge in the nonasthmatics. The exhaled-TGF-ß1 levels were significantly lower in those children with asthma exacerbation when compared to the stable asthmatic children (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that TGF-ß1 may play a role in suppressing airway reactivity and its deficiency is associated with asthma exacerbation.

Increased potassium excretion in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: could it be related to Kir 4.1- KCNJ10 gene polymorphism?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are controversial results in the literature regarding urinary electrolytes, especially potassium, in enuretic children. KCNJ10 channel protein, a member of the Kir 4.1 family is expressed in renal distal tubules and has an important function in renal ion transport. We investigated whether KCNJ10 gene polymorphisms are associated with clinical and laboratory findings of a group of Turkish children with monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis (MNE). METHOD: Ninety-seven MNE children and 100 healthy controls were tested for three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the KCNJ10 gene. The transversions in SNPs were G to A for intron 1(SNP1), G to A for exon 2 (SNP2), and T to C transition for promoter (SNP3). All SNPs were genotyped by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: SNP3 in promoter of KCNJ10 gene showed strong association with MNE children for distribution of genotype and allele frequency, while SNP1 in intron 1 and SNP2 in exon 2 were noninformative. The distribution of TT, TC, and CC genotypes for SNP3 was 66%, 26.8% and 7.2% respectively in MNE compared with 38%, 59% and 3% respectively in controls (p < 0.0001). In enuretic children, TT genotype was higher and there was an increased potassium excretion in children with TT genotype (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that KCNJ10 gene promoter polymorphism may have a role on potassium excretion in Turkish MNE children. This is the first study in literature evaluating KCNJ10 gene polymorphism in this patient population. Future studies investigating the other SNPs, mutations or altered regulation of Kir4.1 in larger samples would help clarify the role (s) of KCNJ10 gene in enuresis.

Comparison of cytotoxic effects of calcium silicate-based materials on human pulp fibroblasts Mehmet.

Background. This study aimed to compare the in vitro cytotoxicity of Theracal LC, BiodentineTM, iRoot BP Plus, and MTA Angelus on human pulp fibroblasts (HPF). Methods. Fifteen discs from each calcium silicate-based material were prepared in sterile Teflon molds. After setting, the fabricated discs were eluated with a culture medium for 24 h. HPF cells were plated onto 24-well plates at 5×103 cells/well, and the cells were exposed to the material eluates. The cell viability was evaluated with MTT assay at three different times (24, 48, and 72 h). Data were statistically analyzed. The apoptotic/necrotic status of HPF cells exposed to material eluates was determined by flow cytometry. Results. The differences between the effects of Theracal LC, BiodentineTM, MTA Angelus, and iRoot BP Plus on HPF cells were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Theracal LC was found to be more cytotoxic considering other vital pulp capping materials at 24- (28.3%), 48- (44.9%), and 72-hour (49.2%) intervals. On the other hand, BiodentineTM showed the least cytotoxic effects (97.1%, 130.0%, and 103.7%, respectively) According to flow cytometry results, Theracal LC material increased apoptosis/necrosis ratios compared to the other materials. Conclusion. Based on the results of the present study, BiodentineTM, MTA Angelus, and iRoot BP Plus can be classified as biocompatible materials in vital endodontic treatments. However, the Theracal LC materials should be used carefully due to their cytotoxic effects.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism in psoriasis in southern Turkey.

BACKGROUND:: Psoriasis is a multigenic and multifactorial dermatological disease linked to cardiovascular diseases. Increased levels of homocysteine in patients with psoriasis have been demonstrated in many studies. The most frequently investigated genetic defect that plays a role in homocysteine metabolism is single point substitution (C to T) located on the 677th nucleotide of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR). OBJECTIVE:: In this study, we aimed to investigate methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism in psoriasis patients in Turkey. METHODS:: The study included 96 patients with psoriasis and 77 controls from southern Turkey. Methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism was analysed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism methods. RESULTS:: In the psoriasis group, 34 CC (35.4%), 46 CT (47.9%) and 16 TT (16.7%) genotypes were found, respectively; while in the control group, the figures were 39 (50.6%), 35 (45.5%), 3 (3.9%). Homozygote and heterozygote T alleles of methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism were significantly higher in the psoriasis than in the control group (p=0.013). CONCLUSION:: We firstly found a correlation between methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism and psoriasis among the southern Turkish population.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism in psoriasis in southern Turkey

Abstract: Background: Psoriasis is a multigenic and multifactorial dermatological disease linked to cardiovascular diseases. Increased levels of homocysteine in patients with psoriasis have been demonstrated in many studies. The most frequently investigated genetic defect that plays a role in homocysteine metabolism is single point substitution (C to T) located on the 677th nucleotide of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR). Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism in psoriasis patients in Turkey. Methods: The study included 96 patients with psoriasis and 77 controls from southern Turkey. Methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism was analysed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism methods. Results: In the psoriasis group, 34 CC (35.4%), 46 CT (47.9%) and 16 TT (16.7%) genotypes were found, respectively; while in the control group, the figures were 39 (50.6%), 35 (45.5%), 3 (3.9%). Homozygote and heterozygote T alleles of methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism were significantly higher in the psoriasis than in the control group (p=0.013). Conclusion: We firstly found a correlation between methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism and psoriasis among the southern Turkish population.

The cell fate: senescence or quiescence.

Senescence and quiescence are frequently used as interchangeable terms in the literature unwittingly. Despite the fact that common molecules play role in decision of cell cycle arrest, senescent and quiescent cells have some distinctive phenotypes at both molecular and morphological levels. Thus, in this review we summarized the features of senescence and quiescence with respect to visual characteristics and prominent key molecules. A PubMed research was conducted for the key words; "senescence", "quiescence" and "cell cycle arrest". The results which are related to cell cycle control were selected. The selection criteria of the target articles used for this review included also key cell cycle molecules such as p53, pRB, p21, p16, mTOR, p27, etc. The results were not evaluated statistically. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been claimed to be key molecule in switching on/off senescence/quiescence. Specifically, although maximal p53 activation blocks mTOR and causes quiescence, partial p53 activation sustains mTOR activity and causes senescence subsequently. In broader perspective, quiescence occurs due to lack of nutrition and growth factors whereas senescence takes place due to aging and serious DNA damages. Contrary to quiescence, senescence is a degenerative process ensuing a certain cell death. We highlighted several differences between senescence and quiescence and their key molecules in this review. Whereas quiescence (cell cycle arrest) is only one half of the senescence, the other half is growth stimulation which causes actual senescence phenotype.

The expression levels of the sirtuins in patients with BCC.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common tumor in humans. Reduced expression of sirtuins interferes with DNA repair, which may cause mutations and genomic instability, and eventually leads to tumor development. In the present study, we investigate the expression levels of SIRT genes in non-tumoral and tumor tissues of patients with BCC. A total of 27 patients (16 males, 11 females) with BCC were included in the study; the mean age was 65.40 ± 10.74 years and mean follow-up was 2.5 ± 0.5 years. There were multiple synchronous lesions in six patients, and the remaining 21 patients had a single lesion. Tumor and non-tumoral tissue samples were collected from all patients, and mRNA expression levels of SIRT1-7 (Sirt1.1, Sirt1.2, Sirt2, Sirt3, Sirt4, Sirt5, Sirt6, and Sirt7) were examined by real-time PCR. The results showed that expressions of SIRT1.1, SIRT1.2, SIRT4, SIRT5, SIRT6, and SIRT7 mRNAs were unchanged in tumor tissues of BCC patients compared with non-tumoral tissue samples. Importantly, the expressions of SIRT2 and SIRT3 mRNAs were significantly reduced in tumor tissue samples from BCC patients compared with non-tumoral tissues (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). In light of the previous reports that have demonstrated a link between SIRT proteins and cancer, our findings suggest that SIRT2 and SIRT3 may plan important roles in BCC pathogenesis and could be candidate prognostic biomarkers for BCC.

MicroRNA 211 expression is upregulated and associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer: a case-control study.

Increasingly more evidence support the role of the microRNAs (miRNA) in tumorigenesis. The role of up/downregulation microRNA-211 (miR-211) during human tumorigenesis is still contentious and may exhibit tissue-specific regulatory manner, but the exhaustive mechanisms underlying its pro/anti-oncogenic effects remain to be unknown. Sixty-six patients that were diagnosed and operated with colorectal cancer (CRC) and sixty-five healthy cases that were age and sex compatible with them were included in our study. miRNA was isolated from the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues of all cases. The expression level of miR-211 in matched normal and tumor tissues of CRC group and healthy group was evaluated using a quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Based on the average miR-211 levels, two groups of low or high expression were formed in CRC group. Correlation of the patients' clinicopathological factors and survival was also analyzed. No statistically significant differences were found in miR-211 levels among tumorous and normal tissues of CRC patient group (P = 0.59). Also, no statistically significant correlation was determined between clinicopathological factors and miR-211 expression level in CRC group. However, miR-211 expression levels between the CRC group and the healthy group were determined to be of statistical significance (P < 0.0001). There were 33 (50 %) CRC patients that expressed low levels of miR-211 and 33 (50 %) CRC patients that expressed high levels of miR-211. A median survival between low levels of miR-211 group and high levels of miR-211 group was evaluated via Kaplan-Meier, and the difference was of statistical significance (P = 0.035). The univariate analysis of the factors that may affect survival indicated invasion depth (P = 0.063), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.011), perineural invasion (P = 0.009), and miR-211 expression level (P = 0.041) presence to be effective. In the multivariate analysis of these factors with overall survival, only miR-211 expression level (P = 0.01) was effective on overall survival. Our results suggest for the first time that miR-211 expressed more in CRC patients than in healthy group could be a new prognostic biomarker in order to predict survival. Independent studies are needed to validate our findings in a larger series, as well as in cancer of different tissues.

Loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 13q33-34 region and molecular analysis of ING1 and p53 genes in bladder carcinoma.

Cancer is a consequence of accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in the cell which can lead to activation of oncogenes or inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (TSG). Since members of ING family were discovered as TSGs in different cancer types, it was aimed to analyze the chromosome 13q33-34 region, ING1 and p53 genes in bladder cancer. 30 paired normal and tumor tissues were investigated in terms of microdeletion of chromosome 13q33-34 region, ING1 expression and mutation status of ING1 and p53 genes. Because there is no data available about the transcription factors which bind to ING1 promoter, the promoter sequence was analyzed via Genomatix-MatInspector and TFSEARCH softwares. Used DS markers were D13S285, D13S1315, D13S796, D13S278, D13S158, and D13S779 where loss of heterozygosity (LOH) results were as 23.3, 20, 6.7, 3.3, 6.7, and 0 %, respectively. The highest LOH scores were obtained with markers D13S285 and D13S1315 which are flanking the ING1. Seven of 30 cases showed alteration in expression (p > 0.05). However, no mutation was detected in the exons of ING1. One patient showed a two-nucleotide deletion in p53 gene. However no significant TSG activity of ING1 was observed while higher activity was reported in different cancer types. As for the LOH data 13q33-34 region may contain different candidate TSGs like COL4A1, COL4A2 and SOX1. As a result of computational promoter analysis, some factors like ABL, E2F, HIF1, SOX, P53, BPTF, NRSF, c-Rel and c-ETS were associated with the promoter region. Molecular analysis of ING1 promoter warrants further analysis.

miR-204-5p expression in colorectal cancer: an autophagy-associated gene.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important factors during tumorigenesis by affecting posttranscriptional gene expression. miRNA 204 (miR-204) is a miRNA frequently investigated in different types of cancers. According to literature, autophagy has dual roles in cancer, acting as both a tumor suppressor and cell survival agent. Also, the current data suggests that autophagy is activated in human colorectal cancer cells and enhances the aggressiveness of human colorectal cancer cells. So, our aim is to investigate potential effect of miR-204-5p on colorectal cancer by associating its expression with autophagy-related targets of miR-204-5p. This is the first miRNA study conducted on patients with colorectal cancer and healthy subjects and also to search the relation of miR-204-5p with clinicopathological factors and survival. Sixty-six patients with colorectal cancer and healthy subjects without any known chronic disease were enrolled into our study. Total miRNA was isolated from paraffin-embedded tissues of all patients' cancerous and normal tissues, and healthy subjects. cDNAs were obtained from this miRNAs by reverse transcriptase method, and miR-204-5p relative expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR method. Patients were divided into two groups according to median relative expression levels of miR-204-5p, as low- and high-expression group. Relation of miR-204-5p with clinicopathological factors and overall survival was also investigated. Medians of miR-204-5p relative expression levels in cancerous and normal tissues of patients were found as 0.00235 and 0.00376, respectively. The difference between two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.11). Nonetheless, median of miR-204-5p relative expression levels in healthy subjects were found as 0.00135, and the difference between patient with cancer and healthy subjects and between normal tissues of patients and healthy subjects were statistically significant (p = 0.021 and p = 0.0005, respectively). There were 32 patients (48.5 %) showing high expression and 34 patients (51.5 %) showing low expression according to miR-204-5p relative expression levels. There were no statistically significant relation between clinicopathologic features and miR-204-5p relative expression levels. We also investigated the relation between miR-204-5p relative expression levels and overall survival, and no statistically significant relation was found between them (p = 0.462). The absence of any significant difference between tumor and non-tumor samples, low sample size, and performance at just one center are the limitations of our study. In opposition to literature, miR-204-5p is overexpressed in colorectal cancer patients as compared with healthy subjects and this situation is not associated with clinicopathological factors and overall survival. This may be explained by the fact that miR-204-5p increases in colorectal cancer cases in order to inhibit increased activity of LC3B-II in autophagy and Bcl2 against apoptosis posttranscriptionally and to take role as tumor suppressor.

Do fasudil and Y-27632 affect the level of transient receptor potential (TRP) gene expressions in breast cancer cell lines?

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent cancer type in women, and the mortality rate is high especially in metastatic disease. Ion channels such as the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels correlate with malignant growth and cancer progression. Hence, some authors have suggested that the expression levels of TRP channels may be used as a marker in the diagnosis and predicting the prognosis of BC. Also, in some recent studies, targeting TRP channels are suggested as a novel treatment strategy in BC. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors, fasudil and Y-27632, on the expression levels of TRP channel genes in breast cancer cell lines (ZR-75-1, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231) and breast epithelial cell line (hTERT-HME1). The expression levels of TRP genes were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We found that fasudil had reduced the TRPC1, TRPV2 expression levels in the ZR-75-1, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. On the other hand, fasudil and Y-27632 had reduced TRPM6 expression levels in all cell lines. Y-27632 increased the expression levels of TRPC7 in all cell lines. In conclusion, this is the first study demonstrating that the inhibition of ROCK pathway changes the expression levels of some TRP genes. Also, our study has firstly shown that the expression levels of the TRP genes which are suggested as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in BC, were changed with the treatment of fasudil and Y-27632.

Expressions of TRPM6 and TRPM7 and histopathological evaluation of tissues in ischemia reperfusion performed rats.

There is very little work on the expression of TRPM6/7 in ischemia reperfusion models. In previous studies, after ischemia, reperfusion had been kept limited to 24 h, yet in our study, expressions of these channels were elucidated after its modification to 48 h to establish what kind of changes renal tissues undergo. For the current study, 20 Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups equally. Group I: control group, Group II = I/R group (60 min ischemia + 48 h reperfusion). For the mRNA analysis, right kidneys of I/R group was used as a reference in order to eliminate genetic differences. The left renal artery (I/R generated part) of I/R area was removed from all rats in the second group. Likewise, normal tissues of right renal artery were removed from all rats. Histopathologic scoring of the tissue samples were achieved semi-quantitatively according to normal tissue composition. Consequently, both TRPM6 and TRPM7 expression levels were decreased in all groups according to control groups, yet results were not counted as significant (p > 0.05). Additionally, correlation analysis confirmed these results. Also, I/R performed kidneys had more tissue damage compared to control group. To conclude, our study results suggest that TRPM6/7 expressions may be increased and after 48 h of reperfusion expression levels of these two stored to normal levels. At the same time, damages have occurred in renal tissues after ischemia. These damages were considered to be resulted from the oxidative effects as previously reported.

Urotensin II (U-II), a novel cyclic peptide, possibly associated with the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis.

Synovial fibrosis is one of the main outcomes of osteoarthritis. Some authors have reported that urotensin-II (U-II) may cause pathologic fibrosis in cardiovascular system, lung and liver. However there are no previous reports available in the literature about its relationship with the synovial fibrosis in osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to compare the U-II levels in knee synovial fluids obtained from osteoarthritic and non-osteoarthritic patients. Two groups were created, the osteoarthritis group and non-osteoarthritic control group. The control group was consisted of patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for other reasons than cartilage disorders. In the osteoarthritis group all patients had grade 4 primer degenerative osteoarthritis and were treated with total knee arthroplasty. Minimum 1 mL knee synovial fluids were obtained during operation. Levels of U-II were measured by using ELISA kit U-II levels were significantly higher in the osteoarthritic group than that in the control group. No correlation was found between U-II levels and age. In conclusion, the significantly high U-II levels in the knee synovial fluid of osteoarthritic patients supported our hypothesis that "U-II may be associated with the synovial fibrosis in osteoarthritis".

NADPH oxidase p22phox gene expression in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, which catalyzes the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in phagocytic cells, has five subunits: p67phox ("phox"refers to "phagocyte oxidase"), p47phox, p40phox, p22phox, and gp91phox (catalytic subunit). Oxidative stress resulting from the accumulation of ROS and/or defective removal of ROS by antioxidants has detrimental effects on cellular functions and may contribute to chronic inflammation. Disruption of the colonic mucosa due to the dysregulation of antioxidants or transformation enzymes may play a role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and influence the clinical features of this disease. In this study, we examined the expression of the gene encoding NADPH oxidase subunit p22phox cytochrome b-245, alphapolypeptidein the colonic mucosa to test its possible contribution in the pathogenesis of UC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression levels of mRNA in the inflamed and non-inflamed colonic mucosa (determined using colonoscopy)of 22 patients with UC and in the normal mucosa of 22 healthy controls were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Expression levels of mRNA were not significantly different between patients with inflamed and non-inflamed colonic mucosa (p>0.05) and betweenpatients with inflamed colonicmucosa and healthy controls (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Although our data suggest that expression of the gene encoding p22phox is not associated with chronic inflammation in patients with UC, other mechanisms can affect oxidative stress in these patients.

Is there a relationship between endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis?

OBJECTIVE: Nitric oxide is produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and its production can be influenced by polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene. Because candidate genes responsible for susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis are mostly unknown and available data suggest that there may be problems related to the nitric oxide pathway, such as endothelial dysfunction and increased asymmetric dimethylarginine, this study aimed to assess the association of common endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms with ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: One hundred ninety-four unrelated Turkish ankylosing spondylitis patients and 113 healthy without apparent cardiovascular disease, hypertension or diabetes mellitus were included. All individuals were genotyped by PCR-RFLP for two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, namely 786T>C (rs2070744, promoter region) and 786 Glu298Asp (rs1799983, exon 7). Variable numbers of tandem repeat polymorphisms in intron 4 were also studied and investigated by direct electrophoresis on agarose gel following polymerase chain reaction analysis. The Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index of the patients was calculated, and human leukocyte antigen B27 was studied. RESULTS: All studied polymorphisms satisfied Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Sex distributions were similar between the patient and control groups. No significant differences were found in the distributions of allele and genotype frequencies of the studied endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms between patients and controls. There were no correlations between endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms, disease duration, Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index or human leukocyte antigen B27. CONCLUSION: The results presented in this study do not support a major role of common endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms in Turkish ankylosing spondylitis patients.

Effect of serum on diesel exhaust particles (DEP)-induced apoptosis of airway epithelial cells in vitro.

Patients with chronic airway diseases may be more susceptible to adverse effects of air pollutants including diesel exhaust particles (DEP). We investigated effects of foetal calf serum (FCS) on DEP-induced changes in airway epithelial cell apoptosis and inflammation. DEP (50-200 µg/ml) increased A549 cell viability in the absence of FCS. In the presence of 3.3%FCS, DEP (50-400 µg/ml) decreased A549 cell viability. N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 33 mM) and the c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125, 33 µM) further decreased the viability in the presence of DEP (200 µg/ml) and 3.3% FCS. Under serum-free (SF) condition, DEP (50 µg/ml) reduced apoptotic cells; however, when 3.3% FCS added to the culture medium, this effect was abolished. DEP (200 µg/ml) induced mRNA expression of p21(CIP1/WAF1) both in absence or presence of 3.3% FCS and enhanced JNK2 mRNA expression only in the presence of 3.3% FCS. Under SF condition, DEP (50 µg/ml) induced mRNA expression for p27 and p53, whereas cyclin E mRNA expression was inhibited by DEP (50 and 200 µg/ml). Furthermore, DEP (200 µg/ml) decreased the release of interleukin (IL)-8 in the absence of FCS. In conclusion, FCS modulates effects of DEP on cell death, cell cycle and apoptosis regulating proteins, and IL-8 release by activating oxidant stress pathways, JNK and NF-κB. Extravasation of serum, as occurs in the inflamed airways of patients with chronic airway diseases such as asthma and COPD, may render airway epithelial cells more susceptible to the deleterious effects of DEP.

Thr21Met (T21M) but not Ser89Asn (S89N) polymorphisms of the urotensin-II (UTS-II) gene are associated with Behcet's disease (BD).

Behcet's disease (BD) is multisytemic vasculitis or chronic inflammation that may lead to various autoimmune and autoinflammatory syndromes. Exact etiopathogenesis of BD has not been clarified yet. Urotensin II (UTS-II) is predominantly a vasoactive peptide and Thr21Met polymorphism in UTS-II gene was proved to increasing in some autoimmune diseases. Considering these, our objective was to evaluate whether two UTS-II gene polymorphisms (Thr21Met and Ser89Asn) were responsible in genetic susceptibility to BD in a Turkish population. A total of 198 patients with BD and 275 healthy controls were enrolled. We analyzed the genotype and allele frequencies of two UTS-II gene polymorphisms, Thr21Met and Ser89Asn, in BD patients and in controls. We found that Thr21Met but not Ser89Asn polymorphisms of the UTS-II gene were markedly associated with the risk of developing BD (p<0.0001), The Met21Met genotype was less common among BD patients (6.1% in patients vs. 17.1% in controls; p<0.0001). There was also an increase in the 21Thr allele (54.8% in BD patients vs. 43.8% in controls) and a decrease in 21Met allele frequencies (45.2% in controls vs. 56.2% in patients) in the BD groups (p<0.0044). To the best of our knowledge, for the first time in the literature, our study claims that there is an association between Thr21Met, and not between Ser89Asn polymorphisms in the UTS-II gene and BD. These results put a new player to the field of undiscovered pathogenesis of BD and hopefully provide new insights to the treatment options.

Is there a relationship between endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis?

OBJECTIVE: Nitric oxide is produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and its production can be influenced by polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene. Because candidate genes responsible for susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis are mostly unknown and available data suggest that there may be problems related to the nitric oxide pathway, such as endothelial dysfunction and increased asymmetric dimethylarginine, this study aimed to assess the association of common endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms with ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: One hundred ninety-four unrelated Turkish ankylosing spondylitis patients and 113 healthy without apparent cardiovascular disease, hypertension or diabetes mellitus were included. All individuals were genotyped by PCR-RFLP for two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, namely 786T>C (rs2070744, promoter region) and 786 Glu298Asp (rs1799983, exon 7). Variable numbers of tandem repeat polymorphisms in intron 4 were also studied and investigated by direct electrophoresis on agarose gel following polymerase chain reaction analysis. The Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index of the patients was calculated, and human leukocyte antigen B27 was studied. RESULTS: All studied polymorphisms satisfied Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Sex distributions were similar between the patient and control groups. No significant differences were found in the distributions of allele and genotype frequencies of the studied endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms between patients and controls. There were no correlations between endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms, disease duration, Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index or human leukocyte antigen B27. CONCLUSION: The results presented in this study do not support a major role of common endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms in Turkish ankylosing spondylitis patients.

Exhaled RANTES and interleukin 4 levels after exercise challenge in children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Despite the universality and clinical significance of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), the mechanisms responsible for it are incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of exhaled RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) and interleukin (IL) 4 in EIB in children with asthma. METHODS: Fifty-six children with asthma were evaluated with exercise challenge and exhaled RANTES and IL-4 levels. Exhaled breath condensate was collected before and 30 minutes after exercise challenge. RANTES and IL-4 concentrations were determined using a specific immunoassay kit. RESULTS: A significant increase was found in RANTES levels after exercise challenge in the asthmatic children (P<.001). A statistically significant increase in RANTES levels was noted after exercise challenge in both the asthmatic children with EIB (n=25, P=.007) and in the non-EIB asthmatic group (n=31, P=.005). Our study revealed that exhaled RANTES level correlates significantly well with percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), exacerbation frequency, serum IgE, and body mass index. No statistically significant increase was found in IL-4 levels after exercise challenge. The maximal postexercise decrease in FEV1 strongly correlated with total eosinophil count (P<.001, r = -0.61) and baseline ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FVC) (P=.002, r=0.40). Results from multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and atopy as covariates showed that eosinophil count and FEV1/FVC ratio were significantly associated with EIB. CONCLUSION: We found that exercise challenge, leading to hyperosmolar stimulus, may increase exhaled RANTES levels in children with asthma. In addition, exhaled RANTES levels correlate well with serum IgE, severity of asthma, FEV1/FVC ratio, and body mass index. RANTES and IL-4 may not be independent predictors for EIB. Furthermore, eosinophil count and FEV1/FVC ratio may predict the presence and severity of EIB in asthmatic children.