A study of the utility of novel non-invasive urinary and serum biomarkers of blunt kidney injury in a rat model: NGAL, KIM-1, and IL-18.

This study investigated changes in the concentrations of serum and urine neutrophil gelatinase lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), interleukin 18 (IL-18), and cystatin-C (Cys-C) induced by parenchymal and tubular damage following blunt kidney trauma, as well as their potential utility as biomarkers in the detection and follow-up of patients with suspected blunt renal trauma. Three-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 18) were divided into three groups (n = 6 in each): group 1: control group (no intervention); group 2: sham group (explorative surgery and exposure of the left kidneys); and group 3: trauma group (explorative surgery and induction of blunt renal trauma of the left kidneys). Serum and urine samples were collected before and 12-24, 36-48, and 60-72 hours later for NGAL, KIM-1, IL-18, and Cys-C measurements. In the trauma group, there was a statistically significant increase in post-operative NGAL, KIM-1, and IL-18 values after 12-24 h and 36-48 h, as compared with pre-operative values. There was also a statistically significant increase in post-operative serum and urine Cys-C values after 60-72 h, as compared with pre-operative values. NGAL, KIM-1, and IL-18 may represent novel non-invasive descriptive candidate biomarkers of early-stage tubular damage in children with renal trauma.

Matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels in relation to disease activity and radiological progression in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and systemic disease of unknown etiology that primarily affects synovial joints and involves progressive destruction around the joints. Inflammation starting in the joint synovium causes the destruction of cartilage, bone and other adjacent tissues with pannus formation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) levels and their clinical and radiological significance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 59 patients with RA and 30 healthy controls. Serum MMP-3 levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Patients with a Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) ≤3.2 were categorized as having lower disease activity, while a DAS28 score >3.2 indicated patients with moderate/high disease activity. Additionally, the patients were divided into 2 groups in terms of disease duration: early RA (disease duration ≤2 years) and established RA (disease duration ≥2 years). Functional disability was evaluated using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Radiographs were scored using modified Larsen scoring. RESULTS: Serum MMP-3 levels in patients with RA were significantly higher than in controls (p = 0.001). Serum MMP-3 levels were correlated with laboratory and clinical parameters of disease activity, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), DAS28, and HAQ score; the exceptions were rheumatoid factor (RF) and cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP). The serum MMP-3 levels of RA patients with moderate/high disease activity were found to be significantly higher than those of the patients with low disease activity (p < 0.001). However, MMP-3 levels were found to be similar in both established and early RA patients (p = 0.927). Additionally, the modified Larsen scores, which indicate structural damage, correlated significantly with serum MMP-3 levels (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that serum MMP-3 levels may be used as an indicator for structural damage such as erosions in the early stages of the disease, and to monitor disease activity.

Serum Cystatin C Levels in COPD: Potential Diagnostic Value and Relation between Respiratory Functions.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the level of serum cystatin C (CysC) in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) during exacerbation and stable periods and to investigate its potential diagnostic value and the relationship between CysC levels and the pulmonary function test (PFT). METHODS: One hundred twenty-six patients with COPD (68 in stable periods, 58 during exacerbation periods) and 50 healthy subjects were included in the study. PFT, body mass index (BMI), white blood cell counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum urea and creatinine levels were evaluated in both groups of patients. CysC levels were measured in all participants. RESULTS: Serum CysC levels were statistically higher in both COPD groups than the control group (p<0.001 for both) although there was no statistically significant difference between COPD groups (p>0.05). CysC levels showed negative correlation with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and a positive correlation with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with stable COPD. There was a positive correlation between serum CysC levels and serum urea, creatinine, CRP levels in patients with COPD exacerbation (r=0.333, p=0.011; r=0.260, p=0.049; r=0.414, p<0.01 respectively). When stable COPD and control groups were evaluated, serum CysC had an area under the curve (AUC) in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.951 (0.909-0.994 95% CI: p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that CysC levels increased in both COPD groups. Increased CysC levels may be related with lung function decline and inflammation in COPD patients. In addition, CysC levels may be a potential indicator for the diagnosis of COPD.

Serum heat-shock protein-65 antibody levels are elevated but not associated with disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) have gained increased interest for their role in autoimmune disorders. These proteins are targeted by the immune system in various autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the serum heat-shock protein-65 antibody (anti-HSP65) levels and their clinical significance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients with RA, 30 patients with AS, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. All patients were assessed using routine clinical and laboratory evaluations. Serum anti-HSP65 levels were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Serum anti-HSP65 levels of both RA and AS patients were significantly higher than those of controls (p=0.014 and p=0.001, respectively). No association was found between serum anti-HSP65 levels and disease activity in either RA or AS patients. There was a significant correlation between anti-HSP65 and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide levels in patients with RA (p=0.024). CONCLUSION: In this study, serum anti-HSP65 levels were increased, but not associated with disease activity in both RA and AS patients. These results suggest that HSP antigens may play a role in the pathogenesis. However, further follow-up studies are needed. Identification of target antigens such as HSP65 is vital to developing new immunotherapeutic agents.

The effects of Mucuna pruriens on the renal oxidative stress and transcription factors in high-fructose-fed rats.

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of M. pruriens administration on metabolic parameters, oxidative stress and kidney nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways in high-fructose fed rats. Male rats (n = 28) were divided into 4 groups as control, M. pruriens, fructose, and M. pruriens plus fructose. All rats were fed a standard diet supplemented or no supplemented with M. pruriens (200 mg/kg/d by gavage). Fructose was given in drinking water for 8 weeks. High fructose consumption led to an increase in the serum level of glucose, triglyceride, urea and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Although M. pruriens treatment reduced triglyceride and MDA levels, it did not affect other parameters. M. pruriens supplementation significantly decreased the expression of NF-Ò¡B and decreased expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in the kidney. This study showed that the adverse effects of high fructose were alleviated by M. pruriens supplementation via modulation of the expression of kidney nuclear transcription factors in rats fed high fructose diet.

Effects of benfotiamine and coenzyme Q10 on kidney damage induced gentamicin.

OBJECTIVE: Gentamicin (GM) is an effective antibiotic against severe infection but has limitations related to nephrotoxicity. In this study, we investigated whether benfotiamine (BFT) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), could ameliorate the nephrotoxic effect of GM in rats. METHODS: Rats were divided into five groups. Group 1 and 2 served as control and sham respectively, Group 3 as GM group, Group 4 as GM+CoQ10 and Group 5 as GM+BFT for 8days. At the end of the study, all rats were euthanized by cervical decapitation and then blood samples and kidneys were collected for further analysis. Serum urea, creatinine, cytokine TNF-a, oxidant and antioxidant parameters, as well as histopathological examination of kidney tissues were assessed. RESULTS: Gentamicin administration caused a severe nephrotoxicity which was evidenced by an elevated serum creatinine, urea and KIM-1 level as compared with the controls. Moreover, a significant increase in serum malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione. Histopathological examination of renal tissue in gentamisin administered group, there were extremly pronounced necrotic tubules in the renal cortex and hyalen cast accumulation in the medullar tubuli. BFT given to GM rats reduced these nephrotoxicity parameters. Serum creatinine, urea, and KIM-1 were almost normalized in the GM+BFT group. Benfotiamin treatment was significantly decreased necrotic tubuli and hyalen deposition in gentamisin plus benfotiamin group. CoQ10 given to GM rats did not cause any statistically significant alterations in these nephrotoxicity parameters when compared with GM group but histopathological examination of renal tissue in GM+CoQ10 administered group, CoQ10 treatment was decreased necrotic tubuli rate and hyalen accumulation in tubuli. CONCLUSION: The results from our study indicate that BFT supplement attenuates gentamicin-induced renal injury via the amelioration of oxidative stress and inflammation of renal tubular cells.

eNOS Glu298Asp Polymorphism and Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with and without End-stage Renal Disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney diseases are known to influence nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), though the exact mechanism is still poorly understood. AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to examine eNOS Glu298Asp gene polymorphism, plasma NOx and ADMA concentration in subjects with and without End-stage Renal Disease. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: In this study, genotype distributions of Glu-298Asp in exon 7 of the eNOS gene polymorphisms in 130 hemodialysis and 64 peritoneal dialysis patients were compared with 92 controls. NOx was measured by using the Griess reaction while arginine, ADMA and SDMA measurements were performed by HPLC. Genotyping for eNOS Glu298Asp polymorphism was detected with the polymerase chain reaction and/or polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. RESULTS: When the genotype frequencies of TT and GT genes were compared between both groups, there was no detected statistically important difference, even-though a TT genotype frequency was 27 (20.8%) versus 17 (26.6%), GT heterozygote genotype frequency was 52 (40%) versus 22 (34.4%), and GG homozygote genotype frequency was 51 (39.2%) versus 25 (39.1%), respectively (p>0.05). NOx, SDMA and ADMA concentrations were significantly elevated in subjects with hemodialysis patients as compared to their corresponding controls. Whereas nitrite was found to be significantly decreased in the patient with peritoneal dialysis. CONCLUSION: Not observed any connection between the Glu298Asp polymorphism in the eNOS gene and end-stage Renal Diseases in our study population under different dialysis treatments. However, higher ADMA and SDMA concentrations in subjects with ESRD support the existing hypothesis that NOx overproduction affects endothelial dysfunction. Thus, the reduction of ADMA and SDMA concentrations might play a protective role in ESRD patients.

Illicit substance use among persons admitted to probation polyclinic of a regional mental hospital in the Eastern Anatolia, Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the illicit substance use trends by gender and year in Eastern Turkey, Elazig.   METHODS: This is a retrospective study designed to assess the drug use prevalence in persons who admitted to the Probation Policlinic of Elazig Mental Health Hospital between January 2011 and December 2014 in Eastern Turkey, Elazig. Laboratory screening tests for drugs were studied using the cloned enzyme donor immunoassay technique in urine.   RESULTS: The study consisted of 10267 males (95.3%)  and 510 females (4.7%), with a mean age of 30.42±10.83 years. Overall prevalence was 32.1% for cannabis, 3.8% for opiate, 0.35% for cocaine and 1.2% for polydrug usage. The prevalence of cannabis was significantly higher in males (32.7%, p=0.000). The prevalence of cannabis use was the lowest in the age group of 50-59 while it was significantly higher in the age groups of 20-29 and 30-39 (p=0.000). The prevalence of opiate use showed a significant difference among the years (p=0.000).There was a significant difference in the prevalence of cocaine use among the years (p=0.02). The prevalence of polysubstance use showed a significant difference among years (p=0.000).  CONCLUSION: Cannabis was the most common illicit drug in the east of the Turkey. Further studies are required for comparing the results of various regions of the country and developing early interventions and treatment facilities.

Assessment of heat shock proteins and endothelial dysfunction in acute pulmonary embolism.

We determined the levels of some heat shock proteins (HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90), L-arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) levels in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. The present case-control study comprised a healthy control group (n = 57) and patients with acute pulmonary embolism (n = 84). HSPs, L-arginine, ADMA, and SDMA levels were measured in all of the cases. The mean age of the control group was 56.72 ±â€Š8.44 years, and the mean age of the patients with acute pulmonary embolism was 60.20 ±â€Š16.56 years (P = 0.104). Compared with controls, patients with acute pulmonary embolism had significantly higher mean serum HSP27, HSP90, and ADMA levels, whereas the mean serum L-arginine and SDMA levels were lower (P < 0.001, for all parameters). In patients with acute pulmonary embolism serum HSP27, HSP70, and ADMA levels were negatively correlated with partial pressures of arterial oxygen levels (r = -0.281, P = 0.01; r = -0.263, P = 0.016; and r = -0.275, P = 0.011, respectively) and arterial oxygen saturation (r = -0.225, P = 0.039; r = -0.400, P < 0.001; r = -0.299, P = 0.006, respectively). The findings of the present study demonstrated that oxidative stress and endothelial damage increase in acute pulmonary embolism.

Serum Heat Shock Protein Levels and the Relationship of Heat Shock Proteins with Various Parameters in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is accompanied by increased cellular stress and inflammation. Most of the Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) have strong cytoprotective effects. The role of HSPs in COPD pathogenesis has not determined completely. We investigated the serum level of HSPs in COPD patients, smokers without COPD and healthy non-smoking controls. Also, we evaluated the relationship of HSPs with various parameters (inflammatory, oxidative, functional status, quality of life) in COPD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The levels of stress protein (HSP27, HSP70, HSP60, HSP90, CyPA), interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde were measured in 16 healthy non-smoker, 14 smokers without COPD and 50 patients with stable COPD. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) and arterial blood gases parameters were measured. Health Related Quality of Life was evaluated and exercise capacity was measured with 6 minute walking test. RESULTS: Only HSP27 levels was significantly higher in COPD patients when compared with both healthy non-smoker and smokers without COPD (for both, p< 0.001). There was a weak-moderate negative correlation between serum levels of HSP27 and PFT parameters and between HSP27 levels and PaO2. Serum levels of HSP27 showed a weak-moderate positive correlation with symptom, activity and total scores. Subjects evaluated only smokers without COPD and patients with COPD; HSP27 had an area under the curve (AUC) in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.819 (0.702-0.935; 95% CI; p= 0.000). CONCLUSION: Increased serum levels of HSP27 was found in COPD patients and our results showed sensitivity and specificity of serum HSP27 as diagnostic markers for COPD.

Concentraciones de proteínas de estrés térmico, L-arginina y dimetilarginina asimétrica en pacientes con síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño / Heat Shock Proteins, L-Arginine, and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Objetivo: La inflamación del endotelio vascular y el aumento del estrés oxidativo son factores patogénicos importantes del síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño (SAOS). El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las concentraciones de las proteínas de estrés (HSP) 27, HSP70 y HSP90, L-arginina y dimetilarginina simétrica (ADMA) en pacientes con SAOS y establecer su relación con factores de riesgo cardiovascular (CV). Material y métodos: En el estudio se incluyó a 40 pacientes con SAOS, 26 de los cuales presentaban factores de riesgo CV tradicionales (obesidad, hipercolesterolemia, diabetes, hipertensión y tabaquismo) y 14 no los presentaban, y 20 sujetos de control que no padecían SAOS. A todos los pacientes se les realizó una evaluación polisomnográfica completa y se extrajeron muestras de sangre en la mañana siguiente al estudio diagnóstico. Resultados: No se observaron diferencias significativas entre grupos en las concentraciones séricas de HSP27 y HSP70. En los pacientes con SAOS, con o sin factores de riesgo CV, se observaron aumentos significativos de las concentraciones de HSP90 y ADMA y disminuciones significativas de las concentraciones de L-arginina, en comparación con los sujetos de control, aunque no hubo diferencias entre los subgrupos. En todos los pacientes con SAOS, las concentraciones séricas de HSP70 se correlacionaron positivamente con porcentajes de tiempo con saturación <90% (r = 0,349; p = 0,027). Las concentraciones séricas de L-arginina se correlacionaron negativamente con el número de desaturaciones (r=-0,360; p=0,022) y el índice de apnea-hipopnea (r=-0,354; p = 0,025) y positivamente con la saturación de oxígeno media (r = 0,328; p = 0,039). Conclusión: Las concentraciones séricas de HSP90 y ADMA aumentaron y las de L-arginina disminuyeron en pacientes con SAOS, independientemente de los factores de riesgo CV que presentasen. Estos resultados indican la presencia de estrés oxidativo y disfunción endotelial en pacientes con SAOS

Objective: Vascular endothelial inflammation and enhanced oxidative stress are important factors in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The aim of this study was to determine the levels of heat shock protein (HSP) 27, HSP70, HSP90, L-arginine, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in patients with OSAS and determine their relationship with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Material and methods: Forty patients with OSAS, comprising 26 with and 14 without traditional CV risk factors (obesity, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking), and 20 control subjects without OSAS were included. All patients underwent a full polysomnographic evaluation, and blood samples were obtained in the morning after the night the diagnostic study was performed. Results: No significant differences were found in serum HSP27 and HSP70 levels between the groups. HSP90 and ADMA levels increased significantly, whereas L-arginine levels decreased significantly in patients with OSAS, both with and without CV risk factors, compared with controls, but were not different among the subgroups. In all patients with OSAS, serum HSP70 levels were positively correlated with a percent time with saturation <90% (r = .349, P = .027). Serum L-arginine levels were negatively correlated with desaturation number (r = -.360, P=.022) and apnea-hypopnea index (r=-.354, P = .025) and positively correlated with mean oxygen saturation (r = .328, P = .039). Conclusion: Serum levels of HSP90 and ADMA increased, whereas those of L-arginine decreased in patients with OSAS regardless of CV risk factors. These findings indicate the presence of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in patients with OSAS

Heat Shock Proteins, L-Arginine, and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular endothelial inflammation and enhanced oxidative stress are important factors in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The aim of this study was to determine the levels of heat shock protein (HSP) 27, HSP70, HSP90, L-arginine, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in patients with OSAS and determine their relationship with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients with OSAS, comprising 26 with and 14 without traditional CV risk factors (obesity, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking), and 20 control subjects without OSAS were included. All patients underwent a full polysomnographic evaluation, and blood samples were obtained in the morning after the night the diagnostic study was performed. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in serum HSP27 and HSP70 levels between the groups. HSP90 and ADMA levels increased significantly, whereas L-arginine levels decreased significantly in patients with OSAS, both with and without CV risk factors, compared with controls, but were not different among the subgroups. In all patients with OSAS, serum HSP70 levels were positively correlated with a percent time with saturation<90% (r=.349, P=.027). Serum L-arginine levels were negatively correlated with desaturation number (r=-.360, P=.022) and apnea-hypopnea index (r=-.354, P=.025) and positively correlated with mean oxygen saturation (r=.328, P=.039). CONCLUSION: Serum levels of HSP90 and ADMA increased, whereas those of L-arginine decreased in patients with OSAS regardless of CV risk factors. These findings indicate the presence of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in patients with OSAS.

TaqIB and severity of coronary artery disease in the Turkish population: a pilot study.

The cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a crucial role in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism. Genetic variants that alter CETP concentration may cause significant alterations in HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration. In this case-control study, we analyzed the genotype frequencies of CETP Taq1B polymorphisms in coronary artery disease patients (CAD; n=210) and controls (n=100). We analyzed the role of the CETP Taq1B variant in severity of CAD, and its association with plasma lipids and CETP concentration. DNA was extracted from 310 patients undergoing coronary angiography. The Taq1B polymorphism was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Lipid concentrations were measured by an auto analyzer and CETP level by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. In our study population, the B2 allele frequency was higher in control subjects than patients with single, double or triple vessel disease. B2B2 genotype carriers had a significantly higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration than those with the B1B1 genotype in controls (51.93±9.47versus 45.34±9.93; p<0.05) and in CAD patients (45.52±10.81 versus 40.38±9.12; p<0.05). B2B2 genotype carriers had a significantly lower CETP concentration than those with the B1B1 genotype in controls (1.39±0.58 versus 1.88±0.83; p< 0.05) and in CAD patients (2.04±1.39versus 2.81±1.68; p< 0.05). Our data suggest that the B2 allele is associated with higher concentrations of HDL-C and lower concentrations of CETP, which confer a protective effect on coronary artery disease.

Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein levels in patients with coronary artery disease and its relationship to alternative biomarkers.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: An association between circulating adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) levels and coronary artery disease (CAD) has been reported. In this case-control study, we investigated the relationship between plasma levels of A-FABP and the severity of CAD in Turkish subjects. We also assessed its relationship to alternative biomarkers. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty patients undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. By means of coronary angiography, the study population was divided into subjects without any angiographically detectable CAD (no vessel disease; n = 88) and individuals with single-vessel disease (n = 65), or double- or triple-vessel disease (n = 127). Lipid concentrations were measured by an autoanalyser and A-FABP, lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), oxidised-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. RESULTS: In our study population, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels did not differ significantly between the groups. Levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, A-FABP, Lp-PLA2, ox-LDL and hsCRP were significantly different among groups. The higher levels of A-FABP, Lp-PLA2, ox-LDL and hsCRP levels were shown in patients with double/triple-vessel disease. There was not a significant correlation between A-FABP and other biomarkers in CAD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Initially, plasma levels of A-FABP were significantly elevated in CAD patients with double/triple-vessel disease. Our results demonstrated alterations in A-FABP levels with severity of CAD and, therefore, indirectly support the hypothesis of an active role for A-FABP in the pathogenesis of CAD.

Prognostic value of serum anti-heat-shock protein 70 and paraoxonase levels in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the correlation between serum anti-heat-shock protein 70 (anti-HSP 70) levels, serum paraoxonase (PON) levels and prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with ISSHL as the study group and 25 healthy volunteers as the control group were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were obtained from all patients before the treatment initiation and on the 10th day of the treatment from only patients of the study group. Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss was defined as the hearing loss between 250-6.000 Hz frequencies. The recoveries in the hearing thresholds were evaluated at 10 days of the treatment. RESULTS: When the pre-treatment serum PON, anti-HSP 70 levels and the post-treatment serum PON, anti-HSP 70 levels of the patients with ISSHL were compared, we observed that the post-treatment serum PON levels of the recovered patients increased, while the post-treatment serum anti-HSP 70 levels of recovered patients decreased. CONCLUSION: We believe that serum levels of anti-HSP 70 and PON can be used as markers for estimating and evaluating the prognosis of ISSHL patients.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 and α-lipoic acid supplementation in fructose fed rats.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of α-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 on plasma levels of lipids, asymmetric dimethylarginine, oxidative stress in fructose fed rats which provide a model of dietary-induced insulin resistance and to evaluate vascular changes developing in these rats by histologically. Male Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. The animals were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 did not receive any medication and served as a control. Group 2 received a regular diet and water ad libitum and fructose was administered as % 10 solution in drinking water. Group 3 received α-lipoic acid (100 mg/kg/day) i.p. for 5 weeks and Group 4 received coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/kg/day) i.p. for 5 weeks. For determination of plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine, glutathione and malondialdehyde levels, high-performance liquid chromatography system was used. Homeostatic model assessment as a measure of insulin resistance was calculated. Lipid profile measurements were determined using enzymatic assay on an Auto analyzer. The high fructose diet was significantly associated with an increase in levels of plasma LDL, VLDL and total cholesterol and decrease in level of HDL cholesterol. Plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine, malondialdehyde and glutathione levels were also increase in these rats. α-lipoic acid or coenzyme Q10 supplementation was found to have some positive effect on these parameters. These findings were also demonstrated by morphological observation of the aorta. We demonstrated that administration of α-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 notably suppresses oxidative and nitrative stress, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance developing in fructose fed rats, a model of metabolic syndrome (MS). These positive effects of α-lipoic acid or coenzyme Q10 can be attributed to its antioxidant activity.

Plasma osteopontin levels in patients with Behcet's disease and psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic and recurrent systemic vasculitis marked by macrophage chemotaxis. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the osteopontin molecule and BD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study registered 60 patients with BD, as well as 50 healthy individuals and 63 patients with psoriasis as the control group. Patients with BD in our study were divided into 2 groups, with regard to mucocutaneous involvement, as active and inactive patients. In addition, patients with BD were also divided into 3 groups with regard to vascular involvement: active, inactive, and no vascular involvement. RESULTS: Plasma osteopontin (OPN) levels in active patients with BD, inactive patients with BD and patients with psoriasis were found statistically significantly elevated, in comparison to those in the healthy control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.008, p < 0.001, respectively). When active and inactive patients with BD were compared to the healthy control group with regard to vascular involvement, mean plasma OPN levels were found to be statistically significantly higher (p = 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found that plasma levels of OPN were higher in patients with Behcet's and psoriasis.

Glu298Asp polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene and plasma concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine in Turkish pre-eclamptic women without fetal growth retardation.

AIMS: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide, affecting 3 to 5% of all pregnancies. We analyzed the Glu298Asp polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in 55 Turkish patients with PE without fetal growth retardation (FGR) and in 54 healthy pregnant women. METHODS: Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of Glu298Asp of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene was evaluated by amplification of genomic DNA isolated from whole blood followed by digestion with the restriction enzyme Frio. PE was defined according to the Working Group(2000) criteria as high blood pressure (>or=140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks of gestation) and proteinuria (>300 mg/24 h). We excluded the women with FGR Serum arginine, with only ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) levels measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Genotypes were defined as GG, GT and TT according to the presence of the G and T alleles. In this case-control study, we did not find any significant difference in either the genotypic distribution or allelic frequency of Glu298Asp gene polymorphism between the pre-eclamptic patients and healthy pregnant women. Serum ADMA, arginine and SDMA levels were higher in patients with PE compared with healthy pregnant women (respectively, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested a lack of association between the Glu298Asp gene polymorphism and pre-eclampsia without FGR in the Turkish population. But elevated ADMA and SDMA levels suggest that ADMA has a role in the pathogenesis of PE.

Investigating a correlation between the results of transcranial Doppler and the level of nerve growth factor in cerebrospinal fluid of hydrocephalic infants: clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the correlation between the level of nerve growth factor (NGF) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) results has been investigated during preoperative and postoperative periods of hydrocephalic infants. METHODS: In the study, 27 patients (11 males and 16 females, aged 0-6 months) with congenital hydrocephalus were studied. CSF levels were obtained from the patients preoperatively and on postoperative days 3 and 30, and TCD was applied. The level of NGF was investigated in CSF by the ELISA method. The pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) were examined in the right middle cerebral artery by TCD. RESULTS: The mean NGF level (0.27 +/- 0.48 ng/ml) on the 3rd (NGF3) postoperative day was observed to be higher than the preoperative mean NGF level (NGF0; 0.15 +/- 0.16 ng/ml; p < 0.05). The mean NGF level on postoperative day 30 (NGF30; 0.13 +/- 0.13 ng/ml) was lower than the mean NGF3 level (p < 0.05). While the mean PI value on postoperative day 30 (PI30; 1.06 +/- 0.068) was observed to decrease compared to the preoperative PI (PI0; 1.26 +/- 0.83) and the PI on postoperative day 3 (PI3; 1.09 +/- 0.063), the mean PI3 value exhibited a drop compared to the PI0 value (p < 0.05). Whereas the mean RI value on postoperative day 30 (RI30; 0.63 +/- 0.023) showed a decrease compared to both preoperative mean RI (RI0; 0.70 +/- 0.025) and RI on postoperative day 3 (RI3; 0.65 +/- 0.021), RI3 displayed a drop compared to RI0 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, no correlation was determined between preoperative and postoperative NGF levels and preoperative and postoperative RI and PI values obtained from TCD examination. However, a positive correlation was found between the following results: preoperative PI and preoperative RI (r = 0.848); PI on postoperative day 3 and RI on postoperative day 3 (r = 0.690), and PI on postoperative day 30 and RI on postoperative day 30 (r = 0.707).