Cloning and Expression of ß-(1,3-1,4) Glucanase (Lichenase) Gene in Bacillus subtilis RSKK246 to create new Probiotic in aquaculture.

ß-Glucan is an essential component of the cell walls of grains such as oats and barley. 1,3-1,4-ß-D-glucan 4-glucanhydrolase (ß-glucanase or lichenase) (EC 3.2.1.73) is an enzyme with the ability to hydrolyze ß-glucans. In this research, ß-Glucan which is a good source of feed additive fish probiotics, was used in order to benefit from feed quality in fishery products, to increase live weight gain and to strengthen the immune system. In this study, recombinant vector pNW33N carrying the ß-(1,3-1,4) glucanase (lichenase) gene of Streptococcus bovis genome was transferred to Bacillus subtilis RSKK246 (CMCase+) strain by electroporation. Subsequently, electrotransformation was performed on LB-agar plates containing lichenan and enzymatic activity regions of recombinant B. subtilis RSKK246 colonies were observed by staining with Congo red. In addition, the DNA from the recombinant plasmid pNW33N+Lichenase (pNW33NLic) was cut on both the BamHI and HindIII endonucleases and observed on the lichenase gene (1800 bp) agarose gel. On the other hand, the protein band corresponding to 26 kDa of the recombinant enzyme was observed by zymogram analysis. These results indicate that the ß-(1,3-1,4) glucanase gene has been successfully expressed to the B. subtilis strain RSKK246.

Efficacy of zoledronic acid treatment in Paget disease of bone.

UNLABELLED: Clinical trials have shown that zoledronic acid was more effective than other bisphosphonates in the treatment of Paget disease. We retrospectively reviewed remission and relapse statuses of 12 patients with Paget disease. Remission was achieved in all patients after treatment. We recommend zoledronic acid in the first-line treatment of Paget disease. INTRODUCTION: Paget disease is a disease of bone of unknown etiology with increased bone turnover that results in defective bone microarchitecture and bone deformity. Bisphosphonates are used in symptomatic Paget disease of bone. Clinical trials have shown that zoledronic acid was more effective than other bisphosphonates in the treatment of Paget disease. METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the remission and relapse statuses of 12 patients with Paget disease of bone who were seen as outpatients between October 2011 and October 2013.We evaluated alkaline phosphates, osteocalcin, and deoxypyridinoline levels measured before and at 6th, 12th, and 18th months of treatment. RESULTS: Pretreatment and posttreatment values for alkaline phosphates, deoxypyridinoline, and osteocalcin were as follows: 473 ± 256 U/L, 14.99 ± 7.63 mmol/L, 21.09 ± 3.18 ng/ml, and 82 ± 13 U/L, 5.14 ± 1.11 mmol/L, and 8.57 ± 4.31 ng/ml. Remission was achieved in all patients after treatment. The levels indicated that remission continued at 12th and 18th months of treatment. There was statistically significant difference between pretreatment and posttreatment values. No statistically significant difference between the levels measured at 6th, 12th, and 18th months of treatment was detected. CONCLUSION: We recommend zoledronic acid in the first-line treatment of Paget disease of bone in achieving and maintaining remission.

Pituitary apoplexy in an adrenocorticotropin-producing pituitary macroadenoma.

Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) producing macroadenomas and pituitary apoplexy are unusual in Cushing' s disease. A 20-year-old man who had been diagnosed Cushing' s disease 2 months ago, presented with sudden headache, nausea, and vomiting. His serum cortisol level was 0.4 µg/dl and ACTH level was 23.9 pg/ml. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland disclosed a hemorrhage in the pituitary macroadenoma (22×19 mm). He was treated with IV methylprednisolone immediately and then the symptoms were relieved within the first day of the treatment. The hemorrhagic lesion was resected by transsphenoidal surgery successfully. Impaired secretion of pituitary hormones may be seen after the pituitary apoplexy. We communicate a case with pituitary apoplexy of an ACTH secreting pituitary macroadenoma, causing acute glucocorticoid insufficiency.

Plasma thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen levels in diabetic foot ulcers.

Plasma TAFI may participate in arterial thrombosis in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and may be involved in the mechanism of vascular endothelial damage in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of plasma TAFI antigen level in the development of diabetic foot ulcer in Type 2 diabetes. The TAFI antigen levels were determined in 50 patients with diabetic foot ulcers and 34 patients without diabetic foot ulcers and 25 healthy individuals. We measured TAFIa/ai antigen in plasma samples with a commercially available ELISA Kit. Diabetic foot ulcer group and diabetic group were similar in terms of mean age and sex distribution. Diabetes duration, retinopathy, neuropathy, macrovascular disease and infection were related to diabetic foot ulcers. HbA1c, HDL-cholesterol and Folic Acid levels were decreased in the diabetic foot ulcer group. TAFI levels were 99.44 ± 55.94% in control group, 135.21 ± 61.05% in diabetic foot ulcer group, 136.75 ± 59.38% in diabetic group and was statistically different (P < 0.05). But no difference was seen in TAFI levels between the diabetic foot ulcer group and diabetic group (P > 0.05). No significant difference in plasma TAFI levels were seen between diabetic foot ulcer stages. TAFI antigen levels are increased in Type 2 diabetic patients, but are not related to diabetic foot ulcer development.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) 2518G/A gene polymorphism in Turkish type 2 diabetes patients with nephropathy.

Tissue macrophage accumulation is thought to induce insulin resistance during obesity and stimulate the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The objective of this study was to investigate genotypic and allelic frequencies of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) gene polymorphism in the healthy and patients with and without DN. The MCP-1 genotypes were determined in 43 patients with nephropathy and 43 without nephropathy and a control group of 105 healthy individuals. The genotype MCP-1 (-2518G/A) distribution did differ between the control group and the type 2 diabetic patients (P = 0.004). The frequency of the polymorphic G allele was also no similar for the group with type 2 diabetes as for the control group with 20.9 and 32.4%, respectively (P = 0.012). The AA genotype and A allele at MCP-1 -2518 was an independent risk factor for the progression of type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, MCP-1 AA genotype and A allele may play a specific role(s) in determining diabetic susceptibility, but do not seem to be important in the clinical manifestations of DN.

The importance of anti-insulin antibody in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or multiple daily insulin injections therapy.

To investigate the influence of two insulin administration modalities, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) therapy with insulin analogues, on the development of insulin antibodies (IAs) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and to assess the impact of IAs on glucose control and hypoglycaemia. 96 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with CSII (n = 48) or MDI (n = 48) were included in the study. Age, duration of diabetes, A1c, preprandial and postprandial blood glucose and hypoglycaemic events were compared between IA positive and negative patients. IA levels were higher in the CSII group (% 24.6 ± 14.2) than the MDI group (% 13.2 ± 9.9). Duration of diabetes and age were not associated with IA positiveness. While A1c, preprandial blood glucose and the frequency of hypoglycaemic events were similar in two groups, postprandial blood glucose was lower in IA positive group (P = 0.03). Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with CSII with insulin analogues had higher IA levels when compared to MDI therapy. However, the development of IAs did not impair the glycaemic control.

Human multidrug resistance-1 gene expression levels in graves-basedow disease.

OBJECT: Multidrug resistance 1 gene is responsible for the resistance of a large variety of drugs in human cells. We tried to evaluate this in the present study in thyroid stimulant hormone receptor antibody positive subjects. METHOD: In study enrolled 23 female and 10 male subjects. Hyperthyroid subjects were treated with PTU and remission was assured between 6-12 months. Blood samples were collected before the start of this treatment. Permission for this study was taken from the patients and the local ethical committee. RESULTS: Serum F-T3, F-T4 levels in Graves subjects were markedly high, whereas TSH levels were markedly low than normal range. We also found that with increased age of the Graves' subjects, MDR-1 gene expression decreased. There was also a direct correlation between blood MDR-1 gene expression and TSH-R Ab levels in patients with Graves's disease. We observed that the duration of being euthyroid was lengthened with the elevation of MDR-1 gene expression. There was a direct correlation between blood MDR-1 gene expression levels and ultrasonografic size of thyroid gland. CONCLUSION: As a result, raised blood MDR-1 gene expression levels in patients with Graves-Basedow disease may be associated with the activity of the disease and the resistance to its treatment. The more blood MDR-1 expression increases the more the duration of being euthyroid increases.

Thermogenic response and leptin levels rise after recovery of the euthyroid state.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to compare: a) the thermogenic responses in subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and euthyroid state; b) the relationship between thermogenic response and leptin level. METHODS: Thirty women diagnosed with SH (mean age 39.9+/-4.1 yr; body mass index 23.2+/-2.5 kg/m(2)) were enrolled in the study. Thyroid function tests, leptin, and lipid profiles were measured during SH and after stable euthyroidism was recovered. Thermogenic response was measured by Water Immersion Calorimetry during SH and after the euthyroid state was attained. RESULTS: The mean level of thermogenic response was found to be 1.45+/-0.43 kcal/kg*h in women with SH. It changed to 1.54+/-0.77 kcal/kg*h (p=0.01) in the euthyroid state; the change was statistically significant. Mean level of leptin was found to be 7.22+/-2.6 ng/ml in SH; and 15.8+/-8.0 ng/ml in the euthyroid state. There was a positive correlation between leptin and free T(3) (r=0.460, p=0.009) levels in SH. There were positive correlations between leptin level and fat mass in SH (r=0.820, p=0.01) and in the euthyroid state (r=0.700, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: No correlations were found between thermogenic response and leptin levels in SH and in the euthyroid state. Thermogenic response and leptin levels rose after the euthyroid state was recovered.

Evaluation of beta cell dysfunction by mixed meal tolerance test and oral L-arginine in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Defective insulin secretion is required for the development of frank diabetes mellitus. We evaluated the secretory response of pancreatic beta cells after the ingestion of mixed meal plus oral L-arginine in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled in this study. All patients were ingested a mixed meal of 553 kcal. Serum insulin levels were measured at time 0 just before the mixed meal and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h after the ingestion of the mixed meal. Twenty-four hours later, all patients ingested mixed meal followed by oral 8 g L-Arginine, and insulin levels were again measured at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h after the ingestion of the meal. RESULTS: Insulin levels reached to peak values at the 2 (nd) hour, and decreased to baseline levels at the 5 (th) hour measurements both after the ingestion of mixed meal only and after the ingestion of mixed meal plus oral L-Arginine. First and 2 (nd) hour insulin levels were significantly higher after the ingestion of mixed meal plus oral L-Arginine. CONCLUSION: In this study we used for the first time the combination of oral L-arginine with mixed meal test to evaluate the beta cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients. Increments regarding serum insulin levels after the ingestion of mixed meal plus oral L-Arginine suggest that oral L-Arginine could be benefical for the evaluation of beta cell function and secretory defects.

The relation of adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels between endothelial nitric oxide synthase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, transforming growth factor beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha gene polymorphism in adrenal incidentalomas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to demonstrate demographic characteristics, presence of inflammatory markers, distribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) genotypes and relations among these parameters in these patients and control subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Study samples were collected from 50 patients with adrenal mass and 30 control groups. The eNOS, ACE, TNF-alpha, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta genes polymorphisms, TNF-alpha, adiponectin levels were analysed in 50 unrelated Turkish patients with a diagnosis of adrenal incidentaloma (AI). RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference between TNF-alpha levels of patient and controls (p=0.048). We have not detected the connection between TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, ACE, eNOS gene polymorphism with serum TNF-alpha and adiponectin levels. In this study, we demonstrated that there were significant differences for ACE genotypes in the patients when compared to the controls (p<0.05). The percentages of the ID, DD, II genotypes for ACE gene polymorphism in the patients group were 30.0, 13.0, 7.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: According to different cases of eNOS, TGF-beta, ACE, and TNF-alpha gene genotypes; no statistical significant difference was found between basal cortisol, ACTH, DHEAS, metanephrine, renin, aldosterone, normetanephrine, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 1 mg low-dose dexamethasone suppression test-cortisol response and AI size. In this study, I/D genotype was determined to be statistically higher in ACE gene in patients with AI (p=0.014).

The (-174) G/C polymorphism in the interleukin-6 gene is associated with risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma in Turkish patients.

INTRODUCTION: Interleukins and cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of many cancers.We aimed to evaluate the interleukin (IL)-6 gene polymorphisms in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and control subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 42 patients with PTC and 340 healthy controls were included. Peripheral blood samples were taken from control group and patients, and blood samples were preserved at -80 C in tubes containing Na-EDTA. RESULTS: We also found a statistically significant difference between patients with PTC and the control group with respect to IL-6 genotype (p<0.05). IL-6 gene polymorphism in patients with PTC patients did not reveal statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (size of tumor >1 cm and <1 cm), multicentricity, RET-PTC types and capsule invasion (p>0.05).We also did not find a statistically significant difference between patients with PTC and the control group with respect to IL-6-gene allele frequency (p>0.05). DISCUSSION: Our data suggest that the IL-6 G-174 C polymorphism could play a role in thyroid cancer risk, but there is no effective role as a prognostic factor.

Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism and polycystic ovary syndrome patients in Western Anatolia, Turkey.

PURPOSE: Dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and hypertension are more frequently seen in patients with PCOS than in normal patients. We aimed at evaluating the distribution of Apo E alleles that can influence cardiovascular risk of the PCOS patients and control subjects. METHODS: In this study, 129 young women with PCOS and 91 healthy women were included. In all subjects we performed hormonal, biochemical and Apo E genetic analysis. RESULTS: The Apo E3 allele was found at a significantly higher frequency in the PCOS patient group compared with the control group. The Apo E2 allele was found at a significantly higher frequency in the control group compared with the patient group with PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were genotype and allele differences between control and patient groups in this study, no statistically significant change was determined in lipid and other cardiovascular risk factors in connection with allele and genotype.

Interleukin-10 gene polymorphism in patients with papillary thyroid cancer in Turkish population.

OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a major anti-inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system. Chronic inflammation has been reported to be a risk factor for thyroid neoplasia. The propensity to mount an inflammatory response is modified by germ line variation in cytokine and other inflammation-related genes. We hypothesized that a proinflammatory genotype would be positively associated with thyroid cancer. We aimed to evaluate the relation between the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the IL-10(-1082 G/A), IL-10(-592 A/C), and IL-10(-819 C/T) polymorphisms, and their association with the risk of developing papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in the Turkish population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty-two patients with PTC and 113 healthy controls were included in this study. The diagnosis of PTC was confirmed by histopathologic examination after surgery. The evaluation of genotype for IL-10 gene polymorphism was performed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference IL-10(-1082 G/A) gene polymorphism was determined between 2 (PTC and control) groups. No difference was determined with respect to IL-10(-592 A/C) and IL-10(-819 C/T) gene polymorphisms, and IL-10(-1082 G/A), IL-10(-592 A/C), and IL-10(-819 C/T) allele frequencies of participating between the control group and the patients with PTC (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The polymorphism of IL-10(-1082 G/A) gene was significantly associated with the occurrence of PTC. Such studies will contribute significantly to our understanding of the biological role of IL-10(-1082 G/A) gene polymorphism in PTC development. In conclusion, IL-10(-1082 G/A) gene polymorphism may affect the survival of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance prevalences in Turkish patients with impaired fasting glucose.

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) like impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) has increased risk of progressing to diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of the study was to evaluate prevalance of IGT and type 2 DM with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in Turkish patients who had fasting glucose of 110 and 125 mg/dl. Hundred and forty-eight (67.3%) women and 72 (32.7%) men (30-65 years old with mean age of 51.3 +/- 8.7 year) who had fasting glucose range 110-125 mg/dl were evaluated with OGTT. Seventy-two patients had IGT (32.8%), 74 (33.6%) patients had type 2 diabetes and 74 (33.6%) patients had normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Mean fasting glucose and insulin levels were higher in the IGT group than in the NGT group. Mean level of total cholesterol was higher in DM than that in NGT and IGT groups. Mean triglyceride (TG) (P = 0.476), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.594), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.612), Apoproteine A (P = 0.876), Apoproteine B (P = 0.518), uric acid (P = 0.948) and ferritin (P = 0.314) were found higher in diabetic patients. Lipoproteine a (P = 0.083), fibrinogen (P = 0.175) and hsCRP (P = 0.621) levels were higher in IGT. Mean HOMA S% levels of NGT, IGT and DM were found to be 65.0 +/- 13.0%, 60.9 +/- 16.0% and 50.1 +/- 11.1%, respectively. HOMA B% levels were measured to be 80.4 +/- 29.1% in NGT, 85.3 +/- 14.59% in IGT and 60.1 +/- 10.1% in DM. Significant difference was found between IFG and DM (P = 0.043) groups. The prevalences of diabetes and IGT were found to be 33.63 and 32.7% in IFG, respectively.

The prevalence of RET/PTC mutations in papillary thyroid cancers in Turkish population and its relation between tumor histopathology and prognostic factors.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, thyroid cancer has been at the forefront of molecular pathology as a result of the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster and the recognition of the role of RET/PTC rearrangements in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). Correlation of RET/PTC expression with clinical outcome is controversial. This study aims to identify the prevalence of RET/PTC oncogene expression in Turkey, and to investigate the correlation between RET/PTC oncogene expression and the known prognostic factors of PTC in 101 patients. METHODS: The RET rearrangements were examined by means of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis, with primers flanking the chimeric region. Statistical evaluation was performed by using Independent samples t-test, One-sample Chi-square test and Pearson Chi-square or Fisher's Exact Test. RESULTS: RET/PTC was determined positive in 67(66.3%) of totally 101 patients (p<0.001). RET/PTC1 in 32(31.7%), RET/PTC3 in 21(20.8%), RET/PTC1+RET/PTC3 both in 10(9.9%) patients were found to be positive. There was RET/PTC2 positiveness in two patients, RET/PTC2,3 positiveness in one patient, and RET/PTC1,2,3 positiveness in one patient. No statistical difference was found between RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3. None of genetico-clinical analyses showed any significant association between RET/PTC expression and the clinical and pathological features of the cancers. CONCLUSION: While this prevalence of the RET/PTC is less than RET/PTC frequency seen after Chernobyl in Belarus, its prevalence in our region is also high (66.3%). As a result, no significant correlation was found in between prognosis and RET/PTC frequency.

Association of the angiotensinogen M235T and angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion gene polymorphisms in Turkish type 2 diabetic patients with and without nephropathy.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have suggested an association between a deletion variant of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and diabetic nephropathy. However, this finding has not been confirmed by all investigators. Furthermore, an M235T variant of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene has been associated with hypertension, an important risk factor for the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We investigated the relationship of the ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) and AGT M235T gene polymorphisms in Turkish patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with and without diabetic nephropathy. A total of 102 individuals were screened for the presence of the ACE I/D and AGT M235T polymorphism: 46 individuals who had type 2 DM with diabetic nephropathy and, as controls, 56 individuals who had type 2 DM without diabetic nephropathy. Gene polymorphisms were determined by the specific melting temperature (T(m)) values of the resulting amplicons after real-time online polymerase chain reaction and melting curve analysis. RESULTS: The frequencies of the ACE DD, ID, and II genotypes were 34.8%, 37.0%, and 28.3%, respectively, among type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy, and 33.9%, 42.9%, 23.2%, respectively (P=.788), in the control subjects without diabetic nephropathy. On the other hand, the frequencies of the AGT MM, MT, and TT genotypes among the same groups were 26.1%, 52.2%, 21.7% and 26.8%, 57.1%, 16.1%, respectively (P=.758). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in the frequencies of the AGT M235T and ACE I/D genotypes between Turkish patients with type 2 DM with and without nephropathy.

Effects of bisphosphonates on lipid metabolism.

OBJECTIVES: Bisphosphonates are widely used for the treatment of metabolic bone disorders and their effects on lipid metabolism have also been investigated. Some studies reported that bisphosphonates have beneficial effects on serum cholesterol levels. In this study we aimed to assess the effects of bisphosphonates on lipid levels in hyperlipidemic patients who received bisphosphonates because of osteoporosis. METHODS: 49 female patients (age: 54.2+/-7.2 years) with diagnosis of osteoporosis and hyperlipidemia were enrolled. Patients received alendronate 10 mg/day and they were followed up for 6 months. Pretreatment total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B levels were measured and compared with post-treatment levels. RESULTS: Pretreatment and post-treatment levels of total cholesterol were 255.2+/-34.3; 233.02+/-37.0 mg/dL, triglyceride levels were 153.0+/-57.3; 129.1+/-54.4 mg/dL, and LDL levels were 170.7+/-30.5; 160.0+/-34.2 mg/dL, respectively. Reductions in total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels were statistically significant; whereas differences in HDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein-A1 and apolipoprotein-B levels were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Data from our study suggest that alendronate therapy may have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism. Thus, when hyperlipidemia is detected in patients receiving bisphosphonates, it is considered reasonable to follow the patient for a while before initiating antihyperlipidemic agent to prevent unnecessary use of drugs.

Prolactin levels and examination with breast ultrasound or mammography.

OBJECTIVE: Stresses including surgery, exercise, nipple stimulation, and chest wall injury such as mechanical trauma, burns, surgery, herpes zoster of thoracic dermatomes, hypoglycaemia and acute myocardial infarction cause significant elevation of prolactin levels. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes in prolactin level during mammography and ultrasonographic examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-four premenopausal (mean age, 32.1+/-7.3 y) and 81 post-menopausal women (mean age, 48.3+/-8.9 y) were enrolled into the study. Premenopausal women were evaluated with ultrasound (Senographe 600 T [General Electric]) and post-menopausal women were examined with mammography (Mammomat 3000 [Siemens]). Blood samples for prolactin were taken prior to ultrasound or mammography and 15, 30 and 45 min after ultrasound or mammography. RESULTS: Mean baseline serum prolactin level was 7.2+/-0.9 ng/ml in premenopausal women before ultrasound. Mean baseline serum prolactin level was 5.4+/-0.4 ng/ml in post-menopausal women before mammography. It was found that there were no significant changes in prolactin levels after ultrasound or mammography (P > 0.05). Mean levels of baseline prolactin were statistically significant higher in premenopausal than in post-menopausal women (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Mammography and ultrasonographic examination have no acute effect on serum prolactin levels in either group. There is no need to wait before measuring the prolactin level after mammographic or ultrasonographic breast examination.

Demographic and clinical features of patients with subacute thyroiditis: results of 169 patients from a single university center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Turkey is an endemic area for thyroid diseases. The Aegean region is well documented for increased prevalence of thyroid disorders. In this study we investigated the demographic and clinical features of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) patients who had been diagnosed and treated in Ege University. METHODS: The hospital files of patients admitted to the endocrinology clinic of Ege University between January 1987 and December 2001 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients who had been diagnosed as having any thyroid disorder were determined. RESULTS: 176 fulfilled diagnostic criteria for SAT. The majority of patients with SAT were diagnosed as having subacute granulomatous thyroiditis (169/176) (134 females, 35 males, mean age 34.0+/-17.8 yr); 69% of the patients were between 30-50 yr of age. Thyroid pain was present in 97.1% of female patients, and in 100% of male patients. High fever was evident in 78 patients (46.2%). Mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 43.42+/-39.68 mm/h. Anti-thyroglobulin antibody was positive in 20%, and anti-thyroid peroxydase antibody was positive in 4% of patients. Among patients who were treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAD) 10 female patients (10.6%), and 3 male patients (12%) developed recurrence of the disease. Among patients who were treated with prednisolone 7 female patients (17.5%), and one male patient (10%) developed recurrence. There was no significant difference regarding the recurrence rates between patients who were treated with NSAD and patients who were treated with prednisolone. CONCLUSION: With the exception of ESR, demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings and prognoses of our patients were comparable to the previous reports.