The role of calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P in the pathogenesis of dialysis headache.

AIM: The present study aims to establish the role of serum CGRP and SP levels in the disease pathophysiology in patients with dialysis headache not accompanied by primary or secondary headaches, and also whether there is a correlation between these vasoactive peptides and the severity of headache. METHOD: This study was designed as prospective and multicenter. A total of 30 dialysis headache patients and 30 patients without headache as the control group in the Nephrology outpatient clinics which implement similar dialysis procedures were included in the study. Blood samples were taken from all the patients before hemodialysis, and post-hemodialysis samples were collected. CGRP and SP contents in serum samples were measured using the ELISA method with detection kits. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were included in the study with 17 female and 13 male patients in the dialysis headache group and 18 female and 12 male patients in the control group, and there were no significant differences in sex and age between the groups. CGRP levels in the headache group were found to be significantly higher compared with the control group both before and after hemodialysis. Furthermore, pre-hemodialysis CGRP levels were significantly higher than post-hemodialysis CGRP levels in both the headache and control groups. Serum SP levels in the headache group were found to be higher compared with the control group both before and after hemodialysis, there was no significant difference between the groups. Even though SP levels in both groups decreased after hemodialysis, there was again no significant difference between the groups. No correlation was found between the patients' severity of headache and serum CGRP and SP levels. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that CGRP and SP, even though the latter is not statistically significant, play a role in the pathophysiology of the dialysis headache, and further studies with a larger and more specific patient population may reveal the relationship between the neuropeptides and dialysis headache more clearly.

Serum Levels of Neuropeptides in Epileptic Encephalopathy With Spike-and-Wave Activation in Sleep.

BACKGROUND: Epileptic encephalopathy with spike-and-wave activation in sleep (EE-SWAS) is a syndrome of childhood, characterized by diffuse or generalized spike-wave activity in electroencephalography during non-rapid eye movement sleep. Neuropeptides have been demonstrated in several studies to function in the sleep-wake cycle and display convulsant and anticonvulsant features. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between EE-SWAS and neuropeptides such as dynorphin, galanin, ghrelin, leptin, melatonin, and orexin. METHODS: This multicenter study was conducted from July 2019 to January 2021. There were three groups: Group 1 contained patients with EE-SWAS. Group 2 consisted of patients with self-limited focal epilepsy of childhood (SeLFE), and group 3 was the control group. Levels of neuropeptides were compared in the sera of these three groups. RESULTS: There were 59 children aged between four and 15 years. Group 1 contained 14 children, group 2 contained 24 children, and group 3 contained 21 children. The level of leptin is higher and the level of melatonin is lower in group 1 than in group 3 (P = 0.01 and P = 0.005, respectively). In group 3, the level of orexin was lower than in both groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data show that the level of leptin was higher and the level of melatonin was lower in patients with EE-SWAS than in the control group. Furthermore, patients with EE-SWAS had lower orexin levels than both the control group and patients with SeLFE. Further research is required to understand the potential role of these neuropeptides in the pathophysiology of EE-SWAS.

[Assessment of serum MMP-9, TIMP-1 levels and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in migraine patients with and without aura].

Background and purpose: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are the enzymes responsible for proteolytic ac-tivity of extracellular matrix proteins. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are their endogenous inhibitors. MMP-9 acts on the basal membrane of cerebellar epithe-lium and is antagonized by TIMP-1. MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio exhibits the net activity of MMP-9. These enzymes are thought to have a role in migraine physio-pathogenesis. Methods: Total of 50 treatment-naive migraine patients (25 with aura and 25 without aura) with no other diseases, were included. 25 healthy control subjects of cor-responding age and gender were enrolled. For MMP-9 and TIMP-1 analysis, one serum sample from control group and two samples from patients were collected (during headache and headache-free periods). The enzyme levels were quantitatively analyzed by competitive ELISA method. Duration and severity of the pain and duration of the disease were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference in MMP-9 levels between patient and control groups during headache and headache-free periods (p: 0,746, p: 0,243). TIMP-1 levels were significantly lower and MMP-9/TIMP ratios were higher comparing with the control group (p: 0.001). Positive correlation was obtained between the duration of pain and MMP-9 levels in the headache-free period for both patient groups (p<0.05). There was also a positive correlation between MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and severity of pain (p<0.05). Conclusion: In our study, low TIMP-1 levels of patients in both headache and headache-free periods suggest that disturbance of proteolytic protection has a role in neuro-inflammation and pain in migraine. Therefore, these enzymes could be potential targets in migraine therapies.

Matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: Possible markers and treatment agents.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are synthesized by many cell groups and responsible for the destruction of matrix proteins, and endogen tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) have a role in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by affecting the blood-brain barrier. We aimed to investigate the role of MMPs and TIMPs in the immunopathogenesis and in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: We enrolled 25 relapsing remitting MS patients, who had a definite MS diagnosis according to McDonald criteria and 25 healthy subjects similar for age and gender as control group. MMP-9- and TIMP-1 levels were measured twice in patient group (one time during an attack and one in remission) and once in healthy subjects. RESULTS: MMP-9- and TIMP-levels of patients during attack and remission period and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were found significantly higher than in the control subjects. In patient group MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio during attacks were not significantly different than during remission period. However, when subdivided according to their number of attacks, patients with 2 attacks had significantly higher levels during attack period comparing to remission period (p<0.05); in case of patients with more than 2 attacks did not have a statistically significant difference in attack and remission periods. CONCLUSION: Matrix metalloproteinases are important actors in MS immunopathogenesis, particularly in the early period and inhibitor agents for these enzymes can be used as a treatment option.

The relationship between inflammatory markers and spirometric parameters in ACOS, Asthma, and COPD.

Objective: The inflammatory mechanisms underpinning asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome (ACOS) have not been fully elucidated. Here, we examined the levels of cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys-LTs), prostaglandin D2 (PG-D2), prostaglandin E2 (PG-E2), interleukin 5 (IL-5), and a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain (ADAM 33) in ACOS patients to determine the relationship between levels of these inflammatory markers and pulmonary functions.Methods: Blood samples were obtained from asthma, COPD, and ACOS patients who received combined therapy and were stable for the last month to measure cys-LTs, PG-D2, PG-E2, IL-5, and ADAM33 levels. Differences between groups and their correlations with pulmonary function tests were evaluated.Results: In total, 24 ACOS, 27 asthma, and 35 COPD patients were included. . PG-D2 levels were higher in ACOS (120.9 ± 117.2 ng/L) and asthma (119.6 ± 111.7 ng/L) patients than in COPD (82.6 ± 46.7 ng/L) patients (p = 0.036 and p = 0.038, respectively). In ACOS patients, PG-D2, cys-LTs, and ADAM33 levels were negatively correlated with FEV1/FVC% values (p = 0.021, p = 0.008, and p = 0.028, respectively). In COPD patients, a negative correlation was detected between PG-E2 and FEV1/FVC% (p = 0.007), whereas positive correlations were detected between IL-5 and pulmonary function tests, including FVC, FVC%, FEV1, FEV1%, FEF25-75, and FEF25-75% (p = 0.047, p = 0.005, p = 0.002, p = 0.002, p = 0.010, and p = 0.005, respectively). In asthma patients, cys-LTs levels were negatively correlated with FEV1 and FEF25-75 values (p = 0.045 and p = 0.037, respectively).Conclusions: PG-D2 levels may be a valuable biomarker to differentiate COPD in asthma and ACOS patients.

Visfatin levels in hormonally inactive adrenal adenoma and their association with metabolic parameters

Background/aim: In parallel with increased frequency and higher quality of imaging techniques, the prevalence of adrenal adenoma has gradually increased. However, despite the growing incidence, the metabolic and tumorigenesis processes involved in its etiology are still unclear. Although visfatin has been reported to be associated with inflammation and tumorigenesis, its role in adrenal adenoma has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the present study was performed with an aim to evaluate visfatin levels and cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with adrenal adenoma. Materials and methods: Thirty patients recently diagnosed with adrenal adenoma along with 30 healthy participants were studied in a tertiary healthcare center. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements were performed. Results: The frequencies of diabetes mellitus and hypertension were found to be statistically higher in the adrenal adenoma group. Although the values of mean fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR levels, and the mean, maximum, minimum, delta systolic, and diastolic blood pressures were established to be higher in the adrenal adenoma group, the differences were not found to be statistically significant. Mean high-sensitive C-reactive protein, visfatin levels, and CIMT were seen to be significantly higher in the adenoma group. Conclusion: Cardiometabolic risk factors as well as the visfatin levels were established to be higher in patients with adrenal adenoma. Elevated visfatin levels might play a role in the development and metabolic process of adrenal adenoma.

Effects of different levels of end-expiratory pressure on hemodynamic, respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response during laparoscopic cholecystectomy / Efeitos de diferentes níveis de pressão expiratória final sobre a hemodinâmica, mecânica respiratória e resposta sistêmica ao estresse durante colecistectomia laparoscópica

Abstract Objective: General anesthesia causes reduction of functional residual capacity. And this decrease can lead to atelectasis and intrapulmonary shunting in the lung. In this study we want to evaluate the effects of 5 and 10 cmH2O PEEP levels on gas exchange, hemodynamic, respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: American Society of Anesthesiologist I-II physical status 43 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly selected to receive external PEEP of 5 cmH2O (PEEP 5 group) or 10 cmH2O PEEP (PEEP 10 group) during pneumoperitoneum. Basal hemodynamic parameters were recorded, and arterial blood gases (ABG) and blood sampling were done for cortisol, insulin and glucose level estimations to assess the systemic stress response before induction of anesthesia. Thirty minutes after the pneumoperitoneum, the respiratory and hemodynamic parameters were recorded again and ABG and sampling for cortisol, insulin, and glucose levels were repeated. Lastly hemodynamic parameters were recorded; ABG analysis and sampling for stress response levels were taken after 60 minutes from extubation. Results: There were no statistical differences between the two groups about hemodynamic and respiratory parameters except mean airway pressure (P mean). P mean, compliance and PaO2; pH values were higher in 'PEEP 10 group'. Also, PaCO2 values were lower in 'PEEP 10 group'. No differences were observed between insulin and lactic acid levels in the two groups. But postoperative cortisol level was significantly lower in 'PEEP 10 group'. Conclusion: Ventilation with 10 cmH2O PEEP increases compliance and oxygenation, does not cause hemodynamic and respiratory complications and reduces the postoperative stress response.

Resumo Objetivo: A anestesia geral causa a redução da capacidade residual funcional e essa diminuição pode levar à atelectasia pulmonar e ao shunt intrapulmonar. Neste estudo pretendemos avaliar os efeitos de níveis de 5 e 10 cmH2O de pressão expiratória final positiva (PEEP) sobre as trocas gasosas, a hemodinâmica, a mecânica respiratória e a resposta ao estresse sistêmico em colecistectomia laparoscópica. Método: Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 43 pacientes, estado físico ASA I-II, agendados para colecistectomia laparoscópica, para receber PEEP a 5 cmH2O (grupo PEEP-5) ou PEEP de 10 cmH2O (grupo PEEP-10) durante o pneumoperitônio. Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos foram registrados, gasometria arterial e coleta de sangue foram feitas para estimativa dos níveis de cortisol, insulina e glicose para avaliar a resposta ao estresse sistêmico antes da indução anestésica. Trinta minutos após o pneumoperitônio, os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e respiratórios foram registrados novamente e gasometria e amostragem para os níveis de cortisol, insulina e glicose foram repetidos. E os últimos parâmetros hemodinâmicos foram registrados, análise e amostragem de gasometria para os níveis de resposta ao estresse foram feitas após 60 minutos da extubação. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatística entre dois grupos quanto aos parâmetros hemodinâmicos e respiratórios, exceto pressão média das vias aéreas (Pmédia). Os valores de Pmédia, complacência, PaO2 e do pH foram maiores no grupo PEEP-10. Também os valores de PaCO2 foram menores no grupo PEEP-10. Não foram observadas quaisquer diferenças entre os níveis de insulina e de ácido láctico nos dois grupos. Porém, o nível de cortisol no pós-operatório foi significativamente menor no grupo PEEP-10. Conclusão: Ventilação com PEEP de 10 cmH2O aumenta a complacência e a oxigenação, não causa hemodinâmica e complicações respiratórias e reduz a resposta ao estresse no pós-operatório.

[Effects of different levels of end-expiratory pressure on hemodynamic, respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response during laparoscopic cholecystectomy]. / Efeitos de diferentes níveis de pressão expiratória final sobre a hemodinâmica, mecânica respiratória e resposta sistêmica ao estresse durante colecistectomia laparoscópica.

OBJECTIVE: General anesthesia causes reduction of functional residual capacity. And this decrease can lead to atelectasis and intrapulmonary shunting in the lung. In this study we want to evaluate the effects of 5 and 10cmH2O PEEP levels on gas exchange, hemodynamic, respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: American Society of Anesthesiologist I-II physical status 43 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly selected to receive external PEEP of 5cmH2O (PEEP 5 group) or 10cmH2O PEEP (PEEP 10 group) during pneumoperitoneum. Basal hemodynamic parameters were recorded, and arterial blood gases (ABG) and blood sampling were done for cortisol, insulin and glucose level estimations to assess the systemic stress response before induction of anesthesia. Thirty minutes after the pneumoperitoneum, the respiratory and hemodynamic parameters were recorded again and ABG and sampling for cortisol, insulin, and glucose levels were repeated. Lastly hemodynamic parameters were recorded; ABG analysis and sampling for stress response levels were taken after 60minutes from extubation. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the two groups about hemodynamic and respiratory parameters except mean airway pressure (Pmean). Pmean, compliance and PaO2; pH values were higher in 'PEEP 10 group'. Also, PaCO2 values were lower in 'PEEP 10 group'. No differences were observed between insulin and lactic acid levels in the two groups. But postoperative cortisol level was significantly lower in 'PEEP 10 group'. CONCLUSION: Ventilation with 10cmH2O PEEP increases compliance and oxygenation, does not cause hemodynamic and respiratory complications and reduces the postoperative stress response.

Effects of different levels of end-expiratory pressure on hemodynamic, respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: General anesthesia causes reduction of functional residual capacity. And this decrease can lead to atelectasis and intrapulmonary shunting in the lung. In this study we want to evaluate the effects of 5 and 10cmH2O PEEP levels on gas exchange, hemodynamic, respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: American Society of Anesthesiologist I-II physical status 43 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly selected to receive external PEEP of 5cmH2O (PEEP 5 group) or 10cmH2O PEEP (PEEP 10 group) during pneumoperitoneum. Basal hemodynamic parameters were recorded, and arterial blood gases (ABG) and blood sampling were done for cortisol, insulin and glucose level estimations to assess the systemic stress response before induction of anesthesia. Thirty minutes after the pneumoperitoneum, the respiratory and hemodynamic parameters were recorded again and ABG and sampling for cortisol, insulin, and glucose levels were repeated. Lastly hemodynamic parameters were recorded; ABG analysis and sampling for stress response levels were taken after 60minutes from extubation. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the two groups about hemodynamic and respiratory parameters except mean airway pressure (Pmean). Pmean, compliance and PaO2; pH values were higher in 'PEEP 10 group'. Also, PaCO2 values were lower in 'PEEP 10 group'. No differences were observed between insulin and lactic acid levels in the two groups. But postoperative cortisol level was significantly lower in 'PEEP 10 group'. CONCLUSION: Ventilation with 10cmH2O PEEP increases compliance and oxygenation, does not cause hemodynamic and respiratory complications and reduces the postoperative stress response.

The role of midkine in the inflammatory process and its correlation with other inflammatory markers in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Midkine (MK), which is expressed in the proximal tubular epithelial cells of the kidney, is thought to have a role in the pathophysiology of inflammation-related renal diseases. Both immunological and nonimmunological mechanisms may affect renal functions negatively during the early and late post-transplantation periods. We aimed in our study to evaluate the relationship of MK with clinical findings and inflammatory markers, including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in the pretransplant and post-transplant period. METHODS: Forty-one consecutive patients transplanted from living related donors were included in this prospective observational study. All patients received the same immunosuppressive treatment protocol. MK, hsCRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured before and 2 months after renal transplantation. RESULTS: Pretransplant MK levels correlated positively with hsCRP (r = 0.41, p = 0.004) and IL-6 (r = 0.58, p<0.001). The mean post-transplant MK level was found to be higher than the pretransplant level (143 ± 350 pg/mL, 2792 ± 4235 pg/mL respectively, p = <0.001), while the mean hsCRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels did not change significantly. Post-transplant IL-6 correlated significantly with MK (r = 0.388, p = 0.012), hsCRP (r = 0.41, p = 0.007) and TNF-α (r = 0.348, p = 0.026). There was no significant correlation between clinical findings and inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS: MK may be a good inflammatory marker in renal transplant recipients as in other inflammatory diseases. Moreover, it seems that it is not affected by factors other than inflammation during the post-transplantation period.

The relationship of Prohepcidin levels with anemia and inflammatory markers in non-diabetic uremic patients: a controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Hepcidin, a small peptide hormone synthesized in the liver, plays central role in regulation of iron metabolism. Hepcidin generation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is dependent on iron status, anemia, inflammation, and hypoxia and erythropoietin levels. In our study, the relationship between Prohepcidin levels and inflammation and iron indices in non-diabetic uremic patients was investigated. METHODS: This study has a cross-sectional design which includes four groups: Non-diabetic 21 patients with stage 4 CKD (predialysis), 20 hemodialysis (HD) and 21 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and 17 healthy volunteers as the control group. Complete blood count, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, parathyroid hormone, interleukin (IL)-6 and Prohepcidin levels were recorded. RESULTS: Serum Prohepcidin levels in the predialysis, HD, PD and the control groups were 119.6 ± 45.1 ng/mL, 140.2 ± 41.8 ng/mL, 148.2 ± 35.0 ng/mL and 93.8 ± 21.9 ng/mL, respectively (p < 0.001). Prohepcidin was positively correlated with urea (r = 0.345, p = 0.002), creatinine (r = 0.465, p < 0.001), phosphorus (r = 0.253, p = 0.025), hsCRP (r = 0.275, p = 0.019), duration of dialysis treatment (r = 0.443, p < 0.001), fibrinogen (r = 0.467, p < 0.001) and IL-6 (r = 0.615, p < 0.001) levels. A negative correlation was detected between Prohepcidin levels and albumin (r = -0.286, p < 0.001), TIBC (r = -0.573, p < 0.001), GFR (r = -0.473, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (r = -0.351, p = 0.002) and hematocrit (r = -0.342, p = 0.002) levels. DISCUSSION: Prohepcidin levels increase with deepening anemia and show positive correlation with inflammatory markers. Therapeutic interventions regarding Prohepcidin action on inflammatory status may play a role in the treatment of anemia due to inflammation. Functional iron deficiency is frequent in uremic patients. It may be beneficial to measure Prohepcidin level together with ferritin among these patients.

Prognostic significance of CD44 and c-erb-B2 protein overexpression in patients with gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of the study is to evaluate the correlation between c-erb-B2 and CD44 overexpression and survival of patients with gastric cancer. METHODOLOGY: The paraffin blocks of 48 patients with gastric carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. The pathological specimens were stained with CD44 and c-erb-B2 by immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: The positivity of c-erb-B2 was detected in 9 patients. In six of them, predominantly strong cytoplasmic staining was observed. The remaining three tumors were predominantly membranous stained. No correlation was found between the c-erb-B2 positivity and overall survival (OS). Seventeen specimens (35.4%) were CD44 positive, all localized in cell membrane. The median OS time of CD44 positive patients was worse than that of patients with CD44 negative (11 vs. 17 months, respectively). This difference was statistically significant (p=0.03). In 5 patients both CD44 and c-erb-B2 were detected as positive. However, there were 23 patients with both CD44 negative and c-erb-B2 negative. The median OS time for patients with both CD44 and cerb- B2 negative was better than those of patients with both CD44 and c-erb-B2 positive (37 vs. 11 months, respectively, p=0.03). The relationship between CD44 and c-erb-B2 positivities and clinicopathological factors (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that there was no correlation between c-erb-B2 positivity and OS, except for CD44. In addition, we found significant association of simultaneous positivities of c-erb-B2 and CD44 with OS of patients with gastric cancer. CD44 alone can be taken as a prognostic factor and also simultaneous overexpression of CD44 and c-erb-B2 may be used as a marker of poor prognosis.

Serum adenosine deaminase and its isoenzyme activities in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: ADA is widely distributed in human tissues, which may contribute to the maturation of the immunological system, especially the proliferation and differentiation of lymphoid cells, and seems to be critical at different stages of the maturation process. The activity of ADA changes in diseases characterized by the alteration of cell-mediated immunity. In this study we examined changes in serum total ADA activity and the patterns of two ADA isoenzymes, ADA-1 and ADA-2, in healthy pregnant women, and evaluated the possible role of the alteration of cell-mediated immunity during pregnancy as causes of changes in ADA activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured serum activities of total ADA, ADA-1 and ADA-2 in healthy pregnant women (n=129) and age-matched healthy nonpregnant women (n=42). We divided the study group into three different subgroups: first trimester, second trimester and third trimester. RESULTS: Serum ADA, ADA-1 and ADA-2 activities in healthy pregnant women were significantly lower than in nonpregnant women (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p<0.01 respectively). ADA (p<0.001) and ADA-2 (p<0.001) activities in the first trimester were significantly lower than in the control group. However, there were no significant differences between the first trimester and control group according to their ADA-1 activities (p=0.016). ADA (p<0.001), ADA-1 (p<0.001) and ADA-2 (p<0.008) activities in the second trimester were significantly lower than in the control group. Combined trisomy 21 risk, biochemical trisomy 21 risk, age risk and trisomy 18 + Nuchal translucency (NT) risk were calculated using a first trimester screening test in 63 pregnant women. Furthermore, trisomy 21 risk, age risk and trisomy 18 risk were calculated by triple test in 52 pregnant women. ADA, ADA-1 and ADA-2 activities were not significantly correlated with risks in the first trimester screening test. ADA-1 activity was slightly significantly negative correlated with age risk (r= -0.314, p<0.05) and trisomy 18 risk (p<0.05) in the triple test. ADA (p<0.05) and ADA-2 (p<0.05) activities were slightly significantly correlated with gestational age, while there was no significant correlation between ADA-1 activity and gestational age. CONCLUSION: Serum ADA activity may be useful for clinical diagnosis and observation of high-risk pregnancies in which cell-mediated immunity has been altered.

Hemodialysis and protein oxidation products.

The presence of a chronic inflammatory state has also been widely documented in end-stage renal disease patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD). It is commonly attributed to the constantly renewed activation of circulating neutrophils and monocytes following blood passage through dialysis circuits and subsequent generation of activated complement components due to contact of plasma with bioincompatible membranes and/or transfer of endotoxins from the dialyzate to the blood compartment. This conjunction leads to a massive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), for example, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and chlorinated oxidants, such as hypochlorous acid by activated neutrophils. The exquisite vulnerability of proteins to ROS is now well documented. Oxidation of amino acid residues, such as tyrosine, leads to the formation of dityrosine, protein aggregation, cross-linking, and fragmentation. Dityrosine-containing protein cross-linking products in the plasma of dialysis patients are named as advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). In addition, advanced glycation end-products (AGE) is a protein carbonyl compound and produced by protein-ROS interaction. We investigated both the effect of the renewed activation of the immune cells, due to blood-dialyzer interaction over protein oxidation products like AOPP and AGE, among chronic renal failure (CRF) patients receiving maintenance HD, and choice of dialyzers like high flux or the other group on protein oxidation product levels.