Evaluation of the Paraoxonase-1 Level in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: This study, aimed to evaluate the role of paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP). PON-1 plays a significant role in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic responses and may help predict the severity of AP. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with AP and 45 healthy volunteers were included in the study. AP was diagnosed when serum amylase and/or lipase values increased threefold and/or more than the upper limit of normal, together with a complaint of abdominal pain. Modified Atlanta and Ranson scoring were used for AP severity. RESULTS: AP causes were biliary for 35 (70%) patients and idiopathic for 8 (16%) patients, AP developed in 6 (12%) patients after endoscopic retrograde pancreatography, and AP in 1 (2%) patient was a consequence hypertriglyceridemia. No difference in PON-1 level was found between the groups (PON-1=197.06±164.6 and 192.1±111.78, respectively, p=0.86). On the other hand, patients were stratified according to the modified Atlanta (177.5±166.8 for mild to moderate vs. 268.5±64.2 for severe, p<0.018) or Ranson (163.2±133.06 for mild vs. 208.8±158.0 for severe, p<0.016). PON-1 level was significantly higher in patients with severe AP compared to patients with mild and/or moderate disease. CONCLUSION: Although PON-1 level did not differ in patients with and without AP, PON-1 level increased significantly in parallel with the severity of AP. Thus, PON-1 can be a potential marker for the severity of the disease and can predict prognosis.

Analysis of Interleukin-17, Interleukin-23, neopterin and Nesfatin-1 levels in the sera of Hashimoto patients.

Background: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland and may present as goiter or atrophic thyroiditis that may result in various metabolic and inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study is to determine the changes in serum levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-23, neopterin, and nesfatin-1 parameters in HT patients and to evaluate the possible relationship among these parameters. Methods: 90 HT patients and 30 healthy individuals were included in this study. Demographic data of the patients included in the study were recorded and detailed physical examinations were performed. IL-17, IL-23, neopterin, and nesfatin-1 levels were measured in the serum samples of the participants by the ELISA method.

Relationship between systemic immune inflammation index and amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcer.

AIM: The systemic immune inflammation index (SII) is a cost-effective biomarker calculated by lymphocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts and is currently being studied in various diseases. Since there is no study examining the relationship between SII and diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) in the literature, our aim was to investigate the relationship between SII and amputation rate in DFU. METHODS: Type 2 DM 511 patients with DFU were screened from 2017 to 2021. Laboratory data obtained on the first day of hospitalization were considered. Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and SII were calculated from routine blood count. Participants were divided into two groups as amputation (Group 1) and non-amputation (Group 2). RESULTS: Amputation rate was 18.8%. The A1c (8.80 (3.26) % vs. 9.52 (3.10) %, p = 0.007) and HGB (10.17 ± 2.16 g/dL vs. 12.05 ± 2.20 g/dL, p < 0.001) levels, and lymphocyte count (1.81 (1.16) vs. 2.05 (1.11), p = 0.015) were significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2. The counts of WBC (14.01 (9.16) × 109/L vs. 10.41 (5.82) × 109/L), PLT (393.35 (196.98) × 109/L vs. 312.05 (141.33) × 109/L), neutrophil (11.52 (8.75) × 109/L vs. 6.93 (5.96) × 109/L), PLR (226.04 (159.24) × 109/L vs. 153.12 (101.91) × 109/L), NLR (6.64 (6.93) vs. 3.34 (3.99)) and SII (2505.86 (3957.47) × 109/L vs. 1092.50 (1476.08) × 109/L), and the levels of CRP (14.12 (12.66) mg/dL vs. 3.86 (12.63) mg/dL) and ESR (87.50 (50.50) mm/h vs. 63.00 (57.25) mm/h) were significantly higher in Group 1 than Group 2 (all p < 0.001). AUC of ROC analysis of PLR was 0.666 (95% CI, 0.604-0.728), NLR was 0.695 (95% CI, 0.638-0.752) and SII was 0.716 (95% CI, 0.661-0.772) for the predicting of amputation and the SII had the best AUC with 67.4% sensitivity and 63.3%specificty. CONCLUSION: SII is a cost-effective and readily available marker, but alone may not be sufficient to predict the risk of amputation in DFU. In our results, the predictive role of SII alone or with other markers for future DFU and its role in predicting other chronic diabetic complications will be evaluated in extensive studies.

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the metabolic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients.

Objective: The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the control of diabetes mellitus in patients are largely unknown. In this study we aimed to analyze the impact of the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown on the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects and methods: A total of 7,321patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (4,501 from the pre-pandemic period, 2,820 from the post-pandemic period) were studied retrospectively. Results: The admission of patients with diabetes melitus (DM) decreased significantly during the pandemic (4,501 pre-pandemic vs. 2,820 post-pandemic; p < 0.001). The mean age of patients was statistically lower (51.5 ± 14.0 vs. 49.7 ± 14.5 years; p < 0.001), and the mean glycated hemoglobin (A1c) level was significantly higher (7.9% ± 2.4% vs. 7.3% ± 1.7%; p < 0.001) in the post-pandemic period than in the pre-pandemic. The female/male ratio was similar in both periods (59.9%/40.1% for pre-pandemic, 58.6%/41.4% for post-pandemic; p = 0.304). As calculated by month the pre-pandemic rate of women was higher only in January (53.1% vs. 60.6%, p = 0.02). Mean A1c levels were higher in the postpandemic period than in the same month of the previous year, excluding July and October (p = 0.001 for November, p < 0.001 for others). Postpandemic patients admitted to the outpatient clinic were significantly younger than prepandemic visits for July (p = 0.001), August (p < 0.001) and December (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The lockdown had detrimental effects on blood sugar management in patients with DM. Hence, diet and exercise programs should be adapted to home conditions, and social and psychological support should be provided to patients with DM.

Evaluation of Nrg4 and thiol/disulfide homeostasis in patients with GDM.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of neuregulin4 (Nrg4) in the etiopathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and thiol/disulfide homeostasis as an indicator of oxidative stress. METHODS: This prospective, case-control study included 34 women with diabetes and 34 healthy pregnant women who applied between January 2017 and January 2020. Levels of native and total thiol, disulfide and Nrg4 were measured in both diabetes mellitus and healthy pregnant groups. RESULTS: When compared to the control group, the serum neuregulin4 levels in the diabetes group were considerably lower (3.22 ± 2.16 vs. 4.55 ± 0.96, p < 0.001). Native thiol (292.67 ± 43.65 vs. 366.40 ± 51.28; p < 0.001), total thiol (388.60 ± 46.60 vs. 414.52 ± 54.19; p < 0.001) levels and native thiol/total thiol ratio (75.51 ± 8.95 vs. 88.35 ± 3.54; p < 0.001) were lower in diabetes group compared to control group. Disulfide level (47.96 ± 19.52 vs. 24.06 ± 7.69) and disulfide/native thiol (17.13 ± 8.03, vs. 6.67 ± 2.30) and disulfide/total thiol (12.24 ± 4.47 vs. 5.82 ± 1.77) ratios were higher in diabetes group (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We suggested that decreased Nrg4 level and impaired oxidative stress parameters may be related with the increased risk of diabetes. However, we did not found a correlation between the Nrg4 and oxidative stress parameters.

Clinical features of generalized lipodystrophy in Turkey: A cohort analysis.

AIM: To describe the Turkish generalized lipodystrophy (GL) cohort with the frequency of each complication and the death rate during the period of the follow-up. METHODS: This study reports on 72 patients with GL (47 families) registered at different centres in Turkey that cover all regions of the country. The mean ± SD follow-up was 86 ± 78 months. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the median time to diagnosis of diabetes and/or prediabetes was 16 years. Hyperglycaemia was not controlled in 37 of 45 patients (82.2%) with diabetes. Hypertriglyceridaemia developed in 65 patients (90.3%). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the median time to diagnosis of hypertriglyceridaemia was 14 years. Hypertriglyceridaemia was severe (≥ 500 mg/dl) in 38 patients (52.8%). Seven (9.7%) patients suffered from pancreatitis. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the median time to diagnosis of hepatic steatosis was 15 years. Liver disease progressed to cirrhosis in nine patients (12.5%). Liver disease was more severe in congenital lipodystrophy type 2 (CGL2). Proteinuric chronic kidney disease (CKD) developed in 32 patients (44.4%) and cardiac disease in 23 patients (31.9%). Kaplan-Meier estimates of the median time to diagnosis of CKD and cardiac disease were 25 and 45 years, respectively. Females appeared to have a more severe metabolic disease, with an earlier onset of metabolic abnormalities. Ten patients died during the follow-up period. Causes of death were end-stage renal disease, sepsis (because of recurrent intestinal perforations, coronavirus disease, diabetic foot infection and following coronary artery bypass graft surgery), myocardial infarction, heart failure because of dilated cardiomyopathy, stroke, liver complications and angiosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: Standard treatment approaches have only a limited impact and do not prevent the development of severe metabolic abnormalities and early onset of organ complications in GL.

An Analysis of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcer.

The occurrence of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is influenced by both patient-related and contrast-related factors. More specifically, CA-AKI has been linked to renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus (DM), and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). We hypothesized that the prevalence of CA-AKI was high in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) because they frequently have several ASCVD risk factors and additional comorbid conditions (including ASCVD). We retrospectively examined the medical records of 208 type 2 diabetic patients who were hospitalized for DFU. These patients were divided into two groups: group 1 included 107 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomographic angiography (CTA); group 2 (control group) included 101 patients who did not receive contrast media. Following CTA, 13 (12.1%) patients developed CA-AKI in group 1, while 3 (3.0%) patients in group 2 had serum creatinine elevations consistent with AKI (P = 0.013). The following risk factors for CA-AKI were identified: longer history of DM, higher baseline serum creatinine, congestive heart failure, Wagner stage 4 and 5 DFUs, peripheral artery disease, older age, and lower hemoglobin values. CA-AKI is a common complication after CTA in patients with DFU. To reduce the risk of CA-AKI in these patients, associated risk factors and preventive measures should be considered.

Higher Levels of Plasma Fetuin-A, Nrf2, and Cytokeratin 18 in Patients with Hashimoto's Disease.

Objectives: Fetuin-A is a protein that exhibits proatherogenic, pro-inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory effects with increased insulin resistance and adipocyte dysfunction. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that is crucial for protecting cells against oxidative damage. As a cell death product, cytokeratin 18 (CK18) levels increase during necrosis and apoptosis of both normal and tumor cells. We analyzed the plasma levels of three biomarkers based on the hypothesis that they might be related to some pathophysiological pathways in Hashimoto's disease. Methods: We compared 34 female patients with overt hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's disease (Group 1) with 34 age-matched healthy females (Group 2). For comparison, plasma levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), fetuin-A, Nrf2, and CK18 were measured in all participants. Results: In group 1, the mean TSH levels (31.4±15.3) were significantly higher than those in group 2 (2.6±1.0) (p<0.001). The levels of mean fetuin-A (606.7±34.2) and Nrf2 (1.3±0.6) were found to be significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (440.0±34.2 vs. 0.7±0.2) (p<0.001 for both). CK18 levels in group 1 (0.36±0.13) were also significantly higher than in group 2 (0.26±0.16) (p=0.020). A significant correlation was observed between TSH levels and fetuin-A (r=0.401, p=0.001). Conclusion: Increased levels of fetuin-A, Nrf2, and CK18 may be a consequence or cause of the pathophysiological pathways of Hashimoto's disease. The clinical significance of increased levels of these biomarkers requires further investigation.

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the metabolic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients

ABSTRACT Objective: The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the control of diabetes mellitus in patients are largely unknown. In this study we aimed to analyze the impact of the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown on the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects and methods: A total of 7,321patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (4,501 from the pre-pandemic period, 2,820 from the post-pandemic period) were studied retrospectively. Results: The admission of patients with diabetes melitus (DM) decreased significantly during the pandemic (4,501 pre-pandemic vs. 2,820 post-pandemic; p < 0.001). The mean age of patients was statistically lower (51.5 ± 14.0 vs. 49.7 ± 14.5 years; p < 0.001), and the mean glycated hemoglobin (A1c) level was significantly higher (7.9% ± 2.4% vs. 7.3% ± 1.7%; p < 0.001) in the post-pandemic period than in the pre-pandemic. The female/male ratio was similar in both periods (59.9%/40.1% for pre-pandemic, 58.6%/41.4% for post-pandemic; p = 0.304). As calculated by month the pre-pandemic rate of women was higher only in January (53.1% vs. 60.6%, p = 0.02). Mean A1c levels were higher in the postpandemic period than in the same month of the previous year, excluding July and October (p = 0.001 for November, p < 0.001 for others). Postpandemic patients admitted to the outpatient clinic were significantly younger than prepandemic visits for July (p = 0.001), August (p < 0.001) and December (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The lockdown had detrimental effects on blood sugar management in patients with DM. Hence, diet and exercise programs should be adapted to home conditions, and social and psychological support should be provided to patients with DM.

Investigation of Fetuin-A pathway in diabetes mellitus formation in rats exposed to elf magnetic fields.

The presence of technological devices in our lives has increased exposure to environmental electromagnetic fields. As a result of this, especially Cancer and Diabetes are increasing.Rats were divided into 3 groups with 12 rats in each group. The 1st experimental group (n = 12) was exposed to a 50 Hz ELF magnetic field of 0.4 mT for 6 hours a day for 5 days, the 2nd experimental group (n = 12) was exposed for 10 days, and the control group (n = 12) was never exposed to a magnetic field. After completing the applications, blood collection from the rats was performed under appropriate conditions, measurements were made in the laboratory, and statistical analysis was performed between the groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in the results of transaminases and lipid profiles and C-Peptide. There was no significant difference in insulin, urea, creatinine, Na, K, Ca, and uric acid parameters between the groups. However, there was a significant increase in glucose, HbA1c, and Hba1 IFCC values between the control group and the experimental groups (p < .001). There was a significant increase in the level of Fetuin-A between the control group and the experimental groups (p < .05). There was an increase in the Fetuin-A, Glucose, HbA1c, and Hba1c IFCC values in both of the experimental groups compared to the control group. We believe that an increase in these values may cause Type 3 diabetes.

Pilot study of the diagnostic value of CRP:albumin ratio for osteomyelitis in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: Osteomyelitis may complicate diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). As a new inflammation-based prognostic factor, CRP:albumin ratio's significance is not known in osteomyelitis among patients with or without diabetes. METHOD: Patients with type 2 diabetes and DFUs were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=47) comprised patients without osteomyelitis, and group 2 (n=50) comprised patients with osteomyelitis. RESULTS: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (88.5±23.0 versus 42.0±22.2), white blood cell count (WBC) (14.7±6.9x103 versus 10.0±4.4x103), C-reactive protein (CRP) level (15.6±9.9 versus 2.4±3.3) and CRP:albumin ratio (6.6±4.9 versus 0.7±1.0) were significantly higher, and albumin level was significantly lower in group 2 compared to group 1 (p<0.001 for all). The presence of osteomyelitis was significantly and positively correlated with ESR (r=0.721; p<0.001), WBC (r=0.380; p<0.001), CRP (r=0.667; p<0.001) and CRP:albumin ratio (r=0.638; p<0.001), and negatively correlated with albumin (r=-0.590; p<0.001). A CRP:albumin ratio of 1.74 or above could predict osteomyelitis with 92.0% sensitivity, 80.9% specificity, and the best area under the curve (AUC) score (AUC=0.957; 95% CI: 0.924-0.991). ESR (odds ratio (OR): 1.071 (1.025-1.119); p=0.02) and CRP:albumin ratio (OR: 2.65 (1.437-4.885); p=0.002) were independent predictors in the final model for stepwise linear regression analyses for the estimation of osteomyelitis. CONCLUSION: CRP:albumin ratio is a cheap and repeatable inflammatory marker and can successfully detect osteomyelitis in patients with DFU.

Characteristics of patients with hypertension in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results from the Turkish Nationwide SurvEy of Glycemic and Other Metabolic Parameters of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (TEMD Hypertension Study).

BACKGROUND: The present survey aimed to find out the demographical and clinical characteristics of patients with hypertension in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Turkey. METHODS: Patients with T2DM who were followed-up in tertiary endocrine units for at least last one year were recruited. Demographic, clinical and biochemical data of the patients were collected. Hypertension was defined as taking anti-hypertensive medications or having office arterial blood pressure (ABP) ≥140/90 mmHg or home ABP ≥ 130/80 mmHg. RESULTS: A total of 4756 (58.9% women) diabetic patients were evaluated. The percentage of patients with hypertension was 67.5% (n = 3212). Although 87.4% (n = 2808) of hypertensive patients were under treatment, blood pressure was on target in 52.7% (n = 1479) of patients. Hypertension proportions were higher in woman (p = 0.001), older, more obese, and those who had longer diabetes duration, lower education levels, higher frequency of hypoglycemic events (all p < 0.001) and higher triglyceride levels (p = 0.003). LDL cholesterol level and the percentage of smokers were lower in hypertensive group than in non-hypertensive group (both p < 0.001). The percentage of macro and microvascular complications was higher in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive one (both p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, being a woman (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.51, p = 0.016), smoking (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.80, p = 0.020), regular physical activity (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01-1.53, p = 0.039) and the presence of macrovascular complications (OR: 1.38 95% CI: 1.15-1.65, p = 0.001) were the significant predictors of good ABP regulation. The ratios of masked and white coat hypertension were 41.2% and 5.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that two-thirds (67.5%) of adult patients with T2DM have hypertension. Co-existence of hypertension increases the frequency of macro and microvascular diabetic complications in these patients. Despite the critical role of hypertension in morbidity and mortality, only half of the patients have favorable ABP levels. Masked hypertension seems to be another important issue in this population.

The role of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the prediction of length and cost of hospital stay in patients with infected diabetic foot ulcers: A retrospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the role of new inflammatory markers, including the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), in the prediction of length and cost of hospital stay in patients with infected diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). METHODS: A total of 78 patients with DFUs who were admitted to our endocrinology clinic between January 2016 and July 2017 were included. Patients were then divided into three groups according to the Wagner DFU classification system: group 1: 18 patients with grade 2 DFU (11 men, 7 women; mean age = 57.5±7 years); group 2: 44 patients with grade 3 DFU (18 men, 26 women; mean age = 59.7±8.7 years); and group 3: 16 patients with grade 4 DFU (10 men, 6 women; mean age = 59.9±11.6 years). Laboratory findings were retrospectively obtained from hospital records; the PLR and NLR were calculated in all groups. Length and cost of hospital stay were recorded. Hospital costs were estimated in Turkish Lira (TL) based on the evaluation of glucose regulation, wound care, and antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: The mean NLR was significantly lower in group 1 (2.8±0.9) than in group 2 (6.0±5.2; p=0.017) and group 3 (6.9±5.3; p=0.011). The mean PLR was significantly lower in group 1 (140.8±42.6) than in group 3 (222.1±95.5; p=0.006). The mean length of stay was 7.9±2.7 days in group 1, 15.0±8.9 days in group 2, and 12.5±8.9 days in group 3. The mean cost was 1,310.8±500 TL in group 1, 2,966.9±2105 TL in group 2, and 3,488.1±3603.1 TL in group 3. Length and cost of stay were both significantly lower in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (p=0.011 and p=0.002, respectively). Comparative results showed that the length and cost of hospital stay increased with increasing severity of DFUs. Furthermore, correlation analyses demonstrated no correlation of length of stay with PLR and NLR but an obvious correlation between cost of stay and PLR (r=0.412; p<0.001). Additionally, there was no correlation between cost of stay and NLR (r=0.158, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The PLR is inflammatory marker that can be measured by an inexpensive and easily accessible test and can aid in the prediction of length and cost of hospital stay in patients with DFUs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic study.

An Investigation of Oxidative Stress and Thiol/Disulphide Homeostasis in Graves' Disease.

Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to research oxidative stress and thiol/disulphide homeostasis in Graves' patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 33 Graves' patients (research group) and 35 healthy subjects (control group). Serum oxidative stress and thiol/disulphide homeostasis (a new and automated spectrophotometric method developed by Erel and Neselioglu) parameters were studied and compared between the groups. Results: The native and total thiol levels and the native thiol/total thiol ratio were lower in patients with Graves' disease compared to the control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.006, respectively). TOS (total antioxidant status), PC (protein carbonyl), OSI (Oxidative stress index), and disulphide/native thiol and disulphide/total thiol ratios were determined to be higher in the Graves' disease group than in the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.004, and p = 0.006, respectively). In the Graves' disease group, the free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were significantly positively correlated with impaired thiol/disulphide homeostasis and oxidative stress parameters (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study demonstrated that oxidative stress and thiol/disulphide homeostasis increased towards disulphide formation due to thiol oxidation in Graves' disease. In addition, a positive correlation of FT3 and FT4 was observed with oxidative stress parameters and impaired thiol/disulphide homeostasis.

The evaluation of thiol/disulphide homeostasis in diabetic nephropathy.

AIMS: Thiol/disulphide homeostasis plays a critical role in antioxidant defense, and detoxification in body. Although alteration of thiol/disulfide homeostasis had been shown in patients with diabetes, the thiol/disulfide balance in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy is not yet known. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy volunteers (group 1), and 17 normal albuminuric (group 2), 24 middle albuminuric (group 3), 20 severe proteinuric (group 4) patients with type 2 diabetes were included. Proteinuria was tested by measuring microalbumin/creatinine ratio in spot urine. Thiol/disulphide homeostasis concentrations were measured using method developed by Erel et al. RESULTS: Mean blood urea and creatinine levels were found to be significantly higher and GFR level was found to be significantly lower in group 4 than in the other groups. Native thiol levels are significantly lower in groups with diabetes than in healthy group and in groups 3 and 4, compared to group 2. Total thiol level was significantly lower in groups 3 and 4 than group 1 and 2. Disulphide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios were significantly higher in the groups with diabetes than in group 1 and in the group 4 than in the group 2. CONCLUSION: The level of native and total thiols were found to be decreased significantly with the grade of nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and the balance had been disrupted in favor of disulphide. We suggest that deteriorated thiol/disulphide balance may be one of the important factors in the development or progression of diabetes induced nephropathy.

The Clinical Value of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diabetic Foot Infection.

BACKGROUND: Osteomyelitis is a common complication in the diabetic foot that can conclude with amputation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). METHODS: Thirty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a DFU were enrolled. Both DWIs and conventional MRIs were obtained. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements were made by transferring the images to a workstation. The measurements were made both from bone with osteomyelitis, or nearest to the injured area if osteomyelitis is not available, and from the adjacent soft tissue. RESULTS: The patients comprised nine women (30%) and 21 men (70%) with a mean age of 58.7 years (range, 41-78 years). The levels of ADC were significantly low (P = .022) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rates were significantly high (P = .014) in patients with osteomyelitis (n = 9) compared with patients without osteomyelitis (n = 21). The mean ± SD bone ADC value (0.75 ± 0.16 × 10-3 mm2/sec) was significantly lower than the adjacent soft-tissue ADC value (0.90 ± 0.15 × 10-3 mm2/sec) in patients with osteomyelitis (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that DWI contributes to conventional MRI with short imaging time and no requirement for contrast agent. Therefore, DWI may be an alternative diagnostic method for the evaluation of DFU and the detection of osteomyelitis.

The Relation Between Epicardial Fat Tissue Thickness and TSH Receptor Antibody in Hyperthyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Although hyperthyroidism may be associated with atherosclerosis, its pathogenesis is not well known. TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) has been shown to be responsible for increased orbital fat tissue in Graves ophthalmopathy. Epicardial fat tissue thickness (EFT) has been found to be increased in case of overt hyperthyroidism. In our study, we aimed to investigate if TRAb is associated with the increased EFT in newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism. METHODS: Twenty six TRAb positive (group 1) and 26 TRAb negative (group 2) newly diagnosed patients with hyperthyroidism, and 26 healthy control subjects (group 3) were enrolled. EFT was measured by the same cardiologist using an echocardiography device. Serum TRAb levels were measured by the radio-receptor assay and levels above 1.75 IU/L were considered as positive. RESULTS: There was no difference among groups in terms of age, gender and body mass index. Although there was no significant difference between group 1 and 2, both group 1 (0.38±0.15 cm) and group 2 (0.4±0.17 cm) had significantly higher EFT levels when compared to group 3 (0.25±0.06 cm) (p=0.004 and p=0.001, respectively). However we did not find any correlation between TRAb and EFT levels. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggested that EFT was increased in hyperthyroidism and this increasing was not dependent of TRAb level. EFT elevation might be depending directly to the cardiovascular effects of hyperthyroidism.

Investigation of galectin-3 levels in diabetic foot ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: It has been shown that galectin-3 (Gal-3) promotes angiogenesis and new vessel formation. Serum Gal-3 is a risk factor for vascular complications in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to compare Gal-3 levels with a range of biochemical parameters. METHOD: A prospective study consisted of individuals as a control group (group 1), patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes without DFUs (group 2), and patients with type 2 diabetes with a DFU (group 3). Patient levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), nitric oxide (NO), and Gal-3 were measured. RESULTS: In total, 91 patients participated, (28 male, 63 female with a mean age of 55.83±6.35 years) Mean ET-1 (39.0±16.9), NO (17.6±7.6), VEGF-A (33.5±13.4) and Gal-3 (535.1±420.5) levels were significantly higher in group 3 compared with the other two groups (p<0.01). Furthermore, the Gal-3 level was positively and statistically significantly correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ET-1 and NO levels in all groups. CONCLUSION: In our study, the level of Gal-3 was shown to be positively correlated with the VEGF-A level. Hence, Gal-3 can be considered as a defence mechanism against complications of diabetes, thus contributing to wound healing. Gal-3 may play a critical role in DFU formation and progression. Moreover, it could be suggested that Gal-3 may give an indication of prognosis, as it elevates VEGF-A levels and stimulates angiogenesis. Further studies are required to confirm the findings of this study.