The SOCS-1 -1478CA/del functional polymorphism (rs33989964) is associated with gastric cancer but is unrelated to overall survival.

BACKGROUND: In vitro studies have shown that the functional - 1478CA > del polymorphism (rs33989964) of the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 gene is associated with an altered trascriptional activity. Here, we sought to examine the potential association of this polymorphism with the risk of gastric cancer (GC) and to analyze its prognostic impact on overall survival (OS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 74 Turkish patients with GC and 52 healthy controls. Genotyping of the SOCS-1 -1478CA > del polymorphism was carried out using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS: After allowance of age and sex, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the carriage of the del allele of the SOCS-1 -1478CA > del polymorphism was independently associated with an increased risk of GC (odds ratio = 6.78, 95% confidence interval = 3.24-10.99, P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no significant differences in OS for patients harboring at least one del allele of rs33989964 compared with CA/CA homozygotes (log-rank test, P = 0.17). CONCLUSION: While the SOCS-1 -1478CA > del polymorphism is significantly associated with the risk of GC in the Turkish population, it does not affect OS.

The Kisspeptin and Kisspeptin receptor in follicular microenvironment: is that really necessary for oocyte maturation and fertilisation?

The aim of this study was to determine whether Kisspeptin and Kisspeptin receptor in the follicular microenvironment is necessary for human oocyte maturation and fertilisation. The cumulus cell (CC) and follicle fluids (FF) obtained from the first aspirated follicles (n = 52) from 32 patients were divided into three groups considering nuclear maturation and fertilisation results of oocytes: (1) Metaphase I or germinal vesicle stage oocytes (incomplete nuclear maturation, n = 10), (2) unfertilised metaphase II oocytes (incomplete cytoplasmic maturation, n = 16), and (3) fertilised metaphase II oocytes (completed nuclear-cytoplasmic maturation, n = 26). The gene expression levels were assessed by RT-PCR. The levels of Kisspeptin (KISS1) and Kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) were measured by ELISA. There were no significant efficacy KISS1 and KISS1R gene expressions in cumulus cells in terms of oocyte nuclear maturation stage (Group 1, vs Group 2 + Group 3) (respectively p = .49; p = .45). In terms of the cytoplasmic maturation stage (Group 2, vs Group 3); KISS1 and KISS1R expressions in CCs were comparable (respectively p = .07; p = .08). In FFs, KISS1 and KISS1R concentrations were similar between all groups (respectively p = .86; p = .26). In conclusion, the relative KISS1 and KISS1R expressions in CC and also KISS1 and KISS1R level of FF were independent of oocytes nuclear and/or cytoplasmic maturation. Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? It has been demonstrated that Kisspeptin is an essential regulator of reproductive function and plays a key role in the modulation of GnRH secretion and gonadotropin release. Still, no information is available about the link between gene expression or concentration in the follicular microenvironment and oocyte development.What do the results of this study add? The study has shown that the relative Kisspeptin (KISS1) and Kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) and expressions in cumulus cell (CC) and also KISS1 and KISS1R levels of follicle fluids (FF) were independent of oocytes nuclear and/or cytoplasmic maturation.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Based on the findings, it is difficult to establish a concept that kisspeptin can directly induce oocyte maturation. Nevertheless, to confirm these findings, further studies with a larger sample size are needed.

Psoriasis and 5HT-R2C Gene Polymorphism: Association between Clinical, Demographic and Therapeutic Parameters in the Turkish Population.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region of the 5-HT-R2C gene and stress-related disease psoriasis in the Turkish population. The putative association between the 5-HTR2C variant (rs6318 Cys23Ser allele) and patients with psoriasis was investigated. 100 patients with psoriasis and 100 age-sex matched, unrelated healthy subjects representing the control group were included in the study. The PCR-RFLP method was used for genotyping the 5-HTR2C variation. There was no statistically difference in terms of genotype distributions and allele frequencies between the control subjects and patients with psoriasis (P=0.360 and P=0.439, respectively). The comparison between the presence and absence of the 5-HTR2C gene rs6318 G allele within the determined clinical subsets resulted in a significant difference with regard to treatment methodology only when conventional therapy and one or more medical therapy was compared (P=0.021). This study is the first clinical study to investigate the association between 5-HTR2C polymorphism and psoriasis. The role of the 5-HTR2C gene should be examined with more parameters in a larger case series.

Role of myeloid regulatory cells (MRCs) in maintaining tissue homeostasis and promoting tolerance in autoimmunity, inflammatory disease and transplantation.

Myeloid cells play a pivotal role in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses. In inflammation, autoimmunity, and after transplantation, myeloid cells have contrasting roles: on the one hand they initiate the immune response, promoting activation and expansion of effector T-cells, and on the other, they counter-regulate inflammation, maintain tissue homeostasis, and promote tolerance. The latter activities are mediated by several myeloid cells including polymorphonuclear neutrophils, macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and dendritic cells. Since these cells have been associated with immune suppression and tolerance, they will be further referred to as myeloid regulatory cells (MRCs). In recent years, MRCs have emerged as a therapeutic target or have been regarded as a potential cellular therapeutic product for tolerance induction. However, several open questions must be addressed to enable the therapeutic application of MRCs including: how do they function at the site of inflammation, how to best target these cells to modulate their activities, and how to isolate or to generate pure populations for adoptive cell therapies. In this review, we will give an overview of the current knowledge on MRCs in inflammation, autoimmunity, and transplantation. We will discuss current strategies to target MRCs and to exploit their tolerogenic potential as a cell-based therapy.

Cytokine signal suppressor (SOCS) 1-1478 CA/del gene polymorphism in Turkish patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Eighty-four subjects, premenopausal female patients (n = 42, mean (SD) age: 26.4 (4.2) years) diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and age-matched healthy volunteers (n = 42, mean (SD) age: 27.6(3.4) years), were included in this study. Data on physical examination, anthropometric measurements and blood biochemistry analysis were recorded for each subject along with analysis for SOCS1-1478 CA/del polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The relation of SOCS1-1478 CA/del polymorphism to PCOS status and insulin resistance was analysed via logistic regression analysis. Mean (SD) levels for BMI (28.5(6.5) vs.22.5 (4.9) kg/m2, p < .001), HOMA-IR (3.1(1.8) vs.1.5 (1.0), p < .001), LDL-cholesterol (115.9(32.7) vs.100.7 (27.3)mg/dL, p = .03) and triglyceride (113.8(64.9) vs.83.3(36.3)mg/dL, p = .017) were significantly higher in patients. Groups were similar in terms of SOCS1-1478 CA/del polymorphism. No significant relation of this polymorphism was noted to PCOS and HOMA-IR. Our findings revealed no difference between groups in terms of the rate of SOCS1-1478 CA/del polymorphism, and no significant relation of this polymorphism to insulin resistance and PCOS status. Impact statement Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common cause of anovulation and the most commonly encountered form of female endocrine disease. SOCS proteins have been suggested to play a fundamental role in the negative feedback regulation of the JAK-STAT pathway, which is the major signalling pathway involved in a wide range of physiologic and pathologic processes, including inflammatory diseases, malignancies and immune disorders. Pathways involving the induction of suppression of SOCS proteins were also shown likely to be involved in mediating cytokine-induced insulin resistance. The present study was designed to determine the frequency of SOCS1-1478 CA/del gene polymorphism in patients with PCOS in relation to healthy controls and insulin resistance. Our findings revealed significantly higher rates of insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidaemia in Turkish patients with PCOS compared with age-matched healthy controls, while no difference between study groups in terms of the rate of SOCS1-1478 CA/del polymorphism along with no significant relation of SOCS1-1478 CA/del polymorphism to insulin resistance and PCOS status. Future larger scale studies with the application of standardised diagnostic methods and criteria, and of state-of-the-art modern techniques including genomics, proteomics and pharmacogenetics would provide better understanding of the association between PCOS and genomic variants.

Flow Cytometric Analysis of T, B, and NK Cells Antigens in Patients with Mycosis Fungoides.

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological correlation and prognostic value of cell surface antigens expressed by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF). 121 consecutive MF patients were included in this study. All patients had peripheral blood flow cytometry as part of their first visit. TNMB and histopathological staging of the cases were retrospectively performed in accordance with International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas/European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (ISCL/EORTC) criteria at the time of flow cytometry sampling. To determine prognostic value of cell surface antigens, cases were divided into two groups as stable and progressive disease. 17 flow cytometric analyses of 17 parapsoriasis (PP) and 11 analyses of 11 benign erythrodermic patients were included as control groups. Fluorescent labeled monoclonal antibodies were used to detect cell surface antigens: T cells (CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), TCRαß(+), TCRγδ(+), CD7(+), CD4(+)CD7(+), CD4(+)CD7(-), and CD71(+)), B cells (HLA-DR(+), CD19(+), and HLA-DR(+)CD19(+)), NKT cells (CD3(+)CD16(+)CD56(+)), and NK cells (CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+)). The mean value of all cell surface antigens was not statistically significant between parapsoriasis and MF groups. Along with an increase in cases of MF stage statistically significant difference was found between the mean values of cell surface antigens. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood cell surface antigens in patients with mycosis fungoides may contribute to predicting disease stage and progression.

No association between the SOCS-1 -1478CA/del polymorphism and ulcerative colitis in Turkish subjects.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 is an essential regulator of many cytokine signaling pathways, including those upregulated in the inflamed colonic mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis. We sought to investigate whether the functional SOCS-1 -1478CA>del polymorphism is associated with UC susceptibility and its disease phenotype in a Turkish clinical sample. A total of 104 subjects were enrolled in a case-control study (52 UC cases and 52 controls). The SOCS-1 -1478CA>del polymorphism was genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The odds ratio of the del allele for UC relative to the CA allele was not significant (OR = 1.04, 95 % CI 0.59-1.82, P = 0.88). These results did not change after adjustment for age and sex in multivariable regression analysis (OR = 1.07, 95 % CI 0.42-1.69, P = 0.73). When the SOCS-1 -1478CA>del polymorphism was analyzed among UC patients according to continuous disease and non-continuous disease, the del allele was not associated with disease recurrence (OR = 1.56, 95 % CI 0.78-4.56, P = 0.83). Furthermore, when we divided UC patients into two groups according to a previous history of colectomy, we found no significant effect of the del allele (OR = 1.94, 95 % CI 0.55-5.61, P = 0.91). Taken together, these findings suggest that SOCS-1 -1478CA>del polymorphism does not contribute to UC susceptibility and its disease phenotype in Turkish subjects.

Effects of Malassezia yeasts on serum Th1 and Th2 cytokines in patients with guttate psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic and focal infections caused by microorganisms have been known to induce or exacerbate psoriasis. Although the role of yeast species of the genus Malassezia in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is not fully understood, it is thought that these lipophilic yeasts may represent a triggering factor in the exacerbation of psoriatic lesions. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of Malassezia yeasts on serum Th1 and Th2 cytokines in patients with guttate psoriasis (GP) in order to define their role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. METHODS: Fifty patients with GP and 29 clinically healthy individuals were included in the study. All samples consisted of scales and scrapings taken from the scalps, trunks, and upper limbs of both psoriasis patients and healthy subjects. Psoriasis patients and healthy subjects were grouped according to their positivity or negativity for Malassezia yeasts as ascertained by direct microscopy and/or culture. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in these groups. RESULTS: No significant differences in positivity for Malassezia yeasts were found between psoriatic skin and healthy skin in samples taken from different body sites. Serum interleukin-13 (IL-13) levels were significantly lower in the psoriasis group compared with the control group (P = 0.04). Levels of other cytokines did not differ significantly between the psoriasis and control groups. Mean levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13), but not of Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ), were significantly lower in psoriasis patients positive for Malassezia yeasts compared with those negative for Malassezia yeasts and control subjects (P = 0.04, P < 0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The isolation of Malassezia yeasts from GP lesions does not necessarily mean that these species are pathogenic, but their downregulating effects on anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokines may contribute to the occurrence of GP.

The SOCS-1 -1478CA/del polymorphism is not associated with colorectal cancer or age at onset in Turkish subjects.

BACKGROUND: Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 acts as a key regulator of many cytokine signaling pathways and its abnormal expression has been identified in several human malignancies, suggesting potential roles in carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate any association between the functional SOCS- 1 -1478CA>del polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CC) as well as age at onset in a Turkish clinical sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 122 subjects were enrolled in this case-control study (70 CC cases and 52 controls). The SOCS-1 -1478CA>del polymorphism was genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. RESULTS: The odds ratio of the del allele for CC relative to the CA allele was not significantly different between the groups (OR=0.71, 95% CI=0.41-1.22, p=0.27). This result did not change after adjustment for age and sex on multivariable regression analysis (OR=0.84, 95% CI=0.59-1.34, p=0.53). When the SOCS-1 -1478CA>del polymorphism was analyzed among CC patients in relation to the age at disease onset, we found no significant differences between subjects with the del/del, CA/del, and CA/CA genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study did not point towards a major role of the SOCS-1 -1478CA>del polymorphism in the pathogenesis of CC in Turkish subjects.

Value of serum and bronchoalveolar fluid lavage pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels for predicting bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the value of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in both blood and tracheal aspirate (TA) samples that were obtained within 24 h after birth for predicting bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) development in premature infants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Premature infants, who were born before 32 weeks of gestation, weighing less than 1,500 g, and admitted with respiratory distress between September 2009 and December 2010, were enrolled. Tracheal aspirate samples and serum were obtained from all infants on the first day of admittance for evaluation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels using ELISA. RESULTS: The study included 102 premature babies of whom 31 (30%) had BPD diagnosed in the follow-up. Mild, moderate and severe BPD was diagnosed in 10 (32%), 14 (45%) and seven (23%) infants, respectively. Both serum and TA sample pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6) levels were significantly higher, and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) levels were significantly lower in infants who developed BPD compared with those who had no BPD. No significant differences were detected in either serum or TA sample pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in preterm infants with BPD in terms of BPD severity. Cut-off values of both serum and TA sample pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations for predicting BPD were also determined. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that higher serum and TA pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6) concentrations, along with lower anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) concentrations, might be used for predicting the development of BPD in premature infants with respiratory distress at birth.

[The distribution of intestinal parasites detected in the Uludag University Medical School Hospital between 2005 and 2008]. / Uludag Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Hastanesine 2005-2008 yillari arasinda basvuran kisilerde saptanan bagirsak parazitlerinin dagilimi.

OBJECTIVE: Intestinal parasite infection is still an important public health problem. In this study, patients (outpatients and in-patients) with various gastrointestinal system complaints presenting at various clinics of the Uludag University Medical Faculty, from January 2009-December 2010 were investigated retrospectively for intestinal parasites. METHODS: Parasitological examinations were done with native-lugol, cellophane-tape methods and trichrome staining in ambiguous cases. Also modified Erlich-Ziehl-Nielsen staining was used to identify Cryptosporidium spp. RESULTS: In a total of 5,624 cases examined 10.25% were found infected with at least one or more parasite, without difference between genders. Enterobius vermicularis eggs (9.3%) was detected in 227 of 1,971 cellophane tape preparations. The distribution of identified parasites was as follows: Giardia intestinalis, 199 (34.48%); 29 Blastocystis hominis, 136 (23.57%); Entamoeba coli, 83 (14.38%); Enterobius vermicularis, 227 (9.3%). The prevalence of parasite infections in stool samples examined was highest among the age group of 10-29 years old (36.8%), followed by the age group 0-9 years, in which rate was 18.6%. Parasites such as helminth detected in 225 (32.09%) and protozoon in 476 (67.91%) of the patients were included in this study. CONCLUSION: This study re-emphasises the fact that intestinal parasitic infection is still an important public health problem.

Mannose-binding lectin levels in endometriosis.

The serum concentrations of mannose-binding lectin in patients with or without endometriosis do not differ. Mannose-binding lectin could be involved in the modulation of inflammatory responses, but it does not seem to take part in endometriosis pathogenesis.

The effect of metformin treatment on VEGF and PAI-1 levels in obese type 2 diabetic patients.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of metformin on markers of endothelial function, vascular inflammation and factors of thrombosis in obese type 2 diabetic patients. Twenty-four type 2 diabetic patients (15 female, 9 male) previously under medical nutrition treatment (MNT)+regular exercise programme (REP) without chronic micro or macrovascular complications with the mean age of 50.5+/-1.5 years, diabetes duration of 17.9+/-6.3 months and body mass index (BMI) of 31.7+/-0.8 kg/m(2) were enrolled in the study. In the first 4 weeks, all the patients continued MNT+REP. In the following 12 weeks, metformin (mean daily dosage of 1381+/-85 mg) was added. After the first period with MNT+REP, BMI, waist circumference, fat percentage, blood pressure and HDL cholesterol decreased significantly. After metformin addition, there was a significant decrement in BMI, waist circumference, fat percentage, fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1C, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and increment in beta cell reserve values of the patients. Our results indicated that, metformin addition had beneficial effect on VEGF and PAI-1 levels in obese type 2 diabetic patients under MNT+REP, independent from its' favourable effects on BMI and glycemic control.

Association of TNF-alpha -308 polymorphism with the outcome of hepatitis B virus infection in Turkey.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cytokines play important roles in the regulation of immune response. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the cytokine gene polymorphisms with persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the development of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) due to HBV infection. METHODS: The study involved 27 patients with end-stage liver disease due to HBV infection, 23 HBV carriers and 60 healthy controls. All genotyping (TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, IL-10, IFN-gamma) experiments were performed using sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) by using commercial kit according to manufacturers' instructions. RESULTS: The frequencies of TNF-alpha -308 G/G and TGF-beta1 codon 10-25 T/C-G/G polymorphisms were significantly higher in HBV-infected individuals (patients+carriers) when compared with those of healthy controls (p: 0.02 and p: 0.004, respectively). The frequency of TNF-alpha -308 G/G polymorphism was significantly higher in the patients than those of the healthy controls (p: 0.02), whereas the frequency of TGF-beta1 codon 10-25 T/T-G/G polymorphism was lower (p: 0.028). On the other hand, TNF-alpha -308 G/G and TGF-beta codon 10-25 T/C-G/G polymorphisms were significantly more common in HBV carriers than the control group (p: 0.017 and p: 0.018, respectively). In addition, TNF-alpha -308 G allele frequency was significantly more common in HBV-infected individuals (patients+carriers) than those of healthy controls (p: 0.0007). TNF-alpha -308 G allele frequency was also found to be higher in patients or carriers when compared with those of healthy controls (p: 0.01 and p: 0.01, respectively). Statistically significant differences were still kept after Bonferroni correction of the p-values for only TNF-alpha -308 G allele frequency in patients or carriers (Pc). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that TNF-alpha gene polymorphism in patients infected with HBV would result in relatively inefficient inhibition of HBV and development of ESLD, and therefore, may be valuable predictor determinants for the development of ESLD in patients with chronic HBV infection.

[Polyclonal activation due to Epstein-Barr virus superinfection in a case with chronic hepatitis B]. / Kronik B hepatitli bir olguda Epstein-Barr virus süperenfeksiyonuna bagli poliklonal aktivasyon.

Primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) often occurs subclinically during childhood, resulting in a latent infection of B lymphocytes. In this report, a chronic hepatitis B case who presented with a serologic profile mimicking acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and exhibiting transient autoantibody positivities because of the polyclonal activation of B cells due to EBV reactivation has been presented. The test results of 56 years old male patient who suffered from fatigue and pain on the right upper quadrant, revealed high levels of liver enzymes (AST: 187 U/L, ALT: 569 U/L), positivity of HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG and anti-HBe, and negativity of anti-HBc IgM, HBeAg and anti-HBs. Since HBV-DNA level was found 405,974 copies/mL by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the patient was taken into follow-up. At the 6th month AST and ALT levels further elevated (352 U/L and 609 U/L, respectively), and anti-HBc IgM and anti-HBs became positive in addition to the previous positive markers of HBV. With the suspicion of superinfection, further laboratory investigations yielded negative results in CMV-IgM and Paul Bunnel test, while positive results in EBV anti-VCA IgM and IgG, anti-EBNA IgM and IgG, anti-p22 IgM and IgG and anti-EA IgM. In the follow-up period high levels of autoantibody positivities [rheumatoid factor (42.200 U/ml), anti-nuclear antibody (1/100) and anti-Ro-52] together with increased levels of total IgG, IgM and IgA were detected. In the following months, the levels of transaminases, total immunoglobulins and HBV-DNA have distinctively decreased, and in the 20th month the previous HBV profile regained (HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG and anti-HBe positive, anti-HBc IgM and anti-HBs negative, HBV-DNA: 6984 copies/ml) and the other pathological test results returned to normal. As a result, ALT increases seen during the course of chronic hepatitis B should not always be considered as HBV manifestations and the unusual serologic patterns should be evaluated as a consequence of superinfection with various viral agents.

Serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and monocyte adhesion molecules in type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 is suggested to be implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy by activating and recruiting monocytes to the glomerulus via regulation of adhesion molecule expressions. The aim of this study was to test potential associations between serum concentrations of MCP-1, monocyte expression of Mac-1 and LFA-1 and nephropathy in type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Serum MCP-1 levels and expression of monocyte adhesion molecules in 51 type 1 diabetic patients with and without diabetic nephropathy were compared with matched 15 healthy control subjects. Concentrations of serum MCP-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays whereas monocyte expression of adhesion molecules Mac-1 and LFA-1 was measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Serum MCP-1 levels and expression of Mac-1, but not LFA-1, were significantly higher in diabetic patients compared with controls. The mean serum MCP-1 level was 137.2 +/- 71.4 pg/mL in control patients, whereas it was 246.2 +/- 114.9 pg/ml in diabetic patients (p = 0.002). Serum MCP-1 levels were positively correlated with HbA1c and plasma fasting glucose levels. There was no difference in serum levels of MCP-1 and expression of monocyte adhesion molecules between type 1 diabetic patients with and without diabetic nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: In type 1 diabetic patients, the levels of circulating MCP-1 concentration and expression of Mac-1 is mostly influenced by glycemic control rather than the existence of diabetic nephropathy.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms can alter the effect of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy.

Various types of cancer are more frequent in men than women, and bladder cancer is one of the most common of these. Intravesical instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) after transurethral resection is the most effective treatment for superficial bladder cancers. The main aim of this study was to investigate for possible links between cytokine gene polymorphisms and different outcomes after BCG immunotherapy. Sixty patients who had been diagnosed with transitional cell cancer were investigated. All genotyping experiments were performed using polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers and a commercially available kit. The genes investigated were those that code for interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-1R, IL-1RA, IL-4RA, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Analyses of the data identified TGF-beta codon 25 GG (92.85% vs. 64.44%, p=0.04, OR=7.17), IL-4 -1098 GG (16.6% vs. 0.0%, p=0.05, OR=18.33), IL-10 -1082 GG (28.5% vs. 6.8%, p=0.05, OR=5.47), and IL-10 -1082 GCC/GCC (28.57% vs. 4.5%, p=0.025, OR=8.4) polymorphisms as risk factors for progression of bladder cancer.

Lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in ascitic fluid of decompensated cirrhotic patients with and without spontaneous ascites infection.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Spontaneous ascites infection is a frequently encountered and important complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis. The immune system plays an important role in the development or eradication of this infection. A number of compositional and functional alterations in immune system cells have been demonstrated in cirrhotic patients; however, there is a lack of knowledge about this issue in ascitic infections. The aim of the present study was to evaluate lymphocyte subsets and levels of some ascitic and lymphocytic intracytoplasmic cytokines in decompensated cirrhotic patients with or without spontaneous ascites infection. METHODS: The study population consisted of 45 decompensated cirrhotic patients (32 men, 13 women) with different etiologies. Patients with ascitic polymorphonuclear leukocyte count > or =250/mm(3) and/or positive ascitic bacterial cultures were classified as the "infected group". Comparison was made between the infected and non-infected group for the following parameters: ascites leukocyte counts and differentiations; ascitic fluid protein; albumin levels and serum-ascites albumin gradients; flow cytometric detection of cell surface markers for ascitic T, B and natural killer lymphocytes; intracytoplasmic interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma; levels of ascitic IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-alpha; and soluble Fas antigen and soluble Fas ligand. RESULTS: The CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly decreased and expression of T cell receptor-gammadelta was increased in the infected group. Furthermore, ascites TNF-alpha levels were also elevated in this group. Ascitic IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in patients with positive ascitic bacterial culture. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a cytotoxic, especially Th1, immune response predominates in ascites infections. It also demonstrates that TNF-alpha might be involved in the pathogenesis of ascites infections.

[Short communication: retrospective analysis of 21 HIV/AIDS cases]. / KISA bildiri: HIV/AIDS'li 21 olgunun retrospektif analizi.

In this study, 21 HIV/AIDS cases (18 male, 3 female; age range 17-64 years), followed up in the Department of Infectious Diseases of Uludag University Medical Faculty between 1997-2003 have been analyzed retrospectively, by means of epidemiological, clinical and laboratory aspects. Nineteen (90%) of them were heterosexual, and in 9 cases the diagnosis was coincidental during the blood donations or routine testing. The non-compliance rate of patients to antiretroviral treatment was found as 76%, and the most important factor for non-compliance was the difficulty in providing antiretroviral drugs. The most frequently encountered opportunistic infections were oropharyngeal candidiasis (n:5), herpes zoster (n:4) and community acquired pneumonia (n:4).

The evaluation of soluble Fas and soluble Fas ligand levels of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in lung cancer patients.

Fas-Fas Ligand (FasL) is one of the major mediator system that activates programmed cell death. Cleavage of membranebound FasL by a metalloproteinase-like enzyme resulted in the formation of soluble FasL (sFasL). sFasL as well as the transmembrane form of FasL binds to Fas and transduces apoptotic signal in Fas-expressing cells. It's suggested that soluble Fas (sFas) and sFasL has an impact on tumor progress and immune escape feature of tumor cells from the host immune system. Since Fas antigen expression in the lungs has been localized to alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells, in this study we aimed to investigate the sFas (pg/mL) and sFasL levels (pg/mL) of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in lung cancer patients. Study population was consisted of 27 patients with lung cancer (mean age 62.9 +/- 10.7 years, 25 control subjects (mean age 47.9 +/- 13.9 years). BAL was performed under local anesthesia, on the unaffected lung of patients; either subsegments of right middle or lingula. BAL sFas and sFasL were evaluated by using ELISA method. The mean levels of sFas was 60.8 +/- 56.8 in lung cancer patient and 39.5 +/- 25.9 in control subjects (p> 0.05). The mean levels of sFasL was 51.6 +/- 39.2 in cancer patient and 41.2 +/- 27.4 in control subjects (p> 0.05). In conclusion, although we did not observe any significant difference between two groups, higher BAL levels of sFas and sFasL levels in lung cancer patients than control subjects, made us thought that apoptosis might have a role development and progression of lung cancer.