Erol Arslan

Relationship Between Visceral Adipose Tissue and Adiponectin, Inflammatory Markers and Thyroid Hormones in Obese Males with Hepatosteatosis and Insulin Resistance

BACKGROUND AND AIMS In our detailed analysis of the recent academic publications, we have not found sufficient evidence regarding the changes of metabolism that occur in cases of insulin resistance (IR) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the changes in various biomarkers of obese patients by taking into consideration the IR and NAFLD, which occur increasingly together. METHODS Obese male patients included in the study (n = 315) were divided into three groups. Group I was determined as mild pathology (n = 129; HOMA-IR ≥2.5 and grade 0 or HOMA-IR <2.5 and grade 1-2 hepatosteatosis), group II as moderate pathology (n = 145; HOMA-IR ≥2.5 and grade 1-2 or HOMA-IR <4 and grade 3 hepatosteatosis) and group III as severe pathology (n = 41; HOMA-IR ≥4 and grade 3 hepatosteatosis). Waist circumference (WC), percent body fat (%BF), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous abdominal fat tissue (SCAT), thyroid volume (Tvol), thyroid hormones, insulin, adiponectin, fibrinogen and ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) were measured in all patients. RESULTS A negative correlation between adiponectin and HOMA-IR was found (r = -0.4226; p <0.001). In addition, there were significant differences among all three groups with respect to VAT (p <0.01). Moreover total-triiodo-L-thyronine (TT3) and free-triiodo-L-thyronine (fT3) levels were observed first to decrease in group II compared to group I and then to increase in group III (p <0.001). Fibrinogen and us-CRP levels in group III were significantly higher (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS TT3 and fT3 levels as well as adiponectin, fibrinogen and us-CRP levels may be affected by the relationship between IR and NAFLD in obese patients. Moreover, increased VAT is a more important risk factor than WC, %BF and BMI, with respect to IR and NAFLD.

A Novel Association Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Helicobacter pylori

Background:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies. Chronic infections may increase the risk of infertility. Helicobacter pylori infection has been found to be associated with infertility, and PCOS is also one of the most common causes of infertility. To the best of our knowledge, the possible association between H. pylori seropositivity and PCOS has never been investigated. Methods:We performed a prospective study between a group of PCOS subjects and an age-matched group of controls. This prospective study included 35 women (mean age, 25 ± 5 years) with PCOS, selected by using revised diagnostic criteria of European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine 2003, who were compared with their age-matched control group (50 women; mean age, 26 ± 5 years). The 1-step H. pylori test device was used to detect IgG-type antibodies to H. pylori in serum, to aid in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. Results:H. pylori seropositivity was found to be significantly higher in the PCOS group (PCOS 40%; control 22%; P = 0.007). Conclusion:We suggest a possible association between H. pylori seropositivity and PCOS. It is early to state that H. pylori is a new etiological factor for PCOS or the association of PCOS and H. pylori infection is coincidental with these data. Further studies evaluating more subjects are required.

A Useful Method for the Detection of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid- and Cold Agglutinin-Dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia

Introduction:Pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP), caused by platelet (PLT) aggregation, is usually associated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-dependent antibodies and cold aggluti-nins against PLT antigens. The aim of this study was to identify the PTCP and discover the most practical method to distinguish it from real thrombocytopenia. Methods:This study included 85 patients without hemorrhagic abnormalities and suspected PTCP. Blood samples containing EDTA, citrate and EDTA-kanamycin (KN) were analyzed at room temperature and 37°C. Results:PTCP was detected in 24 of 85 patients. In 23 of 24 patients, EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia (EDTA-PTCP) was detected; 5 of whom had also the cold agglutinin-dependent PTCP. In only 1 of 24 patients, the cold agglu-tinin-dependent PTCP was found. In this study, no significant difference was observed in leukocyte counts comparing EDTA and citrate blood samples in cases with EDTA-PTCP. Conclusion:In clinical laboratories, a significant portion of the cases with low PLT counts was attributable to EDTA-PTCP and, therefore, did not require treatment. Even if these cases can be detected by bringing the blood samples containing EDTA to 37°C or by adding KN to blood samples containing EDTA, the use of blood samples containing citrate taken for erythrocyte sedimentation rate analysis is a more practical priority method.

Effect of Exercise on Tick Bite Laboratory Evaluation in Humans

Background: Ticks are among the most significant blood-sucking arthropods worldwide. They transmit various pathogens that can cause diseases such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and death in humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife. Health care workers exposed to the virus should be followed up with complete blood counts and biochemical tests for 14 days. The aim of this study was to investigate exercise associated with tick bite. Methods: This study included 35 healthy military personnel (mean age 22 ± 2) with tick bites received during outdoor military education (approximately 5 km per day military training, such as running). Results: Creatinine kinase levels and platelet, leukocyte, and lymphocyte counts were significantly higher on the day of the tick bite compared with the tenth day (P<0.001). Discussion: Tick bite laboratory evaluation may be affected by vigorous or weight-bearing exercise. This condition should be kept in mind.