Hasan Dogan

Phototherapy causes a transient DNA damage in jaundiced newborns

In this study, we aimed to clarify the following questions: 1) Does phototherapy (PT) cause genotoxicity in full-term newborn babies undergoing PT as a result of neonatal jaundice?, 2) if genotoxic effect occurs, is there any relationship between the duration of PT and genotoxicity?, and 3) is genotoxic effect temporary or not? The frequency of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) was determined in jaundiced newborns before, during, and after phototherapy, then determined again in childhood (approximately 3.5 years old). Mean frequency of SCE of 22 full-term jaundiced babies significantly increased during the PT procedure and in every single day, compared to the previous day, in comparison to the pre-PT basal value (6.20 ± 0.57;); mean SCE frequencies at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours were 7.75± 0.40, 8.16 ± 0.47, 8.50 ± 0.40, and 9.36 ± 0.55, respectively (all P-values <0.01). In childhood, no significant difference was found between the mean SCE value (4.9 ± 0.9) of 20 of 22 children, who received PT in the neonatal period, and the mean SCE value (4.7 ± 0.6) of 20 coevaluated healthy children (P = 0.40). This study demonstrates that the negative effect of PT on SCE is a temporary effect.

Frequency of Class I and II HLA alleles in patients with lung cancer according to chemotherapy response and 5-year survival

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the world, and the most common type is non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At present, surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the main treatments for patients with NSCLC, but unfortunately outcome remains unsatisfactory.

Familial Mediterranean fever gene mutations in north-eastern part of Anatolia with special respect to rare mutations

We aimed to determine the frequency of mutations, carrier rates and the association of rare mutations with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) symptoms. There is a need to evaluate as many different populations as possible in order to determine either specific rare mutations or a range of disease-associated mutations. The demographic data and FMF symptoms related to MEFV gene mutations were collected from 731 participants. Exon 2 and exon 10 of the MEFV gene were tested by DNA sequencing. The rare mutations were identified as: M694I (1.1%, n=12), E148V (0.6%, n=6), T267I (0.5%, n=5), L110P (0.2%, n=2), E167D (0.2%, n=2), K695R (0.1%, n=1) and an insertion G (Guanine) mutation (0.4%, n=4) at the 777th codon of exon 10. We used routine comprehensive detection systems such as Sanger sequence that can catch rare mutations, for definite diagnosis and treatment of FMF disease.

Vitamin D Treatment Effect on Serum Endocan and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in Renal Transplant Patients

Context: Endocan is a marker showing endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Significantly increased endocan levels have been observed in serum of patients with sepsis and cancer. Objective: Our aim was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D treatment and serum endocan and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels as inflammatory markers in transplant patients. Design: Prospective. Setting: Nephrology clinic. Patients: Thirty-eight renal transplant patients with serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-vitamin D) levels below 20 ng/mL and transplanted at least 12 months. Intervention: One-time oral dose of 300 000 IU vitamin D3. Main Outcome Measures: Before and after vitamin D treatment, serum endocan, hs-CRP, calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured. Results: Median serum endocan and PTH values before vitamin D were significantly higher than those of after treatment values (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). On the other hand, serum total calcium and phosphorus levels before vitamin D treatment were lower than the values obtained after vitamin D treatment (P = .0013 and P < .001, respectively). Serum hs-CRP was lower after vitamin D therapy than before, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .06). A moderate negative correlation was determined between endocan and 25-OH-vitamin D levels after treatment with vitamin D (r = −.36, P = .02). Conclusion: This study has revealed that vitamin D treatment reduced markers of endothelial dysfunction in patients with renal transplantation and vitamin D deficiency.

A Comparative Investigation of the Analgesic Effects of Metamizole and Paracetamol in Rats

ABSTRACT Background: This study investigated the effects of metamizole and paracetamol on pain and oxidative stress induced by scalpel incision and carrageenan in rats. Materials and methods: Total of 144 rats were divided into groups of 12 animals. Six groups each were used for scalpel incision and carrageenan tests. Pain was inflicted by applying a scalpel incision or carrageenan. Pain-created groups by scalpel incision received metamizole (SIM) or paracetamol (SIP) at doses of 250 or 500 mg/kg. Pain-created groups by carrageenan received metamizole (CAM) or paracetamol (CAP) at doses of 250 or 500 mg/kg. Analgesic activity was determined by Basile Algesimeter. The COX-2 and MPO gene expressions were determined, and malondialdehyde and tGSH were measured in rat paws. Results: In the scalpel incision test, pain was reduced in groups of SIM-250 and SIM-500 in the first hour by 65.2% and 91.3%, respectively, and in the third hour by 51.9% and 77.8%, respectively, compared with the SIC group. In SIP-250 and SIP-500 groups, pain was reduced in the first hour by 43% and 74%, respectively, and by 33.4% and 59.3%, respectively, in the third hour compared with the SIC group. In the carrageenan test, in groups CAM-250 and CAM-500, pain was reduced in the first hour by 72.3% and 86.1%, respectively, and by 65.8% and 71.4%, respectively, in the third hour compared with the CCG group. In groups CAP-250 and CAP-500, pain was reduced in the first hour by 52.8% and 69.4%, respectively, and by 28.6% and 25.8%, respectively, in the third hour compared with the CCG group. Metamizole inhibited COX-2 gene expression at a dose of 500 mg/kg in the carrageenan test. At doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, metamizole reduced COX-2 and MPO gene expressions and oxidative stress induced by scalpel incision or carrageenan. But both doses of paracetamol were unable to suppress that parameters. Conclusions: Our results show that metamizole is more effective than paracetamol for treating surgical trauma-related pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress and hence may be a preferential drug to paracetamol.

The association of human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms with disease severity and latency period in patients with silicosis

BackgroundDenim sandblasting may cause silicosis as a result of free crystalline silica inhalation. Its pathogenesis remains unclear, but autoimmunity may play a role in the development of silicosis. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and the severity and latency period of silicosis.Methods48 silicotic patients in the Eastern part of Turkey were classified according to their latency period and disease severity. The distribution of HLAs according to disease severity and latency period was assessed.ResultsA23 (7.5%), B49 (7.5%), and B51 (25%) were more common in the mild group than in the severe group, and B55 (8.9%) and DR4 (17.9%) were more common in the severe group than in the mild one. Only B51 was significantly more common in the mild group than in the severe one (25%, n = 10 vs. 7.1%, n = 4; p = 0.016).ConclusionsThis study suggests that HLA antigens may play a particular role in the severity of silica-induced lung disease, but there was no association between HLA and progression time of the disease.

A novel insertion mutation identified in exon 10 of the MEFV gene associated with Familial Mediterranean Fever.

BackgroundFamilial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), characterized by recurrent fever and inflammation of serous membranes, is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene. Around 296 mutations have been reported to date.MethodsTwo two-generation Turkish families with a total of four members diagnosed with FMF clinically were screened with DNA sequencing performed on exon 2 and exon 10 of the MEFV genes. Then, complete exome sequencing analysis of MEFV gene was done for four patients in whom novel mutation was detected.ResultsA novel single base Guanine (G) insertion mutation in the coding region of MEFV gene, named c.2330dupG (p.Gln778Serfs*4 or Q778SfsX4) resulting in a mutated Pyrin/Marenostrin protein was identified.ConclusionsThis is the first report of a new mutation in exon 10 of the MEFV gene in two Turkish families. This novel pattern of insertion mutation may provide important information for further studies on FMF pathogenesis.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia, centre, experience, Turkey

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a specific type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and has distinct hematopathologic, cytogenetic, clinical and molecular features. This study was a retrospective review of 18 adult patients (10 male, 8 female; mean age of 32.17 ± 5.66 (15-61 years) with APL at our department from January 2006 to December 2011. Following induction therapy, 17 patients achieved CR, 1 of 18 patients died of result bleeding within thirty-sixth hours of admission. In two of 18 patients developed RAS. The relapse rate was 27% (5/18). Fourteen of 18 patients (77%) have been followed in remission. APL is a malignancy requiring quick diagnosis, efficient treatment and supportive care system. ATO, one of the important therapy option in the treatment of APL, cannot be obtained easily in developing countries. This may lead to an increase in the mortality rates. The studies should be made with more number of patients and a longer period of time for accurate results.

Association between -514C→T polymorphism of the hepatic lipase gene and coronary artery disease in a Turkish population

Objective — The main function of hepatic lipase (HL) with respect to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is hydrolysis of phospholipids and triglycerides. The -514C→T polymorphism in the promoter region of the hepatic lipase gene affects HL activity. We aimed to investigate the association between the frequency of the -514C→T polymorphism of hepatic lipase (PHL) and CAD in the East Anatolian region of Turkey. Methods and results — We conducted a case-control study in 302 unrelated subjects who were referred for coronary angiography. One hundred fifty-one patients with angiographically documented CAD and one hundred fifty-one subjects without angiographically documented CAD were studied to examine the association of the frequency of the -514C→T polymorphism with CAD. Genotyping was determined by polymerase chain reaction.The PCR products were analysed for the -514C→T polymorphism by enzyme digestion.The frequency of the -514C→T polymorphism was found in 20 of 151 (13.2%) patients with CAD and in 9 of 151 (6%) of the control subjects (P < 0.05).There was a significant difference in terms of smoking (P = 0.001), gender (P < 0.05), total cholesterol levels (P < 0.05) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (P < 0.01) but there was no association with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, family history of CAD and HDL levels in the PHL (+) and PHL (-) patients with CAD. Conclusions — The results of this study suggest that the -514C→T polymorphism of the hepatic lipase gene could act as a risk factor in the development of CAD in the East Anatolian region of Turkey as well as male gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and a positive family history of CAD.

The evaluation of genotoxic potential of ornidazole, nitroimidazole, in lymphocyte culture of patients with amebiasis

The genotoxicity study of ornidazole (ONZ) was carried out on human lymphocyte chromosomes, using sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN). Thirty-two patients with Entemoeba histolitica infection who received 1000 mg/day for 10 days were included in this study. SCE and MN were measured before and after therapy. A statistically significant increase was observed in the SCE (P < 0.001) and MN frequencies (P < 0.001) after ornidazole therapy. It was concluded that ONZ has a potential geno- and cytotoxic effect in human peripheral lymphocyte cultures. For this reason, further, detailed studies are needed to elucidate the ONZ mechanism of genotoxicity and its carcinogenic potential.