Irfan Nuhoglu

Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with Cushing's syndrome: Increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, decreased tissue factor pathway inhibitor, and unchanged thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor levels

Background and objectives: Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is associated with an increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Chronic endogenous and exogenous hypercortisolism frequently induce a hypercoagulable and thrombotic condition. Little is known about hemostatic features of patients with CS. To our knowledge, plasma tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) levels in these patients have not been investigated. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to evaluate the markers of endogenous coagulation/fibrinolysis, including TFPI and TAFI, and to investigate the relationships between cortisol and these hemostatic parameters and serum lipid profile in patients with CS. Design and methods: Twenty-four patients with CS and 24 age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, factors V, VII, VIII, IX, and X activities, von Willebrand factor (vWF), antithrombin III (AT III), protein C, protein S, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), TFPI and TAFI, as well as common lipid variables, were measured. The relationships between serum cortisol and these hemostatic parameters were examined. Results: Compared with the control subjects, platelet count, PT, fibrinogen, AT-III and PAI-1 were significantly increased in patients with CS (p<0.05, p<0.0001, p<0.01, p<0.05, and p<0.0001, respectively), whereas aPTT and TFPI levels were significantly decreased (p<0.0001 and p<0.01, respectively). Plasma TAFI Ag levels did not significantly change in patients with CS compared with the controls. In patients with CS, we showed a negative correlation between serum cortisol: 08:00 h and aPTT (r:−0.469, p<0.05). Serum cortisol: 24:00 h was positively correlated with PAI-1 Ag levels (r: 0.479, p<0.05). Interpretation and conclusions: In conclusion, we found some important differences in the hemostatic parameters between the patients with CS and healthy controls. Increased platelet count, fibrinogen, PAI-1, and decreased TFPI levels in these patients represent a potential hypercoagulable and hypofibrinolytic state, which might augment the risk for atherosclerotic and atherothrombotic complications. This condition may contribute to the excess of mortality due to cardiovascular disease seen in patients with CS.

Mad honey poisoning-related asystole

Mad honey poisoning is well known in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. The cause of the poisoning is the toxin grayanotoxin, found in honey obtained from the nectar of Rhododendron species on the mountains in the region. A 60-year-old man was brought to the emergency department with dizziness and syncope after eating a few spoonfuls of honey. While the patient was being treated, bradycardia and asystole developed. The patient was given 0.5 mg of atropine, and asystole began and ended. The patient was transferred to the catheter laboratory and a temporary pacemaker was implanted. Mad honey poisoning related asystole has not been previously reported, and the rapid response to atropine is significant.

Blood coagulation, fibrinolysis and lipid profile in patients with prolactinoma

Objective  Although the strong association between hyperprolactinaemia and platelet aggregation is well recognized, there are no studies on changes in coagulation and fibrinolytic status in patients with prolactinoma. To our knowledge, tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), plasma tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) levels in these patients have not been investigated. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to evaluate the markers of endogenous coagulation/fibrinolysis, including TFPI and TAFI, and to investigate the relationships between prolactin (PRL) and these haemostatic parameters and serum lipid profile in patients with prolactinoma.

The relationship between diabetic retinopathy and serum levels of ischemia-modified albumin and malondialdehyde.

Purpose: To establish the correlation between ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the development of diabetic retinopathy (DRP) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: Seventy Type 2 diabetic patients, 35 with DRP, and 36 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Serum IMA and MDA levels were compared statistically. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was also performed to calculate the value of IMA and MDA in distinguishing DRP. Results: Mean serum IMA levels were 0.658 ± 0.128 absorbance units in the non-DRP group, compared with 0.767 ± 0.074 absorbance units in the DRP group and 0.619 ± 0.044 absorbance units in the control group. Mean serum MDA levels were 0.325 ± 0.172 nmol/mL, 0.244 ± 0.152 nmol/mL, and 0.178 ± 0.131 nmol/mL, respectively. The differences in IMA and MDA levels were statistically significant for all groups (P < 0.05 for all). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the determination of DRP in diabetic patients were 0.789 (95% confidence interval, 0.682-0.896) for IMA and 0.3 (95% confidence interval, 0.175-0.426) for MDA. Conclusion: Both serum IMA and serum MDA levels were higher in the diabetic patients compared with the control group. In particular, the high sensitivity of IMA toward DRP showed that it reflected retinal vascular complication better than MDA. Ischemia-modified albumin may be a useful marker in monitoring the risk of DRP development.

Increased thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and decreased tissue factor pathway inhibitor in patients with hypothyroidism

Various abnormalities of coagulation–fibrinolytic system have been reported in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Several studies indicate that coagulation and fibrinolytic system is disturbed in the patients with hypothyroidism. Also, the influence of hypothyroidism on hemostasis is controversial; both hypocoagulable and hypercoagulable states have been reported. The levels of plasma thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) have been investigated only once in patients with hypothyroidism. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to evaluate the profile of coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters including TAFI and TFPI in patients with hypothyroidism. Fifteen patients with untreated hypothyroidism and 15 age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Factors V(FV), VII (FVII), VIII (FVIII) activities, von Willebrand factor (vWF), protein C, protein S, thrombomodulin (TM), TFPI, and TAFI were measured. The relationships between serum thyroid hormones and these hemostatic parameters were examined. Compared with the control subjects, FVII activity, and TM Ag and TAFI Ag levels were significantly increased in patients with hypothyroidism, whereas FV, FVIII, vWF, protein C and protein S activities, and TFPI Ag levels were significantly decreased. We did not find any significant correlation between serum thyroid hormones and the hemostatic parameters that we measured. In conclusion, we found some important differences in the hemostatic parameters between the patients with hypothyroidism and healthy controls. Increased FVII, TM, and TAFI and decreased FV, FVIII, vWF, protein C, protein S, and TFPI in these patients represent a potential hypercoagulable and hypofibrinolytic state, possible endothelial dysfunction, which might augment the risk for atherosclerotic and atherothrombotic complications. Thus, disturbances of the hemostatic system may contribute to the excess mortality due to cardiovascular disease seen in patients with hypothyroidism.

Wild boar attacks.

Abstract Attacks on humans by wild boar (Sus scrofa) are occasionally reported in rural areas of Turkey. While fatalities are rare, individuals may sustain significiant soft tissue trauma. Lower extremity lacerations of up to 10 cm in length and 4 cm deep were seen in the 3 cases reviewed. Injuries to the upper abdomen and chest occured in one case. Attacks frequently occur in forested areas covered by dense brushwood, and their incidence is increased during the rutting season. In contrast to other large, feral animal attacks, injuries sustained from wild boar typically are limited to the lower extremities. This case series examines 3 attacks by wild boar in rural Turkey.

Comparison of effects of gliclazide, metformin and pioglitazone monotherapies on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with newly diagnosed uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of gliclazide-modified release (gliclazide-MR), metformine (MET) and pioglitazone (PIO) monotherapies on glycemic control and conventional/non-conventional cardiovascular risk factors in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MATERIAL AND METHODS A single center, randomized, 52-wk comparator-controlled clinical study was carried out in patients with newly diagnosed uncontrolled T2DM. A total of 57 patients were randomized into gliclazide-MR, metformin and pioglitazone groups. Drugs were administered for 12 months. Anthropometric measurements, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid parameters, the markers of coagulation/fibrinolysis, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were measured at baseline and at months 3, 6, and 12. RESULTS In the gliclazide-MR group, HC, FPG, HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, trigylcerides, Lp (a), E-selectin and Hcy were significantly decreased after treatment compared to baseline. In the MET group, BMI, WC, FPG, PPG, HbA1c, ICAM-1 and Hcy significantly decreased after treatment compared to baseline. In PIO group, WC, HC, FPG, PPG, HbA1c, C-peptid, HOMA-IR, trigylcerides, vWF, IL-6, ICAM-1, E-selectin and Hcy significantly decreased after treatment compared to baseline, whereas, HDL-C increased. At the end of the month 12, the decreases in insulin and HOMA-IR score were more pronounced with PIO compared to gliclazide. CONCLUSIONS Gliclazide-MR, MET and PIO monotherapies, were equally effective in proving glycemic control in patients with newly diagnosed, oral antidiabetic (OAD)-naive T2DM. But, improvements in conventional/non-conventional cardiovascular risk factors were more pronounced in patients on PIO therapy compared to gliclazide and MET therapies. Also, all of the 3 drugs represent effective and safe first-line pharmacological treatment options in these patients.

Increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, decreased tissue factor pathway inhibitor, and unchanged thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor levels in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Little is known about hemostatic features of patients with PHPT. To our knowledge, plasma tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) levels in these patints have not been investigated. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to evaluate the markers of endogenous coagulation/fibrinolysis, including TFPI and TAFI, and to investigate the relationships between serum calcium and PTH and these hemostatic parameters in patients with PHPT. DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty-four patients with PHPT and 20 age-, sex-, and-weight-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), TFPI, and TAFI were measured. The relationships between serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH and these hemostatic parameters were examinated. RESULTS Compared with the control subjects, t-PA, PAI-1, and PAI-1/t-PA ratios were significantly increased in patients with PHPT (P<0.0001), whereas TFPI levels were significantly decreased (P<0.0001). Plasma TAFI Ag levels did not significantly change in patients with PHPT compared with the controls. In patients with PHPT, serum phosphorus was negatively correlated with plasma PAI-1 Ag levels and PAI-1/t-PA ratio (r: -0.453, P<0.05; r: -0.580, P<0.01 respectively). There was a positive correlation between Cl/P ratio and plasma PAI-1 levels and PAI-1/t-PA ratio (r: 0.434, P<0.05; r: 0.528, P<0.05 respectively). iPTH was positively correlated with plasma PAI-1/t-PA ratio (r: 0.429, P<0.05). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we found some important differences in the hemostatic parameters between the patients with PHPT and healthy controls. Increased PAI-1, PAI-1/t-PA ratios and decreased TFPI levels in these patients represent a potential hypercoagulable and hypofibrinolytic state, which might augment the risk for atherosclerotic and atherothrombotic complications. This condition may contribute to the excess mortality due to cardiovascular disease seen in patients with PHPT.

Tick attachment sites.

Abstract Objective.—The duration of tick attachment is related to the likelihood of disease transmission. To be able to locate and remove an attached tick is important. Methods.—Sixty-seven patients presenting with tick bites to the Karadeniz Technical University emergency department and 3 different first-stage health institutions between April and July 2006 were investigated to determine the distribution of the bites. Results.—Tick attachment site distribution was determined as follows: 9% head-neck, 5% arm, 24% stomach-groin, 7% back, 18% chest-shoulder, 25% leg-foot, and 12% hip. Conclusions.—According to the results of our study, 20% of ticks attach to regions of the body that patients cannot themselves see. After travel in endemic areas, a complete inspection of the entire body surface is required to achive early tick removal

Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in Trabzon in the northeast Black Sea Region of Turkey: co-morbidities, socioeconomic factors and biochemical parameters

Abstract Objectives: Factors including heritability, climate features, co-morbid diseases and methodological differences between studies may underlie variation in the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS). The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of RLS in Trabzon and to evaluate associated factors by including biochemical investigations. Methods: This community-based study was conducted among a random sample of 3789 adults. The criteria suggested by the International RLS Study Group were used in the assessment of RLS. Individuals responding affirmatively to at least one question were interviewed and examined by neurologists for definitive diagnosis of RLS. Age- and gender-matched RLS-negative individuals were enrolled in the control group. Blood samples from RLS patients and control subjects were collected after 12-hour fasting to evaluate fasting blood glucose, ferritin, vitamin B12, folic acid and creatinine. Results: The prevalence of RLS was 4.5%. Age, female gender and educational level were identified as independent risk factors for RLS. Peak prevalence rates were observed in the fourth decade in women and in the sixth decade in man. A familial history of RLS, low ferritin and vitamin B12 levels and multiparity were more common in women with RLS. Fasting blood glucose, folic acid and creatinine levels were not significantly different between the patients and controls. Discussion: The prevalence of RLS is relatively consistent in different regions of Turkey. Women with RLS may have different risk factors from men with RLS that may lead to increased prevalence at earlier ages. Low socioeconomic status may also affect the prevalence of RLS.