Ömer Poyraz

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in High-Risk Population, Turkey

In the Tokat and Sivas provinces of Turkey, the overall Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) seroprevalence was 12.8% among 782 members of a high-risk population. CCHFV seroprevalence was associated with history of tick bite or tick removal from animals, employment in animal husbandry or farming, and being >40 years of age.

Effect of periodontal treatment on IL‐1β, IL‐1ra, and IL‐10 levels in gingival crevicular fluid in patients with aggressive periodontitis

AIM The aim of this study was to examine the effect of phase I periodontal treatment on the levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-1ra, and IL-10 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (G-AgP). MATERIAL AND METHODS Data were obtained from 15 patients with aggressive periodontitis and 15 healthy controls. GCF was collected from at least four pre-selected sites (one shallow, at least two moderate, or at least one deep pockets) in patients with G-AgP. In the healthy group, GCF samples were collected from one site. The cytokine levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival and plaque indices, and bleeding on probing were measured. The GCF sampling and clinical measurements were recorded at baseline and 6 weeks later after periodontal treatment. RESULTS IL-1beta levels were significantly higher at the moderate and deep pocket sites compared with the shallow sites (p<0.05). After periodontal therapy, IL-1beta levels were significantly reduced in the moderate and deep pocket sites (p<0.05). IL-1ra levels at baseline of the moderate and deep pocket sites were significantly lower than the control sites (p<0.05). IL-10 levels were similar in all pockets and did not change after periodontal therapy. CONCLUSIONS The periodontal treatment improves the clinical parameters in G-AgP, and this improvement is evident in deep pocket sites for pocket depth and CAL values. These results confirm that IL-1beta is effective for evaluating the periodontal inflammation and can thus be used as a laboratory tool for assessing the activity of periodontal disease.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in ticks collected from humans, livestock, and picnic sites in the hyperendemic region of Turkey.

During June and July 2007, about 3125 adult ticks were collected from humans, animals, and vegetation in a hyperendemic region (Sivas and Tokat) of Turkey. A total of 2193 ticks were pooled in 225 pools and screened for the Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) presence by antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Infection rates were calculated as the maximum likelihood estimation with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The dominant tick species was found to be Hyalomma marginatum with the following infestation rates in human, cattle and sheep, respectively: 47.43%, 66.07%, and 30.12%. Maximum likelihood estimation values of CCHFV in H. marginatum ticks collected from human, cattle, and sheep were 0.91% (CI 0.05-4.42), 2.10% (CI 1.12-3.64), and 3.11% (CI 1.18-6.87), respectively. CCHFV antigens were also demonstrated in Hyalomma excavatum, Haemaphysalis parva, and Boophilus annulatus ticks collected from cattle and Rhipicephalus bursa ticks from sheep. Our results suggest that the studied area might maintain its endemic properties in the near future unless effective tick control measures are implemented.

Influence of smoking on interleukin‐1beta level, oxidant status and antioxidant status in gingival crevicular fluid from chronic periodontitis patients before and after periodontal treatment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of smoking on the relationship between interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and oxidation in patients with periodontitis and response to nonsurgical periodontal therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data were obtained from 30 patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (15 smokers and 15 nonsmokers) and from 10 periodontally healthy controls. IL-1β level, total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were recorded in gingival crevicular fluid. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival and plaque indices and bleeding on probing were also measured. The gingival crevicular fluid and clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 wk after periodontal treatment. RESULTS The study showed statistically significant improvement of clinical parameters in both smokers and nonsmokers after periodontal treatment. Moreover, the baseline IL-1β levels were significantly higher in smokers compared with nonsmokers (p < 0.05). After periodontal treatment, the IL-1β levels were significantly reduced in both smokers and nonsmokers (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in TOS and TAS between periodontitis patients and healthy controls at baseline and 6 wk after periodontal treatment. The level of IL-1β in gingival crevicular fluid was positively correlated with TOS in both smokers and nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS Periodontal treatment improved the clinical parameters in both smokers and nonsmokers. The results confirm that periodontal therapy has an effect on IL-1β levels in gingival crevicular fluid, but not on TOS and TAS.

Role of Genital Mycoplasmata and Other Bacteria in Urolithiasis

Urease-producing bacteria have been shown to affect the formation of infection stones by splitting urea into ammonia, bicarbonate and carbonate. An increase in alkaline pH results in urinary supersaturation of the ions. The increase in ammonia also causes injury to the urothelial glycosaminoglycan layer. Non-urease-producing bacteria have been speculated to form urinary stones. Midstream voided bladder urine and fractured stone nidus samples from 72 patients undergoing surgery for urolithiasis were cultured on specific media for genital mycoplasmata and on conventional media. Urine samples were obtained from a control group of 40 healthy subjects. Genital mycoplasmata and other bacteria were evaluated with regard to the composition of urinary stones. Compared with other origins of stones, the relation between isolation of Ureaplasma urealyticum and infection stone disease was statistically proven. Isolation of genital mycoplasmata was significantly higher in women than in men in the study group. The urinary stones comprised 84.7% calcium stones, 8.3% uric acid stones and 6.9% infection (magnesium ammonium phosphate) stones. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium spp., Enterobacterium spp. and U. urealyticum were cultured from stone samples. The results suggests that non-urease-producing bacteria, as well as urease-producing bacteria, may influence the formation of urinary stones.

The effects of IL-10 gene polymorphism on serum, and gingival crevicular fluid levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in chronic periodontitis

Abstract Objective Anti-inflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in periodontitis by inhibiting synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of interleukin-10 (-597) gene polymorphism and genotype distributions on chronic periodontitis (CP) development and IL-6 and IL-10 levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum before and after non-surgical periodontal treatment. Material and Methods The study population consisted of 55 severe generalized CP patients as CP group and 50 healthy individuals as control group. Plaque index, gingival index, probing depth and clinical attachment level were recorded and GCF and blood samples were taken at both the baseline and the sixth week after non-surgical periodontal treatment. PCR-RFLP procedure was used for gene analyses and cytokine levels were measured via ELISA. Results IL-10 genotype distribution was significantly different between CP and control groups (p=0.000, OR:7, 95%CI, 2.83-60.25). Clinical measurements significantly improved in the CP group after periodontal treatment (p<0.05). Periodontal treatment significantly decreased GCF IL-6 and IL-10 levels. No significant difference was found in clinical parameters between IL-10 AA and AC+CC genotypes at both the baseline and the sixth week (p>0.05). Sixth week GCF IL-10 levels were significantly lower in patients carrying IL-10 AC+CC genotype compared to the patients carrying IL-10 AA genotype (p<0.05). Serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels were lower in patients carrying the IL-10 AA genotype compared to patients with IL-10 AC+CC genotype, but the difference was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion IL-10 AA genotype carriers had lower IL-6 and IL-6/10 levels in serum; however, GCF IL-6/10 levels were similar in both genotypes. Within the limitations of our study, a possible association between IL-10(-597) gene polymorphism and CP might be considered.

Investigating the Effects of Systemically Administered Strontium Ranelate on Alveolar Bone Loss Histomorphometrically and Histopathologically on Experimental Periodontitis in Rats

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to investigate effects of strontium ranelate (SR) on alveolar bone loss (ABL) in rats with experimental periodontitis. METHODS Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: 1) control (n = 8); 2) ligated (n = 8); 3) 300 mg/kg SR (SR300, n = 8); 4) 625 mg/kg SR (SR625, n = 8); and 5) 900 mg/kg SR (SR900, n = 8). To create experimental periodontitis, 4/0 silk ligatures were inserted submarginally around first molars at the right mandible. After 11 days, rats were sacrificed. ABL was calculated by measuring cemento-enamel junction and alveolar crest distance. Interleukin (IL)-1β, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) serum levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathologic analysis was used to evaluate inflammatory cell infiltration, numbers of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) activity. RESULTS ABL was significantly lower in SR900 group than in the ligated group (P <0.05). Osteoclast numbers in ligated group were significantly higher than in the control, SR300, and SR900 groups (P <0.05). In ligated, SR625, and SR900 groups, significantly higher osteoblast numbers were detected than in control group (P <0.05). Osteoblast numbers in SR625 group were significantly higher than in the SR300 group (P <0.05). RANKL activities in SR900 and control groups were close to each other (P >0.05). Serum IL-1β, OPG, and BALP levels revealed no significant difference (P >0.05). CONCLUSION It can be concluded that SR can reduce RANKL activity and osteoclast numbers, as well as ABL.

The histopathological and morphometric investigation of the effects of systemically administered humic acid on alveolar bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.

BACKGROUND Humic acid is a soil extract found widely around the world. This product includes some trace elements important for humans health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphometric and histopathological changes associated with an experimental periodontitis model in rats in response to systemic administration of humic acid. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into five experimental groups: non-ligated (NL, n = 6) group; ligature-only (LO, n = 8) group; ligature + systemic administration of humic acid (20, 80 and 150 mg/kg body weight per day for 15 d respectively) (S-20, S-80 and S-150) groups. 4/0 silk ligatures were placed at the gingival margin of lower first molars of the mandibular quadrant. The animals were killed at the end of 15 d. Changes in alveolar bone levels were clinically measured, using a stereomicroscope (× 25), as the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar bone crest. Tissues were histopathologically examined to assess the differences of osteoclast numbers, osteoblastic activity and inflammatory cell infiltration among the study groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 levels in serum and gingival homogenates were evaluated. RESULTS At the end of 15 d, the alveolar bone loss was significantly higher in the LO group compared to the NL, S-80 and S-150 groups (p < 0.05). In addition, the alveolar bone loss in the S-80 group was significantly lower than the LO and S-20 groups (p < 0.05). The osteoblastic activity in the S-80 and S-150 groups was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). The osteoclast number in the LO group was significantly higher than the NL, S-80 and S-150 groups (p < 0.05). Inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly higher in LO and S-20 groups than the other groups (p < 0.05). The highest serum and gingival homogenate IL-10 levels were determined in the S-80 group (p < 0.05). The serum and gingival homogenate IL-1β levels in the LO group were significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). Both 80 and 150 mg/kg dosages of humic acid significantly reduced the periodontitis-related bone loss and inflammation, but the differences between these two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Within the limits of this study, it can be suggested that humic acid, when administered systemically as an 80 mg/kg dose, may prevent alveolar bone loss and reduce inflammation in the rat model.

Effects of Curcumin on Alveolar Bone Loss in Experimental Periodontitis in Rats: A Morphometric and Histopathologic Study

Background: Curcumin is found in the rhizomes of the turmeric plant that has been showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemic curcumin therapy on alveolar bone loss in an experimental periodontitis model in rats. Material and Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided to 4 groups: 75 mg/kg/daily curcumin (C75; n =8), 150 mg/kg/daily curcumin (C150; n =8), Control (n =8), and Ligated (n =8). Curcumin was administrated using gastric gavage. After 12 days, the rats were sacrificed. Right mandibles samples were histopathologically examined. Alveolar bone loss was measured. Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were evaluated in the serum samples and gingival homogenates. Results: The measurements of alveolar bone loss in the mandibular molars revealed significantly higher bone-loss values in the Ligated group than the Control, C75 and C150 groups. The IL-1β levels in the gingival homogenates were significantly increased in the Ligated group compared to those of the Control, C75 and C150 groups. The serum IL-1β levels in the Ligated group were significantly higher than the Control group. The mean osteoblast numbers in the Ligated group were lower than those of the Control, C75 and C150 groups. The C150 groups showed significantly more osteoblasts than the Control group. The osteoclast numbers in the Ligated group increased significantly compared to the C75, C150 and control groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that systemic administration of curcumin at the 75 and 150mg/kg doses reduced alveolar bone loss in the periodontal disease in rats. Keywords: Alveolar bone loss, Antioxidant, Curcumin, Ligature-induced, Histomorphometric, Micronutrition.

Serosurvey of Coxiella burnetii in high risk population in Turkey, endemic to Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus

Background & objectives: Q fever caused by Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic infection that spreads to human beings from animals. This study was aimed to demographically examine the C. burnetii seroprevalence in the people living in villages where Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is endemic, in terms of various risk factors such as tick bites, tick contact, and occupational groups. Methods: A total of 440 serum samples from those living in rural areas of Sivas and Tokat regions in Turkey were included in the study as a risk group; 387of them were serologically CCHFV positive (as confirmed in our previous research). Serums of the control group composed of 110 people living in urban areas. In all serum samples, IgG antibodies of C. burnetii against phase-I and phase-II antigens were diagnosed using the ELISA method. Results: Coxiella burnetii seropositivity was detected in 19.09% of those living in rural areas and 4.55% of those living in urban areas (p < 0.001, OR = 4.96). In terms of their approach to the ticks, no statistical difference was observed between the risk groups in the chi-square test (p = 0.787). However, according to univariate analysis, the absorbance means of antibodies reactive to C. burnetii was statistically higher for the rural people who have made contact with ticks than those who have not (p = 0.017). No seroepidemiological relation was found between CCHFV and C. burnetii serology (p = 0.787), and the rate of co-seropositivity between them was 5.43% (21/387). Interpretation & conclusion: The findings of the study showed that C. burnetii infection is epidemic especially in the people living in rural areas. Contact with ticks in various ways might have resulted in the increased risk of C. burnetii infection in the study. Personal protective measures against tick bites may be important for reducing Q fever risk as in other tick-borne infectious disease.