Sevim Purisa

The relationship among acute-phase response proteins, cytokines and hormones in cachectic patients with colon cancer.

BackgraundAcute-phase response proteins (APRP), cytokines and hormones have been claimed to be an independent prognostic factor of malignancies, however the basis for their association with prognosis remains unexplained. We suggest that in colon malignancies, as similar to pancreatic and lung cancers, changes in APRP are associated with angiogenesis.MethodsC-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, midkine, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin serum levels are studied in 126 colon cancer patients and 36 healthy subjects.ResultsWe found statistically significant difference and correlations between two groups. We found significantly higher serum CRP, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, VEGF-A, VEGF-C and leptin concentrations in patients relative to controls (p < 0.001). We found lower levels of the serum albumin, midkine, adiponectin and ghrelin in patients compared to control subjects (p < 0.001).ConclusionsCachexia in patients with colon cancers is associated with changes in APRP, cytokines and hormone concentrations. These biomarkers and cachexia together have a direct relationship with accelerated angiogenesis. This may lead to a connection between the outcomes in malignancies and the biomarkers.

The relationship among acute-phase responce proteins, cytokines, and hormones in various gastrointestinal cancer types patients with cachectic

Background: Acute-phase response proteins (APRPs), cytokines, and hormones have been claimed to be an independent, important factor of cancers. We suggest that in gastrointestinal system cancers, changes in APRP, cytokines, and hormones are associated.Methods: C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), midkine, vascular endothelial growth factor-A(VEGF-A), VEGF-C, VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1), leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin serum levels are studied in 148 gastrointestinal system cancer types and 40 healthy controls.Results: We found statistically significant differences and correlations between groups. We found significantly higher serum CRP, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGFR1, and leptin concentrations in patients with esophageal, gastric, pancreas, colon, and rectum cancers than controls (p < 0.001, p < 0.0001). But, we found lower levels of the serum albumin, midkine, adiponectin, and ghrelin in patients with esophageal, gastric, pancreas, colon, and rectum cancers compared to control subjects (p < 0.05, p < 0.001).Conclusions: Cachexia in gastrointestinal system cancer types is associated with changes in APRP, cytokines, and hormone concentrations. This may be reflected between the outcomes in malignancies and the biomarkers.

Levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 in gastric cancer

AIM To evaluate the levels of preoperative serum matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in gastric cancer. METHODS One hundred gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. The serum concentrations of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in these patients and in fifty healthy controls were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Higher serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were observed in patients than in controls (P < 0.001). Serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were positively associated with morphological appearance, tumor size, depth of wall invasion, lymph node metastasis, liver metastasis, perineural invasion, and pathological stage. They were not significantly associated with age, gender, tumor location, or histological type. CONCLUSION Increased MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were associated with gastric cancer. Although these markers are not good markers for diagnosis, these markers show in advanced gastric cancer.

Human vascular adhesion proteın-1 (VAP-1): serum levels for hepatocellular carcinoma in non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BackgroundThe incidence of hepatocellular cancer in complicated alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases is on the rise in western countries as well in our country. Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) levels have been presented as new marker. In our study protocol, we assessed the value of this serum protein, as a newly postulant biomarker for hepatocellular cancer in patients with a history of alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases.MethodsPre-operative serum samples from 55 patients with hepatocellular cancer with a history of alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases and patients with cirrhosis were assessed by a quantitative sandwich ELISA using anti-VAP-1 mAbs. This technique is used to determine the levels of soluble VAP-1 (sVAP-1) in the serum.ResultssVAP-1 levels were evaluated in patients with hepatocellular cancer and liver cirrhosis. There was a significant difference in mean VAP-1 levels between groups. Serum VAP-1 levels were found higher in patients with hepatocellular cancer.ConclusionThese findings indicate that the serum level of sVAP-1 might be a beneficial marker of disease activity in chronic liver diseases.

Human neutrophil peptides 1, 2 and 3 (HNP 1–3): elevated serum levels in colorectal cancer and novel marker of lymphatic and hepatic metastasis:

Objective. Biological levels of localized colon tumors are needed for the diagnosis and prevention of colon cancer. Numerous biomarker studies are produced currently through research. We investigated some peptides with the aim of identifying biomarkers for colorectal cancer and lymphatic and hepatic metastasis. Materials and methods. A total of 100 patients with histologically proven colorectal cancer and 60 normal volunteers were included in this study. Preoperative serum was collected for analysis. Human neutrophil peptides levels (HNP) were assayed by solid phase RIA (Radio Immun Assay) based on monoclonal antibodies. Results. The HNP-1, -2 and -3—also known as α-defensin-1, -2 and -3—are present in elevated concentrations in the plasma from colorectal cancer patients. Conclusion. Preoperative high plasma HNP 1–3 levels are associated with colorectal cancer. The HNP 1–3 levels may procure information on patients with lymph node or hepatic metastasis.

Are We Aware of Restless Legs Syndrome in COPD Patients Who Are in an Exacerbation Period? Frequency and Probable Factors Related to Underlying Mechanism

A few previous studies have reported that the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a 29.1% to 36.8% frequency of restless legs syndrome (RLS). In this study, we observed RLS symptoms in patients experiencing COPD exacerbation to better understand the relationship between the many clinical parameters of COPD and the presence of RLS and to attract the attention of specialists on the association between the two conditions. Twenty-two male patients in COPD exacerbation; 17 healthy individuals were evaluated in this study. The patients were evaluated using the 2003 RLS symptom criteria outlined by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Groups (IRLSSG). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth daytime sleepiness scale were used to assess the sleep quality of patients. The RLS symptoms were correlated with blood levels of laboratory and clinical parameters. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 17.0 statistical software packet. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth daytime sleepiness scale scores were increased in COPD patients and correlated significantly with RLS symptoms. It was found that 54.5% of COPD patients with acute exacerbations were observed to have RLS symptoms. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was significantly higher in COPD patients with RLS symptoms compared to COPD patients without RLS symptoms (p < 0.05). We did not observe any significant difference in the previously reported metabolic and clinical parameters associated with RLS in COPD patients with and without RLS. RLS symptoms increase during COPD exacerbation and lead to decreased sleep quality.

Serum procarboxypeptidase A and carboxypeptidase A levels in pancreatıc disease

Background and objectives: To determine the serum levels of procarboxypeptidase A (pro-CPA) and carboxypeptidase A (CPA) in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Materials and methods: Serum samples obtained from 96 patients with acute pancreatitis, 101 patients with chronic pancreatitis, 98 patients with pancreatic cancer and 96 control groups were assayed for biochemical parameters and serum pro-CPA and CPA. Results: Serum pro-CPA and CPA levels were significantly higher in acute and in chronic pancreatic cancer patients compared to control group (p < 0.001). Pancreatic cancer patients had significantly higher serum pro-CPA and CPA levels when compared with acute and chronic pancreatitis cases (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These data prove for increased pro-CPA and CPA levels as a biomarker for the diagnosis of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Relationship between lymphocytes, IL2 and the hormones E2, LH, PRG and FSH in menopausal and postmenopausal women.

Citation Akyol S, Cınar SA, Purisa S, Aydinli K. Relationship between lymphocytes, IL2 and the hormones E2, LH, PRG and FSH in menopausal and postmenopausal women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 304–309

Comparison of phenol matricectomy and nail-splinting with a flexible tube for the treatment of ingrown toenails.

Background The treatment of ingrown toenail is usually bothersome for patients and doctors. Objectives To compare two treatment techniques of ingrown toenails—phenol matricectomy (PM) and nail‐splinting using a flexible tube (FT)—in terms of efficacy, postoperative pain, postoperative cosmetic satisfaction, amount of tissue damage, and recurrence. Methods and Materials One hundred twenty ingrown toenails were randomized and divided into PM and FT groups. All cases were evaluated 2 days and 1 and 6 months after treatment. Postoperative pain, cosmetic satisfaction, time to recovery, and recurrence rate were measured. Results Postoperative pain was less and cosmetic satisfaction was good in both groups (p <.001). Our recurrence rate was 8.4%. There were no statistical differences between groups in these measures. Tissue improvement rate was 6% in the PM group and 93% in the FT group 2 days after the procedures (p <.001). Conclusions Although FT provides faster recovery and less postoperative morbidity than PM, the techniques are equally effective in treating ingrown toenails.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in our asthma patients: the presence of dysphagia can influence pulmonary function

BackgroundThe prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Turkey is reported as 11.6%. Studies of pulmonary function in asthmatics have demonstrated a correlation between lung resistance and the occurrence of spontaneous gastroesophageal reflux. Few studies have included measures of lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. The aim of this study is to assess whether asthma patients had worse lung function and gas diffusion according to diversity of GERD symptoms they concurrently experienced. The secondary aim of the study is to determine the frequency and different faces of GERD in our asthma patients compared to healthy controls.MethodsSixty consecutive asthma patients evaluatd at the pulmonary specialty outpatient clinic were included in the study. The control group included 60 healthy volunteers who had normal pulmonary function and routine laboratory tests. A modified version of a self-reported questionnaire developed by Locke and associates at the Mayo Clinic was conducted face-to-face with consecutive asthma patients and control subjects. Pulmonary function measurements were taken using spirometry. DLCO (mL/dk/mmHg) and DLCO/VA (DLCO adjusted according to alveolar volume) were measured using a single-breath technique. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 17.0 statistical software.ResultsDLCO and DLCO/VA were significantly lower in asthma patients who had dysphagia symptoms. Frequent and significant acid regurgitations were seen in 28.33% (n = 17) of patients in the study group and 6.7% (n = 4) of patients in the control group. Severe, troublesome heartburn symptoms were reported by 28.2% (n = 17) of patients in the study group and 16.7% (n = 10) of subjects in the control group. Dysphagia was detected in 38.3% (n = 23) of all asthma cases and in 1.7% (n = 1) of the subjects in the control group.ConclusionsThere were many faces of gastroesophageal reflux disease in our asthmatic patients. Dysphagia was the only GERD symptom influencing on pulmonary function tests, while gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and nocturnal awakening attacks were common in this study.