Sibel Cevizci

Association between mean platelet volume and bone mineral density in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

[Purpose] The aim this study was to assess the relation between bone mineral density (BMD) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, and evaluate the diagnostic role of the diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). [Subjects and Methods] Fifty patients diagnosed with AS were divided into two groups on the basis of BMD, a normal group (n=30) and an osteopenic (n=20) group. [Results] Duration of disease in the group with a normal BMD was 10.3±7.0 years, while it was 16.7±12.2 years in the osteopenia group. MPV was high in the osteopenia group, while no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and platelet distribution width (PDW). There was a positive correlation between MPV and duration of disease. Correlations between ADC value and the lumbar T score, femoral neck T score, and duration of disease were insignificant. A negative correlation was observed between BMD and disease duration. [Conclusion] Diffusion-weighted imaging provides valuable results in osteoporosis but is not a suitable technique for evaluating BMD in patients with AS because of the local and systemic inflammatory effects in the musculoskeletal system. The common pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis plays an important role in the negative correlation observed between MPV and BMD in patients with AS.

Does Omegaven have beneficial effects on a rat model of ovarian ischemia/reperfusion?

OBJECTIVE The beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on an intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model was shown previously. Therefore, we aimed to examine the potential beneficial effects of parenteral omega-3 fatty acids, a safe and inexpensive product, on a rat model of ovarian I/R. STUDY DESIGN A group of 39 rats was divided into six groups. Group 1 (Sham Group; n=6) underwent two laparotomies with a 3-h interval and their ovaries were removed 3h later. Group 2 (torsion-detorsion Group; n=7) had their ovaries torsioned clockwise and fixed at 720°; 3h later a detorsion operation was done and after another 3h, their ovaries were removed. Group 3 (n=7) and Group 4 (n=7) received the same treatment as Group 2; however, half an hour prior to detorsion, these rats received Omegaven at 1mL/kg and 5mL/kg, respectively. Group 5 (n=6) and Group 6 (n=6) received the same treatment as Group 1; however, half an hour prior to the second laparotomy, these rats received Omegaven at 1mL/kg and 5mL/kg, respectively. One ovary from each rat was evaluated histologically by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and the other ovary was homogenized and evaluated for total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI). RESULTS While we failed to show any significant relationship among groups in oxidative parameters, there was a significant worsening in the torsion-detorsion group in histological evaluation. High Omegaven doses, but not low doses, improved tissue injury scores of torsioned and detorsioned ovaries to the levels observed in the control group. CONCLUSION Omegaven improves the detrimental effects of ovarian I/R when used in sufficient doses. Its effects and dose adjustment on women with ovarian torsion must be investigated by further studies.

Seroprevalence of anti- Toxoplasma gondii and anti- Borrelia species antibodies in patients with schizophrenia: a case - control study from western Turkey

Abstract Objectives. We examined IgG antibody seroprevalence and risk factors for anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Borrelia sp. in schizophrenic patients. Methods. This case–control study included 30 schizophrenic patients and 60 healthy individuals. Serological analyses were identified by using ELISA technique. Results. In the case group the Toxoplasma seropositivity was 33.3% and Borrelia seropositivity was 13.3%, while in the control group the Toxoplasma positivity was 21.7% and Borrelia seropositivity was 15.0%. There was no significant difference with regard to seroprevalence between the groups (P = 0.232; P = 0.832, respectively). There was statistically significant difference between case and control groups related to hand and kitchen utensil hygiene after dealing with raw meat (P = 0.001). Conclusions. Our data showed the rate of Toxoplasma antibodies was higher in the case group, while the rate of Borrelia antibodies was higher in the control group. In both groups the high rates of seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii and Borrelia sp. is thought to be due to neglect of personal hygiene. The present study also is the first to examine the association between Borrelia sp. and schizophrenia. Further studies are needed to determine whether there is an association between Borrelia sp. and schizophrenia or not.

The relationship between subclinical cardiovascular disease and lipocalin-2 levels in women with PCOS

OBJECTIVE In this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between lipocalin-2 (LCN2) levels and cardiovascular risk in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). STUDY DESIGN Fifty patients with PCOS and 44 healthy women as controls were enrolled in the study. Laboratory and echocardiographic examinations were performed between the second and fifth days of the menstrual cycle. Serum LCN2 levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS Serum LCN2 levels were significantly lower in PCOS patients (75.8 [51.4-131.2] ng/ml vs. 85.3 [56.7-138.5] ng/ml, p=0.038). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was increased in patients with PCOS compared to controls (0.61±0.13mm vs. 0.50±0.07mm, p=0.001). Aortic strain was lower in patients with PCOS. Aortic stiffness (β index) was significantly increased and distensibility was decreased in PCOS patients compared to control subjects. Serum LCN2 levels and the presence of PCOS were associated with CIMT in Spearman correlation analysis (p=0.05 and p<0.001) in all participants. There was no statistically significant relationship between LCN2 levels and CIMT in patients with PCOS (p=0.238). CONCLUSION In the present study, we found that LCN2 levels were low in women with PCOS. Although our patients with PCOS had elevated cardiac risk, there was no correlation between LCN2 levels and early findings of atherosclerosis.

The correlation between the psoriasis area severity index and ischemia-modified albumin, mean platelet volume levels in patients with psoriasis

Introduction Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), a novel ischemia marker, and mean platelet volume (MPV), a determinant of platelet activation, have been reported as elevated markers in cardiovascular risk factors such as atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and dyslipidemia. As psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease having comorbidities, IMA and MPV can help determine the risk factors for psoriasis. Aim To investigate the correlation between the psoriasis area severity index (PASI), IMA and MPV levels in patients with psoriasis. Material and methods This cross-sectional, case-control study was performed between January 2014 and December 2014 at the University hospital in Çanakkale, Turkey. Forty-five patients with psoriasis and 44 healthy volunteers over 18 years of age were included in the study. In the psoriasis patient group, clinical features and PASI scores were recorded. Serum IMA and MPV concentrations were evaluated in both groups. Results The mean IMA values were 0.85 ±0.15 and 0.79 ±0.09 (in the psoriasis patients and control groups, respectively), and there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.048). Ischemia-modified albumin levels were not correlated with PASI scores (r = 0.024; p = 0.889) but were correlated with disease duration (r = 0.323; p = 0.048). There was no statistically significant difference between the MPV values of the two groups (8.98 ±1.14 and 9.19 ±1.28 in the psoriasis patients and control groups, respectively) (p = 0.435). Conclusions Ischemia-modified albumin may be used as a marker for detecting oxidative stress in patients with psoriasis, especially those with a long disease duration.

Evaluation of liver perfusion in diabetic patients using 99mTc-sestamibi

SummaryObjectiveThe liver is an important organ for various aspects of glucose metabolism, including glucose uptake, storage, and synthesis. It is a major organ in the metabolic process with perfusion provided by both the portal vein and hepatic artery. In diabetic patients organ perfusion is reduced and this is linked to atherosclerosis, and as a result complications occur. In this study, we aimed to evaluate liver perfusion by scintigraphic methods in diabetic patients.Design and patientsWe retrospectively investigated 1,100 myocardial perfusion scintigraphies taken between January 2011 and December 2012 at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University Medical Faculty Nuclear Medicine Department. A total of 66 patients who were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and had myocardial perfusion scintigraphies were included in the study. The control subjects included 127 patients without diabetes mellitus who were chosen at random. Patients with chronic liver disease were not included in the study. The values from liver regions of interest (liver-ROI) rates and heart regions of interest (heart-ROI) rates were compared between the patients and controls.ResultsPatients were grouped according to the presence of diabetes. In the diabetes mellitus group, the liver-ROI average was lower (p = 0.66) than in the controls. In the control group, the average liver-ROI/heart-ROI ratios were higher than the ratio in the diabetes mellitus group (p = 0.019). Multivariate variance analysis showed that the diabetes mellitus liver-ROI/heart-ROI ratio was independent of other risk factors (p = 0.003; F: 9.6). Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation.ConclusionsThis study shows that liver perfusion in diabetic patients is reduced compared with those without diabetes. Prospective studies with larger patient groups are required.ZusammenfassungZielDie Leber ist aus verschiedenen Gründen (Glukose-Aufnahme, -Speicherung, -Synthese) für den Glu-kosestoffwechsel wichtig. Sie ist ein wesentliches Organ des Stoffwechselprozesses, wobei die Perfusion sowohl durch die Vena portae, als auch durch die Arteria hepatica erfolgt. Bei Diabetikern ist ihre Perfusion als Folge der Atherosklerose vermindert. Dadurch können Komplikationen auftreten. In der vorliegenden Studie war es unser Ziel, bei Diabetikern die Perfusion der Leber mit szintigraphischen Methoden zu erheben.Design der Studie und PatientenWir untersuchten retrospektiv 1100 Myokard-Perfusions-Szintigraphien, die zwischen Januar 2011 und Dezember 2012 an der Abteilung für Nuklearmedizin der Canakkale Onsekiz Mart Universität, Fakultät für Medizin, durchgeführt worden waren. In die Studie wurden 66 Patienten mit der Diagnose Diabetes mellitus, bei denen eine Myokardszintigraphie durchgeführt worden war, aufgenommen. Die Kontrollpersonen bestanden aus 127 zufällig ausgewählten Patienten ohne Diabetes mellitus. Patienten mit chronischer Lebererkrankung wurden in die Studie nicht aufgenommen. Die Werte der bei den Patienten erhobenen Leberregionen von Interesse (Leber – „Regions of Interest“ – ROI), sowie der Herz ROI wurden mit den bei den Kontrollpersonen erhobenen Werten verglichen.ErgebnisseDie Patienten wurden entsprechend dem Vorliegen von Diabetes gruppiert. In der Gruppe mit Diabetes mellitus war die Leber ROI niedriger (p = 0,66) als bei den Kontrollen. Bei der Kontrollgruppe waren die Mittelwerte der Leber ROI/Herz ROI Quotienten höher als bei der Diabetes mellitus Gruppe (p = 0,019). Die Multivarianzanalyse ergab, dass bei den Diabetikern die Leber ROI/Herz ROI Quotienten unabhängig von anderen Risikofaktoren waren (p = 0,003; F: 9,6).SchlussfolgerungenDiese Studie zeigt, dass die Leberperfusion bei Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus im Vergleich zur Leberperfusion bei Patienten ohne Diabetes mellitus vermindert ist. Prospektive Studien mit größeren Patientengruppen sind allerdings zur Bestätigung nötig.

Is abnormal glucose metabolism during pregnancy related to endothelial dysfunction

Abstract Objective: Endothelial dysfunction is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. We aimed to investigate the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and gestational diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance. Methods: Pregnant women who had impaired glucose metabolism in the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and their age- and body mass index-matched controls were included in the study and assessed for flow-mediated vasodilatation to evaluate endothelial dysfunction. Results: A total of 51 patients participated in the study. There were 20 patients in the control group, 13 in the impaired glucose tolerance group and 18 in the gestational diabetes mellitus group. Flow-mediated vasodilatation measured at the 60th and 120th seconds were significantly lower in the impaired glucose tolerance and gestational diabetes mellitus groups than in the control group (8.5 ± 5.7 and 8.9 ± 6.5 versus 14.9 ± 9.0, p = 0.022 and 6.2 ± 6.7 and 5.2 ± 5.0 versus 12.0 ± 8.3, p = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance have impaired endothelial dysfunction. Delivery might have protective effects on endothelial functions. The significance of impaired endothelial dysfunction for pregnant women must be investigated, and if needed, lifestyle changes might be suggested, according to the determined importance of the endothelial dysfunction.

Prevalence of skin disorders in primary and secondary school age children in Canakkale, Turkey: a community-based survey

Introduction Skin lesions may be of dermatological importance, affect appearance, and cause problems communicating with peers and may be especially more significant in childhood. Aim Information on the prevalence of pediatric dermatoses in Western Turkey. This study was aimed to define the existing data. Material and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Canakkale, Turkey, in September-December 2013. It involved 1,957 students from five randomly selected primary and secondary schools. Each student was interviewed for age, gender, and family history, and a dermatologic examination was performed by a dermatologist. Data were coded and analyzed. Results Of the students, 79.9% revealed at least one dermatosis. The most common disease was benign neoplasms (76%), followed by pigmentary disorders (26.8%), and xerosis (5.8%). In primary schools, the acquired melanocytic nevus, hypopigmented macule, and xerosis; in secondary school the acne was statistically significantly more common. Acne and xerosis was more common in girls, and pityriasis alba was statistically more common in boys. Students who had at least one dermatosis were positively correlated with monthly income. Conclusions In Turkish school age children, the prevalence of dermatosis is 79.9%. It may be due to not using preventive means for adequate protection from the sun and other environmental factors. Infectious dermatosis and atopic dermatitis are rare and it may depend on the adequacy of public health work.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue Is Increased in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have high cardiovascular morbidity, and, in general, epicardial adipose tissue thickness is related to atherosclerotic vascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the association between epicardial adipose tissue thickness and carotid intima‐media thickness as markers of early atherosclerosis in patients with IBD.

The ischemia modified albumin and mean platelet volume levels in patients with Behçet’s disease

Introduction Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with endothelial dysfunction. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a marker used in the detection of diseases associated with oxidative stress, vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and ischemia. Mean platelet volume (MPV) signifies the platelet function and activity. Aim To show whether MPV and IMA are useful in revealing the oxidative stress and the risk of thrombosis in patients with BD. Material and methods Twenty-six patients with BD and 28 healthy volunteers as a control group over 18 years of age were included in the study. Serum IMA and MPV levels were analyzed in both groups. Results The mean MPV values were identified as 0.86 ±0.15 and 0.82 ±0.08 (in the BD and control groups, respectively; p = 0.188) and the mean IMA values were 9.39 ±0.73 and 9.17 ±1.09 (in the BD and control groups, respectively; p = 0.275). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. The IMA values of BD patients who were in the active phase were significant as compared to inactive BD patients and control groups (p = 0.041). The IMA and MPV values of the thrombotic patients, non-thrombotic patients and control groups were not significant. Conclusions Ischemia-modified albumin may be a helpful marker of possible complications during an active period of BD.