Süheyla Serin Senger

Seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus in the prevaccine era: A population-based study in Izmir, Turkey

PURPOSE To determine the population-based seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus (VZV) and related risk factors in Izmir. MATERIALS AND METHODS A population-based household survey was conducted. A representative sample of the population older than 15 years of age was selected using multistage random sampling. A total of 2136 healthy persons participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants completed a questionnaire designed to collect data related to socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors. Blood samples were collected, and VZV-specific IgG was measured using an ELISA. RESULTS In total, 94.3% of individuals were seropositive for VZV. The difference between VZV seroprevalence in urban and rural populations was significant (OR: 2.6 (95% CI, 1.7-3.8)). No statistically significant differences in seropositivity were observed with respect to other sociodemographic characteristics. CONCLUSION A large proportion of the participants were found to be immune to VZV.

Prevalence of allergic diseases in Izmir Province, Turkey.

The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of allergic diseases and related risk factors in Izmir, Turkey, and to assess the positive immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels against common allergens.

The prevalence and risk factors of human papillomavirus in female sex workers.

OBJECTIVE Human papillomavirus virus (HPV) is the major causative factor for cervical cancer, and sex workers are at high risk for HPV infection. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of HPV infection among female sex workers (FSWs). MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 239 brothel-based FSWs who work in Izmir, Turkey. A self-administered questionnaire for risk factors was completed, and cervical brush samples were taken for HPV detection and typing. HPV detection and typing were performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse hybridization methods. The risk factors related to HPV infection were determined by multivariate analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of HPV among FSWs was 20.1%. HPV18 was the most common type (40%), followed by HPV16 (17%) and HPV50 (15%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that being less than 30 years of age, having a high frequency of sexual contacts, smoking, and lack of condom use were significantly associated with HPV infection. CONCLUSION FSWs have a high prevalence of HPV infection and are at increased risk for cervical cancer. As they are a priority group for active follow-up, national strategies for reducing HPV among FSWs and regular cervical cancer screening programs should be implemented for this population.

Analysis of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression in hepatitis B patients

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in numerous biological processes, including epigenetic regulation, cell-cycle control, and transcriptional/translational regulation of gene expression. Differential expression of lncRNAs and disruption of the regulatory processes are recognized as critical steps in cancer development. The role of lncRNAs in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is not well understood. Here we analyzed the expression of 135 lncRNAs in plasma samples of 82 HBV patients (classified as chronic patients, inactive carriers, or resolved patients) at diagnosis and at 12 months of treatment in relation to control group (81 healthy volunteers). We also investigated the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of lincRNA-SFMBT2 on HBV-positive human liver cancer cell line. lncRNA expression was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Chemically synthesized siRNAs were transfected into the cell lines using Lipofectamine 2000 Reagent (Thermo Fisher Scientific). HBV DNA and HBsAg and HBeAg were detected in transfected cultures by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively, using commercial kits. We observed changes in lncRNA expression in all three HBV groups, compared to control group. Most notably, the expression of anti-NOS2A, lincRNA-SFMBT2, and Zfhx2as was significantly increased and expression of Y5 lncRNA was decreased in chronic HBV patients. A decreased Y5 expression and increased lincRNA-SFMBT2 expression were observed in inactive HBsAg carriers. The expression of HOTTIP, MEG9, and PCAT-32 was increased in resolved HBV patients, and no significant change in the expression of Y5 was observed, compared to control group. siRNA-mediated inhibition of lincRNA-SFMBT2 decreased the level of HBV DNA in human liver cancer cells. Further research is needed to confirm the prognostic as well as therapeutic role of these lncRNAs in HBV patients.

473 Evaluating Total Serum IgE Levels in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B and C

Background Liver disease has been considered a prominent cause of IgE elevation. Significant differences may be observed depending on the cause of liver damage. For viral hepatitis, increased IgE concentrations have been observed during acute hepatitis A and B. Chronic hepatitis B carriers may also have high IgE levels. But no data on serum IgE levels in chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis B patients have been reported. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum IgE levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis B and to corelate with atopic patients. Methods Serum IgE levels were determined in 568 adult patients with chronic hepatitis B, in 47 patients with chronic hepatitis C, and 311 patients with atopic diseases. Results The averages of serum IgE levels were 103,9 IU/mL in chronic hepatitis C, 95,1 IU/mL in hepatits B patients, and 126,6 IU/mL in atopic patients. There was no statistically significant difference between hepatits B and hepatits C patients. Total serum IgE levels were lower in patients with either chronic hepatitis C or hepatitis B than the atopic group. Conclusions According to the results presented, chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis B are not prominent causes of increased serum IgE values. Further studies are needed to clarify the differences and significance of IgE levels between hepatitis and atopic patients.