Clinical importance of serum and pleural fluid prominin-1 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α concentration in the evaluation of lymph node involvement in patients with malignant pleural effusion

Introduction

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) presence are poor prognostic factors that have importance for cancer patients. The study objective was to determine whether hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and prominin-1 (CD133) in pleural fluid (P) and serum (S) could be used as biomarkers for diagnosis of lymph node involvement in patients with MPE.

Materials and methods

Fifty-six patients with MPE and 30 healthy control subjects were included. Computerized tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) were used to diagnose pleural effusion. Patients with malignant cells in pleural fluid cytological examination were included in the MPE group. Thirty-five patients with lymph node metastases on CT were included in the LNM-positive MPE group. Serum and pleural fluid HIF-1α and CD-133 concentrations were measured manually via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Serum concentrations of HIF-1α and CD133 were higher in MPE patients. It was found that CD133/HIF-1α (S) ratio was higher in the malignant patient group with positive lymph node involvement than in the negative group, while concentrations of HIF-1α (P) were lower. Pleural fluid HIF-1α and CD133/HIF-1α (S) ratio had sufficient performance in diagnosing lymphatic metastases in patients with MPE (AUC = 0.90 and 0.83, respectively).

Conclusions

In conclusion, serum HIF-1α and CD133 concentrations were higher in patients with MPE, consistent with our hypothesis. Concentrations of HIF-1α (P) and CD133/HIF-1α (S) ratio can be used as biomarkers in diagnosing lymph node involvement in MPE patients, according to this experiment.

Shear wave elastography evaluation of kidneys in children with familial mediterranean fever

Background and Aim

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder. Typical clinical manifestations are self-limiting attacks of recurrent fever, abdominal pain, arthralgia, and chest pain due to aseptic polyserositis. Renal involvement is common in FMF patients. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a noninvasive method that provides the measurement of tissue stiffness. In this study, we aimed to show that SWE can be used as an adjunctive method for evaluating renal involvement in children with FMF.

Materials and Methods

Our study group consists of 79 pediatric FMF patients and 79 control individuals. The study was planned prospectively. The variables, such as age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of the patient and control groups, were kept in a similar way in order not to be affected by the differences. The right and left kidney sizes, parenchymal thicknesses, and SWE values in both groups were compared. The parenchymal stiffness degrees of the kidneys were quantified by shear modulus values in kilopascals.

Results

In our study, no statistically significant difference was found between the control and patient groups in terms of the right and left kidney longitudinal dimensions, transverse dimensions, and parenchymal thicknesses. When the kidneys were evaluated in terms of the right and left kidney stiffness values, the stiffness values in the patient group were significantly higher in both kidneys compared with those in the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

SWE can be a noninvasive quantitative imaging method that can be used to evaluate kidney involvement by detecting changes in kidney stiffness in children with FMF.

Immature platelet fraction as a useful marker in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance and diagnostic performance of the immature platelet fraction (%IPF) in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Samples obtained from 32 healthy control subjects and 40 CCHF patients (9 positive and 31 negative radiological findings) were evaluated in the study. The samples obtained from CT-positive subjects demonstrated higher IPF% values which also exhibited a positive correlation with mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet size deviation width (PDW) values.The patient group IPF% values were positively correlated with the duration of hospital stay. The ROC analysis also suggested the potential importance of IPF values higher than 10.5% in diagnosing CCHF patients with positive radiological findings.The results of our study showed that % IPF can be considered as a useful parameter in the follow-up of the disease course in patients with CCHF.

Association of eNOS gene 4a/4b VNTR and T786C polymorphism with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

The most common viral hemorrhagic fever is Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphisms have been linked to both hemorrhagic fevers and viral diseases. The study's goal is to evaluate if the eNOS gene 4a/4b and T786C polymorphisms are related to CCHF. The study included 54 CCHF RNA-positive patients and 60 control subjects. The Bosphore CCHF virus Quantification Kit v1 was used to obtain CCHF RNA, and the Magnesia 16 isolation device was used to isolate DNA (Anatolia Gene works, Turkey). Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism were used to genotype the samples. The frequency of the eNOS 4a/4a, 4a/4b, and 4 b/4b genotypes in patients and the control was 6.6% versus 1.7%, 37.0% versus 43.3%, and 57.4% versus 55%, respectively. 4a: 24.07% of patients and 23.33% of controls; and 4 b: 75.92% of patients and 76.66% of controls. The frequency of the eNOS-786 T/C, T/T, T/C, and C/C genotypes in patients and the control group was 35.2% versus 68.3%; 51.9% versus 26.73%; and 13.0% versus 5.0%, respectively. The allele and genotype frequencies of the eNOS T786C variant differ statistically between patients and the control (p < 0.05). The eNOS T786C variant could be a genetic determinant for susceptibility to CCHF. To our knowledge, this is the first study to figure out the association between eNOS gene T786C polymorphisms and CCHF disease.

The relationship between radial artery spasm and adropin levels in patients undergoing transradial coronary angiography

Introduction: Transradial coronary angiography (TRA) is associated with a lower incidence of bleeding rate and access site complications and is associated with better outcomes compared to transfemoral angiography. However, radial artery spasm (RAS) is an important limitation of TRA procedures. Little is known regarding the relationship of serum vasodilator and inflammatory markers with RAS. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between serum adropin level and RAS in patients undergoing TRA. Methods: From February 2020 to January 2021, 39 consecutive patients who underwent elective daiagnostic TRA and experienced RAS during the procedure, and 42 age and sex matched controls who did not experience RAS were prospectively included into the study. The groups were compared regarding serum adropin levels and inflammatory markers. Results: Although adropin levels were found to be lower in the RAS group, this difference was not statistically significant between the the patients with RAS and controls (14.9 vs. 16.1, P=0.105). However, inflammatory parameters monocyte count and MHR (monocyte/HDL cholesterol ratio) were found to be statistically significantly higher in the RAS group compared to controls (P=0.001 and P=0.010, respectively). Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between the monocyte count and RAS (r:0.360, P<0.001), and between MHR and RAS (r:0.288, P=0.009). Furthermore, multivariate analysis demonstrated that monocyte count (OR:1.671, 95%CI:1.312-2.094, P=0.001) and MHR (OR:1.116, 95%CI:1.054-1.448, P=0.022) were found to be independent predictors of RAS. Conclusion: Serum vasodilator and inflammatory markers may be useful in the prediction of RAS in patients undergoing TRA procedures.

The impact of dysmenorrhea on pulmonary functions

Background

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is characterized by symptoms including sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremulousness, usually begins adolescence, those can be associated with autonomic dysfunction affecting pulmonary functions.

Aim

The aim of the present study is to investigate the impacts of PD on pulmonary function tests.

Subjects and Methods

A prospective cross-sectional design was selected. All subjects were invited to admit to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient unit for venous blood test detecting the levels of estrogen and progesterone during the follicular and luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. After drawing blood, women were taken to the pulmonary function tests laboratory to perform the test. The comparisons between Group PD and Group Control were performed by the independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Intragroup comparisons were completed by paired samples t-test. Results: The comparisons between Group PD and Group Control among estrogen and progesterone in follicular and luteal phase, pulmonary function test results did not show any significance (P > 0.05). The intragroup comparisons of estrogen and progesterone levels, and pulmonary functions test results revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study showed that PD does not influence the spirometric measurements and also respiratory functions are not impaired by the different phases of menstrual cycle.

Effectiveness of myo-inositol oxygenase in the early diagnosis of experimental acute kidney injury

OBJECTIVES

The effectiveness of the myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX) enzyme was investigated in the diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI).

METHODS

In total, 40 rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 8, for each group) while left kidney ischemia-reperfusion was implemented in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5. Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 underwent 1‑hour ischemia and 2‑hour reperfusion. Group 3 underwent 1‑hour ischemia and 4‑hour reperfusion. Group 4 underwent 2‑hour ischemia and 2‑hour reperfusion. Group 5 underwent 2‑hour ischemia and 4‑hour reperfusion.

RESULTS

Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels in all ischemia-reperfusion groups were higher than in the control group (p<0.001). Serum MIOX level was higher in groups 2, 3 and 4 than in group 1 (p=0.002). Tissue MIOX level was lower in groups 2, 4, and 5 than in group 1 (p=0.039). Serum and tissue neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels were not significantly different between the groups. The injury level in histopathologic examination was as follows: group 1<group 3<group 2=group 4<group 5.

CONCLUSION

The serum MIOX level increases in the early stages of AKI, however, decreases subsequently. Therefore, the serum MIOX may be a potential promising biomarker in the early diagnosis of AKI (Tab. 5, Fig. 6, Ref. 30).

Research on the effects of L-carnitine and trans-chalcone on endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress in high-fructose corn syrup-fed rats

Purpose

The debate on the metabolic effects of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) continues. The deterioration of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is called ER stress. Glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP-78) and X-box binding protein-1 (XBP-1) are key markers of ER stress and the therapeutic targets of diseases. Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) is the most important transcription factor that regulates the expression of enzymes for fatty acid synthesis. The purpose of this paper is to research the effects of L-carnitine and trans-chalcone on ER stress and oxidative stress parameters, and to explore the therapeutic potential of L-carnitine and trans-chalcone molecules.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty male wistar albino rats randomly selected were divided into five groups. All groups are fed with standard chow (ad libitum). While Group I was fed with drinking water, Group II, III, IV and V were fed with water containing 15% HFCS. L-carnitine was given to Group IV and trans-chalcone to Group V, and both were dissolved with DMSO and given intraperitoneally. Group III was not given anything additional.

Findings

While the amount of water consumption of HFCS-fed rats has increased, the amount of feed consumption has decreased. The weights of rats in Group II and Group III have increased significantly compared to Group I (p = 0.001, p = 0.001 respectively). In Group III, GRP78, XBP-1; malondialdehyde level (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.041); total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL levels (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.009, p = 0.001, respectively) have increased significantly.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first report to show that excessive HFCS consumption causes oxidative stress and ER stress. The antioxidant and antiobesity properties of trans chalcone have been demonstrated. Extensive experimental and clinical studies should be conducted.

Serum Interleukin-23/17 Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Treated with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: A Prospective Cohort Study

Etiopathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a major subtype of a group of chronic inflammatory diseases known as spondyloarthropathies, is not clearly understood yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the interleukin 23 (IL-23)/interleukin-17 (IL-17) pathway, which is a new cytokine pathway in inflammatory diseases. We evaluated serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels after 1-year follow-up in AS patients using only nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (at need or continue). Forty-four AS patients and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. Clinical evaluations of disease activity were performed. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23 levels were evaluated. IL-17 and IL-23 levels of the patient group at baseline and 12 months were lower than the control group. There was no significant difference between the baseline and 12th month evaluations of the patient group. TNF-α levels were similar in all groups (in the baseline and 12th month of the patient group and in the control group). Although our results are in contrast to the literature findings, the IL-23/IL-17 pathway is a newly discovered pathway, and there may still be unknowns. New studies involving larger patient groups are needed for the factors affecting serum IL-23/IL-17 levels in patients with AS. We also think that it will be useful to make more comprehensive and long-term studies about which patients will respond well to IL-23/IL-17 blockade.

Serum osteopontin and CD44 levels in lymphoreticular malignancies in children

OBJECTIVE

Osteopontin (OPN) is an adhesive glycoprotein that interacts with a variety of cell surface receptors, including several integrins and CD44. OPN is expressed and secreted by numerous human malignancies. CD44 play an important role in tumor growth and metastasis. We aimed to evaluate serum levels of osteopontin and CD44 in patients with lymphorethicular malignancies in childhood.

METHODS

We studied serum levels of CD44 and OPN levels of 54 patients (26, 18 and 10 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), respectively) at the diagnosis.

RESULTS

The mean levels of OPN were significantly higher in patients (5.42±8.24 ng/ml) than in controls (3.89 ±1.96 ng/ml). The mean levels of CD44 levels were also significantly higher in patients (3.82±2.31 ng/ml) than in controls (1.96±0.62 ng/ml), and significantly higher in the advanced stages than in early stages. The mean levels of the CD44 in NHL, HL and ALL were 3.49±2.00, 3.56±1.74, and 5.15±3.50 respectively. OPN and CD44 levels were found to be increased in parallel (p=0.003). A more advanced disease and/or poor prognostic factors were seen in 9 patients who had both serum CD44 and OPN levels higher than 2SD of the control.

CONCLUSION

Elevated levels of both CD44 and OPN at the diagnosis may predict an unfavorable outcome in childhood leukemias and lymphomas (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 44).

Genotoxic effects of 1064-nm Nd:YAG and 532-nm KTP lasers on fibroblast cell cultures

BACKGROUND

Several different laser types are used in cutaneous surgery. The neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) and frequency-doubled Nd:YAG (KTP, potassium titanyl phosphate) lasers are widely used in dermatology.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the possible genotoxic effects on fibroblasts of irradiation with a 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser and a 532-nm KTP laser.

METHODS

Fibroblast cell cultures were exposed to each of the lasers, using 10-mm spot size at 60 ms pulse duration with 10, 20, 40 J/cm(2) and 3, 6, 12 J/cm(2) fluences, respectively. Fibroblasts in passages 1-6 were used. During laser irradiation, 96-well microplate cultures were kept on a cooling block and transported on ice and in the dark, and processed immediately for single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay (also known as a comet assay).

RESULTS

DNA damage was determined by computerized assessment of comet assay. There was increasing damage with increasing numbers of passages. For the Nd:YAG laser, the greatest damage occurred on passages 5 and 6, whereas the greatest damage appeared at passages 3 and 4 for KTP and returned to baseline at passages 5 and 6. Damage also increased with each dose increment for both wavelengths. At the highest dose for both wavelengths (Nd:YAG 40 J/cm(2) and KTP 12 J/cm(2)), damage was higher with the Nd:YAG laser.

CONCLUSIONS

Different patterns of cellular damage were seen for different cell-culture passages, treatment doses, and laser wavelengths. These dose ranges are generally used for the treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions and for rejuvenation purposes. As replicative ageing or cell senescence is one of the critical factors determining the extent of cell damage induced by laser therapy, these results may have important implications for clinical practice.