Antioxidant defence in recurrent abortion

Increased free radical activity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of recurrent abortion. This investigation was conducted to determine if changes in some parameters of the antioxidant system contribute to this condition. Plasma ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, total thiols, ceruloplasmin, uric acid, albumin, and erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) were assayed in 25 nonpregnant (NP) healthy women, 25 normotensive pregnants (NTP), and 120 women with recurrent abortion. Recurrent aborters were divided into four subgroups according to the etiology: autoimmune (AUTO, n=25), luteal phase defect (LPD, n=25), anatomical defect (AD, n=20) and unexplained (UNEx, n=50). Plasma levels of ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and erythrocyte GSH were significantly decreased in AUTO, UNEx and LPD subgroups than those in two control groups and the AD group (ANOVA). Plasma thiols of UNEx and AUTO aborters were diminished according to controls and other abortion subgroups (ANOVA). Ceruloplasmin levels showed a decline in AUTO and UNEx subgroups when compared to controls, AD and LPD aborters (ANOVA). When UNEx, AUTO and LPD recurrent abortion subgroups were compared with each other (Student's t-test) total thiols and erythrocyte GSH of UNEx and AUTO subgroups were diminished in comparison with LPD. We suggest that decreased concentrations of plasma ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, total thiols and erythrocyte GSH in UNEx, AUTO and LPD reflect the increased oxidative stress, expressing a progress of the condition. Also, the imbalance between antioxidant defence and free radical activity is more evident in the AUTO subgroup. As a conclusion, although impaired antioxidant defence may be responsible for recurrent abortions, the recurrent abortions may also result in oxidative stress and depletion and weakness of antioxidant defence.

The combinations of TNFalpha-308 and IL-6 -174 or IL-10 -1082 genes polymorphisms suggest an association with susceptibility to sporadic late-onset Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVE

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the regulatory regions of the cytokine genes for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 have been suggested to influence the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with conflicting results.

AIM

To investigate the TNFalpha-308, IL-6 -174 and IL-10 -1082 gene polymorphisms as susceptibility factors for AD.

METHODS

We analyzed genotype and allele distributions of these polymorphisms in 101 sporadic AD patients and 138 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Heterozygotes (AG) or combined genotype (AG+AA) for IL-10 -1082 were associated with approximately two-fold increase in the risk of AD. Carriers of A alleles of both TNFalpha-308 and IL-10 -1082 had 6.5 times higher risk for AD in comparison with non-carriers. Concomitant presence of both mutant TNFalpha-308 A and IL-6 -174 C alleles raised three-fold the AD risk, whereas there was no notable risk for AD afflicted by IL-6 -174 polymorphism alone.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that TNFalpha and IL-10 promoter polymorphism might be a risk factor for AD. The combined effects of TNFalpha-308, IL-6 -174 and IL-10 -1082 variant alleles may be more decisive to induce functional differences and modify the risk for AD.

Prevalence of Childhood Affective disorders in Turkey: An epidemiological study

AIM

To determine the prevalence of affective disorders in Turkey among a representative sample of Turkish population.

METHODS

This study was conducted as a part of the "The Epidemiology of Childhood Psychopathology in Turkey" (EPICPAT-T) Study, which was designed by the Turkish Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health. The inclusion criterion was being a student between the second and fourth grades in the schools assigned as study centers. The assessment tools used were the K-SADS-PL, and a sociodemographic form that was designed by the authors. Impairment was assessed via a 3 point-Likert type scale independently rated by a parent and a teacher.

RESULTS

A total of 5842 participants were included in the analyses. The prevalence of affective disorders was 2.5 % without considering impairment and 1.6 % when impairment was taken into account. In our sample, the diagnosis of bipolar disorder was lacking, thus depressive disorders constituted all the cases. Among depressive disorders with impairment, major depressive disorder (MDD) (prevalence of 1.06%) was the most common, followed by dysthymia (prevalence of 0.2%), adjustment disorder with depressive features (prevalence of 0.17%), and depressive disorder-NOS (prevalence of 0.14%). There were no statistically significant gender differences for depression. Maternal psychopathology and paternal physical illness were predictors of affective disorders with pervasive impairment.

CONCLUSION

MDD was the most common depressive disorder among Turkish children in this nationwide epidemiological study. This highlights the severe nature of depression and the importance of early interventions. Populations with maternal psychopathology and paternal physical illness may be the most appropriate targets for interventions to prevent and treat depression in children and adolescents.

Nitric oxide and endothelin-1,2 in actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma: changes in nitric oxide/endothelin ratio

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) is an inorganic free radical gas which has cytostatic/cytotoxic actions in tumoral tissues, including gynecologic, breast, and colon cancer. Nitric oxide is also a multifunctional signaling molecule active in many cells of the body, including endothelial cells, macrophages, monocytes, hepatocytes, mast cells, osteoblasts, and astrocytes. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a 21-amino acid peptide that stimulates the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes, and plays a role in the expression of proto-oncogenes (c-myc, c-fos), which precedes cell proliferation. Similar to NO, ET is secreted by different cell types, including macrophages, monocytes, hepatocytes, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and various tumor cells. Elevated ET-1 levels are observed in pulmonary, hepatocellular, and prostate cancers. Actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are common skin tumors with accentuated hyperkeratinization, hyperpigmentation, and keratinocyte proliferation.

AIM

To investigate plasma NOx (nitrite/nitrate -- the end products of NO metabolism), ET, and the NOx/ET ratio in patients with AK and BCC in comparison with healthy controls.

METHODS

NOx, ET, and the NOx/ET ratio were measured in 13 patients with AK, 12 patients with BCC, and in 16 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Data analysis indicated a significant increase in plasma NOx, ET, and NOx/ET values in BCC patients in comparison with controls (P < 0.001, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Plasma ET levels in AK were also increased in comparison with controls (P < 0.001). When the two study groups (AK and BCC) were compared, a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the NOx/ET ratio in BCC was found.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased plasma ET and NOx levels in AK and, especially, BCC are probably the result of and/or reason for the accentuated hyperkeratinization, hyperpigmentation, and keratinocyte proliferation. The increased production of ET and NO by keratinocytes may function as growth and cytotoxic factors and potential mitogens, and may accelerate further proliferation of these skin tumors. In addition, the increased NOx/ET ratio probably reflects a disturbed equilibrium between these two substances, leading to cell damage and tumor promotion and proliferation.

Lipid profile in actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The lipid content of the skin and its changes are important in the pathogenesis of many disorders affecting the skin, particularly actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

METHODS

Cholesterol, phospholipid, triglyceride, and total lipid levels were studied in paired lesional (AK and BCC) and nonlesional intact skin of 13 patients with AK and 12 patients with BCC. Serum concentrations of the same lipid fractions studied in the skin were investigated in AK and BCC patients and in 11 healthy, age-matched controls.

RESULTS

Levels of all lipid fractions were increased in both AK and BCC skin. When AK and BCC skin were compared with each other, a significant increase in phospholipids (p < 0.02) and total lipids (p < 0.01) was found in BCC. Serum cholesterol (p < 0.001), phospholipid (p < 0.001), triglyceride (p < 0.05), and total lipid (p < 0.001) concentrations of AK patients were significantly higher than those of the control group. When BCC and controls were compared, a significant increase in phospholipids and total lipids (p < 0.001) was seen. Serum cholesterol in BCC patients was significantly lower (p < 0.001) and serum phospholipid levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the AK group.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in the metabolically active serum phospholipid fraction is reflected in elevated neoplastic tissue phospholipid. This produces altered proportions between lipid fractions in tumorous areas and may result in changes in the intact nature of the cellular membrane, spread, and malignant proliferation.

Urinary PGE2 and PGF2alpha levels and renal functions in preeclampsia

The role of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) in the pathogenesis of hypertension and altered renal functions, which are the main symptoms of preeclampsia, has gained importance. Serum and urine samples of 59 women (24 preeclamptic pregnant (PEP), 20 normotensive pregnant (NTP) and 15 nonpregnant) were investigated by means of prostaglandin levels and urea, creatinine and creatinine clearance values. PEP patients, when compared with NTP patients, show a significant decrease in PGE2 and PGF2alpha levels (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) accompanied by changes in some parameters of renal function such as serum urea, creatinine and creatinine clearance. Although disorders in prostaglandin levels may be responsible for some renal pathologic changes, renal functional and morphologic alterations may also result in abnormal prostaglandin activity.

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: Body Safety Training for Young Children in Turkey

The "Body Safety Training Program" is an education program aimed at ensuring children are informed about their body and acquire self-protection skills. In this study, a total of 83 preschoolers were divided into experimental and control groups; based on a power analysis, 40 children comprised the experimental group, while 43 children comprised the control group. The "Body Safety Training Programme" was translated into Turkish and content validity was determined regarding the language and cultural appropriateness. The "What If Situations Test" (WIST) was administered to both groups before and after the training. Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal-Wallis Variance Analysis, and the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test were used to compare between the groups and the Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the strength of the relationship between the dependent and independent variable. The differences between the pretest and posttest scores for the subscales (appropriate recognition, inappropriate recognition, say, do, tell, and reporting skills), and the personal safety questionnaire (PSQ) score means for the children in the experimental group were found to be statistically significant (p < .001). The posttest-pretest difference score means of the experimental group children for WIST saying, doing, telling and reporting, total skills, and PSQ were found to be statistically significant as compared to that of the control group (p < .05). The "Body Safety Training programme" is effective in increasing the child sexual abuse prevention and self-protection skills in Turkish young children.

Hormone replacement therapy and urinary prostaglandins in postmenopausal women

The objective of the study was to observe the effects of hormone replacement therapy upon urinary prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2 alpha levels in postmenopausal patients. A total number of 55 women were enrolled in this study and 15 premenopausal (PreM) healthy subjects constitute the control group. A total of 40 patients at least 12 months after their natural menopause were divided into two groups: 15 of them was not medicated hormone replacement therapy (which composed NRHRT group) while 25 of the rest, received conjugated estrogen (Premarin) 0.625 mg/day orally plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (Farlutal) 10 mg/day orally built up the RHRT group. PGE2 and PGF2 alpha levels were measured with PGE2 [125I] and PGF2 alpha [3H] RIA kits. Statistical significance was analyzed by Student's t-test for impaired data. NRHRT and RHRT patients had had increased urinary PGE2 levels when compared with PreM (P < 0.001). HRT caused a significant decrease in PGE2 levels in menopausal women (P < 0.001). Urinary PGF2 alpha values of NRHRT and RHRT were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in comparison with PreM group. There was no difference in PGF2 alpha values between two postmenopausal groups. HRT given to postmenopausal patients might have a positive impact on prostaglandins and therefore on bone turnover in a series of various mechanisms.

Determining the Appropriateness of the "What If" Situations Test (WIST) with Turkish Pre-Schoolers

Measurement instruments are needed to assess the child's sexual abuse prevention program. The purpose of the study was to determine the reliability and validity of the WIST (What If Situations Test) for Turkish culture. Participants were children of the 3-6 age group attending pre-school education institutions and the sample size was identified by means of a power analysis. Seventy children were identified as the sample with 0.85 power and 0.05 type I error according to the power analysis. Language validity, content validity, internal validity coefficient (Cronbach alpha coefficient), and test-retest analyses were conducted in terms of validity and reliability in the scope of efforts for adaptation to Turkish culture. Firstly, Kendall W = 0.83 was the score for the expert opinions concerning the content validity of the language validity scale. It was found that the Cronbach alpha coefficients were between 0.68 and 0.90 for the scale sub-dimensions of appropriate and inappropriate recognition, saying, doing, telling, and reporting. The test-retest reliability of the scale was found to be r = 0.89 and the test-retest reliabilities for the sub-dimensions (appropriate recognition, inappropriate recognition, say skills, do skills, tell skills, and reporting skills) were between r = 0.48 and r = 0.92. The test-retest reliability for the Personal Safety Questionnaire (PSQ), as having complimentary items to the WIST, was found to be r = 0.82. The reliability and validity analysis of the 'What If' Situations Test (WIST), used to evaluate pre-schoolers' skills regarding self-protection against sexual abuse, showed that the Test's adaptation to Turkish culture was reliable and valid.

Gastrocystoplasty in pigs and effect of selective antral vagotomy on acid secretion of the reconstructed bladder

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of gastrocystoplasty and the effects of selective antral vagotomy (SAV) on the postprandial gastrin secretion from the antrum as well as on the acid secretion from the augmented bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study on 12 male pigs, we applied subtotal cystectomy plus gastric augmentation plus SAV to the study group and the same procedure without SAV to the control group. The animals were followed up for 3 months with respect to feeding, weight, and urine output. The urine pH levels and the gastrin levels of the pigs in the two groups were then followed up and compared.

RESULTS

The use of gastric segments in bladder reconstruction was found to be appropriate in terms of both gastric function and urinary system function. Nevertheless, regarding the effect of SAV, the differences between either the urinary pH levels or the gastrin levels of the pigs in the two groups were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Although gastric segments in the bladder reconstruction were found to be appropriate in terms of both gastric function and urinary system function, SAV did not prevent postprandial gastrin secretion and the resulting increase of the urine acidity.

Prevalence, comorbidities and mediators of childhood anxiety disorders in urban Turkey: a national representative epidemiological study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety disorders, its correlation with sociodemographic characteristics, its comorbidities with other psychiatric disorders and its predictors in school-aged children.

METHODS

This study is part of a representative, multi-centered national study that is planned by the Turkish Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health to evaluate the prevalence of psychopathology among elementary school students in Turkey between the years 2014-2015. Children are screened via Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children Present and Lifetime Version. Impairment is assessed by a 3-point Likert type scale independently by the parent and the teacher. The final sample included 5842 children with the mean age of 8.7 years.

RESULTS

The prevalence of any anxiety disorder without considering impairment is 16.7% and considering impairment is 5.2% in children according to our study. We found significant differences for comorbid Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Disruptive Behavior Disorder, Mood Disorders, Tic Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Enuresis Nocturna, Encopresis, and Intellectual Disability. Having a history of paternal physical disorder, living in the regions of Marmara, Mediterranean and Black Sea were found to be the main predictors of having childhood anxiety disorders according to the logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Better understanding of childhood anxiety disorders, comorbid conditions and predictors will result in earlier diagnosis and more appropriate treatment.

Alterations of total and lipid-bound sialic acid levels in recurrent abortion

OBJECTIVE

Sialic acid, a terminal component of glycoproteins and glycolipids, is found to be elevated in many pathologic conditions, including preterm deliveries and uterine dysfunction. Along with increased lipid peroxides, it is one of the indices of oxidative stress seen in recurrent abortion. This article investigates whether changes in plasma total sialic acid (TSA) and lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA) contribute to this condition.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Plasma samples of 25 nonpregnant (NP) healthy women, 25 normotensive pregnant women (NTP), and 120 women with recurrent abortion (RA) were assayed for TSA, LSA, total protein (TP), and TSA/TP. Recurrent aborters were divided into four subgroups according to etiology: 25 autoimmune (AUTO), 25 luteal phase defect (LPD), 20 anatomical defect (AD), and 50 with unexplained etiology (UNEx).

RESULTS

Plasma TSA and LSA levels were significantly elevated in AUTO aborters in comparison with controls (NP and NTP) and other recurrent abortion subgroups. TSA/TP value was significantly increased in abortion with immunological and unexplained etiology (AUTO and UNEx).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results we can suggest that elevation of TSA and LSA is indeed a reflection of the immunologic abnormalities in the AUTO group, and that TSA and LSA increase is secondary to the underlying disease of AUTO aborters.

Plasma antioxidant defense in actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, particularly cancer. There may be an inverse correlation between lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether certain plasma antioxidants (ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, total thiol groups, ceruloplasmin, urate, albumin and erythrocyte glutathione) are altered in actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

METHODS

Plasma samples and red blood cells (RBC) of 13 patients with AK, 12 with BCC and 16 healthy controls were investigated.

RESULTS

Data analysis indicates significant decrease of ascorbic acid (P < 0.001), alpha-tocopherol (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001), total thiol groups (P < 0.001), ceruloplasmin (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05), and RBC glutathione (P < 0.05) values in both AK and BCC groups compared to controls. Comparison of AK and BCC groups evidenced a significant decrease of alpha-tocopherol and RBC glutathione (P < 0.05) in BCC patient.

CONCLUSION

Plasma antioxidants are decreased in the AK and BCC, probably due to the long exposure to UV irradiation which is one of the most important factors in the etiology of AK and BCC and alpha-tocopherol and RBC glutathione (P < 0.05) are most altered in BCC.

Impact of calcitonin on urinary excretion of prostaglandins during menopause

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of calcitonin as an antiresorptive agent in postmenopausal osteoporosis in prostaglandin metabolism. Urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations were determined by PGE2 (125I) RIA kit in a total number of 37 patients in postmenopause; 27 in study group with established osteoporosis (WEO) and 10 in another group without osteoporosis (WO). An additional group of 12 patients in the premenopausal period were selected as controls (PreM). Data were given as mean +/- SD and statistical analysis was performed by Student's t test for paired and unpaired values. A significant decrease in urinary PGE2 concentrations was observed in WEO (7.91 +/- 3.08 vs. 3.79 +/- 3.01 ng/l) (p < 0.001), WO (9.06 +/- 6.76 vs. 6.06 +/- 3.90 ng/l) (p < 0.05) and PreM (7.14 +/- 1.68 vs. 5.16 +/- 1.91 ng/l) (p < 0.01). As a conclusion, calcitonin seems to exert a negative effect on prostaglandin metabolism resulting in reduced new prostaglandin formation.

Perceived parental acceptance/rejection and psychopathology in a group of sexually abused children/adolescents

AIM

To investigate perceived maternal acceptance/rejection in a group of sexually abused children/adolescents. Quality of the relationship between caregiver and child has been linked to many behavioral and emotional problems of childhood. For those children/ adolescents subject to sexual abuse, perceived parental acceptance/ rejection is an important component of well being.

METHODS

A total of 28 abused children/adolescents and their mothers participated in the study. The victims were sent by the court to the Uludag University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department for psychiatric evaluation. Numerical variables are presented with mean and standard deviation, categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Nonparametric correlation analysis was used for the relationship between psychological adjustment and perceived parental acceptance of children.

RESULTS

The results of the study show that there was a significant correlation among child and mother reports of perceived acceptance. Children/adolescents also displayed more psychological adjustment than maladjustment. According to the Children's Depression Inventory, 15 victims were depressed and 13 were not. There was no remarkable difference between depressed and non-depressed subjects in terms of depression scores. Overall, the results of the study showed that both abused children/adolescents and their mothers perceived a positive relationship as measured by Perceived Parental Acceptance and Rejection Questionnaire-Control scores.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggested that a well-established, healthy emotional bond is resilient to challenges, as was the case in the sexually abused children/adolescents of the study.