Browsing by Author "Kirmaz C."
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Item Sensitization to cat allergens in non-cat owner patients with respiratory allergy(American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 2003) Gulbahar O.; Sin A.; Mete N.; Kokuludag A.; Kirmaz C.; Sebik F.Background: Cats represent one of the most important sources of indoor allergens. The sensitization rate can reach up to 60% in western countries. Keeping cats indoors is uncommon in big cities in Turkey, but cats living in the streets are common. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of sensitization to cats in patients with respiratory allergy from Izmir, Turkey, and its relationship to home cat allergen levels. Methods: A total of 387 patients (70.8% female; mean age, 34.3 years) with respiratory allergic diseases (rhinitis and/or asthma) were included in this study. Skin prick test to cat was performed. House dust samples were collected from the living room of 25 patients and 14 healthy subjects. The major cat allergen (Fel d 1) levels were measured by Dustscreen. Fel d 1 levels given by the manufacturer were as follows: 0.05, 0.13, 0.40, 1.1, and 6.2 mU/mL. Results: The prevalence of cat sensitivity was 44.7% (n = 173). Only 6 patients (1.6%) had a history of feeding a cat in their houses. Thirty-six (92%) of 39 houses had detectable levels of cat allergen (mean Fel d 1 level, 2.24 ± 2.69 mU/mL). The mean Fel d 1 levels were 1.58 ± 2.51 mU/mL in the healthy group, 1.91 ± 2.61 mU/mL in the asthmatic group, and 3.26 ± 2.85 mU/mL in the group with allergic rhinitis (P = 0.12). The prevalence of cat sensitivity in patients who had 1.1 mU/mL of Fel d 1 in their homes was 57.1%. This rate was five times lower (11.1%) in patients who had the highest Fel d 1 level (6.2 mU/mL) in their homes. Conclusions: The prevalence of cat sensitivity in Izmir, where cats are generally not kept within homes, is as high as in western countries. The sampled houses have measurable levels of Fel d 1 even in the absence of indoor cats. High prevalence of cat sensitivity in Izmir is probably due to indirect exposure.Item Arthritis induced by interferon-alpha therapy in a patient with essential thrombocythemia [2](2003) Çabuk M.; Pirildar T.; Ceylan C.; Koral L.; Kirmaz C.; Kiliççioǧlu B.; Özdemir E.[No abstract available]Item Serum tumor growth factor-β1 levels in patients with cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C(2004) Kirmaz C.; Terzioǧlu E.; Topalak O.; Bayrak P.; Yilmaz O.; Ersoz G.; Sebik F.Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are two of the most important health problems according to current gastroenterology literature. Based on the recent developments in the field of immunology, advanced follow-up and treatment modalities have been introduced for these disorders. Immune defence against viral infections depends on effective cellular immune responses derived mainly from Th1-related cytokines. Th2 type immune responses can inhibit efficient immune function by secretion of several cytokines such as IL-10, TGF-β1. In this particular study, we determined the serum levels of TGF-β1, which plays a role in immune suppression and induction of tissue fibrosis. We evaluated the role of TGF-β1 in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Fourteen chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 12 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and 21 cirrhotic patients were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of ten healthy people. Serum TGF-β1 levels were higher in both cirrhosis and CHC group when compared to those in CHB and control groups (P < 0.05). Although serum TGF-β1 levels in the cirrhosis group were higher than that in the CHC group, the difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, elevated TGF-β1 levels in patients with CHC and cirrhosis may have a role in the pathogenesis and chronicity of these diseases.Item Effects of a statin group drug, pravastatin, on the insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome(Elsevier Masson SAS, 2004) Güçlü F.; Özmen B.; Hekimsoy Z.; Kirmaz C.Background. - In West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study (WOSCOPS), development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) was found to decrease by 30% in pravastatin-treated patients. In the study, it is suggested that pleiotropic effects of pravastatin may be responsible too as well as its lipid lowering effect. Objective. - The aim of this study was to assess the effects of pravastatin treatment on the insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), by Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) test, insulin sensitivity indices and glucose half activation time (glucose t1/2). Methods. - Study population consisted of 25 women who were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. At baseline and 10 weeks after the 20 mg/daily tablet pravastatin treatment, waist/hip circumference, body weight and arterial blood pressure measurements, plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, transaminases, glycosylated haemoglobin (A1C) and insulin level measurements were obtained along with HOMA test and insulin tolerance test after 12 h of fasting. Insulin sensitivity indices and glucose t1/2 were assessed. Results. - After the treatment, a statistically significant decrease was observed in arterial blood pressure values (P < 0.0001). While plasma total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were found to decrease significantly and HDL-cholesterol levels increased significantly, a decrease in baseline insulin levels, an increase in insulin sensitivity levels were observed along with an decrease in glucose t1/2. Related to the improvement in aforementioned parameters, statistically significant decreases were noted in HOMA, postprandial and fasting glucose levels and A1C values (P < 0.0001). Conclusion. - Our study suggests that using pravastatin in the dyslipidemia treatment of metabolic syndrome with IGT may be an effective approach by its advantageous effects on insulin resistance. Based on this result, it is possible to say that this can be a risk lowering treatment approach for the development of type 2 DM. © 2004 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.Item Is the menstrual cycle affecting the skin prick test reactivity?(2004) Kirmaz C.; Yuksel H.; Mete N.; Bayrak P.; Baytur Y.B.Allergen skin prick tests (SPT) are very sensitive and specific tests to detect allergic sensitization in atopic patients. Certain factors like antihistamines, antidepressant therapies or circadian rhythms can alter the results of SPT. In women, the changes in endogenous hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle may affect the allergic responses and natural course of allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the probable influence of the phases of the menstrual cycle on SPT reactivity to allergen extracts and histamine. Forty-two female patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were enrolled in the study. Skin prick test reactivities to allergens and histamine were measured at the beginning of the menstrual cycle (3rd or 4th day), mid-cycle (14th or 15th day) and end-cycle (27th or 28th day) consecutively. Serum estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were determined simultaneously. We observed the most significant reactions to allergens when SPT is performed at mid-cycle. However, SPT reactivity to histamine did not vary throughout the menstrual cycle. Serum estradiol and LH levels showed positive correlation with SPT reactivity to allergens at mid-cycle. Our results suggest that SPT give the best results when they are performed at mid-cycle. Additionally, allergens seem to cause mast cell degranulation to a greater extent in subjects in which endogenous hormones like estradiol and LH are elevated.Item Increased expression of angiogenic markers in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis(2004) Kirmaz C.; Ozbilgin K.; Yuksel H.; Bayrak P.; Unlu H.; Giray G.; Kiliccioglu B.Background. Increased vascularity due to neo-angiogenesis is an essential part of airway remodelling. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD34 and von Willebrand's factor (FvW) are known angiogenic markers. Angiogenesis and airway remodelling has been documented in asthma but not in allergic rhinitis.Objective: We aimed to investigate the presence of increased angiogenesis and its relation to angiogenic molecules, namely VEGF, CD34 and FvW, in endothelial cells of nasal mucosa in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), using three different immunohistochemical analysis methods, namely HSCORE, microvessel density (MVD) and vascular surface density (VSD). The findings in allergic rhinitis were compared with the findings in nasal septal deviation (NSD), which is not associated with increased angiogenesis. Methods. Twenty patients with symptomatic SAR, who were not under treatment, were enrolled in the study. Ten patients with NSD, who needed surgical therapy, served as the control group. Demographic characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Inferior turbinate biopsy was obtained from SAR patients and control patients, under local anaesthesia and during surgery respectively. All biopsies were evaluated for angiogenesis on the basis of VEGF, CD34 and FvW by two blinded histologists using three immunohistochemical analysis methods (HSCORE, MVD and VSD). Results. HSCORE, estimated on the basis of each staining technique, showed statistically significant differences among the two groups (p=0.002; p=0.045; p=0.016, respectively). Anti-CD34 and anti-VEGF showed higher MVD values in SAR when compared to the controls (p=0.038; p=0,009, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found in Anti-FvW-based MVD between SAR patients and controls (p=0.071). The measurements of VSD for FvW and VEGF from nasal biopsy specimens displayed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=0.004; p=0.0001, respectively). However, measurement of VSD for CD-34 was not significantly different between the groups (p=0.086). On the other hand, morphometric data obtained by all three methods did not correlated. Conclusion. There are a few studies that have investigated the essential role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. We conclude that, increased angiogenesis may be as prominent in patients with allergic rhinitis as in patients with non-allergic nasal pathologies and may play an important role in the remodelling of nasal mucosa of subjects with SAR.Item Sexual dysfunction in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis(American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 2005) Kirmaz C.; Aydemir O.; Bayrak P.; Yuksel H.; Ozenturk O.; Degirmenci S.Background: Sexual dysfunction in chronic diseases has recently attracted attention owing to its impact on quality of life (QoL). Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) affects QoL, causing limitations in many areas. However, there has not been research on changes in sexual function in patients with ARC. Objective: To report the effect of ARC and its treatment on sexual function in men and women. Methods: Forty-three sexually active patients with seasonal ARC aged 22 to 49 years were included in the study. The control group was composed of 40 healthy individuals aged 22 to 46 years. Conjunctival symptom scores (CSSs) and nasal symptom scores (NSSs) of patients with symptomatic ARC were determined, as were sexual function scores (SFSs) using the Female Sexual Function Index and the International Index of Erectile Function during allergen exposure in the pollination period and after treatment with oral desloratadine, 5 mg/d, for 30 days. The SFSs were evaluated in the control group. Results: The CSSs and NSSs significantly improved in treated ARC (P < .001). In women, Female Sexual Function Index results in symptomatic ARC were significantly lower than in treated ARC and controls (P = .003). In men, International Index of Erectile Function results in treated ARC (P = .001) and controls (P < .001) were significantly higher than in symptomatic ARC. Furthermore, correlation between improvement in CSSs and NSSs and that of SFSs was determined (P = .007 for women; P = .001 for men). Conclusion: Improvement in sexual function as a variable of QoL may accompany the treatment of symptoms in patients with ARC.Item Symptoms of the olive pollen allergy: Do they really occur only in the pollination season?(2005) Kirmaz C.; Yuksel H.; Bayrak P.; Yilmaz Ö.Background: Olive (Olea europaea; O.e.) pollen is a major cause of seasonal respiratory allergy. The O.e. pollination season lasts two months from the beginning of May till the end of June. It was expected that patients with allergic disease from O.e. sensitization were symptomatic only during this period. However, during the last few years, we have observed that the clinical symptoms appear not only during the O.e. pollination season but also during the rest of the year. Objective: The aim of this study was to observe and document symptoms of respiratory allergic diseases in the O.e. sensitized patients during the O.e. pollination season and after it. Methods: One hundred and twenty-seven patients with respiratory allergic disease were enrolled in the study. Allergenic sensitizations were shown by SPT. Finally, patients were split into two groups as monosensitized with O.e. (n=19) and polysensitized (n=108). Patients were assessed by using scores of respiratory allergic disease symptoms and percentage of peak expiratory flow rate values (PEFR %) (only for asthmatic patients) during the O.e. pollination season and after it. Results: Of the patients with O.e. monosensitization, 13 had allergic rhinitis (AR) only while six had allergic asthma (AA) additionally. AR alone and accompanied by AA was present in 84 and 24 polysensitized patients respectively. Eleven patients with O.e. sensitization (57.9 %) and 86 patients with polysensitization (79.6 %) had AR symptoms throughout the year irrespective of the O.e. pollination season. Similarly, three of the O.e. monosensitized and ten of the polysensitized patients with AA had asthmatic symptoms during the O.e. pollination season and also after it. Conclusions: In the patient group sensitive to O.e. along with other pollen extracts, it was possible to observe symptoms outside the pollination season. However, patients with O.e. monosensitization also had symptoms to a great extent outside the season. © 2005 Esmon Publicidad.Item Effects of glucan treatment on the Th1/Th2 balance in patients with allergic rhinitis: A double-blind placebo-controlled study(2005) Kirmaz C.; Bayrak P.; Yilmaz O.; Yuksel H.Background. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease characterized by IgE-mediated, allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. T helper (Th) 2 cells play an important role in the development of IgE-mediated diseases such as AR, with local overproduction of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) at the site of allergic inflammation. Th1 cytokines (IL-12 and IFN-γ) are known to suppress this Th2 immune response, aiding the treatment of these diseases. β-1,3-1,6-glucan (Glucan) is an immunomodulator stimulating particularly the antitumor response. An efficient antitumor stimulation can be achieved through a Th1-mediated immune response. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Glucan on the immunopathogenic processes in the microenvironment to determine if it reverses the Th2-mediated immune response in AR to Th1-mediated response. Methods. 24 Olea europea mono-sensitized patients with AR were randomized into Glucan and placebo groups. The Glucan group consisted of 12 patients who received Glucan treatment for 12 weeks, while the placebo group of 12 patients received placebo during the same period. A nasal provocation test (NPT) with Olea europea was performed at the beginning and end of treatment, and nasal lavage followed the positive NPT. IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ and IL-12 levels and the eosinophil count (%) were measured in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) samples. Simultaneously, peripheral blood eosinophil % values were measured. Results. After treatment, IL-4 and IL-5 levels in NLF from the Glucan group were found to have decreased significantly (p = 0.027, p = 0.04; respectively), while IL-12 levels were found to have significantly increased (p = 0.008). However, IFN-γ levels had not changed. On the other hand, none of the cytokine levels had changed significantly in the placebo group following treatment. Moreover, the percentage of eosinophils in the NLF was found to have decreased significantly after treatment in the Glucan group (p = 0.01), while that of the placebo group did not change. Peripheral blood percentage eosinophil levels had not changed significantly in any group. Conclusion. Th2-originated IL-4 and IL-5 levels responsible for the allergic inflammatory response in the microenvironment of patients with AR, are decreased with Glucan while levels of Th1-originated IL-12 are increased. Moreover, eosinophils, which are important effector cells of the inflammatory response, are decreased in the microenvironment. As a result, Glucan may have a role as an adjunct to standard treatment in patients with AR.Item Calcitonin expression of high endothelial venules during lymphocyte migration in human pharyngeal tonsil(2006) Ozbilgin M.K.; Kirmaz C.; Yüksel H.; Kurtman C.; Kaya M.The migration routes of lymphocytes through high endothelial venules (HEVs) of control and hypertrophic pharyngeal tonsil (HPT) tissue sections were investigated by immunohistochemistry using the expression of a hormone [calcitonin (CT)] and two calcium-dependent endothelial adhesion molecules (E-selectin and P-selectin), as well as electron microscopy. A marked increase in CT-specific staining was observed in the endothelial cells of HEV in the HPT group compared to the control group. Expressions of E-selectin and P-selectin on HEVs of control group were faint, when compared to the strong expression of these selectins on HEVs of HPT. Electron microscopically, we demonstrated that lymphocytes transmigrated through HEV and observed the close membranous contact between endothelial cells and lymphocytes during this process. We speculate that increasing CT during inflammation may be important for lymphocyte migration through the HEVs via controlling the expression of E-selectin and P-selectin.Item Lung involvement in inflammatory bowel diseases [3](King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, 2006) Sarioǧlu N.; Türkel N.; Şakar A.; Ćelik P.; Saruç M.; Demir M.A.; Göktan C.; Kirmaz C.; Yüceyar H.; Yorgancioǧlu A.[No abstract available]Item Frequency of gastroesophageal reflux disease in nonatopic children with asthma-like airway disease(2006) Yüksel H.; Yilmaz O.; Kirmaz C.; Aydogdu S.; Kasirga E.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly associated with asthma; however, frequency in nonatopic children with asthmatic symptoms is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in nonatopic children with asthma-like airway disease that recur despite conventional asthma treatment and to evaluate the clinical response to lansoprazole treatment. Twent-five nonatopic children aged between 1 and 16 years who have asthma-like airway disease and 25 healthy children were included in the study. All cases underwent 24 h pH monitoring with dual sensor catheters. Additionally, acid suppressor treatment was administered to patients diagnosed as having GERD and clinical response was evaluated. Major symptoms encountered in the patient group included wheezing and cough (88%, and 32%, respectively). Reflux episodes were more common in distal esophagus during the prone position (reflux index (RI) of 11.5±10.3 vs. 16.2±9.4 during supine vs. prone). All distal esophageal parameters were significantly higher in the patient group except number of reflux episodes lasting longer than 5 min (RI of 13.3±13.1 vs. 3.9±2.9 in the patient vs. control groups, respectively). There was a significant improvement in symptoms and requirement for medication with treatment (number of systems decreased from 2.3±0.6 to 0.4±0.6, P = 0.00). In conclusion, GERD is significantly more common in nonatopic children with asthma-like airway disease compared to the controls and clinical improvement is significant after acid suppressor treatment. Thus, we suggest that children followed-up with the diagnosis of nonatopic asthma with recurrent exacerbations despite adequate asthma treatment have a high frequency of GER and that lansoprazole treatment may be considered early in management. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Evaluation of sleep quality and anxiety-depression parameters in asthmatic children and their mothers(2007) Yuksel H.; Sogut A.; Yilmaz O.; Demet M.; Ergin D.; Kirmaz C.Background: Having a child with a chronic disease may cause anxiety and depression and impair the sleep quality in the mothers. The aim of this study was to evaluate sleep quality in asthmatic children and their mothers as well as the status of anxiety-depression in the mothers. Methods: Study group consisted of 75 asthmatic children aged between 7 and 16 years (mean±SD 8.4±2.9) and the control group consisted of 46 healthy children aged between 7 and 15 years (mean±SD 9.1±3.6). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was administered to both the children and their mothers while Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was administered only to the mothers. Results: Total PSQI score of the mothers in the asthmatic group was significantly correlated with asthma severity of the children (r=0.49, p=0.00). There was a significant correlation between asthma symptom score and sleep disturbing factors subscore in children with asthma (r=0.34, p=0.01). Moreover, anxiety and depression subscores of the mothers in the asthma group were significantly higher (p=0.02). Conclusion: Asthma may be associated with altered sleep quality in children and their mothers. Similarly, mothers of children with asthma may have disorder of anxiety and depression. Therefore, children with and their mothers need to be assessed for the requirement of support regarding sleep quality and anxiety-depression status. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Pulmonary hemosiderosis with normocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis in a child(PI-ME Tipografia Editrice S.r.l., 2007) Yuksel H.; Yilmaz O.; Savas R.; Kirmaz C.; Sogut A.; Özalp S.Pulmonary hemosiderosis is rarely associated with urticarial vaculitis especially if normocomplementemic. An eigth year old girl presented with relapsing and remitting chronic and persistent urticarial lesions, conjunctival injection, recurrent cough and hemoptysis. Respiratory findings started at seven years of age. Physical examination revealed diffuse skin lesions mainly settled on the extremites, nonpurulent conjunctival injection, rare ronchi and fine crackles in bilateral lower zones of the lungs. Biopsy of the urticaria like skin lesions demonstrated leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Rheumatological markers were negative. Levels of complement fractions 3 and 4 were normal. Chest x-ray demonstrated diffuse alveolar infiltrative images. High Resolution Computed Tomography of the chest revealed diffuse ground-glass appearance, increased interstitial density. Diagnostic flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed hemosiderin laden alveolar macrophages. She was started on systemic corticosteroid treatment. During follow up, pulmonary symptoms disappeared, however skin lesions and conjunctival symptoms persisted and exacerbated four times in two years. CT of lungs after two years of treatment revealed rare patchy areas of ground glass appearance in bilateral lower lobes and right upper lobe as well as a few of milimetric pleural nodules. This patient is still followed up under low dose steroids and pulmonary findings regressed but low grade inflammation due to vasculitis is thought to continue as supported by the persistence of tomographic findings in the lungs despite the absence of any symptoms. This case demonstrates association of urticarial vasculitis and pulmonary hemosiderosis in the setting of normocomplementemia.Item Influence of the selective oestrogen receptor modulator (raloxifene hydrochloride) on IL-6, TNFα, TGF-β1 and bone turnover markers in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis(2007) Özmen B.; Kirmaz C.; Aydin K.; Kafesciler S.O.; Guclu F.; Hekimsoy Z.Background. Osteoporosis that is encountered frequently in postmenopausal women, may cause an increased incidence of vertebral and iliac fractures that are associated with excess morbidity. Raloxifene hydrochloride, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, has been shown to increase bone mineral density and decrease biochemical markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women, without stimulatory effects on breast or uterus. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, and TNF-α and TGF-β1 which are important cytokines involved in remodeling, have been evaluated previously in in vitro studies of osteoporosis. However, there seems to be a paucity of in vivo research concerned with changes in these cytokines in osteoporosis. Objective. In this study, we evaluated the effects of raloxifene (Evista®; Lilly Pharmaceutical Co. USA, 60 mg/day) on biochemical bone turnover markers, serum parathyroid hormone, and 25-OH vitamin D, as well as the serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β1, in 22 postmenopausal, osteoporotic women before and after 12 weeks of raloxifene treatment. Methods. Well-matched, postmenopausal, non-osteoporotic control subjects were also enrolled in the study. Serum levels of all the parameters were measured in postmenopausal, osteoporotic women at baseline and end of the study. Results. It was found that serum osteocalcin and parathyroid hormone, and urine deoxypyridinoline levels decreased to normal levels with treatment. Serum 25-OH vitamin D levels after treatment in the patient group were higher than those in the control group. Serum IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β1 levels did not change significantly with treatment. However, serum levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1 in the patient group after treatment, decreased to levels lower than those found in the control group. Serum TNF-α levels in the patient group before and after treatment, were lower than those in the control group. Conclusion. Raloxifene treatment reduces bone turnover biochemical markers, parathyroid hormone and induces 25-OH vitamin D in postmenopausal women. Moreover, it also affects some serum cytokine levels in the postmenopausal period.Item Increased expression of tissue vascular endothelial growth factor and foetal liver kinase-1 receptor in seasonal allergic rhinitis and relevance to asthma component(2007) Yuksel H.; Kose C.; Yilmaz O.; Ozbilgin K.; Degirmenci P.B.; Pinar E.; Kirmaz C.Background: There is a difference in the extent of remodelling in allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. This may be attributed to the difference in local tissue response to these mediators. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor foetal liver kinase (Flk)-1 expression between seasonal AR patients with or without asthma and non-allergic controls as well as that between AR patients with and without asthma. Methods: Thirteen subjects with seasonal AR and six non-allergic controls were included in the study. Allergic sensitization was demonstrated by a skin prick test. Inferior turbinate thiny biopsies were obtained from both groups. Monoclonal mouse antibodies were used to demonstrate VEGF and Flk-1. Nasal mucosal endothelial cells' staining intensity was graded semi-quantitatively and the histochemical score (HSCORE) was calculated. In all samples, VEGF- and Flk-1-labelled vessels were counted for the assessment of vascular surface density (VSD). Results: The mean HSCORE for VEGF and anti-VEGF-based VSD were significantly higher in the patient group (P=0.001 and 0.002, respectively). The mean HSCORE for Flk-1 and anti-Flk-1-based VSD in the patient group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P=0.016 and 0.028, respectively). Differences between the mean HSCORE for VEGF and anti-VEGF-based VSD in patients with pure AR and AR and asthma were insignificant (P=0.16 and 0.39, respectively). The mean HSCORE for Flk-1 and anti-Flk-1-based VSD in patients with pure AR were significantly lower than those in patients with AR and asthma (P=0.004 and 0.018, respectively). Conclusion: Angiogenic factor VEGF and its receptor Flk-1 is increased in AR. A similar increase in VEGF in AR with and without asthma despite a higher Flk-1 in AR patients with asthma may be a possible explanation for the presence of angiogenesis in the airway wall in patients with asthma but not in those with pure AR. © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.Item Is pulmonary arterial pressure affected by allergic rhinitis with nasal obstruction?(2007) Bayrak P.; Kirmaz C.; Sekuri C.; Yuksel H.Obstructive pathologies of the pulmonary tract may cause various levels of hypoxia. To compensate for the hypoxia, pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary arterial flow may increase. We investigated 35 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR) whether hypoxia caused by AR with a high level of obstruction in the airways may lead to an increased pulmonary arterial pressure. An echocardiographical evaluation was made following the determination of the symptomatic and non-symptomatic symptom scores. We found a positive correlation between the symptom scores both in the symptomatic and non-symptomatic periods, nasal obstruction scores and the mean pulmonary arterial pressures during these periods. Further studies with more cases are needed in order to determine the cardiac effects of hypoxia in AR, mainly pulmonary arterial hypertension.Item Lower respiratory tract complications during nasal provocation: Nonspecific stimulant or specific allergen?(American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 2007) Kirmaz C.; Degirmenci P.B.; Tunali D.; Yuksel H.Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergic inflammatory disease in which allergen exposure leads to the appearance of symptoms in sensitized individuals because of histamine liberation from nasal mucosal mast cells. Comorbidity of this disease with allergic asthma is common. Therefore, the one airway one disease theory has been put forward. Lower respiratory tract provocation tests with both nonspecific (methacholine) and specific stimulants (allergen) have yielded positive results in nonasthmatic patients with AR. However, not enough research is available to demonstrate whether there is a response in the lower respiratory tract during nasal provocation tests (NPTs) performed to evaluate only nasal airway in these patients. Objectives: To determine if the lower respiratory tract was affected as a result of NPTs with nonspecific and specific stimulants in nonasthmatic patients with AR and to determine the frequency of lower respiratory tract obstruction due to NPT with nonspecific and specific stimulants. Methods: Thirty-six participants were enrolled in the study between November 2005 and January 2006 (18 AR patients and 18 healthy control subjects). Patients underwent 2 sessions of NPT. The first session was performed with nasal methacholine as a nonspecific stimulant, and the second session was performed with nasal Olea europaea extract as a specific stimulant. The control group underwent only nonspecific nasal provocation with methacholine. Basal nasal opening and nasal pressures were evaluated spirometrically by rhinomanometric measurements and basal respiratory function tests in both groups before methacholine nasal provocation. Whether or not nasal provocation was achieved, spirometric measurements were performed in all patients and controls after NPTs. Results: NPTs with methacholine resulted in a similar frequency of nasal provocation in the patient and control groups (P = .63). However, the mean methacholine dose was lower in patients with AR (P = .049). There was a decrease in parameters of asthma, including the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (P = .04), peak expiratory flow (P = .01), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% (P = .004), as a result of NPTs with methacholine in the patient group. However, NPTs with allergen did not cause a change in lower respiratory tract obstruction criteria. Conclusions: Lower respiratory tract obstruction can occur after NPTs with nonspecific stimulants; therefore, tests performed with specific allergens can be regarded as safer.Item Nasal mucosal expression of nitric oxide synthases in patients with allergic rhinitis and its relation to asthma(American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 2008) Yuksel H.; Kirmaz C.; Yilmaz O.; Pinar E.; Vatansever S.; Degirmenci P.B.; Ozbilgin K.Background: Nitric oxide (NO) has contradictory roles in the pathophysiology of allergic inflammation in both allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. Small amounts of NO produced by constitutive NO synthase (NOS) is anti-inflammatory, whereas large amounts produced by inducible NOS (iNOS) are proinflammatory. Objective: To investigate the difference in constitutive endothelial NOS (eNOS) and iNOS expression in nonallergic and allergic mucosa and the possible relation of this to the coexistence of asthma in seasonal AR. Methods: Seventeen patients (10 women and 7 men) with seasonal AR and 9 nonallergic patients (5 women and 4 men) with nasal septum deviation were enrolled. Inferior turbinate nasal biopsy specimens were obtained in all. Levels of eNOS and iNOS expressed as immunohistochemical scores (HSCOREs) were determined immunohistochemically from the specimens. Results: The mean ± SD HSCOREs for eNOS in patients with seasonal AR were not significantly different from those of the nonallergic controls (1.85 ± 0.78 vs 1.63 ± 0.54; P = .12). On the other hand, the mean ± SD HSCOREs for iNOS were significantly higher in patients with seasonal AR (1.75 ± 0.75 vs 0.71 ± 0.6; P = .004). Furthermore, although eNOS expression was not different between seasonal AR patients with and without asthma, the mean ± SD HSCOREs for iNOS were significantly higher in the patients with asthma (1.93 ± 0.78 vs 1.65 ± 0.55; P = .01). Conclusion: Increased expression of iNOS might have a role in the development of allergic inflammation in upper and lower airways and in comorbidity of AR and asthma.Item Down-regulation of the auto-aggressive processes in patients with hypothyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis following substitutive treatment with L-thyroxine(2009) Guclu F.; Ozmen B.; Kirmaz C.; Kafesciler S.O.; Degirmenci P.B.; Taneli F.; Hekimsoy Z.Background. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a chronic, organ-specific autoimmune disease. It is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism during the adolescent period, via autoimmune thyroid tissue destruction, affecting 2% of the population. The pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis involves a complex interaction between predisposing genetic and environmental factors. Objective. In this study, we wanted to investigate the role of cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 and IFN-γ in the pathogenesis of the disease, and the changes to cytokine levels brought about by treatment with L-thyroxine. Methods. Sixty five female patients, aged 18-73 years with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, referred to the Celal Bayar University Medical Faculty Endocrinology out-patients clinic, were included in this study. After a 10-12 week period of L-thyroxine treatment, all patients were restored to the euthyroid state. At the beginning and end of the treatment period, serum-free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), autoantibodies against thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) levels were measured using a chemiluminecent, immunometric method, and cytokine levels were measured using ELISA. Results. There was a statistically significant decrease in the serum levels of TSH (p < 0.0001) and a concomitant increase in FT4 serum levels (p < 0.0001). Also, during the post-treatment period, serum levels of anti-Tg (p < 0.01) and anti-TPO (p < 0.001) were significantly lower than during the pre-treatment period. A statistically significant decrease was shown for interleukin (IL)-12 serum levels during the post-treatment period (p < 0.001). However, the decrease in interferon (IFN)-γ serum levels was not statistically significant (p = 0.276). On the other hand, no change was demonstrated in serum IL-2 and IL-4 levels (p = 0.953 and p = 0.313, respectively) after treatment with L-thyroxine. Conclusion. Considering that our study involved a 10-12 week period of treatment, the statistically significant decrease in serum IL-12 levels, and the statistically non-significant decrease in IFN-γ levels, might indicate that a T helper type 1 inflammatory process had been halted or slowed down.