Browsing by Author "Onur, E"

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    Analysis of the association of chronic spontaneous urticaria with interlekin-4,-10, transforming growth factor-β1, interferon-γ, interleukin-17A and-23 by autologous serum skin test
    Degirmenci, PB; Kirmaz, C; Vatansever, S; Onur, E; Nal, E; Erdin, S; Ozyurt, B
    Aim: To contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) by identifying its relationship with autoimmunity and cytokines using the autologous serum skin test (ASST) and peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture (PBMC) method. Material and methods: Interleukins (IL)-4, IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF-(31), interferon (IFN)-gamma, IL-17A, and IL-23 levels in cell supernatants obtained by the PBMC method were measured using ELISA. Disease activity was assessed by determining the urticaria activity score (UAS). Results: A total of 40 patients diagnosed with CSU participated in this study. Twenty patients had positive ASST results, and 20 had negative results. The control group included 20 healthy volunteers. We found that the IL-23 (p = 0.01), IL-10 (p = 0.04) and IL-4 (p = 0.04) levels of the patient groups were significantly lower compared with those of the control group. The IL-23 (p = 0.009), IL-10 (p = 0.009), IL-4 (p = 0.001), and IL-17 (p = 0.05) levels of the ASST(-) patient group were significantly lower compared with those of the control group. In addition, the IL-4 (p = 0.03) and IFN-gamma (p = 0.05) levels of the ASST(+) patient group were significantly lower compared with those of the control group, and the ASST(+) patients had a significantly higher UAS than the ASST(-) patients (p = 0.021). Conclusions: These results, when considered together with current reports in the literature, indicate that immune dysregulation occurs in the pathogenesis of CSU, causing cytokine imbalance.
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    Comparison of sprint interval and continuous endurance training on oxidative stress and antioxidant adaptations in young healthy adults
    Nalcakan, GR; Onur, E; Oran, A; Varol, SR
    Background: Different intensities of exercise induce varying levels of reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress. However, regular physical training enhances the antioxidant system and protects tissues by oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the difference in markers between time-efficient low-volume high-intensity interval (sprint interval training: SIT) and traditional high-volume low-intensity methods (continuous endurance training: CET) regarding oxidative stress and antioxidant levels. Material and methods: Fifteen male volunteers were divided into two groups according to their VO(2)max levels. The SIT program consisted of 4-6 Wingate all-out sprints with a 4.5 min recovery, while CET consisted of 30-50 min cycling at 60% VO(2)max for seven weeks. Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were examined in pre and post-intervention. Results: Increases in GSH-Px (30% vs. 55%), TOS (33% vs. 18%) and a significant decrease in MDA (8.6%, p<0.003; 6.8%, p<0.016) in CET and SIT were observed, respectively. By contrast, TAS decreased (62%) after CET and increased (17%) after SIT. No significant differences in these parameters were reported after the training period between SIT and CET groups. Conclusions: SIT was suggested as a safe exercise model to improve general health and the performance of traditional CET.
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    Regulatory-T, T-Helper 1, and T-Helper 2 Cell Differentiation in Nasal Mucosa of Allergic Rhinitis with Olive Pollen Sensitivity
    Sogut, A; Yilmaz, O; Kirmaz, C; Ozbilgin, K; Onur, E; Celik, O; Pinar, E; Vatansever, S; Dinc, G; Yuksel, H
    Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease in which T-helper (Th)2 response is predominant and its pathogenic mechanism is still poorly understood. Aim: To evaluate the possible role of Th1, Th2 and regulatory-T (Treg) cells in the pathogenesis of AR. Methods: This case-control study enrolled 41 patients with seasonal AR (10-62 years old), sensitive to olive pollens, and 15 healthy controls (18-60 years old). Nasal biopsy was performed and specimens of nasal lavage fluid were obtained from all participants. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-gamma and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) were measured in nasal lavage fluid specimens. The expression of FOXP3, GATA-3 and T-bet was measured by immunohistochemical methods in the nasal biopsy specimens. Results: The levels of IFN-gamma in the group with AR were significantly lower than those in the control group (p = 0.008). The levels of IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-beta did not differ between the two groups. The expression of FOXP3 and T-bet in patients with AR was significantly lower than that in the control group (both p = 0.001). Expression of GATA-3 in the nasal mucosa was similar between the groups (p = 0.2). The ratios of T-bet/GATA-3 and FOXP3/GATA-3 in the AR group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Insufficient Treg and Th1 cells may be associated with the allergic inflammation that may be attributed to the Th2 immune response in patients suffering from AR who are sensitive to olive pollen. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel
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    Effects of allergen specific immunotherapy on functions of Th and Treg cells in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis
    Kirmaz, C; Kirgiz, O; Degirmenci, P; Yilmaz, Ö; Vatansever, S; Ozbilgin, K; Onur, E; Celik, O; Sogut, A; Ay, G; Yuksel, H
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    The evaluation of pretreatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and derived neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in patients with laryngeal neoplasms
    Eskiizmir, G; Uz, U; Onur, E; Ozyurt, B; Cikrikci, GK; Sahin, N; Oran, A; Celik, O
    Introduction: Systemic inflammatory biomarkers are promising predictive and prognostic factors for solid cancers. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and derived neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio are used to predict inflammation and used as biomarker in several malignancies. Objective: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the diagnostic, predictive and prognostic role of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and derived neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in patients with laryngeal neoplasms. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on medical records involving 229 patients with benign, premalignant and malignant laryngeal neoplasms between 2002 and 2015. The diagnostic, predictive and prognostic role of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and derived neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were evaluated using uni- and multivariate analysis. Results: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and derived neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were not statistically different between patients with benign, premalignant and malignant laryngeal neoplasms. Both neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and derived neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were predictive factors for stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. Patients with high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio value (>= 4) had a poor prognosis when compared with patients with low neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio value (5 year, Overall Survival: 69.0% vs. 31.1%, p < 0.001; 5 year, disease free survival: 70.0% vs. 32.7%, p < 0.001; 5 year, locoregional recurrence free survival: 69.7% vs. 32.0%, p <0.001). Furthermore, neutrophi [-lymphocyte ratio was an independent prognostic factor for 5 year: Overall survival (HR = 2.396; 95% CI 1.408-4.077; p = 0.001), Disease free survival (HR= 2.246; 95% CI 1.322-3.816; p =0.006) and locoregional recurrence free survival (HR =2.210; 95% CI 1.301-3.753; p= 0.003). Conclusion: Pretreatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is a useful and reliable predictive and prognostic biomarker for patients with laryngeal carcinoma. (C) 2018 Associacao Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cervico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.
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    Oxidative stress markers, cognitive functions, and psychosocial functioning in bipolar disorder: an empirical cross-sectional study
    Aydemir, Ö; Çubukçuoglu, Z; Erdin, S; Tas, C; Onur, E; Berk, M
    Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress markers and cognitive functions and domains of psychosocial functioning in bipolar disorder. Methods: Oxidative stress markers, cognitive functions, and domains of psychosocial functioning were evaluated in 51 patients with bipolar disorder who were in remission. Correlation analyses between these parameters were calculated with data controlled for duration of illness and number of episodes. Results: There was no statistically significant correlation between oxidative stress markers and cognitive functions. In terms of psychosocial functioning, significant correlations were found between malondialdehyde and sense of stigmatization (r = -0.502); household activities and superoxide dismutase (r = 0.501); participation in social activities and nitric oxide (r = 0.414); hobbies and leisure time activities and total glutathione (r = -0.567), superoxide dismutase (r = 0.667), and neurotrophin 4 (r = 0.450); and taking initiative and self-sufficiency and superoxide dismutase (r = 0.597). There was no correlation between other domains of psychosocial functioning and oxidative stress markers. Conclusion: These results imply that oxidative stress markers do not appear to correlate clearly with cognitive impairment and reduced psychosocial functioning. However, there were some associations between selected oxidative markers and activity-oriented functional markers. This may represent a true negative association, or may be an artifact of oxidative stress being a state rather than a trait marker.
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    Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels and diabetes duration: Relationship with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiac function in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes
    Ersoy, B; Eroglu, N; Çetin, M; Onur, E; Özkol, M; Coskun, S
    Aims: We aimed to evaluate asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in young patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus according to diabetes duration and to examine the relationship between these levels and measures of atherosclerosis and myocardial function. Materials and methods: In total, 83 patients (8.5-22years) with Type 1 diabetes mellitus were stratified by diabetes duration: 12-60months (Group 1, n=27), >60-120months (Group 2, n=29) and >120months (Group 3, n=27). Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were assessed. Carotid intima-media thickness was measured. Myocardial function was assessed by M-mode, conventional Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Results: Asymmetric dimethylarginine level was significantly higher in Group 1, while carotid intima-media thickness was significantly greater in Group 3 (p<0.05). Tissue Doppler echocardiography showed the ratio of peak early to peak late diastolic myocardial annular velocity decreased significantly in Groups 2 and 3 with a negative correlation with duration (r: -0.310, p=0.004) and HBA1c levels (r=-0.391, p<0.001). Myocardial performance index in all groups and isovolumic relaxation time in Group 3 increased significantly. Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were negatively correlated with carotid intima-media thickness and isovolumic relaxation time (p<0.05). Conclusion: In contrast to adult diabetics, asymmetric dimethylarginine concentration decreases as diabetes duration increases in young Type 1 diabetic patients and is associated with worsening measures of cardiovascular risk and poorer diastolic function.
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    Oxidative stress impairs endothelial nitric oxide levels in Behcets' disease
    Onur, E; Kabaroglu, C; Inanir, I; Var, A; Guvenc, Y; Gunay, O; Gunduz, K
    Background: Behcet's disease (BD) is an inflammatory vasculitis. Endogenous nitric oxide (NO), produced by endothelial cells, has pleiotropic effects such as vasodilatator, antiplatelet, antiproliferative. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced at sites of endothelial inflammation. ROS target polyunsaturated lipids, which results in malondialdehyde (MDA) production. Objective: The aim was to investigate the oxidative stress in BD patients by measuring MDA and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels and to establish a possible relationship with respect to NO levels regarding disease activity. Materials and methods: 55 BD patients (30 active/25 inactive) and 20 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Blood samples were drawn following an overnight fasting. TAS and MDA levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Serum nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) levels were measured to estimate NO production. Data were expressed as mean +/- SD. Results: TAS levels were significantly lower in BD patients than the controls (1.19 +/- 0.34 vs. 3.29 +/- 0.89 mmol/L). In the active BD group, MDA levels (0.36 +/- 0.19 nmol/mL) were significantly higher than both the inactive BD group (0.25 +/- 0.18 nmol/mL) and controls (0.18 +/- 0.41 nmol/mL). NO levels were significantly lower in the active group compared to the inactive group (18.0 +/- 2.80 vs. 19.40 +/- 2.70 mu mol/L). MDA levels correlated negatively with NO levels in the active group. Conclusion: Decreased NO levels mediated by increased oxidative stress significantly contribute to endothelial dysfunction observed in BD.
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    Vitamin D Levels in Overweight/Obese Adults With and Without Metabolic Syndrome
    Karatas, S; Hekimsoy, Z; Dinc, G; Onur, E; Ozmen, B
    Background: Vitamin D role is not only associated with mineral metabolism and bone health but also in globally important diseases such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. The aims of this observational study were to investigate: 1) 25(OH) vitamin D levels in overweight/obese persons with and without metabolic syndrome and compare these with levels in healthy subjects, 2) the relationship between serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels and metabolic syndrome components such as body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid parameters and insulin resistance: Homeostasis Model Assesment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Methods: Participants (n = 287) were 94 overweight/obese adults with metabolic syndrome, 120 overweight/obese adults without metabolic syndrome, and 73 non-obese healthy subjects (controls). Overweight/obese subjects were classified as metabolic syndrome (MetS) positive according to the recent International Diabetes Federation criteria. HOMA-IR was calculated as serum glucose (mg/dL) x insulin level (mu U/mL)/405. Vitamin D nutritional status was assessed as deficient if 25(OH) vitamin D levels were < 20 ng/mL, insufficient if = 20 - < 30 ng/mL, and sufficient if = 30 ng/mL. Results: Serum 25(OH) vitamin D deficiency, defined as a level < 20 ng/mL, was more common in overweight/obese adults with (72%) and without (69%) metabolic syndrome than in controls (49%) (P = 0.006). Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels were significantly lower in overweight/obese metabolic syndrome adults (16.8 +/- 7.3 ng/mL) and overweight/obese non-metabolic syndrome adults (18.3 +/- 8.6 ng/mL) than healthy subjects (21.2 +/- 8.9 ng/mL, P = 0.001). A negative relationship was found between serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels and body mass index (r = -0.159, P = 0.007) and serum triglyceride levels (r = -0.149, P = 0.012). Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels correlated inversely (not statistically significant) to waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR, and blood pressure, but positively (not statistically significant) to HDL cholesterol levels. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is very common in overweight/obese adults, more so than in healthy controls. Vitamin D deficiency is not more common in those with metabolic syndrome than in those without. Reduced 25(OH) vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome.
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    Evidence of associations between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels and gene polymorphisms with tinnitus
    Coskunoglu, A; Orenay-Boyacioglu, S; Deveci, A; Bayam, M; Onur, E; Onan, A; Cam, FS
    Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene polymorphisms are associated with abnormalities in regulation of BDNF secretion. Studies also linked BDNF polymorphisms with changes in brainstem auditory-evoked response test results. Furthermore, BDNF levels are reduced in tinnitus, psychiatric disorders, depression, dysthymic disorder that may be associated with stress, conversion disorder, and suicide attempts due to crises of life. For this purpose, we investigated whether there is any role of BDNF changes in the pathophysiology of tinnitus. Materials and Methods: In this study, we examined the possible effects of BDNF variants in individuals diagnosed with tinnitus for more than 3 months. Fifty-two tinnitus subjects between the ages of 18 and 55, and 42 years healthy control subjects in the same age group, who were free of any otorhinolaryngology and systemic disease, were selected for examination. The intensity of tinnitus and depression was measured using the tinnitus handicap inventory, and the differential diagnosis of psychiatric diagnoses made using the Structured Clinical Interview for Fourth Edition of Mental Disorders. BDNF gene polymorphism was analyzed in the genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples extracted from the venous blood, and the serum levels of BDNF were measured. One-way analysis of variance and Chi-squared tests were applied. Results: Serum BDNF level was found lower in the tinnitus patients than controls, and it appeared that there is no correlation between BDNF gene polymorphism and tinnitus. Conclusions: This study suggests neurotrophic factors such as BDNF may have a role in tinnitus etiology. Future studies with larger sample size may be required to further confirm our results.
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    Acute oxidative stress and antioxidant status responses following an American football match
    Nalçakan, GR; Nalçakan, M; Var, A; Taneli, F; Ulman, C; Güvenç, Y; Onur, E; Karamizrak, O
    Aim. Intense physical activity is known to induce oxidative stress. Though regular physical training enhances the antioxidant defence system, the effects of diminished training periods are unclear. American football is one of the recently popular sports in Turkiye and is defined as a mixed activity. The aim of the research was to examine some markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in occasionally competitive American football players following a match, and relations with aerobic power and playing position. Methods. Twenty two male players volunteered for the study. To determine oxidative stress and antioxidant status from blood samples collected before and immediately following a match, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and total antioxidant status (TAS) were assessed, using spectrophotometric methods. Wilcoxon's signed rank test was used to determine the match effect, and Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare playing position and VO(2)max effects. Results. Plasma MDA (P<0.001) and NO (P<0.05) levels increased significantly following the match. Antioxidant parameters were unchanged. following the match when compared with the resting level, except for a VO2max related effect (P<0.05) on TAS. Conclusion. Collected data revealed that an American football match caused excessive production of free radicals and oxidative stress. The training loads players underwent were not high enough to cause positive effects on the antioxidant status. To enhance training-induced antioxidant status adaptation, higher amounts of physical activity may be required.
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    The relationship between ultrasonographically measured testicular volumes and cord blood inhibin B concentrations in healthy term male neonates
    Ersoy, B; Ovali, GY; Canda, E; Onur, E; Ozyurt, BC; Tansug, N
    Serum inhibin B (INHB) concentrations are associated with testicular volumes (TV) in all periods of childhood. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between TV measured by ultrasonography (US) and cord blood inhibin B and total testosterone (TT) concentrations, stratified by mode of delivery. In total 90 male infants were included. Testes of healthy, term newborns were evaluated by US on the third day after delivery. TV were calculated using two formulae: The ellipsoid formula [length (mm) x width (mm2) x & pi;/6] and Lambert formula [length (mm) x width (mm) x height (mm) x 0.71]. Cord blood was taken for the determination of total testosterone (TT) and INHB. TT and INHB concentrations were evaluated according to TV percentiles (<10th, 10th-90th, >90th). There was a strong positive correlation between mean TV calculated with both formulae by percentile group (r = 0.777, r = 0.804, r = 0.846; p < 0.001). Cord blood INHB, but not TT were significantly lower in newborns with TV < 10th percentile compared to those with TV between 10 and 90th percentile and > 90th percentile (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between left and right TV calculated by either formula, and cord blood INHB (r = 0.212, 0.313, 0.320, 0.246, p < 0.05), not TT. There was no significant difference between hormones and TV when grouped by mode of delivery (p > 0.05). The Lambert and ellipsoid formulas are equally reliable in calculating neonatal testicular by ultrasound. INHB concentration is high in cord blood and positively correlated with neonatal TV. Cord blood INHB concentration may be an indicator for early detection of testicular structure and function disorders in neonates.
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    Biochemical changes representing oxidative stress on brain tissue due to intraabdominal hypertension in a rat model
    Karabekir, HS; Guzey, FK; Balci, C; Guvenc, Y; Onur, E; Akbulut, G; Serteser, M
    Introduction: Intraabdominal hypertension affects the central nervous system in addition to respiratory, renal and cardiovascular systems. This effect that, investigated in detail by clinical and experimental studies, is due to the increase of intracranial pressure and decrease of cerebral perfusion pressure caused by the increase of intrathoracic pressure and increase of pressure of great veins. However, no study has been found on biochemical changes on central nervous tissue due to intraabdomial hypertension. Material and methods: Thirty rats were divided into three groups containing 10 animals: sham group, study group I and study group II. In group 1, intraabdominal pressure was elevated to 20 mmHg, and in group 11, it was elevated to 30 mmHg for 60 minutes. Intracranial pressures (ICP) in all animals were monitored. Values of biochemical parameters including thiobarbituric acid, nitrite oxide, xanthine oxidase, protein carbonyls and protein sulfhydryl in cortical, subcortical, cerebellar and spinal cord tissues were compared with the corresponding values in sham rats. Results: Thiobarbituric acid (0.58 +/- 0.8 and 0.76 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.23 +/- 0.03, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001), nitrite oxide (3.11 +/- 0.10 and 8.4 +/- 0.54 vs. 1.52 +/- 0.18, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001), xantine oxiclase (1.55 +/- 0.11 and 3.01 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.32 +/- 0.09, p < 0.001) and carbonyl levels (1.41 +/- 0.01 and 1.69 +/- 0.01 vs. 1.22 +/- 0.03, p < 0.001) of the various central nervous system regions and ICP were increased. SH levels (92.60 +/- 2.50 and 74.60 +/- 3.80 vs. 139.20 +/- 4.72, p < 0.001) were decreased after intraabdominal hypertension, and higher IAP generally caused more detrimental effects on these parameters. The levels of spinal cord and cerebellum samples were significantly worse in the study groups for most of the markers. Conclusions: Intraabdominal hypertension may cause biochemical changes representing oxidative stress on various regions of central nervous system even 60 minutes after increase of intraabdominal pressure, and higher IAH causes more detrimental effects. Most prominent effects were seen in spinal cord and cerebellar tissue suggesting that compression of lumbar vertebral venous pressure might have a rote in addition to increase of ICP due to increase of pressure of great veins caused by increase of intrathoracic pressure.
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    Effects of allergen-specific immunotherapy on functions of helper and regulatory T cells in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis
    Kirmaz, C; Kirgiz, OO; Bayrak, P; Yilmaz, O; Vatansever, S; Ozbilgin, K; Onur, E; Celik, O; Sogut, A; Ay, G; Yuksel, H
    Background. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is characterized by a helper T (Th)2 cell-mediated immune response at the target site. There is a relative Th1 and/or regulatory T (Treg) cell insufficiency in patients with SAR. It has been demonstrated that there is a change in the balance between these cells after allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT), which is a curative treatment modality for this disease. However, there are few studies that evaluate the number and function of these cells in the inflammatory area after SIT treatment. Objective. We aimed to investigate the distribution of Th1, Th2 and Treg cells in nasal biopsies and lavage fluid (NLF) specimens from patients with SAR, before and after SIT. Methods. Twenty-four, symptomatic SAR patients sensitized to Olea europeae, were enrolled in the study prior to treatment. Fifteen, non-allergic subjects with nasal septum deviation, who needed surgical treatment, served as the control group. NLF and inferior turbinate biopsies were obtained from both groups during the pollen season. Conventional, subcutaneous SIT with Olea europeae extract was initiated in patients with SAR. One year after the first biopsy, biopsies and NLF specimens were again obtained for reevaluation. All biopsies were evaluated for Th1, Th2 and Treg cell counts by means of their transcription factors (T-bet, GATA-3 and FoxP3) using an immunohistochemical analysis method. Additionally, all NLF specimens were evaluated for the functions of these cells, by means of their specific cytokines, using an ELISA method. Results. When the basal status of those patients with SAR was evaluated based on transcription factors, prior to treatment, Th1 and Treg cells were found to be fewer than in non-allergic controls (p=0.001 for both T-bet and FoxP3). It was demonstrated that numbers of GATA-3-carrying cells, which are a marker for Th2, were not significantly different between the groups (p=0.276), but evaluation of the Th1/Th2 ratio revealed a relative Th2 dominance in patients with SAR prior to treatment. When evaluated on the basis of cytokine levels, it was observed that Th1-originated IFN-gamma was lower in patients with SAR compared to the control group, both before and after treatment (p=0.012 for both comparisons), Th2-originated IL-4 levels were not significantly different between the groups either before or after treatment (p=0.649, p=0.855; respectively). Th2- and Treg cell-originated IL-10 levels were higher in patients with SAR before treatment (p=0.033), but this difference was not statistically signifact following treatment compared with controls (p=0.174). Treg cell-originated TGF-beta levels were slightly lower in patients with SAR compared to the controls, although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.178, p=0.296; respectively). None of the above mentioned cytokine levels changed significantly as a result of SIT. Conclusion. The results of our study indicate that although clinical findings improve after one year of SIT, this duration may not be sufficient to detect changes in cytokine patterns and transcription factors. Further studies that evaluate outcome over a longer duration of treatment would provide valuable information.
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    Vitamin D status among adults in the Aegean region of Turkey
    Hekimsoy, Z; Dinç, G; Kafesçiler, S; Onur, E; Güvenç, Y; Pala, T; Güçlü, F; Özmen, B
    Background: Vitamin D is a lipid-soluble hormone found in certain foods and synthesized from precursors in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light. Vitamin D plays a critical role in bone metabolism and many cellular and immunological processes and low levels have been associated with several chronic and infectious diseases. Vitamin D status is assessed by measuring the concentration of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Vitamin D deficiency is reported to be common worldwide, but little has been reported about the vitamin D status of adults in Turkey. In this cross-sectional study, we determined the prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in adults residing in a city in the Aegean region of Turkey. Methods: A survey was conducted on a representative sample of adults over 20 years old in a non-coastal city at the end of the winter season. Of the 209 households selected by random sampling, 8.6% (n = 18) were unoccupied and 21.5% (n = 45) refused to participate. Blood samples were taken and questions about medical history, vitamin supplementation, sunlight exposure, and dietary calcium and vitamin D intake were asked in face-to-face interviews of 391 adults living in the remaining households. Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 16.9 +/- 13.09 ng/mL, with 74.9% of the subjects having 25(OH)D deficiency (<20 ng/mL), 13.8% having insufficiency (20-29.99 ng/mL), and 11.3% of the subjects having sufficient 25(OH)D (>= 30 ng/mL) levels. 25(OH)D deficiency was more common among females (78.7%) than males (66.4%, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Adults living in an urban, non-coastal setting in Turkey have a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.
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    Association Between Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy and EFHC1 Gene Mutations of 662 G>A and 685 T>C
    Büyük, I; Tugrul, B; Yilmaz, H; Onur, E; Vatandas, G; Dogan Bozyigit, F
    Objective: Idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) is an epilepsy form without an underlying brain lesion or neurological indication or symptom. Recent investigations on the genetic origins of IGE and its subtypes report that certain mutations of various ion and non-ion channel genes in the central nervous system may be associated with IGE. Among these mutations, the ones related to the non-ionic channel gene EFHC1 are controversial (545G>A, 685T>C, 628G>A 757G>T, 229C>A, 662G>A, 520A>G, 776G>A, 829C>T). In this study we investigated the relationship between IGE and 662G>A (R221H) and 685T>C (F229L) mutations in EFHC1 gene in a Turkish population. Material and Methods: The study enrolled 96 healthy volunteers (47 male, 49 female) and 96 IGE patients (41 male, 55 female). IGE diagnosis was confirmed in the neurology department. After venous blood sampling, DNA extractions were performed. The presence of 662G>A (R221H) and 685T>C (F229L) mutations in the exon 4 of EFHC1 gene were analyzed using Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Cobas, Roche Diagnostics, Germany). The results of the control and patient groups were compared statistically. Results: In the patient group there was one heterozygous male with 685T>C mutation. In the control group, there were two subjects with 685T>C mutation; one heterozygous male and one heterozygous female. The control and the patient groups did not have the 662G>A mutation. The difference between the patient and the control groups were not significant (p value for 685 T>C mutation=0.56062; p value for 662G>A mutation=1.00). Conclusion: We found no evidence that EFHC1 is a major genetic factor for the development of IGE in Turkish patients. Our results indicated that 685T>C and 662G>A mutations might not be associated with IJE.
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    Atherosclerosis risk factors in children of parents with the metabolic syndrome
    Akinci, G; Coskun, S; Akinci, B; Hekimsoy, Z; Bayindir, P; Onur, E; Ozmen, B
    Background: Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of disorders that produces a high risk of atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction is the key event in atherosclerosis and already present even in the childhood. The aim of the present study is to investigate inflammatory and radiological signs of atherosclerosis in children who have parents with the metabolic syndrome. Design and methods: Fifty children of parents with the metabolic syndrome and 38 age- and sex-matched controls were studied. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure assessment, echocardiography, flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) which is a non-invasive test for the evaluation of endothelial function and fasting blood measurements including blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, hsCRP and soluble CD40 ligand were performed. Results: Serum sCD40L and hsCRP levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the controls. FMD values did not differ between the study and control groups. Increased serum sCD40L levels were positively correlated with body mass index, waist hip ratio, LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio, and the number of metabolic syndrome components in parents, whereas showed negative correlation with the serum HDL cholesterol levels. High hsCRP levels were positively correlated with body mass index and the number of metabolic syndrome components. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the number of metabolic syndrome components in parents presented as being a significant predictor of the serum sCD40L and hsCRP levels of their children. Conclusion: Our results suggest that children of patients with metabolic syndrome have higher values of the serum markers of inflammation, which may be associated with increased risk for development of cardiovascular disease. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
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    Inflammatory marker levels in obese adolescents with glucose intolerance: Increased chitotriosidase activity
    Kabaroglu, C; Onur, E; Barutçuoglu, B; Özhan, B; Erdinç, S; Var, A; Bayindir, O; Ersoy, B
    Objectives: Existance of low grade persistent inflammation in obese children may increase the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular events. The aim was to determine whether glucose intolerance has an influence on inflammatory markers in obese adolescents. Designs and methods: 45 obese adolescents (mean BMI: 30.34 +/- 5.42 kg/m(2)) were grouped as normal or impaired glucose tolerance. IL-6 and CRP levels were analyzed by commercially available kits. Chitotriosidase activity was measured by a fluorescence method and neopterin levels were determined by ELISA. Data were expressed as mean +/- SD. Results: IL-6 and CRP levels were similar in the two groups. Serum neopterin levels were not different between the groups. The chitotriosidase activity was significantly higher in the IGT group than NGT (124.33 +/- 51.97 mu mol/L/h vs 84.50 +/- 53.99 mu mol/L/h, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Serum chitotriosidase activity is increased in obese adolescents with impaired glucose tolerance. (C) 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.