Browsing by Author "Taneli, F"
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Item Systemic inflammatory response during cardiopulmonary bypass: Axial flow versus radial flow oxygenatorsYildirim, F; Senarslan, DA; Yersel, S; Bayram, B; Taneli, F; Tetik, OBackground: The objective of this study was to investigate the inflammatory effects of different oxygenator flow pattern types in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: We designed this randomized, single-blind, prospective study of patients with coronary artery disease. We compared the systemic inflammatory effects of oxygenators with two types of flow: axial flow and radial flow. Therefore, we divided the patients into two groups: 24 patients in the axial group and 28 patients in the radial group. IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha were examined for cytokine activation leading to a systemic inflammatory reaction. The samples were collected at three different time intervals: T1, T2, and T3 (T1 was taken before cardiopulmonary bypass, T2 just 1 h after CPB onset, and T3 was taken 24 h after the surgery). Results: There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups. We observed that there were notably lower levels of humoral inflammatory response parameters (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha) in the radial flow oxygenator group than in the axial flow group at the specific sampling times. For IL-10, there was no significant difference for any time period. Conclusion: It might be advantageous to use a radial-flow-patterned oxygenator to limit the inflammatory response triggered by the oxygenators in cardiopulmonary bypass.Item Relationship Between Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies Positivity and HLA-DRB1 Shared Epitope Alleles in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in TurkeyDayan, I; Tikiz, C; Taneli, F; Ulman, C; Ulutas, G; Tüzün, CObjective: The most characteristic genetic risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope (SE) alleles, encode for a common amino acid sequence in the peptide-presenting part of the HLA class II molecule. These SE alleles have been described recently to be a risk factor for the development of antibodies against citrullinated proteins in RA. The current study was performed to investigate the association between the cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) and HLA-DR1 HLA-DRB1 shared epitope alleles in patients with RA in Turkey. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with RA who were newly diagnosed or under conventional treatment in our clinic and 60 healthy volunteers as controls were enrolled in the study. In patients with RA anti-CCP levels were investigated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and HLA-DRB1 subtyping and SE was assessed by polymerase chain reaction. Only anti-CCP was measured in healthy volunteers. Results: SE was positive in 50% of the patients with RA. Amongst the SE carriers, 30% of them were carrying double copy of SE. While anti-CCP was positive in 73,3% of patients with RA, this ratio was 0% in healthy volunteers. We determined that the existence of SE increases the positivity of anti-CCP (OR=4,3, 95% [CI], P=0.04), and a significant relationship was found between the anti-CCP positivity and the RF positivity. (OR=5,3, 95% [CI] P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that Turkish patients with RA carrying SE with HLA-DRB1 genes is significantly related with the production of anti-CCP. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of anti-CCP for RA is determined as 73,3% and 100% respectively. (Turk J Rheumatol 2010; 25: 12-8)Item Fragmented QRS as a predictor of subclinical cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney diseaseToraman, A; Eren, B; Yilmaz, I; Duzgun, F; Taneli, F; Kursat, SBackground Fragmented QRS (fQRS) on surface electrocardiogram is correlated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality in normal population. Aims To investigate the presence of fQRS and its association with subclinical atherosclerosis and vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients without cardiovascular disease. Methods A total of 129 CKD (63 males and 66 females) patients was enrolled for the study. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement and coronary artery calcification score (CACS) were performed by the same radiologist. A 12-lead electrocardiogram recording was used to detect fQRS. Results The mean age was 55.1 +/- 15.1 years. fQRS was detected in 45% of patients. There was not any significant difference between patients with or without fQRS in terms of demographic parameters and comorbid diseases except for diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. The mean CIMT of CKD patients was 0.66 +/- 0.18 mm and it was significantly higher in fQRS(+) group compared to the fQRS(-) group. Similarly CACS values were higher in fQRS(+) group. In the logistic regression analysis, fQRS remained significantly associated with CIMT (beta = 0.220, t = 2.567, P = 0.011) (independent variables: CIMT, CACS, sodium and glomerular filtration rate (modification of diet in renal disease-glomerular filtration rate)). Conclusions This is the first study in the literature showing the relation of fQRS with CIMT and CACS in patients with CKD without known cardiovascular disease.Item Comparison of serum neuropeptide-FF and catestatin levels in hypertensive pregnant womenGünsel, H; Oruç, S; Taneli, F; Sizer, M; Kirteke, K; Sunar, N; Okuyan, E; Yoldas, AAim: We aimed to compare the levels of Neuropeptide-FF and Catestatin in the sera of hypertensive and normotensive pregnant women, to determine the possible changes in hypertensive diseases of pregnancy and to examine the possible place of pregnancy in hypertensive diseases. Material and Methods: We used the quantitative analysis method to test the hypotheses of the research and examine the relationship between variables. Neuropeptide FF and Catestatin levels were analyzed by Enzyme Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) method. Neuropeptide-FF and Catestatin values of patient and control groups were analyzed with Mann -Whitney and Chi-square tests. Results: A higher Catestatin value was determined in the patient group compared to the control group, and this difference was statistically significant(p = 0.000). Catestatin value in the patient group was 31.61 +/- 12.54, and value in the control group was 48.46 +/- 22.45 and the relation was statistically found significant (p <0.05). The neuropeptide-FF was not statistically significant in the patient and control group compared to the control group (p = 0.916). Therefore, the Neuropeptide-FF value in the patient group was 134.30 +/- 93.72; this value was found as 139.49 +/- 96.41 in the control group, but the relation statistically was not found significant (p> 0.05). According to the analysis results of our study, a statistically significant difference was found for Catestatin at the 5% significance level between the patient group and the control group. Discussion: Decreased NPFF expression in the hypothalamus of hypertensive patients may lead to impaired interaction with other neurochemical systems and therefore may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertensive disease.Item Exploring the Association between Depression, Suicidality, and Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, FAM19A5, Total Antioxidant Status, Total Oxidant Status, Oxidative Stress Index, and Cytokine Levels: A Case-Control Study of Drug-Naive Adolescents with First-Episode Major Depressive DisorderÇakir, ADU; Çakir, B; Sapmaz, SY; Bilaç, O; Taneli, F; Kandemir, HIntroduction: Considering the importance of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), peripheral blood biomarkers are promising for the prediction of diagnosis and treatment outcomes. We aimed to elucidate the neuroinflammatory pathophysiology of depression by evaluating serum levels of FAM19A5 as a new biomarker of inflammatory activation, proinflammatory cytokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and oxidative stress parameters. Methods: Adolescents diagnosed with first-episode drug-naive MDD (n = 35) were compared neurobiologically healthy control group (n = 33). Serum FAM19A5 levels, cytokine levels, BDNF and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunoassay method. All participants were assessed with the Level-2 Depression Severity Scale, Sleep Disturbance Scale, Somatic Symptom Scale. Results: BDNF levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. While BDNF showed a positive correlation with all scale scores; BDNF was significantly higher in the suicide risk groups than the control group. IL-1 beta levels displayed a negative correlation with the severity of sleep disturbances. Conclusions: In adolescents with MDD, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were not raised in peripheral blood, unlike in adults. However, BDNF levels, which typically decrease in neurodegenerative conditions, were higher in those with MDD.Item Effect of the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome-related features on anti-Mullerian hormone and androstenedione levels in adolescents with or without menstrual irregularityHanedan, N; Ersoy, B; Hanedan, C; Ozyurt, BC; Taneli, FPurpose To determine the variation in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and androstenedione (A4) concentrations in adolescent girls, with or without menstrual cycle disorder in relation to phenotypic features of. PCOS. Methods Adolescent girls (n = 129), age range 14-19 years, were recruited in the cohort study. All participants were in the 4th or 5th year after menarche. Sixty-eight had menstrual irregularities, usually oligomenorrhea (OM), and 61 had regular menstruation (RM). AMH and A4 concentrations were measured. Hirsutism was recorded. Polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) was evaluated by transabdominal pelvic ultrasonography. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) features were defined according to Rotterdam consensus criteria. Results AMH and A4 were significantly higher in adolescent girls with OM than in girls with RM (p < 0.05). A4 and body mass index (BMI) of adolescents with OM was significantly higher in those with hirsutism than those without hirsutism (p = 0.01 and 0.008, respectively). There was a positive correlation between A4 and BMI (r: 0.327, p < 0.01). Logistic regression showed that the frequency of OM in the presence of PCOM was 10.8 times (95% CI 2.04-12.09) compared to those without PCOM. The highest AMH concentrations were found in girls with OM, hirsutism, and PCOM (p < 0.05). Conclusions AMH and A4 are elevated in adolescents with oligomenorrhoea. High A4 is more prominent in the presence of hirsutism and is associated with increased BMI. PCOM, increases the likelihood of oligomenorrhea by about 10 times. AMH increase as the combination of clinical features of PCOS increases in adolescents with menstrual irregularity.Item Increased serum leptin concentrations in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris and ST-elevated myocardial infarctionTaneli, F; Yegane, S; Ulman, C; Tikiz, H; Bilge, AR; Ari, Z; Uyanik, BSLeptin is an adipocytokine that is produced mainly by adipose tissue; it is also identified in atherosclerotic lesions in human coronary atherosclerosis. However, the relation of serum leptin concentrations to ischemic heart disease (IHD) is still obscure. The aims of the present study were to investigate serum leptin concentrations in patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) and with chronic stable angina pectoris (CSAP) and to evaluate the possible correlations of leptin to other atherosclerotic risk factors; including serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), serum homocysteine, and fibrinogen concentrations. For this purpose, 35 patients with CSAP, 40 with acute STEMI, and 30 control subjects with normal findings from coronary angiography were taken into the study prospectively. Serum leptin concentrations were significantly higher in patients with CSAP and STEMI compared to the control group (7.74 +/- 1.34 vs 6.37 +/- 1.85 ng/mL, p=0.021 and 8.22 +/- 3.13 vs 6.37 1.85 ng/mL, p=0.023, respectively). In addition, serum homocysteine concentrations were significantly increased in patients with CSAP (15.23 +/- 5.96 vs 11.40 +/- 2.11 mu mol/L, p=0.025) and patients with STEMI (15.90 +/- 5.02 vs 11.40 +/- 2.11 mu mol/L, p=0.012) compared to the control group. Serum fibrinogen concentrations were significantly increased only in the CSAP group as compared to controls (4.15 +/- 1.39 vs 3.45 +/- 1.19 g/L, p = 0.025). No significant correlation was found between leptin levels and selected risk factors. In conclusion, serum leptin concentrations were significantly higher in both the CSAP and STEMI groups. However, owing to the lack of correlation between the leptin levels and selected classical coronary risk factors, it may be considered that leptin can be evaluated as one of the independent risk factors for IHD. Further randomized and controlled studies will be required to determine the pathophysiological meaning of the increased leptin levels and the central role between adipocyte function and atherosclerosis.Item THE EFFECTS OF THE RESISTANCE TRAINING ON SERUM CORTISOL, IL-6, IL-8, AND TNF- αÖztürk, Y; Bereket-Yücel, S; Dinç, N; Taneli, F; Ulman, C; Tikiz, HObjective: The purpose of this study is to investigate effects of resistance training on IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, blood hematocrit and cortisol levels. Materials and Methods: Thirteen players from Manisa Celal Bayar University soccer team and 14 sedentary male students were used as the study subjects. The subjects, whose average age was 18-24 years old, were healthy and free of any cardiovascular diseases. Anthropometrics measurements and blood samples were obtained from all the subjects. Blood samples were obtained basal sample (before the exercise), immediately after the training program (post-exercise), and 2 hours after the training program (2h post-exercise). All subjects participated in the training program in which intensity prescribed individually in 10 different exercises; seated leg press, knee extension, knee flexion, chest press, chest flys, lat pull down, shoulder press, triceps extension, biceps curl and sit-ups. The exercise protocol was 8-10-12 repetitions of each exercise at 70 to 80 % of one-repetition maximum in accordance with the pyramid training system and three sets for each station. The volume of resistance training was 50-60 minutes. Results: Post exercise IL-6 (p=0.05) and IL-8 (p=0.04) concentration of athletes were statistically lower compared to that of sedentary group. Two hours after the exercise, the TNF-alpha values of the sedentary individuals were also statistically higher than those of the trained individuals. Furthermore, serum cortisol concentrations were found to be decreased in both study groups in post exercise and 2h post exercise samples compared to basal values (p<0.05). Post exercise IL-8 (p=0.04) and TNF-alpha (p=0.04) values of sedentary group increased significantly compared to values at 2h post exercise. There was no statistically significant change in IL 6 values of the trained and sedentary subjects immediately after the exercise. Conclusion: IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha responses to resistance training vary depending on the recruitment of different muscle fiber types by the trained individuals during the resistance training and the recovery of glycogen storage, which is found to be different from that of sedentary individuals. The decrease in the serum IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations at post exercise and 2h post-exercise samples in the training group when compared to the sedantary group revealed us that, training lowers the proinflammatory marker IL-6 and IL-8 which reflects a positive effect of the training on the overall body inflammation status.Item The Relationship of Testicular Sonoelastography with Gonadotropin Hormone Levels and Sperm ParametersBozkurt, YE; Gümüs, BH; Özbay, M; Düzgün, F; Taneli, F; Kurutep, SBackground: Elastography is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that helps determine the stiffness of organs and other structures in our body. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of elastography in the diagnosis of infertility. Aim: In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between testicular elastography and hormonal parameters and sperm parameters. Patients and Methods: The study included 136 patients, 272 testicles were examined, and the mean age of the study participants was 30.1 years. Testicular tissue stiffness was measured by scrotal ultrasonographic shear wave elastography. Gonadotropin and testosterone hormones were measured from blood samples. Spermiogram parameters were studied manually. Results: The control group included 66 patients, and the varicocele group consisted of 70 patients. Testicular stiffness degrees of the control group were measured as 4.29 kPa for the right testis and 4.23 kPa for the left testis. The varicocele group was divided into grades 1, 2, and 3 according to physical examination. In group 1 (grade 1), the right testis was 4.07 +/- 1.24 kPa and the left testis was 3.77 +/- 0.98 kPa. In group 2 (grade 2), the right testis was 4.31 +/- 1.40 kPa and the left testis was 3.98 +/- 0.93 kPa. In group 3 (grade 3), the right testis was 4.73 +/- 1.50 kPa and the left testis was 3.99 +/- 1.68 kPa. Hormone and sperm parameters were not statistically significant when comparing the control and varicocele groups. There was no statistical significance between the testicular tissue stiffness degrees of the control and varicocele groups. Hormone and spermiogram findings were also similar in groups. Conclusion: It is known that varicocele leads to histological tissue changes in the testes. These changes result in tissue softness and loss while affecting sperm parameters and testosterone levels in a negative way. Before varicocele surgery, there is a need for new imaging methods with more sensitivity that can detect tissue changes in the testes.Item The effect of chronic antidepressant treatment on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in depressed patients: a preliminary studyAydemir, O; Deveci, A; Taneli, FRecent studies suggested a role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in depression. While BDNF levels are lower in depressed patients, antidepressant treatment increases serum BDNF levels of depressed patients. Our study aims to test the effect of chronic venlafaxine treatment on serum BDNF levels in patients with a major depressive disorder. Ten patients diagnosed as major depressive disorder according to DSM-IV are included in the study. Two of the patients had their first episode and were drug-naive, the other eight patients were drug-free for at least 4 weeks. The severity of depression was assessed with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). The control group consisted of ten age- and sex-matched subjects without any psychiatric disorder. Blood samples were collected at the baseline and after 12 weeks of antidepressant treatment (during remission). At the baseline the mean serum BDNF level was 17.9 +/- 9.1 ng/ml and the mean HDRS score was 23.2 +/- 4.6. Serum BDNF levels of the study group were significantly lower than in the control group (31.6 +/- 8.6 ng/ml). At the end of the study, the mean serum BDNF level was 34.6 +/- 7.1 ng/ml whereas the mean HDRS score was 8.2 +/- 3.9. From the baseline to the remission after 12 weeks of treatment, the increase in serum BDNF level and the decrease in HDRS score were statistically significant, respectively. When we compared the serum BDNF level of depressed patients at remission to that of the controls, there was no statistically significant difference. This study shows that venlafaxine treatment of depression improves serum BDNF level which may be considered as a nonspecific peripheral marker of depression. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Item CAN URINARY BIOMARKERS SUCCEED DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF RENAL SCINTIGRAPHY IN PATIENTS WITH URETEROPELVIC JUNCTION DISRUPTION?Gürer, DE; Yilmaz, Ö; Ertan, P; Eser, E; Taneli, F; Aras, F; Oran, A; Genç, A; Günsar, C; Sencan, A; Gürer, E; Taneli, CItem Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in conversion disorder: Comparative study with depressionDeveci, A; Aydemir, O; Taskin, O; Taneli, F; Esen-Danaci, AThe aim of the present study was to compare serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and conversion disorder (CD). Serum BDNF levels were measured in the following three groups: 15 CD patients without any comorbid diagnosis of psychiatric disorder, 24 patients with MDD, and 26 healthy subjects without any psychiatric diagnosis or psychiatric treatment. The serum BDNF level of the healthy control group (31.4 +/- 8.8 ng/mL) was statistically higher than the level of the MDD group (21.2 +/- 11.3 ng/mL) and the CD group (24.3 +/- 9.0 ng/mL; P = 0.008). This suggests that BDNF level may play a similar role in the pathophysiology of MDD and CD.Item Effects of 8-week strength training on basal hormone levels, sex hormone binding globulin, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3, oxidative stress markers, and IL-6 levels in adolescent athletesHayta, U; Dinc, N; Taneli, FPurpose The aim of the study was to investigate how 8-week strength training affects adolescent athletes' basal hormone concentrations, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), cytokine, and oxidative stress markers. Methods Twenty adolescent handball players participated in this study. The participants were randomly divided into the strength training group (ST, n = 10) and the control group (C, n = 10). ST participates in strength training 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks and C participates only in handball training. We quantified serum basal hormone concentration, SHBG, IGFBP3, oxidative stress markers, and IL-6 in each subject's blood samples before and after 8 weeks of strength training. Results Interestingly, while insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration declined in group C (p < 0.05), it did not in ST (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the basal concentration of growth hormone (GH), total testosterone (T), cortisol (Cor), total antioxidant status (TAS), and serum-free androgen index (FAI) basal concentration did not change in ST and C. Basal IGFBP-3 and SHBG concentrations decreased only in ST (p < 0.05), but not in C (p > 0.05). Serum-free testosterone (FT) levels increased in ST and C (p > 0.05). Total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) reduced ST and C (p < 0.05). Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels did not alter groups ST and C. Conclusion Strength training did not affect basal serum concentrations of T, GH, IGF-1, COR, IL-6, and TAS, but it caused a decrease in SHBG and IGFBP3 concentrations in ST. Increased basal FT concentration and improved serum TOS may not depend on strength training.Item The role of β2 microglobulin levels in monitoring chronic hepatitis BYegane, S; Revanli, M; Taneli, Fbeta(2) microglobulin is one of the domains of the histocompatibility class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antigen. In hepatitis infection the presentation of the viral antigen on the hepatocyte in the presence of class I HLA antigens plays a significant role in the elimination of the virus. The aim of the study was to estimate the serum beta(2) microglobulin levels in cases of chronic hepatitis B infection. Serum beta(2) microglobulin levels were assessed in 65 cases with chronic hepatitis B infection including 29 pediatric and 36 adult patients as the study group and in 30 cases as seronegative control group. beta(2) microglobulin level was found significantly higher in chronic active Hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients compared to the asymptomatic HBV carriers and also in the chronic active HBV patients compared to control group. We are of the opinion that beta(2) microglobulin concentration is an indicator for monitoring chronic active HBV infections at the asymptomatic hepatitis B virus carrier patients, thus would lead to early initiation of Interferon (IFN) treatment and to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy.Item Assessment of the efficacy of absorbable adhesion barriers on dissection in esophagus operationsYilmaz, O; Genc, A; Taneli, F; Demireli, P; Deliaga, H; Taneli, CObjective: During childhood, recent repeated operations for esophagus are normally conducted if long gap esophageal atresia exists. During multistaged extrathoracic esophageal elongation procedure, the dissection of the esophagus poses severe problems due to adhesion. However, Gore-Tex membrane may simplify esophagus dissection. The most popular adhesion barriers used today are sodium hyaluronate, (Seprafilm(R); Genzyme Corp., Cambridge, MA) and oxidized regenerated cellulose (Interceed(R); Johnson Et Johnson Medical Inc., New Brunswick, NJ). The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of adhesion barriers on esophagus dissection. Methods: In the study, 21 Wistar albino adult male rats were worked on. The rats were randomly divided into three groups, each including seven rats. About 1 cm-segment of the esophagus, located just behind the trachea, was dissected from the surrounding tissues through blunt dissection. Rats in group 1 were wrapped with Seprafilm(R), and in group 2 with Interceed(R). But the rats in group 3 underwent only esophagus dissection. Three weeks later, during esophagus dissection, adhesion scoring was performed and esophagus was divided into two parts: one for the assessment of hydroxyproline level, and the other for histological examination. Results: When the adhesion scores of the three groups were compared, there was not a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.75). In terms of tissue hydroxyproline levels, mean scores of hydroxyproline revealed no significant difference between the three groups (p = 0.19). When the histopathological results were examined, esophagus looked normal and no connective tissues were seen around esophagus. Conclusion: Seprafilm(R) and Interceed(R) had no effect on esophagus dissection. Although Seprafilm(R) had the best mean score, this was statistically insignificant. Gore-Tex might play a better role than Interceed(R) in preventing adhesion formation; however, it is still not certain whether adhesion barrier should be used in such organs as esophagus having no serosa. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.Item Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels in Schizophrenic Patients with Depressive Sypmptoms: A Preliminary StudyEsen-Danaci, A; Aydemir, Ö; Deveci, A; Taneli, F; Taskin, OObjectives: Evidence from clinical, pharmacological and animal studies, have led to neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, and dopamine hypotheses, and to the investigation of BDNF as a potential candidate molecule in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, The aim of this study is to investigate the BNDF levels of schizophrenic patients with depression and compare them with major depression patients and controls in order to understand the nature of depressive symptoms seen in schizophrenia. Methods: The BDNF levels of eight schizophrenic patients with depressive symptomatology (SD) were compared with two control groups. The first group consisted of major depressed patients (MDD) (n=24) and the second was the healthy control group (n=26). Results: SD group had BDNF levels similar to control group and MDD group had significantly lower levels than the other two groups. Conclusion: This difference of BDNF levels between schizophrenia with depression group and major depression group supports the hypothesis of distinct etiologies.Item Valproate-associated reproductive and metabolic abnormalitiesAkdeniz, F; Taneli, F; Noyan, A; Yüncü, Z; Vahip, SObjective: Evidence indicates that valproate (VPA) may have an adverse impact on reproductive endocrine and metabolic functions in women with epilepsy. This study explores whether the association of VPA with reproductive endocrine abnormalities is applicable to women with bipolar disorder (BD) or is unique to women with epilepsy. Methods: Thirty female patients aged 18-40 years with a DSM-IV diagnosis of BD (15 on lithium monotherapy and 15 on VPA monotherapy or VPA in combination with lithium therapy) and 15 with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) on VIA monotherapy were evaluated for reproductive endocrine functioning and metabolic parameters. Results: The menarche age, mean length of menstrual cycle and mean length of menses were not significantly different between groups. None of the bipolar patients on lithium, three (20%) of the bipolar patients on VIA and seven (47%) of the epileptic patients on VIA reported menstrual disturbances. Hirsutism scores of the epilepsy group were significantly higher than those bipolar women, regardless of treatment. Serum total testosterone levels were significantly higher in patients (both with BD and with IGE) treated with VIA than in those treated with lithium. Serum FSH levels were significantly lower and LH-to-FSH ratio was significantly higher in patients with epilepsy than in patients with BD, regardless of treatment. The weight parameters and lipid values investigated did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusion: The study supports the conclusion that VPA may be associated with menstrual abnormalities and increased total testosterone levels in both bipolar and epileptic patients although women with BD did not show clinical features of hyperandrogenism (menstrual abnormalities, hirsutism and truncal obesity) as did frequently as women with epilepsy. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.Item α-Thalassemia Frequency and Mutations in Children with Hypochromic Microcytic Anemias and Relation with β-Thalassemia, Iron Deficiency AnemiaGulen, H; Hanimeli, O; Karaca, O; Taneli, FThe majority of the anemias during childhood are hypochromic and microcytic. The aim of the present study was to determine the status of alpha-thalassemia mutations and its association with other etiologies, such as iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta-thalassemia trait, that are frequently seen hypochromic microcytic anemias in children. Children with hypochromic microcytic anemias were included in the study. Serum iron (SI), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin levels, and hemoglobin electrophoresis with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method were analyzed. Reverse hybridization of biotinylated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product method was used for detection of alpha-globin gene mutations. Of the 46 patients involved in the study, 54.3% (n = 25) were boys, and 45.7% (n = 21) were girls. Iron deficiency anemia and beta-thalassemia trait were diagnosed in 67.4% (n = 31) and 19.5% (n = 9), respectively. In 17.4% there were alpha-thalassemia mutations (in 10.9% 3.7 single-gene heterozygote mutation, in 4.3% 20.5-kb double-gene deletion mutation, and in 2.2% alpha-2 poly-A-1 heterozygote mutation was detected). In 2 patients (4.3%) no etiology was determined. In 2 patients (4.3%) association between iron deficiency anemia and alpha-thalassemia, in 1 patient (2.2%) association between beta and alpha-thalassemia was detected. In conclusion, alpha-thalassemia carrier status and its association with other etiologies are frequently seen in Manisa. So, alpha-thalassemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypochromic microcytic anemias, especially in cases without iron deficiency (ID) and beta-thalassemia carrier state.Item Serum BDNF levels in suicide attempters related to psychosocial stressors: A comparative study with depressionDeveci, A; Aydemir, O; Taskin, O; Taneli, F; Esen-Danaci, AAlthough many studies have examined the neurobiological aspects of suicide, the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiologic mechanisms associated with suicide remain unclear. In this study, it is aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF) levels among suicide attempters without a major psychiatric disorder, compared to major depressive disorder patients and healthy subjects. It was undertaken with the hypothesis that suicide per se lowers serum BDNF levels, since it is a source of stress. The study was carried out in Celal Bayar University Hospital, Manisa, Turkey. Ten suicide attempters, 24 patients with major depressive disorder and 26 subjects without any psychiatric diagnosis and any psychiatric treatment were included in the study. All subjects were asked to give their written consent. Blood samples were collected at the baseline. Serum BDNF was kept at - 70 degrees C before testing, and assayed with an ELISA kit ( Promega; Madison, Wisc., USA) after dilution with the block and sample solution provided with the kit. The data were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis test for nonparametric analysis of variance. Mean serum BDNF levels were significantly lower in the suicide group (21.2 +/- 12.4 ng/ml) and the major depressive disorder group (21.2 +/- 11.3 ng/ml) than the control group (31.4 +/- 8.8 ng/ml; p = 0.004). These results suggest that BDNF may play an important role in the neurobiology of suicidal behavior. BDNF levels may be a biological marker for suicidal behavior. To investigate the role of BDNF in suicide, further studies with a wider sample size and a variety of psychiatric diagnoses accompanying suicide attempt are needed. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.Item Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in dysthymia: A comparative study with major depressive disorderAydemir, O; Deveci, A; Taskin, EO; Taneli, F; Esen-Danaci, A