Browsing by Author "Ulman, C"

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    Relationship of insulin resistance in chronic haemodialysis patients with inflammatory indicators, malnutrition, echocardiographic parameters and 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
    Kursat, S; Colak, HB; Toraman, A; Tekçe, H; Ulman, C; Bayturan, O
    Objective. The relationship between malnutrition, echocardiographic parameters, 24 h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) parameters and decreased insulin sensitivity index (ISI-S) in chronic haemodialysis patients was investigated. Material and methods. ISI-S and inflammatory indicators were measured. The nutritional state was assessed by malnutrition score. Echocardiography and 24 h ABP were performed 1 day before the second haemodialysis session of the week. Results. ISI-S was inversely correlated with the night-time mean blood pressure (BP)/day-time mean BP ratio (p = 0.021) and malnutrition score (p < 0.01). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, night-time mean BP/day-time mean BP and vena cava collapse index were independent risk factors affecting ISI-S (p < 0.001; beta = 0.412, p= 0.025; beta = -0.204, p < 0.001; beta = -0.465). Conclusions. The decrease in ISI-S along with the hypervolaemia suggests that volume overload is a contributory factor in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in patients with chronic renal failure. This study indicates that, in addition to the traditional cardiovascular risk factors in these patients, insulin resistance can be regarded as a risk factor, but not an independent one, mainly a reflection of the underlying culprit, hypervolaemia.
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    Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction Related To Neutrophilic Inflammation In Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis
    Yilmaz, O; Simsek, Y; Aslan, C; Kanik, ET; Ulman, C; Yildiz, R; Ozdogru, E; Yuksel, H
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    Bone mineral density and biochemical markers of bone metabolism in predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease
    Fidan, N; Inci, A; Coban, M; Ulman, C; Kursat, S
    The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of serum bone turnover markers (BTM) and bone mineral density (BMD) determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We enrolled 83 patients with CKD, 41 (49.4%) males, 42 (50.6%) females, with mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 23.90 +/- 12 (range=6.0-56.0). BMD of the lumbar spine (LS) (anteroposterior, L2 through L4), femoral neck (FN) and femoral trochanter (FT) were measured by DEXA. Biochemical BTM, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum specific alkaline phosphatase (serum AP), bone-specific AP (BSAP), plasma bicarbonate and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25hD) were used for the prediction of BMD loss. T score results of LS and FN were worse than FT. BMD levels were lower in females than in males (all p< 0.05). According to different BMD T score levels, patients with age >= 65 years and patients in menopause were significantly more osteopenic (p=0.026) and there was no relation between different BMD T scores and presence of diabetes (p=0.654). A positive correlation was identified between the BMD of FN T-Z scores (r=0.270, p=0.029, r=0.306, p=0.012), FT T-Z scores (r=0.220, p=0.076, r: 0.250, p=0.043) and serum HCO3, while the correlation with serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) and BSAP was considered to be negative. No statistically significant association was found between BMD of all the measured skeletal sites and eGFR. Loss of BMD was identified mostly in females over >= 65 years of age and after menopause. Higher serum levels of BSAP and AP can be determined in the advanced stages of renal failure and they reflect fracture risk of the femur, but not spine. Measurements of BMD by DEXA are useful to demonstrate bone loss, but not technical enough to distinguish the quantity of bone loss between different stages of CKD.
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    Relationship Between Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies Positivity and HLA-DRB1 Shared Epitope Alleles in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Turkey
    Dayan, I; Tikiz, C; Taneli, F; Ulman, C; Ulutas, G; Tüzün, C
    Objective: 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)
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    Diagnostic and prognostic value of procalcitonin and sTREM-1 levels in sepsis
    Bayram, H; Tünger, Ö; Çivi, M; Yüceyar, MH; Ulman, C; Horasan, GD; Çetin, CB
    Background/aim: Sepsis is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality despite the improvements in diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the values of procalcitonin and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) in the differential diagnosis of patients with sepsis and noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (NI-SIRS) and measure their importance in the prognosis of patients with sepsis. Materials and methods: This prospective study included 41 NI-SIRS and 33 sepsis patients hospitalized in Celal Bayar University Hospital, Manisa, Turkey. Blood samples were taken from NI-SIRS patients on days 0 and 3 and from sepsis patients on days 0, 3, 4, 7, and 14. Clinical status of the patients was determined with the SOFA scoring system. Results: The SOFA scoring system and procalcitonin and sTREM-1 measurements were significant in the differential diagnosis of sepsis and NI-SIRS patients. The SOFA scoring system was considered the most important indicator in determining the prognosis of sepsis patients. Procalcitonin and sTREM-1 levels increased progressively in nonsurvivors and decreased in survivors, but changes were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: In the differentiation of sepsis and NI-SIRS, and evaluation of the prognosis of sepsis, combined measurements of procalcitonin and sTREM-1 levels are important.
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    The relationship between serum trace element levels and clinical parameters in patients with fibromyalgia
    Sendur, OF; Tastaban, E; Turan, Y; Ulman, C
    We examined the association between serum trace elements and clinical findings such as number of sensitive tender points, severity of fatigue and functional status in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Thirty-two patients diagnosed as having FM according to the ACR 1990 criteria and 32 normal healthy controls (NHC) were included in this study. The demographic data, disease duration, number of tender points and accompanying symptoms (fatigue, sleep disorders, headache, paresthesia, irritable bowel syndrome, sicca symptoms, Raynaud's phenomena) of the patients were noted. Visual analog scale (10 cm) was implemented to estimate daily severity of pain and fatigue. Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire was used for functional assessment. Serum selenium (mu g/dL) and serum zinc (mu g/dL) levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometer. Serum magnesium (mmol/L) level was measured by the original kits of Abbott Aeroset auto-analyzer. The mean age of patients in FM group and NHC were calculated as 42.9 (SD = 7.7) years and 41.3 (SD = 9.7) years, respectively. Serum levels of zinc (P = 0.001) and magnesium (P = 0.002) were significantly decreased by FM groups, whereas there was no considerable difference with selenium levels of both groups (P > 0.05). Association between serum zinc level and number of tender points (P = 0.008) and that between fatigue and magnesium level (P = 0.003) was found as meaningful. According to the results of this study, it was asserted that serum magnesium and zinc levels may play an important role in the pathophysiology of FM.
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    Increased serum leptin concentrations in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris and ST-elevated myocardial infarction
    Taneli, F; Yegane, S; Ulman, C; Tikiz, H; Bilge, AR; Ari, Z; Uyanik, BS
    Leptin 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.
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    THE EFFECTS OF THE RESISTANCE TRAINING ON SERUM CORTISOL, IL-6, IL-8, AND TNF- α
    Öztürk, Y; Bereket-Yücel, S; Dinç, N; Taneli, F; Ulman, C; Tikiz, H
    Objective: 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.
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    Serum her-2/neu and survivin levels and their relationship to histological parameters in early-stage breast cancer
    Goksel, G; Taneli, F; Uslu, R; Ulman, C; Dinc, G; Coskun, T; Kandiloglu, AR
    This study was conducted to investigate the serum levels of her-2/neu and survivin in patients with early-stage breast cancer and their relationship with known histological parameters. Forty-one patients with early-stage breast cancer were investigated. Serum samples were collected from patients on their first admission before adjuvant chemotherapy, and from healthy controls. Serum her-2/neu and survivin levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was no difference in the levels of serum her-2/neu and survivin between the breast cancer patients and the control group. Serum her-2/neu concentration showed moderate correlations with disease stage and the Ki-67 level, and the serum survivin level showed a moderate correlation with progesterone receptor concentration. Serum levels of her-2/neu and survivin were not significantly related to age and histological parameters in patients with early-stage breast cancer. However, much research continues on the prognostic value of serum her-2/neu and survivin levels, and important new knowledge may ultimately emerge.
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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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    Zinc-deficient sprouting blight potatoes and their possible relation with neural tube defects
    Ulman, C; Taneli, F; Oksel, F; Hakerlerler, H
    Maternal nutritional zinc deficiency is blamed in the pathogenesis of neural tube defects. In animal and plant domains zinc is required for growth and development. The objective of the present study was to show that sprouting blighted potato tuber is zinc deficient. In five potato varieties, zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in wet-ashed paired slices of edible potato tuber and in its peel, in blighted potato tuber and in its sprout. Zinc contents were measured as the mean (+/- SEM) and the following values were found, 0.388 +/- 0.036,0.623 +/- 0.059,0.550 +/- 0.030 and 1.089 +/- 0.181 mg per 100 g wet weight, respectively. In conclusion, we believe that long-term consumption of zinc-depleted, blight potato tuber by pregnant woman could be potentially teratogenic with the consequent birth of a baby with neural tube defects. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.
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    Careers and Research Performance of PhD Program Graduates of Health Sciences in Turkey
    Cavdar, Z; Ulman, C; Kirkali, G; Baydur, H; Akdogan, GG
    In this review, we aimed to evaluate PhD graduates of the period between 1985-2010 and analyze the status, motivation and positive and negative factors influencing research motivation of graduates in eight disciplines from three graduate schools of Health Sciences in Turkey and to compare with the present status in the world. Some information obtained by web-based survey is the following: The most of graduates (83%) have academic positions in basic sciences departments in the faculty of medicine in universities. 94.2 % of graduates recognized the importance of personal motivation, while 54% of them thought that finding the appropriate research environment was important for research. For 52%, the biggest hindrance to medical research was lack of funding and for 39%, lack of technic personnel for research. The studies in the literature related to PhD graduates pointed out to the following facts: The number of PhD graduates is increasing gradually and the graduates' career choices have changed from academic to non-academic positions, especially in the industry. This is not parallel to our pilot study findings. About the teaching perspective treated in the relevant literature, the concept of one should be a good researcher, as well as a good teacher is dominant. PhD graduates in our pilot study mentioned that they had responsibilities in the education activities during their PhD education. We think that these responsibilities are useful for their future academic career. In conclusion, the majority (83%) of graduates from Graduate Schools of Health Sciences in Turkey are enrolled into academic researcher positions in universities. They keep producing funded research work as a first author and publish despite some problems.
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    Effects of eccentric exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness on endoplasmic reticulum stress-related markers
    Dogru, Y; Varol, SR; Nalcakan, GR; Akyuz, M; Tas, M; Ulman, C
    Short Communications: Apelin, pentraxin3 (PTX3), and interleukin6 (IL6) parameters are known as inflammation markers and found to be related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of eccentric exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) on ER stress-related markers in young athletes. Objectives and Methods: ER stress and DOMS-related blood markers, maximal strength level, and rate of perceived exertion using the visual analog scale (VAS) were assessed before, immediately after, 24, 48, and 72 h after the muscle damage protocol. Results: IL6 peaked 24 h after while creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme levels reached their peaks at 72 h after the protocol. The level of apelin continued to increase throughout the four measurements, and PTX3 peaked at 24 h, and then declined to the levels before the protocol but the differences were not significant. The significant decrease in the strength and the significant increase in VAS continued 48 h after the protocol. Conclusion: ER is activated and ER stress occurred, due to increases in IL6, PTX3 and apelin levels after the test protocol concluded that a single vigorous eccentric exercise should be avoided in harmful effect on health as parallel with Physical Activity Guidelines.
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    The Effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate on Oxidant Status, Copper and Zinc Levels in Hind Leg Muscle of the Rats Fed with High-Fat Diet
    Ari, Z; Ulman, C; Taneli, F; Isbilen, B; Uyanik, BS; Aldirmaz, H; Çelik, HT; Günay, Ö
    Obesity can be induced by a high fat diet. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate decreases body fat mass and have an antiatherogenic effect. The objective of our study was to investigate the high fat diet changes and the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate on the antioxidant status, zinc and copper levels in the rat hind leg muscle tissue. Thirty-seven female rats were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 ( control, n=11) were fed with standard rat chow, Group 2, 3 and 4 with high fat diet (65%) for five months. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was administered as 1 mg/kg for group 3 (n=9) and as 10 mg/kg for group 4 (n=8) daily for seven days. The same amount of saline was injected to group 1 and 2 (n=9). After decapitation, right hind leg of the rat was collected and kept frozen. Muscle tissues were used for the determination of nitrotyrosine, myeloperoxidase activity, copper and zinc levels. As a conclusion, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate significantly decreases the oxidant status parameters, tissue nitrotyrosine levels and myeloperoxiase activity in the rat hind leg muscle tissue on high fat diet, but did not have any effect on copper and zinc tissue levels. We believe that, further research is needed for investigation of the positive effects of DHEA-S on muscle metabolism.
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    The effects of various strength training intensities on blood cardiovascular risk markers in healthy men
    Akyüz, M; Dogru, Y; Nalcakan, GR; Ulman, C; Tas, M; Varol, R
    Objectives Regular physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is known to have a protective effect on cardiovascular health. The aim of this research is to look at the impact of two separate resistance training programs on blood biomarkers that are associated with the early detection of cardiac risk. Methods Forty-five male participants (mean 41 years) were randomly divided into three groups: The low-intensity resistance exercise group (LIEG), the moderate-intensity resistance exercise group (MIEG), and the control group (CG). The programs were implemented three times a week and in two sets. MIEG consisted of 8-10 repeats at 70-80% density of one repetition maximum load (1RM), while LIEG consisted of 15-17 repeats at 50-60% density of 1RM. CG did not participate in any exercise program. Two-factor mixed-design ANOVA assessed the data. Results Before, fourth week, and after the exercise program in repeated measurements, there was a significant decrease in body mass (-1.7%), body mass index (-1.7%), apelin (-44%), and pentraxin 3 (-39%) levels in MIEG (p < 0.05). Additionally, our study noted a decrease in pentraxin 3 (-25%, p < 0.05) and interleukin 6 (-21%) levels, while there was an increase in creatine kinase (18%), and lactate dehydrogenase (7.4%) levels in LIEG. Strength levels improved significantly in exercise groups. Conclusions Eight weeks of moderate-resistance training can potentially reduce the cardiovascular risk in healthy men.
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    Clinical correlation of epithelial barrier dysfunction related to neutrophilic inflammation in cystic fibrosis
    Kanik, ET; Yilmaz, O; Ozdogru, E; Alper, H; Ulman, C; Kanik, A; Simsek, Y; Yuksel, H
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    The Evaluation of the Relationship between sTREM-1, VEGF-B, and VEGF Gene Expression Levels with Disease Activity of Behcet's Patients
    Harmanci, K; Akan, OY; Pirildar, T; Ortan, P; Ulman, C
    Background. There is no specific marker that shows the disease activity in Behcet's disease. Aim. In this study, we aimed to investigate VEGF-B and VEGF gene expressions and sTREM-1 levels in association with the activation of Behcet's disease. Study Design. Case-control study. Methods. Clinical features of patients who applied in the rheumatology clinic and were diagnosed with BD according to the international working group's criteria were investigated. 30 healthy volunteers and 30 patients in the active period according to the EBDCAF scoring were studied. VEGF-B and VEGF gene expressions and sTREM-1 levels were studied in the serum samples of the patients and the control subjects. Results. The VEGF-B expressions and sTREM-1 levels were higher in the BD than those in the healthy group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. VEGF gene expression was statistically significant (p = 0 008). Behcet's disease patients with oral aphthae, genital ulcer, eye, joint, vascular, skin, and neurological involvement were analyzed separately as subgroups. We find that VEGF gene expression level of Behcet's disease patients with joint involvement (arthritis/arthralgia) and also VEGF-B and VEGF gene expression of Behcet's disease with vascular involvement (DVT/thrombophlebitis) were significantly higher (p = 0 035, p = 0 021). Each subgroup was analyzed with the control group. We determined that VEGF gene expression in all subgroups was significantly higher than that in the control group. At the same time, VEGF-B levels of patients with genital ulcer and vascular involvement (DVT/thrombophlebitis) were significantly higher than those in the control group. Conclusion. VEGF-B and VEGF gene expressions can be activity indicators for BD. In addition, this study shows that new treatment options should be explored for Behcet's disease patients with joint and vascular involvement. In the following years, new treatment methods are needed to investigate for revealing the role of the etiopathogenesis of BD and the activation and prognosis of VEGF by examining this study and providing much more participation. In our study group, the sTREM-1 levels were high but the results did not reach statistical significance. More studies are needed with larger groups in order the highlight the exact role of STREM-1 in Behcet's disease.
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    Relevance between clinical status and exhaled molecules related to neutrophilic inflammation in pediatric cystic fibrosis
    Kanik, ET; Yilmaz, O; Ozdogru, E; Alper, H; Ulman, C; Kanik, A; Simsek, Y; Yuksel, H
    Introduction:Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized with chronic inflammation with neutrophil and related cytokines in airway secretions. We aimed to measure the levels of neutrophil related inflammatory markers as nitric oxide, IL-8, IL-17, leukotriene B4 and neutrophil elastase as well as e-cadherin in exhaled breath condensate (EBC), and to determine their relation with clinical findings.Methods:We consecutively enrolled cystic fibrosis patients into our clinics between the age of six and eighteen years who could cooperate for exhaled breath condensate to this case-control study (n = 30). The age and sex matched control group (n = 26) was enrolled. Spirometry was performed during the stable period and EBC samples were obtained for measurement of the markers.Results:The mean age of the subjects enrolled was 12.1(4.2) years and 40% were positive forP.Aeruginosain sputum. Subjects who hadP.Aeruginosain sputum cultures had significantly lower FEV1, FVC and FEF 25/75 values compared to the ones withoutP.Aeruginosa(p = 0.002, p = 0.002 and p = 0.005 respectively). EBC neutrophil elastase levels were significantly higher in the CF patients compared to non-CF controls (3.11 4.71 versus 0.90 2.68, p = 0.04). Nitric oxide, IL-17, IL-8, e-cadherin, neutrophil elastase or leukotriene B4 levels in EBC of CF patients were not related toP.Aeruginosas infection, FEV1 levels or hospital admission in the last year.Conclusion:In our study, neutrophil elastase levels in EBC are higher in CF patients compared to non-CF controls. This is independent of acute infection and is evidence to the persistence of neutrophilic lung injury. However, EBC NO, IL-8, IL-17, e-cadherin, neutrophil elastase and leukotriene B4 levels as inflammatory markers, are not correlated with disease progression or clinical findings.
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    Correlation Between Intestinal Colony Numbers and Inflammation Markers (TNF-Alpha, IL-6, High-Sensitive CRP) Following the Use of Sevelamer in Rats with Kidney Failure
    Kürsat, S; Çolak, H; Yilmaz, O; Kolatan, E; Ulman, C; Kurutepe, S; Özyurt, B
    Objective: Our aim was to investigate anti-inflammatory effect of sevelamer in experimentally induced renal failure (RF) and whether this effect was related to a decrease in Escherichia coli colony counts in feces. Material and Methods: Eighteen female Wistar albino rats weighted 200-250 g were divided into three groups. RF was induced by 5/6 nephrectomy. Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 rats were those with induced RF receiving a high phosphate diet. Group 3 contained rats with induced RF receiving a high phosphate diet + sevelamer. E.coli count in feces, plasma creatinine, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations were determined at the beginning and at the end of 1st, 3rd and 6th weeks in all rats. Results: In Group 2 and 3, creatinine concentrations were found to be increased (p=0.03, p=0.02) in the 1st week. In Group 2, there was an increase in number of E. coli colony count in the 3rd week (p=0.05). In group 3, E. coli colony count and levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, CRP, TNF-alfa) significantly were increased in comparison to the basal :+alues (p=0.042, p=0.021, p=0.042, respectively) in the 1st week. In group 3, in the sixth week, E. coli colony count (p=0.02) and levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, hsCRP, TNFalpha) (p<0.05) were found to be significantly decreased in comparison to the 1st week levels. Conclusion: Anti-inflammatory effects of sevelamer might be explained by its effects on the bacterial colonization in colon.