Browsing by Author "Uyanik B.S."
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Item Effects of passive exposure to tobacco, socioeconomic status and a family history of essential hypertension on lipid profiles in children(International Heart Journal Association, 1996) Işcan A.; Uyanik B.S.; Vurgun N.; Ece A.; Yiǧitoǧlu M.R.There is abundant evidence that the atherosclerotic process begins in childhood. Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis in adults and children. In the present study, we measured serum lipoprotein concentrations in 194 healthy children aged between 4 to 14 years. Children were grouped according to the socioeconomic status of the families, family history of essential hypertension and passive tobacco exposure. The values of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and the ratio of total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the low socioeconomic group were found to be significantly higher than the values obtained for the middle-high socioeconomic group. The values of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, the ratio of total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the passive smoker group were found to be significantly higher than those of the nonsmoker group. But, the socioeconomic level in the passive smoker group was found to be significantly lower than that of the nonsmoker group, and therefore, the impact of passive smoking on the serum lipids in children was related to socioeconomic status. A significant difference in terms of blood lipid fractions between the groups with and that without a family history of essential hypertension was not found. These results suggest that passive smoking and lower socioeconomic status are important risk factors for cardiovascular heart disease, while a positive family history of essential hypertension is not an important risk factor.Item The effect of FAD on erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity in undialyzed uremic patients and healthy subjects(1997) Ari Z.; Uyanik B.S.; Yigitoglu M.R.; Kutlu N.; Pirim I.The erythrocyte glutathione reductase (GSSG-R) activity with and without FAD supplementation (Act. A and Act. B, respectively) was studied in 24 undialyzed uremic patients and 25 healthy subjects. Mean erythrocyte GSSG-R activity from normal subjects was 5.39 ± 1.43 U/g Hb (the active form). After the addition of FAD to the hemolysates, this increased to 7.79 ± 1.07 U/g Hb, an increase of 1.88 ± 0.84 U/g Hb (the inactive from) (p < 0.001). In patients with FAD supplementation, erythrocyte GSSG-R activity increased from 9.26 ± 1.19 U/g Hb to 10.06 ± 1.06 U/g Hb, an increase of 0.80 ± 0.76 U/g Hb (p < 0.01). In addition, there were significant positive correlations between the enzyme activities and plasma urea level, and negative correlations between the enzyme activities and hemoglobin concentrations in patients, but not in the controls. It was concluded that further cross-sectional in vivo studies should be made to determine whether riboflavin administration may or not be useful in preventing renal anemia.Item Increased serum copper and decreased serum zinc levels in children with iron deficiency anemia(Humana Press Inc., 1997) Ece A.; Uyanik B.S.; Işcan A.; Ertan P.; Yiǧitoǧlu M.R.In order to evaluate serum copper and zinc status in children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), 60 children with IDA aged 1-14 yr and 64 healthy children as controls aged 1-14 yr were included the study. Serum copper levels were higher in children with IDA (189 ± 49 μg/dL) than those of controls (163 ± 37 μg/dL) (p = 0.001). Serum zinc levels were lower in the patient group (109 ± 59 μg/dL) than those of control subjects (135 ± 56 μg/dL) (p = 0.017). In addition, there were statistically significant negative correlations between hematological parameters and serum copper levels in the patient group, but not in controls. No correlation between hematological parameters and serum zinc levels were found in both patient and control groups, except positive correlation between mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum zinc level in patients. It was concluded that at the time of managing children with IDA, zinc deficiency must be borne in mind and if necessary treatment should be initiated with zinc.Item Beneficial effects of testosterone undecanoate on the lipoprotein profiles in healthy elderly men. A placebo controlled study(International Heart Journal Association, 1997) Uyanik B.S.; Ari Z.; Gümüs B.; Ramazan Yiǧitoǧlu M.; Arslan T.Background and Methods. In order to assess the effects of testosterone undecanoate (TU; 120 mg/d orally for 2 months) on serum lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein levels in healthy elderly men, the placebo (PL) controlled study was performed on 37 elderly men, aged between 53 and 89 years. In all subjects venous blood samples were taken after an overnight (10 hours) fast and sera were stored -70°C until analysis. Results. In PL group, neither hormonal data nor lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein levels showed significant changes. After TU supplementation, serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and estradiol (E2) levels decreased from 198 ± 30.7 mg/dl to 174 ± 41.9 mg/dl (P < 0.05), from 111 ± 18.14 mg/dl to 87.9 ± 29.4 mg/dl (P < 0.01), and from 86.2 ± 16.9 pmol/l to 70.5 ± 18 pmol/l (P < 0.01), respectively. Statistically significant differences were not observed in the serum triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and apolipoprotein (apo)A-1 and apo B levels after TU treatment. The mean ratios TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C as coronary risk factor criteria decreased significantly in the TU but not in the PL group. No obvious side effect was observed in those who took TU except for reported pyrosis in 2 of 17 elderly men. Conclusions. These data indicate that the increased serum levels of total testosterone (TT) produced by administration of TU, 120 mg/d orally for 2 months lead to supressed levels of TC and LDL-C and E2 but not significantly changed levels of TG, HDL-C, apo A-1 and apo B. Thus, we conclude that TU may be an effective drug for protecting coronary heart disease in healthy elderly men with lowered TT and FT levels. It may also have beneficial effects for sexual function and behavior.Item Effect of long-term alcohol abuse on male sexual function and serum gonadal hormone levels(Akademiai Kiado Rt., 1998) Gümüş B.; Yiǧitoǧlu M.R.; Lekili M.; Uyanik B.S.; Müezzinoǧlu T.; Büyüksu C.Purpose: The relationship between chronic alcohol abuse and male sexual dysfunction and pituitary gonadal function abnormalities remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of chronic alcoholism on sexual functions and serum hormone levels. Materials and methods: Forty-five chronically alcoholic men and a control group of thirty healthy non-alcoholic volunteers were enrolled in the study. Each of the men in the study and control group were interviewed according to a sexual dysfunction questionnaire by an urologist. Blood samples were collected for evaluation of hormone levels. Sera were stored at -70°C for analysis. Results: The sexual desire and erection scores of alcoholic men were not statistically different from those of the control group. Fourteen out of the 45 alcoholic men complained of loss of erection during sexual activity. No significant difference in hormone levels between groups was found except for FSH. Conclusion: In the absence of hepatic and gonadal failure in chronically alcoholic men, there is no significant difference in serum hormonal levels, sexual dysfunction form, and sexual functions between alcoholics and normal healthy nonalcoholic men.Item The serum zinc and copper values of the morkaraman and tuj sheep grown up in the pasture conditions in and around kars(1998) Kaya N.; Utlu N.; Uyanik B.S.; Özcan A.This study was performed on 100 sheep, of which 50 were Morkaraman and 50 were Tuj, grown up in the pasture conditions in and around Kars. The serum zinc and copper values of the animals were analysed with Atomic Absorbtion Spectrophotometre. The serum zinc and copper values were respectively determined as; 40.56 ± 5.6 ug/dl, 80.10 ± 7.49 ug/dl in Morkaramans and, 38.72 ± 5.32 ug/dl. 75.04 ± 6.58 ug/dl in Tujs. There were no significant differences between the value of zinc and copper statistically.Item Low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol in Turkish children: An important risk factor(1998) Işcan A.; Yiǧitoǧlu M.R.; Vurgun N.; Uyanik B.S.; Akyildiz M.In Turkish adults, the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) has been found to be high. However, no detailed lipid, or lipoprotein data of children are available from Turkey. The present study was designed to define the borderline lipid and lipoprotein levels of sera in 397 healthy children (aged 5-14 years; 206 boys and 191 girls). Mean levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL- C and LDL-C, respectively) were found to be 150, 79, 46.7, and 87.6 mg/dL, respectively, for boys, and 152, 77.5, 46.3 and 90.5 mg/dL, respectively, for girls. Lipids and lipoproteins did not show any significant correlation with age and body mass index (BMI), except for TG in boys in whom TG levels were positively correlated with age and BMI. There were no significant differences in lipid and lipoprotein levels between boys and girls. As in the Turkish adult population, serum HDL-C levels of Turkish children were profoundly low on international comparison. Twenty-three (53%) of 43 children with low HDL- C level (≤ 35 mg/dL) had abnormal ratios of TC/HDL-C (≤ 5) and/or LDL- C/HDL-C (≤ 4.5), whereas only 13 (3.7%) of the remaining 354 children with a HDL-C level less than 35 mg/dL had abnormal ratios of TC/HDL-C (≤ 5) and/or LDL-C/HDL-C (≤ 4.5). The low levels of HDL-C in Turkish children may be associated with the high incidence of CAD in the Turkish adult population.Item Low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol in Turkish children: An important risk factor(1998) Işslcan A.K.I.N.; Yiǧitoǧl̈ M.R.; Vurgun N.; Uyanik B.S.; Akyildiz M.In Turkish adults, the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) has been found to be high. However, no detailed lipid, or lipoprotein data of children are available from Turkey. The present study was designed to define the borderline lipid and lipoprotein levels of sera in 397 healthy children (aged5–14 years; 206 boys and 191 girls). Mean levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C, respectively) were found to be 150, 79, 46.7, and 87.6 mg/dL, respectively, for boys, and 152, 77.5, 46.3 and 90.5 mg/dL, respectively, for girls. Lipids and lipoproteins did not show any significant correlation with age and body mass index (BMI), except for TG in boys in whom TG levels were positively correlated with age and BMI. There were no significant differences in lipid and lipoprotein levels between boys and girls. As in the Turkish adult population, serum HDL-C levels of Turkish children were profoundly low on international comparison. Twenty-three (53%) of 43 children with low HDL-C level (35 mg/dL) had abnormal ratios of TC/HDL-C (5) and/or LDL-C/HDL-C (4.5), whereas only 13 (3.7%) of the remaining 354 children with a HDL-C level less than 35 mg/dL had abnormal ratios of TC/HDL-C (5) and/or LDL-C/HDL-C (4.5). The low levels of HDL-C in Turkish children may be associated with the high incidence of CAD in the Turkish adult population. © 2017 Wiley. All rights reserved.Item The role of virulent Helicobacter pylori strains in the etiopathogenesis of coronary artery disease; [Virulan Helicobacter pylori suslarinin koroner arter hastaligi etyopatogenezindeki rolu](1999) Yuceyar H.; Saruc M.; Arslan S.; Goksel G.; Ozbakkaloglu B.; Uyanik B.S.; Yigitoglu R.; Sengil A.Z.Epidemiological studies have shown a positive correlation between coronary artery disease (CAD) and gastric Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The possible mechanism by which H. pylori could increase the risk of CAD is chronic inflammation. More virulent H. pylori strains bearing the cytotoxin associated gene-A (CagA) can induce much more inflammation than CagA negative strains. The aim of our study was to assess the role of virulent H. pylori strains and inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of CAD. We studied 30 patients with CAD, age and sex being matched with 30 controls of similar social class. We determined the presence of H. pylori infection by rapid urease test, histology and serology (anti-H. pylori IgG). CagA status, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), gastrin and fibrinogen levels were also studied. The presence of H. pylori infection was statistically equal in CAD group (93.3%) and controls (86.6%)(p = 0.705). Serum CagA titers were 28.13 ± 9.21 U and 18.32 ± 5.8 U in the CAD and control group respectively. Serum TNF-α levels were 15.21 ± 4.30 pg/ml in the CAD group and 5.36 ± 2.41 pg/ml in the control group. Serum CagA and TNF-α levels showed a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.000). Patients with CAD had a higher prevalence of CagA-positive strains than controls (67.8% versus 42.3%; p = 0.021). The serum gastrin level was higher in CAD but there was no significant difference between two groups (p = 0.379). Fibrinogen levels of the CAD group were significantly higher than those of the control (370 ± 51 mg/ml and 247 ± 43 mg/ml, p = 0.001). Further more, numbers of occluded vessels in CAD patients were positively correlated with both cagA positivity and TNF-α levels. In conclusion, CagA bearing strains of H. pylori may increase the risk of CAD by inducing chronic inflammation and increasing the expression of cytokines and procoagulant substance.Item The concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 in maternal sera during pregnancy with normal and growth retarded fetuses; [Normal ve yetersiz fetal gelisim gosteren gebelerde gebelik suresince serum insulin benzeri buyume faktoru-1 (IGF-1) ve insulin benzeri buyume faktoru baglayici protein-3 (IGFBP-3) konsantrasyonlari](2000) Lacin S.; Oruc S.; Kuscu K.; Ersoy B.; Tansug N.; Uyanik B.S.; Yildirim Y.; Koyuncu F.Objective: To determine the concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in maternal sera of pregnancies with normal and growth retarded fetuses and investigate the relationship between these substances and fetal growth. Materials and Methods: Blood samples of 148 pregnant women were collected at 14-16 and 30-31 weeks and during delivery. Also cord blood samples were obtained during delivery. For the determination of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3, double-sided IRMA method was used. Infants were divided into two groups as normal and growth retarded fetuses based upon their patterns of growth using the percentile curves and the serum levels were compared. Correlation analysis and Mann-Whitney U test were used as statistical calculations. Results: Both IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels increased while approaching term in all pregnant women. In growth retarded cases, maternal IGF-1 levels were found to be significantly lower than pregnancies with normal fetuses (p< 0.005), but maternal IGFBP-3 levels were not different between two groups. IGF-1 levels in cord blood during delivery were not different while IGFBP-3 levels were significantly higher in growth retarded fetuses. Conclusion: Our study did not support the hypothesis that fetal growth retardation is due to IGF-1 deficiency. High binding protein levels may cause a relative free IGF-1 deficiency, but the levels of binding protein is probably secondary to metabolic changes or placental insufficiency. Low levels of IGF-1 and high levels of binding proteins implies the necessity of further investigation of placental transfer.Item Serum growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I levels in fibromyalgia syndrome; [Fi̇bromyalji̇ sendromlu hastalarda serum growth hormon ve insulin-like growth faktör-I düzeyleri̇](2000) Cindaş A.; Tüzün Ç.; Uyanik B.S.; Yiǧitoǧlu R.It has been hypothesized that depressed levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I (Somatomedin C) (IGF-I), caused by a deficit of stage-4-sleep-dependent release of Growth Hormone (GH) may play role in pathophysiology and muscle pain in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). In this study we aimed to measure the serum levels of GH and IGF-I in patients with FMS and to investigate the relationship between GH and IGF-I levels and clinical features. The study included 32 female patients with FMS and 22 age and sex matched healthy controh. Two way radioimmunoassay method was used to measure serum concentrations of IGF-I and chemiluminans method was used to measure GH. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for subjective assessment of pain and sleep disturbance. Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson Correlation Analysis were used for statistical analysis. The mean serum levels of GH (0,36±0,63 ng/ml in fibromyalgia group and 0,97±1,11 ng/ml in control group) and IGF-I (107.38±25.32 ng/ml in fibromyalgia group and 174.50±41.52 ng/ml in control group) were significantly lower in fibromyalgia group (p<0.001). But there were no statistically significant correlation between sleep disturbance, intensity of general pain, intensity of pain after physical activity, intensity of resting pain, intensity of pain with palpation, intensity of morning stiffness, number of tender points, tender points, tender point palpation scores, Beck Depression Scale scores, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores and State Anxiety inventory scores with serum levels of IGF-I and GH. We concluded that the disruption of GH and IGF-I secretion may play role in the pathophysiology of FMS however it does not effect the intensity of clinical findings.Item Serum levels of total acid phosphatase, prostatic acid phosphatase, total and free prostate-specific antigen in patients within chronic hemodialysis program(2001) Gümüş B.; Lekili M.; Uyanik B.S.; Temeltaş G.; Büyüksu T.; Kürşat S.Objective: To investigate the effect of terminal renal failure with chronic hemodialysis on prostatic disease markers [total acid phosphatase (TAP), prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA)]. Patients and Method: Total acid phosphatase (TAP), prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA) were measured in 28 patients over 40 years of age on terminal renal failure with chronic hemodialysis. Correlation was calculated between the dialysis duration and prostatic disease marker levels. Results: There was no evidence of artefactual elevation of prostatic disease markers. TAP, PAP, PSA and fPSA levels were in the normal range in all of the patients. However, PSA and fPSA levels decreased as the dialysis duration increased. Conclusion: Prostatic disease markers were useful in the routine screening of men receiving long-term dialysis, but the clinicians should be on alert when the dialysis duration increases.Item Immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-β3 in pregnant human myometrium: Possible associations with labor(2001) Kuşcu N.K.; Laçin S.; Vatansever S.; Yildirim Y.; Var A.; Uyanik B.S.; Koyuncu F.Background. Transforming growth factor-β3 is a cytokine which is involved in cell growth regulation and differentiation, stimulation of extracellular matrix and modulation of immune responses. The goal of this study was to detect the presence of this cytokine in the myometrium of preterm and term, nonlaboring and laboring patients, and to measure serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and IL-8 before cesarean section. Methods. In this prospective study, we obtained samples of myometrium from the lower uterine segment during elective and emergency cesarean sections (term non-laboring, n=8; term laboring, n=7; preterm non-laboring, n=3; and preterm laboring, n=19) and stained for transforming growth factor-β3. Blood was also sampled from the same patients to determine IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 levels. Results. Different intensities of staining were detected in preterm laboring, term nonlaboring and term laboring groups, but there was no staining in preterm nonlaboring group. We also found a statistically significant difference in IL-6 levels between laboring and nonlaboring groups (p=0.028). Conclusion. Different intensities of TGF-β3 which appeared in different stages of myometrium made us consider that TGF-β3 might prepare myometrium to labor, and IL-6 was more important than the other interleukins in initiation of labor.Item Clomiphene citrate does not adversely affect endometrial leukemia inhibitory factor levels(Parthenon Publishing Group Ltd, 2002) Kuşcu N.K.; Koyuncu F.M.; Var A.; Laçin S.; Uyanik B.S.; Ceylan E.The aim of this study was to compare endometrial leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) levels in spontaneous and clomiphene citrate (CC)-induced cycles of patients with unexplained infertility. The patients were followed in two consecutive cycles. Endometrial samples were obtained 7 days after ultrasonographic evidence that ovulation has occurred during the spontaneous cycle, then the patients were induced with CC from day 5 to day 9 during the subsequent cycle with 50 mg/day, and ovulation monitoring and endometrial biopsy were performed in the same manner. The samples were obtained using a Pipelle biopsy device without using local anesthesia, and kept in formaldehyde solution until the day of measurement. Then they were homogenized in phosphate buffered distilled water, and LIF levels were detected in the homogenized fluid by ELISA method. Endometrial LIF levels were 470 ± 52 and 501 ± 45 pg/1 gram wet tissue in spontaneous and CC-induced cycles respectively, revealing no significant difference. Ovulation induction with CC did not adversely affect endometrial LIF levels.Item Serum lipids and apolipoproteins in patients with psoriasis(2002) Uyanik B.S.; Ari Z.; Onur E.; Gündüz K.; Tanülkü S.; Durkan K.Psoriasis is characterized by defects in the normal cycle of epidermal development that lead to epidermal hyperproliferation, altered maturation of skin cells, vascular changes and inflammation. Also, psoriasis has been associated with an abnormal plasma lipid metabolism. Changes in plasma lipid and lipoprotein composition in patients with psoriasis may be the reason for the increased risk of atherosclerosis in these patients. We determined serum concentrations of lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoprotein A1 and B (apo A1 and apo B) in 72 patients with psoriasis and 30 age-matched controls. Serum lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), apo A1 and apo B were measured by immunoprecipitation assays, and the lipids and other biochemical parameters by enzymatic methods. Serum Lp(a) and triglyceride (TG) were significantly higher in patients with psoriasis than in healthy control subjects (p<0.01 for both). Apo B was also found to be higher in the patient group, but the difference was not significant. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apo A1 did not differ significantly from those of the controls. These observations imply that serum Lp(a) and TG concentrations may play a role as risk factors for atherosclerotic disease in patients with psoriasis.Item Interleukin-6 levels in hyperemesis gravidarum(2003) Kuscu N.K.; Yildirim Y.; Koyuncu F.; Var A.; Uyanik B.S.Introduction: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is associated with higher levels of serum β-hCG levels and hyperthyroidism. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is reported to enhance secretion of β-hCG from trophoblastic cell line. Methods: We measured serum levels of IL-6, thyroid hormones and β-hCG of hyperemetic patients and gestational age-matched controls to search for a difference between the two groups. Results: There was a significant difference in β-hCG (p=0.028), though IL-6 levels were higher in the hyperemetic group, it did not reach a significant level. Interleukin-6 positively correlated with β-hCG (r=0.38 and p=0.13).Item The protective mechanisms of defibrotide on liver ischaemia-reperfusion injury(2003) Aydemir E.O.; Varl A.; Uyanik B.S.; Ilkgül Ö.; Aydede H.; Sakarya A.During some surgical interventions, temporary occlusion of the hepatic blood supply may cause ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and hepatic dysfunction. In this study the protective effect of defibrotide (DEF) was evaluated in a rat model of liver I/R injury. Four groups of rats were subjected to the following protocols: saline infusion without ischaemia, DEF infusion without ischaemia, DEF infusion with hepatic I/R, and saline infusion with hepatic I/R. After a midline laporatomy, liver ischaemia was induced by 45 min of portal occlusion. DEF 175 mg/kg-1 was infused before ischaemia in 10 ml of saline. The same volume of saline was infused into the control animals. At the end of the 45-min reperfusion interval, the animals were sacrified. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities were determined in haemolysates, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the liver tissue was measured. Tissue MDA levels were significantly higher in the I/R plus saline group compared to the sham operation control groups (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Tissue MDA levels decreased in the DEF plus I/R group compared to the I/R plus saline group (p < 0.05), but DEF could not reduce tissue lipid peroxidation to the levels of the control sham operation groups. SOD and GSH-Px enzyme activities were significantly higher in DEF-treated animals than in the other groups (p < 0.05). These results suggest that DEF protects liver against I/R injury by increasing the antioxidant enzyme levels. © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Item Endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia: Increased homocysteine and decreased nitric oxide levels(2003) Var A.; Yildirim Y.; Onur E.; Kuscu N.K.; Uyanik B.S.; Goktalay K.; Guvenc Y.Endothelial dysfunction underlies the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, but its mechanism has not yet been completely understood. Elevated oxygen free radicals may partially explain the endothelial cell damage. In this study, we have aimed to measure homocysteine (Hcy) and nitric oxide (NO) levels as endothelial dysfunction markers in preeclamptic women. Nineteen preeclamptic (33.9 ± 1.4 weeks) and 15 gestational-age-matched normal pregnant women (35.5 ± 0.7 weeks) were included in the study. Mean NO level was significantly lower (p < 0.001) and mean Hcy level was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the preeclamptic group. Elevated Hcy and oxygen free radical levels could decrease NO levels due to the reaction with each other and reduced NO may increase blood pressure and ischemia in preeclamptic patients. We have concluded that increased Hcy and oxygen free radical levels, and decreased NO levels are closely associated with preeclampsia-related endothelial dysfunction. Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.Item The acute effect of orlistat on endothelial function in young obese women(2003) Sekuri C.; Tavli T.; Avsar A.; Sozcuer H.; Uyanik B.S.; Ari Z.Recent studies indicate that abdominal fat accumulation is related to impaired endothelial function in young healthy volunteers. The aim of this study was to determine the acute effect of gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor on brachial flow-mediated vasodilatation and hemodynamic parameters in young obese women. The study population was composed of 42 female obese patients (mean age 29 ± 4 years, age range between 18 and 34 years). Flow-mediated endothelial-dependent vasodilatation was assessed in the brachial artery in response to reactive hyperemia using high-resolution ultrasound. Brachial artery diameter (3.46 ± 0.72 mm to 3.82 ± 0.84 mm) and flow-mediated vasodilation (7.6 ± 0.8% to 9.8 ± 1.6%) changed significantly after 12 weeks of therapy (p < 0.001). Brachial artery flow was not changed (124 ± 92 ml/min to 148 ± 14 ml/min, p > 0.05). The results of this study demonstrate that orlistat improved endothelial function, weight, body mass index and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in young women.Item The acute effects of cilazapril on pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas changes in patients with pulmonary hypertension(2003) Tavli T.; Sekuri C.; Goktalay T.; Uyanik B.S.; Ari Z.The aim of the present study was to evaluate pulmonary function tests and arterial oxygen transport in patients with pulmonary hypertension due to congestive heart failure before and after cilazapril treatment. Thirty patients (16 men and 14 women, mean age, 65 ± 18 years) with congestive heart failure and 30 healthy volunteers (20 men and 10 women, mean age 59 ± 12 years, p > 0.05) were included in the study. All patients underwent evaluation of pulmonary function by spirometry and arterial blood gas analysis. Arterial oxygen saturation and arterial oxygen transport changed significantly after treatment (81 ± 7 to 87 ± 8 and 317 ± 74 to 392 ± 8, respectively). Forced expiration volume in 1 second, vital capacity and total lung capacity were increased after cilazapril treatment (2.55 ± 0.7 to 2.61 ± 0.8, 3.2 ± 0.9 to 3.3 ± 1.0 and 3.6 ± 0.9 to 4.1 ± 1.1, respectively, p < 0.05). In conclusion, short-term cilazapril administration improved pulmonary function and arterial oxygen transport because it increased cardiac output, produced pulmonary vasodilatation, improved the pulmonary hemodynamics and removed interstitial fluid.