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Background/aim: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease is an inherited kidney disease. This study aims to detect rare and common DNA variants of the PKHD1 gene using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and to classify them in terms of being pathogenic according to The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Materials and methods: NGS analysis was performed on the DNA of 304 patients who were referred to Ege University Molecular Medicine Laboratory with suspected polycystic kidney disease. Results: As a result, a total of 82 different DNA variants, 16 of which were novel, were detected. The breakdown of the variants found is as follows: 73 (89.02%) were missense variants, six (7.32%) nonsense variants, two (2.44%) frameshift deletions, and one (1.22%) nonframeshift deletion. According to The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics classification of these variants, 26 were benign (Class 5), two were likely benign (Class 4), 36 were of uncertain significance (Class 3), and nine were likely pathogenic (Class 2), nine of which are pathogenic variants (Class 1). Heterozygosity was found in 39 (63.9%) patients, homozygosity in six (9.8%) patients, compound heterozygosity in 12 (19.7%) patients, and complex genotype in four (6.6%) patients in which variants in Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 were determined according to ACMG classification. When the exon distributions of the DNA variants detected in the PKHD1 gene were analyzed, the most common exons of the DNA variant are exon 32 (n = 9), exon 58 (n = 8), exon 67 (n = 6), exon 61 (n = 5), 30 exons (n = 4). Conclusion: This fast and economical molecular diagnostic approach will provide a reliable prenatal diagnostic option, enabling definitive disease diagnosis and the identification of carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Immunoglobulin-A vasculitis (IgAV) is an inflammatory disease that affects small blood vessels. This study was performed to identify an association between protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) + 788G > A (rs33996649), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) -509C > T (rs18004069), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β) -511C > T (rs16944), interleukin 5 (IL-5) -746C/T (rs2069812), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D (rs4646994) gene polymorphisms, susceptibility to IgAV, as well as the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-1β, and TGF-β. Method: A total of 53 patients with IgAV and 50 healthy controls were enrolled. PTPN22, TGF-β, IL-1β, ACE gene polymorphisms, ACE gene I/D polymorphisms, and mRNA expression levels were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method, allele-specific PCR, and real-time PCR with TaqMan kits, respectively. Results: PTPN22, TGF-β, IL-1β, IL-5, and ACE variants showed no genotype or allele differences between patients with IgAV and controls. Increased levels of IL-1β and TGF-β mRNA expressions were observed in patients with IgAV (p < 0.001). Patients with the IL-1β AG genotype showed significantly increased amounts of arthritis than patients with non-AG (p = 0.004). Age at disease onset was found to be significantly different in patients with IgAV according to the presence of TGF-β TT genotype (p = 0.047). Conclusion: Polymorphisms in PTPN22, TGF-β, IL-5, IL-1β, and ACE genes are unlikely to confer susceptibility to IgAV. However, the presence of the AG genotype of IL-1β is associated with susceptibility to IgAV-related arthritis. This is the first study to report a significant increase in serum mRNA levels of IL-1β and TGF-β in IgAV patients, supporting a susceptibility to IgAV in childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Immunoglobulin-A vasculitis (IgAV) is an inflammatory disease that affects small blood vessels. This study was performed to identify an association between protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) + 788G > A (rs33996649), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) -509C > T (rs18004069), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β) -511C > T (rs16944), interleukin 5 (IL-5) -746C/T (rs2069812), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D (rs4646994) gene polymorphisms, susceptibility to IgAV, as well as the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-1β, and TGF-β. Method: A total of 53 patients with IgAV and 50 healthy controls were enrolled. PTPN22, TGF-β, IL-1β, ACE gene polymorphisms, ACE gene I/D polymorphisms, and mRNA expression levels were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method, allele-specific PCR, and real-time PCR with TaqMan kits, respectively. Results: PTPN22, TGF-β, IL-1β, IL-5, and ACE variants showed no genotype or allele differences between patients with IgAV and controls. Increased levels of IL-1β and TGF-β mRNA expressions were observed in patients with IgAV (p < 0.001). Patients with the IL-1β AG genotype showed significantly increased amounts of arthritis than patients with non-AG (p = 0.004). Age at disease onset was found to be significantly different in patients with IgAV according to the presence of TGF-β TT genotype (p = 0.047). Conclusion: Polymorphisms in PTPN22, TGF-β, IL-5, IL-1β, and ACE genes are unlikely to confer susceptibility to IgAV. However, the presence of the AG genotype of IL-1β is associated with susceptibility to IgAV-related arthritis. This is the first study to report a significant increase in serum mRNA levels of IL-1β and TGF-β in IgAV patients, supporting a susceptibility to IgAV in childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Behcet Uz Children's Hospital is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Childhood primary hypertension has been increasing in parallel with the increase in obesity prevalence in recent years. Hypertension is a polygenic disease in which epigenetic changes are also effective. In this study, factors and gene polymorphisms in hypertension etiology were evaluated. Methods: Age, gender, body mass index, family history, blood glucose and lipid levels, blood pressure measurements and percentiles at the time of diagnosis, post-treatment blood pressure controls, and target organ involvement were examined. Polymorphisms of ACE, renin, angiotensin, aldosterone, FABP2, and ApoB100 were evaluated. Results: A total of 100 patients, 50 patients (group 1) and 50 healthy controls (group 2), were included in the study. In terms of age distribution, the patient and control groups were not similar (P =.040). Distributions by gender were similar. While the mean height as one of the anthropometric values of both groups was statistically similar, the body mass index of Group 1 was significantly higher than the control group (P < .001). In the biochemical tests, only the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) mean of Group 1 was significantly lower than that of Group 2 (P < .001). When the distribution difference of ACE, renin, angiotensin, aldosterone, FABP2, and ApoB100 polymorphism was examined, no statistically significant difference was observed. Conclusion: In this study ACE, renin, angiotensin, aldosterone, FABP2, and ApoB100 gene polymorphisms were not identified as risk factors in existing pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I am bringing to your attention a case of on old patient of our clinic, suffering from metastatic HER-positive left breast cancer and right metastatic TNBC, revealing challenges with the adverse effects of the treatment, along with our experience in treating a patient with a long survival with a metastatic disease. A 70-year-old female, with no significant personal or family history, was diagnosed in 2012 with invasive breast carcinoma of the left breast, cT4bN2Mx, ER positive, PGR negative and HER2 positive. The patient received preoperative chemotherapy and underwent radical mastectomy – ypT2N0M0 and locoregional RT, and in 2013 the adjuvant treatment with trastuzumab + aromatase inhibitor was initiated, with good toleration. A PET-CT was performed on the following year that revealed a bone lesion (on the right iliac bone), also confirmed by MRI, and the biopsy came back negative, showing a benign lesion. Regardless, bisphosphonates were added to the treatment plan, until 2016, when discontinued due to dental problems. In 2018, a bone scintigram revealed progression of the bone metastasis, and the patient received palliative RT for the bone metastasis located on the right iliac bone. In January 2019, on a follow-up mammography, a lesion of 2.5 cm was discovered in the right breast (BIRADS 4), confirmed by MRI (two separate lesions, the largest one of 2.27/0.8/2 cm, with two intramammary lymph nodes – BIRADS 5). The histopathological and immunohistochemical and molecular assay revealed invasive breast carcinoma pT2pN0 ER, PGR, HER 2 negative, Ki67= 30-35%, BRCA 1, 2 negative. The patient received surgical and adjuvant treatment (radical mastectomy of the right breast and ALND followed by six cycles of AC), with no evidence of disease (inactive bone lesions on PET-CT). In October 2021, a PET-CT scan showed progression through bone metastasis, and one of the metastases located on the L3 vertebra was biopsied – invasive breast carcinoma NST ER, PGR, HER2 negative, Ki67=10%. The PD-L1 testing of the initial biopsy from 2019 was negative. The patient was administered palliative RT on the affected levels, followed by chemotherapy with capecitabine and osteoclasts inhibitor (amelioration of the dental problems). Six months later, a bone scintigram revealed progression of the disease through bone metastasis and, unfortunately, the biopsy from one of the lesions that was not irradiated came inconclusive. After 10 administrations of taxane-based chemotherapy, the patient presented with severe peripheric neuropathy and also with mandibular osteonecrosis. Managing adverse effects of the oncological treatment in a multidisciplinary team increases the patient’s chance to continue the best choice of treatment for every particular case or to prevent/ intervene as quickly as possible for a better result. Also, living with metastatic disease is an ongoing fight, and constant follow-ups and a good compliance to treatment can sometimes lead to a spectacular survival, like in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pamukkale Medical Journal is the property of Pamukkale Journal of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: OTULIN-related autoinflammatory syndrome (ORAS) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by systemic inflammation, recurrent fever. Due to limited knowledge about the OTULIN DNA variants that cause ORAS, the diagnosis and treatment of this disease is difficult. In this study, we aim to identify OTULIN DNA variants responsible for the genetic pathology of ORAS and observe the effects of these variants on the OTULIN protein structure and the function with different bioinformatics approaches. Methods: The present study included 3230 individuals with the suspicion of an autoinflammatory disease who were referred to Ege University Children's Hospital Molecular Medicine Laboratory. OTULIN variants were detected using a panel consisting of 37 different autoinflammatory diseases (AID) genes via targeted Next-Generation Sequencing. Results: As a result of the study, DNA variants associated with various AID were detected in 65% of the individuals to whom the panel was applied. Among these variants, only three different OTULIN variants (p.Val82Ile, p.Gln115His and p.Leu131_Arg132insLeuCysThrGlu) were detected. The pathogenic effects of the variants detected in the OTULIN gene were determined by using Polyphen2 as "Probably Pathogenic" for the p.Val82Ile and "benign" for the p.Gln115His. At the same time, the effects of these variants on the structure and function of the OTULIN protein were investigated by in silico approaches. Both variants reduce protein stability and binding affinity. Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest that the evaluation of OTULIN variants with in silico approaches will contribute to the development of personalized treatments by diagnosing the disease specific to the variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The inflammasome modulates the release of key proinflammatory cytokines associated with periodontal disease pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of proteins that regulate the inflammasome, namely pyrin domain-only proteins (POPs), caspase activation recruitment domain (CARD)-only proteins, and tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) proteins, in periodontal diseases.Methods: A total of 68 participants (34 males and 34 females) were divided into four groups, including periodontal health (H), gingivitis (G), chronic periodontitis (CP), and aggressive periodontitis (AgP) based on clinical parameters. Gingival tissue samples were obtained from all participants for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based gene expression analyses of molecules that regulate the inflammasome, including apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) containing CARD, caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), nucleotide-binding domain, leucine rich family (NLR) pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), NLR family pyrin domain containing 2 (NLRP2), AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2), POP1, POP2, CARD16, CARD18, TRIM16, and TRIM20 by RT-PCR.Results: NLRP3 and IL-1β were upregulated in the G, CP, and AgP groups compared with group H (P < 0.05). AIM2 was downregulated in the CP group compared with the H, G, and AgP groups (P < 0.05). TRIM20, TRIM16, and CARD18 were downregulated in the G, CP, and AgP groups compared with the H group (P < 0.05). POP1 and POP2 were downregulated in the CP and AgP, and AgP and G groups, respectively (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Active periodontal disease may result in downregulation of inflammasome regulators that may increase the activity of NLRP3 and IL-1β in periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate other interleukin-1b-mediated monogenic autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs) (tumor necrosis factor receptor-1-associated periodic syndrome, hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne syndrome) by the next-generation sequencing method (NGS) in cases with clinical Familial Mediterranean Fever symptoms, and no variant detected in the MEFV gene. Methods: The cases included in this study and their parents were interviewed and filled in a survey form. The targeted genetic panel for interleukin-1b-mediated AIDs covering four genes (MVK, NLRP3, TNFRSF1A, and PSTPIP1) was studied for cases with a negative result from the MEFV gene analysis. The genetic analysis was conducted using the targeted NGS method. Results: Variants were found in 16 out of the 40 patients in the study sample. These variants were priorly reported in variant databases, and three of them were identified as definitely pathogenic (V377I of the MVK gene, C52Y of the TNFRSF1A gene, and I313V of the NLRP3 gene), four as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) (R92Q of the TNFRSF1A, A372V of the PSTPIP1, and V198M and Q703K of the NLRP3), and one as benign polymorphism (S52N of the MVK gene). The median age of onset among variant-positive cases was 10.5 (3.5-18) years. The most common clinical findings in the variant-positive group were arthralgia, fever, and abdominal pain. While three out of 40 patients met the classification criteria before genetic analysis, only one patient was diagnosed with CAPS as a result of genetic analysis, and other patients were considered as nonspecific phenotype. Conclusion: The use of NGS gene panels seems beneficial in diseases with heterogeneous clinical manifestations such as systemic AIDs. Although the number of variants detected is high, clinical diagnosis rates remain low. The genotype-phenotype relationship in these diseases is still unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The color organ with its modern interpretation is an electronic device representing sound in a visual configuration. The origins of the color organ inventions can be traced back to the hand-operated models based on harpsichord design promising the splash of colors upon pressing a key. In this perusal, the harpsichord appears as a tool of fashion with its unique interpretation taking place in a setting where the author got into the habit of calling the ocular harpsichord 'la toilet'. The acquisition of a certain tendency made the author develop a habit of calling ornaments in general as 'visible music'. Throughout the narrative incorporating romantic features, the concept of ornament in music manifests itself visibly on clothing and architectural decoration adhering to the philosophical fulcrum between the 18th-century decorative aesthetics and the inventiveness of the Lumières. As a logical consequence, a mathematical structure applied in architecture could turn into keyboard compostition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We suggest PLAID, APLAID, and FCAS3 have to be considered as different aspects of the same underlying condition, because of our long‐term clinical and genetical experiences. Some CVID patients have the same disease‐causing mutations in PLCG2 gene, so it may be better to define all of them as "PLCG2deficiency." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: In children with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), clinical manifestations range from severe neonatal presentation to renal cysts found by chance. We aimed to evaluate demographic, clinical, laboratory findings, and genetic analysis of children with ADPKD. Materials and methods: We evaluated children diagnosed with ADPKD between January 2006 and January 2019. The diagnosis was established by family history, ultrasound findings, and/or genetic analysis. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings were evaluated retrospectively. Patients <10 years and ≥10 years at the time of diagnosis were divided into 2 groups and parameters were compared between the groups. Results: There were 41 children (M/F: 18/23) diagnosed with ADPKD. The mean age at diagnosis was 7.2 ± 5.1 (0.6-16.9) years and the follow-up duration was 59.34 ± 40.56 (8-198) months. Five patients (12%) were diagnosed as very early onset ADPKD. All patients had a positive family history. Genetic analysis was performed in 29 patients (PKD1 mutations in 21, PKD2 mutations in 1, no mutation in 3). Cysts were bilateral in 35 (85%) of the patients. Only one patient had hepatic cysts. No valvular defect was defined in 12 patients detected. Only 1 patient had hypertension. None of them had chronic kidney disease. No difference could be demonstrated in sex, laterality of the cysts, maximum cyst diameter, cyst or kidney enlargement, follow-up duration, or GFR at last visit between Groups 1 and 2. Conclusion: The majority of children with ADPKD had preserved renal functions and slight cyst enlargement during their follow-up. However, they may have different renal problems deserving closed follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), which is secreted by host tissues leading to periodontal tissue inflammation, is a major pro‐inflammatory cytokine in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The conversion of pro‐IL‐1β into its biologically active form is controlled by multiprotein complexes named as inflammasomes, which are key regulator of host defense mechanisms and inflammasome involved diseases, including the periodontal diseases. Inflammasomes are regulated by different proteins and processes, including pyrin domain (PYD)‐only proteins (POPs), CARD‐only proteins (COPs), tripartite motif family proteins (TRIMs), autophagy, and interferons. A review of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical data from these publications revealed that several inflammasomes including (NOD)‐like receptor (NLR) pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) have been found to be involved in periodontal disease pathogenesis. To the best of our knowledge, the current article provides the first review of the literature focusing on studies that evaluated both inflammasomes and their regulators in periodontal disease. An upregulation for inflammasomes and a downregulation of inflammasome regulator proteins including POPs, COPs, and TRIMs have been reported in periodontal disease. Although interferons (types I and II) and autophagy have been found to be involved in periodontal disease, their possible role in inflammasome activation has not evaluated yet. Modulating the excessive inflammatory response by the use of inflammasome regulators may have potential in the management of periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to discuss the clinical, laboratory and genetic findings, and treatment options for six patients who were diagnosed with Blau syndrome (BS)/early-onset sarcoidosis (EOS). Patients and methods: The study included four patients (2 males,2 females; mean age 7 years; range 4 to 10 years) with EOS and two siblings (1 male, 1 female; mean age 10 years; range, 9 to 11 years) with BS. Age, age of initial symptoms, age of diagnosis; articular involvement, presence of uveitis, dermatitis, or fever, other organ involvement, laboratory findings, results of metabolic tests for mucopolysaccharidosis and mucolipidosis, results of genetic, pathologic, and immunologic tests, radiologic findings to evaluate skeletal dysplasia, and treatment options were collected. Results: The median age at diagnosis of all patients was 6 years (range, 1 to 10 years). Five patients had camptodactyly and bilateral boggy synovitis in the wrists and ankles, one had granulomatous inflammatory changes in the liver and kidney biopsy, and one had attacks of fever and granulomatous dermatitis. None had uveitis. The detected mutations in nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2 (NOD2) were P268S (rs2066842), M513T (rs104895473), R702W (rs2066844), V955I (rs5743291), H343Y (rs199858111), and M491L (16:50745293). The treatments of patients included corticosteroids, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, anakinra, and canacinumab. Conclusion: Camptodactyly and boggy synovitis are important signs of BS/EOS. Methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor blockers are more effective in patients with predominantly articular symptoms. In patients 5 and 6 and their mother, we determined a novel M491L mutation in the NOD2 gene. Currently, this work is in progress towards identifying the pathogenesis and treatment options for this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in the Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene have been implicated in the etiology of Rett syndrome (RTT), a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects girls. MECP2 mutations in males, once thought to be lethal, are now recognized with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Here we report a 3-year-old boy who presented with developmental problems and regression and eventually was diagnosed with RTT that genetic analysis revealed to be a hemizygous c.316C>T missense mutation in the MECP2 gene suggesting somatic mosaicism with the normal 46,XY karyotype. DNA analysis of the patient's mother showed this either to be a de novo mutation ora case of gonadal mosaicism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of RTT in a young boy with a hemizygous c.316C>T mutation in the MECP2 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infantile nephrotic syndrome (INS) refers to disease that is present after the first three months of life up to one year of age. There is genetic heterogeneity and genotype-phenotype correlation is not clear. Objectives: The focus of the present study was to analyze genotypic and phenotypic features of both NPHS1 and NPHS2 genes in INS. Methods: Clinical data, mutational analysis, histology, treatments, and outcomes of 48 children with NS are evaluated. A direct sequencing of NPHS1 gene and NPHS2 gene was performed. Patients were classified into 3 groups; group 1: cases having only NPHS1 mutation; group 2: cases with only NPHS2 mutation; group 3: cases without any mutation. Results: The mean age at onset of the disease was 8.7 ± 2.3 months, and mean follow-up time was 8.3 years. Seven familial and 41 sporadic cases of INS were found. Kidney biopsy was performed in 45 out of 48 patients and pathological investigations revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 29 (65%), IgM nephropathy in 6 (13%), and minimal change disease in 10 patients (22%). There were 5 (10.4%) cases in group 1 (patients having only mutations of NPHS1)and13 cases (27%) in group 2 (patients having only mutations of NPHS2). Thirty cases (62.5%) had neither NPHS1 nor NPHS2 mutation (group 3). Conclusions: The genotypic and phenotypic features of INS were demonstrated. We found that INS with podocin mutation has poor prognosis according to exonal distribution. NPHS1 mutations caused a severe disease but with a more favorable prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the mutation of the podocin gene (NPHS2) in children with minimal changes diseases (steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (NS)) and steroid resistant NS. BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that the role of genetic factors is a well-known phenomenon, in NS there are still unknown aspects that are yet to be discovered. NS, type 2 is caused by NPHS2 gene and is characterised with proteinuria, minimal change disease on renal biopsy, poor response to steroid treatment, etc. METHODS: Twenty-nine children (65.5% male, 34.5% female) with nephrotic syndrome caused by chronic glomerulonephritis were examined and patients were tested for NPHS2 gene with Sanger technique. RESULTS: The average age was 7.2 ± 2.65 years. 82.8% of patients had NS with minimal changes, 17.2% had a steroid resistant NS. The analysis of the NPHS2 gene revealed a likely pathogenic (Arg168His), uncertain significance (Pro20Ley, Leu169Pro, Val180Met, Arg229Gln, Val290Met) and benign (Gly34Gly, Ala318Ala) variants. No novel variants were detected. CONCLUSION: This is the fi rst study investigating the nephrotic syndrome related to NPHS2 gene in Azerbaijani population. The high prevalence of uncertain significance variants emphasises the importance of population studies in this region as such data are necessary for classifications of the detected genetic variants (Tab. 1, Ref. 25). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uveitis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Chronic inflammation has been shown to have a role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the most important risk factor of cardiovascular diseases and is shown to start as early as childhood. In this study, we investigated the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in children with uveitis. Seventy five patients who were diagnosed as having uveitis in ophthalmology and pediatric rheumatology clinics were included in the study. Patients with hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and with history of early cardiovascular disease were excluded. Arterial stiffness, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) were measured for each patient. These measurements were compared with 50 healthy children with similar age and sex as controls. The mean age of patients in this study was 12.24 ± 2.69 years, and the mean age of controls was 11.32 ± 4.52 years. PWV and AIx values were higher in the patient group (p = 0.04, p = 0.03). cIMT levels were not different in patient and control groups. When patients were grouped as having uveitis for more than 5 years or not, patients with longer duration of uveitis had higher PWV, AIx, and cIMT levels (p values were 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04 respectively). Vascular functions deteriorate first with endothelial damage in children with uveitis and as disease continues, increase in cIMT is added. We think that for follow-up of the disease and evaluation of the treatment, non-invasive subclinical atherosclerosis markers should be used along with activation criteria of primary diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of colchicine on cytokine production, apoptosis, alveolar bone loss, and oxidative stress in an experimental model of periodontitis in rats.Methods: Forty-eight rats were divided equally into four groups: healthy (H); periodontitis (P); periodontitis+colchicine low dose (CL, 30 μg/kg/day), and periodontitis+colchicine high dose (CH, 100 μg/kg/day). After 11 days, interleukin (IL) -1β, IL-8, and IL-10 were analyzed in gingival samples using Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), total oxidative stress (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured in gingiva and serum. Alveolar bone volume was evaluated via micro-CT. Apoptotic cells were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay in histological sections.Results: Colchicine treatment significantly reduced IL-1β, IL-8, RANKL, RANKL/OPG, TOS, OSI, and bone volume ratio levels, and increased TAS levels compared to group P (p < 0.05). High dose colchicine treatment (CH) significantly decreased TUNEL+ cell counts compared to group P (p < 0.05).Conclusions: These finding suggest that colchicine has a prophylactic potential for the prevention of periodontal tissue destruction through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and bone-protective effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Asthma Allergy Immunology / Astim Allerji Immunoloji is the property of Turkish National Society of Allergy & Clinical Immunology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD) are chronic myeloid hematological disorders, characterized by increased myeloid cell proliferation and fibrosis. Impaired apoptotic mechanisms, increased cell proliferation, uncontrolled hematopoietic cell proliferation and myeloaccumulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of CMPD. The aim of our study was to show the possible role of FAS/FASL gene polymorphisms in CMPD pathogenesis and investigate the association with clinical parameters and susceptibility to disease.Material and Methods: We included 101 (34 polycythemia vera (PV), 23 primary myelofibrosis (PMF), 44 essential thrombocythemia (ET)) CMPD patients diagnosed according to the WHO classification criteria and 95 healthy controls in this study. All the patients and the controls were investigated for FAS/FASL gene expression, allele frequencies and phenotype features, and also FAS mRNA levels were analyzed.Results: Chronic myeloproliferative disorders patients showed increased FAS-670AG + GG genotype distribution compared with the control group (p < 0.05). While the A allele was more frequent in both groups, AG genotype was more frequent in CMPD patients. There was no association between FAS-670A>G gene polymorphism and some clinical parameters such as splenomegaly and thrombosis (p > 0.05). No statistically significant difference in FASL+843C>T genotype or allele frequency was found between groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, no statistically significant difference was detected in FASL and JAK2V617F mutations (p > 0.05). FAS mRNA expression was 1.5-fold reduced in patients compared to healthy subjects.Conclusions: According to our findings, FAS/FASL gene expression may contribute to the molecular and immunological pathogenesis of CMPD. More investigations are needed to support these data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disease. Pyrin has anti-inflammatory activity in the regulation of inflammasomes and is encoded by the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene. MEFV gene mutations trigger the inflammatory cascade and cause familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). A relationship between various rheumatic diseases and MEFV gene mutations has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the MEFV gene mutation in Turkish patients with sarcoidosis and to detect any possible correlation with disease phenotype. Method: The study included 78 sarcoidosis patients and 85 healthy subjects matched for age, gender, and ethnicity. MEFV gene mutations were investigated with the FMF strip assay, which is based on reverse hybridization of biotinylated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Results: Of the 78 patients with sarcoidosis, nine (11.5%) were found to be carriers of MEFV gene mutations. The distribution of these nine mutations were: three (3.8%) V726A, two (2.5%) E148Q, two (2.5%) M680I, one (1.3%) A744S, and one (1.3%) K695R. Carriers of M694V, M694I, R761H, and P369S were not detected in any of the sarcoidosis patients. None of the sarcoidosis patients were found to be compound heterozygous carriers. The prevalence of the MEFV gene mutation carrier detected in the healthy control group was 22.4%. The distribution of the 19 MEFV gene mutations found in the healthy controls was: nine (10.6%) E148Q, two (2.3%) M694V, one (1.2%) M694I, one (1.2%) M680I, two (2.3%) V726A, one (1.2%) A744S, two (2.3%) K695R, and one (1.2%) P369S. When compared with the control group, a lower prevalence of the MEFV gene mutation carrier was found in sarcoidosis patients but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.067). In nine patients found to be MEFV gene mutation carriers, higher serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and higher numbers patients with arthritis, enthesitis, and ankle arthritis were found (p = 0.01, p = 0.04, p = 0.028, p = 0.05, p = 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: When we compared Turkish sarcoidosis patients with the healthy control group, we found a lower prevalence of MEFV gene mutations. In sarcoidosis patients, the MEFV gene mutation carrier was found to be related to high acute-phase responses, arthritis, and enthesitis. The existence of MEFV gene mutations may have a preventive role with regard to the development of sarcoidosis. Prospective studies that include larger patient populations are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is diagnosed by fever episodes with sterile peritonitis, arthritis, pleurisy, and erysipelas-like erythema. The relationship between phenotype and genotype in FMF has not been adequately explained. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenotype and genotype correlation in FMF. Materials and methods: Clinical diagnosis of FMF was conducted according to the Tel Hashomer criteria. Pras scoring was used to determine clinical severity. FMF strip assay analysis was used, and the hotspot regions were observed with PCR amplification and automatic DNA sequence analysis method. Results: We showed commonly seen mutations (most frequently M694V) in a study group of 191 patients. The disease severity score of patients with M694V mutation was high on the Pras scoring system. Patients with M694V mutation needed high colchicine dosages to control disease activity. R202Q was the most commonly seen polymorphism in 70 patients. The coexpression of R314R single nucleotide polymorphism on third exon was shown in our study. Moreover, D102D, G138G, and A165A subhaplotypes and E474E, Q476Q, and D510D subhaplotypes were also shown. Conclusion: DNA sequence analysis should be a commonly used method for progress in the field of molecular genetics and for the better understanding of the FMF phenotype and genotype relationships in all populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Pediatric Research is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is a common problem in paediatric nephrology practice which tends to progress to end- stage renal disease. SRNS-causing genes are expressed in the glomerular podocyte which is a specialized cell type. However, there are more than 80% of SRNS cases with unknown molecular etiology. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has an important role in the mitochondrial electron-transport chain. Synthesis of CoQ10 is a complex pathway, involving enzymes from various genomes; termed from CoQ1 to CoQ10. Due to sequenced reactions of synthesis, enzymes and regulatory proteins are needed in obligation. So any dysfunction here; affects the biosynthesis of CoQ10. Aim: We here described quinone-responsive six patients having CoQ2 mutations, presented with steroid-resistant NS. Findings: CoQ 10 deficiency is strongly related with CoQ2 deficiency and/or any mutation of encoding genes. Among the 5 types of CoQ 10 deficiency, infantile form can be presented only with renal involvement, nephrotic syndrome. Also in other forms, renal involvement is not rare besides the neurological pathologies. All 6 cases of us with CoQ2 mutation responded to CoQ 10 treatment. Conclusions: In conclusion, early recognition of CoQ2 nephropathy is crucial. CoQ10 supplementation improves the clinical symptoms and prevents neurologic complications. Long-term follow-up is important to define the prognosis of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the present study is to investigate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 and tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) gene polymorphisms in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) and to assess the effects of MMP-8 and TIMP-1 genotypes on the outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy. Methods: Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood of 100 patients with GAgP and 167 periodontally healthy controls. MMP-8 +17 C/G, -799 C/T, -381 A/G and TIMP-1 372 T/C, *429 T/G polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Patients with GAgP received non-surgical periodontal therapy and were followed for 6 months. Clinical periodontal parameters and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected at baseline and at follow-up visits. GCF biomarkers were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Distribution of the MMP-8 -799 C/T genotypes was significantly different between the GAgP and control groups (P <0.005). TIMP-1 372 T/C and *429 T/G genotypes in males were also significantly different between study groups (P <0.004). GCF MMP-8 levels decreased until 3 months after non-surgical therapy compared with baseline in T and G alleles, as well as G and C allele carriers (P <0.0125), whereas no significant decreased was observed in non-carriers (P >0.0125). Conclusion: On the basis of the present findings, it can be suggested that MMP-8 -799 C/T and TIMP-1 372 T/C, *429 T/G gene polymorphisms in males may be associated with the susceptibility to GAgP in the Turkish population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the relationship between androgen receptor (AR) gene polymorphism and prostate cancer in our society. Materials and methods: Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and 34 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients who were diagnosed in 2010 met the study criteria. he inclusion criteria included patients whose diagnosis was confirmed with a biopsy, with the presence of adequate pathologic material for review, between the ages of 40 and 80, and who were healthy men without a family history of prostate cancer. The exclusion criteria excluded men diagnosed with another cancer and those who had kin with a history of prostate cancer. A direct DNA sequencing method was utilized for detection of polymorphisms. Results: CAG repeat length varied from 13 to 28 (mean: 21.67) for the BPH group and 12 to 28 (mean: 21.74) for the prostate cancer group. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density and the androgen receptor (AR) CAG repeat had a statistically significant negative correlation in the BPH group. A statistically significant difference was associated between AR CAG repeat and PSA density. Conclusion: Randomized prospective studies should be planned with larger patient and control groups and with more variables, which may open new horizons in prostate cancer screening and early detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents answers to a clinical quiz about a rare cause of urolithiasis in an infant who had multiple, bilateral kidney stones which required surgical intervention.

Patients with DAX-1 gene mutations on chromosome Xp21 usually present with adrenal hypoplasia congenita and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Yet, neither correlation between the type of mutation and the age of onset of the disease nor mechanism of the mutation on puberty is fully understood. Here, we report a novel non-sense p.Gln208X mutation in the amino terminal domain of the DAX-1 gene observed in a large family with three boys presenting with adrenal manifestations at different ages. Furthermore, two boys developed spontaneous puberty that failed to progress at similar ages, whereas the other boy developed precocious puberty at 10 month of age. The unique structure of the DAX-1 gene may explain this phenotypic variability. However, more studies are needed to understand the role of the DAX-1 gene on development of the adrenal gland and hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The inflammasome complex and the inflammatory pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the most common autoinflammatory disorder, familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Pyrin, the protein product of the FMF gene MEFV, interacts with the inflammasome complex adaptor protein ASC/PYCARD (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein with a CARD). Pyrin and ASC can both function as either inducers or suppressors of the cellular inflammatory response. We aimed to characterize ASC-induced gene expression profiles in FMF patients with different MEFV mutation patterns. Methods: A total of 165 Caucasian patients with clinical and molecular FMF diagnoses were enrolled in the study. ASC gene expression was quantified by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: ASC mRNA expression was increased in the MEFV mutation-positive group compared to the mutation-negative group (p = 0.001). The fold changes of ASC expression in the M694V homozygous (p = 0.02), M694V heterozygous (p = 0.012), compound heterozygous (p = 0.002), and R202Q/P369S/R408Q (p = 0.00) groups relative to the MEFV mutation-negative group were +2.4, +2.7, +3, and +3.4, respectively. qRT-PCR did not reveal a significant difference in ASC mRNA expression levels among the MEFV mutation-positive groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: ASC mRNA expression was up-regulated in patients carrying MEFV mutations independent of mutation type. There was no significant relationship between specific MEFV genotypes and the level of ASC expression in the patient group analysed. Thus, the findings of this work may suggest a crucial relationship between mutant MEFV/pyrin and remarkable ASC up-regulation in FMF inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Coincidence of X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) and secondary hemophagocytic syndrome (sHS) is atypical. Both diseases are rare and pathogenesis of the latter one is not clearly known. Case Presentation. A 5-year-old boy was diagnosed both with XLA and sHS. However, in his history, he did not have severe and recurrent infections. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene mutation was present (c.l581_1584delTTTG). To the best of the authors' knowledge, coincidence of XLA and sHS had not been reported in the literature before. Conclusion. Patients with XLA are extremely vulnerable to recurrent bacterial infections. The diagnosis of XLA with sHS at any time of life is both an interesting and challenging situation without history of recurrent bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background It has been shown that toll like receptors (TLR) may be involved in some inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis. Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentation disorder of unknown aetiology. A number of genes playing a role in inflammatory response may be associated with development of vitiligo. Objectives To investigate whether there is an association between TLR 2 and TLR4 gene polymorphisms in Turkish patients with vitiligo. Methods A total of 100 patients (59 women and 41 men) with vitiligo and 100 controls (58 women and 42 men) were included in the study. The TLR2 gene Arg753Gln and TLR4 gene Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms were genotyped by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The data were analysed by Mann-Whitney U-test, chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis. Results Significant difference was found in the distribution of TLR2 Arg753Gln genotype and in the allele frequencies TLR2 753Gln between vitiligo patients and healthy subjects ( P < 0.05). The distribution of TLR4 Asp299Gly genotype was significantly higher in the patient group (10%) than in the control group (%2) ( P < 0.05). The TLR4 Thr399Ile distribution did not show any difference in both vitiligo and healthy groups. Conclusions Our findings suggest that Toll-like receptor 2 gene Arg753Gln and Toll-like receptor 4 Asp299Gly gene polymorphisms are associated with vitiligo susceptibility in Turkish patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

B lymphocyte subpopulations, previously defined classification schemes (Freiburg, Paris, EuroClass), TNFRSF13B (TACI), TNFRSF13C (BAFF-R), TNFSF13 (APRIL) gene mutations, CTLA-4 and ICOS gene polymorphisms were analyzed in 25 common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients and 25 healthy controls. Patients were also divided into two subgroups due to some disease severity criteria. SG (severe disease group) (n:11) included patients who have splenomegaly and/or granulomatous diseases and/or bronchiectasis and/or lower baseline IgG values (<270 mg/dl). MG (moderate disease group) (n:14) patients diagnosed as having ESID/PAGID criteria but does not fulfill SG inclusion criteria. The onset of infectious symptoms and age at diagnosis were 50.0 ± 45.7 and 78.5 ± 54.5 months, respectively. Parental consanguinity rate was 54.5% in SG and 7.1% in MG. Switched-memory B cells (CD19 + 27 + IgD-IgM-) showed significant decrease in CVID patients and these cells were also significantly lower in SG compared to MG. CVID patients had significantly higher percentages of CD19 + κ + B cells and CD19 + λ + B cells than healthy controls. Freiburg classification: 87,5% of patients (n:21) were in group I and 12.5% were in Group II. Eighteen (75%) CVID patients with a low percentage of CD21 B cells were in Group Ib while three patients classified as Group Ia. The significantly lower levels of IgG and IgA in Group Ia is a novel finding. The percentages of patients for Paris Classification groups MB0, MB1, MB2 were 88%, 4% and 8%, respectively. There was a significant increase of splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and autoimmune cytopenia in Group MB0. EuroClass: 45.8% of patients were smB+ and 54.2% were smB-. Splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy were significantly higher in smB- group. TACI: One patient carried heterozygous C104R mutation which was known as disease causing. APRIL: G67R and N96S SNPs were detected in most of the patients and healthy controls. BAFF-R: P21R/H159Y compound heterozygous mutation (n:1) and P21R heterozygous mutations (n:3) were detected. +49 A > G changes in exon 1 of CTLA-4 gene: GG and AG genotypes increase the risk of CVID development 1.32 and 2.18 fold, respectively. 1564 T > C polymorphisms on 3′UTR region in exon 2 of ICOS gene was not found to be significantly different in CVID patients. CVID classifications were not helpful in determining the genetic etiology of CVID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: Pseudohypoaldosteronism Type 1 (PHA1) is a rare heterogeneous syndrome characterized by severe salt loss, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis, hyperaldosteronism and hyperreninemia. Multi-system form of PHA1 is caused by mutations in one of the genes encoding the α, β and γ subunits of epithelial sodium channels (ENaC). In this study, we presented a novel splice site mutation in the beta-gene of ENaC in a patient with multi-system PHA. Methods: We performed DNA sequencing analysis of SCNN1A, SCNN1B, SCNN1G and NR3C2 genes. Results: We found a novel c.1266-1G>C homozygous splice site mutation in intron 8 of the SCNN1B gene. Initially elevated plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone levels of the patient returned to normal with large amounts of dietary salt and serum sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) levels were within normal range at the end of the first year of life. Conclusion: This improvement may be due to partial activity of mutated ENaC subunits, reduced dependence on aldosterone in salt homeostasis with increasing age, and alternative regulating mechanisms in sodium homeostasis. The results enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of this disorder and the mechanisms of renal salt conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Homozygous mutations in the glucokinase gene ( GCK) result in a complete deficiency of the GCK enzyme, which leads to permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus. Whilst there has been one report of a patient (with a homozygous p.T168A) who was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 2 months, all other cases were diagnosed with diabetes within the first 2 weeks of life. We now report a second unrelated patient with the same p.T168A GCK mutation who was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 9 months. We conclude that the specific GCK mutation, as yet unidentified genetic modifiers, and/or environmental factors might have different effects on pancreatic β-cell functions, causing variability in the age at diagnosis of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]