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Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate levels of homocysteine (Hcy), folate, vitamin B12, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and to assess relationship between Hcy levels and inflammatory mediators including IL-6 and TNF-α in untreated patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: The study included 55 women including 30 newly diagnosed and untreated female RA patients and 25 agematched healthy individuals as controls. Results: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESH), C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in RA patients than controls (p<0.05). Homocysteine levels were higher in RA group when compared to controls; however, folate and vitamin B12 levels were not different between groups (p>0.05). There were no significant correlations between Hcy levels and acute phase reactants or inflammatory mediators (p>0.05). Conclusion: Both mediators such as IL-6 and TNF-α and hyper-homocysteinemia are associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. There was no significant correlation between Hcy levels and inflammatory mediators, although levels of these molecules were elevated in RA. Both inflammatory mediators and Hcy may cause an increase in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disorders through diverse pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with renal failure. Patients with chronic renal failure are significantly susceptible to atherosclerosis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of elevated homocysteine on atherosclerosis and inflammation in continuos ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Methods: 56 patients undergoing CAPD and 27 healthy subjects was enrolled in the study. All patients total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, hs-CRP, homocysteine, intima-media thickness, arterial stiffness values were measured and statistically analyzed. Results: It is determined that the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, homocysteine, intima-media thickness, arterial stiffness and hs-CRP was higher in patients compared to the control group (in order; p=0.03, p=0.0006, p=0.02). Conclusion: Carotid intima-media thickness being increased because of increased levels of homocysteine and inflammation in CAPD patients. Therefore, in case of atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia and inflammation more aggressive treatment protocol should be considered. Patients with elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations should be treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In our study we aimed to examine serum homocysteine levels of patients without thyroid dysfunctions who have high serum anti thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) levels and patients with subclinical hypothyroidism who have high serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti-TPO levels. Methods: One hundred and seven premenopause female outpatients who referred to endocrine clinic of our hospital were included in our study. We generated 3 groups. First group (Control) consists of 53 (50%) patients between the ages of 30-40 years. Second group (Euthyroid) consists of 31 (29%) patients between the ages of 26-49. Third group (Subclinical Hypothyroidism) consists of 23 (21%) patients between the ages of 33-53 years. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were measured by Olympus 2700 autoanalyzer. Serum TSH, free T4, anti-TPO and homocysteine levels were measured by Siemens Immulite 2000 autoanalyzer. Results: In our study, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels were not statistically significantly different among the groups. Although serum homocysteine levels of the third group were higher than the other groups it was not statistically significantly different among the groups. Conclusion: Serum homocysteine and lipid levels of patients with euthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism who have positive anti-TPO levels may be inadequate in assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the plasma homocysteine levels between control group and diabetic patients with no diabetic retinopathy, with preproliferative diabetic retinopathy, with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Materials and methods: Plasma homocysteine levels of 23 diabetic patients were measured and were compared with 25 age-matched controls with no systemic problem and no ocular disease. Plasma homocysteine levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Diabetic patients were divided into three groups according to their ophthalmological findings. There were 8 patients with no diabetic retinopathy, 8 patients with preproliferative diabetic retinopathy, 7 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Plasma homocysteine levels were higher in diabetic patients (13.30±4.03 μmol/L) compared to the control group (11.71±3.41 μmol/L) but no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (p>0.05). Plasma homocysteine levels were measured 12.50±3.73 μmol/L in no diabetic retinopathy group, 12.90±2.59 μmol/L in preproliferative diabetic retinopathy group, 14.64±5.69 μmol/L in proliferative diabetic retinopathy group. In diabetic group, plasma homocysteine levels increased with the increase of the severity of retinopathy but not reached statistically significance (p>0.05). Conclusion: Although no statistically significance was found, retinopathy progresses with the increase of plasma homocysteine levels. This can be used for the followup of the diabetic patients but further evaluation in large groups is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]