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Our recently discovered electrical doping technique allows a broad-range variation of carrier concentration without changing the chemical composition. We show that it is possible to induce superconductivity in a nondoped insulating sample and to tune it reversibly all the way to an overdoped metallic state. This way, we can investigate the whole doping diagram of one and the same sample. Our study reveals two distinct critical points. The one at the overdoped side is associated with the onset of the pseudogap and with the metal-to-insulator transition in the c-axis transport. The other at optimal doping is associated with the appearance of a "dressed" electron energy. Our study confirms the existence of multiple phase transitions under the superconducting dome in cuprates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract It is a long held doctrine in reproductive biology that women are born with a finite number of oocytes and there is no oogenesis during the postnatal period. However, recent evidence challenges this by showing the presence of germ line stem cells in the human ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), which can serve as a source of germ cells, and differentiate into oocyte like structures. Postnatal renewal of oocytes may have enormous therapeutic potential especially in women facing the risk of premature ovarian failure idiopathically or iatrogenically after exposure to gonadotoxic chemotherapy and radiation for cancer therapy. This article reviews current knowledge on germ line stem cells in human OSE.

We consider the Bernstein polynomials on and investigate some interesting properties of Bernstein polynomials related to Stirling numbers and Bernoulli numbers.

Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to construct generating functions of higher-order twisted -extension of Euler polynomials and numbers, by using -adic, -deformed fermionic integral on . By applying these generating functions, we prove complete sums of products of the twisted -extension of Euler polynomials and numbers. We also define some identities involving twisted -extension of Euler polynomials and numbers.

The main purpose of this paper is to study on generating functions of the -Genocchi numbers and polynomials. We prove new relation for the generalized -Genocchi numbers which is related to the -Genocchi numbers and -Bernoulli numbers. By applying Mellin transformation and derivative operator to the generating functions, we define -Genocchi zeta and -functions, which are interpolated -Genocchi numbers and polynomials at negative integers. We also give some applications of generalized -Genocchi numbers.

The effects of finasteride on insulin resistance and of metformin on hyperandrogenism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are not clear. This study therefore compared the effects of finasteride, metformin, and finasteride plus metformin treatments on hormone levels, insulin resistance, and hirsutism score in women with PCOS. Fifty-two patients with PCOS were randomly assigned to receive finasteride 5 mg/day, metformin 1700 mg/day or finasteride plus metformin for 12 months. Body mass index (BMI), Ferriman Gallway score (FGS), serum concentrations of estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and areas under the curve (AUC) for insulin and glucose were evaluated before and after 12 months of treatment. Reductions in FGS, free testosterone, DHEAS, androstenedione, HOMA-IR, AUCinsulin, and AUC-glucose were significant within each group, whereas BMI and estradiol were not. Comparisons of changes in parameters in the 3 groups did not clearly show the superiority of any treatment modality. The treatment with finasteride alone significantly reduced both androgen levels and parameters of insulin resistance. In addition, metformin alone was effective, and not inferior to finasteride, in the treatment of hyperandrogenism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Genetic disorders associated with the development of the pituitary gland and cranial bones may cause a genetic tendency toward Sheehan's syndrome (SS). Our aim in this study was to investigate expression disorders in the genes responsible for the development of the pituitary gland and cranial bones in patients with SS. Materials and Methods. Forty-four patients who were previously diagnosed with SS and 43 healthy women were compared in terms of the mean expression values of genes including the prophet of PIT-1 (PROP1), HESX homeobox 1 (HESX1), POU class 1 homeobox 1 (POU1F1), LIM homeobox 3 (LHX3), LHX4, glioma-associated oncogene homolog 2 (GLI2), orthodenticle homeobox 2 (OTX2), SIX homeobox 3 (SIX3), SIX6, T-box transcription factor 19 (TBX19), transducin-like enhancer protein 1 (TLE1), TLE3, distal-less homeobox 2 (DLX2), DLX5, MSH homeobox 2 (MSX2), and paired box 3 (PAX3). Results. The mean expression values of the HESX1, TLE1, TLE3, and MSX2 genes were significantly different in the SS group from the healthy control group, while the mean expression values of the remaining genes were similar. Conclusion. The present study concludes that abnormal expressions of HESX1, TLE1, TLE3, and MSX2 genes may cause a genetic predisposition to the development of SS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rectangular Au/Co/Au/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+ δ (Bi2212) mesa structures with large areas and high thicknesses were fabricated on as-grown Bi2212 single crystals in order to obtain small critical current from as-grown mesas by the injection of spin polarized current and so eliminate the adjustment of doping level for successful THz emission. We have performed c-axis resistance versus temperature (R–T), current–voltage (I–V) characteristics and bolometer measurements. It is the first time that THz emission has been observed from as-grown mesas due to injection of spin polarized current. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. Hyperkalemia is one of the most common acute life-threatening metabolic emergencies. Alterations in serum potassium (K+) levels can have dramatic effects on cardiac cell conduction and may lead to electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. But in some patients ECG changes do not accompany serum K+ abnormalities. Severe hyperkalemia secondary to Addison Disease (AD) is rare. Case. A 40-year-old woman with AD was admitted to emergency service with generalized pain. The patient's serum K+ level was found to be at the highest level that can be detected in our laboratory (>10.0 mmol/L, normal 3.5-4.5 mmol/L) and repeated serum K+ confirmed the previous result. Results of repeated ECGs have revealed a normal sinus rhythm. Our case is particularly interesting because it demonstrates an Addison patient that has an extremely high level of K+ (>10 mmol/L) without any accompanying ECG changes. Conclusion. Our case confirms that diagnostic ECG changes do not always accompany severe hyperkalemia. Therefore, clinicians should be careful that ECG may look normal in the presence of severe hyperkalemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to examine the ocular hemodynamic changes after carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS). We aimed to compare the differences in retinal and optic nerve head blood flow after 2 surgical methods. The ipsilateral eyes of 34 patients who had over 50% ICAS with no ocular findings and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. Foveal avascular zone vessel density in the superficial retinal capillary plexus, deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP), and radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) were measured with an optical coherence tomography angiography device. These measurements were repeated 1 month after CAS or CEA in patients with ICAS. The preoperative and postoperative values of the patients were compared both within themselves and with the control group. When patients with ICAS were compared with the control group, lower vessel density values were found in the DCP parafovea, RPCP whole image, and peripapillary regions both before and after the procedure. There was no significant difference in terms of other parameters. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in any parameter examined between the pre- and postprocedural values of the patients who underwent CAS and CEA. DCP and RPCP are mostly affected in patients with ICAS. We observed that after application of the CAS and CEA methods, the effects on ocular blood flow were similar., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

The aim of the study is to determine the usefulness of base excess (BE) and creatine kinase (CK) in predicting the extent of damage to the extremities, the need for hemodialysis, and the likelihood of mortality in crush injuries. Our study included patients who were affected by the earthquakes that occurred in Kahramanmaras/Turkey on February 6, 2023 and were diagnosed with crush injuries. The study was a retrospective observational study. We used chi-square test, independent sample t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine whether CK and BE values can be used to predict damage to the extremities, hemodialysis requirement, and mortality. A total of 299 patients were included in the study. A statistically significant relationship was found between BE and extremity damage, hemodialysis requirement, and mortality (P < .005). A statistically significant difference was also seen in terms of extremity damage and hemodialysis requirement with CK (P < .001), while there was no statistically significant difference seen in mortality (P = .204). BE may serve as a predictive biomarker for the development of extremities damage, hemodialysis requirement, and mortality. CK is not predictive of mortality., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Background: The severity of relapses is one of the determinants of residual disability in multiple sclerosis (MS), contributing to the final progressive state. However, the factors that predict the severity of relapses are not fully understood., Aim: To predict relapse severity in MS and investigate the relationship between relapse severity and the degree of improvement in physical, cognitive, and social tests., Methods: This observational single-center study prospectively assesses relapse severity in patients with MS. Relapses were classified as mild, moderate, and severe. Before relapse treatment and 1 month into remission four physical tests, four cognitive tests, and six surveys were performed. Multinomial regression analyses were applied to predict relapse severity., Results: A total of 126 relapses were studied prospectively. Twenty-two were lost to follow-up. Multiple sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQol) questionnaire (r = 0.28, p = 0.006) and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT, r = 0.23, p = 0.022) improvement statuses were correlated with the severity of the relapse. Higher cases with improvement were observed in the severe relapse group on both MusiQol and SDMT, but no difference for those with a mild relapse. In the predictive model, only disease duration [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.808 95% confidence ınterval (CI) 0.691 to 0.945; p = 0.008] and Body Mass Index (BMI, OR 1.148 95% CI 1.018 to 1.294; p = 0.024) were associated with relapse severity., Conclusion: Only disease duration was found to be predictive of relapse severity among disease-related variables. On the other hand, BMI may be a modifiable patient-related factor to consider in the management of exacerbations in MS., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Belgian Neurological Society.)

Background: Insufficient remnant liver volume (RLV) after the resection of hepatic malignancy could lead to liver failure and mortality. Portal vein ligation (PVL) prior to hepatectomy is subsequently introduced to increase the remnant liver volume and improve the outcome of hepatic malignancy. IL-22 has previously been reported to promote liver regeneration, while facilitating tumor development in the liver via Steap4 upregulation. Here we performed PVL in mouse models to study the role of IL-22 in liver regeneration post-PVL., Methods: Liver weight and volume was measured via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Immunohistochemistry for Ki67 and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was performed. IL-22 was analyzed by flow cytometry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used for acquisition of Il-33, Steap4, Fga, Fgb and Cebpd . To analyze signaling pathways, mice with deletion of STAT3 and a neutralizing antibody for IL-22 were used., Results: The remnant liver weight and volume increased over time after PVL. Additionally, we found that liver regenerative molecules, including Ki67 and HGF, were significantly increased in remnant liver at day 3 post-PVL, as well as IL-22. Administration of IL-22 neutralizing antibody could reduce Ki67 expression after PVL. The upregulation of IL-22 after PVL was mainly derived from innate cells. IL-22 blockade resulted in lower levels of IL-33 and Steap4 in the remnant liver, which was also the case in mice with deletion of STAT3, the main downstream signaling molecule of IL-22, in hepatocytes., Conclusion: IL-22 promotes liver regeneration after PVL. Thus, a combination of IL-22 supplementation and Steap4 blockade could potentially be applied as a novel therapeutic approach to boost liver regeneration without facilitating tumor progression after PVL., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

The COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant public health concern despite the new vaccines and therapeutics. The clinical course of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection is highly variable and influenced by several factors related to the virus and the host. Numerous genetic studies, including candidate gene, exome, and genome sequencing studies, genome-wide association studies, and other omics efforts, have proposed various Mendelian and non-Mendelian associations with COVID-19 course. In this study, we conducted whole-exome sequencing on 90 unvaccinated patients from Turkey with no known comorbidities associated with severe COVID-19. Of these patients, 30 had severe, 30 had moderate, and 30 had mild/asymptomatic disease. We identified rare variants in genes associated with SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and pathogenesis, with an emphasis on genes related to the regulation of inflammation, and discussed these in the context of the clinical course of the patients. In addition, we compared the frequencies of common variants between each group. Even though no variant remained statistically significant after correction for multiple testing, we observed that certain previously associated genes and variants showed significant associations before correction. Our study contributes to the existing literature regarding the genetic susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Future studies would be beneficial characterizing the host genetic properties in different populations., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the protectiveness of resveratrol on cisplatin-induced damage to the ovary using experimental models., Methods: A total of 30 female Wistar-Albino rats constituted the research material. The rats were categorized into three groups: Group 1 was administered one milliliter of 0.9% NaCl solution, Group 2 was administered 7.5 mg/kg cisplatin, and Group 3 was administered 7.5 mg/kg cisplatin and 10 mg/kg resveratrol. Ovaries were extirpated in all groups and subjected to biochemical and histopathological tests. Cisplatin-induced damage to ovarian tissue was graded and scored as the total histopathological findings score. The ovarian function was assessed using immunohistochemical staining for c-kit expression. Rats' malondialdehyde, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels were determined., Results: The histopathological finding score was significantly higher in Group 2 than in other groups (p<0.05). The superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were significantly higher in Group 3 than in Group 2 (p<0.001 for both cases). The malondialdehyde level was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 3 (p<0.001)., Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated that resveratrol reduced ovarian injury and enhanced biochemical parameters following cisplatin-induced ovary damage in experimental models.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the ability of the biomarkers to predict the surgery treatment and mortality in patients above 18 years of age who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of bowel obstruction from the emergency department., Methods: This is a 2-year retrospective study. The patients' demographic data, laboratory parameters on admission to emergency department, treatment modalities, and the length of hospital stay were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups: conservative and surgical treatment. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate the value of biomarkers in predicting mortality and the need for surgery. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22., Results: A total of 179 patients were included in this study. Of these, 105 (58.7%) patients were treated conservative and 74 (41.3%) were treated operatively. The elevated procalcitonin (PCT) level, C-reactive protein, blood urea nitrogen-to-albumin ratio, and lactate-to-albumin ratio were significantly correlated with surgical treatment, length of hospital stay, and mortality. procalcitonin threshold value of 0.13 ng/mL was able to predict the need for surgical treatment, with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 70.3%. Procalcitonin threshold value of 0.65 ng/mL was able to predict the mortality rate of the patients, with a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 78.1%., Conclusions: Biomarkers, especially procalcitonin, may be useful in bowel obstruction treatment management and may predict mortality.

Rationale: Maternal psychosocial stress might be associated with development of allergic diseases in the offspring., Objectives: To evaluate the association of maternal depression and anxiety with ever wheezing and recurrent wheezing among infants and to assess the role of maternal hypothalamo-pituatary-adrenal axis changes and fetal immune response in this association., Methods: This study encompasses two designs; cohort design was developed to evaluate the association of prenatal depression with development of wheezing in infants while nested case-control design was used to assess the role of maternal cortisol and tetranectin and cord blood interleukin 13 and interferon γ., Results: We enrolled 697 pregnant women. Elementary school graduate mother (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5, p = .06), maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR = 3.4, p = .001), familial history of asthma (OR = 2.7, p < .001) increased the risk of ever wheezing. Elementary school graduate mother (OR = 2.6, p = .002), maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR = 4.8, p < .001) and familial history of asthma (OR = 1.7, p = .01) increased the risk of recurrent wheezing. Maternal previous psychiatric disease, or Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores were not associated with wheezing. Maternal tetranectin levels were significantly higher among never wheezers compared to the ever wheezers (264.3 ± 274.8 vs. 201.6 ± 299.7, p = .04)., Conclusions: In conclusion, the major risk factors for ever wheezing and recurrent wheezing were maternal smoking, level of education and family history of asthma. However, maternal depression and anxiety were not determined as risk factors for wheezing. Maternal tetranectin carries potential as a biomarker for wheezing in the infant., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

We designed and characterized a microstrip pattern of planar patch antennas compatible with a cuprate high-T c superconducting terahertz emitter. Antenna parameters were optimized using an electromagnetic simulator. We observed repeatable sub-terahertz emissions from each mesa fabricated on identical Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ base crystals in a continuous frequency range of 0.35-0.85 THz. Although there was no significant output power enhancement, a plateau behavior at a fixed frequency was observed below 40 K, indicating moderate impedance matching attributable to the ambient microstrip pattern. A remarkably anisotropic polarization at an axial ratio of up to 16.9 indicates a mode-locking effect. Our results enable constructing compactly assembled, monolithic, and broadly tunable superconducting terahertz sources.

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an endocrine disease that poses a risk for cardiac arrhythmias. Atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) has been known as an early marker of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to evaluate the atrial EMD in PHPT., Material and Methods: Fifty PHPT patients (45 females, 5 males) aged 30-75 years and 38 controls (35 females, 3 males) aged 31-73 years were included in the study. Atrial EMD parameters were measured by using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Inter-atrial EMD was calculated as the difference between PA lateral and PA tricuspid; intra-atrial EMD was calculated as the difference between PA septum and PA tricuspid, and left-atrial EMD was calculated as the difference between PA lateral and PA septum., Results: Atrial EMD parameters (PA lateral, PA septum, PA tricuspid) significantly increased in the PHPT group compared to the control group (p < 0.001, for all). Also, inter-atrial and intra-atrial EMD were higher in the PHPT group than in the control group (p < 0.001, for all). In correlation analysis, calcium was closely associated with PA lateral (r = 0.749, p < 0.001), PA septum (r = 0.735, p < 0.001), inter-atrial EMD (r = 0.807, p < 0.001), and intra-atrial EMD (r = 0.838, p < 0.001). The same correlation relationship was seen between PTH levels with PA lateral (r = 671, p < 0.001), PA septum (r = 0.660, p < 0,001), inter-atrial EMD (r = 0.674, p < 0.001), and intra-atrial EMD (r = 0.732, p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Atrial EMD parameters were prolonged in PHPT. The measurement of atrial EMD parameters might be used in determining the risk of AF development in PHPT.

Introduction: Clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) are common tumours of the pituitary gland and are mainly considered as benign. The primary aim of this study was to research the effects of NFPA on genome instability in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenoma by using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-cyt) assay and 8-hydroxy- 2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) assay. The second objective of this study was to assess whether there is a relationship between age, pituitary adenoma diameters, 8-OHDG levels, CBMN site assay parameters, and tumour aggressiveness., Material and Methods: The study was performed on 30 patients who had been diagnosed with NFPA and were admitted to the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and 20 healthy subjects of similar age and sex., Results: Micronucleus (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), nuclear bud (NBUD) frequencies, and apoptotic and necrotic cell frequencies in patients with NFPA were found to be significantly higher than in control subjects, and plasma 8-OHdG levels in patients with NFPA were statistically significantly lower than control subjects in this study., Conclusions: It is believed that this is the first study to evaluate the aggressiveness of tumour with chromosome/oxidative DNA damage in patients with NFPA. However, further studies are needed in order to understand the cause of NFPA aggression and to evaluate these patients in terms of risk of cancer.

Objective: In this study, we considered to assess the presence of estrogen receptors (ER) and the expression of estrogen receptor genes (ESR) in the surgical tissue samples of acromegaly patients and the control group patients with nonfunctioning adenoma and their association with disease activity. We also aimed to determine the significance of ER positivity in acromegaly patients and to find out whether it carries a potential to be used as a predictor of prognosis and therapy regimen in the future., Design: This study was conducted on a total of 67 patients over 18 years of age. The study group consisted of 34 patients with acromegaly and 33 patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma. The pre- and post-operative basal pituitary hormone levels and magnetic resonance images (MRI) of all patients, as well as their remission status of all acromegaly patients were evaluated. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining procedures for ER-α were performed on surgical tissue samples. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method was used to determine the levels of ESR1 and ESR2 gene expressions., Results: We found that IHC staining for ER-α was positive in 31.3% and 45.5% of the patients with acromegaly and nonfunctioning adenoma respectively. There was no statistically significant difference of ER-α positivity, ER-α immunoreactivity score and ESR1/ESR2 gene expression levels among the study groups (p > .05). Nevertheless, the expression of ESR1 gene was found to be 0.26 times more, and the ESR2 gene to be 0.11 times less in the acromegaly group compared to those of the nonfunctioning adenoma group. Additionally, we detected the positivity of ER-α only in acromegaly patients who were in remission. An inverse association was found between the pre-operative insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels and the expressions of ESR1/ESR2 gene in acromegaly patients. So these results indicated that the high ESR1 and ESR2 gene expressions in acromegaly patients are associated to the decrease of pre-operative IGF-1 values. Also an inverse association was found between the pre-operative adenoma volume and ESR1 Ct values, means that increase in ESR1 gene expression is associated to the decrease of adenoma volume., Conclusions: The current results may suggest the use of these parameters as useful prognostic markers because all ER-positive acromegaly patients were in remission and the high ESR1 and ESR2 gene expressions in acromegaly patients is associated to the decrease of pre-operative IGF-1 values. Our results need to be supported by further studies., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective The insulin tolerance test (ITT) has been accepted as the gold standard test for assessing the integrity of the growth hormone (GH) - insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The goal of the test is to achieve clinical and biochemical hypoglycemia at a blood glucose level ≤ 40 mg/dL to effectively and correctly assess the HPA and GH-IGF-1 axes. In this study, the GH and cortisol responses of patients who achieved and failed to achieve biochemical hypoglycemia during an ITT were compared. Subjects and methods One hundred thirty-five patients with pituitary disorders were included in the study. Samples for blood glucose levels were obtained after clear symptoms of clinical hypoglycemia developed. The patients were enrolled in the hypoglycemic and nonhypoglycemic groups according to whether their plasma glucose level ≤ 40 mg/dL or > 40 mg/dL during an ITT, and the groups were compared in terms of their GH and cortisol responses. Results The mean age, body mass index and waist circumference of the two patient groups were found to be similar. The mean blood glucose level was significantly lower in the hypoglycemic group than in the nonhypoglycemic group (19.3 and 52.0 mg/dL, respectively). When the two groups were compared in terms of peak cortisol and GH responses, no statistically significant differences were found. Conclusion The data presented suggest that clinically symptomatic hypoglycemia is as effective as biochemically confirmed hypoglycemia during an ITT. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(1):82-8.

Introduction: Cushing's syndrome is a rare condition characterized by increased glucocorticoid levels. Dermatologically, it causes a variety of skin conditions such as atrophy, striae, acne, plethora, hypertrichosis, hirsutism, acanthosis nigricans, hyperpigmentation, alopecia, purpura and fragile skin. Although skin lesions of Cushing's syndrome have been described, exogenous and endogenous types have not been studied in detail., Aim: To determine differences in possible skin lesions depending on the cause of Cushing's syndrome., Material and Methods: A total of 35 patients - 16 iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome patients and 19 endogenous Cushing's syndrome patients - who were diagnosed in Erciyes University and 15 healthy individuals were included in this study., Results: There was at least one skin finding in 34 (97.1%) of the patients with Cushing's syndrome and 9 (60%) in the control group ( p = 0.001). Comparison regarding skin findings in patient and control groups revealed that hypertrichosis, hyperpigmentation, and fungal infections were significantly more frequent in the patient group than the control group. Hirsutism was found more frequently in the endogenous group whereas stria, hypertrichosis and fungal infections were more frequent in the exogenous group., Conclusions: Since Cushing's syndrome is a rare disease and it is often diagnosed later in life, data on the frequency of skin findings are limited and sparse in the literature. In the comparison of endogenous Cushing's and exogenous Cushing's groups, acne, hypertrichosis, and fungal infections were found more frequently in the exogenous Cushing's group and hirsutism more frequently in the endogenous Cushing's group., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of krill oil (KO) against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury on rat ovary., Methods: This study was conducted with 32 Wistar Albino rats. Rats were divided into four groups, with eight rats in each group-as follows: Sham group, I/R group, I/R + low dose KO group (50 mg) and I/R + high dose KO group (500 mg). The histopathological and follicle counts were performed on the right ovary. The total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index were evaluated on the left ovary. And also serum N-thiol level, serum T-thiol level, serum disulfide (SDS) level, serum disulfide/N-thiol and serum disulfide/T-thiol ratios were evaluated too., Results: A statistically significant difference was determined between the I/R group and all the other groups for all parameters. There was significant difference between KO groups and the Sham group for the parameters of serum N-thiol, serum T-thiol, SDS, serum disulfide/N-thiol and serum disulfide/T-thiol. SDS, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index were determined to be the highest in the I/R group and the lowest in the low dose KO group. The total antioxidant status values were found to be the highest in the high dose KO group and the lowest in the I/R group. Follicle counts and histological injury scores showed no significant difference between Sham and KO groups., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that KO has beneficial effects on decreasing the injury after I/R on rat ovary., (© 2018 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Purpose: To investigate the cause of congenital anomalies resulted from gestational diabetes on fetal cardiac tissue in experimental animal study model., Methods: Totally 12 female Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups, each consisting of 6 rats. Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to the study group by dissolving in citrate solution. The rats with a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL and above were considered to be diabetic rats. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidative stress (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) values were calculated in the cardiac tissues and maternal serum samples of the fetuses delivered by cesarean section after the mating process. The cardiac tissues were also subjected to histopathological examination., Results: TOS and OSI values in fetal cardiac tissues of the diabetic rats were found to be significantly higher than that of the control group (p=0.026 and p=0.005). Histopathological examination revealed that the mitotic index was lower and the cell organization was found to be damaged in the fetuses of the study group rats., Conclusion: Increased levels of free oxygen radicals considered to be due to hyperglycemia may cause congenital anomalies, especially during organogenesis period, by disrupting cell homeostasis and adversely affecting mitosis.

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunction is among the most common autoimmune disorders in women of reproductive age. Previous studies have shown the association between autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and infertility. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is secreted by granulosa cells and is a useful marker for assessment of ovarian reserve. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the ovarian reserves of women with autoimmune thyroid disorder by measurement of AMH values., Material and Methods: This prospective study included women with newly diagnosed AITD aged between 20 and 40 years. Patients were divided into three groups: subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH, n = 21), overt hypothyroidism (OH, n = 21) and controls (CG, n = 32). Study parameters included serum free T4, free T3, thyroid-stimulating hormone, anti-thyroglobulin, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol and AMH concentrations measured in the early follicular phase. Antral follicle count (AFC) was assessed with ultrasound. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference of the patients were noted., Results: No significant difference was found among SCH, OH and CG in regard to ovarian reserves measured by AMH values ( p = 0.19) and AFC ( p = 0.80). A significant negative correlation was found between AMH and BMI ( r = -0.382, p = 0.001). Anti-Müllerian hormone and waist circumference ( r = -0.330, p = 0.004) were also negatively correlated., Conclusions: Although AMH values were not significantly different among groups, AMH values were lower in OH and SCH patients, indicating a possible need for close monitoring of these patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interests.

The purpose of this paper is to give identities and relations including the Milne-Thomson polynomials, the Hermite polynomials, the Bernoulli numbers, the Euler numbers, the Stirling numbers, the central factorial numbers, and the Cauchy numbers. By using fermionic and bosonic p -adic integrals, we derive some new relations and formulas related to these numbers and polynomials, and also the combinatorial sums., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

The aim of this is to give generating functions for new families of special numbers and polynomials of higher order. By using these generating functions and their functional equations, we derive identities and relations for these numbers and polynomials. Relations between these new families of special numbers and polynomials and Bernoulli numbers and polynomials are given. Finally, recurrence relations and derivative formulas, which are related to these numbers and polynomials, are given., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Osteoporosis is an important cause of vertebral fractures and there is an increased risk for osteoporosis in nursing home residents. Most of the men with osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures are not diagnosed and do not receive treatment. Our study aim was to determine osteoporosis and silent vertebral fracture prevalence in male nursing home residents in Corum, Turkey. This cross-sectional study included 2 groups of patients: 71 male nursing home residents (nursing home group) with a mean age of 76.0 ± 0.8 years and 44 men living in their own homes (control group) with a mean age of 74.4 ± 0.7 years. Bone mineral densitometry was performed in all subjects, and results were evaluated according to the World Health Organization criteria. Vertebral deformity was evaluated using the spinal deformity index, and fracture risk was calculated using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool. In all participants, serum calcium, phosphorus, 25 (OH) vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and alkaline phosphates levels were measured and medical histories were recorded. Osteoporosis was detected in 25.3% of men residing in nursing homes and in 8.8% of men living in their own homes. Silent vertebral fracture was present in 27.8% of patients older than 65 years. Vertebral fracture rate was higher in nursing home residents (42.2%) than men living in their own homes (17.6%); 5.6% of nursing home group and 8.9% of control group patients were aware of their fractures. Our results demonstrated that male nursing home residents are at a higher risk for both osteoporosis and vertebral fractures compared to the men living in their own homes., (Copyright © 2015 International Society for Clinical Densitometry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the relationships among immunohistochemical staining patterns and prognostic factors in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA)., Material and Methods: The study included 103 patients who had undergone pituitary surgery for NFPAs. The prognostic factors evaluated were initial tumor size, cavernous sinus invasion, compression of the optic chiasm, recurrence, residual tissue, reoperation, and hypopituitarism., Results: Recurrence rates were higher for NFPAs with large initial tumor volume and preoperative cavernous sinus invasion. Tumor recurrence rates were higher for NPFAs positive (55.6%) than negative (10.3%) for luteinizing hormone (LH). Reoperation rate, but not recurrence rate, was higher in patients with tumors positive than negative for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) group. Recurrence and reoperation rates were lowest in patients with null-cell adenomas., Conclusion: In contrast to previous studies, we observed a higher recurrence rate in LH-positive than in LH-negative adenomas. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing an association between LH positivity and poorer prognosis; and in addition, optimal outcomes in patients with null-cell adenomas. Thus, additional studies are required to assess the relationship between LH positivity and poor prognosis in patients with NFPAs.

Background: Erectile dysfunction complaints among men treated with a statin are not uncommon., Objectives: To evaluate the effect of lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to target levels using varying doses of atorvastatin therapy in hypercholesterolemic male patients on adrenocortical hormones, sexual functions, and serum nitric oxide (NO) levels., Methods: Eleven hypercholesterolemic male patients who had LDL-C levels greater than 160 mg/dL were included in the study and 11 healthy male individuals served as controls. Following basal hormone measurements, 1-and 250-mcg adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation tests were performed in both groups, and blood sampling was performed at 0, 30, and 60 minutes for the determination of blood levels of cortisol, total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), 11-deoxycortisol, and dehydroepiandrostenedione. Depending on baseline LDL-C concentrations, atorvastatin therapy was given to patients with daily doses of 5 or 10 mg and the study procedures were repeated once patients reached risk stratified goal LDL-C levels. LDL-C values after treatment were classified into 3 groups as LDL-C > 160 mg/dL, LDL-C 100 to 130 mg/dL and LDL-C < 100 mg/dL. NO levels were measured at baseline and after statin therapy. Erectile function was assessed both objectively and subjectively by using penile somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 Questionnaire, respectively, at 3 different LDL-C levels., Results: With regard to adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test (1 or 250 mcg) results, peak cortisol levels before and after statin treatment among 3 LDL-C groups and among controls did not differ significantly. However, peak TT and FT hormone levels decreased in conjunction with decreasing levels of LDL-C among the statin-treated patients, whereas dehydroepiandrostenedione and 11-11-deoxycortisol peak values did not change. N1 latency obtained during SEP, which is the first negative deflection, was prolonged with decreasing levels of LDL-C and a significant decrease in International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores were observed. When LDL-C levels of ≥ 160 mg/dl was reduced to 100 to 130 mg/dl, maximal NO elevations were noted., Conclusions: Our results suggest that decreased LDL-C levels caused by different doses of atorvastatin treatment did not associate with significant changes in adrenal hormone levels. In contrast, there was a significant relationship between attained LDL-C on statin therapy and TT and FT levels. Electrophysiologically, abnormal SEP responses obtained in the patient group with LDL-C levels below 100 indicate a negative impact on the integrity of the somatosensory pathway, which plays a role in erectile function. Reducing LDL-C with a statin was associated with both decreased testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction., (Copyright © 2016 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of factors associated with coagulation in the etiology and pathogenesis of Sheehan's syndrome (SS) which is a frequent cause of hypopituitarism in underdeveloped and developing regions of the world., Methods: Mean prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and expression levels of genes, which included methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE), coagulation factor V (FV), FVII, FVIII and FIX in 44 patients with SS were compared with 43 healthy subjects., Results: The mean expression level of the ACE gene was significantly lower, while that of the FV gene was significantly higher in the patients with SS. No significant difference was found between the patients with SS and the healthy subjects in the comparisons of the remaining gene expression values, as well as in the PT and APTT values., Conclusion: An increased expression of the FV gene may be a contributing factor for the development of SS in some patients. Further studies are required to clarify the roles of coagulation disorders in the development of SS.

Background: Vitamin D was shown to be related to autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) in the previous studies. We aimed to investigate the relationship between Vitamin D and thyroid autoimmunity., Materials and Methods: Eighty-two patients, diagnosed with AITD by the endocrinology outpatient clinic, were included in this prospective study. All of the patients had both AITD and Vitamin D deficiency, defined as serum values <20 ng/mL. They were randomly assigned into two groups. The first group included 46 patients and the second one included 36 patients. The first group was treated with Vitamin D for 1 month at 1000 IU/day. The second group served as the control group and was not treated with Vitamin D replacement. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T4 (fT4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and Vitamin D levels were measured at the initiation of the study and again at 1 month in all patients., Results: Two groups were similar with regard to age, sex, and type of thyroid disease. Whereas TPO-Ab (before; 278.3 ± 218.4 IU/ml and after; 267.9 ± 200.7 IU/ml) and TgAb (before; 331.9 ± 268.1 IU/ml and after; 275.4 ± 187.3 IU/ml) levels were significantly decreased by the Vitamin D replacement therapy in group 1 ( P = 0.02, P = 0.03, respectively), the evaluated parameters in the control group did not significantly change ( P = 0.869, P = 0.530, respectively). In addition, thyroid function tests did not significantly change with Vitamin D replacement in two groups., Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of AITDs. Since supplementation of the Vitamin D decreased thyroid antibody titers in this study in Vitamin D deficient subjects, in the future Vitamin D may become a part of AITDs' treatment, especially in those with Vitamin D insufficiency. Further clinical and experimental studies are required to understand the effect of Vitamin D on AITD., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs in ∼10-25% of pregnancies. Nesfatin-1, plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism by inhibiting glucagon secretion, besides has a glucose-dependent insulinotropic effect. Explanation of the GDM pathogenesis is important due to preventing gestational complications. We aimed to investigate relationship between GDM and Nesfatin-1., Material and Methods: Seventy-nine pregnant subjects were randomly allocated to either GDM group (GDG, n = 38) or control group (CG, n = 41). For GDM diagnosis, 50 and 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were used. Nesfatin-1, insulin and other parameters were measured for all subjects. The homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated., Results: Nesfatin-1 was found lower and insulin was found higher in GDG than CG. Negative correlation has been founded between Nesfatin-1 with weight, BMI, fasting glucose, serum glucose level at first hour of the 50 g OGTT and HOMA-IR., Conclusion: In this study, patients with GDM had lower Nesfatin-1 levels than without GDM. Therefore, when the Nesfatin-1 effects on the GDM pathogenesis is clear, it may be contributed to diagnosis and treatment of the GDM.

Objectives: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) may cause significant morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the demographic characteristics, presence of risk factors and diagnostic parameters of the patient with EP and predicting parameters for ruptured EP., Methods: Patients who presented to emergency department (ED) and diagnosed as EP within one year were included to the study. The demographic characteristics, β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) levels, transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUSG) findings, treatment protocols, pathology reports and hemoglobin levels at the time of admission to ED were obtained from patient files and hospital automation system and statistical analysis was performed., Results: Total 35 patients were included to the study. The mean age of the patients was 30 ± 5.6 years. Among the patients, 46% had a history of caesarean section (C-section). The complaints of the patients at presentation, their age, gestational week and the β-HCG levels were found to be inefficient in predicting ruptured EPs. TVUSG was found statistically significant in terms of demonstrating ruptures in EP. The ratio of salpingectomies was observed to be higher in the surgical treatment of ruptured EPs., Conclusions: C-section was most frequently seen with EP. There is no absolute diagnostic parameter for predicting ruptured EPs and TVUSG may be a clue for diagnosis. The final diagnosis is made through surgery.

Objectives: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is associated with high mortality and morbidity and is projected to be the third most common cause of death worldwide by 2020. For a variety of reasons, there is a drive to manage a greater number of individuals as outpatients. Preventing readmissions can reduce associated morbidity and subsequent healthcare costs., Methods: The aim of the present study was to determine the factors affecting the relapse of COPD exacerbated patients in the emergency department (ED). This study combines data from two prospective cohort studies. Patients included in the study were above 18 years of age, had a previous diagnosis of COPD, and presented to the ED for the treatment of acute exacerbation. All the information relevant to the study was collected during the patient's visit to the ED. Relapse was defined as an unscheduled visit to an ED or primary physician within 2 weeks of initial ED visit for worsening COPD symptoms. Telephone follow-up was done on all patients at the end of 2 weeks., Results: The cohort consists of 196 patients. Relapse rate in this study was 27%. Mean respiratory rate, exacerbations in previous year, home nebulizator therapy, home oxygen therapy, admission to intensive care or hospital ward due to COPD exacerbation, previous intubation and abnormal chest x-ray were associated with increased re-visit in univariate analysis. However, after multivariate analysis, exacerbations in previous year (OR: 1.08, 95%CI: 1.01-1.15) and abnormal chest X-ray (OR: 2.5, 95%CI: 1.10-6.11) were still significant., Conclusions: In conclusion, the number of ED visits previous year and abnormal chest x-ray can predict the revisit of a COPD exacerbated patient within 14 days of an ED visit.

Objectives . In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the perinatal and neonatal outcomes of patients who were diagnosed with neural tube defect (NTD) in the midtrimester fetal ultrasound scan and refused the request for termination of pregnancy. Material and Methods . The records of 69 patients, for whom NTD was detected in the midtrimester fetal ultrasound scan and who preferred the continuation of the pregnancy after comprehensive counselling about the possible prognosis and treatment options during the period between January 2011 and February 2016, were reviewed retrospectively. Results . Of these patients, 66.7% were 25-35 years old; 95.7% were multiparous; and 1.4% had a history of a fetus having NTD in previous pregnancies. There were 7 (10.1%) neonatal deaths in these patients. Meningomyelocele closure procedure was the most performed surgery in the postnatal period (92%). Of these patients, 30.7% had paraplegia; 51.6% had neurogenic bladder; and 6.4% had infections due to surgery. Conclusion . The results of this study demonstrated perinatal and neonatal outcomes of fetuses with NTD who were not terminated by the preference of the family in midtrimester. The experience of our centre would be beneficial as a tool for nondirective counselling of these patients when considering the antenatal/postnatal care options and postnatal prognosis., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interests.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess diagnostic values of insulin tolerance test (ITT), glucagon stimulation test (GST), and insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) level, to find optimal GH cut-off values for GST, and to evaluate efficiencies of patient age, gender, body-mass index (BMI), and additional pituitary hormone deficiencies (PHDs) in the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD)., Study Design: This retrospective study involved 216 patients with a pituitary disease and 26 healthy controls. Age, gender, BMI, medical histories, and hormonal data including baseline and stimulated hormone values were evaluated. Three cut-off values for peak GH responses to stimulation tests were evaluated: (a) 3.00 µg/L on ITT, (b) 3.00 µg/L on GST, and (c) 1.07 µg/L on GST., Results: According to the ITT, GST with 3.00 µg/L cut-off, and GST with 1.07 µg/L cut-off, GHD was present in 86.1, 74.5, and 54.2 % patients, respectively. Patient age, BMI, and number of PHDs, but not gender, were found to be correlated with IGF-I and peak GH concentrations. All patients with an IGF-I concentration ≤95 ng/ml or ≥3 PHD had GHD. None of the patients with adequate GH response to the GST with 1.07 µg/L cut-off, but blunted responses to ITT and GST with 3.00 µg/L cut-off, had ≥3 PHDs. 12 out of 26 (46.2 %) healthy subjects failed the GST with 3.00 µg/L cut-off, but not with 1.07 µg/L cut-off., Conclusions: Patient age, IGF-I, BMI, and number of PHDs are efficient factors associated with the diagnosis of GHD. A 4 h GST with a diagnostic GH threshold of 1.07 µg/L seems to be a good diagnostic method for GHD.

Pregnancy seems to be related with a significant change in olfaction. Here, we investigate this theory by testing the odor identification abilities of uncomplicated pregnant women and compare the results with non-pregnant controls. The study included 31 healthy pregnant women in the first trimester (Group 1), 30 in the second trimester (Group 2), 31 in the third trimester, and 30 non-pregnant healthy controls (Group 4). In order to measure odor identification abilities, each subject completed the 12-item Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT). Next, the demographic characteristics and BSIT scores of the groups were compared. The total BSIT scores of the subjects in Group 1 were found to be significantly lower than those of the other groups (p < 0.001). This reduction in odor identification abilities was particularly noticeable for leather, pine, and soot. Pregnant women in the second and third trimesters had similar odor identification abilities to the healthy controls (p > 0.05). Early pregnancy might be related to significant changes in olfactory performance. The distortion of odor identification in the first trimester might be a causative factor for the development of pregnancy-specific conditions, such as morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum, which are both common complaints during the early phase of parturition.

Preeclampsia is an entity that may present from 20th week of gestation up to 48 hours postpartum and is associated with hypertension and proteinuria. Eclampsia is emergence of convulsions pre-eclampsia in pregnant women with signs and symptoms. Recent studies showed that in some women, preeclampsia and even eclampsia may occur without hypertension or proteinuria. Here, we present a case of 26 years old women who had an uneventful pregnancy until 30 weeks' of gestation. She had only proteinuria in laboratory tests and was diagnosed as status epilepticus in early postpartum period. Preeclampsia and eclampsia is related with serious fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality and may present with atypical course. The awareness of atypical cases of preeclampsia enhances early diagnosis and management which are critical to avoid feto-maternal complications.

Context: Diagnosis of secondary adrenal insufficiency and GH deficiency requires evaluation by dynamic stimulation tests in most cases. Although insulin tolerance test (ITT) is accepted as the gold-standard test for the evaluation of both hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and (GH)-IGF-1 axes, the test is cumbersome. In clinical practice, low-dose adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test is a sensitive, safe and easily applicable alternative to ITT. Although it takes more time, glucagon stimulation test (GST) is also a good alternative to ITT and can evaluate both axes., Objective: The primary aim of this study was to compare the ITT, low-dose ACTH and GSTs in the evaluation of HPA and GH-IGF-1 axes in patients with pituitary disorders and to evaluate the repeatability of all three tests., Design: ITT, low-dose ACTH and GSTs were performed in all 129 patients, and the tests were repeated in 66 of these patients., Setting: Erciyes University Medical School, Department of Endocrinology., Patients or Other Participants: One hundred and twenty-nine adult patients (76 women, 53 men) with pituitary disorder were included in the study., Main Outcome Measure(s): The cortisol and GH responses of patients to dynamic tests., Results: Peak cortisol levels obtained during ITT were significantly lower than the values obtained during both low-dose ACTH and GSTs. Peak cortisol levels obtained during the GST were lower than those found during the low dose ACTH stimulation test. Peak GH responses were found to be higher in GST than in ITT. All three tests had good reproducibility., Conclusions: Any of 3 tests can be used in the evaluation of the HPA axis and either GST or the ITT can be used in the evaluation of the GH-IGF-1 axis but cut-off levels for the insufficiency of HPA or GH-IGF-1 axis should be individualized for each test., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are well-known risk factors of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Early recognition and proper treatment result in complete reversibility of this disease. Concealed pregnancy obstacles a safe prenatal care and a safe planned delivery, because of latency in the diagnosis. We present a case of unrecognized posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, eclampsia and premature delivery due to concealed pregnancy.

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), stroke and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) are identified as risk factors for hypopituitarism. Pituitary dysfunction after TBI, SAH, and CVD may present in the acute phase or later in the course of the event. Chronic hypopituitarism, particularly growth hormone (GH) deficiency is related to the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In patients with serious ventricular arrhythmias, who need cardiopulmonary resuscitation, brain tissue is exposed to short-term severe ischemia and hypoxia. However, there are no data in the literature regarding pituitary dysfunction after ventricular arrhythmias., Patients and Methods: Forty-four patients with ventricular arrhythmias [ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF)] (mean age, 55.6 ± 1.8 years; 37 men, 7 women) were included in the study. The patients were evaluated after mean period of 21.2 ± 0.8 months from VT-VF. Basal hormone levels, including serum free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), TSH, ACTH, prolactin, FSH, LH, total testosterone, estradiol, IGF-1, and cortisol levels were measured in all patients. To assess (GH)-insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis, glucagon stimulation test was performed and 1 µg ACTH stimulation test was used for assessing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis., Results: The frequencies of GH, gonadotropin and TSH deficiency were 27.2, 9.0, 2.2%, respectively. Mean IGF-1 levels were lower in GH deficiency group, but it was not statistically significant., Conclusion: The present preliminary study showed that ventricular arrhythmias may result in hypopituitarism, particularly in growth hormone deficiency. Unrecognized hypopituitarism may be responsible for some of the cardiovascular problems at least in some patients.