Search

Purpose: Eribulin is a non-taxane microtubule inhibitor, which can be used after anthracycline and taxane treatment in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of eribulin monotherapy in heavily pretreated MBC patients., Methods: In this single-center trial, a total of 66 MBC patients who received eribulin monotherapy in Hacettepe University Cancer Institute between 2013 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was carried out for progression free survival (PFS) and for overall survival (OS). Two-sided p values <0.05 were considered as statistically significant., Results: Sixty-six patients who received at least one cycle of eribulin were registered. Most patients were heavily pretreated with a median of 4 (range 2-7) previous chemotherapy lines prior to eribulin. Median patient age was 50 years (range 28-67). Most patients were treated with eribulin at 4th or 5th line (33.3 and 27.3%, respectively). Brain metastases were present in 19 (28.8%) patients at the time of initial eribulin administration. Median PFS was 5 (95% CI 4.1-5.8) and median OS was 8 (95% CI 6-9.9) months. Fifteen patients (22.7%) responded to treatment with partial remission (PR) and 36 (54%) had stable disease (SD). No hypersensitivity reactions and no toxic deaths were observed. Three (5%) patients experienced grade 4 neurotoxicity. Fourteen (21.5%) patients developed grade 3-4 neutropenia., Conclusion: Eribulin monotherapy is an effective and safe regimen for MBC patients. Its low toxicity profile compared to other intravenous cytotoxic agents and the ease in its intravenous administration make this agent a preferable option for both physicians and patients.

Aim: Despite technical and medical advances, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH) continue to be a challenging pathology, associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. In this regard, a definition is required of the various prognostic indicators of an SAH. The aim of the present retrospective study is to examine the various prognostic factors of the clinical outcomes of the patients who underwent a neurosurgical clipping of aneurysms due to aneurysmal SAH., Material and Methods: The data of 104 patients that had suffered an aneurysmal SAH were analyzed. The baseline demographic, clinical and radiological data were all analyzed. The prognostic study was derived from an analysis of these variables. Relationship between prognostic factors and outcome was evaluated by univariate and logistic multivariate regression analysis., Results: This study has identified unfavorable outcomes on the Glasgow Outcome Scale at discharge after the surgical treatment of aneurysmal SAH associated with increased age, poor World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade on admission, higher Fisher's grade on admission computed tomography scan, larger aneurysm, and clinical vasospasm. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, high WFNS grade, positive clinical vasospasm and size of aneurysm were found to be independent risk factors for mortality. The presence of hydrocephalus, number of aneurysms, positive risk factors, and the presence of Doppler vasospasm did not reach statistical significance., Conclusion: The most important prognostic factors in patients undergoing surgery due to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were WFNS grade, age, size of aneurysm and clinical vasospasm.

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by diverse group of microbial systems are rapidly emerging as new and industrially important biomaterials. Due to their unique and complex chemical structures and many interesting physicochemical and rheological properties with novel functionality, the microbial EPSs find wide range of commercial applications in various fields of the economy such as food, feed, packaging, chemical, textile, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, and medicine. EPSs are mainly associated with high-value applications, and they have received considerable research attention over recent decades with their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and both environmental and human compatibility. However, only a few microbial EPSs have achieved to be used commercially due to their high production costs. The emerging need to overcome economic hurdles and the increasing significance of microbial EPSs in industrial and medical biotechnology call for the elucidation of the interrelations between metabolic pathways and EPS biosynthesis mechanism in order to control and hence enhance its microbial productivity. Moreover, a better understanding of biosynthesis mechanism is a significant issue for improvement of product quality and properties and also for the design of novel strains. Therefore, a systems-based approach constitutes an important step toward understanding the interplay between metabolism and EPS biosynthesis and further enhances its metabolic performance for industrial application. In this review, primarily the microbial EPSs, their biosynthesis mechanism, and important factors for their production will be discussed. After this brief introduction, recent literature on the application of omics technologies and systems biology tools for the improvement of production yields will be critically evaluated. Special focus will be given to EPSs with high market value such as xanthan, levan, pullulan, and dextran.

Purpose: To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in early-stage diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients with and without vitamin D deficiency (VDD)., Methods: This study compared 50 early-stage DR patients with VDD (group 1) and 50 early-stage DR patients without VDD (group 2). All patients were examined by the same ophthalmologist. Mean RNFL thickness was determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) performed by the two independent ophthalmologists for all subjects. Vitamin D levels were measured by using a radioimmunoassay. Vitamin D deficiency was defined, in accordance with the general standards, as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level lower than 20 ng/mL., Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age and sex distribution (P > 0.05). The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration of group 1 was significantly lower than that of group 2 (P < 0.001). The mean RNFL thickness of group 1 was significantly reduced compared to that of group 2 (P < 0.001). A significant relationship between the mean RNFL thickness and serum 25(OH)D concentrations was observed in group 1 (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: The results indicate that vitamin D functions as a neuroprotective component for optic nerves. Low serum 25(OH)D concentrations contribute to RNLF thinning in early-stage DR patients with VDD.

Background: Tennis elbow entails pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle. The exact cause of the condition is not fully understood. Type V collagen is a minor fibrillar collagen that intercalates with type I collagen and forms collagen fibrils. It is encoded by the COL5A1 gene. Sequence variants within COL5A1 3'-UTR have been implicated in musculoskeletal diseases., Purpose: To determine whether rs12722 (BstUI C414T polymorphism) and rs13946 (DpnII C230T polymorphism) of the COL5A1 gene are associated with an increased risk of tennis elbow., Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3., Methods: A total of 152 patients with tennis elbow and 195 healthy participants were enrolled in this study. The rs12722 (BstUI C414T) and rs13946 (DpnII C230T) polymorphisms were investigated with the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method., Results: There was a significant difference in both BstUI and DpnII genotype frequencies between patients with tennis elbow and healthy participants. The A2 allele of BstUI and the B1 allele of DpnII were significantly underrepresented in the patient group., Conclusion: Individuals with the BstUI A1 allele and DpnII B2 allele of the COL5A1 gene have a high likelihood of developing symptoms of the tennis elbow. This is the first study reporting that rs12722 and rs13946 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) are genetic risk factors for tennis elbow., (© 2015 The Author(s).)

Aims and Background: Capecitabine is a potent and safe agent that can be used after anthracycline and taxane treatment in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of capecitabine monotherapy as a first-line treatment in human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2)-negative patients with MBC., Methods and Study Design: In this single-center trial, a total of 109 HER2-negative patients with MBC who received capecitabine monotherapy as first-line treatment between 2003 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was carried out for progression-free survival (PFS) and for overall survival (OS). Two-sided p values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: Median PFS was 7.0 ± 0.67 (confidence interval (CI) 5.6-8.3) months and median OS was 30 ± 4.1 (CI 21.8- 38.1) months. First-line capecitabine treatment for HER2-negative MBC was more effective in the estrogen receptor (ER)-positive patient population compared to the ER-negative group (median PFS 9 vs 4 months (p = 0.002), median OS 33 vs 21 months (p = 0.01)). Indeed, the overall response rate in the ER-negative group was 16%, while this was calculated as 38% for ER-positive cases. While most of our patient population was treated with a higher dose (1250 mg/m2), the observed grade 3-4 toxicities were lower compared to some previously reported phase II and phase III capecitabine studies., Conclusions: Capecitabine monotherapy is an effective and safe regimen for ER-positive, HER2-negative patients with MBC. Its low toxicity profile compared to other intravenous cytotoxic agents and the ease of its oral administration make this agent a preferable option for both physicians and patients.

Levan is a bioactive fructan polymer that is mainly associated with high-value applications where exceptionally high purity requirements call for well-defined cultivation conditions. In this study, microbial levan production by the halophilic extremophile Halomonas smyrnensis AAD6(T) was investigated systematically. For this, different feeding strategies in fed-batch cultures were employed and fermentation profiles of both shaking and bioreactor cultures were analyzed. Initial carbon and nitrogen source concentrations, production pH, NaCl and nitrogen pulses, nitrogen and phosphorous limitations, trace elements and thiamine contents of the basal production medium were found to affect the levan yields at different extends. Boric acid was found to be the most effective stimulator of levan production by increasing the sucrose utilization three-fold and levan production up to five-fold. This significant improvement implied the important role of quorum sensing phenomenon and its regulatory impact on levan production mechanism. Levan produced by bioreactor cultures under conditions optimized within this study was found to retain its chemical structure. Moreover, its biocompatibility was assessed for a broad concentration range. Hence H. smyrnensis AAD6(T) has been firmly established as an industrially important resource microorganism for high-quality levan production., (Copyright © 2014 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: In lymph node-negative, hormone-positive, and Her2-negative breast cancer patients, the benefits of adding adjuvant chemotherapy to hormonal therapy continue to be debated, especially for low to intermediate grade and small tumors., Methods: Excluding patients with T4 disease, we retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with long-term follow-up at our center between 2003 and 2014. Among node-negative, hormone-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer patients, we compared two groups of patients: those given both chemotherapy (doxorubicin+cyclophosphamide) and hormonotherapy, and those prescribed hormonotherapy alone. The primary endpoints were progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS)., Results: Overall, no difference was observed between these two treatment groups in either DFS or OS. However, for both outcomes, there was a trend towards improved DFS and OS favoring the hormone-only group., Conclusions: In selected subgroups of breast cancer patients, administering adjuvant hormonal therapy alone seems to be at least as good if not better than combining hormonotherapy and chemotherapy.

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy regimens in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) for which no protocol has been determined to be treatment of choice., Methods: In this single-center retrospective trial, we analyzed the adjuvant regimens of 164 TNBC patients among 3253 breast cancer patient records. Adjuvant TAC (docetaxel, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide), CAF (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, 5fluorouracil), and AC-T (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel) regimens were compared in terms of disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS)., Results: In terms of both DFS and OS TAC was significantly superior to AC-T in node positive TNBC. When node negative and positive patients were analyzed together, TAC was still significantly superior to AC-T in terms of DFS and OS. There was a trend favoring CAF over AC-T, however, it was only significant in terms of OS when all node negative and positive TNBC patients were incorporated together., Conclusion: In the adjuvant setting, especially in node positive patients, TAC should be the treatment of choice in TNBC patients. CAF is probably better than AC-T in TNBC.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and prognosis of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) according to molecular subtypes., Methods: Demographic data were examined for 78 patients diagnosed with IBC among breast cancer patients monitored in our clinic. Patients were staged according to the 2010 AJCC guidelines. Physical examination and radiographic findings classified on the basis of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guidelines were employed in the evaluation of clinical response to systemic therapy. Subtype analysis was performed in patients with IBC and subtypes were compared. Patients were divided on the basis of metastatic or non metastatic status and survival analysis was performed on the basis of molecular subtypes., Results: Distribution analysis of molecular subtypes revealed a lower incidence of luminal A and a higher incidence of both HER 2 (+) and triple negative breast cancer in IBC. Molecular subtypes had no effect on survival in the non metastatic (p=0.61) and metastatic patient group (p=0.08)., Conclusion: This study showed that IBC frequency is higher in HER2 overexpressing and triple negative subtypes. No survival differences were noticed in relation to molecular subtypes in IBC patients.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible association between the MIF -173G>C polymorphism and MS in Turkish patients., Materials and Methods: The study included 153 MS-patients and 210 controls. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using PCR-RFLP assay for the MIF -173G>C promoter polymorphism (rs755622)., Results: There was no statistically significant difference in allele and genotype frequencies between MS-patients and controls (p=0.227 and p=0.157, respectively). Accordingly, no association was observed when the patients were compared against controls in terms of GG versus GC+CC genotypes and GG+GC versus CC genotypes (p=0.324 and p=0.179, respectively). Also, there was no statistically significant association between MIF-173G>C polymorphism and clinical and demographic characteristics of MS-patients. Conlusion: The results of the present study suggest no relation between MS susceptibility and MIF gene - 173G>C polymorphism in the examined Turkish population., (Copyright © 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)

Background and Aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Genetic risk factors are known to contribute to the etiology of MS. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphism has been associated with susceptibility to various autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between the MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism and MS in Turkish patients., Methods: The study included 130 MS patients and 150 group-matched controls. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism assay for the MTHFR gene exon C677T polymorphism., Results: The genotype and allele frequencies of C677T polymorphism showed statistically significant differences between MS patients and controls (P = 0.002 and P = 0.002; odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.63, respectively). A significant association was observed when the patients were compared with the controls according to CC genotype versus CT + TT genotypes (P = 0.0005; odds ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-3.82). There were no statistically significant association between MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism and baseline clinical and demographical characteristics of MS patients., Conclusions: These results showed that T allele of C677T polymorphism was associated with MS susceptibility in Turkish population.

1. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common chronic widespread pain syndrome mainly affecting women. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and clinical significance of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene Val158Met polymorphism in a large cohort of Turkish patients with FMS. 2. The study included 379 FMS patients and 290 controls. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses. 3. The genotype frequencies of Val158Met polymorphism showed a small difference between FMS patients and healthy controls (p = 0.047), however, the Met/Met genotype was significantly higher in FMS patients than healthy controls (p = 0.016). No difference was observed for allele frequencies between two groups. Stratification analysis according to clinical features for this disease reveals that weight, FMS Impact Questionnaire score, algometry and Raynaud's syndrome, were detected to have statistically significant associations with Val158Met polymorphism (p = 0.037, p = 0.042, p = 0.039 and p = 0.033, respectively). Pain sensitivity, measured by algometry, was statistically higher in patients with Met/Met genotype than the patients with Val/Val and Val/Met genotypes (p = 0.017). 4. The results of this study suggested that COMT gene Val158Met polymorphism is positively associated with FMS and play a relevant role in the clinical symptoms of the disease.

Tennis elbow defines a condition of pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. The exact aetiology of the injury is not yet fully understood. The major constituent of tendons is type 1 collagen which is encoded by COL1A1 gene. The aim of the study was to determine whether Sp1 binding site polymorphism (SNP rs1800012; 1546G/T) within the intronic region of COL1A1 gene is associated with tennis elbow. One hundred and three tennis elbow patients and one hundred and three healthy subjects without any history of previous ligament or tendon injuries were recruited for this genetic association study. All participants were genotyped for the COL1A1 Sp1 binding site polymorphism by using PCR-RFLP method. There were no observed statistical differences in the genotype (p=0.17) or allele (p=0.11) distributions between the groups. G allele frequency in patients and controls was 82.5% and 76.21%, and T allele frequency was 17.5% and 23.79% respectively. This study has shown that there is no association between this polymorphism and tennis elbow within the population studied., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as three or more pregnancy losses before 20 weeks. RPL is a multifactorial condition with several etiologic factors including genetic abnormalities of the parents, anatomical, endocrinological, hematologic and immunologic abnormalities, infections, nutritional and environmental factors. The causes of pregnancy loss in about half of the women with RPL even after extensive investigations remain unknown. We analyzed IL-6 -174 G/C, -572 G/C, -597 G/A, -1363 G/T, -2954 G/C promoter region polymorphisms in 113 RPL patients and 113 healthy subjects by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay. The -174G/C genotypic and -174C allelic frequency and the -2954G/C genotypic and -2954C allelic frequency of IL-6 was higher in RPL patients than healthy controls and a significant association was found between RPL and -174G/C, -2954G/C polymorphisms (p < 0.0001, OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.15-0.51, p < 0.034, OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.01-1.12 respectively). We found remarkably similar frequencies in RPL patients compared to controls for IL-6 -572G/C,-597G/A and -1363G/T genotypes/alleles and no association was observed between RPL and these polymorphisms. Our study supported that IL-6 -174G/C and -2954G/C polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of RPL in Turkish patients (Tab. 3, Ref. 24).

Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder whose etiology has not been fully established yet. The MEditerranean FeVer (MEFV) gene has been identified as the cause of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). BD shows similarities with FMF, in terms of clinical findings and treatments, as well as their geographical and ethnic co-occurrence. In this study we investigated common MEFV gene mutation frequencies in Turkish patients with BD in an area of Turkey where both diseases are frequently encountered. We screened 207 BD patients who had no symptoms and family history for FMF and 200 healthy subjects for five common MEFV gene mutations (E148Q, M680I, M694V, V726A, P369S) and clinical features. Seventy-five patients were found to carry a single MEFV mutation, and six patients were compound heterozygous. The difference in the frequency of the MEFV mutation between the BD and control groups was statistically significant (p<0.001, odds ratio [OR] 2.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.75-4.29). The frequencies of E148Q and M680I mutations were significantly higher in the BD group (p=0.001, p=0.046, respectively). The frequency of uveitis was significantly lower in patients with the mutation than in patients without the mutation (p=0.029, OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.30-0.98). There was no statistical significance between carriers and non-carriers with respect to gender and other manifestations of BD. The frequency of the MEFV mutation was significantly higher in patients with BD compared to the healthy control group. Based on our results, MEFV mutations appear to have a role in the pathogenesis of BD., (© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Halomonas smyrnensis AAD(T) is a halophilic, gram-negative bacterium that can efficiently produce levan from sucrose as carbon source via levansucrase activity. However, systems-based approaches are required to further enhance its metabolic performance for industrial application. As an important step toward this goal, the genome-scale metabolic network of Chromohalobacter salexigens DSM3043, which is considered a model organism for halophilic bacteria, has been reconstructed based on its genome annotation, physiological information, and biochemical information. In the present work, the genome-scale metabolic network of C. salexigens was recruited, and refined via integration of the available biochemical, physiological, and phenotypic features of H. smyrnensis AAD6(T) . The generic metabolic model, which comprises 1,393 metabolites and 1,108 reactions, was then systematically analyzed in silico using constraints-based simulations. To elucidate the relationship between levan biosynthesis and other metabolic processes, an enzyme-graph representation of the metabolic network and a graph decomposition technique were employed. Using the concept of control effective fluxes, significant links between several metabolic processes and levan biosynthesis were estimated. The major finding was the elucidation of the stimulatory effect of mannitol on levan biosynthesis, which was further verified experimentally via supplementation of mannitol to the fermentation medium. The optimal concentration of 30 g/L mannitol supplemented to the 50 g/L sucrose-based medium resulted in a twofold increase in levan production in parallel with increased sucrose hydrolysis rate, accumulated extracellular glucose, and decreased fructose uptake rate., (© 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.)

Purpose: To describe a surgical method for removing perfluorocarbon liquids from the anterior chamber., Methods: Perfluorodecalin was noted in the anterior chamber in 2 patients after a vitreoretinal surgery was performed. We removed the perfluorodecalin by using a Rycroft cannula mounted on the tip of a tuberculin syringe with continued irrigation by means of an anterior chamber maintainer., Results: The perfluorodecalin was removed using a single intervention. We did not observe any perfluorodecalin residue in subsequent postoperative examinations in either patient., Conclusions: The method is simple and safe, and it allows the complete removal of perfluorocarbon liquids from the anterior chamber using a single intervention.

Aim: To determine the relationship between proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDRP) and plasma coenzyme Q10(CoQ10) concentration., Methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes and PDRP were determined to be the case group (n=50). The control group was consist of healthy individuals (n=50). Plasma CoQ10 and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in both groups., Results: Ubiquinone-10 (Coenzyme Q10) levels in PDRP and control subjects are 3.81±1.19µmol/L and 1.91±0.62µmol/L, respectively. Plasma MDA levels in PDRP and control subjects were 8.16±2µmol/L and 3.44±2.08µmol/L, respectively. Ratio of Ubiquinol-10/ubiquinone-10 in PDRP and control subjects were 0.26±0.16 and 1.41±0.68, respectively., Conclusion: The ratio of ubiquinol-10/ubiquinone-10 is found lower in patients with PDRP. High levels of plasma ubiquinol-10/ubiquinone-10 ratio indicate the protective effect on diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is a form of non-articular rheumatism characterized by long term and widespread musculoskeletal pain, morning stiffness, sleep disturbance, paresthesia, and pressure hyperalgesia at characteristic sites, called soft tissue tender points. The etiology of FM is still obscure. Genetic factors may predispose individuals to FM. Cytokines may play a role in the pathophysiology of FM. The aim of this study was to investigate the interleukin-4 (IL-4) 70 bp VNTR variations in Turkish patients with FM and evaluate if there was an association with clinical features, especially between these polymorphisms., Methods: The study included 300 patients with FM and 270 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the IL-4 gene 70 bp VNTR polymorphisms., Results: There was statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to IL-4 genotype distribution and allele frequencies (p<0.0001). The homozygous P1P1 genotype and P1 allele were significantly higher in FM patients than in healthy controls (p=0.04; OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1-10, p<0.0001; OR:4.84, 95% CI:3-7.7). There was not any difference between the groups respect to IL-4 genotype distribution and allele frequencies (p>0.05) and clinical characteristics., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there is an association of IL-4 gene 70 bp VNTR polymorphism with susceptibility of a person for development of FM. As a result, further studies are necessary to determine whether IL-4 may be a genetic marker for FM in the Turkish population., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Genetic risk factors are known to contribute to the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Interleukin (IL)-4 gene polymorphisms have been associated with immune-mediated diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency of IL-4 gene intron 3 VNTR (variable number tandem repeat) polymorphism in a cohort of Turkish patients with MS., Methods: The study included 125 patients with MS and 160 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses for the IL-4 gene intron 3 VNTR polymorphism., Results: The distribution of genotype and allele frequencies of IL-4 gene intron 3 VNTR polymorphism was statistically different between MS patients and control group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively). There were no statistically significant association between IL-4 VNTR polymorphism and clinical and demographical characteristics of MS patients., Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that intron 3 VNTR polymorphism of the IL-4 gene was positively associated with predisposition to develop MS in Turkish population., (Copyright © 2013 American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Genetic risk factors are known to contribute to the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) have susceptibility to develop MS. Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene has already been identified as being responsible for FMF. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency of missense mutations of MEFV gene in a cohort of Turkish patients with MS. The study included 100 patients with MS and 160 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses for the five MEFV gene mutations (M694V, M680I, V726A, E148Q, and P369S). There were statistically significant differences of the MEFV gene mutation carrier rates and allele frequencies between MS patients and healthy controls (p = 0.0008, odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.47-4.77 and p = 0.0002, OR 2.6, 95 % CI 1.55-4.48, respectively). The results of this study suggest that MEFV gene mutations are positively associated with predisposition to develop MS.

Purpose: Premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are both frequent diseases with several questions about the aetiological factors for these disorders. Lumbar disc herniation (LDH), which can cause both neurological and physiological impairments, may be a causative reason. We prospectively tried to evaluate the presence of PE and ED in patients with LDH and identify the effect of both surgical and physical therapy treatments for LDH on PE and ED., Methods: A total of 50 patients with LDH and a corresponding control group without LDH at an age of 18-50 years were included in the study. Both PE and ED were evaluated with premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) and International Index of Erectile Function. Mean intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) was calculated at their 5 consecutive intercourse. Physical therapy or microdiscectomy was performed according to indication. After 6 months of follow-up, patients in treatment group were re-evaluated for PE and ED., Results: Mean age of study and control group was 34.1 ± 3.3 and 34.2 ± 4.0 years, respectively (p = 0.979). In LDH group, IELT was <1 min in 12 (24 %), 1-2 (16 %) min in 8, 2-3 min in 7 (14 %), 3-4 min in 7 (14 %) and 4 or more minutes in 16 (32 %) patients. These numbers were 11 (22 %), 8 (16 %), 5 (10 %), 9 (18 %) and 17 (34 %) in control group, respectively. Mean PEDT score of patients who had IELT < 1 min was 11.9 ± 2.1 and 10.7 ± 2.1 in study and control group, whereas it decreased to 1.0 ± 2.8 and 0.5 ± 1.8 as IELT increased over 4 min, respectively. There were 11 (22 %) patients with ED in LDH group, whereas there were only 2 (4 %) in control group (p = 0.017). Twenty patients with LDH underwent surgery while 30 had been taken into physical therapy. After 6 months, patients with PE significantly decreased in both surgery and physical therapy group (p = 0.025 and p = 0.046). Patients with ED also decreased after treatment, but the numbers were so limited for statistical evaluation., Conclusion: Although ED was more frequent in patients with LDH, PE was similar in both study and control groups, but the treatment of LDH had positive effects on PE and ED.

Objectives: Dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of dopamine (DA) to norepinephrine (NE, noradrenaline) which is a key neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Bipolar disorder is a major psychiatric disorder. The present study was designed to explore the associations of polymorphisms of DBH gene in Turkish patients with bipolar disorder., Methods: -1021C>T (rs1611115) polymorphism in promoter region, 444G>A (rs1108580) polymorphism in exon 2 and 1603C>T (rs6271; C535R) polymorphism in exon11 of DBH gene were analyzed in 106 patients with bipolar disorder and 106 healthy subjects by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis., Results: The results showed statistically significant associations for genotypic and allelic distribution between the 1603C>T polymorphism and bipolar disease (p=0.0012 and p=0.034, respectively). There was no association observed between the genotype and allelic frequencies for -1021C>T and 444G>A polymorphisms and bipolar disorder., Conclusions: Our data suggests that the 1603C>T polymorphism of the DBH gene is associated with susceptibility to bipolar disorder in a Turkish population., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We investigated the etiopathogenetic role of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) (Ala-9Val) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (Pro 197 Leu) gene polymorphisms in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar I disorder (BD). Eighty patients with MDD, 82 patients with BD (total 162 patients) and 96 healthy controls were enrolled in this study and genotyped using a Real Time-Quantitative Polymer Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR)-based method. The patients with BD and MDD and the controls had a similar distribution of the genotypes and alleles in the Ala-9Val MnSOD gene polymorphism. Comparison of the MDD group and control group regarding the Pro 197 Leu GSH-Px gene polymorphism revealed similar genotype distribution but different allele distribution. The BD group and control group were similar both for genotypes and for alleles when compared regarding the Pro 197 Leu GSH-Px gene polymorphism. The combined analysis (MDD plus BD) also failed to find any association between the Ala-9Val MnSOD and Pro 197 Leu GSH-Px gene polymorphism. Although small statistical power of the current study the significant difference between patients with depression and the control group for the Pro 197 Leu GSH-Px polymorphism indicates that the distribution of these alleles may have a contribution in the physiopathogenesis of depression. One of the limitation of the current study is that the sample size is too small. Understanding of the exact role of Pro 197 Leu GSH-Px polymorphism in the development of depression needs to further studies with more sample size and high statistical power., (© 2013 Association of Basic Medical Sciences of FB&H. All rights reserved.)

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease characterized by recurrent attacks of fever, usually accompanied by sterile polyserositis. Although amyloidosis is the most common renal involvement, non-amyloid renal lesions, such as glomerulonephritis, have been described in patients with FMF. In this report, we present the first case of an FMF patient with heterozygous mutation of E148Q, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, and no amyloidosis. While the association of mutation E148Q with renal involvement is still obscure, colchicine treatment is useful in mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis with FMF.

Migraine, a very common headache disorder, is regarded as a polygenic disease and serotonergic pathways appear to play a major role in its pathogenesis. The present study was designed to explore the associations of polymorphisms of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 1A (5-HT1A) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (5-HT1B) genes in Turkish migraine patients. 5-HT1A C-1019G (rs6295) promoter and 5-HT1B G861C (rs6296) exon polymorphisms in 203 migraine patients and 202 healthy subjects were analyzed by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Allele and genotype frequencies were not significantly different between migraine patients and healthy subjects for both the 5-HT1A C-1019G promoter and 5-HT1B G861C exon polymorphisms. Our data do not support the hypothesis that 5-HT1A C-1019G and 5-HT1B G861C polymorphisms have effects on migraine., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Uterine leiomyoma (ULM) is the most common gynecological benign tumor that is affecting around 20-50 % of women over the age of 30. Although its molecular pathogenesis is still unknown, ULM has a multifactorial etiology determined by both genetics and environmental factors. The present study was designed to find out whether Val158Met polymorphism in the catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is associated with the risk of ULM. We analyzed COMT Val158Met polymorphism in 105 ULMs patients and 105 healthy subjects using a polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. We found remarkably similar frequencies in ULM compared with controls for COMT Val158Met genotypes and alleles, and no association was found between ULM and this polymorphism (p = 0.46). The COMT 158 Met allele in patients with large (≥5 cm) fibroids was higher than in patients with small (<5 cm) fibroids, and significant association was found between fibroid size and COMT 158 Met allele (p = 0.011, OR 0.50, 95 %CI 0.28-0.90). Our results reflect that COMT Val158Met polymorphism is not associated with an increased risk of ULMs, but Val158Met polymorphism may be a risk factor for development of large fibroids in Turkish patients with ULM.

Purpose: Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis characterized by inflammatory lesions of the urogenital mucosa, eyes, skin, central nervous system, and joints. Vein thrombosis constitutes the most frequent vascular manifestation of the disease, and may cause such ocular vascular thrombotic events as central retinal vein and central retinal artery thrombosis. Thrombosis is a serious problem, and often leads to irreversible vision loss. Previous studies have shown that genetic factors predispose individuals to BD. Several cytokine genes might play crucial roles in host susceptibility to BD and to thrombophilia. Various polymorphic regions of the interleukin-4 (IL-4) gene (-1098G and 590T) are associated with BD in the Turkish population. This study was conducted in Turkish patients with BD to determine the frequency of the IL-4 gene 70 bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) variant, and its association with clinical findings., Methods: Genomic DNA obtained from 488 individuals (238 patients with Behçet's disease and 250 healthy controls) was used in the study. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using PCR assay for the IL-4 gene 70 bp VNTR polymorphism determined by using PCR with the specific primers., Results: There was statistical significance between the groups regarding IL-4 genotype distribution (p<0.001, odds ratio: 2.55 [1.629-4.052], 95% confidence interval) and allele frequencies (p<0.0012.381[1.586-3.617], 95% confidence interval). When we examined IL-4 genotype frequencies according to the clinical characteristics, we observed a statistically significant association between the P₂P₂ genotype and deep venous thrombosis (p=0.01). Deep venous thrombosis was also associated with ocular involvement in our study group (p=0.014)., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the IL-4 gene 70 bp VNTR polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to development of BD. Deep venous thrombosis is also associated with ocular involvement in BD. The IL-4 gene could be a genetic biomarker in Behçet's disease in a Turkish study population.

We sought to determine the frequency of I/D polymorphism genotypes of angiotensin converting enzyme gene in Turkish patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Genomic DNA obtained from 256 individuals (110 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 146 healthy controls) was used in the study. ACE gene I/D polymorphism genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction using I and D allele-specific primers. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to genotype distribution (p=0.001). A significant difference was found in frequencies of ACE I/D alleles between patients and controls, with RA patients having a higher representation of D and lower representation of I alleles compared to controls (p<0.001). As a result of our study, angiotensin converting enzyme gene I/D polymorphism DD genotype could be a genetic marker in rheumatoid arthritis in the Turkish study population., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We present new data for the polarization observables of the final state proton in the (1)H(γ,p)π(0) reaction. These data can be used to test predictions based on hadron helicity conservation and perturbative QCD. These data have both small statistical and systematic uncertainties and were obtained with beam energies between 1.8 and 5.6 GeV and for π(0) scattering angles larger than 75° in the center-of-mass frame. The data extend the polarization measurements database for neutral pion photoproduction up to E(γ)=5.6 GeV. The results show a nonzero induced polarization above the resonance region. The polarization transfer components vary rapidly with the photon energy and π(0) scattering angle in the center-of-mass frame. This indicates that hadron helicity conservation does not hold and that the perturbative QCD limit is still not reached in the energy regime of this experiment.

Sarcoidosis (SA) is an immune-mediated multisystemic disorder of unknown etiology characterized by the accumulation of lymphocytes, mononuclear phagocytes and epithelioid cell granulomas involved in different organs and tissues. The belief that genetics contribute to SA etiology is supported by twin studies, disease clustering in families and racial differences in incidence rates. Involvements of SLC11A1 in macrophage function and activation, makes it an attractive candidate gene for immune-mediated and infectious diseases. We investigated the association between SA and four polymorphisms of the SLC11A1 gene, including a single nucleotide change in intron 4 (INT4); a nonconservative single-base substitution at codon 543 (D543N); a TGTG deletion in the 3' untranslated region; and the functional (GT)(n) repeat polymorphism in the 5' region, in 95 Turkish SA patients and 150 healthy controls, by using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. We found significant association between SA and INT4 G/C allele frequency (P = 0.0000; odds ratio 2.75; 95% confidence interval 1.68-4.52) and 5'(GT)(n) allele 2/3 frequency (P = 0.0000; odds ratio 2.69; 95% confidence interval 1.61-4.47) suggesting that SLC11A1 might be a plausible candidate gene for SA.

Objectives: Migraine is a very common headache disorder and pathogenesis of the disease is still largely unknown. Cytokine genes have been implicated in migraine susceptibility. The present study was designed to explore the associations of polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene, and IL-10 haplotypes in Turkish migraine patients., Methods: TNF-α-308G/A, IL-10 -1082G/A, -819C/T, and -592C/A polymorphisms in 203 migraine patients and 202 healthy subjects were analyzed by using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction., Results: The -308G/A genotypic and -308A allelic frequency of TNF-α polymorphism was higher in migraine patients than healthy controls, and significant association was found between migraine and TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism (Bonferroni correction [Pc]: <0.0001, odds ratio: 2.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.44-3.28). No statistically significant association was found between IL-10 -1082G/A, -819C/T, and -592C/A polymorphisms and haplotypes containing these alleles and migraine., Conclusions: This study reflect that TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism may be one of the many genetic factors for migraine susceptibility in the Turkish population., (Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Intensive theoretical and experimental efforts over the past decade have aimed at explaining the discrepancy between data for the proton electric to magnetic form factor ratio, G(E)/G(M), obtained separately from cross section and polarization transfer measurements. One possible explanation for this difference is a two-photon-exchange contribution. In an effort to search for effects beyond the one-photon-exchange or Born approximation, we report measurements of polarization transfer observables in the elastic H(e[over →],e(')p[over →]) reaction for three different beam energies at a Q(2)=2.5  GeV(2), spanning a wide range of the kinematic parameter ε. The ratio R, which equals μ(p)G(E)/G(M) in the Born approximation, is found to be independent of ε at the 1.5% level. The ε dependence of the longitudinal polarization transfer component P(ℓ) shows an enhancement of (2.3±0.6)% relative to the Born approximation at large ε., (© 2011 American Physical Society)

Background: Chromohalobacter salexigens (formerly Halomonas elongata DSM 3043) is a halophilic extremophile with a very broad salinity range and is used as a model organism to elucidate prokaryotic osmoadaptation due to its strong euryhaline phenotype., Results: C. salexigens DSM 3043's metabolism was reconstructed based on genomic, biochemical and physiological information via a non-automated but iterative process. This manually-curated reconstruction accounts for 584 genes, 1386 reactions, and 1411 metabolites. By using flux balance analysis, the model was extensively validated against literature data on the C. salexigens phenotypic features, the transport and use of different substrates for growth as well as against experimental observations on the uptake and accumulation of industrially important organic osmolytes, ectoine, betaine, and its precursor choline, which play important roles in the adaptive response to osmotic stress., Conclusions: This work presents the first comprehensive genome-scale metabolic model of a halophilic bacterium. Being a useful guide for identification and filling of knowledge gaps, the reconstructed metabolic network iOA584 will accelerate the research on halophilic bacteria towards application of systems biology approaches and design of metabolic engineering strategies.

Background/aims: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the first-line chemotherapy regimens in advanced gastric carcinoma (AGC). METHODOGY: In this study, 116 patients who had advanced stage gastric adenocarcinoma were evaluated. The patients receiving Cisplatin/5-Flourouracil (CF) regimen (n=36) were compared with either those receiving Epirubicin/Cispatin/5-Flourouracil (ECF) regimen (n=40) or those receiving Docetaxel/Cispatin/5-Flourouracil (DCF) regimen (n=40)., Results: The overall response rate (ORR) was 18%, 30%, and 40% with CF, ECF, and DCF, respectively. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.3, 4.4 and 5.8 months for CF, ECF and DCF, respectively. Although overall survival was similar in all 3 groups, 1-year and 2-year survival rates were better on DCF group compared to the other two groups., Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that DCF is superior in terms of ORR and PFS in comparison to CF and ECF combinations in AGC.

Purpose: This study examines the levels of oxidative damage in patients with cataract., Methods: Blood samples were collected from 60 patients with cataract and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals to measure 8-hydroxy 2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels., Results: A significant difference was observed in leukocyte 8-OHdG levels in patients with cataract in comparison with healthy persons (p < 0.001). Similarly, a significant difference was observed in plasma MDA levels in patients with cataract in comparison with healthy persons (p<0.001). In addition, a significant correlation was found between levels of 8-OHdG in leukocyte DNA and plasma MDA (r = 0.859, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: This study measured the oxidative DNA damage by measuring the 8-OHdG in the leukocyte DNA in patients with cataract. In addition, the level of MDA - a marker for lipid peroxidation - was measured to determine lipid peroxidation., (© 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 Acta Ophthalmol.)

Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Human Natural Resistance Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene polymorphisms have been implicated in the immune mediated diseases susceptibility. This study aimed to investigate the plausible association between NRAMP1 gene and MS susceptibility., Methods: We analyzed (GT)(n,) INT4, 3'UTR and D543N polymorphisms of NRAMP1 gene in 100 MS patients and 104 healthy subjects by using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis., Results: No significant association was found between (GT)(n,) INT4, 3'UTR and D543N polymorphisms and MS. There was also no correlation between NRAMP1 polymorphisms and MS clinical forms., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that NRAMP1 polymorphisms do not play a role in MS susceptibility and clinical finding of MS in Turkish patients.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. Fibrosis associated with SSc is characterized by an increased synthesis of a wide range of extracellular matrix (ECM). TGF-beta is a pluripotent cytokine in a wide range of cell types. In particular it has been found to be a potent inducer of ECM protein synthesis and fibroblast migration. The TGF-beta1 gene is highly polymorphic and two signal sequence polymorphisms at codon 10 and codon 25 are linked to disease outcomes. In this study, we analysed two polymorphic sites of the TGF-beta1 gene, codon 10 and codon 25, in 43 Turkish SSc female patients with interstitial lung involvement and in 75 healty individuals by ARMS-PCR. In our study no significant difference was found in codon 10, codon 25 genotype frequencies between patient with SSc and the control group (p = 0.676, 0.375, respectively). Our findings suggest that codon 10 and 25 polymorphism cannot be related with SSc for Turkish population., (2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Aim: Although an aneurysmal rupture typically presents on computed tomography (CT) imaging as only a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), it may be associated with spontaneous (nontraumatic) subdural hemorrhage (sSDH). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the clinical and radiological characteristics, as well as a potentially dangerous situation in the diagnosis and the management of this life-threatening condition., Material and Methods: The Department of Neurosurgery at Inonu University (Turgut Ozal Medical Center) (TOMC) maintains a prospective database of all patients treated for intracranial aneurysms since 1999. Using this database, we obtained patients with ruptured aneurysms who presented with sSDH on CT imaging., Results: 687 patients with radiographically documented ruptured aneurysms were admitted from January 2000 through January 2009. Of these, eleven patients presented with sSDH. The incidence of aneurysmal rupture with sSDH is 1.6 % in our series., Conclusion: Acute sSDH on cranial CT should be considered for an urgent workup of a ruptured aneurysm, even in the absence or presence of SAH finding. CT angiography has advantages over cerebral digital substraction angiography (DSA) and may be a reasonable alternative to latter modality in the diagnosis, triage, and treatment planning in patients with sSDH.

Purpose: To determine the neuroprotective effect of agmatine (Agm) on the retinas of guinea pigs subjected to a transient ischemia-reperfusion insult., Methods: Twenty-eight guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups. Forty-five minutes before ischemic insult, the guinea pigs were intraperitoneally administered either Agm (50 mg/kg) (Agm 1) or saline (control 1 group) once, or twice separated by a 12-h interval (Agm 2; control 2). Transient ocular ischemia was achieved under general anesthesia by cannulating an anterior chamber maintainer connected to an infusion line of a semiflexible bottle. The saline reservoir pressure was increased by using a blood pressure tolls cuff to achieve an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 150 mmHg. This IOP was maintained for 90 min. Reperfusion was achieved by pulling off the anterior chamber maintainer. The animals in the Agm 1 and control 1 groups were killed at the end of the 4-h reperfusion period. The eyes were enucleated for histopathological (retinal thickness) and biochemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, TBARS, and nitric oxide, NO) investigation. The animals in the Agm 2 and control 2 groups were killed at the end of a 24-h reperfusion period., Results: The mean retinal thickness of the animals in the Agm 1 (25.94 +/- 1.23 microm) and Agm 2 (24.49 +/- 0.88 microm) groups was lower than that of those in the control 1 (37.60 +/- 2.27 microm) and control 2 (36. 64 +/- 1.32 microm) groups (P < 0.05). The mean TBARS level of the animals in the Agm 1 (8.37 +/- 0.94 nmol/ml) and Agm 2 (8.01 +/- 0.97 nmol/ml) groups was lower than that of those in the control 1 (12.09 +/- 1.27 nmol/ml) and control 2 (12.09 +/- 1.27 and 11.72 +/- 1.63 nmol/ml) groups (P < 0.05). The mean NO level of the animals in the Agm 1 (100.77 +/- 6.20 nmol/ml) and Agm 2 (94.63 +/- 5.24 nmol/ml) was lower than that of those in the control 1 (131.77 +/- 4.61 nmol/ml) and control 2 (122.43 +/- 4.35 nmol/ml) groups (P < 0.05). There were positive correlations between the TBARS and NO levels and retinal thickness in the Agm and control groups., Conclusion: Agmatine exerts a significant neuroprotective effect on guinea pig retinas after transient ischemia-reperfusion insult.

NRAMP1 gene has multiple pleiotropic effects on macrophage activation pathways. These pleiotropic effects may increase resistance to infections such as tuberculosis (TB), but may also lead to susceptibility of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It has been hypothesized that allele 3 would be associated with autoimmune diseases, whereas allele 2 would be associated with infectious diseases, and genetic factors that enhanced survival in the epidemics of TB might have led to susceptibility for the development of RA. We analysed four NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms including 5' promoter (GT)(n) (rs34448891), INT4 (469 + 14G/C) (rs3731865), 3'UTR (1729 + 55del4) (rs17235416) and D543N (codon 543, Asp to Asn) (rs17235409) in 112 patients with TB, 98 patients with RA, 80 healthy controls for TB and 122 healthy controls for RA using ARMS-PCR and PCR-RFLP. We found a significant association between INT4 and RA (P = 0.004, odds ratio: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.24-3.41), but no significant differences between 5' promoter, D543N, 3'UTR polymorphisms and RA. There were no associations between NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms and TB. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between NRAMP1 polymorphisms and rheumatoid factor positivity and erosive disease in RA and localization of TB. INT4 polymorphism may be associated with RA in Turkish patients.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of vision loss. AMD has been classified into two forms: atrophic and exudative forms. The exudative form is associated with choroidal neovascularization of the subretinal macular region, resulting in a sudden loss of central vision. However, the exact cause of AMD remains unknown. Several risk factors have been postulated, including smoking, atherosclerosis, and low levels of antioxidant enzymes. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product, is used as a marker of oxidative stress. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) metabolizes lipid peroxides and prevents oxidation of low-density lipoprotein. Increased levels of homocysteine may cause vascular endothelial injury by releasing free radicals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between serum PON1 activity and the serum levels of homocysteine and MDA in AMD. Forty patients with exudative-type AMD (63.3 +/- 5 years) and 40 controls (61+/- 4 years) were assessed in a cross-sectional study. The serum PON1 activity was significantly lower in the patients with AMD than that in the controls (p < 0.001). In contrast, the serum levels of MDA and homocysteine were significantly higher in the patients than those in the controls (p < 0.001, for both). In AMD patients, significant negative correlation was found between PON1 activity and MDA level (r = -0.493, p < 0.05) and between PON1 activity and homocysteine level (r = -0.557, p < 0.05). Increased serum homocysteine and MDA levels may be responsible for the decreased PON1 activity in patients with AMD.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare clinical condition and potentially life-threatening complication of antipsychotic medications. We report a patient with an atypical presentation of NMS. A 60-year-old man with schizophrenia was admitted to our hospital with disturbed consciousness, fever and marked extrapyramidal rigidity both in the upper and lower extremities. He had been given i.m. zuclopenthixol 200 mg/month but had not taken the last dose. Laboratory investigations showed that creatinine phosphokinase 428 IU/l (normal up to 130), lactate dehydrogenase 772 IU/l (normal up to 450), blood glucose 256 mg/dl (65-110). Urine analyses revealed ketonuria. White blood cell (WBC) count was 6100 cells/mm(3). Therefore, the patient was diagnosed as having NMS and antipsychotic medications were stopped. Adequate hydration was provided and bromocryptine 5 mg was started three times a day. Despite treatment, the patient died due to acute myocardial infarction after 3 days of hospitalization.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the results of monotherapy (photodynamic therapy) and combined therapy (photo-dynamic therapy with posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD)., Materials and Methods: Forty eyes from forty patients with diagnosed neovascular AMD were enrolled in this study during March-2005 - October-2008. All patients were grouped in either the study or the control group. Both the study and control groups consisted of 20 eyes from 20 patients. The study group was treated with posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) along with their initial photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment. The control group members were treated with PDT alone. All patients were examined at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Visual acuity (VA), lesion size and number of treatment sessions were recorded during each examination., Results: The mean difference between pre- and post-treatment VA using the Snellen chart was +0.6 ± 1.7 in study group and -1.4 ± 1.7 in control. The difference for VA was significant in the study group as compared to control (p<0.05). The decrease in lesion size in the study group was 680±1195.2 µm, and the decrease was 32.75 ± 809.9 µm in the control. The difference with regard to the decrease in lesion sizes was significant in the study group as compared to the control (p<0.05). Total PDT treatment sessions were applied 1.2 times per patient in the study group and 1.9 times per patient in the control group. The difference was not significant (p>0.05)., Conclusion: Our study showed that PSTA with PDT significantly reduces CNV growth, and improves VA at the 12-month follow-up in patients with AMD.