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Anti-inflammatory potential of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in hyperinsulinemia: an experimental study
No full textBackground: Hyperinsulinemia (HI) means that the amount of insulin in the blood is higher than normal and is often associated with type 2 diabetes. It is known that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) obtained from a medicinal plant, Cannabis sativa, has therapeutic effects on many diseases. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of THC on inflammatory and oxidant status in rat pancreas with HI. Methods: Rats were divided into groups; Control, HI, THC and HI + THC. Each group consists of 8 animals. HI and HI + THC groups were given 10% fructose in the drinking water for 12 weeks. In the last four weeks of the experiment, 1.5 mg kg−1 THC was injected intraperitoneally daily into THC and HI + THC groups. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were detected. JNK/SAPK and Grap2/p38 levels, total antioxidant and oxidant capacities (TAC and TOC) were analyzed in the pancreas. Results: Levels of IL-6, NF-κβ, and TNF-α mRNA expression were higher in the pancreas with HI than in the control (p < 0.001 for all). THC treatment reduced the expression of IL-6, NF-κβ, and TNF-α mRNAs in the HI + THC group compared to the HI group (p < 0.001 for all). TOC increased in the HI group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). However, THC treatment reduced TOC levels in the HI + THC group compared to the HI group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, the THC treatment may regulate inflammation and TOC in rats with hyperinsulinemia. Thus, we can say that THC may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential in metabolic disorders. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V
Clinical and molecular evaluation of MEFV gene variants in the Turkish population: a study by the National Genetics Consortium
No full textFamilial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a monogenic autoinflammatory disorder with recurrent fever, abdominal pain, serositis, articular manifestations, erysipelas-like erythema, and renal complications as its main features. Caused by the mutations in the MEditerranean FeVer (MEFV) gene, it mainly affects people of Mediterranean descent with a higher incidence in the Turkish, Jewish, Arabic, and Armenian populations. As our understanding of FMF improves, it becomes clearer that we are facing with a more complex picture of FMF with respect to its pathogenesis, penetrance, variant type (gain-of-function vs. loss-of-function), and inheritance. In this study, MEFV gene analysis results and clinical findings of 27,504 patients from 35 universities and institutions in Turkey and Northern Cyprus are combined in an effort to provide a better insight into the genotype-phenotype correlation and how a specific variant contributes to certain clinical findings in FMF patients. Our results may help better understand this complex disease and how the genotype may sometimes contribute to phenotype. Unlike many studies in the literature, our study investigated a broader symptomatic spectrum and the relationship between the genotype and phenotype data. In this sense, we aimed to guide all clinicians and academicians who work in this field to better establish a comprehensive data set for the patients. One of the biggest messages of our study is that lack of uniformity in some clinical and demographic data of participants may become an obstacle in approaching FMF patients and understanding this complex disease
Therapeutic effect of finasteride through its antiandrogenic and antioxidant role in a propionic acid-induced autism model: Demonstrated by behavioral tests, histological findings and MR spectroscopy
No full textBackground: Autism is a clinically defined neurodevelopmental disorder with unknown origin characterized by significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Although it can be a lifelong condition, treatments can help alleviate symptoms and enhance a patient's quality of life. Purpose: We aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of finasteride in autism with biochemical markers, histopathological evaluation, behavioral tests and radiological imaging. Materials and methods: Propionic acid (PPA) was injected intraperitoneally into 20 out of 30 rats for 5 days to establish an autism model. Rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control group (no procedure was applied, n = 10), placebo group (intraperitoneal PPA + 1 ml/kg/day % 0.9 NaCl saline was given via oral gavage for 15 days, n = 10) and treated group (intraperitoneal PPA + 5 mg/kg/day of finasteride was given via oral gavage for 15 days, n = 10). After 4 days of behavioral tests, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was performed for measuring creatine and lactate levels. All animals were sacrificed for histopathological examination and biochemical analysis of brain tissue. Results: MDA, NF kappa B, TNF-alpha, IL-2, IL-17A and lactate levels in brain homogenates were significantly increased in the placebo group compared to the control group, while Nfr2 levels were decreased; and the levels of all biochemical markers were reversed by finasteride treatment. A significant improvement was observed in autism like behaviors in rats treated with finasteride compared to the placebo group. Further, the creatine and lactate levels in corpus striatum in MRS, the neuronal counts and glial activity of the hippocampus and cerebellum were closer to the control group in the finasteride-treated group compared to the placebo group. Conclusion: Finasteride led significant improvement in autism-like symptoms with its antioxidant effect through Nrf2 modulation in addition to its anti androgen effect
The effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in patients with breast cancer
No full textAim: This study investigated the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) and their treatment response. Materials & methods: 115 patients with pre-NAC core biopsies and post-NAC surgical resection specimens were reviewed. Results: There was no significant change between pre- and post-treatment sTILs. Both pre- and post-NAC sTILs were significantly lower in patients with luminal A subtype. An increase in sTILs was observed in 21 (25.9%) patients after NAC, a decrease in 29 (35.8%) and no change in 31 (38.3%; p = 0.07). Pretreatment sTIL density was independent predictor of pathological complete response in multivariate analyses (odds ratio: 1.025, 95% CI: 1.003-1.047; p = 0.023). Conclusion: High sTIL density in core biopsies was independently related to pathological complete response. In addition, ER appears to be the most crucial factor determining the rate of sTIL.New studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment is critical in tumor behavior. Immune cells surrounding tumor cells are the main components of the tumor microenvironment. Our study aimed to investigate the change in immune cells before and after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Our study included 115 patients. All patients underwent chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor. Tru-cut biopsy pieces and the breast tissue obtained after surgery were examined. The presence of estrogen or progesterone receptors on tumor cells decreased the number of immune cells surrounding the tumor cells. The number of immune cells did not decrease after chemotherapy. Another finding was that the greater the number of immune cells around the tumor, the more likely that the tumor would disappear after chemotherapy
Gastric intestinal metaplasia: Long-term follow-up results
No full textBaackground: Precancerous lesions are the most commonly cited factor in gastric cancer etiology. The sequence of events in intestinal-type gastric carcinogenesis is considered to be chronic gastritis, atrophy, intestinal metaplasia (IM), dysplasia, and carcinoma, respectively. Early diagnosis and treatment of advanced precursor lesions and gastric cancer is possible by identifying and monitoring patients with such premalignant lesions. Aim: In our study, we aimed to evaluate the long-term follow-up results of intestinal metaplasia in our hospital and the rate of progression to malignancy by comparing these patients with patients who have undergone gastroscopy without a diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia. Material and Method: One hundred and fifty-six followed-up patients out of 700 between the ages of 18 and 85 who were admitted to our hospital between 2009 and 2019, who were diagnosed with IM by pathological examination from biopsy material, and 150 patients who were not diagnosed with IM between 2009 and 2011 were included. The results of the cases were evaluated first retrospectively; then, the patients who were invited for control and underwent endoscopy were evaluated prospectively. IM and control groups were compared in terms of dysplasia and gastric cancer development. In addition, the IM group was compared in terms of 5 and 10 years of follow-up, extensive or local involvement, and complete and incomplete involvement in terms of dysplasia and cancer development. Results: The follow-up period of the patients ranged from 1 to 10 years, and the mean follow-up interval was 4.2 ± 2.8 (min: 1; max: 10) years. Age, gender, and pathology results of the patients were examined in terms of IM type, localization of IM, pathology accompanying IM, and presence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and compared with the control group. While gastric carcinoma was detected in three of 156 patients in the IM group, gastric carcinoma was not detected in the follow-up of 150 patients in the control group. IM was most common in the antrum. Incomplete IM was detected in 89 patients, and complete IM in 69 patients. While two of the three patients with gastric carcinoma were localized to the antrum, one patient had incomplete-type IM and two patients had complete-type IM, and Hp was positive in two patients. While dysplasia was detected in nine of the patients diagnosed with IM, it was detected in two patients in the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the IM and control groups in terms of dysplasia positivity (p = 0.037). On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was found between the IM and control groups in terms of age-group, gender, follow-up time group, and Hp positivity (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between those who were followed up for 5 and 10 years in the IM group in terms of dysplasia and cancer development. Conclusion: Therefore, it is considered that patients with intestinal metaplasia may be followed up at longer intervals, except for patients with race, ethnicity, incomplete type, extensive involvement, and a family history of gastric cancer. © 2022 Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice | Published by Wolters Kluwer . Medknow
Novel mutation and report of two new physical findings in renpenning syndrome
No full text[No Abstract Available]Yale Center for Mendelian Disorders [U54HG006504]This work was supported by U54HG006504 (Yale Center for Mendelian Disorders, to MG)
COVID-19 VACCINATION OF SPONDYLOARTHRITIS PATIENTS RECEIVING BIOLOGICAL THERAPY: REAL-LIFE DATA
No full text[No Abstract Available
Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio in the Gut Microbiota and IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 Gene Expressions in Type 2 Diabetes
No full textBackground: The aim of this study was to determine the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut microbiota and IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 gene expression levels in the blood of adult type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients and compare it with that of adult nondiabetic healthy controls (HC). Methods: Between May 2016 and April 2017, 99 T2D patients and 99 HCs were enrolled in the study. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes levels were assessed from stool sample DNA and IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 gene expression levels assesed from blood sample RNA via qPCR from both T2D patients and healthy controls. Results: The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio detected in the stool of type 2 diabetes patients was found to be higher with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). Gene expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 were found to be upregulated. Conclusions: The highest upregulation was detected in IL-6 with 11 fold in T2D patients comparing with HCs. F/B ratio and gene expression levels were elevated in T2D patients. Firmicutes were positively correlated with studied gene expressions. A better understanding of the complex interaction between gut microbiota, environment, and diabetes will allow for more effective prevention and treatment strategies for T2D. © 2022 Verlag Klinisches Labor GmbH. All rights reserved.Istanbul Üniversitesi: 3748, TSA-2016-3748We are grateful for the support of Istanbul University. This research was supported by the Scientific Research Fund of Istanbul University and Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Project and Grant No.: 3748 (TSA-2016-3748)
Comparison of Quadriceps Exercise Modalities on Pain, Muscle Strength, Function, and Balance in Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis
No full textIntroduction: This study aimed to investigate the effects of various exercises on quadriceps femoris muscle and on pain, strength, function, and balance in female patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Forty-five female patients aged 40-65 years were diagnosed with bilateral knee OA according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria and randomized into three groups. The pain and function of the patients in each group were evaluated by the visual analog scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaires. Muscle strength and endurance were measured with the Isokinetic System Cybex 350, and balance was evaluated with Biodex Balance System SD. Group 1 performed a home-based isometric exercise program, while groups 2 and 3 performed strength and endurance exercises, for 4 days per week for 6 weeks. Results: At week 6, only the activity pain scores decreased in group 1, whereas rest, night, and activity pain scores decreased significantly in groups 2 and 3 (p<0.001, p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Significant improvements in physical functions were found in each group (p<0.001). The isokinetic muscle strength for knee extensors increased significantly in groups 2 and 3 ( p<0.001, p<0.01, respectively). The balance scores of groups 2 and 3 were improved at certain positions (p<0.001, p<0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Isometric exercises are widely used in the treatment of patients with knee OA. However, high-intensity isotonic exercises is recommended because of the shorter time of intervention for improving muscle strength, slowing the progression of the disease, and reducing the future risk of falling by improving balance.Istanbul University Scientific Research Projects Unit [22047]This study was supported by Istanbul University Scientific Research Projects Unit (project number: 22047)
Evaluation of Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder
No full textObjective: The most prominent functional magnetic resonance imaging findings of social anxiety disorder are increased activity in emotional regulation areas (amygdala, insula, hippocampus, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex) and fear circuit and altered activity in the prefrontal cortex. This study aims to investigate network abnormalities during resting state. Method: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance images of 21 drug-free patients with social anxiety disorder and 21 healthy controls (matched according to age, gender, and years of education) were recorded. Resting-state functional connectivity networks were obtained with independent component analysis and were compared by using the voxel-based t-test between the two groups. Results: Patients with social anxiety disorder displayed decreased intrinsic functional connectivity in the anterior component of the salience network (left orbitofrontal cortex) and increased intrinsic functional connectivity in the posterior component of the salience network (left supramarginal gyrus). Conclusion: Most of the studies about social anxiety disorder mainly focused on the fear circuit and emotional regulation areas by using anxiety -provoking tasks or by using seed-based analysis of functional connectivity. By applying a whole-brain independent component analysis, we found altered functional connectivity in the salience network, but no significant difference was found in the fear circuit areas. Our results suggest that abnormal connectivity in the salience network play a crucial role in the of social anxiety disorder