Efficacy of adalimumab therapy in experimental rat sclerosing encapsulated peritonitis model

Aim To investigate the efficacy of adalimumab treatment in an experimental rat sclerosing encapsulated peritonitis (SEP) model. Methods The study involved 40 Wistar albino rats divided into four groups: chlorhexidine (CH) group, control group, CH + adalimumab group, and CH + resting group. The control group received normal saline intraperitoneally (i.p.). Other groups received 0.1% CH gluconate, 15% ethanol, and normal saline mixture i.p. for three weeks in order to induce SEP. CH + adalimumab group received 5 mg/kg adalimumab i.p. at the beginning of week 4 and week 6, while CH + resting group was followed-up for three weeks without applying any procedure after the onset of SEP. Rats in groups CH and control group were sacrificed on day 21, and rats in group CH + adalimumab and CH + resting were sacrificed on day 42. All groups were evaluated for peritoneal thickness, inflammation, vascularization, and fibrosis. Results CH + adalimumab group showed a significant decrease in peritoneal thickness, fibrosis score, and vascular score compared with CH group and CH + resting group. Conclusion Adalimumab can prevent SEP development

Evaluation of intraocular pressure and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with Helicobacter pylori

Objectives: High prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in the glaucoma patients was shown in recent studies. In our prospective study we aimed to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) and the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) in patients with HP positive and negative. Methods: In 91 patients with gastritis HP was investigated by urea breath test (UBT) and biopsy sample culture Following the full ophthalmologic examination the patients’ IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry and RNFLT was measured by spectral optic coherence tomography. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics were compared with the χ² test for categorical variables and with the Mann Whitney U test for continuous variables. Results: Of the 90 patients who meet the including criteria, HP was detected in 74 patients (27 male, 47 female) positive, and in 16 patients (7 male, 9 female) negative. Median (minimum-maximum) age values were 46 (18-79) in HP positive group and 51 (18-67) in HP negative group. One hundred forty seven eyes in 74 HP positive patients and 31 eyes in 16 HP negative patients included in the study. Median IOP values were determined 14 (7-21) mmHg in HP positive group and 14 (8-18) mmHg in HP negative group. The measurements of RNFLT in superior, temporal, inferior and nasal quadrants found to be respectively 122(98-165), 68(50-101), 135(93-188), 79(51-120) micron in HP positive group and 120(94-161), 67(43-104), 129(94-166), 76(50-97) micron in HP negative group. No statistically significant difference was found when compared IOP and RNFLT measurements between the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study found that the IOP and RNFLT measurements of HP positive group was not show statistically significant difference compared with HP negative group. In a large case series, randomized, case-controlled, histologic and serologic studies should be done to show the relationship between HP and glaucoma

Increased serum nesfatin-1 levels in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

Background Adipokines are adipose tissue-derived secreted molecules that can exert anti-inflammatory or proinflammatory activities. Altered expression of adipokines has been described in various inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Little is known about nesfatin-1, a recently identified adipokine, in IBD. The aim of this study was to investigate serum nesfatin-1 levels in patients with IBD. Methods This study included a total of 52 adult individuals (17 patients with CD, 18 patients with UC and 17 healthy volunteers) with similar age and body mass index. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were measured by ELISA in healthy individuals and patients with IBD in their active and remission periods. Blood inflammation markers including C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR) and white cell count (WCC) were also measured in patients. Results We found significantly elevated levels of serum nesfatin-1 in the active disease period in both patients with CD (p=0.00003) and patients with UC (p=0.00001), compared with healthy individuals. Serum nesfatin-1 levels moderately decreased in the remission period; however, they were still significantly higher than that of healthy individuals. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated serum nesfatin-1 with an excellent diagnostic value for IBD. Finally, patients had significantly high CRP, ESR and WCC in the active IBD; however, we found the nesfatin-1 strongly correlated only with ESR in the active CD. Conclusion This is the first study investigating the circulating levels of nesfatin-1 in patients with IBD. Serum nesfatin-1 may serve as an additional inflammatory marker for diagnosis of IBD in affected individuals

The Colonic Tissue Levels of Tlr2, Tlr4 And Nitric Oxide in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Objective Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent and debilitating functional disorder. The toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pathogen-recognition receptors in the innate immune system. In the present study we aimed to investigate the TLR2, TLR4 and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with IBS. Methods Fifty-one IBS patients and 15 healthy controls were included in the present study. Colonic tissue levels of TLR2, TLR4 and NO were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and through biochemical methods. Results The colonic tissue levels of TLR4 and NO were significantly higher in IBS patients than in healthy controls. A subgroup analysis, which was based on the presence of diarrhea and constipation, showed that TLR2 levels were significantly higher among individuals with diarrhea-predominant IBS than among constipation-predominant IBS patients and healthy controls. The TLR4 levels were significantly higher in the diarrhea-predominant IBS patients and constipation-predominant IBS patients than in comparison healthy controls. The colonic tissue levels of NO were higher in the constipation-predominant IBS patients than in the diarrhea-predominant IBS patients and healthy controls. Conclusion In the present study we found that the colonic tissue levels of TLR and NO were elevated in IBS patients. Our results support the presence of a degree of immune dysregulation and oxidative stress in patients with IBS.Wo

Mittleres thrombozytenvolumen und neutrophilen-lymphozyten-ratio in bezug zu entzündungsmarkern und anti-ccp bei rheumatoider arthritis

Background: Various thrombocyte markers and white blood cell levels and their subtypes have recently been investigated in association with infl ammation. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of mean platelet volume (MPV) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with disease activation and clinical parameters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods: 84 RA patients and 60 healthy controls were included. Platelet, MPV, white cell, neutrophil and lymphocyte levels in full blood counts were investigated, and NLR was calculated. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), disease activation score (DAS 28) and a health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) were used in the evaluation of RA. Results: In the present study a total of 144 patients was enrolled, 84 with RA and 60 healthy individuals. 75.2 % (n = 108) were women and 24.8 % (n = 36) were men. The patients with RA had lower MPV than control individuals (MPV; 8.52 ± 1.15 fL and 8.92 ± 0.87 fL, respectively) and CRP (r: − 0.234, p = 0.005). RA patients’ mean NLR was signifi cantly higher than that of the control group (2.74 ± 1.74 and 1.80 ± 0.78, respectively; p < 0.001). Furthermore, anti-CCP positive patients had higher NLR than anti-CCP negative patients (NLR; 2.51 ± 1.92 and 1.95 ± 1.22, p = 0.019 respectively). NLR was positively correlated with ESR (r = 0.190, p = 0.023), CRP (r = 0.230, p = 0.035) and anti-CCP (r = 0.300, p = 0.005). Conclusion: In conclusion, MPV and NLR together with acute phase reactants can be a useful index for showing infl ammation in RA patients.Einleitung: Verschiedene thrombozytäre Marker und Grenzwerte von Leukozyten und ihren Subtypen sind in der jüngeren Vergangenheit bezüglich ihres Zusammenhangs mit Entzündung untersucht worden. Ziel dieser Untersuchung war die Korrelation des mittleren Thrombozytenvolumens (MPV) und der Neutrophilen/Lymphozyten Ratio (NLR) mit der Krankheitsaktivität und klinischen Parametern bei Patienten mit rheumatoider Arthritis (RA). Methoden: 84 RA Patienten und 60 gesunde Kontrollen wurden eingeschlossen. Aus dem Blutbild wurden Thrombozyten, MPV, Leukozyten-, Neutrophilen- und Lymphozytenwerte untersucht und die NLR errechnet. Die Erythrozytensedimentationsrate (ESR), C-reaktives Protein, Rheumafaktor (RF), anti-zyklisches citrullinieres Peptid (anti-CCP), der Krankheitsaktivität-Score DAS 28 und ein Gesundheitsbewertungsbogen (HAQ) wurden für die Bewertung der RA herangezogen. Ergebnis: In die vorliegende Studie wurden 144 Patienten eingeschlossen, 84 mit RA und 60 gesunde Kontrollen. 75,2 % (n = 108) waren Frauen und 24,8 % (n = 36) waren Männer. Patienten mit RA hatten ein niedrigeres MPV als die Kontrollen (MPV; 8,52 ± 1,15 fL bzw. 8,92 ± 0,87 fL) und CRP (r: − 0,234, p = 0,005). Die mittlere NLR von RA Patienten war signifi kant höher als die der Kontrollgruppe (2,74 ± 1,74 bzw. 1,80 ± 0,78; p < 0,001). Außerdem hatten anti-CCP positive Patienten höhere NLRs als antiCCP negative Patienten (NLR; 2,51 ± 1,92 bzw. 1,95 ± 1,22 p = 0,019). Die NLR korrelierte positiv mit der ESR (r = 0,190, p = 0,023), dem CRP (r = 0,230, p = 0,035) und dem anti-CCP (r = 0,300, p = 0,005). Schlussfolgerung: MPV und NLR können gemeinsam mit Akutphase-Proteinen ein hilfreicher Index für die Entzündungsaktivität bei RA Patienten sein

A New Risk-Scoring System for Colorectal Cancer and Polyp Screening by Turkish Colorectal Cancer and Polyp Study Group

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer worldwide. An early diagnosis and detection of colon cancer and polyp can reduce mortality and morbidity from colorectal cancer. Even though there are a variety of options in screening tests, the question remains on which test is the most effective for the early detection of colorectal cancer. In this prospective study, we aimed to develop a simple, useful, effective, and reliable scoring system to detect colon polyp and colorectal cancer. Methods: We enrolled 6508 subjects over the age of 18 from 16 centers, with colonoscopy screening. The age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, body mass index polyp incidence, polyp size, number and localization, and pathologic findings were recorded. Results: The age, male gender, obesity, smoking, and family history were found as independent risk factors for adenomatous polyp. We have developed a new scoring system which can be used for these factors. With a score of 4 or above, we found the following: sensitivity 81%, specificity 40%, positive predictive value 25.68%, and negative predictive value 89.84%, for adenomatous polyp detection; and sensitivity 96%, specificity 39%, positive predictive value 3.35%, negative predictive value 99.29%, for colorectal cancer detection. Conclusion: Even though the first colorectal cancer screening worldwide is generally performed for individuals over 50 years of age, we recommend that screening for colorectal cancer might begin for those under 50 years of age as well. Individuals with a score >= 4 must be included in the screening tests for colorectal cancer

Plasma thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen levels in acromegaly patients in remission

WOS: 000504050500017PubMed: 31549496Background/aim: Acromegaly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, mostly due to cardiovascular complications. Plasma thrombin-activatablc fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen levels arc associated with coagulation/fibrinolysis and inflammation. Plasma TAFI may play a role in arterial thrombosis in cardiovascular diseases. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen and homocysteine levels in patients with acromegaly and healthy control subjects. Materials and methods: Plasma TAFI antigen and homocysteine levels in 29 consecutive patients with acromegaly and 26 age-matched healthy control subjects were measured. All patients included in the study were in remission. The TAFIa/ai antigen in the plasma samples was measured using a commercially available ELISA kit. Results: Routine biochemical parameters, fasting blood glucose, prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, total-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and homocysteine levels were similar in the 2 groups (P > 0.05), whereas the plasma TAFI antigen levels were significantly elevated in the acromegalic patients (154.7 +/- 94.0%) when compared with the control subjects (107.2 +/- 61.6%) (P = 0.033). No significant correlation was identified by Pearson's correlation test between the plasma TAFI antigen and homocysteine levels (r = 0.320, P = 0.250). Conclusion: A significant alteration in the plasma TAFI antigen levels was detected in acromegaly. Increased plasma TAFI antigen levels might aggravate prothrombotic and thrombotic events in patients with acromegaly

Serum Toll-Like Receptor-2, Toll-Like Receptor-4 Levels In Patients With Hbeag-Negative Chronic Viral Hepatitis B

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may play an important role in hepatitis-B pathogenesis. However, serum TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels and their association with serum liver enzymes, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, quantitative HBsAg levels, and liver biopsy findings, are unknown. A total of naive 40 HBeAg (-) chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and 20 healthy control subjects were recruited in this study. Liver tests, HBV DNA, serum TLR2 and TLR-4, and quantitative HBsAg levels were evaluated among all groups. The relationship among TLR-2, TLR-4, quantitative HBsAg levels and liver tests, and liver histological findings were investigated with correlation analysis. Serum TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels in HBeAg (-) CHB patients were higher than in the control group. There was a positive correlation between serum TLR-2, TLR-4, and HBV DNA and ALT levels. We have further demonstrated that serum TLR-2 levels are correlated with AST and quantitative HBsAg levels. However, TLRs levels were not linked to the liver biopsy findings. TLR can have an important role in hepatitis B pathogenesis. Liver injury in CHB may cause elevated TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels.Wo