Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Children with Asthma and Isolated Chronic Cough

Studies show that neurogenic inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic cough. Neurotrophins (NTs) regulate the synthesis of neuropeptides, which cause neurogenic inflammation. There is growing evidence suggesting their involvement in airway inflammation. The role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the NT family, is not clear in chronic cough. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of BDNF in children with nonspecific isolated chronic cough and to compare the differences between patients with asthma and healthy controls. In this case-control study, we included 30 patients with chronic cough (5-15 years) as the patient group. As the control group, 28 asthma patients under control, 30 children with asthma attacks, and 30 healthy children were included. Serum BDNF levels were measured by ELISA in all groups. The median of BDNF levels was 708.12 pg/mL (155-974) in the patient group, 952.94 pg/mL (220-1,018) in the controlled asthma group, 852.09 pg/mL (355-1,036) in the uncontrolled asthma patients, and 572.65 pg/mL (213-818) in the healthy children group. There were differences in the patient group and control groups regarding the BDNF levels (for the patient group and the controlled asthma group, P = 0.0014; for the patient group and the uncontrolled asthma patients, P = 0.0009; for the patient group and healthy children group, P = 0.05). The BDNF levels of asthma patients were statistically different from healthy children (P = 0.0001). Neurogenic inflammation was implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic cough. In patients with chronic cough, high BDNF levels may support the presence of asthma

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Children with Asthma and Isolated Chronic Cough

Studies show that neurogenic inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic cough. Neurotrophins (NTs) regulate the synthesis of neuropeptides, which cause neurogenic inflammation. There is growing evidence suggesting their involvement in airway inflammation. The role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the NT family, is not clear in chronic cough. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of BDNF in children with nonspecific isolated chronic cough and to compare the differences between patients with asthma and healthy controls. In this case-control study, we included 30 patients with chronic cough (5-15 years) as the patient group. As the control group, 28 asthma patients under control, 30 children with asthma attacks, and 30 healthy children were included. Serum BDNF levels were measured by ELISA in all groups. The median of BDNF levels was 708.12 pg/mL (155-974) in the patient group, 952.94 pg/mL (220-1,018) in the controlled asthma group, 852.09 pg/mL (355-1,036) in the uncontrolled asthma patients, and 572.65 pg/mL (213-818) in the healthy children group. There were differences in the patient group and control groups regarding the BDNF levels (for the patient group and the controlled asthma group, P = 0.0014; for the patient group and the uncontrolled asthma patients, P = 0.0009; for the patient group and healthy children group, P = 0.05). The BDNF levels of asthma patients were statistically different from healthy children (P = 0.0001). Neurogenic inflammation was implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic cough. In patients with chronic cough, high BDNF levels may support the presence of asthma

Evaluation of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Central Anatolia, Turkey

Background/Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels measured within one year at an Education and Research Hospital in Turkey to identify vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (which is very commonly seen in the society) and to provide a current approach to treatment management. Materials and Methods. This retrospective descriptive study was carried out by examining the data relating to 35,667 individuals. Results. Of the individuals participating in the study, 94.47% had a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 30 ng/ml, 76.25% had a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 20 ng/ml, and 32.20% had a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 10 ng/ml. The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of all individuals included in the study was 15.2±8.8 ng/ml. The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was 14.5±8.8 ng/ml among women and 18.1±8.4 ng/ml among men, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is widespread in the world and in Turkey. The data obtained from this study suggest that without measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level will be cost-effective in every age group (except for those are at risk of toxicity) as in children aged 0-1 year old in Turkey and that making a decision in this direction will make a great contribution to the economy of the country