Ghrelin levels in chronic periodontitis patients

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone that has modulatory effects on the immune system. This study was designed to evaluate plasma ghrelin levels in patients with chronic periodontitis and to investigate if a relationship exists between ghrelin and periodontal parameters, serum cytokines, and bone turnover markers. Thirty-five chronic periodontitis patients (CP) and periodontal healthy individuals (C) were included in this study. Periodontal parameters were recorded. Blood samples were obtained to determine the levels of total and acylated ghrelin, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), the soluble receptor activator nuclear factor kappaB ligand (sRANKL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin (OSC). Plasma levels of total and acylated ghrelin were significantly elevated in the CP group compared with the C group (p < 0.05). The difference was significant only between males in the two groups (groups were compared with respect to gender) (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the groups regarding the levels of serum sRANKL, TNF-alpha, and ALP. A relative increase in the serum levels of IL-1 beta and a decrease in the serum levels of OSC of the CP group were observed (p < 0.05). In addition, positive correlations between total ghrelin/ALP and total ghrelin/acylated ghrelin were discovered. We found no direct correlation between ghrelin levels and periodontal parameters. Our results indicate an increase of total and acylated ghrelin levels in patients with chronic periodontitis. Further, studies in larger populations (which could include ghrelin levels in gingival tissue, gingival crevicular fluid, and saliva) are needed in order to confirm the role of ghrelin in periodontal disease

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF BLUEBERRY ON CCL4 INDUCED ACUTE HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS

WOS: 00028997420164

Cognitive And Behavioral Impairment In Mild Hyperphenylalaninemia

As elevated phenylalanine (Phe) is detrimental to brain functions, determining a safe upper limit of blood Phe is important for initiation of treatment plans and setting Phe targets in hyperphenlalaninemic patients. It is accepted that Phe levels below 360 mu mol/L does not impair brain function and hence does not require treatment. Therefore, we aimed to compare cognitive functions and attention-related problems among healthy children and untreated patients with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA). This study included 41 hyperphenylalaninemic patients ("all HPA group") aged 6-16 years with untreated blood Phe between 240 and 600 mu mol/L and 29 healthy controls. "All HPA group" was further divided into 2 subgroups according to their lifetime median blood Phe levels as "Phe 360-600 mu mol/L" and "Phe 240-360 mu mol/L" groups. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV (WISC-IV), Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children: Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) were performed as a comprehensive neurocognitive, attention and behavioral assessment. The study illustrated that "all HPA" patients had significantly lower scores on all WISC-IV indexes compared to controls, except for Working Memory. Both "Phe 360-600 mu mol/L" and "Phe 240-360 mu mol/L" subgroups had lower Full Scale intelligence quotient (IQ) and Verbal Comprehension scores compared to controls. "All HPA" patients also had longer reaction times and more peer problems than controls, indicating attention deficits and behavioral problems. Since the results demonstrated that children with untreated Phe levels between 240-360 mu mol/L are at higher risk for cognitive and attention-related problems, lowering the "safe" upper Phe level should be considered.WoSScopu

Rationale and Design of the Turkish Sleep Apnea Database - TURKAPNE: A National, Multicenter, Observational, Prospective Cohort Study

WOS: 000439590300008PubMed ID: 30083405OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of The Turkish Sleep Apnea Database (TURKAPNE) study is to generate a cross-sectional nationwide database for defining the clinical and polysomnographic characteristics of the patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this ongoing project, all consecutive adults with suspected OSA are recruited from the sleep centers of the university and research hospitals in Turkey. Information on anthropometric data, educational status, driving license, smoking habits, alcohol use, comorbidities, drug use, questionnaires, polysomnographic, and/or cardiorespiratory polygraphic findings are recorded in a systematized Web-based report form. Blood glucose, lipids and other biochemical markers, lung function, and echocardiography measurements are optionally included. Follow-up data regarding treatment modality and compliance is assessed. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between OSA phenotypes and metabolic, pulmonary, and cardiovascular comorbidities as well as traffic accidents, and the impact of treatment will be further explored. We target a total sample of 10,000 participants. RESULTS: The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02784977) in May 2016 and the first patient was recruited in October 2017. A total of 1911 participants from 19 centers have been enrolled in the study by May 31, 2018. CONCLUSION: The TURKAPNE study will contribute to a better understanding of the health-related burden of OSA phenotypes and its association with the comorbidities and adverse outcomes, including traffic accidents in Turkey. The results may also contribute to a more personalized approach and better management of varying OSA phenotypes with concomitant disorders.Turkish Thoracic SocietyThe foundation and infrastructure of the database was supported by grants from the Turkish Thoracic Society with no influence on the design of the study, the analysis of the data, the data collection, drafting of the manuscript, or the decision to publish

Establishment of interdisciplinary child protection teams in Turkey 2002-2006: Identifying the strongest link can make a difference!

WOS: 000265321200007PubMed ID: 19328549Objectives: The University of Iowa Child Protection Program collaborated with Turkish professionals to develop a training program on child abuse and neglect during 2002-2006 with the goals of increasing professional awareness and number of multidisciplinary teams (MDT), regional collaborations, and assessed cases. This paper summarizes the 5-year outcome. Methods: A team of instructors evaluated needs and held training activities in Turkey annually, and provided consultation when needed. Descriptive analysis was done via Excel and SPSS software. Results: Eighteen training activities were held with 3,570 attendees. Over the study period, the number of MDTs increased from 4 to 14. The MDTs got involved in organizing training activities in their institutions and communities. The number of medical curriculum lectures taught by MDTs to medical students/residents, conferences organized by the MDTs, and lectures to non-medical professional audiences increased significantly (R-2 = 91.4%, 83.8%, and 69.2%, respectively). The number of abuse cases assessed by the MDTs increased by five times compared to pre-training period. Conclusions: A culturally competent training program had a positive impact on professional attitudes and behaviors toward recognition and management of child abuse and neglect in Turkey. The need to partner with policy makers to revise current law in favor of a greater human services orientation became clear. Practice implications: Pioneers in developing countries may benefit from collaborating with culturally competent instructors from countries with more developed child protection systems to develop training programs so that professional development can improve recognition and management of child abuse and neglect. Published by Elsevier Ltd