Evaluation of t-PA, PAI-2, IL-1beta and PGE(2) in gingival crevicular fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients with periodontal disease

AIMS: This study was undertaken to compare periodontal conditions, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), its inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and control groups. METHODS: Twenty-three RA patients, 17 systemically healthy patients with periodontal disease (PD), and 17 systemically and periodontally healthy subjects were recruited. GCF samples were obtained from two single-rooted teeth. Full-mouth clinical periodontal measurements were recorded at six sites/tooth. GCF samples were analysed using relevant ELISA kits. Data were tested statistically by appropriate tests. RESULTS: Total amounts of t-PA, PAI-2 and PGE(2) in GCF samples of the healthy control group were significantly lower than the other groups (p<0.05). The RA group exhibited a higher total amount of t-PA in GCF samples than the PD group (p<0.05). PAI-2, IL-1beta and PGE(2) total amounts were similar in RA and PD groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The coexistence of RA and periodontitis does not seem to affect clinical periodontal findings or systemic markers of RA. Similar inflammatory mediator levels in RA and PD groups, despite the long-term usage of corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, suggest that RA patients may have a propensity to overproduce these inflammatory mediators.     

The effect of cyclosporin A on alveolar bone in rats subjected to experimental periodontal disease

Cyclosporine A (CsA), broadly used in organ transplantation, may contribute to pathogenesis of osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CsA on alveolar bone in rats subjected or not to experimental periodontal disease using biochemical, radiographic, and histometric analysis. Forty Wistar rats were divided into 4 equal groups: Group I (Control), Group II (CsA was injected subcutaneously in a daily dose of 10 mg/kg), Group III (Ligature was placed around the mandibular molars), Group IV (Ligature+CsA). After 60 days, rats were decapitated, serum alkaline phosphatase and calcium levels were measured. Radiographic-alveolar bone loss (ABL), histometric-ABL, and percentage of new alveolar bone formation (NABF%) were determined on mandibular molars. Significant increase in serum alkaline phosphatase levels (p < 0.001), no significant difference in calcium levels were observed (p > 0.05) in Group IV compared to Group III. Radiographic and histometric-ABL were significantly less (p < 0.001), NABF% was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in Group IV than in Group III. No significant difference in any of the parameters between Group II and Group I was found. It can be concluded that in the presence of periodontal disease, CsA treatment may bring out an imbalance in the alveolar bone homeostasis by decreasing resorption and stimulating formation of alveolar bone in rats.     

The relationship between ghrelin and adiponectin levels in breast milk and infant serum and growth of infants during early postnatal life

Ghrelin and adiponectin have been found in breast milk and are considered to take part in the regulation of growth and energy metabolism of infants. Our aims were to determine ghrelin and adiponectin levels in breast milk and serum samples of mothers and their infants, and to investigate the relationship between their levels and anthropometry of newborn infants during early postnatal life. Total and active ghrelin and adiponectin levels were studied in breast milk, and the serum samples of 25 healthy lactating women and their healthy fullterm infants were taken at the 1st and 4th months of life. Anthropometric measurements of infants were also performed during the study period. Breast milk and infant serum active ghrelin levels were found to be significantly increased at the 4th month of life compared with 1st month levels (p < 0.05). Maternal serum total ghrelin and infant serum adiponectin levels were found to be significantly reduced at the 4th month of life (p < 0.05). Breast milk active ghrelin levels were higher than the infant and maternal serum active ghrelin at the 1st and 4th months (p < 0.05). There was a negative significant correlation between the level of infant serum active ghrelin levels and BMI of infants at the 1st month. A positive significant correlation was found between the level of 1st month infant serum adiponectin levels and weight gain of infants during the study period. Fourth month infant serum adiponectin were also positively correlated with weight and BMI of infants at the 4th month and the weight gain during study period. There was a positive significant correlation between the level of 4th month breast milk active ghrelin and weight gain of infants during the study period. Ghrelin and adiponectin are involved in postnatal growth of infants. Ghrelin in breast milk also seems to be related to the growth of infants during early postnatal life. The sources of these peptides in breast milk are probably both maternal serum and breast tissue itself.     

Effect of Taurine on Brain 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and 3-nitrotyrosine Levels in Endotoxemia

Taurine is a sulfur-containing β-amino acid that is found in milimolar concentrations in most mammalian tissues and plasma. It was shown to have cytoprotective effects in many in vitro and in vivo studies and these actions are often attributed to an antioxidant mechanism. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of acute taurine administration on endotoxin-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress in brain. Fourty adult male guinea pigs were divided into four groups: control, taurine, endotoxemia, and endotoxemia + taurine. Taurine (300 mg/kg), lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 4 mg/kg), or taurine plus LPS was administered intraperitoneally. After 6 h of incubation, when highest blood levels of taurine and endotoxin were attained, the animals were killed and brain tissue samples were collected. 3-Nitrotyrosine (3-NT), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and taurine levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography methods. LPS administration significantly increased 3-NT, 8-OHdG levels, and dramatically reduced taurine concentrations in brain tissue compared to control group. The groups in which taurine was administered alone or with LPS, contradiction to well-known antioxidant effect, taurine caused elevated concentrations of 3-NT and 8-OHdG compared to both control and endotoxemia groups. In conclusion, endotoxemia leads to tyrosine nitration and DNA base modification that can be assessed by 3-NT and 8-OHdG, respectively. Taurine did not exhibit any antioxidant effect; moreover, it may contribute to neuronal damage at this dose. Thus, we can suggest that lower dose of taurine administration may be benefial for neuronal protection or adversely taurine administration may have toxic effect at all doses.     

Clinical efficacy of the smartplug? in the treatment of primary Sjogren��s syndrome with keratoconjunctivitis SICCA: one-year follow-up study

To evaluate the efficacy of a thermo-sensitive punctum plug, (SmartPlug™) in Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome (pSS) patients with dry eyes, whose symptoms persist despite preservative-free artificial tear treatment. In this study, 22 Primary Sj?gren’s Syndrome (pSS), as defined by American-European Consensus Group Classification Criteria. All patients being followed up by Ege University Departments of Rheumatology and Ophthalmology. The patients had positive Schirmer test results (<5 mm without anesthesia). SmartPlug™ (Medennium, Irvine, California, USA) was inserted into the inferior lacrimal canaliculi of both eyes. Visual acuity measurements, Schirmer I test measurements, lissamine green staining scores, and tear-film breakup times (BUT) were noted before plug insertion and at the 1st, 6th, and 12th months following the procedure. Minimum follow-up period was 6 months for 19 patients and 12 months for 16 patients. Significant improvements were seen in the Schirmer I test scores (before insertion: 1.98 ± 2.67; 1st month: 5.68 ± 6.69; 6th month: 5.35 ± 5.38; 12th month 6.43 ± 5.14 P = 0.006), tear-film BUT in seconds (before insertion: 4.64 ± 3.7; 1st month: 5.80 ± 2.36; 6th month: 7.53 ± 2.92; 12th month 7.50 ± 2.52, P < 0.0001), respectively. Thermodynamic punctum plug insertion only in inferior canaliculus is a simple, effective, and comfortable option for treatment of severe aqueous tear deficiency that cannot be controlled using preservative-free tears.     

New results for monogenic diabetes with analysis of causative genes using next-generation sequencing: a tertiary centre experience from Turkey

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries - Although monogenic diabetes accounts for a small proportion of diabetes cases, accurate diagnosis may significantly change treatment....     

Trapezius Port Placement in Patients with Breast Cancer: Long-Term Follow-up and Quality-of-Life Assessment

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term results of and patient satisfaction with trapezius ports in breast cancer patients, as an alternative to chest ports.

Reversible splenial lesion syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in two children

BackgroundReversible splenial lesion syndrome (RESLES) is characterized by a temporary lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum, emerging related to encephalitis, seizures, antiepileptic drug withdrawal, or metabolic disturbances. Among RESLES, mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion (MERS) has been defined as a distinct clinicoradiologic syndrome associated with viral infections.Case presentationWe report two children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome-children related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) who developed RESLES during the disease course. Encephalopathy was the main central nervous system symptom. Both of the children showed a rapid recovery, and brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed complete resolution of the splenial lesion within 1 week.ConclusionThe complete resolution of the splenial lesion and rapid recovery from encephalopathy in RESLES associated with SARS CoV-2 were similar to observed in MERS.