Glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, xanthine oxidase, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase activities, total glutathione, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde levels in erythrocytes of patients with small cell and non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is a common pathology with high mortality due to late diagnosis. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), xanthine oxidase (XO), Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD) activities, total glutathione (TGSH), nitric oxide (NO*), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were investigated in erythrocytes of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), and healthy control group. We aimed to investigate serum GSH, GSH-dependent enzymes activities (GSH-Px and GST), XO, CAT, Cu-Zn SOD activity, and NO*, and MDA levels in patients with NSCLC and with SCLC and correlate with the cancer stage. Erythrocyte MDA, NO*, TGSH levels and erythrocyte SOD, CAT and XO activities were significantly higher in patients with NSCLC and SCLC than in controls. Slightly increased erythrocyte GSH-Px and GST activities were not significantly different from the controls. Erythrocyte MDA level positively correlated with erythrocyte NO* levels in patients with early stage (I+II) in NSCLC groups. Erythrocyte MDA level positively correlated with erythrocyte XO activity in patients with advanced stage (III+IV) in NSCLC groups. However, no other correlation could be found among the parameters in healthy controls and patients with NSCLC and with SCLC. Results obtained in this study indicate significant changes in antioxidant defence system in NSCLC and SCLC patients, which may lead to enhanced action of oxygen radical, resulting in lipid peroxidation.     

Diagnostic value of terminal ileum biopsy in chronic diarrhea with normal endoscopic appearance

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic value of a terminal ileum biopsy in chronic non‐bloody diarrhea with normal endoscopic appearance. METHODS: Patients who had a terminal ileum biopsy performed between January 2007 and January 2010 during a colonoscopy despite normal endoscopic appearance were reviewed. They were divided into two groups according to the indication for the colonoscopy: non‐bloody diarrhea and non‐diarrhea; and their histopathological findings were compared. RESULTS: By screening the colonoscopy records, 473 patients were found to have had a terminal ileum biopsy. Of these patients, 178 were excluded for various reasons. Finally, 295 patients were suitable for analysis. The non‐bloody diarrhea group consisted of 135 patients, while the remaining 160 patients constituted the non‐diarrhea group. A histopathological examination of the terminal ileum biopsy specimens in the non‐bloody diarrhea group revealed an abnormal histology in eight patients (5.9%), compared with five patients (3.1%) in the non‐diarrhea group. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (P = 0.26). CONCLUSION: Although performing a biopsy of the terminal ileum despite a macroscopically normal appearance may offer some additional benefit to the diagnosis of chronic non‐bloody diarrhea, prospective trials are needed for assessing the diagnostic value of a terminal ileum biopsy in patients with chronic diarrhea.     

Dialysate CA125 levels after 5 years on continuous peritoneal dialysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate longitudinal changes in dialysate cancer antigen 125 (dCA125) levels over time and to analyze relationships between dCA125 and peritoneal glucose exposure (PGE) in children undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). The study group included seven boys and four girls (mean age 13 ± 5.1 years) with a mean PD duration of 84.0 ± 1.1 months. A peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was performed, and dCA125 levels were measured in all patients. Peritoneal appearance rates (AR) of dCA125, the velocity of the decrease in dCA125AR values, and annual PGE levels were also calculated. The final tests were performed at a mean of 63.3 ± 3.5 months after the initial ones. Both dCA125 and dCA125AR levels showed statistically significant decrements during the follow-up period (p = 0.003), with the velocity of decrease in dCA125AR found to be 52.6 ± 19.4%. There were no significant differences in peritoneal transport parameters between the beginning and end of the study period. PGE values were significantly higher in the last year of the study than in the first year (p = 0.014), but the velocity of the decrease in dCA125AR levels was not related to total PGE. In conclusion, a significant decline was found in dCA125 and CA125 AR levels, reflecting mesothelial cell mass, in children undergoing long-term PD (>5 years), but these were not related to PGE.     

A method for fabricating an implant-retained orbital prosthesis using the existing prosthesis

This article describes a time-saving technique for fabricating a new implant-retained orbital prosthesis using the patient's existing prosthesis. The location of the ocular component is transferred; the position and openings of the palpebral anatomic structures and the precise anatomic details of the existing orbital prosthesis are duplicated. Making the impression, fabricating the definitive cast, alignment of the ocular component, and completing the wax sculpture of the prosthesis are accomplished in one appointment.     

Orbital Cellulitis Presenting as a First Sign of Incomplete Kawasaki Disease

A 6-year-old boy was referred to our hospital with orbital cellulitis. He had a history of 7 days of fever despite antibiotherapy. At first, he only had pharyngitis and conjunctivitis, but then an orbital mass evolved which restricted the movement of his right eye and there was also periorbital inflammation resembling orbital cellulitis. Examination at presentation revealed conjunctivitis with secretion, periocular inflammation and edema, right-preauricular lymphadenopathy and restriction of upgaze in the right eye. Laboratory findings included a white blood cell count of 19,000 cells per mm3, with 81.5% neutrophils, 15.0% lymphocytes, 1.2% monocytes and 0.4% basophils. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 52 mm/h and the C-reactive protein level was 46.3 mg/dl. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed orbital cellulitis and pansinusitis. Vancomycin (60 mg/kg/day) and meropenem (100 mg/kg/day) were administered, but desquamation on his fingertips and a rash appeared on the tenth day. A pediatric consultation resulted in a diagnosis of incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD). After administration of aspirin, the orbital inflammation regressed in 3 days. No coronary artery lesions were detected on the first echocardiography, but these did appear 6 weeks later. This confirmed the KD diagnosis.Key words: Kawasaki disease, Orbital cellulitis, Sinusitis     

MDCT angiography of isolated right subclavian artery

Isolation of a subclavian artery is an uncommon congenital anomaly of the aortic arch in which one subclavian artery loses its connection with the aorta and originates from the homolateral pulmonary artery by way of a ductus arteriosus. Isolation of the left subclavian artery in patients with a right aortic arch is well known. However, isolated right subclavian artery with a left-sided aortic arch is an extremely rare condition. In this report, we present multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography findings of an isolated right subclavian artery associated with a common carotid trunk and an anomalous origin and proximal interruption of the left pulmonary artery.     

Effects of Nasal CPAP Treatment on Insulin Resistance, Lipid Profile, and Plasma Leptin in Sleep Apnea

Background  Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked with metabolic syndrome characterized by dyslipidemia, dyscoagulation, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type 2 and their cardiovascular consequences. This study was designed to determine the effects of 8 weeks of therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on insulin resistance, glucose, and lipid profile, and the relationship between leptin and insulin-resistance parameters in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. Methods  In 44 patients, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, leptin, and insulin parameters were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of CPAP. Insulin resistance index was based on the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) method. Insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S) and insulin secretion capacity (HOMA-β) also were calculated. Thirteen patients were excluded from statistical analyses due to noncompliant CPAP usage (<4 h night⁻¹). Results  In 31 patients who used CPAP for ≥4 h night⁻¹, CPAP therapy reduced total cholesterol (P < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05), and leptin (P < 0.05). Circulating leptin levels showed significant correlation with both HOMA-S and HOMA-IR at baseline and follow-up (P = 0.03 for all). In addition, there was no correlation between HOMA-IR and the severity of sleep apnea, which was shown by apnea-hypopnea index. Conclusions  In patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, compliant CPAP usage may improve insulin secretion capacity, reduce leptin, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels. Leptin showed significant relationship with insulin resistance, and this relationship remained after 8 weeks of CPAP therapy.