Fetuin-A levels in hyperthyroidism

OBJECTIVE:

Fetuin-A is a protein secreted from the liver that inhibits arterial calcification deposition and can contribute to insulin resistance. Hyperthyroidism is also associated with insulin resistance. It is not known whether hyperthyroidism has an effect on fetuin-A levels.

METHODS:

We measured fetuin-A levels and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance before hyperthyroidism treatment was initiated and after euthyroidism was achieved. A total of 42 patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism were enrolled in this study. Fetuin-A, insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fasting blood glucose, free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), and thyrotropin were measured before and after euthyroidism was established.

RESULTS:

Basal fasting blood glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, insulin, c-peptide, homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance, fT3, fT4 and fetuin-A levels were significantly decreased after euthyroidism was achieved (

Staging lymphadenectomy in patients with localized high risk prostate cancer: comparison of the laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) technique with conventional multiport laparoscopy

Background

Laser lithotripsy is an established endourological modality. Ho:YAG laser have broadened the indications for ureteroscopic stone managements to include larger stone sizes throughout the whole upper urinary tract. Aim of current work is to assess efficacy and safety of Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy during retrograde ureteroscopic management of ureteral calculi in different locations.

Methods

88 patients were treated with ureteroscopic Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy in our institute. Study endpoint was the number of treatments until the patient was stone-free. Patients were classified according to the location of their stones as Group I (distal ureteric stones, 51 patients) and group II (proximal ureteral stones, 37). Group I patients have larger stones as Group II (10.70 mm vs. 8.24 mm, respectively, P = 0.020).

Results

Overall stone free rate for both groups was 95.8%. The mean number of procedures for proximal calculi was 1.1 ± 0.1 (1–3) and for distal calculi was 1.0 ± 0.0. The initial treatment was more successful in patients with distal ureteral calculi (100% vs. 82.40%, respectively, P = 0.008). No significant difference in the stone free rate was noticed after the second laser procedure for stones smaller versus larger than 10 mm (100% versus 94.1%, P = 0.13). Overall complication rate was 7.9% (Clavien II und IIIb). Overall and grade-adjusted complication rates were not dependant on the stone location. No laser induced complications were noticed.

Conclusions

The use of the Ho:YAG laser appears to be an adequate tool to disintegrate ureteral calculi independent of primary location. Combination of the semirigid and flexible ureteroscopes as well as the appropriate endourologic tools could likely improve the stone clearance rates for proximal calculi regardless of stone-size.

     

Protective effects of thymoquinone against apoptosis and oxidative stress by arsenic in rat kidney

We aimed to investigate the protective role of thymoquinone (TQ) by targeting its antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties against kidney damage induced by arsenic in rats. We have used the 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were divided into three groups. Physiological serum in 10?mL/kg dose as intragastric was given to the control group. Sodium arsenite (10?mg/kg, intragastric by gavage for fifteen days) was given to the arsenic group. Sodium arsenite (10?mg/kg, intragastric by gavage for fifteen days) and TQ (10?mg/kg, intragastric by gavage for 15 days) was given to the arsenic?+?TQ group. After 15 days, the animals’ kidneys were taken theirs, then we have performed histological and apoptotic assessment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels have examined as the oxidative stress parameters. We have determined the levels of arsenic. Increased renal injury and apoptotic cells have been detected in the arsenic group. Degenerative changes in the arsenic?+?TQ group were diminished. Although the MDA levels were augmented in the arsenic group, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px enzyme activities were lessened than the other groups. Our findings suggest that TQ may impede the oxidative stress, the cells have been damaged and also the generation of apoptotic cells arisen from arsenic. TQ plays a protective role against arsenic-induced toxicity in kidney and may potentially be used as a remedial agent.     

Is there a correlation between maternal serum TGF-β1 levels and fetal hydronephrosis?

Objective: We aimed to identify a noninvasive marker for clinically significant fetal uropathies. To achieve this aim, we detected TGF (transforming growth factor)-β1 serum level which rises in neonatal hydronephrosis, in pregnant patients with fetal hydronephrosis.

Materials and methods: We evaluated 44 patients, all of whom were pregnant and had a gestational age between 20 and 30 weeks. Twenty-two patients had normal maternal renal ultrasound imaging and had a fetus with fetal hydronephrosis (Group A). The remaining twenty-two patients had normal maternal and fetal renal ultrasound imaging (Group B). The maternal serum levels of TGF-β1 were measured with a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a commercially available kit.

Results: The median value for the study group was 55.90?pg/mL (9.67?±?574.45) and for the control group was 59.49?pg/mL (12.49?±?402.04). There was no statistical difference in serum TGF-β1 levels between the groups (p?=?0.769 – Mann–Whitney U test). In the study group, the diameter of the right renal pelvis was 5.7?mm (5.1–8.9?mm), while the diameter of left renal pelvis was 5.75?mm (5.3–10.04?mm).

Conclusion: In our study, the circulating TGF-β1 levels were not statistically different in the fetal hydronephrosis group when compared to the controls. According to our study, TGF-β1 is not useful in the detection and follow-up of fetal hydronephrosis. We therefore require further studies involving larger groups with moderate or severe fetal hydronephrosis to detect the usefulness of the serum levels of TGF-β1 in pregnant women with fetal hydronephrosis.     

Immediate breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact during cesarean section decreases maternal oxidative stress,a prospective randomized case-controlled study

Objective: Immediate skin-to-skin contact (ISSC) and early breastfeeding are recommended for the wellbeing of the neonate. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of ISSC and early breastfeeding on maternal oxidative stress and postoperative pain.

Methods: A total of 90 patients were randomized into two groups based on the timing of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. Group 1 (n?=?45) was provided ISSC and breastfeeding in the operating room during the cesarean section (C/S). Group 2 (n?=?45) breastfed their babies 1?h after the C/S. As markers of oxidative stress, maternal serum levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress indices (OSI) were evaluated. Maternal oxytocin levels and the relation between these parameters and postoperative pain were also evaluated.

Results: The postoperative TAS levels were significantly higher, whereas TOS and OSI levels were lower in Group 1 than Group 2. Negative correlations between oxytocin level and postoperative TOS and OSI were observed, as was a positive correlation between oxytocin level and postoperative TAS.

Conclusions: The effect of ISSC and early breastfeeding on mothers was documented for the first time in this study. Our results demonstrated ISSC and early breastfeeding during C/S reduce maternal oxidative stress.     

Nitric oxide concentrations in saliva and dental plaque in relation to caries experience and oral hygiene

The aim of the study was to determine the correlation of the antibacterial substance nitric oxide (NO) with dental caries in vivo. Salivary and dental plaque NO concentrations were analyzed by the Griess method in 11 subjects with high DMFT index and simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), 11 with low DMFT and OHI-S. Subjects with high DMFT and OHI-S had significantly higher NO concentrations in saliva (71.5 microM) and plaque (83.5 microM) than those with low DMFT and OHI-S (33.2 and 61.1 microM in saliva and plaque, respectively). Plaque NO concentrations were significantly higher than in saliva in both groups. NO production might be a host defense mechanism when dental caries increases or oral hygiene deteriorates.