AIM:This study sought to clarify the contribution of oxidative stress to anxiety disorders in preschool-aged children by examining whether serum levels of Nrf2, Keap1, Sestrin-2, Superoxide Dismutase, and GABPa play etiological roles. METHOD:The sample included 65 children aged 3-6 years, comprising 22 children diagnosed with anxiety disorders, 22 with subclinical anxiety, and 21 healthy controls. Anxiety disorders were evaluated using a preschool-age psychiatric assessment. Parents completed the Preschool Anxiety Scale, the Short Temperament Scale for Children, and the CBCL 1.5-5 years forms. Venous blood samples were collected from all participants. Serum levels of Nrf2, Keap1, Sestrin-2, superoxide dismutase, and GABPa were then measured. RESULTS:Nrf2 levels differed significantly among all three groups (p < 0.05), whereas GABPa levels differed significantly only between the anxiety and control groups (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between levels of Nrf2 and GABPa and both the duration and severity of anxiety disorders. Receiver operating characteristic analyses indicated that Nrf2 levels had significant predictive value for the diagnosis of anxiety disorders (p < 0.001), whereas GABPa levels did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS:The results identify potential biological markers associated with anxiety disorders in preschool-aged children and suggest that Nrf2 may represent a potential candidate biomarker, pending confirmation in larger, longitudinal studies.

The immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) reflects early erythropoietic activity and is used to monitor hematopoietic function clinically. However, the physiological behavior of the IRF in healthy individuals of different ages has not been thoroughly investigated. This study evaluates age-related variations in the IRF and its correlations with hematological parameters across a wide age spectrum in healthy individuals. This cross-sectional study included 853 healthy individuals categorized into 6 age groups: <8 days, 8 to 30 days, 30 days to 1 year, 1 to 16 years, 16 to 55 years, and >55 years. Correlation analyses were performed using data obtained from a high-precision hematology analyzer (Sysmex XN-Series), which applies fluorescence flow cytometry and impedance technology for reticulocyte quantification, to examine the correlation between IRF and hematological parameters (hemoglobin [Hb], HCT [hematocrit], red blood cell count [RBC], white blood cell count, red cell distribution width, reticulocyte hemoglobin content, reticulocyte percentage, and leukocyte subtypes). IRF levels showed significant differences between age groups (P < .001). In neonates group, IRF showed a positive correlation with white blood cell count (r = 0.64, P < .001) and neutrophil count (r = 0.65, P < .001). The negative correlation with Hb and RBC became more pronounced in older age groups (Hb: r = -0.43; RBC: r = -0.32; P < .001). A positive and significant relationship with red cell distribution width was observed in all age groups (r = 0.30-0.54, P < .001). IRF shows different age-related connections with hematological parameters. These connections reflect the changing dynamics of erythropoiesis and bone marrow activity throughout life. Using age-specific reference frameworks to incorporate IRF into clinical assessments may improve the detection and interpretation of subclinical changes in erythropoietic function.

OBJECTIVES:Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by defects in enzymes responsible for cortisol synthesis in the adrenal cortex. Accurate steroid hormone measurement is essential for diagnosis and monitoring, but not all metabolites can be reliably quantified by ELISA. Immunoassays and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) are commonly used for steroid profiling. This study aimed to compare steroid hormone levels measured by immunoassay and LC-MS/MS and to evaluate their correlation with clinical control in CAH patients. METHODS:Forty-nine genetically confirmed CAH patients followed at the Pediatric Endocrinology Department were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, clinical findings, simultaneous steroid hormone measurements by immunoassay and LC-MS/MS, follow-up data, and treatment-related complications were analyzed. Correlations between hormone levels and clinical control were assessed. RESULTS:Patients' ages ranged from 0.48 to 21.43 years (mean 10.53 ± 5.90); 31 were girls and 18 boys. Most patients (91.9 %, n=45) had 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Seventy-eight paired steroid measurements were evaluated. No significant differences were observed between LC-MS/MS and immunoassay for 17-hydroxyprogesterone, DHEA-S, cortisol, testosterone, or estradiol; all metabolites were significantly correlated. The smallest inter-method difference was observed for DHEA-S, and the largest for 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Among patient groups classified as clinically well- vs. poorly controlled, only androstenedione differed significantly, serving as the most sensitive marker of inadequate glucocorticoid therapy (p=0.032). CONCLUSIONS:Steroid hormone measurements by immunoassay and LC-MS/MS were generally consistent in CAH patients. No method showed clear superiority for routine follow-up. Androstenedione emerged as a sensitive marker of clinical control, highlighting its potential utility for optimizing treatment.

Objective:To investigate the role of neuroinflammation in the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we investigated the role of fractalkine and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which may be potential biomarkers for ASD. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and to investigate the relationship between fractalkine, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and hs-CRP and the severity of symptoms in ASD. Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 44 children between the ages of 24-72 months diagnosed with ASD constituted the research group, and 44 healthy children of similar age and sex constituted the control group. Detailed mental status examinations were performed in both groups. Symptom severity of children diagnosed with ASD was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Autism Behaviour Checklist and Repetitive Behaviours Scale-Revised Turkish Version. Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained from children in both groups and serum fractalkine, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and hs-CRP levels were measured by ELISA method. Results:Serum fractalkine and IL-1β levels of children in the ASD group were significantly lower than those in the control group. No significant difference was found between the groups in serum TNF-α, IL-6 and hs-CRP levels. There was no correlation between ASD severity and fractalkine, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. Conclusion:Our study is the first to evaluate serum fractalkine levels in ASD in early childhood. Our findings suggest that fractalkine may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of ASD in early life and may be a potential biomarker for ASD.

Sürekli ihtiyaçların değişimi ile birlikte rekabet şartlarında da değişiklikler meydana gelmiştir ve müşteri memnuniyetinin sağlanması şirketlerin dışında tedarik zincirlerinin rekabeti haline gelmektedir. Tedarik zincirlerini oluşturan birimler tedarik zinciri pratiklerini geliştirerek seçilen olmayı isterler ve rekabet avantajı elde ederek etkinliklerini arttırırlar. Tedarik zincirinin tüm birimlerinin pazarın gereksinimlerine süratli bir şekilde cevap verebilmek için birlikte ve bir bütün halinde hareket etmesi önemli bir zorunluluktur (Cao ve Zhang, 2011:163). Tedarik zincirleri halkalarının bir uyum içerisinde hareket etmesi; gösterecekleri performansları işletmelerin performansları açısından da önemli bir konudur Bu çalışmada Gaziantep Organize Sanayi Bölgelerinde faaliyetlerini sürdüren işletmelerin, tedarik zinciri entegrasyonunun işletme performansı üzerine etkisi incelenmiştir. Araştırmada Gaziantep Organize Sanayi Bölgeleri’nde faaliyetlerine devam eden işletmelerden, tedarik zinciri entegrasyonunun işletme performansına etkisi incelenmek istenmiştr. Bu çalışma dört bölümden oluşmaktadır. Birinci bölümün kavramsal çerçeveden oluşturulmuştur. Bu doğrultuda ilk kısmında, tedarik zinciri kavramı, tedarik zinciri yapısı ve tasarımı, tedarik zinciri üyeleri ele alınmıştır. Birinci bölüm ikinci kısımda tedarik zinciri yönetimi, tarihsel gelişimi, tedarik zinciri amaç ve önemi, tedarik zinciri yönetiminin fonksiyonları ve süreçlerine yer verilmiştir. Bu bölümün üçüncü kısmında ise tedarik zinciri entegrasyonui, iç, müşteri ve tedarikçi konuları incelenmiştir.. Birinci bölümün son kısmı olan dördüncü kısmında ise işletme performansı, performansın ölçümü ve önemi, işletme performansını etkileyen unsurlar ele alınmıştır. Çalışmanın ikinci bölümünde araştırmanın yöntemine dair geniş bir bilgiye yer verilmiştir. Araştırmanın amacı ve önemi, çalışmanın varsayımları, sınırlılıkları, çalışmanın hipotezleri, evren ve örneklemi, veri toplama araçları, Araştırmada kullanılan ölçeklerin ölçüm modeli safhasında geçerlilik ve güvenirlik skorları hesaplanmıştır. Çalışmanın üçüncü bölümünde bulgu ve yorumlara verilmiştir. Çalışmaya katılım sağlayan firmalar ait veriler, araştırmanın hipotezlerini test etmek için yapısal eşitlik modeli kurularak elde edilen veriler incelenmiştir. Araştırmanın dördüncü ve son bölümünde sonuç ve önerilere yer almıştır

Studies on the relationship between the adenosinergic system and schizophrenia have been released, but none has explored the relationship between adenosine deaminase and psychosis risk. Our primary objective is to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of peripheral adenosine deaminase enzyme levels regarding susceptibility to psychosis. In this cross-sectional case–control study, the serum levels of adenosine deaminase were compared among patients with schizophrenia, first-degree relatives of schizophrenia patients, and healthy controls. The patient and relative groups were classified as high-risk groups and healthy controls as low-risk groups. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine whether serum ADA levels can distinguish the low-risk group from the high-risk group. Healthy controls had higher serum ADA levels than the patient and relative groups (p = 0.019; p = 0.027). There was no statistically significant difference between patients and relatives (p = 0.998). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that serum ADA levels were 62.2

The clinical identification of regression phenomena in ASD lacks specific biological or laboratory criteria and is often based on family history and highly subjective observations by clinicians. The present study aimed to investigate the potential role of plasma clusterin (CLU), very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA), and carnitine as biomarkers of neurodegeneration in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with and without regression. By exploring these biomarkers, we sought to provide insights into mitochondrial dysfunction, glial activation, and lipid metabolism, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD and aid in the early diagnosis and intervention of regression phenomena in ASD. Ninety children aged 2–6 years were included: 30 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 30 with regressive ASD, and 30 healthy controls. Psychiatric assessments were conducted using DSM-5 criteria, CARS, ABC, RBS-R, and ASSQ scales. Regression in ASD was evaluated retrospectively using a modified ADI-R questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were collected, and plasma clusterin (CLU), VLCFA, and carnitine levels were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using MANOVA to assess the effect of group differences on dependent biochemical variables. Serum clusterin and carnitine levels showed no significant differences between groups. However, C22 VLCFA levels were significantly higher in both autism groups compared to controls (p = 0.04), with post hoc analysis indicating the difference between the non-regressive and control groups (p = 0.02). Serum carnitine was positively correlated with stereotypic behaviors subscale scores (r = 0.37, p = 0.004) and total scores (r = 0.35, p = 0.006) of RBS-R. Our study provides insights into the complexities of biomarker research in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting the challenges in identifying consistent biological markers for regression and non-regression phenotypes. Although no significant findings were observed, further biomarker studies are essential to distinguish possible endophenotypes, improve early diagnosis, and uncover potential therapeutic targets in ASD.

Mantarlar, çevremizde yaygın olarak bulunan ve organik maddeleri parçalayan organizmalar olup, tıbbi, veteriner ve endüstriyel alanlarda önemlidir. Fungal enfeksiyon riski altında olan bireylerin sayısı arttıkça, hekimlerin şüphelenilen bir enfeksiyonla karşılaştıklarında mantarları göz önünde bulundurmaları zorunlu hale gelmiştir. Belirlenmiş fungal patojenlerin listesi oldukça uzundur. İnsanda enfeksiyona neden olan mantar türüne ve konakçının immünolojik durumuna bağlı olarak prognoz ve tedaviye yanıt farklılık gösterebilir. Bu nedenle hekimlerin çeşitli mantarları, bunların epidemiyolojik ve patojenik özelliklerini ve tanı ve tedaviye yönelik en uygun yaklaşımları tanımaları gerekmektedir.Bu bölüm, mantarların sınıflandırılması, yapısı ve üremesi hakkında genel bir bakış sunmaktadır. Mantar hücre organizasyonu ve morfolojisinin temel yönleri ile insan mikozlarının geniş kategorileri ele alınmaktadır. Mantar enfeksiyonları klinik olarak mikozlar olarak adlandırılır ve yüzeyel, subkutanöz, sistemik ve fırsatçı mikozlar olarak sınıflandırılır. Yüzeyel mikozlar cildin dış katmanlarını, saçları ve tırnakları etkilerken, subkutanöz mikozlar deri altı dokulara kadar ilerler. Sistemik mikozlar iç organlara yayılır ve genellikle ciddi bağışıklık yetmezliği olan bireylerde görülür. Fırsatçı mikozlar ise genellikle bağışıklık sistemi zayıflamış bireylerde ölümcül enfeksiyonlara yol açmaktadır.

Bu çalışma, PISA 2018 öğrenci anketinde yer alan okuma keyfi ölçeğinin farklı başarı gruplarındaki ölçme değişmezliğini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Ölçme değişmezliği, gizil değişkenler ile gözlenen değişkenler arasındaki ilişkinin farklı gruplarda aynı biçimde sürdürülüp sürdürülmediğini ortaya koyar. Araştırmanın örneklemi, üst başarı grubunu temsil eden Norveç (n=5659), orta başarı grubunu temsil eden Türkiye (n=6858) ve düşük başarı grubunu temsil eden Kolombiya’dan (n=7192) olmak üzere toplam 19.709 öğrenciden oluşmaktadır. Açımlayıcı faktör analizi sonucunda beş maddeli tek faktörlü model doğrulanmış, ardından çok gruplu doğrulayıcı faktör analiziyle ölçme değişmezliği test edilmiştir. Bulgular, modelin şekilsel, metrik, ölçek ve katı düzeylerde değişmezlik göstermediğini ortaya koymuştur. Bu sonuç, ülkeler arasında yapılan karşılaştırmaların geçerliliğini sınırlamakta ve ölçeğin farklı başarı gruplarında ortak bir ölçme yapısını sağlayamadığını göstermektedir.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common general health problem in daily clinical practice. A large amount of iron in the body is used for hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis and iron is critical for many biological functions such as cell proliferation, energy production, DNA synthesis and respiration. In recent years, with a better understanding of iron metabolism; it has led to the need to review treatment regimens in the treatment of IDA. Based on these data, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral ferrous sulfate treatment with different doses and posology, its relationship with hepcidin, treatment compliance and gastrointestinal side effects in premenopausal women diagnosed with IDA. Our study was a prospective observational study and included premenopausal female patients aged 18 to 50 years diagnosed with IDA. The patients, who were started on oral ferrous sulfate treatment with different posology and dose, were divided into 3 groups as 2*1 day in the first group, 1*1 day in the second group and 1*1 every other day in the third group and their treatment was completed for 3 months. Changes in Hb and hepcidin were evaluated before treatment and in the second week, and changes in ferritin, transferrin saturation %, total iron binding capacity, and Hb were evaluated in the 3rd month. Significant Hb increase was observed at the end of the second week (P < .01) and the mean Hb increase was 1.38 ± 1.04 and 1.03 ± 0.48 and ≥1 g/dL in the first and second groups, respectively, while it was 0.69 ± 0.36 and < 1 g/dL in the group given every other day (P = .020, P = .019, respectively). At the end of the 3rd month, there was a significant increase in Hb level in all 3 groups (P < .001) and Hb increase was similar between the groups (P > .05). When the change in ferritin was analyzed, it was observed that ferritin was statistically significantly higher in the first group (2*1) compared to the second and third groups (P < .05). There was no difference between group 2 and group 3 in terms of ferritin change values (P > .05). The increase in transferrin saturation % and decrease in total iron binding capacity were similar in all 3 groups at the end of treatment (P > .05). The change between the second week and baseline hepcidin was observed most in the second group (P = .024) and the change in hepcidin was similar between the 3 groups (P = .708). Gastrointestinal side effects were observed more in the first group receiving 2*1 than in the second and third groups (P < .05). Patients in groups 1 and 2 showed a similar increase in appetite and weight at the end of treatment (P > .05), whereas no increase in appetite and weight was observed in group 3. In our study, Hb increase of ≥ 1 g/dL in the first and second treatment groups and < 1 g/dL in the third treatment group was observed at the end of the second week; at the end of treatment, anemia improved significantly and Hb increase was similar in all 3 groups. However, due to the gastrointestinal side effects that were significant in the first group, we think that 1*1 daily or 1*1 every other day instead of 2*1 would be more appropriate. In addition, we think that serial hepcidin measurements would give a better idea about the kinetics. Larger studies may emphasize the importance of alternative iron treatment regimens.

Despite extensive research, the etiological factors contributing to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain incompletely understood, with potential influences ranging from genetic predispositions to environmental factors. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase involved in mitigating oxidative stress and its association with other neurodevelopmental disorders, explores its function in ASD. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between SIRT1 and inflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), in patients with ASD. This study enrolled 46 children diagnosed with ASD and 44 typically developing (TD) children aged 36-120 months. Diagnosis of ASD was confirmed using DSM-5 criteria through clinical and observational assessments conducted by three experienced child and adolescent psychiatrists at the outpatient Infant Mental Health unit of Ankara University. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) were used to assess autistic behaviors. Analysis of serum levels of SIRT1, IL-6, and TNF-α revealed no significant differences between the ASD group and the TD group. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship between SIRT1 levels and IL-6 (r = 0.71, p < 0.001) and TNF-α (r = 0.86, p < 0.001). Additionally, regression phenomena exhibited a moderate negative correlation with IL-6 (r = -0.32, p = 0.02) and TNF-α (r = -0.38, p = 0.008). Age was positively correlated with levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and SIRT1. However, no correlations were found between these parameters and gender. These findings do not support the hypothesized role of disturbances in the expression of circulating cytokines and SIRT1 as indicators of systemic inflammation in autism. Further longitudinal studies should examine these immune markers in blood samples from large sample sizes.

This study aimed to elucidate the potential role of serine proteases and their associated regulatory molecules in the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to assess their relationship with symptom severity and specific behavioral domains in children diagnosed with ASD. A cross-sectional design was employed, including 44 children aged 2 to 6 years with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD and 43 age- and sex-matched typically developing children as controls. Behavioral assessments were conducted using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), and the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised, Turkish Version (RBS-R-TV). Serum concentrations of motopsin, agrin, C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), neuroserpin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum levels of all analyzed molecules were significantly reduced in the ASD group compared to controls (p < 0.05 for all). Although no significant associations were observed between total ASD severity scores and biomarker concentrations, notable correlations emerged between specific behavioral subdomains and select biomarkers. Motopsin levels exhibited a moderate positive correlation with the “imitation” subdomain of CARS and the “sensory” subdomain of ABC. Conversely, agrin levels demonstrated moderate inverse correlations with “listening response,” “taste–smell-touch response and use,” and “activity level” subdomains of CARS. PAI-1 levels showed a significant negative correlation with the “self-injurious behavior” subdomain of RBS-R-TV. The findings suggest that serine proteases and their modulators implicated in synaptic remodeling and neuroplasticity may contribute to the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of ASD. The observed domain-specific associations support the hypothesis that ASD comprises heterogeneous neurodevelopmental trajectories, and that peripheral biochemical markers reflecting these pathways may aid in the identification of ASD subtypes and guide personalized therapeutic strategies.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by impairments in social communication, repetitive behaviours, and restricted interests. Emerging evidence suggests that immune system dysregulation, particularly alterations in the complement system, may contribute to ASD pathophysiology. This study aimed to compare the serum levels of complement proteins (C1q, C2, C3, C4, MBL, L-ficolin, and hsCRP) between children with ASD and non-ASD controls. A total of 88 children (44 with ASD and 44 age- and sex-matched healthy controls) participated in this study. Complement protein levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (from serum samples. The severity of ASD symptoms was assessed using standardised diagnostic tools, including the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, the Autism Behaviour Checklist, and the Repetitive Behaviour Scale-Revised. Serum C1q levels were significantly lower in the ASD group (p < 0.001). C3 levels were lower (p = 0.033), while C2 levels were slightly higher (p = 0.015) in the ASD group. There are no significant differences in C4, MBL, or L-ficolin levels. Logistic regression analysis identified reduced C1q levels as a significant predictor of ASD (p = 0.001). However, this study found no significant correlations between complement levels and ASD symptom severity scores. The findings suggest that alterations in complement system proteins, particularly reduced serum C1q levels, may be associated with ASD. Given C1q's critical role in synaptic pruning and neuroimmune regulation, these results support the hypothesis that complement system dysfunction may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD.

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the role of cholesterol metabolism disorders in the etiopathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through the analysis of central and peripheral oxysterol levels (24-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 27-hydroxycholesterol). These compounds, found in the cholesterol excretion pathways, are considered potential biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring various neuropsychiatric disorders. Materials and Methods:This study included 42 children diagnosed with ASD, aged between 1 and 6 years, who had no additional psychiatric or medical illnesses other than cognitive delay/intellectual disability and were not on medication, along with 38 age-matched typically developing children. After comprehensive mental health assessments, the symptom severity in children with ASD was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Autism Behavior Checklist, and Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised Form. After the clinical evaluation, peripheral blood samples were obtained from all children. Oxysterol levels were assessed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Results:In the ASD group, levels of 24-hydroxycholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol were significantly higher compared to the control group, while 27-R-hydroxycholesterol levels were lower. The ratio of 24-hydroxycholesterol (μg/L) to 27-hydroxycholesterol (μg/L) was notably higher in the autism group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that this ratio was statistically significant and could discriminate between ASD and non-ASD diagnoses with "acceptable discrimination potential." Conclusion:Our findings suggest that alterations in oxysterol levels, commonly associated with neurodegenerative processes, can also be observed in ASD and may serve as a potential candidate biomarker for the disorder.

Objective: In this study, to investigate the place of T cell-mediated immunity in the etiology of ADHD, for which we do not have enough information; we aimed to investigate the activity of DPP IV and ADA, which are T cell-related enzymes, and the relationship of these enzymes with ADHD symptoms in children with ADHD. Methods: Twenty-seven children aged 6 to 12 years with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 27 children aged 6 to 12 years without any psychiatric disease were included in the study. Results: While serum ADA and DPP-IV activity were found to be statistically significantly higher in the group with ADHD. There was no statistically significant correlation between serum ADA and DPP-IV activities and CTRS-R-L and CPRS-R-L in both groups. Conclusion: We think that T cell mediated inflammation may play a role in the etiology of ADHD due to changes in ADA and DPP-IV levels in children.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a relapsing disease described as excessive use of alcohol. Evidence of the role of DNA methylation in addiction is accumulating. Ghrelin is an important peptide known as appetite hormone and its role in addictive behavior has been identified. Here we aimed to determine the methylation levels of two crucial genes (GHRL and GHSR) in ghrelin signaling and further investigate the association between methylation ratios and plasma ghrelin levels. Individuals diagnosed with (n = 71) and without (n = 82) AUD were recruited in this study. DNA methylation levels were measured through methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM). Acylated ghrelin levels were detected by ELISA. The GHRL rs696217 polymorphism was analyzed by the standard PCR-RFLP method. GHRL was significantly hypermethylated (P < 0.0022) in AUD between 25 and 50

AIM:This study aimed to investigate the hypoxic changes in periodontal tissues resulting from smoking and periodontitis by assessing levels of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α, HIF-2α, HIF-3α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study comprised 22 periodontally healthy non-smokers (Group H), 22 periodontally healthy smokers (Group HS), 22 non-smokers with periodontitis (Group P) and 22 smokers with periodontitis (Group PS). Clinical periodontal parameters were documented, and GCF samples were collected and analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS:Significantly elevated levels of HIF-1α, HIF-3α and VEGF were observed in Groups HS, P and PS compared to Group H (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher HIF-2α levels were detected in the Groups HS and P compared to Group H (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were detected between all evaluated hypoxia biomarkers in the Group P (p < 0.05) except HIF-2α and HIF-3α. However, in the PS group, significant correlation appeared only between HIF-1α and HIF-2α (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Our findings indicate that smoking and periodontitis induce comparable hypoxic effects in periodontal tissues, as evidenced by the evaluated biomarkers. Further research is warranted to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying hypoxia in periodontal tissues.

INTRODUCTION:Recently, there has been an increasing interest to find a simple, low cost, widely available biomarker for outcome predictors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS:Absolute immature platelet count (AIPC), the percentage of AIPC to the total platelet count (immature platelet fraction [IPF%]), symptoms, spirometry results, age-dyspne-airflow obstruction index, and C-reactive protein tests of COPD patients and control group were recorded. Neutrophil/lymphocyte, monocyte/lymphocyte, and platelet/lymphocyte ratios and Charlson comorbidity index scores were calculated. RESULTS:One hundred and thirty-four COPD patients and 30 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Eighty-nine patients were in exacerbation (AECOPD) and 45 of them were in stable COPD period. There was a difference between IPF% values and AIPC of COPD group and control group (3.45 ± 2.41 vs. 2.04 ± 1.12, p = 0.01; 5.87 ± 2.45 vs. 5.20 ± 3.02, p = 0.01). A positive correlation was observed between IPF% with white blood cell count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio in all patients (r = 0.352, p < 0.001; r = 0.399, p < 0.001; r = 0.186, p = 0.032; r = 0.200, p = 0.021) and AECOPD (r = 0.356, p < 0.001; r = 0.414, p < 0.001; r = 0.239, p = 0.025; r = 0.273, p = 0.010). At a cut-off of 3.4, IPF% showed the highest accuracy in identifying COPD (sensitivity: 80.3%, specificity: 82.5%) using receiver-operating characteristic analysis. CONCLUSION:This is the first study to examine the relationship between AIPC, IPF%, and COPD. The higher IPF% values in COPD and the positive correlation between IPF% and other inflammatory markers are suggested that IPF may be an indicator of systemic inflammation in COPD.