Browsing by Author "Alpayci, Mahmut"

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Anti-Ccp Antibody Levels Are Not Associated With Ms: Results From a Case-Control Study
(Hindawi Ltd, 2015) Alpayci, Mahmut; Milanlioglu, Aysel; Delen, Veysel; Aydin, Mehmet Nuri; Guducuoglu, Huseyin; Bayram, Yasemin
Citrullinated proteins have been suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody is used in the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of anti-CCP antibody in patients with MS compared to RA patients and healthy controls. Fifty patients with MS (38 females, 12 males; mean age 36.72 +/- 8.82 years), 52 patients with RA (40 females, 12 males; mean age 40.87 +/- 10.17 years), and 50 healthy controls (32 females, 18 males; mean age 38.22 +/- 11.59 years) were included in this study. The levels of serum anti-CCP antibody were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results of the study showed that anti-CCP antibody levels were significantly higher in RA patients versus MS or healthy controls (P < 0.001). Moreover, anti-CCP antibody was positive in 43 (83%) patients with RA, while it was negative in all MS patients as well as in all healthy controls. Also, no significant correlation was found between the anti-CCP levels and EDSS scores (r = -0.250). In conclusion, the results of this study did not support a positive association between serum anti-CCP antibody and MS.
A Case of X-Linked Recessive Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Tarda
(derman Medical Publ, 2013) Alpayci, Mahmut; Delen, Veysel
X-Linked recessive spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda (SEDT) is a very rare disorder that mostly affects males and is characterized by short stature, arm span typically exceeding height, and barrel chest deformity. In affected patients, the center of the vertebral epiphysis is involved, the formation of the epiphysis is delayed, and platyspondyly (flattened vertebral bodies) occurs over time. In addition, progressive joint and back pain with degenerative process due to early onset of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis may ensue. Motor and cognitive functions are normal in such patients. The diagnosis of X-linked recessive SEDT is still based on a combination of clinical and radiographic features, and pedigree analysis. Molecular analysis is only needed for the confirmatory diagnosis, especially in suspected cases. This article is a case report focusing on the diagnostic findings of X-linked recessive SEDT.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: a Vitamin K Dependent Entity
(Churchill Livingstone, 2010) Ediz, Levent; Hiz, Ozcan; Meral, Ismail; Alpayci, Mahmut
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is the complication of some injuries, such as a fracture, which affects the distal end of the injured extremity characterized by pain, allodynia, hyperalgesia, edema, abnormal vasomotor and sudomotor activity, movement disorders, joint stiffness, regional osteoporosis, and dystrophic changes in soft tissue. Exact pathogenic mechanism of CRPS is still unclear. Suggested pathogenic mechanisms of CRPS are evaluated in four major groups consist of classic inflammation, hypoxic changes and chronic ischemia, neurogenic inflammation and sympathetic dysregulation. All of these suggested pathogenic mechanisms produced by inflammatory cytokines mediated by nuclear factor kappaB. Vitamin K is a family of structurally similar, fat-soluble, 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinones. Vitamin K exerts a powerful influence on bone formation, especially in osteoporosis. Fat in bone stores some vitamin K. Gamma-carboxylation of the glutamic acid in osteocalcin is vitamin K dependent. Osteocalcin plays a role in calcium uptake and bone mineralization. Osteocalcin, the most abundant non-collagenous protein in bone, is produced by osteoblasts during bone matrix formation. Because osteocalcin is not carboxylated in case of vitamin K deficiency at the distal site of fracture or injury, it cannot bind to hydroxyapatite causing osteoporosis. Fracture starts a local inflammatory process in the fracture site and adjacent tissues as seen in CRPS. Vitamin K was shown to suppress the inflammatory cytokines and NF-kappaB and prevent oxidative, hypoxic, ischemic injury (which have key role in both initiation and progression of CRPS) to oligodendrocytes and neurons. We hypothesized that vitamin K has a key role and modulatory effect in CRPS pathogenesis. Vitamin K deficiency at the distal site of fracture occurs because of diminished and slowed circulation, local immobilization after extremity fracture or injury and use of vitamin K store at the distal site of the injured extremity and in the circulation for fracture healing and bone remodelling. In case of vitamin K deficiency at the distal site of fracture, classic inflammation starts with fracture at the distal tissues could not be restricted and classic inflammation, hypoxic changes, chronic ischemia, neurogenic inflammation, sympathetic dysregulation, which are the pathogenic mechanisms of CRPS, and patchy osteoporosis which occur due to high level of under-carboxylated osteocalcin could not be prevented. Briefly vitamin K level decreases in the distal site of the injured extremity consequently resulting in patchy osteoporosis due to high level of under-carboxylated osteocalcin and unrestricted inflammation which are the cause for both initiation and progression of CRPS. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Decreased Neck Muscle Strength in Patients With the Loss of Cervical Lordosis
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2016) Alpayci, Mahmut; Senkoy, Emre; Delen, Veysel; Sah, Volkan; Yazmalar, Levent; Erden, Metin; Kaplan, Seyhmus
Background: The loss of cervical lordosis is associated with some negative clinical outcomes. No previous study has examined cervical muscle strength, specifically in patients with the loss of cervical lordosis. This study aims to investigate whether there is weakness of the cervical muscles or an imbalance between cervical flexor and extensor muscle strength in patients with the loss of cervical lordosis compared with healthy controls matched by age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and employment status. Methods: Thirty-two patients with the loss of cervical lordosis (23 F, 9 M) and 31 healthy volunteers (23 F, 8 M) were included in the study. Maximal isometric neck extension and flexion strength, and the strength ratio between extension and flexion were used as evaluation parameters. All measurements were conducted by a blinded assessor using a digital force gauge. The participants were positioned on a chair in a neutral cervical position and without the trunk inclined during measurements. Findings: Maximal isometric neck extension and flexion strength values were significantly lower in the patients versus healthy controls (P<0.001 and P = 0.040, respectively). The mean (SD) values of the extension/flexion ratio were 1.21 (0.34) in the patients and 1.46 +/- 0.33 in the controls (P = 0.004). Interpretation: According to our results, patients with the loss of cervical lordosis have reduced neck muscle strength, especially in the extensors. These findings may be beneficial for optimizing cervical exercise prescriptions. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Decreased Vertebral Artery Hemodynamics in Patients With Loss of Cervical Lordosis
(int Scientific information, inc, 2016) Bulut, Mehmet Deniz; Alpayci, Mahmut; Senkoy, Emre; Bora, Aydin; Yazmalar, Levent; Yavuz, Alpaslan; Gulsen, Ismail
Background: Because loss of cervical lordosis leads to disrupted biomechanics, the natural lordotic curvature is considered to be an ideal posture for the cervical spine. The vertebral arteries proceed in the transverse foramen of each cervical vertebra. Considering that the vertebral arteries travel in close anatomical relationship to the cervical spine, we speculated that the loss of cervical lordosis may affect vertebral artery hemodynamics. The aim of this study was to compare the vertebral artery values between subjects with and without loss of cervical lordosis. Material/Methods: Thirty patients with loss of cervical lordosis and 30 controls matched for age, sex, and body mass index were included in the study. Sixty vertebral arteries in patients with loss of cervical lordosis and 60 in controls without loss of cervical lordosis were evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography. Vertebral artery hemodynamics, including lumen diameter, flow volume, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and resistive index, were measured, and determined values were statistically compared between the patient and the control groups. Results: The means of diameter (p=0.003), flow volume (p=0.002), and peak systolic velocity (p=0.014) in patients were significantly lower as compared to controls. However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of the end-diastolic velocity (p=0.276) and resistive index (p=0.536) parameters. Conclusions: The present study revealed a significant association between loss of cervical lordosis and decreased vertebral artery hemodynamics, including diameter, flow volume, and peak systolic velocity. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and to investigate their possible clinical implications.
The Effects of Helicobacter Pylori Eradication on the Number of Tender Points, Sleep Quality, Depression, and Anxiety in Patients With Fibromyalgia
(Turkish League Against Rheumatism, 2014) Gezici, Emrullah; Alpayci, Mahmut; Ozkan, Yasemin; Kucuk, Mehmet Emin; Unver, Hakan; Hiz, Ozcan
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication on the number of tender points, sleep quality, depression, and anxiety in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Patients and methods: The study was performed on 32 fibromyalgia syndrome patients (28 females, 4 males; mean age 38.5 +/- 8.6 years) suffering from dyspeptic complaints. All participants were evaluated by gastric endoscopy and bacterial culture for the presence of H. pylori. Patients included in the study were all H. pylon positive. The patients were assessed by the number of tender points, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory pre- and post-treatment for eradication of H. pylon. Amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and lansoprazole 30 mg were given twice daily for three weeks to all patients. Results: The number of tender points was significantly reduced at the evaluation of post-treatment compared with baseline (p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences between pre- and post-treatment for the scores of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (all p>0.05). Conclusion: Our study results show that H. pylon eradication has a positive impact on the number of tender points.
The Efficacy of Tens in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis: a Randomized Controlled Study
(Baycinar Medical Publ-baycinar Tibbi Yayincilik, 2016) Dilekci, Erdal; Alpayci, Mahmut; Bayram, Korhan Baris; Bal, Serpil; Kocyigit, Hikmet; Gurgan, Alev; Kaplan, Seyhmus
Objectives: This single-blind randomized study aims to investigate the benefits of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an adjunct to classical methods to improve pain and function in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Patients and methods: In this single-blind, randomized controlled study 65 patients with lateral epicondylitis were randomized into the TENS group and the control group, for two weeks. Both groups received nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, epicondylitis bandage, ice application, information and training on the disease and overuse while only the TENS group additionally received TENS application. The scores of the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Patient-Rated Tenis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire were evaluated at baseline (pretreatment), one month and three-month follow-up. Results: Demographic findings were similar in the groups (p>0.05). Compared with pre-treatment at one month follow-up, all test scores were significantly improved in the TENS group (p<0.001), while only VAS activity score was improved in the control group (p=0.013). At three-month follow-up, all test scores were significantly improved in both groups (p<0.05). Considering the change from baseline to one month follow-up, TENS group was significantly superior to the control in all test scores (p=0.004). Also, in terms of the change from baseline to three-month follow-up, TENS group was significantly better than the control in the all scores (p<0.001), except VAS rest score (p=0.209). Conclusion: In this study, TENS as an adjunct to classic physical therapy methods was found to be beneficial for the improvement of pain and physical function loss related to lateral epicondylitis.
Efficiency of Therapeutic Ultrasound on Pain, Disability, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep and Quality of Life in Patients With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Study
(Ios Press, 2016) Yazmalar, Levent; Sariyildiz, Mustafa Akif; Batmaz, Ibrahim; Alpayci, Mahmut; Burkan, Yahya Kemal; Ozkan, Yasemin; Cevik, Remzi
BACKGROUND: Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) is characterized by pain and disability of shoulder. Various treatment methods have been used for SIS. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound (US) on pain, disability, anxiety, depression, sleep quality and quality of life in patients with SIS. METHODS: Patients with SIS were randomly divided into two groups, including the group 1 (continuous US group; 3 MHz, 1.5 W/cm(2), n = 26) and group 2 (sham US group, n = 24). Additionally, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) + exercise program were added in both groups. Pain and disability of the shoulder were assessed by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), while anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality. Quality of life was evalutaed by the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Patients were evaluated at baseline and after end of three weeks. RESULTS: Both groups had significantly improvements in terms of SPADI-pain, SPADI-disability, SPADI-total, NHP-pain and NHP-sleep scores after the three weeks interventions. There were significantly improvements in the Group 1 in terms of PSQI-total, and NHP-physical activity. Group 2 had significantly improvements in terms of anxiety-HADS, depression-HADS and NHP-emotional reaction scores. In the inter-group comparison, there were no significantly differences in the change scores were observed in any domains of SPADI scores, anxiety, depression and sleep scores, or any NHP scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that US does not have any benefits on SIS. TENS + exercise program are not effective on anxiety, depression and fatigue, however TENS + exercise program are effective on pain, disability and sleep disturbance in patients with SIS.
Fibromyalgia Incidence Among Patients With Hepatitis B Infection
(Wiley, 2016) Yazmalar, Levent; Deveci, Ozcan; Batmaz, Ibrahim; Ipek, Davut; Celepkolu, Tahsin; Alpayci, Mahmut; Sariyildiz, Mustafa A.
Aim: The purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the incidence of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and identify FMS-related clinical symptoms in hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients. Methods: One hundred and eighteen HBV surface antigen (HbsAg)-positive patients (40 with chronic active hepatitis B, 40 hepatitis B carriers and 38, all of whom had been antiretroviral-treated for at least 3 months) were included in this study. In addition, 60 age- and gender-matched HbsAg-negative healthy controls were included in the study. Results: There was no significant difference in age, gender or body mass index (BMI) between the two groups (P > 0.05). Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in HBV patients relative to the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of FMS, widespread body pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, morning stiffness, arthralgia was significantly greater among HBV patients relative to the control group. Additionally, the mean tender point counts and the visual analog scale values were significantly higher among the HBV patients (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrate that FMS incidence is greater among HBV patients relative to control subjects. However, there were no differences in FMS incidence among the subgroups of HBV diagnoses.
The Frequency and Effect of Fibromyalgia in Patients With Behcet's Disease
(Baycinar Medical Publ-baycinar Tibbi Yayincilik, 2017) Toprak, Murat; Erden, Metin; Alpayci, Mahmut; Ediz, Levent; Yazmalar, Levent; Hiz, Ozcan; Tekeoglu, Ibrahim
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the scores of depression, anxiety, sleep and quality of life (QoL), to identify the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in Behcet's disease (BD), and to evaluate whether there is a difference between BD patients with and without FM in these scores. Patients and methods: Between March 2008 and January 2009, 97 patients with BD and 95 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. The patients with BD were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of FM. All participants were evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36). Results: Compared to the controls, FM prevalence was higher (19.6% vs 3.2%) with increased BDI and BAI scores, while the subscores of SF-36 including physical function, physical role, pain, general health, social function, and emotional role decreased in BD patients (for all p<0.001). All BD patients with FM were females (n=19), while only 46% of BD patients without FM were females (n=36) (p<0.001). In BD patients with FM, compared to female BD patients without FM, the mean age (p=0.017), disease duration (p=0.028), and BDI scores (p=0.017) were significantly higher, while the PSQI scores (p=0.001) and SF-36 subscores, except general health (p=0.114), were significantly lower (for all p<0.05). Conclusion: Our study results suggest that patients with BD have an increased severity of depression and anxiety, higher frequency of FM, and worsened QoL than healthy individuals. In addition, the presence of FM seems to be related with female sex, longer disease duration, older age, depression, sleep disturbance, and poor QoL in BD patients.
High Frequency of Fibromyalgia in Patients With Acne Vulgaris
(Turkish League Against Rheumatism, 2016) Yazmalar, Levent; Celepkolu, Tahsin; Batmaz, Ibrahim; Sariyildiz, Mustafa Akif; Sula, Bilal; Alpayci, Mahmut; Cevik, Remzi
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the frequency of fibromyalgia syndrome and to specify fibromyalgia syndrome-associated clinical symptoms in patients with acne vulgaris. Patients and methods: Eighty-eight patients (28 males, 60 females; mean age 23.2 +/- 5.1 years; range 18 to 40 years) with acne vulgaris and age, sex- and body mass index-similar 76 healthy controls (14 males, 62 females; mean age 24.5 +/- 2.9 years; range 18 to 35 years) were included. Acne vulgaris was evaluated by using the Global Acne Scale, while Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to evaluate anxiety. Results: Fibromyalgia-associated pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and menstrual cycle disturbance were significantly more frequent in patients with acne vulgaris than controls. Also, the severity of anxiety and the number of tender points were significantly higher in the acne vulgaris patients than controls. Conclusion: This study indicates that patients with acne vulgaris have increased frequency of fibromyalgia syndrome than healthy controls (21.6% versus 5.3%, respectively).
Isometric Exercise for the Cervical Extensors Can Help Restore Physiological Lordosis and Reduce Neck Pain a Randomized Controlled Trial
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2017) Alpayci, Mahmut; Ilter, Server
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether isometric neck extension exercise restores physiological cervical lordosis and reduces pain. Design Sixty-five patients with loss of cervical lordosis were randomly assigned to exercise (27 women, 7 men; mean age, 32.82 8.83 yrs) and control (26 women, 5 men; mean age, 33.48 9.67 yrs) groups. Both groups received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 10 days. The exercise group received additional therapy as a home exercise program, which consisted of isometric neck extension for 3 mos. Neck pain severity and cervical lordosis were measured at baseline and at 3 mos after baseline. Results Compared with baseline levels, cervical lordosis angle was significantly improved in the exercise group (P < 0.001) but not in the control group (P = 0.371) at the end of 3 mos. Moreover, the exercise group was significantly superior to the control group considering the number of patients in whom cervical lordosis angle returned to physiological conditions (85.2% vs. 22.5%; P < 0.001). At the end of 3 mos, pain intensity was significantly reduced in both groups compared with baseline levels (for all, P < 0.001). Nevertheless, considering the change from baseline to month 3, the reduction in pain was about twice in the exercise group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions Isometric neck extension exercise improves cervical lordosis and pain.
The Possible Underlying Pathophysiological Mechanisms for Development of Multiple Sclerosis in Familial Mediterranean Fever
(Churchill Livingstone, 2012) Alpayci, Mahmut; Bozan, Nazim; Erdem, Seyfettin; Gunes, Muslum; Erden, Metin
Patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) have a susceptibility to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we will propose the possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of this predisposition. Inflammation, disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB), mitochondrial energy deficit, demyelination, and axonal damage, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of MS, may occur during the course of FMF. Most FMF patients have homozygous mutations in the MEFV gene that codes for the protein pyrin. Also, pyrin mutations were found about 3.5 times higher in the MS patients than the healthy control group. Pyrin is implicated in the maturation and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta. IL-1 beta is a major mediator of fever and systemic inflammation, and mononuclear cells from FMF patients release higher levels of IL-1 beta. Moreover, IL-1 plays a significant role in the regulation of the T-cells, and it is considered an essential cytokine for the Th cell differentiation that implicated in the MS pathogenesis. In addition, endothelial dysfunction and vasculitis in FMF may cause BBB breakdown that is the first step in the development of MS lesions. Apart from this, damage can occur in myelin and mitochondria proteins due to high body temperature that arises during the FMF attacks. Whereas the protein damage in myelin results in demyelination, and the protein damage in mitochondria causes lack of energy. Both situations play a part in the pathogenesis of MS. Due to mitochondrial energy deficit, remyelination may not be achieved, and therefore, axonal damage increases. Thus, at the end of these pathophysiological processes. MS findings may occur in the FMF patients especially with irregular use of colchicine. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Efficacy of Intermittent and Continuous Traction for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
(Sage Publications Ltd, 2013) Alpayci, Mahmut; Ozkan, Yasemin; Yazmalar, Levent; Hiz, Ozcan; Ediz, Levent
Objective: To investigate the efficacy of intermittent and continuous traction in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Design: A randomized, controlled, observer-blind seven-week trial. Setting: Hospital-based outpatient practice. Subjects: Ninety-eight patients with stage 3 knee osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence radiological rating scale. Interventions: All 98 patients were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, for three weeks (weekends excluded). The control group (n=30, mean age: 59.30 +/- 8.16) received hot pack and short wave diathermy; the intermittent group (n=30, mean age: 58.20 +/- 7.78) received hot pack, short wave diathermy and intermittent traction; and the continuous group (n=30, mean age: 57.97 +/- 9.53) received hot pack, short wave diathermy and continuous traction. Outcome measurements: The values of the Turkish version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale, and knee passive range of motion were measured at baseline, three-week and seven-week follow-up. Results: Compared with baseline at weeks 3 and 7, all the outcome measures, except range of motion, were significantly reduced in all groups (all P <= 0.001). In terms of the change data from baseline to week 3, both traction groups were significantly superior to the control in the WOMAC physical function scores. Considering the change data from baseline to week 7, both traction groups were significantly superior to the control in the pain scores, physical function and total scores, while only the continuous group was significantly better than the control in the stiffness scores (control: 1.17 +/- 1.64; continuous: 2.38 +/- 1.44) (P=0.014). Compared with baseline at weeks 3 and 7, range of motion values significantly increased in both traction groups (P < 0.05) but not in the control (P > 0.05). However, there were no significant differences among the three groups considering the change data from baseline to week 7 in range of motion values (P=0.300). Conclusions: Joint traction was found to be beneficial for the improvement of pain and physical function loss related to knee osteoarthritis.
The Relationship Between Facet Joint Osteoarthritis and Modic Changes of the Lumbar Spine: a Retrospective Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
(Baycinar Medical Publ-baycinar Tibbi Yayincilik, 2016) Alpayci, Mahmut; Bulut, Mehmet Deniz; Yazmalar, Levent; Yavuz, Alpaslan; Toprak, Murat; Koparan, Ibrahim Halil; Gulsen, Ismail
Objectives: This study aims to assess the facet joint osteoarthritis in patients with lumbar Modic changes and to investigate the relationship between the Modic types and severity of the facet joint degeneration. Patients and methods: A total of 120 patients (55 males, 65 females; mean age 55.18 +/- 9.47 years; range 40 to 75 years) were included in the study. The patients were divided into four equal groups of 30 patients according to Modic type (No Modic changes, type 1, type 2, type 3). All groups were matched with age, sex, and spinal level. A total of 180 lumbar facet joints of the patients with Modic changes (60 facet joints for each Modic type) and 60 lumbar facet joints of the patients without Modic changes were analyzed. The severity of the facet joint osteoarthritis was assessed. The degree of the facet degeneration was evaluated by using the Pathria grading system with magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Facet joint degeneration increased gradually, as the type of Modic change increased. Compared to the group without Modic changes, all three groups with Modic changes had more degenerative facet joints (all p <= 0.002). The severity of the facet joint degeneration was significantly higher in type 3 versus type 1 Modic changes (p=0.022). Conclusion: Our study results suggest that Modic changes, particularly type 3, are strongly associated with the facet joint osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. Clinically, facet joint degeneration should be considered in the examination of low back pain inpatients with Modic changes.
Serum Gdf-15 Level in Behcet's Disease: Relationships Between Disease Activity and Clinical Parameters
(Wiley, 2016) Sariyildiz, Mustafa Akif; Yazmalar, Levent; Batmaz, Ibrahim; Alpayci, Mahmut; Burkan, Yahya Kemal; Sula, Bilal; Bozkurt, Mehtap
Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a member of the transforming growth factor-b superfamily of cytokines, plays an important role in cell growth, signal transduction, and apoptosis regulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum GDF-15 levels and their relationships with disease-related variables in patients with Behcet's disease (BD). Fortysix patients diagnosed with BD and 30 demographically matched healthy control subjects participated in the study. GDF-15 levels were measured in blood samples from patients and controls. The Behcet's Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) was used to evaluate the disease activity of BD. There were no significant differences between the two groups in C-reactive protein (CRP) level, mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), age, body mass index, and mean GDF-15 levels (P > 0.05). Serum GDF-15 levels were positively correlated with findings for peripheral arthritis and CRP, and with BDCAF erythema nodosum, BDCAF arthralgia, and BDCAF arthritis scores. Patients with BD were divided into two groups according to the presence of peripheral arthritis; nine subjects (20%) were positive for peripheral arthritis. Serum ESR, CRP, white blood cell counts, and GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in the group that was positive for peripheral arthritis (P < 0.05). GDF-15 may play a role in the progression and pathway of Behcet's joint involvement and erythema nodosum that is independent of classic inflammatory response measures.
Serum Levels of Alpha-1 Acid Glycoprotein and Pentraxin 3 in Patients With Behcet's Disease and Relationship With Disease Activity
(Wiley, 2015) Yazmalar, Levent; Batmaz, Ibrahim; Sula, Bilal; Alpayci, Mahmut; Aydin, Fatma; Turkcu, Fatih; Sariyildiz, Mustafa Akif
Background To evaluate the relationship between disease activity and levels of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and pentraxin 3 in patients with Behcet's disease (BD). Methods Forty-eight patients with BD and 29 age-and gender-matched healthy control subjects were included in the study. Serum pentraxin 3 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ng/ml), and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein levels were measured using nephelometry (mg/dl). Disease activity was assessed using the BD Current Activity Form (BDCAF). Results Serum alpha-1 acid glycoprotein levels were significantly higher in patients with BD compared to the control group (P = 0.048). There were no significant differences between two groups in terms of levels of pentraxin 3 (P = 0.697). According to Pearson's analysis, alpha 1-acid levels are significantly positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and skin lesions and arthritis of BDCAF scores. Pentraxin 3 levels did not correlate with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, or any domains of BDCAF scores. Conclusion The results of the present study demonstrate that serum levels of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein were significantly higher in patients with BD relative to the control group. Alpha-1 acid glycoprotein is greatly associated with skin lesions and arthritis in patients with BD. We did not find high serum levels of PTX3 in patients with BD compared to healthy controls, and pentraxin 3 is not associated with disease activity in BD.
The Severity of Periodontal Disease in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Comparative Study
(Nobel Ilac, 2015) Ozkan, Yasemin; Alpayci, Mahmut; Ozkan, Mehmet; Hiz, Ozcan; Bozan, Nazim
Objective: There is an increasing interest in the associations between oral health and auto-inflammatory diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontal disease (PD) are the most common chronic inflammatory conditions often coexist as well. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare RA patients and healthy controls in terms of PD severity and jaw gripping force. To our knowledge, there is only one study evaluating jaw gripping force of patients with RA in the literature. Material and Method: RA patients (n=60) and healthy controls (n=60) were included in the study. Both RA patients and the control group were examined for their gingival index, plaque index, probing dept, attachment loss, and number of teeth. In addition, jaw gripping forces of all participants were measured by digital dynamometer. The data obtained were compared between two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in participants' age, gender, body mass index, education level, frequency of tooth brushing and smoking between two groups (all, p>0.05). RA patients' scores were significantly lower compared to controls considering the number of teeth (respectively, 16 and 20; p<0.001) and jaw gripping force (respectively, 0.6 and 1.30; p<0.001). Conclusion: There is a strong association between RA and PD. The severity of PD is significantly increased in RA patients compared to healthy controls. Periodontal health should be considered in the management of patients with RA.
Short-Term Effects of Kinesio Taping in Women With Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
(int Scientific information, inc, 2016) Kaplan, Seyhmus; Alpayci, Mahmut; Karaman, Erbil; Cetin, Orkun; Ozkan, Yasemin; Ilter, Server; Sahin, Hanim Guler
Background: Pregnancy-related low back pain is a common condition during pregnancy. Kinesio tape is a drug-free elastic therapeutic tape used for treating various musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of lumbar Kinesio taping on pain intensity and disability in women with pregnancy-related low back pain. Material/Methods: A total of 65 patients with pregnancy-related low back pain were randomly allocated into either Kinesio taping (n=33) or control (n=32) groups. The intervention group was treated with paracetamol plus Kinesio taping, while the control group received only paracetamol. Kinesio taping was applied in the lumbar flexion position, and four I-shaped bands were used. Two bands were attached horizontally, with space correction technique. The remaining 2 bands, 1 on each side of the lumbar spine, were placed vertically, with inhibition technique. Low back pain intensity was measured on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) was used for evaluation of disability. Results: Pain intensity and RMDQ scores improved significantly in both groups at 5 days compared with baseline. Considering the degree of treatment effect (the change from baseline to day 5), the Kinesio taping group was significantly superior than the control group in all outcome measures (for all, P<0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Kinesio taping can be used as a complementary treatment method to achieve effective control of pregnancy-related low back pain.
Sunglasses May Play a Role in Depression
(Yerkure Tanitim & Yayincilik Hizmetleri A S, 2012) Alpayci, Mahmut; Ozdemir, Osman; Erdem, Seyfettin; Bozan, Nazim; Yazmalar, Levent
Proposed causes of winter depression include decrease in amount of sunlight, inability to suppress melatonin production, and finally disruption of circadian rhythms related to sleep/wake cycle in susceptible individuals. Like seasonal effect of sunlight on mood, the mood is also correlated with sunshine hours. The amount of sunlight reaching the brain from the eyes via retinohypothalamic tract is reduced in sunglass users, because sunglasses screen out 75% to 90% of visible light. In people wearing sunglasses, the antidepressant effect of sunlight may be reduced and circadian rhythms may be distorted, possibly leading to the emergence winter depression. Since the sunlight has antidepressant effect and since sunglasses reduce sunlight exposure, we hypothesized that sunglass use may play a role in depression.