Browsing by Author "Ucler, Rifki"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 25

Accurately Localizing the Thyroid Tissue in Mature Cystic Teratoma of Ovary by Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography/Computerized Tomography
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2015) Demir, Yusuf; Ucler, Rifki; Alkis, Ismet; Bulut, Gulay
A 30-year-old woman with hyperthyroidism was admitted to hospital. Although increased thyroid function was found, the gland was normal in ultrasonography (USG). Additionally, thyroid iodine uptake and Tc-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy was normal. Abdomen USG detected a cystic pelvic mass in left ovary. A whole-body scan was performed 48 hours after oral ingestion of 29.6 MBq (0.8 mCi) 1-131 (iodine-131) revealed a round structure located to the left lower abdomen. Iodine uptake was detected in this cyst which was compatible with functional thyroid tissue demonstrated by SPECT/CT. The patient was underwent surgical operation and histopathology confirmed mature cystic teratoma. Accurate localization and depiction of thyroid tissue in ovary mass was provided with SPECT/CT.
The Association of Obesity With Hearing Thresholds in Women Aged 18-40 Years
(Springer, 2016) Ucler, Rifki; Turan, Mahfuz; Garca, Fatih; Acar, Ismail; Atmaca, Murat; Cankaya, Hakan
An elevation in hearing thresholds and decrease in hearing sensitivity in adults, particularly due to aging, are quite common. Recent studies have shown that, apart from aging, various other factors also play a role in auditory changes. Studies on the association of hearing loss (HL) with obesity are limited in advanced age cases and present contradictions. In this study, the association between obesity and hearing thresholds in women aged 18-40 years has been assessed. Forty women diagnosed with obesity (mean age, 31.8 years) and 40 healthy non-obese female controls (mean age, 30.5 years) were included in this prospective study. Each subject was tested with low (250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz) and high (4000, 6000 and 8000 Hz) frequency audiometry. In the case and control groups, the average hearing thresholds at low frequencies were 16.03 +/- A 4.72 and 16.15 +/- A 2.72 (p = 0.885) for the right ear, respectively, and 16.15 +/- A 5.92 and 14.71 +/- A 3.18 (p = 0.180) for the left ear, respectively. The average hearing threshold levels at high frequencies were 20.70 +/- A 10.23 and 15.33 +/- A 3.87 (p = 0.003), respectively, for the right ear, and 22.91 +/- A 15.54 and 15.87 +/- A 4.35 (p = 0.007), respectively, for the left ear with statistical significance. This is the first report on the association of obesity with hearing threshold in women aged 18-40 years. We have demonstrated that obesity may affect hearing function, particularly that related to high frequencies. Hearing loss can be prevented by avoidance or control of obesity and its risk factors. Moreover, an auditory screening of obese cases at an early stage may provide early diagnosis of HL and may also contribute to their awareness in the fight against obesity.
Betatrophin Association With Serum Triglyceride Levels in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2019) Sertogullarindan, Bunyamin; Komuroglu, Ahmet Ufuk; Ucler, Rifki; Gunbatar, Hulya; Sunnetcioglu, Aysel; Cokluk, Erdem
Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep problem, in which patients are at increased risk for metabolic and cardiovascular problems, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia. Betatrophin is a novel protein that regulates fatty acid and triglyceride (TG) metabolism and is related to obesity and metabolic abnormalities, including metabolic syndrome, DM, and dyslipidemia. Although OSA and betatrophin share common abnormalities, their relationship has not been investigated. AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships among betatrophin, OSA, and the serum lipid profile. METHODS: Ninety consecutive patients with suspected OSA underwent polysomnography (PSG) to confirm OSA. Plasma betatrophin, leptin, adiponectin, and the full lipid profile were analyzed. The patients were categorized as OSA or control based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). RESULTS: About 61% of patients had OSA, and 39% had normal PSG. The levels of betatrophin, leptin, and adiponectin were higher in patients with OSA (256.59 +/- 29.35, 374.20 +/- 37.93, and 17.86 +/- 2.63 mu g/mL, respectively) compared to the controls (141.86 +/- 26.20, 205.53 +/- 14.75, and 7.52 +/- 1.02 mu g/mL, respectively). Betatrophin levels were correlated with the AHI, leptin (r = 0.413, P = 0.002, r = 0.782, P = 0.000). TG levels were significantly higher, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were lower, in OSA patients compared to controls (244 +/- 20.33 vs. 138 +/- 14.89, and 37.21 +/- 1.26 vs. 43.78 +/- 1.62, respectively). The TG level was correlated with betatrophin (r = 0.353, P = 0.013). Multiple regression analysis showed that the AHI, leptin, and arousals were independent predictors of betatrophin level (B = 1.70 P = 0.046 95%, B = 0.56 P < 0.005, and B = 1, 2, P = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a complex relationship between OSA, betatrophin, TG, and HDL, as well as other adipokines. Our results require further investigation to assess this complex association and re-evaluate previous related studies.
Cerebral Perfusion in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Preliminary Study With Mr Perfusion
(Elsevier, 2023) Ilik, Ibrahim; Arslan, Harun; Yokus, Adem; Batur, Muhammed; Ucler, Rifki; Akdeniz, Huseyin
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with altered cerebral vasoreactivity, cognitive impairment, and functional decline. Magnetic Resonance (MR) perfusion can be used to assess cerebral blood flow (CBF). The aim of this study is to analyze the association between diabetes mellitus and cerebral perfusion. Methods: The study included 52 patients diagnosed with T2DM and 39 healthy individuals. The diabetic patients were classified into three groups (PRP: proliferative retinopathy, NPRP: non-proliferative retinopathy, Non-RP: non-retinopathy DM). The rCBF measurements of cortical gray matter and thalami were carried out using the region of interest. Reference quantitative measurements were performed from ipsilateral white matter. Results: The comparison between the T2DM group and the control group revealed that rCBF values of bilateral frontal lobes, cingulate gyrus, medial temporal lobe, thalami and right occipital lobe were measured to be significantly lower in the T2DM group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was detected between the two groups in terms of rCBF values of the left occipital lobe and anterior aspect of the left temporal lobe (p > 0.05). The rCBF values were lower in the anterior aspect of the right temporal lobe and the difference showed borderline sta-tistical significance (p = 0.058). No significant difference was detected regarding mean rCBF values measured in the regions of cerebral hemispheres among the three patient groups with T2DM (p>0.05). Conclusion: Regional hypoperfusion was encountered in most of the lobes in the T2DM group when compared with the healthy group. However, in terms of rCBF values, there was no significant difference among the three groups with T2DM.
Characteristics of Patients With Hypertension in a Population With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Results From the Turkish Nationwide Survey of Glycemic and Other Metabolic Parameters of Patients With Diabetes Mellitus (Temd Hypertension Study)
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2021) Sabuncu, Tevfik; Sonmez, Alper; Eren, Mehmet Ali; Sahin, Ibrahim; Corapcioglu, Demet; Ucler, Rifki; Bayram, Fahri
Background: The present survey aimed to find out the demographical and clinical characteristics of patients with hypertension in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Turkey. Methods: Patients with T2DM who were followed-up in tertiary endocrine units for at least last one year were recruited. Demographic, clinical and biochemical data of the patients were collected. Hypertension was defined as taking anti-hypertensive medications or having office arterial blood pressure (ABP) >140/90 mmHg or home ABP > 130/80 mmHg. Results: A total of 4756 (58.9% women) diabetic patients were evaluated. The percentage of patients with hypertension was 67.5% (n = 3212). Although 87.4% (n = 2808) of hypertensive patients were under treatment, blood pressure was on target in 52.7% (n = 1479) of patients. Hypertension proportions were higher in woman (p = 0.001), older, more obese, and those who had longer diabetes duration, lower education levels, higher frequency of hypoglycemic events (all p < 0.001) and higher triglyceride levels (p = 0.003). LDL cholesterol level and the percentage of smokers were lower in hypertensive group than in non-hypertensive group (both p < 0.001). The percentage of macro and microvascular complications was higher in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive one (both p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, being a woman (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.51, p = 0.016), smoking (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.80, p = 0.020), regular physical activity (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01-1.53, p = 0.039) and the presence of macrovascular complications (OR: 1.38 95% CI: 1.15-1.65, p = 0.001) were the significant predictors of good ABP regulation. The ratios of masked and white coat hypertension were 41.2% and 5.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that two-thirds (67.5%) of adult patients with T2DM have hypertension. Co-existence of hypertension increases the frequency of macro and microvascular diabetic complications in these patients. Despite the critical role of hypertension in morbidity and mortality, only half of the patients have favorable ABP levels. Masked hypertension seems to be another important issue in this population. (c) 2020 Primary Care Diabetes Europe. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Comparison of Efficiencies Between Shear Wave Elastography, Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy and American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Scoring System in Determining the Malignity Potential of Solid Thyroid Nodules
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2021) Yavuz, Alpaslan; Akbudak, Ibrahim; Ucler, Rifki; Ozgokce, Mesut; Arslan, Harun; Batur, Abdussamed
We aimed to evaluate the efficiencies of quantitative shear-wave elastography, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy and American College of Radiology (ACR)-thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) scoring system in determining the malignity potential of solid thyroid nodules. In period between September 2014 and January 2016, 191 solid thyroid nodules of 189 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean shear wave velocities of the nodules were recorded by acoustic radiation force impulse method. All nodules were classified according to ACR-TIRADS scoring system and underwent FNA procedure. The cytopathologic results (after FNA) were benign in nature, atypical-cytology/suspiciously malign and highly suspicious of malignity in 117, 28, and 21 nodules, respectively. The specimen from FNA was insufficient in 25 nodules. Thirty-four nodules of 33 enrolled patients were operated, and the efficiencies of shear wave elastography, FNA, and ACR-TIRADS procedures were statistically analyzed; relying on the histopathologic results, the shear-wave elastography had 83.3% sensitivity, 93.7% specificity (with a cutoff value of 2,74 m/s), the FNA had 94.4% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity, and ACR-TIRADS had 88.2% sensitivity, 94.1 specificity in determining malignant tyroid nodules (P < 0.005). Quantitative shear wave elastography is concluded to be an effective, noninvasive, and practical imaging modality with a lesser sensitivity and specificity values than TIRADS unless a lower sensitivity but a higher specificity values than FNA (93.7% vs 87.5%) in considering the malignity potential of solid thyroid nodules.
Corneal Parameters, Ocular Biometers, and Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Acromegaly Patients
(Elsevier, 2023) Batur, Muhammed; Ozer, Muhammet Derda; Ucler, Rifki; Seven, Erbil; Tekin, Serek; Unal, Fikret
Background: To compare ocular findings of acromegaly patients with healthy individuals and investigate the relation of serum levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) along with growth hormone (GH) and pituitary tumor (adenoma) dimensions (TD) with specific ocular parameters. Methods: The ocular parameters of acromegaly patients (n = 38) were compared with those of healthy subjects (n = 36). These parameters were intraocular pressure, keratometric (K1-K2) values, central corneal thickness (CCT), total axial length along with anterior chamber-lens-vitreous length, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, central foveal thickness (CFT), choroidal thickness (CT), ganglion cell layer thickness (GCLT), and inner plexiform layer thickness (IPLT). Also investigated was whether there was a correlation between disease duration, TD, GH, IGF-I, CCT, RNFL, CFT, GCLT, IPLT, and CT. Results: The lens length of the acromegaly group was increased (p = 0.014). GH and IGF-1 levels were positively correlated with CT and CCT, respectively (p = 0.041, r = 0.343) (p = 0.03, r = 0.347). Analysis of TD also found a highly negative correlation with the mean RNFL thickness of the acromegaly patients (p < 0.01, r = -0.603). The mean value of the inner parts of GCLT and IPLT was negatively correlated with TD (p = 0.041, r = -0.343 and p = 0.025, r = -0.379, respectively). Conclusion: Serum IGF-1 and GH levels might be determinant factors in CCT and CT, respectively. The pituitary adenoma size increasing may be prone to lead RNFL, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer thinning. Increased lens thickness was found in the acromegaly group.
Development of Agranulocytosis After Discontinuation of Methimazole: an Unusual Case
(Hindawi Ltd, 2015) Ucler, Rifki; Atmaca, Murat; Candar, Omer; Alay, Murat; Goy, Burhan; Kara, Erdal; Demir, Yusuf
Agranulocytosis is a rare and critical adverse effect of antithyroid drugs (ATD). The occurrence of agranulocytosis in continuous ATD treatment patients is well known; however, a case of ATD agranulocytosis occurring following the discontinuation of methimazole (MMI) treatment is not a usual situation. We herein describe a case of a 41-year-old woman who was previously administered methimazole (MMI) for ten days and developed ATD-induced agranulocytosis and symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection after three weeks following discontinuation of MMI treatment. A thorough hematologic and serological evaluation did not disclose an alternative cause for the agranulocytosis. After receiving empirical antibiotic treatment, she responded successfully with clinical improvement of her symptoms and resolved neutropenia on the seventh day. This case is atypical because agranulocytosis developed after discontinuation of MMI, which strengthens the importance of remaining alert for signs of agranulocytosis even after discontinuation of ATD treatment.
Do Tsh Levels in Euthyroid Patients Have an Impact on the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome
(Galenos Yayincilik, 2015) Balkan, Fevzi; Usluogullari, Alper; Ucler, Rifki
Purpose: Our objective in this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in two different group of patients who had a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level within normal limits. Material and Method: Three hundred and fifty patients, who presented to Aksaray Public Hospital, Endocrinology and Metabolism Diseases Outpatient clinic and who had no thyroid disease, were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to TSH levels. Group 1 had a TSH level of <2.5 mIU/L and group 2 had a TSH level of >2.5 mIU/L. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and lipid parameters were investigated in both groups. Results: A total of 350 patients were included in the study. Group 1 included 229 (65.5%) patients and group 2 included 121 (34.5%) patients. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be 112/229 (48%) in group 1 and 55/121 (45%) in group 2. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). FT3 level was found to be positively correlated with hip circumference (r=0.10, p=0.04), weight (r=0.12; p=0.016) and waist circumference (r=0.13; p=0.014). FT4 level was found to be positively correlated with height (r=0.12, p=0.02). Discussion: TSH level was not found to be correlated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (p>0.05). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be similar in both groups.
The Effect of Disease Control on Mean Platelet Volume and Red Blood Cell Distribution in Patients With Acromegaly
(E-century Publishing Corp, 2015) Ucler, Rifki; Aslan, Mehmet; Atmaca, Murat; Alay, Murat; Ademoglu, Esra Nur; Candan, Zehra; Gulsen, Ismail
Objectives: Several studies have shown increased atherogenic risk factors and biomarkers of inflammation and atherosclerosis in association with growth hormone excess. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and red blood cell distribution (RDW) are currently gaining interest as new independent cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of disease control on MPV and RDW in acromegaly patients. Materials and methods: We retrospectively enrolled 36 acromegaly patients (23 males, 13 females; mean age 41.94 +/- 11.55). Patients were divided into two groups: disease controlled by surgical treatment alone (group A) or by somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy (group B). MPV and RDW measurements were evaluated during active and inactive disease periods in the two groups. Results: There were statistically significant increases in MPV and RDW in patients receiving SSA therapy (P = 0.012 and P = 0.020, respectively). The differences in MPV and RDW changes in patients receiving surgical treatment alone were not statistically significant (P=0.364 and P=0.339, respectively). Conclusions: This is the first report on the evaluated the effect of disease control on MPV and RDW in acromegaly patients. Our study results showed that MPV and RDW measurements are significantly increased in acromegaly patients with disease controlled by SSA therapy. Therefore, acromegalic patients treated with SSAs may have increased cardiovascular risk based on an increase in MPV and RDW.
Effect of Inhaled Steroids on Laryngeal Microflora
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2016) Turan, Mahfuz; Ekin, Selami; Ucler, Rifki; Arisoy, Ahmet; Bayram, Yasemin; Yalinkilic, Abdulaziz; Cankaya, Hakan
Conclusions As is known, this study is the first study to evaluate the effect of inhaled steroids on laryngeal microflora. The data support that ICS usage causes changes in the larynx microflora. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the alteration in larynx microbial flora of the patients treated with ICS comparing the culture results of a control group. In addition, laryngeal microflora was compared to the smears obtained from the vallecula and pharynx. Materials and methods The study included 39 patients (mean age = 45.5 +/- 12.76 years) who had been using a corticosteroid inhaler and control group consisting of 27 persons (mean age = 43.07 +/- 13.23 years). Culture samples were obtained from the pharynx, larynx, and vallecula in the patient and control groups, and they were evaluated in the microbiology laboratory. Obtained culture results were named by the same microbiologist according to the basic microorganism classification method. ResultsCoagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), Streptococcus viridians (VGS) and candida albicans were detected to grow significantly more in the patient group in all three anatomic localizations compared to the control group. Neisseria spp, basillus spp, and Non-viridans alpha-hemolytic streptococcus were detected to grow significantly more in the control group in all three anatomic localizations compared to the patient group.
Evaluation of Clinical and Laboratory Factors Affecting Bone Mineral Density Measurements in Patients With Kidney Transplant
(Elsevier Science inc, 2022) Hannarici, Zekeriya; Ucler, Rifki; Yildiz, Saliha; Soyoral, Yasemin Usul; Alay, Murat
Histological evidence of osteodystrophy and osteopenia is encountered in most patients who have under-gone successful renal transplantation. Renal transplantation may be beneficial for correcting uremia-related problems in end-stage renal disease patients; however, its benefit is limited in bone metabolism disorders. The present study aims to evaluate bone mass measurements and investigate the influencing factors in patients with renal transplant. One hundred and eighteen patients (83 males and 35 females) with a mean age of 40.2 +/- 11.8 yr (range 20-67) were included in the present study. The laboratory and the clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. The association between bone mineral density (BMD) measurements and the demographic characteristics of the patients, serum creatinine, parathormone, calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the glomerular filtration rate were evaluated. Of the patients, 23.7% (n =28) had normal, 48.3% (n = 57) had osteopenic and 28% (n = 33) had osteoporotic BMD values. A signifi-cant positive correlation was determined between the body mass index (BMI) and the BMD measurement results (p = 0.001; r = 0.385). A negative correlation was determined between the BMD values and the serum parathormone (p = 0.012; r =-0.237). BMD values were significantly lower in the group that had not received mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor (p = 0.026). Conclusion: BMI values, mTOR inhibitor treatment and serum parathormone levels had an effect on the BMD measurement values.
Evaluation of Coagulation Parameters in Patients With Parathyroid Adenoma
(Nature Portfolio, 2020) Alay, Murat; Ercek, Berrak Mermit; Sonmez, Gulcin Miyase; Sakin, Aysegul; Ucler, Rifki; Yildiz, Saliha
Parathyroid adenoma is responsible for 80-85% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. Increased fibrinogen levels in patients with adenoma may increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between coagulation parameters and parathyroid adenoma. A prospective study included 28 female patients with parathyroid adenoma aged 40-88 years and 27 age-matched healthy controls. The coagulation parameters were assessed for each participant. The mean ages of the patient and control groups were 57.7 +/- 10.9 and 53.3 +/- 9.31 years, respectively. The mean level of protein S activity was 65.79 +/- 13.78 in the patient group and 77.00 +/- 15.72 in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.013). The mean fibrinogen levels of the patient and control groups were 338.78 +/- 63.87 mg/dL and 304.30 +/- 45.67 mg/dL, respectively, and a significant difference was found (p = 0.041). However, no significant difference was evident between the two groups with regard to the D-dimer (p = 0.238), aPTT (p = 0.645), INR (p = 0.406), protein C (p = 0.076), and AT-III (p = 0.180) levels. A positive correlation was observed between adenoma volume and fibrinogen in the patient group (r = 0.711, p = 0.001). The protein S levels were lower and the fibrinogen levels higher in the patients with parathyroid adenoma.
Implications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Reproductive Health: a Study on Anti-Mullerian Hormone Levels
(Springer Heidelberg, 2024) Yildiz, Hanifi; Alp, Hamit Hakan; Ucler, Rifki; Bilgin, Mehmet Hakan
PurposeThis study aimed to explore the association between anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity.MethodsA cross-sectional design was employed to evaluate AMH levels in 68 premenopausal women diagnosed with OSA at Van Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine. OSA severity was scored according to the 2018 AASM guidelines using a 16-channel Embla device. AMH levels were measured from blood samples using a commercially available kit.ResultsThe study found that AMH levels in OSA patients were significantly lower than those in the healthy control group. A statistically significant negative correlation between AMH and AHI levels was observed. When stratified by OSA severity, the lowest AMH levels were found in the severe OSA group.ConclusionOSA may have potential endocrine implications, especially concerning reproductive health. Decreased AMH levels in OSA patients could indicate future risks of infertility or early menopause.
Investigation of Hormone Levels in Postpartum Psychosis
(Kare Publ, 2022) Isik, Mesut; Ozdemir, Osman; Ucler, Rifki
Objective: The etiology of postpartum psychosis (PP) remains unclear. In this study, we examined thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T4, free T3, cortisol, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in PP. Method: The study included 23 patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of PP within the first 4 weeks after delivery and 30 age-matched healthy controls. Organic etiological factors were excluded. Blood samples were obtained from all participants at the same time of the day. In PP patients, blood samples were obtained within the first 24 h after hospitalization. Results: Mean ages of PP and control groups were 26.2 +/- 5.5 and 27.6 +/- 5.1 years, respectively. The frequency of vaginal delivery was significantly higher in the PP compared with the control group (p=0.011). The fT3 levels were significantly lower in the PP compared with the control group, while the fT3 levels were within normal physiological limits (p=0.034) and no significant differences were found with regard to other hormones. To examine the effect of breastfeeding on the results, the control group was further divided into two subgroups: breastfeeding (BFC) and non-breastfeeding (NBFC). The fT4 levels (within normal physiological limits) and prolactin levels were significantly higher in the PP compared with NBFC (p=0.013 vs p=0.007). LH levels were 3.11 +/- 3.47 mIU/mL in the PP group, 1.48 +/- 2.45 mIU/mL in BFC and 4.56 +/- 3.69 mIU/mL in NBFC, but for the LH levels, the only significant difference was between the control groups (p=0.027). Conclusion: The results of thyroid function tests in our study suggest a condition that develops impaired thyroid functions secondary to acute psychotic episode rather than an underlying thyroid disease. Comprehensive prospective studies, including follow-up data, may better explain the relationships between thyroid function and PP. In our study, there was no evidence for the possible role of DHEAS, prolactin, and LH hormones. However, changes in the hormone profile according to breastfeeding status suggest that the effects of breastfeeding on hormones may also be important.
Is Nasal Polyposis Related To Levels of Serum Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor Gene Expression
(int Scientific information, inc, 2016) Erdag, Omer; Turan, Mahfuz; Ucler, Rifki; Berkoz, Mehmet; Garca, Mehmet Fatih; Bozan, Nazim; Cankaya, Hakan
Background: Nasal polyposis (NP) is the most frequent cause of nasal masses. Despite considerable research on the subject, its etiology has not been fully elucidated, and effective treatment methods have not been developed. Some etiological factors causing low or high expression of genes in genetically predisposed individuals may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the relation between levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene expression and serum vitamin D with NP. Material/Methods: The study included 46 subjects with NP (NP group) and 40 volunteers (control group). Nasal polyp tissue samples were taken from the NP group and nasal mucosa samples were taken from the control group. Levels of VDR gene expression in the tissue samples were assessed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) method. Results: Mean serum 25(OH) D levels were 13.38 +/- 14.08 ng/ml in the NP group and 10.57 +/- 6.44 ng/ml in the control group (p=0.249). VDR gene expression was present in 17.5% of the NP group and 3.3% of the control group, and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (likelihood ratio chi(2)=3.887; p=0.049). Conclusions: This is the first study to assess levels of VDR gene expression in subjects with NP. Our results suggest that VDR gene expression may be associated with the pathogenesis or progression of NP.
Mean Platelet Volume (Mpv): Could It Be Used as a Predictive Marker for Gestational Diabetes
(Aves Press Ltd, 2014) Balkan, Fevzi; Usluogullari, Celil Alper; Ucler, Rifki; Usluogullari, Betul; Caner, Sedat
An abnormal glucose tolerance which is first detected during pregnancy and disappears after completion of pregnancy is known as "gestational diabetes mellitus". Early detection of this condition helps preventing potential maternal and fetal complications. Some studies reported that platelets may have a role in the pathogenesis and development of gestational diabetes. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the platelet function and morphology among pregnant women with gestational diabetes and healthy pregnant women. Values of complete blood count were reviewed for pregnant women between weeks 24 and 28 of gestation while performing oral glucose tolerance tests for from January 2013 to September 2013. After screening, a total of 89 pregnant women were enrolled in the study including 38 women with gestational diabetes and 51 healthy pregnant women. The mean platelet volume (MPV) was 8.76 +/- 1.53 fl in the group with gestational diabetes and 7.80 +/- 1.34 fl in the healthy pregnant group, with a statistically significant difference between two groups (P=0.02). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in platelet counts (P=0.25). Dissimilar results were reported by a small number of studies on this subject. MPV and other platelet parameters may be considerably helpful in detecting diabetic pregnant women who are at risk for vascular complications. In this study, significantly greater MPV was found among pregnant women with gestational diabetes compared to control group (P<0.05). Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of such changes and their potential clinical implications in women with gestational diabetes.
A Rare Presentation of Transfusional Hemochromatosis: Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
(Hindawi Ltd, 2015) Ucler, Rifki; Kara, Erdal; Atmaca, Murat; Olmez, Sehmus; Alay, Murat; Dirik, Yaren; Bora, Aydin
Hemochromatosis is a disease caused by extraordinary iron deposition in parenchymal cells leading to cellular damage and organ dysfunction. beta-thalassemia major is one of the causes of secondary hemochromatosis due to regular transfusional treatment for maintaining adequate levels of hemoglobin. Hypogonadism is one of the potential complications of hemochromatosis, usually seen in patients with a severe iron overload, and it shows an association with diabetes and cirrhosis in adult patients. We describe a patient with mild transfusional hemochromatosis due to beta-thalassemia major, presenting with central hypogonadism in the absence of cirrhosis or diabetes. Our case showed an atypical presentation with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism without severe hyperferritinemia, cirrhosis, or diabetes. With this case, we aim to raise awareness of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in patients with intensive transfused thalassemia major even if not severe hemochromatosis so that hypogonadism related complications, such as osteoporosis, anergia, weakness, sexual dysfunction, and infertility, could be more effectively managed in these patients.
The Relationship Between Hearing Thresholds and Hyperandrogenism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
(int Scientific information, inc, 2016) Turan, Mahfuz; Ucler, Rifki; Garca, Mehmet Fatih; Kurdoglu, Zehra; Cankaya, Hakan; Ayral, Abdurrahman; Kurdoglu, Mertihan
Background: The purpose of our study was to investigate the association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hearing thresholds. Material/Methods: Forty women diagnosed with PCOS (mean age, 24.33 +/- 6.38 years) and 40 healthy women controls (mean age, 26.38 +/- 6.75 years) were included in prospective study. Each case was tested with low (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz), high (4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz) and extended high (EH) (9000-20000 Hz) frequency audiometry. The fasting plasma glucose, insulin, FSH, LH, total testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin were measured in all patients. Results: The mean hearing thresholds at EH frequencies were statistically significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (p=0.001 right ear and p=0.015 left ear). There were significant positive correlations among free testosterone index (FTI) values and hirsutism scores with EH frequency hearing thresholds. Conclusions: At pure-tone audiometry (PTA) EH frequencies, we detected significantly higher hearing thresholds in PCOS patients than in controls. We also determined that elevated FTI and hirsutism score were positively correlated with elevated hearing thresholds in EH frequencies. These findings support that hyperandrogenism can play a role in the elevation of hearing thresholds in PCOS.
Relationship Between Serum Dheas and Oxidative Stress Levels of Body Mass Index in Healthy Postmenopausal Women
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2016) Goy, Burhan; Atmaca, Murat; Aslan, Mehmet; Ucler, Rifki; Alay, Murat; Seven, Ismet; Ozturk, Mustafa
Objectives: Menopause is a natural step in the process of aging. Postmenopausal women have decreased levels of antioxidants and increased oxidative stress, the latter of which plays an important role in atherogenesis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of the body mass index (BMI) with serum catalase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in healthy postmenopausal women and estimate whether the MDA/DHEAS ratio is a possible marker of oxidative stress for determining cardiovascular risk in these women. Methods: We investigated serum catalase activity, MDA, and DHEAS levels, parity history, age, and BMI in 96 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50-82 years. The serum MDA levels and catalase activity were measured spectrophotometrically. The serum DHEAS levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ratio percentage of the serum DHEAS levels to serum MDA levels was designated as a biomarker for oxidative stress. Results: The mean BMI of the patients was 31.72 +/- 6.16 kg/m(2) (range = 20.5-47.94). The MDA/DHEAS ratio was significantly decreased in patients with a BMI over 30 compared to that of patients with a BMI between 25 and 30 (P = 0.025). Moreover, BMI was positively correlated with serum DHEAS levels (r = 0.285, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with the MDA/DHEAS ratio (r = -0.241, P < 0.05) in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, BMI was observed to be a potential predictor of the MDA/DHEAS ratio based on covariance analysis (P = 0.039). Conclusions: Our results indicate that healthy, obese, postmenopausal women have a decreased MDA/DHEAS ratio. Additionally, BMI was observed to be a potential predictor of the MDA/DHEAS ratio.