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Biomedical subjects

Tamer Gunes

Publications and source records attributed to Tamer Gunes.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Influence of maternal smoking on neonatal aortic intima-media thickness, serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels.

Epidemiological studies have reported associations between a range of cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking and intima-media thickness (IMT). Some reports indicate that the maternal tobacco smoking causes disturbances of the endocrine status of the foetus. There are several potential mechanisms by which insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) could modify atherosclerotic processes either locally or in a systemic manner. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of maternal smoking on neonatal aortic IMT (aIMT), serum IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels. Aortic intima-media thickness was measured in 28 neonates whose mothers smoked during the pregnancy and 28 control neonates. Mean and weight-adjusted aIMT were significantly greater in the neonates whose mothers smoked (0.455 +/- 0.009 mm and 0.151 +/- 0.005 mm/kg, respectively) than in controls (0.403 +/- 0.029 mm and 0.118 +/- 0.014 mm/kg, respectively). Birth-weight of newborns whose mothers smoked was less than that of the controls. The decreases in serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 observed in the infants whose mothers smoked were non-significant. Mean aIMT was negatively associated with birth-weight and IGF-I level. In conclusion, neonates whose mothers smoked have significantly increased aIMT. It might play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in adult life.

Adult↗

Effect of allopurinol supplementation on nitric oxide levels in asphyxiated newborns.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of allopurinol in the management of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia by monitoring nitric oxide levels of serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Sixty asphyxiated infants were divided randomly into two groups. Group I infants (n = 30) received allopurinol (40 mg/kg/day, 3 days) within 2 hours after birth. Group II infants (n = 30) received a placebo. Twenty healthy neonates served as control subjects. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum nitric oxide levels were measured within 0-24 hours and 72-96 hours after birth. Both serum and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of nitric oxide were higher in severely asphyxiated infants (40.86 +/- 8.97, 17.3 +/- 3.63 micromol/L, respectively) but lower in mildly asphyxiated infants (25.85 +/- 3.57, 5.70 +/- 2.56 micromol/L, respectively) than in moderately asphyxiated infants (35.86 +/- 5.38, 11.06 +/- 3.37 micromol/L, respectively) within the first 0-24 hours after birth. Serum nitric oxide levels in control subjects were lower than those of moderately and severely asphyxiated infants. Serum nitric oxide levels of Group I infants within 72-96 hours after birth decreased significantly from their corresponding levels within 0-24 hours after birth. The asphyxiated newborns treated with allopurinol had better neurologic and neurodevelopmental outcome at 12 or more months of age.

Allopurinol↗

A case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis presented with pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax (PTX) is an unusual complication of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in childhood. Spontaneous PTX is rare in childhood, and it is very rare in infancy. There are no specific recommendations for the treatment of PTX from LCH described in the literature. We are presenting a 19-month-old boy, who suddenly developed left-sided PTX with infiltrations in both lungs. He presented with PTX and skin lesions. He had a prolonged cardiac arrest, and although resuscitation was successful he required continuing ventilatory support (intermittent positive-pressure ventilation). Because he suddenly developed right-sided PTX and died on the second day of the admission, his LCH diagnosis was made only postmortem. So, he did not receive chemotherapy. It is likely that intermittent positive-pressure ventilation during the operation induced the development of much more multiple lung bullae, which subsequently ruptured, and/or it facilitated the development of the right-sided PTX. The patients with PTX and skin lesions, including babies, most likely have LCH and specific chemotherapy should be started in emergency, even before the final diagnosis is achieved.

Fatal Outcome↗

Macrosomic newborns of diabetic mothers are associated with increased aortic intima-media thickness and lipid concentrations.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Exposure to diabetes in utero has been established as a significant risk factor for some of components of metabolic syndrome. A few studies have examined relationship between the metabolic syndrome and echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) mass. We aimed to investigate relationship between abdominal aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT), LV mass and lipid profile in macrosomic newborns. METHODS: Abdominal aIMT was measured in 30 macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers (group A), 30 macrosomic neonates of healthy mothers (group B) and 30 healthy neonates (group C). Lipid profile and LV mass were determined. RESULT: Mean aIMT was significantly higher in groups A and B (0.489 +/- 0.015, 0.466 +/- 0.019 mm, respectively) than in controls (0.375 +/- 0.024 mm). Weight-adjusted aIMT in group A was significantly higher than in groups B and C. Macrosomia was associated with increased lipid concentrations. Both LV mass indexed for BSA (body surface area) and birth weight measurements were significantly increased in group A compared with control. CONCLUSIONS: Macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers have significant aIMT and LV mass indexed for BSA and birth weight with lipid alterations. It might play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in adult life.

Aorta, Abdominal↗

Serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and leptin levels are related to abdominal aortic intima-media thickness in macrosomic newborns.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to diabetes in utero has been established as a significant risk factor for some of the components of metabolic syndrome, and was associated with increased levels of maternal, placental, and fetal insulin-like growth factors and leptin. The atherogenic effects of leptin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) have been extensively described. The present study was therefore designed to investigate relationships between abdominal aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT), serum IGF-I, IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and leptin levels in macrosomic newborns. DESIGN: Neonates whose birth weights exceed 90th percentile for gestational age and gender are termed macrosomic. Abdominal aortic intima-media thickness was measured in 30 macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers (group A), 30 macrosomic neonates of healthy mothers (group B) and 30 healthy neonates (group C). Serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels were determined in all infants and their mothers. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for aortic intima-media thickness. RESULTS: Mean aortic intima-media thickness was significantly higher in groups A and B (0.489+/-0.015,0.466+/-0.019 mm, respectively) than in controls (0.375+/-0.024 mm, p<0.0001). Weight-adjusted aortic intima-media thickness was significantly higher in-group A than in groups B (p=0.004) and C (p=0.048). Serum leptin concentration in-group B (37.4+/-10.7 ng/ml) was significantly greater than in-group C (23.5+/-7.1 ng/ml, p<0.0001), but significantly lower than in-group A (46.6+/-14.1 ng/ml, p<0.0001). Serum IGF-I levels of the infants were significantly lower in-group C (113.2+/-33.1 ng/ml) than in groups A and B (205.2+/-60.1 and 179.3+/-55.1 ng/ml respectively, p<0.0001). Serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels of the infants were positively correlated with mean (p<0.0001) and weight-adjusted aortic intima-media thickness measurements (p=0.003, p=0.006 and p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers have significantly increased aortic intima-media thickness with higher serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin concentrations than those of controls. It might be speculated that these changes may exaggerate the atherosclerotic process later in life.

Aorta, Abdominal↗

Free carnitine levels in respiratory distress syndrome during the first week of life.

Antenatal carnitine administration has been shown to induce fetal lung maturity by increasing pulmonary surfactant in animal and human studies. The aim of this study was to investigate serum free carnitine (FC) levels in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and controls during the first week of postnatal life. The study groups consisted of 76 preterm infants with gestational ages ranging from 28 to 36 weeks, and birthweights ranging from 1046 to 2352 g. Serum FC levels were measured in preterm infants (group A, 37 with RDS; group B, 39 controls without RDS) within the first 6 hours after birth, on days 3 and 7. For specific analyses, serum FC levels were determined for gestational ages 28 to 31 weeks and 32 to 36 weeks in both groups. Initial FC levels were decreased insignificantly in group A (22.5 +/- 7.3 micromol/L) compared with group B (23.5 +/- 6.8 micromol/L; P > 0.05). On days 3 and 7 of life, serum FC levels were significantly lower in group A (18.3 +/- 6.1 and 10.2 +/- 3.3 micromol/L, respectively) than in group B (23.4 +/- 7.1 and 22.8 +/- 3.7 micromol/L, respectively; P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively) on days 3 and 7 of life, respectively. Serum FC level remained stable in the non-RDS group ( P > 0.05), but it decreased significantly in the RDS group during the first week of postnatal life ( P < 0.05). No differences were seen between the corresponding gestational age groups. Serum FC levels in RDS infants decreased from days 1 to 7. Decreased neonatal serum carnitine levels in preterm infants with RDS during the first week of life might be caused by increasing consumption of carnitine in lung tissue for surfactant synthesis.

Carnitine↗

Influence of maternal nicotine exposure on neonatal rat bone: protective effect of ascorbic acid.

Limited research in young adults and immature animals suggests a detrimental effect of tobacco on bone during growth. We aimed to determine the adverse effects of maternal nicotine exposure during pregnancy and lactation on neonatal rat bone development, and to determine a protective effect of ascorbic acid. Gravid rats were assigned into three groups: two experimental and one control (group I). In the first experimental group (group II), pregnant rats received 3 mg/kg/d nicotine subcutaneously during pregnancy from 1 to 21 days of gestation and lactation (until postnatal day 21). The second experimental group (group III) received nicotine and ascorbic acid (1 mg/kg body mass/d). Whole body mineral density (BMD), content (BMC), and area (BA) were measured on postnatal day 21. Histopathologic and morphologic findings of the femur were obtained. Maternal nicotine exposure decreased the body weight of the rat at the birth and postnatal day 21. The values of BMD, BA, and BMC of the groups were similar to each other. Width of the epiphyseal plate and the hypertrophic zone were higher in group III but lower in group II than in group I. Number of apoptotic chondrocytes was significantly increased in group II. The length of femur was higher in group I but lower in group II than in group III. Maternal nicotine exposure during gestation and lactation resulted in decreased body weight and bone lengthening. Ascorbic acid supplementation was found to prevent the adverse effects of maternal nicotine exposure on the growth plate.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Aortic intima-media thickness and lipid profile in macrosomic newborns.

Macrosomia is associated with alterations in lipoprotein composition and concentration at birth. Exposure to diabetes in utero has been established as a significant risk factor for some of the components of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of macrosomia on lipid metabolism, aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT) and subsequent atherogenic risk in newborn infants. Aortic intima-media thickness was measured in 40 macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers (group A), 30 macrosomic neonates of healthy mothers (group B) and 30 healthy neonates (group C). Lipid profile was determined in all infants and their mothers. Mean aIMT was significantly higher in macrosomic neonates of diabetic and healthy mothers (0.56+/-0.06 and 0.49+/-0.03 mm respectively) than in controls (0.39+/-0.03 mm). Weight-adjusted aIMT in macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers (0.129+/-0.013 mm/kg) was significantly higher than in groups B and C (0.114+/-0.008 and 0.113+/-0.011 mm/kg respectively). There were significant alterations of total serum, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterols and triglyceride levels in the macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers compared with controls. Macrosomia was associated with increased lipid concentrations. Macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers have significantly higher aIMT with lipid alterations. This may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in adult life.

Analysis of Variance↗

Evaluation of serum cortisol levels in a relatively large and mature group of ventilated and nonventilated preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Severity of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and mechanical ventilation may affect the endogenous cortisol secretion in preterm infants. The aim of this study was to compare the serum cortisol concentrations of a relatively large and mature group of preterm infants with RDS who are ventilated or nonventilated and control preterm infants without RDS. Infants (group I) of comparable gestational ages without RDS served as controls. Infants with RDS who did not need ventilator support and surfactant therapy were considered to have mild RDS (group II). Those requiring mechanical ventilation and surfactant therapy were considered to have severe RDS (group III). Serum cortisol levels were determined after birth and on day 3 of life. The study groups consisted of 79 preterm infants with gestational ages ranging from 31 to 36 weeks, and birthweights ranging from 1086 to 1685 g. All preterm infants showed high cortisol levels after delivery regardless of respiratory distress (group I, n = 25, 34.1 +/- 10.7 microg/dL; group II, n = 23, 33.6 +/- 12.0 microg/dL; and group III, n = 31, 36.4 +/- 12.3 microg/dL). In group III, the cortisol levels (50.8 +/- 16.8 microg/dL) were higher than in group II (40.4 +/- 10.5 microg/dL) and in controls (22.0 +/- 7.2 microg/dL), and the cortisol levels of controls were lower than in group II on day 3 of life. Although the cortisol levels in severe and mild RDS infants increased significantly from their corresponding levels on day 1, they decreased in controls. The cortisol levels on day 3 of life were not significantly different in infants with poor outcome compared with infants with better outcome. Severity of RDS and mechanical ventilation were related to serum cortisol levels of preterm infants. Our study suggests that large and mature preterm infants who are ventilated and/or more severely ill release more cortisol than those less severely ill.

Birth Weight↗

Oral nystatin prophylaxis to prevent invasive candidiasis in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The use of oral nystatin to prevent fungal colonisation and infection in neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is still an open question and not yet recommended as a standard of care. To determine whether prophylactic oral nystatin results in a decreased incidence of invasive candidiasis in the newborn infants, a total of 3991 infants were divided randomly into two groups. Group A infants (n = 1995), only those neonates who were identified as yeast carriers (oral moniliasis) were treated with oral nystatin. Group B infants, all neonates who were admitted to the unit received oral nystatin, was routinely administered three times a day. Group A was divided into groups A1 and A2 (who were treated only if identified as yeast carriers). Urine and rectal cultures were taken on admission and then weekly thereafter. There were 215 (14.2%), 27 (5.6%) and 36 (1.8%) patients positive for invasive candidiasis in groups A1, A2 and B respectively. Oral nystatin prophylaxis significantly reduced the invasive candidiasis (P = 0.004) in extremely low-birth weight (ELBW) and very low-birth weight (VLBW) infants. Prophylactic administration of oral nystatine to the ELBW and VLBW infants results in a decreased risk of invasive candidiasis.

Administration, Oral↗

Perinatal expression of HSP70 and VEGF in neonatal rat lung vessels exposed to nicotine during gestation.

We assessed the influence of maternal nicotine exposure during gestation on perinatal expression of HSP70 and VEGF in rat lung parenchyma and lung vessels. Adult white Sprague-Dawley virgin rats were mated with adult male rats over 2 days, with two females for every male. After confirming pregnancy, 30 gravid rats (dams) were then randomly assigned to two equal groups (one experimental and one control; n=15 in each). Experimental dams were treated with subcutaneus (s.c.) (-)-nicotine tartrate, 3 mg/kg body weight/day, during pregnancy from gestational days 9 through 21. After sacrifice, lungs were removed en bloc and formalin-fixed, and paraffinembedded tissue sections were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using a three-step streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method with monoclonal antibodies directed against HSP70 or VEGF. HSP70 and VEGF expression was increased in the vascular smooth muscle cells of the experimental group (t1) compared to the control group (t(2))t(1)=7.593, t(2)=4.666, p<0.05). The number of bronchioles that stained positively with HSP70 was higher in the nicotineexposed group than in the control group (t(1)=9.274, t(2)=6.956, p<0.05). In conclusion, gestational nicotine exposure increased the expression of VEGF and HSP70 in rat lung parenchyma, especially in the airway epithelium and vascular smooth muscle cells. In vascular smooth muscle cells, these molecules may contribute to nicotine-related hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.

Animals↗

Exchange transfusion or intravenous immunoglobulin therapy as an adjunct to antibiotics for neonatal sepsis in developing countries: a pilot study.

UNLABELLED: Both intravenous administration of immunoglobulin (IVIG) and exchange transfusion (ET) have been used for treatment of neonatal sepsis. No studies have compared ET with IVIG in neonates. AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate serial IgG and IgM serum levels in two groups of septic infants treated with either IVIG or ET as adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: A total of 88 infants with sepsis and gestational ages ranging from 32 to <37 weeks were enrolled consecutively. The effect of ET with fresh, whole blood and IVIG on immunoglobulin G and M levels was monitored over a 24-hour period. ET was performed on 33 infants, 33 infants received IVIG and 22 infants served as controls. There were nine deaths (27%) in the IVIG group, seven (21%) in the ET group and nine (41%) in the control group (p>0.05). IgG levels rose significantly 12 hours after administration of IVIG (p<0.01). There were no differences between the initial and 24-hour IgG levels in the IVIG group. IgG levels did not change significantly in the ET and control groups. IgM levels rose significantly 12 hours after ET and elevated IgM levels persisted for over 24 hours.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Iodine status remains critical in mother and infant in Central Anatolia (Kayseri) of Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Severe iodine deficiency disorders have been eradicated in many parts of the world, but milder forms still exist and may escape detection. Turkey has long been known to be a mild to moderate iodine deficiency area. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to assess the iodine nutritional status and the thyroid function of pregnant women and their neonates in the region of Kayseri (central Anatolia of Turkey) that appeared to be iodine deficient in previous studies performed before the introduction of mandatory salt iodization. METHODS: A cross-sectional voluntary screening study was performed in the Maternity Unit of a university hospital. A total of 70 mothers and their healthy full-term neonates were included in this study. Urinary iodine concentration was estimated in spot urine samples obtained from mothers and their neonates on day 5. All the neonates were breastfed. The iodine content was determined in the breast milk of all mothers on day 5. Serum concentrations of TSH, thyroglobulin (Tg), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) were investigated in the cord serum of neonates and compared to those of mothers immediately after parturition RESULTS: The median urinary iodine on day 5 in mothers and their babies were 30.20 and 23.80 microg/l, respectively. These figures are much lower than normal for these age groups (150-200 microg/l). The median iodine content of breast-milk was 73 microg/l. It is again much lower than in iodine sufficient areas, indicating that the status of iodine nutrition of pregnant and lactating women is clearly insufficient. The median concentrations (and ranges) of neonatal TSH, Tg, FT3 and FT4 were 7.44 mU/l, 71.62 ng/ml, 1.30 pg/ml and 1.34 ng/dl respectively. The corresponding levels for the mothers during labor were 2.19 mU/l, 25.65 ng/ml, 1.31 pg/ml and 1.23 ng/dl respectively. The median neonatal serum concentrations of TSH and Tg were significantly higher than the corresponding maternal levels (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively) and 27.1% of the neonates had serum TSH concentrations above 10 mU/l and 57.1 % had cord blood serum Tg concentrations above 54 ng/ml. None of the mothers showed TSH concentrations above 5 mU/l and 41.4% had serum Tg concentrations above 30 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: Iodine deficiency with low urinary iodine excretion and high serum Tg and TSH concentrations were recognized among pregnant women and their babies in Kayseri in spite of the program of salt iodization. National measures are urgently required for improving the correction of iodine deficiency in Turkey. This includes regular supplementation with iodine, starting at preconception or in early pregnancy and continuing during the period of nursing in this region.

Adolescent↗

Relationship between cord blood levels of IGF-I and ferritin in healthy term neonates.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that the balance of maternal and fetal insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations contributes to the regulation of substrate distribution between mother and fetus, and may thus mediate the maintenance of blood ferritin concentration in the fetus. Therefore, the relationship between cord blood IGF-I to ferritin concentration was investigated. INFANTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six term neonates were recruited. Anthropometric measures were recorded and umbilical cord blood samples were collected at birth. We studied serum concentrations of IGF-I in relation to blood ferritin and anthropometric data in term neonates. To assess the importance of the correlation of ferritin with both IGF-I and all other parameters, multiple linear regression analysis was carried out, with ferritin as the dependent variable and IGF-I and anthropometric parameters as independent variables. RESULTS: The mean concentrations of cord blood IGF-I and ferritin levels were 45.2 +/- 36.8 ng/ml and 225.5 +/- 124.2 ng/ml, respectively, at birth. A positive correlation was observed between IGF-I and ferritin concentrations of term neonates (r = 0.53, p = 0.005). IGF-I emerged as a significant predictor of ferritin concentration (beta = 1.79, p = 0.005) contributing to 28% of its variability. CONCLUSIONS: We showed a relationship between cord blood IGF-I and ferritin levels in term neonates, suggesting that even within an unremarkable population, fetal ferritin level may be influenced by IGF-I. Moreover, we speculated that IGF-I might also be important in the regulation of placental transport of ferritin.

Body Weights and Measures↗

Pancytopenia, a rare hematologic manifestation of brucellosis in children.

The records of 54 children with brucellosis were evaluated retrospectively. Among them, eight patients (14.8%) with pancytopenia were identified in a 7-year period between 1996 and 2003. Six of the eight patients with pancytopenia had Brucella melitensis isolated from blood cultures, and all eight patients had Brucella agglutination titers of at least 1:320. Agglutination test titers did not correlate with the degree of pancytopenia. Fever was the most common manifestation, followed by malaise, anorexia, sweating, weight loss, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Most patients had hepatosplenomegaly, and bone marrow aspiration specimens showed hyper-cellularity or normocellularity. Hemophagocytosis (3 patients) and histiocytic hyperplasia (4 patients) were observed in bone marrow examinations of eight patients, but bone marrow aplasia and granulomas were not detected. All children recovered completely; the pancytopenia was transient and resolved after the antibiotic treatment of Brucella infection. Brucellosis should be considered as a possible diagnosis among patients with pancytopenia.

Adolescent↗