Gorkem Mungan | Bulent Ecevit University (original) (raw)

Papers by Gorkem Mungan

Research paper thumbnail of Is direct method of low density lipoprotein cholesterol measurement appropriate for targeting lipid lowering therapy?

International Journal of Cardiology, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of The comparison of levobupivacaine in continuous or single dose spinal anesthesia for transurethral resection of prostate surgery

Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology (English Edition), 2014

Background: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of levobupivacaine induced continuous... more Background: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of levobupivacaine induced continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) versus single dose spinal anesthesia (SDSA) in patients who are planned to undergo transurethral prostate resection. Methods: Sixty years or older, ASA I---II or III, 50 patients were included in the study. 12.5 mg 0.5% levobupivacaine were administered intrathecally in SDSA group. In CSA group, initially 2 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine were administered through spinal catheter. In order to achieve sensory block level at T10 dermatome, additional 1 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine were administered through the catheter in every 10 min. Hemodynamic parameters and block characteristics were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative blood samples of the patients were drawn to determine plasma cortisone and plasma epinephrine levels. Results: CSA technique provided better hemodynamic stability compared to SDSA technique particularly 90 min after intrathecal administration. The rise in sensory block level was rapid and the time to reach surgical anesthesia was shorter in SDSA group. Motor block developed faster in SDSA group. In CSA group, similar anesthesia level was achieved by using lower levobupivacaine dose and which was related to faster recovery. Although, both techniques were effective in preventing surgical stress respond, postoperative cortisone levels were suppressed more in SDSA group. 90 Y. Baydilek et al.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, Malonaldehyde, Zinc, and Copper Levels in Preeclampsia

Biological Trace Element Research, 2006

Preeclampsia is a syndrome of unknown etiopathogenesis. Recent studies carried out on preeclampsi... more Preeclampsia is a syndrome of unknown etiopathogenesis. Recent studies carried out on preeclampsia have focused on the increase in free radicals in the feto-placental unit with poor perfusion. It is believed that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has a role in the poor perfusion of the placenta. It is uncertain whether there is a pre-existing impairment in RAS in pre-eclamptic pregnant women or not. In the present study, we measured angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), malonaldehyde (MDA), zinc, and copper levels in the placental tissue of 16 pre-eclamptic pregnant women and compared them with those in 20 healthy pregnant women.

Research paper thumbnail of Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism has no effect on the risk of atherosclerotic stroke or hypertension

Stroke is a heterogeneous multifactorial disease. Hence, a large number of candidate genes are in... more Stroke is a heterogeneous multifactorial disease. Hence, a large number of candidate genes are involved in stroke pathophysiology, such as blood pressure regulation and atherosclerosis. Although angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism is considered to have a role in hypertension, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction, its relationship with cerebrovascular disease and hypertension in stroke in different ethnic populations is still inconsistent. ACE I/D polymorphism, detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), was studied in 97 patients with large-vessel and 60 patients with small-vessel atherosclerotic stroke (44 asymptomatic, 16 symptomatic lacunes) and 85 healthy subjects with normal brain imaging. The demographic data, lipid profile and risk factors of patients and controls were obtained retrospectively. ACE genotypes were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both patients and controls. Prevalences of DD, ID and II genotype were 41%, 40%, and 19%, respectively, in the stroke group. Differences in ACE I/D polymorphism distribution were statistically insignificant between the groups. This lack of association between stroke and ACE I/D polymorphism did not change in the presence of traditional risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and dyslipidemia). Although hypertension was significantly more common in the patient groups, ACE I/D polymorphism showed no effect on hypertension risk. This lack of association also did not change according to groups or in the presence of diabetes mellitus, male gender or smoking. ACE I/D polymorphism did not predict the risk of stroke or hypertension in our population living in the western Black Sea region of Turkey.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of varicocelectomy on sperm creatine kinase, HspA2 chaperone protein (creatine kinase-M type), LDH, LDH-X, and lipid peroxidation product levels in infertile men with varicocele

Urology, 2005

To determine the total sperm creatine kinase, HspA2 chaperone protein (creatine kinase-M isoform)... more To determine the total sperm creatine kinase, HspA2 chaperone protein (creatine kinase-M isoform), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), LDH-X activities, and lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde [MDA]) levels in infertile men with varicocele and to examine the possible effect of varicocelectomy on these parameters. Methods. Eighty-one men were enrolled in this study. The study population consisted of a control group (n ϭ 25) and a varicocele group (n ϭ 56). Of the 56 patients with varicocele, 26 underwent microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy at our institution between July 2002 and July 2003. The standard semen parameters (sperm concentration and motility and Kruger morphology) and total sperm creatine kinase, HspA2, LDH, and LDH-X activities, and MDA levels were assessed in the control and varicocele groups. The differences were compared between the two groups. The same parameters were repeated at 6 months postoperatively in the varicocelectomy group and the preoperative and postoperative results were compared. Results. The sperm concentration was significantly lower in the varicocele group than in the control group (P ϭ 0.01). The mean sperm HspA2 activities were significantly lower and the LDH activities and MDA levels were significantly greater in the varicocele group than in the control group (P ϭ 0.005 and P ϭ 0.001, P Ͻ0.001, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found in the semen parameters in the varicocelectomy group preoperatively and postoperatively. Sperm HspA2 activities increased significantly after varicocelectomy compared with preoperatively (P Ͻ0.001). Conclusions. Our data suggest that sperm HspA2 activities are lower and LDH activities and MDA levels are greater in infertile men with varicocele. These data also suggest that varicocelectomy increases HspA2 activities in these patients. UROLOGY 66: 610-615, 2005.

Research paper thumbnail of Hyperhomocysteinemia as an Independent Risk Factor for Cardioembolic Stroke in the Turkish Population

The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Vardenafil Reduces Testicular Damage Following Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats

The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Clinical characterization of patients with macroprolactinemia and monomeric hyperprolactinemia

The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 2011

Macroprolactinemia is often a cause of misdiagnosis, unnecessary expensive investigation, and uns... more Macroprolactinemia is often a cause of misdiagnosis, unnecessary expensive investigation, and unsuitable treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical findings and the concentrations of macroprolactin in patients with hyperprolactinemia in our region. Eighty-four female hyperprolactinemic patients were screened for macroprolactinemia. Prolactin was measured by chemiluminescence method on an Immulite 2000 analyzer (Siemens Health Diagnostics, Deerfield, IL, USA). Recoveries less than or equal to 40% after polyethylene glycol precipitation were indicative of macroprolactinemia. Clinical features and biochemical values were compared in true hyperprolactinemic and macroprolactinemic patients. Macroprolactinemia was detected in 31 patients (36.9%), with 84 hyperprolactinemic female patients. There was no difference in frequency of galactorrhea and oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea between the two groups. When we evaluated the clinical features of patients according to prolactin levels, no significant difference was found between the groups. In conclusion, our initial data show that no clinical features could reliably differentiate macroprolactinemic from true hyperprolactinemic patients, but at least one of these symptoms was present in most macroprolactinemic patients.

Research paper thumbnail of The cutoff level of free/total prostate specific antigen (f/t PSA) ratios in the diagnosis of prostate cancer: A validation study on a Turkish patient population in different age categories

The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 2014

We investigated an optimal cutoff level of free/total PSA ratios (f/t PSA) in predicting prostate... more We investigated an optimal cutoff level of free/total PSA ratios (f/t PSA) in predicting prostate cancer in different age groups, focusing on the avoidance of unnecessary prostate biopsies. A total of 4955 men were enrolled into the study. Serum tPSA, fPSA, and f/t PSA ratios were determined for the study population. All males who had suspicious digital rectal examination and tPSA > 4 ng/mL underwent transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for each group were generated by plotting the sensitivity versus 1-specificity for the f/t PSA ratio. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were obtained using various f/t PSA ratio cutoffs for different age groups. There were 657 patients with a PSA level of 4e10 ng/mL. According to sensitivity and specificity f/t% PSA cutoff points were determined to be 10%, 15%, 15%, and 10% in 50e59 years, 60e69 years, >70 years, and all ages categories, respectively, in patients with initial PSA level of 4e10 ng/mL. f/t PSA ratio had an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.81 (95% confidence level: 0.80e0.82) for all age groups in detecting prostate cancer.

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship of apoE polymorphism with lipoprotein(a), apoA, apoB and lipid levels in atherosclerotic infarct

Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2009

Background and purpose: Apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphism is suggested to be a risk factor in ... more Background and purpose: Apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphism is suggested to be a risk factor in stroke in some populations, either by affecting lipid parameters or independently. Its effect on lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is not known. The roles of apoE polymorphism and of high Lp(a) levels in atherosclerotic stroke (AS) in the Turkish population are unclear. Our aim was to investigate the relationship of apoE alleles and Lp(a) level with AS and the relationship of apoE alleles with Lp(a) and other lipid parameters. Methods: ApoE polymorphisms and lipid parameters were prospectively evaluated in 85 patients and 77 controls with normal brain imaging. Results: Only hypertension, diabetes mellitus, associated vascular diseases and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were found to be independent risk factors for stroke. However, in the presence of apoE/E4 allele, increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-chol), apolipoprotein B (apoB) and Lp(a) levels and in the presence of apo E/E3 allele, only Lp(a) levels were determined as risk factors. Conclusion: This study showed that while apoE polymorphism was not a risk factor itself, high Lp(a), LDL-chol and apoB were determined to be risk factors in E3 or E4 carriers.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Ethanol on Intracorporeal Structures of the Rat

International Urology and Nephrology, 2006

Objective: Previous studies demonstrated that acute in vitro exposure of corpus cavernosal tissue... more Objective: Previous studies demonstrated that acute in vitro exposure of corpus cavernosal tissue to ethanol decreased its response to field stimulation and pharmacological stimulation. In the present study we investigated the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the ultrastructure of cavernosal smooth muscle cells, elastic fibres and collagen content. Material and methods: Fourteen adult wistar rats were divided into a control group (n=7, fed a standard diet and tap water) and an alcoholic group (n=7, fed a standard diet and 5% (v/v) ethanol in drinking water and by increasing the ethanol concentration for every week, at the end of 6th week 30% (v/v) ethanol concentration was attained. Same dose was given until 12th week. At the end of 12th week blood samples were obtained and the ethanol concentrations were determined. The cavernosal tissues were obtained and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that chronic ethanol exposure markedly decreased the content of smooth muscle cells, elastic fibres and collagen type 4. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that in this animal model chronic ethanol exposure decreases the percentage of staining for smooth muscle actin, elastin, and collagen type 4 which are the key structures fundamental for erection.

Research paper thumbnail of Role of angiotensin and endothelin in testicular ischemia reperfusion injury

International Journal of Urology, 2012

To determine whether angiotensin and endothelin have any role in testicular ischemia reperfusion ... more To determine whether angiotensin and endothelin have any role in testicular ischemia reperfusion injury by investigating the effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril, selective non-peptide angiotensin-II type I blocker losartan and dual endothelin receptor blocker bosentan. Rats were anesthetized with thiopental sodium (50 mg/kg i.p.) before the operation. The left testicular artery and vein of rats were occluded for 1 h; before the bilateral orchiectomy, the organ was allowed to reperfuse for 3 h or 24 h. Enalapril (20 mg/kg i.p.), losartan (30 mg/kg i.p.), bosentan (10 mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle (saline) were given 30 min before reperfusion. Malondialdehyde level was measured in testicular tissue after 3 h of reperfusion. Histological examination was carried out after 24 h of reperfusion. Ischemia reperfusion caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde level of ipsilateral testis, and histopathological injury in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes. Enalapril, losartan and bosentan treatments prevented the ischemia reperfusion-induced augmentation in malondialdehyde levels. Only bosentan treatment ameloriated ischemia reperfusion-induced histopathological alterations. Endothelin might play a more important role in pathogenesis of testicular ischemia reperfusion injury when compared with angiotensin.

Research paper thumbnail of Coenzyme Q10 treatment reduces lipid peroxidation, inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthases, and germ cell–specific apoptosis in a rat model of testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury

Fertility and Sterility, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Helicobacter pylori on Insulin Resistance

Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 2005

Helicobacter pylori causes a lifelong infection in the stomach after exposure. H. pylori has been... more Helicobacter pylori causes a lifelong infection in the stomach after exposure. H. pylori has been shown to be associated with peptic ulcer and gastric cancer development. Moreover, it is held responsible for some other nongastric diseases. Among them, coronary heart disease attracts much debate. Many studies have demonstrated a close relationship between insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Chronic inflammation and alterations in counter-regulatory hormones are deemed responsible for the etiology of insulin resistance. We aimed to examine the effect of H. pylori on insulin resistance. Sixty-three patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to H. pylori presence. HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) level was used to assess insülin resistance. Thirty-six patients were H. pylori positive and 27 were H. pylori negative. There was no difference between the two groups with regard to age, gender, or body mass index. HOMA-IR level was 1.73 ± 1.1 in the H. pylori-negative group, whereas it was 2.56 ± 1.54 in the H. pylori-positive group (P < 0.05). This study provides the first direct evidence for an association between chronic H. pylori infection and insulin resistance.

Research paper thumbnail of Inflammatory markers in preeclamptic patients

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 2000

Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria that begins in the second half of p... more Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria that begins in the second half of pregnancy. Endothelial dysfunction and trophoblastic hypoperfusion seen in preeclampsia suggested to be part of an increased maternal inflammatory response to pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate some inflammatory markers in pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnants. The study included 36 cases with mild preeclamp-sia, 36 cases with severe preeclampsia and 33 cases of normotensive pregnant. High sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, serum procalcitonin was measured by enzyme-linked fluorescent immunassay. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was used as an indicator of the severity of the disease. In severe preeclampsia group hsCRP, serum amyloid A and procalcitonin levels were significantly higher than mild preeclamptic and normotensive groups. SAA and hsCRP levels were higher in mild preeclamptic group when compared with normotensive pregnant but no significant difference was found in procalcitonin between these groups. There were significant correlations betweeen hsCRP, SAA, procalcitonin and MAP. The results confirm that inflammatory reactions are closely associated with preeclampsia.

Research paper thumbnail of N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide predicts 1-year mortality following acute stroke: possible evidence of occult cardiac dysfunction among patients with acute stroke

Research paper thumbnail of Is direct method of low density lipoprotein cholesterol measurement appropriate for targeting lipid lowering therapy?

Research paper thumbnail of Is direct method of low density lipoprotein cholesterol measurement appropriate for targeting lipid lowering therapy?

International Journal of Cardiology, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of The comparison of levobupivacaine in continuous or single dose spinal anesthesia for transurethral resection of prostate surgery

Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology (English Edition), 2014

Background: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of levobupivacaine induced continuous... more Background: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of levobupivacaine induced continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) versus single dose spinal anesthesia (SDSA) in patients who are planned to undergo transurethral prostate resection. Methods: Sixty years or older, ASA I---II or III, 50 patients were included in the study. 12.5 mg 0.5% levobupivacaine were administered intrathecally in SDSA group. In CSA group, initially 2 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine were administered through spinal catheter. In order to achieve sensory block level at T10 dermatome, additional 1 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine were administered through the catheter in every 10 min. Hemodynamic parameters and block characteristics were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative blood samples of the patients were drawn to determine plasma cortisone and plasma epinephrine levels. Results: CSA technique provided better hemodynamic stability compared to SDSA technique particularly 90 min after intrathecal administration. The rise in sensory block level was rapid and the time to reach surgical anesthesia was shorter in SDSA group. Motor block developed faster in SDSA group. In CSA group, similar anesthesia level was achieved by using lower levobupivacaine dose and which was related to faster recovery. Although, both techniques were effective in preventing surgical stress respond, postoperative cortisone levels were suppressed more in SDSA group. 90 Y. Baydilek et al.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, Malonaldehyde, Zinc, and Copper Levels in Preeclampsia

Biological Trace Element Research, 2006

Preeclampsia is a syndrome of unknown etiopathogenesis. Recent studies carried out on preeclampsi... more Preeclampsia is a syndrome of unknown etiopathogenesis. Recent studies carried out on preeclampsia have focused on the increase in free radicals in the feto-placental unit with poor perfusion. It is believed that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has a role in the poor perfusion of the placenta. It is uncertain whether there is a pre-existing impairment in RAS in pre-eclamptic pregnant women or not. In the present study, we measured angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), malonaldehyde (MDA), zinc, and copper levels in the placental tissue of 16 pre-eclamptic pregnant women and compared them with those in 20 healthy pregnant women.

Research paper thumbnail of Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism has no effect on the risk of atherosclerotic stroke or hypertension

Stroke is a heterogeneous multifactorial disease. Hence, a large number of candidate genes are in... more Stroke is a heterogeneous multifactorial disease. Hence, a large number of candidate genes are involved in stroke pathophysiology, such as blood pressure regulation and atherosclerosis. Although angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism is considered to have a role in hypertension, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction, its relationship with cerebrovascular disease and hypertension in stroke in different ethnic populations is still inconsistent. ACE I/D polymorphism, detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), was studied in 97 patients with large-vessel and 60 patients with small-vessel atherosclerotic stroke (44 asymptomatic, 16 symptomatic lacunes) and 85 healthy subjects with normal brain imaging. The demographic data, lipid profile and risk factors of patients and controls were obtained retrospectively. ACE genotypes were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both patients and controls. Prevalences of DD, ID and II genotype were 41%, 40%, and 19%, respectively, in the stroke group. Differences in ACE I/D polymorphism distribution were statistically insignificant between the groups. This lack of association between stroke and ACE I/D polymorphism did not change in the presence of traditional risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and dyslipidemia). Although hypertension was significantly more common in the patient groups, ACE I/D polymorphism showed no effect on hypertension risk. This lack of association also did not change according to groups or in the presence of diabetes mellitus, male gender or smoking. ACE I/D polymorphism did not predict the risk of stroke or hypertension in our population living in the western Black Sea region of Turkey.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of varicocelectomy on sperm creatine kinase, HspA2 chaperone protein (creatine kinase-M type), LDH, LDH-X, and lipid peroxidation product levels in infertile men with varicocele

Urology, 2005

To determine the total sperm creatine kinase, HspA2 chaperone protein (creatine kinase-M isoform)... more To determine the total sperm creatine kinase, HspA2 chaperone protein (creatine kinase-M isoform), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), LDH-X activities, and lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde [MDA]) levels in infertile men with varicocele and to examine the possible effect of varicocelectomy on these parameters. Methods. Eighty-one men were enrolled in this study. The study population consisted of a control group (n ϭ 25) and a varicocele group (n ϭ 56). Of the 56 patients with varicocele, 26 underwent microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy at our institution between July 2002 and July 2003. The standard semen parameters (sperm concentration and motility and Kruger morphology) and total sperm creatine kinase, HspA2, LDH, and LDH-X activities, and MDA levels were assessed in the control and varicocele groups. The differences were compared between the two groups. The same parameters were repeated at 6 months postoperatively in the varicocelectomy group and the preoperative and postoperative results were compared. Results. The sperm concentration was significantly lower in the varicocele group than in the control group (P ϭ 0.01). The mean sperm HspA2 activities were significantly lower and the LDH activities and MDA levels were significantly greater in the varicocele group than in the control group (P ϭ 0.005 and P ϭ 0.001, P Ͻ0.001, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found in the semen parameters in the varicocelectomy group preoperatively and postoperatively. Sperm HspA2 activities increased significantly after varicocelectomy compared with preoperatively (P Ͻ0.001). Conclusions. Our data suggest that sperm HspA2 activities are lower and LDH activities and MDA levels are greater in infertile men with varicocele. These data also suggest that varicocelectomy increases HspA2 activities in these patients. UROLOGY 66: 610-615, 2005.

Research paper thumbnail of Hyperhomocysteinemia as an Independent Risk Factor for Cardioembolic Stroke in the Turkish Population

The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Vardenafil Reduces Testicular Damage Following Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats

The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Clinical characterization of patients with macroprolactinemia and monomeric hyperprolactinemia

The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 2011

Macroprolactinemia is often a cause of misdiagnosis, unnecessary expensive investigation, and uns... more Macroprolactinemia is often a cause of misdiagnosis, unnecessary expensive investigation, and unsuitable treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical findings and the concentrations of macroprolactin in patients with hyperprolactinemia in our region. Eighty-four female hyperprolactinemic patients were screened for macroprolactinemia. Prolactin was measured by chemiluminescence method on an Immulite 2000 analyzer (Siemens Health Diagnostics, Deerfield, IL, USA). Recoveries less than or equal to 40% after polyethylene glycol precipitation were indicative of macroprolactinemia. Clinical features and biochemical values were compared in true hyperprolactinemic and macroprolactinemic patients. Macroprolactinemia was detected in 31 patients (36.9%), with 84 hyperprolactinemic female patients. There was no difference in frequency of galactorrhea and oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea between the two groups. When we evaluated the clinical features of patients according to prolactin levels, no significant difference was found between the groups. In conclusion, our initial data show that no clinical features could reliably differentiate macroprolactinemic from true hyperprolactinemic patients, but at least one of these symptoms was present in most macroprolactinemic patients.

Research paper thumbnail of The cutoff level of free/total prostate specific antigen (f/t PSA) ratios in the diagnosis of prostate cancer: A validation study on a Turkish patient population in different age categories

The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 2014

We investigated an optimal cutoff level of free/total PSA ratios (f/t PSA) in predicting prostate... more We investigated an optimal cutoff level of free/total PSA ratios (f/t PSA) in predicting prostate cancer in different age groups, focusing on the avoidance of unnecessary prostate biopsies. A total of 4955 men were enrolled into the study. Serum tPSA, fPSA, and f/t PSA ratios were determined for the study population. All males who had suspicious digital rectal examination and tPSA > 4 ng/mL underwent transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for each group were generated by plotting the sensitivity versus 1-specificity for the f/t PSA ratio. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were obtained using various f/t PSA ratio cutoffs for different age groups. There were 657 patients with a PSA level of 4e10 ng/mL. According to sensitivity and specificity f/t% PSA cutoff points were determined to be 10%, 15%, 15%, and 10% in 50e59 years, 60e69 years, >70 years, and all ages categories, respectively, in patients with initial PSA level of 4e10 ng/mL. f/t PSA ratio had an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.81 (95% confidence level: 0.80e0.82) for all age groups in detecting prostate cancer.

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship of apoE polymorphism with lipoprotein(a), apoA, apoB and lipid levels in atherosclerotic infarct

Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2009

Background and purpose: Apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphism is suggested to be a risk factor in ... more Background and purpose: Apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphism is suggested to be a risk factor in stroke in some populations, either by affecting lipid parameters or independently. Its effect on lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is not known. The roles of apoE polymorphism and of high Lp(a) levels in atherosclerotic stroke (AS) in the Turkish population are unclear. Our aim was to investigate the relationship of apoE alleles and Lp(a) level with AS and the relationship of apoE alleles with Lp(a) and other lipid parameters. Methods: ApoE polymorphisms and lipid parameters were prospectively evaluated in 85 patients and 77 controls with normal brain imaging. Results: Only hypertension, diabetes mellitus, associated vascular diseases and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were found to be independent risk factors for stroke. However, in the presence of apoE/E4 allele, increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-chol), apolipoprotein B (apoB) and Lp(a) levels and in the presence of apo E/E3 allele, only Lp(a) levels were determined as risk factors. Conclusion: This study showed that while apoE polymorphism was not a risk factor itself, high Lp(a), LDL-chol and apoB were determined to be risk factors in E3 or E4 carriers.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Ethanol on Intracorporeal Structures of the Rat

International Urology and Nephrology, 2006

Objective: Previous studies demonstrated that acute in vitro exposure of corpus cavernosal tissue... more Objective: Previous studies demonstrated that acute in vitro exposure of corpus cavernosal tissue to ethanol decreased its response to field stimulation and pharmacological stimulation. In the present study we investigated the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the ultrastructure of cavernosal smooth muscle cells, elastic fibres and collagen content. Material and methods: Fourteen adult wistar rats were divided into a control group (n=7, fed a standard diet and tap water) and an alcoholic group (n=7, fed a standard diet and 5% (v/v) ethanol in drinking water and by increasing the ethanol concentration for every week, at the end of 6th week 30% (v/v) ethanol concentration was attained. Same dose was given until 12th week. At the end of 12th week blood samples were obtained and the ethanol concentrations were determined. The cavernosal tissues were obtained and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that chronic ethanol exposure markedly decreased the content of smooth muscle cells, elastic fibres and collagen type 4. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that in this animal model chronic ethanol exposure decreases the percentage of staining for smooth muscle actin, elastin, and collagen type 4 which are the key structures fundamental for erection.

Research paper thumbnail of Role of angiotensin and endothelin in testicular ischemia reperfusion injury

International Journal of Urology, 2012

To determine whether angiotensin and endothelin have any role in testicular ischemia reperfusion ... more To determine whether angiotensin and endothelin have any role in testicular ischemia reperfusion injury by investigating the effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril, selective non-peptide angiotensin-II type I blocker losartan and dual endothelin receptor blocker bosentan. Rats were anesthetized with thiopental sodium (50 mg/kg i.p.) before the operation. The left testicular artery and vein of rats were occluded for 1 h; before the bilateral orchiectomy, the organ was allowed to reperfuse for 3 h or 24 h. Enalapril (20 mg/kg i.p.), losartan (30 mg/kg i.p.), bosentan (10 mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle (saline) were given 30 min before reperfusion. Malondialdehyde level was measured in testicular tissue after 3 h of reperfusion. Histological examination was carried out after 24 h of reperfusion. Ischemia reperfusion caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde level of ipsilateral testis, and histopathological injury in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes. Enalapril, losartan and bosentan treatments prevented the ischemia reperfusion-induced augmentation in malondialdehyde levels. Only bosentan treatment ameloriated ischemia reperfusion-induced histopathological alterations. Endothelin might play a more important role in pathogenesis of testicular ischemia reperfusion injury when compared with angiotensin.

Research paper thumbnail of Coenzyme Q10 treatment reduces lipid peroxidation, inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthases, and germ cell–specific apoptosis in a rat model of testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury

Fertility and Sterility, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Helicobacter pylori on Insulin Resistance

Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 2005

Helicobacter pylori causes a lifelong infection in the stomach after exposure. H. pylori has been... more Helicobacter pylori causes a lifelong infection in the stomach after exposure. H. pylori has been shown to be associated with peptic ulcer and gastric cancer development. Moreover, it is held responsible for some other nongastric diseases. Among them, coronary heart disease attracts much debate. Many studies have demonstrated a close relationship between insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Chronic inflammation and alterations in counter-regulatory hormones are deemed responsible for the etiology of insulin resistance. We aimed to examine the effect of H. pylori on insulin resistance. Sixty-three patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to H. pylori presence. HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) level was used to assess insülin resistance. Thirty-six patients were H. pylori positive and 27 were H. pylori negative. There was no difference between the two groups with regard to age, gender, or body mass index. HOMA-IR level was 1.73 ± 1.1 in the H. pylori-negative group, whereas it was 2.56 ± 1.54 in the H. pylori-positive group (P < 0.05). This study provides the first direct evidence for an association between chronic H. pylori infection and insulin resistance.

Research paper thumbnail of Inflammatory markers in preeclamptic patients

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 2000

Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria that begins in the second half of p... more Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria that begins in the second half of pregnancy. Endothelial dysfunction and trophoblastic hypoperfusion seen in preeclampsia suggested to be part of an increased maternal inflammatory response to pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate some inflammatory markers in pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnants. The study included 36 cases with mild preeclamp-sia, 36 cases with severe preeclampsia and 33 cases of normotensive pregnant. High sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, serum procalcitonin was measured by enzyme-linked fluorescent immunassay. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was used as an indicator of the severity of the disease. In severe preeclampsia group hsCRP, serum amyloid A and procalcitonin levels were significantly higher than mild preeclamptic and normotensive groups. SAA and hsCRP levels were higher in mild preeclamptic group when compared with normotensive pregnant but no significant difference was found in procalcitonin between these groups. There were significant correlations betweeen hsCRP, SAA, procalcitonin and MAP. The results confirm that inflammatory reactions are closely associated with preeclampsia.

Research paper thumbnail of N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide predicts 1-year mortality following acute stroke: possible evidence of occult cardiac dysfunction among patients with acute stroke

Research paper thumbnail of Is direct method of low density lipoprotein cholesterol measurement appropriate for targeting lipid lowering therapy?