Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Comparing age of obesity onset, concerns about weight and body shape, and quality of life in individuals seeking bariatric surgery.","authors":"Vildan Çakir Kardeş, Özge Saraçli, Nuray Atasoy, Levent Atik, Sibel Kahraman Girgeç","doi":"10.55730/1300-0144.6344","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0144.6344","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>This study explored the relationship between concerns about weight and body shape and quality of life in bariatric surgery candidates with morbid obesity regarding the onset of the weight problem in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We included 453 patients who applied to our center for preoperative bariatric surgery assessment between January 2010 and April 2019. We reviewed the sociodemographic information, psychiatric diagnoses, and results of the Body Shape Questionnaire-34, Quality of Life Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory of all patients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Concerns about weight and body shape were increased in women (p < 0.001), unemployed patients (p = 0.001), those with a comorbid psychiatric disorder (p < 0.001), and those with childhood- or adolescent-onset of weight problems (r = -0.170; p < 0.001). Concerns about weight and body shape had a relationship with the vitality (r = -0.434), mental health (r = -0.464), social functioning (r = -0.418), pain (r = -0.307), and general health (r = -0.352) subscale scores of quality of life. Physical functioning was higher (p = 0.037) in patients with childhood- or adolescent-onset obesity compared to patients with adult-onset obesity, while mental health was higher (p = 0.001) in the latter group. Individuals with childhood- or adolescent-onset obesity inquired about bariatric surgery options at an earlier age (p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While performing routine psychiatric evaluations before bariatric surgery, it is important to consider parameters such as the patient's physical functioning, level of concerns about the body, and age of onset of obesity.</p>","PeriodicalId":23361,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"56 4","pages":"998-1010"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative analysis of corticosteroid injection alone versus combined corticosteroid and radiofrequency ablation for plantar fasciitis: short- and medium-term outcomes.","authors":"Nevcihan Şahutoğlu Bal, Emel Başar, Hatice Babaoğlan, Mustafa Cem Yilmaz, Ülkü Sabuncu, Şükriye Dadali, Erkan Yavuz Akçaboy","doi":"10.55730/1300-0144.6350","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0144.6350","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of heel pain and may lead to functional impairment and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to compare the short- and medium-term clinical outcomes of corticosteroid injection (CSI) alone versus combined radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and CSI in patients with PF refractory to conservative treatment.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This single-center retrospective comparative study included patients diagnosed with PF between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2025. Patients who underwent either CSI alone or combined RFA and CSI after failure of conservative management were included. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline, 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months. Global perceived effect (GPE) scores were evaluated at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS scores at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months compared to baseline (p < 0.001 for all). Baseline and 1-week VAS scores were comparable between the groups (p > 0.05). However, median VAS scores at 3 and 6 months were significantly lower in the group receiving combined RFA and CSI compared to CSI alone (p < 0.001). GPE scores at 1 week did not differ significantly (p = 0.100), but at 3 and 6 months, they were significantly higher in the combined group (p < 0.001). In adjusted longitudinal analysis, the group receiving combined RFA and CSI had lower overall VAS scores over time, with significant group × time interactions at 3 and 6 months.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both CSI alone and combined RFA and CSI provide significant short- and medium-term pain relief. However, the addition of RFA to CSI is associated with superior midterm pain control and greater patient-reported clinical improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":23361,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"56 4","pages":"1065-1073"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528754/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can hydrolyzed silk fibroin derived from <i>Bombyx hatayensis</i> and ozonized gel modulate inflammatory and angiogenic responses in a corneal alkali burn model?","authors":"Şule Barman Kakil, Hamdullah Suphi Bayraktar, Okan Soylu, İshak Gökçek, Meryem İlkay Karagül, Zehra Demiray Asoğlu","doi":"10.55730/1300-0144.6372","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0144.6372","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>The therapeutic effects of hydrolyzed silk fibroin derived from <i>Bombyx hatayensis</i> and a commercially available ozonized gel, administered individually and in combination, were evaluated in a rat model of corneal alkali burn.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A standardized corneal alkali burn was induced in the right eyes of Wistar albino rats using 1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Animals were randomly assigned to six groups: negative control, positive control (PC), hydrolyzed silk fibroin (SF), ozonized gel (O), combined treatment (SF + O), and antibiotic treatment. Topical treatments were administered for 21 consecutive days. Clinical evaluation included assessments of corneal opacity, neovascularization, and epithelial healing. On day 21, corneal tissues were harvested for biochemical analysis of TGF-β, VEGF, and TNF-α levels, as well as for histopathological assessment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significantly elevated levels of TGF-β, VEGF, and TNF-α were observed in untreated alkali-burned corneas compared with controls (p < 0.001). All treatment groups demonstrated significant reductions in these mediators compared with the PC group (p < 0.001). The SF and O groups showed comparable effects, whereas the SF + O group exhibited the lowest mean VEGF and TNF-α levels among the treatment groups, with no statistically significant difference compared with the antibiotic group (p > 0.05). Histopathological findings were consistent with the biochemical results, demonstrating improved epithelial integrity, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and more organized stromal architecture, particularly in the SF + O group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Hydrolyzed silk fibroin derived from <i>Bombyx hatayensis</i>, particularly when combined with ozonized gel, effectively attenuated inflammatory and angiogenic responses following corneal alkali injury. Outcomes comparable to those of conventional topical management were achieved with the combined therapy, with no statistically significant differences in biochemical and structural parameters, supporting its potential as a biocompatible, cell-free adjunctive strategy for severe chemical corneal burns.</p>","PeriodicalId":23361,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"56 4","pages":"1274-1286"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528733/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Face mask littering: environmental impacts, regulatory challenges, and AI-driven waste management strategies for the postpandemic era.","authors":"Priyanka Rathee, Sarita Khatkar, Renu Sehrawat, Pooja Rathee, Anurag Khatkar, Esra Küpeli","doi":"10.55730/1300-0144.6336","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0144.6336","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The widespread use of polypropylene-based face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic created a significant and persistent source of plastic pollution. This review aims to provide an integrative assessment of the environmental, toxicological, and public health implications of face mask litter and evaluate current waste management challenges and emerging technological solutions in the postpandemic context. A narrative review approach was employed, synthesizing literature published between 2020 and 2025 and indexed in major scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the issues of environmental contamination, microplastic generation, toxicological effects, regulatory frameworks, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based waste management strategies. The findings indicate that discarded face masks are a major source of microplastics and hazardous chemical additives, contributing to environmental contamination across terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric systems. These materials may enter human exposure pathways through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact, with potential implications for respiratory health, systemic toxicity, and endocrine disruption. In addition, current waste management systems are shown to be insufficient for handling personal protective equipment-related waste, particularly under pandemic conditions. While AI-driven technologies can improve waste detection, sorting, and monitoring efficiency, their real-world scalability remains constrained by data limitations, infrastructure requirements, and environmental trade-offs. Overall, this review emphasizes that face mask pollution constitutes a multidimensional environmental and public health challenge requiring integrated responses. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, advancing sustainable material design, and combining AI-based tools with robust waste management systems are essential for mitigating long-term risks and improving preparedness for future global health crises.</p>","PeriodicalId":23361,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"56 4","pages":"909-930"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528728/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comparative analysis of clinical quality and readability of neuropathic pain patient information leaflets: Türkiye versus the United States.","authors":"Gönül Sari, Argun Pire","doi":"10.55730/1300-0144.6341","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0144.6341","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>Neuropathic pain management requires high patient adherence and complex dose-titration regimens, making the readability of patient information leaflets (PILs) a critical patient safety factor. This study aimed to compare the clinical content quality and linguistic readability of PILs for neuropathic pain medications between Türkiye (TİTCK) and the United States (DailyMed).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 11 pairs of innovator medications were analyzed. Clinical content was assessed using the 15-item Keystone Clinical Content Checklist (KCCC). Readability was assessed using the Ateşman index for Turkish texts and the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) for English texts. Information quality and reliability were evaluated using DISCERN, the Global Quality Score (GQS), and JAMA benchmarks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>TİTCK leaflets exhibited significantly higher word counts (2652.27 ± 591.6) and sentence counts (180.55 ± 30.7) than the US group (564.09 ± 75.71 and 28.18 ± 4.48, respectively; p < 0.001). While the Turkish group demonstrated superior clinical exhaustiveness (KCCC: 14.82 ± 0.40 versus 11.91 ± 1.22; p < 0.001), both groups remained within the \"Difficult/Academic\" readability category, with no significant difference between Ateşman and FRES scores (p = 0.4056). Notably, the US group demonstrated significantly higher educational utility (GQS: 4.27 ± 0.47 versus 3.27 ± 0.47; p = 0.0049), despite its lower content volume.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The comparison of regulatory frameworks revealed a structural trade-off: while the TİTCK model offered superior clinical exhaustiveness, the FDA model provided significantly higher educational utility. Despite these differing priorities, neither model provided a readability advantage, as both remained within the \"Difficult\" category for the target patient population. These findings suggest that the high information density of the Turkish model acts as a significant barrier to effective health communication.</p>","PeriodicalId":23361,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"56 4","pages":"973-982"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528735/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Direct pars repair techniques for lumbar spondylolysis: a comparative literature review.","authors":"Kamil Çağrı Köse, Moustafa Ibrahim, Nicholas Donald Haden, John Afolayan, Hanny Anwar","doi":"10.55730/1300-0144.6338","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0144.6338","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>Lumbar spondylolysis, a pars interarticularis defect affecting approximately 3%-6% of the general population, presents a significant clinical challenge in young adults and athletes. When conservative management fails, direct pars repair offers an attractive alternative to spinal fusion by preserving segmental motion and reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration.This narrative review compares seven principal direct pars repair techniques-Buck's technique, Scott's wiring method, Morscher's hook-screw system, pedicle screw-based constructs, the V-rod/U-rod (Gillet technique), the smiley face rod construct, and the dual-stability construct (DSC)-evaluating their biomechanical properties, clinical outcomes, fusion rates, and complication profiles.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A narrative literature review was conducted examining metaanalyses, retrospective cohort studies, and biomechanical investigations published between 1970 and 2024. Primary outcome measures included fusion rates, complication rates, clinical success rates, and biomechanical stability. The inherent heterogeneity of included studies-encompassing varied patient populations, surgical technique modifications, follow-up durations, and outcome definitions-precludes formal metaanalytic synthesis and is addressed in the limitations section.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pedicle screw-based techniques demonstrated the highest fusion rates (90.2%; N = 240, 14 studies) with complication rates of 12.8% and positive clinical outcomes in 80.1% of patients. Buck's technique showed fusion rates of 83.5% (N = 372, 27 studies) with complications in 13.4% and favourable outcomes in 84.3%. Scott's wiring achieved 81.6% fusion with 22.4% complications. Morscher's hook-screw system demonstrated 77.7% fusion rates (N = 193, five studies) with the highest complication rate at 27.4%. Modern constructs-the V-rod/U-rod, smiley face rod, and DSC-appear to offer comparable or superior outcomes to pedicle screw constructs in selected series. Age below 25 years emerged as the most critical determinant of success across all techniques.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pedicle screw-based direct pars repair appears to provide the most favourable fusion and complication profile among the classical techniques. Modern constructs (V-rod, smiley face, and DSC) show promising results and warrant prospective evaluation. Buck's technique remains a viable alternative in experienced hands. Morscher's hook-screw system should be reserved as a salvage option when pedicle screw trajectory is anatomically precluded. Patient selection criteria-including age below 45 years, minimal disc degeneration, and absence of significant spondylolisthesis-are central to surgical success.</p>","PeriodicalId":23361,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"56 4","pages":"946-955"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528748/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866445","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"RNA sequencing detects more challenging cases of somatic hypermutation in the <i>IgHV</i> gene in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.","authors":"Fatma Arikan, Pınar Ata, Şenol Demir, Meral Uluköylü Mengüç, Fahir Özkalemkaş, Bedrettin Orhan, Özgür Mehtap, Arda Bayar, Asu Fergün Yilmaz, Ayşe Tülin Tuğlular, Işık Atagündüz, Tayfur Toptaş","doi":"10.55730/1300-0144.6357","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0144.6357","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) exhibits marked biological heterogeneity, and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (<i>IgHV</i>) mutation status remains a key prognostic biomarker. We evaluated patient <i>IgHV</i> status via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and examined real-life clinical outcomes in a retrospective CLL cohort.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Eighty-seven adults diagnosed with CLL between 2020 and 2022 at three centers were included. Total RNA from peripheral blood underwent anchored multiplex polymerase chain reaction with the Immunoverse BCR-IGH IGKL v1.0 kit (Integrated DNA Technologies) and was sequenced on the MiSeq platform (Illumina). <i>IgHV</i> mutation status was determined according to ERIC 2022 guidelines, specifically regarding classification of \"challenging\" double-rearranged cases, with discordant productive rearrangements (one mutated, one unmutated) categorized as unmutated (u-<i>IgHV</i>) to ensure prognostic reliability. Clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes were analyzed and overall survival (OS) was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median age at diagnosis was 60 years and 64% of patients were male. RNA-seq identified double <i>IgHV</i> rearrangements in 73% (n = 63) of patients, 63% of whom harbored two productive rearrangements without evidence of biclonality. Unmutated <i>IgHV</i> (u-<i>IgHV</i>) was observed in 53% (n = 46). Compared to mutated <i>IgHV</i> (m-<i>IgHV</i>), patients with u-<i>IgHV</i> more frequently required first-line therapy (66% vs. 34%) and proceeded to second-line treatment more rapidly. Deletion 17p was significantly more common in the u-<i>IgHV</i> group. After median follow-up of 37.5 months, the 3-year OS rate was 91.9%, with no significant difference in OS between the m-<i>IgHV</i> and u-<i>IgHV</i> cohorts.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>RNA-seq provided detailed insight into <i>IgHV</i> mutation status and revealed a higher incidence of challenging double-rearranged cases. These real-life findings underscore the clinical utility of RNA-based <i>IgHV</i> profiling and support its use. Prospective studies comparing RNA- and DNA-based assays are warranted to validate concordance and inform risk-adapted management strategies in the treatment of CLL.</p>","PeriodicalId":23361,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"56 4","pages":"1133-1140"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528727/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In silico evaluation of the role of PEA3 subfamily ETS transcription factors in chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.","authors":"Fevzi Coşkun Sökmen, Laika Kardana, Hikmet Yilmaz, Ahmet Çağlar Özketen, Aynur Karadağ Gürel, Özge Atay, Hasan Hüseyin Kazan","doi":"10.55730/1300-0144.6223","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0144.6223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>The E26 transformation-specific family of transcription factors regulates the cell cycle and apoptosis that are crucial for carcinogenesis. More specifically, the PEA3 subfamily-comprising ETS variant (ETV) transcription factors ETV1, ETV4, and ETV5-has been implicated in multiple oncogenic signaling pathways and chemotherapy resistance. While cisplatin is still a widely used chemotherapeutic treatment for ovarian cancer, its therapeutic efficacy is sometimes limited by the induction of resistance mechanisms. The present study investigates the potential role of PEA3 subfamily genes in cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer through comprehensive in silico analyses.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Cisplatin response data for ovarian cancer were obtained from the Cancer Treatment Response Database version 2 (CTR-DB2), and the relevant dataset was analyzed. Candidate genes, including members of the PEA3 transcription factor subfamily, were analyzed with a multigene biomarker model, and a receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to measure predictive ability. GEPIA2, KMplotter, and cBioPortal were used for survival analysis, while the TNMplot, cBioPortal, and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium datasets were used for multiomics characterization and differential expression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The ETV4-CIC gene pair in the CTR-DB2 validation dataset achieved the highest predictive performance for cisplatin response in ovarian cancer with an area-under-curve of 0.939, clearly separating responders from nonresponders. No other gene combinations outperformed this model, demonstrating only moderate predictive capacity. The ETV4-CIC gene pair was also associated with disease-free survival. Differential expression analysis showed downregulation of CIC and upregulation of ETV4 in tumor tissues. Genomic and proteomic analyses confirmed alterations in both genes, while correlation analysis suggested complementary biological roles.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The ETV4-CIC gene pair effectively discriminated between cisplatin responders and nonresponders in ovarian cancer. Accordingly, the ETV4-CIC signature may serve as a useful biomarker for cisplatin response prediction and patient stratification in precision oncology.</p>","PeriodicalId":23361,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"56 3","pages":"890-896"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13398591/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148585352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"L-theanine attenuates AlCl3-induced cognitive dysfunction and neurotoxicity in rats: a behavioral and biochemical study.","authors":"Muhammet Oğuzhan Dönmez, Azize Şener, Şeyda Karaman Ersoy, Mahdi Marzi, Göksel Şener","doi":"10.55730/1300-0144.6375","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0144.6375","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>The effects of L-theanine (LTN), a natural compound found in tea leaves, on biochemical parameters and cognitive functions were investigated in an aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced Alzheimer's disease-like experimental model.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 32 male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, AlCl₃-induced AD-like group, LTN-treated AD-like group, and donepezil-treated AD-like group. Donepezil was used as a reference drug. For the induction of AlCl₃-induced neurotoxicity, AlCl₃ was administered by gavage at a dose of 25 mg/kg/day during the 1st week and 150 mg/kg/day for the subsequent 3 weeks. LTN was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Spatial memory was assessed using the Morris water maze and the novel object recognition test. Brain tissues were collected to analyze acetylcholinesterase, catalase, and myeloperoxidase activities, as well as amyloid beta (Aβ), lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and nitric oxide levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>LTN reversed AlCl₃-induced cognitive deficits. Moreover, the elevations in acetylcholinesterase and myeloperoxidase activities, as well as increased Aβ levels in the brain tissues of AlCl₃-treated rats, were significantly reduced following LTN treatment. The increases in lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide observed in the AlCl₃ group were suppressed by LTN treatment, while decreased antioxidant defenses, namely reduced glutathione levels and catalase activity, were restored.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings demonstrate that AlCl₃ exposure impairs cholinergic function, induces oxidative damage, and leads to cognitive dysfunction, whereas LTN treatment effectively mitigates these effects, suggesting potential neuroprotective benefits against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":23361,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"56 4","pages":"1308-1319"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528746/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of occupational lead exposure with erythrocytic parameters and nitric oxide-related metabolites: a case-control study.","authors":"Melih Gaffar Gözükara, Servet Birgin Iritaş, Deniz Özkan Vardar, Lütfiye Tutkun, Özlem Iritaş, Serdar Deniz, Vugar Ali Türksoy, Engin Tutkun","doi":"10.55730/1300-0144.6364","DOIUrl":"10.55730/1300-0144.6364","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>Occupational lead (Pb) exposure remains a significant public health concern due to its persistent presence in industrial environments and its cumulative toxic effects. Although the hematological and neurological consequences of Pb exposure are well documented, early vascular effects and the mechanisms associated with potential endothelial impairment remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between Pb exposure, erythrocytic parameters, and nitric oxide (NO)-related metabolites (asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA], symmetric dimethylarginine [SDMA], arginine, homoarginine, and citrulline) to identify early biomarkers that may suggest impairment in NO-related pathways.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This case-control study included a strictly selected cohort of 125 occupationally Pb-exposed workers and 125 healthy controls without known occupational exposure. To minimize confounding, all participants were strict nonsmokers and nondrinkers with no history of chronic disease. Blood Pb levels, hematological parameters, and metabolic biomarkers, including arginine, ADMA, SDMA, homoarginine, and citrulline, were analyzed using standardized laboratory methods. Associations between Pb levels, erythrocyte indices, and amino acid-related metabolites were evaluated using correlation analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Blood Pb concentrations were significantly higher in the Pb-exposed group. Pb-exposed individuals had significantly lower hemoglobin (Hb) levels. While ADMA levels did not differ significantly between groups, SDMA levels were higher and citrulline levels were lower in the exposed workers. Ferritin levels were lower, whereas transferrin and total iron-binding capacity levels were higher in the exposed group. In multivariable analyses adjusted for age and body mass index, blood Pb levels were associated with higher SDMA levels and lower Hb, citrulline, and ferritin levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Occupational Pb exposure was associated with alterations in erythrocytic indices and NO-related metabolic markers, which may be consistent with impairment in NO-related pathways. However, because of the case-control design and the absence of direct endothelial function measurements, these findings should be interpreted as associative rather than causal.</p>","PeriodicalId":23361,"journal":{"name":"Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"56 4","pages":"1198-1207"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528729/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}