Balkan Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Real-World Diagnostic and Therapeutic Insights in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis: Experience from the Black Sea Region of Türkiye.","authors":"Seçkin Dereli, Onur Osman Şeker, Nihan Bahadır","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-77","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-77","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"351-354"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223389/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145888306","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":"Contrast Media Side Effects and Kounis Syndrome: Timeo Danaos et Dona Ferentes.","authors":"Nicholas G Kounis, Ming-Yow Hung, Alexandr Ceasovschih, Cesare de Gregorio, Anastasia Mavromati, Marta Bernaola, Ioanna Koniari","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-3-89","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-3-89","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Kounis syndrome is defined as the occurrence of acute coronary events in the setting of allergic, hypersensitivity, or anaphylactic reactions. It is mediated by mast cell activation and the interaction of inflammatory cells, including T lymphocytes and macrophages. This process leads to the release of multiple inflammatory mediators, such as platelet-activating factor, histamine, neutral proteases (tryptase and chymase), arachidonic acid metabolites, cytokines, and chemokines. Kounis syndrome represents a unique form of acute vascular disorder that may involve not only the coronary arteries but also peripheral, cerebral, and mesenteric vessels as well as the venous system. Contrast media are widely used in diagnostic imaging to enhance visualization and characterization of pathological conditions. These agents can be administered via several routes, including oral, intravenous, intra-arterial, or rectal administration. Although most hypersensitivity reactions to contrast media are mild to moderate, severe complications such as anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and Kounis syndrome may occur. In particular, contrast media-induced Kounis syndrome has been associated with significant clinical consequences, including an increased risk of life-threatening cardiac events. This narrative review aims to summarize current evidence regarding contrast media-related adverse effects, with a focus on hypersensitivity reactions, Kounis syndrome, and associated cardiovascular complications. Emphasis is also placed on preventive strategies, including the importance of obtaining a detailed patient history of prior hypersensitivity reactions prior to contrast administration, to reduce the risk of recurrence and severe outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":"43 6","pages":"297-308"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223382/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136395","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":"Massive Resting Shunt on c-TCD: A Clue to Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation in a Young Stroke Patient.","authors":"Fubo Zhou, Ruili Li, Yingqi Xing","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-181","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-181","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"345-346"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223379/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146123468","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":"Overexpression of Circ_0004496 is Associated with Pathological Bone Formation in Ankylosing Spondylitis via the miR-145/ACTG1 Axis.","authors":"Yu-Cong Zou, Yong-Sheng Wu, Ting Hu, Hao-Bin Zeng","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-249","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-249","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The functional role of circular ribonucleic acids in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) remains poorly understood. In our previous study, circ_0004496 and actin gamma 1 (ACTG1) were found to be upregulated in ossified tissues from patients with AS.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To investiagate the regulatory role of circ_0004496 in pathological bone formation through the miR-145/ACTG1 axis.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Combined <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experimental study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Tissue samples were obtained from 15 patients with AS and hip ankylosis and 15 control patients with femoral neck fractures. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure circ_0004496 and miR-145 expression. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and ACTG1. Cell proliferation was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by measuring ALP activity and performing Alizarin Red S staining. Interactions among circ_0004496, miR-145, and ACTG1 were examined using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter, and fluorescence <i>in situ</i> hybridization (FISH) assays.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Circ_0004496 and ACTG1 expression levels were significantly elevated in AS hip capsule tissues, whereas miR-145 expression was reduced. Overexpression of circ_0004496 in AS-derived fibroblasts enhanced cell proliferation, accelerated cell cycle progression, increased calcium deposition, and upregulated ALP, OCN, and Runx2 protein levels. Mechanistically, circ_0004496 functioned as a molecular sponge for miR-145, which directly targets ACTG1. These regulatory interactions were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter, RIP, RNA pulldown, and FISH assays. <i>In vivo</i>, circ_0004496 overexpression was associated with sacroiliac joint fusion in proteoglycan-induced arthritis mice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Circ_0004496 overexpression promotes pathological bone formation in AS by regulating the miR-145/ACTG1 axis both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"267-280"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129393/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147389097","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":"Fucoxanthin Attenuates Bisphenol A-Induced Testicular Injury via NF-κB-Mediated Pyroptosis Inhibition.","authors":"Ke Xu, Xiangyu Ren, Hongjie Cao, Tiantian Lyu, Zuisu Yang, Fangfang Huang","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-268","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely used industrial chemical, is a well-known endocrine disruptor linked to testicular damage and impaired male reproductive function. Fucoxanthin (Fx), a marine carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties, has not been extensively studied for its potential to mitigate BPA-induced testicular injury.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To evaluate the protective effects of Fx against BPA-induced testicular injury and explored the underlying signaling mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Experimental study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mouse model of BPA-induced testicular injury was established. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify significantly altered genes. The therapeutic potential of Fx was assessed using combined molecular and histological approaches. Complementary <i>in vitro</i> experiments with TM3 Leydig cells were conducted to support the <i>in vitro</i> findings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fx administration markedly attenuated BPA-induced disruptions in serum sex hormones, testicular histopathology, and proinflammatory cytokine levels. Ribonucleic acid sequencing revealed that Fx's protective effects are associated with modulation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Validation experiments indicated that Fx inhibits nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and suppresses pyroptosis, accompanied by downregulation of key genes and proteins in the lipopolysaccharide/NLRP3 signaling cascade. <i>In vitro</i> analyses confirmed that Fx reduces oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB activation and pyroptosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that Fx may serve as a promising dietary supplement or nutraceutical agent to mitigate the adverse reproductive effects of environmental endocrine disruptors, with potential benefits for male reproductive health.</p>","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"253-266"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129394/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147363972","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":"Thymopentin-Induced Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report Highlighting Clinical Vigilance.","authors":"Ning Zhao, Li Yang, Ting Li","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-197","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-197","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"291-293"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129400/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145931957","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":"Papillary Muscle Calcification as a Rare Cardiac Manifestation of β-Thalassemia-Related Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum-Like Syndrome.","authors":"Fethi Gül, Damla Öztürk Efe","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-275","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-275","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":"43 5","pages":"281-282"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129392/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147760774","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":"Enhancing the Therapeutic Index of Bioactive Compounds Through Novel Delivery Systems.","authors":"Yeşim Hülya Uz, Suat Erdoğan","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.270326","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.270326","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":"43 5","pages":"227-229"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129399/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147760845","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":"Treatment of Steroid-Resistant Radiation-Induced Cerebral Edema with <i>Boswellia serrata</i>.","authors":"Yusuf Kavuzlu, Serdar Solak, Zafer Koçak","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-168","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-168","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"288-290"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129401/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145803172","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":"Triple-Valve Infective Endocarditis.","authors":"Mihalache Georgeta, Spatari Anastasia, Chiriac Snejana, Lefter Oxana, Barcaru Dumitrița, Oprea Catalina, Ureche Andrei","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-1","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"283-284"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129398/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145965116","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}