Mustafa Örkmez

Objective: The aim of this review is to demonstrate that Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) can be diagnosed early using saliva-based liquid biopsy focused on multi-omic biomarkers, and to evaluate the prognostic potential of this method as a non-invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies in long-term (longitudinal) follow-up. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to synthesize current evidence regarding the diagnostic performance of multi-omic biomarker panels that include the biological composition of saliva, salivary proteomics, exosomal miRNAs, epigenetic profiles (DNA methylation), and oral microbiome dysbiosis. Additionally, the clinical applicability of integrating these multi-omic biomarkers with nanodiagnostic and Point-of-Care (POC) technologies was analyzed in conjunction with a comprehensive review of current translational challenges and critical approaches. Results: Data from recent studies on the early detection of OSCC have shown that, when multiple biomarker panels are used, they achieve higher Area Under the Curve (AUC) values compared to individual biomarkers. In particular, exosomal miRNAs, epigenetic changes, and multi-omic data from saliva enable us to perform reliable risk assessments regarding disease prognosis and provide a clearer understanding of tumor mechanisms such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conclusion: Saliva-based liquid biopsy approaches stand out as a promising, non-invasive option for the early diagnosis of oral cancers, monitoring prognosis, and evaluating treatment response. The integration of ctDNA, exosomal miRNA signatures, proteomic panels, and multi-omics approaches with artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can enhance diagnostic accuracy and support more personalized clinical decision-making processes. In the future, these technologies are expected to play a significant role in rapid, real-time, and cost-effective cancer screening in high-risk populations through artificial intelligence-supported systems integrated with point-of-care diagnostic methods.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of presepsin in differentiating benign and malignant causes of cervical lymphadenopathy and to compare its performance with conventional inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Methods: A total of 76 individuals were enrolled, including 52 patients who underwent excisional biopsy for cervical lymphadenopathy and 24 healthy controls. Serum presepsin, CRP, ESR, and complete blood count parameters were measured preoperatively. Patients were classified according to histopathological diagnosis as reactive, granulomatous, or malignant lymphadenopathy. Correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of biomarkers. Results: Median presepsin, CRP, ESR, NLR, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared with controls (all p < 0.001). Presepsin levels correlated positively with CRP (r = 0.42), ESR (r = 0.38), and NLR (r = 0.36). Although subgroup analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in presepsin levels among reactive, granulomatous, and malignant cases (p = 0.50), ROC analysis demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy for presepsin (AUC = 0.85), followed by CRP (AUC = 0.78), ESR (AUC = 0.74), and NLR (AUC = 0.72). A presepsin threshold of >210 pg/mL predicted malignancy with 82.4% sensitivity and 78.6% specificity. Conclusions: Presepsin provides an objective and noninvasive tool that complements traditional inflammatory markers in the diagnostic evaluation of cervical lymphadenopathy. Its superior diagnostic performance for malignancy prediction suggests potential utility in guiding biopsy decisions and avoiding unnecessary surgical procedures in benign cases.

Background/Aims: It is known that the intestinal microbiota plays an essential role in developing many diseases. In this study, the relationship between gut microbiota markers and clinical parameters of ankylosing spondylitis and the effect of drugs on gut microbiota markers were evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the composition of the gut microbiota in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis by comparing it with that of healthy individuals to assess the potential effects of microbial alterations on disease pathogenesis and inflammatory response and to identify differences based on treatment methods. Materials and Methods: This study included 76 AS patients diagnosed for at least 2 years, aged between 18 and 65 (38 anti-TNF recipients and 38 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID] recipients), and 38 ageand sex-matched healthy volunteers. Detailed clinical evaluations were conducted on patients and volunteers. All patients underwent a systematic clinical evaluation in accordance with the diagnostic and follow-up criteria for ankylosing spondylitis. In this context, the modified Schober test was performed to assess the lumbar flexion range of motion, chest expansion was measured with a tape measure, and cervical and thoracolumbar spinal range of motion was evaluated using a goniometer. Additionally, a detailed peripheral joint examination, including all major and minor joints, was conducted to identify peripheral joint involvement. Relevant areas were also assessed for the presence of enthesitis in terms of tenderness and pain. Sacroiliac joint tenderness was examined through direct palpation and provocation tests. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in patients and volunteers, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) scores were also calculated and recorded in the patient group. CD14, CTLA4, CXC16, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and TLR4 levels were measured in serum samples using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and BASFI scores were significantly higher in the NSAI (Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory) recipient group than in the anti-TNF recipient group (P < .05). C-reactive protein and ESR levels were significantly lower in patients who received anti-TNF therapy than those who received NSAI therapy (P < .05). CTLA4, CXC16, LPS, and TLR4 levels were found to be significantly higher in patients receiving NSAI treatment compared to those receiving anti-TNF treatment and the healthy controls (P < .05). There were no significant differences between patients and controls concerning CD14 levels (P > .05). Conclusion: This research observed that CRP and ESR levels and disease activity scores in AS patients who received anti-TNF treatment were lower than those in the NSAID treatment group and even closer to the control group. It was believed that the connection between microbiota markers and clinical and inflammatory markers can indicate the pathogenesis of AS, guide treatment follow-up, and help develop new treatment strategies.

Aim: With industrialization, there has been an increase in chronic diseases due to continuous change of nutrition. Tarhana is a traditional grain-based product fermented by lactic acid bacteria in Turkish cuisine. This study aims to evaluate possible effects of tarhana on the impaired lipid profile parameters and serum glucose values in male BALB/c mice fed a high-fat diet. Materials and Methods: Male BALB/c mice were grouped into three different strain male mice groups: control group (n=10), high fat diet (HFD) (n=10) and high fat diet supplemented with tarhana (n=10). Standard pellet feed was given to the control group, high-fat feed with 60% fat content in the HFD group, high-fat feed and 0.3 mL (8-10mL/kg) of tarhana were given to the other group. Results: A significant difference was detected in epididymal fat weights, lipid profiles and serum glucose values between the groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: It may have beneficial effects in many metabolic diseases, especially coronary heart disease and diabetes with its positive effects on lipid profile, epididymal adipose tissue and glucose level.

In the first published version of this article [1], the authors stated that "Funding: The authors declare no funding" was misspelled. This has been changed to "Funding: The study was supported by Gaziantep University Scientific Research Projects Unit with project number TF.11.36". The authors take full responsibility for this confusion, and they apologize for the confusion. Publisher’s Note: The original article has been corrected, and a correction note was added. The original article can be find online at; https://doi.org/10.58600/eurjther.20232902-1343.y

Purpose: Lactoferrin is a member of the milk protein family with a broad spectrum of bioactivities and has therapeutic effects against many microbes, viruses, and other pathogens. This study aims to show the healing effect of lactoferrin against obesity-related wound healing. Materials and Methods: In this study, 48 male rats were grouped as the Control (C) (n =8), Full-thickness skin defect model (FT) (n =8), Bovine Lactoferrin (bLf) (200 mg/kg)(n= 8), High Fat Diet (HFD) + Bovine Lactoferrin (bLf) (n = 8), High-Fat Diet (HFD)+Full-thickness skin defect model (FT) (n=8), and HFD+Full-thickness skin defect model (FT) + Bovine Lactoferrin bLf (n=8). High-Fat Diet + bLf and High-Fat Diet + Full-thickness skin defect + bLf group rats were given a high-fat diet and Bovine Lactoferrin orally. IL-6 and VEGF biochemical parameters were examined in serum. Results: When the serum IL-6 protein amounts of the groups were examined, it was the highest in the HFD+FT+bLf group on the 21st day, and the lowest in the FT group, when the serum VEGF protein amounts, which were the other biochemical parameters, were evaluated, these amounts were found to be the highest in the HFD+FT+bLf group and the lowest in the FT group on the 21st day. Conclusion: Lactoferrin has been shown to accelerate wound healing, and the fact that lactoferrin is readily available and abundant in milk makes it an exciting treatment option for wound healing and inflammation in the future.

Background: The imbalance in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory hormones secreted by the increase in fat tissue causes chronic inflammation in the fat tissue. It is thought that this chronic inflammation causes metabolic complications result-ing from obesity. Kefir is a type of probiotic that has recently attracted attention in the fight against obesity. This study aimed to examine the effects of kefir consumption on lipid profile and Adiponectin, Leptin, Resistin and Irisin/FNDC5 in the high fat diet fed BALB/C mouse model. Materials and Methods: BALB/C strain male mice were divided into three groups: control group (n = 10), high fat diet (HFD) (n = 10) and HFD + Kefir (n = 10). Mice were fed specific dietary patterns for eight weeks. The control group was given standard pellet feed. The HFD group was given a high-fat diet containing 52% fat. In addition to the high-fat feed, 15 ml/kg kefir was given to the HFD+Kefir group via oral gavage. Lipid profile was measured on an autoanalyzer using commercial kits. Leptin, Adiponectin, Resistin and Irisin/FNDC5 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using commer-cially available kits. Results: As a result of the experiment, there was no difference between the live weight gains of the groups. Epididymal fat weights in the HFD and HFD+Kefir groups were found to be statistically significantly higher than the control group. There was no significant difference between the epididymal fat weights of the HFD and HFD+Kefir groups HDL Cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C) values in the HFD and HFD+Kefir groups were found to be statistically significantly higher than the control group. No statistically significant difference was detected between the HFD+Kefir group and the HFD group in terms of HDL-C, LDL-C values. There was no difference between groups in triglyceride values. Adiponectin and Irisin/FNDC5 values of the HFD+Kefir group were found to be statistically significantly lower than the other groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the control group and the HFD group in terms of Adiponectin and Irisin/FNDC5 values. There was no significant difference between the groups in Leptin and Resistin values. Conclusions: It was thought that kefir may have metabolic effects through adipokines in the high-fat diet nutrition model, and it would be useful to support this with human studies.

Objective: The general treatment approach for Parkinson's disease (PD) is L-dopa administration. While L-dopa only relieves dopaminergic deficiency, it has no effect on the serotonergic system, which is thought to be impaired in the disease. The limitations of current treatment methods have made it necessary to discover new approaches to the treatment of the disease. Studies conducted in recent years report that different types of exercises applied lead to improvement in the symptoms of PD. Exercising decreases serotonin levels and increases dopamine levels. However, the effect of exercise on serotonin levels together with dopamine in PD and its effect on non-motor symptoms such as anxiety and depression are unknown. Methods: PD is created using MPTP. The exercise groups were given challenging treadmill exercises for 6 weeks. Serotonin and dopamine levels were measured in the striatum and serum. Parkinson's symptoms were examined with pole test and behavioral tests. Results: Exercise significantly reduced bradykinesia, increased motor activity, and decreased anxiety behaviors in the exercise groups. While exercise increased striatal dopamine levels in all exercise groups, there was no difference in striatal serotonin levels. However, the serotonin serum level was decreased in the PD model group. While treadmill exercise increased striatal dopamine levels in the Parkinson's mouse model, it did not cause any change in striatal serotonin levels. However, the decrease in serum serotonin level was determined only in the MPTP group. Conclusion: The fact that the decrease in serotonin level was only in the disease group and the lower level of anxiety observed in behavioral experiments suggested that regular treadmill exercise was the reason. However, this improvement was not observed in cases where the anxiety level was very high.

A correction to this article has been published on 15 March 2024. Correction to; https://doi.org/10.58600/eurjther2088 Objective: Reference values have gained universal acceptance as the most powerful material that helps the decision-making-implementation process of the clinical laboratory. These values ​​may be affected by the geographical location, dietary habits, and other lifestyle changes of individuals applying to the clinical laboratory. Our study aims to determine the reference ranges for the biochemistry test panel, thyroid function tests, and insulin hormone levels, which are frequently needed by clinicians for the province of Gaziantep, with samples obtained from healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: In the study phase, the selection of reference individuals was carried out using the direct method a priori. For the study group, healthy individuals (224 men, 243 women) aged 18-45 were selected. Reference intervals (95% limit) were calculated according to the non-parametric method. Results: When the reference intervals obtained in our study were compared with the reference intervals of the manufacturer, there were differences (> 10% lower or higher) in the upper and lower limits in urea (female and male), creatinine (male), HDL (female), AST (female and male), ALT (female), GGT (female), ALP (common), Lipase (common), CK (male), iron (male), TSH (female and male) markers. Male and female reference intervals for HDL, AST, ALT, and TSH differed significantly. Manufacturer reference ranges for these parameters were common to both sexes. Conclusion: As a result, differences were determined between most of the reference intervals obtained in our study and the reference intervals we routinely use. We think the difference in the reference intervals is due to the differences in dietary habits and environmental factors.