Fatma Tuba Akdeniz

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of global mortality. The C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) gene has been implicated in atherosclerosis; however, its relationship with lipoprotein subfraction profiles remains unclear. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the association between the CXCL12 rs1801157 C>T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in a Turkish population. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between this polymorphism and LDL and HDL lipoprotein subfraction profiles. Methods: This case–control study included 139 patients with angiographically confirmed CAD and 125 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions were analyzed using the Lipoprint^® polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis system. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and major cardiovascular risk factors. Results: No significant differences in rs1801157 genotype or allele distributions were observed between groups (overall χ² = 0.459, p = 0.796). Logistic regression confirmed that the polymorphism was not an independent predictor of CAD risk (CT: OR = 1.396, p = 0.409; TT: OR = 1.458, p = 0.694). HDL-C was an independent protective factor (OR = 0.952, 95% CI: 0.910–0.996; p = 0.029). Notably, TT homozygous carriers exhibited significantly higher large HDL (p = 0.018) and intermediate HDL (p < 0.001) subfraction levels and markedly lower small LDL concentrations (p < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression confirmed these associations were independent of age, sex, and BMI. Conclusions: The CXCL12 rs1801157 variant does not directly influence CAD susceptibility but modulates lipoprotein quality by promoting larger HDL subfractions and reducing atherogenic small LDL particles, suggesting an indirect cardioprotective role through lipid metabolism.

Background: Gingivitis and periodontitis are progressive inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth; gingivitis involves reversible gingival inflammation, whereas periodontitis is a more advanced condition characterized by irreversible tissue destruction, including clinical attachment and alveolar bone loss. Salusin-α and salusin-β are inflammation-related polypeptides that may reflect periodontal inflammatory burden; however, salivary data in periodontal diseases are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the salivary salusin-α and salusin-β levels in individuals with gingivitis and periodontitis. Methods: Saliva samples were collected from a total of 80 systemically healthy non-smoker individuals classified into three groups: gingivitis (n = 27), stage III grade B periodontitis (n = 27), and healthy participant (n = 26) based on the 2017 Periodontal Classification criteria. Salusin-α and salusin-β levels in saliva were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Statistical analysis utilized one-way ANOVA, Student’s t-test, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Compared to the healthy group, salivary levels of salusin-α and salusin-β were found to be significantly elevated in periodontitis groups (p < 0.05), not gingivitis (p > 0.05); moreover, the increase in both markers was significantly greater in the periodontitis group than in the gingivitis group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our finding suggests that salusins play a role in the inflammatory processes of periodontal diseases. The increase in salusin-α and salusin-β levels in the periodontitis suggests that these parameters may serve as biomarkers.

Ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage due to non-specific symptoms, contributing to high mortality. The limited diagnostic performance of current serum assays in early disease underscores the need for complementary circulating biomarkers. Circulating microRNAs and inflammation-related markers are promising candidates. Although miRNAs are implicated in cancer diagnostics, the role of miRNA-29a in ovarian cancer remains underexplored. Given that sST2 is elevated in several malignancies and is a direct target of miRNA-29a, concurrent evaluation may be informative. This pilot study compared serum miRNA-29a and sST2 levels in 23 ovarian cancer patients and 22 healthy female controls. miRNA-29a expression was quantified by real-time PCR (2^−ΔΔCt), and sST2 was measured by ELISA; diagnostic performance was assessed using ROC analysis. miRNA-29a levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), whereas sST2 concentrations were significantly increased (p < 0.001) in patients versus controls. ROC analysis showed modest discrimination for miRNA-29a (AUC 0.678) and higher performance for sST2 (AUC 0.825). No significant correlation was observed between the two markers. These findings suggest that circulating miRNA-29a and sST2 may have biomarker potential in ovarian cancer; larger, well-designed studies are required to confirm clinical utility.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic syndrome commonly characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Current evidence suggests that FMS diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and patient-reported symptoms. MicroRNAs, which serve as key regulators of gene expression, have been proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of FMS and other chronic pain syndromes. In this pilot study, miRNA-223-3p expression levels were examined in patients with FMS, and their relationship with pain intensity—assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)was evaluated. To obtain a broader understanding of the inflammatory response, serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels were also measured. miRNA-223-3p expression levels were significantly reduced in the FMS group compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05), whereas IL-1β levels did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.1135). The negative correlation between miRNA-223-3p and VAS scores indicates that lower miRNA levels are associated with increased pain severity. Overall, these results suggest that reduced miRNA-223-3p expression levels may be linked to neuroimmune processes and heightened pain perception in FMS. The findings provide valuable preliminary insights that may guide future studies with larger sample sizes.

Isolated Hypoglyceamia in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: Role of Pancreatic Insufficiency and Glucagon Response - Journal of Clinical Research in Pediatric Endocrinology

Objective: Polymorphisms, defined as variations in specific genes, are common in human populations and usually do not cause disease. However, some may influence disease susceptibility or progression. This study aimed to investigate the potential association of two glucokinase (GCK) gene polymorphisms (rs2268576 and rs741038) with the development and metabolic regulation of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients and Methods: A total of 134 individuals were enrolled, including 58 patients with type 2 diabetes and 76 non-diabetic controls from outpatient clinics. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, and genotyping for rs2268576 and rs741038 was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Genotypic distributions were compared between groups and correlated with laboratory parameters obtained during clinical follow-up. Results: No significant differences were found in the genotypic distributions of rs2268576 and rs741038 between diabetic patients and controls (P> 0.05). Similarly, no association was observed with fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, or HbA1c. However, individuals with the GG genotype of rs741038 had significantly higher microalbumin/creatinine ratios (P = 0.03), suggesting a potential genetic link to diabetic nephropathy despite no association with diabetes development. Conclusion: Although, no relationship was found between these GCK polymorphisms and diabetes itself, the rs741038 GG genotype may indicate risk for diabetic nephropathy, independent of glycemic control.

Aims: Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in regulating the response to chronic inflammation in periodontal diseases and serve as reliable biomarkers. While these biomarkers are traditionally assessed through invasive techniques, analyzing miRNA expression in saliva offers a non-invasive and convenient alternative. Our study aims to investigate salivary miRNA-199a-5p levels in both healthy and diseased conditions and to evaluate its potential role as an early diagnostic indicator of periodontal diseases such as gingivitis. Methods: Saliva samples from 50 individuals, either diagnosed with gingivitis or exhibiting a healthy periodontal condition, were analyzed using miRNeasy serum/plasma kit (Qiagen). SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. MiRNA-199a-5p expression levels were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: In saliva samples collected from 50 individuals, the expression levels of miRNA-199a-5p were significantly elevated in the gingivitis group compared to the healthy control group. Aditionally, the bleeding on probing (BOP %) values were significantly higher in group G compared to the healthy group. Conclusion: miRNA-199a-5p can be considered an important regulator with potential as both an early diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for periodontal diseases. Although its role in autophagy and inflammation shows promise, further studies are needed to clarify its specific functions and clinical relevance.

Background/Aim: Lung cancers are malignant neoplasms located in the lung tissues. miRNAs are short non-coding RNAs. It is known that miRNA-124 prevents metastasis in lung cancers. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) signaling pathway, a basic signaling pathway interconnected with other pathways, is activated during cancer development. This study aimed to compare miRNA-124-5p and PI3K serum levels in patient and control groups. Materials and Methods: miRNA isolated from patient and control serum samples were converted into cDNA. miRNA-124-5p expression was determined using Real-Time PCR and a SYBR GREEN kit. PI3K serum level was determined using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Results: While miRNA-124-5p serum level was statistically significantly lower in the patient group (p>0.02), serum PI3K level was higher in the patient group than in the control group but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.11). Conclusion: Lower serum levels of miRNA-124-5p and high PI3K levels observed in the patient group, compared to the control group, may be associated with a poor disease prognosis.

Lumbar disc degeneration is a condition caused by damage to the disc due to various causes, which results in disc material coming out of the disc space. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that play a role in the regulation of gene expression by binding to mRNA. MiRNA-199 has previously been studied in the context of intervertebral disc degeneration, and its role in the disease has been reported. The purpose of this study was to look into the role of miRNA 199 in Lumbar Disc Degeneration. This study included 26 patients with Lumbar Disc Degeneration who were admitted to the Neurosurgery Clinic at Yeditepe University Hospital and 26 completely healthy volunteer controls. After isolating microRNA from control and patient sera, was converted into cDNA, concentration measurements were taken, and PCR was used to analyze miRNA-199 expression. miRNA-199-5p expression levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in patients than in controls (P = 0.024). miRNA-199-5p Delta CT levels were also evaluated by ROC analysis (p = 0.014). miRNA-199-5p may be a candidate for a biomarker believed to play a role in disease prognosis in patients with Lumbar Disc Degeneration.