Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Validity Of The Turkish Version Of The Oral Frailty Index-8 And Its Relationship With Frailty, Malnutrition, And Sarcopenia In Older Adults, Süleyman Emre Koçyi̇ği̇t, Bi̇lal Kati̇poğlu, Yilmaz Önal, Kübra Bahar Baykan, İlknur Şeker Kaya, Fatma Sena Dost, Özge Dokuzlar, Esra Ateş Bulut, Ali̇ Ekrem Aydin, Derya Kaya, Ahmet Turan Işik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8) is a reliable screening for oral frailty. In our study, while presenting the Turkish reliability and validity study of the OFI-8, we also aimed to establish a cut-off value for oral frailty in Turkish population.

Materials and methods: Patients who presented to the outpatient clinic between January 2024 and January 2025 were evaluated. The test’s internal consistency and test–retest reliability were assessed. Divergent validity was evaluated using frailty scores, muscle strength, and nutritional status. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to determine the optimal cut-off values for identifying frailty, malnutrition, and probable …

The Burden Of Knee Pain In The Operating Room: Are Surgical Personnel At Greater Risk?, Ömer Faruk Naldöven, Yavuz Karaman, Başak Si̇nem Sezgi̇n, Şahan Güven, Enejd Vei̇zi̇, İzzet Bi̇ngöl

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of knee pain among healthcare workers in surgical units and to explore whether the use of knee panels during surgical hand scrubbing is associated with persistent knee pain.

Materials and methods: This single-center cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2023 and March 2025. A total of 400 physicians and nurses working in surgical and nonsurgical departments were included. Participants completed a structured and modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, as well as knee pain assessment tools, including a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Kujala score for anterior knee pain-related symptoms. Occupational exposure among …

Etiologies Of Chronic Cough In Children: A Two-Year Experience From A Tertiary Pediatric Pulmonology Center, Yasi̇n Maruf Ergen, Nagehan Emi̇rali̇oğlu, Ebru Yalçin, Deni̇z Doğru, Uğur Özçeli̇k, Nural Ki̇per

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Chronic cough is a common yet diagnostically challenging symptom in pediatric pulmonology. This study aimed to evaluate the etiologies of chronic cough in children referred to a tertiary center and to analyze the relationship between specific cough characteristics and final diagnoses.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study evaluated patients presenting with chronic cough (duration >4 weeks) at a tertiary pediatric pulmonology center. Demographic data, cough characteristics (wet vs. dry), and diagnostic findings were analyzed.

Results: A total of 62 patients were included. A specific etiology was identified in 95.1% of the patients. Asthma and reactive airway disease were the …

Efficacy Of External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block In Postoperative Analgesia Following Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy, Gi̇zem Avci, Yusuf Özgüner, Damla Usalan, Cem Koray Çataroğlu, Habi̇p Yilmaz, Savaş Altinsoy, Jüli̇de Ergi̇l

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The external oblique intercostal plane block (EOIB) is a regional anesthesia technique that may be utilized for the management of postoperative pain following laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of EOIB after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy by comparing 24 h tramadol consumption between groups.

Materials and methods: Initially, 66 patients were enrolled in the study, and after exclusions, 60 were analyzed and divided into two groups: the EOIB group and the control group. Postoperative tramadol consumption, pain scores at rest and during movement, and dermatomal coverage of the block were recorded.

Results: The EOIB group (181.33 …

Cover And Content

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Mandibular Extension As A Trigger Of The Proprioceptive Trigeminocardiac Reflex, Massimo Conti, Giovanna Traina, Daniele Tonlorenzi

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is a physiological response characterized by a reduction in heart rate and arterial blood pressure following stimulation of any branch of the fifth cranial nerve. This review presents a novel mechanism of TCR induction through proprioceptive activation of the trigeminal nerve via mandibular extension (ME). Accordingly, it is referred to as the “proprioceptive trigeminocardiac reflex” (pTCR). An overview of the existing literature on ME-evoked TCR in humans and animals is presented, with particular emphasis on evidence of cerebral microcirculatory alterations. The magnitude of cardiovascular responses appears to depend on the duration of ME, with repeated applications …

Canakinumab Treatment In Patients With Colchicine-Resistant Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Multicenter Observational Study, Emrah Koç, Mete Pekdi̇ker, Mete Kara

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Anti-interleukin-1 agents have known beneficial effects in the treatment of colchicine-resistant familial Mediterranean fever (cr-FMF); however, studies to date have tended to have small sample sizes and to be based on pooled data. The present study investigates the efficacy of Canakinumab (CAN) in a homogeneous cohort of cr-FMF cases.

Materials and methods: The study included patients who underwent treatment in three tertiary rheumatology departments, whose electronic medical records were reviewed retrospectively. The inclusion criteria were presence of colchicine resistant disease activity or persistent proteinuria secondary to AA-amyloidosis, and treatment with CAN for at least 6 months. Clinical and laboratory …

Sarcopenia In Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Study, Mehmet Aki̇f Topçuoğlu, Ezgi̇ Yilmaz, Di̇nç Doğan Öge, Ali̇ Nai̇m Ceren, Ridvan Muhammed Adin, Ethem Murat Arsava

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The link between atrial fibrillation (AF) and lean body mass is unclear. This study presents the effects of AF on sarcopenia indices, including ultrasonographic muscle architecture.

Materials and methods: In this study conducted in neurology units, 72 subjects with AF (mean age: 71 ± 11years, 49% female) were compared with 538 without AF (mean age:66±12years; 53% female) in terms of sarcopenia indices [anthropometry; Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); hand grip strength (HGS); bioimpedance analysis (BIA) indices; skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) normalized to weight, height and body mass index (BMI); and phase angle (PhA)]; muscle ultrasonography [thickness, cross-section area …

Retrospective Evaluation Of Treatment Outcomes Of Gasserian Ganglion Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation In Trigeminal Neuralgia Patients With Multiple Sclerosis, Emel Başar, Nevci̇han Şahutoğlu Bal, Erkan Yavuz Akçaboy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) secondary to multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare but debilitating condition. Aside from two case reports, there are limited data on the use of Gasserian ganglion radiofrequency interventions in this patient population. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of combined radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment targeting the Gasserian ganglion in patients with MS-related TN.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 12 patients with MS-associated TN who underwent combined Gasserian ganglion RFT and PRF treatment between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2025. Patients were followed for six months. Visual analog scale (VAS) …

Feeding Time Index And Mortality In Intensive Care Stroke Patients: An Exploratory Cohort Study, Nevzat Mehmet Mutlu, Duygu Karaköse Çalişkan, Tülay Tunçer Peker, Özlem Balkiz Soyal, Ayşe Pinar Ti̇ti̇z, Behi̇ye Deni̇z Kosovali, Göksal Günerhan, Büşra Tezcan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with especially high mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, whose prognosis is worsened by dysphagia, malnutrition, and aspiration risk. The Feeding Time Index (FTI)—defined as the ratio of feeding days to total ICU length of stay—quantified nutritional exposure. This exploratory cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between FTI and mortality in ICU patients with acute ischemic stroke (IS) or hemorrhagic stroke (HS) and to examine the potential role of FTI, together with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and oral feeding status, …

Inflammation As A Harbinger Of Death: A Retrospective Cohort Study Of Preoperative Biomarker Risk Stratification In Orthopedic Trauma, Serkan Aydin, Burhan Kurtuluş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative inflammatory markers including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin in predicting 30-day and 1-year mortality in patients undergoing femur fracture surgery.

Materials and methods: This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent surgical treatment for femur fractures between January 2018 and December 2024. Patients were stratified into survivor and nonsurvivor groups based on 30-day and 1-year outcomes. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and inflammatory indices were recorded and analyzed. Linear and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify …

Individualized Respiratory Exercise Device Originated In Türkiye: Design, Prototype, And First Results, Çi̇ğdem Emi̇rza Ci̇lbi̇r, Özge Ertan Harputlu, Hi̇kmet Uçgun, Büşra Ülker Ekşi̇, Sarper Kaya, Esen Kiyan, Gökşen Kuran Aslan, Buket Akinci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Respiratory muscle training (RMT) and breathing exercises are crucial components in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. RMT includes inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and expiratory muscle training (EMT); however, existing RMT devices typically support only one of these. Incentive spirometers, which also provide visual feedback for breathing exercises, are frequently used. Achieving an RMT program requires multiple devices, which increases both the cost and complexity of the training regimen. This study aimed to design, calibrate, and test a novel individualized respiratory exercise device that integrates both IMT and EMT functions into a single unit, thereby offering a cost-effective, user-friendly alternative for comprehensive cardiopulmonary …

Preoperative Inflammatory And Molecular Marker Changes In 125 Supratentorial Glioma Cases, Semi̇h Can Çeti̇ntaş, Burak Tahmazoğlu, Tufan Agah Kartum, Rahşan Kemerdere, Taner Tanriverdi̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To determine whether there is a possible link between selected preoperative systemic inflammatory markers and molecular pathological indices.Material and methods: For this retrospective study, 125 patients served as subjects. Preoperative systemic inflammatory markers, namely neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), and postoperative pathological indices, namely mitosis, Ki-67 labeling index (LI), isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation, and 1p/19q codeletion, were obtained from the electronic database.

Results: Results showed that NLR positively correlated with PLR (p = 0.00001), mitotic activity (p = 0.001), and Ki-67 LI (p = 0.00001). On the other …

Proximal Fragment Perfusion Following Hip Arthroplasty With Subtrochanteric Shortening Osteotomy In Patients With Severe Developmental Dysplasia Of The Hip, Vedat Bi̇çi̇ci̇, Hi̇lmi̇ Alkan, Enejd Vei̇zi̇, Şahan Güven, Serkan Ünlü, Eli̇f Özdemi̇r, Tural Talibli, Ahmet Firat

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The changes in proximal femoral blood flow occurring after reconstructive surgery for Crowe types III– IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and their impact on healing remain unclear. In the present study, blood flow around the osteotomy site is evaluated with particular focus on the proximal segment in patients who underwent subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and hip arthroplasty. To this end, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) scans were conducted to evaluate changes in proximal blood flow and to assess the impact on union rates and potential complications.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 26 hips from …

Ultrasound-Guided Microwave Ablation For The Treatment Of Abdominal Wall Scar Endometriosis, Saffet Öztürk, Umut Asfuroğlu, Esi̇n Kurtuluş Öztürk, Sadik Ahmet Uyanik, Gülcan Kocaoğlu, İsmai̇l Burak Gülteki̇n, Hüseyi̇n Levent Keski̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) in treating abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) lesions located at the cesarean scar and to assess the early clinical outcomes of this minimally invasive procedure.

Materials and methods: A total of 18 patients diagnosed with AWE based on characteristic clinical and US findings were included in this retrospective study. Preprocedural visual analog scale (VAS) scores, ultrasonographic features, and lesion volumes were recorded. The procedure was performed under both general and local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and procedural accuracy. Hydrodissection was performed before ablation to minimize the risk of thermal …

Radial Peripapillary Capillary Changes And Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Alterations In Diabetic Foot Ulcers With Mild-To-Moderate Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: An Octa Study, Eyüpcan Şensoy, Hi̇kmet Erhan Güven, Mehmet Çitirik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) on retinal microvascular changes, specifically the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) vessel density and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with mild-to-moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Materials and methods: Ninety participants were enrolled and divided into three groups: 30 patients with DFUs and mild-to-moderate NPDR, 30 patients with NPDR but without DFUs, and 30 healthy controls. RPC density and RNFL thickness were evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), a noninvasive imaging method. Comparisons between groups were made with statistical adjustments, including optic disc area.

Results: …

Evaluation Of Colonization With Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms And The Incidence Of Attributable Infections In Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Burcu Çalişkan Demi̇rkiran, Gülşen İskender, İpek Mumcuoğlu, Duygu Mert, Si̇nan Dal, Tuba Dal, Semra Tunçbi̇lek, Mustafa Ertek, Fevzi̇ Altuntaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The global rise in multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) has led to an increased incidence of MDRO infections following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly during the preengraftment period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pretransplant colonization by MDROs or carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and the occurrence of infections caused by phenotypically similar microorganisms during the preengraftment period, as well as to assess the clinical outcomes of patients colonized with MDROs prior to transplantation.

Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies who underwent HSCT at the bone marrow transplant unit of …

The Impact Of Fall History On Instability, Disability, And Anxiety In Patients With Chronic Neck Pain, Bülent Bozyi̇ği̇t, Emre Söylemez, Aydin Si̇nan Apaydin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of fall history on postural stability, disability, and anxiety in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP). It was hypothesized that patients with a history of falls would exhibit greater postural instability, perceived disability, and anxiety levels compared with those without a fall history and healthy controls.

Materials and methods: A total of 62 participants were included: 16 CNP patients with a history of falling (Group Ia), 21 CNP patients without falls (Group Ib), and 25 healthy controls. Assessments included the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Visual Analog Scale …

Levothyroxine Poisoning In Children: A Multicenter Study From Türkiye, Kübra Şen Küçük, Şule Demi̇r, Reyhan Deveci̇ Sevi̇m, Fatma Akgül, Gülşen Yalçin, Öznur Eser, Alkan Bal, Eli̇f Ergi̇n, Sercan Öztürk, Ahmet Anik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment approaches, and follow-up strategies employed in the management of pediatric patients with levothyroxine poisoning.

Materials and methods: This multicenter retrospective study included patients aged ≤18 years who presented with acute, single-episode levothyroxine ingestion to the pediatric emergency departments of six tertiary care centers between 2010 and 2023. Clinical data, laboratory findings, symptom onset and severity, and treatment modalities were extracted from medical records. Thyroid function tests (TFTs) were interpreted according to the age-specific reference ranges of each center. Treatment decisions, including gastric decontamination and pharmacologic therapy, were evaluated …

Clinical Features And Outcomes Of Childhood Interstitial Lung Disease: A Tertiary Center Experience, Ayyüce Ünlü, Şule Seli̇n Akyan Soydaş, Sati Özkan Tabakçi, Işil Bi̇lgi̇ç, Meltem Kürtül Çakar, Gamze Akca Di̇nç, Hande Yeti̇şgi̇n, Çelebi̇ Yildirim, Gökçen Di̇lşa Tuğcu, Di̇lber Ademhan Tural, Sanem Eryilmaz Polat, Güzi̇n Ci̇nel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILD) constitute a rare and clinically complex group of disorders. This study aimed to characterize the clinical, radiological, and genetic features, as well as the outcomes, of chILD in a Turkish cohort classified according to the chILD-EU framework.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 84 pediatric patients diagnosed with chILD between 2017 and 2024 at a tertiary referral center in Türkiye. Patients were categorized according to the chILD-EU classification. Clinical variables, imaging findings, genetic analyses, pulmonary function test results, and Fan severity scores were systematically assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed …

Effects Of Transversus Abdominis And Erector Spinae Plane Blocks On Postoperative Pain Control And Postpartum Depression After Cesarean Section: A Randomized Prospective Study, Hi̇lal Bi̇radli, Feyza Çalişir, Alev Özer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Effective postoperative pain management after cesarean section is essential for maternal recovery. Poor pain control can lead to complications, including postpartum depression. This study aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane (ESP) and transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks following cesarean section, with a particular focus on their potential impact on postpartum depression.

Materials and methods: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive either an ESP block (Group E, n = 30) or a TAP block (Group T, n = 30) after cesarean section. Pain severity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), and the …

Examination Of Sexual Health Literacy And Cyberchondria Levels In Women With Vaginismus, Gonca Türker Ergün, Cemal Ünlü, Ayşe Kuyulu Akman, Elçi̇n İşlek Seçen, Razi̇ye Toksöz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to compare sexual health literacy and cyberchondria levels between women who had been diagnosed with vaginismus and those who had not.

Materials and methods: The research was conducted as a prospective cohort study including 60 women over the age of 18 who were married and unable to engage in sexual intercourse due to primary vaginismus and 60 sexually active married women without vaginismus. Data collection tools included a patient information form, the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12-TR), and the Sexual Health Literacy Scale (SHLS).

Results: The median age of the women diagnosed with vaginismus was 27 (21–54) …

Cd20 Molecule Deficiency And Carrier Frequency: A Village-Based Screening Study, Ebru Sümen, Mehmet Ali̇ Karaselek, Serkan Küççüktürk, Tuğçe Duran, Büşra Yüksel, Mustafa Gençeli̇, Ayşe Sümeyra Engi̇n, Muhammed Furkan Erden, Tuğba Esra Pekcandanoğlu, Bi̇lal Bostan, Mahmut Esad Yurtseven, Nazi̇re Nur Onat, Şükrü Nai̇l Güner, Sevgi̇ Keleş, İsmai̇l Rei̇sli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: CD20 deficiency is an autosomal recessive inborn error of immunity (IEI), and the only known affected individual worldwide has been under follow-up in our clinic. Because the consanguineous parents of the index patient are putative carriers, we hypothesized that additional individuals with reduced CD20 expression might exist within their village population. This study aimed to evaluate clinical features associated with IEI and to identify individuals displaying CD20 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) patterns consistent with putative carrier status, while also providing appropriate genetic counseling.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional screening study was conducted in December 2024 in Çukurbağ village. Participants …

Association Between Frailty Status And Pain, Balance, And Quality Of Life In Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Musa Güneş, Aydin Si̇nan Apaydin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Frailty is a clinical syndrome that affects individuals physically and psychosocially. However, the association between lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and frailty remains unclear. This study aimed to compare pain, balance, disability, fear of falling, and quality of life between patients with LSS with and without frailty.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 43 frail and 48 nonfrail patients with LSS according to the frailty criteria of Fried et al. Pain intensity (numeric rating scale [NRS]), static balance (single leg stance test [SLST]), dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go test [TUG]), disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), fear of falling …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Healthcare Workers: Risk Factors, Sources Of Infection, And Sickness Absenteeism, Ezgi̇ Gülten, Güle Çinar, İrem Akdemi̇r, Eli̇f Muki̇me Saricaoğlu, İlkay Taşdan, Emi̇ne Atmaca, Si̇bel Kaymakçi, Fatma Şanal, Di̇lek Sevi̇m Akdaş, Arzu Büyüm, Gülşah Kocaali̇, Safi̇ye Tarakçi, Ati̇lla Hali̇l Elhan, Mehmet Serhat Bi̇rengel, Kemal Osman Memi̇koğlu, Alpay Azap

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Healthcare workers (HCWs) face increased risks of COVID-19 infection due to occupational exposure. Understanding infection sources, risk factors, and workforce losses is crucial for mitigating these impacts in future pandemics. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors, infection sources, and sickness absenteeism among HCWs diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, providing insights to enhance infection control strategies.

Materials and methods: The study included 2153 HCWs diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 between March 2020 and February 2023 at a tertiary care hospital in Türkiye. Demographic, clinical, and professional characteristics, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, infection sources, and vaccination data were analyzed. Statistical analyses …

Assessing The Influence Of Third Molar Classification On The Risk Of Caries In Adjacent Teeth, Si̇nan Yasi̇n Ertem, Fati̇h Doğanoğlu, Fehi̇me Alkan Aygör

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the impaction level and angulation of third molars and the incidence of caries in the adjacent second molars.

Materials and methods: A total of 690 panoramic radiographs obtained from patients at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University between May 2022 and January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Third molars were classified based on their eruption status using the Pell and Gregory classification (levels A, B, and C), and angulation (mesioangular, distoangular, vertical, horizontal, and inverted). The presence of caries in adjacent second molars was assessed using the international caries detection and assessment system/international caries …

Involvement Of Swap-70 In Proteolipid Protein-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis, Canan Ulusoy, Gi̇zem Koral, Fatma Akpunar Salman, Meli̇s Şen, Emi̇ne Şekerdağ Kiliç, Recai̇ Türkoğlu, Cem İsmai̇l Küçükali̇, Yasemi̇n Gürsoy Özdemi̇r, Vuslat Yilmaz, Erdem Tüzün

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Studies have shown that B cells may play an important role in the induction and progression of MS. Switch-associated protein 70 (SWAP-70) is a signal transduction molecule abundantly expressed in B cells and involved in B-cell polarization, directed migration, endothelial cell adhesion, and tissue homing. B-cell stimuli increase its expression. SWAP-70 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, including MS. This study aims to investigate the effects of acquired SWAP-70 inhibition on immune cell subsets in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Materials and methods: …

Developing Liposomal And Ethosomal Formulations With Potent Antioxidant And Cytotoxic Effects: Unleashing The Power Of Achillea Millefolium L., Esra Akkol, Sena Akçakaya Mutlu, Gökçe Şeker Karatoprak, Çi̇ğdem Yücel, Selen İlgün, Esra Köngül Şafak, Murat Koç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Achillea millefolium L., a plant rich in phenolics and flavonoids, has been shown to possess strong antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. However, no pharmaceutical formulations have yet been developed for this plant. This study aimed to create and characterize an A. millefolium extract with high antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.

Materials and methods: A total of 10 extracts were prepared from the plant’s aerial parts using ethanol concentrations ranging from 10% to 99.9%. The DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical scavenging tests were used to assess the antioxidant properties of the extracts. Cytotoxic effects were assessed using the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium …

Oleanolic Acid–Chitosan Compound Inhibits Mitochondrial Autophagy And Malignant Transformation Of Lung Cancer Through The Pten/Akt Pathway, Abuli̇mi̇ti̇ Abulai̇ti̇, Xi̇aohong Sun, Waresijiang Yibulayin, Dan He, Kemi̇ng Xu, Xi̇ayi̇mai̇erdan Yi̇bulayi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Oleanolic acid–chitosan compound (OAC) shows potent antinonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) activity, but its mechanisms remain unclear. This study elucidates how OAC modulates autophagy and apoptosis via the Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog/Protein Kinase B (PTEN/AKT) signaling pathway.

Materials and methods: Oleanolic acid was coupled with chitosan to synthesize OAC. A549 and MRC-5 cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium and Minimum Essential Medium, respectively, supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and penicillin–streptomycin. Cells were pretreated with chloroquine before OAC treatment. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK- 8 assay, while 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and colony formation tests were employed …

Neuroendocrine Effects Of Exogenous Adropin Administration On The Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis In Male Rats, Ersen Eraslan, Ayhan Tanyeli̇, Mustafa Can Güler, Asli Özbek Bi̇lgi̇n, Fazi̇le Nur Eki̇nci̇ Akdemi̇r, Eli̇f Polat, Seli̇m Çomakli, Nezahat Kurt, Tuğba Bal Taştan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Obesity impairs male fertility through metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and disruption of the hypothalamic– pituitary–testicular (HPT) axis. Adropin (ADR), a peptide hormone whose circulating levels are reduced in obesity, plays emerging roles in metabolic homeostasis; however, its involvement in reproductive endocrine regulation remains unclear. The present study was conducted in healthy, nonobese male rats and aimed to investigate the neuroendocrine and testicular effects of exogenous ADR administration, focusing on circulating reproductive hormones, hypothalamic regulatory peptides, and testicular antioxidant pathways.

Materials and methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomized into control, sham, low-dose ADR (4 μg/kg/day), and high-dose ADR (40 …