ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUC)

Context. The relationship between life changes and glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes during the pandemic period was examined. Objective. We aimed to investigate the effect of the pandemic period on 66 children (aged 5-18 years) with type 1 diabetes using scales evaluating family functionality, nutritional habits, adherence to treatment and depression status. Design. It is a cross-sectional clinical and laboratory study using certain scales for its descriptive features. Subjects and Methods. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, laboratory investigations were evaluated. Family functionality of the patients were evaluated with Smilkstein’s family APGAR scale, motivation and knowledge levels were evaluated with the 6-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-6), nutritional habits were evaluated with the Mediterranean diet quality index (KIDMED), and depression status was evaluated with the children depression inventory (CDI). Results. The mean HbA1c level increased significantly in the first year of the pandemic compared to the onset of the pandemic period (8.5% vs. 8.9%, p: 0.003). In the responses to these scales, children with diabetes have high family functionality (89.4%), high motivation (90.9%) and high knowledge level about adherence to treatment (97%). Furthermore, healthy eating habits (high KIDMED index scores 92.4%), and low degree of depression score (95.5%) have been observed. We detected a statistically significant positive correlation between HbA1c and CDI scores (r: 0.27; p: 0.02), and a negative correlation between HbA1c and MMAS-6 motivation score (r: -0.30; p: 0.01). Conclusions. In this study, the effect of motivation and mood changes on glycemic control was more clearly demonstrated.

Objective. In our study, we aimed to investigate the levels of irisin, nesfatin-1 and the relationship between levels of these relatively new molecules with cardiometabolic risk markers; carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness in patients with nonfunctional adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI). Materials and Methods. Patients with NFAI (n=59) and age, sex and body mass index-matched healthy control subjects (n=59) were enrolled in this study. Serum glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid, irisin and nesfatin-1 levels and echocardiographic CIMT and EAT thickness measurements were performed in patients and controls. Results. The irisin level was 17.58 ± 4.38 pg/mL in the NFAI group, significantly higher (p<0.001) than 14.03 ± 4.03 pg/mL in the control group. Nesfatin-1 level was significantly lower in the NFAI group 194.98 ± 119.15 pg/ mL ((p < 0.001)) versus 303.48 ± 200.78 pg/mL in the control group. A positive correlation was found between irisin and nesfatin-1 levels and CIMT and EAT thickness in the NFAI group. Conclusions. In our study, we found that irisin level was higher and nesfatin-1 level was lower in patients with NFAI, and both irisin and nesfatin-1 levels were associated with CIMT and EAT thickness in NFAI patients.

Objective. The mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic neuropathic pain (NeP) are still unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate painful diabetic neuropathy in Type II diabetic patients with Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Scale (LANSS), thermal and vibratory Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) and, EMG supported Diabetic Neuropathy Score (DNS) and to evaluate the differences in patients with and without neuropathic pain. Methods. Eighty three Type II diabetic patients (26 males, 57 females) were investigated. Patients with pain were assessed by the LANSS pain scale and a score of ≥12 was classified as NeP. All patients underwent nerve conduction studies (NCS) to obtain EMG supported diabetic neuropathy score (DNS). Cold and warm sensation thresholds and cold pain and heat pain thresholds were obtained for evaluation of A-delta and C type fibers. Vibratory perception thresholds were recorded for evaluation of thickly myelinated fibers. Results. The percentage of NeP (LANSS score ≥12) was 15.7 %. QST revealed significantly lower cold detection, higher warm detection and higher heat pain thresholds at the feet in patients with NeP compared with patients without NeP. Although small fiber dysfunction has been revealed in all patients with NeP, the percentages of the presence of small fiber neuropathy and EMG supported diabetic neuropathy were not significantly different among patients with NeP and without NeP. Conclusions. We concluded that QST is a useful and a noninvasive tool to detect small fiber dysfunction in Type II diabetic patients. QST revealed increased severity of small fiber dysfunction in patients with NeP. Although small fiber neuropathy has been revealed in all Type II diabetic patients with neuropathic pain the absence of pain does not predict preserved small fiber function.

Background. Plasma level of ghrelin is possibly reduced in Helicobacter pylori infection and may account for the resultant failure to thrive. Objective. To investigate relationships between Helicobacter pylori infection, and plasma level of ghrelin, anthropometric measurements, appetite, educational and economical status of parents. Methods. Ninety-four children were screened for Helicobacter pylori infection with C-14 urea breath test. Anthropometric measurements were performed in Helicobacter pylori (+) and (-) groups. Plasma ghrelin was measured. Parents were asked to fill out the questionnaire prepared by the researcher on the number of family members, parents’ level of education, monthly income and children’s status for appetite. Results. Plasma ghrelin was lower in Helicobacter pylori (+) group (20.00 ± 22.10 ng/mL), compared to Helicobacter pylori (-) group (79.72 ± 78.13 ng/mL). The percentiles of measurements for height, weight and body mass index were higher in Helicobacter pylori (-) group. Results of C-14 urea breath test were negatively correlated with height, weight and body mass index; however, no correlation was detected between the results of C-14 urea breath test, and plasma ghrelin, number of family members, levels of parents’ education and income. A negative correlation was observed between the results of C-14 urea breath test and appetite. Conclusions. Helicobacter pylori infection is considered to play a restricting role in growth potential by decreasing ghrelin level in children. Moreover, the existence of a negative correlation between the results of C-14 UBT, and weight, height and body mass index suggests a possible link between Helicobacter pylori infection and poor growth.

Abstract Objective. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of methimazole (MTZ) and propylthiouracil (PTU) treatments on osteopontin (OPN) and oxidative stress in Graves’ disease (GD). Material and Methods. The study included 60 cases with GD in hyperthyroid state and taking no antithyroid treatment, and 30 healthy volunteers. GD patients were randomly separated into two groups; 30 of them took PTU, and the other 30 took MTZ treatments. Blood samples were taken from the patients with GD before the treatment, and three months after the treatment was begun, when they were in the euthyroid state; blood samples of the healthy control subjects were also taken at these times. Results. TAS and OSI levels before treatment were significantly higher in the GD group, when compared to the control group (p<0.001, for each). GD subjects taking PTU treatment had significantly higher TAS levels (p=0.001), and significantly lower TOS and OSI levels (p=0.008 and p=0.001, respectively). TAS levels significantly decreased in the patients taking MTZ treatment (p=0.029), but TOS and OSI levels did not change significantly (p>0.05). Pretreatment OPN levels were significantly higher in GD patients, when compared to the control group (p=0.014). OPN level significantly decreased in the GD group taking PTU treatment; however OPN levels in the group taking MTZ treatment did not change significantly when compared to the pretreatment value. Conclusion. PTU treatment is more effective in decreasing OPN and oxidative stress in GD patients, when compared to the MTZ treatment.

Context. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that acts by binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) found in many tissues. According to the long-term mechanism, vitamin D causes the proliferation and differentiation of muscle cells by gene transcription. Objective. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between muscle strength and serum vitamin D levels in elderly men. Design. Cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods. Male patients over age 50 were included in the study. Study population was divided into 2 groups with handgrip strength according to body mass index, either as subjects with weak or with normal handgrip strength test (HGST). Vitamin D levels and other variables compared between weak and normal groups. Results. Vitamin D level of weak and normal groups were 7.5 (3-19.9) μg/L, and 11.6 (11.6-34.9) μg/L, which means significant reduced vitamin D levels in weakness group (p=0.01). Vitamin D levels were significantly correlated with HGST levels (r:0.362, p=0.001). Vitamin D levels were found to be an independent predictor of weakness according to HGST in logistic regression analysis (OR: 0.453, 95% Cl:0.138-0.769, p=0.05). Conclusions. Low vitamin D level is an independent risk factor for muscle weakness in men aged more than 50 years. Therefore, vitamin D levels should be screened and early replacement should be initiated for the sake of improvement of muscle strength in elderly subjects that vulnerable for frailty.

Context. Radioactivity has been known to be a causative factor for thyroid cancer. Objective. To answer whether the Chernobyl nuclear accident had any harmful effect on the rate of thyroid cancers after a wait-and-see period. Background. The Chernobyl accident in 1986 was chosen as a milestone because of its close proximity to the geographical area studied. Design. The time periods chosen were: I. 1990-1996 (latent period), II. 1997-2003 (sensitive period), III. 2004-2015 (control period). Subject and Methods. A retrospective study was conducted in a teaching and reference state hospital. The statistical analysis of the data of 4251 patients was made by chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Results. A total of 4251 patients were operated on because of thyroid diseases between 1990-2015. The number of patients in regard to the three time periods were 817, 1141 and 2293, respectively. Statistically significant rise of thyroid cancer and significant geographic vulnerability among different parts of the country were detected between the first two periods, but not between the second and third. The rising rates of malignancy were 1.71% (14/817), 6.83% (78/1141) and 8.59%(197/2293). The mean ages of malignant cases were 51.07 years, 46.2 years and 41.8 years although the mean ages of benign cases were 47.91,60.2, and 61.3 years according to groups, respectively. Conclusion. The Chernobyl nuclear accident seemed to have harmful effect on the rate of thyroid cancer or at least contributed to its increase.

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Background. HDR syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal dysplasia caused by mutation of the GATA3 gene. Case report. We describe a case of HDR syndrome diagnosed in a 46-yearold male patient. He had hand numbness, intermittent dizziness, and imbalance due to hypocalcemia. Physical examination was slim in appearance, had marfanoid features, and presented the typical apathetic face. He had a narrow rib cage and pectus excavatum deformity. Laboratory findings included serum calcium of 7.4 mg/dL, phosphorus of 4.87 mg/dL, albumin of 4.5 g/dL, intact parathormone (iPTH) of 13.3 pg/mL, 25(OH) D3 vitamin of 16.3 μg/L, daily urinary calcium excretion of 23.4 mg/day. Noncontrast computerized tomography (CT) of the brain showed bilateral basal ganglia calcification. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT showed the absence of renal tissue in the left kidney site and pelvis (left renal aplasia). Audiometry revealed mild sensorineural hearing loss at high frequencies. Conclusions. The patients with HDR syndrome are often diagnosed when they are examined for symptomatic hypoparathyroidism and deafness. To the best our knowledge, the present case is the second case of Barakat Syndrome reported from Turkey. The treatment of HDR syndrome is focused on clinical symptoms. The prognosis of the disease correlates with hypoparathyroidism and the severity of renal disease. HDR syndrome has an autosomaldominant inheritance, screening of family members is recommended for early diagnosis and treatment.