Investigation of the Effects of MicroRNA-221 Expression Levels in Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumors

Background/Aim: The aim of our study was to examine miRNA-221 as a candidate biomarker to define prognosis and/or classification for glial tumors. Materials and Methods: This study included 39 patients who underwent glial tumor surgery and 40 healthy individuals as the control group. miRNA expression levels were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used for analyzing the predictive ability of miRNA-221. Results: The levels of miRNA-221 expression were determined by comparing the Delta CT values of miRNAs and the internal control. When the expression levels of miRNA-221 were compared according to the Delta CT method, miRNA-221 was found to be significantly increased in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Increased expression levels of miRNA-221 could be a biomarker for glial tumors

Regional anesthesia in a patient with multiple trauma, advanced age and multiple comorbidities

The higher incidence of comorbidities in advanced age causes difficulties in anesthesia management. When choosing the anesthesia technique in old aged patients, our target must be to avoid aggravating the existing systemic diseases and avoid disturbing the hemodynamics to ensure their rapid return to routine life.  In this case report, we present our choice of infraclavicular nerve block accompanied with spinal anesthesia in a patient with advanced age and several comorbidities, who sustained multiple trauma. The surgery of the patient was successfully performed with minimal effects on the hemodynamics, and he was transferred to the clinic. We stress careful selection of the most appropriate anesthesia technique according to the existing state of the patient, and opting for appropriate nerve blocks even to the patients with respiratory problems.&#x0D; Key words: Advanced age; Trauma; Spinal anesthesia; Infraclavicular block&#x0D; Citation: Sahap M, Gulec H, But A, Gulec S, Ozcan AD. Regional anesthesia in a patient with multiple trauma, advanced age and multiple comorbidities. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2021;25(2):222-224. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v25i2.1475&#x0D; Received: 1 December 2020, Reviewed: 7 February 2021, Accepted: 23 February 2021</jats:p

CYP19A1, MIF and ABCA1 genes are targets of the RORα in monocyte and endothelial cells.

ROR is a member of nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors, which has a vital role in the regulation of various physiological processes. Cholesterol is a known ligand of ROR and is one of the key components that take part in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Therefore, it is possible that ROR might have a role in the development of atherosclerosis. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the presence of novel ROR response elements (ROREs) located in the promoter of CYP19A1, MIF and ABCA1 genes. Briefly, the occupancy of ROR in the promoter regions of these genes was demonstrated in THP-1 and HUVEC cell lines by ChIP analysis. In order to modulate ROR activity, THP-1 and HUVEC cells were treated with specific ROR ligands (CPG 52608 and SR1001) and then the expression levels of target genes were analysed. In the next step, we tested whether ROR activity in THP-1 macrophages was influenced by the presence of simvastatin, a cholesterol lowering drug. We found that in the presence of simvastatin the expression of the investigated target genes were down regulated and that this regulation was partially prevented by CPG 52608 and SR1001. Results of this study suggest that CYP19A1, MIF and ABCA1 are the direct target genes of ROR. In conclusion, it is important to demonstrate that certain genes involved in the development of atherosclerosis could be modulated by an inducible transcription factor. Therefore, these results offer a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of atherosclerosis

Role of simvastatin and RORα activity in the macrophage apoptotic pathway.

Objective: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition and is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Macrophages play important roles in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Apoptosis is progressively observed while plaques develop, although the precise mechanisms and outcomes of apoptosis in atherosclerosis development and progression are still contradictory. This study was conducted to explore the effects of simvastatin and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (ROR alpha) ligands on apoptosis in human acute monocytic leukemia (THP-1) macrophage cells

The Distribution of Causative Microorganisms in Diabetic Foot Infection: Has There Been Any Alterations?

Objective: We aimed to show the alteration of distribution of causative microorganisms in diabetic foot infections quinquennially by evaluating studies of Turkish origin published in national or international journals or presented in national or international meetings between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2014

Role of Caspase-9 Gene Ex5+32 G > A (rs1052576) Variant in Susceptibility to Primary Brain Tumors

Background/Aim: This study is the first to evaluate the relationship of caspase-9 (CASP-9) gene polymorphism with the risk for primary brain tumor development. Materials and Methods: The study group included 43 glioma and 27 meningioma patients and 76 healthy individuals. CASP-9 gene Ex5+32 G>A (rs1052576) polymorphism was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Individuals with the CASP-9 GG genotype had significantly decreased risk of developing a glioma brain tumor (p=0.024). Additionally, the GA genotype was significantly lower in patients with glioma than the control group (p=0.019). A significantly decreased risk of developing glioma was found in the A allele carrier group (p=0.024). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between CASP-9 polymorphism and brain meningioma (p=0.493). Conclusion: CASP-9 (rs1052576) mutant A allele seems to be a protective factor for glioma brain tumor. Future studies with a larger sample size will clarify the possible roles of CASP-9 gene in the etiology and progression of primary brain tumors

Identification of potential target genes of ROR-alpha in THP1 and HUVEC cell lines.

ROR-alpha is a nuclear receptor, activity of which can be modulated by natural or synthetic ligands. Due to its possible involvement in, and potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis, we aimed to identify ROR-alpha target genes in monocytic and endothelial cell lines