Primary Immun Deficiency in Patients with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis and Its Relationship with Clinical Parameters.

Objective: Bronchiectasis is characterized by chronic respiratory infection. The role of immunodeficiency in this disease is poorly studied in relation to clinical indices. The primary aim of this study was to determine the frequency of these neglected altered immune status by evaluating immunoglobulins, lymphocyte subsets, complement levels, and neutrophil function, and to assess its relationship with clinical parameters in adult patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB).

Influence of Statin Therapy on Exacerbation Frequency in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease, in which chronic and systemic inflammation plays an important role. By decreasing neutrophil infiltration and cytokine production, statins have anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-seven patients who had diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to GOLD guideline were included in the study; 20 of them were statin users.

Effects of biomass smoke on pulmonary functions: a case control study.

Background: Biomass smoke is the leading cause of COPD in developing countries such as Turkey. In rural areas of Turkey, females are more exposed to biomass smoke because of traditional lifestyles.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the adverse effects of biomass smoke on pulmonary functions and define the relationship between duration in years and an index (cumulative exposure index) with altered pulmonary function test results.

Angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphism in Turkish asthmatic patients.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Several candidate genes have been identified with a potential role in the pathogenesis of asthma, including the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene. We aimed to investigate the frequency of an ACE gene polymorphism in Turkish asthmatic patients and to determine its impact on clinical parameters and disease severity.

Extraorbital sebaceous carcinoma with rapidly developing visceral metastases.

Background: Extraorbital sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare carcinoma of the skin but is known to have a good prognosis in terms of metastasis and survival.

Objective: To discuss and emphasize through the clinical and histopathologic findings and the aggressive potential of extraorbital SC and to review the corresponding literature.

Methods: We present an unusual form of extraorbital SC that has followed an aggressive course and that has metastasized rapidly.

Transforming growth factor beta-1 level in pleural effusion.

Objective: Transforming growth factor-beta1 is an important immunomodulator. The diagnostic role of TGF-beta1 has not been systematically investigated in pleural effusion.

Methodology: A prospective clinical study of 45 patients (23 men, 22 women; mean age 49 +/- 21 years) with pleural effusion was performed.

Bronchial hyperreactivity and allergic status in inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Despite the known systemic manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and a large number of reports associating lung disease and IBD, the frequency of atopy and bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) in IBD remains obscure.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of abnormal pulmonary function tests, BHR and the atopic status in patients with IBD.

Methods: Thirty patients with IBD (19 with ulcerative colitis and 11 with Crohn's disease; 19 male, 11 female) and 16 controls without any gastrointestinal disease (9 female, 7 male) were included.