The association between cardiac valvular calcification and fetuin-A levels in kidney transplant recipients.

Objectives: Low fetuin-A levels in hemodialysis patients can be associated with development of vascular and valvular calcifications. The mechanisms underlying vascular and valvular calcifications are multifactorial. There are a few studies showing the relationship between low fetuin-A levels and valvular calcification after kidney transplantation.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and leptin levels in patients with a diagnosis of severe major depressive disorder with melancholic features.

Objective: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and leptin have been hypothesized to be involved in the neurobiology of depression. The aim of this study was to investigate BDNF, VEGF and leptin levels in patients with severe melancholic depression.

Methods: A total of 40 drug-free patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with melancholic features and 40 healthy controls were included in the study.

Effect of sitagliptin monotherapy on serum total ghrelin levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Aim: Sitagliptin is not associated with weight gain and has neutral effects on body weight. It is unclear whether sitagliptin treatment alters serum ghrelin levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Forty-four subjects with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to receive sitagliptin or medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for 12 weeks.

Effects of long-term antidepressant treatment on oxidative status in major depressive disorder: a 24-week follow-up study.

Purpose: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a devastating disease that afflicts large populations and has also been accepted to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Oxidative stress seems to play an essential role in the relationship of MDD and CVD. We aimed to determine the level of oxidative stress in patients with MDD and to investigate the effects of long-term antidepressant (AD) treatment on the oxidative-antioxidative system parameters and CVD risk factors.