Effects of some acupoints (Du-14, Li-11, St-36, and Sp-6) on serum TNF-α and hsCRP levels in healthy young subjects.

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effect of immune-related acupuncture points on serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels.

Methods: Ninety (90) healthy volunteers (aged 20-30 years) were randomly assigned into five equal groups. Acupuncture needles were placed into single acupoints bilaterally in each group.

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies are not associated with familial Mediterranean fever.

Objective: This study investigated the presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients and controls.

Material And Methods: Forty-nine patients with FMF were enrolled (23 had a history of arthritis during attacks and 26 had no such history). Two control groups were enrolled: 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 30 healthy individuals.

Evaluation of serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in ankylosing spondylitis patients.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the activities of serum paraoxonase and arylesterase in patients with ankylosing spondylitis with respect to those of healthy controls, to assess whether these enzyme levels are related to disease activity and functional capacity.

Methods: The study included 32 patients with ankylosing spondylitis whose diagnoses were made according to the modified New York criteria as well as 25 healthy controls matched for age and sex. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index were applied to the ankylosing spondylitis patients.

Bone mineral density in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

This study was carried out to determine lumbar and femoral bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), an autosomal-recessive disease characterized by recurrent episodes of peritonitis, pleuritis, and arthritis, which are usually associated with fever. In patients with FMF and control subjects, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. BMD was determined at the lumbar spine (L1-4) and the femoral regions (neck and total) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.