Association between Serum α-Klotho Levels and Behçet Disease.

Background: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) has a well-known role in promoting vascular inflammation in Behçet disease (BD). α-klotho is involved in regulation of endothelial function, and its reduction has been reported to be associated with ED.

Objective: To assess serum α-klotho in patients with BD, compared with healthy control individuals.

Dysregulation of immunity in COVID-19 and SLE.

The immune response plays a crucial role in preventing diseases, such as infections. There are two types of immune responses, specific and innate immunity, each of which consists of two components: cellular immunity and humoral immunity. Dysfunction in any immune system component increases the risk of developing certain diseases.

Relationship between serum-soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Considering the important role of serum soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product (sRAGE/RAGE)-ligand system in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this study aimed to evaluate serum sRAGE levels in RA patients compared to healthy subjects and to assess whether there is an association between sRAGE levels and disease characteristics in RA. In this cross-sectional study, 60 RA patients according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. In patients, clinical examination was performed and disease activity score 28 (DAS-28) measure of disease activity was assessed.

Efficacy and Safety of Mycophenolate Mofetil Versus Intravenous Pulse Cyclophosphamide as Induction Therapy in Proliferative Lupus Nephritis.

Introduction: Lupus nephritis is a common and severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus that can lead to end-stage renal disease and death. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide as induction therapy and subsequently as maintenance therapy for lupus nephritis.

Materials And Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, 67 patients with proliferative lupus nephritis who were treated with MMF (n = 45) and pulse of intravenous cyclophosphamide (n = 22) were included.

Role of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as an emerging biomarker of acute renal failure following kidney transplantation and its correlation with plasma creatinine.

Introduction: Graft function early after kidney transplantation is an important parameter in determining the outcome of operation. Urinary and plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a member of the lipocalin protein family, has been advocated as a sensitive, early biomarker for predicting early renal graft after transplantation. The functions of NGAL appears to be expressed in stress conditions and in tissues undergoing involution.

Correlation of plasma interleukin-18 concentration and severity of renal involvement and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by activation of T and polyclonal B lymphocytes. IL-18 was originally identified as a factor which enhances IFN-γ production and is a potent inducer of the inflammatory mediators by T cells, causing severe inflammatory disorders in SLE.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association of plasma interlukine-18 (IL-18) concentration and severity of lupus nephritis (LN) and disease activity in SLE patients.

Renal vascular Doppler ultrasonographic indices and carotid artery intima-media thickness in diabetic nephropathy.

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the common causes of renal insufficiency and is responsible for about one third of cases requiring renal transplantation. Conventional sonography provides limited information regarding the severity and prognosis of disease. The present study was carried out to evaluate the renal vascular Doppler indices role in determining renal dysfunction and carotid artery atherosclerosis.

Brain hemodynamics in patients with end-stage renal disease between hemodialysis sessions.

Introduction: End-stage renal disease has been associated with premature atherosclerosis of the cerebral circulation. The risk of stroke, a frequent complication of uremia as a result of cerebral blood flow reduction, is high in dialysis patients. This study aimed to assess brain hemodynamics between hemodialysis interval periods by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography.

Nerve conduction changes following arteriovenous fistula construction in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of chronic renal failure (CRF). Superimposed neuropathies may complicate arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) construction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of AVF construction on nerve conduction.

Calcium and phosphorus metabolism in stable renal transplant recipients.

Objectives: This study sought to elucidate the status of calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone in patients following kidney transplant.

Materials And Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 20 renal transplant recipients were evaluated. For each patient, age, sex, time since transplant, and body weight were recorded.