In this study, serum carnitine (CRNT) and adiponectin (APN) levels and the correlation of these parameters in patients with breast cancer before and after treatment with radiotherapy (RT) were determined.Materials and methods: Serum adiponectin and carnitine levels were assessed in 58 patients with breast carcinoma and 30 control subjects. Serum carnitine and APN levels were determined using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: While serum carnitine level was significantly lower in the patients with breast cancer after RT compared with the control group and before treatment (p=0.002 and p=0.019, respectively), serum APN level was significantly higher than in the control group and before treatment ( p=0.003 and p=0.027, respectively). Carnitine level showed a negative correlation with APN level in the patients after RT (r= -0.626, p= 0.001). There was no correlation between carnitine and APN levels in subjects of control group and before treatment. Also, neither carnitine nor APN levels demonstrated correlation other parameters.Conclusions: Results suggest that increased serum adiponectin and decreased carnitine levels in breast cancer after RT than control group. Carnitine level showed a negative correlation with APN level in the patient with breast cancer after RT. While carnitine, HDL-C and total cholesterol levels are decreased, trygliceride and LDL-C levels are increased in patients than control group. In addition, serum APN concentration was inversely correlated with serum carnitine levels. Furthermore, increased serum APN level in breast cancer after RT might be associated with hypocarnitinemia.

Background/aim: It is believed that radiotherapy has important effects on oxidant/antioxidant systems. Oxidative stress occurs when the balance between oxidant formation and antioxidant defense is disrupted in favor of oxidants. The aim of this study was to determine the biochemical changes in saliva pre-and postradiotherapy in head-neck radiotherapy patients and to find out the effects of radiation on glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in saliva. Materials and methods: This study included 16 patients undergoing head-neck radiotherapy in Atat & uuml;rk University Research Hospital. The levels of GSH, GSH-Px, and MDA were measured in saliva samples taken from the patients pre-and postradiotherapy. The same biochemical parameters were also measured in saliva samples from 30 healthy individuals who did not undergo head-neck radiotherapy. The data obtained were analyzed using the paired t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: When the levels of GSH (P > 0.05), GSH-Px (P > 0.05), and MDA (P < 0.05) in saliva were compared pre-and postradiotherapy in the patient group, the only significant increase was detected in the MDA level postradiotherapy. When the pre-and postradiotherapy levels of saliva GSH (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively), GSH-Px (P > 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively), and MDA (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively) were compared with those of the control group, it was revealed that the GSH level was significantly lower and the MDA level was significantly higher in both pre-and postradiotherapy compared to the control group. Also, only the postradiotherapy saliva GSH-Px level was found to be significantly lower than the control group. Conclusion: These findings show that the changes in saliva GSH, GSH-Px, and MDA levels in patients with head-neck malignity intensified due to radiation.

Özmen HK, et al. J Breast Cancer. 2013 Jun;16(2):159-163. http://dx.doi.org/10.4048/jbc.2013.16.2.159

Objective: The functions of E-selectin, interleukin (IL)-23, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients before and after radiotherapy (RT) are poorly understood. The purpose of our study was to investigate serum IL-23, E-selectin and sICAM levels in NSCLC patients before and after RT. Methods: Forty-four patients with pathologically confirmed NSCLC and 30 healthy individuals were included in the study. All patients received 66.6 Gy of concurrent RT. Results: Significant differences were observed between serum IL-23, E-selectin and sICAM levels in controls and NSCLC patients both before and after radiotherapy. Inverse correlations were detected between serum IL-23 and E-selectin levels in NSCLC patients before and after RT. Positive correlations were detected between serum sICAM levels of NSCLC patients before and after RT and RT dose. No associations were observed between RT dose and IL-23 or E-selectin levels in patients before and after RT. Conclusion: Serum IL-23, E-selectin and sICAM levels were elevated in NSCLC patients. While our results demonstrate the prognostic value of these parameters, further molecular studies of NSCLC patients are warranted.

Isolated lymphoma of the base of the tongue is a relatively rare condition. The clinical presentation may vary from a submucosal mass with a cystic appearance to an ulcerated lesion. In the present case, a cystic mass was identified in a patient admitted with a sore throat. Pathological examination confirmed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The clinical and pathological picture of lymphomas covers a wide spectrum and the rate of occurrence in the oral cavity is 3–5%. Among all malignant tumors of the oral cavity, lymphomas represent the third most common type of tumor, following squamous cell carcinoma and salivary gland neoplasms. Lymphomas of the oral cavity mostly arise from the Waldeyer ring, which is a lymphoid tissue. In our case, no recurrence was observed during the 8-month follow-up period after the patient was administered chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. In conclusion, although isolated lymphoma of the base of the tongue is extremely rare, it should always be considered in patients presenting with a sore throat and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat.

Cognitive impairment is an increasingly common complication of diabetes, yet its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Neuronal pentraxin 2 (NPTX2), a recently identified synaptic biomarker linked to cognitive disorders, has not previously been examined in relation to cognitive function in geriatric individuals with diabetes. This cross-sectional study enrolled 90 participants—46 geriatric patients with diabetes and 44 age-matched non-diabetic controls. Demographic and clinical data were collected for all participants. After informed consent, cognitive function was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Serum NPTX2 levels were measured by ELISA. No significant differences were found between the diabetic and control groups in age, sex, education level, marital status, smoking history, comorbid conditions, or polypharmacy. However, the groups differed significantly in MoCA scores (p < 0.001), MMSE scores (p = 0.028), and NPTX2 levels (p = 0.048); the diabetic group showed lower cognitive scores and biomarker levels. NPTX2 levels correlated positively with MoCA and MMSE scores and negatively with diabetes duration, patient age, and the presence of microvascular complications. In conclusion, cognitive function was significantly lower in geriatric patients with diabetes than in controls, and serum NPTX2 levels were significantly associated with cognitive performance. These findings suggest a possible role for NPTX2 in diabetes-related cognitive decline and support further investigation of its utility within a broader biomarker panel.