Browsing by Author "Agirbasli, Mehmet"

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Congenital heart surgery in Turkey
(BAYCINAR MEDICAL PUBL-BAYCINAR TIBBI YAYINCILIK, 2012-01-01) Undar, Akif; Bakir, Ihsan; Haydin, Sertac; Erek, Ersin; Odemis, Ender; Yivli, Perihan; Agirbasli, Mehmet; Alkan-Bozkaya, Tijen; Turkoz, Ayda; Turkoz, Riza; Sasmazel, Ahmet; Karaci, Ali Riza; Cicek, Ali Ekber; Yalcinbas, Yusuf K.; Akcevin, Atif; Sanoglu, Tayyar
Leukocyte telomere length as a compensatory mechanism in vitamin D metabolism
(PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE, 2022-01-01) Agirbasli, Deniz; Kalyoncu, Minenur; Muftuoglu, Meltem; Aksungar, Fehime Benli; Agirbasli, Mehmet
Vitamin D deficiency is common among postmenopausal women. Telomere length can be a potential protective mechanism for age-related diseases. The objective of our study is to examine the association of vitamin D supplementation on leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in healthy postmenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency. The study was designed as a placebo-controlled study to investigate the short-term effects of vitamin D supplementation and seasonal changes on vitamin D related parameters, including 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)(2)D parathormone (PTH), Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), vitamin D receptor (VDR), and telomere length in a cohort of postmenopausal women (n = 102). The group was divided as supplementation (n = 52) and placebo groups (n = 50). All parameters were measured before and after treatment. Serum VDBP levels were measured by ELISA method and VDR, GC (VDBP) gene expressions and relative telomere lengths were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using a quantitative real-time PCR method. The results demonstrate that baseline levels were similar between the groups. After vitamin D supplementation 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)(2)D, PTH and VDBP levels were changed significantly compared to the placebo group. At the end of the study period, LTL levels were significantly increased in both groups and this change was more prominent in placebo group. The change in GC expression was significant between treatment and placebo groups but VDR expression remained unchanged. Even though the study was designed to solely assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation, LTL was significantly increased in the whole study group in summer months suggesting that LTL levels are affected by sun exposure and seasonal changes rather than supplementation. The study displayed the short-term effect of Vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D, PTH levels, LTL and vitamin D associated gene expressions. The relation between Vitamin D and LTL is not linear and could be confounded by several factors such as the population differences, regional and seasonal changes in sun exposure.
Multi-Locus Candidate Gene Analyses of Lipid Levels in a Pediatric Turkish Cohort: Lessons Learned on LPL, CETP, LIPC, ABCA1, and SHBG
(MARY ANN LIEBERT, INC, 2013-01-01) Agirbasli, Mehmet; Eren, Fatih; Agirbasli, Deniz; White, Marquitta J.; Williams, Scott M.
Cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis precursors were examined in 365 Turkish children and adolescents. Study participants were recruited at five different state schools. We tested single and multi-locus effects of six polymorphisms from five candidate genes, chosen based on prior known association with lipid levels in adults, for association with low (10(th) percentile) high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high (90(th) percentile) triglycerides (TG), and the related continuous outcomes. We observed an association between CETP variant rs708272 and low HDL-C (allelic p=0.020, genotypic p=0.046), which was supported by an independent analysis, PRAT (PRAT control p=0.027). Sex-stratified logistic regression analysis showed that the B2 allele of rs708272 decreased odds of being in the lower tenth percentile of HDL-C measurements (OR=0.36, p=0.02) in girls
Recommendations for the selection of techniques and components used in congenital heart surgery in Turkey
(BAYCINAR MEDICAL PUBL-BAYCINAR TIBBI YAYINCILIK, 2012-01-01) Undar, Akif; Haydin, Sertac; Erek, Ersin; Yivli, Perihan; Odemis, Ender; Agirbasli, Mehmet; Alkan-Bozkaya, Tijen; Turkoz, Ayda; Turkoz, Riza; Sasmazel, Ahmet; Karaci, Ali Riza; Cicek, Ali Ekber; Yalcinbas, Yusuf; Akcevin, Atif; Sarioglu, Tayyar; Bakir, Ihsan
There is no standard for the selection of technical and mechanical components (heart-lung machine system, oxygenator, arterial and venous cannulae, arterial filter and other specifically-designed components and devices) used in cardiopulmonary bypass in Turkey. The cost of the component plays a significant role in the selection, as well as the preference of the facility. Only a limited number of hospitals decide which components to be used based on scientific data. Studies have confirmed that selected novel techniques and components having no basis of scientific justification may pose risk for the life of the patient in the short- and long-term. The objectives of this study are to show how to use quality-control procedures and scientific data for the selection of novel techniques and components and to share, also, recent techniques experienced to minimize the complication risk after surgery.
SHBG Gene Polymorphism (rs1799941) Associates with Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents
(PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE, 2015-01-01) White, Marquitta J.; Eren, Fatih; Agirbasli, Deniz; Williams, Scott M.; Agirbasli, Mehmet
Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disorder characterized by coexistence of several cardiometabolic (CM) factors, i.e. hyperlipidemia, obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. The presence of MetS is strongly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The syndrome was originally defined as an adult disorder, but MetS has become increasingly recognized in children and adolescents. Methods Genetic variants influence biological components common to the CM factors that comprise MetS. We investigated single locus associations between six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), previously shown to modulate lipid or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels, with MetS in a Turkish pediatric cohort (37 cases, 323 controls). Results Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between rs1799941, located in SHBG, and MetS (OR = 3.09, p-value = 0.006). The association with MetS remained after sequential adjustment for each CM factor included in the syndrome definition, indicating that the identified association is not being driven by any single trait. A relationship between rs1799941 and SHBG levels, was also discovered, but it was dependent on MetS status. In control subjects, the A allele of rs1799941 associated with a significant increase in SHBG levels (p = 0.012), while in cases there was no association between rs1799941 and SHBG levels (p = 0.963). Conclusions The significant association between rs1799941 and MetS in children is not contingent on any single CM trait. Additionally, the presence of MetS may abrogate effect of rs1799941 polymorphism on SHBG levels in children.
Translating Biotechnology to Knowledge-Based Innovation, Peace, and Development? Deploy a Science Peace Corps-An Open Letter to World Leaders
(MARY ANN LIEBERT, INC, 2014-01-01) Hekim, Nezih; Coskun, Yavuz; Sinav, Ahmet; Abou-Zeid, Alaa H.; Agirbasli, Mehmet; Akintola, Simisola O.; Aynacioglu, Sukru; Bayram, Mustafa; Bragazzi, Nicola Luigi; Dandara, Collet; Dereli, Turkay; Dove, Edward S.; Elbeyli, Levent; Endrenyi, Laszlo; Erciyas, Kamile; Faris, Jack; Ferguson, Lynnette R.; Gogus, Fahrettin; Gungor, Kivanc; Gursoy, Mervi; Gursoy, Ulvi K.; Karaomerlioglu, M. Asim; Kickbusch, Ilona; Kilic, Turker; Kilinc, Metin; Kocagoz, Tanil; Lin, Biaoyang; LLerena, Adrian; Manolopoulos, Vangelis G.; Nair, Bipin; Ozkan, Bulent; Pang, Tikki; Sardas, Semra; Srivastava, Sanjeeva; Toraman, Cengiz; Ustun, Kemal; Warnich, Louise; Wonkam, Ambroise; Yakicier, Mustafa Cengiz; Yasar, Umit; Ozdemir, Vural
Scholarship knows no geographical boundaries. This science diplomacy and biotechnology journalism article introduces an original concept and policy petition to innovate the global translational science, a Science Peace Corps. Service at the new Corps could entail volunteer work for a minimum of 6 weeks, and up to a maximum of 2 years, for translational research in any region of the world to build capacity manifestly for development and peace, instead of the narrow bench-to-bedside model of life science translation. Topics for translational research are envisioned to include all fields of life sciences and medicine, as long as they are linked to potential or concrete endpoints in development, foreign policy, conflict management, post-crisis capacity building, and/or peace scholarship domains. As a new instrument in the global science and technology governance toolbox, a Science Peace Corps could work effectively, for example, towards elucidating the emerging concept of ``one health{''}-encompassing human, environmental, plant, microbial, ecosystem, and planet health-thus serving as an innovative crosscutting pillar of 21st century integrative biology. An interdisciplinary program of this caliber for development would link 21st century life sciences to foreign policy and peace, in ways that can benefit many nations despite their ideological differences. We note that a Science Peace Corps is timely. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the United Nations released the Fifth Assessment Report on March 31, 2014. Worrisomely, the report underscores that no person or nation will remain untouched by the climate change, highlighting the shared pressing life sciences challenges for global society. To this end, we recall that President John F. Kennedy advocated for volunteer work that has enduring, transgenerational, and global impacts. This culminated in establishment of the Peace Corps in 1961. Earlier, President Abraham Lincoln aptly observed, ``nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.{''} We therefore petition President Barack Obama, other world leaders, and international development agencies in positions of power around the globe, to consider deploying a Science Peace Corps to cultivate the essential (and presently missing) ties among life sciences, foreign policy, development, and peace agendas. A Science Peace Corps requires support by a credible and independent intergovernmental organization or development agency for funding, and arbitration in the course of volunteer work when the global versus local (glocal) value-based priorities and human rights intersect in synergy or conflict. In all, Science Peace Corps is an invitation to a new pathway for competence in 21st century science that is locally productive and globally competitive. It can open up scientific institutions to broader considerations and broader inputs, and thus cultivate vital translational science in a world sorely in need of solidarity and sustainable responses to the challenges of 21st century science and society.