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SARS-CoV-2 isolation and propagation from Turkish COVID-19 patients
(2004-01-01) Tastan, Cihan; Yurtsever, Bulut; Karakus, Gozde Sir; Kancagi, Derya Dilek; Demir, Sevda; Abanuz, Selen; Seyis, Utku; Yildirim, Mulazim; Kuzay, Recai; Elibol, Omer; Arbak, Serap; Elmas, Merve Acikel; Birdogan, Selcuk; Sezerman, Osman Ugur; Kocagoz, Aye Sesin; Yalcin, Koray; Ovali, Ercument
The novel coronavirus pneumonia, which was named later as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, namely SARS-CoV-2. It is a positive-strand RNA virus that is the seventh coronavirus known to infect humans. The COVID-19 outbreak presents enormous challenges for global health behind the pandemic outbreak. The first diagnosed patient in Turkey has been reported by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health on March 11, 2020. In May, over 150,000 cases in Turkey, and 5.5 million cases around the world have been declared. Due to the urgent need for a vaccine and antiviral drug, isolation of the virus is crucial. Here, we report 1 of the first isolation and characterization studies of SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimens of diagnosed patients in Turkey. This study provides an isolation and replication methodology,and cell culture tropism of the virus that will be available to the research communities.
Anti-neuronal antibodies associated with headache with neurological deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis
(SPRINGEROPEN, 2008-01-01) Kurtuncu, Murat; Tuzun, Erdem; Kaya, Dilaver; Icoz, Sema; Baslo, M. Baris; Ertas, Mustafa; Demir, Guelsen Akman; Eraksoy, Mefkuere
Open reduction and low-profile plate and/or screw fixation in the treatment of phalangeal fractures
(TURKISH ASSOC ORTHOPAEDICS TRAUMATOLOGY, 2009-01-01) Nalbantoglu, Ufuk; Gereli, Arel; Cilli, Feridun; Ucar, Bekir Yavuz; Turkmen, Metin
Objectives: We evaluated the functional results and the effectiveness of open reduction and low-profile plate and/or screw fixation in the treatment of phalangeal fractures. Methods: The study included 17 patients (5 women, 12 men
Acute Ischemic Infarction Defined by a Region of Multiple Hypointense Vessels on Gradient-Echo T2*MR Imaging at 3T
(AMER SOC NEURORADIOLOGY, 2009-01-01) Kaya, D.; Dincer, A.; Yildiz, M. E.; Cizmeli, M. O.; Erzen, C.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: During the hyperacute phase of stroke, multiple hypointense vessels were identified specifically in the ischemic territory on gradient-echo T2{*}-weighted MR images (GRE-T2{*} WI) at 3T. The area was named a ``region of multiple hypointense vessels (RMHV).{''} The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of RMHV for the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and to establish the relationship of this finding to other MR imaging studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with AIS underwent MR imaging at 3T consisting of GRE-T2{*}, diffusion-weighted images (DWI), and perfusion-weighted images (PWI) within 6 hours of symptom onset and follow-up images at 72 hours. RMHV was defined as an area containing multiple hypointense vessels strictly in the region of the ischemic territory on GRE-T2{*}. The RMHV volume on GRE-T2{*}, initial ischemic lesion volumes on DWI, PWI maps, and on follow-up images were measured and compared with the RMHV volume. RESULTS: RMHV on GRE-T2{*} was identified in 20 patients. There was no significant difference between the ischemic lesion volumes on mean transit time (247.3 +/- 88.1 mL), time-to-peak (228.6 +/- 88.8 mL), cerebral blood flow (200.6 +/- 89.7 mL), RMHV on GRE-T2{*} (214.4 +/- 86 mL), and the infarct volume at 72 hours (210.3 +/- 90.4 mL) (P = .975). CONCLUSIONS: RMHV on GRE-T2{*} can be used as a supportive imaging finding for the diagnosis of hyperacute ischemic stroke. RMHV volume provides information that is in accordance with the infarct volume at 72 hours and the data supplied by PWI.
4H-Pyran-4-one derivatives:
(SCIENTIFIC TECHNICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL TURKEY-TUBITAK, 2009-01-01) Us, Demet; Gurdal, Ece; Berk, Barkin; Oktem, Sinem; Kocagoz, Tanil; Caglayan, Berrak; Kurnaz, Isil Aksan; Erol, Dilek Demir
A series of 3-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-((4-substitutedpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)-4H-pyran-4-on e structured compounds were synthesized by reacting 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one with suitable piperazine derivatives using Mannich reaction conditions. Antibacterial activities of the compounds for E. coli, S. paratyphi, S. flexneri, E. gergoviae, and M. smegmatis were assessed in vitro by using broth dilution for determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). In addition, their inhibitory effects over DNA gyrase enzyme were evaluated using a DNA gyrase supercoiling assay. Among the synthesized compounds
Is All ``Communicating'' Hydrocephalus Really Communicating? Prospective Study on the Value of 3D-Constructive Interference in Steady State Sequence at 3T
(AMER SOC NEURORADIOLOGY, 2009-01-01) Dincer, A.; Kohan, S.; Ozek, M. M.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: 3D-constructive interference in steady state (3D-CISS) sequence has been used to assess the CSF pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the additive value of 3D-CISS compared with conventional sequences in the diagnosis of obstructive membranes in hydrocephalus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 134 patients with hydrocephalus underwent MR imaging examination with a 3T unit consisting of turbo spin-echo, 3D-CISS, and cine phase-contrast (cine PC) sequences. 3D-CISS was used to assess obstructive membranes in CSF pathways compared with other sequences. Cine PC, follow-up imaging, and surgical findings were used to confirm obstructive membranes. RESULTS: Comparing the number of noncommunicating cases by using the conventional and 3D-CISS images, we found 26 new cases (19.4\%) of 134 cases that were previously misdiagnosed as communicating hydrocephalus by conventional images. 3D-CISS sequence identified obstructive membranes invisible in other sequences, which facilitated selection of neuroendoscopy in the treatment of 31 patients (23.1\%) in total who would have been otherwise treated with shunt insertion. These patients included 26 newly diagnosed noncommunicating cases after demonstration of intraventricular and/or fourth ventricular outlet membranes and 5 cases of communicating hydrocephalus with obstructing cisternal membranes. There were obstructions of the foramina of Luschka in 22 of 26 newly found noncommunicating cases. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional sequences are insensitive to obstructive membranes in CSF pathways, especially in the fourth ventricular exit foramina and the basal cisterns. 3D-CISS sequence, revealing these obstructive membranes, can alter patient treatment and prognosis.
Assessment of cardiovascular risk in paediatric peritoneal dialysis patients: a Turkish Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Study Group (TUPEPD) report
(OXFORD UNIV PRESS, 2009-01-01) Bakkaloglu, Sevcan A.; Saygili, Arda; Sever, Lale; Noyan, Aytul; Akman, Sema; Ekim, Mesiha; Aksu, Nejat; Doganay, Beyza; Yildiz, Nurdan; Duzova, Ali; Soylu, Alper; Alpay, Harika; Sonmez, Ferah; Civilibal, Mahmut; Erdem, Sevcan; Kardelen, Firat
Methods. We aimed to clarify arteriosclerotic risk and to document possible relationships between cardiovascular risk factors and echocardiographic parameters in paediatric peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. M-mode/Doppler/tissue Doppler echocardiographic studies and lipid/lipoproteins, homocysteine, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HS-CRP) levels and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were determined in 59 patients (age: 14.2 +/- 4.5 years) and in 36 healthy subjects. Results. Structural and functional cardiac abnormalities were observed in patients on maintenance dialysis. Increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI, P = 0.000), relative wall thickness (P = 0.000), myocardial performance index (MPI, P = 0.000) were documented in the patients. Lipoprotein (a) (P = 0.000), homocysteine (P = 0.001), HS-CRP (P = 0.000) and CIMT (P = 0.000) were significantly elevated in the patients. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was prevalent in 68\% of the patients. Patients with LVH had higher levels of HS-CRP (P = 0.001) and CIMT (P = 0.028) than those without LVH. Haemoglobin was an independent predictor of LVMI (beta: -8.9, P = 0.001), while residual diuresis and CIMT were independent predictors of diastolic dysfunction (beta: -0.45, P = 0.034 and beta: 5.90, P = 0.008, respectively). Albumin (beta: -0.72, P = 0.018) and Kt/V urea (beta: -0.48, P = 0.012) were significant predictors of CIMT. There were positive correlations between LVMI and CIMT. HS-CRP was positively correlated with LVMI as well as CIMT. Conclusions. Elevated levels of atherosclerotic/inflammatory risk factors, low haemoglobin levels and loss of residual renal function and their negative effects on heart are of remarkable importance in paediatric patients on maintenance peritoneal dialysis. Achieving recommended targets for haemoglobin, blood pressure and Kt/V urea, preserving residual renal function as well as managing inflammation and subsequent arteriosclerosis is obviously essential to improve the patients' prognosis.
Lead Extraction in Children and Young Adults Using Different Techniques
(KARGER, 2009-01-01) Dilber, Embiya; Karagoz, Tevfik; Celiker, Alpay
Objective: To describe our experience with removal of pacing lead in children using different techniques. Patients and Methods: Between 1999 and 2006, removal of 39 leads was attempted in 30 patients: 21 males and 9 females aged 4-21 years (mean 12 +/- 5 years). Sixteen patients had previous corrective cardiac surgery. The leads had been implanted for 46 +/- 31 months (range 1-120 months). The reasons for removal included lead fracture in 14, upgrading in 8, infection in 7, dislodgment in 5, pacing system not needed in 2, and other reasons in 3. Results: Of the 39 leads, 29 (74.3\%) were completely removed. Twelve leads were removed with simple traction and rotation and 9 were removed using a locking stylet combined with simple traction and rotation
The effects of pegylated interferon alpha 2b on bile-duct ligation induced liver fibrosis in rats
(MEXICAN ASSOC HEPATOLOGY, 2009-01-01) Canbakan, Billur; Akin, Hakan; Tahan, Gulgun; Tarcin, Orhan; Eren, Fatih; Atug, Ozlen; Tahan, Veysel; Imeryuz, Nese; Yapicier, Ozlem; Avsar, Erol; Tozun, Nurdan
Objective. To test the effects of peginterferon in an unrecoverable model of bite-duct ligation (BDL) induced liver fibrosis. Material and methods. Thirty-seven Wistar rats were divided into five groups: group 1, BDL + peginterferon (n = 8)
Indirect Reference Intervals Estimated from Hospitalized Population for Thyrotropin and Free Thyroxine
(MEDICINSKA NAKLADA, 2010-01-01) Inal, Tamer C.; Serteser, Mustafa; Coskun, Abdurrahman; Ozpinar, Aysel; Unsal, Ibrahim
Aim To establish indirect reference intervals from patient results obtained during routine laboratory work as an alternative to laborious and expensive producing of their own reference range values according to international instructions. Methods All results for thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4) that were stored in our laboratory information system between 2004 and 2008 were included in this study. After a logarithmic transformation of the raw data, outliers were excluded. Non-parametric reference intervals were estimated statistically after visual observation of the distribution using stem-and-leaf plots and histograms. A standard normal deviation test was performed to test the significance of differences between sub-groups. Results There was no significant difference in serum TSH or free T4 concentrations between male and female participants. Because no differences were found within the time span of the study, combined reference intervals were calculated. Indirect reference values were 0.43- 3.93 mU/L for TSH and 11.98-21.33 pmol/L for free T4. Conclusion Using patient laboratory data values is a relatively easy and cheap method of establishing laboratory specific reference values if skewness and kurtosis of the distribution are not too large.
THE CRITICAL THINKING DISPOSITIONS AND EFFECTING FACTORS OF THE NURSES WORKING AT PEDIATRIC UNITS
(NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP, 2010-01-01) Cinar, N.; Dogu, O.; Kuguoglu, S.
PASSIVE SMOKING IN CHILDREN AT HIGH SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC LEVEL AND PARENTS' OPINIONS ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF PASSIVE SMOKING
(NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP, 2010-01-01) Cinar, N.; Cevahir, R.; Dede, C.; Kuguoglu, S.
Nöroşirürjide Rezeksiyon Cerrahisi ile Stereotaktik Beyin Biyopsilerinde İntraoperatif Tanı - Başarı ve Başarısızlık Ölçütleri
(Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar Üniversitesi, 2010-01-01) Sav, Aydın
ÖZET Amaç: Sinir sisteminin hastalıklarının cerrahi ve medikal tanı/tedavilerinde kullanılan bir yöntem olan intraoperatif tanı cerrahi rezeksiyon ve stereotaktik girişimlerde kullanılır. İntraoperatif tanı yöntemlerinin özgüllüğü, duyarlığı ve genel doğruluk derecesi tanı / tedaviye katkıda bulunan intraoperatif tanı ölçütlerinin çözümlemesidir. Materyal: Marmara Üniversitesi Nörolojik Bilimler Enstitüsü Patoloji Laboratuarına 1995-2003 yılları arasında gelen cerrahi rezeksiyon materyali (n=529) ve stereotaktik beyin biyopsilerine (n=368) [toplam=897] İOT’larda kullanılan dokundurma ve ezme preparatlar tekrar değerlendirilmiştir ve İOT’lerle parafi n blok tanıları karşılaştırılmıştır. Bulgular: Rezeksiyon cerrahisi ve stereotaktik biyopsilerde sırasıyla özgüllük %98 / 91, duyarlık %99.2 / 97 ve genel doğruluk derecesi %97.2 / 96.8 dir. Rezeksiyonlarda duyarlığı etkileyen lezyonlar infl amatuar lezyonlar, normal hipofi z, nöronal-glial tümörler, abse iken, stereotaktiklerde reaktif nörosellüler ve nöropil proliferasyonları, abse / serebrit ile infeksiyonlardır. Buna karşılık, özgüllüğü etkileyen lezyonlar ise, rezeksiyon materyalinde metastazlar, ensefalomalasi, lemfoma/lösemi, pilositik astrositoma ile normal nöral dokudur. Ortalama tanı süresi 20.2 dakikadır. Tartışma: I. Başarısızlıkların çözümlenmesinde neler ile karşılaşılır? 1. tümörün derecesini belirleyen tüm kriterlerin yapılan örneklemede izlenmemesi; 2. tümörün tüm bileşenlerinin örneklenmemiş olması; 3. yüksek dereceli tümörlerde hücre tipinin belirlenmesindeki zorluk; 4. glial tümörlerde vasküler proliferasyonun VEP olarak yorumlanması; 5. klinik ve radyolojik bulguların bildirilmemesi; 6 “radyasyona bağlı atipi”nin tümör olarak yorumlanması; 7. nekroz ve “reaktif atipi” ile seyreden infl amatuar lezyonların tümör olarak yorumlanması; 8. düşük dereceli tümörlerin “reaktif atipi” olarak yorumlanması; 9. Stromadan zengin tümörlerin neoplastik hücrelerinin yaymalara düşmemesidir. II. Başarısızlıklar nasıl önlenir? 1. Nöroşirurjiyen ve nöroradyolog ile birlikte çalışmalıdır. 2. İyi donanımlı (doku hazırlama teknikleri, ameliyathane-patoloji fi zik mekanlarının koordinasyonu) 3. Deneyimli (nöroradyoloji, nöropatoloji bilgi birikimine sahip) bir ekip çalışmasıyla sağlanabilir.
Lateral flow assay for rapid differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and 97 species of mycobacteria other than tuberculosis grown in Lowenstein-Jensen and TK-SLC medium
(ELSEVIER, 2010-01-01) Akyar, I.; Kocagoz, T.; Sinik, G.; Oktem, S.; Aytekin, N.; Kocagoz, S.
Background: Mycobacterial antigen MPB64 is a secretory protein specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. A lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (ICA) is a method used for the rapid differentiation of M. tuberculosis complex. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the performance of ICA in rapid differentiation of M. tuberculosis complex from 97 Mycobacterium species other than tuberculosis (MOTT), which are grown in Lowenstein-Jensen and TK-selective (SLC) medium. Materials and Methods: The study was performed in our laboratory between January 2009 and January 2010. A total of 394 isolates consisting of reference strains of 34 M. tuberculosis from World Health Organization (WHO) collection, 97 different MOTT bacilli, 7 Mycobacterium bovis BCG substrains and total 256 clinical Mycobacterium isolates were tested by ICA, which is based on anti-MPB64 monoclonal antibodies. All the strains were inoculated onto a TK-SLC (selective) medium and Lowenstein-Jensen medium. TK-SLC is a new rapid mycobacterial culture medium that indicates mycobacterial growth by colour change. Results: The growth of mycobacterial strains was observed in 10-12 days on TK-SLC medium. ICA test was performed in 15 minutes. All strains belonging to M. tuberculosis complex group were found positive and all MOTT species were found negative on ICA slides. The results were confirmed with nucleic acid amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific for M. tuberculosis complex. Conclusion: With the additive effect of growth on TK-SLC medium in 10-12 days, the mycobacterial antigen MPB64 is a very useful and specific tool in rapid differentiation of M. tuberculosis and MOTT grown in culture.
Midterm experience with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in children and young adults(dagger)
(OXFORD UNIV PRESS, 2010-01-01) Celiker, Alpay; Olgun, Hasim; Karagoz, Tevfik; Ozer, Sema; Ozkutlu, Suheyla; Alehan, Dursun
This single-centre study was undertaken to review our experience with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation in children with relatively different aetiologies. We retrospectively reviewed the records of the paediatric patients who underwent ICD implantation between October 2001 and December 2008. The data of these patients were collected by reviewing the patients' medical records and computerized departmental pacemaker databases. A total of 28 patients who underwent ICD implantation during this period were included in this study. The median age was 12 years and median weight was 32 kg. Most of the patients had ion-channel diseases (n = 13) or cardiomyopathy (n = 11). Devices were implanted for either secondary (n = 22) or primary (n = 6) prevention. The selected ICD generator type was single chamber in 22 patients, dual chamber in 5 patients, and biventricular in 1. Nineteen patients received 122 shocks. Fifteen of 22 patients (68.2\%) from the secondary prevention group and 2 of 6 patients (33.3\%) from the primary prevention group experienced at least one appropriate shock during a median period of 11.3 months (range: 4 days-6.5 years). Forty-two inappropriate shocks were delivered in seven (31.8\%) patients from the secondary prophylaxis group during a median period of 11.3 months. The most important reason for inappropriate shocks was T-wave oversensing. In six patients, lead-related acute or chronic complications occurred. The ICD was safe and effective in interrupting malignant arrhythmias in children and adolescents with a high risk of sudden cardiac death. However, the occurrence of lead complications is significant. The incidence of therapies delivered by the device, with appropriate and inappropriate shocks, was high and interfered with the quality of life. The most important reason for inappropriate shocks was T-wave oversensing. Careful programming is mandatory to reduce the inappropriate shocks.
Sigmoid Kolon Tutulumlu Mikroskopik Polianjiit; Ağrısız Kanama ile Başvuran Bir Olgu
(Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar Üniversitesi, 2010-01-01) Tiftikçi, Arzu; Yurteri, Gürkan; Atuğ, Özlem; Çelikel, Çiğdem; Yavuz, Şule; Hamzaoğlu, Hülya
ÖZET Mikroskopik polianjiit küçük çaplı damarlarda nekrotizan vaskulitle seyreden pek çok organı tutabilecek sistemik bir hastalıktır. Nekrotizan veya bazen de hızla ilerleyen glomerülonefrit hastalığın major özelliklerindendir. Gastroin testinal sistem de tutulabilir ve genellikle hafi f bir klinikle seyreder. Biz sig moid ülseri ön planda olan mikroskopik polianjiit olgusu sunuyoruz. Yetmiş üç yaşında erkek hasta üç aydır aralıklı olan, ağrısız rektal kanama ile başvurdu. Kolonoskopide sigmoid kolonda dev ülser saptandı. Ülser kenarından alınan biyopsilerin histopatolojik incelemeleri küçük arter vaskuliti ile uyumlu idi. Takip sırasında hızla diyaliz ihtiyacı olacak böbrek yetmezliği gelişti. Mik roskopik polianjiit tanısı ile prednizon ve siklofosfamid tedavisi uygulanan hastanın dört hafta sonraki takip endoskopisinde ülserin tamamen iyileşmiş olduğu tespit edildi. Takip eden üç ayda da hastanın semptomu olmadı. Mik roskopik polianjiitli olguların üçte birinde gastrointestinal sistem tutulsa da genellikle bu tutulum hafi f seyirlidir. Olgumuz rektal kanama ile başvurup tanısı sigmoid kolondaki ülser kenarlarından alınan biyopsiler ile konulmuş vaskulitik hastalıktır.
Acıbadem Üniversitesinde ve Dünyada Fetal Nörolojiye Multidisipliner Yaklaşım
(Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar Üniversitesi, 2010-01-01) Özcan, Ümit Aksoy; Işık, Uğur; Damlacık, Atilla; Lembet, Arda; Bodur, Harika; Erzen, Canan; SAv, Aydın
Çocuk sağlığı değerlendirmesi günümüzde antenatal dönemde başlamakta ve fetus sağlığı daha ayrıntılı ele alınmaktadır. Antenatal tanıda etkinliğini kanıtlamış ve değişmez yerini almış bir yöntem olan ultrasonografi ye ek olarak son yıllarda sıklıkta MR görüntüleme kullanılmaktadır. Fetal MRG gü nümüzde fetal beynin yapısal bozukluklarının değerlendirilmesinde etkin bir yöntem olarak kabul görmüştür. Fetal santral sinir sisteminin (SSS), konusun da uzmanlaşmış multidisipliner bir ekip tarafından incelenmesi, bu karmaşık tıp konusunda daha çok önem kazanmıştır. Ailelerin uygun şekilde bilgilendi rilmesi ve klinik kararların doğrulukla verilebilmesi amacıyla interdisipliner işbirliğine ve eğitime öncelik verilmelidir.
EVULATION OF POSTOPERATIVE PAIN IN CHILDREN: PAIN DIARIES
(NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP, 2010-01-01) Kan, Z.; Kuguoglu, S.
Etik, Biyoetik, Hukuk: Temel Kavramlar ve Yaklaşımlar
(Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar Üniversitesi, 2010-01-01) Ilman, Yeşim Işıl
ÖZET Bu çalışmanın iki ana hedefi vardır. İlk olarak ahlak, etik, ödev, görev ve biyoetik gibi etik çalışma alanının temel kavramlarını ayırıcı özellikleri ile tanımlamak amaçlanmıştır. Bunun için etik çalışma alanında tarihsel ve toplumsal bakış açısı ile ahlaktan biyoetiğe evrilen süreç tanımlanmaya ve bunu yaparken evrensel biyoetik perspektifi korunmaya çalışılmıştır. İkinci olarak biyoetik ve hukuk disiplinlerinin birbirlerini karşılıklı etkiledikleri yakın geçmiş süreci, literatürden örnek vakalar ile açıklanmaya çalışıl mıştır. Sonuç olarak, bu karşılıklı etkileşimin ürünü olarak yakın dönemde doğan ve gelişmekte olan sağlık hukukunun kısa tarihi ve geleceğe ilişkin öneriler vurgulanmıştır.
Nutritional modifiers of aging brain function: use of uridine and other phosphatide precursors to increase formation of brain synapses
(2010-01-01) Wurtman, Richard J.; Cansev, Mehmet; Sakamoto, Toshimasa; Ulus, Ismael
Brain phosphatide synthesis requires three circulating compounds: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), uridine, and choline. Oral administration of these phosphatide precursors to experimental animals increases the levels of phosphatides and synaptic proteins in the brain and per brain cell as well as the numbers of dendritic spines on hippocampal neurons. Arachidonic acid fails to reproduce these effects of DHA. If similar increases occur in human brain, administration of these compounds to patients with diseases that cause loss of brain synapses, such as Alzheimer's disease, could be beneficial.