Browsing by Author "Koksal, Burcu Tahire"

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Angiopoietin-1, Angiopoietin-2, and Periostin Levels in Children with Recurrent Wheeze
(2018) Koksal, Burcu Tahire; Aydin, Beril Ozdemir; Tekindal, Agah; Ozbek, Ozlem Yilmaz
Background: Recurrent wheeze (RW) is frequent in preschool children. Wheezing phenotypes, asthma predictive index (API), and modified API (mAPI) have been described for clinical purposes. Our aim was to examine whether inflammatory markers including serum angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, and periostin levels differ according to wheezing phenotypes and mAPI. Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight children who were <4 years of age with history of at least 4 episodes of wheezing during the past 12 months and 51 age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Children with RW were classified according to wheezing phenotypes as episodic viral wheeze or multitrigger wheeze, and positive or negative mAPI. Blood for Ang-1, Ang-2, and periostin levels was drawn during wheezing episode-free periods. Results: Atopic children with RW (31.4 +/- 34.4 ng/mL) demonstrated higher serum Ang-1 levels than nonatopic children (16.5 +/- 13.8 ng/mL) with RW (P = 0.03). When we compared children according to wheezing phenotypes, we could not find any difference in serum Ang-1, Ang-2, and periostin levels between groups. Children with positive mAPI showed similar Ang-1, Ang-2, and periostin levels with children having negative API and healthy children. Conclusions: We have found higher serum Ang-1 levels in atopic children with RW, and this result might be explained by increased inflammation. The evidence was not strong enough to associate serum Ang-1, Ang-2, or periostin and asthma in preschool children with RW. However, Ang-1 can be a candidate for investigating its role in predicting atopic children and diagnosing atopic childhood asthma.
Assessment of Mucosa-Associated Epithelial Chemokine, Thymus-Expressed Chemokine, Periostin and Zonulin Levels in Infants With Atopic Dermatitis
(2022) Koksal, Burcu Tahire; Zengin, Hatice Yagmur; Ozbek, Ozlem Yilmaz; 36386107
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Skin and gut are the organs that first encounter antigens and environmental triggers. The mechanisms behind the relation between skin and gut immune responses in AD have not been identified yet. Aims and Objectives: To investigate mucosa-associated epithelial chemokine (MEC/CCL28), thymus-expressed chemokine (TECK/CCL25), periostin and zonulin levels in infants with AD. Materials and Methods: Children under one year old participated in the study. We used a propensity matching score. We included 39 infants who had active AD lesions at the time of evaluation. Serum MEC/CCL28, TECK/CCL25, periostin and zonulin levels were measured. Results: We examined age and sex matched 39 infants with AD and 39 healthy infants. Median value of zonulin was lower in infants with AD [49.2 (27.1-71.8) ng/mL] compared to healthy controls [58.5 (27.3-80.8) ng/mL] (P < 0.001). Infants with zonulin levels & LE;55.15 ng/mL had 11.64 times more risk of developing AD than the infants with zonulin levels > 55.15 ng/mL. Infants whose MEC/CCL28 levels were & GE;8.3 ng/mL had 5.83 times more risk of developing AD than the infants with MEC levels < 8.3 ng/mL. Duration of AD and SCORAD index score did not show correlation with MEC/CCL28, TECK/CCL25, periostin and zonulin levels. Conclusion: Low zonulin levels and high MEC/CCL28 levels in infants may show an increased association with AD.
Effect of Inhaled Corticosteroid Treatment on Body Composition Parameters in Children with Asthma
(2021) Koksal, Burcu Tahire; Yilmaz Ozbek, Ozlem
Objective: Prolonged treatment with low doses of inhaled corticosteroids may affect the growth rate; however, limited data are currently available for body composition parameters in children with asthma. We examined whether treatment with inhaled corticosteroids has an effect on body mass index, basal metabolic rate, percentage body fat, obesity degree, fat mass, and muscle mass in children with mild asthma. Materials and Methods: The study was performed in 45 children with mild persistent asthma being treated with inhaled corticosteroids and 45 healthy controls. Body composition parameters; body mass index, percentage body fat, obesity degree, basal metabolic rate, body fat mass, muscle mass, and waist-hip circumferences were measured. Written questionnaires including duration of television/computer viewing, frequency of fast food consumption, and weekly physical activity were completed. Results: There was no difference in body composition parameters and waist-hip circumference measurements between the groups. A positive correlation was demonstrated between the duration of inhaled corticosteroid treatment and the percentage of body fat, muscle mass, fat mass, and hip circumference. When compared with healthy controls, a significant increase in the duration of television/ computer viewing and frequency of fast food consumption and a significant decrease in weekly physical activity were observed in children with asthma. Conclusion: Body composition parameters seem not to be affected in the inhaled steroid-using children with asthma. However, as the duration of inhaled corticosteroid treatment increased, the percentage of body fat, body fat mass, and hip circumference also increased. Children with asthma should be encouraged to increase physical activity and be recommended to decrease the duration of television/computer viewing.
Effect of Obesity on Pulmonary Function in Children with Mild Persistent Asthma
(2016) Koksal, Burcu Tahire; Ozbek, Ozlem Yilmaz; 0000-0001-9580-7656; AAF-2109-2021
Objective: The prevalence of asthma is increased in obese individuals. There is no concrete evidence that an increase in body mass index is associated with a loss of pulmonary function in childhood asthma. Our aim was to investigate the effect of obesity, atopy, and sex on pulmonary function in asthmatic children. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional analysis in children with mild persistent asthma. A total of 76 obese and 55 lean children with asthma were recruited. All of the participants were assessed by pulmonary function tests. Skin prick tests including common aeroallergens were performed to all patients. Results: No differences were found in pulmonary function test parameters between obese and lean patients with asthma. In obese patients with asthma, the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) was significantly lower in nonatopic (92.1+/-6.4) than in atopic patients (95.5+/-5.3, p=0.02). We also demonstrated that FEV1/FVC was significantly lower in nonatopic obese patients (92.1+/-6.4) than in nonatopic lean patients with asthma (95.6+/-4.7, p=0.05). Conclusion: Obesity does not seem to be affecting pulmonary function in children with well-controlled mild persistent asthma. However, airways of nonatopic obese asthmatics are negatively affected.
Evaluation of Angiopoietin 1 and 2, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Levels in Asthmatic Children
(2014) Koksal, Burcu Tahire; Ozbek, Ozlem Yilmaz; Bayraktar, Nilufer; Yazici, Ayse Canan; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9580-7656; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2974-9579; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7886-3688; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3132-242X; 25584916; AAF-2109-2021; AAJ-2034-2021; Y-8758-2018; AAS-6810-2021
Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation that is associated with structural changes termed airway remodeling. Recently, cytokines/mediators that augment inflammation have been attracting attention in this field. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis. factor (TNF) alpha values, which have important roles in inflammation, angiogenesis, and remodeling in astlunatic children. We also documented correlations between demographic features, duration of asthma, and pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters. Randomly selected 40 children (20 male and 20 female children, aged 6-16 years) with mild or moderate persistent asthma and 32 healthy children (15 male and 17 female children, aged 6-16 years) enrolled in the study. All asthmatic children had been using inhaled corticosteroids at least for the last 3 months. Serum Ang-1 levels were significantly lower in asthmatic children than those in normal controls. The Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio was also significantly lower in asthmatic children compared with those in normal controls (p < 0.01). However, serum Ang-2, VEGF, and TNF-alpha levels were similar in the two groups. A significant positive correlation was found between VEGF and duration of asthma. No correlation between sewn Aug-I, Ang-2, VEGF values, and PFT parameters was obtained. On the other hand, significant negative correlation was detected between serum TNF-alpha and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. We have shown that serum Aug-1 levels and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio were significantly reduced and balance was toward Ang-2 in asthmatics children. This process may lead to inflammation, destabilization of blood vessels, and trigger remodeling.
Evaluation of Serum Leptin and Adiponectin Levels in Obese and Lean Asthmatic Children
(2015) Koksal, Burcu Tahire; Ozbek, Ozlem Yilmaz; Bayraktar, Nilufer; Kinik, Sibel Tulgar; Yazici, Ayse Canan; 0000-0003-2974-9579; 0000-0002-7886-3688; 0000-0002-3132-242X; 0000-0001-9580-7656; AAJ-2034-2021; Y-8758-2018; AAS-6810-2021; HKW-0623-2023; AAF-2109-2021
Background: Adipokines have been claimed for the link between obesity and asthma. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the roles of leptin and adiponectin in children with asthma and/or obesity and their effect on pulmonary functions. Methods: Obese (n=71) and lean asthmatics (n=72), obese non-asthmatics (n=46), and lean healthy children (n=49) were included in the study. Serum leptin and adiponectin levels were compared according to groups and sex. Results: Mean leptin levels of obese asthmatics were higher than those of lean asthmatics (13.19.1 vs. 3.7 +/- 4.4; p<0.001). Serum adiponectin levels of lean asthmatics (16 +/- 7.1) were significantly higher than those of obese asthmatics (12.1 +/- 6.9; p<0.001) and of their lean healthy (13.2 +/- 5.9; p<0.05) counterparts. In obese asthmatics, adiponectin levels were positively correlated with the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio, and serum leptin levels were inversely correlated with forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75). Leptin/adiponectin ratio was inversely correlated with FEV1/FVC ratio in lean and obese asthmatic patients. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that adiponectin may have protective disease modifying effect(s) in asthmatic children. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms regarding adiponectin may work better in girls than in boys.
May rotavirus vaccine be affect food allergy prevalence?
(2020) Karakas, Nazmi Mutlu; Arslan, Almina; Atalay, Ece; Ayli, Itir; Bagci, Zeynep Ilayda; Cesaretli, Sude; Koksal, Burcu Tahire; Yilmaz Ozbek, Ozlem; 0000-0002-2388-4158; 0000-0003-4286-7086; 0000-0001-9580-7656; 32530362; AAJ-7580-2021; AAX-3831-2020; AAF-2109-2021
Incidence of food allergy (FA) during nursing period is 6-8% globally and It is reported %5,7 in Turkey. In our study, the aim is to determine whether the prevalence of food allergy (FA) increases in children vaccinated against rotavirus. The files of 681 infants who are still followed-up were retrospectively evaluated. Children who did not come to our clinic for all of their well-child follow-up visits were excluded from the study. Moreover, children diagnosed with allergy before vaccination and children with known gastrointestinal system disease were excluded from the study. The number of patients diagnosed with food allergy after being vaccinated against rotavirus was 12 (1.76%). Three children had a family history of allergy. Of 12 patients who were diagnosed after vaccination, 3 (n:104) were vaccinated with pentavalent vaccine and 9 (n:507) with monovalent vaccine. In the monovalent vaccination group, food allergy was found in 9 children (1.55%), and in the pentavalent vaccination group, food allergy was found in 3 children (2.88%). The difference between the two vaccination groups in terms of food allergy prevalence was not significant (p> .05). Although it is believed that food allergy, and even cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) prevalence increases in infants vaccinated against rotavirus, in this study, no significant increase was observed in the prevalence of food allergy after rotavirus vaccination. Both types of vaccine had similar rates to each other.
A Pediatric Case with the Diagnosis of Stevens Johnson Syndrome
(2018) Koksal, Burcu Tahire; Ozbek, Ozlem Yilmaz; Ozmen, Esra; Tepeoglu, Merih; 0000-0002-9894-8005; 0000-0001-9580-7656; AAK-5222-2021; AAF-2109-2021
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but life-threatening, mucocutaneous, T cell mediated hypersensitivity reaction. Most of the cases are triggered by a drug. Infections, vaccines, chemicals, systemic or malign diseases may have also roles in etiology. Disease generally starts with prodromal symptoms including fever, malaise, headache, myalgia or upper respiratory tract infection. There is no specific treatment modality for SJS. Diagnosing the disease rapidly, discontinuation of the suspected drug immediately, and supportive therapy are the main steps in treatment. Medications like systemic steroids, intravenous immunglobulin (IVIG) and cyclosporin are also used in treatment. Our aim in presenting a case of SJS is to increase awareness of this disease, to emphasize importance of immediate diagnosis and supportive therapy.
Serum Vitamin D Levels in Children with Recurrent Respiratory Infections and Chronic Cough
(2016) Ozdemir, Beril; Koksal, Burcu Tahire; Karakas, Nazmi Mutlu; Tekindal, Mustafa Agah; Ozbek, Ozlem Yilmaz; 0000-0003-2974-9579; 0000-0003-4286-7086; 0000-0001-9580-7656; 0000-0002-4060-7048; 26821547; AAJ-2034-2021; HKW-0623-2023; AAX-3831-2020; AAF-2109-2021; U-9270-2018
Objectives To evaluate serum vitamin D levels in cases of recurrent respiratory infections and chronic cough and to investigate the effect of vitamin D therapy on recurrence of the diseases. Methods This prospective observational study was performed by comparing serum vitamin D levels in children with recurrent respiratory infections, chronic cough and healthy children. One-hundred-one children with chronic cough, ninety-eight children with recurrent respiratory infections and one-hundred-twenty-four healthy children were enrolled in the study. A structured questionnaire was completed to collect data on demography, diet, duration of breastfeeding, vitamin D supplementation and family history for allergic diseases. In patients with low serum vitamin D levels (<20 ng/ml), vitamin D therapy was administered in addition to conventional treatment for the diseases. Patients were followed up for 6 mo and their complaints were evaluated. Results Mean serum 25( OH) vitamin D level in the recurrent respiratory infections group was 11.97 +/- 4.04 ng/ml, chronic cough group was 13.76 +/- 4.81 ng/ml and control group was 31.91 +/- 18.79 ng/ml. Comparison of serum 25( OH) vitamin D levels between the study groups revealed a statistically significant difference ( p < 0.05). 25( OH) D deficiency in children was associated with increased frequency of recurrent respiratory infections and chronic cough. Conclusions To conclude, administration of supplementary vitamin D may be useful in the treatment and preventation of recurrent respiratory infections and chronic cough.