TR Dizin İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu / TR Dizin Indexed Publications Collection
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14365/4
Browse
8 results
Search Results
Article Identification of the Role of Tg2 on the Expression of Tgf-Β, Timp-1 and Timp-2 in Aged Skin(Walter De Gruyter Gmbh, 2024-02-12) Ergülen, Elvan; Akdoğan, Gül; Guner, Gul AkdoganObjectives Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a unique protein having enzymatic and nonenzymatic functions that have been implicated in various biological and pathological processes such as cell survival and apoptosis, cell signaling, differentiation, adhesion and migration, wound healing and inflammation. As reported in previous studies, TG2 expression and activity increase by age suggesting that TG2 possibly has roles in cellular aging process. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of TG2 in chronological skin aging through its impact on the expression of some important extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including TGF-beta, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Methods We have compared TG2 expression and activity in young and in vitro chronologically aged human dermal fibroblasts via Western blot and in situ TG2 activity assays. Afterwards, we inhibited TG2 expression via siRNA transfection and activity via active site inhibitor of TG2 separately in aged dermal fibroblasts and monitored the expression levels of TGF-beta, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in these cells by Western blot and compared to that of untreated control cells. Results We obtained evidence that both TG2 expression and activity increase in aged cells. However, protein levels of TGF-beta, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 do not exhibit any significant difference in TG2 downregulated or TG2 activity inhibited aged cells compared to control cells. Conclusions Our results indicate that changes in the expression and activity of TG2 in (in vitro) chronologically aged human dermal fibroblasts do not impact the expression patterns of TGF-beta, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 proteins.Article Citation - WoS: 3Citation - Scopus: 3Effects of Kynurenic Acid and Choline on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cyclooxygenase Pathway(Walter De Gruyter Gmbh, 2023-06-01) Barış, Elif; Şimşek, Oguzhan; Uysal Yoca, Özge; Demir, Ayşe Banu; Tosun, Metiner; Yoca, Ozge UysalObjectives: Inflammation can be endogenously modulated by the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway via calcium (Ca2+)-permeable alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (a7nAChR) ion channel expressed in immune cells. a7nAChR agonist choline and tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) produces immunomodulatory effects. This study aimed to determine the effects of the choline and KYNA on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 pathway.Methods: In vitro inflammation model was produced via LPS administration in macrophage cells. To determine the effective concentrations, choline and KYNA were applied with increasing concentrations and LPS-induced inflammatory parameters investigated. The involvement of nAChR mediated effects was investigated with the use of non-selective nAChR and selective a7nAChR antagonists. The effects of choline and KYNA on COX-2 enzyme, PGE(2), TNFa, NF-?B and intracellular Ca2+ levels were analyzed.Results: LPS-induced COX-2 expression, PGE(2) TNFa and NF-?B levels were decreased with choline treatment while intracellular calcium levels via a7nAChRs increased. KYNA also showed an anti-inflammatory effect on the same parameters. Additionally, KYNA administration increased the effectiveness of choline on these inflammatory mediators.Conclusions: Our data suggest a possible interaction between the kynurenine pathway and the cholinergic system on the modulation of LPS-induced inflammatory response in macrophages.Article Citation - WoS: 2Citation - Scopus: 1The Perspectives of Young General Practitioners/Family Physicians on Mooc as Part of Continuous Education: a Descriptive Semi-Qualitative Multinational Study(Walter De Gruyter Gmbh, 2021-04-07) Gokdemir, Ozden; Ozkan Bayrakci, Nursah; Aygun, Olgu; Hoedebecke, Kyle; Bayrakç, Nurşah Özkan; Bayrakçı, Nurşah ÖzkanObjectives In 2018, Harvard University provided a 10-week online course titled Improving Global Health: Focusing on Quality and Safety as using Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) web-based platform. The course was designed for those who care about health and healthcare and wish to learn more about how to measure and improve that care - for themselves, for their institutions, or for their countries. The goal of this course was to provide visual and written education tools for different countries and different age groups. In respect to the aim of this study is to evaluate the impressions and benefits of group learning activity and educational needs after this Improving Global Health courses experience with an online survey among the participants. Methods Sixty-six family medicine practitioners and trainees who were among the participants of the course were the universe of the study. These young General Practitioners/Family Physicians (GPs/FPs) from different countries were organized among themselves to follow the course as a group activity. Two weeks after the course, an online survey was sent to all the participants of this group activity. Results Twenty-eight out of 66 participants (42.4%) completed the survey and provided feedback on their perspectives and experience. Most of them were female (70.4%), and have not attended any MOOC course before (63%). This international group achieved a completion rate of approximately 65% by the deadline and nearly 90% including those finishing afterward. The majority felt that the group activity proved beneficial and supportive in nature. Conclusions Well-structured, sustainable e-learning platforms will be the near futures' medical learning devices in a world without borders. Future studies should further explore facilitators and barriers among FPs for enrolling and completing MOOCs. Furthermore, there is a need to evaluate how these group-learning initiatives may help participants incorporate lessons learned from the course into their daily practice.Article Citation - WoS: 6Citation - Scopus: 5Acrylamide-Encapsulated Glucose Oxidase Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Viability(Walter De Gruyter Gmbh, 2020-08-04) Rrustemi, Trendelina; Geyik, Oyku Gonul; Ozkaya, Ali Burak; Ozturk, Taylan Kurtulus; Yuce, Zeynep; Kilinc, AliObjectives: Cancer cells modulate metabolic pathways to ensure continuity of energy, macromolecules and redoxhomeostasis. Although these vulnerabilities are often targeted individually, targeting all with an enzyme may prove a novel approach. However, therapeutic enzymes are prone to proteolytic degradation and neutralizing antibodies leading to a reduced half-life and effectiveness. We hypothesized that glucose oxidase (GOX) enzyme that catalyzes oxidation of glucose and production of hydrogen peroxide, may hit all these targets by depleting glucose; crippling anabolic pathways and producing reactive oxygen species (ROS); unbalancing redox homeostasis. Methods: We encapsulated GOX in an acrylamide layer and then performed activity assays in denaturizing settings to determine protection provided by encapsulation. Afterwards, we tested the effects of encapsulated (enGOX) and free (fGOX) enzyme on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results: GOX preserved 70% of its activity following encapsulation. When fGOX and enGOX treated with guanidinium chloride, fGOX lost approximately 72% of its activity, while enGOX only lost 30%. Both forms demonstrated remarkable resilience against degradation by proteinase K and inhibited viability of MCF-7 cells in an activity-dependent manner. Conclusions: Encapsulation provided protection to GOX against denaturation without reducing its activity, which would prolong half-life of the enzyme when administered intravenously.Article Citation - WoS: 7Citation - Scopus: 11The Effect of Virtual Laboratory Simulations on Medical Laboratory Techniques Students' Knowledge and Vocational Laboratory Education(Walter De Gruyter Gmbh, 2022-08-01) Keles, Didem; Bulgurcu, Alihan; Demir, Esra Feyzioglu; Şemin, Makbule İlgi; Feyzioğlu Demir, Esra; Şemin, Ilgi Makbule; Feyzioğlu-demir, EsraObjectives Virtual laboratory simulations (VLSs) are computer-based tools that offer unlimited application options in scientific, medical, and engineering fields. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether VLSs are efficient learning tools and how these simulations can be integrated into laboratory practice in medical laboratory education. Methods In this pre-test/post-test control group study, 32 volunteers were randomly assigned to either experimental or control groups. The experimental group performed laboratory simulations based on biochemistry and microbiology and then completed a self-report survey to evaluate their satisfaction and beliefs about simulations. Results In the experimental group, post-test scores of each simulation were significantly elevated compared to pre-test scores; however, pre- and post-test scores of control group were statistically the same. The experimental group agreed that these simulations should be applied before theoretical lectures and laboratory practices. They also highlighted that translating from English to their native language creates difficulties in applying and understanding the simulation. Conclusions We emphasized that VLSs are excellent learning tools that increase not only the knowledge but also the self-motivation and focus of the students. Based on feedbacks, native language options are necessary to enable the students to achieve equality of opportunity in education.Article Citation - WoS: 2Next Generation Medical Education From the Student's Perspective(Walter De Gruyter Gmbh, 2022-01-05) Yavuz, Nurgul; Cula, Nazli Begum; Atas, Birce; Gur, Dilara; Asker, Emre; Nakay, Kerem; Gultekin, Elif Sidal; Taşkin, ZeynepObjectives Izmir University of Economics Faculty of Medicine's aim is to implement a novel and effective system called Next Generation Medical Education. This system is designed to provide us a modernized medical education which covers the students' requirements. This study is designed to investigate different aspects of this educational system from the student's perspective. Methods Main characteristic features of the educational system was determined and a survey as well as phone interviews have been conducted in order to determine the views of the students of the faculty regarding these aspects. Results The survey and the phone interview results showed that the students are mostly satisfied with current system and all of its components. Conclusions We have determined the key aspects of the system as: integrated curriculum, learning to learn, advisorship, e-learning and feedback mechanisms. We believe that the next generation education system adopted by our faculty is a way of transforming medical education in order to train qualified physicians for tomorrow.Article Multidisciplinary Case-Based Small Group Discussions To Integrate Basic Medical Sciences With Clinical Situations(Walter De Gruyter Gmbh, 2020-09-18) Şemin, Makbule İlgi; Ersil Soysal, Dilek; Seval Çelik, Yasemin; Hayran, Murvet; Demir, Ayse Banu; Ozkaya, Ali Burak; İnan, Sevinç; Akdoğan, Gül; Semin, Ilgi; Soysal, Dilek Ersil; Seval-Celik, Yasemin; Güner, Gül AkdoganObjectives Integration of the basic medical sciences with clinical medicine motivates medical students by showing how the fundamental concepts they have learned will come into their future practice. In this context, we created clinical integration sessions (CIS) in our first-year medical curriculum. Methods The instructors of different disciplines wrote the clinical scenarios together. The scenarios were discussed in five sessions with 39 first-year students. The first session's scenario consisted of four brief anemia cases. The next four sessions included a single case, according to the feedback of the students. Students formed groups of 7-8 participants. In the first 2 h, the scenarios were discussed in the groups and questions were answered by the students. In the third hour, the instructors answered the questions together with the students. After the first CIS, written feedback obtained from the students via a survey. Results The survey provided positive feedback on the benefits of active learning within small group discussions, and most of the students thought that their background was sufficient to solve the cases, with some literature search. Conclusion The scenarios, which provide multidisciplinary integration of basic medical sciences and clinical medicine, can be useful educational materials.Article Citation - WoS: 2Citation - Scopus: 4Effects of Epigallocatechin-3 (egcg) on a Scleroderma Model of Fibrosis(Walter De Gruyter Gmbh, 2018-02-06) Kocak, Ayse; Harmancı, Duygu; Birlik, Merih; Sarioglu, Sulen; Yilmaz, Osman; Cavdar, Zahide; Akdoğan, Gül; Güner, GülObjective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential protective effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on fibrosis in bleomycin induced scleroderma model. Materials and methods: Thirty-two healthy female Balb-c mice with the average body weight of 22 +/- 5 g were used in this study. The mice were randomly divided into four groups as control (n=8), Bleomycin (n=8), Bleomycin+ EGCG (n =8) and EGCG (n =8). Skin tissue samples were collected to quantify matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-13), p-SMAD 2/3 and SMAD 2/3 in protein homogenates by western blotting. TGF-beta 1 expression was determined by real-time PCR. Immunohistopathological and histopathological examinations of skin tissues were also done. Results: When measured with Masson Trichrome, EGCG treatment was found to decrease fibrosis in connective tissue compared to the BLM injected control. EGCG was decreased dermal fibrosis. Bleomycin + EGCG group showed a significant reduction in fibrosis at the dermal surface area using hematoxylin measurements compared with the BLM group. MMP-1, MMP-8 protein levels were increased and p-SMAD 2/3 protein level was decreased. TGF-beta mRNA expression was decreased in the EGCG + BLM group compared with the BLM group. Conclusion: These results suggest an antifibrotic role for EGCG.