Band 48, Heft 1

Scientific knowledge should be based on evidence. However, some scientific studies can be carried out without sufficient evidence. And these studies may mislead subsequent studies. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a relatively newly proposed biomarker. It is used not only for myocardial ischemia but also used for other pathological conditions in the body. IMA is commonly measured by albumin cobalt binding (ACB) assay. ACB is a simple colorimetric assay performed in patients’ sera. It is claimed that because of the ischemia or ischemia-reperfusion, the molecular structure of the N-terminus of human serum albumin is changed and therefore it cannot bind metal ions and cobalt ions added into the reaction mixture react with dithiothreitol to give a brown color. The clinical performance of the ACB assay is poor and it has not a strong correlation with other ischemia biomarkers. There are many analytical uncertainties in ACB assay and IMA as well. Despite the uncertainties, the ACB assay is still commonly used for many research studies. Therefore the theory of the ACB assay should be questioned. In this opinion paper, we discussed these uncertainties. In conclusion, there is insufficient evidence for the existence of IMA as a biomarker. The ACB assay essentially measures serum albumin concentration. There are many other interfering factors with the ACB assay. Therefore, the measurement of IMA in any pathological condition is a useless effort.

Objectives This article presents the use of machine learning techniques such as artificial neural networks, K-nearest neighbors (KNN), naive Bayes, and decision trees in the prediction of hemoglobin variants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using machine learning models to predict suspicious cases with HbS or HbD Los Angeles carriers state. Methods We had a dataset of 238 observations, of which 128 were HbD carriers, and 110 were HbS carriers. The features were age, sex, RBC, Hb, HTC, MCV, MCH, RDW, serum iron, TIBC, ferritin, HbA2, HbF, HbA0, retention time (RT) of the abnormal peak, and the area under the peak of the abnormal peak. KNN, naive Bayes, decision tree models, and artificial neural network models were trained. Model performances were estimated using 7-fold cross-validation. Results When RT, the key point of differentiation used in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was included as a feature, all models performed well. When RT was excluded (eliminated), the deep learning model performed the best (Accuracy: 0.99; Specificity: 0.99; Sensitivity: 0.99; F1 score: 0.99), while the naive Bayes model performed the worst (Accuracy: 0.94; Specificity: 0.97; Sensitivity: 0.90; F1 score: 0.93). Conclusions Deep learning and decision tree models have demonstrated high performance and have the potential to be integrated into medical laboratory work practices as a tool for hemoglobinopathy detection. These outcomes suggest that when machine learning models are fed enough data, they can detect a wide range of hemoglobin variants. However, more comprehensive studies with data from a larger number of patients and hemoglobinopathies will be useful for validating our models.

Objectives The research was conducted as a descriptive study to evaluate the practices and knowledge levels of midwives and nurses in the preanalytical phase of newborn screening tests. Methods The sample of the study consisted of 233 midwives and nurses working in 90 primary healthcare centers in three major districts of Istanbul. The practices and knowledge levels of the participants in the preanalytical phase of blood sampling were evaluated with the Preanalytical Phase Evaluation Form [PPEF]. Results It was determined that only 43.3% of the participants comforted the baby before taking the blood sample, and 61.8% paid attention to the temperature of the heel. Furthermore, 56.2% continued to fill the same circle on the screening card by squeezing the heel due to inadequate blood, 62.7% ensured the blood completely soaked through the front and back of the card, and 36.1% used both sides of the card to fill the circles. Only 53.6% of the participants stored the dried blood samples in the fridge. The mean PPEF knowledge score of the participants was 14.64 ± 3.40. There were statistically significant differences in the knowledge scores of midwives and nurses according to age, educational level, and working year (p<0.05). Conclusions In the study, it was determined that the practices of nurses and midwives in the preanalytical phase were not at a good level. In particular, it is recommended that nurses and midwives who are younger, have a lower educational level, and work fewer years be supervised and supported with training.

Objectives Sterile body fluids (BFs) include key information for the diagnosis and monitoring of a variety of diseases. A cornerstone test is the total white blood cell (WBC) count, which comprises the differential of WBC of body fluid analysis. It is important to test automated hematology analyzers that should be verified using patient samples. The aim of this study is to compare both the performance of the Sysmex XN-1000 system’s body fluid module for cell counting and differentiation to the results of a cell counting chamber. Methods This study was performed on 200 routinely laboratory sent BFs. Cell counts and differentiation were determined with both bright-lined Neubauer Cell Counting Chamber and Sysmex XN-1000 system body fluid mode. Results The correlation coefficients of WBC count by two methods indicated very strong correlation (r≥0.90, p<0.0001) for any specimen except pleural fluid. According to Passing-Bablok regression analysis, Sysmex XN-1000 showed acceptable performance according to bias of the slope criteria (<±20%). Conclusions The XN-1000 hematological analyzer’s body fluid mode can rapidly count and identify cells, and it can be used as a simple and rapid screening method for laboratory testing of sterile body fluids, particularly in laboratories with a massive quantity of biological fluids.

Objectives The purpose of the study was to prepare an effective and new drug delivery system for enhancing the stability of Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), and its hepatoprotective effect in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced damage in hepatocellular carcinoma G2 (HepG2) cell line via nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Methods Gold nanoparticles were synthesized and then characterized by XRD, SEM, SEM-EDX analysis, hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential measurements. 1.0024 mM PEITC, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate, an active ingredient was loaded onto the characterized AuNPs. The cytotoxicity test of PEITC-AuNP and effects on ALT, AST, Nrf2 levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of CCI 4 -induced HepG2 cells were investigated. Results PEITC-AuNPs and PEITC decreased ALT and AST levels (p<0.05). This reduction was greater with PEITC-AuNPs. PEITC-AuNPs increased Nrf2 level but it was nonsignificantly (p>0.05). PEITC didn’t increase the Nrf2 level in CCI 4 -induced HepG2 cells. TAC of both PEITC-AuNPs and PEITC administration increased significantly compared with CCl 4 group (p<0.05). But PEITC-AuNPs enhanced the TAC level higher than PEITC significantly (p<0.05). Conclusions PEITC-AuNPs were more effective than PEITC which resulted in more hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects via Nrf2 activation against CCl 4 -induced liver injury in HepG2 cells.

Objectives To explore the correlations of B cell-activating factor (BAFF), aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with the severity of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Methods Sixty-eight NMOSD patients were selected as an NMOSD group, and 65 patients with non-inflammatory neurological diseases hospitalized in the same period were selected as a control group. The severity of the disease was assessed using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Logistic regression analysis was conducted on the influencing factors for the severity of NMOSD. The correlations of BAFF, AQP4-Ab and BDNF with clinical characteristics were studied by Spearman’s analysis. Results The patients with EDSS score ≥7 points, number of involved spinal segments ≥5 and recurrence ≥3 times had a lower level of BAFF in the cerebrospinal fluid than the level of those with 4 points ≤ EDSS score <7 points, EDSS score <4 points, number of spinal segments <5 and recurrence <3 times (p<0.05). BAFF concentration was negatively correlated with disease duration, EDSS score, number of involved spinal segments and recurrence status (p<0.05). AQP4-Ab concentration was positively correlated with disease duration, EDSS score, number of involved spinal segments and recurrence status (p<0.05). Conclusions The concentrations of BAFF and AQP4-Ab in the cerebrospinal fluid can well predict the progression of NMOSD, correlated with the severity.

Objectives We aimed on evaluating the effect of liver dysfunction on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), GCL++ (ganglion cell layer + RNFL + inner plexiform layer), central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) measurements. Methods Fifty two patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC group) and 61 healthy individuals (control group) were included in our study. Blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time results as the international normalized ratio (INR), neutrophil (NEUT), lymphocyte (LYMP), neutrophil lymphocyte rate (NLR), platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV) levels were analyzed in both groups. RNFL, Inferior RNFL (IRNFL), Superior RNFL (SRNFL), GCL++, CMT and CT were measured by swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT). The choroidal vascular index (CVI) was also obtained. Results GGT (p=0.001), ALP (p<0.001), albumin (p<0.001), NEUT (p=0.046) and MPV (p<0.001) values were higher in the PBC group. INR (p=0.017) and PLT (p=0.027) values were lower in the PBC group. CMT (p=0.015), CT (p=0.002), and GCL++ (p<0.001) values were found lower in the PBC group. Conclusions OCT analyzes revealed thinning in CMT, CT and GCL++ in patients with liver dysfunction. OCT analyzes should be evaluated during periodic ocular examinations of PBC patients.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in thiol/disulfide balance, pro-fibrotic mediators (transforming growth factor-beta [TGF-β] and periostin) and a potential biomarker for the prediction of HCV-induced HCC (3β-hydroxysterol Δ24-reductase [DHCR24]) during direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. Methods This prospective cohort study included 56 non-cirrhotic, treatment-naive CHC patients who were treated with DAAs between January and June 2020. Laboratory tests, including serum total/native thiol, TGF-β , $\text{,}$ periostin, DHCR24, total bilirubin and albumin levels were measured and disulfide levels were calculated at baseline, then at 1 month and at the end of therapy (EOT). Results Of the 56 patients, all achieved a sustained virological response after DAA therapy. There was a significant decrease in serum levels of disulfide and TGF-β, (p=0.020 and p<0.001, respectively) and a significant increase in serum levels of native thiol compared with baseline levels (p=0.010). There was no significant change in levels of total thiol, DHCR24 and periostin levels. Serum TGF-β levels were found to be positively correlated with total bilirubin levels (r s =0.470, p=0.001) and negatively with albumin levels (r s =−0.483, p<0.001). A significant moderate positive correlation was determined between baseline serum DHRC24 and disulfide levels (r s =0.356, p=0.007). Conclusions The study results suggest that the DAA therapy may help to restore the impaired thiol/disulfide balance and reduce the pro-fibrotic process in CHC patients by markedly decreasing serum levels of TGF-β, a key player in HCV-induced liver fibrosis.

Objectives In the current study, we synergistically evaluated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression levels and signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) gene expression levels in diabetic patients without retinopathy, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods 94 blood samples from 26 healthy controls, 29 non-DR, 22 NPDR, and 17 PDR patients were collected in sterile EDTA tubes. Total RNA was obtained from these samples without waiting and then converted to cDNA. The expression levels of the VEGF and SCUBE1 genes were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results SCUBE1 gene expression levels were 2.15 (p=0.015), 1.75 (p=0.799), 2.37 (p=0.037) times higher, and VEGF gene expression levels were 1.71 (p=0.023), 1.75 (p=0.012), 1.85 (p=0.031) times higher in the non-DR, NPDR, and PDR groups compared to the control group, respectively. VEGF gene expression levels were significantly higher in participants with HbA1c levels ≥5.7% compared to those with <5.7. SCUBE1 and VEGF gene expression levels were significantly higher in participants with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels ≥126 mg/dL than those with <126 mg/dL. Conclusions As a result, SCUBE1 gene expression levels are higher than VEGF gene expression levels, especially in the PDR group. Therefore, SCUBE1 may contribute to the pathology of DR just like VEGF by generating angiogenesis. However, we believe there is a need for experimental animal model studies with DR examining SCUBE1 gene expression levels in tissue samples.

Objectives In this study, we aimed to evaluate the intestinal and urinary microbiota diversity of obese, pre-diabetic, diabetic, and healthy subjects together with their food consumption frequency and investigate the effect on glucose metabolism. Methods DNA was isolated from stool and urinary samples of fifteen obese, fifteen prediabetics, fifteen type 2 diabetic, and fifteen lean participants by using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. The amounts of Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides , and Firmicutes were measured and food consumption frequency was answered by all participants through a questionnaire. Results The levels of Bifidobacterium in fecal microbiota were significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients compared with lean (p=0.034), prediabetic (p=0.009), and obese participants (p=0.012). However, the levels of Bifidobacterium in urinary microbiota were decreased in obese, prediabetic, and type 2 diabetic subjects as controls (p=0.048; p=0.038; p=0.015 respectively). Additionally, Bacteroides / Firmicutes ratio decreased in type two diabetic patients compared with lean subjects and had a negative correlation with BMI in prediabetic subjects. Food consumption frequency illustrates that lean subjects have unhealthy eating habits. Conclusions Urinary microbiota could be considered in the future context of a potential biomarker in the progress of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Objectives The data of the monocyte subgroups and expressed toll like receptors (TLR) in the innate immune system response, which develop against chronic inflammation in patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in patients who undergo dialysis treatment, are limited. We aimed to investigate the effect of the dialysis procedure on the current chronic inflammatory condition and which role of monocyte subgroups ratios, the expressions of TLR2/4 and serum Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels involved in the innate immune response process. Methods We investigated monocyte subgroups, TLR2/TLR4 expressions and serum TNF-α levels in 30 predialysis CKD patients, 90 CKD patients undergoing dialysis and 30 healthy control subjects. Monocyte subgroup percentages and TLR2/TLR4 expressions were determined using the flow cytometry, serum TNF-α levels were investigated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results In the dialysis patients, the percentages of classical (p=0.0001) and non-classical (p=0.078) monocytes were found to be higher when compared with the predialysis CKD patients. The percentages of TLR4 expression on non-classical monocytes was higher in dialysis and predialysis patients compared with the healthy controls (p<0.0001, p=0.796). Serum TNF-α level was significantly higher in dialysis and predialysis patients compared with the healthy controls (p=0.013, p=0.022) and a positive correlation between the classical monocyte subgroup and TNF-α was observed (r=0.285, p=0.006). Conclusions Increased percentages of non-classical monocytes, TLR4 expressions and serum TNF-α levels observed in the predialysis CKD patients and dialysis patients might be related to inflammation.

Objectives Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric disease caused by disorders in brain development due to genetic and environmental factors. The interactions and mechanisms of the two main etiological factors are not fully understood despite neurobiological, clinical and genetic research and more research is needed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the DNA methylation differences in the matrix metalloproteinase 9 gene ( MMP9 ) between schizophrenia and healthy control groups. Methods Our study investigates DNA methylation patterns in the MMP9 gene in peripheral blood cells of schizophrenia patients. For this purpose, pyrosequencing method was used to analyze DNA methylation status of C-phosphate-G (CpG) regions in the 7th exon of MMP9 in 40 schizophrenia patients and 32 healthy individuals who admitted to our university hospital’s psychiatry clinic. Results In our results, it has been shown that there is a difference between MMP9 gene DNA methylations between healthy individuals and schizophrenia patients. Significant differences were found in the MMP9 gene exon 7 region in CpG 7-3, CpG 7-4, CpG 7-5 positions and mean methylation patterns between these two groups. Conclusions This study provided evidence that DNA methylation differences may exist between schizophrenia patients and healthy individuals, and emphasized the epigenetic aspect of the disorder.

Objectives Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a complex clinical syndrome with organ dysfunction as a consequence of a severe immunological reaction mediated by mainly T cells after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Our aim is to evaluate the association of HLA-DRB1 alleles, IFN- γ and TGF- β gene variations, with childhood ALL (c-ALL) patients and with GvHD after transplantation. Methods This study included 30 high-risk c-ALL patients and 100 controls. HLA-DRB1 alleles were studied by the NGS method, and TGF- β and IFN- γ variations were studied by the PCR-RFLP method. Results The rates of HLA-DRB1*15 alleles and IFN-gamma CC genotype were significantly higher in c-ALL patients (p=0.004, p=0.036 respectively). Association of the HLA-DRB1*15 alleles with the TGF- β TC genotype was found with a higher rate in the patient group (p=0.031). Association of the DRB1*04 allele with the IFN- γ CC genotype was found with a higher rate in the patient group (p=0.028). Acute GvHD developed in eight of 19 patients who underwent transplantation. IFN- γ CT was found to have a protective role in occurrence of aGvHD (p=0.044). Association of the DRB1*15 allele with IFN- γ TT was found with a higher rate in a GvHD (p=0.050). Conclusions It is thought that polymorphism of HLA-DR15 and IFN- γ CC may contribute to the development of c-ALL, while IFN- γ CT might be protective for aGvHD.

Objectives Notch is a conserved pathway involved in cell-fate determination and homeostasis. Its dysregulation plays a role in poor prognosis and drug resistance in breast cancer. Targeting Notch signaling via inhibition of the gamma-secretase complex is in the spotlight of modern cancer treatments. Gamma-secretase inhibitors (GSI) have shown successful clinical activity in treating cancers, yet the possible resistance mechanism remains unstudied. Modeling the resistance and understanding culprit molecular mechanisms can improve GSI therapies. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to generate and analyze GSI-resistant breast cancer cells. Methods Gradually increasing doses of DAPT, a well-known GSI, were applied to MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines to generate resistance. Cell viability, migration and gene expressions were assessed by MTT, wound healing and qRT-PCR analyses. Results DAPT-resistant MCF-7 cells exhibited abnormal expression of Notch receptors, Notch targets (HES1, HES5, HEY1), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (E-cadherin, ZO-1, SNAIL2, N-cadherin) to overcome the continuous increase in DAPT toxicity by increased migration through mesenchymal transition. Conclusions This study prospects into the role of EMT in the potential resistance mechanism against DAPT treatment for breast cancer cells. Complementary targeting of EMT should be investigated further for a possible effect to potentiate DAPT’s anti-cancer effects.

Objectives Our aim was to compare the cytotoxic effects of tamoxifen and docetaxel, currently used in breast cancer treatment, and ukrain, which demonstrates antiproliferative properties on breast cancer cells. Methods MCF-7 and MDA MB-231 cells were treated with various doses of docetaxel, tamoxifen, and ukrain. The cytotoxic effects of all drugs were determined with the cell empedance technique. Cell blocks were prepared from cultured and drug-exposed cells for histopathological and immunohistochemical determinations of Ki-67, Bcl-2, Bax, and Cyclin-D1 expressions. Results According to comparisons of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic protein expression indices, no statistically significant difference was found between the effects of ukrain and docetaxel in both cell lines. Although tamoxifen was more effective than ukrain in MCF-7 cells, ukrain was also more effective than tamoxifen in MDA MB-231 cells for inducing apoptosis. Conclusions Although ukrain presented antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on both cell lines, MDA MB-231 cells were more vulnerable to the effects of ukrain. The findings suggest that ukrain might be a useful therapeutic agent, especially for treating receptor-negative breast cancer cells.

Objectives In this study, the synthesis of three pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of their inhibitory effects on dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-4) were aimed. Methods Pyrazoline-based compounds (1–3) were obtained via the reaction of 1-(2-furyl)-3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-propen-1-one with 4-substituted phenylhydrazine hydrochloride. The DPP-4 inhibitory effects of compounds 1–3 were determined with a fluorometric assay using Gly-Pro-aminomethylcoumarin as the fluorogenic substrate. The cytotoxicity of compounds 1–3 on L929 mouse fibroblast (healthy) cell line was evaluated using MTT assay. Results 1-(4-Methylsulfonylphenyl)-3-(2-furyl)-5-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-pyrazoline (2) exhibited the highest DPP-4 inhibitory activity (IC 50 =5.75 ± 0.35 µM). Moreover, compound 2 exerted no significant cytotoxicity against L929 cells (IC 50 =34.33 ± 7.09 µM). Conclusions Target compounds exhibited moderate DPP-4 inhibitory activity and compound 2 was identified as the most active compound.

Objectives The anti-proliferative effects of Citrus hystrix have been reported. However, information on breast and colorectal cancer is limited especially the mechanistic aspects. In this study, the antioxidant activities of hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts of C. hystrix leaves and their growth inhibitory effects on colorectal (HCT 116) and breast cancer (MCF 7, MDA-MB 231 and HCC 1937) cells were analysed. Methods Antioxidant and oxidative stress status were measured using non-cellular and cellular assays. Caspase and gene expression were utilized to determine anti-proliferative effects. Polyphenolic content was analysed using LC-IT-TOF/MS. Results The water extract showed the highest polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelation, cellular antioxidant assay). The ethyl acetate extracts of C. hystrix (CH-EA) demonstrated the highest anti-proliferative activity against all cancer cell lines (IC 50 <100 μg/mL). Increase in ROS was observed in CH-EA-treated HCT 116, MDA-MB 231 and HCC 1937 cells (p<0.05). Increase in caspase activities and upregulation of Bax, Bcl-2, Cdk-1, TP53 and TNF-α expression in HCT 116 cells indicated activation of apoptosis by CH-EA. LC-IT-TOF/MS analysis indicated presence of quercetin and rutin in CH-EA. Conclusions CH-EA showed anti-proliferative effects, possibly through modulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Objectives Exposure to food additives, especially during the critical development period, has been associated with some behavioral disorders and learning difficulties in childhood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of sodium benzoate (NaB) on learning and neurobehavior in prepubertal rats. Methods A total of male rats (4-week-old) were divided into three groups as the control (CG), experiment 1 (NaB-ADI (acceptable daily intake) dose, Exp1G), and experiment 2 (NaB-NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) dose, Exp2G) groups and NaB was administered by oral gavage for six weeks. Changes in learning, memory, motor activity and neurobehavior were evaluated by Morris water maze and open field tests. At the end of the experiment, rats’ hippocampi were extracted; NR1, NR2A, NR2B, and nAChRα7 receptor concentrations and mRNA expressions were determined. Results Neurobehavioral tests supported the possibility of increased anxiety and decreased motivation in the Exp1G. Also, molecular tests showed that NR2B receptor protein and mRNA expression levels significantly increased in Exp2G compared to CG. Conclusions Our study showed that NaB administration in the prepubertal period may cause increased anxiety, decreased motivation, and attention with ADI dose. Furthermore, NOAEL dose administration may lead to an increase in NR2B receptor levels. In light of these results, NaB consumption in childhood may affect hippocampal functions related to learning and neurobehavior.

Objectives Previous studies showed that increased urinary Beta 2-microglobulin (β2-M) level is associated with fetal inflammatory response and successfully predict bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We aimed to investigate the clinical utility of serum β2-M levels to predict BPD in preterm infants. Method Infants born between May and November 2018 and whose gestational age (GA) was <32 weeks were included into the study. During routine blood work in the first couple of hours of life an extra 0.5 mL blood was drawn to study β2-M levels later on. β2-M levels were compared between infants who developed BPD or not. Results Data analysis of 111 infants was performed. Out of 111 infants, 37 died before BPD diagnosis and out of the rest 74 infants, 38 (34.2%) were diagnosed with BPD. Mean GA was 28 ± 1.8 and 29.9 ± 1.4 weeks (p < 0.01) and mean birth weights (BW) were 1,086 ± 316 and 1,395 ± 348 g (p < 0.01) in BPD group and without BPD respectively. Demographic characteristics of the two groups were similar. While the white blood cell count, CRP and IL-6 levels were similar in both groups, β2-M levels were significantly higher in BPD group (4.84 ± 1.0 and 3.79 ± 0.95 mg/L, p = 0.01). Furthermore a weak correlation between β2-M level and BPD was observed (r = 0.23, p = 0.04). Conclusion Serum β2-M levels which obtained in the early postnatal life could predict developing BPD. Monitoring β2-M levels in infants who have high clinical risk factors for BPD development may provide additional benefit in predicting BPD.