Age-related changes in the incidence of pineal gland calcification in Turkey: A prospective multicenter CT study

Küçük Resim Yok

Tarih

2008

Dergi Başlığı

Dergi ISSN

Cilt Başlığı

Yayıncı

Erişim Hakkı

info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess

Özet

The goal of this cross-sectional observational study was to determine the incidence of pineal gland calcification (PGC), to investigate the interaction of PGC and aging, and to compare the incidence of PGC among the populations living in Turkey. In a prospective study the rate of PGC on CT scans of 1376 individuals in six referral centers from different regions of Turkey was investigated, with emphasis on effects of climatological parameters and aging on PGC. It was found that the incidence of PGC increased rapidly after first decade and the increase remains gradual thereafter, higher in males than in females for all age groups. There was a significant difference for incidence and degree of PGC between different clinics and between both sexes (p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference for the degree of PGC between the clinics in low altitude group and those in high altitude group (p < 0.001 for each). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, sex, altitude and intensity of sunlight exposure significantly affected the risk of PGC (odds ratios (OR) 1.335, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.261-1.414, p < 0.001; OR 1.900, 95% CI 1.486-2.428, p < 0.001; OR 0.715, 95% CI 0.517-0.990, p < 0.05; OR 0.997, 95% CI 0.994-0.999, p < 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, by multiple linear regression analysis, high altitude and increased intensity of sunlight exposure were found to affect the degree of PGC (? = 0.003, p < 0.001). It is concluded that there is a close relationship between PGC and the aforementioned parameters, supporting a link between the development of PGC and these. This study provides some reference data for new clinical studies on the putative role of pineal gland in future. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Açıklama

Anahtar Kelimeler

Calcification, Computed tomography, Pineal gland, Turkey

Kaynak

Pathophysiology

WoS Q Değeri

Scopus Q Değeri

Q3

Cilt

15

Sayı

1

Künye