Dagistan Tolga Arioz

Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE The HDL-associated paraoxonase and arylesterase activities play a role in decreasing oxidative stress, which is known to contribute to cancer development. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels in patients with newly-diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer. MATERIALS Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, total free sulfhydryl (-SH) levels and LOOH levels were measured in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (n=24) and controls (n=29). RESULTS Serum paraoxonase activity and arylesterase activity, as well as -SH levels were significantly lower (p=0.003, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer compared to controls, while LOOH levels were significantly higher (p<0.001). A significant inverse correlation was found between the stage, grade and CA-125 level of ovarian cancer and paraoxonase activity (rho=-0.630, p=0.001 and rho=-0.601, p=0.002 and rho=-0.436, p=0.033, respectively), arylesterase activity (rho=-0.601, p=0.002 and rho=-0.713, p<0.001 and rho=-0.580, p=0.003, respectively), and -SH levels (rho=-0.642, p=0.001 and rho=-0.637, p=0.001 and rho=-0.530, p=0.008, respectively). In contrast, there was a positive correlation between LOOH and the stage, grade and CA-125 level of ovarian cancer (rho=0.565, p=0.004 and rho=0.479, p=0.018 and rho=0.642, p=0.001). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that diminished paraoxonase and arylesterase activity, -SH levels and increased LOOH levels are associated with particular stage, grade and CA-125 level of ovarian cancer.

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 in adenomyosis and endometrial polyps and its correlation with angiogenesis.

This study investigates the expression of cyclooxgenase (COX)-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in patients with adenomyosis or endometrial polyps and their possible relation to microvascular density in these lesions. The subjects were 25 patients with adenomyosis, 30 patients with endometrial polyps, and 20 female controls. The expression of COX-2, MMP-2, and CD34 was studied immunohistochemically. Microvesseldensity (MVD) was calculated by the counting of CD34-positive vascular endothelial cells. The quantity and intensity of COX-2 expression in endometrium did not vary during the menstrual cycle in the control group and in patients with endometrial polyps. In patients with adenomyosis, it was higher in the secretory phase. MMP-2 expression in stromal cells in adenomyotic foci and endometrial polyps were higher than in normal endometrium. In the proliferative phase, MVD in adenomyosis foci was higher than in normal endometrium and endometrial polyps. In the secretory phase, MVD in adenomyotic foci and endometrial polyps was higher than in normal endometrium. Overexpression of stromal MMP-2 may play a role in the development of adenomyosis and endometrial polyps. Aberrant COX-2 expression in eutopic endometrium during the luteal phase may be associated with the pathogenesis of adenomyosis; however, expression of COX-2 does not seem to play a role in the development of endometrial polyps. MVD was high in both lesions, but there was no significant correlation between MVD and the expression of MMP-2 or COX-2. Mechanisms other than COX-2 and MMP-2 may contribute to the promotion of angiogenesis in these lesions.

Body fat composition and distribution in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objectives. The aims of the present study were to compare the distribution and accumulation of body fat in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy controls matched for age and body mass index (BMI), and to investigate the association between androgen levels, insulin resistance and fat distribution. Materials and methods. Thirty-one PCOS women and 29 age- and BMI-matched healthy control women were evaluated in terms of subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness determined with a skinfold caliper and body composition analyzed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Blood samples were obtained for determination of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, 17β-estradiol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, basal prolactin, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), androstenedione, insulin and glucose levels. Insulin sensitivity was estimated by fasting glucose/insulin ratio and free androgen index (FAI) was calculated as 100 × testosterone/SHBG. Differences between means were analyzed by Students t test or the Mann–Whitney U test according to distribution of the data. Correlation analysis was performed between the body fat distribution and parameters concerning insulin resistance and androgens. Results. FAI was significantly higher in patients with PCOS compared with the control group (p = 0.001). Fasting insulin was significantly higher and fasting glucose/insulin ratio was significantly lower in the PCOS group vs. controls (p = 0.03 and 0.001, respectively). There was significantly less subcutaneous adipose tissue in the controls than the PCOS women at the triceps (p = 0.04) and subscapular region (p = 0.04). Waist-to-hip ratio of PCOS women was significantly higher than that of control subjects (p = 0.04). Conclusion. Upper-half type body fat distribution is linked with PCOS, high free testosterone levels and insulin resistance.

Serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress markers in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restricted infants

Aim:  To compare the levels of serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress markers, including total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), and total free sulfhydryl (–SH) in healthy pregnant women and pregnant women with intrauterine growth restricted infants.

Assessment of preoperative serum prolidase activity in epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE Prolidase is a cytosolic exopeptidase that cleaves iminodipeptides with C-terminal proline and hydroxyproline and plays a major role in collagen turnover. The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative serum prolidase activity, total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). STUDY DESIGN Serum prolidase activity, TOS, and TAC were measured spectrophotometrically in both EOC cases (n=28) and controls (n=28). RESULTS Preoperative serum prolidase activity and TOS were significantly higher in patients with EOC compared to controls (p=0.009 and 0.008, respectively), whereas TAC was significantly lower in cases (p<0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between the stage, grade, and CA-125 level of EOC and serum prolidase activity (rho=0.466, p=0.012; rho=0.501, p=0.007; and rho=0.447, p=0.017, respectively) and TOS (rho=0.588, p=0.001; rho=0.412, p=0.029; and rho=0.568, p=0.002, respectively). In contrast, there was a negative correlation between TAC and the stage, grade, and CA-125 level of EOC (rho=-0.555, p=0.002; rho=-0.566, p=0.002; and rho=-0.581, p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Findings of the present study demonstrate that serum prolidase activity is significantly associated with the stage, tumor grade, and preoperative CA-125 level of EOC.

Serum prolidase activity and oxidative status in patients with stage I endometrial cancer.

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the serum prolidase activity, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total free sulfhydryl (-SH) groups in patients with stage I endometrial cancer. Methods: Serum prolidase activity, TOS, TAC, and -SH levels were measured in patients with endometrial cancer (n = 23) and controls (n = 25). Results: Serum prolidase activity and TOS were significantly higher in patients with endometrial cancer than in controls (P = 0.02 and P = 0.02, respectively), whereas TAC and -SH group levels were significantly lower (P = 0.004 and P = 0.001, respectively). There were no differences between surgical stages IA and IB or between stages IB and IC (P = 0.189 and P = 0.161, respectively) with respect to prolidase levels, whereas there was a significant difference between stages IA and IC (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Increased serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress may be associated with endometrial cancer, and increased serum prolidase activity may be related to local invasion of endometrial cancer.

Prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a rat model: efficacy comparison between cabergoline and meloxicam

Objective. To compare the efficacy of cabergoline (Cb2) and meloxicam in curbing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Design. Randomized controlled, animal study. Setting. Academic facility. Sample. We used a total of 50 immature Wistar female rats randomly to create an experimental OHSS model. Methods. Ten rats each formed the control group and mild OHSS group. The remaining 30 were separated into three equal groups of severe OHSS. Mild and severe OHSS were induced through ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins. One group with severe OHSS was administered a low‐dose 100 μg/kg Cb2 therapy; another group with severe OHSS received 600 μg/kg meloxicam. Body weight, vascular permeability (VP), VEGF expression, ovary weight, and diameter were then compared. Main outcome measures. The efficacy of Cb2 and meloxicam for preventing OHSS. Results. Comparison of the severe OHSS groups with the controls and mild OHSS group revealed significant increases in VEGF expression, VP, ovary weight, and diameter. The increase in VEGF expression was demonstrated to be dependent on human chorionic gonadotropin doses. However, low‐dose Cb2 and meloxicam therapies were shown to be ineffective in decreasing VEGF expression and VP, ovary weight, and ovary diameter in severe OHSS. Conclusions. VEGF elevation played a critical part in OHSS pathogenesis, but the therapies administered failed to curb VEGF expression.

Could mean platelet volume in late first trimester of pregnancy predict intrauterine growth restriction and pre‐eclampsia?

The present study aims to determine whether mean platelet volume (MPV) specified in late first trimester of pregnancy can be used to predict pre‐eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Color Doppler analysis of pelvic arteries following bilateral internal iliac artery ligation for severe postpartum hemorrhage

To compare Doppler blood flow characteristics of the uterine, arcuate, and ovarian arteries of women who underwent bilateral internal iliac artery ligation with those of controls.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain control after vaginal delivery and cesarean section

Abstract Objective: The present study aims to determine the efficiency and reliability of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the management of pain related with uterine contractions after vaginal delivery and the pain related with both abdominal incision uterine contractions after cesarean section. Methods: A hundred healthy women who underwent cesarean section under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to the placebo group (Group 1) or the TENS group (Group 2), while 100 women who delivered by vaginal route without episiotomy were randomized into the placebo group (Group 3) or the TENS group (Group 4). Results: The patients in Group 2 had statistically lower visual analog scale (VAS) and verbal numerical scale (VNS) scores than the patients in Group 1 (p < 0.001 for both). The patients in Group 4 had statistically lower VAS and VNS scores than the patients in Group 3 (p = 0.022 and p = 0.005, respectively). The analgesic requirement at the eighth hour of cesarean section was significantly lower in the patients who were treated with TENS (p = 0.006). The need for analgesics at the eighth hour of vaginal delivery was statistically similar in the patients who were treated with TENS and the patients who received placebo (p = 0.830). Conclusion: TENS is an effective, reliable, practical and easily available modality of treatment for postpartum pain.