Fatma Markoc

Efecto de la obesidad inducida por dieta en el tejido testicular y parámetros de estrés oxidativo en el suero

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diet induced obesity on semen parameters and serum antioxidant enzyme levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six-week-old male rats were randomized into three groups are as follows: group 1 (n=10) received a control diet, group 2 (n=9) received a high-fat diet and group 3 (n=11) received high-fat diet plus anastrozole. At the completion of a 10-week period, testicular tissues were obtained and spermatogenesis was evaluated with Johnsen Score System. The normal Johnsen Score was accepted as >9.39. In addition, serum antioxidant enzyme levels, triglyceride, cholesterol, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimilating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels were measured in serum. RESULTS Body weight were significantly increased in mice fed with a high-fat diet compared to normal diet (P<.05). The mean triglyceride levels was 64.00±20.48 mg/dl, 98.89±27.80 mg/dl and 95.27±15.02 mg/dl in group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively (P<.05). Male rats fed with a high-fat diet had significantly lower levels of testosterone compared with the control diet male rats (P=.005). Testicular pathology revealed that Johnsen Score System were 9.60±0.15, 8.72±1.81 and 9.29 in group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively (P=.169). In addition serum nitric oxide (NO) levels were higher in group 2 and group 3 compared to group 1 (P<.05). CONCLUSION As a result it may be concluded that obesity may induce oxidative stress and decrease testosterone levels. These changes may alter testicular functions and consequently it may be speculated that obesity can be important causative factor in the etiology of the male infertility.

The effects of carvedilol on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat testis

OBJECTIVE To analyze the oxidative damage and histopathological alterations caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and ameliorative effects of carvedilol (CVD) in the rat testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-one male rats were randomized into 3 groups as follows: Group I (n = 7); control (sham) group, Group II (n = 7); I/R group, in which I/R injury was performed by torsing the left testis 720 ° clockwise for 2 hours and detorsing for 2 hours. Group III (n = 7); CVD treatment group; in addition to I/R process, one-dose of CVD was administered (2mg/kg, i.p) 30 min. before detorsion. Levels of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) were determined in testicular tissues and serum of rats. Testicular tissues were also examined histopathologically and Johnsen scores were determined. RESULTS Activities of SOD and GSH-Px in serum and testicular tissues were increased by I/R, but administration of CVD decreased these levels (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001). Significantly increased MDA levels in serum and testicular tissues were decreased by CVD treatment (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001). Concerning PC levels in serum and testicular tissues, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.989 and p = 0.428). There was not a statistically significant difference in terms of mean Johnsen scores between the groups (p = 0.161). CONCLUSIONS Administration of CVD decreased oxidative damage biochemically in the rat testis caused by I/R injury, but histopathologically no change was observed betwe¬en all of the groups.

The effect of Sertraline, Paroxetine, Fluoxetine and Escitalopram on testicular tissue and oxidative stress parameters in rats

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on testicular tissue and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 40 male Wistar albino rats, 5.5-6 months old, were equally divided at random into five groups: group 1 was the control group, group 2 received sertraline 10mg/kg (p.o), group 3 was administered fluoxetine 10mg/kg (p.o), group 4 received escitalopram 10mg/kg (p.o), and group 5 (n = 8) was administered paroxetine 20mg/kg. Each dose was administered orally for two months. Johnsens criteria were used to categorize spermatogenesis. Johnsens method assigns a score of 1 to 10 to each tubule cross-section examined. In this system, a Johnsen score of 9 and 10 indicates normal histology. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were evaluated. Serum MDA levels were also measured. RESULTS The mean Johnsen scores were 9.36 ± 0.33, 9.29 ± 0.32, 8.86 ± 0.48, 9.10 ± 0.56, and 8.33 ± 0.90 in control group, sertraline group, fluoxetine group, escitalopram group, and paroxetine group, respectively. The Johnsen score was significantly lower for paroxetine group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The mean FSH level increased only in the sertraline group. With the exception of the fluoxetine group, the testosterone levels were lower in all groups compared with the control group. The total testosterone level was significantly lower in the sertraline group compared with the control group [40.87 (22.37-46.8) vs. 15.87 (13.53-19.88), p < 0.01]. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the MDA and LH levels (p = 0.090 and p = 0.092). CONCLUSION These data suggest that SSRIs have a negative effect on testicular tissues. This negative impact is markedly greater in the paroxetine group. To determine the exact mechanism of action of these drugs on testicular tissue, well-designed randomized controlled clinical studies are needed on a larger population.

The Effects of Trimetazidine and Sildenafil on Bilateral Cavernosal Nerve Injury Induced Oxidative Damage and Cavernosal Fibrosis in Rats

Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sildenafil and trimetazidine on bilateral cavernosal nerve injury-induced oxidative damage and fibrotic changes in cavernosal tissue in rat model. Material and Methods. A total of 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups; each group consist 8 rats (control, BCI, BCI + TMZ, and BCI + sildenafil groups). Tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) levels were determined biochemically and distribution of cavernosal fibrosis density among groups was performed histopathologically. Results. Tissue SOD levels in BCI group were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). Tissue MDA and PC levels in BCI group were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). TMZ and sildenafil administration significantly increased tissue SOD levels (P < 0.05) and reduced tissue MDA and PC levels (P < 0.05). Histologically, the degree of cavernosal fibrosis and collagen density was higher in BCI group in comparison to control, TMZ-treated, and sildenafil-treated groups. Conclusion. BCI caused oxidative damage and increased cavernosal fibrosis in rat penis. TMZ and sildenafil treatment decreased oxidative damage and reduced the degree of fibrosis in penile tissue due to BCI.

Scleredema treated with broad‐band ultraviolet A phototherapy plus colchicine

Scleredema is an uncommon condition characterized by induration of skin. The pathogenesis is not known, although the increased expression of collagen‐producing fibroblasts in the skin has been demonstrated. Scleredema has been difficult to treat with scattered reports of success with bath psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA), cream PUVA, UVA1 and others. The use of low‐dose broad‐band UVA phototherapy was found to be effective in the treatment of morphea. Colchicine has been shown to interfere with collagen synthesis and is used successfully in scleroderma. We report the first case of scleredema that improved markedly with low‐dose broad‐band UVA plus colchicine treatment.

Scapular Bone Grafts: Good Options for Craniofacial Defects?

Introduction There is still no consensus on the ideal material to be used in craniofacial defects. Autogenous bone grafts are mostly preferred owing to their use with fewer complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the scapular bone graft can be used with equal or more advantages to other bone graft resources in orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects. Patients and Methods Twenty-four orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects were reconstructed with scapular bone grafts. Sixteen patients presented with complicated orbital fractures, 5 patients presented with isolated orbital floor fractures, and 3 patients presented with frontal bone fractures. The grafts were radiologically evaluated 1 day, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively by 3-dimensional computed tomography scan. Results All orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects were reconstructed successfully with scapular bone grafts. Clinical evaluation of the patients at 6 to 24 months of follow-up was considered satisfactory. Minimal donor site morbidity was observed. Scapular bone grafts adapted nicely to the recipient area, and bony union was complete as demonstrated by 3-dimensional computed tomography scans. Conclusions Reconstruction of orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects with scapular bone grafts is an easy and safe procedure with minimal donor site morbidity. Scapular bone graft is a good reconstructive option for orbital, maxillary sinus front wall, and frontal bone defects.

Weight Loss and Melatonin Reduce Obesity-Induced Oxidative Damage in Rat Testis

Aim. We aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of weight loss and melatonin on the obesity-induced oxidative damage in rat testes. Materials and Methods. 28 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 7 rats: control group (Group 1), obesity group (Group 2), obesity + MLT group (Group 3), and weight loss group (Group 4). Rats were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Bilateral orchiectomy was performed and 5 cc blood samples were obtained from all of the rats. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) levels were analysed in the testicular tissues and serum. Spermatogenesis was evaluated with the Johnsen scoring system. Results. The testicular tissue and serum levels of MDA, PC, and SOD activity were increased in the obesity group in comparison to the sham operated group (P < 0.05). Weight loss and melatonin treatment ameliorated MDA, PC, and SOD levels in testicular tissue and serum significantly (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of mean Johnsen score (P = 0.727). Conclusion. Experimentally created obesity caused oxidative stress and both melatonin and weight loss reduced oxidative stress parameters in rat testes.

Erythrokeratodermia variabilis: Successful treatment with retinoid plus psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy

Dear Editor, Erythrokeratodermia variabilis (EKV) is a rare genetic disease which is characterized by the coexistence of migratory erythematous patches and fixed hyperkeratotic plaques that are symmetrically distributed over the limbs and buttocks. Systemic retinoids are the treatment of choice in generalized EKV, often resulting in dramatic improvement in the hyperkeratotic lesions whereas the erythematous component cannot be completely suppressed. We report the first case of EKV in whom both hyperkeratotic plaques and erythematous patches were improved markedly with retinoid plus psoralen and ultraviolet A (Re-PUVA) treatment. A 41-year-old woman presented with generalized, erythematous, scaly patches and hyperkeratotic plaques, which appeared in her first year of life. The lesions deteriorated with cold, sun exposure and emotional distress. No other family member had these skin lesions except her 11-year-old daughter (Fig. 1d). Physical examination revealed asymptomatic, multiple, irregularly shaped, symmetrically distributed, erythematous scaly patches on her face, extremities, trunk and back (Fig. 1a,b). These lesions were spreading gradually over time. Hyperkeratotic plaques had been noticed on the flexural areas and palmoplantar surfaces. Mucous membranes, teeth, nails and hair were normal. The remaining physical examination revealed no abnormality. All the laboratory data obtained were within normal limits. Mycological native preparations were negative. Biopsy from an erythematous scaly patch on her trunk showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, papillomatosis with a church-spire appearance, and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate around the dilated vessels in the papillary dermis (Fig. 2). On the basis of the clinical and histopathological features a diagnosis of EKV was established. The patient was treated with acitretin (Neotigason; Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland) capsule 10 mg ⁄day and 1 week later combined with oral PUVA treatment, twice weekly. She received 23 PUVA treatments with an initial UV-A dose of 0.5 J ⁄cm and subsequent increments of 0.5 J ⁄cm to a maximal dose of 9 J ⁄cm in a UV-A cabin (Daavlin 3 Series, Bryan, OH, USA). The cumulative dose of UV-A was 129 J ⁄cm. Marked improvement in the hyperkeratotic plaques and also in the erythematous patches were achieved in the third month of the Re-PUVA treatment and PUVA was stopped (Fig. 1c). Acitretin was discontinued at the ninth month of therapy. Side-effects were limited to dry lips. Laboratory investigations during treatment did not reveal abnormalities. Erythrokeratodermia variabilis was first described by Mendes da Costa in 1925, that usually presents at birth or during the first year of life. The disease has two distinct clinical presentations. The first is characterized by a persistent generalized, dark brown, rough hyperkeratosis of the skin with exaggerated skin markings. The second presentation consists of sharply demarcated, fixed, symmetric, hyperkeratotic plaques which persist over months. In both types, transient, figurate red patches develop and demonstrate variation in the number and size. They persist for hours or days. The development of the lesions may be affected by various environmental factors, such as temperature changes or trauma. Approximately 50% of affected individuals have associated palmoplantar keratoderma. The pattern of inheritance of EKV is heterogeneous, primarily autosomal dominant, although there are reports of sporadic and recessive cases as well. EKV was mapped to chromosome 1p34-35, a location that is now known to contain genes encoding gap junction proteins, also known as connexins. Mutations associated with EKV were found in connexin 31 and connexin 30.3. A recent study indicates a novel JCB3 gene mutation

The use of temporalis muscle graft, fresh and cryopreserved amniotic membrane in preventing temporomandibular joint ankylosis after discectomy in rabbits

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of temporalis muscle-fascia graft, fresh and cryopreserved human amniotic membrane as an interpositional material in preventing temporomandibular joint ankylosis in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, 21 New Zealand white rabbits were used. The condyle and the joint disc were removed to induce ankylosis in left TMJs. Reconstruction was immediately performed with temporalis muscle-fascia graft (tMFG) in group I (n = 7), fresh human amniotic membrane (fHAM) in group II (n = 7) and cryopreserved human amniotic membrane (cHAM) in group III (n = 7). All rabbits were sacrificed at 3 months after the operation. The comparison was made among three groups by means of vertical mouth opening and weight measurements, radiologic and histologic findings obtained before and after surgery. RESULTS In all rabbits, there was no statistically significant difference in the jaw movements and weight among groups at commencement and 3 months after surgery. The condylar surfaces were more irregular in HAM groups. There were mild osteophyte formations, sclerosis, fibrosis and calcification around the condyle in all groups however the joint gap was more preserved in group I. All interpositional materials were also seen to be partially present in the joint gap at 3 months. Ankylosis was not seen in the joint gap in any group. CONCLUSION With the results of this study it was concluded that interpositional arthroplasty with HAM and tMFG have an almost similar effect in preventing TMJ ankylosis after discectomy in the rabbit model.

Tularemia in Differential Diagnosis of Cervical Lymphadenopathy: Cytologic Features of Tularemia Lymphadenitis

Objective: Tularemia can cause cervical lymphadenopathy. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is the first step in the workup for cervical lymphadenopathy; however, little has been published regarding the cytomorphological features of tularemia lymphadenitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the FNA cytology of tularemia lymphadenitis. Study Design: Review of medical records identified 36 patients with serologically proven tularemia, and who had undergone lymph node FNA. In each case, the original May-Grünwald-Giemsa-stained FNA smears from enlarged cervical lymph node were reevaluated. Results: Suppuration and cytolysis were frequent cytological findings. Twenty-three (63.8%) of the 36 cases were assessed as suppurative inflammation. In 10 of these cases (27.8% of the total), cytolysis was prominent. In 7 cases (19.4%) the smears featured microgranulomas as well as suppuration, and 2 of these (5.6%) also featured giant cells. In 1 case (2.8%), there was caseous necrosis. In 2 cases (5.6%), the cytopathological findings were consistent with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Three aspirates (8.3%) were inadequate for evaluation. Conclusion: Cytopathological findings on FNA of tularemia lymphadenitis are nonspecific; however, in regions where tularemia is endemic, this disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis for suppurative lymphadenitis.