Hakan Coksuer

Methylation of tumor suppressor genes in ovarian cancer

Aberrant methylation of gene promoter regions is one of the mechanisms for inactivation of tumor suppressor genes in human malignancies. In this study, the methylation pattern of 24 tumor suppressor genes was analyzed in 75 samples of ovarian cancer using the methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) assay. Of the 24 tumor suppressor genes examined, aberrant methylation was observed in 17. The three most frequently methylated genes were CDKN2B, CDH13 and RASSF1, followed by ESR1 and MLH1. Methylation frequencies ranged from 1.3% for CDKN2A, RARβ, CASP8, VHL and TP73 to 24% for CDKN2B. The corresponding normal DNA from each patient was also investigated. Methylation was detected in tumors, although not in normal tissues, with the exception of two samples, indicating aberrant methylation in tumors. Clear cell carcinoma samples exhibited a higher frequency of CDKN2B promoter hypermethylation compared to those of other histological types (P=0.05). Our data indicate that methylation of the CDKN2B gene is a frequent event in ovarian carcinogenesis and that analysis of only three genes is sufficient to detect the presence of methylation in 35% of ovarian cancer cases. However, more studies using a much larger sample size are needed to define the potential role of DNA methylation as a marker for ovarian cancer.

Ultrasonographic evaluation and anti-mullerian hormone levels after laparoscopic stripping of unilateral endometriomas.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the ovarian reserve after laparoscopic stripping of unilateral endometriomas by comparing the operated and non-operated ovaries. STUDY DESIGN Bilateral ovarian volumes, antral follicle counts, and stromal blood flows were assessed by ultrasonography and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were analysed in 36 patients who had undergone laparoscopic cystectomy for unilateral ovarian endometrioma. RESULTS Mean antral follicle counts (AFC) of the operated side ovaries were significantly lower on the second postoperative day (3.1 ± 2.4 vs 5.2 ± 3.7; p<0.05) and in the third month (3.7 ± 2.1 vs 6.4 ± 2.7; p<0.05). Pulsatility indices of the operated ovaries were significantly decreased on the second postoperative day (2.22 ± 0.46 vs 1.76 ± 0.51; p<0.05) while resistance indices were increased (0.81 ± 0.06 vs 0.88 ± 0.13; p<0.05). Doppler parameters had recovered and a non-significant decrease in AMH levels of the patients was recorded in the third month after surgery (2.03 ± 0.41 ng/mL vs 1.95 ± 0.62 ng/mL; p>0.05). CONCLUSION Although laparoscopic stripping of endometriomas seems to affect the ovarian reserve in terms of AFCs, it does not have a significant negative impact at the end of three months as assessed by ovarian volumes, Doppler indices and AMH levels. Endometrioma surgery techniques are important in preserving normal functioning ovaries and further studies are necessary for optimising these surgical approaches.

Differences in prevalence of sexual dysfunction between primary and secondary infertile women

OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of type of infertility on female sexual function. DESIGN Comparison of female sexual function index and prevalence in primary infertile women and secondary infertile women. SETTING Hospital. PATIENT(S) One hundred twenty-two primary infertile and 51 secondary infertile women. INTERVENTION(S) Questionnaires (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] and Beck Depression Inventory). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Prevalence of dysfunction in primary and secondary infertile women. RESULT(S) The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 64.8% (n = 79) and 76.5% (n = 39) in primary infertile and secondary infertile women, respectively. In analyses of mean overall and subgroup scores of FSFI, there were significant differences between primary and secondary infertile women in the mean scores of orgasm, satisfaction, and total FSFI. Backward logistic regression identified a model with four significant predictors of sexual dysfunction (group, age, income level, and educational level). Secondary infertile women had a 9.5-fold higher risk of sexual dysfunction than primary infertile women after adjustment for confounding factors. CONCLUSION(S) There was a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction in secondary infertile women. Secondary infertile women have decreased sexual desire, orgasm, and satisfaction compared with primary infertile women.

Does urinary incontinence subtypes affect sexual function

OBJECTIVE Urinary incontinence (UI) may affect a womans physical and psychological well-being in different aspects. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of urinary stress incontinence (USI), detrusor overactivity (DO) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) on sexual function. STUDY DESIGN One-hundred and seventy urinary incontinent, sexually active women were included in this cross-sectional study. After urodynamic evaluation, participants were divided into three subgroups as USI (n=61), DO (n=55) and MUI (n=54). Patients were matched according to age, parity and body mass index (BMI), rendering the sample size to 41 patients in each group. Turkish version short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12) was filled out by each of the participants. Totally, 52 patients were excluded from the study (47 could not be matched and 5 incomplete questionnaire). Demographic characteristics of the participants, total and three domain scores of PISQ-12 were compared among three UI subgroups. RESULTS The study group was consisted of 38 (32.2%) DO, 41 (34.7%) USI and 39 (33.1%) MUI patients. Demographic characteristics of the patients were similar in three subgroups. Patients with a diagnosis of MUI had significantly lower mean PISQ-12 scores than the ones with USI and DO whereas patients with USI had lower mean PISQ-12 scores than patients with DO. CONCLUSION Although urinary stress incontinence effects sexual function more than detrusor overactivity in terms of PISQ-12 scores, mixed urinary incontinence has the greatest impact on sexual function when compared with urinary stress incontinence and detrusor overactivity.

Can serum gamma-glutamyltransferase levels be useful at diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus?

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women at oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the diagnosis of GDM and to explore whether this activity is associated with metabolic parameters. Method: This prospective control study included 37 women with GDM and 42 women with normal glucose tolerance in pregnancy (control group). In the study group (GDM), blood was taken for analyzing 100 g OGTT from women who have abnormal 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT). Results: Compared with the controls, the GDM group had significantly higher mean values for serum fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride and GGT. Within the GDM group, GGT levels were only negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (r = −0.41, p = 0.01). GGT was determined to be an independent metabolic parameter for GDM. While performing analyses receiver operational curve analysis, GGT cutoff set was set at 16 IU/L, the sensitivity was calculated as 86%, and specificity was as 37%. Conclusion: The increase at GGT level is an independent risk factor for GDM and identified as high-risk women for diagnosis of GDM.

Ovarian reserve testing before and after laparoscopic tubal bipolar electrodesiccation and transection.

OBJECTIVE To find out whether tubal sterilization leads to loss of ovarian reserve, we assessed the hormonal and ultrasonographic parameters of ovarian reserve in women who underwent laparoscopic tubal sterilization by bipolar electrodesiccation and transection. STUDY DESIGN In this preliminary study, laparoscopic tubal sterilization was performed on 49 healthy women who had voluntarily requested elective surgical sterilization. Among the current ovarian reserve indicators, in the early proliferative phases, preoperative (baseline) and postoperative (third month) serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, ovarian volume, and antral follicle counts (AFCs) were determined. Analysis of these hormonal and ultrasonographic parameters of ovarian reserve preoperatively and postoperatively was the main outcome measure. RESULTS Preoperative and third-month postoperative FSH, LH, E2, and AMH levels did not reveal statistically significant differences (p=0.101, p=0.180, p=0.254, and p=0.079; respectively). The ultrasonographic indicators of ovarian reserve did not change in terms of total ovarian volume and total AFC (p=0.793 and p=0.098, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Short-term follow-up study results revealed a slight but non-significant change in the current ovarian reserve markers, especially in the AMH levels.

Does hyperandrogenism have an effect on hearing loss in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism. Hormonal changes can affect hearing loss and inner ear functions. We evaluated hearing loss with audiometric tests in young patients with PCOS. METHODS Twenty-six women having PCOS and 25 normal individuals were enrolled in the study. Age ranges for PCOS and control groups were 20-35 years. Hormonal and biochemical values including LH, LH/FSH, E2, testosterone, fasting glucose and fasting insulin were calculated. Each subject was tested with low- (250-2000Hz) and high-frequency audiometry (4000-8000Hz). For each set of tests, mean values of air conduction at each frequency were measured for the PCOS and control groups and compared. RESULTS No difference was observed in speech frequencies on audiologic tests between the groups, however high-frequency hearing loss were significantly higher (p<0.05) in PCOS patients than in control women. Also, hearing thresholds were normal range in all of frequencies in PCOS and control subjects. PCOS patients showed high levels of LH, LH/FSH, testosterone and fasting insulin. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that patients diagnosed with PCOS should be advised audiologic evaluation especially in the high frequency.

Comparison of risk of malignancy index (RMI), CA125, CA 19-9, ultrasound score, and menopausal status in borderline ovarian tumor.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic values of risk of malignancy index (RMI IV), ultrasound score, menopausal status, and serum CA125 and CA19-9 level in patients with borderline ovarian tumor (BOT). Methods: Fifty women having borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) and 5O individuals with benign adnexal mass were enrolled in this retrospective study. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values and diagnostic accuracy of preoperative serum levels of the CA125 and CA19-9, ultrasound findings and menopausal status, and RMI IV were calculated for prediction of discrimination between BOTs and benign adnexal masses and the results were compared. Results: The RMI IV was the best method for discrimination between BOTs and benign adnexal masses and was more accurate than the other parameters. When Receiver Operator Characteristic area under the curves for menopausal status was analyzed, serum CA 125 and CA19-9 level, ultrasound score, RMI IV(CA125), and RMI IV(CA19-9) were, 0.580, 0.625, 0.548, 0.694, 0.734 and 0.711, respectively. The best RMI IV cut-off was found to be 200 for discrimination of benign and BOT lesions. In the RMI formulation, replacing CA125 with CA19-9 didn’t affect RMI IV sensitivity and specificity for discrimination. Conclusion: Compared to ultrasound, menopausal status, CA-125, CA19-9, the RMI IV was found to be the best predictive method for differentiation of BOTs from benign adnexal masses. RMI IV cut–off value of 200 is suitable for differentiation of benign and BOT’s.

Comparative audiometric evaluation of hearing loss between the premenopausal and postmenopausal period in young women

AIM The aim of this study was to determine the audiologic status and severity of hearing loss in different frequencies between the premenopausal and postmenopausal period in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study involved 28 premenopausal and 27 postmenopausal women. Premenopausal and postmenopausal women were younger than 46 years. Age range for premenopausal and menopause patients was 37 to 46 years. The mean age of menopause women with sensorineural hearing loss in our study was not suitable for the age range of presbyacousis that is commonly seen. Each subject was tested with low- (250-2000 Hz) and high-frequency (4000-8000 Hz) audiometry. For each set of tests, mean values of air conduction at each frequency were calculated for the premenopausal and postmenopausal groups and compared. RESULTS The mean ages of the women on premenopausal and postmenopausal groups were 42.0 ± 2.4 and 43.4 ± 2.6 years, respectively. Duration of menopausal period in second group was 2.03 ± 0.85 years. The corresponding mean body mass indexes were 29.7 ± 2.9 and 31.1 ± 3.8 kg/m(2). There was no statistical significance between the 2 groups in mean ages and mean body mass indexes. Hearing thresholds at low and high frequencies were analyzed between the 2 groups in Table 2. At low (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz) and high frequencies (4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz), the mean air-conduction threshold values between the 2 groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Estrogen deficiency may not elevate hearing thresholds in early postmenopausal period; however, further studies of larger series are needed to confirm this.

Combined Approach in a Large Placental Chorioangioma Case with Intratumoral Alcohol Injection, Cordocentesis, IU Transfusion, and Amnioreduction

Large placental chorioangiomas (LPCs) are rare complications of pregnancy and these tumors are associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications. We presented a LPC case at 25th week of gestation, complicated by polyhydramnios and preterm labor in which intratumoral alcohol injection was performed succesfully. Cordocentesis, fetal intrauterine transfusion, and amnioreduction were performed at the same session, as a combined approach. The safety of the procedure was shown by the lack of alcohol in the fetal cord blood sample. Intratumoral alcohol injection is a reliable and effective treatment modality in the management of LPCs and may be combined with other invasive procedures.