Raziye Keskin Kurt

Relationship of red cell distribution width with the presence and severity of preeclampsia.

Aim: Although the relationship between red cell distribution width (RDW) and hypertension has been well documented, there is an absence of data on the association between RDW and preeclampsia. In the present study, we have aimed to investigate the correlation of RDW with preeclampsia and its severity. Methods: The study population consisted of 52 (35 mild and 17 severe) patients with preeclampsia and 50 control pregnancy patients. For the entire study population, baseline RDW was measured using an automatic blood counter. Results: Although there were no significant differences between the preeclampsia group and the control group in terms of hemoglobin and platelet counts, the RDW (14.1 ± 1.1 vs 16.9 ± 1.7, P < .001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria, white blood cell, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group. Moreover, subgroup analysis revealed that RDW levels were significantly increased in patients with severe preeclampsia when compared to the patients with mild preeclampsia (18 ± 1.5 vs 16.4 ± 1.5, P < .001). Conclusion: Our study results revealed that RDW levels were associated with both the presence and the severity of preeclampsia.

Protective Effect of Colchicine on Ovarian Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury An Experimental Study

Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate the efficiency of colchicine in the experimental rat ovarian torsion model in the light of histological and biochemical data. Study Design: A total of 35 Wistar albino female rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, group 1: (control-sham operated, n = 7); group 2: (torsion/detorsion, n = 7) 2 hours of ischemia and 2 hours of reperfusion; group 3: (torsion/detorsion, n = 7), 2 hours of ischemia and 5 days of reperfusion; group 4: (torsion/detorsion, n = 7) 2 hours of ischemia and 2 hours of reperfusion and a signal dose of oral 1 mL/kg colchicine; and group 5: (torsion/detorsion, n = 7), 2 hours of ischemia and 5 days of reperfusion and 5 days of oral 1 mg/kg colchicine. Histopathologic evaluation was performed by a scoring that assesses congestion, bleeding, edema, and cellular degeneration in the ovarian tissue. Catalase, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl levels were calculated. Results: The histopathologic scores, MDA, and protein carbonyl levels in the control and colchicine groups were significantly lower than groups 2 and 3 (P < .001). Catalase activities were significantly higher in the control and colchicine groups than in groups 2 and 3 (P < .001). The results of the histopathologic parameters and biochemical markers showed that protective effects of colchicine treatment persisted up to 5 days. Conclusion: Our study results revealed that colchicine reduced ovarian ischemia–reperfusion injury in experimental rat ovarian torsion model. As the ovarian detorsion is the first choice of the treatment modality in the early phase, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory treatment modalities like colchicine might be used to reduce ovarian ischemia–reperfusion injury.

Protective Effects of Colchicine in an Experimental Rat Endometriosis Model Histopathological Evaluation and Assessment of TNF-α Levels

Objective: Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory disease observed in reproductive period. The aim of the present study is to assess the efficacy of colchicine, widely used to treat many inflammatory diseases, in an experimental rat endometriosis model. Study Design: Experimental endometriosis was constituted with implantation of autogenous endometrial tissue. Rats were divided randomly into 2 groups as colchicine group (n = 8) and control group (n =8). Although oral 0.1 mg/kg colchicine was administered 4 weeks to the colchicine group, the same amount of saline solution was administered to the control group. Before and after 30 days of treatment period, peritoneal and tissue tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), the volumes and histopathological properties of the implants were evaluated. Results: Although the implant volume decreased significantly in the colchicine group (89.2 ± 13.4 mm3 to 35.2 ± 4.5 mm3, P < .05), the implant volume increased in the control group (85.1 ± 14.2 mm3 to 110.3 ± 10.5 mm3, P < .05). When compared to the control group, the colchicine group had significantly lower histopathologic sores (1.4 ± 0.2 vs 2.6 ± 0.4, P < .001). Although peritoneal fluid TNF-α levels were significantly decreased in the colchicine group (45.2 ± 5.3 pg/mL vs 12.1 ± 5.2 pg/mL, P < .001), the peritoneal fluid TNF-α levels were significantly increased in the control group after the treatment (44.2 ± 3.5 pg/mL vs 61.3 ± 12.2 pg/mL; P < .001). Tissue TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the colchicine group when compared to the control group (45.4 ± 8.6 pg/mL vs 71.3 ± 11.2 pg/mL; P < .001). Conclusion: Colchicine resulted in regression of endometrial implant volumes in experimental rat endometriosis model and decreased peritoneal and tissue TNF-α levels.

Antioxidant effect of erdosteine and lipoic acid in ovarian ischemia–reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of erdosteine and alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in a rat model of ovarian ischaemia-reperfusion injury. STUDY DESIGN Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were separated, at random, into six groups of eight rats. The groups were classified as: sham, torsion, detorsion, detorsion+erdosteine 100mg/kg, detorsion+alpha lipoic acid (ALA) 100mg/kg, and detorsion+erdosteine+ALA. The investigators executing the biochemical and histological analyses were blinded to the randomization until the end of the study. RESULTS The TOS (Total Oxidant Status) and OSI (Oxidative Stress Index) levels are higher in the Torsion and Detorsion groups when compared with the ones in the Sham group (p<0.05). Strong correlation was found between OSI and total histological score in the sham, torsion and detorsion groups (r=0.765, p<0.001). The mean levels of TOS and OSI in the rats that received erdosteine and/or ALA were significantly lower compared with the sham, torsion and detorsion groups (p<0.05). Mean TOS and mean OSI were lower in the detorsion+erdosteine+ALA group compared with the detorsion+erdosteine and detorsion+ALA groups (p<0.05). In comparison with the detorsion group, the numbers of primordial follicles (p=0.006) and primary follicles (p=0.036) were increased in the groups that received erdosteine and/or ALA. CONCLUSIONS Erdosteine and ALA decreased ischaemia-reperfusion injury in an experimental rat ovarian torsion model; combination treatment had a greater effect than either agent alone. Treatment with erdosteine and/or ALA was found to preserve the loss of reproductive capacity normally observed after ovarian torsion.

Evaluation of Mean Platelet Volume values in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is an important indicator of platelet activation. It is known that MPV increases in patients with coronory artery disease, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Our aim was to measure the MPV in lean patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods: The present study was designed to examine the platelet function by measuring MPV in non-obese women with PCOS. A total of 50 outpatients with PCOS were included. The control group consisted of 50 healthy subjects. Serum platelet, MPV, and white blood cell (WBC) levels were compared and evaluated retrospectively in all participants. These values were compared by statistical analysis. Results: There were no statistically significant difference in between groups regarding MPV (p═0.357), WBC (p═0,414) and platelet (p═0,666). Conclusion: There are studies implying MPV increase in PCOS patients, in our patients MPV levels did not correlate with PCOS except for patients with obesity. We think that PCOS itself has no effect on MPV levels and obesity changes MPV levels.

Does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Itself Have Additional Effect on Apelin Levels

Objective. The present study was designed to compare serum levels of apelin between lean PCOS women and healthy women with regular menses. Study Design. A total of 30 lean patients with PCOS and 30 healthy subjects were included in this study. Serum apelin levels were compared between groups. Results. Serum apelin levels in lean PCOS patients were not significantly different from the control subjects. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that PCOS itself does not seem to change apelin levels. Further investigation on a large number of subjects will need to be conducted to prove the consistent or variable association in PCOS.

Increased density of Demodex folliculorum mites in pregnancies with gestational diabetes.

Objective: To investigate the presence of Demodex in patients with gestational diabetes and the impact of glucose regulation on Demodex density in gestational diabetes. Subjects and Methods: The study population consisted of 33 patients with gestational diabetes and 30 pregnant women without gestational diabetes (control group). The age, parity, gestational age, and BMI of the study group were recorded and the patients were divided into 2 groups, i.e. those with regulated and unregulated glucose levels, according to their postprandial 1st- and 2nd-hour glucose values. A standardized skin surface biopsy method was used to determine if patients had Demodex folliculorum infestation (>5 mites/cm2 of skin). Results: Patients with gestational diabetes had a statistically significantly higher Demodex density compared to the control group (24.2 vs. 3.3%; p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of gestational diabetes patients with unregulated glucose levels had a higher Demodex density compared to those in the regulated subgroup (6/19 vs. 2/14; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study revealed that the Demodex density was increased in gestational diabetes patients. Further, poor glucose regulation could be the mechanism responsible for the increased Demodex density in gestational diabetes patients with unregulated glucose levels compared to those with regulated glucose levels.

Histopathologic and metabolic effect of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment on PCOS rat model.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment on a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat model. Thirty-two female Wistar–Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows – group 1: sham group (n: 8), group 2: letrozole-induced PCOS group (n: 8), group 3: letrozole-induced PCOS plus metformin-treated (500 mg/kg) group (n: 8) and group 4: letrozole-induced PCOS plus UDCA (150 mg/kg)-treated group (n: 8). Histopathologic examination of the ovaries, circulating estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), testosterone, androstenedione, glucose, insulin and lipid profiles were evaluated. Histopathologic examination results revealed that groups 3 and 4 had significantly lower cystic and atretic follicles compared to group 2. Besides, group 4 had significantly higher antral follicles than group 2 (8.5 ± 2.9 versus 5.4 ± 1.1; p: 0.001). Furthermore, total testosterone (4.9 ± 2.8 versus 8.8 ± 2.9; p= 0.004) and insulin levels were significantly lower in group 4 compared to group 2 (1.7 ± 0.08 versus 2.1 ± 0.5; p = 0.02). However, lipid parameters, E1, E2, glucose and HOMA-IR were comparable between the groups. Our study results demonstrated that UDCA therapy improves ovarian morphology and decreases total testosterone and insulin levels.

The effect of Ramadan fasting on fetal development.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on fetal development and outcomes of pregnancy. Methods: We performed this study in Antakya State Hospital of Obstetrics and Child Care, between 28 June 2014 and 27 July 2014 (during the month of Ramadan). A total of two hundred forty healthy pregnant women who were fasting during Ramadan, were included in the groups. The three groups were divided according to the trimesters. The each group was consisted of 40 healthy pregnant women with fasting and 40 healthy pregnant women without fasting. For evaluating the effects of Ramadan on fetus, ultrasonography was performed on all pregnant women in the beginning and the end of Ramadan. We used the essential parameters for the following measurements: increase of fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), increase of fetal femur length (FL), increase of estimated fetal body weight (EFBW), fetal biophysical profile (BPP), amniotic fluid index (AFI), and umbilical artery systole/diastole (S/D) ratio. Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups for the fetal age, maternal weight gain (kilogram), estimated fetal weight gain (EFWG), fetal BPP, AFI, and umbilical artery S/D ratio. On the other hand, a statistically significant increase was observed in maternal weight in the second and third trimesters and a significant increase was observed in the amniotic fluid index in second trimester. Conclusion: In Ramadan there was no bad fetal outcome between pregnant women with fasting and pregnant women without fasting. Pregnant women who want to be with fast, should be examined by doctors, adequately get breakfast before starting to fast and after the fasting take essential calori and hydration. More comprehensive randomized studies are needed to explain the effects of fasting on the pregnancy and fetal outcomes.

The Protective Role of Dexpanthenol on the Endometrial Implants in an Experimentally Induced Rat Endometriosis Model

Objective: Dexpanthenol (Dxp), antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, plays an important role in the repair systems against oxidative stress and inflammatory response. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of Dxp on experimental endometriosis model. Study Design: A prospective experimental study was conducted in Experimental Animal Laboratory of Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay. Twenty nonpregnant female Wistar albino rats, in which experimental model of endometriosis was surgically induced, were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group 1 was administered 500 mg/kg/d Dxp intraperitoneally for 14 days, and group 2 was given the same amount of saline solution. After 2 weeks of medication, the rats were killed and implant volumes, histopathologic scores; and levels of serum total antioxidant status, total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were evaluated. Plasma and peritoneal fluid levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were analyzed. Results: The endometriotic implant volumes, histopathologic scores, and serum TOS and OSI values were significantly decreased (P < .05) in the Dxp group compared to the control group. Plasma and peritoneal fluid TNF-α levels were significantly decreased (P < .05) in the Dxp group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Dexpanthenol has free radical scavenger effects, and antioxidant properties has significantly regressed endometriotic implant volumes, histopathologic scores, and serum TOS and OSI values. Serum and peritoneal fluid TNF-α levels were significantly decreased in the Dxp group. So Dxp decreased oxidative stress.OBJECTIVE Dexpanthenol (Dxp), antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, plays an important role in the repair systems against oxidative stress and inflammatory response. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of Dxp on experimental endometriosis model. STUDY DESIGN A prospective experimental study was conducted in Experimental Animal Laboratory of Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay. Twenty nonpregnant female Wistar albino rats, in which experimental model of endometriosis was surgically induced, were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group 1 was administered 500 mg/kg/d Dxp intraperitoneally for 14 days, and group 2 was given the same amount of saline solution. After 2 weeks of medication, the rats were killed and implant volumes, histopathologic scores; and levels of serum total antioxidant status, total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were evaluated. Plasma and peritoneal fluid levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were analyzed. RESULTS The endometriotic implant volumes, histopathologic scores, and serum TOS and OSI values were significantly decreased (P <.05) in the Dxp group compared to the control group. Plasma and peritoneal fluid TNF-α levels were significantly decreased (P <.05) in the Dxp group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Dexpanthenol has free radical scavenger effects, and antioxidant properties has significantly regressed endometriotic implant volumes, histopathologic scores, and serum TOS and OSI values. Serum and peritoneal fluid TNF-α levels were significantly decreased in the Dxp group. So Dxp decreased oxidative stress.