Could Moesin Be a New Marker for Indicating Progression in Endometrial Cancer?

Aim: This study aims to determine an important parameter in progression from pre-invasive lesions of endometrium to endometrial cancer and also evaluate the effect of this parameter on the progression of endometrial cancer. Material and Method: In our study,30 patients with normal endometrial tissue (group 1), 56 patients who had endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (group 2), 36 patients who had endometrial hyperplasia with atypia (group 3), and 63 patients with endometrial cancer (group 4) were included. Age, parity, body-mass index, systemic diseases, and tumor markers of patients were evaluated. Expression levels of Ezrin, Radixin, and Moesin proteins were immunohistochemically evaluated in terms of frequency, intensity, and score value. Results: When we compared hyperplasia cases with or without atypia; frequency, and score value of ezrin expression and frequency, intensity, and score value of moesin expression was significantly higher in patients who had hyperplasia with atypia (p:0.000 p:0.001 p:0.003, p:0.032 p: 0.035 p:0.015 p:0.005, respectively). It was observed that the frequency and score value of moesin expression were significantly higher in patients with endometrial cancer when compared with patients who had hyperplasia with atypia (p:0.003 p:0.045). The frequency of moesin expression was significantly higher in patients who had postoperative mortality (p:0.030 p:0.039). Conclusion: Increased frequency of moesin expression in the preoperative period in patients with atypical hyperplasia should alert the surgeon in terms of malignancy. If the frequency of moesin expression increases in cases with endometrial cancer, the patient should be followed closely in terms of progression in the postoperative period.

The protective effect of intratympanic dexamethasone on streptomycin ototoxicity in rats.

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the protective role of intratympanically administered dexamethasone on the inner ears of rats that were exposed to streptomycin ototoxicity. Twenty-four adult Wistar albino rats were separated into 4 groups: Group 1 (only streptomycin), Group 2 (only intratympanic dexamethasone), Group 3 (streptomycin and intratympanic dexamethasone), and Group 4 (streptomycin and intratympanic saline). All rats were evaluated with distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) tests before the start of treatment and on the day it ended. On the 45th day, after the final DPOAE tests, animals of all groups were sacrificed under general anesthesia. The differences between the amplitudes of DPOAE results were determined, and hearing results were statistically analyzed. Also, the cochleas of each rat were histopathologically evaluated under a light microscope with hematoxylin and eosin staining. In the intratympanic dexamethasone group it was observed that cochlear hair cells were mostly protected. No significant difference was seen between the DPOAE results before and after treatment (p >0.05). On the other hand, loss was observed in the hearing functions and hair cells of the rats that received streptomycin and streptomycin plus intratympanic saline (p <0.05). In the streptomycin plus intratympanic dexamethasone group, the cochlear hair cells were partially protected. A significant difference was observed when the DPOAE results (DP-grams) of the streptomycin plus intratypmanic dexamethasone group were compared to those of the streptomycin plus intratympanic saline group (p <0.05). After the experimental study, ototoxic effects of the administration of streptomycin and intratympanic dexamethasone were observed on the rats' cochlear hair cells. We conclude that intratympanic dexamethasone has protective effects against this cochlear damage in rats.

The Protective Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Acetylsalicylic Acid-induced Lung Injury in Rats.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced lung damage in rats in the present study. METHODS: A total of 40 rats were randomly divided into five groups, with eight rats in each group-group 1: control, not receiving any medication; group 2: ASA (50 mg/kg/day); group 3: ASA (50 mg/kg/day) plus CAPE (20 µg/kg/day); group 4: ASA (100 mg/kg/day); and group 5: ASA (100 mg/kg/day) plus CAPE (20 µg/kg/day). ASA and CAPE were given via orogastric gavage for 5 days. The total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidant stress index (OSI), and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity of the blood samples and lung tissues were determined. Histopathological examinations of the lung tissues were performed by using light microscopic methods. RESULTS: CAPE treatment significantly increased antioxidant PON-1 level both in the lung tissue and plasma (p < .05). Plasma antioxidant marker (TAC, PON-1) levels significantly increased and oxidant marker (TOS, OSI) levels significantly decreased in CAPE-treated rats (groups 3,5) compared to ASA given no-CAPE groups (group 2,4) (p < .05). Treatment with CAPE improved pulmonary interstitial inflammation and eosinophil accumulation due to ASA histopathologically. CONCLUSION: Eosinophil-rich inflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in ASA-induced lung toxicity, and CAPE may protect against ASA-induced lung toxicity by reduction of oxidative damage and inflammation in rats.

Histopathological and Biochemical Effects of Ecballium elaterium on Sepsis-Induced Lung Injury.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Ecballium elaterium (EE) on sepsis-induced lung injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 male rats were divided into three groups as follows: control, sepsis, and treatment groups (sepsis + EE) with each group containing 10 rats. A rat model of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used. In the treatment group, rats were injected intraperitoneally with 2.5 mg/kg EE after CLP. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values after a 24-hr period were measured via cardiac puncture. Animals were harvested after the procedure and biochemical analysis was done and histopathological changes of the tissue sections of lungs were examined thereafter. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease was observed in the IL-6 (p < .05), TNF-α (p < .05), and TOS (p < .01) levels in the sera of the treatment group compared to those of the sepsis group. Following the treatment, the TOS (p = .01) and OSI (p < .05) levels in the lung tissue of rats indicated a statistically significant decrease compared to those of the sepsis group. The histopathological follow-up undertaken after the administration of the EE treatment to septic rats showed significantly lower values of alveolar wall thickness (p < .001), interstitial edema (p = .018), and neutrophil infiltration (p = .047). CONCLUSION: EE treatment may have beneficial effects on sepsis-induced lung injury, and therefore has potential for clinical use.

The antioxidant effects of pomegranate extract on local and remote organs in a mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion model.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether pomegranate extract plays a protective antioxidant role against mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion injury (IR), which can lead to a systemic response and damage distant organs, such as the lung, liver, and kidney. METHODS: Forty female Wistar-Albino rats were separated into four groups: laparotomy, laparotomy + PG, mesenteric IR, and mesenteric IR and pomegranate (IR + PG). In the laparotomy + PG and IR + PG groups, pomegranate (225 mg/kg) was given by oral gavage at the beginning of the study. Ischemia was induced for 30 minutes, and reperfusion was subsequently allowed for 60 minutes in the IR and IR + PG groups. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant activity (AOA) levels were evaluated in blood samples. Additionally, all tissues were removed for the measurement of AOA and total oxidant status as well as for subsequent histopathological evaluation. The oxidative stress index was calculated. RESULTS: Histopathological changes in all organs were significantly higher in the IR group and significantly lower in the IR + PG group vs. the other groups. Serum MDA levels were significantly lower in the IR + PG group than in the IR group. No significant difference was found in AOA levels of the groups. DISCUSSION: These data may explain the positive protective effects of pomegranate based on the histopathologic findings in ischemic conditions in an intestinal IR injury model.

Prepubertal unilateral gynecomastia: report of 2 cases.

Prepubertal unilateral gynecomastia is an extremely rare condition. At present, its etiology and management strategy are not well known. Two unrelated prepubertal boys of ages 8 and 9 who presented with complaints of unilateral enlargement of breast tissue are reported. Physical examination, biochemical, hormonal and oncologic work-up findings were normal. Both patients were treated with peripheral liposuction successfully. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations showed benign fibroglandular gynecomastia and intensive (3+) estrogen receptor expression in 100% of periductal epithelial cells. Although an extremely rare and generally benign condition, patients with prepubertal unilateral gynecomastia should have a full endocrine and oncologic work-up.

The effect of corticosteroid against streptomycin ototoxicity.

The aim of this experimental study was to determine the possible protective role of corticosteroid in prevention of streptomycin-induced ototoxicity. Twenty-eight adult Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups: control (n = 7), streptomycin (n = 7), corticosteroid (n = 7), and streptomycin + corticosteroid (n = 7). Rats were tested with distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in the beginning and at the end of the study. The animals in all groups were killed under general anesthesia on the 45th day after the last DPOAE measurements. Hearing results were analyzed statistically to determine differences in amplitudes of DPOAE. In addition, the cochleas of each rat were evaluated by histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination. Significant difference was not observed in cochlear hair cells in the control and corticosteroid groups, whereas severe degeneration of hair cells and increased apoptotic cells were observed in the streptomycin group. Moderate degeneration was observed in the streptomycin + corticosteroid group. The hair cells were partially intact. DP-gram of the streptomycin and streptomycin + corticosteroid groups was significantly deteriorated (P < 0.05). The coadministration of steroids with streptomycin, which has a serious ototoxic effect, did not lead to a limitation of this harmful effect.

The protective role of caffeic acid phenethyl ester against streptomycin ototoxicity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the efficacy of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in the prevention of streptomycin-induced ototoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two adult Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups: control (n = 8), streptomycin (n = 8), CAPE (n = 8), and streptomycin + CAPE (n = 8). Rats were tested with distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) before drug administration. The animals in all groups were killed under general anesthesia on the 45th day following last DPOAE measurements. Hearing results were analyzed statistically to determine differences in amplitudes of DPOAE. Also, the cochleas of each rat were evaluated by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. RESULTS: Significant difference was not observed in cochlear hair cells in the control and CAPE groups. In the streptomycin group, severe degeneration of hair cells and increased apoptotic cells were observed. In the streptomycin + CAPE group, although some deteriorations were observed, hair cells were mostly preserved. The DPgram of the streptomycin and streptomycin + CAPE groups was significantly deteriorated (P < .05). The analysis of the DPgram results revealed statistically significant differences between the groups of streptomycin and streptomycin + CAPE (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester treatment attenuated hair cells injury in the inner ear, possibly via its antioxidant effect. Prophylactic administration of CAPE for streptomycin ototoxicity ameliorated hearing deterioration in rats.

Magnetic compression ostomy for simple tube colostomy in rats--magnacolostomy.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic compression anastomoses (magnamosis) have been previously described for gastrointestinal, biliary, urinary, and vascular anastomoses. Objectives. Herein, the authors report the creation of a magnetic compression colostomy (magnacolostomy) using a simple technique in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Animals were randomized into two groups (n = 8, each): a magnetic colostomy (MC) group and a control surgical tube colostomy (SC) group. In the MC group, the first magnetic ball (3 mm) was rectally introduced into the rat colon. The second magnetic ball (4 mm) was placed subcutaneously into the left quadrant, and the two magnetic balls strongly coupled. On postoperative day 20 for the MC group and postoperative day 10 in the SC group, the rats were sacrificed and the colostomies evaluated macroscopically, histopathologically, and for mechanical burst testing. RESULTS: From the macroscopic evaluation, two rats failed to form the colostomy canal due to colostomy catheter and magnetic ball removal. In the remaining rats, evidence of complications were not observed. Two rats in the MC group displayed mild adhesion and all rats in the SC group displayed moderate adhesion. No significant differences between the burst pressures were observed. However, a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the procedure times of the MC (4.13 +/- 1.00 minutes) and SC groups (14.25 +/- 2.05 minutes) was evident. CONCLUSIONS: Magnacolostomy is an easy and effective procedure in the rat model and presents a safe, minimally invasive alternative to current tube colostomy procedures such as antegrade continence enemas, percutaneous endoscopic, and colostomy/cecostomy in humans.

Magnetic compression ostomy as new cystostomy technique in the rat: magnacystostomy.

OBJECTIVE: To report the first creation of magnetic compression cystostomy (magnacystostomy) using an easy and simple new technique in rats. Magnetic compression anastomoses (magnamosis) have been previously described for gastrointestinal, biliary, urinary, and vascular anastomoses. METHODS: Female rats were randomized into 2 groups (n = 10 each): a magnetic cystostomy group and a formal surgical cystostomy group as the control group. In the magnetic cystostomy group, a very small cylindrical magnet was inserted into the bladder. The external magnetic ball was placed subcutaneously into the suprapubic region, and the 2 magnets were coupled together strongly. On postoperative day 20 in the magnetic cystostomy group and day 10 in the surgical cystostomy group, the rats were killed, and the cystostomies were evaluated macroscopically, histopathologically, and by mechanical burst testing. RESULTS: In the surgical cystostomy group, 3 rats died. In the remaining rats, no evidence of complications was observed. However, mild adhesion in 1 rat in the magnetic cystostomy group and moderate adhesions in all the rats in the surgical cystostomy group were observed. No significant difference was found in burst pressure between the 2 groups (mean 162 mm Hg in the magnetic cystostomy group [n = 6] and 185 mm Hg in the surgical cystostomy [n = 5] group). However, the procedure time between the magnetic cystostomy group (7.70 ± 1.64 minutes) and surgical cystostomy group (18.50 ± 2.01 minutes) was significantly different (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Magnacystostomy is easy and safe in the rat model and could be useful for some suprapubic cystostomy procedures in humans.

Magnetic compression gastrostomy in the rat.

PURPOSE: Magnetic compression anastomosis is used for gastrointestinal, biliary, and urinary anastomoses. We have developed a simple magnetic compression gastrostomy technique in rats. METHODS: Animals were randomized into two groups (n = 12 each): magnetic gastrostomy (MG) and surgical gastrostomy (SG) (control). In the MG group, a magnetic insertion catheter was coupled with the first magnetic ball and introduced transorally into the stomach. A second magnetic ball was placed subcutaneously into the left upper quadrant. The two magnetic balls (4 mm) were strongly coupled together. On postoperative day (PD) 20 (MG group) and PD10 (SG group), rats were killed, gastrostomies were evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically, and mechanical burst testing was performed. RESULTS: Two animals died due to suspected leaks. Macroscopic evaluation indicated no gastrostomy canal in one rat in each group. Mild adhesion was observed in two rats in the MG group. Moderate adhesion was observed in all rats in the SG group. No significant differences were observed in burst pressure between the two groups (means: MG group, 143 mmHg, n = 9; SG group, 159 mmHg, n = 8). CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic compression gastrostomy can be performed easily in rats, and may be developed in future as a simple alternative to some gastrostomy procedures in humans.