Comparison of cases with and without acute liver injury in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection; obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Background and objective: The effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the liver during pregnancy and the impact of SARS-COV-2-related liver injury during pregnancy on obstetric and neonatal outcomes are not yet clear. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features of pregnant women at risk of liver injury and to investigate the effect of liver dysfunction on obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Methodology: Pregnant women who were followed up and treated at Selcuk University Medical Faculty Hospital and diagnosed with COVID-19 were determined retrospectively. All pregnant women whose PCR test results were positive between March 1, 2020 and July 31, 2022 were included. A total of 96 PCR positive pregnant women were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as those with and without liver damage. Both groups were compared in terms of obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Results: While liver damage findings were observed in 34.4% of the 96 pregnant included in the study; No liver damage was observed in 65.6% of the patients. White blood cell, neutrophil, ferritin, D-dimer, troponin, C-reactive protein, systemic immune-inflammation index, interleukin-6, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were higher in patients with liver injury compared to pregnant women without liver injury. Prematurity, premature rupture of membranes, preterm premature rupture of membranes, preeclampsia and fetal death were observed relatively more in the patient group with liver injury, there was no statistical significiant difference between the groups in terms of these complications. Unfortunately, maternal death occurred in four mothers with liver injury and in one patient without liver injury. Birthweight, APGAR scores and obstetric complication rates were similar between two groups. Conclusion: Our study showed that pregnant patients with liver damage had worse inflammatory response than those without liver damage. Women with elevated liver enzymes tend to have severe disease, but obstetric and perinatal outcomes were similar between groups with and without liver damage.

Uterine Collagen Cross-Linking: Biology, Role in Disorders, and Therapeutic Implications.

Collagen is an essential constituent of the uterine extracellular matrix that provides biomechanical strength, resilience, structural integrity, and the tensile properties necessary for the normal functioning of the uterus. Cross-linking is a fundamental step in collagen biosynthesis and is critical for its normal biophysical properties. This step occurs enzymatically via lysyl oxidase (LOX) or non-enzymatically with the production of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Cross-links found in uterine tissue include the reducible dehydro-dihydroxylysinonorleucine (deH-DHLNL), dehydro-hydroxylysinonorleucine (deH-HLNL), and histidinohydroxymerodesmosine (HHMD); and the non-reducible pyridinoline (PYD), deoxy-pyridinoline (DPD); and a trace of pentosidine (PEN). Collagen cross-links are instrumental for uterine tissue integrity and the continuation of a healthy pregnancy. Decreased cervical cross-link density is observed in preterm birth, whereas increased tissue stiffness caused by increased cross-link density is a pathogenic feature of uterine fibroids. AGEs disrupt embryo development, decidualization, implantation, and trophoblast invasion. Uterine collagen cross-linking regulators include steroid hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, prostaglandins, proteoglycans, metalloproteinases, lysyl oxidases, nitric oxide, nicotine, and vitamin D. Thus, uterine collagen cross-linking presents an opportunity to design therapeutic targets and warrants further investigation in common uterine disorders, such as uterine fibroids, cervical insufficiency, preterm birth, dystocia, endometriosis, and adenomyosis.

An analytical cross-sectional study: determining gestational age using fetal clavicle length during the second trimester.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between fetal clavicle length and gestational age in pregnant patients from 14 and 27 weeks of gestation. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients from 14 and 27 weeks of gestation. Ultrasonographic measurements such as abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), humerus length (HL), clavicle length (CL), head circumference (HC), biparietal diameter (BPD), estimated fetal weight (EFW), and transverse cerebellum diameter (TCD) were made and compared. RESULTS: A total of 552 patients were evaluated in our clinic and CL was measured properly and successfully in all fetuses. Fetal AC, FL, HL, CL, BPD, HC, EFW and TCD measurements were significantly and strongly correlated with gestational week, and Pearson's correlation values were 0.964, 0.965, 0.959, 0.965, 0.951, 0.917, 0.925, and 0.954, respectively (p < 0.001). In the regression analysis equation, gestational week = 0.894 + CL × 0.961. CONCLUSION: There was a significant positive correlation between fetal CL (mm) and gestational week. We suggest that the 1 mm = 1 week rule can be used for patients with anomalies of the cerebellum and vermis, as well as for patients with unknown last menstrual period.

The struggle against endometrial cancer: ten years of experience of a tertiary center.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the clinical and pathological factors of our patients who were diagnosed with endometrial cancer in terms of prognosis. With this study, we present our 10 years of surgical experience in endometrial carcinoma cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four hundred twelve patients with endometrial carcinoma who applied to our center between 2010-2019 and that we followed up were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Most of the tumors were low-grade endometrioid malignancies. Non-endometrioid types accounted for 12.1% of cases. Lymph node dissection was performed in 395 of 412 patients (95.9%). 66 (16.01%) of the 412 patients died during the follow-up period in the study sample. Higher OS and DFS rates were associated with endometrioid histological types, FIGO stage, absence of lymphovascular space invasion, lower grade and less than 50% myometrial invasion (p < 0.05). 5-year OS at stage 1, 2, 3, 4 was found as 88.9 ± 2.2%, 65.5 ± 10.8%, 49.4 ± 0.79% and 23.7 ± 0.97% respectively. 5-year DFS at stage 1, 2, 3, 4 was found as 84.1 ± 2.6%, 65.5 ± 10.8%, 47.7 ± 0.78% and 23.7 ± 0.97% respectively. In univariate analysis, Age, tumor histology, FIGO stage, histological grade, LVSI, positive peritoneal cytology, cervical involvement, myometrial invasion and not receiving adjuvant therapy were defined as prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Age, grade, FIGO stage, myometrial invasion, histological type, LVSI involvement, cervical involvemet, positive peritoneal cytology and not receiving adjuvant therapy are important prognostic factors for progression-free survival and overall survival in patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer.

Cervical dysplasia after renal transplantation: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Since the first days of organ transplantation, it has been accepted that solid transplant recipients have a high risk of developing cancer. Chronic immunosuppression and environmental factors play a role in cancer development in recipients. In the present study, we tried to evaluate the cumulative incidence of cervical dysplasia after renal transplantation, risk factors for disease development, and the time until high-grade dysplasia occurred. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients with renal transplantation who presented for gynecologic follow-up was included in the study. The medical records of the patients were reviewed until the last clinical visit, their demographic characteristics, transplant history, gynecologic history, and gynecologic examination results (cervical cytology and histology reports) were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 50 women in the study population, 29 (58%; 95% confidence interval: 8.8-15.9) developed cervical dysplasia after the first transplant at a median follow-up of 7.8 (range: 4.6-12.9) years. Twenty-one women with benign cervical cytology before transplantation had evidence of low-grade intraepithelial lesions + after transplant (47% of these were within 2 years after transplant). During the follow-up, 8 women (18.2%) were diagnosed as having high-grade intraepithelial lesions + (within 5 years after transplantation). CONCLUSION: Renal transplant patients were found to have higher abnormal cervical cytology and histology rates than the normal population.

Can neutrophil-lymphocyte and platelet-lymphocyte ratios predict threatened abortion and early pregnancy loss?

OBJECTIVES: An investigation of the importance of hematological inflammatory markers on the prognosis of first trimester pregnancies and their role in predicting threatened abortion and early pregnancy loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Faculty of Medicine in our University between January 2018 and May 2019. Three-hundred individuals, 100 of them diagnosed with early pregnancy loss (EPL), 100 diagnosed with threatened abortion (TA) and 100 healthy control patients (HC), participated in the study. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in terms of hemoglobin, platelet, neutrophil count and NLR between the three groups. The RBC counts were significantly lower in EPL and TA compared to HC. Similarly, it was determined that the MPV value was significantly lower in EPL compared to HC. On the other hand, there was no difference in MPV between TA and HC. The PLR was higher in EPL and TA. CONCLUSIONS: MPV, RBCs and PLR values were strongly associated with first-trimester miscarriage. These economical and easily measurable platelet indices can be used to predict fetal losses.

The effect of resveratrol on oxidative ovary-damage induced by methotrexate in rats (Resveratrol oxidative ovary-damage).

Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used folic acid antagonist for the treatment of neoplasia and some autoimmune diseases. Resveratrol has important anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on MTX-induced ovary-damage and oxidative stress in rats. We hypothesized that supplement of resveratrol could counteract MTX-induced cytotoxicity in rat ovary. Albino Wistar female rats were randomly divided into three groups: Healthy control (HC), resveratrol + methotrexate (RMTX) and methotrexate (MTX) group. Their ovaries were removed. Biochemical and histopathological methods were utilized for evaluation of the oxidative ovary-damage. MDA was found to be higher but tGSH and SOD were lower in the ovarian tissue of the rat group administered MTX, but it is observed that these ratios are reversed in HC and in RMTX groups. MTX treatment induced ovary damage and especially pre-treatment with resveratrol provided protective effect against this MTX-induced ovary-damaged.

Labor induction in term nulliparous women with premature rupture of membranes: oxytocin versus dinoprostone.

INTRODUCTION: Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) refers to rupture of the fetal membranes prior to the onset of regular uterine contractions. Premature rupture of the membranes continues to be one of the most vexing issues of obstetrics due to increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Many studies have focused on how management should be in these cases. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dinoprostone (PGE2 analogue) administration is necessary for cervical ripening and labor induction in term women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between oxytocin usage and dinoprostone usage in PROM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 224 nulliparous singleton pregnant women at term, with PROM ≥ 12 h, vertex presentations, no prior uterine surgery, reactive non-stress test and Bishop scores ≤ 6 (unfavorable cervixes) were reviewed. Participants were divided into two groups as oxytocin and dinoprostone groups. The primary outcome was vaginal delivery within 24 h. RESULTS: The women in the oxytocin group were significantly younger than in the dinoprostone group (22.85 ±4.10 years vs. 25.99 ±4.94 years; p = 0.001). There were significant differences in vaginal delivery rates within 24 h. It was 72 of 112 (64.3%) vs. 53 of 112 (47.3%), p = 0.023 for oxytocin and dinoprostone groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal dinoprostone appears to be a relatively inefficient method of inducing labor compared with oxytocin in term pregnancies with PROM and unfavorable cervixes. However, dinoprostone may maintain uterine contractions as effectively as oxytocin once uterine contractions are established.

Could serum levels of irisin be used in gestational diabetes predicting?

OBJECTIVE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder during pregnancy leading to acute and chronic complications in both mother and newborn. The pathogenesis of GDM has not been fully understood, However, since the disease shares risk factors with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a relationship between these two disease states is plausible. The recently discovered peptide irisin has been hypothesized to be a regulator of body metabolism. However, studies ended up with controversial results. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between irisin levels and gestational diabetes mellitus and the possible benefits of the metabolic profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of circulating levels of irisin in 100 pregnant women similar for age and body mass index and the groups included 50 gestational diabetic patients and 50 healthy pregnant volunteers. Serum irisin levels were measured by ELISA kit. RESULTS: Mean age and body mass index levels were similar in both groups. Median HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, Glucose 1 h, Glucose 2 h and fasting insülin levels were higher in with gestational diabetic patients compared to the control group. In gestational diabetic group, the median irisin level was lower than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Serum irisin levels were lower in gestational diabetic patients. Further investigations are needed to explore the underlying biological effects of irisin on pregnant women.

Could interleukin-33 and its suppressor of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) receptor have a role in cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infections?

Why most women can clear human papillomavirus (HPV) infections while others can develop permanent infections. The stimulation of immunotolerance of the immune system of the host by the persistent HPV infection may be the answer to this question. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) may play a role in the pathogenesis of HPV infection, this hypothesis was thought to be due to the rapid release of IL-33 from damaged cells following tissue damage, necrosis, and activation of the inflammasome. Thus, in this study, the role of IL-33/suppressor of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) was emphasized in HPV positive and HPV negative cervical tissues. A total of 80 were assessed. The reduced levels of IL-33 and ST2 are associated with cervical HPV infections. There was a statistically significant 42% positive correlation between IL-33 and ST2 in the HPV-positive group. Surprisingly, our data showed no significant difference between the expression levels of IL-33 or ST2 and working status, type of delivery, pre- and post-operative pathology, cigarette, educational status, locality, birth control method, gynecological, and colposcopic findings. We found that as a result of our study; low IL-33 and ST2 levels were associated with HPV infections.

Effect of lycopene on oxidative ovary-damage induced by cisplatin in rats.

The anti-cancer drugs, particularly those used in reproductive period, may cause several complications such as ovarian insufficiency and infertility. The mechanism of action of cisplatin toxicity on the ovaries is not fully described. However, further production of free oxygen radicals and reduced production of antioxidants are thought to have an effect on the occurrence of cisplatin toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lycopene on cisplatin-induced ovary-damage, oxidative stres and histological changes in rats. Albino Wistar female rats were randomly divided into three groups. The control group (Group 1) received sunflower oil; animals in Group 2 received only cisplatin; one hour of lycopene pre-treatment was applied to the animals in Group 3 before administration of cisplatin. Cisplatin (5 mg/kg/day) was intraperitoneally injected as a single dose and lycopene (0.5 mg/kg/day) was administered by gavage. Biochemical and histopathological methods were utilised for evaluation of the oxidative ovary-damage. There was an increase in the levels of malondialdehyde, while total glutathione, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase were decreased in Group 3, but it is observed that these ratios are reversed in the Group 1 and in the Group 2. Lycopene had protective effect against cisplatin-induced ovary-damaged.

Prognostic factors of primary fallopian tube carcinoma.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Fallopian tube cancer is very rare in the literature and so there are not enough data about the therapeutic approaches. The approaches are generally determined in accordance with the data obtained from ovarian cancer. Many prognostic factors have been investigated in an effort to better estimate patient outcome. Stage, age, and residual tumor after surgery are consistently important prognostic factors. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors and survival rates of primary fallopian tube cancer (PFTC), which is rare among gynecological cancers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with a diagnosis of PFTC were identified through the gynecologic oncology service database of our Research and Training Hospital in the period 1995-2013. Clinicopathological and surgical data were collected. All patients were evaluated for survival and disease-free survival between the dates specified. RESULTS: A significant relationship and correlation was found between optimal surgery and life expectancy. Better results were obtained in patients treated with optimal surgery. The survival probability was found to be higher in patients with lower CA-125 levels and serous histologic type adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Stage is one of the factors affecting the survival probability. We determined that the pathological type of tumor, the diameter of residual tumor remaining after surgery, tumor grade, preoperative CA-125 levels and presence of ascites affect the survival probability.

Role of lymphadenectomy in disease-free and overall survival on low risk endometrium cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the effect of lymphadenectomy in disease-free and overall survival on the low risk corpus cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1994 and 2012, a total of 257 patients with endometrioid type, grade 1 or 2, myometrial invasion < 1/2, no intraoperative evidence of macroscopic extrauterine spread was treated surgically. Pelvic lymphadenec-tomy was performed in 184 cases, and not performed in 73 cases. RESULTS: There was no difference between two groups about tumor sizes. Also lymphovascular space invasion and histo-logic grade of two groups were similar. Omission of LA did not worsen DFS and OS in early stage low risk corpus cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have low risk corpus cancer, can be treated optimally with hysterectomy only.

The Effect of the 50 g Glucose Challenge Test on The Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis in Pregnancy.

AIM: A 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) is recommended for screening all pregnant women for gestational diabetes mellitus. In this study, the effect of GCT on the thiol/disulfide balance was investigated. METHODS: One-hundred women that underwent a 50 g GCT at 24-28 weeks of gestation (63 positive and 37 negative results) were evaluated in terms of thiol/disulfide in serum samples at test hours 0 and 1. RESULTS: Compared to the baseline values (hour 0), after the glucose load (hour 1), the thiol and native thiol/total thiol (p < 0.0001) of the GCT-positive women were reduced whereas the values of glucose, disulfide, disulfide/native thiol, disulfide/total thiol (p < 0.0001) and total thiol increased (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: In GCT-positive pregnant individuals, the glucose load increases oxidative stress by changing the thiol/disulfide homeostasis. Such an effect is not observed in healthy pregnancies.

The effect of rutin on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat model.

The effect of rutin on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury was investigated in this experimental study. Eighteen Wistar albino female rats were divided into three groups as follows: I/R group (IRG; n = 6), 50 mg/kg rutin + I/R group (RG; n = 6), and a healthy control group scheduled for a sham operation (SG; n = 6). 2 h of ischemia and following 2 h of reperfusion were created in the IRG and RG by using a torsion model involving atraumatic vascular clips. Rutin, a flavonoid glycoside, was injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 50 mg/kg to RG group 1 h before reperfusion. Then, rats were euthanized and their ovaries were removed for biochemical and histopathological examination and also assessment of the gene expressions. IRG group had a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, in the expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), and also in the activity of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) unlike the significant decrease in total glutathione (tGSH) levels and the activity of COX-1 when compared to the SG group. However, rutin significantly decreased MDA levels, the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1ß, and also the activity of COX-2 while it increased significantly tGSH levels and the activity of COX-1 in the RG group in comparison with the IRG group. Rutin ameliorated the I/R-induced ovarian injury in rats via its possible antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Does myo-inositol oxygenase, the only enzyme to catalyze myo-inositol in vivo, play a role in the etiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome?

In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), myo-inositol (MI) supplements have shown many beneficial effects. In this study, therefore, we aimed to investigate the serum level of myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX), which is the only enzyme catalyzing MI in vivo, in patients with PCOS. Serum MIOX enzyme levels and other laboratory parameters were compared between sixty patients, who were diagnosed with PCOS for the first time, and sixty healthy individuals at similar age and sex. MIOX serum levels were not different between two groups (p = 0.7428). MIOX median and 95% CI were 19.4 and 10.6-39.1 in the control group and 16.4 and 7.6-46.2 in the patient group respectively. Demographic data, biochemical and hematological parameters, hormone parameters were not different except from the lymphocyte count between the two groups. Lymphocyte count was higher in the patient group. Although the ratio of LH/FSH was higher in the patient group, it was not statistically significant. Our results suggest that serum MIOX levels do not change in PCOS. It was, therefore, concluded that MI deficiency observed in PCOS was not related to the level of MIOX enzyme which cleaves MI.

Estimation of the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes and identification of related risk factors among Turkish women.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aims to estimate the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes and identify related risk factors among Turkish women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 11 624 Turkish women attending our gynaecological clinic and expressing a desire for access to cervical cancer screening were assessed during the years 2014-2016. Cervical specimens were collected and transported using the HC2 HPV DNA Collection Device (consisting of a cervical brush and digene Specimen Transport Medium). RESULTS: Among these 11 624 individuals, positive HPV test results were obtained for 325 (2.79%), and negative results were observed for 11 299 (97.2%). The vast majority of patients were between the 3rd and 5th decades and the mean age of the patients was 44 ±9.12 (range 27-66). Among the HPV-positive women, 205 were positive for a single HPV type (205/325 = 63.1% of HPV infections; 205/11624 = 1.76% of all samples) and 120 were positive for multiple types (120/325 = 36.9% of HPV infections; 120/11624 = 1.03% of all samples). The four most prevalent high-risk types were HPV 16, 31, 51 and 52, with frequencies of 11.25%, 7.83%, 6.06% and 3.16%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be geographic variation in the distribution of HPV genotypes. In this study, the four most prevalent high-risk types were HPV 16, 31, 51 and 52, with frequencies of 11.25%, 7.83%, 6.06% and 3.16%, respectively.

Serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor in association with oxidative stress index in patients with different types of HPV.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to determine the oxidative-antioxidative status and levels of soluble interleukin-2 recep-tor (sIL-2R) in serum of patients with different types of HPV infections and to compare it with patients who are negative for HPV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 80 women were divided into three groups as follows: Group 1 consisted of 25 women who were positive for HPV types 16 or 18; Group 2 consisted of 25 women who were positive for other types of HPV includ-ing type 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 or 68; Group 3 consisted of 30 patients who were negative for HPV as a control group. Serum sIL-2R and plasma oxidative stress index (OSI) were analyzed. RESULTS: Serum sIL-2R levels were significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 and 3. OSI was found significantly increased in groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3. Also, we found a weak positive correlation between IL-2R and OSI. CONCLUSION: sIL-2R and oxidative stress may have a role in HPV infection, especially in case of high-risk types.

Outcomes of the patients diagnosed incidentally appendicitis during cesarean section.

OBJECTIVES: Appendicitis is the most common condition leading to an intraabdominal operation for a non obstetric problem in pregnancy and diagnosis of appendicitis is complicated by the physiologic and anatomic changes that occur during pregnancy. Although a surgical procedure carries the risk of fetal loss or preterm delivery, delay in diagnosis also increases the risk of complications in both mother and fetus. In this report we present our experience and analyze clinical characteristic and the pregnancy outcomes of appendicitis diagnosed incidentally during cesarean in the third trimester. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 23 pregnant women who were diagnosed incidentally with appendicitis during cesarean at Erzincan University Hospital between 2015 and 2016. RESULTS: Appendectomy was performed on 23 patients during a caesarean section performed for any reason. The mean dia-meter of appendix was 7.82 ± 1.85 mm. The mean operation time was 67.39 ± 18.94 SD and antibiotic therapy was given to all patients. Postoperative complications were noted in 4 (17.4%) patients. Wound infection was seen in 4 (17.4%) patients, the other 19 patients revealed no postoperative complications. The mean of APGAR score of newborns in the postoperative period was 8.26 ± 0.86 SD and no complications were observed in both mothers and newborns. Histopathology of the specimen confirmed acute appendicitis in 23 (100%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Acute appendicitis is a challenging diagnosis in the pregnant patient; however, early surgical intervention should be performed with any suspicion. The type of surgery depends on the surgeon's preference and experience.

The effect of diabetes on ovaries in a rat model: the role of interleukin-33 and apoptosis.

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a novel cytokine involved in diabetes mellitus (DM) but its role in diabetic ovarian injury is unknown. As IL-33 is modulated by apoptosis, we aimed at investigating the effect of diabetes on ovaries in terms of evaluating apoptosis and IL-33 in a rat model. In this prospective experimental study, 16 female, nonpregnant Sprague-Dawley albino rats (12 weeks, 220-240 g) were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 included eight healthy nondiabetic rats as controls and group 2 included eight rats in which diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). After overt DM occurred (blood glucose >400 mgr/dl), all animals were euthanized and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Bilateral oophorectomy was performed for histopathological examination. Serum levels of IL-33 and ovarian IL-33 and caspase-3 immunoexpressions were assessed. Immunoexpressions of caspase-3 and IL-33 were significantly higher in ovarian stromal cells of the diabetic rats compared to the controls. Also, in diabetic group, serum IL33 levels were significantly higher than the control group. In conclusion, increased IL-33 was observed both in serum and ovaries of STZ-induced diabetic rats as well as increased apoptosis in these diabetic rats. IL-33 may contribute to the apoptosis in diabetic ovarian injury.