Effect of estrogen replacement therapy on lens epithelial cell apoptosis in an experimental rat model.

Epidemiologic studies have revealed a higher incidence of cataracts in estrogen-deprived postmenopausal women, although the pathogenic mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Apoptosis of lens epithelial cells has been associated with cataractogenesis. The aim of the study reported here was to investigate the effect of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on lens epithelial cell apoptosis in an experimental rat model. Forty female Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: ERT (17beta-estradiol, 10 microg/kg/day) for 3 months without ovariectomy (group 1) and with ovariectomy (group 2); only ovariectomy (group 3); sham operated (group 4). At the end of the third month, all rats were sacrificed in estrous cycle, as determined by the vaginal smear test, and their right eyes were enucleated. Enucleated eyes were analyzed by immunohistochemical methods for the expression of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end (TUNEL), caspase-3, and bcl-2 labeling. The TUNEL, caspase-3, and bcl-2 staining scores were found to increase in group 3 rats following the ovariectomy compared to the sham-operated group. The ERT decreased these scores in rats with or without the ovariectomy; however, these differences were not statistically significant. These data suggest that estrogen does not significantly affect lens epithelial cell apoptosis. Further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of the protective mechanism of estrogen and to provide new ideas for the treatment and prevention of cataract.

Effects of estrogen replacement therapy on apoptosis and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in ocular surface epithelial cells: An experimental study.

AIM: To investigate the effects of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on apoptosis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in ocular surface in an experimental rat model. METHODS: Forty female, Wistar rats were randomized in 4 groups in the study. Subcutaneous ERT (17ß-estradiol, 10µg/kg/day) was administered to the first group without ovariectomy and to the second group with ovariectomy for three months. Third group had only ovariectomy and fourth group had sham operation. All rats were sacrificed in estrous cycles determined by vaginal smear test and their right eyes were enucleated at the end of the third month. Enucleated eyes were analyzed by immunohistochemical method for expressions of caspase-3, bcl-2, VEGF and TUNEL assay. RESULTS: Caspase-3 expression of conjunctival epithelium was significantly higher in group 3 than group 1 (P=0.005), and group 2 (P=0.007). TUNEL score of conjunctival epithelium was significantly higher in group 3 than group1 (P=0.006). TUNEL score of corneal epithelium was significantly higher in group 3 than group 2 (P=0.012), and group 4 (P=0.002). There was no significant difference between groups in that bcl-2 and VEGF expressions. CONCLUSION: We determined increased apoptosis in ocular surface epithelial cells in ovariectomized rats. ERT and endogen estrogen decreased the apoptosis, and did not result in difference in VEGF expression between the groups. Estrogen may be beneficial for the treatment of apoptosis-mediated ocular surface disorders such as dry eye. Further studies are needed on this subject for a better understanding of the role of estrogen and to provide a new insight for treatment and prevention of apoptosis-mediated ocular surface disorders.

Can the effect of antibiotherapy and anti-inflammatory therapy on serum PSA levels discriminate between benign and malign prostatic pathologies?

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim was to evaluate the change in the total and free PSA levels after antibiotic and non-steroid anti-inflammatory treatment. The secondary aim was to compare this change among the histological subgroups to assess whether it was discriminating. METHODS: 97 consecutive patients with PSA >4 ng/dl and scheduled for prostate biopsy were included in this prospective study. 65 patients (group 1) were then put on medical treatment of ciprofloxacin 500 mg bid and diclofenac sodium 75 mg during the routine waiting period before the 2- to 3-week procedure. Randomly selected (every third case) 32 patients (group 2) did not receive this treatment. Free and total PSA tests were repeated before the procedure. The change in the PSA values was compared between the groups and among the histological subgroups in group 1. RESULTS: While in group 1 the decrease in PSA was significant (p = 0.000), this was not the case in group 2. The difference in free PSA values was unremarkable for both groups. In histologically determined cancer cases of group 1, the difference between pre- and post-procedure PSA level was not of note, while in BPH and prostatitis cases it was significant. CONCLUSION: In cases with increased PSA, medical treatment for a likely subclinical prostatitis resulted in a decrease of PSA, which was significant only in benign conditions.