ß-Glucan ameliorates cisplatin-induced oxidative and histological damage in kidney and liver of rats.

We investigated the effects of ß-glucan (ßg) on kidney and liver damage caused by cisplatin (CP), an antineoplastic agent widely used to treat many types of cancer, in a rat model. The side effects of CP in many tissues and organs limit its usage. ßg is a natural polysaccharide that is an effective free radical scavenger. A total of 28 rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 was a non-intervention control, only feed and water were given. Group 2 was administered 7 mg/kg CP in a single dose. Group 3 was administered 50 mg/kg ßg orally for 14 days. Group 4 was administered ßg for 14 days, following a single dose of CP. At the end of the experiment, kidney and liver tissues were evaluated biochemically and histopathologically. Increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels, as well as decreased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as histological damage, were noted in both the kidney and liver tissues of the CP group. However, ßg treatment prevented the oxidative and histopathological effects of CP. The study demonstrates the protective efficacy of ßg against CP-induced kidney and liver damage through the effect of its antioxidant properties.

Age-related histopathological changes in the cardiac conducting system in the Turkish population: an evaluation of 202 autopsy cases.

BACKGROUND: Histopathological features of the cardiac conducting system (CCS) in the Turkish population have not been investigated previously. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined CCS of 202 autopsy heart specimens dissected between the years 2004 and 2005 in Bursa Forensic Medicine Institution. Of the 202 cases from all age groups, 154 were males and 48 were females. RESULTS: In our cases, an increase in fibrous and adipose tissue concordant with age, indicating an age-related nature, were detected. Fibrous and fatty tissue infiltration appeared at the age of 35. Fatty infiltration started between the ages 20 and 34 years at the sinoatrial node (SAN). There was no relationship between obesity and fatty tissue infiltration in SAN and atrioventricular node (AVN). In 4 cases calcification and in 19 cases inflammation was observed. Amyloid accumulation was not present. In 7 cases myocardial infarction not involving CCS was seen. In 1 case fibroelastoma was detected. CONCLUSIONS: In the Turkish population age-related fibrosis and fatty infiltration in CCS appeared at the age of 35 years and increased with age. Fatty infiltration in the SAN started at a younger age than that reported in the literature. In cases where the cause of death could not be determined, we could not detect lethal pathological features. However, we think that examination of the CCS will improve the quality of autopsy diagnosis.

Death due to peripheral vascular injury following blunt trauma.

UNLABELLED: According to the document of death, 34-year-old forester sustained a crush injury to his lower extremity and pelvis as was pinned between the wood log and ground. During autopsy intramuscular bleeding was observed in the left pelvic region the left femoral region femur was detected intact there was no fracture, but there was observed a traumatic transection of the common femoral artery and vein, which was accompanied with massive bleeding in the surrounding soft tissues and muscles. We presented rare case of traumatic transection of the common femoral artery and vein in a patient without an femoral fracture caused by blunt trauma. KEYWORDS: blunt trauma - peripheral vascular injury - autopsy.

Unusual head and neck injury in elevator: autopsy study.

Industrial injuries related to auto-load-carrying vehicles were not frequently reported in the literature. Presented case was, 31-year-old male furniture worker. Deceased was found in awkward position in furniture workshop. Victim was observed on his knees in front of the elevator, head and neck lodged within openings of the elevator, and head and neck structures compressed-guillotined by the lower platform of the elevator were detected. We presented rare case of head and neck compression by elevator. Key words: head - neck - accidents - elevator - autopsy.

Cranial injury caused by penetrating non-missile foreign body: an autopsy case.

UNLABELLED: Presented case was 32-year-old male marble worker, who underwent industrial accident at workplace. On gross physical examination; on forehead region round skin wound in 0.9 cm diameter was detected, radiological examination showed the image of metallic object. in the skull cavity. Brain dissection showed obvious brain injury, haemorrahge explaining the pattern of injury caused by the metallic bodys path, from left frontal lobe to the left cerebellar hemisphere was identified. We presented rare case of penetrating injury of the cranial region caused by non-missile foreign body. KEYWORDS: cranial injury - non-missile foreign body - autopsy.

Sudden death due to a rare brain tumor: an autopsy case.

UNLABELLED: Sudden death in persons with intracranial neoplasms is a rare mechanism of death detected in the forensic autopsies. 10 years-old girl was brought to a local clinic death shortly after analgesic therapy for headache. Autopsy findings showed a large, solid cerebellar mass. Histological diagnosis was pilomyxoid astrocytoma, low-grade tumor with features alike to pilocytic astrocytomas. In this case report we present and discuss rare autopsy case of pilomyxoid astrocytoma from medicolegal point of view. KEYWORDS: sudden death - brain - pilomyxoid astrocytoma - autopsy.

Investigation into the protective effects of Naringenin in phthalates-induced reproductive damage.

OBJECTIVE: Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, extensively used as a plasticizer in many products, including plastics, cosmetics, and medical devices. Naringenin (NAR) is a flavonoid belonging to the flavanones subclass. It is widely distributed in several citrus fruits, bergamot, tomatoes, and other fruits. It is also found in its glycoside form (mainly naringin). Several biological activities have been ascribed to this phytochemical: antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiadipogenic, and cardioprotective effects. This study hypothesized that phthalates' possible reproductive damage mechanism is oxidative attack, and naringenin could have a protective effect against radical forms in the body through its antioxidant properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male rats were used in our study (n=8 each). Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, DBP, DBP +NAR and NAR. Phthalate (DBP) and NAR were administered through gastric oral gavage (phthalate group 500 mg/kg/day DBP; NAR group 50 mg/kg/day NAR). At the end of four weeks, testis tissue samples were taken under anesthesia. Testis tissue and blood samples were collected from the four groups in this study. Histological, biochemical and spermatological analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Tissue samples from the control and NAR groups showed normal histological appearance on light microscopy. The DBP group exhibited deterioration in seminiferous tubules, vascular congestion in capsule, vascular congestion between the seminiferous tubules, edema in the intestinal area and vacuolization, arrested spermatocytes in different stages of division; sloughing of cells into the seminiferous tubular lumen was observed. It was also observed that NAR treatment significantly inhibited and prevented the histopathological damage caused by DBP. Tissue TBARS, antioxidant parameters, sperm motility, sperm density and abnormal spermatozoon ratios were determined. As a result, it was shown that DBP caused oxidative damage by increasing TBARS levels and decreasing antioxidant parameters, increased abnormal sperm rate and decreased sperm motility, and concentration and histopathological damage, so the antioxidant activity of naringenin inhibited this damage. CONCLUSIONS: DBP had toxic effects in rat testis tissue; NAR treatment ameliorated these effects. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Morphometric features of the thyroid gland: a cadaveric study of Turkish people.

BACKGROUND: Although racial and ethnic variations in the morphology of anatomical structures are defined well, the size, shape, and weight of the thyroid gland have not previously been reported in Turkish people. This study provides data about the morphometric features of the thyroid gland, thyroid lobes, and pyramidal lobe, and highlights some anatomical variations in people from the Marmara region in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material for the present study consisted of thyroid glands obtained from 75 male and 15 female adult cadavers aged between 18 and 80 years. A dissection was carried out and the thyroid glands were exposed. The glands were weighed and measured according to the various age groups of the patients. RESULTS: A pyramidal lobe was found to be present in 57.8% of the cadavers (52/90). During midline dissection of the neck 2 males out of 90 cadavers, giving an incidence of 2.22%, did not show an isthmus. The mean thyroid weight was 26.11 ± 8.14 g. In males it was 26.93 ± 7.96 g while in females it was 21.93 ± 7.98 g. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported morphometric study on cadaveric thyroid glands from Turkey and it highlights individual and ethnic/racial variations. In order to perform safe and effective surgery and for the accurate diagnosis of thyroid disorders, knowledge of normal anatomy and the variations of the thyroid gland are essential.

An analysis of carbon monoxide poisoning cases in Bursa, Turkey.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from coal and gas heaters is a public health concern in Turkey. This study estimated the prevalence, mortality rate and clinical predictors of severity of CO poisoning cases treated at the emergency unit of the Uludag University Medical School, Bursa from 1996 to 2006. Of 305 patients treated over a 10-year period, only 1 case was recorded as suicide. The CO source was a coal heater in 85.9% of cases. Mean Glasgow coma score (GCS) on admission was 12.8 (SD 0.2) and mean carboxyhaemoglobin level was 21.6% (SD 0.92%). There were statistically significant associations between higher GCS score, older age and higher HbCO level. Better education of the public is vital for the prevention of these injuries.

Black esophagus: a rare autopsy case.

The black esophagus is a rare entity of an acute esophageal necrosis described at endoscopy and typical histological properties of a diffuse mucosal necrosis. The presented case was a 17-year-old girl; admitted to the hospital with an abdominal distantion and vomiting, who died soon after admittance. The case was investigated by local prosecutor, as the cause of the death was unknown; a forensic autopsy was mandated and later performed in our department. During autopsy on macroscopic examination an acute esophageal necrosis with black colored esophageal mucosa was detected. In this case report, we aimed to explain the autopsy findings, clinical presentation, histological appearance, risk factors and pathogenesis of the disease from the medico legal point of view (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 5).

Allergic myocardial infarction due to hydatid cyst: an autopsy case.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic tapeworm infestation. Anaphylactic reactions as a result of cyst perforation generally occur after trauma during a spread of cystic fluid in the intravascular space, which may also initiate anaphylaxis. The reported case was a 17-year-old boy who was admitted to the hospital emergency department with a sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and fainting, resulting in death. The cause of his sudden death was unknown. Autopsy macroscopically revealed hydatid cysts in the liver. In the histopathological examination, hydatid cyst was recognized by scolices and also an inflammatory infiltration composed mainly of mast cells in the myocardium was detected. Sudden death in this case was attributed to allergic myocardial infarction due to intravascular spread of the hydatid cyst content (Fig. 2, Ref. 10).

Blast injury: lessons learned from an autopsy.

Blast injury is becoming more common in the non-military population but it is still rare to see such injuries and deaths unrelated to terrorist acts. The exact mechanisms involved in blast injuries are unclear. Civilian physicians and surgeons need to have a basic understanding of the patho-mechanics and physiological effects of blast injuries. We report a case where a 31-year-old male accidentally detonated a diesel storage tank. His autopsy findings provide useful information for those who investigate explosive-related deaths.

An unusual cause of sudden death: cardiac myxoma.

Primary tumors of the heart are rare; the most common cardiac tumor is atrial myxoma. Sudden death may occur in patients with atrial myxoma, tumor embolization, or obstruction of blood flow at the mitral or tricuspid valve. This report describes an unusual cause of sudden death and the autopsy findings for a 73-year-old man with left atrial myxoma.

Suicidal electrocution using a homemade electrocution device.

Electrocutions deaths are mostly accidental, suicidal electrocutions are rarely reported. The records of Forensic Medicine Council of Turkey Bursa Morgue Department reveal second case of suicidal electrocution during the past 20 years. The presented case was a 61 year old man, found by his wife at his home bedroom, using a homemade suicidal electrocution device with bare copper wires. The mechanism of death and autopsy findings in suicidal electrocution is discussed.

Sudden death due to single coronary artery.

Coronary artery anomalies that entail a risk of sudden death are frequently associated with complex cardiac malformations but may occasionally be solitary. A 31-year-old man became ill in the night and lost consciousness. He was taken to a hospital where he was treated. However, he died on the same day. The death was considered to be suspicious and an autopsy was mandated. On macroscopic examination, the heart weighed 410 g. A single coronary artery that originated from the right aortic sinus was found. The coronary artery ostium was 0.8 cm in diameter and had a hole-like shape. Demonstration of coronary artery pathologies in autopsies is vital for the elucidation of sudden death cases related to these lesions and for the development of new treatment approaches. The aims of this case report are to contribute to a better understanding of the coronary artery anomalies and emphasise their medicolegal importance.

Sudden death related to anomalous origin of coronary artery and coexisting fenestrated membrane of the sinus coronarius.

Coronary artery anomalies that may be an isolated defect or part of complex congenital malformations of the heart are also often associated with a high risk of sudden death. A 19-year-old woman lost consciousness in the night. She was taken to hospital where she was treated. However, she died on the same day. The prosecutor considered the death suspicious, and the victim was taken to the morgue department for further examination and autopsy. On macroscopical examination, both coronary arteries originated from the left aortic sinus with the left one being dominant. The orifice of the sinus coronarius in the right atria was covered with a fenestrated membrane. Demonstration of coronary artery pathologies and associated anomalies in autopsies is vital for the elucidation of sudden death cases related to these lesions and for the development of new treatment approaches. The purposes of this case report are to characterise and identify markers of the coronary artery anomalies and to highlight their medicolegal importance in sudden death cases.

An analysis of carbon monoxide poisoning cases in Bursa, Turkey

Carbon monoxide [CO] poisoning from coal and gas heaters is a public health concern in Turkey. This study estimated the prevalence, mortality rate and clinical predictors of severity of CO poisoning cases treated at the emergency unit of the Uludag University Medical School, Bursa from 1996 to 2006. Of 305 patients treated over a 10-year period, only 1 case was recorded as suicide. The CO source was a coal heater in 85.9% of cases. Mean Glasgow coma score [GCS] on admission was 12.8 [SD 0.2] and mean carboxyhaemoglobin level was 21.6% [SD 0.92%]. There were statistically significant associations between higher GCS score, older age and higher HbCO level. Better education of the public is vital for the prevention of these injuries