Value of gingival crevicular fluid TREM-1, PGLYRP1, and IL-1ß levels during menopause.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association of GCF TREM-1, PGLYRP1, and IL-1ß levels with periodontal health in pre- and postmenopausal women. BACKGROUND: Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1), activated through its ligand peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 (PGLYRP1), stimulates proinflammatory cytokine production, such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, during periodontal inflammation. Postmenopausal changes may modulate these immune-inflammatory functions. No clinical study has yet investigated the effect of menopause on TREM-1, PGLYRP1, and IL-1ß levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 148 women (age range = 35-65 years), divided into postmenopausal women (PMW) (n = 76, mean age = 54 ± 5 years) and regularly menstruating premenopausal women (RMPW) (n = 72, mean age = 40 ± 4 years). Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. TREM-1, PGLYRP1, and IL-1ß levels were quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Pearson's Chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney-U test were used to compare categorical and numerical variables, respectively. Spearman's Rho correlation analysis was used to test the linear relationship between variables. Analyte level data were categorized based on the periodontal diagnosis and menopause status (2 × 2 nonparametric factorial ANOVA). RESULTS: No significant differences in TREM-1, PGLYRP1, and IL-1ß levels between PMW and RMPW were observed (p > .05). Mean values of periodontal indexes including probing depth did not differ significantly between PMW and RMPW groups (p = .474). TREM-1 levels were significantly higher in both PMW and RMPW with periodontitis, compared to gingivitis or health (p = .0021). CONCLUSION: Menopause-related changes have no observable effect on GCF levels of TREM-1, PGLYRP1, and IL-1ß. Higher GCF TREM-1 levels in women with periodontitis regardless of their menopausal status indicate that TREM-1 may be an indicator for periodontitis both in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Comparison of laparoscopic enclosed electromechanical morcellation and vaginal enclosed scalpel morcellation at laparoscopic myomectomy: A prospective randomized trial.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the laparoscopic-enclosed electromechanical morcellation (LEM) with vaginal-enclosed scalpel morcellation (VSM) in laparoscopic myomectomy procedures. METHODS: One hundred eighteen patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy were enrolled the prospective randomized interventional clinical study in tertiary university hospital. After myomectomy, tissue removal was accomplished via either LEM using the in-glove morcellation technique or VSM. RESULTS: The median tissue removal time was longer in the LEM group (25 min [range: 14-55]) than the VSM group (20 min [range: 6-38] [p = 0.001]). Rescue analgesia requirement was significantly higher in the LEM group than the VSM group (mean rank: 56.92 vs. 40.92 doses, respectively; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative third month total scores of female sexual function index (FSFI) and subdomains in the LEM group. Conversely, all subdomains and total scores of FSFI (26.5 [16.7-34.8] vs. 22.7 [15.2-28.7]) except pain significantly worsened 3 months after operation in the VSM group. CONCLUSIONS: LEM was associated with a longer tissue removal time and increased postoperative analgesic requirement. On the other hand, VSM was associated with worsened postoperative sexual function from baseline.

Oral health and emotional well-being in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Menopause, the absence of ovarian sex steroids, is frequently accompanied by emotional and physiological changes in a woman´s body, as well as oral health changes. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between the periodontal health status and emotional and physical well-being among postmenopausal women (PMW) in comparison with regularly menstruating premenopausal women (RMPW). METHODS: A total of 115 women (PMW, n = 56, mean age ± SD: 54 ± 5; RMPW, n = 59, mean age ± SD: 41 ± 4) received a comprehensive medical assessment and a full-mouth oral examination. All completed the Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ) to measure emotional and physical well-being. The corresponding bone mineral density (BMD) scores were obtained from participants´ medical records. RESULTS: Tooth loss was significantly higher in PMW than RMPW after adjusting for age (3.88 ± 2.41 vs 2.14 ± 2.43, p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of periodontitis between the two groups (PMW: 39.2%, RMPW: 32.2%, p > 0.05). The prevalence of periodontitis was associated with fewer daily brushing sessions in PMW (p = 0.021). Based on the WHQ, both PMW and RMPW with periodontitis had higher ''depressed mood'' scores compared to periodontally healthy women (p = 0.06 and p = 0.038, respectively). The women who reported fewer daily toothbrushing sessions found to have higher depressive mood scores (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of periodontitis is associated with the emotional and physical well-being of women and reinforcement of oral healtcare is recommended at different stages of a woman's life including menopause to reduce the risk for early tooth loss in women.

Using dynein heavy chain 5 and creatine kinase levels in cervical fluid and blood for early diagnosing of ectopic pregnancy.

AIM: Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening problem in reproductive ages. Diagnosing ectopic pregnancy in the early period provides to reducing mortality and morbidity and gives an opportunity for medical treatment to preserve fallopian tubes. Evaluation of cervical fluid for determining ectopic pregnancy with new promising markers provided different aspects for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy in the present study. METHODS: In this prospective clinical study, ectopic pregnant patients as ectopic pregnancy group (n = 46), intrauterine pregnant patients as intrauterine pregnancy group (n = 29) and not-pregnant patients as nonpregnancy group (n = 10) participated to study. Cervical fluid samples were collected with using merocel sponge. In addition, serum samples were obtained from patients. Dynein heavy chain 5 (DNAH5) and creatine kinase (CK) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits in samples. RESULTS: Reduced cervical fluid DNAH5 levels was diagnosed in ectopic pregnancy group compared to intrauterine pregnancy group (median 3.42 ng/mL; 25-75% percentile 0-9.56 ng/mL vs median 6.14 ng/mL; 1.40-8.31 ng/mL; P < 0.001). On the other hand, DNAH5 protein was not detected in nonpregnant patients' samples. In addition, statistical significant increased cervical fluid CK levels were diagnosed in ectopic pregnancy group compared to intrauterine pregnancy group (median 4477.61 IU/L; 0-64 925.37 IU/L vs 0 IU/L; 0-6832.30 IU/L; P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Measuring of CK and DNAH5 in cervical fluid could be promising markers for early diagnosing of ectopic pregnancy. Decreased DNAH5 levels in cervical fluid might be result from abnormal cilia function in ectopic pregnant patients. ClinicalTrials.gov ID. NCT02995356.

Losartan ameliorates ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats: an experimental study.

This study aimed to investigate the protective and antioxidant role of losartan in ovarian ischaemia and ischaemia/reperfusion injury in an experimental ovarian torsion model. Thirty adult female rats were used. Rats were separated randomly into five groups; Group 1: sham group (abdominal wall was only opened and closed), Group 2: torsion group with 3-hour ischaemia using atraumatic vascular clips. Group 3: torsion + losartan group with 3-hour ischaemia 30 minutes after the administration of 40 mg/kg of losartan via oral gavage. Group 4: torsion-detorsion group with 3-hour ischaemia and 3-hour reperfusion (vascular clips were removed). Group 5: torsion-detorsion + losartan group with 3-hour ischaemia followed by administration of 40 mg/kg of losartan 30 minutes prior to a 3-hour detorsion/reperfusion. Ovarian tissue damage was scored by histopathological analysis. Ovarian tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasma pentraxin 3 (PTX 3) levels were measured biochemically. In comparison with the sham group, both the torsion and torsion-detorsion groups had significantly higher scores for follicular degeneration, vascular congestion, oedema, haemorrhage, and leukocyte infiltration (p < .05). The aforementioned parameters significantly decreased in the torsion-detorsion + losartan group (p < .01) compared to those in the torsion-detorsion group. MDA and plasma PTX 3 levels were notably higher both in the torsion and torsion-detorsion groups compared with those in the sham group (p < .01). The current experimental ovarian torsion study suggests a protective role for losartan upon ischaemia and ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rat ovaries. Losartan may be a novel agent for decreasing ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion injury in ovaries.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Among gynaecological emergencies, the diagnosis of ovarian torsion is highly difficult. A delayed diagnosis may lead to ovarian necrosis and subsequent loss of ovaries if timely surgical intervention is not performed, which is essential for the fertility and protection of ovarian functions in young patients. However, reperfusion of the ischaemic tissue might leads to more serious damage to the tissue than the damage caused by ischaemia.What the results of this study add? This study found that losartan, an Ang II type 1 receptor blocker which has been currently used for regulation of blood pressure, could be used experimentally to alleviate I/R injury in ovary through improving histological parameters, reducing tissue MDA and plasma PTX3 levels. To date, there is no study regarding the usage of losartan for alleviating I/R on ovary due to torsion.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Losartan may be suggested to have therapeutic value in patients with ovarian torsion. Further large clinical studies are necessary to prove the beneficial effect of losartan to prevent I/R injury on human ovaries.

Bone marrow-derived cells or C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) treatment improve thin endometrium in a mouse model.

Successful implantation and pregnancy is dependent on sufficient endometrial growth during each reproductive cycle. Here, we report the therapeutic effect of either bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) or the stem cell chemo-attractant C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) on endometrial receptivity in a murine ethanol induced thin endometrium model. Endometrial epithelial area was significantly increased in mice treated with BMDCs, CXCL12, or by co-treatment with both compared with PBS-treated controls. Ki-67 and CD31 immunoreactivity was significantly higher in mice treated with either BMDCs, CXCL12, or both. The mRNA expression levels of endometrial receptivity markers leukemia inhibitory factor, interleukin-1ß, and integrin beta-3 were increased in mice treated with either BMDCs, CXCL12, or both. The mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 were significantly decreased by BMDCs but not by CXCL12. Pregnancy rates and litter size were increased after either treatment. Both BMDCs and CXCL12 displayed a comparable efficacy on endometrial regeneration in mice with thin endometrium. Our findings indicate the potential therapeutic effects of BMDCs and CXCL12 on infertility related to thin endometrium. Bone marrow-derived cells and CXCL12 displayed a comparable efficacy on endometrial regeneration in mice with thin endometrium.

microRNA Let-7b: A Novel treatment for endometriosis.

Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent, chronic inflammatory disease that affects 10% of reproductive-aged women. Current treatment options depend on female sex steroid hormone modulation; however, all have side effects and are not useful in women who want to conceive. microRNAs treatments have provided promising results for some chronic diseases and cancers. We have previously shown the microRNA Let-7b is repressed in endometriosis and that loss of Let-7 contributes to the pathophysiology of the disease. Here, we propose using microRNA Let-7b for the treatment of endometriosis in a murine model. Endometriosis was treated using microRNA Let-7b or a scrambled control microRNA. Let-7b treatment resulted in reduced endometriosis lesion size. Decreased gene expression was noted in several genes known to promote endometriosis growth including ER-α, ER-ß, Cyp19a, KRAS 4A, KRAS 4B and IL-6. These results indicate that microRNA Let-7b has a pleiotropic role in endometriosis pathophysiology affecting oestrogen signalling, inflammation and growth factor receptors. Local treatment of endometriosis with Let-7b is a promising therapy for endometriosis that simultaneously affects multiple pathways driving endometriosis without systemic hormonal side effects.

Fullerene-PAMAM(G5) composite modified impedimetric biosensor to detect Fetuin-A in real blood samples.

The aim of this study is to develop a nanomaterial-dendrimer composite modified biosensor to detect Fetuin-A (HFA) in real blood samples. For this purpose, we designed an Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) based anti-Fetuin-A (Anti-HFA) modified biosensor system and tested in real blood samples. Chronoimpedance was also employed. The same samples were analyzed with ELISA and the results were compared for validation of the new system. Gold screen printed electrodes (AuSPE) were used as transducer. Firstly, a self-assembly monolayer (SAM) was formed on gold surface by 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP), Fullerene and PAMAM-NH2 (G5), layers were formed, consecutively. Then Anti-HFA was immobilized on Au/4-ATP/Fullerene/PAMAM electrode via glutaraldehyde. The chronoimpedance test was employed to investigate the optimum analysis duration. According to the data of chronoimpedance, the total analysis time for EIS was chosen as 3 min. The new biosensor was compared with the ELISA method which required 150 min. The calibration curve was prepared electron transfer resistance of the electrode (ΔRet) per minute as ohm and 1.66-134 ng/mL.min with a R2 = 0.9912. The LOD and LOQ of the biosensor was calculated as 0.48 ng/mL.min, 1.46 ng/mL.min, respectively. Linear regression analysis indicated that the novel developed biosensor results agreed well with that of the conventional ELISA assay.

The Impact of Carbon Dioxide Pneumoperitoneum on Ovarian Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury during Laparoscopic Surgery: A Preliminary Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum causes ischemia-reperfusion injury to the ovaries during laparoscopic surgery. DESIGN: A prospective controlled clinical study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: A tertiary academic center. PATIENTS: Premenopausal women who underwent hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (HSO) via open abdominal and laparoscopic approaches between 2014 and 2015. INTERVENTIONS: In both surgical approaches, unilateral oophorectomy was performed immediately after abdominal entry, and the remaining contralateral ovary was excised at the end of the hysterectomy in order to compare the effect of these surgical procedures on ovarian tissue. Additionally, plasma samples were collected at the following time points: (1) before abdominal entry, (2) at the end of hysterectomy, and (3) before contralateral oophorectomy. Plasma samples were assessed for biochemical oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Ovarian tissue samples were assessed for MDA and further evaluated for ischemia-reperfusion injury using a histologic scoring method. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty premenopausal women undergoing HSO via open abdominal surgery (n = 10) and laparoscopy (n = 10) were included. Baseline characteristics (age, body mass index, parity, and gravida) and operative data (operative time, estimated blood loss, and intraoperative complication) were similar between groups. Perioperative plasma MDA levels, histologic scores, and tissue oxidative stress markers did not show a significant difference in either group or between groups. However, plasma 8-OHdG levels were significantly different when the second sample in the abdominal HSO group was compared with the first sample in the abdominal HSO group and the third sample in the laparoscopic HSO group (p = .012 and .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum does not cause ischemia-reperfusion injury in the human ovaries at clinically safe levels of intra-abdominal pressure.

Determination of Isthmocele Using a Foley Catheter During Laparoscopic Repair of Cesarean Scar Defect.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a new technique of isthmocele repair via laparoscopic surgery. DESIGN: Case report (Canadian Task Force classification III). The local Ethics Committee waived the requirement for approval. SETTING: Isthmocele localized at a low uterine segment is a defect of a previous caesarean scar due to poor myometrial healing after surgery [1]. This pouch accumulates menstrual bleeding, which can cause various disturbances and irregularities, including abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, pelvic pain, and scar pregnancy [2-6]. Given the absence of a clearly defined surgical method in the literature, choosing the proper approach to treating isthmocele can be arduous. Laparoscopy provides a minimally invasive procedure in women with previous caesarean scar defects. INTERVENTION: A 28-year-old woman, gravida 2 para 2, presented with a complaint of prolonged postmenstrual bleeding for 5 years. She had undergone 2 cesarean deliveries. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a hypoechogenic area with menstrual blood in the anterior lower uterine segment. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an isthmocele localized at the anterior left lateral side of the uterus, with an estimated volume of approximately 12 cm3. After patient preparation, laparoscopy was performed. To repair the defect, the uterovesical peritoneal fold was incised and the bladder was mobilized from the lower uterine segment. During this surgery, differentiating the isthmocele from the abdomen can be challenging. Here we used a Foley catheter to identify the isthmocele. To do this, after mobilizing the bladder from the lower uterine segment, we inserted a Foley catheter into the uterine cavity through the cervical canal. We then filled the balloon of the catheter at the lower uterine segment under laparoscopic view, which allowed clear identification of the isthmocele pouch. The uterine defect was then incised. The isthmocele cavity was accessed, the margins of the pouch were debrided, and the edges were surgically reapproximated with continuous nonlocking single layer 2-0 polydioxanone sutures. We believed that single-layer suturing could provide for proper healing without necrosis due to suturation. During the procedure, the vesicouterine space was dissected without difficulty. A urine bag was collected with clear urine, and there was no gas leakage; thus, we considered a safety test for the bladder superfluous. Based on concerns about the possible increased risk of adhesions, we did not cover peritoneum over the suture. The patients experienced no associated complications, and she reported complete resolution of prolonged postmenstrual bleeding at a 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Even though the literature is cloudy in this area, a laparoscopic approach to repairing an isthmocele is a safe and minimally invasive procedure. Our approach described here involves inserting a Foley catheter in the uterine cavity through the cervical canal, then filling the balloon in the lower uterine segment under laparoscopic view to identify the isthmocele.

Is ursodeoxycholic acid crucial for ischemia/reperfusion-induced ovarian injury in rat ovary?

PURPOSE: Ursodeoxycholic acid is frequently used in cholestatic liver diseases. Also, it protects hepatocytes against oxidative stress induced by hydrophobic bile acids. We investigated the anti-oxidative effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on ischemia/reperfusion injury after ovarian de-torsion in rats. METHODS: We designed five study groups. Group 1 (n = 6): Sham-operated group; group 2 (n = 6): torsion group; group 3 (n = 6): torsion and ursodeoxycholic acid, group 4 (n = 7): torsion/de-torsion group; and group 5 (n = 7): torsion/de-torsion and ursodeoxycholic acid. After that, ovarian samples were obtained and examined histologically and tissue levels of malondialdehyde were measured. RESULTS: Follicular degeneration, edema and inflammatory cells were significantly decreased in groups 3 and 5 in comparison with groups 2 and 4. Also, groups 4 and 5 were compared in terms of vascular congestion and hemorrhage and these were found to be significantly decreased in group 5. In addition, levels of malondialdehyde were significantly decreased in groups 3 and 5 in comparison with groups 2 and 4. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that ursodeoxycholic acid might be useful to protect the ovary against ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Functional outcomes of polypropylene midurethral sling resection for treatment of mesh exposure/extrusion: Does it lead to a relapse of incontinence?

OBJECTIVES: The Burch colposuspension, which was regarded as the gold standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence for several years, has been replaced by minimally invasive sling devices. Although these procedures are simple and minimally invasive, they are associated with complications such as infection, mesh erosion, chronic pain, and de novo detrusor overactivity, which may necessitate surgical resection or tape removal. The aim of the study was to assess urinary function outcomes including continence, after partial resection of suburethral tapes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were admitted for resection of tape due to extrusion/exposure, between 2011 and 2014. Patients were evaluated with physical examination, transvaginal ultrasound, cough stress test, 24-hour bladder diary, Incontinence Impact Questionnairre-7 form and Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 form. RESULTS: Minimum follow-up time was 2 months after treatment of the tape complication (mean 20, range 2 to 38). Recurrence of incontinence after partial tape resection was observed in 9% (3/32) cases. In two patients due to stress urinary incontinence recurrence repeat anti-incontinence surgery was necessary. Although one patient had suffered from incontinence after resection of tape, she did not desire operation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that preservation of the anti-incontinence effects of slings might not be dependent on the intactness of the sling. Recurrence of incontinence after partial tape resection is uncommon and in the majority of cases this stress incontinence is minimally and does not require repeat operation.

Comparison of frequency of asymptomatic microhematuria in patients with stage 2-4 versus stage 0-1 pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequency of asymptomatic microhematuria (AMH) in patients with stage 2-4 and stage 0-1 pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: The hospital database was searched for women diagnosed with pelvic floor disorders and all medical records were reviewed retrospectively for the presence of AMH. An additional search was conducted for women with other benign gynecological conditions such as myoma uteri, endometrial hyperplasia or adnexal masses without evidence of pelvic organ prolapse (control group). The control group was created using 1:1 matching for age and menopausal status. The frequency of AMH in these patients were compared. The degree of hematuria was categorized as reported by the laboratory as 3 to 25 (low grade hematuria), 26 to 50 (intermediate grade hematuria) and 51 or more (high grade hematuria) red blood cell/high powered field. RESULTS: AMH is statistically significant more often seen in study group than in control group (p:0.016). In the prolapse group 20 women (13.7%) had AMH compared with 9 (6.2%) in the control group. All of 29 patients with AMH had low grade hematuria defined as < 25 red blood cell/high powered field. Patients were followed up for 22 ± 7 (12 to 33) months. No bladder cancer and no cancer of the upper urinary tract has been detected in these 29 patients with AMH during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Women with stage 2-4 POP are more likely to be diagnosed with AMH than those with stage 0-1 prolapse.

Salivary inflammatory burden in pre- and postmenopausal women: Associations with body mass index, patient-reported health, serum cytokines, and periodontal parameters.

BACKGROUND: The decline of estrogen levels during menopause impacts weight, mood, and overall health, both orally and systemically. This study assessed salivary levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and IL-7 in postmenopausal (PMW) and regularly menstruating premenopausal (RMPW) women, while considering serum cytokine levels, body mass index (BMI), periodontal health, and self-reported physical and emotional well-being. METHODS: In this study, 75 PMW and 71 RMPW were included. Clinical and periodontal parameters were evaluated, and perceived health was assessed with the Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ). Cytokine levels in both saliva and serum were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Covariate evaluations of salivary cytokines were conducted using hierarchical linear regression modeling. RESULTS: Cytokines were detectable in saliva from 71 PMW and 67 RMPW. In the initial unadjusted model, IL-7, IL-10, and TNF-α exibited significant differences between RMPW and PMW. However, these differences became non-significant (p > 0.05) in the final model after adjusting for age, which implies a negligible effect of the investigated covariates on salivary cytokine levels when age was considered. Lower levels of IL-6 in PMW, which initially showed no significant difference, became borderline (p = 0.054) in the final model after adjusting for age. CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for multiple factors, no significant difference was found in the salivary levels of the investigated cytokines between RMPW and PMW. Factors such as BMI, perceived health, serum cytokine levels, and periodontal parameters seem to minimally influence these levels in PMW. However, age may be a stronger confounding factor.

Laparoscopic view of endosalpingiosis in a woman with dermoid cyst and endometriosis

Endosalpingiosis is, like endometriosis, the presence of cystic masses outside of the salpinx which contains fallopian tube epithelium. Endosalpingiosis can be seen on the surface of ovaries, tubal serosa, uterine serosa, myometrium, and also in the bladder. The main clinical features of endosalpingiosis are pelvic pain, adnexal mass which mimics cancer, and urinary symptoms. Herein, we present a surgical video of endosalpingiosis in a woman with endometriosis and a dermoid cyst.

Tadalafil attenuates ischemic damage as well as reperfusion injury in the rat ovary

Objective: Tadalafil is a selective phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor with a long half-life. It has a dual function in ischaemic and re-perfused tissues, i.e. vasodilatation and anti-oxidant effects. These features of tadalafil distinguish it from other anti-oxidants. We investigated the dual effect of tadalafil on ischaemia and reperfusion injury in the rat ovary. Material and Methods: We established five study groups. Group 1 (n=6): sham-operated; group 2 (n=6): torsion; group 3 (n=6): torsion and Tadalafil; group 4 (n=6): torsion/de-torsion; and group 5 (n=6): torsion/de-torsion and tadalafil. Ovarian samples were harvested from animals and evaluated in terms of histopathologic changes, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, lactate production, and plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Results: Follicular degeneration, oedema, haemorrhage, and inflammatory cells were significantly decreased in group 5 in comparison with group 4. Group 2 and group 3 were compared in terms of vascular congestion and haemorrhage; these parameters were significantly decreased in group 3. In addition, significantly decreased MDA and lactate concentrations were observed in group 5 in comparison with group 4. Increased cGMP concentrations were detected in group 3 and group 5. Conclusion: We conclude that tadalafil might be useful in protecting the ovary against ischaemia and reperfusion injury. In the evet of ovarian torsion, it will provide a greater therapeutic effect than only performing de-torsion of the ovary or using other anti-oxidant agents.

Can we rely on blind endometrial curettage for complete removal of focal intrauterine lesion? A prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency of dilatation-curettage (D&C) combined with aspiration curettage for endometrial pathology compared to hysteroscopy alone in this study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 143 patients who have suspicion of endometrial mass like lesion, increased endometrial thickness (>5-mm at menopause and/or endometrial thickness upper than 5-mm in patients under tamoxifen treatment due to breast cancer during 2-D transvaginal ultrasonography examination) were enrolled. All patients underwent procedures in order of hysteroscopy, D&C plus aspiration and second look hysteroscopy. Data for age, menopausal status, tamoxifen treatment, endometrial histology, hysteroscopy and D&C findings were recorded and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Initial hysteroscopy revealed focally growing endometrial lesion in 96 patients. Second look hysteroscopy showed persistent focal lesion in 77 patients (80 %) after D&C plus aspiration. Endometrial blind curettage failed to diagnose 42 % (25/60) of endometrial polyps, none of submucous myomas as well as 27 % (3/11) of premalignant and malignant endometrial lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, overall accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of hysteroscopy were found as 84.1 %, 83.3 %, 83.9 %, 93.8 %, and 63.8 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hysteroscopy showed significant superiority in the diagnosis and definitive treatment of endometrial pathologies specifically in focally growing endometrial lesions compared to D&C plus aspiration.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Prevents Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Ovarian Injury in Rats: Evaluation of Histological and Biochemical Parameters.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a glycoprotein commonly used in the field of medicine to treat neutropenia. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor has also crucial roles in ameliorating the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in particular tissues. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of G-CSF on ovarian damage in experimental ovarian I/R injury. Thirty adult female rats were used. Rats were separated randomly into 5 groups; Group 1: sham group (abdominal wall was opened and closed surgically), Group 2: torsion group with 3-hour ischemia using vascular clips. Group 3: torsion + G-CSF group with 3-hour ischemia 30 minutes after the administration intraperitoneal (i.p.) of 100 µg/kg of G-CSF. Group 4: torsion-detorsion group with 3 hour ischemia and 3 hour reperfusion. Group 5: torsion-detorsion + G-CSF group with 3 hour ischemia followed by 100 µg/kg of G-CSF i.p. administration 30 minutes prior to 3 hour of detorsion/reperfusion. Ovarian tissue damage was scored on histopathology. Ovarian tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured biochemically. In comparison with the sham group, both the torsion and torsion-detorsion groups had significantly higher scores for follicular degeneration, vascular congestion, edema, hemorrhage, and leukocyte infiltration (P < .05). When compared group torsion-detorsion + G-CSF to group torsion-detorsion, parameters aforementioned significantly decreased in group torsion-detorsion + G-CSF (P < .05). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor has also decreased MDA levels notably both in the torsion + G-CSF and torsion-detorsion + G-CSF groups (P < .05, P < .01). Our experimental study suggests that G-CSF can be a novel agent for the treatment of ovarian I/R injury.