Effects of ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthropathy on female sexual functions.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatologic diseases may impair the quality of life (QoL) by affecting sexual functions in different ways. We aimed to evaluate sexual functions and the disease-related variables, physical and psychogenic states in female patients with ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthropathy. METHODS: A total of 98 women with axial spondyloarthropathy (axSpA) and 99 healthy females were included in the study. The axSpA group was divided into two subgroups as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthropathy (nr-axSpA) (62 AS and 36 nr-axSpA). The patients' disease-related variables recorded. All the women in the axSpA and control groups were evaluated gynaecologically. The female sexual function index (FSFI), Health Status Questionnaire [Short Form (SF)-36], and Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale (HADS) were applied to all participants. RESULTS: Clitoral and labial atrophy and speculum pain score were significantly higher in the axSpA group (p<0.05). The FSFI and QoL-SF-36 scores were significantly lower and the HAD-D and HAD-A scores were significantly higher of in the axSpA group than in the control group (p<0.05 for all). There was no significant between the axSpA subgroups in terms of the FSFI, QoL-SF-36 and HAD scores. CONCLUSIONS: In elderly women with axSpA, disease duration and limitation of movement are more effective in genital atrophy and sexual functions, but there is no difference between those with AS and nr-axSpA in relation to sexual functions and psychological burden.

How do thiol disulfide balance and copper-ceruloplasmin levels change in women using copper intrauterine devices?

ObjectivesWe aimed to examine the change in plasma copper (Cu) level and copper transport proteins level before inserting Cu-IUD and after one menstrual cycle and to show the effect of this change on the thiol disulfide balance in women using copper-containing intrauterine device (Cu-IUD).MethodThirty-three reproductive women who admitted to the gynecology clinic and inserted Cu-IUD were examined in this study. Thiol-disulfide homeostasis, plasma Cu and ceruloplasmin levels and ceruloplasmin ferroxidase activity were measured using the blood samples collected just before inserting Cu-IUD and after one menstrual cycle.ResultsPlasma copper level (p = 0.006), ceruloplasmin (p < 0.001), Ceruloplasmin Ferroxidase (p = 0.005), thiol disulfide homeostasis parameters; native thiol (NT) (p = 0.004), and total thiol (p = 0.003) levels increased significantly.ConclusionAfter one menstrual cycle in women inserted intrauterine Cu-IUD for contraception, plasma levels of Cu, which is the oxidant molecule, increased significantly. Both plasma ceruloplasmin level and ceruloplasmin ferroxidase activity increased due to elevated Cu levels. This increased oxidant status in the acute period was balanced by the increase in the native thiol level.

Dose-dependent effects of ghrelin and aberrant anti-Mullerian hormone levels in the prevention of ovarian damage caused by cisplatin in Wistar-albino rats.

PURPOSE: Ghrelin has previously been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in preventing cisplatin-induced ovarian damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of this hormone in preventing this damage in rats using histopathological and biochemical methods. METHODS: Twenty-eight Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into four groups. While no drug was given to Group 1 (sham group), acylated ghrelin was intraperitoneally administered to Group 2 at 0.5 nmol/kg and Group 3 at 2 nmol/kg for 21 days. Group 4 received only saline solution. On the 15th day, a single dose of 5 mg/kg cisplatin was intraperitoneally administered to each rat in Groups 2, 3 and 4. Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) values were measured on days 0, 15 and 21. Then, laparotomy and bilateral oophorectomy were performed, and the ovaries were histopathologically examined. RESULTS: The number of primordial and primary follicles was significantly higher in Group 3 than in the saline solution + cisplatin group. In Group 4, cisplatin caused significantly higher follicle damage in the primordial, primary and secondary phases compared to the sham group. The AMH level of the SF + cisplatin group was significantly lower than that of the sham group and the high-dose ghrelin + cisplatin group, and the AMH level of the sham group was significantly higher than that of the low-dose ghrelin + cisplatin group. CONCLUSION: High-dose ghrelin was effective in preventing cisplatin-induced ovarian damage by preserving the number of primordial and primary follicles. Larger randomized studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and duration of ghrelin.

Conventional versus single-incision laparoscopy for the surgical treatment of ovarian torsion.

AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of single-incision laparoscopy with conventional laparoscopy in cases of ovarian torsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who were surgically treated for ovarian torsion in our clinic were retrospectively analysed. The demographic information and surgical records of the patients were obtained from the patient files. Patients treated with single-incision laparoscopy and conventional laparoscopy were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, surgical procedure performed, duration of surgery, amount of bleeding, laboratory results, post-operative pain scores and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: There were 19 patients in the single-incision laparoscopy and 30 in the conventional laparoscopy groups. The two groups were similar in terms of age, obstetric history and body mass index (P > 0.05). The mean operation time was 56.26 ± 15.34 min in the single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) group and 55.07 ± 10.78 min in the conventional laparoscopic surgery group (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of complications, duration of hospital stay, pre- and post-operative haematocrit difference and visual analogue scale-pain scores at hours 0, 6, 12 and 24 (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: SILS appears to be as feasible, effective and safe as conventional laparoscopy in the treatment of ovarian torsion cases.

Effects of primary Sjögren's syndrome on female genitalia and sexual functions.

OBJECTIVES: Sexual dysfunctions in patients with rheumatological diseases can negatively affect human sexual life, and thus lead to the deterioration of quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effects of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) on female sexual organs and sexual functions. METHODS: A total of 68 women with pSS and 135 healthy female patients were included in the study. All the women in the study and control groups were evaluated gynaecologically, and genital findings during the examination and variables related to pSS were recorded. The women's sexual functions were evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and quality of life was evaluated using the Health Status Questionnaire-Short Form 36 (QoL-SF 36). RESULTS: There was no difference in terms of the ages of the patients between the pSS and control groups [50 (25-70) and 49 (23-70) years, respectively] (p=0.487). The FSFI and QoL-SF 36 scores of the pSS group were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). Although the age of the patients, duration of menopause, and presence of atrophy on genital examination significantly correlated with sexual dysfunction, there was no significant correlation between pSS activity-related variables and sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that pSS led to sexual dysfunction by causing genital atrophy and vaginal dryness in women. Moreover, mood changes associated with the disease, especially depression, were revealed to be an independent risk factor for this condition.

Evaluation of Early Atherosclerosis Markers in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between early atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using laboratory, functional, and morphological markers of atherosclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the present prospective single-center study, 96 patients with IBD (58 patients with ulcerative colitis and 36 patients with Crohn's disease) and 65 healthy control subjects were included. The demographic data of each patient and control subject were recorded. The patients with IBD and healthy controls were compared in terms of the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), the values of flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation (NMD), and the levels of von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF-Ag), D-dimer, and lipoprotein (a). RESULTS There were no significant differences between the IBD patients and controls in terms of age, sex, BMI, systolic and diastolic BPs, serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, or triglycerides. IBD patients had significantly higher levels of VWF-Ag (156.6±58.9 vs. 104.2±43.3, P<0.001) and D-dimer (337.2±710.8 vs. 175.9±110.9, P<0.001) as compared to the controls. No significant differences were determined between the 2 groups in terms of FMD and NMD values. Although statistically not significant, the CIMT values were higher in the IBD patients than in the controls (0.517±0.141 mm vs. 0.467±0.099 mm, P=0.073). In the correlation analysis, the CIMT was found to be correlated negatively with FMD and positively with high sensitive C-reactive protein, VWF-Ag, and D-dimer. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that VWF-Ag and D-dimer can be beneficial early atherosclerosis markers in IBD patients.

Effect of reproductive characteristics, body mass index, and anterior/posterior vaginal compartment defects on the short-term success of abdominal sacrocolpopexy.

OBJECTIVE: Vaginal vault prolapse is caused by the loss of apical support in the cardinal-uterosacral ligament complex. Abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASCP) is one means of repairing vaginal vault prolapse. In the present study, we investigated the effects of reproductive factors, body mass index (BMI), and anterior or posterior vaginal compartment defects on short-term outcomes of ASCP. METHOD: We retrospectively studied 70 women who had undergone ASCP between February 2012 and November 2012 in our clinic. RESULT: There were no significant differences in the complication rate among menopausal, nonmenopausal women, and grand multiparous patients. Operational success was not significantly affected by menopausal status. The long-term rate of grade ≥ 2 prolapse in the apical, anterior, or posterior vaginal wall after ASCP did not differ significantly by menopausal status. Correlation analysis showed that BMI was not associated with operational success in the early postoperative period in patients with vaginal prolapse and was not associated with the detection of grade ≥ 2 prolapse in apical, anterior, and posterior compartments after 1 year. CONCLUSION: ASCP should be the first-line treatment for obese/overweight, menopausal, or grand multiparous patients with additional anterior or posterior vaginal vault prolapse.

Significance of serum and ascitic fluid C-reactive protein in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ascites.

BACKGROUND: The values of C-reactive protein (CRP) can prove useful in determining disease progress. Because of synthesis by the liver, production of CRP in response to inflammation may be attenuated in patients with liver dysfunction. This may result in differences interpreting CRP levels in patient with portal and non-portal hypertension ascites. AIM: The aim of the present study is to assess discriminant value of serum and ascitic fluid CRP, which is easily accessible and inexpensive laboratory marker of inflammation, concentrations for diagnosis of underlying cause of ascites. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Educational and Research Hospital Department of Gastroenterology. Patients with ascites were further divided into two subgroups based on underlying cause of ascites: Group 1, patient with ascites due to portal hypertensive etiology (high-gradient ascites); Group 2, patient with ascites due to non-portal hypertensive etiology (low-gradient ascites). RESULTS: A total of 91 patients fulfilling the criteria for a diagnosis of ascites were enrolled in the study. Of these patients, 50 had proven (Group 1) ascites due to portal hypertensive etiology (high-gradient ascites) and 41 had clinical (Group 2) ascites due to non-portal hypertensive etiology (low-gradient ascites). Mean baseline serum and ascites levels of CRP were significantly higher in Group 2 compared to those in Group 1 (p = 0.021, p = <0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of serum and ascitic fluid CRP were associated with malignant ascites.

Irisin in idiopathic foetal growth restriction.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to compare maternal serum and cord blood irisin levels in females whose pregnancies were or were not complicated by idiopathic foetal growth restriction. METHODS: A total of 30 subjects participated. The study group consisted of 15 female patients who were referred to our perinatology clinic for delivery because of foetal growth restriction developing in the third trimester. Fifteen females with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies constituted the control group. Irisin levels were assessed in maternal serum, as well as in serum from the umbilical vein and artery. RESULTS: The demographic features of the two groups were similar (p > 0.05). Gestational age at delivery and birth weight were higher in females with uncomplicated pregnancies (p = 0.001). Umbilical artery irisin levels were significantly lower in pregnancies complicated by foetal growth restriction compared to controls (p = 0.003). Umbilical artery irisin levels were positively correlated with foetal weight (p = 0.01) and foetal abdominal circumference (measured by ultrasonography) (p = 0.01). Maternal and umbilical vein irisin levels did not differ between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that umbilical artery irisin levels were lower in pregnancies complicated by foetal growth restriction. Such lower irisin levels may contribute to the pathogenesis of this common condition, and metabolic syndrome may be a long-term consequence of idiopathic FGR.

Decorin: a possible marker for fetal growth restriction.

The aim of this study was to compare decorin (DCN) levels between pregnancies complicated by idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) and uncomplicated pregnancies and to determine the relationship between DCN levels and clinical parameters. The study population consisted of two groups: control group consisted of 13 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies in the third trimester. Study group consisted of 14 singleton pregnancies complicated by idiopathic FGR who were admitted to the hospital for delivery in the third trimester of pregnancy. Maternal and fetal DCN levels were measured. Color Doppler flow assessments were performed. Relationship between DCN levels and clinical parameters was determined. Maternal DCN serum levels were significantly higher in complicated pregnancies by idiopathic FGR (p = 0.01). A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between maternal DCN serum levels and neonatal birth weight (r = -0.0506; p = 0.007). There was a significant correlation between umbilical artery (UA) DCN levels and UA S/D ratio (r = 0.512; p = 0.006) and UA RI (r = 0.405; p = 0.036). The risk of high DCN maternal serum levels (>7986.6 pg/mL) in pregnancy complicated by FGR was 8.25 times higher (RR = 8.25; 95% CI, 1.4-46.8). The results of our study showed that the presence of increased DCN levels in women with FGR could contribute to pathogenesis of the disease.

Evaluation of the outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomy for normal and enlarged uterus (>280 g).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) with routine intraoperative cystoscopy (CYS) for enlarged uterus (>280 g). METHODS: The patients, who underwent LH procedure in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Düzce University Faculty of Medicine between July 2012 and July 2013, were included in this study. Perioperative outcomes were compared between patients with and without enlarged uterus. RESULTS: Uterus weight of the operated patients ranges between 38 and 700 g. Mean uterus weight was 196.40 ± 142.32 g. Although we found longer operation time (148.75 ± 32.37 vs. 128.28 ± 27.58) and higher delta hemoglobin (2.98 ± 3.09 vs. 1.61 ± 1.29) in patients with enlarged uterus undergoing LH, these findings were not statistically significant (p = 0.077 and 0.058). No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of need for insertion of pelvic drainage (p = 0.664), duration of bladder catheterization (p = 0.673), time of first postoperative flatus (p = 0.509) and the duration of hospitalization (p = 0.844). None of the patients had postoperative fever. The two groups were not significantly different in terms of postoperative body temperature (p = 0.736). In normal uterus group, 1 patient developed ureterovaginal fistula and 1 patient required re-operation. No major complication was observed in large uterus group. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we compared the outcomes of LH in patients with large uterus measuring up to 700 g. and patients with normal uterus, and we achieved successful results by making minor changes in the operation technique and performing diagnostic CYS at the end of the operation.

Mean platelet volume, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio in severe preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the changes in the values of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, mean platelet volume (MPV), and systemic inflammatory response (SIR) markers (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio/ platelet-lymphocyte ratio) in patients with severe preeclampsia (PE) of healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hematological parameters including MPV and SIR markers [neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR)] were compered between the between three groups comprising of women with severe PE, healthy pregnant women and healthy non-pregnant women. RESULTS: MPV and PLR did not show statistically significant differences between the three groups (p=0.081, p=0.098). NLR showed a statistically significant difference between the three groups (p=0.000). NLR values of patients with severe PE were statistically significantly higher than healthy non-pregnant women (p=0.000). No statistically significant difference was found between patients with severe PE and healthy pregnant women (p=0.721). The cut-off value of the leukocyte number for severe PE was 7.6 x 10(3)/ml, with 76.7% sensitivity and 60.6% specificity. The cut-off value of neutrophil number was 6.4 x 10(3)/ml for the group with severe PE, with 76.7% sensitivity and 69% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that MPV level did not differ among patients with severe PE, healthy pregnant women and non-pregnant women. NLR cannot be used to identify patients with severe PE. PLR measured before termination of pregnancy is not an effective marker for severe PE, either.

Comparison of bevacizumab and cabergoline in the treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a rat model.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of bevacizumab in a rat model of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and compare with cabergoline. The study was performed with 24 rats in four main groups (one non-stimulated control and three OHSS treatment groups; bevacizumab, cabergoline and placebo). The rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (six rats per group). Efficacy of treatment was assessed on 29th day by measuring weight gain, number of eggs, presence of ascites and ovarian weight. Peritoneal fluid levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ovarian weights were significantly higher in the OHSS groups than the control group. Ovarian weights in OHSS placebo group were found to be higher than those in OHSS-treatment groups (p = 0.002). VEGF levels were found increased in the OHSS-placebo group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). This increase was not seen in the OHSS groups treated with either bevacizumab or cabergoline. We demonstrate in this study that bevacizumab can lower VEGF production and ovarian weight in rats treated with gonadotropins.

Clinical symptoms and diagnostic tools that are related to infertility and hydrosalpinx formation in women with advanced stage endometriosis complicated by endometrioma.

OBJECTIVES: The study included patients suffering from stage III-IV endometriosis complicated by an endometrioma (OMA). We investigated the association between age, presence of dysmenorrhea/dyspareunia, preoperative CA 125 level, size of OMA on ultrasonographic exam and infertility as well as the risk of intraoperative detection of hydrosalpinx that was not suspected on pre-operative assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included patients with stage III-IV endometriosis complicated by OMA who underwent a laparoscopic or open surgery due to pre-diagnosis of infertility or adnexal mass. RESULTS: Dysmenorrhea had statistically significant association with infertility (p=0.031). There was no statistically significant relation between age, dyspareunia, preoperative CA 125 level, size of OMA on ultrasonographic exam and infertility (p=0.203, p=0.561, p=0.561 and p=0.668, respectively). No statistically significant relation was found between age, CA 125 level, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and detection of an unilateral/bilateral hydrosalpinx, that was not suspected on pre-operative assessment (p=0.179, p=0.295, p=0.895, p=0.424, respectively). There was an association between OMA size (p=0.023) and detection of unilateral/bilateral hydrosalpinx. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who desire to have children but suffer from severe dysmenorrhea must be preoperatively informed about the possibility of having stage III-IV endometriosis. Infertile patients who are about to undergo an operation, especially due to a large OMA, may turn out to have hydrosalpinx. These patients should be informed preoperatively about the possibility of having salpingectomy or the proximal tubal surgery for improving fertility.

Comparison of plasma oxytocin level in women with natural and surgical menopause.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate plasma oxytocin level in women with natural and surgical menopause and its relation with other metabolic parameters. METHODS: This study included 89 postmenopausal women admitted to menopausal outpatient clinics and gave written consent to participate. Participants were allocated into natural (Group 1; n = 61) and surgical (Group 2; n = 28) menopause groups based on causative process for the onset of menopause. After the clinical evaluation and physical examination, blood samples are collected for biochemical profile and plasma oxytocin levels. The complete blood count, lipid profile, thyroid panel, blood glucose concentration, vitamin D and liver enzymes were measured by autoanalyzer, plasma oxytocin level was measured spectrophotometrically by ELISA method. RESULTS: The groups were comparable for age, body mass index, menopause duration, gravity and blood parameters measured except significantly different plasma oxytocin levels between the two groups as 6.8 (3.2-20.6) ng/ml in natural menopause group and 4.2 (2.9-18.2) ng/ml in surgical menopause group (p < 0.001). Plasma oxytocin level was also negatively correlated with age (r = -0.245, p = 0.022) and menopausal duration (r = -0.275, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results point out that oxytocin might be a target hormone to manage menopause associated disorders and/or it should be considered for its role in the differences in the incidences of postmenopausal diseases and quality of life in the course of natural and surgical menopausal transition.

Does the addition of metformin to carboplatin treatment decreases ovarian reserve damage associated with carboplatin usage?

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine whether adding metformin to carboplatin treatment would reduce the damage to ovarian reserve associated with carboplatin use. METHODS: We included 35 adult female non-pregnant albino Wistar rats approximately three months old, weighing 220-310 g. The rats were divided into five groups of seven rats according to the treatment they received. Carboplatin and salin was given to Group 2, and carboplatin plus metformin was given to Group 3. Group 4 was administered only metformin. Group 5 was administered only salin. Carboplatin was given to Groups 2 and 3 as a single dose on the 15th day, while metformin was given to Groups 3 and 4 during the 28-day experiment. After oophorectomy, histopathologic analyses of primordial, primary, secondary, and tertiary Graff follicles according to the epithelial cells surrounding the oocyte and total follicular number were conducted per section. Serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), tissue catalase, and malonyl dialdehyde levels were measured and compared within each group. RESULTS: The baseline and 15th-day serum AMH values of the menstrual cycle were compared among the groups, and no statistically significant differences were observed (p > 0.05). Group 3, which was given both carboplatin and metformin, had statistically significantly higher 28th-day AMH levels than Group 2, which was given only carboplatin and saline (p < 0.001). The number of primordial follicles in Group 3 was found to be statistically significantly higher than in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Tissue catalase enzyme levels in Group 3 were statistically significantly higher than in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Tissue malondialdehyde levels in Group 2 were statistically significantly higher than tissue malondialdehyde levels in Groups 3 and 4 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Metformin may attenuate carboplatin-induced ovarian damage, possibly through its antioxidative effects.

Chitotriosidase levels in patients with severe endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the levels of chitotriosidase activity in the peritoneal fluid and the plasma of patients with severe endometriosis and control subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five women with laparoscopically and histopathologically confirmed endometriosis (study group) and 27 control patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery were included. Peritoneal fluid and peripheral blood were obtained from all the patients before the surgery. Chitotriosidase activities were measured. RESULTS: Analysis of chitotriosidase activity in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis showed that there was no significant difference between endometriosis and control group, respectively (32.04 ± 64.20 vs. 15.25 ± 31.17 nmol/mL/h; p > 0.05). Analysis of chitotriosidase activity in plasma of patients with endometriosis showed significantly increased levels of chitotriosidase levels compared with the control group (74.81 ± 60.54 vs. 14.10 ± 26.17; p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: We found that the activity of chitotriosidase in plasma was statistically higher in severe endometriosis patients than women without endometriosis.

Serum ischemia modified albumin levels in pregnancies with neural tube defects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) in women who had been pregnant with a child suffering from neural tube defect. STUDY DESIGN: Samples from 50 women who had been pregnant with an affected child (25 spina bifida, 25 anencephaly) and 25 controls matched for age, gestational age, and body mass index were studied. We measured serum IMA by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Serum IMA was significantly higher in the study group compared to normal pregnancies (p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.858 for IMA (95% CI, 0.769-0.947), whereas the optimal threshold value of IMA to discriminate between affected children and controls was 0.409 (sensitivity 88%, specificity 80%). The risk for increased IMA in mothers who have conceived a fetus with neural tube defect is 24.5 times higher than in the control group (rr = 24.5, 6.9-86.9, 95% CI) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that serum IMA in women who have conceived a fetus with neural tube defect is significantly higher than that in normal pregnant women.

Chitotriosidase, interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels in mild preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Chitotriosidase (ChT) is an activated macrophage marker. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) are mainly produced macrophages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between serum ChT activity, levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß in patients with mild preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. METHODS: An overall 64 cases, 32 healthy pregnant control women (control group) and 32 women with mild preeclamptic patients (study group), were enrolled in this study. At the beginning of the study, all study participants were matched for age and gestational age. Serum ChT activity was measured by fluorometer; TNF-α and IL-1ß levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean age, gestational week, parity and gravida were similar in the two groups (p > 0.05). Serum ChT activity was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß in patients with mild preeclampsia were similar compared to the control group (p > 0.05). In the PE group, serum ChT activity was not correlated with TNF-α and IL-1ß. CONCLUSION: Mild preeclampsia is found associated with higher ChT activity. This result suggests that activated macrophages play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This suggestion needs to be confirmed in future studies with larger populations.