Effects of Sleep Quality on Melatonin Levels and Inflammatory Response after Major Abdominal Surgery in an Intensive Care Unit.

Disruption of nocturnal sleep in an intensive care unit may remarkably affect production of melatonin, which is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of sleep quality on melatonin levels and inflammation after surgery. Thus, we compared the patients, who were screened in the side-rooms where the lights were dimmed and noise levels were reduced, with the patients who received usual care. Preoperative and postoperative urine 6-sulphatoxymelatonin, serum interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and c-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured and data on sleep quality was collected using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. Postoperative CRP and IL-6 levels were greater in the control group than in the experimental group, whereas postoperative 24 h melatonin levels were greater than preoperative levels and the difference was steeper in the experimental group in concordance with sleep quality scores. Thus, the regulation of light and noise in ICUs may help the recovery after major surgeries in patients, potentially by increasing melatonin production, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

The role of erythropoietin in hemorrhagic shock-induced liver and renal injury in rats.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of erythropoietin (EPO) in liver and renal injury following hemorrhagic shock (HS) after inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity in rats.. METHODS: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to six groups: (I) HS alone; (II) HS followed by retransfusion; (III) EPO and genistein followed by HS; (IV) EPO and genistein followed by HS, followed by retransfusion; (V) HS followed by EPO and genistein; and (VI) HS followed by EPO and genistein, followed by retransfusion. HS was induced for 60 minutes after withdrawal of 30% of the calculated total blood volume of each rat from the left femoral artery. Blood and tissue samples (from the kidney and liver) were obtained 60 minutes after HS in Group I, III, and V; blood and tissue samples were obtained 60 minutes after retransfusion in Group II, IV, and VI. In Group III and IV, EPO was given 60 minutes before HS, and genistein 30 minutes before HS. In Group V and VI, EPO and genistein were given 30 minutes after HS. RESULTS: Liver and renal injury were significantly attenuated with EPO and genistein administration. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EPO is effective in attenuating liver and renal injury in HS, even with inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity with genistein.

The role of growth factors on hepatic damage in rats with obstructive jaundice.

In this study, we investigated the affect and the role of growth factors on liver damage. 110 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 11 groups: a sham group, a control group, HGF, EGF, IGF, TGF groups of irreversible jaundiced rats and a control group and HGF, EGF, IGF, and TGF groups of reversible jaundiced rats (n = 10). In the irreversible jaundiced groups, the common bile duct was explorated, double ligated, and cut. 150 µg/kg/day HGF, 5 µg/kg/day EGF, 5 µg/kg/day IGF, and 5 µg/kg/day TGF ß-1 were injected intraperitoneally after the seventh post-operative day. In the reversible jaundiced group, the common bile duct was ligated and the ligation was resolved on the seventh post-operative day. For 5 days, growth factors were injected at the same dose. Ductal proliferation scores significantly decreased after growth factor administration in the EGF-A and TGF-A groups. Furthermore, ductal proliferation was decreased in the TGF-B group. As a result of this study, HGF was effective in the irreversible jaundiced groups and ineffective in the reversible jaundice groups. EGF was effective in the reversible jaundiced groups and ineffective in the irreversible jaundiced groups. In both the irreversible jaundiced and reversible jaundiced groups, IGF was ineffective, although TGF ß-1 was effective. We believe that these results arise from the positive effects of effective doses of growth factor on liver damage.

Evaluating the Use of Hematological Parameters in Staging Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, it has been shown that hematological parameters may be used as markers of inflammatory response. In this study, the authors aimed to identify the potential roles of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and other hematological markers in the evaluation of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 patients, diagnosed with HS between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2014, were categorized into 3 groups according to the Hurley staging system. The basic patient demographics, the anatomic regions involved, and the hematological parameters including NLRs were evaluated in the present retrospective chart review. RESULTS: Hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels were greater in stage I than stage III, while hematocrit, red cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration levels, and platelet counts did not differ between the stages. White blood cell and neu- trophil counts were higher in stage III than stage II, while lympho- cyte counts were lower in stage III than stage II. The NLR of stage I was detected as being significantly higher than stage II and lower than stage III. CONCLUSION: The present study shows hematological markers, and NLR in particular may be related to the severity of HS. Further studies are required to demonstrate the significance of NLR in the evaluation of HS.

Small cell carcinoma of rectum: a case report.

We present a case of a 40-year-old woman with small-cell carcinoma (SCC) of the rectum. She had profuse bleeding in rectum for 5 d. By colonoscopy, polyps were determined in the rectum and biopsies were carried out. Histopathologically, the polyps were adenomatous. Because of the profuse bleeding in rectum, she underwent low anterior resection. After the diagnosis of SCC, she received intravenous chemotherapy with standard doses of siklofosfamid, adriamycin, and vepesid. Nevertheless, intracranial metastases were revealed and she died 6 mo after the operation.

Protective effect of erythropoietin on renal ischemia and reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Multiple protective effects of erythropoietin (EPO), such as antiapoptotic, antioxidant, angiogenic and neuroprotective effects, against ischemia have been demonstrated in cell culture and animal models. Genistein is also a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of EPO on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury and to determine the role of the tyrosine kinase pathway on this process. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to five groups: (i) sham (Group I); (ii) control with renal ischemia (right nephrectomy and clamping on the left renal pedicle for 45 min and reperfusion; Group II); (iii) EPO + ischemia (Group III); (iv) genistein (an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase) + ischemia (Group IV); and (v) EPO + genistein + ischemia (Group V). Recombinant human EPO (1000 IU/kg) and genistein (10 mg/kg) were given 2 hours before ischemia. Blood samples and the left kidney were obtained after 45 min of reperfusion from half of the rats and after 24 h from the other half. RESULTS: The blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (P < 0.05) and interleukin-2 (P < 0.01) levels, and renal tissue lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05) were significantly lower in Group III than in Group II at 45 min of reperfusion. Following 24 h of reperfusion, EPO decreased tissue peroxidation and histopathological injury, whereas genistein reversed it. The most prominent ischemic injury was observed in Group IV in which genistein was administered. There was no significant difference between Groups II and V. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that EPO is effective in attenuating renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, and this effect may be related to tyrosine kinase activity.

Mast cell stabilizator and antioxidant effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on gastric mucosal injury induced by ethanol in rats.

The role of epidermal growth factor (EGF), a polypeptide containing 53 amino acids, on protection and repair of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury was investigated in rats. In addition, the effects of EGF on the gastric damage were evaluated histopathologically. We used 48 Spraque-Dawley rats which were divided into [corrected] three groups as control rats, ethanol treated rats and ethanol+EGF treated rats. The ethanol group was given a gastric gavage containing 1 ml of 80% ethanol (v/v) prepared in distilled water. EGF (100 microg/kg) was given by intragastric gavage 30 min before the administration of ethanol. We studied histopathological evaluation and the histochemical heterogeneity of mast cells and its degree of degranulation. Besides, gastric tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), protein sulfhydryl groups (SH), and protein carbonyl levels were measured. EGF treatment stabilized mast cells degranulation and had lower polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) infiltration, ulcer index, histamine, and MDA; protein carbonyl levels were also lower, compared to the non-treated animals. EGF exerts a protective effect on gastric mucosa to ethanol-induced gastric injury probably through antioxidant and mast cell stabilizing mechanism.

[Relationships among ultrasonographic and demographic, clinical, laboratory findings of patients with acute cholecystitis]. / Akut kolesistitli hastalarda demografik, klinik ve laboratuvar bulgularinin ultrasonografik bulgularla iliskisi.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate correlations among ultrasonographic, demographic, clinical and laboratory findings of patients with acute cholecystitis. METHODS: The patients older than 17 years of age with acute colecystitis admitted to the general surgery clinics between January 1991 and December 2000 were evaluated and compared in terms of various parameters. RESULTS: 336 (female, 212; male, 124) patients were included in the study. Mean age was 55.71+/-15.10. Two hundred and seventeen patients presented with more than 12 hours of pain, and 277 patients had multiple biliary stones. Gallbladder wall thickness (GWT) was found to be < 3 mm in 223, and > 5 mm in 58 patients. Pericolic fluid (PCF), distended gallbladder, sonographic Murphy positivity were found in 7.7%, 27.7%, and 9.2% of the cases. PCF was significantly higher in patients who had pain for more than 12 hours. Unlike right upper quadrant tenderness and Murphy sign, localized rebound, rigidity, and percussion tenderness showed significant correlations with abnormal USG findings. Leukocyte levels correlated significantly with PCF, multiple stones, GWT (>5mm) and distended gallbladder. Complications were significantly higher in patients with over 5 mm GWT and PCF. CONCLUSION: Due to significant correlations with abnormal ultrasonographic findings and the abovementioned parameters, prospective studies to evaluate these parameters for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis are required.

Renal protection by brief liver ischemia in rats.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we evaluated the beneficial effect of brief ischemia and reperfusion, which was shown to have local effects on liver previously, on kidney as a remote organ in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: group I, sham; group II, renal ischemia for 45 min; and group III, 10 min of brief hepatic ischemia and 10 min of reperfusion after 45 min of renal ischemia. Biochemical determination, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and tissue thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels, and histopathologic findings were evaluated at 45 min and 24 hr of reperfusion. RESULTS: Although blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were similar at 45 min in groups II and III, these levels were lower in group III at 24 hr. Creatine clearance values were higher and fraction excretion of sodium values were lower in group II than in group III at 24 hr. Lactate dehydrogenase levels of groups III and II were similarly elevated at 45 min, whereas group III values decreased more rapidly than those of group II at 24 hr. At 45 min of reperfusion, TNF-alpha and tissue TBARS levels were found lower in group III than in group II. Histopathologic parameters including congestion and tubular vacuolization, tubular cell detachment, and necrosis were significantly reduced in group III as compared with results of group II 45 min after ischemia. All histopathologic parameters were defined as statistically better in group II at 24 hr. CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effect of brief ischemia of liver on renal ischemia as a remote organ was confirmed by biochemical, histopathologic, and ultrastructural findings.

Effect of leptin on healing of colonic anastomoses in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Anastomotic leaks are continuing to be the source of major morbidity in colorectal surgery. Previous studies have shown that leptin acts as a growth factor for several cell types. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of leptin on healing of colonic anastomoses in rats. METHODOLOGY: Forty-eight rats were divided into 5 groups. Group I (n=8) sham; group II (n=10) control; right colonic anastomosis, group III (n=10); following right colonic anastomosis, treated with leptin twice-daily 1 mg/kg intraperitoneally, group IV (n=10); before right colonic anastomosis, 45 min of colonic ischemia has been created, group V (n=10); following 45 min of colonic ischemia and right colonic anastomosis, leptin was given twice-daily 1 mg/kg intraperitoneally. On the 7th postoperative day relaparotomy was performed. Bursting pressure (BP), tissue hydroxyproline concentrations (THPC), and histopathologic properties of anastomoses; vascular tissue proliferation (VTP), collagen tissue proliferation (CTP), polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration (PMNLI), mononuclear leukocyte infiltration (MNLI) were analyzed and results were compared statistically. RESULTS: BP and THPC were found to be significantly higher in group III and group V in comparison with group II and group IV respectively (P<0.05). Histopathologically, leptin significantly increased VTP, CTP, MNLI (P<0.001), and significantly decreased PMNLI (p<0.05) on non-ischemic and ischemic colonic anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: Leptin can be used safely in colorectal surgery since it accelerates the healing of colonic anastomoses.

Desmoplastic malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum.

Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon neoplasm arising in body cavities lined by the mesothelium. Immunohistochemical stains are useful for making a diagnosis, but the correct combination of antibodies as should be selected in a comprehensive assessment. A peritoneal origin combined with desmoplastic histology is an extremely rare disease entity. Here, we report a case of the primary peritoneal malignant mesothelioma. A 53-year-old man admitted to the hospital with abdominal distension and pelvic pain. In laparotomy, peritonitis carcinomatosa situation was exposed. Multiple biopsies were taken from omentum, peritoneum and fascia. Calretinin, WT-1, D2-40, keratin 5/6, mesothelin, keratin 7, keratin 20, CD99, CEA, smooth muscle actin, desmin, CD34 and S-100 were negative. With these findings tumor was evaluated as desmoplastic malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum. Currently, no established standard treatments for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, but early diagnosis by exploratory laparotomy followed by chemotherapy may have contributed to longer survival for patients.

The protective effect of erythropoietin on ischaemia/reperfusion injury of liver.

BACKGROUND: Besides its haematopoietic effect, erythropoietin (EPO) has multiple protective effects, i.e. antiapoptotic, antioxidant and angiogenic properties. The neuroprotective effects of EPO against ischaemia have all been demonstrated in cell culture and animal models. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of erythropoietin on ischaemia-reperfusion injury (I/R injury) of the liver. METHODS: Forty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g were divided into three groups: group I, hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion (Hepatic I/R); group II, hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion + EPO (Hepatic I/R+ EPO); group III, sham. Hepatic ischaemia was created by placing a microvascular clamp on the hepatic pedicle for 45 minutes. EPO was given to group II at a dose of 1000 U/kg 120 minutes before the onset of the ischaemia. Blood samples and liver tissues were obtained after 45 minutes of reperfusion from half of the rats in each group. The remaining rats were killed after a 24-hour observation period and blood and tissue samples were obtained. Blood alanine aminotransferase, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and liver tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined. Liver tissue histopathology was also evaluated by light microscopy. RESULTS: In rats with hepatic ischaemia, serum levels of ALT, TNF-alpha, IL-2 and liver tissue levels of MDA were reduced by the administration of erythropoietin and the histopathological score was also less severe. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that pre-ischaemic administration of EPO has protective effects on hepatic I/R injury.