The Effects of Colchicum Dispert and Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy on Skeletal Muscle Injury in a Rat Aortic Ischemia-Reperfusion Model.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysms and peripheral artery disease pose significant health risks, ranking third after heart attacks and cerebral strokes. Surgical interventions often involve temporary aortic clamping, leading to ischemia-reperfusion injury and tissue damage. Colchicine and mesenchymal stem cells have shown promise, individually, in mitigating ischemia-reperfusion injury, but their combined effects remain understudied. METHODS: This study utilized 42 male Wistar rats, divided into six groups: Control, Sham, Ischemia-Reperfusion, Colchicine, Mesenchymal stem cell, and Mix (colchicine and mesenchymal stem cell). The ischemia-reperfusion model involved clamping the abdominal aorta for 60 min, followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Colchicine and mesenchymal stem cell treatments were administered as pre- and post-ischemia interventions, respectively. Mesenchymal stem cells were cultured, characterized by flow cytometry, and verified for specific surface antigens. Blood and tissue samples were analyzed for oxidative stress markers, nitric oxide metabolites, and apoptosis using TUNEL. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the groups in terms of the serum total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.001) and inflammation markers (ischemia-modified albumin, p = 0.020). The combined therapy group (Mix) exhibited the lowest inflammation levels. Arginine levels also showed significant variation (p = 0.028), confirming the ischemia-reperfusion injury model. In muscle tissues, the total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.022), symmetric dimethylarginine, and citrulline levels (p < 0.05) indicated nitric oxide metabolism. Apoptosis was notably high in the ischemia-reperfusion injury group as anticipated. It appeared to be reduced by colchicine, mesenchymal stem cells, and their combination, with the most significant decrease observed in the Mix group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential of using combined colchicine and mesenchymal stem cell therapy to reduce muscle damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and confirm the clinical significance of this approach in treating extremity ischemia-reperfusion injuries.

Investigation the effects of bee venom and H-dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells on non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549).

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer, one of the most common oncological diseases worldwide, continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The development of new approaches for lung cancer, which still has a low survival rate despite medical advances, is of great importance. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, bee venom (BV), conditioned medium of MSCs isolated from dental follicles (MSC-CM) and cisplatin were applied at different doses and their effects on A549 cell line were evaluated. Dental follicles were used as a source of MSCs source and differentiation kits, and characterization studies (flow cytometry) were performed. Cell viability was measured by the MTT method and apoptosis was measured by an Annexin V-FITC/PI kit on flow cytometer. IC50 dose values were determined according to the 24th hour and were determined as 15.8 µg/mL for BV, 10.78% for MSC-CM and 5.77 µg/mL for cisplatin. IC50 values found for BV and MSC-CM were also given in combination and the effects were observed. It was found that the applied substances caused BV to decrease in cell viability and induced apoptosis in cells. In addition to the induction of apoptosis in BV, MSC-CM, and combined use, all three applications led to an increase in Bax protein expression and a decrease in Bcl-2 protein expression. The molecular mechanism of anticancer activity through inhibition of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins and the NF-κB signaling pathway may be suggested. CONCLUSION: Isolated MSCs in our study showed anticancer activity and BV and MSC-CM showed synergistic antiproliferative and apoptotic effects.

The effect of quercetin on bone healing in an experimental rat model.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of quercetin on fracture healing in an open fracture model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 Wistar-Albino male rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into 10 groups. Daily oral treatment of 100 mg/kg of quercetin dissolved in corn oil were given to four groups, whereas the other four group of control rats were treated with corn oil only. Histopathological and radiological examinations of fracture healing were performed at the end of Weeks 2 and 4 in these rats, while biomechanical and biochemical examinations were performed at the end of Weeks 4 and 6, since harder callus was required. Among the rats in the last two group that were not subjected to the open fracture model, one group was given only quercetin for three weeks and the other for six weeks, and the biochemical markers in the blood were compared between these two groups. Computed tomography images were taken for radiological evaluation. The modified Lane and Sandhu scoring system was used for histological evaluation. The 3-point bending test was performed for biomechanical evaluation. For biochemical evaluation, plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (AP), total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were measured. RESULTS: Radiologically, there was no significant difference between the early-stage results of quercetin and control groups (p=0.247), while quercetin caused a significant increase in callus tissue in terms of latestage results (p=0.012). Histopathologically, there was no significant difference in the early stage (p=0.584); however, in the late stage, a borderline significant increase was observed in the quercetin group compared to the control group (p=0.091). Biomechanical analysis showed that quercetin significantly increased the fracture strength in the healing bone both in the early period (p=0.036) and in the late period (p=0.027). Among biochemical markers, TOS and AP were found to be significantly decreased in the quercetin group. In the non-operated and quercetin given groups, TAS levels was significantly higher (p=0.001) and AP levels were borderline significantly lower at the end of Week 6 (p=0.063). CONCLUSION: Quercetin did not have a significant effect on bone healing in the early period, but significantly promoted bone healing in the late period in rats. We recommend the use of quercetin, a strong antioxidant, in cases with high oxidative stress and conditions such as diabetes, smoking, and malnutrition which may inhibit fracture union, although further clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The role of CD8+ regulatory T cells and B cell subsets in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a wide clinical spectrum from asymptomatic to mild, moderate, and severe cases. There are still many unknowns about the role of immunoregulatory mechanisms in COVID-19. We aimed to study regulatory T cells (Tregs) and B cell subsets and evaluate their correlations with severity of COVID-19. METHODS: In total, 50 patients with COVID-19 confirmed by PCR (mean age = 49.9 ± 12.8 years) and 40 healthy control (mean age = 47.9 ± 14.7 years) were included in this study. The patients were classified as 14 mild (median age = 35.5 [24-73] years), 22 moderate (median age = 51.5 [28-67] years) and 14 severe (median age = 55.5 [42-67] years). Within 24 h of admission, flow cytometry was used to assess the lymphocyte subsets, Tregs and Bregs without receiving any relevant medication. RESULTS: In all patients with COVID-19, the proportion of CD3+CD8+ T cells was reduced (p = 0.004) and the CD8+ Tregs were increased compared with control (p = 0.001). While the levels of regulatory B cells, plasmablasts, and mature naive B cells were found to be significantly high, primarily memory B-cell levels were low in all patients compared with controls (p < 0.05). Total CD3+ T cells were negatively correlated with the length of stay in the hospital (r = -0.286, p = 0.044). DISCUSSION: The changes in T and B cell subsets may show the dysregulation in the immunity of patients with COVID-19. In this context, the association between CD8+ Tregs and COVID-19 severity may help clinicians to predict severe and fatal COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.

Clinical Utility of Total Oxidative Stress and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Childhood Febrile Neutropenia.

The aim is to determine the oxidative status of children with febrile neutropenia (FEN). Blood samples were collected to determine the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative status (TOS) of healthy children (once) and children with FEN after 0, 48, and 96 hours. Eighteen patients with FEN were evaluated. The baseline TAC level of patients was significantly higher than that of the controls (P<0.0001). The TAC levels of patients with FEN with and without antibiotic modification were higher than those of the controls (P=0.002 and 0.02, respectively). The TAC levels of the patients with FEN with antibiotic modification were lower than those of the patients without antibiotic modification (P=0.0224). The oxidative stress index (OSI), calculated TOS/TAS, value of the children with FEN was lower than that of the controls (P<0.0001). The OSI values of the patients with FEN with and without antibiotic modification were lower than those of the control group (P=0.001 and <0.0001, respectively). The TAC values of the patients with antibiotic modification were higher than those of the patients without antibiotic modification (P=0.02). In conclusion, the oxidative status of the children with FEN was affected, and it can give information about the follow-up of FEN.

Evaluation of hematological parameters and inflammatory markers in children with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate hematological parameters in children with COVID-19 and determine the effects of inflammatory biomarkers on the assessment of hospitalization. METHODS: This retrospective single-center study was performed on 633 children with COVID-19 between March 2020 and January 2021. The study population was separated into two groups: inpatients (n = 83) and outpatients (n = 550). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify risk factors for hospitalization. RESULTS: Lymphopenia (n = 228, 36%) was found mainly to be a hematological abnormality in all cases. Compared with outpatients, inpatients had significantly higher white blood cell (WBC) (p = 0.005), lymphocyte (p < 0.001), and platelet counts (p = 0.036), and significantly higher red cell distribution width (p = 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.003), procalcitonin (p = 0.001), D-dimer (p < 0.001), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio values (p = 0.004). On the other hand, they had significantly lower values of hemoglobin (p < 0.001), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.024), platelet lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.001), derivated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.037), and mean platelet volume to lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that WBC, CRP, and procalcitonin cutoff values were the best discriminated between inpatients and outpatients. The results for the areas under the curve of WBC, CRP, and procalcitonin used to assess patients' hospitalization were 0.595 (95% CI 0.519-0.670, p = 0.005), 0.599 (95% CI 0.527-0.672, p = 0.003), and 0.599 (95% CI 0.525-0.673, p = 0.004), respectively. CONCLUSION: We suggest that high WBC and procalcitonin levels can be used as independent predictors of hospitalization in children with COVID-19.

Evaluation of Plasma Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels and Abdominal Aortic Intima-Media Thickness in Infants of Smoker Mothers.

OBJECTIVE: Smoking during pregnancy has harmful effects on the fetus and infant. Although some studies suggest that exposure to fetal-maternal smoking adversely affects both fetal growth and cardiovascular development, the mechanisms and biochemical consequences of smoking in pregnancy and newborns are not yet fully understood. We aimed to investigate whether maternal smoking during pregnancy causes fetal cardiovascular effect by measuring serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level and abdominal aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT). STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study was conducted in newborns of smoking mothers and never-smoker control mothers during their pregnancies. The babies were evaluated echocardiographically on the first day following birth. In two-dimensional mode, abdominal aIMT measurements were performed. ADMA was measured in umbilical cord blood at birth. RESULTS: There were 25 mothers in the study group and 25 mothers in the control group. Serum ADMA levels were 0.459 ± 0.119 µmol/L in the study group and 0.374 ± 0.1127 µmol/L in the control group (p = 0.034). The aIMT value in the study group was 0.84 ± 0.026 mm and the aIMT value in the control group was 0.63 ± 0.011 mm (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: We found that both the serum ADMA and the aIMT significantly increased in the group with newborns of smoker mothers compared with the group of the newborns of never-smoker mothers. It may also be suggested that exposure to fetal-maternal smoking adversely affects cardiovascular development. KEY POINTS: · It is a known fact that smoking during pregnancy has harmful effects on the development of the fetus and infant.. · We found that both the serum ADMA and aIMT were significantly higher in the group of infants of smoker mothers..

The clinical value of interleukins-8, -10, and -17 in idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, chronic inflammatory benign breast disease. Although the etiology of this disease is unknown, it has been suggested that hormonal disorders, autoimmunity, smoking, and α1-antitrypsin deficiency may play a role in the etiopathogenesis. The aim is to investigate the changes in cytokine profiles including interleukin (IL)-4, -8, -10, -17, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in patients with IGM. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with pathologically diagnosed IGM and 30 healthy women were included. The cytokines including IL-4, -8, 10, -17, and TNF-alpha were measured by human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The IL-8, IL-10, and IL-17 levels were higher in IGM patients than control group (p = .002; p = .008; and p = .018, respectively). The IL-8 levels of patients with active lesions and in remission were statistically higher than the control group (p = .027 and p = .015, respectively). IL-10 levels of patients in remission were higher than the control group (p = .024). There was no difference in IL-4 and TNF-ɑ levels between all groups. CONCLUSION: These results showed that proinflammatory cytokines including IL-8 and IL-17 have role in pathogenesis of IGM. However, the increased levels of IL-10 in especially patients in remission suggest that it reduces the release of proinflamatory cytokines as well as suppressing their function and activation for controlling IGM. Although IGM is thought to be a surgical disease, these cytokine changes indicate the presence of serious immune dysregulation. This suggests that in the treatment of IGM, treatment needs to evolve from surgery to medical treatment.Key points• The IL-8, IL-10, and IL-17 levels were higher in IGM patients than in control group.• The IL-8 levels of both patients with active lesions and in remission were high.• There was no difference in IL-4 and TNF-ɑ levels between all groups.

Determination of Melatonin Deprivation Impact on Sepsis With Acute Phase Reactants.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to determine the association of melatonin hormone level on CRP, Total Antioxidant Status, Leukocyte, Procalcitonin, and Malondialdehyde, all acute phase reactants in the dark and light cycle of rats with sepsis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 54 rats were divided into three groups. Whereas the first and third groups had a 12 h dark-light cycle, the second group was exposed to light for 24 h at 21°C-22°C for 10 d without any water and food restrictions. In the second and third groups, sepsis model was formed by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method at the end of 10th day, and blood samples were taken at the end of the 10th day. C-reactive protein, Malondialdehyde, Procalcitonin in the blood samples were analyzed by ELISA, and the levels of Total Antioxidant Status and leukocyte were determined by colorimetric method in the subsequent 12 and 24 h. RESULTS: CRP values increased in the second group rats, which were kept continuously under light and had undergone CLP, from 288.8 mg/L to 584.0 mg/L at the end of the 12 h and the end of the 24 h, approximately, two times. In rats, which were kept under 12 h of light, 12 h of darkness, and applied CLP (group 3), these values increased from 416.9 to 619.1; an increase of 1.5 times. When assessed for MDA, it was determined that the differences between Group 2 and Group 3 were more prominent between 0 h and 12 h. While the MDA values in group 2 increased from 16.53 nmol/mL at the 12 h to 17.66 nmol/mL at the 24 h. However, MDA values did not yield statistically significant changes in the third group. Changes in the in PCT values were similar to the MDA values obtained. Increase coefficient of the PCT values between 0 h and 12 h in the second group 2 was 1.26; however, in the third group, it was negligible. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the oxidative stress was observed in the rats that underwent CLP and melatonin deprivation via continuous 24 h light exposure for 10 d. Accordingly, deprivation of light is considered to be effective in sepsis treatment due to the increase in melatonin levels in intensive care unit patients.

Preventing oxygen free radical damage by proanthocyanidin in obstructive jaundice.

OBJECTIVE: Tissue damage and endotoxemia in obstructive jaundice are attributed to the increase in oxygen free-radicals. We aimed at evaluating the possible protective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), which is a potent exogenous free-radical scavenger and antioxidant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed at the Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of Medicine Research and Application Center for Experimental Medicine Laboratory with ethical approval. 30 Wistar-Albino rats were used and were divided into 3 groups. The common bile duct was identified and only dissected in the first group (sham). Following dissection of the common bile duct it was ligated with 4/0 silk just above the pancreas in the second group (control). After ligation of the common bile duct, 100mg/kg/day GSPE was administered via orogastric lavage for 10 days in the third group. RESULTS: Biochemical values revealed a statistically significant difference between Group I and the others. There was no difference between Group II and III regarding biochemical values. There was a statistically significant difference, however, between Group II and III with regards to nitric oxide levels. There was a statistically significant difference between Group I and the other groups concerning hepatic and pulmonary tissue damage on histopathologic evaluation. There was no difference among the groups with regards to renal tubular damage. CONCLUSION: Proanthocyanidin is an effective natural antioxidant in decreasing the level of tissue damage caused by oxygen free-radicals.

Growth-differentiation Factor-15 and Tissue Doppler Imaging in Detection of Anthracycline-induced Cardiomyopathy During Therapy of Childhood Cancers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) levels and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in the early detection of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy during the treatment of childhood cancers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (13 males and 7 females) newly diagnosed with childhood cancer whose treatment protocol included anthracycline were included in the study. Echocardiography, including M-mode, pulse Doppler, and TDI, was performed after the first anthracycline treatment at cumulative doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/m and at least 6 months after the last treatment. GDF-15 and troponin-I were also measured at these time points. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 14 years (range, 3 to 18 y). The median cumulative anthracycline dose was 220 mg/m (range, 60 to 400 mg/m). Conventional pulse wave and pulse wave tissue Doppler methods revealed significant differences in the right ventricular myocardial performance indices of the patients who received cumulative anthracycline doses of 300 mg/m compared with their indices at least 6 months after the last treatment. The serum GDF-15 levels after the cumulative anthracycline dose of 200 mg/m were also higher than the patients' pretreatment levels. CONCLUSIONS: Doppler/TDI and GDF-15 levels may be used in the early determination of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy during the treatment of childhood cancers.

Effects of Prednisolone, L-Asparaginase, Gemfibrozil, and Combinations of These Elements on Mice Lipid Profile, Liver, and Pancreas.

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of L-asparaginase (L-ASP), corticosteroids (CSs), and antilipidemics, separately and in combination, on the lipid profiles and the liver and pancreas histology in mice. This study included 8 groups of 7 mice each. Before any drug administration, serum samples were taken from all of the mice. Then, normal saline was applied to the control group, and a medication or combination of medications was applied to the other groups. Levels of triglycerides, cholesterol (COL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were determined, and the livers and pancreases were evaluated histologically at the end of the study. Triglycerides increased significantly in the CS-only and the L-ASP-only groups, COL increased significantly in the CS-only group, and HDL increased significantly in the CS-only and the antilipidemic-only groups. LDL was significantly lower in the CS-only and the L-ASP-only groups. CSs and L-ASP were significantly effective in liver necrosis, L-ASP was significantly effective in liver balloon degeneration, and CS were significantly effective in pancreas vacuolization. Triglyceride measurement is recommended before/during CS and/or L-ASP treatment. Starting with an antilipidemic agent can be considered to avoid possible complications in patients with significantly high rates. Indicators of a possible liver or pancreas injury should also be considered.

Enzymatic debridement in necrotizing pancreatitis.

Multiple organ failure and pancreatic necrosis are the factors that determine prognosis in acute pancreatitis attacks. We investigated the effects of collagenase on the debridement of experimental pancreatic necrosis. The study covered 4 groups; each group had 10 rats. Group I was the necrotizing pancreatitis group. Group II was the collagenase group with pancreatic loge by isotonic irrigation following necrotizing pancreatitis. Group III was the collagenase group with pancreatic loge following necrotizing pancreatitis. Group IV was the intraperitoneal collagenase group following necrotizing pancreatitis. The progress of the groups was compared hematologically and histopathologically. There was no difference among the groups regarding the levels of leukocyte, hemogram, and urea. The differences in AST levels between Group I and II; and differences in glucose, calcium, LDH, AST, and amylase between Group II and III; between Group II and IV; between Group I and III; and between Group I and IV were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences between Group II and III, and Group II and IV regarding edema, acinar necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the collagenase preparation used in this experimental pancreatitis model was found to be effective in the debridement of pancreatic necrosis.

Growth-differentiation factor-15 and tissue doppler imaging in detection of asymptomatic anthracycline cardiomyopathy in childhood cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVES: Anthracyclines have led to an increased risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality. Late cardiac complications in cancer survivors may develop from subclinical myocardial damage. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) also has potential as a clinically useful technique for the assessment of myocardial function. Biochemical markers may be used to detect cardiac damage growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and are emerging as a biomarker of cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this study is to assess the value of the plasma levels of GDF-15 and TDI in detecting late myocardial dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) who were treated with anthracyclines. DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty-eight CCS who had completed chemotherapy treatment with anthracyclines were included in this study. Control group consisted of 32 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers. All children underwent a detailed echocardiography, which contained an M-mode, pulse Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging. However, GDF-15 and cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) were measured. RESULTS: Although, systolic function of the left ventricular was similar in all groups, there were significant differences between parameters of diastolic function of the heart. The mitral valve E wave, E/A ratio, left ventricular E'm wave, and E'm/A'm ratio were different in the patients than in the controls (p = 0.049, p = 0.037, p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, respectively). The tricuspid valve E/A ratio, right ventricular E't wave, and E't/A't ratio in the patients were also different from those of the controls (p = 0.031, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). Mean plasma GDF-15 was significantly higher in patients than healthy controls (p = 0.027). There were no significant differences in cTnI between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Growth-differentiation factor-15 level may be used as a biomarker of anthracycline-induced cardiovascular disease severity in the CCS.

Release of NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide in children before and after adenotonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To measure serum B-type natriuretic peptide, especially N-terminal segment of its prohormone (NT-proBNP) and pulmonary arterial pressure levels and to determine whether NT-proBNP concentrations correlate with pulmonary arterial pressure levels in children before and after adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: Twenty children with adenoid and tonsil hypertrophy and 20 healthy subjects were included in the study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients to assess pulmonary artery systolic and diastolic pressure with cardiac dysfunction. The NT-proBNP was analyzed for correlation with pulmonary artery pressure. RESULTS: Our results showed that prohormone serum concentrations and pulmonary arterial pressures were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group at the preoperative evaluation. A significant decrease was detected among patients after surgery (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the study and control groups for prohormone serum concentration and pulmonary arterial pressure at the postoperative evaluation (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We found increased serum prohormone levels and height pulmonary artery pressures in the children with adenoid and tonsil hypertrophy when comparing with healthy subjects. Our study supported that increased serum prohormone levels and pulmonary artery pressures as a result of adenoid and tonsil hypertrophy are reversible. Pediatric cardiologs and otolaryngologs should keep in mind an increased pulmonary artery pressure during management of children with adenoid and tonsil hypertrophy. Furthermore, Doppler echocardiography may be useful in the monitoring of pulmonary arterial pressure and in the follow-up of surgical outcome of children with adenoid and tonsil hypertrophy.

P-wave duration and dispersion in children with uncomplicated familial Mediterranean fever.

OBJECTIVES: This was a prospective controlled study to determine the P-wave duration (Pdu) and P-wave dispersion (Pd) in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). METHODS: The study group consisted of 26 children with uncomplicated FMF and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We performed electrocardiography (ECG) with Doppler echocardiography on patients and controls. All participants underwent 12-lead electrocardiography under strict standards. Pdu and Pd were computed from a randomly selected beat and from an averaged beat constructed from 12 beats, included in a 10-s ECG. RESULTS: The left ventricle (LV) dimensions, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and LV fractional shortening (LVFS) values, left atrium dimension, and aortic dimension were in normal range in both groups. There were significant differences between the groups regarding LV-isovolumic relaxation time (IRT), LV-isovolumic contraction time (ICT), right ventricle (RV)-ICT, RV-IRT, and Pd (all p < 0.0001). However, highly significant positive correlation was detected between LV-ICT, LV-IRT, RV-ICT, RV-IVT, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Pd (r = 0.505, p < 0.0001; r = 0.483, p < 0.0001; r = 0.433, p = 0.001; r = 0.421, p = 0.001; r = 0.452, p = 0.001; r = 0.478, p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Uncomplicated FMF children who are continuously treated with colchicine and do not develop amyloidosis have abnormal atrial dispersion and therefore seemingly have an increased electrocardiographic risk of atrial fibrillation.

Diphenhydramine and hyaluronic acid derivatives reduce adnexal adhesions and prevent tubal obstructions in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of diphenhydramine-HCl and Na-hyaluronate derivatives on the development of postoperative peritoneal adhesion and tubal obstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Forty female rats of Sprague-Dawley type were used in the study. The rats were divided into four groups, each comprising 10 subjects. After all the rats were anaesthetized with 50mg/kg ketamine HCl, their abdomens were opened with a lower midline incision. Injury was induced on the right pelvic peritoneum and on the peritoneal surface of left uterine tube. No additional procedure was applied to the first group. 10 mg/kg diphenhydramine-HCl was given to the second group intravenously. In the third group, 0.25 mg/kg Orthovisc, a Na-hyaluronate derivative was diluted with 2 ml physiological saline and poured into the abdomen. For the fourth group, Seprafilm, a Na-hyaluronate derivative was covered in a layer of 0.7 cm x 3 cm over the left uterine tube. After 14 days, the rats were anaesthetized with ketamine HCl again, and 5 cm(3) blood sample was taken with cardiac puncture. The abdomen was opened with an incision transverse to the upper end of the midline incision, and the presence of adhesions was investigated. Detected adhesions were staged according to the Mazuji classification. Tubal patencies were inspected by injecting methylene blue from the uterine corpus into the lumen using an injector. A piece of abdominal wall of 4 cm x 4 cm was removed by extending the incision in the reverse U shape. The tensile strength and bursting pressure of the suture line were determined using the Peacock method. One gram of tissue was taken from the incision line, and hydroxyproline levels were determined by the Bergman-Loxley method. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured. RESULTS: All of the rats completed the study. AST levels, tissue hydroxyproline levels and tensile strength and bursting pressure test results were found to be similar in all groups. While adhesion rates in the groups were 100, 40, 40 and 30%, respectively, adhesion stages were found to be, respectively as 2.1+/-1.7, 0.6+/-0.67, 0.6+/-0.67 and 0.5+/-0.85. Adhesion stages in the study groups were significantly lower (P<0.05). Tubal obstruction rates were found to be 70, 30, 30 and 20%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Diphenhydramine, Orthovisc and Seprafilm significantly reduce postoperative peritoneal adhesion development, and they allow the uterine tubes to remain open.