Reduction of side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy with thymoquinone treatment in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment results in elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that leads to cellular damage. Thymoquinone (TQ) is reported to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity and may suppress the generation of free radicals. The goal of this study is reduction of side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy with thymoquinone treatment. METHODS: 30 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 10 per group). Group 1 represented the control group (no treatment). Group 2 was exposed to 100% oxygen at 2.5 ATA for two sessions of two hours'duration each day for five days. Group 3 was treated identically to Group 2 and was also given thymoquinone once daily at 50 mg/kg/day by oral gavage for five days, after first session of HBO2. RESULTS: LOOH and SH levels were significantly elevated in the group receiving HBO2 treatment relative to the control group rats. Fetuin A is increased during TQ treatment. LOOH and SH levels were significantly decreased in animals treated with TQ. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term and repeated HBO2 treatment leads to damage to the lung tissue. In urgent situations or cases of severe hypoxia, repeated HBO2 sessions may be necessary, and TQ antioxidant agents may be useful for prevention of HBO2-associated injury. TQ may represent a useful therapeutic option during HBO2 treatment.

A retrospective study on the coexistence of hydatid cyst and aspergillosis.

OBJECTIVES: Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic disease with an endemic regional distribution, and Aspergillus is a saprophytic fungus that may cause allergic pulmonary aspergillosis, aspergilloma, and semi-invasive and invasive aspergillosis. The coexistence of a saprophytic fungus and hydatid cyst is extremely rare. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the coexistence of aspergillosis and echinococcosis in archival materials and to discuss its probable clinical significance. METHODS: Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-stained sections of 100 archival cases with the diagnosis of hydatid cyst were reevaluated by four pathologists independently. Grocott's methenamine-silver (GMS) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) were applied to the slides that were suspected of having co-infection with Aspergillus to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Two cases of aspergillosis and hydatid cyst coexistence were found out of the 100 reevaluated archival cases with a diagnosis of hydatid cyst. Both of the cases were located in the lung, in immunocompetent patients. CONCLUSIONS: Aspergillosis and hydatid cyst coexistence may be important in patients with immune deficiency and in cases with pre- or perioperatively ruptured cysts. There are no reliable data on the specificity and sensitivity of radiological imaging techniques in detecting the existence of Aspergillus in hydatid cysts. Histopathological evaluation is essential for diagnosis and for the planning of management.

Effects of thymoquinone and curcumin on the regeneration of rat livers subject to 70% hepatectomy.

PURPOSE: To investigate thymoquinone, curcumin and a combination of these two drugs were effective or not at the growth of liver. METHODS: Forty female Wistar-Albino rats distributed into five groups of eight rats each, control, thymoquinone, curcumin, and thymoquinone/curcumin groups. Pathological specimens were studied using the Ki-67 Proliferation Index(PI); and arginase(Arg), tissue plasminogen activator(tPA), ceruloplasmin(Cer) and nitric oxide(NO) were studied in biochemical analysis. RESULTS: Our results showed that Ki-67 proliferation index was low in Groups 1. The proliferation coefficient was significantly higher in the Group 2 and Group 4 than in the Group 1 and Group 3.(P < 0.001 between Groups 1 and 2, 1 and 4, and 3 and 4). There was no difference between Groups 2 and 4 (P = 1). The results of the biochemical Arg, tPA and Cer test showed statistically between the Group 1 and Group 2. NO showed significant differences Group 1 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Thymoquinone and curcumin both have known positive effects on the organism. Histological and biochemical tests showed that thymoquinone is more effective than curcumin.

Vascular plexus is a differentation criterion for muscularis mucosa from muscularis propria in small biopsies and transurethral resection materials of urinary bladder?

OBJECTIVE: Smooth muscle fibres are found within the superficial lamina propria of urinary bladder (Muscularis Mucosa). These muscle fibres of muscularis mucosa should be distinguished from the muscularis propria in cases with urothelial carcinoma, because the depth of infiltration affects prognosis and therapy modalities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the presence of vascular plexus is a criterion for muscularis mucosa and to distinguish it from muscularis propria in urinary bladder biopsies and transurethral resection specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson-Trichrome stained slides of 54 cases with urothelial carcinoma were reviewed. RESULTS: In all cases (100%), thick walled vessels were observed within the lamina propria of urinary bladder. Smooth muscle layer of lamina propria was seen in 48 of 54 cases (88.8%), and these smooth muscle fibres were co-existed with thick walled vessels. In invasive urothelial carcinoma; thin smooth muscle fibres and thick walled vessels were seen within the lamina propria in 22 of 24 cases (91.7%). There were two cases (8.3%) including only vessels in small biopsies of invasive urothelial carcinoma cases. In cases with non-invasive urothelial carcinoma; muscle fibres of muscularis mucosa and vessels were found within the lamina propia in 26 of 30 cases (86.7%). In this group, muscle fibres were not detected in 4 cases (13.3%). CONCLUSION: Muscularis mucosa can be detected histologically in urinary bladder biopsies and TUR materials. We emphasize that the presence of vascular network is a useful criterion to determine muscularis mucosa of urinary bladder, even in the absence of muscle fibres.

An extra-large ovarian mucinous cystadenoma in a premenarchal girl and a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Epithelial ovarian neoplasms are extremely uncommon in children. Ovarian mucinous cystadenoma is benign and an extremely rare presentation in the premenarchal period. We present a case of giant mucinous cystadenoma of the left ovary in a 13-year-old and a review of the supporting literature. CASE REPORT: The patient was admitted with a history of increasing abdominal distension and pain for approximately 3 months and a history of an ovarian mass for 3 years. An adnexal mass measuring 40 × 30 × 20 cm was detected by abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography. The tumor markers CEA, CA 19-9, and CA-125 were elevated, although α-fetoprotein and human chorionic antigen levels were within the normal range. The patient underwent surgery. The smooth-surfaced mass filled the abdomen. A frozen section biopsy was performed, and the results indicated a benign mucinous cystadenoma. A unilateral oophorectomy with tumor removal was performed. CONCLUSION: The ovarian mass was revealed by abdominal distension, and a diagnosis was established by frozen biopsy. Complete and careful surgical resection provides satisfactory results; however, careful follow-up is required.

Evaluation of ceruloplasmin levels in patients undergoing surgical interventions with nasal polyps.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress is believed to have a role in the development of nasal polyps (NPs). It is also known that ceruloplasmin (CP), an acute phase protein, limits oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ceruloplasmin levels in patients with NPs. METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients with NPs, septal deviations and concha hypertrophies were recruited to the study. Patients were divided in two groups; group 1 (n=60) consisted of patients with NPs, and group 2 (n=60) consisted of septal deviations and concha hypertrophies. Polyp specimens were taken from all patients who underwent endoscopic surgery due to NPs, as well as control specimens were acquired who underwent an operation due to septoplasty or concha hypertrophy. Blood and tissue samples were obtained to assess CP levels. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in gender, age and biochemical values between two groups (p>0.05 for all). Compared to group 2, group 1 had significantly higher CP levels both in serum and the tissue samples (both p<0.001). CONCLUSION: As a result of our study; CP levels both in serum and the tissue in patients with NPs were higher, may be consequence of the inflammation, than in patients without NPs.

Effects of thymoquinone and curcumin on the regeneration of rat livers subject to 70% hepatectomy

Abstract Purpose: To investigate thymoquinone, curcumin and a combination of these two drugs were effective or not at the growth of liver. Methods: Forty female Wistar-Albino rats distributed into five groups of eight rats each, control, thymoquinone, curcumin, and thymoquinone/curcumin groups. Pathological specimens were studied using the Ki-67 Proliferation Index(PI); and arginase(Arg), tissue plasminogen activator(tPA), ceruloplasmin(Cer) and nitric oxide(NO) were studied in biochemical analysis. Results: Our results showed that Ki-67 proliferation index was low in Groups 1. The proliferation coefficient was significantly higher in the Group 2 and Group 4 than in the Group 1 and Group 3.(P < 0.001 between Groups 1 and 2, 1 and 4, and 3 and 4). There was no difference between Groups 2 and 4 (P = 1). The results of the biochemical Arg, tPA and Cer test showed statistically between the Group 1 and Group 2. NO showed significant differences Group 1 and 3. Conclusions: Thymoquinone and curcumin both have known positive effects on the organism. Histological and biochemical tests showed that thymoquinone is more effective than curcumin.

Urinary retention as the presentation of Bartholin's duct cyst in a neonate.

Patients with a vaginal mass (large Bartholin's duct cyst) associated with a contralateral renal cyst and hydroureteronephrosis are unable to urinate. While occasionally seen in adults, Bartholin's duct cyst is rare in neonates. The origins of Bartholin's and Gartner's cysts can be traced to the mesonephric duct. Given the rarity of these cysts, there is significant confusion regarding their diagnosis, management, and prognosis. Here, we present the first report of an interlabial mass as a Bartholin's duct cyst in a neonate. The treatment of vaginal cysts is also discussed.