Evaluation of Phytochemistry and Antidiabetic Potential of an Astragalus Species: Astragalus kurdicus Boiss.

Astragalus kurdicus Boiss. roots are used in folk medicine for antidiabetic purposes. Different metabolites of Astragalus plants have a notable potential in antidiabetic activity via differing mechanisms. Herewith this study designed to assess the antidiabetic activity of Astragalus kurdicus, utilizing a range of diabetes-related in vitro methodologies and to investigate the chemical composition of the plant. According to the results of the activity tests, water extract (AKW) was the most active extract in PTP1B, DPP4, and α-amylase inhibition tests (87.17%, 82.4%, 91.49% respectively at 1 mg/ml). Total extract, AKM (85.63%), showed the highest AGEs inhibition activity. To test possible improvement effects of the extracts on diabetes through gut-microbiota, cell growth rates of three probiotic microorganisms were measured. AKM showed highest potential of prebiotic activity among tested extracts and caused higher biomass increase than standard prebiotics. Furthermore, flavonoid-rich extract was found to be mostly responsible for the high antioxidant activity. The highest saponin and astragalosides content were seen in AKB extract in HPTLC analysis. Among the measured saponins, the abundance of Astragaloside IV (27.41 µg/mg in AKM) was the highest in all fractions. Thus, for the first time, the antidiabetic activity of A. kurdicus was evaluated from various perspectives.

Evaluation of Neuromuscular Morphometry of the Vaginal Wall Using Protein Gene Product 9.5 (Pgp 9.5) and Smooth Muscle α-Actin (Sma) in Patients with Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse.

Background and Objectives: This study aims to compare the neuromuscular structure of the vagina in women with posterior vaginal wall prolapse with the neuromuscular structure of the vagina in women without prolapse, to determine the difference, and to demonstrate the role of neuromuscular structure in the physiopathology of prolapse. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, women aged between 40 and 75 years who had not undergone any vaginal surgery and had not undergone any abdominal prolapse surgery were included. Thirty-one women diagnosed with rectocele on examination were included in the study group. Thirty-one patients who underwent vaginal intervention and hysterectomy for reasons other than rectocele (colposcopy, conization, etc.) without anterior or posterior wall prolapse were included in the control group. Biopsy material was obtained from the epithelium of the posterior wall of the vagina, including the fascia that fits the Ap point. Immunohistochemical staining with Protein Gene Product 9.5 and smooth muscle α-actin was performed in the pathology laboratory. The epithelial thickness measurement and smooth muscle density parameters obtained with these immunohistochemical stainings were compared between the two groups. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 23 package program. p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: In the control group, muscle thickness and the number of nerves per mm2 of fascia were statistically significantly higher than in the study group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We found that smooth muscle tissue and the number of nerves per mm2 of fascia were decreased in posterior vaginal wall prolapse compared to the general population. Based on the correlation coefficients, age was the parameter that most affected the degree of prolapse, followed by parity, number of live births, and number of vaginal deliveries.

In vitro Evaluation of Skin Related Enzyme Inhibitory Effect and Emulgel Formulation Development Studies of Onobrychis Argyrea subsp. Argyrea with Phytochemical Analysis.

Species of Onobrychis have been used to treat skin disorders such as wounds and cuts in folk medicine and Onobrychis argyrea subsp. argyrea (OA) commonly known as 'silvery sainfoin', is a member of this genus. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the skin-related biological activities and phytochemical characterization of OA. Moreover, an emulgel formulation was developed from the main methanolic extract of the plant (OAM). Initially, to identifiy of the active fractions, aerial parts of the plant material was extracted with methanol and fractionated by n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, respectively. Antioxidant activity was determined by CUPRAC, TOAC, FRAP and DPPH assays. Thereafter, the inhibition potential of OAM, novel formulation and all fractions was measured against elastase, collagenase, tyrosinase and hyaluronidase enzymes. OAM was analyzed and characterized by LC/MS-MS. The major bioactive flavonoids which are rutin and isoquercetin were measured and compared as qualitative and quantitative via high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis in OAM and fractions. The results showed that extracts of OA can be a potential cosmeceutical agent for skin related problems.

The effect of lavender foot baths on postoperative pain and sleep quality in comparison with foot baths with warm water only-A prospective randomized controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of warm water (WW) foot bath with or without lavender oil for pain and sleep quality in the patients who undergone abdominal surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled. The three study groups were defined as the control group (n = 44), the WW foot bath group (n = 46), WW foot bath with the lavender group (n = 40). Foot baths were done for 20 min with 40 °C every night for 3 days after surgery. Visual Analogue Scale and Richard-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire were used during data collection. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients, mean age 55.99 ±  ± 13.05 years, 66 male (51 %), 103 of whom underwent abdominal surgery, were included in the study. When the patients during the postoperative three days were evaluated, decreased pain score and increased sleep quality both the WW and WW foot bath with lavender groups (p < 0.001). Noise-related sleep quality was detected to be lesser in the control group patients on the 3rd day (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: WW foot bath with or without lavender oil is an uncomplicated, economical, and effective complementary therapy to reduce postoperative pain and improve sleep quality. WW foot baths with essential oils are optionally available in clinics and can be used according to patients' preferences.

Threatened miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage: Expert opinions on progesterone therapy and treatment challenges.

It is crucial to gain a better understanding of threatened and recurrent miscarriages, including the existing knowledge and unknowns, as well as to discuss medical approaches and assess the situation. These issues are outstanding problems, causing significant physical and emotional burdens on women and their families, not only in Turkey but also worldwide. This article aims to explore the topic of miscarriages, including the implications, challenges, and potential therapeutic approaches in Turkey. Nineteen statements were presented to 6 Turkish perinatologists and obstetricians and gynecologists to evaluate the management of threatened and recurrent miscarriage and to compare the results with literature recommendations in an expert opinion meeting. Turkish perinatologists and obstetricians & gynecologists provided their responses using a 5-point Likert scale and discussed every statement. Progesterone use, particularly oral dydrogesterone, was supported by most of the experts. Opinions varied on the preference for dydrogesterone in recurrent miscarriage treatment. Experts unanimously agreed on the efficacy and safety of dydrogesterone and its recommendation in guidelines for threatened and recurrent miscarriage. Regarding progesterone therapy, vaginal progesterone was not associated with an increased rate of live births. Side effects of vaginal and oral micronized progesterone were acknowledged, and compliance with oral progesterone treatment was generally agreed upon. Dydrogesterone activity and effectiveness in threatened miscarriage received positive responses, while opinions on its effectiveness in recurrent miscarriage were divided. The loading dose of dydrogesterone and the practice of checking blood progesterone levels had different opinions among experts.This manuscript provides valuable insights in the management of threatened and recurrent miscarriages, highlighting the role of progesterone therapy, specifically dydrogesterone, and the need for adherence to relevant guidelines. Further research and a national Turkish guideline are warranted to address areas of uncertainty and optimize the management of these conditions.

Evaluation of Marketed Rosemary Essential Oils (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in Terms of European Pharmacopoeia 10.0 Criteria.

Objectives: Various pure rosemary essential oil containing commercial products are in demand for their health-promoting and cosmetic claims in Türkiye. Although they are natural and harmless, they should be in compliance with European Pharmacopoeia (EP) criteria. Therefore, in this study, 15 rosemary oil samples sold in pharmacies, herbal shops, and online platforms in Türkiye were investigated in terms of "Rosemary Oil" EP 10.0. monograph criteria. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the current quality status of rosemary essential oils in the Turkish market. Materials and Methods: Appearance, fatty oils and resinified essential oils, relative density, refractive index, optical rotation, and acid value tests were performed according to EP 10.0 and compared with the given standards. In addition, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were conducted on all samples for advanced understanding of their phytochemical profile and harmony with EP standards. Results: Fifteen pure rosemary oil-containing products from the Turkish market were evaluated. All of the samples were licensed as cosmetic products in Türkiye via the Ministry of Health. 83.1 to 96.9% of the ingredients of all samples were determined via GC-MS analysis. Results demonstrated that none of the samples from the Turkish rosemary essential oil market fully complied with the EP rosemary oil monograph standards. Conclusion: Considering our data, it was revealed that enhanced regulations and auditing mechanisms are needed to improve the quality of products. When the difference between the sources of purchase is assessed, pharmacies are still better locations to obtain such products.

Is maternal serum endocan level a novel marker in gestational diabetes mellitus?

AIM: To determine whether there was a significant difference between serum endocan levels of pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: A total of 90 pregnant women, 45 with gestational diabetes and 45 healthy pregnant women, between 24 and 28 gestational weeks, were included in this prospective case-control study. The pregnant women were screened for gestational diabetes using a two-step protocol. Serum endocan levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Serum endocan level was significantly higher in the GDM group than in healthy controls (168.46 ± 160.6 vs. 105.66 ± 26.52 pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). Serum endocan concentrations were positively correlated with the results of 50 g oral glucose challenge test (GCT) (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that endocan with a cut-off point of 133.9 ng/dL indicated women with GDM with a sensitivity of 55.6% and specificity of 88.9% (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.737, 95% CI: 0.634-0.824). The overall differential performance of endocan according to the GDM groups was determined as 73.7% (p < 0.001). Maternal serum endocan level was positively correlated with fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated endocan levels in gestational diabetes were correlated with fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results. Despite the low sensitivity of 55.6% and the high specificity of 88.9%, we found a high differential performance rate indicating that serum endocan levels were important for the pathophysiology of GDM and should be investigated for the possibility of being a novel marker in larger populations.

Does the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine damage the ovarian reserve?

To search whether or not the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine affects the fertility of women at the 6th months by using AMH, which is an ovarian reserve test. Our study, designed as a prospective case-control study, included 104 women who presented to the GOP EAH obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic in January and February 2022. The study group included 74 women who presented to the outpatient clinic and planned to be vaccinated and 30 women who refused to be vaccinated as the control group. Anti-COVID-19 antibody levels in all participants were checked before participation in the study, and participants who were positive were excluded from the study. Blood was taken from the participants in both control and study groups to evaluate their AMH levels before the 2 doses of vaccination. After 2 doses of the vaccine, they were called for follow-up, and serological tests were performed to check whether they were positive for anti-COVID-19 antibodies. Participants in both groups were referred for follow-up after 6 months, samples were taken again for AMH, and the data were recorded. The mean age of the study group was 27.6 ±â€…5.3 years, and the mean age of the control group was 28.65 ±â€…5.25 years (P = .298). There was no statistically significant difference between the vaccinated and nonvaccinated groups in terms of AMH levels measured at the 6th month (P = .970). When the vaccinated group was compared in terms of AMH values at the first visit before vaccination and at the 6th month after vaccination, no statistically significant difference was found between them (p:0.127) mRNA vaccination to protect against SARS-CoV-2 does not adversely affect ovarian reserve, which is an indirect indicator of fertility. mRNA vaccines continue to be the most important method of protection against epidemics. Carefully and accurately informing women who are hesitant to get vaccinated is of great importance for the success of the fight against the epidemic.

Does cabergoline administration affect endometrial VEGFR-2 expression in a rat model of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of cabergoline on endometrial vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) immunoexpression in an ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one immature female Wistar rats were assigned into three groups: group 1, the control group; group 2, stimulated with gonadotropins to mimic OHSS; and group 3, in which an OHSS protocol was induced and thereafter treated with cabergoline (100 µg/kg/day). Body weight, ovarian volume, corpora lutea numbers, and endometrial VEGFR-2 expression were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Weight gain and ovarian volume were highest in the OHSS-placebo group, while cabergoline administration significantly reversed those effects (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). VEGFR-2 stained cells were significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1 (p = 0.002). Although VEGFR-2 expression was lowest in group 3, the difference was not statistically significant. Corpora lutea numbers were also similar (p = 0.465). CONCLUSION: While successful implantation requires a vascularized receptive endometrium, impaired expression of VEGFR-2 and disrupted endometrial angiogenesis due to cabergoline administration may be associated with IVF failure in fresh OHSS cycles. The insignificant decrease in endometrial VEGFR-2 expression observed in this research needs to be investigated by further studies involving additional techniques such as immunoblotting and/or RT-PCR analyses.

Intrapartum ultrasound for fetal head asynclitism: Is it possible to establish a degree of asynclitism to correlate to delivery outcome?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of intrapartum ultrasound (IU) in the diagnosis of asynclitism and the importance of asynclitism degree in labor outcomes. METHOD: This prospective cohort study included 41 low-risk pregnant women with fetus in singleton-vertex. The IU assessment to diagnose asynclitism was performed during labor at two specific steps, including the suspicion and/or diagnosis of labor arrest. The "four-chamber view" and "squint sign without nose" were classified as marked/severe asynclitism. The "midline deviation" and "squint sign with nose" findings were classified as moderate asynclitism. Obstetric outcomes and maternal-fetal complications were compared with the degree of asynclitism. RESULTS: Severe and moderate asynclitism was seen in 17 (41.7%), 10 (58.8%) and seven (41.2%) women, respectively. All pregnant women diagnosed with asynclitism delivered by vacuum extraction (VE) or cesarean section (CS). CS was performed in nine patients with asynclitism (52.9%). The difference between asynclitism type and VE/CS ratios was statistically significant (P = 0.039). Four fetuses with squint sign without nose delivered by VE. A significant correlation was seen between the presence of squint without nose sign and second-/third-degree perineal injury. CONCLUSION: Severe asynclitism is associated with increasing operative birth and maternal-fetal complications. Detection of asynclitism degree by IU could be useful, alerting the obstetrics team to possible perinatal problems during delivery.

Serum myosin-binding protein c levels: a new marker for exclusion of preterm birth?

Background/aim: To evaluate whether there is a relationship between serum myosin-binding protein C (MyBP-C) levels measured in the first trimester and the timing of delivery, and, if a relationship is detected, the potential of this relationship in distinguishing between preterm and term labor. Materials and methods: This prospective case-control study was conducted with 701 pregnant women who applied to the Obstetrics Outpatient Clinic of Gaziosmanpasa Training and Research Hospital in the first trimester, between 11 and 14 gestational weeks. MyBP-C serum samples from the first trimester were stored under appropriate conditions until the time of delivery. Of these pregnant women, 628 completed the study. According to the delivery time, the pregnant women were divided into two groups, as those who delivered prematurely before 37 weeks and those who gave birth at term. The case group comprised 45 women who gave birth prematurely, while 583 women gave birth at term. A control group was formed with 45 pregnant women of the same age, who were selected by randomization using a simple random sampling method from the 583 pregnant women. The MyBP-C levels were measured and compared from the first-trimester serum materials of both groups. Results: The MyBP-C levels of the preterm delivery group were significantly higher than those of the term delivery control group (4.51 ± 1.69 vs. 3.09 ± 1.44 pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the MyBP-C levels in the first trimester with a cut-off value of 4.76 ng/dL indicated women with preterm delivery with a sensitivity of 42.22% and specificity of 95.56% (AUC: 0.734, 95% CI: 0.630-0.822). The overall differential diagnosis performance of the MyBP-C level for preterm delivery was determined as 73.4% (p < 0.001). The MyBP-C levels were found to be significantly higher both in the early preterm group compared with the late preterm group (p < 0.001), and in those with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) compared with those without (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The preterm delivery group exhibited high serum MyBP-C levels in the serum samples taken in the first trimester. First-trimester serum MyBP-C levels seem to be a simple and easy way to exclude preterm delivery risk in a significant manner. In addition, levels are significantly higher for early preterm compared with late preterm and early PROM compared with intact membranes.

In Vitro Anti-Aging Potential Evaluation of Maclura pomifera (Rafin.) Schneider 80% Methanol Extract with Quantitative HPTLC Analysis.

Objectives: Maclura pomifera (Rafin.) Schneider is a widespread species all around the world, which is also frequently cultured for ornamental purposes. Previous studies revealed that M. pomifera fruits are rich in prenylated isoflavonoids, exhibit noteworthy biological activities, and have probable benefits, particularly, when applied topically. Considering that phenolic compounds are important sources in the development of anti-aging cosmetic products, this study investigated the anti-aging potential of M. pomifera 80% methanolic extract (MPM) by evaluating antioxidant and extracellular matrix degrading enzymes inhibiting activity. Materials and Methods: For this study, the inhibitory potential of 80% MPM against different enzymes associated with the aging process was evaluated. Given the unequivocal role of oxidative stress in aging, in vitro antioxidant tests were employed as well. Moreover, osajin was determined as the major bioactive isoflavonoid of the sample by high performance thin layer chromatography analysis. Results: Results of the mechanistically different antioxidant assays exhibited notable antioxidant potential of the extract. Inhibition potential of MPM against hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase enzymes, which are directly linked to acceleration of the aging process, was investigated and results revealed that MPM inhibited the aforementioned enzymes explicitly. MPM had notable phenolic and flavonoid content; 113.92 ± 2.26 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and 66.41 ± 0.74 mg QE/g, respectively. When total antioxidant capacity assays were considered, it is possible to suggest that MPM is a promising anti-aging agent. Conclusion: As a result, this study discloses that extracts of fruits of M. pomifera have significant anti-aging potential and may be used for this purpose.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential of gingerols and their nanoformulations.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a member of the Zingiberaceae family, is one of the most popular spices worldwide, known since ancient times, and used both as a spice and a medicinal plant. The phenolic compounds found in ginger are predominantly gingerols, shogaols, and paradols. Gingerols are the major phenolic compounds found in fresh ginger and contain mainly 6-gingerol as well as 4-, 5-, 8-, 10-, and 12-gingerols. Gingerols possess a wide array of bioactivities, such as antioxidant and anticancer, among others. Regarding the different array of biological activities and published data on the mechanisms underlying its action, the complex interaction between three key events, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and immunity, appears to contribute to a plethora of pharmacological activities of this compound. Among these, the immunomodulatory properties of these compounds, which attract attention due to their effects on the immune system, have been the focus of many studies. Gingerols can alleviate inflammation given their ability to inhibit the activation of protein kinase B (Akt) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, causing a decrease in proinflammatory and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, given their low bioavailability, it is necessary to develop new and more effective strategies for treatment with gingerols. In order to overcome this problem, recent studies have addressed new drug delivery systems containing gingerols. In this review, the immunomodulatory activities of gingerol and its underlying mechanisms of action combined with the contributions of developed nanodrug delivery systems to this activity will be examined.

Herbal Ingredients in the Prevention of Breast Cancer: Comprehensive Review of Potential Molecular Targets and Role of Natural Products.

Among various cancers, breast cancer is the most prevalent type in women throughout the world. Breast cancer treatment is challenging due to complex nature of the etiology of disease. Cell division cycle alterations are often encountered in a variety of cancer types including breast cancer. Common treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy; however, adverse effects and multidrug resistance lead to complications and noncompliance. Accordingly, there is an increasing demand for natural products from medicinal plants and foods. This review summarizes molecular mechanisms of signaling pathways in breast cancer and identifies mechanisms by which natural compounds may exert their efficacy in the treatment of breast cancer.

Hypericum olympicum L. recovers DNA damage and prevents MMP-9 activation induced by UVB in human dermal fibroblasts.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hypericum olympicum L. (Hypericaceae) flowering aerial parts has been utilized in Turkish folk medicine as a remedy against inflamed skin problems. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to state the effect of H. olympicum on dermatological problems. For this purpose effect of the plant extract on the DNA strand break and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity of human dermal fibroblast (HDFs) cells irradiated with UVB as well as antioxidant activity potential were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methanolic extract of Hypericum olympicum (HOM) was prepared by maceration at room temperature. DNA damage and increased MMP-9 activity in HDFs were induced by UVB irradiation. The cell viability was measured by water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST)-1 assay. The effects on DNA strand break was investigated by single gel electrophoresis (commonly known as Comet assay), while MMP-9 activity was observed by gelatin zymography assay. In vitro antioxidant tests were performed to indicate the effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS). The major metabolites were identified and their concentrations were measured by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). RESULTS: HOM was found to recover DNA damage dose-dependently. The enzymatic activity of MMP-9 was inhibited almost 100% by the treatment of 1.5 mg/mL of the extract. It also enhanced cell proliferation in those cells, and also it was shown to possess antioxidant activity. The major metabolites of HOM were identified as chlorogenic acid and quercetin glycosides (rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin). CONCLUSION: Experimental studies have proven the traditional use of Hypericum olympicum in inflamed skin problems acting by inhibition of the inflammatory pathway and recovery of DNA damage induced experimentally.

Placenta specific protein-1 in recurrent pregnancy loss and in In Vitro Fertilisation failure: a prospective observational case-control study.

Observations from studies have provided evidence that Placenta-specific protein1 (PLAC1) is important for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and suggest it as a potential biomarker for gestational pathologies. The aim of this study is to investigate whether maternal serum PLAC1 levels have any impact on etiopathogenesis of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and repeated implantation failure after In Vitro Fertilisation (RIF). We conducted a prospective observational case-control study in a Research Hospital. Twenty-eight patients with RPL (group 1), 30 patients with unexplained infertility and RIF (group 2), 29 fertile patients (group 3) were included. The demographic features and serum PLAC1 levels were compared. There was a significant difference in PLAC1 levels between the groups (group 1 = 19.71 + 16.55 ng/ml; group 2 = 4.82 + 1.44 ng/ml; group 3 = 0.89 + 0.62 ng/ml, respectively) (p=.001). Positive correlation was found between serum PLAC1 levels and abortion rates (r = 0.64; p=.001), a negative correlation was found between serum PLAC1 levels and live birth rates (r = -0.69; p=.001). PLAC1 might have a negative effect on implantation in RPL and RIF. There may be a subgroup of PLAC with different bioactivity. There are no relevant studies conducted among these populations, further large-scale studies are needed to assess the molecular role of PLAC1 on implantation.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known about this subject? PLAC1 (placenta-specific protein-1) gene is located on the X chromosome which encodes for a protein that is thought to be important for placental development although its role has not been clearly defined. Studies in the literature have provided evidence that PLAC1 has an important role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and suggest it as a potential biomarker for gestational pathologies. Several reports over the past few years have demonstrated PLAC1 expression in a variety of human tumours including lung cancers, breast cancer, hepatocellular and colorectal cancers, gastric cancers and uterine cancers.What do the results of this study add? There have been no previous studies conducted among patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or repeated implantation failure after In Vitro Fertilisation (RIF) that have searched for any association between PLAC1 levels and implantation failure. This study has demonstrated higher PLAC1 levels in infertile women with RIF and RPL for the first time; suggesting that it could have a negative effect on implantation in these populations. PLAC1 could be detected in the serum as a biomarker that is associated with RIF and RPL. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Defining the precise role of PLAC1 during implantation will provide new insight into understanding of poor reproductive outcomes such as RIF and RPL and help in developing treatment strategies. Further large-scale studies with more patients are needed to uncover the clinical value of PLAC1 as a biomarker to predict repeated implantation failure and RPL.

Comprehensive evaluation of irisin levels in fetomaternal circulation of pregnant women with obesity or gestational diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To evaluate maternal and cord blood irisin levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and in obese pregnant women without GDM. METHODS: The study included 109 patients, with 34 patients in the GDM group, 40 in the obese non-GDM group, and 35 in the control group. Maternal serum irisin levels at the time of delivery were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The correlation of serum irisin levels with metabolic parameters and anthropometric measurements was analyzed. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the study groups in terms of cord arterial, cord venous, and maternal serum irisin levels (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). Cord arterial, cord venous, and maternal serum irisin levels were higher in the obese group compared to the control (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively) and the GDM group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Elevation in irisin levels of women who have pregnancies complicated with obesity may be explained as part of the compensation mechanism against disturbed metabolic functions. Pregnant individuals with GDM have lower serum irisin levels in comparison to healthy pregnant women. In this regard, it is possible that the measurement of serum irisin levels may be utilized in the future for prediction, prevention, and treatment of GDM.

Assessment of circulating betatrophin levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Objective: To investigate maternal serum levels of betatrophin and their relationship with total bile acid (TBA) levels in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).Materials and methods: Fifty-nine pregnant women with ICP (31 patients with severe and 28 patients with mild disease classifications) and 23 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies as the control group included the study. The maternal betatrophin, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin (FI), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels of the groups were compared.Results: Serum betatrophin levels were significantly higher in the ICP groups than in the control group (p = .04 and p < .001, respectively). The FI levels and HOMA-IR values were significantly higher in the severe ICP group than in the control group (p = .006 and p = .001, respectively). While a significant positive correlation was found between betatrophin levels and fasting and postprandial TBA levels, there was no significant correlation among betatrophin and HOMA-IR or FI levels.Conclusions: Betatrophin levels were shown to correlate with TBA levels, it provides a model for future studies to understand the physiopathology of ICP, a complex metabolic disease. Changes in betatrophin levels may shed light on the pathogenesis of ICP.

Protective effect of omega 3 and vitamin D in preventing lung-tissue damage of newborn rats exposed to cigarette smoke during intrauterine period / Efecto protector de omega 3 y vitamina D en la prevención del daño en el tejido pulmonar de ratas recién nacidas expuestas al humo del cigarrillo durante el período intrauterino

SUMMARY: This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of cigarette smoke exposure on lung and the protective role of Omega 3 and Vitamin D against these toxic effects biochemically and histologically. 28 pregnant Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups. The first group was control group; the second group was exposed to smoke of 10 cigarette by puff device 2 hours/day after pregnancy; the third group was exposed to cigarette smoke together with Omega 3 (0.5 mg/kg/day) and the fourth group was exposed to cigarette smoke together with vitamin D (42 microgram/kg/day). Finally, lung tissue sections of the newborn rats were stained with Hemotoxilen eosine and Masson tricromite. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Fluorescent Oxidation Products (FOU) levels were measured. Fetal weights and the number of fetuses were significantly lower in the group received only cigarette smoke (both p<0.001). Histopathologically, pulmonary volume, number of developed alveols and parenchyma elasticity decreased significantly, meanwhile interstitial tissue increased, elastin and collagen did not develop adequately. Histopathologic changes significantly decreased in the group given Omega 3 and Vitamin D. Statistically, MDA and FOU levels were found to be higher in the group exposed to cigarette smoke compared to the control group, and MDA and FOU levels were lower in the group given Omega 3 along with cigarette smoke (p<0.001). Cigarette smoke caused histologically significant damage to fetal lung tissue, oxidative stress and increased MDA and FOU levels. This damage was significantly reduced with Omega 3 and Vitamine D supplementation. Omega 3 is an important antioxidant; vitamin D has no significant antioxidant effect.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos tóxicos de la exposición al humo de cigarrillo en el pulmón, y el papel protector de Omega 3 y la Vitamina D contra esos efectos. 28 ratas Wistar albino preñadas fueron separadas en cuatro grupos. El primer grupo grupo control; el segundo grupo estuvo expuesto al humo de 10 cigarrillos por dispositivo de inhalación 2 horas / día después de la preñez; el tercer grupo se expuso al humo del cigarrillo junto con Omega 3 (0,5 mg / kg / día) y el cuarto grupo se expuso al humo del cigarrillo junto con vitamina D (42 microgramos / kg / día). Secciones de tejido pulmonar de las ratas recién nacidas se tiñeron con Hematoxilina Eosina y tricrómico de Masson. Se midieron los niveles de malondialdehído (MDA) y productos de oxidación fluorescente (POF). Los pesos fetales y el número de fetos fueron significativamente más bajos en el grupo que recibió solamente humo de cigarrillo (ambos p <0,001). Histopatológicamente, el volumen pulmonar, el número de alveolos desarrollados y la elasticidad del parénquima disminuyeron significativamente; mientras que el tejido intersticial aumentó y la elastina y el colágeno no se desarrollaron adecuadamente. Los cambios histopatológicos disminuyeron significativamente en el grupo que recibió Omega 3 y Vitamina D. Estadísticamente, se encontró que los niveles de MDA y POF eran más altos en el grupo expuesto al humo de cigarrillo en comparación con el grupo control, además los niveles de MDA y POF fueron más bajos en el grupo que recibió Omega 3 junto con el humo del cigarrillo (p <0,001). El humo del cigarrillo causó daños histológicamente significativos en el tejido pulmonar fetal, el estrés oxidativo y el aumento de los niveles de MDA y FOU. Este daño se redujo significativamente con los suplementos de Omega 3 y Vitamina D. El omega 3 es un importante antioxidante; la vitamina D no tiene ningún efecto antioxidante significativo.