The role of N-acetylcysteine in preventing hepatic injury associated with systemic oxidative stress after extracorporeal shock wave treatment.

BACKGROUND: Systemic oxidative stress may cause detrimental consequences for the liver, leading to hepatic fibrogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate histopathological changes in liver tissues due to the increased systemic oxidative stress associated with rat extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) model and to document the consequences of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this experimental SWL model, 18 Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups. The control group (group I) had no intervention. Group II underwent SWL treatment with intraperitoneal saline injection. Group III also had SWL with intraperitoneal NAC and was divided into short-term (group III-14 days) and long-term (group III-28 days) subgroup. Hepatectomy was performed for histopathological examinations. Histopathological alterations were evaluated with light microscopy. Immunohistological staining for p53 and myeloperoxidase was also performed. RESULTS: Blood samples revealed a significant increase in plasma oxidative stress index (OSI) after plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) had been measured. It was shown that this increased systemic oxidative stress adversely affected liver tissues. Predominantly, sinusoidal dilatation was remarkably observed in rats with significantly high OSI values (p = 0.043). Similarly, periportal necrosis significantly increased in rats with high OSI values (p = 0.033). p53 positivity was also remarkable in rats with systemic oxidative stress (p = 0.049). N-acetylcysteine administration provided a significant decrease in OSI. N-acetylcysteine also improved all these alterations, including p53 staining. Particularly, sinusoidal dilatation was significantly protected in the long-term NAC group (group III-28 days). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that SWL-induced systemic oxidative stress causes histological alterations in liver tissues. Increased p53 and myeloperoxidase staining as markers of oxidative damage were also detected. N-acetylcysteine may protect from these histological and ultra-structural alterations related to oxidative stress.

Tranexamic acid has positive effect in early period of tendon healing by stimulating the tumor necrosis factor-alpha and matrix metalloproteinase-3 expression levels.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) application in tendon healing by using its immunohistochemical effects on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) expression; and to identify if TNF-α, MMP-3, and TGF-ß can be used to monitor and evaluate tendon healing or not in tenotomized rat Achilles tendons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve male Wistar-Albino rats (age 6-7-month-old; weighing 300-350 g) were used in this retrospective study conducted between November 2016 and May 2017. The rats were divided into two groups with similar weights. The right legs of the rats were determined as the study group (TXA), and the left legs as the control serum physiologic (SP) group. Under anesthesia, bilateral Achilles tenotomy was performed and surgically repaired. 1 mL of TXA was applied locally for the right side and 1 mL of SP was locally applied for the left side. Half of the rats were sacrificed at the third week (right leg-TXA3, left leg-SP3) and the other half at sixth week (right leg-TXA6, left leg-SP6) and tendon samples were taken from the extremities. Immunohistochemical findings of TNF-α, MMP-3, and TGF-ß were evaluated on the basis of the frequency and intensity of staining. RESULTS: In TNF-α and MMP-3 and TXA groups, there was a significant difference in staining compared to SP groups (p<0.05). Regarding TNF-α expression, the total index score in the TXA6 subgroup was higher than the TXA3, SP6, and SP3 subgroups (8, 7, 3, and 4, respectively). Overall scores of TNF-α showed that TXA groups had significantly higher scores when compared to SP groups (p<0.05). In addition, total MMP-3 expression scores were significantly higher in TXA groups than in SP groups, respectively; TXA3: 14, TXA6: 11, SP3: 10, and SP6: 9 (p<0.05). However, the degree of staining with TNF-α was found to be significantly lower than MMP-3 (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical reactivity was not observed with TGF-ß. CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid has positive effect in early period of tendon healing by stimulating the TNF-α and MMP-3 expression levels. TNF-α and MMP-3 can be used to monitor and evaluate tendon healing.

Superficial Acral Fibromyxoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Superficial Acral Fibromixoma is a benign and rare tumor of the soft tissues, also it called digital fibromyxoma. It is a painful, slow growing solitary mass that is frequently observed in the fingers, toes and nail beds. Local recurrence is often associated with a positive margin. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 54-year-old male patient had admitted to local state hospital with complaint of a two-lobed mass lesion in the 5th finger of the right hand. The lesion was closely adjacent to the 5th finger flexor tendon. The specimen of the patient undergoing excisional biopsy was sent to our pathology department. CONCLUSION: Superficial Acral Fibromyxoma is one of the rare benign myxoid neoplasms. Its treatment is surgical excision. We reported the case for its rarity and to keep in mind in the acral region neoplasms.

Investigation of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), P53, and Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) Expression Levels in the Colon Polyp Subtypes in Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND There is no study in the literature investigating the expression levels of WT1, p53, and IGF-1 in colon polyp subtypes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression levels of IGF-1, p53, and WT1 in colon polyp subtypes and to determine whether expression levels are correlated with each other. MATERIAL AND METHODS Tissue specimens were obtained from 105 patients (80 men, 25 women; age range, 30-91 years) who underwent surgical resection for colorectal cancer (CRC) at Ordu University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology between January 2015 and 2017. Parameters such as age, sex, region of origin, and pathological diagnosis type were determined. The preparations were immunohistochemically stained with corresponding markers. RESULTS The results of the study showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between WT1 expression (negative - positive) in polyps and the place where the sample was taken (P=0.011). There is a positive relationship between P53 staining score (0-3) and positive frequency of IGF-1 (60.9-85.7%). There was a statistically significant change in P53 scores and location (P=0.006, p=0.015, respectively). As the P53 score of the polyps increased (0 to 3), the rate of adenomatous (34.8-78.4%) increased, so a positive relationship was found. WT1 and IGF-1 gene expression was associated with tumor location, p53 staining score, and sex. CONCLUSIONS WT1 and IGF-1 are appropriate markers for CRC, and WT1 expression in CRC primary tumors especially could be a novel independent marker for prognosis and tumor progression.

Comparison of incisional delay patterns on a rat random flap model.

One of the simplest form of surgical delay can be performed by placing an incision around the flap without undermining, prior to flap elevation. In this study, we have compared the efficiency of different patterns of skin incision to improve flap survival. Twenty-eight animals were used in four groups. Incisional delay was performed prior to flap elevation in the three experiment groups. Complete incision of the three flap edges was performed in the all experiment groups with the exception of an intact skin section on the middle 1/3rd of the bilateral edges in group 1 (bilateral skin edge preserved delay: BSEPD), of a unilateral edge in group 2 (unilateral skin edge preserved delay: USEPD) and of the superior edge in group 3 (superior skin edge preserved delay: SSEPD) without any undermining. Two weeks following the delay procedure, dorsal skin flaps were raised and reinserted back to their place. The results were evaluated with the measurement of necrotic flap area, microangiographic imaging and histological evaluation. The mean percentage of necrotic flap area to whole flap area was 16.94%, 7.54%, 23.34% and 50.6% in the BSEPD, USEPD, SSEPD and control groups, respectively. In selected microangiographic images, vessels were more prominent in the delay groups. The results of the study indicate that three sided incision with an intact skin on the superior edge is not effective in providing a sufficient delay and flap survival improvement when compared to incisions with intact skin on the unilateral and bilateral edges.

The beneficial effects of subcutaneous Allium cepa injection on random flap survival in rats.

Random flaps are frequently used in the practice of reconstructive surgery. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of Allium cepa on random flap survival in rats. Fourteen Wistar rats were used for this experimental study. The subjects were divided into experiment and control groups. Rats in the experiment group received daily injections of A. cepa extract for 7 d before the elevation of the flaps. Following the treatment period, elevation and reinsertion of the dorsal flaps were performed. Necrotic and total flaps areas were marked and calculated 7 d after the flap elevation. Histological examinations and microangiography were performed to evaluate the results. The mean value of the proportion of necrotic flap areas to the total flap area was 25.06 and 50.6% in the A. cepa and control group, respectively (p = .0079). In the histological examination, number of vessels identified in the dermis were 23.75 ± 0.7 and 33.75 ± 9 in the A. cepa and control group, respectively (p = .7457). In angiographic images, vessels formations were more noticeable in the A. cepa group. We conclude that preoperative subcutaneous A. cepa injection increases dorsal flap survival in rats.

Local application of tranexamic acid affects tendon healing negatively in the late period.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the potential adverse effects of tranexamic acid (TA) on tendon healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve male Wistar-Albino rats (weighing 300 g to 350 g) were used in the study. Rats were divided into two groups. Right legs of the rats were determined as the TA group and left legs as the serum physiologic (SP) group. Bilateral Achilles tenotomy was performed and surgically repaired. For the right side, 1 mL of TA and for the left side, 1 mL of SP were applied. Half of the rats were sacrificed at the third week and the other half at the sixth week and tendon samples were collected from the extremities. Histological analyses were performed according to the tendon scoring system (Bonar classification). RESULTS: Tenocyte cell morphology was better in the third week in TA group than in SP group. In terms of colloidal organization, SP groups gave superior results in all weeks. An analysis of total tendon healing scores revealed that the results of the third week TA groups were superior to the results of the sixth week TA groups. Tenocyte morphology and total tendon healing scores of rats in the sixth week TA group were statistically significantly lower compared to the third week TA group (tenocyte morphology p=0.009, total score p=0.041). CONCLUSION: In this study, we detected that locally administered TA has an adverse effect on tendon healing in late period. However, further immunohistochemical and biomechanical studies are needed to support these results.

Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Increases Osteogenesis in an Experimental Design Zygomatic Bone Defect Model.

INTRODUCTION: Facial bone defects are frequently encountered problems in clinical practice. Bone grafts, flaps, and alloplastic materials are often used in their treatment. This leads to donor site morbidity and prolongation of the operation. The authors have planned this study to examine whether adipose tissue derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has an osteogenic effect in the critical sized membranous bone defect of the zygomatic bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male Wistar Albino rats were used. Bilateral zygomatic arches were opened with lateral incisions. A standard 3-mm bone defect was created bilaterally on the zygomatic arches of the rats. In the experiment side, the stem cell-rich SVF that was obtained by applying centrifugal process to the adipose tissue derived from the inguinal fat pad was injected into the site of the right zygomatic arch bone defect. In the control side, left zygomatic arch was left for secondary bone healing without any treatment after a 3-mm critical bone defect was created. In the postoperative 10th (n:5) and 20th weeks (n:13), the healing areas of bone defects were assessed by a 3-dimensional tomography, and then, the rats were sacrificed and bone healing was examined histologically. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences on the 10th week results. At the 20th week new bone formation amount calculated from the 3-dimensional computed tomography results was significantly higher in the experiment side (P = 0.033). In the histological examination at the 20th week, there was significantly more callus formation in the experiment side (P = 0.0112). DISCUSSION: Stem cells can increase the rate of bone healing by differentiating into certain tissues. It is predicted that adipose tissue-derived SVF rich with mesenchymal stem cells can increase bone healing in facial bone defects and this application could replace the use of bone grafts and flaps in clinical practice. As a result, it is concluded that adipose tissue-derived stem cells can potentiate osteogenesis and reduce the possibility of developing necrosis on the bone ends.

Protective effects of ursodeoxycholic acid in experimental corrosive esophagitis injury in rats.

Accidental caustic ingestions are serious medical problems especially in childhood. Various treatment modalities are being used for the complications of caustic injuries such as stricture formation. The aim of this study is to establish whether ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has protective effects on experimental corrosive esophagitis in rats. Twenty four Wistar-albino rats, weighing 220-240 g, were used in the study. Experimental animals were divided in three groups randomly: UDCA treatment group (Group T, n:8), control group (Group K, n: 8) and sham group (Group S, n: 8). In group T and S corrosive esophagitis was induced. UDCA (5 mg/kg) was performed to the group T for 10 days orally. All animals were sacrificed at the end of procedures and histopathological changes in esophageal tissue were scored by a single investigator who was blind to the groups. In group T inflammation was present in two rats, muscularis mucosa injury in two rats, grade 1 collagen deposition in six rats and grade 2 in two rats. In comparison with group S these were statistically significant (p value was 0.003, 0.003 and 0.015, respectively). UDCA has protective effect in experimental corrosive esophagitis. KEY WORDS: Corrosive esophagitis, Rat, Stricture, Ursodeoxycholic acid.

The effect of smoking on placental pendrin expression.

Pendrin is important for transport of iodine across the placenta. Thiocyanate coming from cigarette is a competitive inhibitor of iodine transport. We aimed to evaluate the pendrin immunostaining intensity in placentas of smoker and non-smoker women. Placental tissues from 61 women, of which 28 were in smoking, and 33 were in non-smoking group were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Positive immunostaining was evaluated using a semiquantitative score: 0, negative; +, mild; ++, moderate; and +++, intense. Birth weight was significantly lower in the smoker group (p = 0.024). There was a negative correlation between birth weight and intensity of placental pendrin immunostaining in the smoker group (r = -0.44, p = 0.02). Placentas of the smoking women showed significantly higher immunostaining with pendrin than the control group (p = 0.006). Thiocyonate coming from cigarettes may competitively inhibit pendrin mediated iodine transport in the placenta and adversely affect foetal development by this mechanism.

The effect of oral and intraurethral trimetazidine use on urethral healing.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study the effect of trimetazidine (TMZ) on urethral wound repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 52 male rats were used; 8 groups were formed: 1-week and 3-week control (C1, C3), sham (S1, S3), oral (OT1, OT3), and intraurethral TMZ (IUT1, IUT3) groups. Serum and urine total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), and 8-hydroxy-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) were studied. Hematoxyline-Eosin was used for the histopathological study. In addition, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α), interleukin 1α, and ß levels were compared across groups by an immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: There were significant differences between C3 and IUT3, OT3 and IUT3 with respect to serum TAC in 3-week groups (P=0.013; P =0.001). Serum TOC levels were significantly different between C3 and IUT3; S3 and OT3; and OT3 and IUT3 groups (P =0.024; P =0.019; P =0.000, respectively). Serum 8-OHdG levels were significantly different between C3 and OT3 groups (P=0.033). In the immunohistochemical examination, C1 and OT1; C1 and IUT1; and S1, S3, OT1, OT3, IUT1 groups were significantly different with respect to IL-1ß staining (P=0.007; P =0.000; P=0.009), while there was a significant difference between C3 and S3 with respect to IL-1ß (P =0.000). CONCLUSION: TMZ increased urinary total oxidant level; while increasing serum TAC levels in the long-term. It also reduced serum TAC levels in urethral use and caused an increase in serum TOC levels with minimal effects on DNA injury and repair. No effect was detected on IL1 α and TNF, but partially reduced the effect on IL-1 ß levels.

Effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 and hyaluronic acid in experimentally produced osteochondral defects in rats.

BACKGROUND: The common purpose of almost all methods used to treat the osteochondral injuries is to produce a normal cartilage matrix. However current methods are not sufficient to provide a normal cartilage matrix. For that reason, researchers have studied to increase the effectiveness of this methods using chondrogenic and chondroprotective molecules in recent experimental studies. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are two important agents used in this field. This study compared the effects of IGF-1 and HA in an experimental osteochondral defect in rat femora. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were divided into three groups (n = 15 per group) as follows: The IGF-1 group, HA group, and control group. An osteochondral defect of a diameter of 1.5 mm and a depth of 2 mm was created on the patellar joint side of femoral condyles. The IGF-1 group received an absorbable gelatin sponge soaked with 15 µg/15 µl of IGF-1, and the HA group received an absorbable gelatin sponge soaked with 80 µg HA. The control group received only an absorbable gelatin sponge. Rats were sacrificed at the 6(th) week, and the femur condyles were evaluated histologically. RESULTS: According to the total Mankin scale, there was a statistically significant difference between IGF-1 and HA groups and between IGF-1 and control groups. There was also a significant statistical difference between HA and control groups. CONCLUSION: It was shown histopathologically that IGF-1 is an effective molecule for osteochondral lesions. Although it is weaker than IGF-1, HA also strengthened the repair tissue.

Correlation of ischemia-modified albumin levels and histopathologic findings in experimental ovarian torsion.

OBJECTIVES: Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels significantly increased and may be used as a diagnostic marker in ovarian torsion. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there was any correlation between IMA levels and histopathologic changes in experimental ovarian torsion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen Sprague-Dawley rats, each weighing 220-250 g were divided randomly into 2 groups; in Group 1, the control group (n = 7), only laparotomy was performed and in Group 2, the experimental group (n = 7), ovarian torsion was performed. Ischemia was performed for 3 h; following the ischemia period, the torsion was relieved by detwisting the adnexa and then the ovarian I/R protocol was applied for 3 h. Blood samples were taken from all of the rats to measure the IMA levels and the ovaries were surgically removed for histologic examination. A blinded pathologist examined and scored the samples. RESULTS: The median (minimum-maximum) IMA values were 921.00 (870.00-966.00) ABSUs in the ovarian torsion group and 853.00 (782.00-869.00) ABSUs in the control group. The difference was statistically significant. In the correlation analysis, a significant and strong correlation was found between IMA levels and histopathologic changes (Spearman's rho = +0.987, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Positive correlation was found between the IMA levels and the histopathologic severity of the disease. This finding is important for both diagnosis of the disease and patient follow-up. As a new marker in ovarian torsion, IMA may also indicate the severity of the ovarian histopathology.

Morphological and antioxidant impairments in the spinal cord of male offspring rats following exposure to a continuous 900MHz electromagnetic field during early and mid-adolescence.

The effects of devices emitting electromagnetic field (EMF) on human health have become the subject of intense research among scientists due to the rapid increase in their use. Children and adolescents are particularly attracted to the use of devices emitting EMF, such as mobile phones. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate changes in the spinal cords of male rat pups exposed to the effect of 900MHz EMF. The study began with 24 Sprague-Dawley male rats aged 3 weeks. Three groups containing equal numbers of rats were established-control group (CG), sham group (SG) and EMF group (EMFG). EMFG rats were placed inside an EMF cage every day between postnatal days (PD) 21 and 46 and exposed to the effect of 900MHz EMF for 1h. SG rats were kept in the EMF cage for 1h without being exposed to the effect of EMF. At the end of the study, the spinal cords in the upper thoracic region of all rats were removed. Tissues were collected for biochemistry, light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examination. Biochemistry results revealed significantly increased malondialdehyde and glutathione levels in EMFG compared to CG and SG, while SG and EMFG catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher than those in CG. In EMFG, LM revealed atrophy in the spinal cord, vacuolization, myelin thickening and irregularities in the perikarya. TEM revealed marked loss of myelin sheath integrity and invagination into the axon and broad vacuoles in axoplasm. The study results show that biochemical alterations and pathological changes may occur in the spinal cords of male rats following exposure to 900MHz EMF for 1h a day on PD 21-46.

Experimental Esophagitis Model Preventing Tracheal Aspiration.

BACKGROUND: Corrosive esophagitis injuries are a serious clinical problem with many agents used for diagnosis and treatment. Experimental esophagus burn models use a method described mainly in studies by Gehanno and Guedon, and modified by Liu and Richardson. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe a new esophagitis model that prevents tracheal aspiration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study we used 16 Wistar albino rats weighing between 220-240 g. The experimental animals were randomly divided into two groups: the model group (group M, n: 8) and control group (group C, n: 8). The necessary anesthesia was administered. Passing through a median laparotomy incision, the abdomen was entered and in group M and C the esophagus was freed and held by a suture at the gastroesophageal junction. After this procedure, about 1 cm proximal to the gastroesophageal junction, the esophagus was suspended by a suture. The esophagus segment between the two sutures was exposed to 0.1 mL 10% NaOH in group M and 0.1 mL saline in group C for 20 s. Ten days later all experimental animals were sacrificed and their esophagus removed. After dying with hematoxylin and eosine trichrome, the histopathological evaluation results for the rats in all groups were investigated with a light microscope. RESULTS: Histopathological examination indicated submucosal collagen increase, damage to muscularis mucosa and tunica muscularis and collagen deposition. In the model group, the rats had high neutrophils and tissue damage accompanied by necrosis. In the control group, the rats had minimal or no tissue damage and fibrosis was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our procedure is relatively less invasive and easy to apply with corrosive esophagitis only in the required region, and at the same time treatment medications can be easily administered.

Evaluation of Estrogen, Progesterone, and GCDFP-15 Expression in Uterine Leiomyomas.

Approximately, one fourth of women have leiomyomas. Leiomyomas are benign tumors that originated from smooth muscle cells. Estrogen is claimed to relate as a cause but exact mechanism has not fully understood. In this study, 95 leiomyoma cases that have been diagnosed by our department in years between 2010 and 2012 were examined. Age ranges of patients, sizes, locations, and numbers of leiomyomas were identified. Immunohistochemically ER (estrogen), PR (progesterone), and Gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 stains were performed to the paraffin blocks and their percentages of staining were noted. Statistically, submucosal and intramural locations were significantly related to ER and PR (p < 0,001). There were significant relationship between ER and PR in 30-50 years age group (p < 0,001). There were significant relationship between ER, PR and locations (p < 0,001), numbers (p < 0,001), sizes of leiomyomas (below 5 cm; p < 0,001), (between 5 and 10 cm; p = 0,037), larger than 10 cm; p = 0,002). Consequently, relationship between leiomyoma and ER, PR were revealed in this study. Also, relationship between leiomyoma locations and patient ages were identified statistically. There was no immunoreactivity with GCDFP-15 in leiomyomas.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 exhibits protective effect on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) has potent anti-inflammatory effects and protects against experimental ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in pulmonary, intestinal, and myocardial tissue. However, its protective abilities against I/R injury in the liver are unknown. We investigated the potential role of GLP-2 pretreatment on hepatic I/R injury in rats. A total of 24 rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8). The first group was the control group; the second group was the vehicle-treated hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (HIR, vehicle saline-treated) group; and the third group was the GLP-2 pretreated I/R (GLP2-IR) group. Each rat in the third group was intraperitoneally administered 5 µg GLP-2 for 5 d before the procedure. A portal triad was created to induce ischemia with a vascular atraumatic clamp. After 40 min, the clamp was released to initiate hepatic reperfusion for 6 h. Blood samples and tissue specimens from the liver were obtained. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels significantly increased in the salinetreated HIR group (P < 0.001), whereas GLP-2 pretreatment significantly decreased their levels (P < 0.01). Our data suggested that GLP-2 pretreatment may have a protective effect on liver I/R injury. However, dose-response studies are necessary to determine the most effective dose.

Protective role of Proanthocyanidin in experimental ovarian torsion.

BACKGROUND: Proanthocyanidin is a potent bioactive antioxidant naturally occurring in grape seed and acts as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of proanthocyanidinin in experimental ovarian torsion injury. METHODS: Twenty four rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=8). Group 1: the laparotomy group, group 2: ovarian torsion group, and group 3: intervention group administered proanthocyanidinin of 50 mg/kg before bilateral ovarian ischemia and reperfusion. Histologic examination and scoring was done at the end of the experiment. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS v. 19. RESULTS: Ovarian histopathologic findings of all three groups were significantly different in terms of hemorrhage (p<0.001), edema (p=0.001) and vascular dilatation (p< 0.001). Pathologic changes induced by I/R were reduced in ovaries of rats administered proanthocyanidin, in particular, hemorrhage, edema and vascular dilatation. CONCLUSION: Proanthocyanidin, known as free radical scavenger and antioxidant, is protective against tissue damage induced by ischemia and/or ischemia/reperfusion in rat ovaries.

Serum Ischemia-Modified Albumin Levels in Experimental Model of Acute Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To establish whether the Ischemia-Modified Albumin (IMA), a new parameter of oxidative stress, has diagnostic role in experimental acute pancreatitis. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Experimental Animal Center, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey, from May to September 2013. METHODOLOGY: Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups (n=8 each): Sham and AP groups. AP was induced by ligation of pancreatic duct. Serum IMA, amylase, lipase, AST, ALT and CRP were determined. The severity of pancreatitis was scored by a blinded pathologist under microscope. RESULTS: Serum IMA levels in the AP group increased significantly compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There was also a strong positive correlation between amylase and IMA levels. CONCLUSION: The present study showed in a rodent model that serum IMA might serve as an additional marker to monitor inflammation during pancreatitis.

Relationship of CD95 and COX-2 in renal cell carcinomas with survival and other prognostic parameters: A tissue microarray study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and cluster of differentiation 95 in renal cell carcinomas having different clinico-pathological characteristics. METHODS: The study entailed histopathological diagnoses carried out on paraffin blocks at the Department of Pathology of the Medical Hospital of Duzce University, Turkey, between 2005 and 2011. Immunohistochemical staining for cyclooxygenase-2 and cluster of differentiation 95was performed on tissue microarray using standard procedures. Each patient's age and gender as well as the tumour's grade, stage, diameter, ureteral surgical margins, vascular invasion, capsule invasion and subtype were assessed. In order to determine if the cases were still alive, relatives were telephoned and identity registration records were checked. SPSS 18 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 49 paraffin blocks in the study.Significant correlations were found between cyclooxygenase-2 and tumour subtype (p=0.044) as well as between cyclooxygenase-2 and tumour diameter (p=0.026). There was a significant correlation between cluster of differentiation 95and the Fuhrman grade (p=0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Expression of cluster of differentiation 95and cyclooxygenase-2 may be correlated with prognostic parameters in renal cell carcinoma and may also be associated with tumour progression.