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.

Green synthesis, characterisation of Au and Ag nanoparticles by various bioextracts and their usability at graphite electrode modification.

In this study, the biosynthesis of Au and Ag nanoparticles (AuNp and AgNp) with a green chemistry approach was performed by using bioextracts of various fruits and vegetables (Lycopersicon esculentum (LE), Cucumis sativus (CS), Malus domestica (MD), Cucurbita pepo (CP), Apiumgraveolens var. rapaceum (AVR), Prunus cerasifera (PC), Oleraceae var. botrytis (OVB)). In the determination of optimum experimental conditions, the parameters such as the type and concentration of bioextract, concentration of metal ion solutions, the ratio of metal ion solution to bioextract, pH, reaction time and temperature were found to be significant. The characterisation of AuNp and AgNp synthesized by providing the most appropriate experimental conditions was performed by UV-Vis., SEM, EDX, XPS and FTIR techniques. The characterisation study showed that, AuNp and AgNp were successfully synthesized and detailed information was obtained about their stabilities, sizes, homogeneities etc. In the final step, the usability of the green synthesized nanoparticles in the modification of pencil graphite electrodes (PGE) was investigated. Electrochemical characterisation of AuNp/GE and AgNp/GE electrodes was performed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The obtained results and calculated electrochemical parameters showed that these modified electrodes have better conductivity, electron transfer rate and electrocatalytic activity.

Proposal to recognise the tribes Adinobotryeae and Glycyrrhizeae (Leguminosae subfamily Papilionoideae) based on chloroplast phylogenomic evidence.

Within the legume family, the taxonomic status of subtribe Glycyrrhizinae of tribe Galegeae and of the genus Adinobotrys has been re-assessed. Based on genome skimming data, we conducted phylogenomic analyses of the inverted repeat-lacking clade within subfamily Papilionoideae. The results support the sister relationship between Glycyrrhizeae and Adinobotrys. Glycyrrhizeae is resurrected based on Glycyrrhiza and Glycyrrhizopsis, and a new tribe, Adinobotryeae, is proposed to accommodate Adinobotrys.

Comparison of Anticancer Activity of Dorycnium pentaphyllum Extract on MCF-7 and MCF-12A Cell Line: Correlation with Invasion and Adhesion.

Dorycnium pentaphyllum subsp. haussknechtii is an important medicinal plant in several countries, including Turkey. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of a crude extract of D. pentaphyllum subsp. haussknechtii against different breast cell lines to determine invasion, adhesion, and lipid peroxidation. The cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 breast cancer and MCF-12A as the immortalized cell line were examined by the XTT assay. Invasion and adhesion studies were performed according to the manufacturer's kit procedure to IC50 values for 48 h. Lipid peroxidation was measured in the MCF-7 cell. A bioinformatics analysis was conducted to unravel the mechanism of action underlying antiproliferative effects, as well. According to XTT results, the tested extract showed a time- and a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect. The most effective concentration was 100.5 µg/mL (48 h), which was selected for biological activities, such as apoptotic activity, invasion, adhesion, and lipid peroxidation assays. The extract caused tumoral cell death, and it did not have a cytotoxic effect on healthy human breast cells. Duplication times and measurement of CI analyses of cells were performed using the real-time cell analysis system xCELLigence. Finally, the bioinformatics analysis indicated the prominent role of quercetin as an extract component exerting a key role in the observed antiproliferative effects. This was supported by the micromolar/submicromolar affinity of quercetin towards proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase (PIM-1) and hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK), both involved in breast cancer. Altogether, our findings proposed that the extraction of the plant can be an effective strategy to isolate biomolecules with promising cytotoxic effects against breast cancer cells.

A bi-modal, cellulose-based sensor for fluorometric detection of Fe(III) and antimicrobial studies of its silver-loaded form.

The study reports designing of a new, low-cost and environmentally friendly colorimetric and fluorometric sensor by using cellulose-based materials for detection and determination of Fe(III). To make powder cellulose (Cel) and filter paper (PCel) fluorescent, they were modified with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) and 4-sulfo-1,8-naphthalimide (Nap). Fluorescent Cel-Nap and PCel-Nap materials were used for spectroscopic detection of Fe(III). The working range of the designed sensor was determined as 1.0 × 10-5-4.5 × 10-5 M with a low limit of detection (LOD) (7.51 µM). Antimicrobial properties of cel-based compounds and Ag(I)-containing compounds were tested against five bacteria; Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and two fungi; Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. The materials exhibited antimicrobial effects and their antifungal properties were more effective than their antibacterial properties.

Chloroplast Phylogenomics Reveals the Intercontinental Biogeographic History of the Liquorice Genus (Leguminosae: Glycyrrhiza).

The liquorice genus, Glycyrrhiza L. (Leguminosae), is a medicinal herb with great economic importance and an intriguing intercontinental disjunct distribution in Eurasia, North Africa, the Americas, and Australia. Glycyrrhiza, along with Glycyrrhizopsis Boiss. and Meristotropis Fisch. & C.A.Mey., comprise Glycyrrhiza s.l. Here we reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history in Glycyrrhiza s.l. using sequence data of whole chloroplast genomes. We found that Glycyrrhiza s.l. is sister to the tribe Wisterieae and is divided into four main clades. Clade I, corresponds to Glycyrrhizopsis and is sister to Glycyrrhiza sensu Meng. Meristotropis is embedded within Glycyrrhiza sensu Meng, and these two genera together form Clades II-IV. Based on biogeographic analyses and divergence time dating, Glycyrrhiza s.l. originated during the late Eocene and its most recent common ancestor (MRCA) was distributed in the interior of Eurasia and the circum-Mediterranean region. A vicariance event, which was possibly a response to the uplifting of the Turkish-Iranian Plateau, may have driven the divergence between Glycyrrhiza sensu Meng and Glycyrrhizopsis in the Middle Miocene. The third and fourth main uplift events of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau may have led to rapid evolutionary diversification within Glycyrrhiza sensu Meng. Subsequently, the MRCA of Clade II might have migrated to North America (G. lepidota) via the Bering land bridge during the early Pliocene, and reached temperate South America (G. astragalina) by long-distance dispersal (LDD). Within Clade III, the ancestor of G. acanthocarpa arrived at southern Australia through LDD after the late Pliocene, whereas all other species (the SPEY clade) migrated to the interior of Eurasia and the Mediterranean region in the early Pleistocene. The MRCA of Clade IV was restricted in the interior of Eurasia, but its descendants have become widespread in temperate regions of the Old World Northern Hemisphere during the last million years.

Antibacterial activities and DNA-cleavage properties of novel fluorescent imidazo-phenanthroline derivatives.

Design and biological activities of fluorescent imidazo-phenanthroline derivatives; (E)-5-((4-((4-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)phenoxy)methyl)benzylidene)amino)- isophthalicacid, 2 and 2-(4-(((5-chloroquinolin-8-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5f] [1,10]phenanthroline, 3, have been reported. Their characterizations were performed by spectroscopic techniques. Their promising photophysical behaviours were observed in absorbance and fluorescence studies. The antibacterial activities of the compounds were determined against seven different microorganisms; Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633(G + ), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 29853(G-), Escherichia coli ATCC 35,218 (G-), Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 292,112 (G + ), Salmonella typhimurium ST-10 (G-), Streptococcus mutans NCTC 10,449 (G + ), and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923(G + ). MIC values of 3 was determined as 156,25 µM on all tested bacteria. A preliminary study of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) also revealed that the antimicrobial activity depended on the substituents on the phenyl ring. The electron withdrawing Cl-substitued compound 3 most favour for antimicrobial activity even at lowest concentration compared to other compounds. DNA-cleavage activities of the compounds were also investigated. The interactions of the compounds with supercoiled pBR322 plasmid DNA were obtained by agarose gel electrophoresis. All imidazo-phenanthroline derivatives were found to be highly effective on DNA, even at the lowest concentrations because of their planar nature which provides ease of bind to the helix structure of DNA.

Relationship between elevated serum level of placental growth factor and status of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: As only limited and confusing evidence about serum placental growth factor (PlGF) level in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) exist in the known literature, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association of maternal serum PlGF level with GDM status.Methods: The pregnant women attending the Obstetrics Outpatient Unit of Hitit University Hospital were screened at 24 and 28 weeks of gestation for GDM according to the suggestions of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Concisely, all of the low-risk pregnant women were evaluated with a 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT). Women with serum glucose ≥140 mg/dL at 1 h after GCT were subjected to a 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). According to the criteria of Carpenter and Coustan, the GDM diagnosis was confirmed. Consequently, a total of 158 pregnant women eligible for inclusion criteria were categorized into two main groups; 76 of the GDM group, 82 of the control group. The demographic characteristic and biochemical parameters of the study population including age, body mass index (BMI), gestational age were recorded at the second trimester. The assays for glucose, insulin, and PlGF were carried out.Results: The mean maternal age of control and GDM groups were 27.9 and 30.5 years, respectively. The parameters such as age, BMI, and gestational age were statistically similar in both groups (p>.05, for all). As expected, serum insulin level and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) value were significantly elevated in women with GDM (p<.001, for both). Moreover, maternal PlGF concentration was found to be higher in the GDM group compared to the control group (p=.029). Pearson's correlation analysis of PlGF with other study parameters revealed that there was a negative moderate and significant correlation in only control group (r= -0.416, p<.05). However, this correlation was not detected in the GDM group (r = 0.099, p>.05). None of the variables including maternal age, BMI, insulin, and HOMA-IR showed significant correlations in GDM and control groups.Conclusion: Our findings revealed that maternal serum PlGF level is increased in pregnant women complicated with GDM. Early identification of pregnant women who subsequently will pose GDM risk could improve the pregnancy outcomes.

Is There a Relationship Between Vitamin D Deficiency Status and PCOS in Infertile Women?

Introduction It is still unclear in the literature whether low vitamin D levels play a role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially with respect to the regulation of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether there could be a relationship between vitamin D deficiency status and PCOS. Materials and Methods A total of 146 infertile women were divided into two groups according to their ovarian reserve patterns: (i) normal (NOR), and (ii) high (PCOS). The participants were also categorized into two groups according to vitamin D concentrations: (i) Group A < 10 ng/mL, and (ii) Group B 10 - 20 ng/mL. Samples were obtained and analyzed for estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (TT), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and AMH. Results In the NOR group, there were significant differences between Group A and Group B in terms of anthropometric characteristics (p < 0.05, for all). The women in both Group A and Group B had similar AMH concentrations (p > 0.005). Only the NOR group showed a significant though moderate negative correlation between 25(OH)D levels and anthropometric parameters. AMH levels were not correlated with 25(OH)D levels in the NOR or the PCOS group (r = - 0.112, p = 0.008; r = 0.027, p = 0.836). Multivariate regression analysis showed no impact of 25(OH)D on other study parameters. Only AMH measurements were significant enough (p < 0.001) to differentiate between PCOS and NOR patterns. Conclusion We found no difference in serum 25(OH)D and AMH levels between women with and women without PCOS. No correlation could be demonstrated between 25(OH)D and AMH in the PCOS group or controls.

Two-Year Results of Community-Based Screening Program for Human Papilloma Virus DNA in Çorum Province.

OBJECTIVE: The Turkish Ministry of Health started a community-based screening program using Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) DNA in 2014. In our study, we aimed to investigate the results of this survey in Çorum province between the years of 2016-17 to determine the shortcomings and deficiencies in practice. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All of the women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who had undergone High risk HPV DNA screening in Çorum province between 2016 and 2017 were included in the study. High risk HPV types were divided into three categories as type 16, 18 and others. The target group of patients to be screened were compared with the numbers reached in the survey. After colposcopic biopsy, the clinicopathological correlation of the patients who underwent colposcopic biopsy was determined via pathology reports. RESULTS: HPV DNA was detected in 817 women (3.5%). HPV types 16, 18 and others were found to be positive in 216, 32 and 569 individuals, respectively. Cervical biopsy was performed with colposcopy in 212 (26%) women. As the result of colposcopy, LSIL and HSIL were detected in 63 and 56 patients, respectively. 34.5% of patients with the diagnosis of any kind of dysplasia received treatments. CONCLUSION: It was determined that 44% of HPV DNA-positive patients were not subjected to the appropriate processes according to the national guidelines. This shows that despite the screening, the desired therapeutic effect could not be achieved.

Relationship between intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and morbidly adherent placenta.

Objective Morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) is a clinical condition the prevalance of which is steadily increasing. It is described as the invasion of the placenta into the uterine wall through the myometrium and beyond. Several studies have shown that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) increases the invasion capability of tumor cells and placental cells. In our study, we investigated the expression of ICAM-1 in MAP cases. Methods This is a prospective case-control study. Eighty-nine patients who were diagnosed with MAP and 96 patients, without adherent placenta, as a control group were included in the study. ICAM-1 staining was examined by immuno-histochemical staining in placental samples. Results Of the 89 patients in the MAP group, 72 (80.8%) showed positive staining, while 26 (27%) did so in the control group. ICAM-1 positive staining in the MAP group was statistically significantly higher (P=0.03). Conclusion This is the first study investigating the relationship between MAP and ICAM-1 in the literature. In our study, we showed that ICAM-1 expression increased in the MAP group.

Relationship between vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and morbidly adherent placenta.

INTRODUCTION: Morbidly adherent placenta is a clinical condition of which prevalance is steadily increasing. It is described as the invasion of the placenta into the uterine wall through the myometrium and beyond. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 is a calcium independent transmembrane glycoprotein. Several studies have shown that vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 increases invasion in tumor cells. In our study we investigated the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 which has been shown to increase invasion in various tumors in morbidly adherent placenta cases. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a prospective case-control study. Eighty-four patients who were diagnosed with morbidly adherent placenta and 96 patients without any risk factors as a control group were included in the study. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 staining was examined by immune-histochemical staining in placental samples. RESULTS: The patients included in the study were similar in terms of demographic characteristics. Of the 84 patients in the morbidly adherent placenta group, 65 (74.7%) showed positive staining. This number was 39 (40.6%) in the control group. Staining in morbidly adherent placenta group was statistically significantly higher (p<0.05). DISCUSSION: The etiology of morbidly adherent placenta is still a clinically unknown condition. This study is the first study on this field in the literature. In our study, we showed that vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression increased in morbidly adherent placenta group. Although the entire pathogenesis is not explained this can be considered as a step for understanding this subject.

Is there a role for kisspeptin in pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome?

AIM: To investigate association of kisspeptin levels in infertile women with different ovarian reserve patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 157 participants were recruited. The women were divided into three groups: (i) adequate ovarian reserve (AOR) (n = 57), (ii) high ovarian reserve (PCOS) (n = 60), (iii) diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) (n = 40). Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio (WHR) were measured. The blood samples were analyzed for estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (TT), 17-hydroxy progesterone (17OHP), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), antimullerian hormone (AMH), kisspeptin measurements. RESULTS: FSH concentration was higher and AMH concentration was lower in DOR group (p < .001, p < .001, respectively). The mean LH, TT and DHEAS levels were higher in PCOS group (p = .001, p < .00 and p = .003, respectively). The 17OHP level did not differ among the groups (p = .15). Women with PCOS possessed the highest kisspeptin level (p = .01). The kisspeptin level was negatively correlated with FSH level (r = -0.18, p = .02) and positively correlated with TT and DHEAS levels (r = 0.17, p = .02 and r = 0.23, p = .003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Women with PCOS had increased serum kisspeptin levels. Kisspeptin concentrations were negatively correlated with serum FSH and positively correlated with serum TT and DHEAS levels.

Hedysarum L. (Fabaceae: Hedysareae) Is Not Monophyletic - Evidence from Phylogenetic Analyses Based on Five Nuclear and Five Plastid Sequences.

The legume family (Fabaceae) exhibits a high level of species diversity and evolutionary success worldwide. Previous phylogenetic studies of the genus Hedysarum L. (Fabaceae: Hedysareae) showed that the nuclear and the plastid topologies might be incongruent, and the systematic position of the Hedysarum sect. Stracheya clade was uncertain. In this study, phylogenetic relationships of Hedysarum were investigated based on the nuclear ITS, ETS, PGDH, SQD1, TRPT and the plastid psbA-trnH, trnC-petN, trnL-trnF, trnS-trnG, petN-psbM sequences. Both nuclear and plastid data support two major lineages in Hedysarum: the Hedysarum s.s. clade and the Sartoria clade. In the nuclear tree, Hedysarum is biphyletic with the Hedysarum s.s. clade sister to the Corethrodendron + Eversmannia + Greuteria + Onobrychis clade (the CEGO clade), whereas the Sartoria clade is sister to the genus Taverniera DC. In the plastid tree, Hedysarum is monophyletic and sister to Taverniera. The incongruent position of the Hedysarum s.s. clade between the nuclear and plastid trees may be best explained by a chloroplast capture hypothesis via introgression. The Hedysarum sect. Stracheya clade is resolved as sister to the H. sect. Hedysarum clade in both nuclear and plastid trees, and our analyses support merging Stracheya into Hedysarum. Based on our new evidence from multiple sequences, Hedysarum is not monophyletic, and its generic delimitation needs to be reconsidered.

Biological activities and DNA interactions of Amanita ovoidea.

CONTEXT: Amanita ovoidea (Bull.) Link (Amanitaceae) is a well-known species due to its pleasant aroma and flavor since ancient times in the worldwide. This species is also known in Turkey and people consume it extensively. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate medicinal importance of A. ovoidea for human health, to explain the effect of mushroom extracts on bacterial DNA, and to find preventive role on bacterial disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chloroform, acetone, and methanol extracts of A. ovoidea were tested for the antimicrobial activities against four Gram-positive bacteria, five Gram-negative bacteria, and yeast using a micro-dilution method. In addition, DNA binding, DNA cleavage activity, and restriction enzyme digestion of the methanol extract of A. ovoidea were examined at different concentrations (40.000-78.125 µg/mL). RESULTS: The highest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value observed against the test micro-organisms was with the chloroform extract (MIC 19.5 µg/mL concentration) against Candida albicans. Other highest antimicrobial effects observed against the test micro-organisms were with the methanol extracts against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, and Salmonella enteritidis (MICs, 78 µg/mL concentrations). All concentrations reduced the mobility of plasmid DNA. BamHI and HindIII targeted specially to supercoils and cut them. Amanita ovoidea extract prevented cutting with HindIII by binding especially to the AA region in open circular DNA. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Present results demonstrated that A. ovoidea has excellent antimicrobial and antifungal activities by its DNA interaction activity on pBR322.

Ruptured granulosa cell tumor of the ovary as a cause of acute abdomen in postmenopausal woman.

Acute abdomen with hemoperitoneum is a very rare entity in postmenopausal women due to gynecologic conditions. A 54-year-old, postmenopausal woman was brought to emergency department with severe abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed acute abdomen findings with 15 cm pelvic mass on the right adnexal region. Immediate exploratory laparotomy was performed. During laparotomy 1000 cc of bloodstained fluid, ruptured and actively bleeding large mass arising from right ovary was observed. Right salpingo-oopherectomy was performed in emergency conditions, and pathology report revealed an adult type of granulosa cell tumor. After this result, staging surgery was performed and patient was diagnosed as granulosa cell tumor stage 1 c. Cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin chemotherapy was given. Clinicians should be aware of granulosa cell tumors which may occur at any age and prone to rupture. Frozen section will be helpful in order to avoid incomplete surgeries especially in postmenopausal women presented with intra-abdominal bleeding.

HPV DNA and Pap smear test results in cases with and without cervical pathology.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the HPV prevalance and its relation to Pap smear, colposcopy and colposcopy directed biopsy in our region of Eskisehir, Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 615 women who applied to the outpatient clinic between December 2009 and December 2010 constituted our study population. All patients underwent pelvic examination and Pap smear sampling. Patients who had pathological cervical appearance or Pap smear results of ASCUS, AGUS, LSIL or HSIL were referred to colposcopy. Cervical samples for HPV DNA were taken from the patients before Pap smear sampling during the routine examination or before the colposcopic evaluation. RESULTS: Twenty six of 615 patients (4%) were HPV positive. Of these 26 patients, 12 were positive for HPV type 16, 3 for type 18, 3 for type 51, 2 for type 6, 1 for type 52, 1 for type 33, 1 for type 16 and type 31, 1 for type 6 and 52, 1 for type 56 and 90, 1 for type 39 and 66. In 4 patients with cervical cancer, and in 3 of 4 CIN III cases both HPV DNA and Pap smear were positive. In the Pap smear examination of 615 patients, cytology revealed 35 ASCUS (5.6%) 4 AGUS (0.6%), 2 CIN I (0.3%) results who were negative for HPV DNA. These patients with abnormal cytology (n=41) underwent colposcopy directed biopsy, there were 3 CIN I and 1 CIN III and all the other cervical biopsy results of these patients were benign (inflammation, chronic cervicitis). CONCLUSION: HPV positivity in our hospital setting is low which is compatible with other studies in Turkey. In positive HPV cases there is a good correlation between HPV type and positive cervical biopsy results.

Serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibody in women with and without a past history of recurrent miscarriage.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the this study was to investigate Lupus Anticoagulan (LA), Anticardiolipin Antibody (ACA), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum levels in 40 pregnant and 20 nonpregnant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The women were divided into three groups. The first group consisted of 20 pregnant women of less than 20 gestational weeks and a past history of habitual abortion . The second group consisted of 20 non pregnant patients with a past history of habitual abortion. The third group consisted of 20 healthy non pregnant women. RESULT: LA was found in only one patient in the Group 2. ACA Ig G positivity were found 1 patient in the Group 1, 3 patients Group 2 and 1 patient in Group 3. Mean ACA IgG was highest in the Group 2. High serum TNF-alpha levels were found in the 12 (60%), 6(30%) and 2 (10%) women in the Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Significant difference were found for TNF-alpha among the groups (P<0.05). The highest level of TNF-alpha was found in the Group 1 and the lowest in the Group 3. There were statistically significant differences for IL-6 among the three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: We propose that cytokines especially TNF-alpha was found to be related to the pregnancy loss.