Investigation of the effects of marsupialization on histomorphological and immunohistochemical markers of odontogenic keratocysts.

Background: Despite its extensive bone resorption and high recurrence rate, marsupialization is the preferred option in the treatment of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs). Aim: We aimed to assess the effect of marsupialization on histomorphological and biochemical markers of OKCs. Materials and Methods: The study is conducted on 48 paraffin blocks of 24 OKC cases between the years 2012 to 2018. The main clinical, radiographic, and histomorphometric measurements were recorded. Immunohistochemical staining with E-cadherin, Ki67, IL1α, TNFα, Slug, and Snail were performed and compared for pre-marsupialization and post-marsupialization values. Results: OKCs mostly located in the mandibular posterior region. The mean marsupialization period was 8.8 ± 6.5 (3-25) months. The mean radiographic size of OKC (57.1 ± 53.5 mm) was significantly reduced after marsupialization (22.6 ± 19.9 mm, P = 0.002). Histologically, significantly increased thickness of the OKC epithelium (p = 0.002) and collagen production (p = 0.034) was detected after marsupialization. The post-marsupialization group showed positive correlation of inflammation score to both TNFα (r: 0.69, P < 0.001) and IL-1α (r: 0.58, P = 0.008) expressions in connective tissue. Among immunohistochemical parameters, only Slug expression was significantly higher after marsupialization (p = 0.019). Conclusion: Our study suggests that increased Slug expression may enable the second surgery by increasing fibrosis in the cyst wall.

Effects of umbelliferone isolated from the Ferulago pauciradiata Boiss. & Heldr. Plant on cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis model in rats.

Sepsis is a pathophysiological event involving systemic inflammatory response syndrome, multiple organ failure syndromes, and tissue damage. Overproduction of free radicals as a result of tissue damage during sepsis contributes to cellular toxicity, organ failure, and even mortality. Antioxidants, which scavenge free radicals, play a protective role against various diseases. Previous studies have shown that umbelliferone (UF) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Since oxidative stress is naturally associated with sepsis-induced organ dysfunction, the application of antioxidant compounds could potentially illuminate the pathophysiology of sepsis, which does not yet have an effective treatment. The sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was applied to rats. Different doses of UF (10░mg/kg, 20░mg/kg, and 40░mg/kg) on oxidant-antioxidant in septic rats, mRNA of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1 its effects on expression levels were evaluated in lung, kidney, and liver tissues. When the lung, kidney, and liver tissues of septic rats were compared with those of the control group, it was found that UF administration increased dose-dependent superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels and significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels. The effects of UF administration on oxidative parameters were dose-dependent. The 40░mg/kg UF dose showed greater anti-oxidative properties than the 20░mg/kg and 10░mg/kg doses for all the evaluated parameters. Further, the TNF- α mRNA expression of the CLP +40░mg/kg group was reduced to a level comparable to that of the control group. UF has been found to be an effective molecule in reducing oxidative stress by supporting endogenous antioxidants and enhancing the scavenging effects of free radicals. The potent antioxidant property of UF may also be related to the suppression of the cytokine cascade during sepsis. The results suggest that UF administration may represent a new treatment for the prevention of lung, kidney and liver damage caused by septic conditions.

Sunitinib versus pazopanib para el tratamiento del carcinoma de células renales metastásico: experiencia en 2 hospitales turcos / Sunitinib versus pazopanib for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: 2 Turkish hospital experience

INTRODUCCIÓN: Sunitinib (SUN) y pazopanib (PAZ) son 2 inhibidores orales de la tirosina cinasa que actúan contra el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular. Su eficacia y seguridad en el carcinoma de células renales metastásico se ha demostrado con estudios de fase III. Sin embargo, la evidencia real es escasa. El objetivo de este análisis es evaluar el beneficio clínico de SUN y PAZ en la práctica clínica habitual. MÉTODOS: Revisamos los registros médicos de 79 pacientes con carcinoma de células renales metastásico tratados con SUN (50 mg/día en el régimen 4/2) o PAZ (800 mg/día continuo). Los pacientes fueron evaluados retrospectivamente en 2 hospitales turcos entre 2006 y 2016. RESULTADOS: La mediana de edad de toda la cohorte fue de 60 (28-87) años y el 70% de ellos eran hombres. La tasa de respuesta objetiva y la tasa de control de la enfermedad en los grupos SUN/PAZ fueron 34/37% (p = 0,96) y 78/87% (p = 0,046), respectivamente. Con una mediana de seguimiento de 15 meses, las medianas de supervivencia libre de progresión y de supervivencia global en los grupos SUN/PAZ fueron de 8/8 meses (p = 0,83) y 22/21 meses (p = 0,53), respectivamente. La toxicidad común entre SUN vs. PAZ incluía fatiga (59 vs.74%), cambios en la piel (44 vs.44%), anemia (35 vs.42%), hipotiroidismo (37 vs.19%; p = 0,02) e hipertensión (33 vs.50%). En los pacientes tratados con SUN, la toxicidad total de grado 3-4 (número medio de eventos tóxicos por paciente) fue de 0,71, mientras que en los pacientes tratados con PAZ, la toxicidad total de grado 3-4 fue de 0,11 (p < 0,001). SUN se asoció con una mayor incidencia de fatiga de grado 3-4 (p = 0,007), anemia (p = 0,001) e hipotiroidismo, requiriendo tratamiento (p = 0,02). Fue necesario reducir la dosis en los grupos SUN y PAZ en el 49 y el 24% de los pacientes (p = 0,02), y el cese del tratamiento en el 37 y el 26% de los pacientes (p = 0,37), respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestro estudio no hubo diferencias en términos de supervivencia entre los 2 agentes. Sin embargo, en los pacientes tratados con SUN se dieron más eventos adversos de grado 3-4, siendo necesaria la reducción de la dosis

INTRODUCTION: Sunitinib (SUN) and pazopanib (PAZ) are 2 oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors against vascular endothelial growth factor. Their efficacy and safety in metastatic renal cell carcinoma has been proven with phase III studies. However, real world data is limited. The objective of this study is to assess the clinical benefit of SUN and PAZ in routine practice. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 79 metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with SUN (50 mg/day on 4/2-schedule) or PAZ (800 mg/day continuously). Patients were assessed retrospectively at 2 Turkish hospitals between 2006 and 2016. RESULTS: For the entire cohort median age of patients was 60 (28-87) years and 70% of them were male. The objective response rate and disease control rate in SUN/PAZ groups were 34/37% (P = .96) and 78/87% (P = .046), respectively. With a median follow up duration of 15 months, median progression-free survival and overall survival in SUN/PAZ groups were 8/8 months (P = .83) and 22/21 months (P = .53), respectively. The common all grade toxicities for SUN vs. PAZ were fatigue (59 vs.74%), skin changes (44 vs.44%), anemia (35 vs.42%), hypothyroidism (37 vs.19%; P = .02) and hypertension (33 vs.50%). In patients treated with SUN, total grade 3-4 toxicities (mean number of toxic events per patients) were 0.71, whereas in patients treated with PAZ, total grade 3-4 toxicities were 0.11 (P < .001). SUN was associated with an increased incidence of grade 3-4 fatigue (P = .007), anemia (P = .001) and hypothyroidism that needed therapy (P = .02). Dose reduction in 49 and 24% of patients (P = .02), and treatment cessation in 37 and 26% of patients (P = .37) were required in the SUN and PAZ groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, there was no difference in terms of survival outcomes between 2 agents. However, patients treated with SUN had more grade 3-4 adverse events which prompted dose reduction

Sunitinib versus pazopanib for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: 2 Turkish hospital experience. / Sunitinib versus pazopanib para el tratamiento del carcinoma de células renales metastásico: experiencia en 2 hospitales turcos.

INTRODUCTION: Sunitinib (SUN) and pazopanib (PAZ) are 2 oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors against vascular endothelial growth factor. Their efficacy and safety in metastatic renal cell carcinoma has been proven with phase iii studies. However, real world data is limited. The objective of this study is to assess the clinical benefit of SUN and PAZ in routine practice. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 79 metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with SUN (50mg/day on 4/2-schedule) or PAZ (800mg/day continuously). Patients were assessed retrospectively at 2 Turkish hospitals between 2006 and 2016. RESULTS: For the entire cohort median age of patients was 60 (28-87) years and 70% of them were male. The objective response rate and disease control rate in SUN/PAZ groups were 34/37% (P=.96) and 78/87% (P=.046), respectively. With a median follow up duration of 15 months, median progression-free survival and overall survival in SUN/PAZ groups were 8/8 months (P=.83) and 22/21 months (P=.53), respectively. The common all grade toxicities for SUN vs. PAZ were fatigue (59 vs. 74%), skin changes (44 vs. 44%), anemia (35 vs. 42%), hypothyroidism (37 vs. 19%; P=.02) and hypertension (33 vs. 50%). In patients treated with SUN, total grade 3-4 toxicities (mean number of toxic events per patients) were 0.71, whereas in patients treated with PAZ, total grade 3-4 toxicities were 0.11 (P<.001). SUN was associated with an increased incidence of grade 3-4 fatigue (P=.007), anemia (P=.001) and hypothyroidism that needed therapy (P=.02). Dose reduction in 49 and 24% of patients (P=.02), and treatment cessation in 37 and 26% of patients (P=.37) were required in the SUN and PAZ groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, there was no difference in terms of survival outcomes between 2 agents. However, patients treated with SUN had more grade 3-4 adverse events which prompted dose reduction.

Clinical significance of serum caveolin-1 levels in gastric cancer patients.

Caveolin-1 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of various carcinomas and its expression affects the survival of cancer patients. However, the molecular function of caveolin-1 and its possible clinical importance has remained uncertain in gastric cancer. No clinical trial has examined serum caveolin-1 levels in gastric cancer patients so far, instead all available results were provided from studies conducted on tissue samples. In the current study, we analyzed the soluble serum caveolin-1 levels in gastric cancer patients, and specified its associations with the clinical factors and prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients with pathologically confirmed gastric cancer were enrolled into the trial. Serum caveolin-1 concentrations were detected by ELISA method. Thirty healthy subjects were also included in the study. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 62 years, ranging from 28 to 82 years. The serum caveolin-1 levels in gastric cancer patients were significantly higher than those in control group (p < 0.001). The common clinical parameters including patient age, sex, lesion localization, histopathology, histological grade, disease stage, and various serum tumor markers (e.g. LDH, CEA, and CA 19.9) were not found to be associated with serum caveolin-1 levels (p > 0.05). Similarly, no correlation existed between serum caveolin-1 concentration and chemotherapy responsiveness (p = 0.93). Furthermore, serum caveolin-1 level was not found to have a prognostic role (p = 0.16). CONCLUSION: Even though it is neither predictive nor prognostic, serum caveolin-1 level may be a valuable diagnostic indicator in patients with gastric cancer.

Effect of vitamin C on collagen structure of cardinal and uterosacral ligaments during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate changes in collagen structure in the cardinal and uterosacral ligaments of rats that were administered vitamin C during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Eighteen female rats were divided into three groups: six pregnant rats administered 1.25mg/ml/day of vitamin C during pregnancy (Group A); six non-pregnant rats that were not administered vitamin C (Group B); and six pregnant rats that were not administered vitamin C during pregnancy (Group C). Fifteen days after delivery, the uteruses of all rats were removed. The intensity of staining (mild, moderate or severe) and the extent of positive staining areas (%) of type I and type III collagen H scores for types I and III collagen, and intensity of elastin fibres in the cardinal and uterosacral ligaments were investigated immunohistochemically. Differences between groups were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and independent samples tests. RESULTS: The intensity and extent of type I and type III collagen, the H scores for type I and type III collagen, and the ratio of type III collagen H score: type I collagen H score differed significantly between groups. Pregnant rats administered vitamin C (Group A) had significantly higher values compared with non-pregnant rats (Group B): intensity of type I collagen (p=0.001), extent of type I collagen (p≤0.001), H score for type I collagen (p≤0.001), intensity for type III collagen (p=0.002), extent of type IV collagen (p=0.007), H score for type III collagen (p=0.017), type III collagen H score: type I collagen H score (p=0.039) and intensity of elastin fibres (p=0.097). A significant difference in the ratio of type III collagen H score: type I collagen H score was found between pregnant rats administered vitamin C (Group A) and pregnant rats not administered vitamin C (Group C) (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of vitamin C to rats during pregnancy had a favourable impact on collagen structure in the cardinal and uterosacral ligaments, suggesting that vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy may help to prevent pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

Serum nectin-2 levels are diagnostic and prognostic in patients with colorectal carcinoma

Introduction. Nectins are a family of integral protein and immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules involved in the formation of functioning adherence and tight junctions. Aberrant expression is associated with cancer progression, apoptosis and cell proliferation but little is known how these effects change in cell behavior. The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of nectin-2 with regard to diagnostic, predictive and prognostic value in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Materials and methods. One-hundred and forty CRC patients were enrolled in this study. Serum nectin-2 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Age- and sex-matched 40 healthy controls were included in the analysis. Results. Median age of patients was 60 years old, range 24-84 years. The localization of tumor in majority of the patients was colon (n = 81, 58 %). Non-metastatic (stage II and III) and metastatic patients’ baseline serum nectin-2 levels were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (p < 0.001; for two group). However, known clinical variables including response to CTx (chemotherapy) were not found to be correlated with serum nectin-2 concentrations (p > 0.05). While non-metastatic group patients with elevated serum nectin-2 levels showed significant adverse effect on PFS, metastatic group patients with elevated serum nectin-2 levels showed no significant adverse effect on PFS (p = 0.05 and p = 0.29, respectively). On the other hand, our study results did not show statistically significant serum nectin-2 concentrations regarding overall survival rates. Conclusion. Serum levels of nectin-2 may have diagnostic roles for CRC patients. Moreover, our study results show the prognostic role of nectin-2 in non-metastatic group patients (AU)

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Serum nectin-2 levels are diagnostic and prognostic in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Nectins are a family of integral protein and immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules involved in the formation of functioning adherence and tight junctions. Aberrant expression is associated with cancer progression, apoptosis and cell proliferation but little is known how these effects change in cell behavior. The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of nectin-2 with regard to diagnostic, predictive and prognostic value in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and forty CRC patients were enrolled in this study. Serum nectin-2 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Age- and sex-matched 40 healthy controls were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Median age of patients was 60 years old, range 24-84 years. The localization of tumor in majority of the patients was colon (n = 81, 58 %). Non-metastatic (stage II and III) and metastatic patients' baseline serum nectin-2 levels were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (p < 0.001; for two group). However, known clinical variables including response to CTx (chemotherapy) were not found to be correlated with serum nectin-2 concentrations (p > 0.05). While non-metastatic group patients with elevated serum nectin-2 levels showed significant adverse effect on PFS, metastatic group patients with elevated serum nectin-2 levels showed no significant adverse effect on PFS (p = 0.05 and p = 0.29, respectively). On the other hand, our study results did not show statistically significant serum nectin-2 concentrations regarding overall survival rates. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of nectin-2 may have diagnostic roles for CRC patients. Moreover, our study results show the prognostic role of nectin-2 in non-metastatic group patients.

The diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic role of serum epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) levels in breast cancer.

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical significance of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in breast cancer (BC) patients. Ninety-six BC patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled into this study. Pretreatment serum markers were determined by the solid-phase sandwich (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)). The median age at diagnosis was 48 years (range 29-80 years). Majority of the patients (71 %) had luminal subtype, and 38.5 % had metastatic disease. Twenty-nine (30 %) patients showed tumor progression, and 20 (21 %) patients died during follow-up. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 8.6 ± 1.7 and 35.5 ± 1.5 months, respectively. The baseline serum EpCAM levels of the patients were significantly higher than those of the controls (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the serum levels of VCAM-1 between the patients and controls (p = 0.47). No significant correlation was detected between the levels of the serum markers and other clinical parameters (p > 0.05). Patients with HER-2-positive and triple-negative tumors had significantly poorer PFS (p = 0.04 and p = 0.001, respectively), while metastatic disease and chemotherapy unresponsiveness had significantly adverse effect on OS analysis (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Neither serum VCAM-1 levels nor serum EpCAM levels were identified to have a prognostic role on either PFS or OS (VCAM-1 p = 0.76 and p = 0.32; EpCAM p = 0.16 and p = 0.69, respectively). Even though any predictive or prognostic role could not be determined for both markers, serum levels of EpCAM were found to have diagnostic value in BC patients.

Clinical significance of serum tenascin-C levels in breast cancer.

Tenascin-C (TNC) is a key molecule in tissue remodeling, and high levels are observed in many diseases, including heart failure, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and cancer. High TNC expression by immunohistochemical analysis has been shown in invasive and metastasizing tissues from a variety of cancers, including colon, lung, brain, and breast. This study was conducted to investigate the serum level of TNC in breast cancer patients and its relationship with tumor progression and known prognostic parameters. Ninety-six breast cancer patients were enrolled into the study. Serum samples were obtained on first admission before adjuvant and metastatic treatments were given and at follow-up. Serum TNC levels were determined by the solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Median age of diagnosis was 48 years old (range, 29-80). Thirty-seven (39 %) patients had metastatic breast cancer. The mean TNC levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with breast cancer (344.1 ± 42.4 pg/mL) compared to those in healthy controls (137.2 ± 26.8 pg/mL) (p = 0.005). Serum TNC level in grade 3 tumors was found to be significantly higher than in grades 1-2 tumors (p = 0.04). No correlation was detected between serum TNC levels and other prognostic parameters analyzed, including presence of metastasis, lymph node involvement, and tumor size. Serum TNC level had no significantly adverse effect on survival in univariate and multivariate analyses (p = 0.65 and p = 0.85, respectively). In conclusion, although serum TNC levels are elevated, it has no predictive or prognostic roles on survival in breast cancer patients.

Is there any diagnostic value of serum protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) levels on determination of epithelial ovarian carcinoma?

The role of molecular markers in ovarian cancer is still a matter of debate. Protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) might be a good marker in some types of malignant tumors and might provide useful information in diagnosis and prognosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of PAR1 in regard to diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic value in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. Forty-four EOC patients were enrolled in this study. Serum PAR1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Twenty-five age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the analysis. The median age of patients was 58 years old, ranging from 22 to 83 years, where most of them had advanced disease (stage III-IV) (n = 40, 91%). The median serum PAR1 values were significantly elevated in patients compared to healthy controls (1.52 ng/ml vs. 1.13 ng/ml) (p = 0.03), whereas any clinical variables including response to chemotherapy did not associate with serum assay (p > 0.05). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients who did not respond to chemotherapy nor had platinum resistance in relapsed disease were poorer in the analyses. On the other hand, serum PAR1 levels showed no significant adverse effect on either PFS or OS (p = 0.43 and p = 0.49, respectively). These results proved that baseline serum PAR1 levels of patients with EOC were significantly higher than those of healthy people. However, these assays suggested no predictive or prognostic value in this group of patients.

Clinical significance of serum circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma.

The principal aim of our study was to investigate the usefulness of serum protein and circulating mRNA of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fifty-four HCC patients and age- and sex-matched 20 healthy controls were enrolled into this study. Pretreatment serum IGF-1 and IGF-1 mRNA were determined by the solid-phase sandwich ELISA and quantitative RT-PCR method, respectively. The median age at diagnosis was 60 years, range 36-77 years; where majority of group were male (n = 48, 88.8%). All patients had cirrhotic history. Forty-six percent (n = 25) of patients had Child-Pugh score A, 30% (n = 16) had score B or C. All of the patients were treated with local therapies and none of them received sorafenib. The baseline serum IGF-1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in HCC patients than in the control group (p = 0.04), whereas no significant difference was observed for IGF-1 protein levels between the two group (p = 0.18). Patients with history of HBV infection, who were not treated, and who received multiple palliative treatment for HCC had higher serum IGF-1 mRNA levels (p = 0.03, 0.03, and 0.05, respectively). Poor performance status (p < 0.001), viral etiology of cirrhosis (p = 0.03), larger tumor size (p = 0.01), lower serum hemoglobin levels (p = 0.03), and not be treated for HCC (p = 0.001) related to worse survival. However, neither serum IGF-1 nor serum IGF-1 mRNA had significantly adverse effect on survival (p = 0.53 and 0.42, respectively).

Clinical significance of serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest primary malignant cancer of the liver in the world. This study was conducted to investigate the serum levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)in HCC patients and the relationship with tumor progression and known prognostic parameters. Fifty-four patients with HCC were investigated. Pretreatment HGF levels were employed the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique (ELISA). Age and sex matched 20 healthy controls were included in the analysis. The median age of the patients was 60 years (range 36-77 years); where males consistituted of majority of the group (88.8%). All of patients had cirrhotic history. Fourty-six percent (n = 25) of patients had Child-Pugh Score A, 30% (n = 16) had Score B or C. All of the patients were treated with local therapies but none of them received sorafenib. The baseline serum HGF levels were significantly higher in patients with HCC than in the control group (p < 0.001). Male patients had higher serum HGF levels compared with female patients (p = 0.01). Serum HGF levels were significantly higher in the patients with elevated serum ALT levels than others with normal serum ALT levels (p = 0.05). Poor performance status (p < 0.001), viral etiology of cirrhosis (p = 0.03), larger tumor size (p = 0.01), lower serum hemogloblin levels (p = 0.03), and not be treated for HCC (p = 0.001) related to worse survival. However, serum HGF did not have significantly adverse effect on survival (p = 0.58). Despite serum HGF levels were found diagnostic value, serum HGF levels had no prognostic value in patients with HCC.

p53 and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway protein profiles in fresh and frozen spermatozoa.

Sperm or testicular tissue cryopreservation is performed in cases of male infertility as a treatment for the preservation of fertility. When these sperm cells are used in assisted reproductive techniques, fertilisation rates, developmental and implantation potential of embryos decrease and the abortion rates increase. In the present work, differences of both phosphorylation and expression levels of p53 and Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) proteins were analysed in 61 individual sperm samples before and after cryopreservation. We observed that p53 protein residue at Ser 15 was phosphorylated after cryopreservation. Because MAPK pathway activations may be involved in p53 phosphorylation, MAPK/ERK, Stress-activated protein kinases (SAPK)/JNK and p38MAPK proteins were also investigated. Analysis showed that p38MAPK phosphorylations increased significantly. However, ERK and JNK expressions and phosphorylations decreased, although the differences were not statistically significant. According to our results, it may be suggested that cryopreservation process activates p53 via p38 MAPK pathway that subsequently causes apoptosis, which may be related to sperm parameters.

The role of surgical methods in the treatment of anorectal malignant melanoma (AMM).

PURPOSE: Anorectal malignant melanoma (AMM) is a rare tumor with a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes in patients with AMM. METHODS: The study included 21 patients diagnosed with AMM between 2000 and 2010 that were evaluated with regard to age, sex, disease stage, treatment modality, and survival. Stage I, II, and III were defined as localized primary malignant melanoma, regional lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis, respectively. RESULTS: In all, 12 (57%) patients were female and 9 (43%) were male ; median age was 61 years (range : 30-84 years). Among the 21 patients, 7 (47%) underwent abdominoperineal resection and 8 (53%) were treated using wide local excision. Four (19%) patients were classified as stage I, 10 (48%) as stage II, and 7 (33%) patients as stage III. In total, 10 patients received adjuvant therapy. Median overall and progression-free survival was 12 and 9 months, respectively. The 1-year and 5-year overall survival estimates were 59% and 42%, and progression free survival were 49% and 7%, respectively. Patients aged > 60 years (P = 0.145), female patients (P = 0.076), patients with localized disease (P = 0.045), patients that underwent wide local excision (P = 0.619), and patients that received adjuvant therapy (P = 0.962) had longer survival. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of AMM remains very poor and disease stage is the only predictor of survival. Abdominoperineal resection does not confer an advantage, in terms of survival, in patients with AMM.