The effects of polymerization mode and layer thickness on monomer released from bulk fill composite resins.

BACKGROUND: Residual monomers released from composite resins have cytotoxic, mutagenic, and estrogenic effects. Mode of polymerization and application thickness are important for monomer release. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different modes of a third-generation light-curing unit (LCU) and layer thickness on residual monomer released from two different bulk-fill composite resins. A total of 80 samples were prepared for each bulk-fill composite using a mold. Each bulk-fill composite was divided into four groups according to polymerization mode (standard and extra power) and layer thickness (2 and 4 mm). In addition, four groups were divided into four subgroups according to time periods (1 h, 24 h, 3 days, and 7 days). METHODS AND MATERIAL: The samples were polymerized with VALO LED device. The amount of residual monomer was measured with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). All statistical analyses were processed using SPSS Version 23.0. The normal distribution of data was confirmed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov Normal Distribution Test and Shapiro-Wilk Normal Distribution Test. When the distribution was normal, parametric tests, Student's t test and one-way ANOVA, were used. When the distribution was not normal, non-parametric tests, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis testwere used. RESULTS: It was found that the standard mode of LCU produced lower amounts of TEGDMA, Bis-GMA, and UDMA in both composite materials. In addition, when the layer thickness increased, TEGDMA, Bis-GMA, and UDMA releases increased, too. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the amount of residual monomers released from bulk-fill composites was affected by layer thickness and polymerization time.

Survival of avulsed permanent incisors in children following delayed replantation.

BACKGROUND: Replantation of avulsed teeth is an invasive treatment approach where patient cooperation is required after the risks are explained to the patient or family. Although replantation of an avulsed permanent teeth is an accepted treatment approach, the long-term prognosis of the replanted teeth is still controversial. This report describes the survival of delayed replanted 15 incisors that was stored in unfavorable conditions after avulsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients, aged 8-12 years, were referred to the Inonu University, Pediatric Dentistry Department with traumatically avulsed incisors. The parents were informed about the possible complications of a delayed replantation. RESULTS: Forty percent of the teeth were splinted with flexible orthodontic wire and composite. The follow-up periods were varied from 24 to 48 months. The mean follow-up periods were 33.3 ± 8 months. 40% of the teeth were retained in the mouth for at least 3 years and contributed to alveolar bone development. In these cases, the most common complication (9 teeth, 60%) was replacement root resorption. Two of the 15 teeth which had wide open apices, continued to the root development. CONCLUSION: In this study, replanted teeth were retained in the mouth for at least 2 years and contributed to the patient's development. Therefore, this study has shown that delayed replantation of an avulsed tooth for a child is still worthwhile, even in cases of poor prognosis where the tooth had extended extra-alveolar dry storage. We believe that delayed replantation should be done because of its importance for the child's jaw and facial development.

Effects of diode laser irradiation on dental pulps in rats.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of different power densities of diode laser on dental pulps in rats. BACKGROUND: In this study, we used the maxillary central incisors (n=80) of the 40 adult male Wistar albino rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into four groups according to power densities of diode laser (n=10). Histopathological changes in pulp and height of odontoblast layer were examined . All data were compared statistically using Mann‒Whitney U (Bonferroni) test, p<0.05. RESULTS: G2 displayed slight histolopathologic alterations such as odontoblast cell disorganization and irregularities in cell extensions. Alterations were more prominent in the G3 than G2. Although the lowest odontoblast layer was measured in the G4, the difference in height of odontoblast layer among the groups was not found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the use of diode laser caused changes at the cellular level in histological examination and may induce the formation of tertiary dentin by influencing the secretory activity of odontoblasts. As long as used in accordance with the recommended procedure, the diode laser can be safely used in dental hard tissues (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 15).

Finite element analysis of thermal stress distribution in different restorative materials used in class V cavities.

PURPOSE: Cervical lesions are restored with class V preparation. The aim of this study was to use a three-dimensional finite element method to carry out a thermal analysis of the temperature and stress distributions of three different restorative materials used for class V cavities of maxillary molar teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A maxillary left first molar tooth was modeled and a class V cavity was prepared on the cervical 1/3 of the buccal surface. This cavity was restored with three different materials (Group I: Resin composite, Group II: Glass ionomer cement, and Group III: Amalgam). Loads of 400 N were applied at an angle of 90° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth on the restorative material at 5 and 55°C temperatures. Von Mises and thermal stress distributions were evaluated. RESULTS: In all groups, the von Mises stress values increased with temperature. The highest von Mises stress distribution was observed at 55°C in Group II (144.53 MPa). The lowest von Mises stress distribution was observed at 5°C in Group III (70.81 MPa). CONCLUSION: Amalgam is the most suitable restorative material for class V restorations because of minimal stress distribution.

Dental findings in Hamamy syndrome.

This paper highlights features of dental rehabilitation of patients with Hamamy syndrome. A 10-year-old boy patient with Hamamy syndrome reported pain in the maxillary left central incisor, and all mandibular incisors. Intraoral clinical and radiographical examination showed enamel hypoplasia, severe dilacerated maxillary left central incisor and mandibular incisors, malocclusion, delayed eruption of teeth, taurodontism, and loss of lamina dura. Root canal treatment, strip crown and composite restorations were performed.

A two-year clinical evaluation of glass ionomer and ormocer based fissure sealants.

UNLABELLED: The objective of the present study provides further data comparing retention, marginal integrity and caries preventive effects of two fissure sealants (glass ionomer based; GC Fuji VII Capsule [Fuji VII] and ormocer based; Admira Seal [AS]) in children. This study was designed as a randomized single-blind clinical trial. The permanent first molars (PFMs) of 50 children, 7-13 years of age (mean age: 8.9 +/- 1.3 years), were sealed with a split-mouth design. Fissure sealants applied to the PFMs according to the manufacturer's recommendations by one pediatric dentist. Clinical evaluation of the sealants was carried out to record retention, marginal integrity and presence of caries at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after placement by the other pediatric dentist. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox's regression models were used to estimate the probability of two sealants success. RESULTS: Alpha and Bravo retention rates at the end of follow-up were 13% and 80% for Fuji VII and 3% and 83% for AS, respectively. For retention and marginal integrity between fissure sealants was found similar survival rates (p > 0.05). After 24 months, presence of caries was 16% for Fuji VII and 32% for AS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fuji VII and AS exhibited similar retention and marginal integrity during 24 months. However Fuji VII was showed better results than AS for caries preventive effect. Consequently, Fuji VII sealants may be a better choice for preventing occlusal caries.

Impacts of earthquake aftermath on indoor carbon monoxide levels in Turkish coffeehouses environment in duzce, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: In 1999, Duzce suffered two consecutive devastating earthquakes above magnitude 7 in August and November. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the indoor air quality of coffeehouses by determining carbon monoxide (CO) levels and their contributing factors in coffeehouses built before and after the earthquake. METHODS: We conducted our study in 76 Turkish coffeehouses in Duzce in winter (November 2007-March 2008) during rush hours (18:00-23:00). The Turkish coffeehouses included in the study were evaluated under four categories based on smoking status and construction date. The characteristics of the coffeehouses, such as their CO levels and temperatures both indoors and outdoors, were all measured. These analyses were carried out with the SPSS 15.0 program. RESULTS: The CO levels in Turkish coffeehouses were above the values indicated as being safe by the WHO. While stoves and cooking equipment were determined to contribute to indoor CO levels, cigarettes were found to be the main source. Indoor CO levels at second hour were very strongly correlated (r: 0.84, P<0.001) (r: 0.91, P<0.001) with indoor CO levels at initial and first hour as well as with smoking status (r: 0.69, P<0.001); they were also moderately correlated with the room volume (r: 0.34, P<0.001) and construction materials (r: 0.31, P<0.001) of the coffeehouse. CONCLUSION: Elevated CO levels in Turkish coffeehouses indicate the possible presence of other pollutants, particularly when the main source is smoking. In such cases, both individuals and the whole of society are affected negatively in many ways. Therefore, smoking should be prohibited by law in Turkish coffeehouses and national awareness programs should be developed based on peoples' lifestyles. Moreover, the standards for construction and management of Turkish coffeehouses should be improved as well.

Evaluation of different sterilization and disinfection methods on commercially made preformed crowns.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes caused by different sterilization or disinfection methods on the vestibular surface of four commercially made preformed crowns using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Preformed crowns (NuSmile Primary Anterior Crown (NSC), Kinder Krowns (KK), Pedo Pearls (PP) and polycarbonate crowns (PC)) were sterilized and/or disinfected by one of the following techniques: no sterilization or disinfection (G1 control group); steam autoclaving at 134 degrees C (30 psi) for 4 min (G2); steam autoclaving at 134 degrees C (30 psi) for 12 min (G3); steam autoclaving at 121 degrees C (15 psi) for 30 min (G4); and ultrasonication in a bath containing 4% Lysetol AF for 5 min at room temperature (chemical disinfection) (G5). Scanning electron micrographs of the crowns were taken before and after their sterilization or disinfection. The changes on the vestibular surface were then scored for the presence or absence of crazing, contour alteration, fracturing, and vestibular surface changes. The data were analyzed statistically using the chi-square test. No changes were observed before and after sterilization or disinfection in the stereomicroscopic evaluation of the vestibular surface of the crowns. However, all methods in which steam autoclaving was used to sterilize the crowns caused significant (P < 0.05) crazing and contour alterations of the vestibular surface of the crowns when they were examined by SEM. Chemical disinfection using an aldehyde-free disinfectant is the preferred method of disinfection for crowns that have been used previously in other dental patients.

MRI findings of globe and optic nerves in tilted disk syndrome.

We assessed the anatomical variations of the globe and optic nerve in tilted disk (TD) syndrome using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and compared them with a control group. Eleven patients diagnosed with TD syndrome during eye examination were referred for MRI of the sella and chiasm to exclude intracranial mass lesions. The shape of the globe, the chiasmal angle, the insertion angles of the optic nerve in axial and parasagittal planes determined by lines parallel to the optic nerve and tangent to the globe in TD syndrome were compared with a control group consisting of 53 cases. Gender ratios were 7/4 (F/M) for the TD group and 35/18 for the control group (p>0.05). The insertion angle of the optic disk to the globe was wider in the temporal quadrant (p<0.05) and narrower in the nasal quadrant (p<0.05) in TD syndrome than in the control group. There was no significant difference in the superior and inferior insertion angles between the groups. The anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the globe was significantly longer in patients with TD (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the optic chiasm angles. The relationships of the optic disk and the globe were significantly different in patients with TD syndrome in comparison to the control group. TD syndrome is related to the malalignment of optic nerve and globe in the horizontal plane.

The effect of verapamil on the prevention of ischemia/reperfusion injury in the experimental retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy model.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of intravenous administration of verapamil in prevention of the injury caused by free oxygen radicals generated in a rabbit retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy model. METHODS: Twenty-four adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups. In group I, balloon dissection of the left retroperitoneal space was performed. In group II, CO2 at 10 mmHg was applied for 3 hours after the balloon dissection. In group III, laparotomy was performed, the left renal pedicle was clamped for 3 min, and the clamp was removed 5 min before nephrectomy. In group IV, 2 min before the attempt 0.2 mg/kg verapamil was given intravenously, and the same procedure was employed as in group III. Nephrectomy was performed after each experiment. The concentrations of malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and protein carbonyl content were measured in renal tissue samples as markers of oxidative stress. RESULTS: Pneumoretroperitoneum (Prp) promoted oxidative stress in renal tissues, with an increase of MDA and protein carbonyl content. The verapamil- pretreated group (group IV) showed statistical significantly lower values of MDA and protein carbonyl content when compared with group II and III (p < 0.05), whereas tissue GSH concentrations were unchanged in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that Prp causes increased oxidative stress in renal tissue. Warm ischemia lasting 3 min did not exert an additive effect on Prp-associated oxidative stress. Verapamil reduces the oxidative stress markers caused by Prp.

Induction of spermatogenesis in idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with gonadotropins in older men.

We investigated the treatment results in 6 azoospermic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) cases that remained untreated 41-47 years of age. Medical history, physical examination, hormone profile measurements, peripheral blood karyotype, skull X-ray and/or magnetic resonance imaging were performed. Patients received 1,000 to 5,000 IU hCG, 2-3 times per week, and 75 to 150 IU hMG, 2-3 times per week for 24 months. Serum testosterone levels were assessed every month for maximum 6 months to evaluate optimal dose of treatment and then every 3 months thereafter. Sperm counts were assessed every 3 months. Testosterone level increased from 2.7 +/- 0.9 mIU/L to 22 +/- 7.04 mIU/L with treatment; testicular volume increased by 4.6 ml during the treatment. Sperm were detected in the ejaculate in 3 out of 6 patients on the 22nd, 18th, and 15th month of treatment. 3 patients underwent testicular biopsy; histopathology revealed tubular hyalinization. Spermatogenesis in older men with IHH was restored by exogenous gonadotropins.

Effects of betaxolol and latanoprost on ocular blood flow and visual fields in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of betaxolol and latanoprost on ocular blood flow and visual fields in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) by means of an observer-masked, prospective clinical study. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with newly diagnosed POAG were included in the study. The patients were randomized into two groups. The first group was treated with betaxolol 0.50% twice daily and the second group with latanoprost 0.005% once daily. Baseline and posttreatment examinations on the first and third months of treatment included intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, automated visual field testing, and ocular blood flow assessment. For evaluation of visual fields, mean defect and pattern standard deviation indices were used. Ocular blood flow was assessed by means of color Doppler imaging of the central retinal artery (CRA) and the temporal short posterior ciliary artery (PCA). For each vessel, peak systolic (PSV) and end-diastolic (EDV) blood flow velocities were measured and resistivity index (RI) calculated. RESULTS: After exclusion of one noncompliant patient, the study was completed with 31 eyes of 31 patients. Both drugs significantly reduced IOP (p<0.05). The mean IOP lowering effect of latanoprost was significantly higher than that of betaxolol (p=0.03). Visual field indices exhibited no significant changes in either group (p>0.05). There were no significant changes in PSV or EDV measurements of CRA or PCA in either group (p>0.05). RI decreased in both CRA and PCA with both drugs. The mean changes between baseline and 3 month blood flow measurements were not significantly different between betaxolol and latanoprost (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Over a treatment period of 3 months, both betaxolol and latanoprost tended to improve ocular blood flow without one of them being superior to the other. The results suggest that the direct (non IOP-dependent) influence on ocular circulation is better for betaxolol than for latanoprost. In addition, neither drug caused significant generalized improvements in visual fields during this period.

Early tissue reactions in the rat bladder wall after contact with three different synthetic mesh materials.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate bladder tissue reactions to three types of implanted mesh material, i.e. polypropylene, polyglactin and polypropylene-polyglactin combined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight adult female Wistar albino rats were randomized to four equal groups, i.e. group 1 (sham-operated controls), group 2 (polypropylene mesh), group 3 (polyglactin mesh) and group 4 (polypropylene-polyglactin mesh). A laparotomy incision was made to access the bladder and fix a 0.5 x 1 cm piece of mesh directly on the bladder wall. Each group was randomly divided into two subgroups of six animals, killed at 7 and 14 days after mesh implantation, respectively, to study mesh and tissue features with time. Bladders were harvested for histological and immunohistochemical investigation. Microvessels that developed around the mesh were detected with the avidin-biotin peroxidase system, using antibody to Factor VIII-related antigen as an endothelial marker. Vessels were counted in the most intensely stained area of one section from each animal's bladder. RESULTS: Compared with the other groups, group 4 had more inflammatory reaction at 7 days but the tissue reactions to all mesh materials were similar at 14 days; the mesh penetrated the bladder muscularis propria at 14 days in all six rats in group 2, in one in group 3, and two in group 4. Group 4 tended to have a greater microvessel density at 14 than at 7 days. In contrast, groups 2 and 3 had lower microvessel densities at 14 than at 7 days. CONCLUSION: The rat bladder wall had a similar early response to all three types of mesh materials. Penetration was more marked with polypropylene mesh than with the other materials. This nonabsorbable material persists in tissue and is currently widely used for clinical applications. These results for penetration suggest that the use of polypropylene mesh risks serious postoperative complications, e.g. urethral tissue erosion.

Fluorescein dye disappearance test in patients with different degrees of epiphora.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic efficacy of a modification of the fluorescein dye disappearance test (DDT) in patients with different degrees of epiphora. METHODS: DDT was performed by instilling a drop of 2% fluorescein in the eye. Schirmer tear test strips were placed in the lower conjunctival fornix, after 3 and 10 minutes. The colour dilution on the strips was compared to a scale with known standards and the most closely comparable colour dilution was chosen and recorded as the visual scale test (VST) grade of the strip. The grey-scale value (GV) of each strip was calculated by computer image analysis. The control group comprised 44 patients, mean age 44.8 years (SD 7.5, range 30-60). There were 13 patients in group 1 with moderate epiphora; mean age was 44.2 years (SD 9.5, range 30-60). There were 17 patients in group 2 with severe epiphora; mean age was 48.3 years (SD 7.7, range 37- 60). RESULTS: VST and GV differed significantly between controls and group 1 patients at 3 minutes (p=0.002, p=0.001), and between controls and group 2 patients at 3 minutes (p<0.001, p<0.001). There was no difference between groups 1 and 2 patients in VST and GV at 3 minutes. The differences were highly significant between controls and group 1 at 10 minutes (p=0.001, p=0.007), and between controls and group 2 at 10 minutes (p<0.001, p<0.001). The differences in GV and VST between groups 1 and 2 were significant at 10 minutes (p=0.026, p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: This modified DDT permits identification of different degrees of epiphora in a non-invasive manner, it can therefore be used to evaluate the outcome of different treatment strategies.

Effect of ketanserin administration on intraocular pressure.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of oral single-dose (20 mg) ketanserin on intraocular pressure (IOP) in normotensive and hypertensive eyes. METHODS: This study included 15 healthy volunteers and 16 patients with ocular hypertension. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate, IOP and pupil diameter were recorded at baseline and at 1-hour intervals for 6 h, in addition, tonographic outflow facility was studied at the third hour after the administration of placebo or an oral single dose of 20 mg ketanserin given in a randomized double-blind crossover fashion. The alternative treatment was applied a week later. RESULTS: In both groups, oral single-dose (20 mg) ketanserin significantly lowered IOP and SBP (p < 0.01). No variation was observed in DBP, heart rate and pupil diameter (p >0.01). Moreover, after drug administration, the total outflow facility measured by conventional tonography increased in a statistically significant way (p < 0.01). Placebo did not induce any significant reduction in IOP and SBP in either group. CONCLUSION: The results showed that systemic ketanserin can be used in the treatment of glaucoma patients to reduce IOP.

Prevention of posterior capsule opacification by retinoic acid and mitomycin.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to evaluate the effect of an intraoperative single dose of retinoic acid (RA) or mitomycin C (MMC) in preventing posterior capsule opacification (PCO). METHODS: Twenty-seven rabbits were divided randomly into three groups. RA (250 microg/ml) and MMC (0.04 mg/ml) were given 0.1 ml by hydrosection and 0.9 ml into the capsular bag after phacoemulsification. The third group served as a control group. Three months after intervention PCO was graded clinically. Furthermore, proliferation of lens epithelial cells was evaluated histologically. RESULTS: Two eyes developed corneal edema in the MMC group. On clinical assessment, RA and MMC were significantly effective in preventing PCO compared with controls (P<0.005). On histological analysis, there was significantly reduced proliferative activity on posterior capsules in the treatment groups, in contrast to multilayer cells in the control group. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative single-dose administration of RA and MMC significantly prevented the development of PCO in rabbit eyes. The optimal biocompatible dosage must be carefully determined by further investigation.

Prevention of posterior capsule opacification by intraoperative single-dose pharmacologic agents.

PURPOSE: To determine whether an intraoperative single dose of dexamethasone, diclofenac, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), a combination of EDTA and RGD peptide (arginine-glycin-aspartic acid sequence), or mitomycin-C (MMC) is a pharmacological means of preventing or reducing the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Celal Bayar University, School of Medicine, Manisa, and Department of Pathology, Dokur Eylül University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. METHODS: Fifty-four rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups. Dexamethasone (4 mg/cc), diclofenac (2.5 mg/cc), EDTA (8 mg/cc), a combination of EDTA and RGD peptide (2.5 mg/cc), or MMC (0.04 mg/cc) was given, 0.1 cc by hydrodissection and 0.9 cc into the capsular bag after phacoemulsification. The sixth group served as a control group. After 3 months, the PCO was graded clinically and the proliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) was evaluated histologically. RESULTS: The drugs were significantly effective in preventing PCO compared with the control (P <.005). Dexamethasone had a weaker effect than the other drugs. In histological analysis, although monolayer LECs in the dexamethasone and diclofenac groups were observed, there was no proliferative activity on the posterior capsules in the EDTA, EDTA+RGD, and MMC groups in contrast to the multilayer cells in the control. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative single-dose application of EDTA, EDTA+RGD peptide combination, and MMC significantly prevented the development of PCO in rabbit eyes. Diclofenac was less effective but also reduced PCO. Although dexamethasone did not prevent the proliferation of LECs, it decreased PCO clinically.

The Adsorption of Polyvinylpyrrolidone on Kaolinite Saturated with Sodium Chloride.

The adsorption of two different molecular weights of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (M(w)=44,000 and M(w)=360,000 g mol(-1)) from water on kaolinite saturated with sodium chloride has been studied. The adsorption of PVP increases slowly as temperature increases. The adsorption of PVP on the kaolinite was studied by considering Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns, and dielectric constants. During the adsorption process, PVP interacts with saturating sodium cations and possibly forces some of them onto the edges of the kaolinite; thus, the dielectric constant of saturated kaolinite is reduced after PVP adsorption. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Significance of tissue laminin P(1) elastase and fibronectin levels in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

OBJECTIVE: Elastase is a serine protease which hydrolyses connective tissue components. Laminin and fibronectin also play an important role in progression and invasion of cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation between tissue elastase, laminin P(1) and fibronectin levels and tumor characteristics, and analyze the potential of these as prognostic factors in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with TCC of the bladder and 11 controls were included in this study. Elastase and fibronectin levels in tissue homogenates were determined using an enzyme immunoassay and laminin P(1) by radioimmunoassay. Mean follow-up was 43 months. RESULTS: The mean elastase level in bladder carcinoma tissue was 120+/-11.42 ng/homogenate protein, while normal tissue level was 12.36+/-2.70 (p<0.01). The carcinoma and normal tissue mean laminin P(1) levels were 7.02+/-0.37 U and 0.65+/-0.10 U/mg homogenate protein, respectively (p<0.01). The mean fibronectin level was 19.97+/-1.45 ng/mg homogenate protein in the carcinoma tissue and 2.16+/-0.40 in normal tissue (p<0.01). There was no correlation between tumor stage, grade, size, multiplicity and elastase, laminin P(1) and fibronectin levels. CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence that tissue elastase, laminin P(1) and fibronectin levels increase in TCC of the human bladder. Further studies including serum and urine levels should be performed in order to analyze their value as tumor markers in a larger group of patients.