Targeting the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) enhanced antiproliferative and apoptotic response in bladder cancer.

Improving the chemotherapy sensitivity of bladder cancer is a current clinical challenge. It is critical to seek out effective combination therapies that include low doses of cisplatin due to its dose-limiting toxicity. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxic effects of the combination therapy including proTAME, a small molecule inhibitor, targeting Cdc-20 and to determine the expression levels of several APC/C pathway-related genes that may play a role in the chemotherapy response of RT-4 (bladder cancer) and ARPE-19 (normal epithelial) cells. The IC20 and IC50 values were determined by MTS assay. The expression levels of apoptosis-associated (Bax and Bcl-2) and APC/C-associated (Cdc-20, Cyclin-B1, Securin, and Cdh-1) genes were assessed by qRT-PCR. Cell colonization ability and apoptosis were examined by clonogenic survival experiment and Annexin V/PI staining, respectively. Low-dose combination therapy showed a superior inhibition effect on RT-4 cells by increasing cell death and inhibiting colony formation. Triple-agent combination therapy further increased the percentage of late apoptotic and necrotic cells compared to the doublet-therapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin. ProTAME-containing combination therapies resulted in an elevation in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in RT-4 cells, while a significant decrease was observed in proTAME-treated ARPE-19 cells. Cdc-20 expression in proTAME combined treatment groups were found to be decreased compared to their control groups. Low-dose triple-agent combination induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in RT-4 cells effectively. It is essential to evaluate the role of APC/C pathway-associated potential biomarkers as therapeutic targets and define new combination therapy regimens to achieve improved tolerability in bladder cancer patients in the future.

Variants in taste genes on caries risk and caries activity status.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of taste-related gene polymorphisms (CA6, TAS1R1, TAS1R3, TLR2, and TLR4) on dental caries and caries activity in adults. Individuals aged 25-44 years included in the study were assigned to two groups according to the decayed-missing-filled teeth index (DMFT) as the high caries risk (DMFT ≥ 14, n = 100) and the low caries risk (DMFT ≤ 5, n = 100). TaqMan allelic discrimination assays were used for genotyping the gene variants after isolating the DNA from the buccal smears. According to the American dental association caries classification system (ADA CCS), all teeth were scored as initial, moderate or advanced caries. The variant of the gustin (CA6) in saliva was found to be associated with a high caries risk (CA6 rs17032907, P < .001). There was also a statistically significant difference in the dominant model of the same variant (CC vs. TT: P < .001, OR = 5.05, 95% CI: 2.38-10.71). The presence of genotype CC and allele C was less frequent in the advanced caries lesion group (P < .001). This study shows that the CA6 rs17032907 gene variant may be a risk factor for dental caries affecting caries activity. Clinical Trials ID: NCT04066101.

Pelvic Radiation-Induced Testicular Damage: An Experimental Study at 1 Gray.

Therapeutic radiation of the pelvic region has been shown to cause damage to testicular germ cells. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of a low therapeutic dose of 1 Gy on the induction of cellular and histological damage in early-stage testicular germ cells and the impact of this radiation on offspring sex ratio. Unirradiated and irradiated male rats were mated with unirradiated female rats. Female rats were followed and the sex of the offspring was determined. The male rats were sacrificed at the end of the second week, and the testicular germ cells were subjected to genetic analysis along with cytological and histopathological examination. Sperm DNA was amplified with primers specific to testis-specific Y-linked protein, rat actin beta and testis-specific X-linked genes. The resulting products were separated by capillary electrophoresis. Histopathological changes were investigated by light microscopy along with the TUNEL assay and immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3. There was no significant difference between the two groups for sex ratio and size of offspring. The number of sperm cells bearing X or Y chromosomes' did not differ significantly between these two groups. However, a 1 Gy dose of radiation caused significant cytopathological and histopathological changes in the testicular tissue. In the irradiated group, edematous regions were evident. The number of caspase-3 positive cells in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules was also significantly higher in the irradiated group. Our results showed that low-dose radiation induced apoptosis and caused significant cyto- and histopathological changes in the testicular tissue. Further research is required to fully elucidate their contribution to apoptosis and if low-dose radiation may potentially lead to long-term effects in the offspring. These results may also lead us to develop a new technique using the caspase-3 staining to monitor the susceptibility to low dose radiation.

Association of paraoxonase-1 L55M and Q192R polymorphisms with PCOS risk and potential risk factors for atherosclerosis.

AIM: To examine the PON1-L55M and -Q192R polymorphisms for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) risk in relation with atherosclerosis risk markers. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 203 women (PCOS [n = 151], control [n = 52]). Genomic DNA was extracted and RFLP method was performed following the amplifications of the target regions. RESULTS: Individuals with 192QR/192RR genotypes had a 2.5-fold increased risk of representing PCOS compared with the individuals with 192QQ genotype. Q192R was more strongly associated with PCOS than previously suggested atherosclerosis risk markers. Q192R status and body mass index values in combination were established to be a significant predictor of PCOS (AUC: 0.655, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This is one of the first studies suggesting the use of combination biomarkers to better predict the risk of developing PCOS.

The effect of a pre-procedure information video on anxiety levels in patients undergoing hysterosalpingography: A prospective case-control study

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a pre-procedural information video on anxiety levels in patients undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG). Material and Methods: Among a total of 131 primary or secondary infertile patients, 66 were shown an information video and 67 control patients received standard care between August 2014 and January 2016. The video included information on the procedure, personnel, and the room for the procedure; the video was shown on the morning of the procedure. Patients were randomized using the complete randomization technique through which patients were included in the study and control groups week by week, randomly. The Beck Anxiety Inventory scale was conducted to the patients one hour before the procedure. Results: There were no differences in demographic data. The history of previous gynecologic operations was higher in the control group. The Beck Anxiety score was significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group (6 vs 10). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that as an easy intervention to implement, a pre-procedural video education may be a beneficial tool for the management of HSG-related anxiety.

Chronic subdural hematoma following spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial subdural hematoma after spinal anesthesia is a rare and life-threatening complication of spinal anesthesia. The most common complication of spinal anesthesia is the postdural puncture headache. When severe and persistent headache after spinal anesthesia occur, differential diagnosis can be explored. In this report, we aimed to evaluate a patient with persistent headache following spinal anesthesia for cesarean section in a 31-year-old woman ,and emphasize a rare complication of spinal anesthesia which is subdural hematoma.

Chromosomal findings and sequence analysis of target exons of calcium-sensingreceptor (CaSR) gene in patients with Sagliker syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Sagliker syndrome (SS) develops as a continuation of chronic kidney disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism conditions. It was thought that there are some genetic predisposition factors leading to SS. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is essential for calcium homeostasis in the body. We aimed to examine SS patients for chromosome aberrations (CAs) and CaSR gene abnormalities in exons 2 and 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients and 23 control subjects were admitted to Balcali Hospital of the Medical Faculty of Çukurova University in Turkey between 2009 and 2011. Chromosomal analysis was performed according to standard cytogenetic methods. Full sequencing of exons 2 and 3 of the CaSR gene was done. RESULTS: We found base alterations and deletions in exons 2 and 3 of the CaSR gene. We also found a statistically significant increase in the rate of CAs in patients compared to controls. In total we evaluated 639 metaphase plaques in 23 patients and found 241 CAs, of which 88% were structural and 12% were numerical abnormalities. CONCLUSION: There is no relation between the etiology of SS and nucleotide alterations that we could find in exons 2 and 3 of the CaSR gene. Our data suggest that there may be a correlation between CAs and the progression of SS.

Evaluation of maternal and perinatal outcomes among overweight women who experienced stillbirth.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between overweight and adverse clinical outcomes among women who experienced stillbirth. METHODS: 234 pregnant women (stillbirth group, n = 115; live birth group, n = 119) were included in this retrospective case-control study. Recorded risk factors were age, gravidity, parity, gestational weeks, fetal birth weight, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), levels of prenatal test markers (alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), pregnancy-associated plasma protein, human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) and E3) and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of birth weight, IUGR, GDM, PE, AFP level, ß-hCG level, maternal E3 level and BMI (p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that 34 and 81 patients in the stillbirth group were of normal weight and overweight, respectively, fetal birth weight, IUGR, GDM, PE, AFP level, ß-hCG level and E3 level differed significantly between these subgroups and the live birth group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Women who experience stillbirth tend to be more overweight than those who experience live birth. Additionally, IUGR, GDM and PE are more common among overweight women. Therefore, overweight women should be encouraged to lose weight before pregnancy. If they become pregnant without losing weight, they should be followed up closely to avoid adverse perinatal outcomes.

Effect of Obesity on Clinical Parameters and Pregnancy Rates in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Undergoing Ovulation Induction Cycles.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of obesity on clinical parameters and pregnancy rates in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), who have undergone ovulation induction. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study included 177 women with PCOS who presented to our gynecological endocrinology outpatient clinic for diagnosed infertility. All of the patients initially received clomiphene citrate (CC), and if CC resistance was noted, gonadotropins were used. The patients were classified into 2 groups according to BMI (<30 kg/m2=control group and ≥30 kg/m2=study group). Pregnancy was assessed by ß-hCG levels and a visible gestational sac in the endometrium. RESULTS: The demographic and hormonal parameters were similar between the groups. The mean duration of infertility was longer in the study group (p<0.05). In the study group, cycle cancellation due to CC resistance (p=0.039) and mean baseline LH levels (p=0.026) was statistically more likely than in the control group. On follow-up, 4 (9.3%) patients in the study group had conceived and 26 (19.4%) patients in the control group had conceived (p=0.041). CONCLUSION: Obesity adversely affects pregnancy rates in women with PCOS who undergo ovulation induction cycles. Clinicians should recommend weight loss in these patients before ovulation induction.

To evaluate the effect of pre-pregnancy body mass index on maternal and perinatal outcomes among adolescent pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of pre-pregnancy body mass index on maternal and perinatal outcomes among adolescent pregnant women. METHODS: We conducted this prospective cross-sectional study on 365 singleton adolescent pregnancies (aged between 16 and 20 years) at a Maternity Hospital, between December 2014 and March 2015. We divided participants into two groups based on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI): overweight and obese adolescent (BMI at or above 25.0 kg/m) and normal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.99 kg/m) adolescent. We used multivariate analysis to evaluate the association of the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and pre-pregnancy BMI. RESULTS: The prevalence of maternal overweight/obesity and normal weight was 34.6% (n = 80) and 65.4% (n = 261) in the study population, respectively. Compared with normal-weight teens (n = 234), overweight/obese teens (n = 71) were at higher risk for cesarean delivery (odds ratio [OR] 0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4-1.4), preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.9) and small of gestational age (odds ratio [OR] 0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1-0.9). CONCLUSION: BMI increased during pre-pregnancy could be an important preventable risk factor for poor obstetric complications in adolescent pregnancies, and for these patients prevention strategies (e.g., nutritional counseling, weight-loss, regular physical activity) for obesity are recommended before getting pregnant.

Association of clinical outcomes and complications with obesity in patients who have undergone abdominal myomectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the association between complications and clinical parameters with obesity in 273 women who have undergone abdominal myomectomy during the study period. METHODS: The patients were classified into two groups according to body mass index (BMI) (≤30 kg/m(2) and >30 kg/m(2)). Demographic, preoperative and postoperative clinical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Demographic, preoperative and postoperative clinical parameters were evaluated. The results showed statistically significant differences between the obese and non-obese groups in terms of age, gravidity, diameter of fibroid (DOF), postoperative hemoglobin, duration of hospital stay, and complications. Patients in the obese group had greater DOF and complications such as hemorrhage, postoperative fever, wound infection and ileus (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we conclude that obesity adversely affects the clinical outcomes of patients who undergo abdominal myomectomy.

Association between adverse perinatal outcomes and amino acid levels measured with nutrient questionnaire in adolescent pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the maternal serum amino acid levels in first trimester adolescent pregnancies by using a new developed dietary questionnaire. METHODS: A group of 169 pregnant women in the first trimester of their pregnancy were asked to complete the dietary questionnaire. Among all the women, 39 were adolescent pregnancies. The results of the questionnaire were evaluated by a nutrient database program (BeBiS software program) designed to evaluate Turkish traditional foods and commercial processed foods. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of body mass index and educational and socio-economic status. The mean age and gravidity was statistically significantly lower in adolescent pregnancies. The mean isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, threonine, valine, arginine, and proline levels were statistically significantly lower in adolescent pregnancies. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed the cut-off values of these amino acids. Of these amino acids; lower values of histidine, serine, and alanine were associated with lower birth weight, and lower values of histidine and alanine were associated with preterm delivery. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the amino acid levels in adolescent pregnancies. According to this study, some amino acid levels were lower in adolescent pregnancies and associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Further studies with maternal and perinatal outcomes are needed to demonstrate the effects of these amino acids in such pregnancies.

The Predictive Role of Serum Cystatin C Levels in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between serum cystatin levels and clinical parameters in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: This prospective case-control study included 89 adolescents with PCOS. Demographic characteristics and hormonal and biochemical parameters were compared between study (89 patients with PCOS) and control (84 subjects without PCOS) groups. Risk factors recorded were age, body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), Ferriman-Gallwey score, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, cystatin C, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index, free testosterone, and progesterone levels. RESULTS: BMI, WHR, Ferriman-Gallwey score, and triglyceride, LDL, total cholesterol, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, free testosterone, luteinizing hormone, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and cystatin C levels, and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index scores were significantly higher, and high-density lipoprotein levels were lower in the PCOS patients compared with healthy subjects (P < .05). We also found positive correlations between the cystatin C levels and BMI, WHR, estradiol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and LDL levels in the study group. CONCLUSION: The serum cystatin C level is a promising marker for diagnosing adolescent patients with PCOS and suggests an inflammatory etiology for these patients. Further studies with more participants should examine this potential association with inflammation.

Maternal serum vitamin D levels in pregnancies complicated by neural tube defects.

OBJECTIVE: The association between vitamin D deficiency and abnormal neural development has been proposed previously. We aimed to evaluate maternal serum vitamin D levels in pregnancies complicated by neural tube defects (NTDs) and compared them with healthy pregnant women. METHODS: A total of 60 pregnant women were included in this controlled cross-sectional study. Thirty of the patients whose pregnancies were complicated by meningocele, meningomyelocele, encephalocele, anencephaly and fetal acrania constituted the study group, whereas 30 normal pregnant women constituted the control group. The main parameters recorded for each woman were as follows: age, body mass index (BMI), gestational week (GW), gravidity, abortion, co-morbidities, dressing style, consumption of milk and dairy products and serum levels of 25(OH)VitD3, calcium, albumin and total protein. RESULTS: The mean maternal serum 25(OH)VitD3 level was 6.2 ± 5.0 ng/ml in the study group and 9.1 ± 7.3 ng/ml in the control group (p: 0.071). The mean maternal serum calcium level was statistically significantly higher in the control group, and calcium-rich dietary intake was also more common in this group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of age, BMI, GW, dressing style and serum levels of albumin and total protein. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is common among pregnant women, and maternal serum calcium levels were lower in pregnancies complicated by NTD than healthy pregnant women. Larger further studies are required to evaluate the effects of calcium-rich dietary sources or vitamin D and calcium in the development of NTDs.

Determination of Genotypic and Phenotypic Characteristics of Friedreich's Ataxia and Autosomal Dominant Spinocerebellar Ataxia Types 1, 2, 3, and 6.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze the genotypic characteristics of Friedreich's ataxia (FA) and autosomal dominant ataxias [such as spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) types 1, 2, 3, and 6] using molecular and biological methods in hereditary cerebellar ataxia considering both clinical and electrophysiological findings. METHODS: The study included 129 indexed cases, who applied to the neurology department and were diagnosed with hereditary cerebellar ataxia through clinical, laboratory, and electrophysiological findings, and 15 sibling patients who were diagnosed through family scanning (144 cases in total); their genetic analyses were also performed. Detailed physical and neurological examinations, pedigree analyses, electroneurography, evoked potentials, cerebral-spinal magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiographic analyses were performed for all cases. Blood samples were collected from patients, and the genotypic characteristics of autosomal dominant SCA types 1, 2, 3, and 6 were investigated. Statistical analyses were performed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc; Chicago, IL, USA) 17.0. RESULTS: Almost 50% of patients were defined as FA. Moreover, two SCA1 cases and one SCA6 case were detected. CONCLUSION: In our study, 47.2% of patients with FA had developed hereditary cerebellar ataxia. Ground and autosomal dominant-linked SCA1 and SCA6 were each detected in one family. These data suggest that patients with cerebellar ataxia of hereditary origin should be primarily examined for FA.

The association between clinical parameters and uterine fibroid size in patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if there is an association between neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and tumor markers in patients with uterine fibroids. METHODS: A total of three hundred and fifty seven patients who operated for myomectomy were enrolled this retrospective case control study. Risk factors evaluated were; age, uterine fibroid type, body mass index (BMI), gravidity, parity, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin difference, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), cancer antigen 125 (CA 125), cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), carsino embryonic antigen (CEA) levels. Patients divided two groups with regard to the diameter size of the removed fibroids. Group 1 (n=211) determined as the patients whose diameter size of the removed fibroids ≤ 5 cm and group 2 (n=146) determined as patients with > 5 cm diameter size. Groups were compared in terms of their age, bmi, gravidity, parity, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin difference, nlr, afp, ca 125, ca 19-9, ca 15-3, cea levels. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in group 1 (n=211) were 38.02 ± 5.38 years and in group 2 were (n=146) 37.80 ± 6.06 years (p = .751). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of age, bmi, uterine fibroid types, cea and afp levels (p > 0.05). Gravidity, parity, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin differences, nlr, ca 125, ca 19-9, ca 15-3 levels were statically significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, we think that multiple parameters affect developing uterine fibroids.

Krukenberg carcinoma metastasized from stomach resembling mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary.

The ovaries are common site of metastasis in a variety of primary neoplasms. Multiple tumors such as breast, lung, and pancreas have been reported to metastasize to the ovary, however; the colon and stomach are the most common primary cancer sites that of ovarian metastasis. An ovarian mass mostly originates from its self-tissue, but sometimes it can be a metastasis of a gastrointestinal system tumor. Such cases are often misdiagnosed as primary ovarian cancers. A 42-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with pelvic pain. She had a history of her complaints for two months. Bilateral large ovarian mass was detected in transvaginal ultrasound. Laparotomy was performed, the pathologist suggested inspection of the stomach after the frozen section analysis; therefore, an irregular mass on the stomach was detected. The general surgeon was attended to the operation, and an inoperative stomach tumor was reported by the general surgeon. After that due to the partial obstruction of jejunum, a gastrojejunostomy was performed. It is in fact difficult to distinguish between metastatic mucinous carcinomas and primary mucinous carcinomas of the ovary, due to the similar appearance of as cystic tumors on gross examination. The clinicians should be aware of the likely concomitant gastrointestinal system tumor when a large and bilaterally mass was detected on physical examination. This case also reminds that a systemic examination is necessary even if the large ovarian tumors suspicious of primary malignancy were noticed.

Unilateral angiokeratoma of vulva: a rare clinic entity.

The aim of this study is to present a very rare dermatologic condition of the vulva. Angiokeratoma is a benign dilation of ectatic thin-walled blood vessels and congested capillaries in the superficial dermal layer of skin. It occurs predominantly in men and extremely rare in women. Angiokeratoma presents as single or multiple papular lesions on the vulva with smooth or verrucous surface. These lesions are easily confused with infectious disease, inflammatory lesions, and epithelial tumors. In this report, we presented a 42 year old unmarried woman who was admitted to our clinic with complaints of two papuler lesions of the right labium majus with vaginal discharge, vulvar pruritis, and vulvar edema. She had been previously treated with different local or systemic antiinfectious agents and her screening tests for sexually transmitted disease were negative. The genital examination showed a very thinned, hyperemic and edematous vulvar skin with two lesions measured 0,5-1 cm in diameter on the right labium majus. The surface of the lesions was partly uneven and partly veined. A local excision was performed. Histological examination showed hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis and acanthosis with dilated vascular areas in the dermis and the specimen revealed angiokeratoma. In conclusion, we should be aware of this clinical entity to make the differential diagnosis of a lesion on the vulva.

The effect of preprocedure anxiety levels on postprocedure pain scores in women undergoing hysterosalpingography.

BACKGROUND: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an invasive, uncomfortable, and painful procedure. Patients often experience considerable anxiety and stress before the procedure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of preprocedure anxiety on postprocedure pain scores and clinical outcomes in women undergoing HSG. METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective randomized study. Women undergoing HSG were asked to complete the Beck Anxiety Inventory before the procedure. Patients were classified into two groups according to the anxiety score (Group 1: anxiety score ≤ 25; n = 84 and Group 2: anxiety score > 25, n = 25). All of the patients were asked to state the severity of their pain during the procedure using a visual analogue scale immediately after the procedure. Then, postprocedure pain scores and clinical features were evaluated. Data analyzed were: age, gravidity, parity, durations of marriage and infertility, body mass index, procedure time, amount of contrast media used, operator sex, history of surgery, educational level, and HSG results. RESULTS: A total of 109 women were enrolled into this prospective study. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, body mass index, durations of marriage and infertility, procedure time, amount of contrast media used, operator sex, history of surgery, educational level, and patency of the one and/or two fallopian tubes (p > 0.05). The median parity and pain scores after the procedure were lower in Group 1 (p < 0.05). There was also a positive correlation between anxiety scores and postprocedure pain scores (r = 0.289, p = 0.002). Receiver operator characteristics curve analysis demonstrated that operator sex was an important risk factor for postprocedure pain in patients with a preprocedure Beck Anxiety Inventory > 25. Logistic regression method demonstrated that higher parity, preprocedure anxiety score > 25, and male operator were risk factors for increased postprocedure visual analogue scale scores. CONCLUSION: According to this study, preprocedure anxiety levels have an effect on postoperative pain scores in women undergoing HSG procedure. Multiparity, male operator, and higher preprocedure anxiety scores also may have an effect on postoperative pain scores.

Clinical significance of serum follistatin levels in the diagnosis of ovarian endometrioma and benign ovarian cysts.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical significance of serum follistatin levels in women with an ovarian endometrioma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study of 89 women, 56 with an ovarian endometrioma (endometrioma group) and 33 with a benign ovarian cyst (control group) who underwent laparoscopic excision. Age, parity, body mass index, serum CA-125, serum CA 19-9, and serum follistatin levels were determined for all participants and evaluated as potential prognostic factors prior to laparoscopic cystectomy. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic factors between the endometrioma group and the control group. However, serum follistatin levels were significantly higher in the endometrioma group (9350 ± 895 pg/mL vs. control group 725 ± 72 pg/mL, p < 0.05). The optimal diagnostic cut-off values (sensitivity and specificity) of CA-125, CA 19-9, and follistatin for ovarian endometrioma were 23.2 IU/mL (82.14% and 72.73%), 30.14 IU/mL (45.28% and 87.50%), and 2350 pg/mL (53.7% and 60.61%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite the increased serum follistatin levels in patients with ovarian endometrioma, CA-125 was determined to be a more sensitive and specific marker than follistatin for the diagnosis of ovarian endometrioma and endometriosis.