A histopathological view at the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the gastrointestinal system in children: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Subacute and chronic long-term effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in different organ systems have been studied in post-COVID patients recently. COVID-19 may cause gastrointestinal (GI) system findings due to the presence of its receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2), which is extensively expressed in the GI tract. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the post-infectious histopathological alterations of COVID-19 in pediatric patients who had GI symptoms. METHODS: Fifty-six specimens of upper endoscopic biopsies (including esophagus, stomach, bulbus and duodenum) obtained from seven patients and 12 specimens of lower endoscopic biopsies obtained from one patient who had GI symptoms after having COVID-19 (proven by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) were evaluated as the study group. Forty specimens from five patients presenting with similar complaints but without COVID-19 were selected as the control group. All biopsy materials were immunohistochemically stained with the anti-SARS-CoV-2S1 antibody. RESULTS: In all biopsies of the study group, anti-SARS-CoV-2S1 antibody was detected with moderate cytoplasmic positivity in epithelial cells and inflammatory cells in the lamina propria. No staining was observed in the control group. Epithelial damage, thrombus, or no other specific findings were detected in the GI tract biopsies of any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The virus antigen was detected immunohistochemically in the stomach and duodenum, but not in the esophagus, even months after infection and causes gastritis and duodenitis. No specific histopathological finding was observed from non-COVID-19 gastritis/duodenitis. Therefore, the post-COVID-19 GI system involvement should be kept in mind in patients presenting with dyspeptic symptoms even if several months have passed.

Effects of empagliflozin against indomethacin induced gastric mucosa.

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (SGLT2i) are considered a new class antidiabetic agent, as well as lowering blood sugar, it has many positive effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SLGT2i on the gastric mucosa. METHODS: We investigated the effects of empagliflozin on indomethacin-induced gastritis using 48 male Wistar Albino rats. We performed histopathological evaluations of gastric mucosa tissue. And we studied the levels of serum disulfide, native thiol, total thiol, and ischemia modified albumin, disulfide/native thiol ratio (SSSH), native thiol/total thiol percent ratio (SH total SH), and disulfide/total thiol percent ratio (SS total SH). RESULTS: We found that empagliflozin increased mucin production in rat gastric mucosa. Besides, we observed milder inflammation findings and lower gastritis scores in the empagliflozin receiving groups than the placebo groups. Native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide levels were lower in the indomethacin-induced gastritis groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to investigate the effect of empagliflozin on the gastrointestinal tract in a rat model. We concluded that empagliflozin increased mucin production and revealed positive effects in an indomethacin-induced gastritis model.

Effect of dexpanthenol on wound healing in penile fracture model: An experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of dexpanthenol on wound healing at the histopathological level on cavernous tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four Wistar albino rats weighing 220-250 g were used. The rats were randomly divided into four groups as Group B, Group S, Group LD, and Group SD. In Group B, the incision was not repaired and left to secondary healing. In Group S, the incision line was repaired with 5/0 polyglactin suture. In Group LD, 0.25 mg/kg dexpanthenol was applied subcutaneously below the repaired wound region once a day during 14 days. In Group SD, 500 mg dexpanthenol was applied intraperitoneally once a day during 14 days. RESULTS: No fibrosis was observed in 8 (80%) rats in group SD. Fibrosis rates were significantly lower in Group SD compared to Group B, Group S, and Group LD (p = 0.013, p = 0.005, and p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: Systemic dexpanthenol administration significantly decreased fibrosis in penile fracture model on rats.

OBJETIVO: En el estudio actual nuestro objetivo fue investigar el efecto del dexpantenol en la cicatrización de heridas a nivel histopatológico en el tejido cavernoso. MÉTODOS: se utilizaron 44 ratas Wistar albinas con un peso de 220-250 g. Las ratas se dividieron aleatoriamente en 4 grupos como grupo B, grupo S, grupo LD y grupo SD. En el grupo B, la incisión no se reparó y se dejó para la cicatrización secundaria. En el grupo S, la línea de incisión se reparó con sutura de poliglactina 5/0. En el grupo LD, se aplicaron 0.25 mg/kg de dexpentanol por vía subcutánea debajo de la región de la herida reparada una vez al día durante 14 días. En el grupo SD se aplicaron 500 mg de dexpentanol por vía intraperitoneal una vez al día durante 14 días. RESULTADOS: No se observó fibrosis en 8 (80%) ratas del grupo SD. Las tasas de fibrosis fueron significativamente más bajas en el grupo SD en comparación con el grupo B, el grupo S y el grupo LD (todos p < 0.05). CONCLUSIÓN: La administración sistémica de dexpantenol disminuyó significativamente la fibrosis en el modelo de fractura de pene en ratas.

CD47 expression and tumor-associated immune cells in breast cancer and their correlation with molecular subtypes and prognostic factors.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and a heterogeneous disease at the molecular level. Since most breast cancer cases are not of a special type, it is suggested that tumor-associated macrophages and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, which are involved in tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis, may be important factors that should be evaluated together with standard criteria to determine the prognosis of cancer and assist in treatment decisions and outcome stratification. In this study, CD47 expression, which is involved in macrophage-mediated immune escape, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and tumor-associated macrophages were evaluated in breast cancer molecular subgroups and correlated with prognostic factors. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The immunohistochemistry of CD47, CD163, and CD3 was analyzed on the tissue microarrays of 278 invasive breast cancer cases. RESULTS: The CD47, CD163, and CD3 expressions were found to be correlated with various clinicopathological parameters in breast cancer. High levels of CD47, CD163, and CD3 expressions had a significant correlation with the ER status and PR status, Ki-67 proliferation index, and molecular subtype (P < 0.05). The CD47 expression had a significant correlation with the CD3 and CD163 expressions (p = 0.021 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that CD47, CD163, and CD3 may be among the prognostic factors of breast cancer. The combined use of CD47, CD163, and CD3 can be a new prognostic factor for patients with breast cancer, especially as a therapeutic target in hormone receptor-negative breast cancer cases and those with a high proliferation index.

Renoprotective effects of dapagliflozin in an iron overload non-diabetic rat model.

PURPOSE: Sodium glucose co-transporter (SGLT) 2 inhibitors are oral anti-diabetic drugs with proven kidney protective effects. Renal protective effects in non-diabetic individuals have also been shown in recent studies. The aim of this study was to determine the renal protective effects of dapagliflozin by evaluating the oxidative stress markers in the kidney tissue and demonstrating it in renal histological sections in an iron-overloaded rat model. METHODS: A total of 24 Wistar Albino rats were separated into 3 groups of 8 rats. Iron sucrose (60 â€‹mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally to the first group (Group Fe) (n â€‹= â€‹8), iron sucrose and dapagliflozin (0.1 â€‹mg/kg/day) to the second group (Group Fe â€‹+ â€‹D) (n â€‹= â€‹8) and intraperitoneal saline as placebo to the control group (Group C) (n â€‹= â€‹8) for 4 weeks. The glomerular changes were semi-quantitatively scored with Oxford Classification. Oxidative stress was analyzed from the tissue fluorescent oxidation product (FLOP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sulfhydryl (T-SH) levels. RESULTS: Dapagliflozin prevented glomerular and mesangial damage of iron overload in the non-diabetic rat model. MDA levels were significantly higher in Group Fe compared to the Group C, and there was no significant difference between the Fe â€‹+ â€‹D group and Group C. T-SH levels were preserved in the Fe â€‹+ â€‹D group and were significantly higher than in the Fe group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that dapagliflozin helped preserve the glomerular and mesangial structure histologically and reduced oxidative stress markers in a non-diabetic iron overload rat model.

The effects of Capparis ovata seed oil on the healing of traumatic skin wounds.

BACKGROUND: Capparis ovata contains alkaloids, lipids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and also is rich in antioxidants. Conventionally, in Turkey, the flower buds, root, bark, and fruits of C. ovata are used for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatism, tonic, and diuretic effects. The aim of this study was to examine the effect on wound healing of C. ovata seed oil (COSO), which is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. METHODS: In the study, 20 Wistar albino female rats were randomly divided into two groups of 10 animals each. A standard full-thickness skin defect was created on the back area of the rats. In both groups, after cleaning the wounds with saline daily, no active substance other than saline was applied to the control group, while 1 cc/day COSO was applied to the wounds of the rats in the study group. On the post-operative 14th day, the rats were reanesthetized and wound area measurements were made. Then, excision was performed to include 1 cm of intact tissue around the wound, which remained unhealed, and samples were taken for histopathological examination. RESULTS: The changes in wound areas showed that after 14 days, the improvement in the group treated with caper oil (32.78; 95% confidence interval, 17.21-48.36) was significantly higher than that of the control group (65.41; 95% confidence interval, 49.84-80.98) (p=0.009). The histopathological scores showed a significant difference between the groups in respect of epithelial formation, inflam-mation, and fibrosis development. No epithelial tissue formation was observed in the control group (90%), and more incomplete re-epithelization and focal epidermal hyperplasia were observed in the treatment group (60%). Fibrosis development was mild and weak (70%) in the control group and was evaluated as severe and intense (60%) in the treatment group. Perivascular edema was mild (50%) and vascularity was immature (60% - an indicator of neovascularization) in the treatment group. These histopathological results showed that the treatment group inflammation phase was completed and the proliferation phase started, as well as the effectiveness of the use of caper oil on epithelization, angiogenesis, and fibrosis, which are important histopathological parameters in the evaluation of wound healing compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: From the results of this study, it was concluded that COSO significantly enhances the healing of full-thickness skin wounds and this effect is primarily related to its anti-inflammatory effect.

Evaluation of Lipocalin-2 and Twist expression in thyroid cancers and its relationship with epithelial mesenchymal transition.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expressions of lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) and Twist in thyroid cancers and examine its relationship with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and clinicopathological factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of LCN-2 and Twist was immunohistochemically evaluated in a total of 249 cases, including 120 patients with papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC), 34 with follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), 15 with medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC), 20 with non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), 47 with follicular adenomas (FA), and 13 with nodular hyperplasia (NH). In addition, the relationship between the expression of EMT markers E-cadherin and vimentin was investigated in malignant cases. RESULTS: A significant increase was observed in the LCN-2 and Twist expression from NH and FA to NIFTP, MTC, FTC, and PTC (p = 0.001). A high degree of LCN-2 expression was observed in the aggressive variants of PTC (p = 0.002). Twisthigh positivity was significantly higher in cases with the EMT-positive mesenchymal phenotype (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: LCN-2 and Twist can be helpful diagnostic markers in the differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Twisthigh expression supports the EMT process in thyroid cancer. LCN-2 and Twist expression may also serve as valuable predictive biomarkers in patients with thyroid cancer. In future, the determination of a LCN-2high expression in the aggressive variants of PTC may be integrated into targeted treatment strategies.

Artichoke for biochemistry, histology, and gene expression in obstructive jaundice.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) in experimental obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Rats were separated into three groups, namely, sham, control, and artichoke leaf extract. Ischemia was created for 60 min, and then liver tissue and blood samples were taken at the 90th minute of reperfusion. Artichoke leaf extract was given at a 300 mg/kg dose 2 h before the operation. Antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical parameters were examined from the tissue and serum. Histopathological findings of the liver were scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: Antioxidant enzyme activities in the artichoke leaf extract group were statistically significantly higher than that in the other two groups. Biochemical parameters, which show hepatocellular damage, were found to be similar in both sham and artichoke leaf extract groups. Although the values in the sham group were higher than the artichoke group in terms of protein and gene expressions, no statistically significant difference was found between these two groups. Regarding the hepatocellular effects of obstructive jaundice, the artichoke leaf extract group showed lower scores than the control group in all histopathological scores. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that artichoke leaf extract had a hepatoprotective effect that was associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke leaf extract.

The histopathological findings in excised upper eyelids of patients with dermatochalasis following collagen cross-linking treatment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the histopathological effects of collagen cross-linking (CCL) on excised skin samples of patients undergoing upper eyelid blepharoplasty due to dermatochalasis. METHODS: This study examined 74 excised eyelid skin samples from 37 dermatochalasis patients. Following an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, CCL with hypotonic riboflavin (0.1%) was applied. Both treated (right eyelid, CCL group) and untreated eyelid specimen (left eyelid, non-CCL group) sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. The sections were evaluated for the following parameters: the collagen status (parallel, oblique, and perpendicular), the distance between collagen fibers, the diameter of collagen fibers, and the length of collagen fibers. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the collagen status, the distance between collagen fibers, the diameter of collagen fibers, and the length of collagen fibers between the CCL and non-CCL groups (p > 0.05 for all). Although the lack of statistically significant differences, the structure of the treated eyelid collagen fibers was more parallel in 48% of the participants than in the untreated ones. For male patients, a statistically significant shorter distance between collagen fibers was observed in the CCL group (8.05 ± 2.04 µm) compared to the non-CCL group (9.97 ± 2.33 µm) (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: In this study, more parallel collagen structures and tightly packed collagen fibers were detected in eyelid samples following CCL treatment. The authors note that the results of this study may be promising for further research, so the effect of CCL therapy on the eyelid may be an interesting subject for the treatment of non-severe or surgically inadequately corrected dermatochalasis.

The effect of intraurethral hyaluronic acid on healing and fibrosis in rats with experimentally induced urethral trauma.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) application after urethral trauma for preventing spongiofibrosis and inflammation in the early period. METHODS: A total of twenty-four rats were divided into 3 groups, with 8 rats in each. The urethra was traumatized with a 24 G needle sheath in all rats. Group 1 of rats were applied 0.9% saline solution twice a day, Group 2 were applied 0.9% saline solution and sodium HA 1% once a day, Group 3 were applied 1.0% HA twice a day. After 21 days, penectomy was performed in all rats. Inflammation, spongiofibrosis, hyperemia and edema in the urethra were investigated for each group. RESULTS: Histopathologic analysis revealed less fibrosis in both group 2 and group 3 compared to Group 1 (p = 0.004). There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in terms of inflammation, hyperemia, edema and congestion (p = 0.563, p = 0.069, p = 0.069, p = 0.068, respectively). Severe fibrosis was observed in 6 (75%) rats in Group 1, and in none of the rats of Group 2 or Group 3. With respect to spongiofibrosis compared to the control group, both Group 2 and Group 3 have statistically significant differences (p = 0.004). Moderate spongiofibrosis was observed in 5 (62.5%) rats in Group 2 and in 3 (37.5%) rats in Group 3. Statistically, there were no significant differences in respect of severity between Group 2 and Group 3 (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Intraurethral HA application after urethral trauma can decrease spongiofibrosis.

Effects of artichoke leaf extract on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of action of artichoke leaf extract in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Rats were divided into three groups such as sham, control, and artichoke leaf extract groups. Antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical parameters were examined from the tissue and serum obtained from the subjects. Histopathological findings were scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: Statistically, the antioxidant activity was highest in the artichoke leaf extract group, the difference in biochemical parameters and C-reactive protein was significant compared with the control group, and the histopathological positive effects were found to be significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: As a result, artichoke leaf extract had a hepatoprotective effect and that this effect was related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke.

Dose-dependent effects of ghrelin and aberrant anti-Mullerian hormone levels in the prevention of ovarian damage caused by cisplatin in Wistar-albino rats.

PURPOSE: Ghrelin has previously been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in preventing cisplatin-induced ovarian damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of this hormone in preventing this damage in rats using histopathological and biochemical methods. METHODS: Twenty-eight Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into four groups. While no drug was given to Group 1 (sham group), acylated ghrelin was intraperitoneally administered to Group 2 at 0.5 nmol/kg and Group 3 at 2 nmol/kg for 21 days. Group 4 received only saline solution. On the 15th day, a single dose of 5 mg/kg cisplatin was intraperitoneally administered to each rat in Groups 2, 3 and 4. Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) values were measured on days 0, 15 and 21. Then, laparotomy and bilateral oophorectomy were performed, and the ovaries were histopathologically examined. RESULTS: The number of primordial and primary follicles was significantly higher in Group 3 than in the saline solution + cisplatin group. In Group 4, cisplatin caused significantly higher follicle damage in the primordial, primary and secondary phases compared to the sham group. The AMH level of the SF + cisplatin group was significantly lower than that of the sham group and the high-dose ghrelin + cisplatin group, and the AMH level of the sham group was significantly higher than that of the low-dose ghrelin + cisplatin group. CONCLUSION: High-dose ghrelin was effective in preventing cisplatin-induced ovarian damage by preserving the number of primordial and primary follicles. Larger randomized studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and duration of ghrelin.

Enhancing esophageal repair with bioactive bilayer mesh containing FGF.

We aimed to prepare a bioactive and biodegradable bilayer mesh formed by fibroblast growth factor (FGF) loaded gelatin film layer, and poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) film layer, and to investigate its treatment efficacy on esophageal anastomosis. It is envisaged that the bioactive mesh in in vivo model would improve tissue healing in rats. The full thickness semicircular defects of 0.5 × 0.5 cm2 were created in anterior walls of abdominal esophagus. The control group had abdominal esophagus isolated with distal esophageal blunt dissection, and sham group had primary anastomosis. In the test groups, the defects were covered with bilayer polymeric meshes containing FGF (5 µg/2 cm2), or not. All rats were sacrificed for histopathology investigation after 7 or 28 days of operation. The groups are coded as FGF(-)-7th day, FGF(+)-7th day, and FGF(+)-28th day, based on their content and operation day. Highest burst pressures were obtained for FGF(+)-7th day, and FGF(+)-28th day groups (p < 0.005) and decreased inflammation grades were observed. Submucosal and muscular collagen deposition scores were markedly increased in these groups compared to sham and FGF(-)-7th day groups having no FGF (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, respectively). It was proved that FGF loaded bioactive bilayer mesh provided effective repair, reinforcement and tissue healing of esophageal defects.

Investigation of the effect of ghrelin on bone fracture healing in rats.

Ghrelin is known to have effects on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and improvement of bone mineral density in rats. However, no experimental research on ghrelin's effects on fracture healing has been reported. In this context, the effect of ghrelin on the union of femoral shaft fractures was examined in this study by evaluating whether ghrelin will directly contribute to fracture healing. Forty male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into two groups as control and experimental (ghrelin treated) and standard closed shaft fractures were created in the left femurs of all rats. Daily ghrelin injections were applied to the experimental groups and equal numbers of rats were killed after 14 and 28 days following fracture formation. Tissue samples were examined with radiological, biomechanical, biochemical and histological analyses. Densitometry study showed that bone mineral density was improved after 28 days of ghrelin treatment compared to control. On histological examination, at the end of the 14 and 28 days of recovery, significant union was observed in the ghrelin-treated group. The ghrelin-treated group had higher breaking strength and stiffness at the end of 28 days of recovery. Biochemically, ALP levels were found to be higher in the ghrelin-treated group at the end of 28 days of recovery. Results showed that ghrelin directly contributes to fracture healing and it is promising to consider the effect of ghrelin on fracture healing in human studies with pharmacological applications.

Histopathological effects of aloe vera on wound healing process in penile fracture model: an experimental study

Background/aim: This study assessed the histopathological effects of aloe vera (AV) on penile fractures (PF) formed experimentally in rat model. Materials and methods: Thirty-two Wistar adult male rats (220 to 250 g) were used. The PF model was created experimentally with a number 15 lancet. After the interventions, all of the rats were randomly and equally divided into 4 groups. In the first group, incision was not closed (group C). In the second group, AV was locally applied onto incision without suturing for 3 days (group AV). In the third group, the incision line was closed primarily (group PR). In the last group, AV was applied to primary repair region for 3 days (group PAV). All groups were compared to each other according to presence of fibrosis, inflammation, and hyperemia-bleeding. Results: Hyperemia and bleeding were seen in all groups with varying degrees and the difference between groups was insignificant (p = 1.000). According to inflammation, there was a significant difference between all groups (p = 0.031). No significant inflammation was observed in group AV and therefore, group AV had a better score than group PR (p = 0.026). In group PAV, inflammation was less seen than group PR, however, the difference was insignificant (p = 0.119). According to fibrosis, group AV and group PAV had same fibrosis rates. Fibrosis was observed in 2 (25%) rats in each group. When group PR was compared with group AV and group PAV, there were no significant differences according to cavernosal tissue healing with fibrosis (p = 0.132 and p = 0.132, respectively). Conclusion: Local application of AV onto the PF region without closing with suture decreased inflammation in rats.

The effect of Ankaferd blood stopper on liver damage in experimental obstructive jaundice

Background/aims: To evaluate the potential protective effects of Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS) in an experimental obstructive jaundice (OJ) model. Materials and methods: The study included 26 female rats, which were divided into 3 groups. The sham group, consisting of 10 rats, (group 1) only received solely laparotomy. In the control group, consisting of 8 rats, (group 2), ligation was applied to the biliary tract and no treatment was implemented. In the treatment group, consisting of 8 rats, (group 3), following ligation of biliary tract, 0.5 mL/day ABS was given for 10 days. Liver tissue and blood samples were taken for histopathological and biochemical examination. Results: Compared to group 2, group 3 had higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total oxidant status (TOS) malondialdehyde (MDA), fluorescent oxidant products (FOP), and lower expression of albumin and total antioxidant status (TAS) (P < 0.05). In histopathological analysis, the mean scores of all histopathological parameters (fibrosis, portal inflammation, confluent necrosis, interphase activity, bile duct proliferation) have statistical significance between group 2 and group 3 (P < 005). Conclusions: ABS has promising results in the treatment of experimental OJ because of its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. It may be used in clinical practice after more extensive studies about the effects of ABS on OJ.

Associations between the expression of mucins (MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6) and clinicopathologic parameters of human breast carcinomas.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationships between the expression of mucins in invasive breast carcinomas and clinicopathologic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 150 cases of invasive breast carcinoma, using the 2012 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of the tumors of the breast. We studied the expression of MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 by immunohistochemistry. We also evaluated normal breast tissue and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions in nearby invasive tumor areas. RESULTS: In invasive breast carcinomas, MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 were expressed in 98.6%, 11.3%, 9.9, and 8.5% of cases, respectively. MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 were overexpressed in invasive tumors and DCIS lesions were compared with normal breast tissue. The apical pattern of MUC1 was correlated with low grade and ER expression. MUC2 was correlated with mucinous carcinoma and an inverse association with invasive ductal carcinoma, not otherwise specified (NOS). MUC6 expression was associated with lymphovascular invasion. CONCLUSIONS: Most invasive breast tumors express MUC1 and the apical pattern of MUC1 is correlated with low grade and ER expression. MUC6 expression is associated with indicators of poor prognosis. Further comprehensive studies need to evaluate the role of mucins as a potential biomarker and to be used as a specific therapeutic target against breast cancer.

The examination of the nephroprotective effect of montelukast sodium and N-acetylcysteine in renal ischemia with dimercaptosuccinic acid imaging in a placebo-controlled rat model.

PURPOSE: To determine the nephroprotective effect of NAC and Montelukast Sodium administration against the development of renal damage associated with long warm renal ischemia. METHODS: Twenty-seven rats were randomly divided into 3 study groups, which received NAC, montelukast and placebo, and 3 rats were included in the sham-treated control group. Medications were given 3 days before the procedure. DMSA renal scintigraphy was performed before and after surgery. The right renal pedicle was occluded for 45 min to induce ischemia and then subjected to reperfusion for 6 h (I/R groups). RESULTS: On pathological examination, the mean pathological scores of the montelukast and NAC groups were significantly lower than those of the placebo group. (p <0.05). In biochemical examination, significant differences were found in all parameter levels between the placebo group and the montelukast and NAC groups. (p <0.05) When postoperative DMSA renal scintigraphy measurements and renal function levels were compared, significant differences were found between the montelukast and NAC groups and the placebo and sham groups. CONCLUSION: The administration of NAC and montelukast sodium was seen to have a nephroprotective effect against the development of renal damage associated with warm renal ischemia.

Assessment of Ankaferd Blood Stopper in experimental liver ischemia reperfusion injury

Background/aim: To investigate possible protective effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) in an experimental liver ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) model. Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 30 female rats separated into 3 groups as sham, control (IRI), and treatment (IRI + ABS) groups. In the IRI + ABS group, 0.5 mL/day ABS was given for 7 days before surgery. In the IRI and IRI + ABS groups, the hepatic pedicle was clamped for 30 min to apply ischemia. Then, after opening the clamp, 90-min reperfusion of the liver was provided. Blood and liver tissue samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results: Compared to the sham group, the IRI group had significantly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), fluorescent oxidant products (FOP) and lower expression of albumin and total antioxidant status (TAS) (P < 0.05). Compared to the IRI group, the IRI+ABS group showed lower expression of AST, ALT, TOS, MDA and FOP and higher expression of albumin and TAS (P < 0.05). In the histopathological analysis, congestion scores were statistically significantly lower in the IRI + ABS group than in the IRI group. Conclusions: ABS has a strong hepatoprotective effect due to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects and could therefore be used as a potential therapeutic agent for IRI.

SATB1 Expression of Colorectal Adenomatous Polyps is Higher than that of Colorectal Carcinomas.

"Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein-1" (SATB1) is a global genome organizer and is found to have effects on carcinogenesis and progression of various malignancies including colorectal carcinoma (CRC). We aimed to investigate the expression of SATB1 in CRC and colorectal adenomatous polyps (CAP), the correlation between clinicopathologic parameters, and overall survival. We examined 227 CRCs and 129 CAPs. SATB1 protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We found higher SATB1 expression in adenomatous epithelium than in CRC tissues (55.0% vs. 42.7%, respectively) (P<0.05). None of the adjacent normal colorectal mucosa stained positive in CRC cases, and only one of the adjacent normal mucosa of the CAP cases was positive. SATB1 expression of left-sided CRC was higher than that of right-sided CRC (46.3% vs. 28.6%, respectively) (P<0.05), and SATB1 expression of conventional adenocarcinomas was higher than that of mucinous carcinomas (45.5% vs. 6.3%, respectively) (P<0.05). SATB1 expression was higher in CAPs consisting of high-grade dysplasia than in polyps with low-grade dysplasia (77.8% vs. 51.4%) (P<0.05). SATB1 expression did not correlate with patients' overall survival. In conclusion, due to the higher expression of SATB1 in CAP than in CRC, we think SATB1 may have a role in the early stages of carcinogenesis of CRCs. This is the first study investigating SATB1 expression in CAPs. Besides this is the first report that shows different SATB1 expressions in conventional colorectal adenocarcinoma and mucinous carcinoma, and also in right-sided and left-sided CRC. Our results, with supporting new studies, can provide SATB1 as a possible candidate for targeted therapy for CRC patients.